A/N: Ah… it's been quite a long time. I need a time to rearrange my life. My time management specifically. I am working to get the scholarship.

By the way, the Konda Beach is an actual beach in the Sumba Island. I don't think my words were and will be sufficient to describe its beauty. I put its picture in my profile picture.

The beach sand color is black but it reflected any object like a hazy mirror. Even meters away from the line coast, the sea water is shallow.

It looks so majestic, so otherworldly. When I first came there, I thought it was close to heaven.

Anyway, Misao had already made her grand entrance in this story though most of you might not realize it. It will be clear in this chapter. Aoshi will be coming in the future. Be patient, it's a bit early to write about this couple (you'll see).

I am trying to write most of this chapter through Kenshin's point of view. Cheers and God bless you.

Chapter 10

Her kiss was like a wine that warmed his body and heart. Tenderly, the King of Hiten held his bride's veil before covering her beauty which belonged only to him.

The silk veil spread elegantly. Hiding her beauty yet uncovering the embroidery of a golden dragon in the back part of her veil.

The red thread still tied both their hands. Once again, Kenshin carried Kaoru bridal style to the dragon boat. Tenderly Kaoru dried Kaoru's feet with a silk handkerchief, sending sweet tremors to the body of the blushing bride before her husband put on her tabi and zori to her feet.

The boat sailed to the beach and the royal couple came down from the boat.

"Your Queen and King come! Bow to them Hiten's loyal subjects!"

Simultaneously, the nobles knelt to the ground toward the royal couple. Their heads touched the beach sand.

Kaoru felt uncomfortable. None of her subjects ever bowed like this since it was considered as a practice of idolatry in Kamiya. Kamiya's people only respectfully bowed their head.

The royal couple glided toward their thrones that were placed in a stage under a white and purple canopy. They stood up in front of their thrones. Megumi came toward Kenshin and Kaoru with the Kamiya's crown in her hands. Megumi knelt before she presented the crown to Kenshin.

Upon seeing the crown, Kaoru felt lightheaded. The crown… the source of her misery… yet the symbol of her loyalty to her people.

Kenshin took the crown and gazed his queen. It was time for her coronation along with the revival of her rights and obligations as a queen. Protocol demanded that she knelt upon receiving the crown but Kaoru had stated that she would only kneel in front of her God.

She looked sad. Kenshin was intrigued. She should be happy since she would no longer be treated as a servant.

"Sit in your throne my dear," he whispered and Kaoru obeyed.

Kaoru closed her eyes as Kenshin placed the crown in her head. The jade crown suited her well and he watched as her countenance change. Her carefree aura became solemn. Her body was tense for awhile and she took a long breath. Slowly she raised her chin and opened her eyes. Even under the veil, her eyes looked so bright and clear with determination and courage.

And thus entered the Queen of Hiten and Kamiya.

"Long live the Queen! Long live the King!" Megumi shouted before the other nobles followed.

All reflected in the sand of Konda beach. The reluctant queen, the kneeling nobles, and the king who had bound himself more than he ever realized.

XXXX

The nobles took turns to kneel in front the King and Queen as they presented their gifts. The guests who sat around white tables in front of the thrones whispered to each other about the grandness or inappropriateness of each gift.

Kenshin was actually bored. It was tedious to watch people spewing out praises and flatteries. Yet, he had to bear it all while dissecting the meaning of each gift. Even in his wedding day, well actually it was demanded more in his wedding day, he had to play the political games.

He sighed. Well, better make it fast, or the wedding party would not commence and his bride will not be able to enjoy any of the delectable foods.

Fortunately, he had learned some patterns. The nobles who presented weapons were actually asking that Hiten conquered another land. That would take some time since all part of the continent had been conquered. Hiten still had to improve its marine power before conquering lands outside the continent.

The nobles who presented jewels, gowns, and other luxury goods were asking for wider trade concessions. His ministers would make the market analysis before he could make any decision.

The nobles who presented children clothes, toys and even fertility potions…. Well, it's not hard to dissect that. They were clearly asking the royal couple to produce heirs soon. They were even blunt in their words.

"This potion was made from the best ingredients to ensure fertility and enhance beauty. Many women got pregnant with sons within their first months of marriages after consuming this potion. One woman had five sons in a period of four years," the Lord of Umistan proudly said.

"Damn," Kaoru muttered in a low tone.

Kenshin smirked as he watched his bride blushed furiously. Not even the veil could hide her flushed cheeks.

