Disclaimer: Standard Disclaimers apply
Author: Shika
Blessing In Disguise
Prologue
More than Meets the Eye
Straightening out the skirt of her gown, Kamiya Kaoru looked in the mirror making sure she hadn't forgotten anything. Once sure she was all set, she took a deep breath and then faced the doorframe where her maid smiled at her and offered her a bottle of perfume. Kaoru took it, applied it and then faced the reflective glass one last time to make sure everything was perfect.
She gave her maid Tsubame a small grin and stepped nervously out the door and into the grand hallway. She gulped only once before heading towards the dining hall faster than she should have, being the lady of high class that she was.
You can do this Kaoru, she told herself as she made her way closer to the enormous room, After all, you've known him since you were little. It's no big deal really. All you have to worry about is making a fool of yourself.
It was true. She had known Yukishiro Enishi ever since she was a child. Nothing about him had ever bothered her or made her nervous until the Engagement. Now that they were soon to be bound by marriage, she was a nervous wreck, afraid that something she would do would shatter all good feelings he had about her. If something of that nature ever happened, she would be broken. That's right. She was in love.
Ever since she had first seen him in the royal court, she knew he was the one. He often scared of other noble girls with his philosophy and crazy ideas but Kaoru admired him for it. At the death of his sister, he began to become slightly crazy and she had to admit it frightened her a bit but nevertheless, she didn't abandon him because she had been taught better and it seemed as if she were his only friend.
But there is more than meets the eye
Soon, a simple friendship lead to courtship and the long lasting courtship grew into a love unrivaled by any other love in the kingdom. With consent of her father, the king, they were engaged to be married on the fourth of June.
It was May.
Kaoru slowed her pace and took calm but nerve-wracking steps towards the place she was about to dine. Normally, she would have run to the dining hall but today was the first day she would see Enishi since the engagement party several weeks before. Stepping onto the cream colored tile floor, footsteps echoing to compete with her father's joyous laughter, she quickly took her place at the table next to her finance. He smiled down at her and gave her a quick kiss on her forehead.
"You look lovely tonight my dearest."
She would have awarded him with a complement as well but saying that he looked good just wouldn't do. She told him that all the time and he didn't look much different from what he always did. Not being able to find a suitable compliment, she smiled weakly and turned to her father who was beginning his 'traditional' before meal speech.
"As we all know," he began, addressing Kaoru, Enishi, the nobles working for him and the servants, "My only child, my daughter Kaoru, will be wed in less than one month to Yukishiro Enishi. It is with great pleasure and pride that I give my throne to this man who has served me and protected me little Kaoru for as long as I can remember…"
"Father, I'm not little," Kaoru mumbled under her breath.
"So, it is almost time for the pre-marital ceremony which will be held in exactly one week's time. I expect all of you to be there; take this as my personal invitation," he then turned to Enishi. "And hopefully in some month's time, we will be congratulating Yukishiro on being a father, ne?"
At that comment, Kaoru flushed and began fidgeting with her napkin.
Enishi returned the comment with a bow. "I would be honored, sir."
The King threw back his head in a hearty laugh and threw his hands in the air. "Enough talk! Let us eat! In celebration of life, love and prosperity of this kingdom!" he raised his goblet and everyone present followed suit before digging into the abounding meal before them.
The King, situated at the head of the table, studied the white haired man once again, making sure he was doing the right thing for his only daughter. He was indeed a fine young man from a wealthy family, of the finest blood of all known kingdoms. He was rich in mind as well as strength. Being well built would be good for protecting Kaoru against offenders.
Not that she needs that, he reminded himself, She has a strong will to fight and her kendo skills almost outmatch my own.
All the same, he decided it would be better to have someone constantly by her side to save her just in case she could not. He could also not deny the man's good looks.
Yes, he's almost as handsome as myself ,he thought, just out of fun to compare himself to one half his age.
He observed some more, watching as the courtier tried to cut Kaoru's meat for her as she swiped his hands away in annoyance.
"I can do it!" she hissed.
Enishi grinned, "Edgy today darling…"
Kaoru put down her fork. "I'm sorry, I'm just really nervous that's all."
The King smiled. He truly loves her
But there is more than meets the eye
Dinner was finished without any interesting events and Kaoru trailed upstairs to change out of her dinner-wear and into her evening garb.
