Disclaimer - I do not own Rurouni Kenshin :-)


Chapter 9: Strategic (In More Ways Than One)

Kaoru hummed as she perused the available vacancies within the castle guard. She needed something which allowed her enough access around the castle as well and one which played down her physical fighting skills. There was really only one: Strategic Tactical Assistant. It was all formation theory and army structural movements during emergencies and wars. She could be good at that. Besides with all their best men training their new recruited armies in time for the elections, and with her connections she would be a shoe in. Moreover the council was aware of her combatitive skills to a certain extent which would also be useful.

Folding the paper in half she sighed and wished for the hundredth time that she had Kenshin's council. She got over his bombshell surprisingly quickly and the fact that she was now queen. It scared and delighted her at the same time.

'Misao I need you to tell Kenshin something for me.'

'Your highness, I mean no offence, but I am not a messaging service…moreover I cannot possibly become involved in what appears to be a marital dispute.'

Misao sighted the look on her Queens's face and blanched before sighing in exasperation and revealing the one piece of information she knew would change her queen's mind.

'Kenshins had a prophecy given to him at a young age.' commented Misao interrupting her ranting.

'What prophecy?' enquired Kaoru suspiciously.

'It was prophesied that Kenshin as king would wait many years for the one woman who would complete him. She would, no matter what the turn of events, always be his. Despite having this knowledge Kenshin courted you in earnest Kaoru. He was still afraid of losing your love even though he knew you would be his. That type of irrationality only comes with great love. And with great love comes great burden. He carried it for the both of you until you were enlightened to your position. So you see, he was always in turmoil, because he loves you beyond compare. I should not have to tell you. You know this.'

'I have been quite childish haven't I?' she mused softly almost with embarrassment.

'I would not say childish highness…It was more overwhelming. I can understand that.'

'He is wonderful isn't he?' she stated rather than questioned.'

'Yes My Queen, he is the best King this land will ever see'

His love was something she never wanted to lose. Not under any circumstances.

Stretching her limbs in contentment she unfolded her lithe frame from the rocking chair and set out to make it to the recruitment polls.


'Kamiya, Kaoru.'

'Correct.'

'Female?' barely refraining from rolling her eyes she stared at Sano before answering the questions he already clearly knew the answers to.

'Yes!'

'Not need to get touchy Jou Chan, its all procedure alright.' he nodded in agreement with himself.

Sighing she continued to answer his questions until the interview was over and she was formally granted the position of official Strategic Tactical Assistant.

'How does it feel Jou Chan to be working with a genius?' he puffed his chest with pride,

'What genius? I can't work with myself Sano. Even you know this.'

'I meant me!'

'Whatever.' rolling her eyes in exasperation she walked off to find her papers and look for her new living quarters. That was possibly the best thing about a position within the guard. The in house living quarters would allow her access to every area of the castle, which was perfect. She strode past the practice fields and eyed the new recruits with well concealed shock – they were pretty hopeless and she wondered if perhaps they had been recruited from the bottom of a well. If they were any more laidback about their movements they'd be horizontal. That however, was not her issue or concern at present and she was almost glad.


With her prior knowledge of the castle during her younger days she found her quarters without difficulty. They were in the female partition, sizeable with her own bath and reasonable sized lounge and table. Although it was reasonably sized, it was only one room which housed everything, even the bath. It sat near the fireplace and even though the room seemed to be less than most, it was better than Kaoru could ask for. But in reality they didn't really compare with her and Kenshin's quarters at their palace she snickered privately.

She slipped her hand into her trouser pocket and felt the notice from before. It was still sitting roughly in her hand and although she was more at ease with what it had said, she still felt strange about it. Not that she couldn't accept it but more that it all seemed so incredibly staged.

'He's getting married Kenshin.'

'The king?'

'Soujirou's getting married.'

Kenshin had kept his face as straight as possible, and lets face it, being king for as long as he had was coming in handy when dealing with his highly strung wife.

