Chapter 47
Into the Seraglio
I have seen them many times before when passing by, but the astounding beauty of the southern gates of the palace take my breath away the moment they open to allow our two carriages to enter. We pass by flowering courtyards, bustling with imperial guards, noble guests, and dozens upon dozens of servants. My heart begins to race as the excitement of living in the palace overwhelms me. I can only imagine the void expressions on the faces of the women in the coach behind me as they stare at the lavish images outside their window.
I grab Tasuki's black overcoat and tell him to turn around so I can slip it over his shoulders. I know he'd rather keep it off, but wearing it gives him an air of intensity and vigor that I rather like. I suppose it's the midnight-black shade of the coat. I also take a moment to overlook my own apparel, making sure the ruffles of my collar and girdle aren't crushed, and gazing down at my breasts to make sure they are both contained within the layers of ruby and onyx-colored fabric. My nervousness irritates me; I've always thought myself cool and indifferent, and yet now my heart is threatening to explode within my chest from how rapidly its beating.
The coach surges to a halt in front of a staircase laid with a lustrous red and green velvet carpet. I lean boldly out of the window and start when I see His Highness the emperor smiling broadly at me, obviously amused by my blunt curiosity. A gorgeous young woman with vibrant, elaborately decorated lilac-colored hair stands at the emperor's right hand, their shoulders barely touching in a delicate display of affection. The elegant aura that radiates from her silk-clad figure astounds me. She is no doubt the Empress Hoki.
An imperial guard approaches the carriage and opens the door, bowing slightly when Tasuki steps out onto the scarlet and emerald carpet, his heavy boot thumping on the soft material. He turns to me with a lop-sided smile and holds out his hand gallantly, making the beat of my heart race even faster. I take a deep breath and grip his hand, stepping slowly and cautiously from the lush interior of the coach, scared to death that I'm going to trip and humiliate myself in front of the emperor and empress of my country. I take the delicate steps one at a time until I'm safely standing upon the smooth velvet carpet beside Tasuki, who seems worried about how tightly I'm clenching his hand. He gives me a reassuring squeeze and I release him from my death grip with a look of apology. He only smiles and offers his arm to me, which I'm more than glad to take. The feel of his side pressed gently to mine comforts me deeply as we ascend the small flight of stairs that separates us from the emperor and empress. I glance over my shoulder at Koi, Misa, and Okichi who seem to be too busy gawking at the exterior of the palace to notice me. They follow us blindly, clinging to each other as if something in this magnificent place could jump out and attack them. I grin and turn back around as we come to a stop in front of the royal couple, who are both smiling in amusement at the sight of the astounded women following us.
"Welcome!" His Highness Hotohori replies happily. "Miss Tansho, it's wonderful to see you again after so long. I'm overjoyed that you have decided to finally take up my earlier offer." His tone of voice tells me he's only teasing, and I grin in return. "I'm pleased to see that your companions have accompanied you as well."
"Highness," I reply demurely, releasing Tasuki's arm in order to bow deeply before my emperor, making sure my head lowers far below his to symbolize my inferiority. "I thank you with all my heart and soul for allowing my friends and I to come to your splendid palace to stay. We will be forever and always grateful for your generosity."
"Thank your beloved, Miss Tansho," the emperor answers, "Tasuki is the one that requested all of you to be brought here. I only gave my permission."
I turn to Tasuki and give him a sly smile and a slight bow of my head, which seems to dumbfound him for a moment. But then I see his eyes glint as he catches my meaning. I will thank my darling lover properly later on. I turn back to the emperor, my happiness about to burst out of my chest.
"If you would please excuse me," His Highness replies, turning to his wife then to us, his guests, "My advisors and Chichiri are expecting me soon. Tasuki, it might be best if you accompany me as well. Your knowledge may assist us in developing a subtle maneuver for tomorrow's attack."
The emperor, myself, and Tasuki know quite well of what knowledge His Highness speaks of. From so many years of raiding and ambushing, not to mention defending the mountain fortress he calls home, Tasuki is no doubt extremely skilled in the areas of planning and attacking.
Tasuki bows his head to show his obedience and turns to face me. "I'll come see you later this afternoon, alright?" I nod and smile happily. He turns and bids a quick farewell to the other women before climbing the few remaining steps to where the emperor stands. His Highness turns to face the other women and me yet again.
