Warning: Au, pseudo-Historical Romance, Ran/Ken.
Author's Note: Here's the next Chappy! I'm afraid some people maybe disappointed, but I guess I'll wait and see. Please Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Weis belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss. Me just having fun!
Tell Him That it Wasn't Love
Chapter Six
Ken stopped his mad flight just outside the front entrance of the house. He took in huge gulps of air and tried to calm his racing heart. He'd heard Omi's call, but he didn't care about the pole. All there was now was an emptiness where there had been warmth and safety.
Placing a hand to his heart he leaned against the wall of the manor. What was this feeling? This emptiness? Why was it all he wanted was to be back on that horse, wrapped in those arms? That deep voice softly saying his name in his ear. Ran's breath gently brushing against his hair.
Ken stopped his thoughts with a shudder. He could feel that his face was flushed and there was a fluttering in his stomach. He was tingling in unmentionable areas.
He wrenched himself away from the wall and shook off the feelings. They didn't matter anyway. Ran and the others were gone. Although they may return in a years time Ken was sure he wouldn't see them. His stepfather would see to it that he was either too busy for leisure time or absent. It wouldn't be the first time he'd sent Ken off on an errand into some remote corner of the estate.
Thoughts of his stepfather brought him back to reality. He'd been effectively missing for three days, and he doubted it had gone unnoticed. Sighing he resigned himself and quietly entered the house. Molly caught him as he was heading downstairs and fearfully informed him of his stepfather's summons.
Ken made his way to Sir's study. He knew he would be beaten, it just remained to be seen how severely. What he had told Ran was true, most of the time it wasn't bad. In fact, he couldn't even say he was afraid of his stepfather. Mostly the beatings just made him feel angry and humiliated. Sir had told him once that their "discussions" were for his own good, so he would more readily remember the lesson he had learned. Ken didn't think it would be wise to mention that in his experience that idea didn't hold water. Once he'd tried it out on a dog they'd had. All he'd gotten for his trouble was bitten, and a lecture from Mrs. Hudson. It was her opinion that the beatings he received were unnecessary, cruel, and served no useful purpose. She'd told him Sir was wrong, and she'd made him promise never to follow his stepfather's example. She'd even made him apologize to the dog, and put the dog in his care after that. It had taken a long while, but eventually the dog had learned to trust him again.
Ken stopped before the closed doors of the study. He shook his head and brought himself back to the present. Straightening his shoulders he knocked.
"Come in."
Ken opened the door and walked in. Sir was seated behind his desk reading some papers. He looked up and fixed Ken with a cold stare.
"Ah, so you have returned," Sir's voice was as cold as his eyes. "Close the door."
Ken closed the door and waited for instructions. He knew the routine. He had to wait to be told what to do.
"Come here."
He moved to stand before the desk, his back straight, his chin level. Eye contact must be maintained so Sir would know he wasn't lying. His stepfather looked at him for a long moment, his eyes narrowing.
"Before you begin with your excuses I think you should know that I have a pretty good idea what you've been up to," he said.
Ken's eyes widened involuntarily.
"Oh, yes. You are at that age after all, and there are some very pretty girls in the village. Every boy goes through this, Ken. Why I myself had a few dalliances in my youth before my own father put me right. Shall I tell you what he told me?"
Sir held him with his cold eyes and Ken nodded, confused.
"No bastards," he breathed. "No bastards ruining our good stock."
Ken felt his face heat up. He'd never met any of the village girls let alone...the very thought mortified him.
"Now I realize what it means to be young, but you will learn restraint. Is that clear?"
Ken nodded again, cheeks burning.
"Good. We shall not discuss this again. Unfortunately the worse transgression is that you enticed the staff into lying for you. That, I'm afraid, is quite unforgivable."
Sir looked at the papers before him and Ken waited for him to continue. After a few minutes he began to fidget. Why didn't Sir just get it over with? Why was he delaying? His stepfather shuffled the papers and set them into one of the drawers of his desk.
"No, lying is quite unforgivable. I'm afraid that you have no idea just how serious this is, Ken," his stepfather said nailing him with his eyes once again. "There can only be one master here, and that master is me. Do you understand that? Now I shall ask you...where have you been?"
