The Third Daughter
disclaimer: all that you recognize i do not own.
When the Lord of the West came to the East to seek a wife, he did not expect to be enchanted with the Lord Nintoku's third daughter, a girl destined to live no longer than 18 summers.
i've been hesitating to post anything up on ffnet recently, considering they've already deleted one of my stories :/ serves me right for not backing up my computer, le sigh. anyways, enjoy this lil' fillet :)
- tuille
"Princess," the elderly woman chided, lightly tapping the princess's shoulder, "Stop fidgeting, we must finish your hair. It is only an hour until the Lord of the West is set to arrive."
The princess sighed, bowing her head, "Gomen." She winced as the woman tugged her hair, twisting and brushing the ebony tresses with an ivory comb.
The woman smiled as she worked the princess's hair into an elegant up do. "Did you know, Princess, that the Lord of the West is rumored to be most handsome?" The woman bent to whisper into the young girl's ear, "They say his looks can rival those of a god's."
The princess giggled, her pale cheeks lighting up, "Then my sisters shall consider themselves fortunate to be in the presence of such a good looking man."
"Aye," the woman stood back to admire her handiwork. "But who is to say that the Lord will not want to take your hand in marriage?"
The princess stiffened, looking down to her lap, "Kaede-baba, do not say such foolish things," she whispered, glancing up to meet the elderly woman's gaze through the mirror. "He is the Lord of the West, not some boy from the city." Her fingers reached for the pink blossom she had picked from her garden earlier that day. She caressed the rose petals, musing, "He will marry one of my sisters. He will be attracted by Sara's great beauty, if not by Kagura's intelligence." She was certain that the Lord would be far more attracted to her elder sisters.
Because why pick a daisy if you could have a rose?
"But what of you, Princess Rin?" The woman laid her hands on the princess's thin shoulders, "A bright, beautiful young woman. You shine with vitality, with youth. Any man would have to be both blind and foolish to not want you for a wife."
Rin closed her eyes, wishing it were possible, wishing that she was well. "A wife for two years?" She sniffed, her eyes watering. "It makes no sense," she whimpered, hanging her head low. Oh how she dreamed of finding true love, of marrying and having children. She longed to grow old and live a full and happy life, but it just wasn't meant to be. She would not live long enough to find love.
Her lips quivered, her hands shaking as she relived last nights events, "The healers say my condition has worsened. They say the disease has spread." I'll be dead by my 18th birthday.
"Those healers are fools," Kaede quipped, her tone furious. She set the comb on the dressing table, "Well-educated con-artists I say. A hoax, playing on your father's weakness. You are perfectly fine," she told the princess, soothing her worries, "You will live longer than I." She spoke fiercely, assuring the princess, but perhaps mostly herself, that the young girl would live long enough to experience true love. She knew that the girl craved the fairytale love etched in storybooks and old tales. "One day, perhaps someday soon, you shall fall head over heels in love with a man that is worthy of your grace and beauty."
The young girl laughed, wiping her tears, "Kaede," she murmured, turning to embrace her nanny, a woman who had cared for her since birth. "Perhaps I shall marry you," she joked, holding her plump abdomen tight, "No other man would be so kind."
"Nonsense," the woman patted her head, being careful not to disturb the jeweled hairpiece, "You will meet him one day. I can feel it in my bones. Now," she took her apron and dusted the edges of the girl's eyes, "You must hurry Princess. The Lord expects you to be at his side for the Lord Sesshomaru's arrival."
"Hai," Rin released her hold of the elderly woman, "Thank you Kaede."
"Of course dear child," she straightened the princess's dress and smiled, "Now go and make me proud."
"I'll try," Rin spoke as she rose from her seat in front of the vanity. She pecked her nanny's cheek and left her bed chamber, slowly making her way to the throne room. A most handsome Lord, she thought, her fingers trailing the smooth banisters. Her mind wandered, envisioning a man dressed in royal blue. He would be tall and elegant, his eyes sharp yet kind. He would command authority, leading armies and his kingdom to glory. He would be passionate about his land as well as his wife, the Lady of the West. She laughed, tucking her bangs behind her ears, wishful thinking.
