Chapter 18
Truth
"I wonder how Sango is doing?"
"Give her a break!"
"Inuyasha!"
"Didn't you guys just come from seeing her?' Inuyasha said turning to Kagome.
"Well…yes, but I just want to make sure she's okay,"
Inuyasha sighed.
"Sango is a big girl, Kagome I'm sure that she's fine!"
"I know…but I just want to check on her,"
"Unlike you…you self-centered brute we care about Sango!" Shippo cried.
Inuyasha ceased walking. "I do care for Sango you little pipsqueak!!"
"Ahhhhhhhhhh!!" Shippo cried as he ran from Inuyasha.
"Kagome…help me!"
"Oh no you don't!!"
"Will you two come back here!" Kagome cried while running after them…
"She was what?!"
"I'm dying of anticipation here!" Miroku cried.
"Killed by…my…hands,"
"What?!" Miroku and Sango cried in unison.
Kara remained mute.
"What did you say?!" Miroku screeched.
"Answer me!"
"I killed her!"
"Kara!"
"You…killed her?"
"Yes,"
"What…how could you such a despicable thing?!" Miroku screamed.
"Kara…please say it isn't so," She lowered her head and remained silent.
"HOW COULD YOU!" Miroku screamed as he clasped Kara's delicate neck.
"Miroku let her go!"
"How could you!!"
"Miroku stop it!" Sango cried as she tried pulling him from Kara.
"Please, let me explain!"
"There's no need for an explanation!"
"Miroku…stop this and let her go!"
Miroku continued ignoring Sango's pleads and preceded violently chocking Kara. Sango lowered her face to Miroku's right shoulder and bite down deep and hard into his flesh.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Miroku cried in pain as he dropped his grip on Kara, her body collided with the dank ground.
"Damn you…Sango!" Miroku cried holding his bruised shoulder.
"Shut-up Miroku!"
"Kara…are you okay?"
"I'm okay!"
Sango helped Kara stand to her feet.
"Why are helping this murderous wrench?!"
"Kara's my friend…and I want to know why she did what she did that's why!"
"Please Sir Miroku…allow me to explain myself,"
Miroku sighed. "Whatever!"
"Kara is there somewhere we can go and talk?"…
"As I mentioned I felt I had good reason for killing Madam Ayumi,"
"Please tell us why you did it?"
"I did it out of spite, bitterness and anger!"
"That still doesn't justify you killing her and our unborn child!"
"You didn't let me finish Sir Miroku…"
"Why should I when you just confessed to her killing?!"
"Kara, why were you feeling such anger, bitterness and spite towards Madam Ayumi?"
"The past!"
"The past?" Miroku repeated in confusion.
"What happened in the past?"
"All the things that woman took from me…"
"Kara, what are you talking about?" asked Sango.
"What happened in the past that caused you so much grief?"
Kara glanced up at the bright blue sky; she felt tears gathering in her eyes.
"I was 16 years old then but I knew from the moment I meant him he was my soulmate…"
"Okay, mother I will go out and meet her as soon as I can!"
"I really wish she would get off my back!"
"Oh!" cried a sweet shrill voice.
"Excuse me Sir!"
"It's alright…I should have been watching where I was headed,"
"No, no, no, I'm sorry Sir I should be the one watching where I'm going!"
"I don't recall seeing you around here…are you new?"
"Yes, Sir I'm one of the new maids Madam Tatsuya hired,"
"Oh I see, what is your name?"
"Kara,"
"Ka-ra,"
"Well, that's certainly a pretty name,"
"Thank you My Lord,"
"You're quite welcome,"
"I…I should get back to my work,"
"Wait!"
"Yes My Lord!"
"Please look at me when I speak to you!"
"But…My Lord!" He lifted some of her loose jet-black hair from her face.
"By the Gods…you're gorgeous!"
"My Lord…please do not speak such nonsense!"
"Yes how dare you speak such nonsense to a mere maid!"
"I'm so sorry Madam Tatsuya!" Kara pleaded as she jerked her youthful face from The Lord's grasp.
"You're not here to flirt…now get your ass back to work girl!"
"Yes Madam!"
"What the hell were you doing with that girl?"
"I was just simply inquiring who she was that's all,"
"That better be all that you were doing!"
"I assure it was all I was doing!"
"You better be preparing to meet your betrothed!"
"Look, mother I'm quite aware of that!"
"Then act like you are!" Madam Tatsuya shot back.
"As you wish…Madam Tatsuya!"
"Do not sass me!"
"Mother, I shall see you later!" The Lord said bowing to his mother…
"Excuse me!"
"Oh goodness it's the Lord!"
"The Lord!"
"He's in here?"
"My Lord…what are you doing here in the servant quarters?"
"I'm sorry…I didn't mean to burst in here!"
"What can we do you my Lord?"
"I was looking for one of the servants,"
"Who might that be?"
"Kara,"
"Kara you say?"
"Yes, I'm…I mean my mom requests her assistants,"
"I believe Kara is out tending to the patio gardens,"
"Great!"
"Wait, my Lord would like one of us to go fetch her for the Madam?"
"No, I'll go get her!" The Lord called as he quickly headed out of servant's quarters…
The Lord stepped out into the patio, he scanned the gardens soon his eyes found its target.
("I found her…there she is!")
"Kara!"
"Yes?!"
"Its me!"
"Me…who?" Kara asked as she turned to the unfamiliar voice.
"My Lord…what are you doing out here?!"
"I…I just wanted to see you again,"
"My Lord!"
"I realize that we just meant but for some reason I cannot shake you from my mind,"
"My Lord!" she repeated.
"I have to go…but please take this letter and follow its instructions,"
"But my Lord…I cannot do such a thing!"
"Take it…it's an order!"
"Okay!"
"I look forward to seeing you later!" The Lord cried as he quickly headed out the garden.
Kara sighed and proceeded to open the letter…
("Kara, let's meet here after sunset!")
"Why would the Lord want to meet "me"?" Kara said scratching her head in confusion…
She stepped over into the botanical garden area; this area was concealed from the rest of the palace. Tension and anticipation soon began growing in her belly.
"I cannot believe that I'm here to meet the Lord!"
"Where is he?"
"I hope this isn't some type of set-up,"
"Now why would I ask you out here only to set you up?!"
"My Lord you scared me!" Kara called as she clutched her rapidly beating heart.
"Please, claim down," he said as he gently grasped her delicate hand.
"I'm…okay…my Lord," she stuttered as she turned away trying to avoid his piercing hazel eyes.
"My dear didn't I tell you to look at me when I'm speaking to you,"
"I'm…sorry my Lord!" she whispered as she lifted her face to meet the Lord's.
("He's certainly very handsome,")
She turned away. "My Lord why did you summon me here?"
"Since, I've meant you I haven't be able to keep you off my mind,"
She smiled.
"You're so beautiful,"
"I don't know…what to say…my Lord,"
He began stroking her sweet delicate face; he softly ran his fingers over her pink luscious lips. Kara felt her lips quiver at his touch.
"Please…My Lord…stop this," she whispered.
"Please my dear, please tell me where you are from?"
"I'm from Edo,"
"Why do you inquire?"
"I'm just curious as to where such a beautiful, young woman as yourself could come from,"
"I assure you, my Lord that there are many of fine beauties in Edo,"
"Yes, I'm in the presence of one them right now,"
"Please, cease all the flattery,"
"I never say things I don't mean…so take my compliments to heart my dear,"
"As you wish, my Lord," Kara said cheerfully.
"That's it my dear,"
"That's what, my Lord,"
"Your smile,"
"My smile…you say?"
"Yes, it's certainly one of the most dazzling smiles I've ever seen,"
"Thank you, my Lord…your kind words bring such happiness to my heart!"
"I'm elated to hear that, my dear,"
"But, unfortunately I have to depart, let's meet here tomorrow at this time,"
"Sure, my Lord!" Kara replied without hesitation.
"Good day, my dear!"
"Same to you too, my Lord," Kara said as she bowed to him.
She clutched her heart.
("Why is it beating so fast?")
("I cannot be falling for The Lord…he is going to be betrothed after-all,")
("But I cannot help but feel delighted over his gentle words,")
("The Lord is certainly the looker, the height of *Hachiman alone with his dark ruffled hair, and strikingly creamy skin, and not to mention those piercing hazel eyes,")
("What am I saying…I mustn't allow myself to fall for him he's entirely out of my league!")
The next night…
"There you are my dear!"
"Good evening my Lord," Kara said bowing before the Lord.
"Let's take a seat over in the garden," Kara nodded as she followed the Lord over to the open area of the garden.
They took a seat next to one another. The Lord clutched her hand.
"My Lord!"
"It's such a beautiful night wouldn't you say?"
"Yes…it is very beautiful night,"
"It feels so good to just relax!" the Lord said as he laid his head upon Kara's shoulder.
"My…Lord!"
"I had to travel all the way to Edo today,"
"What for?"
"Business,"
"Business?"
"I had a meeting with Lord Nobunaga…let me tell you that man is a total jackass!" Kara giggled at his response.
"What's so funny?"
"You are my Lord!"
"I knew there was something else I liked about you," the Lord said as he gently stroked Kara's soft youthful face. She felt her face growing warm from his touch.
