Disclaimer: I do not own G Gundam or any of its characters
A.N.: sorry it's a little short, but I'm leaving today for a little less than a week for a conference. Hope you like it! Thanks, as always to my reviewers!!
GOLD ANGEL: the climax should be in the next couple of chapters, coming very soon. I have no specific time period in the middle ages as the setting, seeing as how it takes place in a land(s) that don't even exist. I want to leave that part open to my reader's imagination, but I would probably say it falls around the time right before the bubonic plague struck. Thank you so much for your continued support and reviews! It is very much appreciated!
MYSTIC DARKNESS: I always like to have something a little personal for my readers, thanking each one individually. glad you came back to review and read more! It was really nice of you to do so, and I hope that I keep you coming back for more!
SKYE SILVEREYE: hey there! I hope you have lots of fun at Hawaii! It's gorgeous there this time of year, so be sure to appreciate it. I look forward to hearing from you again, thank you so much for your continued support and help, as always!
YOUIGY HUNTER: sorry about the cliffhanger! Please don't die on me!! Anyway, I didn't really include Allenby or Ulube in this chapter, but I promise to have them in the next one, believe me!! Thanks for the review and I hope you come back!
KYLA KAIBA: all right, I've posted the next chapter to satisfy your need for an answer to that cliffhanger! Thank you so very much for your compliment on my writing style! That's very sweet of you, and thanks for understanding when I don't update right away. I have a job now, and that takes a lot of time. Anyway, I appreciate the review, so be sure to keep it up!
FILIA 101: Kyoji's mental status, huh? Well, he's going to have a little chat with Domon next chapter, so wait and see what happens! Anyway, I read part of that story, and I really don't think they're enough alike, so I'm not going to worry about it. I was a little suspicious when I discovered she was the first person to review my work, but I don't think she copied it. She actually happens to be one of my favorite authors, so I'm not concerned. Oh, and if I do ever want to win an Oscar, I probably will change the names, just to be safe! Thanks for everything!!
YOGI MUTOH: I like what you said "You don't choose who you love, Love chooses you" If you don't mind, I might include that in my story somewhere, it's really nice!! Not to mention very true. Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I hope you come back!!
LIL WASHU: I'm glad you liked the mystical aspect. Sai Sici is dealt with here, along with Domon and Rain's feelings. The rest of the story is pretty much going to continue with the D/R romance, and many other things, so keep R/R!! Thanks!
FEONA: hey, thanks for reviewing my work!! I'm always glad to hear from my readers and get some feedback on how I'm doing. I hope that you come back for more!! Thanks!
LIL EVIL: glad you enjoyed my last chapter!! I hope that you like this one, even though it's shorter than most of mine. I promise the next one will be longer!! Anyway, thanks for the review!!
LINA 567: I apologize that I don't have any G/ML fluff here, only D/R, but hopefully I'll get to the good stuff with your favorite couple in the next chapter... I read the chapter you suggested, so hopefully I'll be inspired now!! ^_^ thanks for reviewing my work, as always!
CRESCENT FIGHTER: glad you were able to review my work! Sorry about the cliffhanger...but your questions are answered here! While I don't have a cliffhanger in this chapter, the next chapter is going to be a pretty important one...actually all of them are since they all lead up to the climax...anyway, thanks once again!!
PUNKY: hey there! I'm glad you came back for more! I apologize for the cliffhanger, but I posted this chapter to satisfy your need to know what happened! I'm really happy that you enjoyed the unicorn touch! I was a little worried that people wouldn't like it, but I guess it's okay. Thanks!
SWEETANGEL: I'm glad that I wasn't the only one who noticed the problem with fanfiction...well, I hope things are back to normal now! I have another R/D moment, but it's a bit heavier this time. I hope that you like this chapter!! Thanks!
ANIMECHICK: hey there, I'm really glad that you would like to talk outside of fanfiction, that's really nice of you! I'm very flattered, and I'm sure that you can write just as well, and probably better! As soon as I get back from my trip, I'll be sure to check out your site! Thanks for your comment on the unicorn, it was appreciated!!
