Check out my deviantART for drawings of scenes in this story if you want.
In the dark and quiet dungeon, behind the metal bars of the biggest cell reserved for the most dangerous criminals, a man knelt on the ground with his head down and blond hair covering his face. His arms were stretched out with chains connecting to the walls. His ankles were also cuffed and chained to the ground.
Scars from whipping and burning covered his bloodied body. Dried blood stained his ripped prisoner robe. His body was soaking wet from the previous water jail torture session.
Chains rattled softly as the captured man slowly lifted his bloodied head to see his visitor.
"Sir, please be careful," the guard warned, "we will be watching out for you at the entrance."
"Worry not, I will be fine."
Footsteps echoed as the guard returned to the entrance.
The prisoner squinted his eyes, his head still spinning from drowning in dirty water earlier.
A beauty with elegant silver hair and eyes stood before him with confidence in his stature. His silky robe and thick fur cape demonstrated his wealth, and his cold and stern demeanor reflected his nobility.
A menacing smirk cracked on the prisoner's face.
"What brings you here, Megamo Saikou-sama?" he queried with a dry and rough voice caused by days of no food and drink.
Through his long and messy blond hair, he could see the young general narrow his eyes. How can someone be so beautiful and ugly at the same time?
"Your followers are quite loyal, I must say..." Megamo said with an icy, low voice, "Osoro Shidesu."
"Heh..." Osoro scoffed, "they will come and take me away. And we'll bring freedom to everyone."
"Give up your childish dreams, Shidesu. You will only bring chaos among this great empire."
Osoro suddenly stood up and approached Megamo the closest as the chains would allow him. Megamo only stared at him without flinching a bit.
"The 'empire' yer tryna build will tumble, Megamo! Face it, my people will bring anarchy to this country! We will return the abuse you slaves of the palace gave us before!" Osoro's menacing glare intensified as his bloodthirsty grin widened.
Without hesitation, Megamo delivered a kick to Osoro's stomach, sending him to the wall on the opposite side. Osoro coughed from the pressure and spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Your loyal 'people' will try to rescue you," Megamo said, "and I shall bring all of their heads to you."
With that, he turned around and began walking out of the cell.
Behind him, Osoro let out a chuckle. The chuckle grew louder and louder until it became a hysterical laugh that filled the entire dungeon. The two guards at the entrance peeked inside just in case Megamo needed protection.
"You really think yer so high an' mighty 'cause yer loyal to the Emperor?!" Osoro exclaimed, his eyes wide like saucers and veins popping on his forehead, "Drop the act, Megamo Saikou! You and yer daddy are just low-life hypocrites!"
Megamo halted his steps but did not turn around.
"The whole nation is aware of your prime minister of a daddy is trying to take over the throne, Megamo! Face it, ya know it, too!" Osoro continued, each of his words spiteful and poisonous to the eldest son of the Saikou family.
Megamo's hands slowly curled up into a tight fist.
"You're all nothing but traitors! History will record all of your moves, and your perfect, clean names will be tainted by the label of a traitor! You know nothing of loyalty, and you know nothing of love for yer people! Ya just some power-hungry beasts!"
Suddenly, Megamo ran towards Osoro and kicked him on the side of his head. Osoro dropped to his side as his chains clanked. Megamo then stomped on his head once it touched the ground and applied pressure, threatening to crack his skull.
"A blood-thirsty barbarian like you has no right calling others a beast," Megamo said, his voice colder and lower than before. "You better watch your place, Shidesu. It will do you no good if you continue to speak like that."
"Heh..." Osoro endured the pain of his skull being pushed into the ground, "Then kill me, you coward. My people will avenge me and take down the country."
Megamo lifted his foot from Osoro's head and stared at him condescendingly, "Killing you will only dirty my hands."
Without another word, the silver-haired general walked out of the cell. The guard from earlier quickly came to lock the cell door and escort Megamo out.
"You're scared, aren't ya, Saikou-sama?!" Osoro shouted from behind as Megamo and the guard walked towards the exit.
The guard furrowed his eyebrows and looked at Megamo, "Sir-"
Megamo did not say a word and kept his eyes straightforward.