Come to think of it, he had never given much thought about the upcoming wedding night. It's not that Kaoru was not beautiful or desirable. It's just…. He felt guilty every time his train of thoughts toward her became more sexual. She was just too… pure.

'Then stain her. Make her impure. Make her yours and only yours,' the dark voice inside him whispered not for the first time.

Previously he did not give much heed to the voice. It would be impractical to do so. He had to be cool headed and on guard when interacting with Kaoru. And even after he did so, she still managed to blow many layers of his emotional defense.

But they were married now and heirs were required.

For the first time, he allowed himself to see her as a woman rather than a girl.

Her face was fresh and beautiful. Before, her expression was full of warmth and carefree. Yet now she looked very dignified and elegant and Kenshin found himself admiring the steely determination in her sapphire eyes.

She had healthy bright skin. Not as white as most noble women since she loved to go outdoor. Her hands were not so soft since she practiced kenjutsu and loved to give helping hands everywhere.

Her body was muscled in some parts yet the curves of her body were actually very…

"I wish you a new life of happiness Your Majesties."

Just what he needed, a wolf to ruin his good mood. Well, at least it would be fun to see Saitou kneeling to him.

He frowned as he realized that the wolf had once again defied him. Against the protocol, he was kneeling in front of Kaoru. His green eyed wife was kneeling in his right side.

Kenshin gritted his teeth. Saitou had always been impudent yet it would be foolish to lose his temper. Sometimes, he almost wished that Saitou would really rebel against him so that he had a legitimate reason to kill him.

"I see you do not bring any gift Lord Saitou. Do the Tokugawa people have nothing valuable enough for our wedding gift?" Kenshin said mockingly.

"On contrary Your Majesty," Saitou's tone was solemn but his eyes were playful. "I bring the most precious treasure from my land."

Carefully, Tokio placed a two months old baby in a white gown in front of Kaoru's throne. The baby gurgled and moved her tiny hands and legs. The baby opened her eyes and two blue orbs were gazing upon the queen.

"I give you my queen the most precious treasure from my land. My firstborn daughter Misao Saitou."

The guests gasped and murmured.

Kaoru, unable to let an infant laid in the hard floor, immediately took the baby. She carefully cradled Misao.

"What do you mean Lord Saitou?"

"Her life is in your hand my queen. She belongs to you and you can do anything you please."

Misao seemed to like Kaoru. She smiled toward the veiled queen and made baby noises.

Kenshin knew that his queen's heart would soon melt for the infant. Such loving heart like her could not help it.

"Can I ask for a favor Lord and Lady Saitou,"

"Anything my queen," the couple answered.

"I want to be Misao's godmother. However, I can only be her godmother if she is baptized in my religion. She will be an adherent of my religion. Will you allow it?"

"I believe no god. I fear none of the deity. But if it is your will my liege, I will obey. My daughter shall be an adherent of your religion," Lord Saitou answered.

"Will you allow it my king?" Kaoru sent a pleading look toward her husband.

The wolf played his game well. Taking advantage of the queen's kind heart. But then what did Kenshin had to lose. Saitou had just strengthened his allegiance toward his queen and he ruled the queen.

"As you wish my queen," Kenshin said before he kissed her right hand.

"Priest Colan," Kaoru called, "Please be prepared to baptize my goddaughter."

XXXX

Kenshin watched curiously as the priest baptized Misao who was wiggling in Kaoru's arms. The ceremony was very simple yet solemn. The priest only trickled some water in the infant's head as he recited a simple prayer.

His queen was so happy. She cooed the baby with a wide smile.

"From now on you shall be known as Misao Kamiya Saitou my goddaughter. As long as I live, I offer you my protection and love." Kaoru kissed Misao's forehead and the infant giggled.

Yes, she would make an excellent mother for his heirs.

XXXX

The wedding party continued with wine and music. Servants in black attires serve foods from all over the continent in silver platters. Dancers, musicians, and poets performed their best in front the royal couple.

Queen Kaoru was more focus on gazing the infant in her lap. Misao did not seem to mind the noises. From time to time she even moved her body excitedly. Kaoru laughed at her.

If she could act so loving toward her goddaughter, Kenshin had no doubt that his children would be very happy. He did not know what made him so lucky to have her.

The wedding party went like a fleeting dream. Kenshin was very much enjoying it with Kaoru's melodious laughter filling the air. He felt comfortable and peaceful. For awhile he forgot about politics and strategies.

