Yuki was startled when she heard the door unlock. A red-haired woman entered. She was full of jealousy and yet, she couldn't do otherwise.
"I hate to save you, but if it is for his sake, then I have no choice. Come with me, princess."
"I refuse to come with you. I don't even know you," Yuki said. Her voice was flat, her face lacked recognition of the stranger's face.
The red-haired woman whispered a chant in Yuki's ears to make her remember. A chant to awaken her memories.
Yuki's tears fell when she was reminded of love found, and lost. A love she thought she knew, but had proven to be untrue.
The red-haired woman held Yuki's hand before she could withdraw. "Everything is not how it seems, princess. Allow me to show you, for his highness' sake. Even if you end up returning to his side, I have to do this."
As their palms touched and their fingers intertwined, Yuki found herself with Kaede inside the palace gardens.
