The carriage to take me to my new life will be arriving this evening. Right now, judging by the amount of light coming through my screens, I'd say it's about 6 in the morning. That should give me plenty of time to finish packing and say my goodbyes. I was born in Kyoto and I don't know how I'm going to say goodbye to it and everyone in it. But I knew I had to be strong. It's not like I would have much of a choice, I was a business pawn too my father.
I hadn't even met my fiance yet. I don't even know who the guy is! All I know is that he lives in Edo and the trip would take roughly a week. He was probably some old geezer just waiting for me. The thought made me shutter knowing he'll eventually put his hands all over me. I was too young for this, only 22 and sent to marry a balding perverted man.
Who knows how I'll be treated in his estate too. Will I be looked down upon being an outsider. All of my servants here where my best friends. I don't know how I can leave them all too go live in a house of most likely rude people. The thought saddened me, the day was finally here. I really did have to leave my home.
"Hime, it's time to get up."
I rolled over in my bed towards the door. "You may come in Virgo. Thank you."
Virgo entered my room and was holding my change of clothes for the day. I got out of bed and the cold air nipped at my skin under my nightgown. "I've drawn up a bath for you already." I nodded my head to her in thanks and headed over to my bathhouse with my fresh set of clothes.
When I entered the bath house the warm steam immediately hit my face and the scent of strawberries and vanilla calmed some of my nerves of my upcoming journey. Easing into the warm water I let out a moan of pure bliss. I was going to miss the baths Virgo drew for me. They were always perfect. After a good soak and cleansing I got out and put my clothes on. I looked in the full length mirror- thankful for that luxury- and admired my kimono. It was new, Aries must have just made it. It was navy blue with gold embroidery all over. The embroidery was the constellations I loved so dearly. The wrap was gold and tied into a beautiful bow in the back. Aries really outdid herself with this one. Perhaps it was a going away present. One thing was for sure, who ever was the seamstress at my soon to be new home would never compare to Aries.
I walked back into my room and Cancer was waiting for me. "Good morning, Ebi. Are you ready for me to do your hair?"
"You know I've grown up Cancer, I don't think the nickname Shrimp really fits me anymore. But yes, have at it." I smiled at him warmly, I was secretly going to miss these silly nicknames. He proceeded to start on my hair, but not before giving me a fake pout. They're all making it so hard for me to leave without crying tonight.
When Cancer was done I looked in a handheld mirror and smiled. He really was the best. It was a simple updo with curls cascading around my face to frame it. But what made it so special was the little gold star pins in my hair, it was truly beautiful. Cancer saw the warm smile on my teary face and bowed, signalling his leave. Before he closed the door a called out to him, "thank you so much Cancer. My hair from here on out will never look this beautiful." He smiled and closed the door, leaving me to myself.
Since I had some time, I packed up my remaining books, futon, and my beauty items. Before I knew it, it was noon. I heard a soft knock on the door followed by, "Lady Lucy, I thought you might want to go into town real quick to say goodbye to your favorite tea shop." I opened to door and his eyes lit up from my appearance. What a sap.
"Yes, I would love that Loke." I smiled at him as he took my arm to head to town.
When we got to the tea shop I smiled at the name, The Sand and the Sea. It was such a fitting name for them. I opened up the front door and the telltale bell of a customer chimed. I heard from the back a sweet voice callout, "We'll be with you in just a moment. Thank you so much for coming." I snickered at Aquarius being polite. When she came out of the kitchen her smile immediately turned into a frown. "Oh, it's just you. Why did you come and see me?" Her expression looked irritated.
"I came to say goodbye to you and Scorpio. I don't know when I'll see you both again and you're some of the dearest people in my life. You've told me so many wonderful things about my mother and despite your moodiness I know you have a soft spot for me in your heart Aquarius. I wish I didn't have to say goodbye to the both of you." Scorpio was standing next to Aquarius now and he was smiling at my words. His smile was a mix between sadness and thankfulness. Aquarius on the other hand had tears streaming down her face and was blushing.
"If you tell anyone about me crying I swear I'll throw you into the ocean to drown." She had a smile on her face when she said this though. It was always so special seeing the softer side of her, even if her softer side still talked about killing me. I knew they were always empty threats. Aquarius ran to the back and came back a moment later holding a tea box. She handed it to me without looking me in the eyes. She was always so cute when she was shy. I opened the tea box and the scent of my favorite tea filled my nose. "Thank you for the tea you guys. I will make sure to treasure and ration the best tea Japan has to offer." I hugged Aquarius and Scorpio before heading out of the shop to see Loke waiting for me.
Loke must have noticed the ever growing anguish in my eyes for he took me around the corner and into an ally. "Loke, what are you doing?" Instead of answering me with words he hugged me. I blushed, having not had much intimate contact with men. I was stiff but I eased up knowing how much my departure was hurting everyone else too. Loke had been my bodyguard since I was 10, he's always been such a flirt, but he has always been so loyal to me. "Loke, I think I'm going to miss you the most." I held on tighter to him as I heard him gasp from my confession. He didn't say anything back, words didn't need to be spoken in that moment. It was perfect as it was.
After a moment longer we released each other and headed back to the Heartfilia Estate, arms linked like always.
When we got back to my house, Virgo was waiting for us. "Hello Hime, your father is waiting for you in his study." I let go of Loke's arm, nodded my thanks to him, then left with Virgo to go to my father."
We arrived at his study and Virgo said, "Master Heartfilia, Lady Lucy has come per your request."