She walked slowly down the large staircase and through a glass hallway which opened to the royal gardens. She smiled as she stopped by her garden, laying her hands onto the glass. Her garden was the largest and most beautiful in the palace, housing numerous floral species. They've bloomed, she grinned, pushing the sliding doors open. With a gentle shove she closed the doors and slipped out of the confines of her heeled shoes. She set them by the door and walked towards the centre of the garden where a large cherry tree stood regal and tall. She held the bottom of her dress as she moved towards the tree, carefully trying not to dirty the precious silk. A delicate hand reached up to touch the cherry blossoms, caressing each soft petal. You are so pretty, she thought, her fingers trailing down the aging trunk. So free.
"A princess must not sully herself playing in a silly garden."
A stern voice startled Rin from her thoughts, her head whipping to the side to face the intruder. She giggled, holding a hand to her heart, "Taro," she greeted, curtseying gracefully at the sight of her brother.
"Rin," Taro returned, walking towards her, his hand stretched out, "I hear the Lord of the West seeks the hand of one of my sisters."
"Only a fool would marry into our family," she replied, a playful twinkle in her eye as she took his hand. "Tell me, who do you think he shall choose?"
Taro raised an elegantly arched brow, "Sara." He led her to sit on the bench overlooking a small pond, "She is the eldest, the most beautiful and the most fit to be Lady of the West."
Rin considered his point, glancing up at the afternoon sky. Sara was indeed the eldest and had been trained since birth in the ways of handling a household and holding court. Moreover, Sara was the most sociable of all of the Lord's children; a skill integral to be a Lady. "But what of Kagura?"
Taro smirked, "I've seen the way that the Prince of the North regards our sister. I suspect a proposal will be coming along soon enough."
Rin grinned foolishly, "Really?" She laid her head on her brother's arm, dreaming wistfully of their weddings. Perhaps I will live to see them marry. She closed her eyes, imagining their special day. White lilies and yellow tulips, long, beautiful gowns, bright blue skies and handsome grooms. "That's wonderful," she spoke sincerely, playing with the green stem of the cherry blossom. She lifted the flower and placed it into her hair, "Do you ever think that I could marry one day?"
"Of course," Taro replied fiercely, "You will marry." He grinned, squeezing her shoulder affectionately, "Perhaps a prince of a long lost kingdom, or a rich sea merchant."
Rin clapped her hands together, her brown eyes sparkling, "Or a film star."
Taro laughed wholeheartedly, "Or a film star." He pressed a firm kiss on her head, "We shall find a cure for you Rin and you will outlive us all."
Rin looked to the grass, watching as insects clamored over the long leaves and stems, "Perhaps." Perhaps she could one day fall madly in love. She glanced up at her brother and kissed his cheek, "We should go Taro, father will be waiting."
"Yes," Taro held his hand out, helping Rin up from her seat. "He did send me to find you." He led her to the throne room, smirking at the sight of his father eating grapes from his mother's hand.
"Father, mother," Taro announced their arrival, "I found Rin playing in her garden."
"Ah, there's my favorite daughter!" The Lord bellowed joyfully as they entered the elaborately decorated room. The walls of the room were gold and red, lined with portraits and vases. In the center of the room hung a large chandelier, dripping with gold and jewels of former conquests. To the far-side hung tapestries of former Lords and to the north stood a large gold throne, followed by smaller thrones on either side.
"Father," Rin greeted the Lord warmly, bending slightly to peck his cheek, "You mustn't be so vocal of your favoritism, it'll make the others jealous," she teased gently, greeting her mother who stood next to the Lord's throne.
"Nonsense," the Lord patted her cheek affectionally, "You are their favorite too. Now sit," he gestured to the seat next to his eldest daughter, "We have a guest to welcome."
"Hai," Rin took her seat next to her sister, smoothing out her dress. She looked out the large windows and spotted a white carriage approaching the palace. "Is that him?" She asked her sister who sat nervously beside her, playing with her hands.
