A/N: The other chapter. Katsuie will leave the story for a while after this if you guys hate him. Enjoy.
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Chapter Three – My Marriage
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"Lady Oichi…we are nearing the Odani Castle…are you in need of anything before that?" came the voice of Hideyoshi. I kept quiet and fidgeted about with my wedding clothes. "Lady Oichi?" he peeked into my compartment, "Why do you keep quiet? It is a festive day-" I cut him off with a snort. "Lady Oichi…"
"I'm doing this for the Oda, not of myself…" I reminded him with a glare. He quickly draped the partition securely. I took a relieved sigh as my mind drifted to Katsuie. He was forced to stay away from me today even though he swore to not ruin the day. "Katsuie…I am sorry…"
…
"No, it is I who should be apologizing…O- Lady Oichi," he said to me as I packed my things the other night.
"But I am sorry for betraying your love…" I murmured as I packed my clothes and some of the kendama toys Katsuie bought for me. I wiped a stray tear as I finished packing. I straightened myself and turned to face him. "You need not apologize to me."
"Lady Oichi…"
"I'd feel it is best for both of us if you would leave me alone."
I looked at him and I saw hurt in his eyes. I wanted to quickly wipe away the hurt in him but he quickly removed himself from my room…and I collapsed on my knee and cried my eyes out.
…
"Lady Oichi?" I snapped from my thoughts as Hideyoshi's voice broke through. I wiped my tears and straightened my face. "Lady Oichi?" he called again.
"Yes, Hideyoshi?"
"We have reached Odani."
I held my breath and reached out for a mirror. I took it into my hands and scanned my face for any faint sadness. My make-up was not smudged at least…but I was sad. It was clear in my eyes. I was sad.
Hideyoshi peeked into my compartment again and smiled sadly. "Lord Nobunaga is here to see you off."
I released my breath and straightened myself as Hideyoshi let the partition be opened wide for brother to see. He was approaching me slowly, with Lady Nou by his side. It has been a while since I've seen him wearing something other than his armor…should I be grateful?
He smiled and reached out his hand. I took it and gave him a painful smile. He squeezed my hand hard and I had to bite my lips to avoid from screaming out the pain. Lady Nou saw this and she quickly saved me. "Now…Lord Nobunaga…" she helped lower his hand and she turned to me, "Lady Oichi, where is the bell I asked you to keep?" she asked.
I took the bell out from my sleeve pocket and handed it out to her. She took it and immediately tied it with a ribbon, a purple silk ribbon, and quickly fastened it to my list of hair ornaments. The bell gave a strong chime when she removed her hand away from it. I just stared at her as she smiled sweetly at the newly added ornament. "I knew you were going to get married again…I had a premonition, so I took the nearest bell and gave it to you…I'm sorry I didn't tell you."
I was surprised to hear her say that. So very surprised…how could she not tell me? How could she? Well, it was just a premonition…so…I'll let it be. It IS my fate. I gave her a warm smile and looked at Nobunaga. "Let us go and meet my husband-to-be, I am ready."
Hee gave me an approving smile and took my hand and led me into the castle, everyone followed suit. We reached the main hall and there he was, my husband-to-be, all clad in wedding attire. I gave a surprised gasp to see how handsome he was. He got up from his sitting position on the throne where he sat and not too hurriedly got to meet brother and me. He gave an agreeing nod to Nobunaga and turned to me. I swore my face was red at that time when he smiled at me. He offered a hand as Nobunaga released mine.
"Hello, Lady Oichi. I am Azai Nagamasa, I am glad to be wedded to you and be your husband, you are as lovely as people said you were…you are as beautiful as the flower that surrounds Japan."
I gave him a much approved smile and took his hand. "I am Oichi of the Oda and I am flattered."
"Nagamasa, I hope that you'll stay true to your part in the terms," brother said to him and Lord Nagamasa gave him a stern nod.
"I am true to my words, Nobunaga. You will stay true to your part, am I correct?" he asked back. Brother gave him a nod. He turned to me again. "Alright, let us proceed."
I felt guilty. For that moment, Katsuie never even surfaced in my thoughts as we wed. I felt so guilty. I have truly betrayed him and for that, I won't forgive myself.
…
"I am now Oichi, the former wife of Shibata Katsuie."
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A/N: Oh, the next part will be fun and I haven't written it out yet. If you guys hate the pairing, don't flame at all. It will just get you a very annoyed me and yes, a very, very painful reply from me. Review after you read, that's all I ask.