He liked the way you looked in your sleep. In those moments, you seemed so sweet and vulnerable that Izana would do anything to protect you from whatever the world might bring.

He still remembered that day seven years ago when he swore to be your loyal servant — the most loyal person who would stay with you even if everyone else turned away. It was a conscious choice for Izana, and he remembered how you didn't take his words seriously at first. It wasn't until a year later that you understood what he meant and accepted his vow.

Kurokawa sat on the edge of the bed, admiring you in his sleep. Leaning forward a little, he touched your hair and leaned even closer, inhaling the delicate lilac scent that was driving him crazy. Taking a lock of your hair, he pressed it to his face, inhaling the intoxicating scent, and let it go, straightening up to wake his mistress, or princess, as he called you.

"Princess, it's time to get up..." he said softly.