~An American Miko~
Court & More Sleep Chapter Thirty
Myst woke slowly. 'Mmm. warm. So nice.' She opened her eyes and smiled at what she saw. 'A year of waking up to that beautiful face and still I never get tired of it.' She continued to watch her dear husband's sleeping face with a silent smile, until she felt a soft hand moving gently up and down her side.
Myst shifted slightly and her "pillow" whispered, "Myst? Are you awake?"
Myst nodded slightly and ran a finger lovingly down the center of Nuriko's bare chest. She tilted her head back to look up at him. She whispered as well so as not to wake the sleeping man opposite of her. "Yeah, I'm awake. Around what time do you think it is?"
"Almost noon I think. Chichiri already came in once to check on us. The advisors were worried that His Majesty, nor you had been seen at all today."
Myst nodded again. "I can see why. He almost never sleeps this late. What time did he come to bed last night? Do you know?"
Nuriko nodded and shifted his legs a little. "He actually came in early this morning. He said he didn't want to stop looking over the exams until he found something."
Myst frowned a little. She reached a hand over and brushed some of the hair out of Hotohori's peaceful face. "Oh my dear, dear love. No wonder you're still asleep."
Hotohori mumbled something in his sleep and cuddled his face further against Nuriko's warm chest.
Myst smiled. "He is so beautiful. So much more than in just the body. Nuriko, I love him so much. So mush more than anything I've ever loved."
Nuriko kissed her head and rubbed her arm. "He feels the same for you. The times he and I have talked alone, he can't keep off the subject of how much he loves you and how very special you are. Of how much better you are at being an Empress and judging fairly and loving the people than anything he could have ever asked or hoped for. He just can't atop talking about you."
"Does he really talk about me that much?"
"He does."
Myst yawned quietly and stretched a little. "Well, the country wont run itself. If I remebe4r right there are a great many things that needed to be looked over and handled today. I may be Suzaku no Miko, but I'm also Empress. Why don't you stay here and let him sleep. He looks like he really needs it."
Nuriko nodded as Myst climbed over them, careful not to wake Hotohori up. Nuriko watched as she walked naked over to her personal wardrobe. She opened it and pulled out a wide, long, cream-colored band of cloth, which she wrapped tightly around her voluptuous, baby increased, breasts.
Myst muttered to herself as she tucked the end of the breast-band. "Maybe I should speak with the seamstresses about making bras. Nah!" She pulled out the rest of the bright colored, elaborate robes she would be wearing that day, and donned them with practiced ease. He slipped on comfortable, crimson embroidered slippers and walked over to the vanity. She reached under the vanity and opened the chest that was stored there. She selected one of the beautiful gold, ivory, and jeweled headdresses and stood to weave her long golden hair into an elaborate style through the headdress, securing it to her head. She put on some jewelry and a touch of makeup for the finishing touches.
Finally she tucked her hands into the enormous flowing sleeves as was a customary pose for that world and turned to look back at the bed. She walked over and leaned down to whisper, "How do I look?"
Nuriko smiled, "Very imperial."
Myst chuckled and kissed his forehead. She reached down and pulled the blankets up to cover Hotohori's shoulder before sweeping the long dark hair out of his face and gently kissing his cheek. She whispered, "Sleep well my lover." With that she smiled and turned to leave.
Outside after the door had closed she faced one of the guards on duty. "No one is to come in here and disturb His Majesty while he is asleep. They will come to me if they must."
The guard nodded at attention. "Yes Empress!"
Myst nodded. "Thank you." With that she walked along her and Hotohori's personal halls until she arrived at the outside entrance to them. She opened the doors to see four of her purple clad handmaidens gathered by the railing talking while they waited for her to emerge as she usually did.
They saw her and gathered around as Gyu, the ringleader and most outspoken said, "Highness! When no one had seen you we started to get worried."
Myst smiled. "Don't worry Gyu. I just needed some more sleep is all. Chichiri was here this morning. You should have asked him or one of the other seishi."
They all muttered, "Ohs" and "I sees." Gyu spoke again. "Will you be wanting us by your side today Empress?"
Myst smiled lovingly at them. "If you so wish, then you may accompany me. I am letting His Majesty rest some more since he was up rather late last night. I will be sitting in for him at court while he sleeps."