"Hm?" Sara looked to her younger sister and nodded, "Oh... yes." She gripped the armrests of the small throne, "The Lord's colors are white and purple."
Rin offered Sara a warm smile, "You will look beautiful in his colors."
Sara tensed, "I..." she swallowed, taking in a deep breath to compose herself. "Thank you Rin," she whispered, setting her hands in her lap. She leant against the plush seat, her mind wandering as she spotted the guards approach the carriage. Her gaze fell upon a certain man, one who stood tall and proud. Subconsciously, her hand tightened around her locket. Lin.
Rin furrowed her brows as she gazed at her eldest sister; she seemed quite anxious to meet this mysterious Lord. "Father," she turned to her left, peering around Sara, "How old is the Lord?"
The Lord stroked his beard, his eyes twinkling mischievously, "Twenty-two summers. He is known to be quite the, as you girls say," He wiggled his brows for effect, "Hunky fellow."
Rin laughed, her eyes bright, "Hunky you say?"
"Very." The Lord winked, leaning back into his chair. "An alliance with his lands will only seek to strengthen the bonds between our two kingdoms. And even better," he gazed fondly at his wife, his eyes twinkling, "I'll finally have some grandchildren."
Grandchildren. Rin bit her lip, her small hands playing with the skirt of her coral-colored dress. "They shall be beautiful," she whispered, imagining toddlers clambering around the East Palace. Sara's children would no doubt be the heart-breakers, whilst Taro's would be the hooligans. Kagura's children would follow her footsteps and become the greatest of scholars. And hers? She dreamt of them often. A girl and a boy. They would be soft and kind, love animals and books. Her eyes moistened as she felt her heart squeeze, but she could never give her father grandchildren to spoil. The healers assured her that bearing a child would become the death of her.
The Lord swallowed, his gaze setting to the floor. "Indeed." The Lord looked woefully towards his most precious daughter, "Most beautiful indeed."
Lord Sesshomaru sat in the carriage, his legs crossed as he read through the papers he had brought for the two-day trip. His gaze lifted from the parchment to the imp in front of him. The small man had fallen asleep, resting his head against the seat, "Jaken."
"Y-yes, yes sir?" Jaken jumped from his seat, "My Lord?" He stood erect, bowing his head, "Have we arrived?"
Sesshomaru raised a brow, to which Jaken responded by shooting his head out of the carriage window, "We are only moments away my Lord."
"Hn," Sesshomaru closed his papers and set them onto the seat. Only moments. "Tell me Jaken, what do you know of the Lord's daughters."
"W-well, er..." the small man stuttered, the lingering feelings of sleepiness remaining, "The eldest daughter is nineteen summers. She is widely known to be the most beautiful of all women throughout all four kingdoms. They say that her beauty is most irresistible, capturing the hearts of many nobles and soldiers."
Sesshomaru scoffed, "And yet she is not already married?"
"She is said to be most fastidious with her suitors. Already, just this year alone, she has turned down three men."
"Hn," Sesshomaru's gaze lifted to the palace, "And the other daughter?"
"The second daughter, at only 18 summers, is considered to be one of the greatest military strategists of all time. She has helped her father gain many new villages and has added greatly to the strength of the East Kingdom. It is said that she was conceived during the Great Battle, her military expertise evolving since conception." Jaken glanced to his lord, "She would be a great ally to the West my Lord."
Sesshomaru eyes narrowed, "Do you not have faith in my military skills then, Jaken?"
"What? Wait, no! Of course my lord! Of course!" The imp bowed repeatedly in the carriage, "Please excuse me. I meant no dishonor my Lord. Your knowledge is of greater breadths than that silly girl."
"Hn." Sesshomaru waved his hand, "Enough."
"But of course my Lord." Jaken returned to his seat and dared to look at his Lord, "There, there is one more daughter, sir."
"There is another?" Sesshomaru frowned, raking his memory, "Why have I not heard of her?"
