For as long as history stood, the feud between two of the most powerful families in the empire was everlasting. It had been a slow accumulation of many mistakes made towards each other and misunderstandings to be where they are now.

Ever since the day you were born, you had been taught to never converse with any person related to the Akaashi dynasty. They were ruthless, cold-hearted people that only had their minds set on conquering the empire for themselves.

Despite the numerous warnings, it never stopped the feelings that started to brew on the surface. Every lingering glance, every subtle touch felt more and more like an addictive drug that neither of you could stop taking.

In the dead of night, a dove had landed on your windowsill with a rolled-up note in its beak. You knew immediately it had been from your lover. You quickly snuck out and headed to the private spot the two of you had discovered while on a previous rendezvous.

Once you made it to the hillside, you see Keiji already sitting on the grass. He turns his head, smiling fondly at the sight of you. He gently grasps your hand, planting a tender kiss to your knuckles.

“I had missed you dearly,” he says. He sighs, “I long for the day I can finally proclaim my love for you,” he whispered softly into the night, his eyes gazing at you intensely. He gently cups your cheek.

As you looked at him, you could see the hesitation and slight uncertainty on his face. But, he takes a small breath before speaking once more.

“If I were to give you the chance, would you elope with me and leave our families behind?”