A/N: Sorry everyone for all the late updates! I've been very sick the last few weeks. I guess my body hasn't quite adjusted to the cold after living in a tropical area for some time. Before that, I had a quite unfortunate run-in with a brown recluse that bit my leg. Anyone who knows about those suckers know that getting bit by one of those is no joke! The doctor says it will take weeks for it to completely heal and it was painful for a while. Now it's not as bad though.
This chapter was MUCH longer, but I decided to break it down so it wouldn't be too annoying to read 10k+ chapters. I don't know if long parts are a pain in the ass for you guys to read or not... Anyway, this one is a bit of character and relationship development, but is more of a setup for the next chapter. I will update that within a few days because I already have half of that done. By the way, I will be adding a bit more adult material to this story, so beware! I feel the need to spice it up.
Another thing I wanted to add was that after this and the next update for this story, I will add a chapter for "Dreams of a Monomaniac". After that, I have an idea for a new story I want to add. It's another Kingdom/Naruto crossover with Riboku and Sakura (RiboSaku), but this one will be a modern AU. I've been playing around with this idea in my head while sick in bed.
Ecstasyharlot: Sorry for the wait, I'm going to try updating faster now that I'm feeling better. I totally agree about Shin, he's one of my favorites. I was hesitant to do a smut with these two, but I'm becoming more comfortable with the idea. We will definitely be seeing some in the near future!
Kihoko-san: Thank you and I hope this doesn't disappoint!
Diao: Fufufu and Riboku sure does.
ALibra: Yes, another RiboSaku fan! I'm really glad you like it and how I portrayed Riboku. He's probably my favorite male character of all time, though I wish he had more appearances in the manga... I didn't initially intend for them to fight, but it just kind of happened as I wrote it. I was feeling a little aggressive haha. I have another crossover planned, but I want to write a few more chapters for my two stories before working on the intro of my new one.
VeronicaLee00: Thank you for the compliment, I really appreciate it! You guys leaving me reviews and the ones who've been on ship since the very beginning really motivate me to keep writing. Kanki is VERY jealous of Riboku and Sakura. Like Tashio pointed out in an earlier review, she is the one thing he cannot have and it drives him nuts. Riboku just wants the best for her because he's in love with her. I'm glad you liked the scene from the feast fufu. I kind of feel bad for Riboku, since he's always being tortured. He can get so close to her but can't go any further.
AnythingFromTheTrolly: Thank you for your kind words, I'm so flattered! I have a lot of things planned for them, good and bad. Shin will be making his appearance very soon, at least within the next two chapters. I'm really glad you like the story, especially since I didn't think many people would even give it a chance.
The room was freezing when he woke with a start. Riboku's blurry eyes widened feeling the sudden movement beside him. Looking down at the lithe body next to him, he realized she was having a bad dream again by the pained expression on her face. The pinkette's beautiful features were turned into a grimace as she rolled onto her side.
In the past few weeks since returning from Qi, nights like this happened more frequently than before he had ever left. Every couple nights, Sakura tossed and turned, mumbling incoherently, and even flailing in her sleep. It was quite disturbing to see his betrothed like this. Whenever he would question her about these "episodes" she was having, she would completely shut down, refusing to talk about it.
Riboku didn't know what to do anymore. He didn't know what the cause was of these nightmares or how he could help her. The only thing he knew he could do was trying to comfort her when he was finally able to rouse the pinkette from the night terrors. Having her train with Kaine during the day was helping shorten the number of times it happened. The harder she worked during the day, the longer she was able to sleep without incident.
It was effecting his sleep as well, something he needed for the long days of work he had to do. Kaine had suggested that he make the princess sleep in her old room down the hall, but that wouldn't do. After being apart from her for so long, there was no way in hell that he would give up any chance to spend time with his beloved. Even if that meant being woken up throughout the night.
Sakura knew she was waking him up and offered to sleep in the other room as well. Seeing her apologizing with glossy eyes was enough for him. He couldn't stand seeing her upset, let alone on the verge of crying. Riboku would smile, telling his princess she's nothing of a burden to him, then hold her close to let her know she's okay. It didn't matter how long it took, he was determined to chase away the darkness plaguing her, whatever that may be. That's what you do when you love someone dearly.
