Hi All! This is my return to the world of fanfiction after years of disappearance. I set up a new account so that I will not be distracted by my previous works! Please enjoy and let me know if you have any feedback!
Disclaimer: Viewfinder and its characters all belong to Yamane Ayano. No profits are derived from writing this.
Akihito slid open the door, and dipped his head in a bow. "Father, you summoned me?"
He lifted his eyes to meet the formidable man in front of him, his father. Takaba Jeha, was the head of the Takaba clan and the Governor of Juoko, a small province located on the coast in the kingdom of Ryoku. With deep-set eyes, hair neatly parted and a cynical smile on his lips, Takaba Jeha was still very much the warrior that single-handedly defended Juoko against army troops in the last war.
His father frowned, and signaled for Akihito to sit.
Akihito meekly obeyed, folding his hands in his lap as he took his position on the tatami mat.
Jeha spoke "As you know, the corrupt King of Ryoku has been creating trouble for us, threatening to send his army here should we not abide by his requests."
Akihito nodded, unsure of where this conversation is going.
"I have consulted with the advisors on how we may best protect the clan. We have governed Juoko for the last centuries and will not relinquish our hold and bend to the whims of that young king. You are now of age, and being a male bearer, we will send you to the King as a peace offering."
Akihito widened his eyes unconsciously, as his heart clenched uncomfortably.
"This is the best for the clan, Akihito. With your bearer status, we are already in danger of losing our position as the clan's heading family. There are no other females of age or male bearers who can do this in place of you. Do not disappoint me again, Akihito." Takaba Jeha's eyes scrutinized Akihito's face carefully, his mouth hardening into a line.
Without waiting for a response, Takaba Jeha continued "We will be sending a messenger to the capital, notifying the King of our offering. Once the King accepts, we will send your entourage to the capital. Upon the union, you are to act as the clan's eyes and ears in the palace, and report every important detail back to us"
Akihito cast his eyes downwards to his knees, noting that he hand unknowingly clenched his hands so tightly that the skin was drawn taut over his knuckles. Biting his lips, he nodded, "I understand and accept your proposition, father."
It wasn't everyday where you'd hear that you are going to be sent off as a peace offering, Akihito thought as he paced in his private garden.
He knew he had no choice but to agree. His father was a proud man, and Akihito's birth and presence had bought nothing but shame to him. It was very well that male bearers were seen as a luxurious plaything for the royals and ruling class. However, to have one in the family was another issue altogether.
Being the head family of the clan, they had to pass the name to the next generation, or relinquish control of the clan, and along with it, the governing power of Juoko. Akihito's birth meant that the family name stopped at him, and for the generation after Akihito, the Takaba clan's power will be passed to some other family.
His father was always a stern and distant figure while Akihito grew up. When he was slightly older, he heard the servants whispering that it was due to his own physical similarities with his deceased mother, who died during childbirth, which led to the cold relationship.
Akihito knew how his mother looked like. After all, her formal portrait hung in the main hallway of the estate, her golden hair fanning her petite frame as she looked into the distant with a serene smile on her lips. The servants often gushed of her goodness, her warm personality and the evident love his father had for her.
After she passed on, he grew cold, often preferring to dine alone unless he had official duties to attend to.
Despite this, Akihito still loved and cared for his father – after all, the man still provided him with an education and little luxuries in life.
It was literally impossible for Akihito to go against his father's will – his words were absolute and Akihito knew that this was the only way he could compensate his father for his bearer status.
Akihito grimaced at the thought of serving the King. The King was very much disliked in Juoko, as he implemented heavy taxes and cared little for the infrastructure of the province. He knew the King to be corrupt and incompetent and detested the thought of having to entertain such a man.
As Akihito headed back to his room, he idly wondered on the King's looks – surely such a cruel man would be short and ugly?
The King put down his calligraphy brush, raising an eyebrow at the sudden intrusion.
"Kirishima, what brings you to my quarters at this time of the night?"
Kirishima bowed in apology, noting the mild tone of displeasure in his master's voice. "Asami sama, apologies for the intrusion, but we have just received a message from Governor Jeha. He has an untouched bearer son who is of age and would like to offer him in return for peace."
Asami reached for his porcelain sake cup and Kirishima stepped forward to pour the alcoholic beverage into the young King's cup.
Narrowing his eyes in distaste, Asami spoke "Governor Jeha is as cunning as ever. Inflating taxes behind the Capital's back for his own clan's wealth, and sending unnamed assassins to the capital."
Kirishima agreed, "Takaba Jeha is indeed as corrupt as they come. He has blinded his people, and spoke of nothing but criticism of you, my King. The people of Juoko still believe that the Capital is to blame for the widespread famine and lack of fresh water. Our plans to clamp down on his acts must have been compromised somehow, or he won't extend the offer of his only son to you, Asami-sama. I am sure that he has informed other clans and the public about his offer to you to place himself in a better light. Should we reject his offer, we would seem like the unreasonable ones."
As he took a sip of his sake, Asami spoke, "At the break of dawn, send a messenger to inform Governor Jeha that we accept his offering, and arrange for the young Takaba to be escorted to Suojo. He is not to bring any servants or guards with him. The Takabas are in for a rude shock if they think we will continue letting them do as they please."
Kirishima bowed. "As you wish sir, I will draft the message immediately."
Two weeks later, Akihito sat uncomfortably in the carriage, drawn by four horses.
The King's letter of acceptance arrived at the Takaba estate three days ago, and since then, there was a never-ending bustle in the estate, as all got ready to send the young Takaba off. Casks of fine wine were packed, horses selected, jewels and pottery carefully stored, all to be sent along with Akihito to appease the King's apparent wrath.
The young man himself was awoken at dawn this morning, and fussed over by his personal servants. He was forced to take a cherry blossom scented bath, before having his hair trimmed and his face powdered. For heaven's sake, they even outlined his eyes with Kohl, before dressing him in the newly ordered powder blue silk Kimono. This was all in spite of his arguments that it would take at least one and a half weeks on the road by carriage before he would reach the capital.
He was sent off by his father, the elder Takaba's stern gaze unwavering as Akihito bade goodbye, his silence reminding Akihito of the responsibilities that rested on his shoulders. It came as a slight shock to him that he had to bade all his servants farewell and be escorted by the imperial guards and waiting ladies instead – his father had originally mentioned that his whole entourage would be following him to Suojo.
Nevertheless, he was now on the way, occasionally peering through the curtains as the coastline he was so used to drew further and further away, his heart sinking as he thought of spending his time at the beck and call of the wicked King.
Thank you for reading! Will appreciate any feedback/ideas!