"Ladies," he replies, addressing all of us, "May I introduce my wife, the Empress of Konan-Lady Hoki. She will take over my duties as host and show you to the seraglio where your accommodations shall be during your stay at the palace." The empress bows gently to her husband before he bows in return to all of us, then takes his leave with Tasuki at his side.
"Welcome to the palace," Empress Hoki remarks giddily, "I've heard so much about you, Lady Tansho." She smiles and I suddenly realize with a startling jolt just how much of a resemblance this lovely young woman has to Nuriko. The same vivid purple hair, the same slanted, wild eyes. Even her voice slightly reminds me of the strange young man who fooled even me into thinking he was a woman. But I hide my astonishment and return the empress's smile, bowing low to yet again show my inferior status.
"May I introduce my friends, Your Highness," I reply, "This is Koi, Misa, and Okichi." I turn and motion with a gentle sweep of my ruffled sleeve as I say each of their names. More bowing ensues, but I am already becoming used to being in constant obeisance to my superiors. I suppose it is natural when in the presence of your empress or emperor.
"Please follow me," Lady Hoki replies in her sweet, melodious voice while motioning with her hand, the creamy skin peeking out from beneath layers of colorful silk. As we fall into step beside her, I'm struck speechless by this beautiful woman. Everything about her breathes supremacy, and yet the aura that floats around her graceful body like a cloud is laden with benevolence and gentleness. The way she carries herself is perfectly elegant, and yet I sense not an ounce of vanity or pompousness. She chats happily with the other women, who are both honored and ecstatic to be speaking so informally to the Empress of Konan. Then she turns to me, bringing me out of my studies of her.
"I must admit that your story has become quite a legend in the palace," she tells me, tucking her hands into the long ruffles of her sleeves and giving me a wink. "That night that you braved the imperial guards to get to Master Tasuki has never been forgotten."
"What?" I quickly retort, momentarily forgetting my place and whom I am speaking so frankly to, "You mean others know what I did?"
"Of course! Not only did the guards spread the word, trying to find you, but several servants saw you as well."
My face burns with embarrassment, and I gawk idiotically at Lady Hoki. "Ohhh," I moan, covering my face with my hands.
"Oh dear, Tansho," Empress Hoki replies softly, taking my hands and stopping us, "Don't be embarrassed! I think that is one of the most romantic tales I've ever heard! The courtesans, servants-even the guards and His Highness's guests can't stop talking about it. Never before has anything like that ever happened in the palace."
By the way she describes the spreading of my story, I wouldn't doubt that half the capital knows how I infiltrated the palace in the pouring rain and managed to slip unseen into my lover's room. But still, the realization that my brazen actions that night have spread throughout the palace and most likely Eiyo as well makes the blood rush to my face in both humiliation and flattery.
"The courtesans are overjoyed that you and your companions are coming to stay in the seraglio for the duration of the war. They can't wait to meet you."
It is not until we are standing between the two gold engraved iron gates of the harem that I realize we have arrived. The marvelous gates are already opened and waiting for us to enter; two imperial guards posted on either side who bow as we pass through. Once again, my breath is stolen from my lungs at the sight of the stunning courtyard sprawled before us. Cobblestone and marble pathways wind like gleaming serpents around weeping willows and giant magnolia trees that climb so high into the blue sky that they block the sun's rays from reaching the floor of courtyard. This place is more like a gigantic garden, I muse. Gardenia, iris, jasmine, and opium poppies line the numerous walkways, shadowing the courtyard in vibrant whites, purples, and pinks. My eyes are drawn to the very center of the courtyard, where a marble fountain sits alone and undisturbed, glistening water as clear as diamonds sprouting from its sides and top, splashing into the pool surrounding the fountain's base. Surrounding the gorgeous fountain sits several gazebos, each connected to its neighbor by a vine- covered little walkway. The beauty is overwhelming.
On either side of the courtyard lie identical buildings, their gilded roofs sloped in the style of the palace architecture, with wooden verandas wrapped around their fronts. All the windows are open to allow the late summer air to circulate inside the rooms.