Seeing that the princess was sleeping soundly again, he decided it was fine to get some rest. She didn't need his help right now it seemed. Turning onto his side, he scooted closer to the pinkette, pushing his chest up against her back and hooking his legs around hers. Pulling the cover back over both of their bodies, he snaked an arm around her waist and buried his nose into the pink locks surrounding him. The scent of Sakura's hair was unique and relaxing, something he had missed terribly during his absence. It was always enough to lull him back to sleep quickly...
The last three weeks had passed by in a blur. Day in and day out was nothing other than work, work, and what else? More work.
If Riboku had thought being the Prime Minister of Zhao was difficult, he couldn't even describe the mess he was in now. Each state that had lost to Qin was slowly becoming assimilated into one whole country for the first time, finally bringing an end to the raging wars that had plagued the land for the last 500 years.
With that came planning and more work than he's had in the last few years. Aside from himself, Ri Shi, formerly one of the "Four Pillars of Ryo Fui" and current Head of Administration, along with Chancellor Shoubunkun, were up to their necks trying to get everything under control.
As Chief of Military Affairs, Riboku had to strategically place their generals that were available in different locations to ensure order amongst the state's. His own vassal, General Kei Sha, was currently in the capital of Qi, Rinshi, with many units scattered throughout the small state, including the infamous Hi Shin Unit.
Kneeling over a large map of the states, he pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to clear his mind. There were so many units coming and going in and out of the capital, not to mention the new ones that were being formed from soldiers they acquired after the wars. He had to keep track of them all and send them where they were needed.
There was also talks of bringing citizens of the other states into Kanyou, like they had with Zhao. That wasn't a plan Riboku took lightly and he knew they had to be careful if King Sei decided to go through with it. Having people from states that had been beaten and ushering them all into the capital could jeopardize the king and the royal family's safety, especially if they joined together to revolt within the walls.
It was different with Zhao because he was popular with the citizens that he had chosen to come and they wouldn't act against his orders. Could he say the same for the others that would migrate here? There was no definite answer. The reality was that this could blow up in their faces very badly if they are careless.
An ominous feeling hit him as he heard the guards opening the double doors of the entrance. Looking up, he quickly stood seeing the man he wanted to speak with. The one who was increasing becoming a thorn in his side.
"What do ya want, Mr. Head of Military Affairs?" Riboku felt his eye twitch as the dark haired man entered the room with two of his subordinates.
"Watch the way you speak to Riboku-sama!" Kanto warned. A large man with a tattoo that ran across his face bumped into him as he strode into the room with his boss, almost knocking the smaller commander over.
With them was a dark haired woman with a plain-looking face, yet carried the same malicious look as the others belonging to the Kanki Army.
The bandit waltzed in with his trademark smirk, looking at the general with clear resentment. They did not like each other one bit and never would, that was clear as day. If he didn't have to, Riboku would never have him or his band of thugs anywhere near Kanyou.
"I thought you were suppose to deploy to the borders with your army over a week ago? What are you still doing here?" Indeed, the man was suppose to leave sometime ago. The general already knew what happened, but wanted to hear it from the horses mouth.
"Hmph, no need to. My lieutenant, Raido, was close to the area and already took care of it... Is that all you wanted? I have more important things to do than wastin' my time here." Kanki folded his arms in front of him, glaring at the blond, increasingly becoming agitated and impatient with every second that passed.
"...And what of the bandits?" The dark haired mans eyebrows drew together as his eyes narrowed in suspicion at Riboku's inquiry.
"I think you already know the answer to that, so stop pussyfootin' around with these stupid questions and get to the damn point." Riboku's vassals glared at the bandit and his underlings for disrespecting their lord in such a way. As Prime Minister, he was to be treated with the utmost respect, yet everyone in the room knew that was not going to happen.
Riboku clenched his teeth, trying not to lose his patience. No matter the situation, he always held the image of a calm, collected individual who always had his emotions in check. In reality, that was true for the most part...but right now, he felt like a volcano on the verge of erupting. Kanki was the one person whose mere presence was enough to make the level-headed strategist irate.
