The ending of Episode 21 had just pulled me out of semi-retirement from fanfiction writing. Ichi and Caesar deserved more time together. Thus this story.

Please do note that I have tweaked the timeline.

Disclaimer: I do not own Nobunaga The Fool

Memories of Rose

By

Miriae

Ever since she was a young girl, Oda Ichihime knew that she had a different role. Unlike her father and brothers who were meant to spearhead the war efforts, her role was to be a pillar of support, a stronghold of beauty and grace that would embody the ideals of the Oda Clan. In dire situations, her role could also be like that of her mother's before her—a princess to be married off to a great Lord to solidify an alliance—or to be a hostage to a rival clan camouflaged as a wife.

As a young girl, Ichihime knew her life wasn't hers. She lived her days with this knowledge.

When the brilliant Akechi Mitsuhide arrived at the Oda Castle, she silently hoped that he distinguishes himself above all other advisers and one day be chosen by her father to be worthy of Ichihime's hand.

The years went by and she could only look at him from afar, thanking him for all the support he has been giving to her father and her brothers. And in those short moments she shared with him, she kept searching in his eyes the same feeling she had kept hidden deep within her heart.

But all she saw was the dark, dark pools of his eyes, always longing for a goal that was never her, always curt and polite, always careful with her as if he would break her.

(But if Ichihime had looked a little longer, glanced some more, then she might have seen what she was looking for—the same thing he was hiding from her.)

Ichihime had resigned to her fate that her life was never going to be hers. It was for the Oda Clan to use— to gamble, to wager if necessary.

And thus, when the General Gaius Julius Caesar from the West Star came and asked for her to be his queen in exchange for a truce, she knew there was only one answer.

"I accept."

They were in the midst of an impending war, understandably, their wedding was a small affair, attended only by their family and friends. Even the advisers weren't there. Ichihime kept her head bowed, her small hands hidden in the wide sleeves of her white wedding kimono. Gaius Julius Caesar had insisted they hold a Western wedding ceremony instead, but she had adamantly refused. She would be giving him herself already; couldn't she at least pick a traditional Eastern wedding to seal her fate? Finally, he had allowed her request.

Slowly, she glanced at her future husband, the white-haired General who sat stiffly next to her, unaccustomed to sitting in seiza-style. She hid a small giggle as she—guiltily—found pleasure in his discomfort.

He turned his head to her and she coughed, catching herself. No proper, royally-raised woman—especially not a princess from the Oda Clan—would giggle at such a thing.

An amused smirk—smoothly arrogant, if Ichihime could describe it—graced his lips.

At this point, she barely knew that her life was going to change drastically.

As she sat on the bed—their bed from now on—a pang of fear gripped her heart. The General of course would want to claim what was now rightfully his—Ichihime was now his. She grasped the folds of her white kimono, and offered a silent prayer to the gods to help her in the task at hand. It would do well for the Oda Clan if she would be able to please him. She knew the responsibility she carried quite well.

But instead of forcing her, he had offered her a Chocolate Cake, a sweet dark-looking dessert that, surprisingly, he himself made. Even after their small snack, he did not make a move towards her and opted to settle himself on the side farthest from hers, his arm tucked behind his head, his back facing her.

"Caesar-dono..?" she called tentatively, her hands still grasping the top folds of her kimono.

He raised himself just slightly, his lone eye looking back at hers. The corners of his lips quirked in a small smile. "I wouldn't want to force you more than I have already done, Ichihime. Having you near me is already enough for now. Sleep, dear one."

Just like that, he fell back and fell asleep.

It took a few moments before Ichihime settled herself on her side, and closed her eyes. This man is peculiar, Ichihime surmised.

Two weeks into the marriage, Ichihime noted that living with Caesar-dono wasn't as hard as she had imagined it to be. In fact, Caesar-dono had proven himself to be a gentleman, never forcing her against her wishes, never confining her and even allowing her to roam his castle if she wished.