Ken knew he was in trouble. He'd never seen his stepfather like this before. And he knew he couldn't lie successfully, but the truth...the truth wouldn't be believed. He gulped.
"F-fishing, Sir."
Sir's cold eyes darkened. "Fishing?"
"Y-yes, Sir."
Sir Sneller eyes raked over Ken trying to find the evidence that the boy was lying, but although nervous the boy kept his eyes straight ahead and his chin high. Sir Sneller scowled.
"I shall ask again," he said, his voice sinking to just above a whisper. "Where have you been?"
Ken steeled his jaw. "Fishing, Sir."
His stepfather shot up out of his chair and slapped the surface of the desk with a riding crop. Ken jumped in surprise at the loud sound and the violence of the action.
"You dare lie to me, boy?!" Sir Sneller bellowed. "Where have you been?!"
Ken shook his head helplessly. For the first time in years he felt truly afraid of the man before him. The terror of the first "discussions" came back to him. He fought the urge to flee, and stood his ground.
"I've been fishing, Sir. I swear it."
So swiftly he couldn't react, his stepfather came around the desk and struck him across the face with his hand. Ken's ears exploded with the sound and he saw stars. Before he could attempt to get away fingers closed around his throat and lifted him almost off his feet. Sir leaned threateningly into his face.
"You little whelp. Is this what it comes to? Is this how you repay all I've done for you? Lying to my face?! Inciting the servants to lie for you?! How dare you?!"
Ken choked and gasped for air. He clawed at Sir's hand, struggling to be free. His vision was fading and there was a ringing in his ears.
"You shall learn respect, boy!"
His stepfather released his throat. Ken dropped to his feet and staggered, gulping air. However, he didn't have time to recover as Sir grabbed his arm to hold him in place and raised the riding crop. At that moment the study doors were thrown open with a loud bang.
"Stay your hand, Sir!" Prince Yohji's voice boomed across the small space of the study shocking Sir Sneller into stillness.
Yohji stood just inside the threshold of the doorway. His eyes alight with an angry fire. He had one arm thrown out sideways across the path of his cousin. Ran's face was as red as his hair and he had murder in his eyes. His sword was drawn and held at the ready. If not for Yohji's prevention Sir Sneller would be dead.
"Remove your hand, Sir, and step away," the Prince stated with authority.
Sir Sneller had gone pale. He released Ken's arm and lowered the riding crop. He took a shaky step backwards, and before Ken's eyes he seemed to shrink.
"Master Ken! Master Ken are you all right?!" Molly was suddenly at his side gripping his arm. "I'm sorry, Master Ken. I had to let them in. I was afraid he would kill you!"
He looked at her blankly, still a bit unfocused. Suddenly there were hands on his shoulders guiding him into a chair and a deep voice commanding him to sit. He sat and Molly left after tea and brandy as the voice suggested. Purple eyes filled with concern appeared before him and he sank into them.
"Ran?"
"Yes, Ken. Are you all right?" Gentle fingers brushed along his stinging cheek.
Ken came back to himself in a rush. He nodded and looked up at his stepfather. The man stood beside his desk. He looked shocked and defeated. Prince Yohji stood next to him, and turned from Ran and Ken to face the taller man.
"Sir, is it true that this young man is in fact John Hidaka, my cousin and nephew to the King?" he asked.
Sir Sneller nodded dumbly.
"Sir, in the name of the King I must insist that you hand over the keys to this house, as well as all papers pertaining to this estate, Ken, and his inheritance."
Again Sir Sneller nodded. He pulled a ring of keys from his pocket and handed them to the Prince.
"Your papers, Sir?"
"In the safe and the desk," he said quietly motioning at the desk and the small safe behind it.
"Open it, Sir."
Sir Sneller moved around the desk and bent to the safe. Ken could hardly believe his eyes. Why was his stepfather doing everything that Yohji asked? Surely he knew his position was secure for another five years. What was happening here?
The safe opened with a snap. Sir Sneller stepped back and Yohji fixed him with a cold stare.