The handmaidens giggled and sighed with stars in their eyes. They loved hearing Myst talk about Hotohori. They thought it was. "so romantic".
Myst turned and they flanked her as she walked down the walkway. When they arrived at the main hall where the throne-room was, they walked through one of the side doors. As soon as the doors opened, Myst frowned at what she heard.
It sounded like the Seneschal was having a hard time with a difficult noble who was here for an audience. "Do you know who I am? I came to see the Emperor! My business is with the ruler of this country, not one of his cronies! I will see him immediately!"
"Sir, I've already told you. Tell me your business. The Emperor is."
"Indisposed at the moment and he will not be disturbed until he is ready." Myst interrupted with a loud, calm, regal voice very much befitting of her position and speaking greatly of her intelligence and competence. She walked, with her hands still tucked in front of her to the front of the dais where the seneschal was standing. "Good afternoon Seneschal."
The aging man smiled gratefully and followed Myst up the steps of the dais since he and other servants were only allowed on it while either Myst or Hotohori were there. "Good afternoon Empress. Will you be sitting in for His Majesty then? I hope he is well."
Myst nodded as she settled herself regally in her throne as her handmaidens organized themselves behind the throne in their places. "He is quite well. Now, what seems to be the problem Seneschal?"
The man at the foot of the dais started talking. "This bearded fool."
Myst raised her voice a little. "I was not speaking to you sir. The last time I checked, you were not the Imperial Seneschal. You will wait silently until you are addressed and when you are you will keep a respectful tongue in that head of yours. Now Seneschal, what seems to be the problem?"
The Seneschal, who was standing at his place to the side of the throne bowed and said, "This nobleman would not relate to me the matter which he wished to discuss, saying he would speak to none but the Emperor himself. I told him that I had been given the power of decision for most cases while the Emperor was not present and would also make a full report to you and the Emperor, but if the matter was one in which needed His Majesty's decision, that I would fetch or ask him. He would still not tell me the reason stating that that was unacceptable, so I of course would not disturb you or His Majesty for it."
Myst nodded and continued to look at the nobleman. "You did the appropriate thing Seneschal. Thank you." Now she spoke to the nobleman. "Did he in fact tell you this?"
"Yes Empress, but."
Myst raised a hand. "No buts. they don't suit people like yourself. You are a guest here. You are lucky that the Seneschal is such a patient man. Now, I will hear your matter. What is it you come in our presence for this day?"
The man looked almost insulted. "This is a matter I must discuss with the Emperor. A woman could not possibly."
Myst's eyes flashed at the thought that she was not worthy because of her sex and she slammed her hand down on the arm of her throne. "Enough! I don't know who you think you are but."
The kneeling nobleman straitened his back and puffed his chest out. "I am Wei Fei Long, part of an old noble fam."
"Silence! How dare you interrupt me! I don't need to know your name to see that you are rude, pompous, and arrogant. My husband would never put up with rudeness like this and neither will I! You will leave here immediately without your case being heard Master Long! Next time you are here, if you are told that His Majesty is unavailable to speak with you then you will settle for what you get as it is just as good and will reach His Majesty. Be assured my husband will hear of this and neither he nor I forget. Remember, as Empress, I have full Imperial powers and the Emperor and I are of one mind. Now get out of my sight and out of my palace! You will not be allowed audience for another six months and consider yourself lucky I make the time that short."
The nobleman probably would have tried to say something else if two guards had not come up on either side of him to escort him off the palace grounds.
Myst sighed and smiled at one of the servants who had come to the side of the throne on the dais to fan her. When the doors had closed behind the pompous jerk, clapping sounded through the large throne-room. Myst looked up startled.
Hotohori stopped clapping and stepped out of the shadows to walk the rest of the way to the dais.
Myst stood as he climbed the steps. "I thought you would still be asleep."
Once at the top of the dais he took both of her hands in his and bent to kiss her cheek. "I was for a little while. When I awakened and found you gone I just couldn't go back to sleep. Nuriko went to the bathhouse. You don't have to sit in anymore. You may join him if you wish."
Myst shook her head and sat back down in her throne as Hotohori lowered himself into his. "No. That's all right. If you don't mind, I'd like to sit in court with you."
Hotohori smiled. "I don't mind at all. Your wisdom and insight is much welcome."