They, however, rarely spent time together. Most of the time, he was off in the fields, commanding his forces or plotting with her Nobu-niisama. At night time, he would do his best to eat dinner with her, patiently explaining the various Western cuisines they were consuming. In their chambers, they settled on their respective sides of the bed and never had Caesar-dono crossed the invisible line that divided it.

When she woke up in the morning, he was already gone, leaving her alone with a red thornless rose and a note detailing his whereabouts, written in his elegant strokes, on his side of the bed.

As Caesar-dono's wife, she had been cooped inside the castle. Caesar-dono was reluctant to bring her to Owari, fearing for her safety. Her Ladies-in-waiting seemed to have received the same orders and thus were always guarding her, lest she made an escape.

But the isolation was making her grow restless—and useless too, her mind had sometimes wondered.

But instead of wallowing, she had found a box of sewing materials from one of the servants and busied herself with making simple handkerchiefs she could give to those dear to her. If she presented these to Caesar-dono, he might just allow her to visit her dear Niisama.

She had taken up her sewing in the wide gardens, under the shade of a large Cherry Blossom tree when she felt she was being watched. She continued sewing for a few more stitches before she finally paused and set the unfinished handkerchief on her lap, her head turning to the side where she was met by her husband's deep blue stare.

"Caesar-dono, is there anything I can help you with?" she asked politely as she studied his relaxed stance as he leaned against the adjacent tree.

Caesar took a moment before shaking his head, his stare never wavering. "I am just in awe at how beautiful you are, my dearest Ichihime."

Ichihime looked away, a soft pink hue coloring her cheeks. Were all Western men like him? "You shouldn't speak of beauty so easily, my lord."

He pushed himself away from the tree and made his way towards her. "But I only speak of the truth." He knelt in front of her and traced one gloved finger against her cheek. "Truly, you are the most beautiful woman on this planet."

Ichihime nearly trembled. Caesar reached out and studied a strand of her hair. "Curiously, I have never seen such pink hair before. Is this a blessing or a curse?" he mumbled more to himself.

She really did not know why he easily riled her up. Maybe it was because he was her brother's former enemy who forcefully took her hand in marriage? "It is a natural acceptable hair color, my lord," she replied, voice rising a notch. Nobody had dared to insult her mother's final inheritance to her daughter. "Look at yourself, Caesar-dono, you have white hair. How old are you really?"

Caesar looked at her, speechless for a moment, and Ichihime slapped a hand against her mouth, realizing her mistake. "F-Forgive my outburst, Caesar-dono! I didn't—"

But instead of getting angry, Caesar did something unexpected—he laughed—his baritone laugh filling the empty gardens. He gripped his chest to steady himself while Ichihime watched helplessly.

When he finally calmed down, he flashed her a smile—not a smirk, but a genuine smile—that brought forth an unexplainable flutter in her chest. He gazed at her for a moment and flicked her forehead lightly, smoothening her creased brows. "I don't think I can ever get tired of seeing your various expressions, Ichihime." And he left, chuckling to himself.

As Ichihime massaged her forehead, her gaze followed her husband's retreating form, her cheeks still glowing. Truly, he was a peculiar man.

"What are these, Caesar-dono?" Ichihime asked in awe as she looked around the small room filled with box-shaped, leather-bound papers. She took a step closer to run her fingers against one.

"These are books from the West Star," Caesar answered as he opened one for her to see. Ichihime narrowed her eyes, not recognizing the writing. "Your Ladies-in-Waiting have informed me that you have been growing restless and I figured you might want to try reading."

"Have they, my lord?" She picked another book and browsed through the pages filled with drawings and texts. "But I am afraid that I do not understand these writings."

He considered her for a moment before shrugging. "It does not matter, my lady. You may pick whatever book piques your interest and I will gladly read it for you."

She turned to him swiftly, her long pink hair flipping behind her. Her eyes were wide like a child. "You can do that, Caesar-dono?"

Caesar offered her a pleasant smile as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Of course, my dear Ichihime. I would do anything for you."