She was clearly disturbed by the news that her close friend and possibly her first love (he wasn't sure yet) was getting married.

Kaoru, do you still love him?


All those stationed with vacancies within the castle were called for a formal scheduling meeting. All events within the next few weeks were outlined and calendered for each person, and all other meetings needed to be scheduled around the compulsory events. The main event occurring was in 2 days time where high officials and celebrants of the upcoming nuptials were to attend. Kaoru took her time to explain it to Sano which he found firstly irritating and secondly, who wanted to go to a ball when he barely had enough normal clothes.

'You don't have to wear a suit Sano.'

'What am I supposed to wear then?'

'You wear your official guard's uniform.' answered Kaoru in a matter of fact tone.

'Oh. I dunnow where I put it…'

'Are you serious? It can only be in two places Sano, my place or yours. Look in both and then if you can't find it we'll figure something out.'

Grumbling to himself Sano exited the hall and headed towards the training fields. Those new trainees were so hopeless; he wasn't sure what he was going to do with them.


Kaoru found that the next meeting she was to attend required the presence of the king as well. She wondered how Soujirou would react when he saw her.

The meeting room was shaped like a horseshoe so those at the front (being Saitou, and Soujirou) could look upon all the faces of his close guard.

She took her place on a seat at the back of the room. She wasn't important enough for a seat at the actual table. And who really cared? This allowed Kaoru to observe a little and pay little attention. She noticed the usual officials arrive and although most knew her, only a few stopped to actually chat. The rest simply ignored her altogether. Pretentious asses.

Last but certainly not least the King himself strode into the room looking extremely harassed. All the occupants stood in politeness and seated themselves once again after Soujirou had sat down.

'Saitou if you could start the meeting please.' sighed Soujirou.

'All personnel are present for the first among many official tactical meetings regarding security for the upcoming nuptials of our royal highness and the high king elections as well. The first matter to be addressed is security of the ball tomorrow night. This duty falls upon the shoulders of the general guard. Sanosuke, do you have the outlines?'

'Uh we'll have guards posted at all the entrances as usual. Instead of footmen we have posted more guards to welcome the guests from their carriages, and covered guards will also be standing near the ballroom entrances and exits. The guards have all been trained on footmen techniques so I don't foresee any trouble regarding general security tomorrow night.'

'And security for the carnivale?'

'It will be more difficult to guard in an area with no real concrete dimensions. The guard was thinking that perhaps we could post covered guards who will accompany the royal couple on their outing. Should any trouble arise, they will be ready to defend…should that be necessary but I'm doubting it.' added Sano hastily.

'I don't mind having guards accompany myself and my bride to the carnivale. Just make it look as if they're not guards so it displays some semblance of normality Sano.'

'Will do.'

'The high king elections will require some planning. Since we are to be the host city, security must be arranged for all visiting royalty. Each royal family may bring their own guard but we must provide our own, if not more so for their safety than to protect our reputation. We cannot risk an invasion, or attack of any kind during these elections.'

Kaoru was almost yawning from the even sombre tones of Saito's voice. Before long all issues for the moment had been resolved and another meeting was to be held to discuss where each incoming royal was to stay and how they were to be protected. Each area of guard was given a group of royals to guard to the best of their ability.

Kaoru stifled a yawn and waited until the "Strategic Tactical Master" had completed enough of his little chit chat to assign her a few tasks. Incidentally the Master turned out to be a long time acquaintance by the name of Cho. He was well known for his distinctly brilliant hand at the curved sword which no one else had yet mastered.

'Kaoru, I had heard that you had disappeared!'

'Mmm not quite…just went on a little trip, with a bit of a detour I guess.' she grinned.

'And you're to be my tactical assistant?'

Kaoru nodded clasping his hand in her own.

'Excellent. I love it when I can rely on my under staff. We have much to discuss. Especially about the latest events which you might not know about, due to your absence-'

'Kaoru?'

