Arashi's Pov

[In third person]

Arashi stood with his wide eyes and a large gap in his mouth as Bianka left. He couldn't blink and more than that it was hard to imagine Bianka sprouting those words with confidence. 

For as long as he knew her, she had always been a timid and low self-esteem girl and wouldn't tell anyone what was in her heart. She wouldn't tell him if she was hurt or wanted something. She would just smile and bury all those feelings in her. He knew it was because of how she was raised in her father's house.

But the new change in her made him shocked although he couldn't deny that it suited her. He was amused with his little wife. 

It took him more than half of the year to get her confidence restored in her. She would always question herself and or would feel she was worthless. 

But Bianka didn't know how precious she was. She was a gem and Arashi wasn't going to let her go anywhere. It was because of her, he was able to become a man and moved on with his past. 

For his whole life, people would judge him first but Bianka had never did such things. She was so supportive that even when she was hurt, she told him she would wait for him. He had never seen a woman this courageous. It takes a lot of courage to put someone else's feelings before theirs but Bianka did it for him countless times. 

She was innocent but she wouldn't back away from siding with what was right. She would fight even if she had no powers and lately every change in her amused him. 

And it seemed they weren't the only ones who were amused. His men were the same. They had been protecting her from the shadows, especially Hiroshi, his right hand man. And even he stayed with two large eyes sitting on his sockets. 

They hadn't expected Bianka to be bold enough to give a declaration of claiming him. 

What got into her?

Hiroshi coughed, snatching his attention and teased, "So, Prince Rian. Be prepared to become hers because you are going to be snatched away by her."

The other men, Kai, Jian and Genji were trying so hard not to laugh but their lips twitched as they stood still in their position. 

Arashi's face heated as he tried to maintain a straight face. No one had ever made him this way. Well, no one had the power to make him shy or embarrassed. His heart was jumping and his stomach was fluttering. And Hiroshi wasn't going to let it go easily. He would tease him to death. 

"Shut up. Go back to work!" He said as he tried to compose himself and coughed. "I have some work." 

"Work regarding Princess Bianka?" Hiroshi teased again as he gave a knowing smirk. 

"I have other work!" Arashi said with gritted teeth as his brow twitched. Hiroshi was just enjoying it, wasn't he?

And it was because of Bianka... 

He would be sure to get back to her!

As he turned around, a smile slowly crawled up on his face. His heart flattered and it was racing like a horse in a marathon. 

"So, Arashi, it seems like I wasn't entirely wrong when I said she was going to rule you, am I?" Hiroshi remarked and he recalled their conversation when Arashi first met her. 

It was hard to believe she became this confident. But he liked it. He liked every bit of it. He used to like her timid self too. 

But now it felt more like she had become a woman whom he could rely on entirely. The trust and love she had given him made him more responsible as a man. 

He knew she loved him unconditionally but sometimes he wanted her to be a bit possessive over him like he was to her. 

"True. I hadn't realized that she is standing as per with me. Not behind me but beside me." Arashi said and Hiroshi laughed.

"I knew she would become a good wife and a good partner who would watch your back." 

"Thank you..." Arashi said, his eyes stayed on the desk before him. Because if Hiroshi didn't pester him to marry her, he wouldn't know there was someone who could mend all those wounds in his heart. He didn't know how to move on anymore. 

He had lost his purpose of life and made battles and protection of others his only goal. He had lost the will to love himself.

He thought that it was time for Yukina to rest in peace. He had loved her but he needed to let her go. 

He recalled the memories of her when she would take him away to the capital and meet with peasants. She was the one who made Arashi feel about others and he took that purpose to protect them because Yukina used to care for everyone. But Bianka was the one who made him realize the importance of others in one's life. Even if someone was gone, the others were still in their life. 

Be it the people of Godoyama, be it the people in Kosaki or be it his family. He didn't really try to find out why he was protecting them. But Bianka taught him everyone was precious. She gave his purpose a light.

Hiroshi patted Arashi's back and said, "It is time to let Lady Yukina go, Arashi. I know you love Princess Bianka too but it is time to give her your full heart. Not just a part of it."

He nodded. Hiroshi was like an elder brother to him and he certainly was the best brother he could wish for. 

"I will." Arashi said. 

And Hiroshi came back to his usual playful self. "Now, now, Prince Rian... Would you not give us some heirs?"

Arashi gave him a look. "Shut up and go back to your work!" He hissed. 

Arashi took a white pouch and said, "I have to go check my grandfather now."

"Or, maybe you have to check on your wife..." Hiroshi gave him a lopsided smile as he glared at him and Hiroshi said, "Alright! I have to go check on my next task."

And Hiroshi left after bowing to him.

Arashi sighed. What was wrong with his men and with Bianka? Everyone was becoming bold these days... 

He took his equipments and left the chamber as he needed to check on his grandfather... 

Or maybe, his little wife?