She offered him a grateful smile as she grasped his hand. "I would take up your offer then, my lord." And just like an excited child, she hurried to the shelves, studying the books based on their illustrations, unaware of the soft smile that graced her husband's lips, nor the longer moment it took for him to release her hand.

Caesar-dono was busy during the day and so the only time he could read for her was at bedtime. Ichihime couldn't help but smile as she clutched the book she had chosen, waiting for her husband to arrive in their chambers.

He did not keep her waiting for long. She offered him the book as he sat next to her on their bed, examining the cover. It took a moment before he replied, "Ah, you have chosen well, my dear Ichihime."

Ichihime couldn't help but notice that his smile was slightly strained. She shook her head. "The drawing of the single rose in the first page made me choose it." It was unnecessary, but she did not know why she added it, "I was reminded by the rose you usually leave me in the mornings, Caesar-dono."

Caesar looked at her for a moment longer. "Is that so?" She blinked at the sudden gentleness in his voice. "Well then, this book is quite long. We will read it by parts each night, is that alright?" Ichihime nodded, listening to his every word.

He pointed at the loopsided writing in front of the book. "This book is entitled Romeo and Juliet."

"Nel! Bianchi! Get back here!" Ichihime huffed, her arms tired from carrying the big skirt of her Kimono as she ran after the blonde twins. She frowned, her eyes darting to wherever the two had hidden themselves. She took a deep breath. "I do not wish to play this game any longer, and thus I will be pleased if the two of you showed—"

"What have those two been doing, my dear Ichihime?"

Ichihime turned. "Caesar-dono! You're back early!"

He merely nodded and crossed his arms in front of his chest. Fixing his lone eye on her, he continued, "Well then, my lady, what is it you wish from Nel and Bianchi?"

She bit her lower lip, unsure if she would be receiving her husband's support on the matter. Still, she replied without looking at him. "They took something from me."

She gasped lightly when he cupped her cheek and gave her a smile. "I'll bring it back for you, my lady, and so smile now, won't you?" He removed his cloak and entrusted it to her as he stalked towards the direction the twins had gone.

Ten minutes later, he came back holding the twins by the back of their collars. The twins were wriggling and resisting but Caesar kept his hold firm and strong as he lowered the two in front of her. "Well," Caesar's voice was low as he surveyed Nel and Bianchi with a narrowed eye. "Return what you took from Ichihime and apologize."

Bianchi kept his arms crossed. "Hmph! I was supposed to give them to you, Caesar! I am sure you will be very much pleased!"

Nel pouted as she held two handkerchiefs high enough for Caesar to see. "You'll be very pleased to trample these with Quo Vadis, Caesar. We were only doing you a favor."

Ichihime silently clutched the inner sleeves of her kimono.

Caesar took the handkerchiefs."What nonsense are you two blabbering about?" he spoke in a dangerous tone. Nel and Bianchi unconsciously leaned away. "I would not be kind to anyone who takes what is Ichihime's—not even to the two of you."

The twins glared and scampered away, leaving Caesar and Ichihime alone. Caesar took the handkerchiefs and patted the dirt away. Ichihime kept her head down. She was sure Caesar-dono had seen the names embroided on the cloth.

"I apologize for what Nel and Bianchi did," he started softly as he offered the handkerchiefs back to her."Did you make these?"

She nodded and took them, unable to look at him in the eye.

She heard him sigh. "I would be lying if I'd say that I am not jealous." She grasped his cloak still in her hands tighter. "But truly, Nobunaga-dono is your brother and Mitsuhide-dono is a childhood friend of yours and thus it's only natural that you make handkerchiefs for them."

"I am also making one for Caesar-dono!" she blurted out. The white-haired general seemed thoroughly surprised. "It's—It's just not finished yet," she added in a small voice.

He took her hand in his and offered her a smile. And she felt again that same flutter in her chest. "You make me happy, Ichihime," he said simply and Ichihime found herself almost drowning in the intense blue of his lone eye.

When had he started making her feel this way?

She sat primly, her hands on her lap, a soft smile plastered on her face as she observed Caesar-dono's brows drawn together in concentration from behind the canvass. He tilted his head and stared at her, prompting her to shift uncomfortably.