"So be it. King Sei had ordered you to get rid of those bandits that were attacking the villages along the border. Why did you disobey orders and have your lieutenant recruit them instead?" The information network Riboku had was top-notch. Any news regarding the military and politics was quickly relayed to him. What Kanki had done with the bandits hadn't passed by him either.
"Tch, who gives a shit. I'm just putting 'em to good use. Not a big deal"
"The king gave you an order, which you were meant to follow. Taking liberties upon yourself and disobeying those orders are unacceptable." Those men were dangerous... Not only that, but they had been brutally raping and killing innocent families in the villages, where many of the men had been absent due to joining the military. Were they just suppose to just pardon their crimes as the men who aided Qin's efforts that came from those villages had no where to return to? Most of their parents, wives, and children had been butchered and the homes they built were burnt o the ground.
Riboku couldn't imagine the pain those men are going through. After risking their lives on the front lines and finding out the atrocities that were committed against their loved ones because they weren't there to protect them... It must be unbearable. As a man who grew up around war, he already understood the feeling of losing those close to you. Despite that, if he returned from the war in Qi to find the manor destroyed and Sakura dead...all hell would break loose. So how could such villains be given pardons and allowed to join the army, where they will be able to do as they please with Kanki's bandits and even receive money and other rewards? Where is the justice in that?
"You're a real stickler, aren't ya. Why don't you pull that stick out of your ass and stop tryin' to bust my balls." Kanki grinned, trying to see how far he could push the blonde before he snaps. Seeing the strategist's eyes narrow at him made it all worthwhile. "What's making you so mad, huh? You got everything a man could want, though through some underhanded shit. What's crawlin' up your ass? Not getting any?"
Clenching his fist, Riboku was at his limit. "I called you here for one reason and one reason only. Anything aside from that is completely irrelevant."
"Kukuku, seems like I hit a sore spot, eh? Is that stingy princess not giving it up?... How about I make you a deal? The Kanki Army always gets the best prostitutes throughout the lands to use at our disposal. I'll trade you ten of those for the princess. These whores literally do anything and everything you want 'em to do. Not bad, huh?"
"Kanki!" Riboku growled out. He was two seconds from unsheathing his sword and cutting off the scumbag's head.
"You're right. That's not a fair deal for such a young, innocent princess... Let's see... How about twenty with free delivery? I'll do it personally." Kanki was beaming seeing the general going red in the face with anger.
"Watch what you say, bandit!" Reaching for the hilt of his sword, everyone else around the room did the same. The two accompanying Kanki went for their weapons as well, ready to spill blood. Riboku was not one to react to taunts, but Sakura was a sensitive subject. He did not like hearing the bandit even mutter her name, especially when he knew the man would have raped the pinkette in Kantan if he hadn't intervened.
The only one who seemed relaxed was Kanki, while everyone else was on edge, waiting for someone to make a move. Both men glared daggers at each other, undoubtedly wishing death upon the other.
"Okay, okay, I guess that's enough for today. Right, Mr. Head of Military Affairs? Kukuku, catch ya later." The dark haired man spun on his heel, grinning as he left the room with his two subordinates in tow.
Riboku stood there, gripping the hilt of his sword as he ground his teeth together in anger and frustration. Never before had one person made him lose his composure like that almost every time they saw each other. It was a mistake to call him in and try discussing the situation... Nothing was resolved and he had a headache on top of wanting to kill the brigand.
If he had acted on his anger and unsheathed his sword, all that would be accomplished was that he played right into Kanki's hand and that in itself was unacceptable.
"Milord... Are you-" Turning towards the vassal, the man looked nervous at seeing how enraged his lord was.
"I'm fine. There is no need to worry... We have more important things that need out attention." It was the truth. There was still lots of work to do and the general was determined to get as much done as possible, especially after the announcement.
During the feast, while Riboku and the princess were in the corridor, he proposed a question to her. After going through his plans and dates, the most logical time for them to have their wedding ceremony would be in three months. That would give him time to get necessary plans put into motion for the other states assimilation and the weather will be much warmer by then.
Not only that, but a week ago the king had announced that in one month there will be a banquet in the palace to celebrate China becoming whole and his rise to becoming emperor. The official ceremony for being named emperor would not be until the spring, where there usually was a festival held. This banquet, however, was a way to thank all those who helped in the effort to unify the country and to welcome the other states.