"Tsubame, will you grab me that green one over there?"
"Yes Miss."
Kaoru sat on her window seat, staring outside into the sky at the stars. "On second thought…perhaps the blue sheer silken one would do."
Tsubame stopped in mid-reach for the gown and let her hand fall to her side. "But, Miss that is only worn to bed."
She smiled gently. "Yes, I know."
"Are you not going into the gardens tonight?"
"No, I think I'll stay in here."
Tsubame nodded. "Alright Miss."
Kaoru inched away from the window and turned around so Tsubame could undo the buttons that held the dress together in the back. She then slipped it over her head and then slid into the nightgown. From there, she rolled back the covers on her humongous feather bed and flopped down, not realizing just how much the meal had tired her.
"Do you need anything before I report to Miss Tae?"
"No…" came the sleepy reply.
"Okay, you know where I'll be if you need me. Please sleep well."
Kaoru tried to reply but she was so tired that all she could do was stare at the ceiling.
A few moments, minutes or hours later (she couldn't tell which) she heard the turning of the brass handle and a small stream of light flooded the room but disappeared quickly as the door clicked shut. She wasn't sure whether her eyes were open or not so she lifted her head and opened them wider in case they already were. A figure stood in the middle of her room and she called out to them.
"Shhh…it's only me darling."
She sighed and sunk back down onto her pillows. Enishi soon padded over and sat on the edge of her bed. He began to stroke her forehead lovingly as he smiled down at her.
"Who were you expecting? Lord Shishio?"
Kaoru flinched. Ever since her father came into power there had been strange attacks in neighboring kingdoms. After many years of tracking, everything was traced back to Makoto Shishio but somehow he had escaped punishment. It had been rumored that he was burned alive and was now a crispy bandaged maniac. Rumors had been proven true and most of the surrounding empires were currently under his control. For as long as Kaoru could remember, he had been sending spies and troops in to hopefully be rid of the royal family but his attempts had been fruitless.
"No Enishi. I don't know who I was expecting. I'm just so tired; I don't know what I'm thinking."
"What have you been doing all day Kaoru?"
She raised one of her hands and he gently took it in one of his. After running his hand over it and seeing the new calluses, he clucked his tongue disapprovingly. "I told you, you won't be needing that anymore. You can't continue training because you are too stressed. For days you've been going to bed early because of your kendo. You need to stop."
Kaoru sat up abruptly. "I can't stop! I promised me father I would carry out the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu and I intend on keeping that promise!"
Enishi eased her down again. "I understand. I am only looking out for your well-being. I don't want you to get hurt.
"Practicing and training with father is preventing me from getting hurt."
"Ah, and this is why I love you Kaoru. You have such a strong spirit. I am very surprised and honored to have been chosen by you."
Kaoru was taken aback, "Chosen? Enishi we were meant to be! Nobody could compare our love to anything because we were meant to be! There is no couple more perfect than us as conceited as that may sound!"
"Yes Kaoru, I know."
She sighed and snuggled into the many covers and blankets. "I…am so tired."
"Then I will leave you to rest and will see you in the morning."
She groaned. "If I ever wake up…"
A small smile graced his lips as he stood up to leave her in peace. The door was opened again and as he left he whispered, "I love you Kaoru."
~~~~~
Enishi sat on the edge of his bed, having decided to turn in early as well. He picked up two ribbons -one being a violet color and the other a sapphire blue- on his bedside table and clutched them to his chest.
"Yes sister…I am moving on," he took a whiff of the violet one, "I will always remember you and--" he sniffed the blue one, "Kaoru will help me. She always helped me."
As a lone tear rolled down his cheek, he put the ribbons back and crawled under the satin sheets. "Yes sister…she will help me…"
~~~~~
Kaoru blinked as the sun rays shone brightly into the many windows of her bed chamber, alerting her of the newly dawned day. She groaned, flailing her arms wildly.
"I have to tell Tae about this…" she mumbled, almost incoherently while rolling to one side.
"Tell Miss Tae about what?" Tsubame asked from the corner of the room.
Surprised by the voice, Kaoru let out a small yelp before finishing her rollover and landing on the floor. She sat up, rubbing her head gingerly and yawning nonstop.