"My Lord, you have a really great sense of humor,"
He smiled at her kind words…
"My dear thanks so much for allowing me to take a load off,"
"I'm glad, my Lord!"
"I have a confession to make,"
"A confession?"
"Yes,"
"What might that be?" the Lord asked.
"I…wasn't going to come tonight,"
"Why is that?"
"I don't…think that I'm good enough…to be seeing you!"
"What do you mean by that?"
"I'm just a mere servant…and you're the Lord…"
He pulled her in close and tenderly kissed her upon her lips.
"My dear, we are doing nothing but having good earnest conversion, please cease feeling troubled,"
Kara remained quiet.
"Good night, my dear let's meet tomorrow!" the Lord called as he stepped over to the entrance of the garden.
"Alright!" Kara replied still in a shock. She sat down on the ground, and touched her lips.
"He…kissed me!"
"Oh…I can't believe he kissed me!"
Kara shook herself out of her daze and quickly made her way back inside the castle…
"He kissed me,"
"I still can not believe that he kissed me," Kara whispered as she leaned against a palace wall in a complete daze.
"My Lord!" she swooned in delight.
"Hey…hellooooooooo!"
"Yes Madam!" Kara called as she snapped herself back into reality.
"Stop daydreaming girl…I need this place to be in order as quickly as possible!"
"Yes Madam!"
("I need to shake myself out this daze and get to work!")
Kara picked up the broom and began furiously sweeping the chanoma…
"There I think that I'm finally done!" Kara sighed in exhaustion.
"I'm going to go and retire back to my quarters now," Kara sat down the broom and began making her way back to the servant quarters…
"I cannot believe that she said that!" Kara said laughing.
"The nerve of that lady!" the Lord cried. Kara laid her head upon the Lord's gentle yet masculine shoulders.
"It seems like only yesterday when we meant,"
"Yes, I remember that fateful day, I often replay that moment I laid my eyes upon you!"
"I never imagined a simple servant would attract the attention of one of our nation's greatest most handsome Lords!"
"Who, would have thought one of the most strikingly beautiful women in all of land would be living amongst myself,"
Kara smiled.
"I still have yet to understand what you see in me?"
The Lord sighed. "My dear, you're kind, gentle, sweet, and such a great listener and beautiful…what more could a man ask for,"
Kara leaned over and tenderly kissed the Lord. He returned her sweet kiss with a passionate one of his own.
"Be careful of your words, my Lord they may cause some rash actions,"
"I prepared to deal with the consequences,"
They soon engaged in another fervent kiss.
The Lord sighed heavily.
"What's the matter, my Lord?"
He gently stroked her face.
"Why can't you be the one,"
"The one?"
"I marry!" Kara felt her face grow warm; soon tears began forming in her eyes.
"I'm so sorry my dear, I didn't mean to upset you,"
"No, no, I'm fine!"
"You certainly do not look fine,"
"I'm okay!" she insisted. Kara turned away from the Lord. The tears began flowing.
"My dear!"
"I'm so sorry, my Lord but I think I should go!" Kara cried as she stood up and ran towards the palace.
"Kara…wait!" She stopped and turned to the Lord. He stared disdained at her tear-stricken face.
"I'm terribly sorry if upset you,"
"I overacted,"
"Overacted? At what?"
"Was it something I said?"
Kara nodded.
"What did I say?"
"Never-mind, please don't worry about it!"
"No, I want to know what it was I said!"
"It's nothing,"
"I want to know what it is I said that set you off,"
"My Lord, please just let it go,"
"Fine!" He said sighing in frustration.
"It was good seeing you, My Lord but I should retire to my quarters now,"
"Yes, of course," The Lord replied as he planted a kiss upon her forehead.
"Good night my Lord!" Kara cried as she quickly stormed back inside the palace…
Kara climbed inside her bedroll. She shut her eyes.
("Damn him…! Damn him!")
("How could he say such a thing?")
The Lord's poignant words began echoing throughout her head.
("My Lord please go away…stop invading my thoughts!")…
"What could I have possibly said to make her so upset?" The Lord sniffed the chilly night air and slumped back against the chair inside the garden…
A few weeks later…
"GIRL!"
"HEY GIRL!"
"I wonder who is out there doing all that yelling?" Kara inquired as she peaked out of her hikido.
"YOU THERE?"
"Me?" Kara asked turning to the guard.
"Yes, you!"
"What is it?"
"Madam Tatsuya, requests for you!"
"Hai!"…
"Yes Madam, did you summon me?"
"Of course I called for otherwise you wouldn't be here in my presence!"
"I want you to go clean up the dining area, and prepare for dinner,"
"Are there any guests coming for dinner?"
"Why the hell do you need to know that?"
"I was inquiring so I would know how much food I need to prepare,"
"Three!"
"Is there any particular dishes that you and your guests would like?"
"Yes, in fact I sent the list over to kitchen already,"
"I will get started right away Madam!"
"I wonder who all is coming to dinner?"…
"C'mon ladies we need to hurry and get this food done, the Madam's guests will be arriving any minute now!" Kara called as she ran over to the one of the stemming pots and began furiously stirring its contents.
"Miss Kara?"
"What it is?"
"How much ginger should I add to this stew?"
"Excuse me?"
"I'm not sure how ginger I need to add to the stew,"
"Rei! I recall telling you how much was needed," "
"I…I know but I forgot,"
"Oh goodness!" Kara cried as she ran over to Rei. She picked up a pinch of the ginger and sprinkled the pinch in the boiling stew she handled Rei the ladle.
"You think you can handle the stirring?"
"I'm sorry Miss Kara,"
"Ladies we need to hurry it up!"…
"Madam Tatsuya…it seems like forever since we last seen one another!"
"Yes, it has been too long Ayumi!" The two women pulled from one another embrace.
"Please have a seat dinner will be served shortly,"
"Thank you Madam Tatsuya!" She took a seat across from Ayumi.
"Madam Tatsuya how have you been these days?"
"I've been fine why do you inquire?"
"I just inquiring that's all,"
"How have you been my dear?"
"I couldn't be better,"
"Is that so?"
"Madam Tatsuya…how could I not I'm getting betrothed to the love of my life!"
"How I remember the days when I was head over heels in love,"
"Wasn't it such a great feeling?!"
"Indeed it was,"
"Speaking of my love…where might he be?" Ayumi cried as she scanned the immaculate dining room.
"So sorry that I'm late!"
"You're here!"
"It's so good to see you!" Ayumi cried as she embraced her betrothed. She planted a quick kiss on his lips. He took a seat next to Ayumi, he embraced one of her hands in his own.
"I do apologize mother for making you wait,"
"It's quite fine, my son, now that you're here, shall we eat," Madam Tatsuya said as she snapped her fingers.
Within a few seconds four young maidens bought out four trays of scrumptious entries. The ladies placed the entries in front of the guests.
One of the other young maidens placed three sets of ivory chopsticks onto the wooden lacquered low table.
"*Douzo meshiagare!"
"Alright ladies let's dig in!"…
"This meal was incredible!" cried Ayumi.
"*Gochisōsama!"
"We can tell by your belly rubbing that you are very satisfied," Ayumi giggled.
"It was a fine meal indeed," said Madam Tatsuya.
"My deepest compliments to the chef!"
"Shall we enjoy some sake?!"
"That would be wonderful!" chirped Ayumi.
"Please bring us some sake!"
One of the young maiden stepped out of the kitchen holding a small ivory tray with two small bottles of sake. She sat the tray upon the wooden table, and placed one of the sake cups in front of each the patrons.
"How about a celebratory toast?"
"A toast?" asked Madam Tatsuya.
"For our upcoming nuptials!" said Ayumi.
"That sounds lovely!"
"Kampai!" the three cheered as they clicked their sake cups together.
The young maiden glanced over at Ayumi and her betrothed. Their eyes locked for a quick second.
She quickly turned her head.
("The Lord!")
("Kara!")
"Hey girl…pour us some more sake!"
"Yes Madam!"
"This sake is delightful!" chirped Ayumi.
"Yes, this sake is very delectable!" Kara glanced out the corner of her eye she noticed him staring intensely in her direction.
("Sir, please stop staring at me before you rise suspicion!")
"Is that right my son?"
"Huh? Excuse me?"
"Never you mind!" Madam Tatsuya said in annoyance.
"Madam Tatsuya?"
"What is it girl?"
"May I be excused?"
"Yes!" She immediately rose from the wooden table and made her way back to the kitchen.
Kara slammed the tray upon the kitchen counter.
("Damn him!")
"It's getting late I should be heading back home," Ayumi said as she rose up from the wooden table. Madam Tatsuya and the Lord followed her lead.
"Thank you so much for the wonderful dinner!"
"Yes mother it was a very fine dinner!"
"I'm certainly glad that you guys enjoyed it,"
The ladies headed for the hikido.
"I'll be just a second!" The guards opened up the hikido for the ladies, shutting it behind them.
He rushed over to the kitchen.
"There you are!"
"My Lord…what are you…" He placed a finger on her lips, silencing her speech.
"Please meet me at "our" place in one hour!" he said whispering in her ear.
"But…my Lord…"
"Please…just meet me there!" Kara nodded in agreement. He smiled and quickly headed out of the kitchen.
"I'm coming!"
Kara sucked in a deep breathe.