"Welcome to the imperial seraglio, ladies," a young woman's voice announces cheerfully. My attention is drawn to where the voice came from, and a group of women, their forms covered in layers of chiffon and silk, comes into view. They are without a doubt the courtesans. Women in plainer dress surround the richly dressed ladies, and I guess them to be the handmaids. They all bow slightly, smiles spread across their powdered faces. Myself and the other women who stand at my side bow in return.
"May I introduce the Headmistress of the Seraglio," Empress Hoki speaks up, smiling merrily at the young woman who addressed us. "Lady Junko." The young woman bows again at being introduced, her onyx-black hair flowing over her sloped shoulders. She is tall for a woman, standing well above the other courtesans who surround her, but her lofty frame only adds to her sophisticated and graceful demeanor. Her large, bright eyes shine like sapphires. "Lady Junko, may I introduce Tansho, Koi, Misa, and Okichi," the empress continues, motioning to my friends and I.
We all bow respectfully and are put at ease by the soft, beaming smiles of the courtesans. Upon closer study of them, I'm shocked to see that only about a dozen are present-. Certainly the harem must have more women than this in it; it is not unusual for two or three hundred women to be living within a seraglio at one time. And even more strange is that all these women are young, and yet there are no children hiding behind their layered skirts or running wildly through the garden. Is it possible that none of these women have children? Is it possible that this harem is unused?
"If you would excuse me, please," Empress Hoki replies, "I hope to see you again shortly, Lady Tansho. Please enjoy your stay."
I bow low to the ground in front of my Empress, and thank her for her kindness in showing us to the seraglio. As she takes her leave, I'm once again struck by the stunning resemblance between her and Nuriko. Certainly I cannot be the only one who notices it. I'm brought away from my thoughts by Lady Junko's smooth, refined voice.
"Lady Tansho, we are so pleased to have you and your friends staying with us!" she replies, approaching me and taking my hands. "The other ladies and I have heard so much about you."
I smile politely at her and allow her to gently lead me toward one of the golden buildings that skirt the courtyard. "Please follow me and I will show you and your companions to your rooms. After you've rested, you can meet the other courtesans in the courtyard for tea and sweets." Misa, Koi, Okichi and myself follow Lady Junko to a set of steps that lead to the polished wooden veranda of one of the buildings. Junko hesitates momentarily and leans over slightly to whisper to us, her voice hinted with both sympathy and delight. "You must excuse the Lady Empress's abrupt departure. She is not feeling well."
Concerned, I inquire as to what she's suffering from.
"Oh no!" chimes the Headmistress, waving her hand as if shooing away the idea. "Lady Hoki suffers from no illness. She was recently told by the imperial physician that she is expecting a child soon! It is only a bout of nausea every now and then. Very unpredictable, you know."
"The empress is pregnant?!" Misa whispers hoarsely, as if it were a taboo to mention such a thing. The Headmistress of the Seraglio nods happily.
"But she and His Highness were only married a month ago," I reply, as if Junko would need reminding of the event that no doubt consumed the palace and everyone in it. "The doctor discovered her pregnancy already?"
Junko laughs heartily as if I made a joke. Bewildered, I narrow my eyes, but she is quick to explain her sudden burst of giggles. "I do not want to sound insolent, so let me just say that Lady Hoki and His Highness didn't exactly have the patience to wait until their wedding night to consummate their marriage." She gives us all a wink and a sly grin. We all understand instantly, and no more is spoken on what must be a regular topic of hushed conversation in the palace, although I'm sure His Highness and Lady Hoki could care less about what the people think. I dare a sly grin of my own, and glance around me to see that we all wear matching smug expressions with a hint of glee in our eyes.
As we continue up the steps and onto the wooden veranda, I dare a peek over my shoulder at the courtesans as we walk. They have all scattered from the entrance of the gates and are either returned to their rooms, their servants at their heels, or have split into groups of three or four and opted to stroll in the fragrant air of the courtyard. A few catch me glimpsing at them and I wave, earning their smiles and excited waves in return. I am flattered that they were so captivated by what I dared to do that night I came to the palace, and even more flattered that they're so excited to have me living with them. But I have so many questions about them that I'm afraid to ask for fear of offending them. How is it that there are so few of them, and that there are no children? Does His Highness really only keep a harem of a dozen women? How utterly strange, even though he does have a wife now. Amazingly, and to my astonishment, Junko seems to read my mind.
