Kaine couldn't help but feel sick at the sight before her. Once again, Riboku-sama was in the dungeons trying to coddle the princess. It didn't take a genius to be able to tell the woman was becoming ill. She had lost weight and her complexion looked paler than when they had first brought her down here. It was aggravating that after all the time the general spent down here trying to make her eat or converse, the pinkette would just disrespect and ignore him all together. Why did he even bother?
Who knows when it started, but she knew her lord had become infatuated with the princess for some time now. Once in a while, he would talk to her about it, but it always made her feel uncomfortable. Ever since he became the general in her home village of Yan Men and helped the villagers defend themselves against the Xiongnu, she admired him more than anyone else. For years, Yan Men had been pillaged and terrorized by those barbarians, so when Riboku-sama came, it was like a dream come true. Her admiration slowly turned into unrequited love over the last few years of being by his side through many wars. She had even become a commander in his army, which had gained much recognition for their victories due to their general. Not only was he handsome, but also a strategical genius who was capable of leading over a hundred thousand men without any issue. He truly lived up to the name of one of the "Three Great Heavens".
After his exile to Domei, Riboku-sama confided in her and Futei, that King Tou Jou would undoubtedly put out an order for his head. There weren't many options left for them now.
Meanwhile, the Qin had been swift in taking over the other lands that were involved in the coalition. After Shouheikun's defeat in Chu, a great opportunity was available for her lord to take advantage of. Qin was left without their top military strategist who was the Head of the Military Affairs and Chancellor of the Right. That left a gaping hole in Qin's military infrastructure in the middle of a campaign that would decide the fate of China.
Riboku-sama sent a messenger with a proposal to King Sei and before she knew it, they were in Kanyou with her lord swearing allegiance to Qin. He would take over the late Shouheikun's position and help defeat Zhao and the king that wanted him dead. Unlike King Tou Jou, King Sei was willing to whatever he needed in order to reach his goal, even if it meant allying himself with a former enemy.
Kaine knew the general did not hold a grudge against Zhao itself. In fact, he wanted to save Zhao by ousting the ruthless and selfish king. The country was declining economically and in military might because of his whims and splurging of the lands funds. He did not care for the citizens or their safety. Under King Sei's rule, they would flourish and finally be able to stop fighting tooth and nail just to survive.
Now, Zhao is in Qin's hands thanks to Riboku-sama and after their king was publicly beheaded by General Kanki, the citizens and army surrendered. Her lord made sure that those who surrendered weren't tortured and killed by Kanki or his army, which they were famous for. The same can't be said for the royal family. The only relative of the king that lived in the royal palace who was still alive, was the pink-haired woman in the cell. Every other attendant, princess, and even the king's male lovers were all killed. They didn't want any of them to escape and try to raise a rebellion for the sake of revenge or leak information, it was better to be safe than sorry.
The only reason this princess was still alive was because her lord had bargained for her life before the war with Zhao even started. Riboku-sama had made two conditions on him taking over and helping with defeating Zhao. The first was that after the people surrendered, they were not to be harmed. The second was that Sakura-hime's life be spared and given to him in exchange for his full cooperation. King Sei had no qualms with either conditions as long as Riboku-sama took responsibility if anything were to go wrong.
Everything went as he had predicted, he even knew Sakura-hime was going the have her back up against them, but underestimated how long she could starve herself for. He was at a loss of what to do, the only other option was force feeding and that was a bad option that would make her even more difficult to deal with.
It wasn't hard to tell her lord was tired as he kneeled next to the bars of the cell. The princess had already fallen asleep on the thin mat on the floor. Why does he continue to do this? It's obvious that she hates his guts...
It was chilly in the dungeon at night and she was glad she had worn a thicker robe than she normally would have. Looking at the princess, she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Riboku-sama always spoke of her as if she were some goddess sent down by the heavens, especially after the big celebration in the royal court.
She remembered how fixated he seemed with the woman, like he was entranced as she danced with a gracefulness someone like herself could never achieve. Yes, she can admit the princess was beautiful and an amazing dancer, but why was he going to such lengths for her? He went as far interfering with marital arrangements the king had set up, even involving her and Futei in his plans.
There were plenty of gorgeous women willing to throw themselves at his feet, herself included. So why?...
"If she stays in this cell any longer, I fear she may die soon." Riboku's somber voice startled her back to reality.
"Hmph, it will happen whether she's in here or not. The girl has no sense of self preservation."
"Kaine!" The anger in this voice was apparent, unable to accept the truth. The woman didn't want to live anymore, she made that quite clear.
She couldn't help but shake her head, feeling pity for the man and his uncharacteristic foolishness.
Riboku couldn't help feeling useless as he stared at the sick pinkette, her fever making her sweat bullets. The guard on duty late last night told him she had been like this since he started his shift and hasn't made a peep the whole time.