She cleared her throat to break the easy silence they had fallen into. "I never expected you to love art, Caesar-dono." Then again, she also did not expect him to bake cakes.

"Aa." His hand holding the brush moved deftly across the canvass as he painted her. "I am a lover of women, art and literature—all things beautiful, my dear Ichihime."

Her eyes narrowed for a fraction. "Women, you say?"

He stopped, his lone eye crinkling with amusement. "Are you jealous, my dear?"

"Of course not, my lord," she answered almost too quickly. "I am just curious why you chose me as your muse. I am certain you are quite popular with the ladies and thus your options are plentiful."

"That is true." He smirked—almost arrogantly—and Ichihime very nearly frowned. "But I chose you because you are special."

"Oh?" she quirked an eyebrow. She was almost sure he would tell her that he chose her because she was beautiful—just like all other lords who have tried to woe her before him. Her supposed beauty was the first—and only, she almost added sadly—thing most people notice.

His smirk slowly turned into a smile, his gaze appreciative. "Because you are a strong woman with great resolve."

She blinked, surprised by his answer, her cheeks coloring.

That night, he hung her finished portrait proudly beside his own in their chambers.

It was one of the rare moments when her husband was home during the day and he had invited her to an Afternoon tea in the gardens. Carefully, she held her tea cup in her dainty hands as she peered to examine him sitting across her. He sat with his long legs crossed as he cut a piece of his chocolate cake and brought it to his mouth. His white hair that fell across his face ruffled the slightest with the breeze.

There was no other word for it. He was elegant—whether it be piloting Quo Vadis or eating a piece of Chocolate cake.

"I would think that you are falling for me, my dear Ichihime, if you keep on looking at me that intensely," he suddenly said as he laid his plate down to look at her.

Ichihime sipped her tea too quickly to hide her blush at being caught. "I wasn't looking at you, Caesar-dono." She set her teacup down and looked around for an excuse. "I-I was looking at Nel and Bianchi."

Caesar turned to look at the twins playing near the fountain. "Is that so?" he raised his eyebrow. "What caught your interest then, Ichihime?"

She took another sip of her tea as she thought of an answer. "Are Nel and Bianchi your siblings?" She paused."Or perhaps your children?"

The general chuckled. "Do I look old enough to be those twins' father?"

Thinking she might have offended him, she hastily answered. "Not at all, my lord! You do look youthful and handsome but I do wonder myself if you are of the right age for it to be possible."

There was an odd glint in his lone blue eye when he replied impishly, "So my dear Ichihime thinks that I am handsome? I am definitely pleased with this development."

Ichihime covered her mouth, realizing her slip. "I didn't—I mean—" Where in the world did that come from!

Caesar merely chuckled and waved a dismissive hand. "Nel and Bianchi are orphans taken in by King Arthur. We, the brothers of the Round Table, take turns looking after them. However," he glanced at the twins, a tired smile on his lips, "They seemed to have taken a liking for me and have made permanent residence in my abode."

She couldn't help but giggle. "They must really like Caesar-dono."

He shook his head dramatically. "No! They only like me for the Chocolates I give them."

She glanced at the twins still playing. "But you do like them too, don't you Caesar-dono?"

He exhaled deeply, his gaze suddenly far away, sad and longing. "I guess it's better than being alone." He closed his eyes briefly before reaching for her hands. "But I'm not alone now. I have you."

She couldn't save her father and Nobukatsu. Nobu-niisama had so many people already around him. Even Mitsuhide rejected her offer for support.

But this person—this man she calls husband—Caesar-dono needed her. And as his wife, she would stand by her duty to stay with him.

Ichihime squeezed his hand back. "Yes, you have me."

Slowly, Ichihime opened her eyes and adjusted to the darkness of their chambers. She could hear someone moaning in agony, and when she turned, she saw her husband writhing, his long hands grasping the bedcovers, his eyes shut tight.

"Mother.. Father.. don't..don't leave me..!"

He was having a nightmare.