"I know what you must be thinking," Junko replies, her graceful voice tinted with a hint of humor, "Why so few courtesans in such a humongous seraglio?"
I look away, partially embarrassed by how she suddenly seemed to look straight into my head. "I admit that I am a bit curious," I answer softly.
She laughs, her soft voice ringing through the air like the sound of flutes. I have taken a liking to the Headmistress and her uninhibited personality. I expected to meet a demure, submissive woman, but Junko's playful, unreserved demeanor is refreshing. "Don't be embarrassed, Tansho," she replies, turning to smile at me as we continue to walk down the long wooden veranda. We pass a couple of handmaids, who smile and bow respectfully to us. "All visitors wonder why His Highness keeps such a small harem. The truth is that he doesn't keep them here at all." She pauses to see our reaction, and smiles broadly as if she won a game when we all give her a look of confusion. "Not long after he and Lady Hoki married, he announced that any courtesan who wished to leave the royal harem and return to her family could go if that is what she desired. In less than a week, nearly two hundred courtesans poured out of those gates and returned home, just like that!" She snaps her fingers jokingly, emphasizing the startling end of the story.
"They just left?" Okichi asks, speeding up slightly in order to walk on Junko's other side. She is obviously surprised by the odd tale, although her expression betrays her obvious agreement with the emperor's generous actions.
Lady Junko nods, still smiling merrily. "The only reason the twelve women who remain here are still here at all is because they either don't have a home to return to, or were purchased from slave traders for the harem." She sighs and frowns slightly. "Poor girls. But at least they are still well cared for here. They would never be forced to leave, but if they ever wished to find a new home elsewhere they would never be hindered."
"Why were they allowed to leave in the first place? I thought it was tradition for a woman who enters the harem to die there," Koi replies, her eyebrows narrowed.
"The emperor wished for it to be done. He believes that the harem is cruel, seeing as dozens of women are forced to remain here, hoping for the day when His Highness will call for them," Junko answers.
"Do you mean to say that the emperor has never used his harem? He's never called any of the courtesans to his chambers once?" Misa remarks bluntly, disbelief evident in her tone of voice. "Is that why there are no children here?"
"Exactly," Junko answers with surprising liveliness, "For years, His Highness only visited because his advisors urged him to, seeing as he was well beyond the age to take a wife. He never called any of the ladies to his quarters." She stops speaking instantly, almost as if she wanted to say something but abruptly changed her mind at the last minute. I hear her strange pause, and I stop to see that she has halted in her tracks as well. Her eyes are cast far off, as if remembering something. "Only once did he invite a lady to his bed. But she died about a year later, and His Highness shied away from the harem not long after."
I start at what she just said and gape at her. "She died?" I ask, my hands coming to rest on my lips in compassion. "What happened?" The other women gather around Junko's still form, her gleaming black hair swaying gently in the breeze passing through the veranda. The memory is obviously painful, for her dark blue eyes shimmer with wetness, telling us all that she is close to tears. Her pale hands clench and wrap themselves together, and she lifts her downcast face to smile gently at us. Unexpectedly, she resumes walking, and we follow quietly close by, hoping to hear the story that she is hesitant to tell. To our surprise, Junko steps onto a small flight of stairs that lead off the veranda, and strolls slowly towards the flowering courtyard. We trail behind her, and hold our breath as she begins to speak, telling us the story that has no doubt been buried within her heart for quite some time.
A/N: Ah yes, another of my lovely subplots is on its way (though not really a true subplot, but rather something I thought up to emphasize a worry of Tansho's , and also to give my version of something that might have happened to Hotohori.) I'm sorry to tease you so much, but I felt that perhaps I need to warn you so you don't start thinking, "Why the hell did she write this?" when you start reading the next chapter.
So, Tansho and the others have arrived in their new home! Tasuki and Tansho's wedding is coming up soon; and, unfortunately, Tasuki must be leaving soon! * sniff *
As of now, if there are no sudden changes in my already-hectic life that hinder me, I'm going to be able to post a chapter a week since I've already written up to Chapter 55 (I like to stay ahead of my posting to give myself plenty of time to edit, re-write if I need to, and post.) But since I'm getting used to the new college life, I may have to put off my writing every now and then in the future. But I'm not there yet, so don't worry!! ^_^
Thanks again for your great reviews! Loved them!
