A/N:
I don't know if I'll finish this, I have a lot more of it written then I have typed up. Anyway it's been sitting on my disk for awhile so I have given up and decided
to post it. It's just something I was doing for my personal amusement so if no one likes it, I completely understand, I can always shove it down my sister's
throat. Anyway, this is suppose to be book one of three, but like I said I don't know if I'll finish.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, I'm not an adult yet so even if I did own anything, would anyone really care?
The things we don't plan are often the ones we need.
What Matters
He had what he wanted, respect. Although he was still invisible. He had influence, but
he was still obsolete. He may have only been the second son of the emperor, but he
would be advisor to the king. He had everything, or so he thought. The kingdom was
the most important thing to him. That is, until he met her…
* * *
"Your majesties." The man bowed low to the royal family. "I have brought a gift." The
man clapped his hands and two servants came half dragging half carrying a girl who
was fighting tooth and nail to get away from them. But she said nothing. No sound
escaped her lips. And she managed to retain every ounce of her dignity. She was clad
in traditional Chinese dress, the fabric beautiful violet silk that mirrored her eyes. Her
auburn hair had been drawn back away from her face.
'She's breathtaking.' Jenrya thought to himself but then mentally scolded himself. She
was below his rank and every manners teacher he ever had would have reprimanded
him for saying that so he took it another step and wiped away the thought. People did
not look kindly on servants in those days despite all the work they did. 'It is truly a
shame.' Jenrya thought.
"What's this?" His father laughed. "Quite a pretty little thing, but she is either deaf or
stupid for not saying anything."
"Only a fool takes first appearances as truths." She said in Japanese. Jenrya was
surprised. She must be well educated to speak as such. 'And be quite daring to say
such a thing to royalty.' Jenrya added. His father, however, was delighted.
"Oh she does speak! But only in Japanese? Jenrya understands it though, don't you
boy? Come now what did she say?"
* * *
Jenrya's POV
I froze for a moment. I didn't want to repeat what she said. Father didn't like to be
insulted and she would probably be whipped to death for saying such a thing.
But she saved me from answering. In perfect Chinese, without a trace of an accent she
said, "Tell these barbaric pigs to release me now."
The amount of authority she had in her voice was shocking. Father raised one eyebrow
and waved his hand to dismiss the men. They bowed and left. She stood perfectly still
with the poise and presence of a true lady.
Obviously father noted as well and asked "Are you truly a servant my dear?
"Anyone can be forced into servitude, even you, I find the thought of you scrubbing
floors quite amusing. And for the record, I am not your 'dear.'" She replied in
Japanese. I was surprised she continued to speak as such knowing that I understood
the language. I pondered her words a moment and did find the thought of father
scrubbing floors quite amusing.
"What did she say son?" My father questioned me. "She said yes." I responded.
There was no point in agitating him with her true response. She glared uncertainly at
me. It seemed as if she wasn't sure if I was helping her or not.
"Alright then." Said my father clapping his hands together. "Who wants her?"
"I'll take her." My elder brother Yan sneered. "She looks like she would make a good
concubine."
"Son of forty pigs! China will rot from being ruled by one such as you!" She also added
some rather "colorful" Japanese words that I don't feel like repeating.
"What did she say?" my father asked yet again. Instead of answering his question I
gave him one, "Why don't I take her father? If she insists on speaking Japanese most
of the time it will probably be best, and I could use another servant at my summer villa
this year." Complete and total lie.
I wanted as few servants as possible, especially there. But I couldn't let my brother
take her for a concubine, she didn't deserve that. And there was something about
her…
She glared at me but said nothing. My father nodded "There is wisdom in you words
son, yes, you may take her." I bowed to him, "Thank you father."
I walked over to her under the glare of my brother. "I'm actually leaving for my villa
tomorrow, you can travel with me." I said to her in Japanese. Then we stood there for
a few moments of awkward silence.
Then she spoke, "Am I suppose to feel honored? Just show me to my quarters for the
night."
I couldn't help but be taken aback. She showed no acknowledgment of the fact that we
had different stations. She was insubordinate, but I enjoyed the fact that she talked to
me like an equal.
"Come this way." The tone of my voice held amusement. I couldn't help but like her.
