AN: So here's part two of my take on the Grimm's fairy tale of Thousand Furs. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you to everyone who left a review the last time or added the story to your favs or alerts. You've made my day.

Special thanks to my beta, Shrouded View. You're awesome! and to Ink Tree, whose Live Journal community, 100_fairytales, helped get this out of my head and onto paper.

Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin characters are the sole property of Nobuhiro Watsuki. Any original characters which arise belong to me.


Allerleirauh
The Search

Kaoru sat on a hard, stone windowsill high in a tower room. Leaning her head against the cool glass panes, she stared dispassionately at the grounds below.

As a child, Kaoru had often come to this room to hide from her tutors. The tower was all but forgotten; no one liked to climb the countless stairs it took to reach the remote location. Now that she was grown, Kaoru found it to be the perfect refuge to be alone and gather her thoughts.

"I wish I could talk to you, Mama," Kaoru whispered quietly, an itchy lump forming in her throat. "You said we would be fine, but we're not."

Over a year had passed since that fateful day, but there were still times Kaoru was acutely aware of the empty place in her heart left by her mother's death. To make matters worse, the king had taken to locking himself away from everyone, even his only daughter. In many ways, this hurt Kaoru even more than her mother's death. Her father was still alive; he just chose not to see her.

So, with the king mired in misery and essentially useless as a ruler, his Council had come up with a plan – one they felt was fool-proof in restoring the King's emotional stability. They had decided to find a new queen…and who better to choose one than the princess herself? Under the guise of Kaoru's birthday, nobles from this and neighboring kingdoms would be invited to a grand celebration, giving the princess a chance to assess potential candidates.

Reluctantly, Kaoru had agreed, though she knew it was an exercise in futility.

Today, Kaoru sought the solitude of the tower in an attempt to avoid the inevitable and daunting task which awaited her. The Council's decision weighed heavily on her. She'd hidden here knowing it would afford her at least a few hours of peace as she tried to sort out her feelings on the matter.

Kaoru closed her eyes and sighed heavily. 'How can I do this? Mama was everything to him,' she thought miserably.

When Kaoru reopened her eyes, a cloud of dust in the distance caught her attention. Focusing on the long road that led to the castle, she groaned as a carriage gradually came into focus, its gilding flashing in the bright sun.

"Great," she muttered to herself. "Just great. I can't believe this is actually happening."

The rusty scrape of the little-used door behind her signaled the end of Kaoru's solitude. Her time was up.

"You found me," Kaoru said bluntly, not turning to see who was invading her privacy.

"Over the years, your mother shared many things with me, Highness, not the least of which were your childhood antics," Midori responded from the doorway.

"I should have figured," Kaoru responded with a wry smile.

"Highness, the first of the visiting nobles is arriving."

"So I see," Kaoru replied, waving absently toward the approaching carriage.

"You are expected to greet them," the older woman pushed gently, trying to coax her young mistress down from her perch.

"You sure I can't skip this one, Midori?" Kaoru asked irritably continuing to stare out the window.

"They are guests, Highness, who have travelled great distances to honor you. You cannot neglect them."

"But they aren't my guests, are they, Midori?" Kaoru bit out irritably. "They are the Council's guests. As far as I'm concerned, those crazy bastards can stuff this hair-brained scheme up their collective…"

"Highness!" Midori exclaimed, her tone a harsh reprimand to the crass words which almost slipped from the young woman's mouth. "That is not how a princess should speak!"

"Oh please, Midori," Kaoru scoffed, finally climbing down from the window sill and facing the older woman. "Who cares what I say? It's not like a snooty noble is going to want a tomboy who can best him in a sword fight. If only I had been born a man...then we wouldn't be in this fix."

"Regardless of how you feel about the Council's decision, you did agree to this," Midori admonished, ignoring Kaoru's unladylike grumblings.

The hard edge in Midori's tone reminded Kaoru of her mother's no-nonsense attitude so much that the princess smiled despite herself. The queen's influence over the servant woman was evident in many small ways. That was one of the reasons Kaoru had retained Midori as her own lady-in-waiting after the queen's death – she was a tangible link to the mother Kaoru had lost.

"As princess of this kingdom, you have duties which must be fulfilled…duties which you are clearly not dressed for," Midori continued, her tone clipped as she took in the over-sized tunic and trousers Kaoru wore. "We must get you ready…quickly. First impressions mean everything."


"There…" Midori breathed as she released the ebony tendril she had curled around her finger. "Now you look like the lovely young lady you are."

Kaoru stood and walked over to gaze at her reflection in the full-length mirror. The rich blue-gray color of Kaoru's dress served to accent the deep azure of her eyes. A wide sash of rose silk circled her waste, emphasizing the gentle flare of her hips while the tailored bodice fit perfectly over her feminine curves.