The only noises she made were groans every now and then, but that's all. He decided he had to get her out of the dungeon. It was cold, dirty, and reeked of death. Anyone would fall ill after being locked up in such a place for over a week, that and she refused to eat anything he had sent down to her. The only thing he could manage was getting Kaine to get her to drink some water here and there.
"Kaine, tell the guards to have her chambers prepared and they will rotate their shifts outside her door and the hall leading to it." This would be a better option, hopefully.
"Riboku-sama! That's a horrible idea. It's easier to keep her in the cell, so that she can't try to escape or attack anyone. It also keeps others out who might want to harm her."
He let out a deep sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I know that, but this arrangement is not working out. Perhaps if she feels less like a...prisoner...she would be more compliant. The room has no windows or other means of escape. The only way in or out is the hall and the guards will be stationed there. No one goes in or out aside from the two of us and Futei. This is only until we can return to Kanyou."
This would be the best course of action now, until they can return with the princess in tow. The king agreed that if he helped subjugate the lands of Zhao and help overthrow the current king, that she would belong to him. The princess would be coming to Kanyou with him, whether she liked it or not.
Sakura's chambers had been untouched since the battle for the kingdom a little over a week ago. The fighting had not reached this side of the palace, thankfully.
Riboku had her brought up from the dungeon and put into her own bed. A healer would be sent in later with some medicinal herbs and anything else they needed to get her fever down. Before they made the journey to Qin's capital, she would have to be in better health.
An attendant knocked on the door and entered after he gave his permission. Carrying a basin of water and cloth, the smaller man bowed and quickly left the room as soon as he was dismissed.
Dipping the cloth in the cool water, he gently started wiping the sweat from her face and neck. She was panting and her skin was burning up. Until the healer arrived, the only thing he could do was try to cool her off.
Even though she was ill, she still looked beautiful to him. Memories of when he first saw her filtered through his mind, causing a smirk to spread across his face.
The first few times he had seen her, she was sneaking around the palace, seemingly up to no good. He doubted she knew he was watching her as she snuck away from the guards and out into the woods. Curiosity got the best of him and he followed the mysterious beauty. All kinds of rumors circulated about the "heretic" princess who was recently brought to the palace. It was hard not to hear all the gossip buzzing around the capital, it made him miss living out in the countryside, where people were too concerned with trying to make ends meet to bother with such petty things.
Riboku knew it was wrong and he shouldn't have been there. There was a meeting with a few of the other generals in the next hour. He should have been preparing for it, not following one of the king's daughters out into woods, but he with reasoned with himself that it could be detrimental not to. What if an enemy kidnapped her and held her for ransom? The king wouldn't pay it anyway, but it would be better to avoid situations like that.
They walked for at least a half an hour, without her noticing his presence, until reaching the river. The princess kicked off her shoes and laid down in the grass, letting out a deep sigh. 'What is she doing?' The woman just laid in the sun, taping her foot and humming a song.
She seemed so relaxed and carefree compared to when he had seen her in the palace. The view before him was so serene, the last though in the back of his head was the meeting, which would surely be delayed due to his absence.
When the woman had her fill, she brushed the grass off her robe as she stood and started making her way back to the palace. Riboku couldn't help but chuckle knowing that she never realized for a second that he was following her. Maybe if she did, she would think twice about venturing out without any guards or attendants. This time it was him, but next time...who knows. He would have to inform the guards to keep a better eye on the rebellious princess for her own good.
By the time the annual celebration the king threw every spring had come, he still hadn't formally introduced himself to the pinkette. Rumor was that the king had decided to use the event to showcase his daughters for potential "suitors" and as always, show all those throughout the lands his splendor and riches. Anyone worth note in the military or the royal court was ordered to go, their attendance was mandatory.
Kaine was more than willing to attend the event and Futei insisted on going if she was. Those two were difficult to deal with when together. They were always either insulting and hitting each other, or Futei would be trying to hit on to the irate woman. Though at odds with each other, they were loyal and hardworking, he knew he could trust them.
As the performance at the celebration began, the princesses of the kingdom came out from behind a curtain dressed up in colorful silk robes and fancy ornaments, looking every bit the part of royalty. Instantly, his eyes drew to one dancer that stood out above the rest, Sakura-hime.
If her pink hair and fair skin didn't make her stick out, then her dancing did. He couldn't look away, not wanting to miss a second. The way her body moved was just...downright sinful.
She smiled as she twirled and swayed to the rhythm of the music. The blood rushed to his face when the dance began, but now it was heading elsewhere as lewd thoughts crossed his mind watching the goddess at work. The thought that most of the men in the room were probably doing the same angered him, but was expected since this was also an event for potential suitors.