"She is very protected my Lord. She is the most treasured of the Lord's three daughters. It is rumored that she has not once stepped foot outside of the Eastern palace."
Sesshomaru set his back against the seat, finding the situation intriguing, "And yet he allows his second daughter to go to war?"
Jaken shrugged, "They say that perhaps she is weak. Though, those who have had the opportunity to be graced with the youngest daughter's presence claim that she is most kind. Most enchanting. They say that she possess the soul of a fay."
Sesshomaru's gaze darted to his servant, "And you succumb to such foolish rumors?
"I," Jaken swallowed nervously, "A thousand apologies my Lord." He bowed his head, berating his foolishness.
"Hn."
Jaken gulped, wiping the sweat from his brow. Stupid, stupid Jaken! How dare you be so brazen with your thoughts! He shuddered as he looked up at his Lord who sat pensively, displeasure etched in his visage. Once Jaken spotted the gates to the castle he jumped to his feet, peeking out of the white carriage. He feverishly waved to the East Kingdom's guards, "Yoo hoo!" Jaken called out, "The Lord of the West has arrived to your kingdom!"
A group of four men walked towards the carriage, the tallest one dressed in an elaborate suit of armor. That man greeted the driver and patted the horse's nose as he made his way to the Lord and his servant. He bowed low as the other men opened the carriage door, "Lord Sesshomaru, I am General Lin, at your service."
Sesshomaru nodded from his seat, "General."
General Lin regarded the young Lord, taking in his regal poise and stature. "Lord Nintoku is awaiting your presence in the palace. We will inform your driver to follow Jun," he pointed to a guard who sat upon a white horse, awaiting by the gates.
"Thank you General," Jaken thanked the man, shutting the doors to the elaborate carriage. "Only a few more moments my Lord and you shall be meeting your future bride."
Sesshomaru said nothing, fishing a velvet box from his jacket pocket. He opened the lid and sighed, staring down at the jeweled masterpiece. The ring was an antique, a family heirloom passed through six generations. The centre stone was a rare purple diamond, encircled by smaller white diamonds and set in platinum. My future bride, he thought distastefully, closing the box. The very notion was foolish.
Rin let out a sharp breath as the doors to the throne room opened, grasping the armrests of the chair with all her might. Her gaze darted to the guards that walked in, holding the Kingdom's flag in their hands. Behind the guards was another man, though he was hidden from her view. She frowned, glancing at her eldest sister who looked ill. "Sara?" She whispered, concerned for her well-being, "Are you alright?"
Sara nodded dully, her eyes listless as the guards bowed at the Lord's feet, revealing the man hidden by their armor. Rin stifled her laughter as she spotted the man's green complexion and his bald head. He was short and stout in stature, his yellow eyes nearly bulging out from his sockets. This is the Lord of the West? The most handsome man of all of Japan? She bit her lip, smiling sillily as she caught her brother's eyes. Perhaps the people of Japan have gone mad.
"Lord Nintoku," the man bowed low, "The Lord of the West thanks you for your gracious hospitality."
The Lord raised his brows, "I... yes. Thank you," he looked to his guards who had moved to the sides of the room. This imp was the infamous Lord? "Lord Sesshomaru."
"I-" the man sputtered, pushing himself up from the floor, "No! Of course not! Don't be silly! I am not the Lord! The Lord is with your General. Surely you must keep tabs on your house guests whereabouts!" The imp babbled on, ignorant to the Lord's rising temper, "Especially those of such caliber as my Lord!"
Lord Nintoku glared, motioning for one of his guards to hold a sword to the man's neck, "Do you dare to speak to the Lord of this kingdom with such a careless tongue?"
Rin gasped, "Father!" She pleaded, her eyes wide with terror, "No! Please don't harm the man."
"I-" the man froze, "What! No! Oh no! So sorry! Very sorry! I truly am sorry," he squawked, "I don't know what came over me!"
"Father," Rin teared, "Please, he didn't mean to speak out of turn, right?" She turned to the small man who nodded furiously.