Into the Seraglio
I have seen them many times before when passing by, but the astounding beauty of the southern gates of the palace take my breath away the moment they open to allow our two carriages to enter. We pass by flowering courtyards, bustling with imperial guards, noble guests, and dozens upon dozens of servants. My heart begins to race as the excitement of living in the palace overwhelms me. I can only imagine the void expressions on the faces of the women in the coach behind me as they stare at the lavish images outside their window.
I grab Tasuki's black overcoat and tell him to turn around so I can slip it over his shoulders. I know he'd rather keep it off, but wearing it gives him an air of intensity and vigor that I rather like. I suppose it's the midnight-black shade of the coat. I also take a moment to overlook my own apparel, making sure the ruffles of my collar and girdle aren't crushed, and gazing down at my breasts to make sure they are both contained within the layers of ruby and onyx-colored fabric. My nervousness irritates me; I've always thought myself cool and indifferent, and yet now my heart is threatening to explode within my chest from how rapidly its beating.
The coach surges to a halt in front of a staircase laid with a lustrous red and green velvet carpet. I lean boldly out of the window and start when I see His Highness the emperor smiling broadly at me, obviously amused by my blunt curiosity. A gorgeous young woman with vibrant, elaborately decorated lilac-colored hair stands at the emperor's right hand, their shoulders barely touching in a delicate display of affection. The elegant aura that radiates from her silk-clad figure astounds me. She is no doubt the Empress Hoki.
An imperial guard approaches the carriage and opens the door, bowing slightly when Tasuki steps out onto the scarlet and emerald carpet, his heavy boot thumping on the soft material. He turns to me with a lop-sided smile and holds out his hand gallantly, making the beat of my heart race even faster. I take a deep breath and grip his hand, stepping slowly and cautiously from the lush interior of the coach, scared to death that I'm going to trip and humiliate myself in front of the emperor and empress of my country. I take the delicate steps one at a time until I'm safely standing upon the smooth velvet carpet beside Tasuki, who seems worried about how tightly I'm clenching his hand. He gives me a reassuring squeeze and I release him from my death grip with a look of apology. He only smiles and offers his arm to me, which I'm more than glad to take. The feel of his side pressed gently to mine comforts me deeply as we ascend the small flight of stairs that separates us from the emperor and empress. I glance over my shoulder at Koi, Misa, and Okichi who seem to be too busy gawking at the exterior of the palace to notice me. They follow us blindly, clinging to each other as if something in this magnificent place could jump out and attack them. I grin and turn back around as we come to a stop in front of the royal couple, who are both smiling in amusement at the sight of the astounded women following us.
"Welcome!" His Highness Hotohori replies happily. "Miss Tansho, it's wonderful to see you again after so long. I'm overjoyed that you have decided to finally take up my earlier offer." His tone of voice tells me he's only teasing, and I grin in return. "I'm pleased to see that your companions have accompanied you as well."
"Highness," I reply demurely, releasing Tasuki's arm in order to bow deeply before my emperor, making sure my head lowers far below his to symbolize my inferiority. "I thank you with all my heart and soul for allowing my friends and I to come to your splendid palace to stay. We will be forever and always grateful for your generosity."
"Thank your beloved, Miss Tansho," the emperor answers, "Tasuki is the one that requested all of you to be brought here. I only gave my permission."
I turn to Tasuki and give him a sly smile and a slight bow of my head, which seems to dumbfound him for a moment. But then I see his eyes glint as he catches my meaning. I will thank my darling lover properly later on. I turn back to the emperor, my happiness about to burst out of my chest.
"If you would please excuse me," His Highness replies, turning to his wife then to us, his guests, "My advisors and Chichiri are expecting me soon. Tasuki, it might be best if you accompany me as well. Your knowledge may assist us in developing a subtle maneuver for tomorrow's attack."
The emperor, myself, and Tasuki know quite well of what knowledge His Highness speaks of. From so many years of raiding and ambushing, not to mention defending the mountain fortress he calls home, Tasuki is no doubt extremely skilled in the areas of planning and attacking.
Tasuki bows his head to show his obedience and turns to face me. "I'll come see you later this afternoon, alright?" I nod and smile happily. He turns and bids a quick farewell to the other women before climbing the few remaining steps to where the emperor stands. His Highness turns to face the other women and me yet again.
