Hello everyone! I have added another chapter. I just had all these ideas in my head and I could not help but pour it all out on paper.
I do not own these characters but the story is exclusively mine! Oops, a bit possessive there! Hahahaha!
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!
Chapter 9
Planting Seeds
The man before him was everything he remembered. As a child, he had feared him. As a student, he had revered him. As a man, he respected him. After a few short months of leaving his master, Kenshin had not thought of seeing his master once again.
In fact, he had not counted on seeing his master at all.
People far and wide have heard of the ever elusive swordsman, one who was so strong, as he was guarded by Dioni. No one had ever successfully apprenticed with him. No one except Kenshin. Even that was done because by some mysterious strings of fate, someone begged his master in his place.
Kenshin looked up into the eyes of Hiko, son of Seijuro, the master of the style of Hiten. It had always awed him that his master would walk and people would part and make a path for him.
He wondered what brought his master from the mountains after almost 10 years of staying away from civilization. He remembered his master as a child. He had always followed his master to the mountains for a few months before coming back to his family for the rest of the year. This had been a tradition since he was eight years old. Then, to seriously focus on his training he had stayed with his master for almost eight years. Never before during those years had his master ventured further away from the mountains.
As was his upbringing and training, he bowed down to his master, a symbol of respect.
"You are still as scrawny as ever, baka deshi!" Hiko's voice boomed in the house. Kenshin saw the way Megumi snickered and glared at her. She only raised an eyebrow in challenge.
"I highly doubt I changed after only leaving the mountains a few months back, Shishou," Kenshin replied, as he straightened and took his place before his master. "It is a surprise to see you here though."
Hiko merely took a drink from his ever present bottle. "It might have escaped that tiny insignificant mind of yours, baka deshi, to inform me of your impending nuptials. Your father took time to write and invite me over for your engagement. However, as I was busy, I could not make it to your engagement. Seems like I have missed it...so I am here for the wedding. Well, I suppose congratulations are in order, then?"
The silence following Hiko's announcement was not hard to imagine. It was too obvious. Hiko frowned and looked at Lady Aya.
"You do not seem pleased, my lady?"
Aya stood and paced, unable to sit.
"I am far from pleased, Master Hiko."
Hiko raised an eyebrow at that. "I was under the impression you chose the bride? After all, this idiot could not be trusted with such important decisions."
Kenshin sighed.
Megumi looked at her brother thoughtfully but said nothing. However, she and Syousuke both noted that the cheated groom hardly looked cheated.
"My son got engaged to someone else, master."
Intrigued, Hiko looked at Kenshin. "Who?"
Kenshin opened his mouth to answer but his mother beat him to it. "By a wench! He got engaged to a cheating and lying wench, one so much like her mother! A murderess' daughter!" Aya all but screamed in fury.
Syousuke frowned. "You are embarrassing us, Aya. Sit."
His wife glared at him but complied. She shook her head and rested it on her hands. "He was cheated into it..."
Hiko rarely showed emotions. He was never that good at them anyway. So he watched the drama before him before turning to his student. The questioning look he sent Kenshin made the redhead squirm.
"Instead of Lady Tomoe, shishou...I am engaged to her sister and our union was blessed by Dioni."
Tomoe...
The name shot through Hiko's system like a lightning bolt. He controlled his emotions with an iron fist and forced himself to relax. He remembered a child with that name.
"Tomoe...that would be the daughter of Yukishiro...Heishin, wasn't it?"
Syousuke nodded. "She is Heishin's daughter."
Hiko said nothing for awhile. "I heard he was murdered."
Kenshin tensed. He did not notice that his master had cued in on his actions and reactions.
"The mother of the woman who got engaged to Kenshin was the culprit. She is serving her time in prison. According to my records, she would be released soon after years of imprisonment."
"I bet she is happy that her daughter secured such a rich and well-known family. After all, she managed to secure one, did she not?" Aya said nastily, ignoring the hard look in her husband's eyes.
Kenshin sighed. He knew his mother was a mother hen but he did not want Kaoru to walk into his home when it was full of animosity against her. He wanted his mother to accept her.
"Mother, Dioni has given us blessings. We should look at the bright side of this day."
The look Aya shot her son could have killed him on the spot. Hiko was vastly amused.
"Well, this was quite a welcoming party. I will be remaining here until the wedding is over and maybe even a bit longer. The wedding is still on, is it not?"
Before anyone could answer, Kenshin nodded and said in a clear and authorative voice.
"It is, Shishou. After all, no one here goes against the will of Dioni."
At her chair, Aya stiffened. She would never accept that woman as part of her family.
Never.
XXX
For the first time in many years, Kaoru slept in. She was so drained physically and mentally that her body simply shut down after her nightmare. When she awoke, Aoshi was already gone from her side. At the table beside her, he left her a note telling her to take her time. He had some errands to run.
Kaoru stretched languidly. After a good night's rest, she felt refreshed. Her whole body hummed in pleasure. The bed she was given was extremely comfortable and the blankets were thick and warm. In the cold morning air, she felt as though she was sleeping in a cocoon.
However now that she was awake, Kaoru felt restless. She had always been occupied day and night until she dropped dead in exhaustion. Now she had no idea what she was going to do at all. She did not know what Kenshin's plans were. Even when he kept repeating they were going to get married, she did not really believe him. His mother would definitely put a stop to the wedding. Kaoru knew that for sure.