"Sir, I must request that you remain on these premises until this matter may be examined thoroughly. My cousin shall escort you to your rooms where you shall await your fate. I must advise caution on your part. My cousin is a master swordsman and I believe he would gladly take your head. Lord Fujimiya, if you please?"
Ran stood up from his position next to Ken and glowered at Sir Sneller. "After you," he growled. His voice so low it made Ken shiver.
His stepfather moved past him and left the room without once meeting his eyes. Ken watched after them for a moment before turning back to Yohji. The Prince was seated at his stepfather's desk scribbling quickly with a quill across a sheet of paper. Ken's eyes fastened on the ring of keys dropped haphazardly near the edge of the desk.
"Omi!" Yohji called loudly.
"Yes, Sir!" Omi cried although he was standing just a short distance away near the door.
Yohji took a moment to glare at him, but Omi only smiled in response.
"I want you to take this note to the inn and pay our tab. tell them someone will be by in the morning to collect our things," the Prince said. He handed over the first note after sealing it with wax, and pulled a fistful of banknotes from his pocket handing them over as well. Grabbing another sheet of paper he began scribbling again.
"I take it you're now writing the King for use of the authority you've already invoked?" Omi asked with a smirk.
"Indeed. As well as the use of one of his solicitors. Hargrave, if you can get him. He is less inclined to speak endlessly about nothing than his fellows." Yohji handed over the second note. "Off you go. I'll look for you in four days time."
"Right. Ken?" The young servant blinked at the empty chair which had been occupied by his friend moments before. "Now where has he gone off to?"
"You might try the library."
Yohji and Omi turned at the sound of the voice. In the doorway stood the young woman with mouse-brown hair.
"Omi, off with you. This can not wait," Yohji said.
Omi bowed to him and the lady then dashed out the door. Yohji folded his hands on the desk.
"Your name is Caroline, is it not?"
"That is correct, your Highness."
"I seem to recall your rather abrupt departure from our tea four days ago."
"Correct again, your Highness."
"And I believe it was you who sent the serving girl, Molly, to us in the roadway."
"Yes."
"Why didn't you just tell us?" Yohji asked, his voice little more than a whisper.
"I couldn't. Ken doesn't inherit for five more years. Until then my father is in complete control of the estate. I didn't want to make Ken's life harder than it already is. I hoped that you two would get to know each other so he would have someone to turn to once he's twenty-one." She stopped speaking and sighed heavily. "Pa-pa makes things so difficult for him. I've never understood why. But he's always made it very clear that should Ken cross him in any way he'll send the staff, and possibly even me, away. We have been his only allies here. Now I don't know what will happen."
Yohji sat for a moment in thoughtful silence before rising and moving toward the door.
"Do not worry, Miss Caroline. All will be well, I promise. Now, show me where the library is."
* * *
Ran made his way back downstairs after securing Sir Sneller in his rooms. As he moved along the hall toward the study he noticed a door ajar that had been closed before. Upon closer inspection he found the ring of keys Sir Sneller had given Yohji dangling from the lock. Gently Ran pushed on the door until it slowly swung open. The room was a library. Its walls covered in shelves full of books. The room smelled musty and unused, all the furniture covered in sheets.
Ran moved a little further in and turned toward the single source of light in the room. A candle set on the mantle above the fireplace at one end. Ken stood before it staring up at a large portrait of a young woman. She was dressed in a somewhat outdated manner, but she smiled openly and sweetly at the artist who had rendered her. She appeared to be seated with an open book in her hand. Ran studied her face. A face he'd become all too familiar with.
"Why didn't I see it?" Yohji's voice asked softly from beside him.
"I should talk to him," said a soft feminine voice. Ran looked down to discover Sir Sneller's youngest daughter beside them.
"Please, let me," said Yohji. He moved into the room and strode softly to stand beside the young man he now knew to be his cousin. Ken didn't acknowledge his presence, but continued to stare up at the portrait of his mother. "Such a sweet face," the Prince said quietly. "How is it I can see her so clearly now in my memory? I can see her laughing eyes and hear her voice. My mother's favorite sister."
"I can barely remember her," Ken said.
"I'm sorry, Ken."
Ken blinked and turned to look up at Yohji. The Prince was looking solemnly back at him.