"You're not really a servant are you?" I asked her. "It seems as if I am for the time
being." She answered me, which was really no answer at all. We continued down the
hall.
"Can I at least know your name? I have to call you something." I prompted her. She
looked thoughtful for a minute, probably debating whether or not she should tell the
truth-or give me a straight answer.
"My name is Ruki." She finally responded.
"What? No last name?" I prodded.
"None that you need concern yourself with."
Ouch. I have to watch that. "You can stay here for the night." We finally came to the
room I had been looking for. It was one of the simpler guest rooms, and right down the
hall from mine. But that had nothing to do with why I was putting her there.
I opened the door for her and she stepped inside. "I'll leave you now, if you need
anything tell one of the servants that work here and they'll help you, or get me." I started
to shut the door, but she turned around and caught my gaze first.
"If you dare expect to use me in the same fashion as your brother wanted, you are
sorely mistaken."
"I wouldn't dream of it, I don't approve of such things either." She seemed uncertain,
but gave an approving nod and I left, I didn't see her again until the next morning.
* * *
Ruki's POV
I had not expected to end up in the Chinese royal palace. Then again, who would think
to look for me here?
But what was I to do about the prince? I was suppose to work for him. I didn't mind the
work, what I minded was the other people.
I never got along with people very well. I've been call the "ice princess." If that gives
you any clue.
Still, he did prevent his disgusting brother from taking me for a concubine. I shivered
under the bed covers. Not that I couldn't have gotten away from him myself, but
beating up the future king of china and then running away isn't generally accepted. No
matter how much of a sleazeball he is.
He wasn't like most people that I've encountered, he didn't force me to bow to him for
one thing. I bit my lip. There was no reason to be cold to him. If we did end up friends
it would only be to my advantage. It would also be a chance for me to practice being
"diplomatic." My grandmother would be so proud.
I smiled a little to myself, very well then. I'd give him a chance, one chance.
* * *
Jenrya's POV
Everything was packed and ready. Ruki would be ordered a wardrobe when we
reached the villa. I found it slightly comical that my new servant was being treated like
a lady. I mean, another servant had been sent into her room to draw her bath!
But I couldn't have done anything less being in her presence. The authority she held…
for all we know she could be a lady.
I was waiting outside with the carriage when she came out. She was beautiful as she
had been yesterday. I don't know why I didn't anticipate her beauty before so it
wouldn't strike me so, but I hadn't.
She walked right up to me. She didn't bow or curtsy as was custom when in the
presence of royalty but I didn't correct her. Somehow I didn't want her to have to show
submission to me.
"So where are we going again?" she questioned me. The question took me by
surprised. I presumed she would be silent like yesterday but I was glad she wasn't.
"We're going to my summer villa." I replied as I opened the carriage door and offered an
arm to her.
"Oh yes, I know exactly where that is." She said as she climbed in the carriage, voice
dripping with sarcasm. I sighed and climbed in after her. She certainly wasn't the
demure, polite, quiet girls that I usually met. And I was quite glad she wasn't.
"The villa is right on the sea. There's a large stable and a wood right near it." I seated
myself next to her.
"And what, pray tell, do you want me to do there?" she asked.
Dang it. I had no answer to this question. But I had to give her some kind of an
answer.
"You're going to, ah… umm… I'm not sure yet." She looked at me, exasperated. "Then
why did you enlist my services in the first place?"
"Look, would you have rather gone with my brother?" Okay, I kind of lost my temper. I
was annoyed with myself for looking like an idiot in front of her.
"If I had, I would have beat his face in had he come within three feet of me and then run
away." She said casually, as if discussing the weather.
"You would hit the future king? You would have a price on your head!" she shrugged,
seemingly uncaring.
"And who would catch me, your idiotic palace guards?"
"You've already been caught once." I pointed out. She smiled slyly, "I let them catch
me."
"You let them catch you?" I didn't believe her and the tone of my voice clearly reflected
my skepticism.
She shrugged. "I had no better plan." I shook my head; she was unbelievable.
"And where did you run away from?" I asked her. Her eyebrows rose, "Who said I ran
away?"
"Well, why else would you have "no better plan," and be wandering around for someone
to catch?" I reasoned to her.
"Fine." She said. "I ran away." She was clearly amused with this banter.
"You're not telling me where from?" I questioned her, now equally amused myself.