She got up and wondered around the room, searching for something suitable to wear. There were robes in the closet but Kaoru thought they looked too grand to be worn anywhere. She could not find anything simple. Frustrated, she turned around thoughtfully. How in the world was she going to survive here? She did not know anything about this place and Aoshi was nowhere to be found. She cleaned her face and freshened up. The night robe she was wearing was huge and loose. Kaoru had not minded it last night but this morning was a different story. She could not walk around in her night wear.
As she was mulling on her options, she heard a discreet knock. Kaoru called out to the person to enter and a sweet looking young girl hesitantly entered. On one hand, she held a jug and on another, she held a cloth.
"My lady?"
Stunned, Kaoru watched her. It had been so long since someone addressed her as such and it had also been too long since she had been at the receiving end of someone's care. She remembered being in the girl's position, frightened at doing her duty and wondering when she will be punished. She knew the feeling all too well.
Kaoru smiled.
"Please come in and please do not address me as 'my lady'. I am hardly a lady, you know," Kaoru said gently, as she closed the door behind the servant girl. So, the housemaids have sent the most inexperienced and youngest member of their group. Kaoru was also used to this treatment.
"Umm...I am...he...re to... help you get dressed," the child whispered softly. She kept her eyes down on the ground, her mentors' words ringing in her ears.
"That's going to be one arrogant woman, that one. Bet she pushes all of us around."
"Thinks she so great since Dioni blessed their marriage!"
"All she knows how to do is spread her legs and let him use her. For that she gets all these benefits."
"Poor Tsubame. But better you than me. I have a feeling I will be tempted to sabotage my own duties."
"Just watch! She is going to order Tsubame around like a dog."
"Must be nice suddenly having servants and all."
"Little one?"
Tsubame's face flushed as she was jolted out of her daydream. She bowed low. "I apologize, my lady. I was daydreaming."
Kaoru laughed, her voice so full of cheer and joy that Tsubame looked up at her in wonder. "Sorry, little one. I just remembered how I used to apologize for everything as well."
"You did?" Tsubame asked, forgetting her place for awhile.
The dark-haired woman nodded. "I did. And I will probably continue to do so. Look at me! Where are my manners? My name is Kaoru, little one. I am the daughter of Kamiya."
Tsubame looked at her, her eyes wide. Knowing what was going on in her mind, Kaoru tilted Tsubame's head up and smiled gently at her.
"What's yours, little one?"
"Tsubame."
"Such a pretty name, Tsubame-chan. You may call me Kaoru-san or Kaoru-chan, if you like. I am not used to people calling me my lady! Makes me sound so old!"
Her cheerfulness combined with her gentleness was Tsubame's undoing. She found herself intrigued by this blue-eyed woman, who so easily conversed with her maid. When Kaoru turned to study the room once more, Tsubame studied her.
She was not quite as old as Tsubame had expected and she was much prettier than the rumours had told. Tsubame had a feeling her hair was quite long though Kaoru had them in a bun on her head. Her eyes were a pair of bright blue orbs, shining as she talked. Her lips were a soft pink. Tsubame had seen Tomoe before and although she thought the older woman was beautiful, there was something about Kaoru that made people take a really good long look at her. There was something magical about her.
Kaoru looked over at Tsubame and smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Tsubame-chan but I really do not have anything to wear. Do you have something that might fit me?"
The young girl smiled shyly. "Kao..ru-san, the clothes in the cupboard...they are yours..."
Kaoru turned at looked at the cupboard. She smiled gently, a very painful smile. "Those clothes are not meant for me. Besides, they are too grand. If there is something simpler, I would truly appreciate it, Tsubame-chan."
"Ano..." Tsubame shuffled her feet nervously. "Before Lord Himura left, he said that the clothes were all yours and you were to wear them...Lord Himura warned us not to give you anything else other than those in the cupboard..."
Kenshin...
Kaoru walked over to the closet and sighed. She tried to smile brightly at Tsubame but even then she felt that her smile was stiff. "I am sure Lord Himura chose these for Lady Tomoe...they are not for me and so they will not suit me."
"Please...Kaoru-san...I do not want to get into trouble..." Tsubame said haltingly as she looked at the robes and back to Kaoru.
The older woman sighed and nodded. "Very well, little one. I will wear whatever you choose for me. Don't make that face. It does not suit you at all."
"Yes!" Tsubame answered brightly as she walked over to choose a suitable robe for Kaoru. She skimmed through the choices when she heard the splash of water behind her. Horrified, the young girl turned to see Kaoru preparing her bath.
"My lady! What are you doing? That's...that's my job!" Tsubame cried out as she quickly went over to Kaoru. What was she going to do? If anyone found out about it, she might even lose her job.
Kaoru simply laid a hand on Tsubame's shoulder and smiled easily. "I have been doing this all my life. I am more comfortable preparing my own bath, Tsubame-chan. However it will not do if anyone finds out about this. So for now...let it be our secret, ok?" Kaoru said with a wink.
"But..."
"Trust me. Please lay out my robes while I bath. If I need your help, I will call you, is that alright with you, Tsubame-chan?"
