The Princess’s Resolve, the First Night When the Flower of Love Bloomed
A calm autumn night had come to Akio’s town. Three moons cast their gentle light, and the leaves of the Life Tree whispered softly as they rustled. In Celestina’s private chambers within the central hall, pressed flowers modeled after the blossoms of her beloved homeland were displayed, filling the room with a quiet and tranquil atmosphere.
The joyous news of Sylvia’s pregnancy had brought Celestina both great happiness and also a new resolve. A deep gratitude toward Akio, a strong desire to support him as his wife. And—between them, a sure proof of their bond… She had watched Sylvia, Ayane, and the other wives each nurture their love with Akio in their own ways, and she too began to wish to gather her courage and take that first step forward.
That night, Celestina prepared herself with unusual care. She put on just a touch of the aromatic oil that Sylvia had specially blended for her—said to calm the heart while also drawing out a woman’s charms. She dressed herself in the soft silk slip Ayane had sewn with love (which she usually kept carefully stored away). In the mirror, her own face was faintly flushed with nervousness and expectation.
(It will be all right… Akio-sama will surely accept my feelings…)
Taking a small deep breath, she raised her trembling hand and gently knocked on the door to Akio’s chambers.
“… Celestina? What’s the matter, coming so late at night?”
Akio, opening the door, showed a slightly surprised expression at her unusual appearance.
“Akio-sama… um… may I… stay by your side tonight…?”
Her voice was thin and trembling, but in her eyes shone strong resolve and pure, straightforward love for him.
Akio instantly understood her brave courage and the earnest wish hidden in her words. He gently took her cold hand and led her into the room.
“Of course, Celestina. If that’s what you want, then I… I’m very happy.”
Inside, the soft glow of a lamp Akio had lit flickered. The two sat quietly side by side on the edge of the bed, facing one another. Celestina’s heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst.
“Akio-sama… As your wife, I have not yet… been of any service to you. But… tonight, I wish to give both my body and my heart to you… that is my earnest desire…”
Her words retained the dignity of a princess, yet were filled with the pure, earnest feelings of a single woman.
Akio felt his chest tighten with affection at her shy determination. He gently drew her trembling shoulders close and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
“Thank you, Celestina. Just your feelings alone make me more than happy. There’s nothing to worry about. Leave everything to me.”
At his words, and with the warmth of his embrace, Celestina’s tension gradually began to melt away. He did not rush her. He simply stroked her hair, rubbed her back, and waited until she could truly relax.
At last, when Celestina wrapped her arms softly around his neck and looked up at him with moist eyes, their lips met naturally. It was deeper than any kiss before—passionate and tender, as though their very souls were confirming each other.
That night, Akio and Celestina were united as husband and wife for the first time.
At first, Celestina frowned with unease and a faint pain, but with Akio’s endless gentleness and his loving caresses cherishing her, her body gradually loosened, until finally she trembled in unknown pleasure and joy. Akio, too, forgot her status as a princess and felt an overwhelming love and possessiveness toward the sight of Celestina entrusting her whole self to him simply as a woman.
Her white skin shone lustrously under the moonlight, and sweet, heartrending voices—ones he had never heard from her before—resounded through the quiet bedroom. Akio cherished all of it, holding her close again and again, tenderly yet deeply.
The first experience brought Celestina emotions far more powerful than she had ever imagined, along with absolute trust in Akio. In his arms, she reached the peak of love many times, each time shedding tears of gratitude and joy.
When dawn broke and the new morning light streamed into the room, Celestina was sleeping peacefully in Akio’s arms, her expression utterly content. No trace remained of the fear or sadness she once bore—only the radiance of a woman wrapped in blissful love.
Akio watched her beautiful sleeping face tenderly, and swore in his heart: this irreplaceable being, this pure love—he would protect it always, and promise her eternal happiness.
The princess’s resolve, and Akio’s deep love—together they had bloomed into a flower of love, which would continue to flourish beautifully in their little town deep in the forest.
What do you think about this chapter?
