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Once Upon a time: Chapter 16
by white seraph
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Yumi stomped back into her own chamber, fuming with anger. She absolutely cannot accept it, cannot believe it cannot..this is absurd! His royal highness invited her over for dinner again! Just who the hell does she think she is?
It's not only about her plan being delayed; if that girl was to stay with his royal highness for one more night, God know what she'll do! Perhaps cast another spell and make herself queen? Oh she just cannot imagine anyone other than herself queen.
Tightly, she clutched the small bag of poison powder in her hands. She'll have this girl dead by tomorrow; definitely.
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Kaoru put on the light lavender kimono Natsume chose for her. She had promised to dine with that royal arrogant jerk, only so he'd leave her alone. Somehow she trusted this man, when he said he let the actions a few nights ago repeat itself. And now she started to regret, as she reminded herself of all the horrible things that happened the night before. But a promise is a promise.
She said she'd go and so she would, and if he assaulted her in anyway, she'd beat the brains out of him with the new skills soujiro taught her. Yes she would. It was as if after all the turmoil she went through, the fear of him killing her sort of evaporated. Though she didn't know when exactly it happened, perhaps this idea was slowly instilled in her? But never mind.
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The dinner was rather boring, and quiet. The only sounds heard in the room was the clit and clat of the plates and utensils. Niether wanted to talk; Kaoru because she wanted to get out of the stifling hot room as soon as possible, and starting a conversation that won't go anywhere will only drag on the dinner. And really, she had nothing to talk to this man, who she hardly had any interest in.right?
And the king on the other hand didn't really want to talk because he wanted to finish this soon and quickly so he could show her something better. yes, this small room with waiters serving every corner was not the right place to start to acquaint with this one, no.
Taking a last sip of the wine, he got up and approached the other end of the table and bent to whispered something into her ears, and before waiting for her response, dragged her to the exit on the other side of the room that lead to his own sleeping chamber.
Kaoru, remembering this routine and what it had lead to last time, abruptly shook off from his grip "Hey! You promised me you won't hurt me!" She glared hard at him.
The redhead chuckled. Ahh so that was what she was thinking. "Well I didn't exactly say I wouldn't hurt you, did I? But nevermind, I gave you my word, now follow me!" He gentle took her hand into his whilst his fingers slowly intertwined between hers.
Kaoru was quite surprised by his subtle gentleness. But she shook it off quickly, this is a trick, don't fall for it; she reminded herself. "Well it doesn't look good to me!" She growled and extricated her small hand from his.
But he didn't reply, insteadhe put his hands firmly onto her shoulders and steered her towards the balcony. Prompting her, he gently pushed her forward towards the large balcony at the side of his room. "I'll show you something very beautiful." He whispered lowly into her ears from behind, sending shivers down her spine.
And indeed, true to his words, Kaoru was awed by the sight.This was indeed an astonishing view, the hundreds of thousands of stars that sparkled in the sky decorating the black carpet with it's brightness, and the crescent moon, that was so bright, almost silvery white. And the whole view was reflected and seen in the large, black mirror of the garden's central lake.
A gust of cold wind scraped across her face and Kaoru huddled herself to conserve some warmth. Suddenly, she felt a pair of strong arms wrapping itself around her waist and pulling her back towards his warm body. Kaoru who was never disposed to such intimacy towards any man, save the night before yesterday, was rather surprised and embaressed. However, She didn't feel assaulted, nor did she feel frightened, no, not one bit. Instead she felt safe. Yes. Very ironic. Safe in the arms of the tyrant everyone feared. "It's really a sight." She mused.
"Yes, it is." He nodded in agreement, though he was referring to her, not the reflection of the sky. For some reason, he had an urge to satisfy her, to have her happy. Perhaps it was because of her constant disapproval towards him.but nevertheless, it made him content to see her smile, for once. "Come, little one." He told her, suddenly remembering a better place. He tightened his grip around her waist and jumped up to the roof of the castle with her.
Knowledge soon dawned upon Kaoru when she realized she was no longer standing on something firm. Her arms involuntarily found its way around the king's neck. "D..Don't let go!"
"Don't worry" He replied reassuringly "I'm just taking you to the roof of the castle" And true to his words, he loosened his grip around her to assure her she won't fall.