All he knew was at that moment, he decided on one thing: he would have her.
"What are...you doing here?"
Riboku was broken out of his thoughts by her soft voice, not carrying the usually aggressive tone he was becoming accustom to.
"I had you brought up from the dungeon because of how sick you're getting. I'm waiting for the healer to arrive so they can look at you and hopefully remedy your illness." He put the cloth back into the water, knowing she wouldn't want his assistance.
"Don't bother... There's no point..." She closed her eyes and turned away.
Grabbing her chin, he forced her to look at him. "Don't say such foolish things. The healer should be coming any minute and you will do as they tell you to. After that, I would like to speak with you about what's going to happen."
Sakura gave him a defiant glare and he just knew she was going to try to give him and everyone else a hard time.
"If you don't do as the healer says and take the medicine and food they give you, then I will personally request General Kanki to come up here and do it for them. You wouldn't like that, right Hime?"
Baring her teeth with fire in her eyes, he thought she was going to try to hit him. "You bastard, you wouldn't dare!" Not saying a word, he could see she was contemplating his threat and the chances of him carrying it out.
He knew it was low considering the situation, but if it would get her to do what he wanted, then it didn't matter. It's not like he would actually let that rabid animal around her.
"Don't...I'll do it...just don't do that." After a knock on the door, Kaine entered with the healer, who immediately began the task at hand. Sakura didn't put up a fight so far, maybe she was too sick? Or maybe she thought he would make good on his threat?
Kaine narrowed her eyes at Sakura with obvious distaste, making him frown at her. For now, he'll leave the older woman to her job. There was still much to do before they left for Qin and he wanted to wrap things up as quickly as possible.
Sakura couldn't remember the last time she had gotten sick like this. Thanks to the older woman who came to help her out, she was clean and starting to feel a bit better. After a harsh scolding from the healer, she ate some food that was brought in. After that first reluctant bite, she realized how hungry she truly was after not eating for the last week. The woman warned her not to eat too much or she might throw it up.
Why was she giving in when her resolve to die was absolute? Why didn't she reject the woman and the food? Simple, she was deathly afraid of General Kanki. Would Riboku keep his word if she defied him again? She couldn't confidently answer that. Truth be told, she neither knew the man well or could predict how his mind works.
The thought of him sending that insane bandit into her room made her fists clench tightly. Never in her life had she felt so powerless and defenseless as she did under that disgusting mans large body. Remembering those cold, dark eyes full time of excitement made her tremble. If Riboku didn't interfere... There were things worse than death, and one of those things are being found by General Kanki or his army.
As the older woman grabbed her things and left, Sakura couldn't help feeling tired after eating so well and laying down on a comfortable bed. She had clean robes on and was so grateful the smell of the dungeon was replaced with a floral scent. For the first time in over a week, she let her mind go blank trying to push aside all the images that haunted her dreams.
With a knock on the door, Riboku let himself into the guarded chambers. It had been a few hours since the healer had taken her leave. He was grateful that Sakura had complied with the woman and didn't give her a hard time.
Walking into the room, he noticed the princess curled up on her bed, deep in slumber. He pulled up a chair, content with watching her sleeping form. How would things go from here? How compliant would she be all the way to Kanyou?
Different scenarios played through his mind, but each one seemed even more difficult than last. What exactly did he want her to do? It's not like he expected her to willingly share her bed with him right after the loss of her family and state.
Although, to say he didn't intend for that to happen eventually would be a lie. He knew when he asked King Sei for Sakura's life in exchange for his help against Zhao, that she would be his woman. The end seemed inevitable and if he hadn't bargained for her, there's no doubt she would have lost her life the day Kantan was sieged. There were no survivors of the royal family aside from her and it was all because of him.
The life she had been given in the palace was not fit for someone like her. The women were bloodthirsty and the men were snakes, always trying to tear someone down until there's nothing left. Although she's a strong woman, she shouldn't have to endure living in an environment like that. If she stayed with him, he could give her a better life. It might not be as luxurious and flashy as a princess of King Tou Jou would probably demand, but he liked to think he had many other redeeming qualities that could make her happy.
Watching as her chest rose and fell with her soft breathing, he admired her elegant features. A calloused hand gently pushed asides a few loose stands of pink hair, feeling the soft skin under his finger tips.
A quick flash of anger shot through him as it reminded him of the time he walked in on King Tou Jou as he was about to strike her. There was talk all over the court of how the princess disobeyed the king by not showing up when a suitor arrived.
No one knew where she currently was, except Riboku. There was no doubt that she had gone off into the woods again, but he wasn't going to say anything and it would make him look suspicious. Not only did he not want to cause more problems than he already had, but her absence would mean she wouldn't be leaving with any of the men that arrived.