"I can see her so clearly now, but I failed to see her when I looked at you."
Ken gulped. There was a suspicious lump in his throat and his eyes were starting to burn.
"Is it true?" he asked the Prince. "You're really my cousin?"
"Its true," Yohji smiled.
Ken tried to smile, but his face crumbled. The Prince pulled him into an embrace and held him tightly. He tried not to cry but was thoroughly unsuccessful. The excitement and stress of the last three days along with the startling events of the last hour combined to overwhelm him. Everything he had known in his life was over, and everything he had expected had changed. He felt lost and alone.
"Its all right, Ken. You're not alone. Everything will be fine, you'll see," Yohji said quietly. "We're here now. No one can hurt you. You can trust us."
Ken sniffed loudly and pulled away, wiping fiercely at his eyes.
"Are you sure I can trust you?" he asked. Yohji just blinked down at him. "Weren't you the one who put dirt in my hair and tried to make me eat worms?"
The Prince balked then threw back his head and laughed heartily. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Why, yes, I believe that was me," he chuckled.
Ken laughed a small laugh and continued to rub his eyes. Yohji rested a hand on the top of his younger cousin's head.
"I think its been a long day and a warm bed is sounding very inviting. What say you, Cousin Ken?"
Ken's smile broadened. He nodded and they turned toward the door where Ran and Caroline still stood. Caroline dashed forward and threw her arms around Ken, enveloping him in a hug.
"See, little brother? I told you they wouldn't fail you," she said.
Ken smiled and peeked over her shoulder at Ran. There was a warm light in his purple eyes. Their eyes met and locked. Ken's heart sang. He wouldn't have to leave the red-head after all.
*****
Author's Note After:
Mondtanz: Sorry, I didn't have Ran kicking Sneller's ass, but I've tried to keep it sort of realistic in historical terms. I suppose a man could fight a duel over another man, but how would that make KenKen look? I hope you weren't too disappointed!
Zeto: I love the angst too, and there's much more to be had, but I'm not too sure how well I write it. I only really like it when there's a happy ending, but there are some great writers out there who write wonderful angst that makes me cry! Thanks!
Please R & R! Thank you!
Author's Note: Here's the next Chappy! I'm afraid some people maybe disappointed, but I guess I'll wait and see. Please Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Weis belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss. Me just having fun!
Tell Him That it Wasn't Love
Chapter Six
Ken stopped his mad flight just outside the front entrance of the house. He took in huge gulps of air and tried to calm his racing heart. He'd heard Omi's call, but he didn't care about the pole. All there was now was an emptiness where there had been warmth and safety.
Placing a hand to his heart he leaned against the wall of the manor. What was this feeling? This emptiness? Why was it all he wanted was to be back on that horse, wrapped in those arms? That deep voice softly saying his name in his ear. Ran's breath gently brushing against his hair.
Ken stopped his thoughts with a shudder. He could feel that his face was flushed and there was a fluttering in his stomach. He was tingling in unmentionable areas.
He wrenched himself away from the wall and shook off the feelings. They didn't matter anyway. Ran and the others were gone. Although they may return in a years time Ken was sure he wouldn't see them. His stepfather would see to it that he was either too busy for leisure time or absent. It wouldn't be the first time he'd sent Ken off on an errand into some remote corner of the estate.
Thoughts of his stepfather brought him back to reality. He'd been effectively missing for three days, and he doubted it had gone unnoticed. Sighing he resigned himself and quietly entered the house. Molly caught him as he was heading downstairs and fearfully informed him of his stepfather's summons.
Ken made his way to Sir's study. He knew he would be beaten, it just remained to be seen how severely. What he had told Ran was true, most of the time it wasn't bad. In fact, he couldn't even say he was afraid of his stepfather. Mostly the beatings just made him feel angry and humiliated. Sir had told him once that their "discussions" were for his own good, so he would more readily remember the lesson he had learned. Ken didn't think it would be wise to mention that in his experience that idea didn't hold water. Once he'd tried it out on a dog they'd had. All he'd gotten for his trouble was bitten, and a lecture from Mrs. Hudson. It was her opinion that the beatings he received were unnecessary, cruel, and served no useful purpose. She'd told him Sir was wrong, and she'd made him promise never to follow his stepfather's example. She'd even made him apologize to the dog, and put the dog in his care after that. It had taken a long while, but eventually the dog had learned to trust him again.