There would be officials and people of prominent standing from Zhao, Chu, Han, Yan, Wei, and lastly, Qi. This gathering was an important step in the direction King Sei wanted to take to bring everyone together for the sake of the new country.
If Riboku had it his way, they would have the ceremony as soon as he arrived, but he wanted to do this the right way. He didn't want to be selfish and rush such a special day for Sakura and himself. This was the first time either of them would marry and he wanted it to be something they would always remember.
Despite the fact that he forced the pinkette's hand into marriage in the first place, he still wanted her to be happy on the day of the ceremony. It would be the day they would finally be husband and wife.
When Sakura agreed to the ceremony to be held in the next few months, Riboku felt like his dream was finally be coming true. He was taken his time and been patient, planning and plotting every step carefully since the day he met her. Being a meticulous man indeed had its finer points.
Everything would go according to plan and nothing was going to get in his way now. The bandit was right about one thing, he had everything a man could want and he had used some underhanded methods, but that was irrelevant. All the suffering and loneliness he endured was paying off and nothing, not even Kanki's taunts, was going to bring him down.
The reason for that is because he won. Everything had gone as he predicted for the most part and he got his woman. Only two months and one week until the beautiful princess, Sakura, would officially be his and only his...for good...
"Ugh!" Kaine jumped out of the way quickly, parrying the attack at the last minute with her sword. A trickle of sweat ran down the side of her face and down her neck as she panted from the exertion she was putting into this.
The pinkette came at her with a voracity that she hadn't expected imagined. What had Karu been doing with her in the month they trained together?
Blocking attack after attack, Kaine was beginning to feel fatigued. They had been at this for some time today, yet the princess was still so full of energy. Was it because of her youth? Admittedly, the female commander was six years her senior and in that time much has happened.
After returning from the war in Qi, she had assumed that she would be able to relax and enjoy her time in peace, but her lord had other plans in mind. After hearing of Riboku-sama's falling out with Karu over his rough handling of Sakura-hime, he came to her and asked that she train the pinkette herself as a favor to him. After all he's done for her, declining was not an option.
When Kaine brought Sakura to the room she had been training in with her first mentor, the dark haired woman figured they would begin with the basic, like learning how to block a punch. What she hadn't expecting was the princess to send her flying into the wall behind her.
She realized quickly that wearing kid gloves while fighting was not an option with this woman. Her strength and speed had taken her off guard, that she will admit, but the pinkette still had to work on her skill, accuracy, and control. Sakura-hime had mountains of potential, yet only time and experience would get her where she's trying to get to.
As they went back and forth on offense and defense, one thing kept bugging her in the back of her head. Why? Why was the princess so determined to train and become stronger? As a woman who grew up in a war-torn village, Kaine was forced to fight with everything she had just to survive. So why was someone like Sakura-hime, who lived under her lords care in the safety of his manor, trying so hard?
As a fellow woman, she could only commend her for the effort she was exerting, but it didn't make any sense. When their swords clashed and their eyes met, there was a fire in them she hadn't seen the before. Yet lurking behind that fire was something dark, something...wrong. After all the time she had to spend with the princess since everything started, she had observed her many times and it was clear as day that there was a change in her.
Whether Riboku-sama had noticed it or not was another story. After all, the man was so enthralled with the pinkette that he might overlook such things, but there wasn't much that got passed her lord.
In the midst of their fights, she could see an anger and desperation in those stunning green eyes of hers. It almost...reminded her of herself... The way she was back Yan Men, before Riboku-sama came into her life. As a young woman, Kaine was hell-bent on revenge against the Xiong Nu for the slaughter of her family, friends, and the people of Yan Men. She had suffered greatly growing up and made her into someone she didn't want to be.
What was this hatred she was carrying inside of her? What happened while they were at war with Qi? The more they trained together, sparing and clashed blades, the more she felt like she could understand the younger woman.
Kaine's initial opinion of the pinkette wasn't very good. She thought of her as a spoiled brat who lived in the palace, being pampered and doted on by all around, especially men. When Riboku-sama had become entranced by her feminine wiles, the female commander became green with envy. What was it about that odd looking woman that drew someone of her lord's standing like a moth to a flame? When he had become obsessed with with her, it was maddening.