"About…about the windows," she told the young maid, "There's too much sun in the morning."
Tsubame laughed a bit and then cleared her throat. "Master Enishi spoke to me this morning."
Kaoru sat up and blinked again. "What did he tell you?"
Tsubame shifted uneasily and looked down at the floor. "He said he received a letter."
"And?"
"He will be leaving today to attend business elsewhere."
Kaoru jumped up. "He can't leave!" she cried as she scrambled up and out the door in hopes she might catch him before he left. She tore out of her room and down the hallway, not caring of she knocked anyone over. She descended down one of the grand staircases leading to the entrance of the castle at lightning speed before yanking open the massive oak doors to the outside world. From there she ran to the stables where she saw him talking to the coachmen. Without a second though, she flung her arms around his waist and buried her head in his chest.
"K-Kaoru dearest! What are you doing out here?"
She lifted her head. "You were just going to leave without saying good-bye? Did you not think I would notice? Where are you going? Why are you going? You're coming back aren't you!"
"Shh…of course I am coming back. I was going to say good-bye to you as soon as you woke up. I cannot tell you where I am going but by the words of the letter, it's urgent."
"You can't trust me! That's why you won't tell me!"
Enishi sighed and pulled out a piece of parchment from his tunic. "Lord Enishi," he read, "It is with extreme urgency that we require you to depart for the city in which I cannot tell my fiancée for confidential reasons. Should any of this information reach outer contacts, you will be severely punished. Thank you, sender in which I cannot name."
"Mou…" Kaoru mumbled.
He smiled slightly, knowing that now she wouldn't question him. Half of him wanted to tell her because it was not very often one received such an invitation but telling her would make her worry and could get her hurt so he shortened and amended the letter slightly to make her less curious.
She sighed, "But do you have to leave now?"
"I'm afraid I do."
"When will you be back?"
He brought her closer to him as her whispered, "Soon darling…soon."
"You aren't going to make me wait are you? You know I hate waiting!"
"Yes I know," he laughed, "You won't have to wait long. I promise."
She narrowed her eyes into his tunic and banged her fist lightly on his arm. "You'd better."
"Sir! The carriage is ready!" called one of the coachmen.
Enishi sighed. "That's my cue to go. I promise I'll be back soon."
With that, he lifted her chin with his thumb and forefinger and planted a chaste kiss on her waiting lips before trotting off to his ride. She watched as the horses snorted and left the gates of the castle to wherever he was going. She kicked up some dirt and went back inside to get dressed.
"Ah, he's leaving."
Kaoru turned her head to the sound of a small voice. "What do you want Yahiko?"
"Haha! He's leaving you! I'll bet he found a real princess! You know, the pretty type with manners and elegant movements. Not some fat ugly blob."
She rolled her eyes and continued to her journey as the tiny stable boy followed her, throwing random insults at her. She wasn't in the mood to deal with him so she ignored him in hopes that he would go away.
She finally reached her bedroom and slammed the door in his face. Tsubame was still waiting there and she flinched when she heard the loud bang.
"He left?" she asked uncertainly.
Throwing open the doors of her wardrobe, Kaoru answered, "Yes. But don't think I'm going to sit around and wait until he comes back! I'm going after him! I'm tired of being left out of everything!"
"Miss, I think you should stay here. Without you, it would be so boring. Also, I don't think your father would approve. He's such a lonely man."
Kaoru stared at her in amazement. That was the most she had ever heard the little girl say. Instead of grabbing the tunic she had intended on wearing, she pulled out a pale yellow dress.
"I suppose I can wait a few days. But only days! After seven days, I'm leaving."
"Deal."
Satisfied with her arrangement, Kaoru draped the dress over her arm and told Tsubame to draw the bath. While she was in the bathroom, she walked over to the window and just caught sight of the carriage speeding to the kingdom borders.
I wonder where he's going…
~~~~~
Six days went by without a trace of her love and on the night of the seventh, she decided to take a walk in the gardens. After all, it seemed as if she would be leaving the next morning.
But there is more than meets the eye
She sat on a fence looking over at her reflection in a fish pond. After several minutes of staring, a pair of turquoise eyes joined her own in the pond. Thinking that she was hallucinating, she leaned over to look closer only to lose her balance. Before she fall, however, a strong arm wrapped around her waist pulling her back.