ANIMEFREAK 5483: hey, it was really nice of you to stop by and review my work, thank you so much! I hope that you continue to R/R!
POSY PANCO: I know, the last bit has been a bit angsty, everyone all sad in their love lives...although this chapter isn't much better. Ulube and Allenby aren't in this chapter, but I'm going to have them in the next so your questions can be answered!! Thanks for reviewing!
CELESTE-STORM: wow, thanks for the compliments! I'm glad my work flows, it's hard sometimes to make it work together. And I'm glad you enjoyed the mystical elements!! I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations and you keep coming back for more!! Thanks!
XP DARKANGEL: ::laugh:: I'm glad you'll keep coming back! Some people review only once and you never hear from them again, so they leave you wondering if you did something wrong! Anyway, I updated as soon as I could, but I'm leaving again. Hopefully it won't take me more than a week to update again...thanks, as always!
KITTY LUVER: don't worry, I know how the vacation thing goes! I'm off on my own in a matter of hours actually...i should probably get some sleep. Anyway, Domon does need to learn to apologize! It comes up again here, he's just way too proud. Well, I put a D/R scene here, and hope to include a G/ML one in the next chapter or so! Let me know what you think. Thanks!!
TRACY DAY: wow, you reviewed twice! I'm flattered!! I'm really glad that you like my writing, hopefully you'll come back to continue to R/R! I hope to hear from you again! Thank you
KT: hey there, I got around to e-mailing you! Thanks a lot for all your support, it really means a lot to me! I actually took your advice to heart with this chapter in your request for Domon and Rain to do a little more...i thought it was about time that something happened! Anyway, be sure to let me know what you think!
ANIMECRAZY: thanks for reviewing my work! I hope that you come back for more and continue to R/R!!
LISA: wow, two-thumbs up and a five star rating!! I guess I'm doing okay with my story, huh? It's like I have my own Roger Egbert to be the critic for my work!! Well, I'm really glad that you like it!! I hope that you come to review and rate this chapter!
*~*~*~*
WARNING: heavy kissing...and other things...but NO sex!
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 9
*~*~*~*
"Prince Kyoji, is something the matter?" Marie-Louise repeated after Kyoji didn't respond.
"The room. It's empty." Kyoji walked in, examining Domon's quarters. "Domon usually isn't up by this time. How outré." (1) He paused by the bed, placing a hand on the mattress. They were cool, but there were two distinct imprints left in the pillows and folds of the sheets. Now that was VERY outré. He frowned, it didn't take much to put two and two together. While he didn't want to jump to any conclusions, it was fairly obvious what had happened. He knew of Rain's innocence, and feared of what Domon had done to her. But somehow, he simply couldn't believe that his own brother would stoop so low and take advantage of that. No, he shouldn't form any foolish judgments, not yet.
Marie-Louise peered into the room, curiosity getting the best of her. She had never been in a man's chambers before. No one else was there, just as Kyoji had said. It was fairly tidy, a water basin was the only thing out of place as it sat on the floor, in the middle of the room. That was strange. Who puts a water basin in the middle of their room on the floor? She ignored it. Men. Who could possibly understand them?
Kyoji turned back around to face Marie-Louise with a pleasant expression on his face. "Perhaps she is at the stables, or gone for a stroll. Shall we?" He offered her his arm and they exited the room, closing the door gently behind them.
*~*~*~*
The sun gleamed brightly overhead, heightening the colors of the vivid rainbow assortment of flowers. Rain mindlessly twirled a daisy in her gentle hands as she wandered around the grounds of the Kasshu castle with nothing to do and no on to accompany her.
Marie-Louise and Kyoji were out looking for her, she knew that. She had chosen the garden as her best alibi. It was a simple one, and believable, that's what was important after all. Nothing too extraordinary or imaginative, those types always gave away the secret.