"You're just afraid to admit it! The day your father usurps the throne is the day this country will fall to pieces! The corruption of the Saikou family will be known to everyone, and it'll go down in history!" Following that was Osoro's maniacal laughter that rang in Megamo's ears as he finally exited the dungeon.
-{}-
News of the marriage alliance between the Aishi's and the Yamada's quickly reached across the small town. Friends of the Yamada's quickly came forth to congratulate them, sending them expensive gifts and kind notes.
Taro looked around the Yamada residence, seeing red ribbons hanged all over the walls and pillars, and servants carrying presents to different rooms. Even with such a festive aura around him, he couldn't feel a bit of happiness.
Soon enough, he will have to lift up the red veil on the bride, revealing a face he had never seen before. Not Uekiya Engeika. Not the love of his life.
"Congrats, Taro!"
Hearing his name being called by a familiar voice, Taro turned around.
His loudmouth of a childhood friend waved as he approached him. Osano patted Taro's back not-so-lightly, making him stumble forward a bit.
"Can't believe you're finally getting married. And you didn't even tell me!"
"I am fairly new to the news, too."
"I ditched a trading meeting I was supposed to attend with my father just to come and see my best friend finally embracing a woman."
"Oh? You care that much for me?"
"...d-don't get too cocky!" Osano's face reddened in embarrassment.
Taro forced a chuckle, "Thank you, Osano."
Osano cocked an eyebrow. That was not a genuine smile, and growing up together with him since toddlers, Osano could read him too well.
"You don't seem happy... Something wrong?" he asked, although he already knew the answer.
Taro sighed, "Everything... Everything about this is wrong."
"Oh..." Osano scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "...you're still not over her?"
"..." the raven-haired boy did not say anything.
Now it was Osano's turn to sigh, "You really loved her that much? I, uh...I always thought it was just a small crush..."
Taro grinned self-mockingly, "That would have been better, but a small crush shouldn't bring this much heartache... Seeing her marrying off to another man, it made me feel bitter... I simply couldn't bring myself to truly feel happy for her. My selfish side really wanted her for myself, but..."
Osano couldn't think of anything to say, so he just patted his back, this time much more gentle.
"...am I a horrible person?" Taro asked.
The orange-haired boy shook his head without hesitation, "You're not, Taro. It's not your fault for having desires. Engeika-san was just...not on the same page as you. It's better to forget about her and think about your soon-to-be wife."
"I really can't bring myself to marry someone I have never even met while another woman is still in my heart..."
"Time will wipe her away, Taro. You got to learn to love a different person. You'll be living together for the rest of your lives."
"...I'll try. Thank you, Osano," Taro forced a smile.
Osano's face reddened again, "Y-yeah...whatever."
"There you are, Big Brother!"
Osano and Taro turned around and saw Taro's younger brother.
"Hanako...? What's the matter?"
Hanako angrily puffed his cheeks and quickly grabbed his brother's wrist, "There are guests in the lobby here to congratulate you, Big Brother! You were supposed to be greeting them!"
Osano chuckled as he watched Hanako drag his friend away. When they were out of sight, he sighed to himself.
That was another fake smile.
-{}-
Sooner than expected, the day of the wedding arrived.
Sitting in front of her mirror, Ayano stared at her own reflection blankly as one of her personal maids combed her hair gently while the other one bounced around with excitement.
"Our mistress is finally getting married!" the joyful one, Midori, exclaimed, "This is all happening so fast!"
"Which hairpin would you like to use today, Mistress?" Kuu, the calmer one that's combing Ayano's hair, asked.
Ayano's eyes scanned over her wooden box of hairpins. Each of them has different patterns and flowers on them, each showing a different kind of beauty.
"Just my usual one," she answered.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Ehh?" Midori pouted and ran to her mistress, "Why? Don't you want to look extra pretty today? You're about to become the wife of the first son of the Yamada's! The son of one of the Emperor's advisor! You'll be connected to the royal palace! You should show everyone your change!"
Ayano shook her head. "Rather than a wife, I would say commodity. I am but a trade for more power. Much unlike my mother."