He gazed upon the beach's beauty. Brown eagles and white seagulls flew through the clear sky. The sea waves crashing against the beach rocks. The strong wind brought the smell of salt. If only his life could always be as simple as this moment.

Kaoru squeezed his left hand softly. "What are you thinking my king?"

"That I am so lucky to have you my queen," he said truthfully.

XXXX

When the sun reached its peak in the sky, the royal couple went back to the castle. They took some time to change their clothes, take a bath and take some nap in separate rooms.

They attended a banquet in the castle after the sun set. The guests continued on raising toasts for the royal couple. Over and over they voiced their good wishes for healthy and handsome sons.

As tradition demanded, she did not say any word during the banquet. Kenshin was the only one who replied the well wishers with courteous words.

For once, Kaoru did not mind the rule. It gave her more chance to analyze the well wishers. Kaoru realized that most of them sincerely wished well for her and her husband. Most men were looking at Kenshin with admiration and respect. She had learned that Kenshin was feared yet respected by his subjects.

Her king, as always, was aloof and dignified. But his words were sensible and mostly respectful. It seemed only Saitou could bait him to lose his temper.

The Tokugawa's lord and lady did not attend the banquet. Lady Tokio asked her permission to take Misao to rest in their house in Ishin Ishi. She promised to bring her goddaughter tomorrow to the castle.

Soon the banquet would end and she would enter his room. This time as his wife.

Megumi had said that they must consummated the wedding as soon as possible. A delay would only make rumors spread around like wildfire. None would blame the king, it was the queen that would be scorned. Such was the unfairness of the world.

Kaoru tried not to think much of it. She took another sip of wine from her golden chalice. She did not want to go to her marriage bed for the wrong reasons. She had promised to give all she had for Kenshin. She would keep her words.

She was grateful that her conscience was clear. She had protected her innocence well. While a part of her was afraid, another was curious.

XXXX

At last they were alone in their room. Kenshin was wearing a lose pants and a shirt while Kaoru was wearing a sleeping gown. Both were sitting in the bed. Kaoru shyly looked at her husband.

Slowly, she moved her gaze toward her husband's lips. Remembering the burning kiss of his lips. Letting her guilt to fade away as she imagined his lips in other parts of her body. Feeling a heat slowly growing in her womb.

Kenshin could felt her hot gaze. He looked at his bride's face. Her face was flushed. Her eyes glowed with curiosity, a bit fear, and… lust. So even his innocent bride could feel such feeling.

Slowly, his right hand moved closer to her waist. Kaoru unconsciously moved away. The fear in her eyes became more prominent.

Kenshin sighed. He should have known that Kaoru would not be ready. He would never force her.

The tradition could go to hell. It's not hard to put some of his blood in the sheet and said that it was her virginity's blood.

"Sleep Kaoru," he said softly, "I would not do anything you are not ready for. We can always fake the blood."

Kaoru seemed hesitant.

"If you are not comfortable sleeping with me yet. I can sleep elsewhere," he said kindly.

He was ready to walk from the bed before he felt her tugging on his shirt.

"Wait," Kaoru said with a low voice, "I want this."

"Don't force yourself Kaoru," Kenshin said.

"You are my husband. I want this," she said with a soft voice.

Shyly but bravely Kaoru went closer and kissed him. Holding him with her shivering body.

XXXX

The sun had not rise when Kenshin woke from his sleep. His bride curled under the blanket next to him. The memories of all that they had done were blazing his mind.

She had seduced him with her innocence and sincerity. Virgin she was yet brazen she was indeed. She voiced her pleasure without shame or inhibition. Sweetly asking him again and again to take her luscious body.

This woman was an enchantress and before he realized it, he was trapped under her spell.

"I love you," she had said after he broke her maidenhead. "I love you my husband," tears were glistening in her eyes.

'Too much… this is too much. I have to go.'

And so he ran away. For the first time in his life, he ran away.

A/N: I hope you like this chapter reader. I tried to keep it PG-13. Maybe some of you wander why Kenshin is so uptight. Well, it's part of a life as a ruler. Though maybe not all rulers.

Kaoru has a much better condition since she was born in a peaceful nation. Her faith in God made her able to put her burden away in many times.

When I read stories about children living in war area, especially in the Middle East, I think it make sense that they have different mentality. It's part of their defense mechanism.