Most everyone was preparing for tonight's celebration. Since the king's closest friend, the King of Shalie, could not make it to the welcome feast, he had postponed the official greeting banquet until today. Although she couldn't quite recall his name at the moment, something seemed familiar about it, but she had brushed it off. She had never been to Shalie. How would she possibly know him from before she met Domon and the Kasshu family?
Domon.
Her mind immediately remembered last night. And the morning after.
*~*~*~*FLASHBACK*~*~*~*
Rain's eyes fluttered open at the sound of voices and footsteps echoing in the hallway. Judging from the rays of light streaming into the room from cracks in the curtains, she knew it was morning. Slowly, she opened her eyes a little wider and pulled at the front of her off-the-shoulder dress, passively taking in what was happening.
Domon was rushing around, grabbing Sai Sici's mattress and shoving it, along with Sai's body, underneath his bed.
"Sai, stay down and don't make any noise, whatsoever. Do you understand?"
Sai nodded his head quietly.
Just as Domon was about to hide in his closet, he remembered something very important. The princess!! He snatched her body from its resting place and flung the both of them inside, shutting the door behind them just as he heard the footsteps halt in front of his room.
Rain was startled from her half-conscious and groggy state. Attempting to move, she found herself struggling against something wrapped tightly around her torso and legs. Her brow wrinkled in confusion. Wait a minute...
"Domon! What-"
Her mouth was quickly, and successfully, silenced by Domon's own. He had meant for it to be effective and transitory, only intended to prevent her from giving away their position. Yet it was also an antidote for this disease she gave him. It was something to cure himself from whatever emotion she stirred inside of him. Once this need was satisfied, he could finally move on with his life. But as his lips slid over hers, it spread like a fire, so incredibly hot it was almost unbearable. It was addictive, and as he prolonged the kiss, the emotions swelled, threatening to take control of his body.
When his lips covered hers, she had stiffened in automatic defense, unsuccessfully attempting to push him away with her trapped hands pressing against his bare torso. Her mind screamed out against it, it was madness. However, his lips had silenced not only her mouth, but also her mind, driving out any hesitation that might remain. Gradually, she felt her hands relax and leisurely slink up his chest, wrapping around his neck, fingers tangling in his bedraggled hair. His kiss was so intoxicating, his taste would make her drunk.
As he took her deeper into a state of perfect euphoria, his hands slid down her shoulders, underneath the silken material of the dress and then crept lower, pulling the dress from her shoulders as he ventured down along her smooth back. She tilted her head back, releasing a soft moan, inviting his lips as they traced her neck in a series of soft kisses. Her skin was so amazingly hot, it seemed to burn, yet he only pulled her closer for more heat to the point of faintness. As he felt her breath tease his skin, his lips traveled over the gentle curve of a shoulder, then returned to her swollen, begging lips.
She was breathing heavily, drawing in one shallow, raspy breath after another. Never had she experienced such ecstasy. His touch was so provocative, so stimulating, she didn't want him to ever stop. With her hands, her lips, her entire body, she urged him on as they explored, bringing the other pleasure beyond their wildest dreams with each rousing caress. She bathed in the moment of pure mindless pleasure, allowing it to release her emotions and run wildly through her body.
As his hands skimmed under her dress, seeking her body hidden underneath, her whole being was thrown into a state of intense desire. The more he touched, the closer she got to exploding. But if she exploded, pieces of her could scatter so she would never be able to piece herself back together and move on.
Panic took control and she shoved away abruptly, catching him by surprise.
"No," she managed to rasp out.
Confusion on his face, he reached out to her. "Marie-Louise-"
"I said no, Domon!" She struggled to her free herself from him.
He grabbed her wrist. "What's wrong?" He whispered, slightly irritated and perplexed by her unexpected action.
Before she could answer, the door to Domon's room could be heard crashing in. They listened intently, frozen in place.
"Prince Kyoji, is something the matter?" Rain recognized Marie-Louise's voice.