"Ladies," he replies, addressing all of us, "May I introduce my wife, the Empress of Konan-Lady Hoki. She will take over my duties as host and show you to the seraglio where your accommodations shall be during your stay at the palace." The empress bows gently to her husband before he bows in return to all of us, then takes his leave with Tasuki at his side.
"Welcome to the palace," Empress Hoki remarks giddily, "I've heard so much about you, Lady Tansho." She smiles and I suddenly realize with a startling jolt just how much of a resemblance this lovely young woman has to Nuriko. The same vivid purple hair, the same slanted, wild eyes. Even her voice slightly reminds me of the strange young man who fooled even me into thinking he was a woman. But I hide my astonishment and return the empress's smile, bowing low to yet again show my inferior status.
"May I introduce my friends, Your Highness," I reply, "This is Koi, Misa, and Okichi." I turn and motion with a gentle sweep of my ruffled sleeve as I say each of their names. More bowing ensues, but I am already becoming used to being in constant obeisance to my superiors. I suppose it is natural when in the presence of your empress or emperor.
"Please follow me," Lady Hoki replies in her sweet, melodious voice while motioning with her hand, the creamy skin peeking out from beneath layers of colorful silk. As we fall into step beside her, I'm struck speechless by this beautiful woman. Everything about her breathes supremacy, and yet the aura that floats around her graceful body like a cloud is laden with benevolence and gentleness. The way she carries herself is perfectly elegant, and yet I sense not an ounce of vanity or pompousness. She chats happily with the other women, who are both honored and ecstatic to be speaking so informally to the Empress of Konan. Then she turns to me, bringing me out of my studies of her.
"I must admit that your story has become quite a legend in the palace," she tells me, tucking her hands into the long ruffles of her sleeves and giving me a wink. "That night that you braved the imperial guards to get to Master Tasuki has never been forgotten."
"What?" I quickly retort, momentarily forgetting my place and whom I am speaking so frankly to, "You mean others know what I did?"
"Of course! Not only did the guards spread the word, trying to find you, but several servants saw you as well."
My face burns with embarrassment, and I gawk idiotically at Lady Hoki. "Ohhh," I moan, covering my face with my hands.
"Oh dear, Tansho," Empress Hoki replies softly, taking my hands and stopping us, "Don't be embarrassed! I think that is one of the most romantic tales I've ever heard! The courtesans, servants-even the guards and His Highness's guests can't stop talking about it. Never before has anything like that ever happened in the palace."
By the way she describes the spreading of my story, I wouldn't doubt that half the capital knows how I infiltrated the palace in the pouring rain and managed to slip unseen into my lover's room. But still, the realization that my brazen actions that night have spread throughout the palace and most likely Eiyo as well makes the blood rush to my face in both humiliation and flattery.
"The courtesans are overjoyed that you and your companions are coming to stay in the seraglio for the duration of the war. They can't wait to meet you."
It is not until we are standing between the two gold engraved iron gates of the harem that I realize we have arrived. The marvelous gates are already opened and waiting for us to enter; two imperial guards posted on either side who bow as we pass through. Once again, my breath is stolen from my lungs at the sight of the stunning courtyard sprawled before us. Cobblestone and marble pathways wind like gleaming serpents around weeping willows and giant magnolia trees that climb so high into the blue sky that they block the sun's rays from reaching the floor of courtyard. This place is more like a gigantic garden, I muse. Gardenia, iris, jasmine, and opium poppies line the numerous walkways, shadowing the courtyard in vibrant whites, purples, and pinks. My eyes are drawn to the very center of the courtyard, where a marble fountain sits alone and undisturbed, glistening water as clear as diamonds sprouting from its sides and top, splashing into the pool surrounding the fountain's base. Surrounding the gorgeous fountain sits several gazebos, each connected to its neighbor by a vine- covered little walkway. The beauty is overwhelming.
On either side of the courtyard lie identical buildings, their gilded roofs sloped in the style of the palace architecture, with wooden verandas wrapped around their fronts. All the windows are open to allow the late summer air to circulate inside the rooms.