Stunned that she would even think of making things for her easier, Tsubame nodded mutely and went back to choosing a robe for Kaoru. Her heart beat quickly and she found herself glancing more than once over her shoulder to see Kaoru bathing quickly and efficiently.
She liked her.
It made Tsubame smile. She liked Kaoru very much.
She might not know much about the young woman who stole Lady Tomoe's place but she had a feeling that Dioni blessed Lord Himura with a much better choice.
XXX
Aoshi took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He had just been into town and from the whispers he heard, Kaoru did not have a good name among the people. It was expected, of course, but he had marginally hoped things would be different. Well, he should have known better.
She did not deserve this. Any of this. If only things had been different...
Well, he also knew 'if only's were a waste of time. This was her life and as a guardian appointed by her mother, he could only do so much to keep her safe.
His jaw clenched at the thought of the Yukishiros and part of him was more than happy that she managed to get out of that hell hole.
But what about Kenshin?
Aoshi knew the younger Himura had been secretly meeting someone ever since he returned from training. Although it was his duty to find out who the woman was, he had been more busy tracking down Shishio and figuring out the ruler's plan for Khaheleb. Aoshi remembered how shocked Kenshin looked when he lifted the veil of Kaoru but he also remembered the glint in the redhead's eyes during the commotion.
Whatever Kenshin had planned, Aoshi was going to find out. Now that Kaoru was before him, he was going to make sure he could look after her.
The older woman was going to be quite a problem though. Aoshi had heard enough of her denials to know that she whole heartedly rejected Kaoru. If the waters were not smooth enough by the time Kaoru finally gets married, Aoshi was worried Lady Aya would trouble Kaoru continuously.
He never realised just how much work he still had when it comes to Kaoru. Aoshi looked at the parcel in his hand and found his heart lightening.
He had dropped by that girl's shop again. Ah...not a girl...a woman... She was truly a chatterbox. Misao. It was an apt name for her. Fidelity. Her loyalty to Kaoru despite knowing the woman's circumstances was remarkable. It was odd. Incessant chattering like hers would have given him a headache by now but he did not mind hearing her talk. She reminded him of Kaoru. Or rather, she reminded him of a very much younger version of Kaoru, eager to please...cheerful.
He had placed an order for two more robes, simple yet elegant. He had a feeling it would suit her. She would appreciate the simplicity as well. The material would make it easier for her to move and he did not think she had anything suitable to wear at the house anyways. On top of that, he was sure Kaoru would want to visit her mother soon and if she wore too elaborate a robe, the people would despise her even more.
He barely noticed the beauty of the day as he walked up the stairs and let himself in. He did not look at any of the guards around the house nor did he acknowledge any of the servants. It was easier if he did not maintain any relationship with them. If he remained a recluse, no one would bother him.
He heard her voice as he stood outside her door. It was light and easy, chattering cheerfully about the weather. He heard a softer voice of a younger girl. She was stuttering a little but she seemed quite at ease. Aoshi mentally smiled. His Kaoru always had the ability to make people at ease with her.
He knocked briskly. Twice. He heard the shuffling of clothes and Kaoru's voice calling out to wait a moment.
"My lady, there is something I brought. If you may," he said formally, ensuring no one could find fault in his behaviour with her. It was important to avoid more scandals at this point.
The door slowly opened and a young girl peaked out. She was small and very delicate looking. Her brown hair complimented her pale features. Her eyes were wide with fear.
Aoshi simply passed her the parcel.
"It is for her lady."
Tsubame nodded and quietly shut the door.
Aoshi waited outside. He knew he did not need to wait for long. This was Kaoru after all. She was not the type of woman who took a long time to get dressed. She was used to being quick and efficient.
He was right.
She opened the door herself and smiled brightly at him. She moved aside to let him enter. Aoshi walked in and greeted her.
"Good morning, Kaoru-san."
"Good morning, Aoshi-san. Thank you for the robe. I was truly at lost, wondering what to wear."
Aoshi nodded. He walked in and nodded at the young girl. Tsubame kept her head down.
"I thought you would prefer something simpler. Your...Misao-san prepared them for you."
Kaoru beamed. "Thank you. I should thank Misao as well. She is a gem."
Kaoru noticed the younger girl getting increasingly anxious. She smiled softly at her. "Tsubame-chan, you may be excused. I will not need your help for now."
Tsubame nodded and walked out. Before she shut the door, she glanced at Aoshi and found his eyes on her. She flushed, nodded quickly and left.
"You were getting quite comfortable with her."
"The poor thing was so frightened when she came in. I know how that feels."
Aoshi nodded.
"Do you have any plans today, Kaoru-san?"
Kaoru bit her lips. There was a place she truly wanted to go to but she did not know if she would be able to make that trip.
"I would love to visit mother but...I do not think Lord Himura would be pleased if I left the premises."
"I don't think so as well but I will follow you. It'll be much safer."
Kaoru shook her head immediately. "I cannot put your job in jeopardy, Aoshi-san. It would not be right. Perhaps, after Lord Himura comes once more, I can ask his permission to leave."
Aoshi walked over to her and tilted her head up so that their eyes could meet. "Kaoru-san, you are no longer in the household of Yukishiro. You do not need to act like a servant anymore. Your upbringing was that of a mistress not a slave. It is time you started to act as one."