After getting to know the woman, she saw a different side of her. Maybe she wasn't as pampered and spoiled as she thought. Perhaps there really was more to her than meets the eye and that is what Riboku-sama saw in her. They were able to grow closer, as women in a man's world. They both yearned to become stronger and overcome their own shortcomings, despite their gender.
Yet, Kaine hadn't seen that until she had betrayed the pinkette... Her dirty little secret that was locked away, never to see the world...
"What's wrong, old lady? Getting tired!" Kaine's eyes widened at the princesses insult, clenching her teeth and charging at her this time. Swinging dual swords wildly, the pinkette spun and jumped out of the way, barely avoiding being grazed by the sharp blade.
"What's wrong, brat? Having a hard time keeping up?" The dark haired woman had the advantage as Sakura-hime danced around, just missing the swords, not having a single chance to counterattack. Kaine swung her blade quickly, almost cutting the pinkette's midsection before she flipped to escape, but landed on her back and dropping her sword with a clang.
Smiling, Kaine quickly advanced while the princess was vulnerable, pointing her blade at the panting woman's throat. Sakura-hime's eyes widened as the female commander straddled her abdomen, pinning her arms down with her legs in the process. Her chest rose and fell as she tried catching her breath. The fall probably had knocked the wind out of her.
"Give up yet, Hime-sama?" With a grin plastered on her face, she looked at the defeated was woman beneath her. There was still a fire in her green eyes, despite being winded. Perhaps she wanted to keep fighting? "Okay, okay... I think this is enough for today."
Standing up, Kaine quickly sheathed her swords, before reaching a hand out to help the pinkette up.
"One of these day Kaine, I will beat you. Maybe not today, or tomorrow...but some day." There was a competitive, playful tone to her promise, one the commander didn't miss.
"Hn, in your dreams. I won't let that happen, even dead asleep. The day you beat me is the day hell freezes over." Kaine liked teasing the younger woman, her reactions were usually entertaining. Her youth and spirit made the veteran work harder than usual, not wanting to be surpassed in that area as well.
"This is the longest time we've spent in here training. I don't know about you, but I'm in dire need of a bath. I think we deserve to be able to take a dip in that spring Riboku-sama uses after training, no?"
The building where Riboku went day after day to plan his strategies and meet with people in the capital was heavily guarded. Around the perimeter there were guards set in pairs that watched every corner. It was their job to keep the Prime Minister and his vassals safe and report any suspicious activity.
These men had shifts and would periodically be replaced once their time was done depending on how long their lord would be in the building by the palace. It was important for him to be close to the heart of the capital in case anything happened. After all, everyone would look to him in an emergency, such as an invasion or rebellion.
The majority of the guards were handpicked by the strategist himself and hailed from Zhao, who also lived in the compound. Qin citizens were less likely to care for the safety of the Zhao-born man, considering the bad blood between the states in the past. Many didn't consider themselves loyal to general, who had been an enemy of Qin for many years, so those who were to keep him safe were left to his own discretion for the most part.
The people who lived in the Zhao compound were considered the most loyal of his subjects and there was a well-balanced level of respect amongst the general and his people. The compound itself had grown in size to the point where it could almost be considered a city within the city of Kanyou. Many families and even officials from the foreign state had moved into the area, shops were being built and many other businesses. To those who lived there, it was like having a smaller version of Kantan and a taste of their homeland in their new country.
The men who lived in the compound had sworn their loyalty to Riboku, who in turn, swore loyalty to the Qin king, Ei Sei.
In the rear of the building, the pair of men guarding it were getting ready for their shifts to be over. Since their lord was still at work inside, fresh guards were needed and the two waited to be relieved of duty.
"What the hell's taking 'em so damn long?!" The man kicked a stone, sending it sailing across the walkway across from them.
"Relax, Gui. They should be here any moment, so stop your complaining." The taller man leaning against the wall looked at the other unamused.
"Shut it. Ever since you guys came back from Qi, you've been a thorn in my ass with your lazy attitude. You could at least stand on your feet in case the lord comes by."