The truth is, Ryoba's maiden name is Aishi, while her father was the one marrying over to the Aishi's due to his family having much less wealth and power. For this, he struggled with outsiders' point of view of him, often looking down on him for his lower status than his wife. However, Ryoba never loved him less and devoted herself to him.
What a magical story, Ayano thought. To be able to fall in love, to be able to feel happiness...and not be empty.
Kuu adjusted Ayano's favorite hairpin that has a false Tsubaki flower until it would hold its place.
"Tsubaki," Kuu said softly, "that's the flower that Mistress wore when Kumiko first met you."
That was a decade ago. She was homeless, hungry, and dirty, wandering around the streets after losing her family and home to war. She refused to speak to anyone that came up to her, and others turned away from her after seeing how disgusting she looked.
Not even shady older men wanted to kidnap her and sell her due to her emotionless and apathetic nature, thinking she was not cute at all.
Then one day, she met a girl about the same age as herself, but unlike her, she was dressed up nicely and smelled like flowers. That girl lived in a different world from her, yet she felt so connected to her. Perhaps she could see the hollowness in her eyes, or maybe she could feel something about her feels broken, but Kuu accepted her presence.
She wore a Tsubaki hairpin, and that was what Kuu noticed first. The symbol of upcoming spring. And Ayano was perhaps her upcoming spring.
"Come with me. I'll take you home."
Home...sounds nice, she thought.
Those words made Kuu swear that she will protect her mistress forever.
Ayano raised a hand and touched the hairpin gently. This was her favorite hairpin to wear outdoors. Wearing it today was to remind herself to never change her heart.
It belonged to her master. No one else can waver it.
Midori took a nice look at Ayano's appearance, finally saying, "Well... Mistress is beautiful regardless. I guess this is fine."
Ayano chuckled and pushed Midori's forehead with her finger, teasing, "Did you eat honey this morning? Such sickly sweet words you spit."
The green-haired maid giggled while rubbing her forehead.
Ayano took out a deep red piece of paper from a small jewelry box and placed it between her lips, then pressing her cherry lips together, allowing the lipstick to color her lips crimson.
A maid suddenly came inside her room, panting and sweating from running.
"Mistress, the sedan chair is ready!"
Ayano nodded, and the maid left.
Midori jumped around in excitement, squealing, "This is amazing! Ayano-sama is becoming a lady!"
Ayano looked at her reflection one last time. Red. Everything was red. Her wedding robe, red as sunset, red as blood, dragged a few feet behind her. Her gold headdress weighed heavily on her head. The jades and diamonds shined pridefully on her crown until Kuu draped a red veil over it, covering the crown and Ayano's entire head.
With Kuu and Midori holding each of her arms, Ayano walked out of the Aishi residence to be greeted by the carriers of the sedan chair that was decorated with red ribbons.
"Ayano," Ryoba called from behind.
Ayano lifted her veil to see her mother and father, who was standing at the doorway to see her off.
Ryoba smiled and cupped her daughter's face gently, "My daughter is finally growing up..."
Ayano saw a teardrop slowly trickle down her mother's cheek.
"Mother..." Ayano tried to say something but couldn't for some reason. She felt something. She felt guilty. Guilty for lying to her loving mother that she is marrying happily. Guilty that she might ruin the future of the Aishi's after completing her mission.
Ryoba sniffed and wiped her eyes, "Oh, dear, look at me, I shouldn't be crying on such a happy day..."
Ayano wrapped her arms around her mother, hugging her tightly, surprising her.
More tears fell from Ryoba's eyes from the hug. She reciprocated it, hugging her daughter tightly, wishing for her happiness wholeheartedly.
"You will find true love soon, my dear..." Ryoba said, patting Ayano's head, "You will feel happy just like your mother and everyone else."
"..." Again, this twinge of guilt. It bothered Ayano.
"Alright, dear," Ryoba released her, "Off you go now! Don't keep Yamada-san waiting!"
In the back, Ayano's father opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it. He wanted to hold his daughter and tell her how much he loves her, just like her mother. He wanted to see his daughter be genuinely happy for the first time in his life.