Kaoru blinked. "I understand. However Lord Himura has as much power to hurt my mother..."
Aoshi simply stared as she stopped talking. "Lord Himura is many things but a cruel man he is not. He will not use your mother that way. He is not Enishi. Stand up to yourself. I cannot bear to see my master's daughter acting as a slave anymore."
"Aoshi-san, I feel like I am in a dream. My whole life has changed overnight again. I do not know what to expect. I do not know how to act. I do not know who to trust anymore. I do not know the man I have accidentally gotten engaged to. What am I going to do?" Kaoru allowed the cheerful facade to slip. Her eyes looked tired. Her body felt weak.
"Everything will work out just fine. I am here. I will always be here for you."
Touched, Kaoru leaned into his hand. "Thank you."
Aoshi nodded. The urge to hold her was so strong that he simply slipped his arms around her smaller body and pulled her close. Kaoru stiffened immediately but she forced herself to relax. Aoshi was not Heishin or Enishi. He would not hurt her. She ran that chant over and over again until her whole body relaxed under his touch.
Pleased, he released her.
"I will wait for you at the entrance. We will pay a visit to your mother."
Kaoru nodded and watched him until the door closed behind him. She slowly sat down on the floor, her hand on her heart that was beating ridiculously fast.
Aoshi, son of Shinomori was a truly remarkable man. She wondered how she did not notice it until now.
She did not bother to dress up. The new robe felt heavenly on her body. The ones in the cupboard would have made her feel very self conscious. She did not need anything else. Taking a deep breath, Kaoru walked out of her door. This was her life now. It was up to her to make sure she changed it. She had no desire to continue her life as it had been before.
She trusted Aoshi. He knew Kenshin better. If he said Kenshin will not use her mother against her, Kaoru believed him.
She walked out of her room and went down to meet Aoshi. Her eyes remained steady as they met his. Her life had changed and Kenshin was adamant they go through with the marriage. Kaoru was not a fool. She had a feeling, a very strange feeling that Kenshin was happier about his marriage to her than he was letting on. Whatever it is, she needed to find out how she was going to survive. She needed the strength to carry on.
Aoshi held out a hand to her and Kaoru laid hers on his with ease.
She needed strength and the only person she knew who could give her the strength she needed was behind bars.
She stepped out of the house, the light shining around her.
She was going to learn how to live.
Finally.
XXX
Hiko watched his student quietly. He did not feel the need to talk. He was used to being surrounded in silence. Yet the silence in the house was chocking. He cared little for it. A man could not relax and unwind in such a tense atmosphere.
Kenshin was not acting as a broken hearted man would act. Considering the fact he had just got himself engaged to a virtual stranger, should he not be more heartbroken? It was a question that plagues Hiko's mind and he only circled back to one answer. Kenshin had not wanted to marry Tomoe at all.
Tomoe.
Saya's daughter.
In his mind he saw a tall, dark haired woman with laughing turquoise shaded eyes. Her tall stature fitted him easily. Her eyes, so expressive, laughed at him.
He remembered how she looked, dressed as a bride, so solemn and serious. He remembered how she looked as she sat before him, her tears long dried as she spoke of Heishin's betrayal.
He remembered how lovingly she spoke of her children and how frightened she had been that her son would take after his father.
He remembered her so well.
To think that his student would have married her daughter...
"Baka deshi, starring at that paper of not going to solve your problem especially since you do not seem to be concentrating at all."
His master's dry voice brought him to attention. Kenshin looked up at his master's knowing gaze and shrugged.
"My mind was wondering."
"Not that I actually care but Syousuke did leave me here to watch over your progress. What the hell is wrong with you?"
Used to his master's choice of words, Kenshin shrugged once more. It would not hurt to tell the partial truth after all.
"I was wondering about my current betrothed, shishou. I was wondering if I did the right thing by leaving her alone there..."
Hiko took a swig of his drink and kept his eyes on his student.
"I know that is not what you are worried about."
The redhead smirked. "Whatever I am worried about, Shishou, is my business. It is hardly yours."
Hiko's eyes narrowed at that. "If you can sass me now, I have done something wrong with your training." They kept quiet. "Tell me about her."
"Who?"
"The woman you have been destined to marry."
Kenshin looked at his master warily. Truthfully, he did not want to talk about Kaoru. He could barely sleep the whole night thinking about her and Aoshi. Was Sano telling the truth? Were Kaoru and Aoshi involved? If they were involved, why keep it a secret? Kenshin knew Aoshi did not give a damn what society thought about him. It would have been so easy to simply marry Kaoru. Instead, he had continued to let her stay at that house with two people who tortured her.
Kenshin fisted his hands when the image of Kaoru in the shade with Enishi came to his mind.
Even now he was wondering what his betrothed was doing? Was she sitting in the room like he expected her to do, waiting for him? Or was she spending time with Aoshi, giving herself to him?
The thoughts continually plagued Kenshin until he could barely sleep all night. Now his master wanted to hear about her.
With a sigh, Kenshin simply told his master what he knew to be the truth. "Kaoru, daughter of Kamiya is the daughter of Hana. We have no idea who her father is. From the information I have managed to gather, Hana married Lord Heishin...it was not a blessed union of course but legal. She was truly holding the position of a mistress. One day, for no known reason, she attacked and killed Lord Heishin and was sentenced to years in imprisonment. Lady Saya took care of Kaoru and treated her like her own. When she died, Lady Tomoe and Lord Enishi took care of Kaoru."
