Chapter 4

I woke the next morning, and Shingen's handsome face was the first thing I saw. His gray eyes were looking at me with complete adoration. "Good morning, Ava, my angel." He greeted me, kissing my forehead.

I smiled at him. "Good morning...were you watching me sleep?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't help myself." He replied. "When I open my eyes and see you sleeping so peacefully beside me...I can't help but to stare. You're just too beautiful."

I felt myself blush. "Shingen..."

He smiled at me and hugged me close. I nestled into his embrace, wrapping my own arms around him to return the hug. "I love waking up next to you." Shingen whispered to me.

I smiled. "I was just thinking the same thing."

We stayed like that for a while longer before getting up and getting dressed. Otsuna was soon bringing in our breakfast, keeping mine as the soup. "Do you have a busy day today?" I asked, Shingen.

"Nope." He answered. "I am all yours for the day."

"I love it when I get you all to myself for an entire day."

Shingen smiled as he moved to sit behind me and pulled me into his arms. He kissed me gently on the neck. "And I plan on pampering you all day." He said. "Showering you with love and affection." Each word spoken was punctuated by another kiss to my neck, going up before his lips were at my ear.

I shivered in pleasure. "Mmm... I like the...sound of that."

Shingen ran a hand down my thigh and began pulling the hem of my kimono up. That was when there was a knock at the door. "Pardon me interrupting Lord Shingen, Lady Ava..."One of the vassals called from the other side, before sliding the door open.

I was instantly pulling my kimono back down, trying to cover myself. "What is it?" Shingen asked.

"I have a response to your letter from Asuna. She said she would return at once and be here by tomorrow." The vassal replied. "I know you wanted to know right away...and I am sorry to have interrupted. I will leave now." He was then bowing and exiting the room.

Why would Shingen be writing a woman? Why would he be asking her to return? Why would she be agreeing to so soon? I found myself thinking. I normally wasn't a jealous person...but for some reason hearing that he had written another woman made my heart race in a not so fun way.

"Is something wrong, my love?" Shingen asked me, seeing the troubled expression on my face.

"It's...nothing."

Shingen looked at me a moment before smiling. "Is my goddess jealous that I wrote a letter to another woman?" He asked.

"No." I lied again.

Shingen chuckled and pulled me closer to him. He rested his head on my shoulder so that his cheek was pressed against mine. "Asuna is a midwife. She has worked for my family before. Her mother was the one who delivered me, actually. She is the best and constantly studies to make sure she can know everything to care for her patients. She also firmly believes in supporting the mothers after the baby is born. I sent the letter asking her to come to care for you. I want only the best care for my wife and child."

I quickly hid my face in my hands. "How could I..." I started.

Shingen was turning me around and pulling my hands from my face. He was then coaxing my face up with fingers beneath my chin. "Don't be so hard on yourself." He told me. "It is only natural to feel jealous at times...especially when you don't have all of the information."

"I know, but still. I should know better. I know how much you love me."

Shingen rested his brow against mine. "When you love each other as much as we do, it's only natural...and you're awfully cute when you're jealous over me."

"Is there anything I do that you don't think is cute?"

"Not a thing." Shingen replied. "Sometimes I wonder how in the world it's even possible for one person to be this cute." He was then pulling me into his arms and nuzzling my neck.

I giggled at how it tickled. "Stop...stahp!"

Shingen chuckled, but he stopped. He still held me close. "Whatever my princess desires." He said.

"Whatever I desire, huh?" I replied, a coquettish smile on my face.

"I can deny you nothing."

"Then...how about we continue where we left off before we were interrupted?" I suggested.

"I am glad you were thinking the same thing I was thinking." Shingen said, smiling as he pulled me in for a deep, passionate kiss.

The next day we were in the main audience hall. Asuna, the midwife, was soon joining us. She looked to be about my age with long dark hair, which she wore tied back in a simple pony tail, and bright green eyes.

She bowed to greet us. "My Lord, my lady, I am so happy to hear the wonderful news and I am honored you would call on me to help."

"Thank you for coming so quickly, Asuna." Shingen replied.