Myst touched his wrist gently. "By the way, how much of that last scene did you witness?"
Hotohori smiled and pretended to think for a moment. "I believe you had just said, 'pompous and arrogant' when I walked in. You will have to explain about that to me later."
Myst nodded and smiled at him with loving, sparkling eyes. "Of course my love."
They turned and sat strait and regally again as the next party was lead into the room.
*****
Later that day Myst again looked out of the corner of her eye at Hotohori as he tried to hide a huge yawn. They had been sitting there is court for almost five hours and quite frankly they were starting to wear down.
'Not to mention wearing the fat off my ass to the bone from sitting for so long. And if Hotohori yawns one more time.'
As if one cue with Myst's thoughts, Hotohori yawned again and this time when he stopped his eyes drooped. The only thing that stopped him from slouching in his throne was sheer training that had been hammered into him since he had been little.
Before the Seneschal could call in the next party, Myst raised a hand. The man came to the side of her throne and bowed slightly. "Yes Empress?"
Myst smiled at him. "We are tired my friend. We need food and rest and to take care of matters of Suzaku. Might we trouble you to take care of matters from here on out?"
The man smiled and bowed deeper. "It is no trouble Empress. Go take your leave now." He leaned closer with a smile and muttered, "Before His Majesty topples over."
Myst looked over and saw that Hotohori's eyes were almost shut and his head would go down slowly every once in a while, then would jerk up before doing it again. Myst smiled and patted the Seneschal's shoulder. "Thank you my friend." She rose and gently laid a hand on Hotohori's shoulder.
Hotohori jerked and stared up at her with wide blinking eyes.
Myst smiled and kissed his forehead. "Come Your Majesty. It's time for something to eat and a few hours nap."
Hotohori, still fighting sleep pointed out at the audience chamber that was empty except for guards, advisors, and servants. "But. audiences."
Myst shook her head. "The seneschal is handling the rest. Come now. You need more sleep my loving husband."
Hotohori didn't fight anymore as she pulled him out of his throne and too his feet and walked him down the dais.
The four handmaidens followed closely nearly tripping over themselves at "how cute" the scene was. Myst ignored them and tucked her arm around Hotohori's trim waist to guide him since he seemed to be perfecting the art of falling asleep while walking.
When they turned into their personal halls where the handmaidens were normally not allowed, Myst spoke to them over her shoulder. "I'll send for you ladies if I should need you later." With that she walked the rest of the way to the bedroom. One of the guards outside opened and shut the door for them with a quiet thank you from Myst.
In the room, Myst had Hotohori hold onto one of the bedposts to steady himself while she stripped him of his clothes. Once he was nude, she pulled back the blankets on the bed and had him sit. She pulled off his hair-box and gently combed her fingers through his long silk hair. Once that was done she loving laid him down and pulled the blankets up to his chin. She brushed his bangs out of his face as his eyes fluttered, still fighting to stay open. "I wonder why you're so tired. Either you're wearing yourself down so much that your body just said "hell no" and gave up, or you're getting sick. or both."
Myst shrugged and kissed his tender lips. "Oh well. Sleep now and we'll have Mitsukake check you out later."
With that final word, Hotohori gave up, his eyes closed. He sighed, and he was asleep by the next breath.
Myst smiled and let her own hair down. She walked over to the vanity and put the headdress back in the chest. She disrobed and walked back to the bed to snuggle in against her exhausted husband. She wrapped her arm around tightly around his waist and happily closed her eyes to join him in a nice long nap.
**********
A.N. YES! Yet another finished chapter! And this one was out sooner than I'd expected! I finally got some ideas to bridge the gaps between my better ideas!!! YAY! What this means exactly.. is that I might have more chapters out sooner!!! MIGHT! Well, keep looking for them ne?! Also, I once again want to thank Fiery Ice. Jamie! Thank you so much for keeping in touch! Your continued reviews and support are so greatly appreciated!!! Keep it up and keep up with your fic too! It's going great!!!! Also to Missy! I run off of your e-mails as well! To the rest of my reviews as well. Like I said, you guys are the reason this fic is still going! Do keep it up ne na no da?!?!?!!!!!!!!! Well, JA! Keep reading!!!!
