Blood and Flowers
10 o'clock
"I did not mean to put you in such a predicament. I just have so much trust in you that I decided to put it on the table, when the matter arise. The envoys are full of scoundrels. Full of Pompous pigs that do not care of the rights of women." Ayeka looked to the woman behind her through the mirror.
"Ayeka, all I wanted was a moment's notice. This is life changing, I do not think I can measure up. I am still young." Ryoko replied brushing the locks of the purple haired princess. Ayeka turned to Ryoko.
"Please I am already burdened from this, it will be detrimental to both of us to back out. The envoys will request for us to be put to death. One, for me not able to have a child and for you because-"
"I refuse." Ryoko sat beside Ayeka, who looked on sympathetically. "Yes." Replied Ayeka. It was not long before they saw two shadows at the door. "It must be 10 o'clock." Ryoko looked on as the person at the door spoke.
"Princess Ayeka, it is Lady Nagi and Chief Keigo, here to escort Lady Ryoko." Hotsuma spoke from the porch. Inside, Ryoko looked to Ayeka and gave a sad smile. Ayeka mouthed a 'Thank You' as she watched the former Pirate made her way to the door. Opening the door, the first look that welcome her was the look of anguish from the guard. Nagi placed a hand on her sister's shoulder as they followed Hotsuma to Tenchis quarters.
Down the long corridor, the light from Hotsuma's lantern in addition to the red paintings of nature that inhabited the palace walls gave Ryoko some sense of comfort; for inflamed tints was her favorite. She needed some distraction to calm her nerves. They came to a stop, Hotsuma deep voice broke her from her thoughts. "My Lord, Lady Ryoko has arrived." He stepped back and motioned for Ryoko to step forward. At that moment, Tenchi slid the door open and bowed. Ryoko felt a tear drop from her eye as she attempted to smile and acknowledge the prince.
"Would you guard the premise?" He directed his question to Hotsuma. Hotsuma tightened his jaw as he quickly responded to the Crowned Prince question.
"Yes my Lord." He quickly occupied his usual position at Tenchi's door. Tenchi looked to Nagi who wore a solemn expression. "Get some rest Lady Nagi." With that he slid the door shut. Nagi stood in her spot and sighed peering over to Hotsuma. "I know how your feeling. I do not support this travesty. Maybe if it was not my own sister I wouldn't care but I…do. I know you have feelings for her, but do not give any notion of your affection for a court maid they will have your head. Stay strong." Nagi kept her tone soft.
"Thank you for your words Lady Nagi. Goodnight." Hotsuma kept his position stiff and eyes locked on to some object in the garden. Nagi smiled solemnly and head home. From the corner of his eye, he saw the light from Tenchi's quarters turn off. He let out a shaky breath as anger claimed him.
Inside
The duo sat side by side in silence, both peering down at the wooden floor. Ryoko had enough of the silence and pivoted her body to Tenchi. "If you wanted this…please just execute and get this over with…My Lord." Ryoko began a bit informal but try to soften her remark to the prince.
"I know you are uncomfortable." He turned to her and hesitantly reached for her kimono. He pulled on her bow, it easily opened revealing her white undergarments. Tenchi slide the robe off her shoulders, under her kimono was a silky white gown with two broad straps on the shoulders. Her bosom fit snug in the form fitting night gown. Ryoko closed her eyes as she felt Tenchi ran his hands down her arms. She felt weight lifted off the bed and her eyes open suddenly. Tenchi arose removing his robe revealing his muscular upper body. Ryoko noticed gleams of sweat that shine in the moonlight. Never in her life has she looked at a male with such desire. Tenchi came closer and held her shoulders, he placed her body to lay on the bed. Ryoko's hand subconsciously went to her bosom. Tenchi took notice. He was just as nervous as her. Tenchi straddle her being careful not to place pressure on her lower extremities. He placed his arm behind her neck and slowly buried his face within her neck. Ryoko let out a gasp and turned her head to the window. She no longer felt scared but more of wanting to feel this new sensation that enveloped her. Tenchi changed to the other side of her neck. He then faced her once more, Ryoko looked at him with questioning eyes. Tenchi was mesmerize by her beauty, her golden pools of her eyes…to the golden headband she wore with matching chandelier earrings. "May we began?" Tenchi asked softly. Ryoko gave a worried look before closing her eyes and dropped her arm to her side. Tenchi slid the straps down her body kissing her collarbone and then to her breast. He claimed one with his tongue and Ryoko gasp louder. "My Lord." She whispered.
It was not long before Tenchi claimed her, taking into a euphoric state of mind. Tenchi quickened his pace and Ryoko held on to him for dear life. Her bangs cling to her forehead as she screamed. Tenchi grunted as he let himself go; the rocking came to a slow pace before he stopped and peered at the door. He saw a shadow, remembering Hotsuma was guarding he prayed to Kami they were able to keep at an appropriate level of noise. It was not long before sleep claim them.
Outside
Hotsuma heard every gasp and moan. His chest tightened. Heart racing.
"Chief" His lieutenant approached and bowed, it was evident that Hotsuma was upset and Lieutenant Tsuchida picked up on it. Tsuchida hair was also in the half updo, his hair was jet black with gray eyes. Tsuchida was Hotsuma's right hand man, but sometimes Tsuchida smart mouth gets him into trouble. And at times Tsuchida had to be put in his place, he felt that his rank was enough to be on the same wavelength as his leader. He became lucid. A couple of weeks ago, Hotsuma was faced with a decision to have him executed for courting a Korean courtesan. But Hotsuma pleaded with the Crowned Prince to spare him for it was a weakness in human behavior.