My father's cold stern voice rang out, "Come in Lucy. We have much to talk about." Virgo slide open the screen door and I walked in and sat on my knees ten feet away from him. I waited for him to speak before I looked at him. Thus was the way a noble women should act. Submissive. I hated it, but I didn't have the guts to defy it. I knew I had no power.
Finally he spoke after a few minutes, "You are set to leave today at around six if I'm not mistaken." I didn't reply, I knew he didn't want me to speak. That statement was more him talking to himself than me. "You are traveling a long ways to the city of Edo. I know details of your engagement have been very vague to you. So I will now go further in depth for you. Do let me know if I am using too big of words for you or am going to fast for you to reciprocate the information I am about to tell you." My pupils flared at his words, I was a very well educated women. I didn't need assistance or help with words, but he knew that. I was trying to get under my skin, and honestly he did. He knew all the right buttons to make me want to lose my composure. But I never did, I wouldn't dare give him the satisfaction. I calmed myself down and nodded to him, silently telling him to continue.
"You will be married into the Dreyar family." A gasp escaped my lips. What kind of deal had father made? I know we are a noble family; but the Dreyar family live in Edo Castle and are a household name to everyone in Japan. They're the Shogun leaders. I was going to be royalty. I was going to be the trophy to some old war lord and sentenced to a life of loneliness and most likely many life threatening situations. It only confirms that I am truly just a business pawn to my father. Nothing more.
He left me a moment to gather my thoughts, then proceeded, "You will have a six month trial with him. At the end of those six months he will either decide to marry you or throw you out. For our family's name sake, you best please him. You wouldn't want to disappoint and tarnish your mother's name in heaven would you?" He pulled Mom into this. Even though I know he's just using her name so I will comply, I can't help but take his words to heart. Maybe Mom would be disappointed in me. When I looked up and he saw the look on my face, he knew he had won. I hated that he used Mom's name to make me obey, but what I hated more was that it worked.
"I'm done with you now. You may go and finish preparations for leaving." He didn't look back up at me again. I bowed and left the room feeling numb.
It was just about six and I had all by bags waiting at the front door. My heart was pounding in my chest and I felt sick. My life was about to be sold as a business deal. My happiness a transaction. I wondered who would pick me up. Would my fiance be in the coach? I didn't like the fact the journey on the Five Roads was going to take a week. That was a whole week for me to dwell and worry about what I was in store for me. My anxious thoughts were interrupted by the sound of horse trots and carriage wheels. They were here.
A minute later there was a knock, Virgo went to open the door. My heart was pounding in my chest. When the door opened I was greeted with three sets of eyes.
A man with black hair, but when the sun hit it just right you could tell it was really a dark navy. His eyes were deep teal and he was about six feet tall. He looked static and cold until he saw me. Once his eyes met mine he smirked and I saw lust in his eyes. I was going to have to keep an eye on him. To the left of him was a man with piercing gold eyes and vivid salmon hair. His eyes were sharp but they looked kind. The huge goofy grin on his face only confirmed his kind demeanor. There was also a girl standing behind them. She had long scarlet hair and burgundy eyes. She was gorgeous. She looked dangerous, yet I wasn't scared. I bet she was a loyal person.
The man with pink hair spoke first, "Hello! We were sent by our master to pick up Lady Lucy. Do you happen to know where she is?" He had the biggest grin all the while. He didn't come across very smart. This would be an interesting trip.
"You idiot! It's obviously the gorgeous blonde in the blue kimono!" That time the blue haired man spoke. But I really wish he hadn't because it was plain rude! I was about to voice my distaste for his words when the red haired girl came up behind them and knocked their heads together. I was shocked to say the least, but nonetheless relieved they were put in their place for behaving so rudely to a lady.
The scarlet hair women spoke to me while the two men groaned while rubbing their heads. She bowed before speaking, "Excuse their manner Milady. I will make sure they receive punishment for that." I could see her eyes sparkle with excitement when she promised to punish them. "My name is Ezra Scarlet, I was sent so a woman would be present with you on your journey. My role at Edo Castle is a training instructor to the samurai." I was shocked to say the least. A woman training samurai is unheard of. I immediately decided I liked her. She must be a very hard working person. I get the same reprimand for how much I educate myself. "The pink haired man behind me is Natsu Dragoneel, he is one of our samurai. The blue haired man is Grey Fullbuter, another one of my samurai. We are delighted to meet you, and are very excited for your future role with us."
At the last part my heart sank, really what I was, was a child bearer for an old man needing kin. I had to leave my home and the people I love to play this role I did not want. But I needed to keep my head held high and be strong. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well. My bags are all right here. I would like to say goodbye one last time before we leave though. I shall be quick." Ezra nodded her head and began to instruct Natsu and Grey to load up my belongings.
I turned around and all my servants were standing behind me looking solemn. I myself already had tears in my eyes. Before me were the people that raised me, that cared for my mother until the end, and loved me for me, not my wealth. I can't believe I was leaving them. Virgo, Cancer, Taurus, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Scorpio, Aries, Gemini, Aquarius and dear Loke were all going to be ripped from my life. I went around and hugged each and every last one that were present at this moment and expressed my gratitude and love I held for them.
My father wasn't there in the end. He didn't care enough to say goodbye. Maybe that's a good thing though. With my bags loaded on the coach and tears in my eyes, I departed. My journey to Edo had began. But it felt as though my life had ended.
Well here is chapter one for you! It's an Edo Period love story of my favorite Fairy Tale couple! Let me know what you think! Would love reviews, I'm really proud of this story so far!