The truth of the matter was, it was all his doing. He was the reason the first few men didn't arrive, thanks to the assistance of Kaine and Futei. It's not hard to pull off such a task, especially with his careful planning. The last one was very short notice and he sent Futei out to intercept the attendant who was to inform the princess of the mans arrival that day.
She would not find out and with as few guards he had situated near her quarters, there was no doubt she would flee into the woods. One thing he excelled at was observing others and learning how to predict their moves and reactions. It's shown countless times as he plans out battles and counters his enemies.
One thing he didn't predict was the king to actually go to her room to confront her. As soon as he arrived in the courts, there were whispers of the princess returning and how enraged King Tou Jou was at her disobedience and where he currently was. It was unheard of for their lazy king to do such a thing as going all the way to the other side of the palace, usually he would order people to go to him.
Riboku hightailed it to the direction of Sakura's chambers, since he already knew exactly where it was located. The closer he got the louder the voice shouting in her room became. It was no doubt the king yelling, there was no way he wouldn't be able to recognize it after hearing him carry on so many times in the royal court.
Reaching the doorway, he saw the king gripping up the princess, about to hit her. Without thinking, he yelled out to the enraged man, stopping him in mid-action.
Everyone in the royal courts and in the capital know you do not interrupt the king or speak back to him, doing so will undoubtedly result in death.
Looking at Sakura, it was clear from the bruising on her cheek that the king had already struck her. The urge to pull out his sword and cut the older man down was almost unbearable. With his fists clenched at his side, it took all rational thought to not use them to beat him to death.
No, not only did he have to think about himself and Sakura, but all those who trust and rely on him. The only way he could think of getting out of this situation without anyone getting hurt, was to appeal to the kings greedy side. Reminding him of the money his daughter makes him was sure enough to work, which it did. He tossed the woman onto the floor, like a child with a broken toy and immediately began talking about the news of the Qi ambassadors arrival, as if he hadn't just abused his daughter.
As the king walked out, Riboku stood in the doorway hoping the princess would look up at him so he could try to convey some sort of apologetic message to her. The words that came out of his mouth to the king were hurtful towards her and he knew he regretted them before they even left his mouth, but they worked.
The woman sat on the floor with her head hung down in shame and embarrassment. In that moment, he truly resented himself knowing his selfish desire was the reason this whole incident happened in the first place. The way he spoke as if she wasn't another human being, was just as bad as kicking her while she's down.
Before turning to leave, Riboku promised himself that one day when the princess is his, she would never have that look on her face again. She would never have bruises from being hit and would never be paraded around for money, like her father did. If she wanted to dance, it would only be on her terms and hopefully just for him. Most of all, he didn't want her to be ashamed of herself because of that disgusting man who claims he is her father...
Green eyes fluttered open as Riboku continued to stroke the pinkette's cheek. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice.
"What's going to happen to me?" Removing his hand immediately, he was startled that he didn't notice her eyes open. The question threw him off guard for a second, as she sat up in the bed looking at him with tired eyes. "Are they going to execute me? After all, I am one of the kings daughters. I don't understand what's going on."
The room was quiet as Riboku contemplated what he wanted to say. Should the answer be sugarcoated or would that only make matters worse? The was no point in dancing around it any longer and drawing out the inevitable.
"You're not going to be executed...The king of Qin has decided to spare you're life. We will be heading for Kanyou soon, actually."
The woman's mouth dropped open and eyes widened as she took in the information. "What do you mean we're heading for Kanyou? And why was I spared and not anyone else, even the younger princesses!"
The strategist let out a deep sigh, knowing this was going to be difficult. "I offered my services to Qin and bargained for you're life. Since you were a member of the royal family, you would have been executed and I couldn't let that happen. We're going to Kanyou because that's where my residence is. Since I have been given the same position in Kanyou as in Kantan, I need to be in Qin's capital."
"That still doesn't answer my question about what's going to happen to me. Will I be imprisoned in Kanyou?... Do you know how many people died because of what you did? Why did you do this?" She glared daggers at him and balled her fists into the sheets around her.
"Hime, outside of the palace there is a war going on to unite all of China under one flag. So far, the Qin have had nothing but victory after victory. The people of Zhao were in a desperate situation with a fool for a king squandering all the countries resources and having people executed left and right. Under Qin's rule, the people can prosper and be able to live better lives. In order to do that, the head of the state had to fall and regrettably many people were pulled into that. The king had ample time to surrender knowing the odds weren't in his favor and treated it as if it were a joke."
He was glad the pinkette was listening intently and not interrupting as he explained himself. The room felt stuffy all of a sudden as the woman's emerald eyes bore into his, as if she was searching his soul. It made him feel uncomfortable, like he was exposing himself in front of her, but he would continue until she was satisfied. Although he technically didn't have to tell her anything, he wanted to so the transition would hopefully be smoother. Waiting until right before they left, would probably result in her carrying on all the way to Qin. This way she could tire herself out or come to terms with what's going to happen.