That hollow, empty smile that she forced for him as a child pained him even now.
Just for once, he wanted to be a good father for her.
But he couldn't bring himself forward.
Instead, when Ayano's eyes landed on him, he responded with a smile and nod.
'God, please give my daughter the best family in the world, and let her be happy...' he prayed. He never believed in a god, but he still prayed.
Midori wiped her watery eyes, "I'm going to miss you so much, Lady Aishi...!"
Ryoba chuckled, "Take care of your mistress, Midori, Kumiko."
"Yes, milady," the maids bowed.
Finally, Ayano turned to the sedan chair and stepped inside after Midori draped the red veil back over her face.
During the trip to her soon-to-be husband's house, only two words repeated in her head.
"Kill him."
-{}-
"BIG BROTHER!"
Hanako aggressively knocked on his brother's door, nearly breaking it.
"Big Brother, the bride is almost here! Why are you still not dressed?!" he yelled, then continued knocking. "The maids said you wouldn't let them in! Why is that? What are you hiding in there for?!"
There was no response.
"Big Brother! Open the door, we don't have much time!"
Still no answer.
Hanako's breathing increased its pace as anxiety took over. Why isn't Taro answering? Did something happen? Is he okay? Millions of scenarios popped up in his head at once.
"...Big Brother? A-are you okay? Don't scare me! Big Brother?! Big-" Hanako was cut off by a sudden itch in his chest and coughed loudly, covering his mouth with his elbow.
"...Hanako."
Finally, he heard a weak response from the other side.
Sighing of relief, Hanako knocked the door much less aggressively, "Are you done? We have to get ready to welcome Aishi-san!"
"..."
"Big Brother?"
"Hanako..."
"Yes?"
On the other side, Taro lowered his head, nauseating guilt and shame swarming in his body.
"I can't do this."
Hanako furrowed his eyebrows, "What do you mean?"
"I'm sorry..." Taro placed his head against the door, "but I can't marry a girl with someone else still in my heart."
"Huh?" Hanako felt sweat coming down his forehead, "W-what do you mean? You can't possibly be telling me..."
"I'm sorry..." Taro repeated, "I can't come to the wedding. I can't marry her."
Hanako's eyes widened like saucers. His brother was telling him that he wants to cancel the wedding. At the very last minute. This would not only break off the relationship between the Aishi's and the Yamada's, but also spread rumors around the town that could permanently damage their name.
"Big Brother, this is not the time to be joking like this! It's too late, you have to come out now! The bride is here!"
"Tell Mother and Father that I can't come. Tell Aishi-san I'm sorry. I'll take responsibility for any consequence. I...just can't do this."
"You can't-"
"Please, Hanako... I've never asked for anything in my life. Just this once, please...let me be selfish."
"This is not just about taking responsibility or being selfish! This is about the future of the Yamada's!" Hanako knocked on the door again.
He did not receive any response.
This was the first time his brother defied any order from their parents, and this order will determine the future of their family.
Not knowing what to do to convince his stubborn brother to come out, Hanako immediately ran back to their parents.
-{}-
"What?!" the master of the Yamada household stood up in shock.
Hanako gulped nervously, "W-what do we do...?"
His parents glanced at each other, completely taken aback by their oldest son's actions.
"That bastard..." Hanako's father's face turned red from anger, veins popping on his forehead, "I will kill him!"
"Master, calm down!" Hanako's mother held onto her husband's arm, preventing him from storming outdoors and making a scene.
"Let me go, I'll kill that bastard! He's going to ruin everything we have!"
"Master, Master!"
Hanako watched helplessly as his parents struggle to keep calm. He could only pray for his brother after tonight, and that the Aishi's will forgive them.
After almost ten minutes of struggling, Master Yamada finally calmed down. He slumped into a chair, sighing deeply in despair. He felt his world crumbling apart. The years of hard work he put into his name and family will be ruined because of his son.
Lady Yamada leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Since it's already like this, we'll just go with what we have." Her eyes traveled to her second son, who blinked in confusion and worry.
"We negotiated a marriage between our eldest son and their daughter...but they don't know what our eldest son looks like, right?"