"Why should I?" She questioned me.
"Well, I'm your new master." She laughed, a wonderful sound that made her all the
more beautiful, but she quickly composed herself.
"I am my own master. I refuse to let anyone rule my life." She was still smiling when
she said it so I knew she wasn't mad at me.
"Is that why you ran away?" I asked her. She smiled at me, and for some reason I felt
my heart catch in my throat.
"You catch on quick Lee." I was slightly surprised at how she addressed me but
pleased.
"You can call me Jenrya." I told her. For some reason I felt a connection to her. I liked
her. She didn't care about my position in life.
"Are all your servants given such a warm welcome?" she questioned me. I felt heat rise
to my face. Oh no, I couldn't be blushing?! No, no, no I was suppose to be royalty!
And royals did not blush, it was simply not done.
I did my best to calm down.
"Only the ones I like." I finally managed to get out.
"And the grand total of those is?" She prodded me.
I decided to give her a straight answer even if she wasn't giving me any and it made me
seem vulnerable.
"Two." My voice was meek. I didn't understand it! How could she make me feel so
flustered? I was royalty and she was a servant! But it didn't matter.
* * *
Ruki's POV
I didn't know why I was being so nice to the guy; he had the nerve to call himself my
master! But still, I was enjoying playing these games with him. He wanted to know all
about me and I would tell him very little. My past was exactly that and mattered little to
him. But still he wanted to know. And he told me to call him by his first name
He wasn't the typical royal. But I should know better than to stereotype. So, I was
trying to steer the conversation away from me and towards him. That and I was kind of
curious what other servants he had call him by his first name.
"So who else then?" I asked him.
"Pardon?"
"You said two, so if I'm one whose the other?"
"Oh, that's Takato. He's my best friend. You'll meet him when we get to the villa; he
went ahead a few days ago." I let out my breath. That was weird, I didn't realize I'd
been holding it. I was happy that it wasn't another girl.
Ergh! 'Remember yourself.' I said mentally.
I don't believe in love. Everyone wants something from you. Be it money, power, or the
same thing that Jenrya's brother wanted. Although he thinks I'm poor and I've made it
clear I'm not giving him the third one…
No. I won't believe it. I won't fall in love, I won't.
* * *
Jenrya's POV
She hadn't said anything since I told her about Takato. She seemed deep in thought.
While I did wonder about what, I was happy because it left me to stare at her without
distraction.
I guess I was kind of absorbed in my err, activities so when the fox jumped me from
behind I was slightly surprised.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!"
Okay, maybe that was a small understatement.
Ruki, however, was quite happy.
"Renamon." She said calmly as the golden fox who had come in through the window
and used my head as a spring board laid quietly on her lap.
I rubbed the back of my head and looked from her to the fox and then back to her.
"A golden fox?" I raised an eyebrow; she certainly had curious friends.
"Yes, this is Renamon." She said, stoking the fox between the ears.
"I don't know if she'll be able to stay at the villa." I knew she was going to convince me
to let Renamon stay anyway so I don't know why I said that. The thing was sometimes
the guys there would organize fox hunts.
"Please Jenrya." She pouted, looking me straight in the eye and moving slightly closer. "She can stay in my room or in the forest. Please Jen-san, she's my best friend." She
managed to say this without a hint of whine in her tone. I sympathized with her. I
missed my dog (it was that or a rabbit okay?) Terriermon. He was a white with the
longest ears. He was silly but he made me laugh. Besides, I knew I couldn't deny her
anything anyways.
"She can stay in your room." I said. She smiled at me, although it looked as though
she knew all along I would cave.
"Thank you Jen-san." She said and then continued to stroke Renamon absentmindedly
as she returned to her thoughts.
I settled back in my seat. It was going to be a long ride but I didn't mind at all.
* * *
We continued our trip for five hours before coming to the town nearest the villa. Ruki
and I talked some of the way; I asked her questions about her past, and she dodged
them and threw back personal questions. I really enjoyed talking to her. She was quick
and didn't seem to care that I was royalty. She talked as bluntly to me as anyone else.
But she seemed to understand the pressure I felt as a Chinese prince, but she seemed
of the opinion that because of the title that had been bestowed on me I allowed people
to walk all over me in attempt to live up to it. I had no clue what she was talking about.