"You won't be imprisoned, but will have to stay at my residence for your own sake. Being from the former royal family, you could be targeted for ransom or an assassination attempt, which I will not allow to happen. You'll be safe as long as you stay there and don't draw attention to yourself."
She was quiet for a minute, eyes cast down at her hands. "Don't draw attention? Having to worry someone could come to kill me and being forced to go to a country I want nothing to do with?... Its just a lot to take in... What will I do? Are you going to make me a handmaiden in your household?" The anger was visible on her face, hating every second as freedom slipped further from her grasp.
Riboku didn't know if her anger was at losing the power to make her own choices or the thought of becoming a servant, despite coming from royalty. "No...you will become my wife. You won't need to serve anyone, but me."
As soon as he finished his sentence, she leapt off the bed and onto him, knocking them backwards out of the chair and onto the floor. "You bastard! I knew it! I knew there had to be a reason. You men are all the same, thinking only about THAT!"
It would be a lie if Riboku said he didn't enjoy the woman straddling his waist and shaking him. The sudden spike in her energy surprised him, considering how lifeless she seemed earlier, but this needed to stop. After all, he's just a man and there was a beautiful woman practically riding on top of him.
Flipping their positions and pinning her to the floor, the fierce look in his eyes instantly made her fall silent. "Are all women the same and think men only care about their bodies and what they can do with them? Yes, I'm a man, but I also have priorities. You do as well, that's why you WILL marry me, Hime. You don't have any other option that doesn't involve you getting killed or worse."
The woman squirmed and flailed, cursing his name. He kept her pinned until she tired herself out, which didn't take long as she was still weak from being sick and stuck in the dungeon. Picking her up, he laid her back on the bed as she stopped resisting him, probably from lethargy.
Saying all there was to say, he figured he'd leave to give the princess time and space to think about all he said. Eventually, she would understand this was for the best and would be grateful later on down the road.
Sakura was at a loss of what to do. It didn't take a genius to figure out that going with that man was probably better than getting executed, but she couldn't help but lament on her lost time. Growing up in the village with her mother, she imagined working as a healer for the people in the area and finding someone on her own. She would fall in love with a respectable man, who loved her just as much, they would marry and start a family together in the village.
It was just too much to ask for in these times of war. Women were used as pawns, payment, or given as gifts. Men were sent out to war or toiled in the fields until they couldn't do it anymore. This world was cruel and being able to live a peaceful life with the ones you love was nothing more than a pipe dream.
As his wife, Sakura knew it was expected of her to lay beneath him any time he wanted and to bear his children. That would be her job, to do anything and everything to make her husband happy, until one of them dies or she is replaced with a concubine or lover.
'That is not a life I can accept! It's either marry him or die? No, I still could run and try to hide in one of the many villages away from the palace, or even in the woods, if need be. After everything I've been through so far in life, I can't just let it end like this...'
No matter what it took, she would leave this place and find her own way. Her pride had been damaged enough from the rough living in the village and in Kantan, where she was scorned. The problem would be how noticeable she would be in a crowd with her pink hair, but there were ways of covering that up.
Two days after Riboku told her of his intentions and not showing up, Sakura decided to set her plan in motion. Getting out of this fortress would not easy in any way.
To say it was difficult would be an understatement when trying to distract the guards without alerting them of what was going on. After sneaking through the corridors, knowing all the short cuts and passageways, she could feel freedom right at her fingertips. It seemed like ages since she felt the sunshine on her face and the grass beneath her feet.
As she snuck out of one of the passageways, the bright sun was blinding as her eyes tried to adjust.
"Oi! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
'Shit! I know that loud woman's voice from anywhere.' Sakura ran towards the woods as fast as she could, with Kaine in pursuit.
The dark haired woman chased after the pinkette knowing that if her lord found out she was missing, he would not only be angry with them, but also send his men out to search for her.
Dashing through the trees and feeling the adrenaline pumping through her veins, Sakura knew this was her chance to escape, but how long would she be able to outrun her pursuer? Kaine was always on the battlefield or training with Riboku's army and was in much better shape.
"I said stop!" She could feel the woman right at her heels, closing in. 'This can't be it. I know I'm capable of more than this. I'm not going down without a fight!' Sakura whirled around, kicking Kaine right in her solar plexus, making her double over. While she gasped for air, the pinkette took off like a bat out of hell.
All she could hear were the leaves and branches crunching under her feet as she ran for her life. No more Kantan, no more royalty, no more palace, no more Riboku. She just wanted a quiet life somewhere, to be happy and raise a family on her own terms. 'I will find my own happiness!'