Kaoru sat down on the cold clobbers, and pulled her head up. So this was the true view the lake reflected. It was much prettier seeing the real landscape rather than the reflection of it in the natural mirror. The canvas unlike the one below, did not ebb at the edges, no, the carpet of stars stretched across the black skies. Lost in the cosmic landscape, Kaoru didn't realize her company who took here, lowered himself as he adjusted himself into a comfortable spot next to her.
"You know, I used to come here every night, when I was young, and my friend would point out all the astrologic stars." He spoke nonchalantly.
Kaoru snapped out of her trance, and for once, she treated him like an equal, not someone she hated, not someone she thought lowly of, but was forced to look up to, not someone she was afraid of. "Oh? So why don't you come anymore?" She replied with much interest.
He laughed softly "My friend abandoned me. It's painful to come up here these nights alone. Reminds me of my friend." That was true. Perhaps it was time to move on with life, perhaps it was time to pull himself back to the present. Too long have he lived in the past.too long. Distantly, he heard her apologize, but his mind no longer dwelled upon the conversation.
This was the first time he brought a girl, besides her up here. This was the first time he looked into another girl's eyes with the same interest and respect. Speaking of which, he realized, for the first time, that upon the new girl's arrival...or rather discovery, he had spent little or no time at all, in dwelling in the sad, unspeakable past. And up here, all he had in his mind was her.until the conversation forced him to recall the past. There really was something special about her, there really was.
Suddenly, a hand waved itself in front of his eyes, breaking his thoughts, and the enchanting view. "Oh. Sorry, what did you say again?" He turned his pull attention back to the girl he was thinking about just now.
"Well I was just.okay never mind." Her voice trailed away, as she tore her deep blue eyes away from him, and retreated back to her sitting position. Neither talked for a while, but there was barely any tension. Kaoru really didn't expect *this* to happen. It's just, so unbelievable! She never really knew there was such a kind and gentle side of him. when she had her own eyes locked into his, all her previous doubts and suspicions evaporated, and she knew, she absolutely trusted this man, she truly believed that he did this with no desire.
Perhaps this was the naivety and innocence one gets for staying indoors for her entire life. But then again, perhaps it is this innocence and naivety that well draw her to other people, to form friendship, and even love.
"Hm. So do you have a name?" He asked, then quickly adding "Well I mean sometimes when I ask to see you I have to tell them 'that girl' and describe to them how you look like and all.." He stared at her expectantly.
Of course, he didn't tell her he wanted to know her name because she was always in his mind as 'that girl' or 'her' and that it was staring to get annoying; of course he didn't tell her everyone knew immediately who he was talking about when he ordered for 'that girl' or 'her'; of course he didn't tell her he didn't *sometimes* call for her, but *always* did.
"Hm." Kaoru thought for a second. "I'll tell you my name if you tell me yours." Of course 'King' wouldn't be his real name would it? Hearing no reply, she turned to look at him. "Well?"
Kenshin (omg I can finally call him kenshin!) sat there with a surprised look; no one ever called him by his name.except for Hiko.and her. But then again, it did seemed a fair deal, in exchanging names, didn't it? After all, he did admit, he didn't like this girl called him "Highness or majesty" Every second.or did he? But, He was a man with much authority! She should have some respect for him. His other side countered. And then, he decided to challenge her. "What if I won't tell you my name?" He smiled.
"Oh?" Kaoru smiled with the confidence she gained during the whole evening while dining and conversing with him. "Well then I guess I'll have to call you the name I silently gave you a few days ago"
Now Kenshin looked at her perplexed, though he doubt the name would be some good one, according to her attitude towards him.. "What would that be?" He questioned cocking an eyebrow.
Kaoru giggled lightly. Oh screw it if he was gonna threaten her with anything. "Well, actually there were a few names. The first one was your cold hearted idiotic highness." Without looking at her, she continued "And I think the second one was your cold hearted idiotic, conceited, arrogant highness.and then finally I think it was modified to your cold hearted idiotic, moronic, conceited, arrogant highness" She looked at the corner of her eye to see his reaction.