Anyway, when we got to the town something odd happened.
The townspeople had gathered outside to meet us with fresh food and drink which we
were very grateful for. We knew we'd reach the village before nightfall so we hadn't
brought any food with us.
I, however, got the joy of being completely embarrassed when people asked about
Ruki. Their line of questioning went somewhat like this:
"She's a beautiful lady, are you engaged to her highness?"
"Uh, no."
"Is she your mistress then?"
"No! She's my errr… friend."
All the while I could hear Ruki laughing at my flustering in the background. I very well
wasn't going to tell people that she was my servant. She had been riding in the
carriage with me and was too well dressed. But that wasn't the odd thing that
happened.
A girl about seventeen, the same age as Ruki and I came through the crowd. She
came up to me and bowed.
"Highness, my father would like to offer you lodging at our hotel, free of charge of
course."
"I thank you for your kindness and accept your hospitality." I was still fully intending on
paying but there was no need for us to argue about it here. Then the girl saw Ruki.
She just about fell to the ground.
"Your-" I turned from her to Ruki who was shaking her head back and forth profusely.
The girl finished, "You're here Ruki, I can't believe it."
Ruki smiled, "I have missed you Juri, we'll talk later, okay?" So she had heard me
talking to the girl, or Juri, earlier.
"Yes Ruki." And then Juri turned. "If you will please follow me your highness." I went
to follow her but fell back in step with Ruki.
"How do you know her?" I whispered to her. She moved very close and with her lips
only centimeters from my ear whispered back, "It's my secret." Shivers went down my
spine.
* * *
Ruki had gone and slept in Juri's room that night which was just as well because their
inn hadn't expected another traveler and it wouldn't be proper for her to share a room
with a boy.
My room happened to be right next to theirs so I could hear them speaking Japanese in
low voices and giggling. I couldn't hear what they were saying although I would have
paid a king's ransom to. I swear I stayed up half the night to catch small phrases that
escaped her lips.
We got on the move the next morning. From the village it was only a two hour carriage
ride. Along the way Ruki and I didn't say much but I bugged her about her connection
to Juri then she threatened to deck me. So I kind of shut up after that.
When we reached the villa I got out first and then turned around to help Ruki down.
"Hey! Jenrya!" It was Takato! Along with Terriermon who ran right up and jumped on
me. Takato was a few paces behind. I managed to catch a glimpse of Ruki's amused
expression as Terriermon sent me to the ground.
"It's nice to see you Takato." I said as I pulled Terriermon off and stood up, brushing
myself off.
"How's Guilmon?" Guilmon is Takato's red alligator. Yes, that's right, red alligator. No further comment.
" He's fine. How have you been?" He asked.
"Same as usual." I replied, "You?"
"Better I-" He started then noticed Ruki. "Who's she?" He asked me, pointing at Ruki. She rolled her eyes.
"'She' is someone whose manners are better than yours will ever be." Takato had a
look of hurt and confusion on his face.
"Don't take it personally." I told him. "That's just the way Ruki is."
"Oh." Takato said and walked over to her. "I'm Takato, and you're Ruki right? Are you
Jenrya's girlfriend?" In response to his question I blushed and Ruki started laughing.
Why did so many people assume I was romantically involved with Ruki? I mean, sure
she's beautiful, intelligent, graceful… Oh no, what the heck am I saying?
"I'm the new servant." Ruki told Takato after regaining her composure.
"Servant?" Takato asked, bewildered.
"You have got to be kidding."
"She isn't." I sighed irritably. I don't know if I was more annoyed with Takato or myself.
But I had to admit it was hard to believe that Ruki was a servant.
"Come on Ruki, we'll go find you a room. Takato, can you help with the bags?" Takato
was still in shock and just nodded dumbly. Ruki followed me with Renamon at her
heals.
As we were walking Terriermon jumped down from my arms and went sniffing around
Renamon. He prodded her with his nose and she clawed him. He yelped and came
running back to me while Renamon continued walking like nothing happened.
I smiled a little; Terriermon needed to be put in his place every once in a while.