Kaoru turned to spy Soujirou looking slightly dumbfounded at her presence in his meeting room.

'Your Highness.' she replied, almost grimacing at her jovial tone.

'We're long past that aren't we?' he commented lightly before enfolding her in a hug. 'Where did you go?'

'You noticed?'

'Of course I noticed! Things have been hectic Kaoru. And they will be for the next few months.' he grimaced.

'Mmm…Congratulations on winning the hand of such a beautiful bride.' she said softly.

Stopping mid fidget Soujirou caught her small smile.

'Have you even met her?'

'No. But any woman who accepts you as her husband couldn't be too unfortunate.' she grinned at her little joke.

'Thanks for the vote of confidence. I'll introduce you to her tomorrow night, since I doubt that you or I will have any time before then.'

'Well that was a nice little catch up!' commented Cho dryly 'But I have to take my little assistant away now for earnest discussions on politics and deep tactical manoeuvres.'

'Kaoru is your Strategic Tactical Assistant?' Asked Soujirou slightly shocked.

'Yes! And I won't hesitate to act like the cat that got the cream! We're going to be brilliant!' With his little rant finished Cho dragged Kaoru away and she did very little to stop him, only waving apologetically to Soujirou out of politeness.

'You're terrible Cho.'

'I know. He never deserved your friendship Kaoru and we both know it.'

'He is a good king though. Better than most.' she reminded him.

'So what? Being a good friend has nothing to do with being a good king.'

'Mmm.' she murmured noncommittally while thinking of Kenshin. He was her friend, her lover, her husband and her king. He was everything Soujirou was not and more. With that realisation she recalled that as an official within the castle she was required to attend the ball. Moreover Soujirou had mentioned that she was supposed to be there as well.

Where was she supposed to get a good gown from anyway?

'Cho, can we pick up on this meeting after the ball?'

'Mmm I would have preferred to get started today but we can postpone it. Off you go then.' he responded making shooing motions with his hands.

Kaoru smiled apologetically and raced back to her quarters for a bath and hopefully a chat with Misao.


The water was only a few millimetres high but it was enough for her purposes. She called her power and connected with Misao almost instantly.

'Kaoru! The second time in 2 days, we're on a roll!' Misao had been officially ordered by Kaoru to never refer to her as your highness, you majesty, my queen or anything remotely royally related when they were having private discussions. This enamoured Misao to her queen even more. It showed that she was willing to allow normality to pervade her life and step up to the role of royalty when she had to.

'I need a dress for a ball tomorrow night Misao. What do I do! There is absolutely no way that any dressmaker on the village will be able to make me a dress with so little time!'

'Relax! I'll have Kamatari whip you up a dress. He'll be thrilled!'

'Who's Kamatari?'

'Don't let him hear you say that! He's Kenshin's stylist and designer etc. and he's yours now as well. He answers only to you and Kenshin.'

'Okay. Uh huh. So do you need my measurements? What do you need?'

'I'll have Kamatari contact you within the next few hours.' She finished before fading from view.

Settling back on her haunches Kaoru wondered whether this Kamatari would really be able to help her or not.


For the next few hours Kaoru paced her room. It was a calm pace but her entire body was lined with unease. She didn't want to turn up at the ball in trousers and a shirt. She wanted to show everyone that she could be a lady and kick ass as well. Be a lady first and kick ass at a later date.

About four and a half hours after her conversation with Misao, a loud scuffle in the hall outside her room roused her from her sad state. Opening her door she strode outside to deal with the problem; whatever or whoever it was.

'Lady, this man er woman was trying to get into the female quarters.' reported one guard instantly.

'Man er woman?' she repeated sceptically with a questioning tone.

'We're not sure.' spoke another guard seriously with a comical look of confusion on his face.

Glancing behind the guards she found who they were referring to and had the slightest inkling of who the person in front of her might be.

'Kamatari?'

'I'm not answering any questions!' he replied shrilly. 'I have never been treated so abominably in my whole life!' he ranted.

