On my old account, I had a SessRin story in the works that wasn't able to come to fruition. Until now. I am a huge fan of historical fiction – particularly Japanese history – so this story takes place in the Azuchi-Momoyama period (which was from 1568-1600). I'm trying to make it as realistic as possible, so if there are plot holes/inconsistencies, I apologize.

Still, I hope that you guys will like it – and please feel free to review!

The Daimyo's Daughter

Chapter 1: The Betrayal

Osaka

Spring, 1568

"Lady Rin, your father wishes to see you," a woman of seventeen years old, with a plain disposition, said softly, as she knelt onto the tatami mat. Her brown eyes narrowed, looking towards the young woman cocooned in the warmth of her futon. "It is time to wake up."

Rin grunted, showing her displeasure with the interruption. She had not slept well the previous night, leaving her in a perpetual state of grogginess. Her brown eyes opened, making eye contact with her lady-in-waiting Misuzu, whose lips pursed tightly together. She did not appear pleased either, but for different reasons.

Instinctively Rin threw herself back underneath the covers, cursing to herself when she accidentally pulled on her long, wavy chestnut hair.

"Milady, this is an urgent matter," Misuzu snapped, pulling on the bedding, yanking them to reveal the sixteen-year-old 'princess', cradling herself in a fetal position.

"Misuzu, what could he possibly have to see me about?" Rin mumbled, knowing that at this point, Misuzu was not going to let up on her efforts. She was only a year older than Rin was, yet she acted as though she were her mother.

"He has not told me specifically. He only wanted me to retrieve you." Rin had a feeling that she knew the reason, but it was clearly not in her place to explain. Misuzu studied Rin's facial expression as she sat up. "He wants to meet you in his study, so let us hurry and get you dressed."

"What time is it?"

"The sun has almost reached the sky, Milady," Misuzu replied. "It is long past time for sleeping."

"My father decided to let me sleep for that long?"

"You should be grateful."

Yes, Rin should be grateful for many things; the first, being, that her father Akechi Momoru, loved his only daughter, in spite of all her traits. He had indulged in his only child, providing her with trinkets, clothing, and anything that Rin could think of. He tolerated her free-spirited behaviour; Rin never liked to be in one place for long, as she yearned to run around. He allowed her liberties that one would only get if they were a son, and he always viewed Rin in high regard.

Perhaps it was because Rin reminded Momoru so much of her mother that he allowed her to do almost anything she wanted.

Considering that she died when she gave birth to her, Rin never knew her. Yet Momoru was always inclined to tell stories about her, from time to time. She was made aware that she was as tenacious and brave as her mother.

This always left Rin to yearn for some kind of mother figure, and so she was surprised that Momoru never re-married – despite the intense pressures from the court in Kyoto. But whenever she asked him, he always told her that he loved her mother; he couldn't bring it within himself to re-marry.

"Milady, your father will be furious if you do not hurry up."

Rin sighed, knowing that there was no point in delaying the matter any further.

Standing up, she allowed Misuzu to quickly grab Rin's wardrobe for the day, which consisted of a bright crimson kosode, with intricate cranes and flowers woven on the soft material. Again, Rin was fortunate that she was never forced to wear heavy-layered clothing.

"Why do you think he wishes to see me?" Rin asked softly, as she was gently led towards one of the large mirrors in her boudoir. It was one of the many gifts that her father bestowed upon her, and this mirror had floral designs engraved into the dark wooden frame. "Do you think… he will be leaving again?"

"I cannot say," Misuzu shrugged her shoulders, before proceeding to assist Rin with undressing.

Rin pursed her lips, but said nothing more, and instead, she looked into her mirror with a blank expression.

There were times when her father had to leave for Kyoto, the capital city; he never discussed the reasons for his visits, which lasted for weeks at a time, but he always told Rin that these matters involved the Akechi clan. Yet recently, Rin suspected that something was about to happen; it would not surprise her in the slightest if there was another change in power dynamics. She was aware of the history of the shogunate government and how complicated it was. Rin was never interested in court politics, but she was always frightened of the prospect that her father may be asked to go to war. He was a daimyo, after all.

"You look troubled, Milady," Misuzu stated, tying up the obi that would hold Rin's kosode.

"It's nothing," Rin gave her lady-in-waiting a small smile, hoping that the matter would be dropped; more than anything, she hated worrying the people around her. "I didn't…get any rest last night."

"Were you running around the grounds again, Milady?"

Rin snorted in amusement. "I can't help it."

"Well, that would explain all the dirt."

"And the mud."

"Milady, you are fortunate – to this day – no one has seen you."

"You know as well as I do that I have not done anything dishonourable. It would not be the first time I came back in that state," Rin giggled, and Misuzu could not help but laugh in amusement as well. She always knew how to make her lady-in-waiting laugh – even when she was trying to chastise her for her deviant behaviour.

"No, it is not," was all Misuzu said before she began to brush Rin's unruly hair. "But I would strongly advise you to exercise more caution."

"Why?"

"I just…I just do not want anything to happen to you." Rin could understand why Misuzu would say that; although she was Rin's servant, she had come to view Rin as a sister that she never had.

"I will be fine."

Rin could only hope.

:3 :3 :3

"Milord, Lord Onigumo is requesting that you reconsider his most gracious offer." The courtier paused momentarily, a little put off by the glare that was thrown in his direction.

"He has other allies, does he not? He does not need to consult me regarding the availability of my daughter."

"It is an advantageous match—"

"How? How is it an advantageous match?"