"What could he possibly want from me?"
"My love, I'm terribly sorry that I cannot accompany you home,"
"My dear it's quite alright I understand you have immediate business to take care of,"
"After-all you need to be able to support us once we are married,"
"That is correct my love! Now please be safe, I shall see you soon!" Ayumi embraced her betrothed in her arms. He returned her embrace.
She planted a kiss upon his lips.
"Oh Ayumi!"
"I love you!" she cried.
"I love…you too!" Ayumi pulled free from his arms and bowed before her betrothed and stepped inside the carriage.
He returned her bow.
The carriage soon made its way down the wooden path towards Toryama.
"Now, I must go prepare to meet Kara!"
"I suppose I should go get cleaned up if I'm going to meet him!" Kara made her way over the servant quarters. She made poured some hot water in the fountain; she pulled off her clothes and stepped inside the shower…
Kara sat down on chilly ground in the garden. She stared at starless sky. "I can't believe that I'm out here once again waiting for the Lord,"
"I thank you for doing so!" Kara turned to the familiar voice.
"I'm sorry…I didn't mean that!"
"It's quite alright my dear," He said as he embraced one of her hands in his own.
"It's so nice seeing you again, it has been quite sometime,"
She remained silent.
"Are you not happy to see me?"
"Was that young maiden partaking dinner with you your betrothed?"
"Well…yes!"
Kara jerked her hands free from the Lord's and turned away.
"Kara!"
"My Lord…I'm sorry but I don't think this is right,"
"What are you talking about my dear?"
"You and I…meeting under such conspicuous circumstances!"
"Kara…my dear I understand, but I cannot hide my feelings for you,"
"How could you have feelings for someone you hardly know?"
"I realize that I have not known you very long…but I know what I feel for you is love…the kind of love that a man has for a woman whom he truly loves,"
"Anyone can say they love someone and not mean it!"
"My dear, I don't say things that I don't mean!"
"How am I supposed to know that?" The Lord spun Kara around. He raised her sweet face to his own.
"It is true that I'm getting married…but that doesn't mean that I'm in love," Kara shifted her glaze to the Lord, her eyes widen in surprised.
"If you're not in love…then why are getting married?!"
The Lord sighed. "It's quite complicated…to make a long story short, it's to gain more business and spoils,"
"In other words, it's a marriage of convenience," The Lord nodded in response.
"My Lord…that's…"
"Terrible! I know…I know but if I marry Ayumi my family stands to gain a substantial amount of land in Edo…in addition to a position in the Shogunate government,"
"So, all that is worth marrying someone who you aren't even in love with?!"
"This situation is more complex than I care to explain my dear,"
He cupped his hands around Kara's soft youthful face.
"My Lord…I cannot deny that I do harbor feelings for you as well…I didn't really want to be believe that you were getting married…but once I seen your fiancee…I realized that I could no longer deny the fact that you were getting married!"
"Kara…"
"I think we should cease seeing one another!"
"My dear…do you really mean that?" Kara nodded. The Lord softly pressed his lips against Kara's soft luscious lips.
"My dear…I hope that you didn't mean what you said…but until then remember the taste of my lips against yours…and that there's plenty of more where that came from!"
Kara stood still and surprised.
"Good night Kara,"
"My Lord!" Kara cried as she gingerly rubbed her fingers over her freshly kissed lips.
"He didn't even resist nor protest my demand!"
"Damn him!"
Tears began pouring from her grieving eyes.
She ran over to the patio in the garden, and buried her face in her hands.
"I hate you!!"
The Lord stepped back out onto the patio and stood watching Kara from afar.
"Oh Kara!"
A few weeks later…
"Did you finish serving the guests girl?"
"Yes Madam Tatsuya!"
"I need you to go deliver these letters to the Lord's chamber,"
"The Lord's?"
"Yes, the Lord…my son…who else?!"
"I'm sorry Madam but there are still some duties left for me to do in the kitchen,"
"I want you to deliver these letters…the other girls can finish up the kitchen duties!"
"Now go deliver these letters!" Madam Tatsuya cried as she threw the letters at Kara.
"Yes Madam!" Kara uttered. She sighed and began picking up the scattered letters…
"Excuse me my Lord?"
"Yes, what is it?"
"I have some letters for you,"
"Who are they from?"
"I'm not sure my Lord…Madam Tatsuya asked me to deliver to you,"
"Please bring them here," The Lord called without ever looking up from his work desk. Kara stepped inside the Lord's workroom.
She slowly made her way over to the Lord; she quickly sat the letter down beside him.
"Thank you,"
"You're welcome, my Lord!" Kara cried as she quickly turned and began making her way over to the hikido. The Lord turned his attention to the hikido.
"Hey, stop right there!" Kara sighed and ceased her exit. He stepped away from his desk and made his way over to Kara.
"Kara…is that you?" She remained quiet. He walked around and stood in front of her.
"It is you my dear!" Kara lowered her head to the ground.
"It's been quite some time since we seen one another my dear,"
"It has been sometime,"
"How have you been my dear?"
"I'm still alive so I'm fine!" The Lord chuckled at Kara's response.
"Indeed, working for my mother has to be quite the task,"
"Indeed it is…but I'm grateful for all that she has given me,"
"I know you are?"
"I'm sorry my Lord…but I must get back to my duties," Kara said as she tried making her way over to the hikido. The Lord shut the hikido blocking her exit.
"My Lord!"
"Kara! By the Gods I have missed you!" He cried as he tightly embraced her.
"You have?"
"Yes! I have missed you too My Lord!" Kara said as she returned his embrace.
"If you have missed me then…why does it seem like you have been avoiding me?"
"My Lord, you are getting married for crying out loud…so I didn't want to arouse suspicion,"
"I agree we should be careful with our actions,"
"My dear I must get back to my work…please let meet around sunset at our place?"
"Okay!"
"Wonderful!" the Lord cheered as he planted a kiss upon her forehead.
"Take care, my Lord!" Kara said she bowed and stepped out of his workroom. Kara clutched her rapidly beating heart.
"My Lord!"…
("My Lord…I wonder if he is there already?")
Kara rushed out to the garden scanning the vicinity.
"Kara, my dear is that you?"
"My Lord!"
"Please come over here," Kara stepped over to the Lord. He turned to her.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting,"
"It doesn't matter you are came!" The Lord said as he lifted her face to meet his own.
Their lips meant in an intense passionate kiss.
"Oh how my lips have missed these lips!" The Lord cried. Kara smiled at his words. She laid her head upon his thick masculine chest.
"My Lord…how I have missed you!"
"The feeling is mutual my dear," he said returning her embrace…
"My Lord…I do enjoy your wild stories!"
"Well, I'm glad someone does,"
"Of course I do, I can only dream of traveling to foreign lands, and meeting so many different foreign people,"
"You will someday my dearest!"
"You really think so?"
"I'm sure of it?"
"What makes you sure of that?"
"Did you forget that I'm the Lord of these lands…whatever you want or need I can make it happen!"
"Is that so?"
"Do you doubt me?"
Kara turned the Lord. "Then call off your marriage to Ayumi!" The Lord remained silent.
"Well…"
"Kara…I already told you my reasons for marrying her,"
"I'm well aware of what you told me,"
"Then why would you ask me to do such a thing?!"
"Because, you are the one bragging about how much power you have and what you can do…if you have so much power then call off this ill marriage of yours!" The Lord chuckled and stood to his feet.
"Kara, my dear we shall finish this discussion later,"
"No! I want to finish this discussion…NOW!" The Lord turned his attention back to Kara.
"Good night, my dear,"
"Wait!" Kara cried but her plead fell upon deaf ears.
"The nerve of him!" Kara screamed. Tears began falling from her eyes; she sat back down upon the chilly ground.
"What a jerk!"
"I should have known better than to get involved with him!"
"I'm so stupid!" she continued. More warm tears began falling from her sad eyes…
"I'm not going to sit here and keep crying over him!" Kara stood to her feet, and headed back inside. She headed back to her servant quarters and sat down on her bedroll.
Kara picked a small mirror she kept near her bedside.
"I look pathetic…over here bawling over a man that was never mines in the first place!"
"I need to get it over and him!" She fell back against her bedroll and shut her eyes.
"My Lord…how could you?!"
"Hey girl…bring the food over here!"
"Yes Madam Tatsuya," Kara sat the tray down in front of Madam Tatsuya.
"Anything else for you Madam?"
"Go away girl!"
"Yes Madam!" Kara cried as she hurried out of the dining room.
"Kara!" She glanced at the familiar voice and continued on her way.
("Kara!")
Sometime later on that day…
"I can't believe that she is making me wash in the cold!" Kara grumbled. She continued wringing out the clothes in the bucket.
"It's so cold out here," she said shriving. Kara placed the clothes back in the bucket. She covered her tiny fragile hands and began blowing her warm breathe on them.
"That feels somewhat better!" Kara pulled her pale pink kimono tighter around her slender frame.
"Excuse me Miss Kara!"
"Yes, Rei?"
"Here you go," Kara turned to the young maiden.
"Where did this come? Who this from?"
"I'm not sure Miss Kara but I was told to deliver this you?" Rei replied as she handed Kara a thick outer winter kimono.
"You have no idea who told you to give this to me?"
