They say if you catch a falling cherry blossom in your hand, you will marry your first love.

Soft beams of moonlight lit up the courtyard, gently reflecting off the golden tiles on the roof. The palace was silent and still, as though not a soul was about. That was not true, of course. The sentries and guards were present, blending so well with the shadows that it was as though they weren’t there, giving the area an illusion of serenity.

The young queen-to-be raced into the courtyard, a few strands of hair escaping from her gold pin, shattering the tranquillity of the night. She had just heard the news that king was back and was awaiting her on the palace grounds. She had not seen hide nor hair of him since the day she spotted him spying on her in her backyard. Not soon after that, it was announced she was going to be betrothed to him. Cheeks flushed pink, she ran.

Oomph!

She collided into a firm, lean body, almost falling on her back. A strong arm caught her mid-fall.

The night was beautiful. The sheer black sky littered with stars. A gentle breeze swirled around the courtyard. The cherry blossom tree planted in the middle was in full bloom and glowed with a soft radiance. As the breeze picked up, a shower of pink petals fluttered and danced around the couple, silhouetted against the moonlight. One petal fell and landed into the young queen’s outstretched hand.

Her hand closed around it.

Looking up, she gazed into the eyes of the young king. He was holding her carefully, as though she might break and fall any moment were he to let go. Her heart caught in the strings of childish, young love.

“You are starting to get