She could hear the heavy breathing of the woman she thought she left behind catching up. 'No...I don't know how much longer I can keep running from her.' Before she knew it, she was tackled to the ground and wrestling the commander into the dirt and leaves, but found herself pinned under the stronger woman's hold.
Sakura tried to buck the older woman off of her and they threw fists attempting to throw each other off. Kaine slugged her in the jaw and as the princess was stunned, she pulled out a blade, cutting down the front of her robes and chest bindings in one sweep, without drawing blood.
Sakura yelled out as her robes fell off to the side, exposing her naked body to the world. Kaine smirked as she noticed the young woman's nipples hardening as the cool breeze chilled her. Riboku-sama was right when he said she truly was beautiful, but this was not the time to be admiring the view.
"Is this what you want?! This is what will happen to you if you try to escape or if Riboku-sama changes his mind. Do you know what happens to women like us when we're captured or have our homes are invaded and taken over? We're stripped down to nothing, exposed as the day we were born in front of everyone and taken over and over again without a choice or say in the matter! You should be grateful for what he's done for you, but you're just a spoiled brat from the palace! If it had been any other soldier, you would have been raped and killed already."
Sakura couldn't believe this was happening. While the woman on top of her kept yelling, she felt more ashamed and embarrassed of her nakedness with every second that passed. Is this what awaited her? Being caught like an animal and being shamed in such a manner?
She couldn't help but notice the look of pain and sadness in the dark eyes above her. Did she have to endure such things when she was younger? There were villages that were far worse than hers, she was just lucky she didn't experience whatever Kaine had endured.
With either amazing or horrible timing, Futei and some of his troops showed up to escort Kaine and the princess back after he witnessed his "beloved" fellow commander run off after seeing the other woman escape. Before Sakura could try to run off again, something hit her from behind, knocking her into total darkness.
Kaine quickly knocked the woman out cold before making sure she was completely covered in front of the men present. If Riboku-sama heard about what happened, he would be livid. Usually he was calm and collected, but she knew for a fact he would freak out if he knew his beloved princess was exposed in front of a these dirty soldiers and Futei, of all people.
Her and Futei rode back on horses with the unconscious woman in tow, neither of them saying a word to each other. After reaching the palace, the two of them carried Sakura-hime through the passage she escaped from and back into her chambers, after chastising the guards on their inability to keep one woman in her room. This could not happen again, or it would reflect badly on them to their lord.
Kaine decided to clean and change Sakura before Riboku-sama returned to see her in this sorry state. There was nothing she could do about the bruise on her face, but she could change the damaged robe and wipe the dirt off her skin. After thanking Futei and dismissing him, she set to her task at hand.
Ridding the woman of her torn robes and ruined bindings, she left her naked as she grabbed a basin of warm water she had an attendant fetch for her. The attendant could have always been told to clean her up, but it was her fault this happened. She didn't need to go to so far and humiliate the young woman, but she didn't realize how good she would have it in her lords care. What would happen if she didn't go after her and someone else had? The fool needed to understand her situation a little better.
Taking the cloth out of the water and draining it, she started to wash away the dirt on her off her exposed skin starting with face and legs, then moving onto her neck and chest. Kaine felt envious as she ran the cloth up her womanly curves to her much fuller breasts. The princess's chest was more endowed and her hips were wider when she compared them. Her hair was long and felt so silky.
Unlike her tanned skin from spending most days out in the sun, Sakura-hime's was fair and soft. Even her breasts were beautiful. She couldn't forget how the younger woman's tits bounced as she struggled beneath her, with those pretty little pink nipples calling out for attention...
The door opened as Riboku-sama entered, causing her to yell out at the sudden intrusion and embarrassment of her own perverse thoughts.
His eyes bugged out as she tried to cover the princess up in front of the intruding man. "R-Riboku-sama! Get out of here!" Realizing this was a potentially dangerous situation, the general closed the door, waiting on the other side until his subordinate finished up.
The woman began to stir as she cleaned up the torn materials and gathered what she brought with her. For several minutes she continued to avoided making eye contact with the younger woman. Finally deciding to look down at the princess, she noticed her staring at the wall with an unreadable expression. Was it defeat? Was it sadness?
"What's with that face, huh?" For some reason, she just felt the need to talk to her, maybe out of pity? Guilt? Sympathy? Or maybe part of her was curious about what she would say.
There was no form of a response, irritating her. "Oi? Stop ignoring me..."
"Sorry, I'm not in the most talkative mood. Especially after being knocked out and dragged back to the place I was trying to leave." Kaine sat in the chair next to her bed.