A long pause followed and she repeated her question. Kyoji then responded. "The room. It's empty. Domon usually isn't up by this time. How outré." A moment passed before he spoke again. "Perhaps she is at the stables, or gone for a stroll. Shall we?"
Waiting until the door closed and their footsteps faded, Rain hurriedly swung the closet door open and stumbled out. She placed a shaking hand to her mouth, her body still feverish from his touch. Domon followed, and opened his mouth as if to continue their conversation when Rain turned to see Sai Sici coming out from under the bed.
"Sai! Are you all right? You shouldn't exert yourself like that." She rushed to his side and helped him out. Placing a hand to his forehead, she examined his condition. "Your fever has disappeared overnight. That's amazing! I was afraid you wouldn't make it." She hugged him gently. "How do you feel? Does your back still hurt?"
"Well, there's still a slight throbbing, but other than that, I feel fine. You did a great job, sis. How could anyone ever doubt you? Anyone who can't see that is blind."
Domon looked down guiltily. Hadn't he expressed that very doubt in Marie- Louise's ability last night? He didn't have faith in her. He had been so rash last night, she had to understand that he wasn't trying to hurt her on purpose. But he was passionate, run by his emotions and gut instinct at all times. Now his heart was telling him to apologize, but his mind, something entirely different. Besides, he hated apologizing. No, he wouldn't do it, he couldn't. Couldn't speak those words 'I'm sorry'. Such small words, but with such great a meaning.
*~*~*~*END FLASHBACK*~*~*~*
She hadn't confronted him after that, she couldn't. Good Lord, she couldn't even look at him without her mouth going dry and blushing furiously. She felt like a naïve little girl letting her emotions get to her like they were.
Shaking her head vehemently, she attempted to force herself to get over it. She was not ignorant of other happenings, she knew of the Roman Emperor, Caligula, and his many sexual indiscretions (2). Many a time she even heard things discussed in the marketplace and gossip in the scullery. There was no need for her to blush over what had happened that night.
But it was quite a different matter when you threw a whirlwind of convoluted emotions into the mix.
She saw Marie-Louise approach her, waving from a far. Kyoji, who had been standing by her, turned to walk back inside. Where was he going?
"Rain, oh I'm so glad you're okay! Kyoji and I were searching, he just went back to find Domon who's also missing. I'm sorry, but when you weren't there this morning, I was terribly nervous. I was afraid that something had happened."
"No need to worry, I just went out early to the gardens. I couldn't sleep. Maybe I'm a little nervous about tonight. There are going to be so many people, not to mention the fact that I'm going to be dancing with some. Everyone's going to be watching me."
"Oh, Rain. I'm sure that you'll be perfect! Now, let's go fix you up for tonight. You're going to have to confront many people, so we want you to look your best! Especially to spite that arrogant Domon you're sure to run into."
Rain sighed as Marie-Louise led her back to her chambers. The last thing on Earth she wanted to do was to face Domon again. But she was no coward and knew that she couldn't avoid it forever. Although her welcome feast wasn't exactly the ideal setting, better to get it over with as soon as possible.
*~*~*~*
(1): Highly unconventional; eccentric or bizarre
(2): Caligula (12-41) was a Roman Emperor whose nephew was the famous Emperor Nero. He was irresistibly attracted by every pretty young woman whom he did not possess. He even committed incest with his own three sisters. He would carefully examine women of rank in Rome and whenever he felt so inclined, he would send for whoever pleased him best. He debauched them and left them. Afterwards, he would openly discuss his bedfellow in detail. Whenever Caligula kissed the neck of his wife or mistress, he used to say: "This lovely neck will be chopped as soon as I say so". In addition, Caligula had sexual relations with men like Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, who was married to Caligula's favorite sister Drusilla and also engaged in affairs with Caligula's other sisters. It was said that when Drusilla became pregnant, Caligula couldn't wait for the birth of their god- like child and disemboweled her to pluck the unborn baby from her womb.