Feeling restless, Kenshin got up and walked over to the wide window, looking outside with a troubled gaze. His master remained silent.
"She worked at their place as a maid. I have no idea why or how that came to be. I have yet to find that out. All I know is that she visits her mother every week in prison and she has never done anything to draw attention to herself but people know her. Oh yes, people know her as the woman whose mother killed Lord Heishin."
"You are not happy with that."
The quick observation made Kenshin turn sharply and stare at his master. "I have no idea what gave you that impression, Shishou."
Hiko simply narrowed his eyes knowingly. "I know you, boy. You can't hide things easily from me. It doesn't matter. What is done is done. Do you know how she ended up in Lady Tomoe's place?"
If Hiko had not been watching Kenshin carefully, he would have missed the telltale flinch. The knowledge caused him to re-evaluate his thoughts on Kaoru.
"I have no idea, Shishou."
"I see. Very well, I am heading put for a walk. Remember, baka deshi, you are not to leave this house to meet her until the day of your wedding."
Kenshin simply nodded.
"I know."
Hiko got up and left. Somehow he knew his student was going to sneak out anyway. It was pointless for him to remain in the house. He had a far better work to do.
XXX
They were looking at her as though she was nothing but a piece of trash. It took all of Kaoru's courage to keep her chin up and walk through the crowd to go to the prison. The only reason no one had said a word was because of the stoic man beside her.
Kaoru was ever so grateful for Aoshi's presence. She did not know how she would have faced the crowd without him. Tears burned behind her eyes but she refused to allow even a single drop to fall. She was so tired of crying.
When they reached the prison, Kaoru saw Hiroshi sitting at the entrance as usual. Part of her was so worried that he would look at her the same way the others have been looking at her. However when she stood before him, he simply looked up and smiled warmly.
"Good day, Lady Kaoru."
Kaoru's face flushed instantly. "Hiroshi-san, there is no need to address me as 'Lady'! I am merely Kaoru. And good day to you."
The old man got up and smiled. "You are here to visit your mother again. That is good. It is good for you to keep visiting her. She has been waiting for you, my lady."
"Hiroshi-san!" Kaoru exclaimed. "Please don't call me that! I hardly deserve it."
The gentleness in the older man's face almost made her cry. "Whatever the reason you had to do what you did, I do not care, Kaoru. Dioni wanted you to be there and you were. That is all I can say about it. I am glad you will be married to a really good family."
Kaoru was speechless. Hiroshi was the first person she knew who blessed her. She looked at Aoshi but he simply nodded his head for her to go in. She nodded hers in answer.
"Arigatou, Hiroshi-san."
He patted her head lightly. "There, there...I always thought if I had a son, I would have married him to you. As I said it is good you are blessed with a wonderful family. I wish all the best, child. Now, go and visit your mother. I will give you some extra tome today."
Kaoru could only nod as she watched him leave. She then made her way to her mother's cell.
Hana looked up when her daughter sat down. Mother and daughter said nothing for awhile. With a sigh, the older woman reached out and touched her daughter's cheek gently. That was all Kaoru needed as she leaned against the bars and wept.
Hana kept quiet, knowing how much her daughter needed the silent support. She waited patiently for Kaoru's tears to reside. Behind Kaoru, she saw Aoshi standing silently, a pillar of support. Her gentle blue eyes thanked him. He nodded in reply.
"Tell me how this came to be, ahera. I want to know everything."
Kaoru knew better than to lie to her mother. She forgot everything in her stumbling haste to tell the woman she loved everything that has happened in the past few days since Kenshin returned. She told her mother how she met Kenshin, how Enishi had treated her and how Tae had convinced her to go in Tomoe's place. Between hiccups and sniffles, she told her mother everything, forgetting that Aoshi stood behind her.
Aoshi and Hana listened with amazement at Kaoru's experience. They were not aware of Kenshin but they had also not expected Enishi to be so bold as to make his move on Kaoru. Anger surged through both of them. Hana felt helpless, Aoshi felt furious. If the heir of the household of Yukishiro had been there, Aoshi would have taken his sword to him without a fleeting thought.
Drained, Kaoru rested her head against the bars, comforted by her mother's continuous caress against her cheek and hand.
"What will I do, mother?"
Hana said nothing at first. With a deep breath, she gave her daughter the advice she knew her princess needed.
"You will be this man's wife. You will have to marry him. Dioni's words are absolute."
"Mother..."
"However you have to learn to build some trust between the two of you. Your relationship is not exactly the easiest, Kaoru. Ashitoni, life is going to continuously challenge you. The best thing you can do now is to talk to Lord Kenshin. I advise you to tell him of your past."
Kaoru looked stricken. "Mother?"
Hana held her daughter's eyes. Blue eyes looked deeply into blue eyes. "Kaoru, when he sleeps with you, he will know you are no longer a virgin. Will you want him to question you then? That is not the way. On top of that, rulers usually marry maidens to ensure the next generation is theirs. I know you have not slept with anyone by your own free will. He needs to know too. It is important for him to know, ahera."