'If you come into my room I'm sure we can resolve any issues you may have.'

Looking at the guard who was holding his arm in a grip, he threw off their hands and strode past Kaoru into her room. To be honest Kaoru couldn't completely blame the guards. Kamatari (if that's who he was) was wearing a royal purple velvet beret with large feathers poking out in a spray at the back of his head. His coat, however was the clincher; made of a deep red colour which looked very much like a dress with its tressed layers.

Kaoru returned to her room to find Kamatari standing in the corner with a fraught look on his face. After she had closed the door, Kamatari whipped his beret off and bowed low over her hand, apologies sprouting from his lips.

'I'm sorry highness! When I found out that my queen needed by assistance I came as quickly as I could!' he gasped out.

'And I thank you for your diligence Kamatari, truly I do. I don't even want to think about what situation I would be in without you. You are a lifesaver.'

'I feel like crying!' he whispered stuffing his beret in his mouth to prevent an emotional outburst.

'Er well about the dress-'

'Yes! I have one!' he exclaimed.

Taking out a feather from his hat he whispered something and dropped it to the ground where a dress pinned to mannequin shimmered into the room next to him.

It was artistically simple and elegant. Normally Kaoru would have opted for some sought of blue related dress but this one was a light peach colour shimmering gold. Its subtle hues were beautiful. The dress was not sleeveless but had 3 centimetre wide straps which sat on the very edge of each of her shoulders, with the backline dipping low in a v shape. There was nothing to hide her bare skin at the back and the front was modest with a few little leafy designs near the v neckline continuing in a rope of vines diagonally across the front.

It was a work of art, and not something Kaoru would have normally picked for herself. The top half was not corseted but looked like it was practically sewed onto her figure. The skirt billowed into several elegant layers of gold and peach.

Kamatari oohed and aahed over her until they had decided on the correct hair style, make up, shoes and jewellery. Kamatari was making a really big issue about the fact that Kaoru had opted for simple leaf drop earrings, with matching necklace and bracelet thing. Kaoru wasn't really sure what it was but bracelet began as an armlet and enmeshed her right arm in a light gold metal glove before encircling her wrist in a bangle and extending forward over the back of her hand into a ring which sat on her middle finger.

Even though the earrings and necklace were simple the bracelet made up for it completely. Kamatari had complained that her outfit was too simple to befit a queen, let alone his queen, to which she replied that in this world she was nothing more that an assistant and village girl. Therefore anything too extravagant would set off alarm bells into many peoples heads. Lastly, she knew people would be surprised at her appearance because she basically dressed like a man all the time.

By the time he had left, Kaoru was officially tired. Give her a sword fighting tournament any day, because in her mind the tedious tasks of looking good were simply wearing her out. There was too much work involved and even more annoying was the fact that Kenshin wouldn't see her in it.


The next day went considerably fast. Then again she had been pretty busy with Cho explaining all the latest movements of the surrounding empires and how they were to be dealing with certain 'unfavourables'.

'Across the border there is one kingdom above all others which worries me. They have consistently remained aloof. They have rejected our attempts to help their ailing kingdom and have not signed any peace treaties. I say what is the point of not signing a peace treaty unless you're planning to attack?'

'Each kingdom has their pride Cho.' she reasoned.

'Don't be too gullible Kaoru. I've had some of my people in their kingdom report to me over the last few months. What they have told me leaves me with no confidence in their integrity whatsoever.'

'What are they doing that's so terrible?'

'They're acquiring allies in dissident forces from outside our kingdom borders.'

'As in those who have been thrown from their kingdoms to live in the outer borders? There can't be that many.'

'Ah but they are rather talented individuals who have been either seen as too physically dangerous or know too much therefore becoming too dangerous. And then there are those that simply leech of society who have been thrown out. They are all extremely angry individuals whose knowledge above all else will destroy certain empires.'

'We cannot be one of them. We take people of all walks of life. And rarely have I heard of an individual so terrible to be exempt.'