A.N.: sorry it's a little short, but I'm leaving today for a little less than a week for a conference. Hope you like it! Thanks, as always to my reviewers!!
GOLD ANGEL: the climax should be in the next couple of chapters, coming very soon. I have no specific time period in the middle ages as the setting, seeing as how it takes place in a land(s) that don't even exist. I want to leave that part open to my reader's imagination, but I would probably say it falls around the time right before the bubonic plague struck. Thank you so much for your continued support and reviews! It is very much appreciated!
MYSTIC DARKNESS: I always like to have something a little personal for my readers, thanking each one individually. glad you came back to review and read more! It was really nice of you to do so, and I hope that I keep you coming back for more!
SKYE SILVEREYE: hey there! I hope you have lots of fun at Hawaii! It's gorgeous there this time of year, so be sure to appreciate it. I look forward to hearing from you again, thank you so much for your continued support and help, as always!
YOUIGY HUNTER: sorry about the cliffhanger! Please don't die on me!! Anyway, I didn't really include Allenby or Ulube in this chapter, but I promise to have them in the next one, believe me!! Thanks for the review and I hope you come back!
KYLA KAIBA: all right, I've posted the next chapter to satisfy your need for an answer to that cliffhanger! Thank you so very much for your compliment on my writing style! That's very sweet of you, and thanks for understanding when I don't update right away. I have a job now, and that takes a lot of time. Anyway, I appreciate the review, so be sure to keep it up!
FILIA 101: Kyoji's mental status, huh? Well, he's going to have a little chat with Domon next chapter, so wait and see what happens! Anyway, I read part of that story, and I really don't think they're enough alike, so I'm not going to worry about it. I was a little suspicious when I discovered she was the first person to review my work, but I don't think she copied it. She actually happens to be one of my favorite authors, so I'm not concerned. Oh, and if I do ever want to win an Oscar, I probably will change the names, just to be safe! Thanks for everything!!
YOGI MUTOH: I like what you said "You don't choose who you love, Love chooses you" If you don't mind, I might include that in my story somewhere, it's really nice!! Not to mention very true. Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I hope you come back!!
LIL WASHU: I'm glad you liked the mystical aspect. Sai Sici is dealt with here, along with Domon and Rain's feelings. The rest of the story is pretty much going to continue with the D/R romance, and many other things, so keep R/R!! Thanks!
FEONA: hey, thanks for reviewing my work!! I'm always glad to hear from my readers and get some feedback on how I'm doing. I hope that you come back for more!! Thanks!
LIL EVIL: glad you enjoyed my last chapter!! I hope that you like this one, even though it's shorter than most of mine. I promise the next one will be longer!! Anyway, thanks for the review!!
LINA 567: I apologize that I don't have any G/ML fluff here, only D/R, but hopefully I'll get to the good stuff with your favorite couple in the next chapter... I read the chapter you suggested, so hopefully I'll be inspired now!! ^_^ thanks for reviewing my work, as always!
CRESCENT FIGHTER: glad you were able to review my work! Sorry about the cliffhanger...but your questions are answered here! While I don't have a cliffhanger in this chapter, the next chapter is going to be a pretty important one...actually all of them are since they all lead up to the climax...anyway, thanks once again!!
PUNKY: hey there! I'm glad you came back for more! I apologize for the cliffhanger, but I posted this chapter to satisfy your need to know what happened! I'm really happy that you enjoyed the unicorn touch! I was a little worried that people wouldn't like it, but I guess it's okay. Thanks!
SWEETANGEL: I'm glad that I wasn't the only one who noticed the problem with fanfiction...well, I hope things are back to normal now! I have another R/D moment, but it's a bit heavier this time. I hope that you like this chapter!! Thanks!
ANIMECHICK: hey there, I'm really glad that you would like to talk outside of fanfiction, that's really nice of you! I'm very flattered, and I'm sure that you can write just as well, and probably better! As soon as I get back from my trip, I'll be sure to check out your site! Thanks for your comment on the unicorn, it was appreciated!!