Sitting up, she hesitantly leaned over his side and wiped his sweat-covered brows. "Caesar-dono.. hush now.. It's only a dream," she whispered as she ran a hand in his sweat-matted white hair.

"Mother!" he cried his arms reaching out as if to grab something. He managed to grab her wrist. "Don't! Don't!"

Ichihime winced as he gripped her wrist. He was strong and his hold was firm that her hand was slowly numbing from the pressure. She had to calm him down fast.

Taking a deep breath, she used her other arm to cradle his head against her chest. "Caesar-dono," she pleaded in a whisper. "Everything will be alright. It's alright, hush now, Caesar-dono.."

He was breathing heavily and tears were rolling down his cheeks. "Don't die.. Don't leave me.." he chanted brokenly. "Don't leave me.. mother... father.."

Ichihime did not let him go as she continued running her fingers in his hair to soothe him. "It's alright, Caesar-dono. I won't go. I'm right here.." Her own tears ran with his as she silently prayed for him to calm down, calm down.

She hummed a soft song against his ear, just like how she did before with Nobukatsu when he was having trouble sleeping. Caesar's grip loosened and she took the opportunity to lace her fingers with his. A few breaths later, he quieted and fell back into a dreamless sleep. She smiled in relief.

Suddenly drained, she couldn't find the strength to crawl back to her side of the bed. And so, she settled there, leaning against him, one arm around him, another holding his hand, as she succumbed to sleep.

When she woke up, he was gone. But instead of one, he left her with three red roses.

The War was fast approaching, Ichihime knew that much, as evidenced by Caesar-dono's absence. He rarely went home now, only dropping by for a change of clothes. But he never left without seeing her, even for a moment, an apology clearly written on his face as he took her hand in his and kiss her knuckles.

"I will be back soon, my dear Ichihime. I promise."

She would smile like a good wife and nod. "I pray for your safety, Caesar-dono."

Still, she could not deny the loneliness she felt sleeping alone, and waking up—there was no red rose on his side of the bed.

She was preparing to settle down for the night when she heard hurried footsteps outside. Her gaze was fixed on the door when it opened to allow her husband, still wearing his white uniform and cloak, to enter.

"Caesar-dono!" She made her way to him and offered to take his cloak as he sat down on the bed to remove his boots. "I..I wasn't expecting you to be back so late. Have you eaten? Do you want—"

He stopped her from going out by holding her wrist. "No need for that, Ichihime." He exhaled deeply to even his breathing. Ichihime realized he must have been running. "I'm glad I caught you still awake."

Worry suddenly filled Ichihime's mind. She knelt in front of her husband, studying his tired features. "Is there something wrong, Caesar-dono?" Did anything happen at Owari? Was her Nobu-niisama OK?

Shaking his head, Caesar replied, "Nothing's wrong." Gently, he pulled her wrist to beckon her to sit beside him on the bed. His lone eye softly gazed at her. "I just thought we haven't finished reading Romeo and Juliet, right? Why don't we finish it tonight? We are just a few pages away anyway."

Ichihime looked at him incredulously. "You hurried home just for that, my lord?"

It was one of the few instances that she saw him frown. "You are not 'just that', Ichihime. You are my wife," he said as he took her hand in his.

She looked away, her cheeks slightly glowing. "I.."

He squeezed her hand and sighed, a small smile on his lips. "You should get your book now."

The night had fallen deeply but Caesar continued to read to her patiently. By the end, Ichihime was crying silently, head bowed, her hands gripping the bed sheets tightly. Caesar placed the book down and gently cupped her cheeks in his palm, wiping her tears with his thumb. "I did not wish to make you cry," he whispered solemnly.

"You knew it was going to end tragically," she whispered accusingly. "And yet you said I had chosen well."

He glanced at the book laying innocently on his lap. "It was a beautiful Romantic Tragedy—a story of true love."

"Both of them died in the end.."

"Bittersweet—all the more beautiful."