'Ah but it is not only the dissidents who I am worried about. There are other kingdoms that are not on our side so to speak.'

'As in they tolerate us, but are friendlier with the other more dissenting kingdom?'

'Yes. They are not outwardly rude of impolite, oh yes they are very careful in appearing highly engaged in our actions when necessary.'

'Which kingdom do we speak of then?'

'The only one ruled by a queen.'

'Tomoe' breathed Kaoru in realisation.

That woman spelled trouble from day one. She was not royal in any way if her manners and demeanour were anything to go by. The woman was hated by many and her kingdom was suffering terribly, since the winter had left her lands bare and fruitless. Tomoe had once worked in the royal household as the queen's nursemaid, before marrying the king after the queen had died. Many suspected that Tomoe had poisoned the queen and but no one could prove it. The king died of a broken heart soon after.

Soujirou in an attempt to lighten the burden of hardship and in the hopes of creating an ally had sent two men across the border who skilled tacticians.

'Those two men were not lightweights Kaoru. There were educated and skilled in combat. We thought that sending our best combination men would suit the mission but they never returned…in fact Tomoe claimed not to have seen any such men in her lands. We have reason to suspect otherwise.'

Kaoru ran down the list of their attributes which rivalled the most acclaimed scholars and warriors in the kingdom. They certainly weren't stupid, so they definitely had not become lost and died on the way.

'Mmm they were quite skilled indeed. Too odd for them to have simply lost their way. They were definitely captured. They must have been suppressed quite well because we haven't had any word of their whereabouts since then have we?'

'No we haven't. Even people who we have sent into the kingdom for information have come up with next to nothing. Every time we find a lead it goes no where.'

'Someone is doing brilliant damage control over there.' mused Kaoru softly.

'Yes.' agreed Cho with a mixture of admiration and apprehension.


Kaoru sat in front of her mirror running a number of ideas for penetration into Tomoe's kingdom. Her dress shoes and jewellery all resplendent she rose gracefully and walked to her door, breathing in and out deeply before leaving the sanctity of her room.

She could have taken the long route to the royal hall but she was already late. Her plan was to slip in late and unnoticed in the hopes of mingling without drawing attention to herself. Coming up to the side entrance she spied a new guard holding fort.

'Good evening, may I pass please?'

'Apologies My Lady. Guests are only permitted admission through the front entrance.'

'I live in the castle.' she murmured 'I'm sure you could let me through.'

'I'm sorry; I'm under strict orders.' of course she knew this so she wasn't sure why she thought she could get away with it. She could have used a little mind compulsion in order to bend him to her will, but he could get in trouble and lose his job because of her pettiness.

Sighing she rounded the castle and moved with slow care towards the front entrance. The footmen and guards who lived in her village and spoken to her on occasion watched in awe as she approached.

The bellman stood to the right to introduce each person as they arrived. Nodding at each guard and footman she whispered her name to the bellman.

'Miss Kamiya Kaoru.' he intoned sweeping his arm forward politely to grant her access. Kaoru glided forward and straight into the middle of the hall. A dance had just ended and the couples parted as she walked down the middle honing in on Sano who appeared to be accosting a very elegant looking noble woman.

She could hear the whispers all around who was she, where did she come from…

Finally reaching Sano's side she slid her arm carefully through his propped on his hip. Sano whipped his head around to stare at her in abject wonder.

'Jou Chan?' his face marred with confusion before whistling appreciatively 'you scrub up well missy!'

'I do appreciate any flattery of such nature regarding my appearance.' she flounced her hair in mock coquettishness. Grinning in response Sano directed her attention to the lovely lady she had been speculating about earlier.

'This lovely lady here is Megumi, Jou Chan.'

'That's Lady Megumi.' corrected the lady bowing her head in greeting.

'Pleasure to make your acquaintance Lady Megumi.'