"Welcome to the imperial seraglio, ladies," a young woman's voice announces cheerfully. My attention is drawn to where the voice came from, and a group of women, their forms covered in layers of chiffon and silk, comes into view. They are without a doubt the courtesans. Women in plainer dress surround the richly dressed ladies, and I guess them to be the handmaids. They all bow slightly, smiles spread across their powdered faces. Myself and the other women who stand at my side bow in return.
"May I introduce the Headmistress of the Seraglio," Empress Hoki speaks up, smiling merrily at the young woman who addressed us. "Lady Junko." The young woman bows again at being introduced, her onyx-black hair flowing over her sloped shoulders. She is tall for a woman, standing well above the other courtesans who surround her, but her lofty frame only adds to her sophisticated and graceful demeanor. Her large, bright eyes shine like sapphires. "Lady Junko, may I introduce Tansho, Koi, Misa, and Okichi," the empress continues, motioning to my friends and I.
We all bow respectfully and are put at ease by the soft, beaming smiles of the courtesans. Upon closer study of them, I'm shocked to see that only about a dozen are present-. Certainly the harem must have more women than this in it; it is not unusual for two or three hundred women to be living within a seraglio at one time. And even more strange is that all these women are young, and yet there are no children hiding behind their layered skirts or running wildly through the garden. Is it possible that none of these women have children? Is it possible that this harem is unused?
"If you would excuse me, please," Empress Hoki replies, "I hope to see you again shortly, Lady Tansho. Please enjoy your stay."
I bow low to the ground in front of my Empress, and thank her for her kindness in showing us to the seraglio. As she takes her leave, I'm once again struck by the stunning resemblance between her and Nuriko. Certainly I cannot be the only one who notices it. I'm brought away from my thoughts by Lady Junko's smooth, refined voice.
"Lady Tansho, we are so pleased to have you and your friends staying with us!" she replies, approaching me and taking my hands. "The other ladies and I have heard so much about you."
I smile politely at her and allow her to gently lead me toward one of the golden buildings that skirt the courtyard. "Please follow me and I will show you and your companions to your rooms. After you've rested, you can meet the other courtesans in the courtyard for tea and sweets." Misa, Koi, Okichi and myself follow Lady Junko to a set of steps that lead to the polished wooden veranda of one of the buildings. Junko hesitates momentarily and leans over slightly to whisper to us, her voice hinted with both sympathy and delight. "You must excuse the Lady Empress's abrupt departure. She is not feeling well."
Concerned, I inquire as to what she's suffering from.
"Oh no!" chimes the Headmistress, waving her hand as if shooing away the idea. "Lady Hoki suffers from no illness. She was recently told by the imperial physician that she is expecting a child soon! It is only a bout of nausea every now and then. Very unpredictable, you know."
"The empress is pregnant?!" Misa whispers hoarsely, as if it were a taboo to mention such a thing. The Headmistress of the Seraglio nods happily.
"But she and His Highness were only married a month ago," I reply, as if Junko would need reminding of the event that no doubt consumed the palace and everyone in it. "The doctor discovered her pregnancy already?"
Junko laughs heartily as if I made a joke. Bewildered, I narrow my eyes, but she is quick to explain her sudden burst of giggles. "I do not want to sound insolent, so let me just say that Lady Hoki and His Highness didn't exactly have the patience to wait until their wedding night to consummate their marriage." She gives us all a wink and a sly grin. We all understand instantly, and no more is spoken on what must be a regular topic of hushed conversation in the palace, although I'm sure His Highness and Lady Hoki could care less about what the people think. I dare a sly grin of my own, and glance around me to see that we all wear matching smug expressions with a hint of glee in our eyes.
As we continue up the steps and onto the wooden veranda, I dare a peek over my shoulder at the courtesans as we walk. They have all scattered from the entrance of the gates and are either returned to their rooms, their servants at their heels, or have split into groups of three or four and opted to stroll in the fragrant air of the courtyard. A few catch me glimpsing at them and I wave, earning their smiles and excited waves in return. I am flattered that they were so captivated by what I dared to do that night I came to the palace, and even more flattered that they're so excited to have me living with them. But I have so many questions about them that I'm afraid to ask for fear of offending them. How is it that there are so few of them, and that there are no children? Does His Highness really only keep a harem of a dozen women? How utterly strange, even though he does have a wife now. Amazingly, and to my astonishment, Junko seems to read my mind.