~Celesta Hellewise Harman
Court & More Sleep Chapter Thirty
Myst woke slowly. 'Mmm. warm. So nice.' She opened her eyes and smiled at what she saw. 'A year of waking up to that beautiful face and still I never get tired of it.' She continued to watch her dear husband's sleeping face with a silent smile, until she felt a soft hand moving gently up and down her side.
Myst shifted slightly and her "pillow" whispered, "Myst? Are you awake?"
Myst nodded slightly and ran a finger lovingly down the center of Nuriko's bare chest. She tilted her head back to look up at him. She whispered as well so as not to wake the sleeping man opposite of her. "Yeah, I'm awake. Around what time do you think it is?"
"Almost noon I think. Chichiri already came in once to check on us. The advisors were worried that His Majesty, nor you had been seen at all today."
Myst nodded again. "I can see why. He almost never sleeps this late. What time did he come to bed last night? Do you know?"
Nuriko nodded and shifted his legs a little. "He actually came in early this morning. He said he didn't want to stop looking over the exams until he found something."
Myst frowned a little. She reached a hand over and brushed some of the hair out of Hotohori's peaceful face. "Oh my dear, dear love. No wonder you're still asleep."
Hotohori mumbled something in his sleep and cuddled his face further against Nuriko's warm chest.
Myst smiled. "He is so beautiful. So much more than in just the body. Nuriko, I love him so much. So mush more than anything I've ever loved."
Nuriko kissed her head and rubbed her arm. "He feels the same for you. The times he and I have talked alone, he can't keep off the subject of how much he loves you and how very special you are. Of how much better you are at being an Empress and judging fairly and loving the people than anything he could have ever asked or hoped for. He just can't atop talking about you."
"Does he really talk about me that much?"
"He does."
Myst yawned quietly and stretched a little. "Well, the country wont run itself. If I remebe4r right there are a great many things that needed to be looked over and handled today. I may be Suzaku no Miko, but I'm also Empress. Why don't you stay here and let him sleep. He looks like he really needs it."
Nuriko nodded as Myst climbed over them, careful not to wake Hotohori up. Nuriko watched as she walked naked over to her personal wardrobe. She opened it and pulled out a wide, long, cream-colored band of cloth, which she wrapped tightly around her voluptuous, baby increased, breasts.
Myst muttered to herself as she tucked the end of the breast-band. "Maybe I should speak with the seamstresses about making bras. Nah!" She pulled out the rest of the bright colored, elaborate robes she would be wearing that day, and donned them with practiced ease. He slipped on comfortable, crimson embroidered slippers and walked over to the vanity. She reached under the vanity and opened the chest that was stored there. She selected one of the beautiful gold, ivory, and jeweled headdresses and stood to weave her long golden hair into an elaborate style through the headdress, securing it to her head. She put on some jewelry and a touch of makeup for the finishing touches.
Finally she tucked her hands into the enormous flowing sleeves as was a customary pose for that world and turned to look back at the bed. She walked over and leaned down to whisper, "How do I look?"
Nuriko smiled, "Very imperial."
Myst chuckled and kissed his forehead. She reached down and pulled the blankets up to cover Hotohori's shoulder before sweeping the long dark hair out of his face and gently kissing his cheek. She whispered, "Sleep well my lover." With that she smiled and turned to leave.
Outside after the door had closed she faced one of the guards on duty. "No one is to come in here and disturb His Majesty while he is asleep. They will come to me if they must."
The guard nodded at attention. "Yes Empress!"
Myst nodded. "Thank you." With that she walked along her and Hotohori's personal halls until she arrived at the outside entrance to them. She opened the doors to see four of her purple clad handmaidens gathered by the railing talking while they waited for her to emerge as she usually did.
They saw her and gathered around as Gyu, the ringleader and most outspoken said, "Highness! When no one had seen you we started to get worried."
Myst smiled. "Don't worry Gyu. I just needed some more sleep is all. Chichiri was here this morning. You should have asked him or one of the other seishi."
They all muttered, "Ohs" and "I sees." Gyu spoke again. "Will you be wanting us by your side today Empress?"
Myst smiled lovingly at them. "If you so wish, then you may accompany me. I am letting His Majesty rest some more since he was up rather late last night. I will be sitting in for him at court while he sleeps."