"...you mean...?"
"Yes, my lord."
"B-but what if they find out...?!"
"We can deal with that later, my lord, but for now, we don't have much time anymore. Let's just go with this plan to save face today."
"...alright. Seems like this is the only plan."
Lady Yamada turned to her second son.
"Hanako, listen carefully."
Hanako nodded, "Yes, Mother."
"Tonight, you will be filling in your brother's spot as the groom."
Hanako's eyes widened, "W-what...?"
"There's no time, Hanako. The only thing we can do now is to have you take your brother's spot for today. Do not say anything to the outsiders."
"I...y-you can't be serious... This is disrespecting Aishi-san!"
"It'll be more disrespecting if we cancel the wedding now! Now go get dressed, the bride will be here at any moment now!"
"But-"
"GO!"
"...yes, Mother..."
-{}-
Joyful horns accompanied by roaring drums and clashing cymbals filled up Buraza Town as the new bride of the Yamada's eldest son traveled down the street. Many commoners and peasants peeked from their houses and shops to see the parade walk by. The man on the horse guiding the sedan chair threw gold coins on the streets, attracting people all around.
Aso yawned after his daydream was interrupted by the loud noises of the wedding parade. Surprised by the sudden appearance of people dressed in jolly red, he tapped on the shoulder of a dozing Hagiwara next to him.
"Hagiwara-san, Hagiwara-san!" he called.
Hagiwara jumped a little and rubbed his eyes, "Yeah, yeah, boy, what is it?"
Aso's clear sapphire eyes sparkled in curiosity as he pointed to the passing parade, "What's that all about?"
"Oh, someone's gettin' married. That's the bride in that fancy box those four pals are carrying."
"A wedding? I've never seen such an...extra ceremony."
"That's 'cause they're some rich folks."
Hagiwara went back to napping, not caring if tiny flies were coming after his crops that he was selling. The business was slow today.
Aso stood up and ran to the street, watching the parade disappear into the distance.
-{}-
"The bride has arrived!" a servant announced as the noticeable red sedan chair approached the Yamada residence.
The four carriers gently let down the chair and lifted the curtains to reveal the soon-to-be lady of the Yamada's.
Ayano lifted her veil to breathe in the fresh air that was blocked off from her for almost two hours and to take in the image of the residence. Tall buildings, lion statues, cherry blossom trees, and ponds decorated by lotuses. Nothing less from what she saw at her own place.
"M-Mistress, don't show your face, yet!" Midori quickly dragged the veil back down.
"Welcome, Aishi-san," a group of maids walked towards them and greeted Ayano with a bow, "Please follow us."
Midori and Kuu held each of Ayano's hand and followed the maids.
Ayano didn't know where she would end up. The trip to the bridal room seemed like forever.
In her head, her master's words continued to repeat themselves.
Kill him.
Kill him.
Kill him.
Suddenly, she heard the sound of heavy wooden doors being opened, and she was escorted inside.
She sneakily lifted her veil again to take a peek. Painted candles in the bridal room. There in the back was her bed...or rather, her husband and her bed. Ayano's eyes wandered off. Soft pillows made with golden silk. Curtains held up to the sides by ropes.
Before Midori could catch her showing her face again, Ayano quickly let the veil fall back.
The group of guiding maids stopped walking here and left the room after bowing goodbye to Ayano. Midori and Kuu walked Ayano to the bed of her nuptial night and gently helped her sit down.
"Mistress, Midori and I will wait for Young Master Yamada to come," Kuu said.
Ayano heard their footsteps being directed farther away, and soon, she heard the door close. Finally, Ayano could lift up her veil again.
The room was dim, weakly illuminated by the candles and lanterns a couple of meters away.
Ayano sighed to herself. Nuptial night...the most important night in a girl's life. Even though she has already lost the right to have the life of a normal girl, she still wondered if one day she could experience something like this without a heavy mission crushing her back.
Saying one last goodbye to her life as a girl, she let the veil cover her face again, ready to embrace her life as a woman.
Yet, that life never came to embrace her.