"No!"
"Someone had to had given it to you,"
"One of the other maiden handed it over to me and told me to pass it on to you,"
"Who would want to…"
"No…no…no…!"
"What is it Miss Kara?!"
"I can't take this…please take it back!"
"I can't do that!"
"Why not?"
"Because, I can't!"
"I have to get back to my duties Miss Kara,"
"Thanks Rei," Rei turned back to Kara.
"No Miss Kara, you should be thanking whomever sent you that coat!" Rei called as she disappeared back inside. Kara sighed and reluctantly unfolded the coat.
A small parchment fell from the inside.
"I wonder what this is?" She unraveled the note and read the line that was scribbled on it.
"My dear, this is for you to stay warm, and in good health!"
Kara tossed the note and the coat to the chilly ground.
"That jerk!" Suddenly an extremely chilly draft hit Kara's direction.
"By the Gods!!" Kara cried shivering. She reached for the coat putting on her chilly body. She felt instant relief from the cold.
"Damn you my Lord!"
"Miss Kara?"
"Yes?"
"Where did you get such a lovely coat from?"
"It was a gift,"
"A gift from who?"
"My…grandmother…in Edo!"
"Wow!" said one maiden.
"You have such a generous grandmother!"
"Doesn't she," replied Rei.
"Ladies, my grandmother was a seamstress…she just likes to knit things in her old age,"
"It's good that you still have a living grandparent or parent for that matter,"
"What do you mean by that?"
"My parents and grandparents all passed away…I'm an orphan!"
"My dear Rei, so sorry to hear that!" Kara cried as she embraced her.
"It's quite alright I consider all you ladies my family!"
"The feeling is mutual!"
"Thanks so much!"
"Ladies I have some other duties to get back too, so I shall see ladies later,"
Kara stepped back out of the servant quarters.
"That was close!" she sighed. She quickly made her way down the hall back into the main castle.
"Miss Kara?"
"Yes?"
"Kara!" She turned to the familiar male voice.
"You!"
"My dear!" She quickly turned away and continued down the empty hallway.
"Wait…please!"
"I have chores to get back to!"
"I know but can we please talk?" She turned her attention back to the Lord.
"The only thing I have to say to you is…thanks for the coat!"
"You're quite welcome, my dear!" He said smiling. Kara turned away and quickly spirited down the hallway.
"The coat look stunning on you, my dear!" She smiled at his words but continued on her way without looking back…
"My love, I'm so elated that our upcoming nuptials are going so well!"
"Yes, my dear, I'm happy that everything is going so smoothly," Ayumi leaned over and planted a kiss on the Lord's lips.
"I cannot wait to become your wife!"
He smiled in response.
"Your meal has arrived!"
"Look, our lunch is here!" Ayumi cried.
("Kara!")
She sat the tray of sushi and green tea down on upon the wooden lacquer table.
"Thank you!"
Kara quickly departed.
"How rude!"
"What are you talking about?"
"That servant girl…not only did she not thank you but she seemed to have quite the attitude!"
"Ayumi, don't you think that you're overacting?"
"Overacting?"
"Yes, over such a trivial matter?"
"How dare you!" Ayumi cried as she rose from her seat.
"I will nor stand for hired help to talk and act that way!"
"Ayumi, she's not even your hired help…so why do you care?"
"Where is she?"
She stormed inside the kitchen.
"Where is she?"
"Who Madam?"
"The servant girl that served my Lord's and I lunch?"
"I think she's in the back,"
"Go get her!!"
"Yes Madam!
"Ayumi!"
"Yes Madam you called for me?"
"Come here girl!"
Kara cautiously stepped over to Ayumi. The two women stood face to face in silence.
"Come here!" Ayumi cried as she grabbed Kara's collar and drug her out of the kitchen.
"Do you see that girl?"
"See what Madam?"
"Our lunch!"
"Is there something wrong with it? I can fix up something else if you like!"
With a quick flick of her wrist Ayumi violently slapped Kara's delicate face.
"Ohhhhhh!" Kara cried gripping her injured face.
"Ayumi!"
"Take that you ungrateful wretch!" Ayumi sneered as she shoved Kara to the ground causing her to crash into the table.
"I'm…I…so…sorry Madam!" Kara feebly replied.
"Ayumi! Stop this!" the Lord cried as he ran over to the ladies.
"Don't tell me to stop…this ungrateful wretch was not only rude to you but totally disregarded your authority!"
"You are totally blowing this out of control!"
"Why do you care? She's nothing more than a mere servant!"
"She may be a servant but that doesn't give you the right to put your hands on her!"
Ayumi stepped closer to the Lord.
"Why do you care if I put my hands on this girl? Does she mean something to you?"
Kara took a quick glance at the Lord.
"Does it matter?"
"Oh it matters alright…because I swear by the Gods that if you and this girl have something going on I will have her head and display at our wedding!" She cried as she pulled Kara to her feet by her hair.
"Now get out of here!!" Kara quickly ran from the dining room.
"Ayumi! Was that really necessary?"
"Of course it was!"
"I think we should call it a night…I'm going to retire to my quarters you can see your side out!" the Lord called as he departed the dining room.
"What? How dare you? Come back here!" Ayumi cried while trailing the Lord…
"Come back here!"
"Did I not tell you to go home?"
"I'm not going anywhere until you talk to me!"
He turned to Ayumi. "What is there left to talk about?"
"My dear, why are you so upset over that servant girl?"
"I detest violence…you know that!"
"My Lord I know that but that girl needed to be taught a lesson for her rudeness,"
"That maybe so…but damn Ayumi don't you think that you went too far?"
"I cannot believe that we are standing here arguing over someone who doesn't matter!"
"Damn you and your selfishness!"
"What the hell is that suppose to mean?!" Ayumi cried.
"Please go away I have no desire to continue speaking with you!" the Lord said as he retired to his chambers.
"How dare you!"
The Lord took a seat at his work desk. He buried his face in his hands.
("Kara, my dear I'm so sorry!")
"How could she do this me?"
("I hate the both of them!")
"Miss Kara…it's going to be okay!" Rei called as she wrapper her arms around Kara.
"Thank you!"
"I hate that Ayumi she makes me so angry!" Rei cried.
"Don't say such things about the Lord's betrothed!"
"But Miss Kara…she hit and yelled at you for no reason!"
"That still doesn't give us the right to such foul things about his betrothed!"
"I don't hate her I forgive her!"
"Miss Kara, you have such a good heart, I don't think that I could ever find it in my heart to forgive someone as crude as her!"
"Miss Kara!"
"Who's calling Miss Kara?" asked Rei.
"Excuse Miss Kara but the Madam requests your assistants!"
"What? What could she possibly want from me?"
"Miss Kara are you going to go see the Madam?"
"What choice do I have?"
"One of us could go to her aide," said Rei.
Kara stepped out of her bedroll and wiped her eyes.
"I'll be back ladies," Kara made her way out of the servant quarters, and began making her way over to the Madam's quarters.
"Kara!" She immediately turned to the voice.
"My Lord!"
"My dear!" the Lord cried as he embraced Kara.
"Please, let me go, I have to go see the Madam!"
"You cannot go see the Madam!"
"And why not?"
"She did summon me!"
"No, it was I that summoned for you!"
"But why?"
"It was the only way you would come!"
"My Lord you and your deception cease to never end!" Kara cried as she freed herself from the Lord.
"I such a deceiver…but I only did it to see you!"
"Please, let me go before we end up getting caught!"
"Your beautiful sweet face…is it still injured?" the Lord cried as he ran his hand over her wounded face.
"My Lord I will be fine please let me be!"
"No, let me tend to your wound,"
"That wouldn't be necessary!"
"Please come with me!"
"My Lord!"
"This is no a request but an order!"
"Fine!" Kara said sighing…
"How does that feel?"
"It feels better,"
"Just keep the keep applying the medicinal herbs to your wound and it will be healed in no time!"
"Thank…you my Lord!"
"It's the least I could do for you, my dear!"
He gently stroked her delicate face.
"I'm terribly sorry for what Ayumi did to you,"
"She's right I was being rude and indifferent to you…please accept my apology!"
"My dear, you did absolutely nothing wrong!"
"Not according to Madam Ayumi!"
"Never mind what she thought…she will be reprimanded for her brash actions!"
"My Lord do not even bother…why arouse trouble over me,"
"Because she was wrong for what she did to you!"
Kara smiled. "So you really do care?"
"Of course I do…I never stopped caring!"
"My Lord!" Kara cried happily.
"You don't know how joyful your words are to me!"
"Of course I do…I see the joyfulness in your eyes!"
"My Lord I feel so safe in your arms!"
"These arms will never let anyone or anything bring any harm to you!"
"My Lord!"
"My dear sweet Kara, you look so exhausted…would you like to stay the night here?"
"Oh my Lord…I couldn't do such a thing!"
"And why not?"
"My Lord I'm just afraid that someone would catch us…and the other ladies would notice my absence!"
"It has nothing to do with being scare of spending the night with me?"
"I assure you, my Lord it has nothing to do with that,"
"Alright just making sure,"
"My Lord, thank you for all the help…I'm ever so grateful!" Kara called as she pressed her lips against the Lord's.
"You're very welcome my dear,"
"Shall I see you tomorrow at our place?"