"How can I speak to him of such a topic, mother? Where do I start? When do I talk to him about it? I will not be meeting him till we get married..."
"Tell him before, ahera. Tell him before. There is no other way around it."
Kaoru knew her mother was right but the prospect of actually doing it made her coil. It will not be an easy discussion. She knew that.
Hesitant footsteps instantly brought Kaoru to attention. She wiped her tears away and kissed her mother's hands.
"I love you, mother."
"Ashitoni, I love you very much as well."
When Hiroshi came to call for Kaoru, she was on her feet and smiled gently at the older man. She threw one last glance at her mother before following him out.
Before he left, Aoshi bowed at Hana, his eyes a world of promise. Hana simply nodded tears of gratitude in her own.
As long as this man took care of her baby, she did not need to worry.
XXX
The desire to seek Kaoru out was so very strong. Kenshin had a painful feeling that if he left things as they were, Kaoru would simply slip through his fingers. He could not and would not allow that to happen.
The wedding date was set to be a week from their engagement. Somehow, he felt that it was too far away. He had a nagging feeling that would not fade away.
Syousuke watched his son restlessly moving about the room. He felt a pang of sadness that he could not secure a bright future for Kenshin. Of all the women in Khaheleb to be chosen from, it had to be the one woman society shunned.
"Kenshin," he called out softly.
Amethyst eyes bored into his.
"Father."
"How are you doing?"
Kenshin wondered why everyone was worried about his well-being. It was starting to irritate him. Considering the fact that he managed to secure the woman he wanted to marry, he had hoped he would be feeling a little less anxious. Unfortunately, that seemed like a faraway dream.
"I am fine."
"You seem quite restless, son."
'Well, the woman I am in love with quite possibly is in love with one of our best men. So why am I feeling restless again?'
"So many things had happened. I am only trying to sort out my thoughts, father."
Syousuke nodded. He walked up and stood beside his son.
"Are you angry that I did not side with your mother? Are you unhappy about the woman you will be marrying?"
Kenshin sighed. "Father, I am not unhappy. It is Dioni's will after all and we have always placed our trust on Dioni. No, I am only worried about the future."
"It seems kind of bleak right now, doesn't it?"
Kenshin could only nod.
Syousuke patted his son's back. "Everything will be fine, Kenshin. Do not worry so much."
The redhead smiled at his father or at least he tried to. "I know."
However when Syousuke left, Kenshin's eyes narrowed and his lips thinned. No, he was still feeling restless. Until he was sure there was nothing going on between Aoshi and Kaoru, he could not put these feelings to rest.
He strode out of the room and out of his house. From the stables, Sano joined him.
"You are prepared to go now?"
Kenshin marvelled at how well his friend knew him.
"Yes."
"Then, what are we waiting for? We better go before someone stops us."
With a smirk, Kenshin swung up on the horse and rode out of the house, followed closely by Sano.
XXX
The dungeons were cold and stuffy. The prison cells separated the prisoners to maintain some sort of order. Far, deep into the dungeon, in one of the coldest cells, Hana sat against the wall, her head bent to rest on her knees, which she pulled up against her chest. She wrapped a thick cloth around her to keep her warm.
She looked very different.
Hiko simply stood and stared at the woman whose life changed so drastically. He remembered her very well. He remembered how vibrant and youthful she was. She was so different from Saya.
Where Saya was tall and luscious, Hana was small and delicate. Where Saya was an outspoken woman, Hana was more quiet and reserved.
They were as different as day and night. He had known them both.
When Hana raised her head, Hiko could only stare. Gone was the silky long hair that used to make men stare at her. Gone were the fiery eyes that quietly challenged the people she met. Gone was the shapely body that used to make men lust after her.
Hiko simply stared.
Hana looked at the man before her curiously. She felt as though she knew him from somewhere. As she raked her memory, a face appeared.
"Seijuro-san?"
"Lady Hana."
Her eyes widen and she struggled to her feet. Hiko's heart clenched. This was the woman who had enchanted and married his best friend. She looked worse than he could have ever imagined. He could barely find traces of the old beauty she possessed.
"What are you doing here?"
"I heard your daughter got engaged to my student."
Hana walked over to the bars and gripped them tightly, ignoring the biting cold.
"Did you come to gloat, Seijuro-san?"
Hiko said nothing at first. Then the old anger rose bitterly in his throat.
"You gave Seichiro up."
Hana shrugged. Odd, Hiko thought. She still looked elegant doing it.
"Sei was already dead when I got entangled with Heishin."
"Is that what you called it? Entanglement?"
Hana sighed.
"It has been years, Hiko. Why are you bringing this up now?"
"Did you ask your daughter to do what she did? Did you ask her to sabotage the engagement?" Hiko demanded.
If he had expected Hana to rile up, he was mistaken. The old girl was still as reserved as she once was. She simply smiled, her eyes, so long dead, lit up in amusement.
"Did you not hear? Theirs is the most purest and blessed of all bonds. Even I could not arrange such a scheme."
That was true, Hiko brooded.
"I did not expect it of you, Lady Hana. To marry Lord Heishin when he was still married."
Hana rubbed her hands together to warm them up. She shivered in the damp cell.