"Chief." Lieutenant Tsuchida uttered again.
"No one other than me, should not trespass this part of the palace." Hotsuma said sternly breaking his eye contact from a statue out in the garden to look Tsuchida in the eye.
"I see. Is this the Lord request? Is the woman Ryoko in there with him?" Tsuchida said with a smirk.
"As you were!" Hotsuma said a bit stern and a bit louder.
"Very well, Sire. Do you need a break?" Tsuchida asked.
"That won't be necessary Lieutenant." Hotsuma simply said.
"Very impressive, sir." Lieutenant Tsuchida said causing Hotsuma to look at him sternly. The young Lieutenant stepped closer to Hotsuma.
"Is it the kings judgement that the soldier that philandered with the courtesan was giving the second chance out of human nature or you was able to persuade them another way. For instance, that beauty that is in there with the prince right now. Was she the pawn? You should let your soldiers enjoy some of the luxuries you receive. " Tsuchida step back. Hotsuma was at a loss for words. Tsuchida gave a smile of victory and was about to continue his descent on deck until Hotsuma stopped him.
"Stop!" He walked up to the young man and kicked him squarely in his chest. Unsheathing his sword he pointed it to the lieutenant's throat. "Speak ill of the King again and I will have your head. And don't disrespect me!" The Lieutenant rose up slowly careful to not get closer to the tip of the sword and continued on not daring to look back at his leader.
Hotsuma slowly placed his sword back to his side, he clenched his jaw as he went back to his post.
The Next Day
"Have you slept well, my Lady?" Tenchi asked from the mirror as one of the servants placed his robe on his shoulders. Ryoko slowly arose feeling a bit uneasy that another person was in the room and she was partially clothed.
"Yes, my Lord." Ryoko replied looking down at the covers. Tenchi placed his hand up to indicate fixtures to his attire will be needed at a later time and dismiss his servant.
"Do not worry about the servant. If word got out of you in the bed, we know who it will be from. Are you hungry?" He spoke as he uncovered a 'feast' on the table below. Ryoko simply nodded. Tenchi smiled, "No need to be modest, Lady Ryoko. It's the least I can do." Ryoko tighten the sash of her kimono and walked over to Tenchi who helped guided her to the seat. The two sat in silence consuming the much needed food.
Hotsuma fought a yarn and a headache. The rising sun was not helping his case. It was not long before he saw a white figure approaching from the corner of his eye. It was Nagi. As she got closer she smiled and bowed. Hotsuma who was sitting on his knees stood up and faced the door. Gathering his composure, he spoke. "My Lord, Lady Nagi is here to collect Lady Ryoko."
Inside, Ryoko followed Tenchi to the door and again was greeted with a somber and tired looking Hotsuma. Ryoko stepped out and turned and bowed to Tenchi. Nagi ushered her young sister down the deck.
"Did you sleep well, sire?" Hotsuma reluctantly questioned.
"Very much so. You are relieved of your duties today Hotsuma. You need the rest." Tenchi declared as he return the bow of the blonde man and slid the door shut. Hotsuma was thankful to be released from duty for the day but he can tell the young prince wanted to gush about his interaction with the cyan haired woman.
"I would ask how did it go, but it may be personal to you." Nagi spoke as she and her sister walked side by side to their residence. Ryoko stopped and look to her sister, she appeared sad then smiled, "I was nervous but I feel like that was what I was missing. That was the void I have been needing. I never thought I would've never be touch like that in a hundred years. The way he touch me, kiss me…made love to me. I felt like a woman for once." Ryoko gloated. Nagi sighed making Ryoko take notice, "What did I say something wrong?"
Nagi walked over to the pond taking notice of the catfish, "You must not get your feelings involved. This is strictly business Ryoko. Of course the art of lovemaking is the kissing, the caressing, and the sweet words. But he is married to Ayeka. You're just doing them a favor. Do not let it become personal." Nagi continued her walk home, she had to speak some sense into her sister before she fell for the prince. Hotsuma would be devastated, he has already went through the torture of last night. Ryoko slowly walked behind her elder sister.
Later That Day
"You wanted to see me?" Hotsuma asked he made his way down the steps of the garden and walked over to Ryoko by the lake.
"You look better." Ryoko complimented.
"You as well." He replied a bit short.
"You were out there that whole time, what did you hear?" Ryoko walked closer to him.
"A guard is not supposed to give an account of what he has seen or hear unless he is standing before the King." Hotsuma simply said. Ryoko looked down, "Very well." Ryoko looked for something to bring up but there was nothing. She thought that since Hotsuma was a close friend, he will leak information of what is going on within the kingdom like before, but for some reason he has become a bit censored with her.
"If you don't mind, Lady Ryoko. I will be heading back to my quarters. I have to develop a strategy with my men that I will like to speak of tomorrow morning. Have a good evening." He bowed and quickly left the area. Ryoko watched his retreating back trying to understand his sudden behavior with her. Could it be that he had feelings for her he could not bring to the surface?
A/N: I am beginning to become comfy with this story. Hopefully it is getting better with each chapter that is uploaded. Please read and review, thanks for the support!