ANIMEFREAK 5483: hey, it was really nice of you to stop by and review my work, thank you so much! I hope that you continue to R/R!
POSY PANCO: I know, the last bit has been a bit angsty, everyone all sad in their love lives...although this chapter isn't much better. Ulube and Allenby aren't in this chapter, but I'm going to have them in the next so your questions can be answered!! Thanks for reviewing!
CELESTE-STORM: wow, thanks for the compliments! I'm glad my work flows, it's hard sometimes to make it work together. And I'm glad you enjoyed the mystical elements!! I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations and you keep coming back for more!! Thanks!
XP DARKANGEL: ::laugh:: I'm glad you'll keep coming back! Some people review only once and you never hear from them again, so they leave you wondering if you did something wrong! Anyway, I updated as soon as I could, but I'm leaving again. Hopefully it won't take me more than a week to update again...thanks, as always!
KITTY LUVER: don't worry, I know how the vacation thing goes! I'm off on my own in a matter of hours actually...i should probably get some sleep. Anyway, Domon does need to learn to apologize! It comes up again here, he's just way too proud. Well, I put a D/R scene here, and hope to include a G/ML one in the next chapter or so! Let me know what you think. Thanks!!
TRACY DAY: wow, you reviewed twice! I'm flattered!! I'm really glad that you like my writing, hopefully you'll come back to continue to R/R! I hope to hear from you again! Thank you
KT: hey there, I got around to e-mailing you! Thanks a lot for all your support, it really means a lot to me! I actually took your advice to heart with this chapter in your request for Domon and Rain to do a little more...i thought it was about time that something happened! Anyway, be sure to let me know what you think!
ANIMECRAZY: thanks for reviewing my work! I hope that you come back for more and continue to R/R!!
LISA: wow, two-thumbs up and a five star rating!! I guess I'm doing okay with my story, huh? It's like I have my own Roger Egbert to be the critic for my work!! Well, I'm really glad that you like it!! I hope that you come to review and rate this chapter!
*~*~*~*
WARNING: heavy kissing...and other things...but NO sex!
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 9
*~*~*~*
"Prince Kyoji, is something the matter?" Marie-Louise repeated after Kyoji didn't respond.
"The room. It's empty." Kyoji walked in, examining Domon's quarters. "Domon usually isn't up by this time. How outré." (1) He paused by the bed, placing a hand on the mattress. They were cool, but there were two distinct imprints left in the pillows and folds of the sheets. Now that was VERY outré. He frowned, it didn't take much to put two and two together. While he didn't want to jump to any conclusions, it was fairly obvious what had happened. He knew of Rain's innocence, and feared of what Domon had done to her. But somehow, he simply couldn't believe that his own brother would stoop so low and take advantage of that. No, he shouldn't form any foolish judgments, not yet.
Marie-Louise peered into the room, curiosity getting the best of her. She had never been in a man's chambers before. No one else was there, just as Kyoji had said. It was fairly tidy, a water basin was the only thing out of place as it sat on the floor, in the middle of the room. That was strange. Who puts a water basin in the middle of their room on the floor? She ignored it. Men. Who could possibly understand them?
Kyoji turned back around to face Marie-Louise with a pleasant expression on his face. "Perhaps she is at the stables, or gone for a stroll. Shall we?" He offered her his arm and they exited the room, closing the door gently behind them.
*~*~*~*
The sun gleamed brightly overhead, heightening the colors of the vivid rainbow assortment of flowers. Rain mindlessly twirled a daisy in her gentle hands as she wandered around the grounds of the Kasshu castle with nothing to do and no on to accompany her.
Marie-Louise and Kyoji were out looking for her, she knew that. She had chosen the garden as her best alibi. It was a simple one, and believable, that's what was important after all. Nothing too extraordinary or imaginative, those types always gave away the secret.