She whirled around smiling widely to face Enishi but her smile soon faded when she noted his serious expression.
"Enishi?"
"Kaoru."
"What's wrong?"
He lifted her off the fence and placed her on her feet on the mossy ground. "I can't believe you," he told her.
Kaoru raised an eyebrow. "What did I do?"
"Oh you know very well what you did."
At first she was confused but then she realized that he must just be playing with her so she grinned and answered back, "You're right. I didn't come after you like I should have."
A sharp pain running up the length of her left arm made her look down to see him gripping it so tightly she thought it would break.
"What are you doing dear?
"Following orders," he replied.
"Orders? But you're not the type of person to take orders. You give them. That's who you are."
He leaned over to growl in her ear, "There's more than meets the eye," before pinching a pressure point on her neck and making her fall limp in his arms.
~~~~~
Kaoru woke up to someone rubbing something on her arm. She lazily opened her eyes and stared at the person doing it. It was most likely a woman, with short blackish-purple hair and beautiful brown eyes. She smiled warmly at Kaoru as she sat up.
"Where am I miss and who are you?" she asked, looking around at the scarcely decorated room.
The woman giggled. "First of all, I am not quite a 'miss'. My name is Kamatari."
"Ma'am?"
"Nope! Try again."
"Little girl?"
Kamatari giggled again. "Nope!"
Kaoru felt an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. "S-sir?"
"Oh I knew you'd get it! Most of you do…eventually."
"Oh. Well, where am I?"
Kamatari fidgeted with something. "Well, Lord Shishio told me I couldn't tell you the exact location but---"
"SHISHIO?!" Kaoru tumbled unceremoniously off the small bed that she was resting on and dashed over to the door. "Let me out! I am getting married in thirteen days! I won't die before I do!"
"Oh…" Kamatari sounded sad. "About that…"
She turned around. "What about it? Where's Enishi?"
"With Lord Shishio."
Kaoru ran over to Kamatari and grabbed him by the front of his shirt. "If he hurts one hair on my Enishi's head I'll kill him myself!"
Before he had a chance to respond, the door flew open revealing a very ugly man with a big nose.
"Houji."
"Kamatari."
"She's awake."
Houji smiled. "Good. Let's take her now then, shall we?"
"I'm not going anywhere!" Kaoru shouted.
Houji flipped open a dagger. "Hold your tongue princess, or lose it."
She closed her mouth. As stubborn as she was, she wasn't dumb. A quick nod to each other and Kamatari and Houji accompanied her down a rather large, cold and damp hallway. Another man joined up with them, this one being extremely short and sporting flaming red hair.
There was a light at the end and she shielded her eyes as they stepped into the vast room. She gasped as she caught sight of Shishio but all thoughts were forgotten as she spotted Enishi seated to his right. Without hesitation, she ran up to him and buried her head in the crook of his neck.
"Why are we here Enishi?"
No response.
Temporarily ignoring the princess and Enishi, Shishio turned to Kamatari. "Her room is ready, yes?"
"Yes Lord Shishio! I just finished decorating yesterday!"
"Good."
"Please tell me Enishi. Why are we here? Why aren't we home? We can't get married if we're here."
"Good."
She raised her head timidly. "What?"
"Good. I will not marry you."
"Enishi! B-but why!"
She shoved her off of him roughly and stood up. "I will not marry a murderer!"
Kaoru was confused. "What are you talking about? Enishi, I never killed anyone!"
"First you kill and now you lie? What is wrong with you woman!"
She could feel fresh tears threatening to fall. "I am not lying."
"YOU KILLED MY SISTER!" he roared.
Both Kaoru and the red-haired man froze.
"Lady Tomoe…" Kaoru whispered.
"That's right princess! You killed her because you were jealous of her! You were angry that she got more of my attention than you did!"
"That's not true!" yelled back, tears now blurring her vision. She reached for his face to try to make him understand but he was faster. As his hand connected sharply with her face and the slap echoed throughout the hall, Kaoru's heart stopped…and shattered.
To Be Continued…
Authors Notes: Well, I hope that wasn't too bad of a prologue for you guys. Yes, they may be a little OOC but that's because this is an AU fic.