Ken stopped before the closed doors of the study. He shook his head and brought himself back to the present. Straightening his shoulders he knocked.
"Come in."
Ken opened the door and walked in. Sir was seated behind his desk reading some papers. He looked up and fixed Ken with a cold stare.
"Ah, so you have returned," Sir's voice was as cold as his eyes. "Close the door."
Ken closed the door and waited for instructions. He knew the routine. He had to wait to be told what to do.
"Come here."
He moved to stand before the desk, his back straight, his chin level. Eye contact must be maintained so Sir would know he wasn't lying. His stepfather looked at him for a long moment, his eyes narrowing.
"Before you begin with your excuses I think you should know that I have a pretty good idea what you've been up to," he said.
Ken's eyes widened involuntarily.
"Oh, yes. You are at that age after all, and there are some very pretty girls in the village. Every boy goes through this, Ken. Why I myself had a few dalliances in my youth before my own father put me right. Shall I tell you what he told me?"
Sir held him with his cold eyes and Ken nodded, confused.
"No bastards," he breathed. "No bastards ruining our good stock."
Ken felt his face heat up. He'd never met any of the village girls let alone...the very thought mortified him.
"Now I realize what it means to be young, but you will learn restraint. Is that clear?"
Ken nodded again, cheeks burning.
"Good. We shall not discuss this again. Unfortunately the worse transgression is that you enticed the staff into lying for you. That, I'm afraid, is quite unforgivable."
Sir looked at the papers before him and Ken waited for him to continue. After a few minutes he began to fidget. Why didn't Sir just get it over with? Why was he delaying? His stepfather shuffled the papers and set them into one of the drawers of his desk.
"No, lying is quite unforgivable. I'm afraid that you have no idea just how serious this is, Ken," his stepfather said nailing him with his eyes once again. "There can only be one master here, and that master is me. Do you understand that? Now I shall ask you...where have you been?"
Ken knew he was in trouble. He'd never seen his stepfather like this before. And he knew he couldn't lie successfully, but the truth...the truth wouldn't be believed. He gulped.
"F-fishing, Sir."
Sir's cold eyes darkened. "Fishing?"
"Y-yes, Sir."
Sir Sneller eyes raked over Ken trying to find the evidence that the boy was lying, but although nervous the boy kept his eyes straight ahead and his chin high. Sir Sneller scowled.
"I shall ask again," he said, his voice sinking to just above a whisper. "Where have you been?"
Ken steeled his jaw. "Fishing, Sir."
His stepfather shot up out of his chair and slapped the surface of the desk with a riding crop. Ken jumped in surprise at the loud sound and the violence of the action.
"You dare lie to me, boy?!" Sir Sneller bellowed. "Where have you been?!"
Ken shook his head helplessly. For the first time in years he felt truly afraid of the man before him. The terror of the first "discussions" came back to him. He fought the urge to flee, and stood his ground.
"I've been fishing, Sir. I swear it."
So swiftly he couldn't react, his stepfather came around the desk and struck him across the face with his hand. Ken's ears exploded with the sound and he saw stars. Before he could attempt to get away fingers closed around his throat and lifted him almost off his feet. Sir leaned threateningly into his face.
"You little whelp. Is this what it comes to? Is this how you repay all I've done for you? Lying to my face?! Inciting the servants to lie for you?! How dare you?!"
Ken choked and gasped for air. He clawed at Sir's hand, struggling to be free. His vision was fading and there was a ringing in his ears.
"You shall learn respect, boy!"
His stepfather released his throat. Ken dropped to his feet and staggered, gulping air. However, he didn't have time to recover as Sir grabbed his arm to hold him in place and raised the riding crop. At that moment the study doors were thrown open with a loud bang.
"Stay your hand, Sir!" Prince Yohji's voice boomed across the small space of the study shocking Sir Sneller into stillness.
