Okay, so I know that some of you weren't happy with the sex scene last chapter. I'm very sorry if I offended anyone, but I did put in a warning before I posted the chapter, and as far as the other things that were picked at, Kaoru not telling Kenshin that her stepmother was in the lodge, he didn't see what she saw and maybe she was worried that he wouldn't believe her. Also remember, you guys haven't read all of the story yet, everything will be sorted out in the end. And I will honestly admit that maybe I rushed things with the two of them, and for those who said that's not really my style, you are right but they are both attracted to the other, sex seemed like a logical step in seeing if they did work well together. And after writing the sex scene, I realized that, to be safe, I had better put in that that wasn't Kaoru's first time, as she seemed pretty dang experienced. You can take that or leave it, whatever. Rest assured, we are getting close to the ending I have planned out. Thanks again! And thank you to all who said that you would keep reading the story, if only to find out what happens in the end!
Mia21
Kenshin woke up before Kaoru the next morning, getting up when he remembered that he was supposed to be holding court with his father that day. Leaning down to kiss Kaoru's cheek, Kenshin realized that no one had ever before had the kind of electrifying effect on him that Kaoru did, not even Tomoe.
Walking downstairs, Kenshin headed towards the Castle's dojo, attempting to ease some of the tension from his body.
An hour later, somewhat calmed down, bathed and dressed, Kenshin headed to the Great Hall, joining his father for court.
After several hours of the same nonsense they usually saw, which included neighbors upset with neighbors and lords arguing over which of them a certain piece of land actually belonged to, Kenshin was surprised when a beautiful blonde woman came in and his father stiffened. Scrambling to attach a name to her face, Kenshin finally remembered that she was Chizuru Ishida, Kaoru's stepmother. No wonder his father was so tense, although Chizuru herself didn't seem bothered. She came forward and curtsied deeply before them, "King Hiko, Prince Kenshin. I'll come right to the point of my visit, I'm here because of my stepdaughter, Kaoru. I had heard that she was staying here in your castle, bothering you."
"She's actually been no bother at all." Hiko said calmly.
Rolling her eyes, Chizuru said, "While I doubt that, she's needed at home. Her fiancé just arrived and he wants to see her, we've been looking everywhere for her."
Kenshin blinked, assuming he was hearing things incorrectly. Kaoru couldn't have a fiancé, it was impossible.
"She never mentioned she was engaged." Kenshin said.
"She likes to pretend he doesn't exist, Your Highness, as he is a man her father chose for her before he died. Regardless, the marriage documents were signed and she has no choice. I'm here to take her home." Chizuru said.
Realizing that he couldn't let Kaoru leave until he got to the bottom of this and already feeling challenged by Chizuru's magic, which was digging at him, Kenshin said, "There is a severe storm heading this way and it's not advisable for anyone to travel right now. How about the two of you stay for a bit longer?"
Staring at his son, Hiko finally grasped that Kenshin was serious before turning back to the woman he greatly disliked. "Yes, I will get Mari to show you to your chamber. Relax and rest for a bit."
Thinking he wouldn't be a good king if he couldn't lie on command, Hiko silently congratulated himself as Chizuru curtsied again. "Very well my lord."
When Kaoru woke up that morning, she wished that she could stay asleep for a bit longer. Kenshin had exhausted her last night, but it had been well worth it. Realizing that she was still naked, she pushed the covers away and started putting her clothes back on. When she was decent, Kaoru exited Kenshin's chambers and headed back to her own, thinking that a bath was in order.
After soaking for a good hour before scrubbing herself and her hair vigorously, she finally finished and got dressed in clean clothes. Exiting her chamber, Kaoru went to go find something to occupy her time.
Taking a break from holding court for lunch, Kenshin immediately headed towards his own chambers, ready to have it out with Kaoru. He didn't appreciate being lied to, especially after what had happened last night, and he intended to find out what was really going on. Did Kaoru actually mean to lie to him or had she simply forgotten, or was the real liar Chizuru?
Entering his chambers, Kenshin found them empty. Reassuring himself that Kaoru most likely only returned to her own chambers, he found himself angry nonetheless. He didn't like to believe that she had lied to him, but was already planning what he would do if she had. After years of nursing his broken heart and barely surviving, he had finally let someone in. Not meaning to, he had fallen, hard, for her. If it turned out Kaoru had lied, intentionally or not, he would find himself right back where he started, nursing a broken heart.
Seeing he still had time before court began again, Kenshin headed to Kaoru's chambers, intent on having the truth out of her. Unable to find her there either, Kenshin decided he would find her later tonight and learn the truth, one way or the other.
After looking through the main library and finding a few books to take back to her room with her, Kaoru was heading back up the main staircase when she heard a familiar voice from behind her.
"There you are, Snow White. We need to talk."
Slowly turning around and telling herself that her stepmother couldn't really be in Aomori Castle, Kaoru was proved wrong when she faced her.
"Chizuru? What are you doing here?" Kaoru asked, shocked.
"I had heard that you ran to Aomori Castle, so I arrived here to take you back to Akita. You shouldn't be imposing yourself like this, it's rude." Chizuru said, staring down at her nails.
Biting her lip and frantically trying to think of something, Kaoru settled on, "I'm not ready to leave just yet, stepmother."
"Well that's good since we aren't. King Hiko insisted that we stay in the castle for a bit longer because a severe storm is on its way. But mark my words, when the storm has passed I will drag you back to Akita, whether you want to go or not."
Taking a deep breath, Kaoru managed, "There's no need to threaten stepmother."
Snorting, her stepmother turned away. "I really need to go and rest in my chamber, as I was riding all night to get here." Tossing her blonde hair over her shoulder, she flounced away.
Remembering what she had been doing last night, Kaoru smiled before heading to the dining room for some lunch.
Okay, so what did everyone think of that? Please make sure you still leave me a review!
Mia21
