Disclaimer: I don't own fruits-baskets.

Missing Princess

Chapter 1: The end of a dream.

It was a normal rainy day at Shigure Sohma's house. The residents were enjoying another delicious meal prepared by Tohru Honda. Shigure was showering her with the usual compliments while Kyo attempted to stay awake and keep his face out of the food (rainy days always make him tired).

Yuki sat in silence a small smile on his lips. Smiling came easier for Yuki ever since Tohru had entered his life. She was like the sun that had warmed their dreary cold lives. It was like a dream. Yuki should have known that all dreams must end.

A ringing phone interrupted their dinner. "I'll get it," Tohru offered rising from her seat. She returned a few minutes later with a smile fixed on her face. Yuki knew immediately something was wrong. He could see it in her eyes.

"Who was it Tohru," Shigure asked pleasantly obviously not as in tune to Tohru's emotions as Yuki.

"My grand-father."

"Didn't you talk to him just yesterday?"

"No, my other grand-father," Tohru sighed her fake smile slipping, "there's something I need to tell all of you."

She told the shocked Sohmas about a secret she had been carrying ever since her mother's death. Tohru Honda was royalty. Kyoko (Tohru's mother) had run away at a young age and lived on the streets. Her parents (Tohru's grandparents) had let her leave, as it was what she wanted and she was a far way down on the line of succession. Kyoko was the youngest of twelve children; she had had nine brothers and two sisters.

When Kyoko had met Tohru's father she had not told him about her royal heritage, nor had she told Tohru after she was born. A week after the car accident that took Kyoko's life Tohru had received a phone call from her mother's father, the king. He told her about her family history and asked if she wanted to live at the castle with them. Tohru had refused she had wanted to stay with her friends, and the memories of her mother. The king had accepted her decision and had left her alone, until now.

Over the past year Kyoko was not the only royal family member to pass away. In fact many in the line of succession had died some in mysterious circumstances. Tohru was now third in line for the crown.

"I am to return to live with my grand-parents and be trained to be queen in case the need should arise," Tohru said looking at her plate, "it is my duty."

"When do you leave?" Yuki asked through the knot in his throat. It was the first time he had spoken during the entire dinner.

"Tomorrow."

Yuki's dream was over.

A/N Thanks for reading!