Kenshin on the other hand burst out laughing, he found it rather hilarious, no, not one but of him was offended by it, strangely. Perhaps it was because he was never disposed to such informality? Or was it because he's been living in the serious world for too long? Whatever it was, it certainly broke all the social differences between her and him (he still thinks she's a servant). at that instant. It was rather amazing how a mere servant girl can stir such feelings in him. No, it was no longer lust now, he sensed friendliness from her. Friendliness because she wasn't scared of him? No she was never scared of him from the beginning. But then maybe, because she never really showed her friendly side towards her, until now, he felt rather.special about it. It meant her friendliness towards him were genuine, unlike many others. "All of them are so long! If I must choose, then I'd rather you call me Himura Kenshin." He said between fits of laughter.
"Oh? Kenshin? Then I guess you can call me Kaoru" She smiled, both relieved and happy. happy? Yes because she made a new friend, which quite unbelievably was the man she so loathed. But then, she reminded herself, that was only before he truly met him, and before she saw the other side of him.
Little did Kaoru know that this wasn't the end. No it wasn't. It was the beginning. Tomorrow, her chain of disasters begins.
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White Seraph: hehehe next chapter kaoru dies?
Kenshin: nooooooo I dun want my dear kaoru to die
White Seraph: omg you stupid two timer! Just a second ago you were proclaiming your undying love for meeeeeeee! You..you infidel stupid poo poo pie!
Kenshin: whoa whoa wait hold on a sec! when did I say that?!
White Seraph: huh? You didn't? WHAT? I TAPED IT!! *replays*
-Replay-
Kenshin: Oh. Thank you White Seraph! I LOVE YOU!
White Seraph: oh really?! *batter eyelashes* SMOOOCH!
Kenshin: nooooooo I *smooch* didn't mean *smooch* it that *smooch* way! I . *smooch* mean.*smooch*.Friend.*smooch* loooove!! Ugh!
-end of replay-
White seraph: oh.( YOU DON'T LIKE ME! YOU STUPID POO HEAD! I HATE YOU!!! bats kenshin's head with a baseball bat.
*mom calling from behind*
White seraph: oh oops, gotta bounce! I'm going on vacation! Weeee and I don't care if I dump kenshin here
Kenshin: awww ( but you won't be able to update!
White Seraph: Well I'll update when I come back alright? Bye bye people :D:D
Once Upon a time: Chapter 16
by white seraph
**************************************************
Yumi stomped back into her own chamber, fuming with anger. She absolutely cannot accept it, cannot believe it cannot..this is absurd! His royal highness invited her over for dinner again! Just who the hell does she think she is?
It's not only about her plan being delayed; if that girl was to stay with his royal highness for one more night, God know what she'll do! Perhaps cast another spell and make herself queen? Oh she just cannot imagine anyone other than herself queen.
Tightly, she clutched the small bag of poison powder in her hands. She'll have this girl dead by tomorrow; definitely.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Kaoru put on the light lavender kimono Natsume chose for her. She had promised to dine with that royal arrogant jerk, only so he'd leave her alone. Somehow she trusted this man, when he said he let the actions a few nights ago repeat itself. And now she started to regret, as she reminded herself of all the horrible things that happened the night before. But a promise is a promise.
She said she'd go and so she would, and if he assaulted her in anyway, she'd beat the brains out of him with the new skills soujiro taught her. Yes she would. It was as if after all the turmoil she went through, the fear of him killing her sort of evaporated. Though she didn't know when exactly it happened, perhaps this idea was slowly instilled in her? But never mind.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
The dinner was rather boring, and quiet. The only sounds heard in the room was the clit and clat of the plates and utensils. Niether wanted to talk; Kaoru because she wanted to get out of the stifling hot room as soon as possible, and starting a conversation that won't go anywhere will only drag on the dinner. And really, she had nothing to talk to this man, who she hardly had any interest in.right?
And the king on the other hand didn't really want to talk because he wanted to finish this soon and quickly so he could show her something better. yes, this small room with waiters serving every corner was not the right place to start to acquaint with this one, no.
Taking a last sip of the wine, he got up and approached the other end of the table and bent to whispered something into her ears, and before waiting for her response, dragged her to the exit on the other side of the room that lead to his own sleeping chamber.
Kaoru, remembering this routine and what it had lead to last time, abruptly shook off from his grip "Hey! You promised me you won't hurt me!" She glared hard at him.
