The Yokai’s Bride

Leyla stared at the room in front of her, unable to utter a word.

It was enormous. No, not just enormous – it looked like something out of a fairytale, but with far more gold than any decent interior designer would ever allow. Tall windows, heavy plum-colored curtains, hand-painted walls with scenes that seemed to come to life at any moment. The stone beneath her feet was smooth, decorated with intricate patterns, and in the center of the room stood an enormous four-poster bed with pillows that looked like they were stolen from a luxury hotel.

But none of that mattered.

No, what mattered was who stood next to her, with his signature calm smile and a look full of confidence.

"There you go, princess," Naru said, theatrically spreading his arms. "Welcome to our bridal chamber."

Leyla blinked. She looked at him. Looked at the bed. Then back at him.

"Excuse me?"

"Our. Bridal. Chamber," he repeated, enjoying every word, as if he had just announced something magnificent.

Leyla took a deep breath, trying not to cut him off in anger. "Naru. Darling. Sun of my twilight. What exactly does 'our' mean?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Well, I suppose it's not hard to figure out. This is my, excuse me, our room. And as husband and wife, it's only natural that we share the space."

"Oh no, no, no." Leyla immediately raised her hand to stop him. "Listen to me carefully, Mr. 'I-set-up-the-marriage.' I sleep here." She pointed at the bed. "You sleep... somewhere else. For example, in another dimension."

Naru chuckled. "Oh, princess, your sense of humor knocks me off my feet. But seriously, you'll be safe here. And... we wouldn't want to cause a scandal, would we?"

"A scandal?"

"Well, yes," he shrugged, as though explaining basic math. "If the prince's wife sleeps separately, the court will start talking. Stories will spread. People will start asking questions. Maybe even..." He paused dramatically. "Think that our marriage isn't... happy."

"WHAT?" Leyla grabbed her head. "You are completely insane."

"And too charming, I know."

"No, you don't."

"I do. Anyway... this is my home, Leyla. If anyone should sleep on the couch, it would be you."

Leyla froze. Slowly, she turned around and pointed to the door. "Get out."

"Pardon?"

"I said get out."

Naru crossed his arms, amused. "I can't. It's against protocol."

Leyla took a few steps forward, her eyes flashing. "First day in this crazy world and you're already driving me insane. Listen to me carefully, Naru. I. WILL. NOT. SHARE. A. BED. WITH. YOU."

Naru nodded as if considering her words. "Alright."

Leyla blinked in astonishment. "Really?"

"Of course."

"Oh. Well... fine then."

"I'll sleep on the couch."

She blinked once more. Stared at him in disbelief. "You? Prince Naru? On the couch?"

"Yes, it seems there's no other solution." With a dramatic sigh, Naru theatrically walked over to the couch in one corner of the room. It was, of course, luxurious – covered in dark brocade, large enough to comfortably lie on.

Leyla crossed her arms over her chest. "Fine. Great. Stick to that decision."

Naru sat on the edge of the couch, crossed his legs, and began spinning his ring on his finger. "Of course. Just one little thing..."

"What little thing?"

"As a prince, I've never slept on a couch in my life."

Leyla rolled her eyes. "Well, here's your chance to learn something new."

"I think that's unacceptable."

"I think I don't care."

He dramatically lay down on the couch, his arm over his eyes. "Poor me. A prince's back, forced into this... discomfort."

"If you don't stop talking, I'll make it even more uncomfortable for you."

Naru lowered his hand and looked at her with a smile. "I can't believe you're being so cruel to your husband."

Leyla let out a half-sigh, half-shriek of frustration. She turned, jumped into the bed, and pulled the blanket over her head. "Forget it. Sleep wherever you want. I can't take this anymore."

Naru settled into the couch, grinning contentedly.

"Good night, princess."