Yohji stood just inside the threshold of the doorway. His eyes alight with an angry fire. He had one arm thrown out sideways across the path of his cousin. Ran's face was as red as his hair and he had murder in his eyes. His sword was drawn and held at the ready. If not for Yohji's prevention Sir Sneller would be dead.
"Remove your hand, Sir, and step away," the Prince stated with authority.
Sir Sneller had gone pale. He released Ken's arm and lowered the riding crop. He took a shaky step backwards, and before Ken's eyes he seemed to shrink.
"Master Ken! Master Ken are you all right?!" Molly was suddenly at his side gripping his arm. "I'm sorry, Master Ken. I had to let them in. I was afraid he would kill you!"
He looked at her blankly, still a bit unfocused. Suddenly there were hands on his shoulders guiding him into a chair and a deep voice commanding him to sit. He sat and Molly left after tea and brandy as the voice suggested. Purple eyes filled with concern appeared before him and he sank into them.
"Ran?"
"Yes, Ken. Are you all right?" Gentle fingers brushed along his stinging cheek.
Ken came back to himself in a rush. He nodded and looked up at his stepfather. The man stood beside his desk. He looked shocked and defeated. Prince Yohji stood next to him, and turned from Ran and Ken to face the taller man.
"Sir, is it true that this young man is in fact John Hidaka, my cousin and nephew to the King?" he asked.
Sir Sneller nodded dumbly.
"Sir, in the name of the King I must insist that you hand over the keys to this house, as well as all papers pertaining to this estate, Ken, and his inheritance."
Again Sir Sneller nodded. He pulled a ring of keys from his pocket and handed them to the Prince.
"Your papers, Sir?"
"In the safe and the desk," he said quietly motioning at the desk and the small safe behind it.
"Open it, Sir."
Sir Sneller moved around the desk and bent to the safe. Ken could hardly believe his eyes. Why was his stepfather doing everything that Yohji asked? Surely he knew his position was secure for another five years. What was happening here?
The safe opened with a snap. Sir Sneller stepped back and Yohji fixed him with a cold stare.
"Sir, I must request that you remain on these premises until this matter may be examined thoroughly. My cousin shall escort you to your rooms where you shall await your fate. I must advise caution on your part. My cousin is a master swordsman and I believe he would gladly take your head. Lord Fujimiya, if you please?"
Ran stood up from his position next to Ken and glowered at Sir Sneller. "After you," he growled. His voice so low it made Ken shiver.
His stepfather moved past him and left the room without once meeting his eyes. Ken watched after them for a moment before turning back to Yohji. The Prince was seated at his stepfather's desk scribbling quickly with a quill across a sheet of paper. Ken's eyes fastened on the ring of keys dropped haphazardly near the edge of the desk.
"Omi!" Yohji called loudly.
"Yes, Sir!" Omi cried although he was standing just a short distance away near the door.
Yohji took a moment to glare at him, but Omi only smiled in response.
"I want you to take this note to the inn and pay our tab. tell them someone will be by in the morning to collect our things," the Prince said. He handed over the first note after sealing it with wax, and pulled a fistful of banknotes from his pocket handing them over as well. Grabbing another sheet of paper he began scribbling again.
"I take it you're now writing the King for use of the authority you've already invoked?" Omi asked with a smirk.
"Indeed. As well as the use of one of his solicitors. Hargrave, if you can get him. He is less inclined to speak endlessly about nothing than his fellows." Yohji handed over the second note. "Off you go. I'll look for you in four days time."
"Right. Ken?" The young servant blinked at the empty chair which had been occupied by his friend moments before. "Now where has he gone off to?"
"You might try the library."
Yohji and Omi turned at the sound of the voice. In the doorway stood the young woman with mouse-brown hair.
"Omi, off with you. This can not wait," Yohji said.
Omi bowed to him and the lady then dashed out the door. Yohji folded his hands on the desk.
"Your name is Caroline, is it not?"
"That is correct, your Highness."
"I seem to recall your rather abrupt departure from our tea four days ago."
"Correct again, your Highness."
"And I believe it was you who sent the serving girl, Molly, to us in the roadway."
"Yes."
"Why didn't you just tell us?" Yohji asked, his voice little more than a whisper.