The redhead chuckled. Ahh so that was what she was thinking. "Well I didn't exactly say I wouldn't hurt you, did I? But nevermind, I gave you my word, now follow me!" He gentle took her hand into his whilst his fingers slowly intertwined between hers.
Kaoru was quite surprised by his subtle gentleness. But she shook it off quickly, this is a trick, don't fall for it; she reminded herself. "Well it doesn't look good to me!" She growled and extricated her small hand from his.
But he didn't reply, insteadhe put his hands firmly onto her shoulders and steered her towards the balcony. Prompting her, he gently pushed her forward towards the large balcony at the side of his room. "I'll show you something very beautiful." He whispered lowly into her ears from behind, sending shivers down her spine.
And indeed, true to his words, Kaoru was awed by the sight.This was indeed an astonishing view, the hundreds of thousands of stars that sparkled in the sky decorating the black carpet with it's brightness, and the crescent moon, that was so bright, almost silvery white. And the whole view was reflected and seen in the large, black mirror of the garden's central lake.
A gust of cold wind scraped across her face and Kaoru huddled herself to conserve some warmth. Suddenly, she felt a pair of strong arms wrapping itself around her waist and pulling her back towards his warm body. Kaoru who was never disposed to such intimacy towards any man, save the night before yesterday, was rather surprised and embaressed. However, She didn't feel assaulted, nor did she feel frightened, no, not one bit. Instead she felt safe. Yes. Very ironic. Safe in the arms of the tyrant everyone feared. "It's really a sight." She mused.
"Yes, it is." He nodded in agreement, though he was referring to her, not the reflection of the sky. For some reason, he had an urge to satisfy her, to have her happy. Perhaps it was because of her constant disapproval towards him.but nevertheless, it made him content to see her smile, for once. "Come, little one." He told her, suddenly remembering a better place. He tightened his grip around her waist and jumped up to the roof of the castle with her.
Knowledge soon dawned upon Kaoru when she realized she was no longer standing on something firm. Her arms involuntarily found its way around the king's neck. "D..Don't let go!"
"Don't worry" He replied reassuringly "I'm just taking you to the roof of the castle" And true to his words, he loosened his grip around her to assure her she won't fall.
Kaoru sat down on the cold clobbers, and pulled her head up. So this was the true view the lake reflected. It was much prettier seeing the real landscape rather than the reflection of it in the natural mirror. The canvas unlike the one below, did not ebb at the edges, no, the carpet of stars stretched across the black skies. Lost in the cosmic landscape, Kaoru didn't realize her company who took here, lowered himself as he adjusted himself into a comfortable spot next to her.
"You know, I used to come here every night, when I was young, and my friend would point out all the astrologic stars." He spoke nonchalantly.
Kaoru snapped out of her trance, and for once, she treated him like an equal, not someone she hated, not someone she thought lowly of, but was forced to look up to, not someone she was afraid of. "Oh? So why don't you come anymore?" She replied with much interest.
He laughed softly "My friend abandoned me. It's painful to come up here these nights alone. Reminds me of my friend." That was true. Perhaps it was time to move on with life, perhaps it was time to pull himself back to the present. Too long have he lived in the past.too long. Distantly, he heard her apologize, but his mind no longer dwelled upon the conversation.
This was the first time he brought a girl, besides her up here. This was the first time he looked into another girl's eyes with the same interest and respect. Speaking of which, he realized, for the first time, that upon the new girl's arrival...or rather discovery, he had spent little or no time at all, in dwelling in the sad, unspeakable past. And up here, all he had in his mind was her.until the conversation forced him to recall the past. There really was something special about her, there really was.
Suddenly, a hand waved itself in front of his eyes, breaking his thoughts, and the enchanting view. "Oh. Sorry, what did you say again?" He turned his pull attention back to the girl he was thinking about just now.
"Well I was just.okay never mind." Her voice trailed away, as she tore her deep blue eyes away from him, and retreated back to her sitting position. Neither talked for a while, but there was barely any tension. Kaoru really didn't expect *this* to happen. It's just, so unbelievable! She never really knew there was such a kind and gentle side of him. when she had her own eyes locked into his, all her previous doubts and suspicions evaporated, and she knew, she absolutely trusted this man, she truly believed that he did this with no desire.
