Take An Oath
VI: Pimpernels
The atmosphere in the Kuran household, suffice to say, is as capricious as the monsoon season during the past two months.
One moment it is ice-cold, the two masters of the house seem determined to never cross paths again; the next moment… they could not fathom.
Dare not fathom, perhaps, is the right phraseology.
Hushed whispers are shared amongst the servants of the Kuran household, and they all point towards an astounding situation that they could only hope is a fallacy.
It couldn't be true, could it? The master of the house is the uncrowned King of the vampire society. He wouldn't break the law, be they overt or discreet… would he?
As they look at their masters now, though, they aren't so sure.
~x~
They don't speak of love. Ritsu doesn't prod, because they are treading on thin ice. Sometimes she thinks that maybe everything that has happened thus far is just a farfetched dream, but every night, Kaname proves her wrong when they fall asleep in the same bed.
When she wakes up, she doesn't see him, but she knows where he'll be.
They seem like an old, married couple; Ritsu thinks at times. Except, she knows that they can never be official in name.
Or at least, that was what she thought.
Three months after her 18th birthday, Kaname sends for her when he is in the study. Ritsu doesn't question when a servant arrives at her door, and she casts a transportation spell to take herself to where Kaname is.
"Ritsu."
A small smile adorns Kaname's face when he sees her, though his carmine eyes remain calm; and he motions for her to come closer to him. She obliges but stops in front of the desk, opposite to where he sits.
Even after all these time, Ritsu's still unable to fully embrace this relationship.
"Shoto Isaya has dispatched a messenger," Kaname doesn't seem to mind and picks up a piece of parchment, speaking with the sphinx-like smile playing on his lips.
Ritsu tilts her head in bemusement, Kaname doesn't usually speak of diplomatic ties with her.
"The Shoto family has a boy who is eight years older than you, and he's not yet engaged."
… Oh. Now she sees where this is heading.
"Shoto-san wrote in saying that his son has fallen in love with you at first sight during your 18th birthday party. He would like to ask for your hand in marriage on his son's behalf," Kaname holds up the piece of parchment, "what do you think about it, Ritsu?"
Ritsu merely looks at Kaname indifferently.
"By accepting Shoto's offer, you'll be free from this house," Kaname says softly. "Shoto Nagisa is a fine young man."
"No."
Ritsu's voice takes on a sharper tone than she means to, but she doesn't feel apologetic for it.
"If that's all that you've summoned me for… pardon me, I'll be taking my leave," Ritsu stands up, narrowed eyes emanating obvious displeasure.
"Your answer reassures me, Ritsu," Kaname looks at her with a soft expression which she adamantly ignores. "There is a second matter… truth to be told. One that can only be followed through with the answer you have given."
"What is it?" Ritsu asks in a surly manner, she is still upset over his blatant lack of trust in her.
"In two weeks' time, I will make a public notice regarding our matrimony. At the same time… a new law will be enacted."
A brief silence lapses as Ritsu processes his words.
"You can't be serious," Ritsu deadpans after a while, the pale hands gripping the skirt of her dress betray her turbulent emotions.
"Deceit doesn't exist in our family creed."
"… Why the sudden decision?" she questions.
"If not now… the time will eventually come," he answers, a curious shine in his eyes.
Ritsu quietens down.
A tempting double-edged sword it is, to profess this indecent relationship to the world, but what would the world think of them? She could see it in the family servants; they have served the Kuran household for generations. They don't speak, but their eyes do.
Ritsu doesn't think that the vampire society would be half as understanding as the Kuran household's servants who have all pledged eternal allegiance to the Kuran family.
All of a sudden, she feels a pair of strong arms around her, and the scent of Kaname filled her nostrils. She doesn't struggle, but she doesn't make an attempt to acknowledge him either.
"I'm unsure as to what else I can do to convince you that I take you and this relationship very seriously," Kaname speaks from above, his magnetic voice resounds in her head, "admittedly, I was impulsive, but I regret none of it. If that didn't happen between us, you wouldn't be here now.
"Ritsu. Eternity is endless. Therefore, we should never create any regrets in our life. The weight of it will be carried on for eternity once it is ingrained in our memory."
She understands all that he is saying. It is true… that if he hadn't taken the initiative in such a forceful manner, there would never be a breakthrough in their relationship. She'd have bottled everything up, and took it away with her once she is married off to a pureblood from another family.
All that is beside the point at this moment, because Ritsu finds herself getting riled up over Kaname's words.
When he speaks of regret, she knows that it is with reference to her mother.
"Perhaps you might want to reconsider your stance," Ritsu begins quietly, "if you announced this relationship to the world, she would come to know of it too."
Ritsu feels his breathing stop momentarily.
"That's alright," he says after a while, and Ritsu doesn't press him even though she isn't half convinced.
At times, Ritsu wishes that she is blind in love. Perhaps then she wouldn't notice Kaname's hesitancy, and be so sensitive to the feelings he has towards Kiryuu Yuuki. In the past, she used to despise those who lose themselves in love – but now, she is starting to understand the meaning of 'ignorance is bliss'.
Unfortunately, she enjoys no such luxury. Everything surrounding Kuran Kaname is lucid before her.
"If you say so," Ritsu replies, clearly lacking warmth in her voice. Kaname doesn't respond.
A tiny smile emerges on her face. She will see then… whether he'd regret a second time when Kiryuu Yuuki comes to know about this.
What she didn't expect was that, that day never came.
On the day all the pimpernels in the garden bloomed, Kiryuu Yuuki arrived at the Kuran mansion in the middle of a storm.
The main events are occurring in the next chapter, which is why this chapter is shorter than usual. I'm sorry that updates slowed down after we got to the difficult part. It's tough for me to write this still, and at this point I realise, it's unlikely that I will ever be one of the people clamouring for incest to be legalised. I'll sit on the fence, as always. I meant to complete this story fast because I knew I will be busy in January... but I suppose that's unrealistic. I will do my best to complete this story asap.