"I know what you must be thinking," Junko replies, her graceful voice tinted with a hint of humor, "Why so few courtesans in such a humongous seraglio?"
I look away, partially embarrassed by how she suddenly seemed to look straight into my head. "I admit that I am a bit curious," I answer softly.
She laughs, her soft voice ringing through the air like the sound of flutes. I have taken a liking to the Headmistress and her uninhibited personality. I expected to meet a demure, submissive woman, but Junko's playful, unreserved demeanor is refreshing. "Don't be embarrassed, Tansho," she replies, turning to smile at me as we continue to walk down the long wooden veranda. We pass a couple of handmaids, who smile and bow respectfully to us. "All visitors wonder why His Highness keeps such a small harem. The truth is that he doesn't keep them here at all." She pauses to see our reaction, and smiles broadly as if she won a game when we all give her a look of confusion. "Not long after he and Lady Hoki married, he announced that any courtesan who wished to leave the royal harem and return to her family could go if that is what she desired. In less than a week, nearly two hundred courtesans poured out of those gates and returned home, just like that!" She snaps her fingers jokingly, emphasizing the startling end of the story.
"They just left?" Okichi asks, speeding up slightly in order to walk on Junko's other side. She is obviously surprised by the odd tale, although her expression betrays her obvious agreement with the emperor's generous actions.
Lady Junko nods, still smiling merrily. "The only reason the twelve women who remain here are still here at all is because they either don't have a home to return to, or were purchased from slave traders for the harem." She sighs and frowns slightly. "Poor girls. But at least they are still well cared for here. They would never be forced to leave, but if they ever wished to find a new home elsewhere they would never be hindered."
"Why were they allowed to leave in the first place? I thought it was tradition for a woman who enters the harem to die there," Koi replies, her eyebrows narrowed.
"The emperor wished for it to be done. He believes that the harem is cruel, seeing as dozens of women are forced to remain here, hoping for the day when His Highness will call for them," Junko answers.
"Do you mean to say that the emperor has never used his harem? He's never called any of the courtesans to his chambers once?" Misa remarks bluntly, disbelief evident in her tone of voice. "Is that why there are no children here?"
"Exactly," Junko answers with surprising liveliness, "For years, His Highness only visited because his advisors urged him to, seeing as he was well beyond the age to take a wife. He never called any of the ladies to his quarters." She stops speaking instantly, almost as if she wanted to say something but abruptly changed her mind at the last minute. I hear her strange pause, and I stop to see that she has halted in her tracks as well. Her eyes are cast far off, as if remembering something. "Only once did he invite a lady to his bed. But she died about a year later, and His Highness shied away from the harem not long after."
I start at what she just said and gape at her. "She died?" I ask, my hands coming to rest on my lips in compassion. "What happened?" The other women gather around Junko's still form, her gleaming black hair swaying gently in the breeze passing through the veranda. The memory is obviously painful, for her dark blue eyes shimmer with wetness, telling us all that she is close to tears. Her pale hands clench and wrap themselves together, and she lifts her downcast face to smile gently at us. Unexpectedly, she resumes walking, and we follow quietly close by, hoping to hear the story that she is hesitant to tell. To our surprise, Junko steps onto a small flight of stairs that lead off the veranda, and strolls slowly towards the flowering courtyard. We trail behind her, and hold our breath as she begins to speak, telling us the story that has no doubt been buried within her heart for quite some time.
A/N: Ah yes, another of my lovely subplots is on its way (though not really a true subplot, but rather something I thought up to emphasize a worry of Tansho's , and also to give my version of something that might have happened to Hotohori.) I'm sorry to tease you so much, but I felt that perhaps I need to warn you so you don't start thinking, "Why the hell did she write this?" when you start reading the next chapter.
So, Tansho and the others have arrived in their new home! Tasuki and Tansho's wedding is coming up soon; and, unfortunately, Tasuki must be leaving soon! * sniff *
As of now, if there are no sudden changes in my already-hectic life that hinder me, I'm going to be able to post a chapter a week since I've already written up to Chapter 55 (I like to stay ahead of my posting to give myself plenty of time to edit, re-write if I need to, and post.) But since I'm getting used to the new college life, I may have to put off my writing every now and then in the future. But I'm not there yet, so don't worry!! ^_^
Thanks again for your great reviews! Loved them!