As she was still unmarried, Kaoru's thick mass of hair was only partially pulled up, allowing the remaining ebony tresses fall in loose, rich waves down her back. Midori had curled soft tendrils to frame her face, accentuating Kaoru's high, sculpted cheekbones.

"The guests are already gathering in the garden," Midori reminded her, smoothing the skirt of Kaoru's dress.

"Are there many of them, Midori?" Kaoru couldn't help the touch of apprehension that tinged her words.

"A fair few," Midori replied vaguely. She walked up next to Kaoru and put an affectionate, motherly arm around the young woman's waist. "You'll be fine, Kaoru. You have no need to be nervous."

Kaoru smiled faintly at Midori's rare use of her given name. Snaking her arm around the older woman, Kaoru's blue eyes met Midori's brown.

"You look so much like your mother," the older woman said quietly.

"I miss her, Miri," Kaoru said softly.

Midori's smile was wistful. "We all do, child."

"I can't believe I let the Council talk me into this," Kaoru muttered. "They're asking the impossible."

Midori gently turned to face Kaoru, raising a gentle hand to the princess's face. "The Council means well, Highness," she consoled. "They only want to help your father."

"I know," Kaoru murmured. "Let's just get this over with."

Steeling her resolve, Kaoru proceeded out the door, followed closely by her maid.


Nearly two hours later, flushed from the heat of the late summer sun, Kaoru found herself still trapped among the palace guests in the beauty of her mother's rose garden Irritated and overheated, she vowed to have a word with whoever decided it was a good idea to have a garden party at this time of year. Kaoru walked quickly among the fragrant blooms, desperate for a place of solace after her narrow escape from an adolescent blond who thought himself a prize among men.

'What was he…twelve?' Kaoru had to suppress a snort of laughter at the memory of the boy's cracking voice as he tried to woo her.

"Good afternoon, Highness. If I may…"

Kaoru nodded at the middle-aged man who greeted her, but kept walking. She didn't care if she was being rude. She desperately needed a break.

'Just a few minutes before I say or do something to embarrass myself,' Kaoru thought.

Ducking quickly into an unoccupied gazebo covered in climbing red roses, Kaoru prayed her lady-in-waiting wouldn't notice her absence. She had little doubt Midori would drag Kaoru back again if she saw the errant princess was missing.

Concealing herself behind one of the more heavily-covered supports, Kaoru observed the scene of the garden party with disdain. She couldn't stand these people. After only ten minutes she'd wanted to scream; she didn't want to think about the fact that she was stuck with them for the next three days.

'Don't you have any self respect?!' she silently screamed to the bejeweled ladies who twittered behind lacy fans.

Did the Council really think her father would be attracted to one of these empty headed women…that one of them could actually pull him out of his bottomless depression? They were all so superficial. How could they possibly think they could compete with the memory of her mother?

Kaida Kamiya had been a woman of grace and beauty…intelligence and wit. In life, she was loved by her people for her compassion, her generosity, ruling alongside her husband as his equal. These were the qualities Kaoru sought, but not one of these shallow, self-centered women came close to being worthy of the position for which they were being considered.

It was fortunate none of them were aware of the party's ulterior motive. If they had been, no doubt their behavior would be worse than it already was. They simply believed they were there to celebrate Kaoru's eighteenth birthday and her coming-of-age. Kaoru could now be courted by prospective suitors, which explained the over abundance of unattached males present. As for the rest…they were just here for a good party.

The men, Kaoru discovered, were even worse than the women. Mouth lifting in a sardonic smile, Kaoru admitted to herself that at least their personalities covered a wider spectrum – ranging anywhere from simpering fools to those so pompous, arrogant, and full of themselves she was amazed they fit through doorways. The fact that they were supposed be her prospects for a future husband made Kaoru's stomach churn in revulsion. Many of them were older than her father, more interested in the power a marriage to her represented than in the woman herself.

"Blithering idiots," Kaoru muttered darkly, too preoccupied with her ire to notice she was no longer alone.

"I couldn't agree with you more," a deep voice spoke from the gazebo's entrance. Emitting a startled squeal, Kaoru spun toward the sound, catching her foot on the hem of her dress. Flailing gracelessly, Kaoru squeezed her eyes shut in preparation for the inevitable painful impact only to be suspended mid-fall, caught in a pair of strong arms.

Looking up in surprise, Kaoru found herself staring into laughing, turquoise eyes. She gripped the front of the stranger's embroidered tunic as she felt herself being pulled upright.

"Are you all right, Highness?" asked the stranger, steadying Kaoru on her feet, his rich voice laced with amusement.

Kaoru simply gazed, stunned, at the man before her. Shock-white hair framed a strong, handsome face. He towered over her and Kaoru could feel the strength of his powerful frame under her fingertips.

"Mmm…" she hummed noncommittally, lost in the depths of his unusually bright eyes.