I walked through the halls and finally selected a room for Ruki. I had already mentally
selected it, but I wasn't sure whether or not I really wanted to give it to her. It was the
one on the left of mine. Takato's was on the right of mine. The thing was the rooms
weren't for servants, but I rarely had any guests anyway. But I didn't know how the
other servants would react to Ruki having that room. You see, Takato is actually the
son of a lord who lost all of his property. Takato and I had been friends before this
happen so after it did, I offered him a job as an attendant while his parents opened a
bakery in a village near the palace.
But Ruki… we didn't know where she came from or what her background was so she
could have been a lady right? But does that enough justification to everyone else for
giving her the room?
"This will be your room." I said opening the door. Fine! It probably isn't enough reason
to justify giving her the room but it was too late now anyway.
She went in and looked around as I stood in the doorway. It was a very nice room. The
walls were lavender and the bed linens were made of silk. The bed was piled high with
red and gold pillows. A wardrobe made of incense trees stood in one corner and filled
the room with an elegant fragrance.
"It's very nice." She said. Then turned around and smiled at me. "Thank you Jenrya."
I smiled back at her. "Do you want me to leave you to settle in?"
"Settle in? I have no clothes to put away, and I've always thought it ridiculous to tire
from traveling when all they were doing was sitting anyway." She said shrugging,
laughter behind her words.
"Right." I said, "I'll take you to town tomorrow and we'll order some things for you." She
nodded.
"Alright then."
"Good." I said. "Why don't we go and find some kind of a job for you? I mean, you
have to do something, not that you wouldn't- Oh, you know what I mean!" I couldn't
quite make the words come out rights; I wanted so badly not to offend her.
"Yes, I do." She said and I let out a sigh of relief "Let's go then." She said walking up
to me. "Alright." I replied and began walking out the door and down the hall. She
followed me.
"Where's Renamon?" I asked, noting the fox's absence.
Ruki shrugged, "She comes and goes as she likes. I have no power to hold her down."
It seemed like Ruki liked talking in riddles to exasperate me. I just hoped Renamon
didn't get into trouble. Then seeing Terriermon rub his nose with his paw where
Renamon had scratched him, I realized that whoever dared to try and go after the fox
would be the one in trouble.
"We'll go see Grandma." I told her. "She runs the house so she'll find something for
you to do."
"She's not literally you grandmother?"
"No, everyone just calls her that but she was my nurse when I was little." We entered
the kitchen.
"…and don't forget the extra place at dinner tonight, our prince has brought a friend
home." The old but authoritative voice of Grandma sounded as she finished giving one
of the kitchen hands instructions.
"Hello Grandma." I said to her.
"Oh Jenrya! You're back! It's so good to she you." She cried giving me a hug.
"Oh, and who is this?" she inquired, moving me aside and stepping towards Ruki.
"It's an honor to make your acquaintance madam, I'm Ruki." Ruki said giving a small
bow. I was surprised at how well mannered she was being.
"Oh sure, you're polite to her." I said to Ruki and she gave me an innocent smile.
Grandma clapped her hands together.
"Oh Jenrya, she's delightful. " at this point she gives her a small hug much to Ruki's
surprise then holds her out at arms length and turned her head to look at me.
"And so beautiful! I was wondering when you were going to settle down." She finished
letting go of Ruki who crossed her arms and gave me another one of those smug 'I
know you're going to get embarrassed but I won't because just standing here makes
you more embarrassed' looks.
I coughed a little and said, "No Grandma, she's the new servant." While blushing a
little. I couldn't help it!
"You're not serious Jenrya. Why just look at her! She's every inch a lady." At this point
I think I saw Ruki blush a little but I hadn't been able to bring myself to look at her for
more than a second so I wouldn't know.
"Well that's what she is for now and we need a position for her." Grandma scowled at
me as if it was my fault she was a servant.
"She can be the official lady in waiting for visiting nobility. She's too much a lady to be
given menial chores. Besides we don't need any help with the house." She looked to
me as if daring me to disagree with her. But she knew as well as I did that I wasn't
stupid enough to do something like that. I nodded my approval.
She looked satisfied and started again. "Now that that's settled, we received a new
horse yesterday and the stable hands can't settle him down. They had no business
bringing that wild stallion here when we don't have the resources to train him! Anyway,
you better go sort it out."
I nodded, then turned to Ruki. "Coming?"
She acted like she suddenly noticed I was there. "Oh? Now you care what I want?" I
looked at her, exasperated.