"Did you really think you were going to get away? I hate to tell you this, but with that hair and mark on your forehead, you will stick out like a sore thumb and be easily recognizable... Hime, I just don't understand you. You go from being royalty to about to be executed, and you treat the person who saved you like he's nothing but garbage. Do you really understand the position you're in?"
The pinkette rolled over looking the commander in the eyes. "Yes, marry Riboku or die."
"Hmph, Riboku-sama really put his neck out for you, for who knows what reason. If it wasn't for him, you would probably be buried in the one of the mass graves with the others or sold to some scummy pervert. Didn't you listen to a word I told you earlier? As much as I hate it, women usually get the shit end of the stick... The reality of the situation is hard for someone to accept, but can't you see the great opportunity you have?" The princess snorted looking away.
"Stop being so ungrateful. Riboku-sama is willing to take you in as his official wife. He's a good man and wouldn't hurt you. Believe it or not, he has a lot to offer somebody, you would live a good life compared to this." A life she wanted, but could never have... "There are many women who could only dream of being in your position, so stop being stubborn and accept it, this is your fate. You're the last princess of Zhao...have some pride as the last of the royal family from our home country. We may live in Qin, but nothing will ever change where we came from."
Sakura looked back at Kaine, deep in thought. "I... wanted to be able to live my life the way I chose. I wanted to marry someone of my own accord, not being forced into something like this."
"Look Hime-sama, as another woman, I understand what you're saying, but this world isn't kind enough for that. You're father had been trying to marry you off for a while right? And most of them men were scumbags, but you still were dressed up and ready to go. What makes this so hard? Especially with someone like my lord." Part of her felt like the princess was being a hypocrite in her actions. Why had she not fought then, even with the possibility of death, but was willing to now?
"How do you know about that?" A pink eye brow arched, emphasizing her question. She wasn't aware that those in the military would listen to the petty gossip of the royal court.
"I heard all about it different times I was in the capital. That and Riboku-sama was the one who arranged for those men to not make it to Kantan. He couldn't let you go with them."
Sakura had a look of disbelief on her face. Whether she believed her or not, it was the truth.
"... He said I was damaged goods to my father... How am I suppose to marry a man who says that?"
Kaine raised an eyebrow at her statement. That did not sound like her lord. "I don't know anything about that, but that would be very uncharacteristic of him. He's been trying to keep you safe the best he could without directly interfering with the royal courts himself. Thanks to him you're not some disgusting mans concubine or dancing girl." It wasn't a secret that King Tou Jou was using his daughter to make money from the wealthy that wanted to be entertained.
"Sakura-hime, you owe it to him and everyone who died in the war to stay alive, so you better chose. To willingly make the choice to die, you're spitting in the face of our people and the dead who didn't get that option." With that, Kaine stood up and walked out of the room. Riboku-sama was right outside and she nodded, giving him the okay to enter.
Was she selfish...like the other princesses she despised so much in the palace? So thoughtless and self absorbed that no one and nothing else mattered? Sakura knew Kaine was right. She thought about the attendant who died while trying to help her escape from the during Qin's siege of Zhao. Never will she forget what happened that day. How many people died, while she was still alive?
How pitiful had she become? Begging for death when when so many had begged for their lives. If her mother saw her now, she would shake her saying, "Wake up, I didn't raise such a weak daughter!". There was no way she could face her under such circumstances.
When her mother had been taken to the palace only to be forsaken all those years ago, she didn't take the easy way out. On her own, she made a living and raised her child as a single parent, even if it earned her insults. She held her head high and tried to make the best of any horrible situation.
At that moment, Sakura decided she just wasn't ready to die, not until she was someone her mother would be proud of. There were also many things in life to still do and experience.
She wanted to live to see the prosperity and change that Riboku spoke of. Like Kaine said, no matter where she lived, it wouldn't change the fact that Zhao would always be her homeland. As the last of the royal family, it was important to see the outcome. Would they be better off flying under Qin's flags with their king?
After a few consecutive knocks, the door slowly opened and Riboku walked in to the room with a soft greeting before closing the door. Sakura wasn't sure if he knew she had tried to escape or not, but not mentioning it would be best. There was a pregnant pause as the tall man shuffled around the room before finally settling for the previously occupied chair.
The atmosphere had felt more relaxed than all their previous encounters since the fall of Kantan. Neither said anything, not wanting to send unwanted ripples into the waters.
Sakura kept her face hidden in the covers, not entirely sure of how to act or what to say. Did she want to marry this man? No. The truth was that he was like a mystery, she didn't know who he really was. There were so many contradictions and misunderstandings that it would make anyone second guess what they were seeing and hearing. If only for this instant, she wished she could read his mind and know the truth about everything.
The more thought that went into his words and actions, the further away she felt from understanding the enigma known as Riboku. It was like he was a great ocean, but she could only see the waters surface, but nothing beneath it. She couldn't grasp its depths or the many mysteries it holds.