The handmaidens giggled and sighed with stars in their eyes. They loved hearing Myst talk about Hotohori. They thought it was. "so romantic".
Myst turned and they flanked her as she walked down the walkway. When they arrived at the main hall where the throne-room was, they walked through one of the side doors. As soon as the doors opened, Myst frowned at what she heard.
It sounded like the Seneschal was having a hard time with a difficult noble who was here for an audience. "Do you know who I am? I came to see the Emperor! My business is with the ruler of this country, not one of his cronies! I will see him immediately!"
"Sir, I've already told you. Tell me your business. The Emperor is."
"Indisposed at the moment and he will not be disturbed until he is ready." Myst interrupted with a loud, calm, regal voice very much befitting of her position and speaking greatly of her intelligence and competence. She walked, with her hands still tucked in front of her to the front of the dais where the seneschal was standing. "Good afternoon Seneschal."
The aging man smiled gratefully and followed Myst up the steps of the dais since he and other servants were only allowed on it while either Myst or Hotohori were there. "Good afternoon Empress. Will you be sitting in for His Majesty then? I hope he is well."
Myst nodded as she settled herself regally in her throne as her handmaidens organized themselves behind the throne in their places. "He is quite well. Now, what seems to be the problem Seneschal?"
The man at the foot of the dais started talking. "This bearded fool."
Myst raised her voice a little. "I was not speaking to you sir. The last time I checked, you were not the Imperial Seneschal. You will wait silently until you are addressed and when you are you will keep a respectful tongue in that head of yours. Now Seneschal, what seems to be the problem?"
The Seneschal, who was standing at his place to the side of the throne bowed and said, "This nobleman would not relate to me the matter which he wished to discuss, saying he would speak to none but the Emperor himself. I told him that I had been given the power of decision for most cases while the Emperor was not present and would also make a full report to you and the Emperor, but if the matter was one in which needed His Majesty's decision, that I would fetch or ask him. He would still not tell me the reason stating that that was unacceptable, so I of course would not disturb you or His Majesty for it."
Myst nodded and continued to look at the nobleman. "You did the appropriate thing Seneschal. Thank you." Now she spoke to the nobleman. "Did he in fact tell you this?"
"Yes Empress, but."
Myst raised a hand. "No buts. they don't suit people like yourself. You are a guest here. You are lucky that the Seneschal is such a patient man. Now, I will hear your matter. What is it you come in our presence for this day?"
The man looked almost insulted. "This is a matter I must discuss with the Emperor. A woman could not possibly."
Myst's eyes flashed at the thought that she was not worthy because of her sex and she slammed her hand down on the arm of her throne. "Enough! I don't know who you think you are but."
The kneeling nobleman straitened his back and puffed his chest out. "I am Wei Fei Long, part of an old noble fam."
"Silence! How dare you interrupt me! I don't need to know your name to see that you are rude, pompous, and arrogant. My husband would never put up with rudeness like this and neither will I! You will leave here immediately without your case being heard Master Long! Next time you are here, if you are told that His Majesty is unavailable to speak with you then you will settle for what you get as it is just as good and will reach His Majesty. Be assured my husband will hear of this and neither he nor I forget. Remember, as Empress, I have full Imperial powers and the Emperor and I are of one mind. Now get out of my sight and out of my palace! You will not be allowed audience for another six months and consider yourself lucky I make the time that short."
The nobleman probably would have tried to say something else if two guards had not come up on either side of him to escort him off the palace grounds.
Myst sighed and smiled at one of the servants who had come to the side of the throne on the dais to fan her. When the doors had closed behind the pompous jerk, clapping sounded through the large throne-room. Myst looked up startled.
Hotohori stopped clapping and stepped out of the shadows to walk the rest of the way to the dais.
Myst stood as he climbed the steps. "I thought you would still be asleep."
Once at the top of the dais he took both of her hands in his and bent to kiss her cheek. "I was for a little while. When I awakened and found you gone I just couldn't go back to sleep. Nuriko went to the bathhouse. You don't have to sit in anymore. You may join him if you wish."
Myst shook her head and sat back down in her throne as Hotohori lowered himself into his. "No. That's all right. If you don't mind, I'd like to sit in court with you."
Hotohori smiled. "I don't mind at all. Your wisdom and insight is much welcome."