Ichihime bit her lower lip but the tears kept on coming. Everyone was dying around her—her mother, her father, Nobukatsu, the people of Oda—and even in a book she had chosen. But she had to stay strong. She was a princess of the Oda Clan—she was taught that tears were unforgivable.

But Caesar merely gathered her in his arms, and buried her head against his shoulder. Silently, he ran his hand through her soft pink hair and all the years she had spent keeping everything in flowed out. He listened, murmuring comforting words against her hair as he rubbed her back, soothing her. She did not know how long she cried but he did not let her go even once.

When she woke up the next morning, she expected to see a red rose beside her. But there was no red rose. Instead, she woke up with Caesar-dono beside her, his arm draped over her waist.

She blinked to let her eyes focus and was met by his very blue—as blue as the skies, she decided—eyes, gazing at her softly. "Caesar-dono...?"

"Good morning, my dear Ichihime," he greeted with his handsome smile.

"Good morning, Caesar-dono," she greeted back, a hesitant smile on her lips as she glanced at the snow-covered window where the sun was already peeking. "Is it alright for you to still be here? Aren't you running late?"

His smile faltered a little. "Do you really want me to go, Ichihime?"

Did she? She shook her head. "It just feels.. different to wake up beside you."

"Aa." And he pulled her closer to him. "I feel the same way."

Worriedly, Ichihime paced the carpeted corridor of Caesar-dono's castle. Just a few hours ago, they had received reports that the Oda Castle was in grave danger. Struck with great fear for her Nobu-niisama, she had put her husband in a dilemma—either to choose her and aid her brother or to choose his master and do nothing. She knew that if he had chosen his master, King Arthur, she would madly run home to Owari, whether he permitted it or not.

He chose her.

She leaned her head against the cool glass, looking outside the window as she waited for his return.

"Ichihime-sama," came the voice of her Lady-in-waiting, Chacha. She turned her head to look at the younger girl, urging her to continue. "Oda Castle is safe, but," Chacha grimaced, "A number of civilians were killed in battle. Many more would have been killed if Caesar-sama and Kenshin-sama did not arrive."

Ichihime nodded. "How is my Nobu-niisama?"

"He is safe, my lady," Chacha answered, a grim expression on her face. "However, Ranmaru-dono was captured by the enemy. Da Vinci-dono believes he has been taken to the West Star."

The Oda princess gasped. "What is my Niisama doing?"

"Nobunaga-dono and the others will be departing for the West star early tomorrow once the preparations have been completed."

"I see." Ichihime looked away.

Chacha shifted uncomfortably, almost hesitant, before adding, "Uh.. Caesar-dono just came back." Ichihime's eyes snapped back to hers. "He's in the balcony overlooking the gardens."

The princess nodded. "Thank you, Chacha. Please rest now." And she hurriedly left to find her husband.

"You should really be in bed now, Ichihime." With his back to the moonlight, he stood against the balustrade, the shadows dancing curiously on his handsome face as he swirled the red liquid in the glass he was holding. His cloak and heavily adorned coat were draped on the chair nearest to him.

"You should also retire for the night, my lord. I heard you have an early start tomorrow," she answered as she watched for his reaction.

He sighed tiredly, his shoulders hunched. "Aa. Just one more drink, my dear. It helps me calm my nerves."

She stepped forward. "I wish to join you till then."

He looked at her curiously for a moment. "Would you also like a drink?" He raised his glass. "Wine—it's similar to the Sake you Easterners love."

She nodded and moved beside him as he retrieved another glass and filled it with the same red liquid. She murmured a thank you as she accepted.

He watched her closely as she took a sip of the liquid. She blinked, surprised—it was sweet but slightly burned her throat. "It has an exquisite taste," she noted.

Caesar chuckled and took a sip of his own drink.

She took another sip as she thought of her next words, "What happens to you now, Caesar-dono?"

He shrugged his shoulders, his expression calm. "I have betrayed my brothers in the Round Table. Surely, there are already orders on how to deal with a traitor like me."

She couldn't help but grip her glass tighter. "Are you not worried, my lord?"