"Would it make a difference if I told you I never knew he was still married? I only met Lady Saya after a month into our...marriage. If it would make you feel better, I despise myself for marrying him. I cannot and will never forgive myself for it."
Hiko frowned. "You are harsh on yourself. As much as I enjoy hearing that, it does bring up a single question. Why?"
The haggard woman simply shrugged once more and lowered herself gracefully to the ground. Her legs could barely support her nowadays.
"My daughter got punished for my mistakes. That was enough. Do you want to ask me if I regretted killing him, Hiko?"
Somehow, he knew the answer. She did not regret it at all. He could see the determination in her eyes. But why? He wondered as he watched her. She did not strike him as a crazy woman. Why did she kill the one man who was supporting her after Seichiro's death?
"Instead, can I ask you why? You never told anyone why you killed him."
"It matters, doesn't it? But it is not only my story to tell. How I wish it was only mine..."
"The household of Yukishiro had taken Kaoru in since you were imprisoned. That is another thing I cannot understand. Saya always did have a heart of gold."
She sighed once more. However much she wanted to chase this man away, he was her husband's best friend. Hana owed him at least a little bit of answers if not all.
"Lady Saya was a true saviour. She took Kaoru in and took care of her. She took care of my baby. I will never forget her for that. She petitioned for me, that dear soul. She pleaded for my release. I am forever in her debt."
He shifted his feet and thoughtfully looked at her. "She did not hold any grudge against you?"
A painful look passed through her eyes. "She knew why I killed her husband. I think for her that was enough."
Hiko felt as though someone had stunned him. Saya knew why Hana killed Heishin and she supported Hana. Does that mean there is something more sinister behind Heishin's murder?
Hiko knew Hana would not answer him. For now, whatever information he garnered was enough.
He slipped out of his thick white coat and slipped it in between the bars to fall right on top of Hana.
She looked up at him, confused and yet grateful.
"You need it more than I."
"Are you not going to ask me anymore?"
"You are not willing to talk. I am not willing to beg. My idiot of a student will have to find his own way. In the meantime, I have no idea what will happen to her. "
He started to walk away. Hana pulled the cloak tighter around her. She felt a moment of indecision. No one else knew. She had to make up her mind quickly. If anything happened, at least her daughter had another ally.
"Hiko..."
The large man stopped. He did not turn back. Instead he waited for Hana to make up her mind.
Hana bit her lips and sighed tiredly. "I will tell you everything you need to know."
He turned back and nodded. Even as he took those steps back to her bars, Hiko had an ominious feeling that he did not want to know what Hana was not willing to share with him.
He steeled himself for whatever she was about to tell him. He just never knew it was not enough. Hana opened her mouth and told him of a horror he did not want to even think about.
"He hurt her..."
XXX
Hiko strode out of the prison. His face did not betray anything he was feeling. However inside he felt as though someone had squeezed his heart.
Hana did not tell him everything. She couldn't. From what he had gathered from her, he had a painful feeling that Kaoru had not led the ideal life when Hana was married to Heishin. Whatever Heishin did to Kaoru, it was bad enough for Hana to kill him in cold blood.
She had told him she would never regret killing Heishin. The only regret she had was her inability to care for Kaoru.
Dioni!
It took all of Hiko's effort not to cover his face with his hands and grieve for the life led by his best friend's daughter. Of all the horrors he had steeled himself to hear, that was not even in the top 20. He had never eyed a woman young enough to be considered a child and yet Kaoru was nothing but a child!
Kaoru...
Who was she that even his most talented student had become crazy about? What was so special about her?
Who was she that even Heishin had taken interest on her as a child?
He was going to have a look at her before the wedding.
The child of his closest and most understanding friend...
How did she turn out after all this years?
XXX
"Kaoru-san?"
Kaoru looked up at Aoshi, her eyes still damp from crying. Aoshi handed her a cloth and she wiped her eyes with them.
"Are you alright?"
She nodded. How odd? Aoshi was actually talking to her more now than when they secretly met for years. She wished he would be more open with her. It would be easier for her to confide in him.
"You did not tell me anything the siblings did to you before."
Kaoru sighed. She looked up at the tall, handsome man and gave him a weak and tentative smile.
"It would not have changed anything. You could not have done anything."
His fists clenched.
"I would have tried anything to keep you safe, Kaoru-san."
She shook her head. They were nearing the house and she felt so drained.
"It does not matter. I stayed on for a reason."
Aoshi felt irritated that while he was trying to hold a conversation, she kept on walking and ignoring him. The story he heard from her lips as she cried to her mother, burned in his mind. The anger and helplessness he felt infuriated him. He loved her, dammit! He had come to love her after all the years of looking after her. It was not by any means a love of sexual nature. Where she was concerned, Aoshi felt so overprotective that it ate him inside.
In a move that startled the young woman and himself when he thought about it later, he grasped her arm and turned her around, pining her on the spot she stood. Kaoru's wide eyes looked up at him, shocked.
Oh Dioni, she was beautiful. He could admit that that to himself without feeling any stirrings of desire.
"Do you expect me to just listen to what you said to Lady Hana and have no reaction whatsoever?"
Kaoru bit her lips and turned her head away. She could not bear to look at him.
"Forget what I said. It was something even I could not change."