Most everyone was preparing for tonight's celebration. Since the king's closest friend, the King of Shalie, could not make it to the welcome feast, he had postponed the official greeting banquet until today. Although she couldn't quite recall his name at the moment, something seemed familiar about it, but she had brushed it off. She had never been to Shalie. How would she possibly know him from before she met Domon and the Kasshu family?
Domon.
Her mind immediately remembered last night. And the morning after.
*~*~*~*FLASHBACK*~*~*~*
Rain's eyes fluttered open at the sound of voices and footsteps echoing in the hallway. Judging from the rays of light streaming into the room from cracks in the curtains, she knew it was morning. Slowly, she opened her eyes a little wider and pulled at the front of her off-the-shoulder dress, passively taking in what was happening.
Domon was rushing around, grabbing Sai Sici's mattress and shoving it, along with Sai's body, underneath his bed.
"Sai, stay down and don't make any noise, whatsoever. Do you understand?"
Sai nodded his head quietly.
Just as Domon was about to hide in his closet, he remembered something very important. The princess!! He snatched her body from its resting place and flung the both of them inside, shutting the door behind them just as he heard the footsteps halt in front of his room.
Rain was startled from her half-conscious and groggy state. Attempting to move, she found herself struggling against something wrapped tightly around her torso and legs. Her brow wrinkled in confusion. Wait a minute...
"Domon! What-"
Her mouth was quickly, and successfully, silenced by Domon's own. He had meant for it to be effective and transitory, only intended to prevent her from giving away their position. Yet it was also an antidote for this disease she gave him. It was something to cure himself from whatever emotion she stirred inside of him. Once this need was satisfied, he could finally move on with his life. But as his lips slid over hers, it spread like a fire, so incredibly hot it was almost unbearable. It was addictive, and as he prolonged the kiss, the emotions swelled, threatening to take control of his body.
When his lips covered hers, she had stiffened in automatic defense, unsuccessfully attempting to push him away with her trapped hands pressing against his bare torso. Her mind screamed out against it, it was madness. However, his lips had silenced not only her mouth, but also her mind, driving out any hesitation that might remain. Gradually, she felt her hands relax and leisurely slink up his chest, wrapping around his neck, fingers tangling in his bedraggled hair. His kiss was so intoxicating, his taste would make her drunk.
As he took her deeper into a state of perfect euphoria, his hands slid down her shoulders, underneath the silken material of the dress and then crept lower, pulling the dress from her shoulders as he ventured down along her smooth back. She tilted her head back, releasing a soft moan, inviting his lips as they traced her neck in a series of soft kisses. Her skin was so amazingly hot, it seemed to burn, yet he only pulled her closer for more heat to the point of faintness. As he felt her breath tease his skin, his lips traveled over the gentle curve of a shoulder, then returned to her swollen, begging lips.
She was breathing heavily, drawing in one shallow, raspy breath after another. Never had she experienced such ecstasy. His touch was so provocative, so stimulating, she didn't want him to ever stop. With her hands, her lips, her entire body, she urged him on as they explored, bringing the other pleasure beyond their wildest dreams with each rousing caress. She bathed in the moment of pure mindless pleasure, allowing it to release her emotions and run wildly through her body.
As his hands skimmed under her dress, seeking her body hidden underneath, her whole being was thrown into a state of intense desire. The more he touched, the closer she got to exploding. But if she exploded, pieces of her could scatter so she would never be able to piece herself back together and move on.
Panic took control and she shoved away abruptly, catching him by surprise.
"No," she managed to rasp out.
Confusion on his face, he reached out to her. "Marie-Louise-"
"I said no, Domon!" She struggled to her free herself from him.
He grabbed her wrist. "What's wrong?" He whispered, slightly irritated and perplexed by her unexpected action.
Before she could answer, the door to Domon's room could be heard crashing in. They listened intently, frozen in place.
"Prince Kyoji, is something the matter?" Rain recognized Marie-Louise's voice.
