A/N: Huge apologies for taking so long to update. I got writer's block for this chapter, and then I needed my computer fixed, and the rest of the time was spent waiting for my beta to do Chapter 10 (If you're reading this... it's okey). But here it is.
Chapter 9 – Locked Away
Tokyo Castle
12 February 074
Momoko sighed as Onpu pulled over the curtains, closing the large chamber in darkness. Her time had come for Momoko to enter her confinement. Now she shall be stuck in her chambers until her child is born; only to be seen by midwives, physicians and her ladies.
"At least it's winter, Princess," Beth said, trying to lighten the mood. "If you had to stay in here in summer, it'd be unbearable."
"I still don't like it, Lady Beth. This never happened back in Albany. My mother was walking through the gardens when her pains started." Momoko responded.
"They're much stricter here, and we have to follow their rules," Onpu stated plainly, "But when you exit this room next, you will have a child in your arms and the Prince shall return to your bed joyfully."
There was a knock on the door and it opened a moment later, revealing Leon. "I will see you in six weeks." He stated simply.
Momoko curtsied, "Your Grace." She didn't know what else to say.
Leon didn't say anything else and left, his footsteps being the only noise in the room.
"One of you please fetch me some paper," Momoko requested after a few moments of silence, "I wish to write to His Majesty the King."
Beth quickly scurried off to get some paper for Momoko while Onpu checked her inkpot to see if it needed to be re-filled.
"Are you alright, Your Grace?" Onpu asked as she sat down.
"Yes, why do you ask?" Momoko replied with slight confusion.
"You're awfully quiet. I thought perhaps something is wrong?"
Momoko shook her head, "I do not see anything worth talking about."
Beth returned and placed the piece of parchment in front of her and Momoko started to write.
Your Majesty,
I write to inform you that I have just entered my confinement. I shall hope that while I deliver my child, the Queen remains safe with hers.
Princess Momoko.
Onpu glanced over her shoulder, "That's all?"
Momoko silently sealed the letter and handed it to Beth, "I just wanted to write something. I figure my husband will not bother with such a letter."
"Alright…" Onpu said, hiding her concern as she left with the letter.
Kyoto Palace
13 February 074
"Your Majesty, a letter."
Akatsuki thanked the messenger as he took the letter and broke the familiar seal of Princess Momoko. After reading the letter, he smiled and sat down to write a short reply.
Princess,
Thank you for your thoughts on the Queen. I pray you have a safe delivery; however, I am surprised to hear of this news from you and not my brother, the Prince of Tokyo.
Akatsuki.
Two days later, he received a reply; only a sentence.
He doesn't seem to care.
How could he not care? Akatsuki asked himself. He cared greatly about the health of his own wife, so how could Leon not care about Momoko? And how on earth did he not know about this in general?
Princess,
I am sure Leon cares about you. He is just unsure about what to do; he is used to sleeping with women he won't see the next morning, not remaining with them for life.
Akatsuki.
It took about a week to receive his reply, again, only one sentence, and not signed.
Everybody tells me that; even Lord Kawasaki.
"Lord Kawasaki is a bad influence," Akatsuki murmured to himself, although, if somebody asked him why, he wouldn't have a reason. Akatsuki didn't reply to the last letter sent by Momoko; he had more important things to worry about than Leon's infidelity.
Osaka Castle
17 February 074
Hazuki had almost made the decision to stay at Kyoto Palace with her new husband, but she eventually made up her mind, and she and Fujio are now living in Osaka Castle, with their own small court.
The two of them were enjoying their marriage greatly. Their titles had merged together, making them the Duke and Duchess of Osaka and the Earl and Countess of Chiba.
"Fujio," Hazuki chirped with a smile, "I have great news."
"Yes?" The two of them sat together eating a private lunch. The servants stood around the room out of ear shot, but Hazuki still leaned in closer to her husband and whispered what she said next.
"I'm with child."
Fujio gasped, "Oh, really? That is wonderful! You are certain?"
Hazuki nodded, "I've skipped my bleeding and had a midwife examine me. She says she'll remain here throughout my pregnancy."
"I am glad. I don't want you to come to any harm."
"Do not worry about me husband, I will be alright." Hazuki smiled.
Kyoto Palace
20 February 074
"Your Majesty, Prince Tooru requests and audience," the guard at the door said as he poked his head in.
"Show him in."
The guard disappeared and Tooru appeared seconds later.
"What is it, brother?"
"Well," Tooru said, making himself comfortable in a chair without permission, causing Akatsuki's expression to morph into one of exasperation. "I can't help but notice that you seem to be marrying off all your… brothers… to eligible women. What about me? Are there none left?"
"It's not like that, Tooru," Akatsuki said with a small eye roll, "I just do not have one I think will suit you well yet. I am open to your suggestions, however."
"I'll keep my eyes open." Tooru muttered.
"Thanks," Akatsuki replied sarcastically, "Was that all?"
Tooru shrugged, "Seems like it. How's Doremi?"
"The Queen is well. The midwife says she'll be returning in early April. She is a lovely woman, however age is getting to her, and the weather is not good for her. Doremi understands."
"Good. I'm sure you're excited about having a child."
Akatsuki smiled, "I sure am. Doremi is too."
Tooru stood up, "Well, I guess that's all then. I was serious when I said I'd keep my eyes open, by the way."
"If you say so," Akatsuki said. He watched as Tooru bowed his head and left the room.
Tokyo Castle
21 February 074
"When did the midwife say my baby was due?" Momoko asked.
"Late March, early April," Beth responded.
Momoko sighed and made her way over to the window and, against her better judgement, opened the curtain, frost covering the outside sill edges. Everything glittered white from the snow. "I have only been in here for a week, and already I hate it. April is so far away…"
"The time will come eventually," Onpu said conformingly, "And when it does, spring will be here."
"How I long for spring…" Momoko said wistfully, leaning her head against the window.
There was a quiet tap on the door and Beth rushed to see who it was. When Beth saw who it was – one of Leon's messengers – she slid out of the room and closed the door.
"Who do you think it was?" Onpu asked.
Momoko shrugged slightly in response, "A man, that's for sure."
Beth returned a few moments later, "That was a messenger of the Prince. He said that Lady Chiba is with child."
Momoko's mood rose slightly, "I am so pleased for her. Prince Fujio shall have a child."
"The Royal Family is expanding, that's for sure." Beth chuckled.
A/N: And… that's chapter nine. Shorter than previous chapters, I know, but I was stuck. I'm pleased I finally finished this, because… stuff's happening next chapter.
Enjoy Chapter 10.
