Many years ago there was king who had only two beloved children. He was wise and noble and wished only the best for his two children; however they were not all that he had hoped. His son was becoming quite a gentlemanly prince, tall, dark and handsome, smart, athletic—everything his father had hoped for. His daughter was also handsome and though she had been kindly and warm as a child she'd grown to be haughty and proud so that no suitor was good enough for her. Try as her father might, nothing could correct her and just as he tried, her brother would stand guard of her and insist that indeed no man was good enough for his dear sister.
"Father, I don't see why you insist upon having Sakura marry. She's only seventeen! I am the one that must marry as heir to the kingdom, so her marital status should not mean so much to you." Touya spoke to his father Fujitaka with a sharp tone to his voice. He towered over the man, his dark eyes seeming to bore into the core of his father.
"Touya I understand your feelings but it is important to me to see my daughter humbled and to see her happy. And don't think for a moment that this means I don't want to see you wed; on the contrary I'd be very happy to have some grandchildren soon." His face had gone from warning to playful as he winked at his son.
Touya felt his cheeks rise in heat and looked away. Of course his father knew of his relations with another man, and though his father approved it was quite a paradox that he also wanted Touya to marry a young woman—happiness of his son over his own for grandchildren. And yet the thought of having children quite scared the poor boy. He'd rather his own sister be married off forcefully to someone quite evil than to marry a woman he didn't love and have children. He would sacrifice anything for his Yuki. "Father, I'm…not quite ready for that."
Fujitaka merely chuckled and made a firm grab of Touya's shoulder. "I know son, I know. I do wish for your happiness but please, humble your poor father. He gets nothing he wants from his only two children…"
Touya gave the man a sorry smile and sighed, then looked up to the heavens in contemplation. "Father…"
"Yes," he replied slowly. There was drawn and nervous pregnant pause before Touya spoke again.
"Perhaps," he turned fully to his father and looked at him questioningly, "you could hold a ball, or gala of some sort to find Sakura a suitable husband. There are many other kings, princes and lords in the land. Perhaps one of them Sakura might like. It's been slow finding suitors and she's sent them all away, but maybe, just maybe she will find one this way." His dark eyes seemed to search through his father's soul, searching for an answer.
Fujitaka looked away and thought for a moment, folding his arms in contemplation. Another pregnant pause ensued before he finally came up with an answer.
I don't understand why none can be suited for me! Those men father have sent for me are all ugly, deformed, or stupid! Why can't there be a man perfect enough for me? I deserve so much more than what they have offered. Their beauty cannot even match mine.
I paced the room with its horrid, barren walls and thought angrily about what my father has put me through. All he has given to me is ugly, stupid men! Touya even aggress that none has been suitable for me. And Father doesn't understand why I turned them away? I'm too beautiful for them… I wonder if I shall ever find a handsome enough man..?
The pacing began to bore me so that I decided to lye upon my bed. The mattress was so soft, and the pillows stuffed with goose feathers. It was akin to being in heaven, for sure! None in the kingdom but my father and brother had a bed quite as nice as mine. I really pity them. But then they also are able to enjoy beautiful flowers and forests which I hardly can get out to enjoy. I'm always stuck here in this rotten place.
I sighed and rolled onto my stomach, wrapping my arms around my pillow so that I might rest my chin upon it. I should go horse riding today. Yes, that might make me feel nice. I'll even invite Tomoyo. She's always so cute. I almost wish we could be sisters but that couldn't happen unless Touya were to marry her.
Like he would do that. Everyone knows Touya and Yukito are a special pair—not even Father would dare separate them, even though I know he craves grandchildren.
I suppose it wouldn't be too bad to have little ones running about the castle, so long as I don't have to take charge of them too often.
Finally I made my way to the stables and bridled my horse before mounting. Tomoyo has her own horse stables and she spends a lot of time there so I suppose that's where I should look for her first. Peony and I made our way to her stables and lo' there she was, attending to Nadeshiko. She had named her horse after my mother and dare I say her horse was prettier than mine: a beautiful white mare that did in fact remind me of my mother and was as graceful as I would imagine her to be. Often I wished that Nadeshiko was mine own, but I loved Peony. She is related to Nadeshiko, albeit a few years younger. She is as graceful as Nadeshiko but not near as lovely. I've had her since I was young though so Peony and I have a special bond that I wouldn't give up for anything.
Tomoyo is just as beautiful as Nadeshiko; I envy her sometimes. She is blessed with beauty, and wonderful horse, and freedom I could never have. She doesn't have a father that is so close to marrying her off to some man she doesn't know. She doesn't have a father that introduces her to men every chance he gets.
Tomoyo's beauty runs in the family though. Did I mention we were cousins? I'm sure her dark hair and eyes come from our mothers' side of the family. Her hair is black and silky, and even a little wavy at the ends. Mother had wavy hair, and it was beautiful too. I tried to stop thinking of mother and thought more about Tomoyo's looks. She was definitely her mother's daughter. Aunt Sonomi has big dark eyes too but personally I think Tomoyo's are much prettier.
And then Tomoyo looked at me with those eyes and I melted. She always made me feel better with just a look. She gave me a sad smile and came toward me. "Sakura. Don't come to me looking for an answer to your problems again. I've already told you: I agree with your father. You need to find a husband." I take it back. She doesn't always make me feel better. I opened my mouth to retort but she spoke before I had made a sound. "I have a fiancé. It was arranged, too. So don't you dare compare our situations." Damn. When did this happen? Aunt Sonomi would never do that…
"Fi-Fiancé? Tomoyo you've got to be kidding…" She shook her head and gave me a lopsided grin. "But…with who? Why would Aunt Sonomi do that?" I dismounted my mare and came over to her, my look questioning.
She winked playfully at me, the grin growing larger. "You'll find out who soon enough. And it was Mum who did it, it was Uncle Fujitaka. He found someone suitable for me, a noble of sorts. A very wise, kind, handsome man who I got along with rather well. I think you should listen to your father Saku. He knows what's best for you." I could only sigh at this and wonder again who it was she was betrothed to. This was going to bother me.
"When will I find out who it is?" I didn't want to talk about Father and I just yet. I needed to mull things over.
Tomoyo's eyes sparkled. "I don't think I'm supposed to tell you this but Uncle Fujitaka is going to hold a feast in your honor, with several eligible bachelors that may wish to court you. My engagement will also be announced then." Why does she tell me these things? Sometimes Tomoyo was a godsend and sometimes she was akin to the devil himself.
A wimpy 3 pages in Word but what can I say? It's the first chapter as well as the introductory chapter. This will be S&S by the way, with maybe a little bit of angst. If you didn't know I've based this on Grimm's story of King Thrushbeard, though I'm sure our noble King won't have much of a beard. (Though personally I love them, our King isn't suited for one.)
Reviews are always loved, opinions and critiques most welcomed, flames will be tolerated but only to a certain degree. If you really don't like it, don't read it.
There may be lemon in later chapters but I'm unsure as of yet. Tell me if you want it or not, you know, if you're feeling up to it.