Asuna smiled. "It is my pleasure. As soon as I got your letter, I knew I had to come. More than anything just to meet the woman who could have finally gotten you to settle down, my lord." She was then turning to me. "It is truly wonderful to meet you, Lady Ava."

I smiled at her. "Just Ava is fine." I told her. "And thank you for coming. Shingen spoke highly of you and your mother."

"I just hope I can live up to your expectations." Asuna said. "And I swear to you, I will do everything to make sure that you and the baby both remain healthy during your pregnancy and after birth."

I wasn't sure why, but I instantly felt like I trusted her. I believed every word she was telling me and felt at ease. "Thank you."

Just then Yukimura was coming in. "Oh no, you're back here?" He asked, looking at Asuna.

"You're as tactless as ever I see." Asuna replied. "And as dense, too. I mean, our lord's wife is pregnant and I am a midwife. Where else would I be?"

"Oh, I thought I liked her before, but I like her even more now." I said, smiling.

Shingen chuckled. "Yuki fights with every woman he sees it seems."

"I do not. You just keep all the crazy ones around." Yukimura replied. "Of all the midwives in the country you just had to pick her?"

"Hey, I am right here, you know. You could not talk about me like I'm not here." Asuna said. "Besides, having me here is all about keeping our lady and the new little lord or lady healthy. I'm sure you just give poor Lady Ava a headache."

"He really does." I agreed.

"Hey!" Yukimura said. "No fair you ganging up on me like that."

Asuna laughed. "Still so easy."

Yukimura looked at her. He was then going over and mussing her hair. "Why you..."

Asuna was laughing and pushing Yukimura away. "Stop it!"

I leaned over to Shingen and whispered. "Are they..."

"No, but I think the potential is there." He whispered back.

Asuna and Yukimura were looking over at us. "Hey, what are you two whispering about?" Yukimura asked.

Shingen was quickly wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me close. "Some things I say to my wife are not meant for other's ears." He was then sweeping me up into his arms and heading for the door. "Yuki can you show Asuna to her room?"

"If I have to." Yukimura replied.

"Hey, wait, I still need to discuss a care plan with Lady Ava! And do an exam to determine how far long she is!" Asuna added.

"I'll...meet you for that later...after you get settled." I replied, as Shingen carried me out of the room. Once we were a safe distance away I looked up at Shingen. "Are you playing matchmaker?"

"Just trying to educate Yuki better." He answered smiling. "And also, I would like to be alone with my wife."

It was then that I realized he was carrying me to our room. "So, all day yesterday wasn't enough?" I asked, teasing.

"It's never enough." Shingen replied, placing a tender kiss on my cheek.

Yukimura and Asuna...

"Wow...no wonder she's pregnant already." Asuna said once Shingen and Ava were out of the room.

"You don't know the half of it." Yukimura replied. "I'm surprised you weren't called here months ago, already."

"And yet you were still surprised to see me."

"Today." Yukimura replied. "I knew Lord Shingen had sent for you. I didn't know you would be coming here already. I thought you were busy with another mission."

"When our lord calls, it is my duty to come." Asuna replied. "Plus there are still others in my group to continue with the information gathering."

Yukimura nodded. "Well, come on this way. I'll take you to your room."

The pair left the main hall and Yukimura led Asuna to her room. "Here's your room and then across the hall is the room you can use to keep anything you need for taking care of Ava." He explained pointing.

"Okay, that's good." She said. "Lord Shingen appears to be in good health these days."

Yukimura nodded. "Yeah...he's finally cured."

"Really? How?" Asuna asked.

"It's a long and complicated story." Yukimura answered. "I got stuff to take care of. I'm sure Ava will be here to talk with you in an hour or two."

Asuna couldn't help but to notice how informal Yukimura was with Ava. Granted she knew that that is the kind of person he is, but he always referred to Lord Shingen as Lord Shingen.

Ava and Shingen...

After spending some time alone together in our room, Shingen walked me to Asuna's room. "I have some business to attend to." Shingen told me. "I'll let you and Asuna talk."

I could tell by the look on his face exactly where he was going. I stretched up to give him a peck on the cheek. "I love you."

Shingen smiled at me. "I love you, too." He was then tenderly kissing my lips.