"I suppose,"
"Good night, my Lord!"
"Good night my dearest!"
("Oh my Lord!") Kara gingerly clutched her rapidly beating heart and headed back to the servant quarters…
"My dear I'm thrilled to see that your face has begun healing,"
"It was all thanks to those herbs that you had given me," He pulled Kara in closer to his body. She could feel the heat radiating from his body. She laid her head on his shoulder.
"I always feel so confronted when I'm in your presence,"
"I'm glad I make you feel that way," the Lord said as he tenderly embraced her hand.
"I always anticipate our rendezvous' it's the finest part of my day!" The Lord turned to Kara engaging her in a sweet passionate kiss; she fervently returned his arousing kiss with one of her own.
The Lord moved his hand over her skirt to the delicate area between her legs.
"My Lord…what are you doing?"
"Engaging in your sweet pleasure you my dear!" the Lord cried as he continued stroking her delicate area.
"Lord…please cease this!" Kara cried while she continued feverishly kissing him.
"Your mouth is saying stop…but your body is telling me otherwise!" he cried.
"We must stop this foolishness!" Kara called as she pulled from the Lord.
"What for?" he whined.
"Because we may get caught out here!"
"If that's what you are concerned about then shall we continue this in my bed?"
"My Lord…I'm not too sure about that!"
"I know you are worried about my irritating mother right?"
"Well…yes!"
"I can take care of her!"
"So please meet me in my chambers in thirty minutes!" he cried as he left the patio.
"Wait…my Lord what are you doing?!"
"There you are my dear!"
"I had to wait and be sure that all the girls were asleep!" Kara said as she slipped through the hikido to the Lord's chamber.
He slipped his hands around Kara's slender wrist. He kissed her.
"So what happened with your mother?"
"Never mind her…just know that she will not be a bother!"
"If you say so!"
"I assure you!" the Lord cried as he picked up Kara.
"My Lord what is the meaning of this?"
"Here we go!" he said as he sat her down on his bed. She fell back against the softness of her bed.
"This bed feels so nice and comfortable!"
"Glad you enjoy it!" the Lord cried as he climbed over Kara. He gently began kissing her softly.
"My Lord!" He slowly dragged his tongue ever so smoothly down her neck, continuing down her chest.
"Now this is in our way we shall remove it!" He continued gently kissing her chest making his way over to her exposed breasts.
He slowly dragged his tongue over her breasts. She felt her body growing more and more aroused from his touch.
"Good to see you're enjoy this!" The Lord cried as he began removing his clothing; he tossed them over to the side.
"Oh my!" Kara sighed.
("His body of work is mesmerizing!")
Kara slowly ran over fingers over the Lord's svelte body.
"Mmmph it seems as if you like what you see!" Kara nodded in response. The pair soon engaged in more heated intense passionate kissing.
"That it my dear, no holding back!"
He started removing her shinai.
"Please, my Lord wait…"
"Why…my dear we are already in moment in case you didn't notice!" he said in annoyance.
"I should have told you that I'm still a chaste woman!"
"Oh by the Gods…Kara!" He crashed onto the bed beside her.
"I'm terribly sorry my Lord!"
"It's quite already my dear!" he said sighing heavily. She turned to him and wrapped her arms around the Lord.
"I couldn't ask for a better person to share my first time with!"
"Kara!" the Lord cried with glee!
"Do you really mean that?"
"I do not say things…I do not mean!"
The two engaged in a deep sinful kiss…and soon they became entangled with delight in each another's embrace…
"Did you sleep well my dear?"
"I most certainly did!" Kara leaned over and placing a kiss upon her lover.
"I love you!" he said whispering in her ear.
"My Lord…I love you too!" She said tightly embracing him.
"I'm sorry I have to depart from you now,"
He smiled and nodded. "Take care my love! We shall see one another again soon!"
"Yes, we shall!" Kara slipped out of his bed, and headed for the hikido. She turned to the Lord and blew him a kiss. He opened his hand receiving her kiss…
"My Lord!" Kara cried.
"I cannot stop thinking about your wonderful touch…and how it made my body cry out in complete ecstasy!" Kara let her nude body slip deeper into the warmness of the water…
Their sexual affair continued for the next several weeks…
"My Lord! Are you in here?"
"So will you be able to meet tonight?" asked Kara.
"I think that I should be able…"
"There you are!"
"Ayumi!"
"Madam Ayumi!"
"What the hell is she doing in your personal chambers?" Ayumi yelled as she stormed inside the Lord's workroom.
"She was just bringing me lunch!"
"I'm so sorry Madam I shall depart right away!" Kara cried as she quickly headed for the escape.
"Hold it girl!" Kara stopped dead in her tracks. Ayumi stepped over to Kara, and turned her face to her own.
"Where's the lunch?"
Kara remained mute.
"Ayumi!"
"Answer me!" she demanded.
"There is no lunch," Kara mumbled.
"What was that?"
"There is no lunch!"
"I'm not sure what business you have here but you need to get out!!"
"Yes Madam!"
"Wait…you're that rude girl!!"
Kara turned away.
"What the hell are you doing here?!" Ayumi turned to the Lord.
"What the hell is she doing here?"
"Ayumi!" She turned back to Kara.
"I'm not too sure what the hell is going on between you the two of you but it better cease NOW!"
"Madam, I assure you that…"
"Did I ask you for an explanation?!"
"I'm sorry…Madam Ayumi!"
Ayumi grabbed locks of Kara's long ebony hair.
"Oooooh!" She shoved her against the hikido.
"I swear by the Gods if you come near my betrothed again I'll have you skinned alive!"
"Ayumi please let her go!"
"I'm so sorry Madam Ayumi!" Ayumi slapped Kara's face with vehemence. Warm tears pierced her eyes as she clutched her injured face.
"Ayumi!"
"GET OUT OF HERE!!"
Without a moment of hesitation Kara quickly departed the chambers.
"Ayumi, you vile despicable woman!"
She casually strode over to her betrothed and slapped him as well with the same intensity as Kara. The Lord stood still in shock.
"I can only imagine what could be going on with you and that vile servant girl!"
"All I know is that you are mine and no one else especially not some ill servant will ever have you!!" Ayumi cried as she stormed out of the Lord's workroom…
Kara stepped out onto the garden's patio, and took a seat. She buried her face in her hands. More and more tears flowed from her eyes.
"I hate her…so much!" she sobbed.
"Why do I keep giving myself to him!"
"I'm such a fool!"
"Kara!" She turned to familiar voice.
"My Lord!"
"Kara!!" he cried as she tightly embraced her.
"Please, let me go!"
"My dear why?"
"Your betrothed has made it quite clear that we are never to see one another again!"
"Never mind her!"
"Never mind her! Are you serious?"
"That's a dangerous woman!"
"So you believe her erratic threats?"
"Of course I do!"
"Didn't I tell you that I would never let anyone harm you!" he said embracing her tighter.
"I want to believe you…but I can't!"
"My dearest!"
"Please let me be there for you!" begged the Lord. Kara laid her head down upon the Lord's lap. He tenderly stroked her hair.
"I'm so sorry, my love!"
"I'm so terribly sorry!"
"Ayumi what is so urgent that we had to meet now?" asked Madam Tatsuya.
"I want to get married next month!"
"Next month…but that's less than three weeks away!"
"I'm well aware of that Madam Tatsuya!"
"So, why the rush?"
"I cannot stand being away him any longer!"
"Is that all to it?"
"I just feel that we are ready to get married now!"
"There's more to this then you are letting on,"
"There is no such!"
"Does it have something to do with your sneaking suspicion of that servant girl?"
"Possibility!"
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
"What's so funny Madam?"
"You are!"
"What?!"
"I cannot believe that you fear losing my son to a mere servant girl!"
"The thought of it highly amuses me!"
"You're foolish to think I'm worried that some ill servant girl could take away my betrothed!"
"If you weren't so worried then why did you ask me to cautiously watch that girl?"
"I just thought you should keep an eye over that rude devilish girl!"
"I suppose,"
"Well, if getting married sooner is what you desire then it shall be granted!"
"Madam Tatsuya thank you so very much!"
"My son returns tonight from Edo, I shall relay to him this news!"…
"Kara, my love are you here?"
"Over here my Lord!" He strode over to Kara taking a seat next to her. They kissed one another in haste.
"I have missed you so much, my Lord!"
"I couldn't wait to return to you, my love!"
"How was Edo?"
"It was pleasant,"
"That's good to hear,"
"Do you miss it?"
"Miss what?"
"Edo?"
"All the time…but my life is here and if I never left Edo, I would have never meant you!" He smiled at her pleasant words.
"I have something for you,"
"You do?" He handed Kara a small paper parchment.
"What is this?"
"Open it!"
"Oh, my Lord it's beautiful!"
"You can read it right?"
"Oh yes it says "Love" in Kanji!"
"Correct!"
"It's so beautiful!"
"Here let me help you put it on," the Lord replied as he assisted Kara with her necklace.
"I had this made for you, by one of my good friends in Edo!"
"Your friend is certainly an excellent craft's man!"
"Only the best for my love!"
"Thank you so much!" Kara cried embracing tightly the Lord.
"Very welcome, my love!"