Perhaps this was the naivety and innocence one gets for staying indoors for her entire life. But then again, perhaps it is this innocence and naivety that well draw her to other people, to form friendship, and even love.
"Hm. So do you have a name?" He asked, then quickly adding "Well I mean sometimes when I ask to see you I have to tell them 'that girl' and describe to them how you look like and all.." He stared at her expectantly.
Of course, he didn't tell her he wanted to know her name because she was always in his mind as 'that girl' or 'her' and that it was staring to get annoying; of course he didn't tell her everyone knew immediately who he was talking about when he ordered for 'that girl' or 'her'; of course he didn't tell her he didn't *sometimes* call for her, but *always* did.
"Hm." Kaoru thought for a second. "I'll tell you my name if you tell me yours." Of course 'King' wouldn't be his real name would it? Hearing no reply, she turned to look at him. "Well?"
Kenshin (omg I can finally call him kenshin!) sat there with a surprised look; no one ever called him by his name.except for Hiko.and her. But then again, it did seemed a fair deal, in exchanging names, didn't it? After all, he did admit, he didn't like this girl called him "Highness or majesty" Every second.or did he? But, He was a man with much authority! She should have some respect for him. His other side countered. And then, he decided to challenge her. "What if I won't tell you my name?" He smiled.
"Oh?" Kaoru smiled with the confidence she gained during the whole evening while dining and conversing with him. "Well then I guess I'll have to call you the name I silently gave you a few days ago"
Now Kenshin looked at her perplexed, though he doubt the name would be some good one, according to her attitude towards him.. "What would that be?" He questioned cocking an eyebrow.
Kaoru giggled lightly. Oh screw it if he was gonna threaten her with anything. "Well, actually there were a few names. The first one was your cold hearted idiotic highness." Without looking at her, she continued "And I think the second one was your cold hearted idiotic, conceited, arrogant highness.and then finally I think it was modified to your cold hearted idiotic, moronic, conceited, arrogant highness" She looked at the corner of her eye to see his reaction.
Kenshin on the other hand burst out laughing, he found it rather hilarious, no, not one but of him was offended by it, strangely. Perhaps it was because he was never disposed to such informality? Or was it because he's been living in the serious world for too long? Whatever it was, it certainly broke all the social differences between her and him (he still thinks she's a servant). at that instant. It was rather amazing how a mere servant girl can stir such feelings in him. No, it was no longer lust now, he sensed friendliness from her. Friendliness because she wasn't scared of him? No she was never scared of him from the beginning. But then maybe, because she never really showed her friendly side towards her, until now, he felt rather.special about it. It meant her friendliness towards him were genuine, unlike many others. "All of them are so long! If I must choose, then I'd rather you call me Himura Kenshin." He said between fits of laughter.
"Oh? Kenshin? Then I guess you can call me Kaoru" She smiled, both relieved and happy. happy? Yes because she made a new friend, which quite unbelievably was the man she so loathed. But then, she reminded herself, that was only before he truly met him, and before she saw the other side of him.
Little did Kaoru know that this wasn't the end. No it wasn't. It was the beginning. Tomorrow, her chain of disasters begins.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
White Seraph: hehehe next chapter kaoru dies?
Kenshin: nooooooo I dun want my dear kaoru to die
White Seraph: omg you stupid two timer! Just a second ago you were proclaiming your undying love for meeeeeeee! You..you infidel stupid poo poo pie!
Kenshin: whoa whoa wait hold on a sec! when did I say that?!
White Seraph: huh? You didn't? WHAT? I TAPED IT!! *replays*
-Replay-
Kenshin: Oh. Thank you White Seraph! I LOVE YOU!
White Seraph: oh really?! *batter eyelashes* SMOOOCH!
Kenshin: nooooooo I *smooch* didn't mean *smooch* it that *smooch* way! I . *smooch* mean.*smooch*.Friend.*smooch* loooove!! Ugh!
-end of replay-
White seraph: oh.( YOU DON'T LIKE ME! YOU STUPID POO HEAD! I HATE YOU!!! bats kenshin's head with a baseball bat.
*mom calling from behind*
White seraph: oh oops, gotta bounce! I'm going on vacation! Weeee and I don't care if I dump kenshin here
Kenshin: awww ( but you won't be able to update!
White Seraph: Well I'll update when I come back alright? Bye bye people :D:D