"I couldn't. Ken doesn't inherit for five more years. Until then my father is in complete control of the estate. I didn't want to make Ken's life harder than it already is. I hoped that you two would get to know each other so he would have someone to turn to once he's twenty-one." She stopped speaking and sighed heavily. "Pa-pa makes things so difficult for him. I've never understood why. But he's always made it very clear that should Ken cross him in any way he'll send the staff, and possibly even me, away. We have been his only allies here. Now I don't know what will happen."
Yohji sat for a moment in thoughtful silence before rising and moving toward the door.
"Do not worry, Miss Caroline. All will be well, I promise. Now, show me where the library is."
* * *
Ran made his way back downstairs after securing Sir Sneller in his rooms. As he moved along the hall toward the study he noticed a door ajar that had been closed before. Upon closer inspection he found the ring of keys Sir Sneller had given Yohji dangling from the lock. Gently Ran pushed on the door until it slowly swung open. The room was a library. Its walls covered in shelves full of books. The room smelled musty and unused, all the furniture covered in sheets.
Ran moved a little further in and turned toward the single source of light in the room. A candle set on the mantle above the fireplace at one end. Ken stood before it staring up at a large portrait of a young woman. She was dressed in a somewhat outdated manner, but she smiled openly and sweetly at the artist who had rendered her. She appeared to be seated with an open book in her hand. Ran studied her face. A face he'd become all too familiar with.
"Why didn't I see it?" Yohji's voice asked softly from beside him.
"I should talk to him," said a soft feminine voice. Ran looked down to discover Sir Sneller's youngest daughter beside them.
"Please, let me," said Yohji. He moved into the room and strode softly to stand beside the young man he now knew to be his cousin. Ken didn't acknowledge his presence, but continued to stare up at the portrait of his mother. "Such a sweet face," the Prince said quietly. "How is it I can see her so clearly now in my memory? I can see her laughing eyes and hear her voice. My mother's favorite sister."
"I can barely remember her," Ken said.
"I'm sorry, Ken."
Ken blinked and turned to look up at Yohji. The Prince was looking solemnly back at him.
"I can see her so clearly now, but I failed to see her when I looked at you."
Ken gulped. There was a suspicious lump in his throat and his eyes were starting to burn.
"Is it true?" he asked the Prince. "You're really my cousin?"
"Its true," Yohji smiled.
Ken tried to smile, but his face crumbled. The Prince pulled him into an embrace and held him tightly. He tried not to cry but was thoroughly unsuccessful. The excitement and stress of the last three days along with the startling events of the last hour combined to overwhelm him. Everything he had known in his life was over, and everything he had expected had changed. He felt lost and alone.
"Its all right, Ken. You're not alone. Everything will be fine, you'll see," Yohji said quietly. "We're here now. No one can hurt you. You can trust us."
Ken sniffed loudly and pulled away, wiping fiercely at his eyes.
"Are you sure I can trust you?" he asked. Yohji just blinked down at him. "Weren't you the one who put dirt in my hair and tried to make me eat worms?"
The Prince balked then threw back his head and laughed heartily. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Why, yes, I believe that was me," he chuckled.
Ken laughed a small laugh and continued to rub his eyes. Yohji rested a hand on the top of his younger cousin's head.
"I think its been a long day and a warm bed is sounding very inviting. What say you, Cousin Ken?"
Ken's smile broadened. He nodded and they turned toward the door where Ran and Caroline still stood. Caroline dashed forward and threw her arms around Ken, enveloping him in a hug.
"See, little brother? I told you they wouldn't fail you," she said.
Ken smiled and peeked over her shoulder at Ran. There was a warm light in his purple eyes. Their eyes met and locked. Ken's heart sang. He wouldn't have to leave the red-head after all.
*****
Author's Note After:
Mondtanz: Sorry, I didn't have Ran kicking Sneller's ass, but I've tried to keep it sort of realistic in historical terms. I suppose a man could fight a duel over another man, but how would that make KenKen look? I hope you weren't too disappointed!
Zeto: I love the angst too, and there's much more to be had, but I'm not too sure how well I write it. I only really like it when there's a happy ending, but there are some great writers out there who write wonderful angst that makes me cry! Thanks!
Please R & R! Thank you!