"A million apologies Lord Nintoku!" The man trembled with fear as the hilt of the sword came closer to his flesh, "Oh Kami I'm going to die! Lord Sesshomaruuuu!"
"Ahem."
Lord Nintoku glanced up from the fool and grinned at the sight of the true Lord of the West. "Ah, you must be Lord Sesshomaru. Welcome to the East!" He clapped his hands, the guard instantly putting the sword into his black sheath.
"Lord Nintoku," Sesshomaru kneeled onto one knee, "Thank you for your hospitality."
"Of course, of course," Lord Nintoku snickered as the imp ran towards Sesshomaru, "I suppose I should apologize for nearly assaulting your aide."
"Hn," Sesshomaru looked distastefully at the small man, "You are too gracious to not have killed him." Jaken whimpered, cowering in fear of his Lord's wrath. He inched towards the doors, eager to leave.
"Please, come meet my family." The Lord stood from his chair and waltzed to his left, laying his hand on his son's shoulder. "My son, heir to the Eastern throne, Prince Taro."
"My Lord," Taro bowed, "I have heard great things about you."
"As I of you," Sesshomaru returned, nodding his head.
"My second daughter, Princess Kagura." He squeezed his daughter's arm affectionately. "She is the greatest of military strategists."
"I'm sure," Sesshomaru spoke as his gaze passed over the young woman's form. She was long and lean, her figure hidden under a black, silk kimono. Her black hair was tied back with a green comb, large emeralds dangling from her ears. Her face was angular, her lips ruby red. She exuded confidence and sensuality, her eyes glittering with determination.
"My Lord," she greeted the man, "I hope to speak with you about your famous battle with the North."
Sesshomaru raised his brows, intrigued, "Of which I won."
Kagura smiled wickedly, "Only by a fault."
Sesshomaru chuckled, amused by her confidence, "Hn."
The Lord grinned, perhaps this is going somewhere. He lifted his wife's hand to help her up from her seat, "My darling wife, Lady Hiroko."
"Lord Sesshomaru," the Lady curtseyed, "I hope your trip to the East went well."
"Lady Hiroko," Sesshomaru bowed low, "It went fine."
Lord Nintoku gestured to his right, "And then my eldest daughter, Princess Sara." He beamed as Sara rose from her seat, curtseying regally in front of the young Lord. "Is she not most beautiful?"
"Very," Sesshomaru murmured, taking in the woman's beauty. Unlike her sister, Sara's hair was loose and hung low to her waist. Her features were striking, her eyes shaded with makeup. Her form was thin, clad in a red gown that showed off her womanly curves; curves which would even make Aphrodite envious.
"My Lord," her voice was calm and soothing, "You have been the talk of the Kingdom for months."
"Hn," Sesshomaru was about to reply when he glanced to his right, his shoulders lowering as he inspected the last girl. The Lord's third daughter. Sesshomaru felt the sides of his lips lift, she was ethereal. The princess wore a coral pink dress, the fabric soft and whimsical. Her ivory skin seemingly glowed, her lips unpainted, her cheeks dusted rose. A single flower was tucked in her ebony locks, which was tied up in a soft, romantic braid. Her eyes were large and expressive, her petite form slight and pale. She looked fragile, he thought, chuckling inwardly at the sight of her bare feet. Perhaps Jaken is correct. Perhaps she is part fay.
Lord Nintoku raised his brow, "And finally, my youngest daughter, Princess Rin."
Sesshomaru watched as the Lord and his youngest daughter interacted, the girl remaining in her seat as she looked back at him timidly. She blushed as their eyes met, Sesshomaru smirking as he dared to step forward. Rin trembled as the Lord of the West bowed deeply in front of her, her breath hitching as he reached up and lifted her hand, his lips pressing firmly against her soft skin. "Princess," he murmured, looking straight into the girl's eyes, "It is truly a pleasure to finally meet you."
"I..." Rin stumbled for words, her mind spinning as goosebumps crawled up her arms, "Th-thank you my Lord." The Lady of the East watched their interaction carefully, a small smile lifting upon her ever-young visage at the sight of her youngest daughter and the Lord. Her first crush, she thought, giving a knowing look to her husband.