A deep chuckle made its way through the hazy fog of her mind.

Coming to herself with a start, Kaoru realized she was still holding onto the man's tunic while his strong hands rested on her waist to hold her steady. Quickly pulling away as though she'd been scalded, she made a show of smoothing her dress, turning away to hide the flush she felt rising in her cheeks.

"Other than dying from extreme embarrassment, I think I'll live," Kaoru muttered, attempting to cover her discomfiture.

'Get a grip, Kamiya!' Kaoru mentally chided herself. Taking a deep breath, Kaoru turned to face the aqua-eyed stranger, willing herself to maintain control.

"My apologies, sir. I didn't realize there was someone there or I never would have said such a thing."

Kaoru winced inwardly as she tried to adopt the demure, quiet persona she knew was expected of her, despite knowing she was too late. As Midori had said, first impressions were everything.

"You should never apologize for speaking your mind, Highness," the man replied with a smile. "And besides, it is I who should be apologizing to you. I didn't mean to startle you."

Kaoru smiled slightly in return as she studied the man in front of her. She didn't remember greeting him formally earlier with all of the other guests, but there was something that hovered at the fringes of her memory about this man…something she couldn't quite figure it out. He seemed so familiar, and yet…not. Surely, she would remember someone so undeniably attractive, even with his odd coloring.

"I'm sorry, but have we met?" Kaoru asked him. "I don't remember greeting you when you arrived."

"I'm afraid I was so late in arriving I missed formal introductions. Lord Yukishiro, at your service, Highness," he replied, bowing deeply at the waist as he introduced himself.

"Lord Yukishiro," Kaoru murmured thoughtfully…and then it clicked. A boy, a little older than herself, lost in the labyrinth of castle corridors, searching for his sister. But his hair had been…

"Enishi?"

Rising from his bow, a charming smile lit the young man's face. "I'm pleased you remember me, Highness."

"It's been ages!" Kaoru exclaimed.

"About ten years, I believe," Enishi replied, laughing lightly.

"Really? It doesn't seem that long ago," Kaoru said thoughtfully.

An awkward silence followed as Kaoru racked her brain for something to talk about. She'd never been good at small talk. Thinking back to the last time she had seen Enishi, Kaoru remembered the dark-eyed beauty who had accompanied her father and brother to the castle.

"How is your sister?" she asked. "Wasn't she to be married not long after you were here the last time? You must be an uncle by now."

At her words, a dark look flashed across Enishi's face. "Tomoe and Akira are dead," he replied, his deep voice cold as he absently ran his fingers through his frosty hair.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to…" Kaoru exclaimed, horrified.

Blue eyes widened when long, callused fingers came to rest on her lips, effectively silencing her apology.

Lowering his hand from Kaoru's mouth, Enishi turned to look out on the garden. Kaoru stepped forward to stand next him, gazing at him with concern. Enishi closed his eyes briefly in an attempt to clear his thoughts before he spoke again.

"It was a long time ago," he said quietly, looking down at Kaoru. "I don't wish to spoil your birthday with morbid tales of my family's misfortunes. Today is a day to celebrate life…your life."

Turning to face her fully, Enishi offered Kaoru a dazzling smile as he attempted to lighten the heavy mood that had fallen.

"Now, while I would like to become better acquainted with my one-time childhood companion, I'm afraid we cannot hide in here forever. You would be neglecting your guests and that would not be proper," he said winking at her.

"I suppose you're right," Kaoru sighed despondently.

"If I may be so bold, Highness," Enishi continued formally, offering Kaoru his arm, "I would like to request permission to be your escort for the little bit of time that remains this afternoon."

"I would be honored, Lord Yukishiro," Kaoru replied with equal formality, though the tone was colored with her smile. Taking the offered arm, Kaoru stepped from the relative shelter of the gazebo and back into the sunlight with Enishi at her side.

As they mingled among the other party guests, Kaoru blessed her luck in literally stumbling upon her friend of long ago. Enishi knew how to play society's game well and his presence at her side seemed to ward off all but the boldest potential suitors. No doubt they believed she had already bestowed her favor on the handsome, young lord.

However, as the afternoon wore on, Kaoru couldn't help feeling something was off. True, Enishi was charismatic and she was flattered by his attentions; but behind it all, Kaoru could sense that same darkness that she briefly seen in his eyes before.

Making her way back to her rooms following the garden party, Kaoru's instincts told her to be wary of Enishi.

Lord Yukishiro was not all he seemed.


A/N: This portion of the tale was inspired in part by Prompt #002 - Curing a Sick Lion. Originally posted to 100_fairytales Community, Sept. 14, 2009.

Thanks for reading and please let me know what you think.

Shameless plug...If you haven't already, please check out my other RK story, Dream Weaver, which is also currently in progress. I would love to know what you think.