"Come on." I took her hand and pulled her along. I couldn't help but enjoy the felling of
holding her hand in mine.
She sighed. "Alright I'm coming." She stopped fighting me and allowed me to lead her
along. And to my great delight she didn't pull her hand away.
* * *
Ruki's POV
Honestly! Them discussing my job as if I have no say in the matter. And I realize that
people pay me compliments when talking about how I couldn't possibly be a servant,
but it just makes me scared. Scared that I'll attract more attention and then they'll come
after me… and I won't let them run my life, I won't.
I didn't know why I hadn't pulled my hand away from Jenrya's, but why hadn't he let go? Anyway, we soon got down to the stables where three stable hands were trying to
control a huge chestnut stallion in a small paddock. They weren't having much luck.
The horse was rearing up and giving them a lot of trouble. Imbeciles! They obviously
didn't know the first thing about taming wild stallions! I didn't either for that matter, but I
surely could have gone about it better then that.
They came out of the paddock when they saw Jenrya. The horse quieted down a little.
The stable hands bowed to Jenrya and then proceeded to tell him the story of the
horse.
"A man had come and given it to us on behalf of Lord Soji. We thought it was rude to
refuse the gift so we took him in. But he's given us a mess of trouble. He won't eat and
no one can get near him. What should we do highness?" They asked Jenrya.
While they ad been talking I had been moving closer to the paddock. I felt bad for the
horse. It had been wild but was now put in a cage and bent to do others will. But it kept
fighting. I admired that. I had just rid myself of the cage I had been put in for
seventeen years.
The horse had stopped thrashing around and began slowly walking towards the gate
where I was now standing. He finally reached the gate and just stood there. His sad
brown eyes looking into my own violet ones. I slowly moved my hand up to stroke him.
I was hesitant, but soon made contact. It was weird, I could understand the horse, I
could sympathize with him; we were similar him and I.
"Ruki!" Jenrya shouted from a few yards over. I jumped a little as he yelled and turned
in his direction but the horse didn't flinch. My left had was still resting on top of his
head.
"Well I'll be." Said one of the stable hands.
"She has to be some kind of spirit." Remarked another.
"You're right." Said the third. "No mortal could be that beautiful or tame a stallion like
Pyrocean."
"Jenrya's real lucky." Said the first.
"Are you crazy?!" Jenrya yelled at me. But he looked more scared than angry. "You
could have been hurt or worse!"
I couldn't help it, I was getting angry; since when could he dictate what I can and cannot
do?
"You have to be more careful! Do you know how far it is to a doctor? That horse could
have trampled you! It 's a miracle he didn't. You could have broken a bone or sprained
something or-"
"Why do you care?" I cut him off. My tone was pure ice; I had never been one to make
friends but intimidating people and scaring them off was no trouble.
He seemed taken aback by my question.
"You're my friend Ruki," he said in a low whisper. "I care about you, and I don't want to
see you get hurt."
I was surprised with his answer and didn't know how to respond. How could he accept
me as a friend so quickly? I went back to stroking Pyrocean. I smiled a little to let him
know I wasn't mad, but kept my eyes fixed on Pyrocean's.
"How do you do that?" he asked, breaking the awkward silence. I shrugged.
"I don't know; I understand him and he understands me. We respect each other."
He smiled. "Very well, I hope you don't mind me making you his personal trainer since
your work load is so heavy." He said, mocking my supposed task for my servitude.
"Oh, I think I'll be able to manage." I commented dryly.
He laughed. "Let's see if you can get him in a stall, and get him to eat."
I opened the gate and stepped into the paddock, Pyrocean just stood there waiting for
my direction. I laid a hand on his forehead and began walking towards his stall. He
followed me step for step. We reached his stall which Jenrya had so graciously opened
for us and I led him in. He was hesitant to go in at first but soon got over it. As soon as
he entered the stall he went straight for the water and hay. I patted him twice and left
him to eat.
"Did anyone ever tell you you're amazing?" Jenrya asked me when I left the stall and
closed it behind me.
I smiled and answered him. "Not since I ran away." I said it to annoy him and it
worked.
He sighed. "Do you ever plan to tell me about your past?"
"No." I answered back, "I don't so you might as well give up."
"I don't give up so easily." He countered.
* * *