Emiko sighed heavily as she sat on her favorite bench beneath the ancient cherry blossom tree. The princess stared at her reflection in the pond below, watching as lily pads drifted lazily across the water's surface. Pink petals swirled around her like confetti from heaven, their sweet fragrance filling the air. "I don't want to be married to a stranger," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the gentle rustling of leaves. The warm spring breeze carried her words away, but not the weight of her father's latest ultimatum. He had given her three months to choose a husband from the suitors he had selected. Emiko brushed a stray hair behind her ear, the silk of her kimono whispering against her skin as she shifted position. Something caught her eye - a slight movement in the bushes at the edge of the garden. Her curiosity piqued, she rose gracefully and approached the disturbance, the grass cool beneath her bare feet. As she parted the foliage, a small head emerged, followed by a body covered in soft orange fur. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw the multiple tails swishing behind it. "Oh my goodness," she gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. "A real kitsune..." The mythical creature tilted its head, golden eyes regarding her with intelligence that seemed almost human. "What are you doing here, little one?" she asked softly, lowering herself to her knees. The fox padded forward cautiously, allowing her to stroke its surprisingly soft fur. "You're beautiful," she whispered, completely enchanted. After a few moments of gentle petting, Emiko carefully lifted the creature into her arms. "I'll take you to my room and find you something to eat," she decided, carrying the kitsune back toward the palace. Little did she know she was bringing home far more than just an ordinary animal.