I watched him head off in the direction of the dungeons. I hoped that he would find what he was looking for when he went there. I sighed and turned to Asuna's door. "Asuna, it's me Ava. May I come in?"

Asuna was soon opening the door, greeting me with a smile. "Actually, we should go to the room across the hall. There we'll talk and I'll give you an exam."

I nodded and followed her across the hall. She gave me an exam and talked through each step, explaining what she was doing. Once she was done she brewed some tea and we sat and talked.

"So, what kinds of symptoms have you been having?" She asked me. "Any sickness?"

"I've had some." I answered. "It was pretty bad in the beginning, but then Otsuna found out and started making a special soup for me with an herb mixture that helped to settle my stomach."

"Oh, I know the one she made. She and my mother worked on it together for Lord Shingen's mother."

"She mentioned making it for Shingen's mother when she was pregnant with him."

Asuna smiled. "Hopefully the sickness will go away soon. Some women experience it for only a brief time and others never experience it at all...then there are some who unfortunately experience it through their entire pregnancy."

"I have heard that." I replied.

"Have you had any cramping or unexpected bleeding or anything?" Asuna asked.

I shook my head. "Nope, thankfully."

"That is good." She agreed.

As we chatted, I could tell that there was something she was thinking about. "Is there something wrong?" I asked her.

"Not at all. Why would you think that?"

"It's just...you seem to be thinking of something is all." I replied.

Asuna smiled. "You're observant. You're definitely a perfect match for Lord Shingen." She told me. "And it's nothing really. I still find it all so weird is all."

"Find what weird?"

"Being back in Kai for one thing." She answered. "And for Lord Shingen to be married and starting a family. When I received the letter calling me here, I was very surprised. And please do not take that the wrong way, my lady? I mean no offense."

I smiled at her. "None taken. I know what you mean. I'm very aware of Shingen's past. So I can see where your surprise is coming from."

"So you know he was a playboy?"

I nodded. "Yes."

"I am curious, how exactly did you two meet?"

I felt my cheeks reddening. "Well, we had met a handful of times before, but...we didn't really get to know each other until...well he...took me hostage."

Asuna almost spit out her tea. "I remember hearing that Lord Shingen had taken a princess of the Oda forces hostage...so that was you?"

I nodded. "Though I'm not really a princess. I was also the chatelaine of Azuchi castle."

"I see." Asuna replied. "So, tell me what it was like, while you were Lord Shingen's hostage? I am curious as to how your love bloomed in that situation? I mean, it is not unheard of in these times, but still."

"Well, I was given a nice room and lots of nice things." I began to explain. "And then there was the bet."

"The bet?"

"Yes, Shingen bet me that if he could make me smile, when I was truly happy from the bottom of my heart, that I would have to give him a kiss."

"That...I believe that. That is a very Lord Shingen thing to do." She replied.

"And he worked very hard to try to make me smile." I said, remembering our early days. A fond smile came to my face.

"How did you manage? I've grown up with Lord Shingen. I know when he sets his sites on a woman, he usually wins...and well you are married to him and carrying his child."

I laughed. "Somehow I managed it. Though I really don't know how I ever did." I went on to tell her about the things Shingen tried and how he pushed me away, but then I returned to him anyway.

"Well, I am very happy to see him happy." Asuna said. "That's all any of us have ever wanted for him."

"You seem to care an awful lot about him?" I observed and hoped that my slight jealousy was concealed.

Asuna nodded. "Yes. My mother died when I was about twelve. I had been apprenticing with her while she still served the Takeda clan. I grew up in this castle with Lord Shingen. He's always been like an older brother to me. He really started looking out for me even more so after my mother died."

Relief flooded my chest, though I did my best to hide it. "That also sounds very much like Shingen." I agreed. "He has a big heart."

Asuna nodded. "Yes. I am surprised he didn't come with you to this first meeting though. I figured he would want to be involved in your care."

"He walked me here, but he's gone to see Kennyo." I replied.

"I heard about what Kennyo did during the last battle with the Oda forces."

I nodded. "It was terrible." I agreed. "But I know Shingen won't give up on him. I hope that one day they can be friends and share a drink again."

Asuna looked at me, her eyes observing. "And why do you wish that? What he did...from what I understand it almost killed Lord Shingen and did much damage to Kai."