"Please, keep this close as a token of my love and affection,"
"Of course, my Lord, it will always be here near my heart!" The two made their way over to the entrance of the garden.
"Have a good night my love!" the Lord said planting a kiss upon Kara's sweet lips.
"Good night to you as well, my love!" Kara said returning his kiss…
"Mother did you request to see me?"
"Yes I did!"
"What is it?"
"Son, please take a seat,"
"Did you take care the business in Edo?"
"Of course, why are you asking?"
"Just making sure, that's all,"
"Mother, I always take care of business…I'm sure you're well aware of that!"
"I know you all too well, there is something else you want to tell me," Madam Tatsuya picked up chopsticks and ate a piece of sushi from her plate. She took a sip of sake as well.
"Mother, I'm terribly tired, so please tell me what it is you really want?"
"Ayumi wants to get married within the next two weeks,"
"WHAT!"
Madam Tatsuya smiled.
"What are you getting so hyped up for?"
"But, we aren't suppose to marry till next year,"
"What's wrong with getting married now?"
"Nothing…but…I thought we had agreed to wait till after the New Year,"
"I see nothing wrong with pushing up the marriage to someone who you truly love!"
"There isn't anything wrong with that I suppose…but we still have so much to prepare for…the wedding…the reception…the engagement party…"
"My son, all of those things will be taken care of…the only thing you need to do is to be there!"
The Lord sighed and sat back down.
"Why are you so livid about marrying Ayumi?"
"Mother, I'm not livid, I'm just shocked that's all…Ayumi could have discussed this with me first!"
"She was probably aware that you would react this way,"
"If she knew I was going to react this way…then she would have never come up with this foolish idea!"
"Foolish idea?"
"How can you say such a thing?"
"I never wanted you to end up with that despicable woman in the first place!"
"You were the one that insisted on marrying on girl despite all my objections!"
"Now, you have objections to marrying her!"
"Mother…I love Ayumi with all my heart…"
"If you love her so much then why are so upset about getting married sooner?"
("There is no use fighting or bickering with her!")
"Dearest mother, I think it's a great idea to push up our nuptials, I cannot no longer stand the idea of being without Ayumi!"
"Now, my son that's more like it!"
"Well, if we are done here…I would like to retire to my quarters!" The Lord stood to his feet and walked to the hikido.
"Son!"
"Yes, mother?"
"You better stay away from her,"
"Stay away from who?"
"That servant girl!" The Lord felt his heart skip a beat. He turned to his mother.
"Mother, I have no idea who you are talking about!"
"I'm not stupid and neither is that Ayumi!"
"She was the one that came to me, asking me to watch over that girl!"
"Why are you telling me this?"
"She told me that she seen her inside your chambers, and that the girl lied about bringing you lunch,"
"She told me how rude she was to her, and how she was having an attitude!"
"I have also notice how indifferent she acts around you, and how you seen to focus all your attention on that girl whenever she's around,"
"I have no idea, who or what you are talking about!"
"Don't act stupid with me boy!"
"Mother, I have no idea what you are talking about!"
"Since you insist on acting this way…why don't we bring her here and see what she has to say!" Madam Tatsuya cried as she got up and headed for the hikido.
"NO!" the Lord cried as he grabbed stopping her from exiting. Madam Tatsuya smiled and turned to her son.
"If I ever find that you are having some type of relationship with that servant girl…off with her head!"
"No, I will never let you or someone else lay a finger on her!!"
"She is my servant and I shall do with her as I please!"
"Mother, I swear if you touch her I'll…"
"Do what?"
"Just try me and see what happens!" the Lord cried as he stepped out of the dining room…
"Ugh…how did I get stuck doing all this back breaking labor!!" Kara grumbled.
She picked up the ladle and began beating the rug. Heavy mounts of dust flowed from the beating. Kara felt her lungs quickly filling with dust. She soon started furiously coughing and choking.
The dust started filling her eyes, the ladle dropped to the ground. She rubbed her burning eyes.
Kara took a seat on the ground from the dust-covered rug.
"Oh my aching back!" she cried. Kara buried her face in her hands. Tears filled her eyes.
"I can't cry I have so much work to do!" With all her remaining strength she gathered and picked up the heavy and ladle and started furiously beating the dusty rug.
"My Lord!" He turned to the voice.
"Ayumi!"
"You scared me half to death!" he said clutching his rapidly beating heart.
"Were you watching something? Someone?"
"No, why?" Ayumi stepped over foyer.
"I see!"
"That girl sure is working hard…sure glad I never had to perform hard labor as such!" Ayumi said laughing.
"At least she knows the value of hard work!" he muttered.
"My love, please come inside so we can discuss our upcoming nuptials!" With much reluctance the Lord stepped back inside…
"Our engagement party shall be next Saturday,"
"You can bring whoever you want…be sure to tell them to bring us some nice wedding gifts!"
"I know you have some very wealth friends over in Edo, who I just dying to meet!"
"Next thing, on the agenda is…"
"Ayumi!"
"What is it?"
"Why are you doing this?"
"Planning out our wedding…that's simple because I know that you would never engage in…"
"You know damn well that's not what I'm talking about!"
"Then what are you talking about?"
The Lord remained silent.
"Moving up our nuptials?" Ayumi snickered.
"What's so funny?" Ayumi stood up and sat down upon the Lord's lap.
"Honey, I love you so much…I just simply couldn't wait any longer to become your wife!"
The Lord shook his head at her loaded words.
"Ayumi I know you all too well, you didn't do this because you wanted to marry me sooner…there's more to it!"
"My Lord, what other reason could there possibly be?"
"My mother told me about how you wanted her to watch over one of her servants,"
"She did…did she?"
"She certainly did!"
"I'm glad your mother heeded my requests,"
"Ayumi, are you that insecure?"
"Are you that insecure with yourself to think that I would simply leave you?"
"I'm not insecure!" Ayumi snorted.
"Then stop acting like it!"
"How could I not…you are one of the most handsome men in all of Nippon…how could any women even a lonely servant resist someone so charming as yourself?!"
The Lord smiled.
"My dearest Ayumi!" the Lord cried as he planted a kiss on her lips.
"Oh my love…I'm sorry I didn't discuss this matter with you…I was worried that you were seeing that girl on the sly,"
"Ayumi, my love I assure that I'm all yours!"
"Now continue with all those wedding plans!" …
"My Lord I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long!"
"No, not all my dear!" Kara said taking a seat next to him.
"My dear Kara you don't look so well,"
"I'm just tired my Lord…I've been working non-stop these days it seems,"
"I'm so sorry about that my dear!"
Kara sighed. "What can I say it's the life of servant,"
He lifted her face and bought it to his own kissing her lips.
"Your kisses are always so warm and confronting!" Kara whispered as she reached out and held the Lord's hand.
"Kara, my dear there is something I must tell you!"
"What is it my Lord?"
He swallowed hard and peered directly into her eyes.
"Ayumi and I are getting married within the next two weeks,"
"You…are?" He nodded.
"But, I thought you guys weren't getting married till sometime next year?"
"We were but unbeknownst to me her and my mother decided to push up the nuptials,"
Kara soon felt tears gathering in her eyes.
"There's no way to push back? Or better yet not even marry her?"
"No, my dear that's not possible!"
"I don't know what to say!"
"I'm terribly sorry, my love!"
"If you're so sorry then you wouldn't be marrying her!"
The Lord turned away from Kara. Her words stung his heart like piercing end of a blade. He felt tears forming in his eyes.
"I don't understand how you can continue to say how much you love me but yet in next breathe tell me that you marrying that horrid woman!!" Kara sobbed.
"Ayumi, I already told you why I'm marrying her!"
"But that still doesn't change the fact that you are marrying her!"
"Kara, my love!"
"No, this is it!" Kara cried as she quickly stood to her feet.
"I no longer care to be your mistress!"
"I don't want ever see you again!"
"My love please…you don't mean that!"
"I mean it…don't ever come near me again!!"
"Kara…please!!" he cried as he grabbed onto her arm.
"Don't touch me!!" He pulled her body in close to his forcefully kissing her. She shoved his hard in his chest causing him to collide with the dank ground.
"I never want to see you again!" Kara cried as she ran from the garden patio.
"Kara dear sweet Kara!" the Lord sobbed…
Kara ran to her bedroll and quickly climbed inside. The softness of the bedroll eased her ailing thoughts. Warm tears continued pouring freely from her eyes. She touched the necklace around her neck.
"My Lord…why…how could you do this me?"
"Why? Do you keep bringing me down only to hurt me?" she sobbed.
"Kara, my dear I'm so sorry!!"
"I never meant to hurt you!"
"I hate that I'm trapped in this terrible situation!" The Lord buried his face in his hands. Tears continuously flowed from his eyes.
"Kara, my love!!"
"If only…I…we could escape and go faraway from here!"
For the next week Kara made every effort possible to avoid the Lord. Her efforts seem somewhat in vain since Madam Tatsuya insisted that she help with the preparations for his and Ayumi's upcoming nuptials…
"What a delightful party!"
"Well, it's good to see that you are enjoying yourself!"
"Madam Tatsuya, you always had a flair for throwing such great parties!"
"Oh Aiko, please stop all the nonsense!" Madam Tatsuya chuckled.
"Where's that girl?" What girl?"