A long pause followed and she repeated her question. Kyoji then responded. "The room. It's empty. Domon usually isn't up by this time. How outré." A moment passed before he spoke again. "Perhaps she is at the stables, or gone for a stroll. Shall we?"
Waiting until the door closed and their footsteps faded, Rain hurriedly swung the closet door open and stumbled out. She placed a shaking hand to her mouth, her body still feverish from his touch. Domon followed, and opened his mouth as if to continue their conversation when Rain turned to see Sai Sici coming out from under the bed.
"Sai! Are you all right? You shouldn't exert yourself like that." She rushed to his side and helped him out. Placing a hand to his forehead, she examined his condition. "Your fever has disappeared overnight. That's amazing! I was afraid you wouldn't make it." She hugged him gently. "How do you feel? Does your back still hurt?"
"Well, there's still a slight throbbing, but other than that, I feel fine. You did a great job, sis. How could anyone ever doubt you? Anyone who can't see that is blind."
Domon looked down guiltily. Hadn't he expressed that very doubt in Marie- Louise's ability last night? He didn't have faith in her. He had been so rash last night, she had to understand that he wasn't trying to hurt her on purpose. But he was passionate, run by his emotions and gut instinct at all times. Now his heart was telling him to apologize, but his mind, something entirely different. Besides, he hated apologizing. No, he wouldn't do it, he couldn't. Couldn't speak those words 'I'm sorry'. Such small words, but with such great a meaning.
*~*~*~*END FLASHBACK*~*~*~*
She hadn't confronted him after that, she couldn't. Good Lord, she couldn't even look at him without her mouth going dry and blushing furiously. She felt like a naïve little girl letting her emotions get to her like they were.
Shaking her head vehemently, she attempted to force herself to get over it. She was not ignorant of other happenings, she knew of the Roman Emperor, Caligula, and his many sexual indiscretions (2). Many a time she even heard things discussed in the marketplace and gossip in the scullery. There was no need for her to blush over what had happened that night.
But it was quite a different matter when you threw a whirlwind of convoluted emotions into the mix.
She saw Marie-Louise approach her, waving from a far. Kyoji, who had been standing by her, turned to walk back inside. Where was he going?
"Rain, oh I'm so glad you're okay! Kyoji and I were searching, he just went back to find Domon who's also missing. I'm sorry, but when you weren't there this morning, I was terribly nervous. I was afraid that something had happened."
"No need to worry, I just went out early to the gardens. I couldn't sleep. Maybe I'm a little nervous about tonight. There are going to be so many people, not to mention the fact that I'm going to be dancing with some. Everyone's going to be watching me."
"Oh, Rain. I'm sure that you'll be perfect! Now, let's go fix you up for tonight. You're going to have to confront many people, so we want you to look your best! Especially to spite that arrogant Domon you're sure to run into."
Rain sighed as Marie-Louise led her back to her chambers. The last thing on Earth she wanted to do was to face Domon again. But she was no coward and knew that she couldn't avoid it forever. Although her welcome feast wasn't exactly the ideal setting, better to get it over with as soon as possible.
*~*~*~*
(1): Highly unconventional; eccentric or bizarre
(2): Caligula (12-41) was a Roman Emperor whose nephew was the famous Emperor Nero. He was irresistibly attracted by every pretty young woman whom he did not possess. He even committed incest with his own three sisters. He would carefully examine women of rank in Rome and whenever he felt so inclined, he would send for whoever pleased him best. He debauched them and left them. Afterwards, he would openly discuss his bedfellow in detail. Whenever Caligula kissed the neck of his wife or mistress, he used to say: "This lovely neck will be chopped as soon as I say so". In addition, Caligula had sexual relations with men like Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, who was married to Caligula's favorite sister Drusilla and also engaged in affairs with Caligula's other sisters. It was said that when Drusilla became pregnant, Caligula couldn't wait for the birth of their god- like child and disemboweled her to pluck the unborn baby from her womb.