-{}-
Almost two hours passed. The sky had changed from light indigo to ebony black. A candle has already burned out.
Midori yawned and rubbed her eyes. She then turned around to check on Ayano through the door, who was still sitting straight with the veil covering her head.
"Why hasn't this first young master come yet..." Midori whined, yawning again, a drop of tear coming out of her eye.
Kuu, who was still standing straight, gave her a stern look, "Do not complain, Midori. Perhaps something has happened that caused the delay."
"At least bring someone to notify us..."
"Enough already. Stand straight."
Midori pouted and stood back straight.
Another long and dreadful hour has passed.
From inside, Ayano suddenly heard a voice telling her maids to leave, following the sound of the doors finally opening.
The footsteps grew closer, and Ayano's heart raced faster.
This is the man she now belonged to. This is the man she has to kill.
A pair of hands gently lifted the veil from her head and set it to the side. Ayano slowly looked up.
Standing before her was a boy with hair dark as the night, a few strands running down the middle of his young face. His eyes were round and innocent, reflecting no impure thoughts. Ayano could faintly see in the dim room that his face was paler than healthy and that he had a smaller build than other boys his age.
He showed her a sweet and shy smile.
"Aishi-san..." he said softly.
Ayano stared at him for a few more seconds in silence.
"Good evening, Second Young Master," she greeted.
The boy looked surprised, his eyes widening and his mouth opening slightly.
"Y-you...know who I am?"
Ayano nodded.
"B-but...how?"
It was known to many that the second son of the Yamada family was born weak and sickly, something that the parents were embarrassed about. Seeing the boy's unconfident and shy posture, light bags under his eyes, and pale face, Ayano made the brave connection that he was the sickly second son.
Of course, she can't tell him that.
"You seem a little younger than me, and I know the oldest son of Yamada reached the age of eighteen," she responded.
Hanako scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "O-Oh..."
They stayed silent for a moment before Hanako spoke again.
"I'm...probably not the person you wanted to see tonight..."
Ayano sighed, "Worry not. I expected this."
Hanako tilted his head in confusion.
"Uekiya Engeika, right? The girl that your brother is in love with?"
"..." Hanako looked at the floor with shame.
"It's well-known that the first young master is loyal and righteous. He would not be able to marry a girl while still in love with another."
"...that's right."
Ayano scooted to the side of the bed and patted on the spot next to her, "Here, you can sit."
Hanako stepped out a foot, hesitated, then stepped back. His face tinted pink.
"I-I shouldn't, you're my sister-in-law, and this is supposed to be the bed where you and my brother lie... I shouldn't contaminate it."
Ayano chuckled, impressed by how well-disciplined and reserved the second young master is.
Hanako fidgeted and tugged on his sleeve, still blushing, "Um, b-but, at least I can take you around our place to get you to be familiar! That's the most I can do for you."
His sister-in-law nodded at the idea, smiling warmly.
"Thank you, I'd appreciate that."
Hanako nodded enthusiastically.
"I should go now, please get a good rest, Aishi- uh..." he trailed off, unsure what to call her since she is now a Yamada.
"Ayano. Ayano is fine."
"Okay, then...goodnight, Ayano-san!" Hanako waved and walked towards the door before stopping. He turned around again, a worried and nervous look on his face.
"Um...about my brother... You'll see him very soon, I'm sure of it! He's responsible and mature, he'll eventually learn to accept another person."
Ayano chuckled again, "I'll be waiting for him with open arms."
Hanako then finally left, leaving Ayano alone in the bridal room on her nuptial night.
Kill him.
Her master's words ringed in her ears again.
Ayano sighed, "This is going to be harder than I thought..."
The more restrained a man is trained to be since young, the more emotional he can be. And that is the case with Taro Yamada.
Perhaps the only way for her to get close to him is to somehow let him forget about Uekiya Engeika.
But what could she do to grab someone like Taro's heart?
Ayano stripped off the heavy layers of her red wedding robe, revealing a thin layer of a white nightgown. Then she stood up to blow out the remaining candles, and the room fell into darkness.
Note: In China, the color red is for luck and happiness, which is why there's so much red on the wedding.
