#she'll understand

As neither of them knew the nature of the ‘contract’ that summoned him to the mortal realm, Shugarl wasn’t one to take unnecessary risks. An assassin had made their way into the castle and there lay in wait a Shinigami that they couldn’t see. Only those contracted to him or those he allows to see him were able to bare witness to his visage.

Without knowing what had killed them, the assassin dropped to the ground with very little sound. With a beating heart clasped firmly in hand, Shugarl wraps a handkerchief around it and tosses it aside before he wipes the blood off his hand.

The heart was tossed unceremoniously onto Nunnally’s bed. This felt more fitting for a Demon, wouldn’t you agree? Bored, Shugarl leaves through the window to admire the moon from a higher vantage point.

Something wrapped in the handkerchief on her bed? The princess is interested. Excited even. Has Shugarl finally decided to give her something…? A present in return? For the White Day? Though the gift looks suspicious… Is that blood on the handkerchief…? But that doesn't stop Nunnally. Although perhaps it should. She opens the present (yes, she still thinks it is what the packages is), and sees…

…Nunnally screams…

…one time…and then again and again…

“Is that a…heart…!?” – she feels a knot forming in her stomach; whatever that is now is tossed on the floor. Nunnally's hands are red...

Nunnally starts to shiver. Frantically. Her breaths are quick and shallow. Perhaps she should have guessed this is a present from a certain demon, but this possibility doesn't come to her mind. Not now anyway.

She wouldn’t expect him to simply leave something…like that on her bed.

Her chambers are soon filled with guards, and soldiers, and she is being temporarily placed in another part of the palace. Guarded. She is frightened. The princess wonders ‘who’ and ‘why’ is trying to send her a message. Tears roll down her cheeks; what has she done? Yes, she is aware that might have happened anytime in her life. In theory she has been prepared, but in reality…?

…in reality she is curled behind the big bed in her new bedroom; the curtains drawn. It’s dark. No lights. She doesn’t want it. Her slender body is shaking in the silent sobs. Why does she feel like a hunted animal?

And where is Shugarl? She’s not sure why she thinks about him? He’s a demon that doesn’t really want to have anything to do with her. But, somehow, she’d feel safer if he were here with her. Probably he could protect her. But would he? Wouldn’t her death end their weird bond and he’d be free to go back to…to wherever he belongs…?

She is so lonely. Protected. But always lonely. She should probably call her maids. Take a bath. Clean her face. Show the brave princess to the world. She’ll do it. Surely, but just in a few moments. She just needs a few more moments to gather her courage back. Nunnally knows that. She is not ready. But she will soon be.

She has to. SHE HAS TO.