He wanted very much to shake her senseless then. "I asked you to...I offered more than once for you to come and live with me. I would have taken care of you. Kaoru-san, when you were suffering so badly, why did you not take on my offer? Why?"
"Because they would have killed her!" Kaoru screamed as she wrenched away from his hold. She fell to the ground, ignorant of the pain on her knees. She hugged herself tightly as she often did during the past years.
Tears fell from her eyes as she sobbed into her hands. "They would have killed her. They told me. They told me over and over again. They even demonstrated it once to me. For a week, Aoshi-san! For one whole week, they made sure she never got a drop of water or a mouthful of food! For a week she slept in the cold. Hiroshi-san could do nothing! No one bothered with her! You were never always here...How could I take a chance on her life like that? Tell me, Aoshi-san! How could I take a chance that she would probably be killed, a slow and painful death if I did not at least listen to them?"
His eyes narrowed.
They had been threatening her using her mother. Knowing Kaoru, she would have gone through heaven and hell to make sure her mother was fine.
"I wish you had still told me..."
Kaoru shook her head. She looked up at him, trust shining so deeply from her eyes.
"I know you would have sacrificed everything including your career for me. I could not let you do that, Aoshi-san. But believe me when I say that if Enishi had posed as a threat, I would have come to you. As it was, his actions had begun to frighten me."
Aoshi brushed a tear from her cheek and cupped her face. His hands were large and warm and Kaoru leaned trustingly into them. Slowly, he led her back to her feet and brushed away her tears. He was shocked when he found his hands trembling and almost pulled them back.
"I am sorry I could not have been much of a help to you, Kaoru-san."
Kaoru smiled though it was only a teary smile.
"You were my strength when I was weak, Aoshi-san. I am so glad that I have you looking out for me."
He allowed his mask to slide for a moment as he gathered her shaking form against his and hugged her tightly. Her breath slowly even out and her trembling slowly stopped.
She felt so small and so fragile against him. Aoshi could not believe anyone would want to hurt her.
He rubbed his hands over her back in a soothing manner. Gently he kissed the top of her head.
Kaoru's eyes widened at the feel of his lips and she stiffened. Uncertain, she lifted her head to look at him when she felt his whole body freeze.
"Aoshi-san?"
"You got betrothed to me just yesterday. Today you are standing in another man's arms. Was Lady Tomoe telling the truth, Kaoru?"
Blood drained from Kaoru's face as she heard the silky and dangerous voice from behind her. Aoshi's arms had loosened their hold and Kaoru took a hasty step back, almost tripping on her gown as she turned to face her betrothed. She fought against the urge to hide behind Aoshi even as her fingers trembled. She hid the telltale notion by fisting them.
"Lord...Himura..."
He looked furious. His eyes were a bright ember and his hair simply whipped around him from the wind. Behind him, Sano too stood, shocked at the sight before him.
Kenshin's eyes were sharp as they landed on Aoshi. The stoic man's mask had fallen back on his face. There was nothing in his expression to give away his thoughts. The image of the taller man with Kaoru danced in Kenshin's head and he wanted nothing more than to simply take out his sword and order Aoshi to a duel. He wanted nothing more than to drag Kaoru and chain her on his bed. The idea that maybe Kaoru knew Aoshi long before she knew him did not even enter his conscious. For now, he was furious. With each step he took towards them, he made it clear to Aoshi that he was staking his claim. This was his woman! Even as he grasped her chin and tugged her roughly towards him, he made sure he kept his eyes on Aoshi. Yet he could not ignore the flame of desire in his blood the moment his fingers touched her. It served to infuriate him further! How could he feel such a passionate need for a woman like her? She, who collected men without lifting a finger? How dare she allow some other man to touch her? How dare she allow some other man to kiss her? She was his and damn her if she forgot it so soon!
A part of Kenshin wanted to hurt her so that she would never forget him. Never forget she was his!
"Tell me, Kaoru?"
Kenshin said quietly as he simply tilted her head so that their eyes could meet. Her face was so pale that he could have cut her and there would be no blood flowing out.
His eyes narrowed as he studied her, ignoring the way his man stiffened even more. Right now all he wished was for Aoshi to give him one reason to start a duel.
He leaned closer to her, his lips warm against the cold skin of her ear. He wanted to be cruel. He wanted to be cold. He wanted her to be scared. When her eyes darkened, he knew he achieved his goal.
Most of all, he wanted to be just loud enough that only she and Aoshi heard him. By the stance of the taller man, he heard Kenshin's words loud and clear.
"Are you just a whore who sleeps with anyone willing to warm your bed?"
XXX
Review:
Ahera and Ashitoni are endearments used by Kaoru's parents.
Author's Note:
Thank you all for reading and for all your reviews! I was so happy and grateful that you took your time to tell me what you thought of my previous chapter. Once again, I apologize for the grammatical errors and so on. As I am studying and facing either tests or quizzes every week, it is a bit hard to review my work before I publish it.
The story is slowly coming along quite well. I feel as though I am back in synch. It's good to be writing again. Most of all, all your reviews truly motivate me to continue this story. I do not like disappointing you especially when you are following this story closely.
Once again I hope you enjoy this chapter and thank you all very much for your reviews.
Have a great day!
PS Dear readers...don't hate Kenshin too much...I feel bad for him if you do...;)