"The one that your son is betrothed to?"
"Oh her…I guess she hasn't arrived yet,"
"Why do you seem to have such animosity towards that girl?" Madam Tatsuya sighed.
"Is it that obvious?"
"A little,"
"I just don't understand out of all the maidens who practically have been throwing themselves at him…he goes and picks her!"
"What is it that you don't like about her?"
"Are you seriously asking me this?"
"You know damn well why I despise that girl!" Aiko chuckled.
"If I did know then why would I be asking?" Madam Tatsuya rolled her eyes.
"There is no need for me to explain to you why I don't like that girl!"
"Son!"
"Yes, mother?" the Lord called as he made his way over to his mother.
"Where's that fiancée of yours?"
"Ayumi, said she had some business in Shinjuku to take care of,"
"Is that so?"
"She should be on her way soon!"
"Very well then," replied Madam Tatsuya. The Lord went took a seat at the head of the wooden dining table.
"Congratulations!"
"Thanks!"
"Oh my Lord congratulations!"
"Thanks," he replied vaguely.
He turned to his right and spotted a very familiar face.
"Kara!" He stood to his foot and began heading Kara's way.
"My love!"
The Lord stopped short in his approach.
He turned to the voice.
"There you are my love!" Ayumi cried as she proceeded to jump into the Lord's arms.
"Hello Ayumi!"
"Are you not happy to see me?"
"My love I'm extremely elated to see you!!" he said deceitfully.
"That's more like it!" she said kissing him.
"Now shall we greet our guests?"
"By all means!" the Lord cried as he briefly glanced back at Kara…
"Ayumi, don't you remember Konryu?"
"Yes, isn't he one of your cohorts?"
"It's nice to see that you still remember me Ayumi,"
"I try to make an effort to know all my man's business partners,"
"I must say damn you're one lucky man!"
"Is that so Konryu?!"
"Yes, not only is Ayumi elegant, smart, poised and extremely well groomed, she one of the this country's finest beauties!" Ayumi chuckled at Konryu's compliments.
"I'm going to say hi to your mother!" Konryu called as he spirited away.
"My love your friend is certainly liberal with his compliments!"
"As if you didn't enjoy them!"
"My love, of course how could I not?!"
"Dear Ayumi…how do I ever put up with you?"
"You know you love it!" Ayumi cried as she pulled the Lord in closer to her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a sensuous kiss upon his lips.
"Time to party, my love!"
"Hey you bring me…no us some sake!"
"Let's gather everyone together so we can open up our engagement gifts!"
"Fine!" replied the Lord…
"Aiko thanks so much!" Ayumi called.
"No, problem glad you guys like it!"
"Well, Ayumi I think that's everything," said the Lord.
"How about a toast? A toast to us and our wonderful future together!" Ayumi called as she picked up her sake cup.
"C'mon everyone join in?"
"A toast to our future life!"
"Yes a toast!" cried Aiko.
"A toast to my wonderful son and his future wife!"
The entire room erupted in roars of "Kampai!!!!"
The Lord scanned the dining area, his eyes spotted Kara, and she was standing near a corner in the kitchen area. She turned in his direction, their eyes made contact.
("She sees me!")
Kara quickly turned away.
("Kara!!")
("My love!")
"Hey!"
"Ayumi…what is it?"
"What…are you looking at?"
"Nothing and are you drunk?"
"Oh…I'm not drunk!" Ayumi stumbled.
"I think you are how about we call it a night!"
"No!! I'm not drunk!"
"I still want to have fun!"
"Ayumi!" She stepped away from the table.
"Thanks for the gifts everyone!!"
"Ayumi, come back here!"
"Thanks!!"
She made her way over to the kitchen area. She stopped at the figure hiding in the corner.
"Hey you!"
"Yes Madam Ayumi!"
"Get me some more sake!"
"As you wish!"
"No wait!"
"Yes, Madam Ayumi!"
"You're…that… servant…girl?"
Kara remained quiet.
"Aren't you?!"
She shoved Kara against the wall.
"Ayumi!"
"Shut-up! Ayumi cried as shoved Kara against the wall again.
"Ayumi, leave her be!"
She began pulling at her collar.
"Oh my what is this?"
"NO…Madam please it's nothing!"
She ripped a piece off her collar exposing her neck.
"Why this is beautiful!"
Kara felt her heart thumping heavily in her chest.
"What does this say "love" in kanji!"
"Did you know what this necklace says?"
Kara remained quiet. "How could a poor little servant girl like you get your grubby little hands get something so exquisite?"
"Where did you get it from? Better yet whom did you get it from?"
"Ayumi!"
"Shut-up…I'm not talking to you!"
"Answer me girl who did you get it from!" Ayumi's incessant yelling soon caught everyone's attention.
"What's going over there?" Aiko asked as she turned her attention over to Ayumi.
"I'm not too sure!"
"Who gave this too?!" she screamed.
"Damn-it! Girl!" Ayumi screamed in anger as she ripped the necklace off of Kara's neck.
"Madam Ayumi!"
"I'll ask you one more time who gave this to you?!" Kara fell to the ground in fear.
Ayumi stood over Kara raising her fist.
"Who…gave…this… to you?!"
"I gave it to her!"
Ayumi turned to the Lord. "You did no such thing!"
"I did to give it to her!"
"Look, I don't know what hex this little girl has over you but she better stop it right here and now!"
"Ayumi, I'm telling you the truth…I did give her that necklace!"
"You stopped me from punishing her before…I'm not going to let you stop me this time!"
"Ayumi, I swear if you put your hands on her I'll call off this wedding!"
"Please, let me take you home!" the Lord cried as he grabbed Ayumi.
"Stop it…let me go!!"
"Ladies and Gentlemen thank you so much for coming out…thanks so much for all the wonderful gifts!!"
"We have to depart!"
"NO, I need to teach that little bitch a lesson!!"
"All I know is that she better stay the hell away from you!!" Ayumi cried.
"WOW! What was that all about?" Aiko cried.
"I have no idea," replied Madam Tatsuya.
"So much drama…in one night!"
"Yes, and they aren't even married yet," said Aiko.
"Normally all that bickering occurs after they get married,"
"True!"
Kara picked herself up from the ground and slipped out of the busy dining room…
"Ayumi, I must say your behavior was completely unacceptable tonight!"
"Oh whatever…you know you enjoyed…it!" she said slurring.
"Ayumi, I really think we should reconsider this whole marriage thing!"
"Ayumi? Ayumi?" The Lord turned and seen that Ayumi was passed out from her drunkenness…
"I can't believe she did that too me!"
"Miss Kara!" She turned to the female voice.
"Rei!"
"Miss Kara!" Rei cried as she wrapped her arms around the ailing Kara.
"I'm so sorry!" The two women stood embraced in one another's arms in the middle of the large empty hallway.
"Rei!"
"Why does that woman hate me so much?" Kara sobbed.
"She's a bitch! That's why!"
"Come on let me take you back to the quarters!" Kara nodded in agreement…
Kara sat down in her bedroll. Rei took a small white handkerchief and wiped away some of Kara's tears.
"Calm down Miss Kara it's going to be alright," Kara sighed.
"No, it won't…I just know that it won't!"
"What do you mean?"
"How could she do this me?" she repeated.
"That wretched woman was terribly wrong for humiliating you like that!"
"My Lord!" Rei peered at Kara.
"Miss Kara can I ask you something?"
"What?"
"I overheard Madam Ayumi yelling something about you needing staying away from the Lord, what was that all about?" Kara turned her attention away from Rei and remained silent.
"Miss Kara?"
"Why would she say something like?"
"You are the last person I would ever expect to carry on an affair with the Lord!" Kara glanced at Rei.
"She's making up things right?" Kara shook her head and buried her face in her hands.
"She's wasn't lying…what she spoke of was the truth,"
"Miss Kara!" Rei stood to her feet.
"Please, say it isn't so?" Kara remained quiet.
"Your silence to me is an admission to guilt!"
"The Lord enticed me…pursuit me…he made me feel good and special!"
"Miss Kara that still doesn't justify your affair with him!"
"I know that but…"
"Didn't you not know that he was getting married?"
"I knew he was getting married,"
"Then why did you continue seeing him?"
"Because…"
"You love him?"
"Yes I do!" Rei shook her head.
"I'm not too sure what to think of you now,"
"I understand why Madam Ayumi was so infuriated with you…I would be too if I found out another woman was carrying on an affair with my betrothed!"
"There's so much more than you will far understand!"
"Miss Kara what is there to understand? You have been cheating with a soon-to-be-married man!"
"I was wrong…I thought that you were so much more better than that Miss Kara,"
"But obviously I was wrong, I'm sorry to say this but I think that you got what you deserve!"
"What?!"
"How could you say such a thing?"
"Put yourself in her shoes, wouldn't you be upset too if you found out your betrothed was not only cheating you but cheating with a mere servant girl!"
Kara stood to her feet. "I cannot believe that I thought you were my friend…that you Rei would be the one person on my side!"
"I guess I cannot trust anyone around here!!!" Kara screamed as she ran from their servant quarters.
"Miss Kara please come back!!" …
"I have no one…why doesn't anyone love me?" Kara sobbed. She curled up one of the seats in the patio garden. More tears flowed heavily from her eyes.