"I don't like to believe anyone is beyond redemption." I answered. "I think that love and compassion can help bring someone back from the brink...but also in this case I want Kennyo to be brought back for Shingen. I know it would make him happy to have his friend back."

Asuna smiled at me.

It was then that I remembered. "Oh, I have something for you." I was reaching into my kimono and pulling out the pouch that I had made. "Here, I made this for you. It's a gift to welcome you and say thanks for coming to care for the baby and me."

Asuna took the small red pouch with it delicate floral embroidery and looked at it. "You made this?"

"Yes, I thought it might be something you would find useful." I answered with a shrug. "If you'd like anything else let me know. I make kimonos and obis as well."

"You make clothing?"

I nodded. "It's what I love to do. I love making things for other people that will make them happy."

"Now I definitely see it." Asuna said.

"See what?"

"Why exactly you're the woman who finally got Lord Shingen to settle down. You're heart is as big and caring as his is."

"I don't know about that."

"Well, I do." Asuna replied, smiling.

"Speaking of my sewing, I have some things I need to finish up." I said. "Thank you for the tea and again for coming here to be my midwife."

"No problem."

"Oh and make sure to come to the main hall for dinner tonight. We are having a banquet to welcome you." I told her before walking out of the room and heading to my sewing room.

Shingen...

Shingen arrived in the dungeons. He made his way to the cell where his former friend was being held. He pulled up a seat to the bars and sat down.

"I was beginning to think you'd finally given up on me." The gruff voice came from inside the cell. The man speaking not even turning his head toward Shingen.

"Well, it was my birthday a couple of days ago. You know how busy it gets around here when that happens." Shingen replied. "I had planned on coming here to share some sake with you on the day, but my plans were changed."

"I see."

"But I did bring the sake today." Shingen said, smiling. He was then filling two cups and placing one inside the bars.

"Sharing a birthday drink with me late then?"

"Not exactly." Shingen replied smiling. "I have other things to celebrate, Kennyo."

"If I don't ask will you go away, or do you plan to tell me anyway?" Kennyo replied.

"It's good news I have to share." Shingen answered. "I'm going to be a father."

Kennyo seemed to react to that, but kept any words on the subject to himself.

"Ava surprised me with the news for my birthday. She kept it a secret for two months before telling me, all to surprise me with." Shingen said, a happy smile coming to his face. "My adorable wife. She sewed some cute little baby socks and wrapped them up for me to open. I was very surprised...and so incredibly happy."

More silence from Kennyo.

"I am really looking forward to seeing how adorable she is as she gets farther along. I can just picture her small frame with that growing belly..." Shingen was practically gushing over the image in his mind of his wife in pregnancy. "She's already the most adorable creature that ever lived, but I can only see her getting more so."

Kennyo sighed. "Why do you keep visiting me like this? Why do you not just kill me?"

"Because I know the man I once knew is still hiding inside that monster somewhere." Shingen answered. "Besides, I wanted to share this wonderful news with my friend."

"But why?"

"To remind you that good still exists in this world and that there are things to be happy about." Shingen answered. "I know I am not the only one who wishes to see you be kind again."

"No one else..."

"Ranmaru." Shingen spoke the name. He watched Kennyo flinch at the name.

"Have you...seen him?" Kennyo asked.

"I have. He is well and he is worried about you." Shingen answered. "Would you like to see him?"

"No." Kennyo replied, too harsh and too quick.

Shingen eyed Kennyo for a moment. "Suit yourself." He was then getting up and walking away. "I will see you later."

Shingen left the dungeons, a heavy feeling in his chest. He looked back. "I won't give up on you." He was then turning and heading to the room he shared with Ava. he needed to change before the banquet they were having to welcome Asuna. He also needed to clear his mind of his heavy thoughts on Kennyo so he could enjoy himself.

When Shingen arrived in the room, he found Ava sitting at the desk, writing something. She looked up at him, smiling as soon as she saw him. When he saw her smile, Shingen couldn't help but to return it. Her beautiful happy smiles always clear away the darkness. He thought.

"How did your visit with Kennyo go?" She asked him.

"How did you know that's where I was?" Shingen asked.