Myst touched his wrist gently. "By the way, how much of that last scene did you witness?"
Hotohori smiled and pretended to think for a moment. "I believe you had just said, 'pompous and arrogant' when I walked in. You will have to explain about that to me later."
Myst nodded and smiled at him with loving, sparkling eyes. "Of course my love."
They turned and sat strait and regally again as the next party was lead into the room.
*****
Later that day Myst again looked out of the corner of her eye at Hotohori as he tried to hide a huge yawn. They had been sitting there is court for almost five hours and quite frankly they were starting to wear down.
'Not to mention wearing the fat off my ass to the bone from sitting for so long. And if Hotohori yawns one more time.'
As if one cue with Myst's thoughts, Hotohori yawned again and this time when he stopped his eyes drooped. The only thing that stopped him from slouching in his throne was sheer training that had been hammered into him since he had been little.
Before the Seneschal could call in the next party, Myst raised a hand. The man came to the side of her throne and bowed slightly. "Yes Empress?"
Myst smiled at him. "We are tired my friend. We need food and rest and to take care of matters of Suzaku. Might we trouble you to take care of matters from here on out?"
The man smiled and bowed deeper. "It is no trouble Empress. Go take your leave now." He leaned closer with a smile and muttered, "Before His Majesty topples over."
Myst looked over and saw that Hotohori's eyes were almost shut and his head would go down slowly every once in a while, then would jerk up before doing it again. Myst smiled and patted the Seneschal's shoulder. "Thank you my friend." She rose and gently laid a hand on Hotohori's shoulder.
Hotohori jerked and stared up at her with wide blinking eyes.
Myst smiled and kissed his forehead. "Come Your Majesty. It's time for something to eat and a few hours nap."
Hotohori, still fighting sleep pointed out at the audience chamber that was empty except for guards, advisors, and servants. "But. audiences."
Myst shook her head. "The seneschal is handling the rest. Come now. You need more sleep my loving husband."
Hotohori didn't fight anymore as she pulled him out of his throne and too his feet and walked him down the dais.
The four handmaidens followed closely nearly tripping over themselves at "how cute" the scene was. Myst ignored them and tucked her arm around Hotohori's trim waist to guide him since he seemed to be perfecting the art of falling asleep while walking.
When they turned into their personal halls where the handmaidens were normally not allowed, Myst spoke to them over her shoulder. "I'll send for you ladies if I should need you later." With that she walked the rest of the way to the bedroom. One of the guards outside opened and shut the door for them with a quiet thank you from Myst.
In the room, Myst had Hotohori hold onto one of the bedposts to steady himself while she stripped him of his clothes. Once he was nude, she pulled back the blankets on the bed and had him sit. She pulled off his hair-box and gently combed her fingers through his long silk hair. Once that was done she loving laid him down and pulled the blankets up to his chin. She brushed his bangs out of his face as his eyes fluttered, still fighting to stay open. "I wonder why you're so tired. Either you're wearing yourself down so much that your body just said "hell no" and gave up, or you're getting sick. or both."
Myst shrugged and kissed his tender lips. "Oh well. Sleep now and we'll have Mitsukake check you out later."
With that final word, Hotohori gave up, his eyes closed. He sighed, and he was asleep by the next breath.
Myst smiled and let her own hair down. She walked over to the vanity and put the headdress back in the chest. She disrobed and walked back to the bed to snuggle in against her exhausted husband. She wrapped her arm around tightly around his waist and happily closed her eyes to join him in a nice long nap.
**********
A.N. YES! Yet another finished chapter! And this one was out sooner than I'd expected! I finally got some ideas to bridge the gaps between my better ideas!!! YAY! What this means exactly.. is that I might have more chapters out sooner!!! MIGHT! Well, keep looking for them ne?! Also, I once again want to thank Fiery Ice. Jamie! Thank you so much for keeping in touch! Your continued reviews and support are so greatly appreciated!!! Keep it up and keep up with your fic too! It's going great!!!! Also to Missy! I run off of your e-mails as well! To the rest of my reviews as well. Like I said, you guys are the reason this fic is still going! Do keep it up ne na no da?!?!?!!!!!!!!! Well, JA! Keep reading!!!!
~Celesta Hellewise Harman