With a grunt, the other guard pushed off the wall, standing like he was suppose to be during his watch. "Well YOU guys who were able to hang back and didn't have to go on that trip to hell. The whole war was a bitch and the lord sure pushed us with one hell of a fury to return back. It wasn't like we could just go back inside when our shifts over like we can here. My feet were almost frozen by the time we got to the gates and I was sick the first week we were back."
Gui barked out a laugh, making the other man raise an eyebrow. "What a wuss! Hahaha too back I didn't go instead of a useless guy like you! All you had to do was guard the lords tent, it's not like you had to fight, Kon."
"The hell with you! It's an important duty to guard his tent! If someone would have attacked Riboku-sama during the night and managed to kill him, we would all be in a world of hurt right now. Besides, all YOU had to to was stay at the manor and guard Hime-sama. Don't act like your job was more important than mine."
The shorter man grunted, annoyed at his accusation. "It is an important job. She's the princess from out homeland and our lords betrothed. If she had been kidnapped or anything, Riboku-sama would tan all our hides..."
A bead of sweat dropped from Kon, as he scratched the back of his head. "Good point... That would be true."
"While you guys were gone, there was a rumor that something happened during the winter solstice festival, but it was it was hushed up before any real details came out. I don't know what happened, or if something did happen, for that matter. You know, rumors are just rumors. It probably wasn't anything..." Gui folded his arms, thinking back on the matter. It happened a month and a half ago, but he didn't really know anything.
"Oh? Well I've got something better." Kon moved closer so he hopefully wouldn't be overheard. "When we were guarding the lords tent, something did happen, that much I can tell you."
Seeing the other man's eyes widen, he felt like he couldn't hold it in any longer. "During the siege on one of the cities right before we reached Rinshi, our lord did something he probably shouldn't have... Well, why we're standing guard outside of his tent, Kaine-dono came and went in. She was in there for sometime and then we heard the lord shout her name and next thing we knew, Futei-dono ran in. After that it sounded like there was fighting and
Kaine-dono ran out, there was some yelling, then the other commander hauled ass too. We didn't know what to do and just tried to act like nothing happened. Riboku-sama came out later and even asked one of us to get him a new table and chair..."
"What?! So Riboku-sama cheated on the princess with Kaine-dono? I didn't see that one coming... Why were they all fighting?"
Kon looked back and forth making sure no one was around, before resuming. "From what we can tell that's what it looks like. I'm honestly not surprised he was banging her, what man keeps a woman like her around all this time without getting some? I heard from some other guards on the way home, that Futei-dono and her were going at it in her tent right afterwards, so I suppose they were lovers and she probably cheated on him with the general. That must have been why they were fighting. Riboku-sama was pretty angry, not that I blame him. He was probably right in the middle of hitting that when the commander intervened. All of us were told to keep quiet or else, so don't go blabbing to anyone."
Gui ran his hands through his hair, trying to process it all. It was insane and so scandalous. "Two guys, one right after the other? Man, Kaine-dono more of a whore than I thought... I can't blame Riboku-sama though, the commander looks like a good lay. I feel bad for Sakura-sama, she probably has no idea. She's a fine piece of ass herself, I'd take either one of them if I had the chance. The lord is so lucky!"
"Is that so?..."
Both men whirled around started by the voice behind them. There wasn't anyone there just a second ago...
"Now what were you saying?" The guards could feel their hearts pounding rapidly as bullets of sweat started running down their faces and necks.
The princess stood in the steamy room, clutching the thin robe against her body. The female commander couldn't help but chuckle at her modest behavior.
"Hime-sama, we're both women. There's no need to be shy in front of me, we both have same things. Come on, you can't bathe with that thing on..." Kaine grabbed the sash of her own robe and gave it a tug, letting the material slide off of her shoulders and onto the floor.
Sakura-hime quickly looked away from her nude form with a beet red face. Putting a hand on her hip, the dark haired woman sighed, knowing this may end up being more of a troublesome task than she initially thought.
"Haven't you bathed with other women before? It's not that bad. We can relax, drink some sake and let all of our worries wash away." Kaine was in a great mood, she had been wanting to use this spring for some time now and this was the perfect opportunity.
"Not really... I usually do it by myself. It's kind of embarrassing." The pinkette was visibly uncomfortable.