"Because your smile doesn't quite reach your eyes after you visit him. There's always a lingering sadness there." She answered.

Shingen walked over to Ava and sat down behind her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. Ava leaned back into him, knowing he needed the comfort. "And here I thought I was the expert at reading people." He murmured into her hair.

"You are, but I just know you." Ava replied. "And I hope your visits help him."

"It may take forever at this rate." Shingen agreed. "Is it wrong of me to not give up on him?"

Ava shook her head. "Not at all. I don't believe anyone is beyond redemption...and there is nothing wrong with wanting your friend back." She was then putting her brush down and turning around in Shingen's arms to face him. "Love and compassion are what truly change people. I think one day, that will bring him back and he'll be the man you once called friend again."

Shingen lifted up a hand to cup Ava's cheek and rested his brow against hers. "Love has truly changed me." He said. What did I ever do to deserve you, my angel?

Ava smiled at him. "Love changes everything...and makes life worth living."

The pair shared a kiss and stayed in each other's embrace for a moment longer before pulling apart slightly. "We had better start getting ready." Shingen said.

Ava nodded. "Yes. I just need to finish up this letter."

"And what letter is that?" Shingen asked, though he had a feeling he knew.

"To my friends back in Azuchi. I know you shared our news with Kennyo, I wanted to tell them as well." Ava answered.

"I figured that it was the type of news you would want to share in person?"

"I would, but I know with winter coming up that it's not going to be safe to travel." Ava answered. "And once spring arrives, I'll be far enough along that it will probably not be good for me or the baby to travel, or at least not that far anyways."

Shingen could see the sadness in Ava's eyes. A mixture of emotions stirred in his chest. Naturally he wanted Ava and their baby to be safe. He also hated seeing her sad even if it was only the tiniest hint of sadness. He hugged her closer and Ava leaned her head against his chest. "I'm sorry." He whispered into her hair.

Ava pulled back and looked up into his gray eyes. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Shingen." She said smiling. "I knew what things were possible when I made my decision. I still wouldn't change it nor would I change our life together. I love you with all my heart. You and our baby are the most important people to me."

Shingen leaned his forehead against Ava's. "Still, I know you think of them as family as well...and I hate that there is one wish of yours I cannot grant."

Ava placed her hand on Shingen's cheek. "You know I am always going to hope for peace. And I know that it will happen one day, as I come from a time of nothing but peace. But I also know that it will take a lot of hard work and it won't happen over night. I am a patient person. Even if it does not come in this lifetime."

Shingen gently kissed Ava's forehead. "That is one of the many reasons I love you."

Ava smiled at him. "I know."

It was then that an idea came to Shingen's mind. He wouldn't voice this aloud to Ava, as he wasn't sure it would work, but he also wanted to make it a surprise for her. Even if it wasn't exactly something he was fond of.

"What are you thinking?' Ava asked, noticing the thoughtful look on his face.

"Just that my goddess is too beautiful and gracious." Shingen answered, not wanting to divulge his plans. "And that I will find a way to make this up to you."

"Shingen..." Ava began to protest, but Shingen cut her off with a kiss.

"I love you." He whispered to her after breaking the kiss.

"I love you, Shingen." Ava replied before leaning in for another kiss, which Shingen happily obliged her.

Lost in the kiss and their love for each other, they didn't notice when the door to their room opened. "Alright, that's enough of that! Come on you two."

They were pulled from their kiss by Yukimura's voice. Ava's cheeks instantly reddened. Shingen turned to glare at his vassal. "What are you doing?" He asked.

"I knew you two would be doing something like this. I'm just glad I showed up while your clothes were still on." Yukimura answered. "Someone has to remind you two about the banquet. The one you insisted on having to welcome Asuna back."

"We hadn't forgotten." Ava protested.

"Uh-huh." Yukimura said, his arms crossed. "Just hurry it up will ya?"

"You know Yuki, when you one day finally bring a woman home, I am going to remember this and make sure to keep interrupting you." Shingen remarked.

"Yeah, well that's not happening any time soon. Besides, you'll probably still be too distracted with Ava to even think about me."

After a bit more back and forth, the trio finally got up and left the room, heading for the banquet hall.