"Why does everyone hate me!"
"I don't hate you! Kara immediately turned to the familiar make voice.
"My Lord!" "Kara!!" The two scorned lovers embraced one another tightly.
"I'm so terribly sorry!"
"Please don't let me go!!"
"I promise I won't!"
"Kara, my love I'm so sorry but what happened earlier!" The Lord said lightly kissing Kara's forehead.
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't taken aback by her irate actions…but what can one expect from such a lurid woman!"
"Ayumi, don't know what to say about that woman!" Kara gripped the Lord's within her own more tears flowed from her eyes.
"My love, please don't cry I hate to see you this way," he said as he wiped away some of her sad tears.
"I feel so ashamed…so embarrassed!"
"You have no reason to feel that way,"
"How can I not? I'm in love with someone that will never be mine!"
"My dear!" he cried as she clasped Kara closer.
"I hate this situation that I'm in…and trust me if I could change it I would do it in a heartbeat!"
"You could change it if you truly wanted too!"
"Trust me, my love I would…I really would you have to believe me!"
"Why can't you? Tell me…I want to know why you cannot change your faith?"
"There is so much at stake…my businesses, my land, the governmental position…not to mention my family's name!"
"Seems to be all you care about are superficial things!"
"And all these superficial things are needed to survive in this country in these trying times, my dear!"
"Speaking as someone whose been poor all her life I can tell you that money will never buy true happiness, I may have had nothing but had my family and that's all I ever needed!"
"Kara, my love I believe everything you said…I truly do but once you live a certain type of life, it's so difficult something like that up,"
"It's has nothing to do with money and power,"
"If so then what is it?"
"I feel that I can use my position and wealth to help out and reach many people!"
"You don't have be powerful and wealthy to help out the common people!"
"You are right…you are absolutely right…I feel this is the right way for me!" Kara sighed heavily.
"I wish we could just run away…to a land faraway from Nippon, then we could start…a fresh new life together!"
"I wish for that faith as well, my love!"
"If you truly did then you would be with me and not her,"
"I have something for you," He reached over in his pocket.
"Here you are, my love!"
"How did this manage to get this back from her?"
"She was drunk so it wasn't too difficult,"
"Thanks you, my Lord!"
"I want you to always keep this as a token of my undying love!" Kara took the necklace from the Lord and placed it on her heart.
"You will always hold a special place in my heart, my Lord!"
"I also want you to know that even through we cannot be together in this life…but we will be together in our next lifetime!" The Lord cried as he leaned over and tenderly kisses her…
"Goodness, things have been so hectic today!"
"I'm so glad I'm finally able to have a moment to myself," The Lord sat down on his bed.
"I'm exhausted beyond words…I cannot believe my wedding is tomorrow!" He began pulling off his work boots and his outer kimono jacket. He lied back against the softness of his bed. There was a soft knock on the hikido.
"Who's there?" No one answered. The Lord sat up in his bed.
"Who's there?" The hikido slowly slid open and the familiar figure stepped inside.
"Kara!"
"Good evening my Lord!" His heart began beating furiously.
"Kara, my love what are you doing here?" She made her way over to the Lord she gently coddled his face.
"This is your last night as a free man, so I wanted to be one you spend night with," The Lord's eyes danced with delight at her eager words. He pulled Kara in close.
Their bodies collided down on the bed. Kara pressed her lips heavily against the Lord; he returned her kiss with an intense passion…
"My Lord, I'm so upset,"
"Why is that?"
"I will never be able to enjoy another night of passion with you ever again," The Lord pulled Kara's nude body closer to his own.
"We still have the rest of night, my love to enjoy one another's company,"
"That's so true, my Lord! Let' not spare anymore time!" Kara cried as she climbed up top of the Lord.
"I'm going to make this a night you won't ever forget!" She whispered softly as she dragged her lips over to his…
"I should get going you have to prepare for the wedding!"
"Please, don't remind me,"
"My Lord, I love you so much!" "I love you too, my dear!" The pair embraced one another and engaged in a sweet kiss.
"Take care My Lord…my love!" "Kara, my dear I want you know I maybe marrying Ayumi…but the one thing she will never have is my heart!" Tears began forming in her eyes.
"My Lord, please don't say such things…my soul cannot take it,"
"You will be fine, my love as long as you have my heart!" Kara nodded and reluctantly stepped away.
"Please take care my Lord!" The Lord bowed. Kara opened the hikido and stepped out. She sighed.
"My Lord!!" she cried as she fell her body go limp against the wooden wall…
"Miss Kara!"
"What is it?"
"You know the wedding ceremony is getting ready to start,"
"I won't be attending!"
"But Miss Kara…Madam Tatsuya requested for all of her servant to be there,"
"Mika, I'm not going!"
"It's an order!"
"I don't care I'm not going! I prepared all the food and the drinks that will be served so you guys don't need me!"
"Miss Kara!"
"Tell her I'm feeling really ill!"
"Fine!" Mika cried in frustration.
"There is no way in hell I'm going to go there and see my love marrying that woman!" Kara sobbed…
A few hours later…
"Hey servant girl!"
"Servant girl!!"
("I'm I dreaming!")
"Hey wake up!"
"Madam Ayumi!" Kara cried startled.
"So, you decided that you would sleep during our wedding!"
"I'm terribly sorry, Madam!"
"Well, you should be!"
"Madam Ayumi, may I ask what might you be doing here in the servant quarters?"
"Who gave you the right to question me?"
"Forgive Madam Ayumi, I have the utmost respect for your authority!"
"I have some good news for you servant girl!"
"What may that be Madam Ayumi!"
"Madam Tatsuya is giving you to me as wedding gift!" Kara gulped.
"She…giving…me…to you?"
"Yes, you are all mine now, servant girl!"
"What…if I refuse!"
"I figured you would protest…if you refuse to come with me, you will sold to into prostitution!" Kara stood to her feet and looked into Ayumi's devious eyes.
"I…hate…you…so…much!!"
"I know this way I can keep on eye on you…make sure you keep your nasty little hands away from my husband!"
"Go gather your things servant girl…we will be departing here shortly!" Ayumi stood to her feet exiting the servant quarters…
"As soon as I arrived at their home, I was appointed as Madam Ayumi's personal servant,"
"Did you get a chance to see the Lord again?"
"I rarely got the chance to see him, he was often away on business and personal affairs,"
"Madam Ayumi made sure I was to never have any contact with Lord Kenji," Kara said clutching the necklace.
"Kara you went through so much…I can see how would have so much hate for Madam Ayumi!"
"That woman took everything from me…my pride, dignity, every ounce of self respect…and the love of my life!" Kara sobbed.
Miroku sighed. "Kara, I feel for you…I really do, I'm sorry all that happened to you, but it still doesn't change the fact that you took her and her unborn child's life!!"
"Sir Miroku, I know that you will probably never forgive me for what I done…but I was only trying to save yourself and Sango from her getting tangled up in her lies and deception!"
"Kara, no one asked for you help! Nor did we need it!"
"I hope you are speaking for yourself!"
"Sango?"
"I agree what Kara did was wrong but that woman hasn't done anything but cause trouble for us from the start!"
"It all makes sense now!"
"I understand why you would be taking Kara's side,"
"Miroku, what the hell are you talking about?"
"You wanted her to die as well…Sango!"
"You said it yourself…that you tried killing her!!"
"It only makes sense that you would be on her side wishing that she was dead!" Miroku sneered.
"You know that I would never intentionally try and murder someone…no matter how much I may hate them!" cried Sango.
"Sango, you wanted her dead!"
"How could you say such an awful thing?"
"Sir Miroku, I'm the one that you should be upset, not Sango!"
"Look you stay out of this…you have caused enough trouble as it is!"
"Don't talk to her like that!"
"I'll talk to her as I please!"
"I'm through!"
"I refuse to stand here be belittled and insulted by you!"
"I'm sorry that the woman you really love...alone with your offspring is gone!"
"If I could only believe you!"
"It doesn't matter whether you believe me or not!"
"I'm through with you! I've had it!" Sango screamed as she turned and ran back towards the town.
"I HATE YOU…and I never want to see you again!!"
"The feeling is mutual!" Miroku yelled back.
"Sango! Please wait!"
Miroku headed down the pathway back to towards the town.
"Sir Miroku!"
"Sir Miroku!" Kara repeated.
"What is it?"
"There is something else that I must tell you!"
"What else could you possibly have to tell me?" Kara walked over to Miroku.
"Madam Ayumi was not pregnant!"
"What? You cannot expect me to believe you!"
"Sir Miroku, I figured as much so I had one of the in house physicians draft it in writing!" Kara said as she handed Miroku the note.
"By the Gods!" Miroku cried as the letter dropped to the ground.
"Sir Miroku, she made up a lie to guilt you into staying with her!"
"Ayumi, how could you?!" Miroku cried dropping to the ground.
"Sir Miroku, you should go find Sango, and let her know the truth as well,"
"SANGO!!" Miroku took off back towards the town.
("Sango…I'm so sorry I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me!")…
*Hachiman (八幡神, Hachiman-shin / Yawata no kami) is the Shinto god of war, and divine protector of Japan and the Japanese people.
*Douzo meshiagare Please enjoy your meal
*Gochisōsama thank for the good meal