Tilting his head to better look at her, he replied, "I am not worried being labelled a traitor. I do not regret choosing you, Ichihime, my wife, over my duty to my King." He smiled good-humouredly as he patted the top of her head. "Besides, you will kill me yourself if I do not honor my duty as your husband and protect your people, right? I do not wish to stain your beautiful hands."

She stared back at him, her eyes grateful. "You never go against your words."

He took another sip, "I have no plans to."

They stood together in comfortable silence, Ichihime contented with watching him from the corner of her eyes, sipping her drink once in a while. Without his proud cloak and coat, he seemed almost delicate, the tired lines of his face more pronounced, his shoulders weighed heavily—she almost wanted to touch him.

His image blurred and she closed her eyes while clutching her head. She felt him move and take the wine glass from her hand. "You might have drank too much," he said, his voice deeper than she remembered.

Too much? It was just a cup—or maybe two? Three? She had lost count.

She opened her eyes to meet his very blue ones. "I'm fine," she whispered, the words dying on her lips as she became aware of the intensity of his gaze, and his warm breath almost on her cheeks. He moved and trapped her between his body and the balustrade, his arms caging her on either sides.

But there was no fear she felt. This was her husband, and—she realized—she trusted him.

Gently, she reached up and removed his mask—he did not stop her—allowing her to see the uncertainty displayed in his eyes. Something in her chest ached. For her, uncertainty was almost never associated with her proud, confident husband.

He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers. Softly he spoke, his breath teasing her lips, "Ichihime, I am worried for your safety. Once I travel back to the West Star—who knows when I'll be back."

She took a deep breath. "I will be fine, Caesar-dono," she reassured.

"Still, I want you to stay here with your Ladies-in-waiting. You'll be safer."

She nodded. "I will, my lord—until you come back."

A low chuckle emanated from his lips. "I am glad you have fate in me."

"You always promised that you'll come back." To me, a deeper part of her mind wanted to add. "You never go against your words."

He leaned back to meet her determined eyes. "You are really an incredible woman." Closing his eyes, he leaned forward, pressing his lips against hers.

She had often heard from her maids, their hushed voices excitedly recounting to each other how their husbands showed their passion—the heated, almost aggressive kisses they bestow their wives when they came home from the battlefield, glad to be alive.

But it was nothing like that with Caesar. His lips were soft, delicately teasing her, almost giving her enough room to move if she wanted this to stop.

But she didn't want it to end.

Instead, boldly she reached up, encircling his neck with her thin arms. She felt him jerk, surprised by her action, and slowly put his own arms around her waist, pulling her closer.

This was a foreign feeling—this heat that swallowed her as he shifted to kiss her deeper—and she wondered how he could elicit such a thing from her. Through the layers of her clothing, she could feel the warmth of his ungloved hands, searing her skin like fire. Her hands ran through his soft hair and she leaned closer, surrendering to the feel of his strong frame, loosing herself in his musky scent.

They spent that night together, lost in passion in their chambers. He chanted her name Ichihime like a prayer as he moved against her and she clung to him, crying his name as she tasted the pleasure she had never known before.

He held her close all night and she held him back, his steady heartbeat lulling her to sleep.

She stood in front of him, her chin held up high, as the last preparations to Azuchi were made. "Take care of yourself, Caesar-dono."

He nodded and averted his eyes to the side. She slightly shifted to see where he was looking at: Mitsuhide stood in a distance, watching them warily. Fearlessly, Caesar pulled Ichihime to him and embraced her.

She slightly frowned upon seeing his smirk. "You shouldn't do that," she admonished quietly as she watched Mitsuhide scowl darkly.

"But it is fun because I can," he answered, thoroughly enjoying himself.

She sighed deeply. There was no point arguing with a persistent man like her husband. Instead, she leaned her head against his chest and whispered, "Please come back safely."

He gave her a small smile as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead before releasing her. "Of course I will."

She watched as the Azuchi climbed higher and higher, until the clouds finally obscured it from view. Clasping her hands together, she offered a silent prayer for their safety.

To be continued...

Thank you for reading and please do review! :)