An irritated sigh escaped the lips of the Akechi clan patriarch, whose dark brown eyes glazed over the messenger, belonging to his recently made acquaintance Lord Onigumo. Akechi Momoru turned away, rubbing his tired eyes; he had yet to convince the courtier that he could not help his master. He was curious as to why Onigumo, who belonged to a family of equal status, wanted to marry his daughter; he already surrounded himself with allies at court who had no lesser numbers of eligible ladies. But it did not take him long to realize that Onigumo needed connections; and only the Akechi clan could provide him with the connections he needed.

He was already occupied of all the letters that required his full attention; most of them were requests for military supplies, and others were about unpaid crop taxes from neighbouring villages. Momoru had no time to discuss anything else.

"H-he can provide y-you with military supplies," the poor courtier stuttered, his face turning red in embarrassment.

"He has nothing to offer me. You can tell Lord Onigumo that."

The courtier did not spend any more time in Momoru's presence; he hastily bowed, before sprinting towards the sliding door at the other side of his study.

Momoru did not have a moment to recollect himself; he heard the sliding door open and from the corner of his eye, he saw two feminine figures enter the room.

"Milord, your daughter is here."

"Yes, thank you, Misuzu," Momoru said, forcing himself to calm his temper, just as he ran a hand through his locks of dark hair. He immediately turned around to face his daughter's lady-in-waiting, and his sole daughter Rin.

Misuzu bowed low, before taking her leave.

"You wished to talk to me, Father?" Rin inquired calmly, though Momoru could see the curiosity within her eyes.

"Please, take a seat."

After they both settled down in the corner of the room, with some distance between them, Momoru sighed. "How are your studies, my daughter?"

"They are going well, Father," Rin replied, bowing her head respectfully. "My flower arranging has improved considerably, although I cannot say the same for my poetry."

"I appreciate your honesty, and I will say that there is always room for improvement."

"Are you well, Father? You seem tired."

Momoru tried to reassure his only child with a smile. "It is nothing to be concerned about. Dealing with court matters can be taxing."

"I am sorry to hear that."

Momoru shrugged. "This is my fate, I suppose."

"What is on your mind, Father?" Rin inquired cautiously. Rin was no fool – it appeared as though she had an idea of what he summoned her for. Momoru smiled to himself, knowing how Rin was exactly like her mother; she was bright and extremely clever.

"I will get straight to the point. I have arranged an excellent betrothal for you, Rin." Rin's eyes widened, shocked at what her father had to say. It was clear that she had not quite expected this. "I know, I have told you in the past that you were free to do as you wished, but…times are changing," Momoru explained gently.

"W-who is it?" Rin's reply was so faint that Momoru nearly didn't hear it.

"His name is Lord Sesshomaru Taisho," Momoru sighed.

"I am not sure of who he is, Father."

"He is of the Taisho clan, one of the wealthiest families in Edo. His father was an old friend of mine," Momoru explained, his dark eyes searching his daughter's for any signs of distress. He was anticipating it.

"I just… why is this happening now?" Rin's voice started to crack.

"I know this is shocking, but he will make for an excellent husband. He will be able to protect you, much better than I could."

Rin did not look convinced; she knew there was more to it than that. But she waited for her father to continue his proposal. "His wealth and influence are far greater than our clan's, Rin."

"So our family will have much to benefit from this arrangement?"

"Precisely." Momoru sighed, "Rin, I understand this is quite a shock to you. I am not expecting you to rejoice, much less be happy with me, but this will ensure that you will have a better future."

Rin was desperately trying to hold back tears, as she looked away, but she knew that she looked upset. It was difficult for her to not let her emotions shine through, but it was something that no amount of etiquette education could fix.

"I didn't…I didn't expect this," Rin confessed, attempting to ignore the ache in her throat, which usually happened before she begun to cry. I didn't want this, either.

"I am not asking you to marry him tomorrow," Momoru pointed out, hoping that this would give his daughter some peace of mind. "You will take the time to get to know him before you wed."

"When is the wedding?"

"In the autumn season."

"And where…where will it take place?"

"His clan lived in Edo, however, Lord Sesshomaru recently decided to move closer to court. To Kyoto," Momoru cleared his throat. "You will not have to travel far, daughter. You will still be close by."

Momoru knew how upset Rin was at this point; although he could not fully explain the entire situation for her, he hoped that she would be able to forgive him.

"Believe me, daughter, I always wanted the best for you."

It was clear that she was always naïve; in spite of the loving, doting, indulging father, Rin was not able to escape the inevitable fate that was bestowed upon all noblewomen. Marriage was deemed the only purpose for a woman to exist; and after being given away, like a piece of property, to another man, then came the expectation to have children. Rin knew that she wanted her own family one day, but she had the impression that she could do it under her own terms. Yet maybe she was delusional. If she had been born a male, she would have had a better chance to change her fate. If she had been born a male, things would have been different.

But alas, she was not. Instead, she was the only daughter of a humble man, leading the clan into what he argued as a better future.

Rin always imagined that if she had to marry, it would be with someone she loved. Or at the very least, she liked. But the thought of marrying a stranger was completely daunting to her. She knew women in Osaka who were married to men who were much, much older than they were. Rin didn't think she' d be able to handle that; she had no idea how old this Lord Sesshomaru was, but she might not be able to handle it if he was old enough to be her grandfather. She told her father this multiple times, and he always promised her that he would not force her into marrying someone she was uncomfortable with. Rin always thought that he had her best interests at heart, but now she wasn't so sure.

He had the clan's best interests at heart.

"Rin, I—"

Rin bowed swiftly, before she stood up to run out of the room, and this time she was unable to stop the tears from cascading down her cheeks.