Walking towards the corner of the room, the commander grabbed the small bottle of sake and took more than a few generous swigs from it. 'Liquid courage...'
With a mischievous grin, the commander sauntered over to the shy female, who was trying not to look at her. "Hime-sama, don't make me go in there all by myself... Here, drink some of this, it will make you feel better." Handing her the bottle, the pinkette looked at it for a moment, before bringing it to her lips and tipping it back. Kaine smiled, hearing gulp after gulp as she tried downing the sake.
Going up behind her, Kaine wrapped her arms around her thin waist, pushing her naked body against the thin robe the princess was wearing. Feeling the woman stiffen, she knew now was the best time to take action if she was going to. With quick work, small hands grabbed onto the sash of the princesses robe and yanked the edge of it, making the folds open. The bottle dropped from her hands, crashing onto the ground and covering the floor with glass.
With a yipe, Sakura-hime tried to pull away, but Kaine was faster. The taller woman tugged her back, resting her chin on her shoulder. Before the pinkette could object, calloused hands reached up groping her breasts, making them bounce as the female commander grinned looking down.
"You're breasts are much bigger outside your robe, ne? I've got to say, I'm a bit jealous... These are really nice...and soft too. Riboku-sama doesn't know what he's missing fufu." The dark haired woman pushed the princesses tits together as she massaged them, surprised she hadn't tried to hit her yet.
"Kaine!" She gripped the bold woman's wrists, prying them off of her chest with huff.
Kaine would be lying if she said she wasn't enjoying playing with the pinkette's breasts. They were definitely larger and fuller than her own, it was not only visually obvious, but she could feel their weight in her hands. She hadn't expected to be groping Sakura-hime in this manner, but after seeing how innocent and embarrassed she was, it was just too tempting not to get a reaction out of her.
Green eyes widened looking at the expression on her face. "Hime-sama... Are you okay?" The look on her face hit Kaine right in the gut, it was an expression she had seen many times before, even on her own. One that spoke of shame, humiliation...pain. Instantly letting go of the woman's breasts, she took a step away from her, seeing the pinkette's fists clenched just as tightly as her jaw.
"I'm sorry, I was just messing around... I clearly took it too far, it was just meant to be a joke to get a rise out of you. My apologies, Sakura-hime... I-" She closed her mouth as the princess put hands on her face, turning away.
'Oh no, is she going to cry?! I really didn't mean for it to turn out this way.' Stepping closer to the younger woman, she pushed a pink lock out of her face. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. How about we forget this...you don't have to bathe with me. I'll leave and give you some privacy..."
The pinkette took a deep breath and put her hands down. Her green eyes were glossy, but there weren't any tears to be seen. "No... I'm fine."
The words coming out of her mouth didn't match her expression whatsoever. It felt nostalgic and not in a good way. The princess was hurt, but there was doubts it was from her actions alone. Something was wrong, she could feel it.
Reaching out, she wrapped her arms around her lords betrothed, leaning in to hug her. "Hime-sama... I'm sorry. For this and everything else... If you want to talk to me about anything, woman to woman, I'm here."
Emerald eyes widened, before a small smile graced her pretty face. The princess accepted Kaine's attempt to reach out and hugged her back tightly.
After all that happened and ill feelings directed towards the princess due to the lords strong feelings for the exotic looking woman, Kaine felt as if she made a real connection with her. Instead of being obligated to get along with her for Riboku-sama, there was a genuine friendship and comradery blossoming between the two.
Sakura-hime stood back, letting the commander go and taking a few steps closer to the water. Taking in a deep breath and slowly letting it out, she turned her back to the other woman and grabbed the edges of her robe. Pulling the garment off her shoulders, the pinkette took a moment before letting it slid down her body and onto the floor.
Kaine's eyes widened seeing her nude backside as the woman stepped forward at the edge of the spring. Carefully, she kneeled down, letting delicate fingers graze the waters surface. "This feels so nice." Bringing her legs from beneath her, she dipped them in first, before pushing off of the edge and completely submerging herself in the hot water.
Running to the edge, Kaine looked down in alarm at the princess underneath the water, waiting for her to come up. Only being able to see pink hair swirling around, she started to worry maybe she had hit something on one of the rocks or stone edges beneath.