Lord Nintoku cleared his throat, clapping his hands, "My servants shall show you to your room Lord Sesshomaru, where you may rest. Dinner will be served by seven, please do be prompt."
"Of course," Sesshomaru bowed, "Thank you." Part fay, he thought, exiting the room, part fay indeed. He glanced back at the young princess, smirking as she ducked form her gaze, the hand he had kissed still shaking. The third daughter certainly intrigued him.
Rin sat frozen in her chair, her heart pounding as her family had risen from their seats, mingling with one another. He kissed me. He really kissed me. She gave a shaky laugh, well my hand. Kami, she looked at her hand, he was truly quite handsome. The moment he had entered the room her breath had been taken away. Like she envisioned, he stood tall and regal, donning a tailored navy blue suit and black leather shoes. When he spoke she nearly melted in her chair, her eyes forever on his form.
"Princess," Kaede entered the room through the room's backdoor, bending to speak to Rin. "It is time for your medicine."
Rin arose from her thoughts, "Hai. " Rin took her nanny's hand as they left the room, still in a daze.
"What did you think of the Lord, Princess Rin?" Kaede asked, a knowing smile on her face.
"I..." Rin stuttered, "He's very... royal."
Kaede raised a brow, saying nothing more. Rin stopped as they reached the gardens, gasping as she saw Sesshomaru walk into hers. He admired the rose bushes and the chrysanthemums before he leant against the tall tree, taking a moment to clear his mind.
"Princess?" Kaede frowned, worried for Rin's health, "What is it my dear?" She looked to where Rin was staring and smiled, I see. Kaede thought back to Rin's interaction with the Lord moments earlier, when she and many other servants had peeked through the hidden doors to see which daughter the Lord would choose. It seems that the Princess has fallen for the Lord.
"N-nothing, it's nothing Kaede," Rin rushed past, her cheeks red, carrying her skirt as she ran up the staircase leading to her rooms.
Kaede's brows raised, "Princess! No! Please do not run," she kept her tone hushed, trying not to alert the Lord of their presence, "You know that it's not safe for you."
"I," Rin shook her head, disregarding Kaede's warnings. "Kami," she whispered, her heart beating rapidly.
"There is nothing to be embarrassed about Princess," Kaede spoke from the bottom of the stairs as she tried to keep up with the girl, "He clearly favors you."
Rin's eyes widened, "No," she held a hand to her heart, trying to slow her heartbeat, "Don't be silly Kaede-baba."
"But Princess, he kissed your hand," Kaede argued as she walked up the staircase, following the young girl to her bedroom.
"I," Rin shook her head, prattling on as she reached the top of the stairs, "No, he probably pities me. He probably thinks that I am no more than a sickly child. He doesn't, he couldn't... no." They would never be. Never could be. She pushed open the doors to her bedroom and sat on the rose-colored chaise, her feet digging into the plush, white carpet. He's just a man. She gulped, a very handsome man. And this feeling? It's just a silly crush. He will marry one of my sisters and become nothing more than a brother-in-law. She closed her eyes, her heart clenching, but then why could she not stop thinking of the Lord. She closed her hand into a fist, why could she not stop picturing herself in his arms? Why could she not stop imagining herself dancing with him underneath the starry night sky?
She sighed, her skin tingling. She replayed the moment over and over, it is truly a pleasure to finally meet you. She whimpered, it was like she could still feel his lips upon her skin.
"Aye, now Princess," Kaede sighed, closing the doors to the room. She turned to the small cart and brought a porcelain cup to the girl, filling it with her favorite tea. "Then is he truly as handsome as they say?" She mixed in a teaspoon of the princess's medicine and stirred until the red fluid disappeared into a sea of brown.
Rin smiled softly, remembering the moment the Lord had walked into the throne room. "Even more Kaede-baba." She sipped the floral tea, her chest tightening at the thought, "Even more."
xoxo
tuille