A/N: Don't kill me for this, please
Everything was in order. The flowers were blooming, arranged artfully in the glass vase. Her white dress was perfect, pristine, even. The brides face was hidden from view with over hanging bangs. Her hands straight in her lap.
So why, she thought bitterly, was everything so horribly wrong.
"Kaoru, please, try to relax." Her attendant, the soft spoken yet powerful Tae pushed the cup of tea closer to her ladies bent knees.
"I am about to be married to a man I know nothing about, how can I relax." Kaoru sighed, in a defeated tone that wasn't hers. "Did it really have to come to this?" She half complained, careful to keep her voice low. Tae sighed and shook her head.
"You are much braver than myself, Kaoru." She commented simply. Kaoru heaved another sight and studied the simple threat pattern on her clothes.
"I am a coward." She bit out sourly. In her heart, she knew it to be true.
"My la-" Kaoru cut Tae off.
"A braver woman could have run. A braver woman would have ran. She would not fear the consequences." Kaoru kept her voice light, but the frustration broke the surface. Tae reached forward to put a comforting hand on her shoulder, and had just enough time to whisper out a "You are brave," before the doors to the room were opened.
"My Lady!" Kaoru looked up at the distressed call. The man who stood in the door frame was disheveled, heaving, and very... meek looking.
Tae rose artfully, drawing to her full height. "Who dares disturb the chambers of a bride to be!" Her tone was sharp, and reminded Kaoru to turn her gaze downward again. The man caught his breath, not seeming to be to fazed by Tae's outburst.
"This humble one apologizes, but I am Lord Kenshin Himura." Tae seemed to deflate as quickly as the man had gained his breath back. Kaoru looked up, blue eyes wide. This was to be her future husband? Red hair a mess, clothes clearly not changed from a long days ride, and he hadn't even bothered to shed his shoes in his apparent haste. Their eyes locked, and they both froze. Kaoru gasped lightly, and could not turn away. His eyes, they were... beautiful. The man, Himura, however shook his head and looked to the side. Kaoru almost laughed. He was blushing!
"My lady, I apologize for not arriving sooner, to put a halt to this." Kaoru put her head back down, her temper simmering. Tae seemed to regain her senses, and she bowed low.
"My lord, but put a halt to what?" She inquired, face and tone unreadable. Kenshin shook her head and gestured to the room.
"This! My council decided before I could return. Please, forgive me." He bowed, and Kaoru looked up, blue eyes gleaming.
"Forgive you?" Her soft voice made him look up. Kaoru was drilling holes through his head. "My dear lord, future husband. There is nothing to forgive." Her words seemed to be the opposite of all she meant. Tae sucked in a sharp breath, unsure. Kenshin winced.
"Please, you do not have to go through with this. I will keep you safe, you do not have to marry a man you know nothing about. That you do not." His eyes. She locked gazes with him, her inner voice trying to break free. Closing her eyes slowly, she started to smile.
"Perhaps, then, we would come to know each other before we are married." She couldn't help the corner of her lips turning up at the expression on his face. Kaoru heard Tae attempting not to giggle. After all, Kaoru was known for being the... free spirit. Kenshin glanced between the two of them, and visibly sagged.
"If you wish. We will postpone the ceremony." His voice held more disbelief than anything, as if he couldn't quite know if this was real. Kaoru did giggle then.
"Well, here I was expecting a cold hearted man." She teased, her eyes gentle.
Kenshin sucked in a breath.