"Hime-sama?!" Crouching down to jump in, Kaine yipped as the pinkette sprung out of the water, grabbing the brunette and dragging down with her.
"Shit!" The commander spun, falling into the spring and luckily missing hitting her knees on the stone bottom. Using her feet to push against the floor, the dark haired woman propelled herself to the surface. Gasping for air and grabbing the edge of the spring, she quickly turned, narrowing her eyes at the princess.
"Hahahaha!" She doubled over laughing at the soaked commander, a surprising change from the depressed state the lady had seemed to be in only a few minutes ago. "Are you okay Kaine? Fuhaha. Sorry... It was just a joke...to get a rise out of you. Did it work?"
"Why you!... I thought you were hurt or something!" As the princess kept laughing, Kaine started splashing water at her, chuckling at the woman's unexpected playfulness.
Sakura-hime dived under the surface, swimming towards Kaine faster than the commander could move out of the way. Unable to evade, a hand wrapped around her ankle as she was drug beneath the water.
"Mmph!" The dark haired woman held her breath as the princess pulled down, until she shot forward, maneuvering her body to get out of the pinkette's grip. Not use to having to hold her breath, she quickly rose up out of the water to inhale.
As soon as her green eyes met pink hair, she lunged, tackling the lords betrothed back into the water. The two wrestled, not willing to let the other get the best of them and splashing.
'This could be considered a form of training as well, huh? It's not easy to move around in this water...though Hime-sama doesn't seem to have as much difficulty.' Both women smiled and laughed, having more fun than either anticipated. The lord would have a fit seeing his relaxation and rejuvenation spring being used this way, with the water getting splashed everywhere.
"I could use another drink, how about you?" The princess panted, tilting her head to the side thinking, not exactly sure if she did want anymore.
"Just a little bit, that last one was pretty strong." The older of the two poked her head over the side of the spring, trying to remember where the servant had placed it earlier.
A devilish grin spread across her face as soon as she remembered where it was. "Hime-sama... Could you grab it? It's closer to you. Just over the rock on the side... Yeah that big one. It's right behind it, so you just crawl over it and the bottle will be right there."
The pinkette nodded, placing her foot on the stone edge and the other on a rock, climbing up to get the bottle. Around the spring, the lord had rocks and plants around it to give it the feel of being out in the wilderness, but with indoor comforts...and Kaine couldn't thank him enough.
With a grin on her face, she started guzzling down the sake, until the commander swam over. "Oi, some of that is for me too!" Taking the bottle for her, she tried to down the rest, despite the buzzed ramblings of the other woman. "Okay, okay let's make a deal. I'll put the last bit of the bottle on the edge here and we can duke it out. Whoever wins gets the rest. Sound good?" Kaine's word beginning to get jumbled up as she slurred her compromise.
The princess grinned, thinking the other woman would be easy pickings after drinking quite a bit more than she had. "Deal, but remember... If I win, I get the rest." Quickly, she charged for a head on attack. The commander readied a defense, but at the last minute, Sakura-hime whirled around and slung her arm around the woman's thin neck.
"Got you now!" The pinkette yelled triumphantly as she got Kaine in a head lock as she stood on one of the more shallow steps by the edge.
The commander's face turned bright red as the younger woman's breasts pressed against her face. She was definitely feeling the effects of the sake as she didn't put much resistance against the hold, enjoying the softness and warmth of the bosom that was surrounding her.
"Oi, Kaine, you in here? Karu said you were using the spring without- holy shit!" The mask commander turned the corner of the large room, towards the spring and his eyes popped seeing both woman naked with Kaine's face practically between the princesses breasts.
Futei covered his eyes, looking away quickly. "Shit! My apologies, Hime-sama. I thought Kaine was the only one in here. I didn't... I mean..."
"What the hell Futei?!" Kaine grabbed on to the edge of the spring and pulled herself out of the water. Swiftly snatching up her robe off of the floor, she ran towards the shocked man, pushing him towards the door and shouting obscenities at him.
Within seconds the two were gone, leaving the princess alone in the spring, staring blankly at the spot were the couple had been bickering. With a sigh, she swam towards the edge of the water, grabbing the bottle of sake. Technically she won, since Kaine's disappearance could be a forfeit, right?