'I'm assuming your name isn't actually Jou Chan.' she remarked

'Please call me Kaoru.' she smiled in genuine pleasure while sneaking a look at Sano's face. He was quite obviously besotted with the lady if his glazed eyes and lopsided grin were anything to go by.

'If I may be so bold, I believe I have seen you quite often in the kings company when you were younger.' Said Megumi.

'Yes, we were quite good friends as children – but as we grew older, the duties he had to shoulder took him away from playing with Sano and myself.' She painted a considerably nice picture of the burden bearing king minus her heartbreak.

Megumi tapped her forefinger against her chin thoughtfully 'You never wore dresses though.'

'You would be correct. I often wore pants and shirts. I guess I was rebelling against the role which I was expected to play.' she shrugged unapologetically.

'It would be wonderful to have such freedom though.' she breathed in response.

'Mmm it was considerably liberating if you discounted the general horror of conservative villagers, and the acute stares of nobility anytime you were in their presence, whispers behind your back.' Kaoru ticked them off on her fingers as she listed the downfalls.

'People can be so hurtful.'

'That's what people do – they talk.' Sighed Kaoru patiently.

'You're not exactly one to care about rules are you fox.' grinned Sano.

'No one asked you roosterhead – and I'd appreciate it if you could call me Lady Megumi. I know it's a concept that you're not familiar with, but it's called "manners".'

Kaoru grinned and ribbed him in the side 'The best ones are always hard to please Sano.'

'You can say that again.' he muttered.

Kaoru mingled as best she could. She knew practically everyone, but it was really a case of who would speak to her in return. She was asked to dance a few times, and each time she declined firmly yet politely. By the end of the evening she was really getting tired of the whispering. They were being so obvious, she thought sarcastically as couples whirled past her in a common waltz.

'You're quite the topic of conversation tonight Kaoru.' murmured Megumi as she sidled up next to her.

'Yeah I hadn't guessed at all.'

'Everyone hates you.'

Kaoru's mouth curled at the sides at Megumi's jibe.

'You know at times like this you're really living up to the aristocratic status.'

'I wouldn't want to disappoint – though I'm not sure why everyone is so hateful. You haven't done anything to them, except openly flaunt your abhorrence of their customs in their face.' she sipped from her wine glass delicately.

'You're too kind'

'Kaoru?' A questioning yet entirely shocked voice asked from behind them. Kaoru turned and spied Soujirou with a dumbfounded look on his face. The woman he escorted had her arm linked with his quite intimately, and Kaoru suspected that this woman was the Fiancé she had heard about.

'You look different in a dress.' Soujirou's voice seemed to have lost its strength as he gazed at her in complete disbelief.

Kaoru openly laughed at his dumbfounded expression 'You've never seen me in a dress this fine, my friend. And this must be your lovely Fiancé.' she stated holding her hands out to the woman in greeting.

Soujirou let go of the woman's arm 'Yes, Yumi, I'd like you to meet Kaoru Kamiya – I've known her all my life' he confessed.

Yumi grasped Kaoru's hands in return and they kissed each others cheeks as was the customary salutation.

'I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance Miss Kamiya.' said Yumi, and although her smile was wide her eye's seemed devoid of the emotion she was projecting. A feeling of displacement swept over Kaoru during the exchange.

'Oh the pleasure is all mine.' exclaimed Kaoru with complete sincerity. Kaoru honestly wanted Soujirou to be happy; she wanted him to have a love like she had with Kenshin.

'You have a great advantage over me Miss Kamiya.' revealed her new acquaintance deeply 'You've known Sou all his life, and I have yet to find out so much.'

'Kaoru please. You have the rest of your lives to find out everything about each other' she counselled 'And trust me, even then there will probably still be more to learn'.

Kaoru saw that Yumi held affection for Soujirou, but there was something about the woman which left her feeling odd. Perhaps she would have to do a little snooping to find out more about this fiancé.


Sorry about the wait :-s really sorry!

and thanks to Dianne for Beta Reading this ;-)

cheers,

Iuvenalis.