The fact was that she had every intention of living, even if it meant being tied to this man. She would live for those who couldn't, like the attendant who died trying to save her at the hands of General Kanki. It had to be fate that she lived through all that and was still here, in one piece.
Pulling the covers down to face the general after steeling her resolve to speak, she stopped, seeing the shocked look on his face.
"What happened to your jaw?!"
'Shit...' The princess didn't say a word, knowing he was going to be angry either way. How stupid can she be, it wasn't like she couldn't feel the soreness from the hit. It still ached, but it didn't register in her mind to hide it from him.
"Hime!" She jumped as he raised his voice, effectively breaking her thought process. "Who did that? Did the guards let someone in here?"
Sakura let out a sigh, it was better to come clean than have someone ended up getting punished for something they didn't do. Although, the guards were lacking if even she could escape.
"No, I tried to run away. Kaine caught me and we had a bit of a scuffle. She tried to get me to stop, but..."
Riboku stood up, with clenched fists. "Dammit!" The chair he sat on was kicked across the room in anger. Startled, the pinkette pushed herself to the farthest end of the bed away from the raging man.
Looking at him as he fumed, she could see the bags under his green eyes and how utterly worn out he seemed. How many sleepless nights had he spent doing work and strategizing plans? She knew he was angry at her, or more likely, felt betrayed that she tried to run from him after all he tried doing for her.
"I'm sorry." Those two words stopped everything in an instant. The blonde haired man stilled before turning to her with an unreadable expression. Did she mean it? Not really. When she left earlier, she had every intention of running as far as her legs could take her, but Kaine got in the way. Unfortunately, she knew if she wanted to ever leave this room without the risk of being killed, he was the answer.
"Ever since the king had ordered me to be brought here to the palace, my life feels like it's been turned upside down. I went from being a healers daughter in a little village, to a princess of Zhao, to absolutely nothing. My world is once again drastically changing and I cannot just shamelessly run away anymore, while everyone else struggles to adapt." For some reason, she just felt the need to get this off her chest. Across the bed, the strategist stood there taking in every word, knowing how important details are.
"I'm not ready to die just yet. I want to see what happens to my homeland under Qin's rule. You spoke of peace and prosperity that would come once China was finally united as one. All the people in Zhao deserve a better life after King Tou Jou and all the wars that have caused so much suffering. I want to see this new world King Sei creates with my own eyes."
Riboku watched her with calculating eyes, like he was determining the honesty of her words. He just found out that she was hit trying to escape, and now... He didn't know what to think.
"Then, I take this as you accepting my offer?" Slowly walking over to the other side of the bed, eyeing her like a hawk. Sakura hesitated, feeling uncomfortable at his proximity. If she said yes, would he try to take her now, or wait? Panicking at the thought, she prayed to Kami that he would give her more time.
As he stood in front of her, she couldn't muster up the courage to peer up at him, afraid of seeing that lustful look he's given her many times before. Feeling the bed sink under his weight, her heart hammered in anxiety.
Sitting close enough to feel the heat from his body, Sakura tried not to scurry away like she was itching to do. Taking in a deep breath, it was now or never.
"Yes."
'I hope I'm making the right choice...'
A warm hand guided her chin up to look him in the face. A blush spread across her face seeing him smile, unable to hide the jubilation in his eyes.
"I know I didn't give you much of a choice, but thank you for accepting." Soft lips touched her forehead, giving an affectionate kiss that made her shiver.
Riboku stood up, grasping her hands in his much larger ones, making eye contact. "Another thing, do not say you're absolutely nothing. Not only are you the last princess of our homeland, but you are also going to be my wife. So do not make such disparaging statements as they also insult me." Seeing the vein pop on her forehead at the wife comment, he left out a hearty laugh.
Heading towards the door in much better spirits than earlier, he looked back before taking his leave. "I will come by tomorrow to speak with you about our travel to Kanyou. Have a good night milady, and I promise you, you won't regret your choice." With those last words, he left the pinkette to her thoughts.
For some reason, Sakura felt some of the weight lift from her shoulders. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all...
A/N: Finally, I'm done part two! I don't know why, but this one gave me a really hard time. I'm in the process of moving amongst other things, so trying to write and balance life can be difficult.
For some reason, I can see Kaine being a closet-perv. I don't know why, but I just get that feeling. Maybe it's because I'm a pervert myself that I think others are too haha. I wrote an alternate scene for the part where Sakura was being chased by Kaine that ends up as a threesome with Kanki, but I've been debating on publishing it or keeping to myself. What to do... Anyway, thank you to everybody who read this and my other works so far. I'm still working on Dreams of a Monomaniac and I'll probably start part three of this soon.