Summary: Aoshi and Misao are happily married? That should've been the case, but Misao realizes that she was just deluded by that fantasy. Oh, they were married all right, but not happily. What happened? That's what she is going to figure out. A/M.

Author's notes: Damn, I went off-track with this story. Gargh… mou! I shall have to make some adjustments. Oh well, makes things more challenging. grin

Happily Ever After? Hardly.

By Tesuka-chan

Chapter 8

For the Kingdom

I'm not going to make this easy for him.

I sadly admit that in that moment of confusion and insanity, I DID agree posing as his fiancée… but that doesn't mean that I'll behave, does it? Whatever will happens to him tonight, he deserves it for using me and humiliating me.

And now that my sanity – and anger – is back, I repeat my oath: I'm not going to make this easy for him.

How about that realization of love? Well, I knew it before. It's like knowing that there's a stone about to fall on my head, but the thought really doesn't register until the stone actually made impact. After that earth-shattering (hah!) realization, I soon calmed down and accepted it. But that doesn't mean that the anger and hate magically vanished or something, much like what happens in romantic tales when the heroine realized her love for a man.

I scoff. Really. That doesn't happen in real life.

Actually, it made me angrier. Angry at him, and especially angry at myself.

Why at him? Well, the obvious; he's scheming something, I know it. But the damned bastard isn't telling me anything. He's just using his charms again – an unexpected trait of his that works when he really puts his heart into it – and he got away without explaining anything. I hate it when he does that. Add a little spice from the past and it makes things hotter.

Why at myself? I'm angry because I love him despite all his scheming ways. My weakness, I suppose. I guess that's why I was manipulated too much in the past, because I just accepted everything he said and did. And now I'm letting it happen again.

But then again, I've matured now. Even though he managed to play me again after all those months, he only got the tip of the iceberg this time. I have a plan of my own, under the dark waters. And it will be oh-so-fun… he won't be expecting anything at all.

Oh, and why am I doing this? Is it spite? Revenge? Bitterness?

None of the above. Let's just say that this time, I'm the teacher and he's the squirming little student.

Get ready, Aoshi. You won't know what will hit you this time around.

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I wore another one of those European dresses. Why there's such a thing in this place puzzled me to no extent. The material was sea blue silk, and the style was simple with flowing sleeves. I had to admit, it was much more beautiful than the one I wore in the ball. My hair was up again, and I wore very little make-up, with the help of one of the maids. Yeah, like I can do it on my own. Anyway, everything was much like before (without the shrieks and screams) except for one thing:

No corset.

The hell I'm going to wear that again. I think that was what made me crazy at the ball. I intend to be very sane this time around, thank you very much. I NEEDED to be sane.

A small smile crossed my lips.

I was ready. I went down the grand staircase and found Aoshi by the front door talking to a messenger. He was dressed impeccably in a dark blue suit, matching my outfit. It suits him, making him look hot and aloof at the same time – I don't know how he does it though. Well, it IS Aoshi I'm talking about here.

I waited patiently behind them. Finally, he gave one last nod and the messenger bowed politely at him and then at me. I smiled at him cheerfully (I couldn't help it) and he blushed. That's cute… maybe because I looked silly in my dress. Oh well. He left and I turned around towards Aoshi.

I almost stepped back with the intensity of his gaze.

"Finished flirting with the messenger, Misao?" His voice was cold.

I couldn't hide the flush of anger and disbelief on my face. "I wasn't flirting!"

I felt his eyes move over my form. The heat – anger? desire? – was almost tangible that I could taste it in the air. I shivered involuntarily and wet my lips, suddenly feeling thirsty. I saw something flicker in his eyes but it was gone in an instant. He held out his hand. "Shall we go, then? We're already running late."

Kami-sama… should I go through with it? I steeled my mind. I will… I WILL do it. Even if it kills me.

I placed my hand in his. Good thing I had gloves or – I shook the thought away. We mounted the carriage and left. Silence reigned between us for a while. If I were who I was a couple of years back, I would've started a conversation. But I wasn't that girl anymore so I kept quiet.

"Danosuke is a very dangerous man, Misao. I want you to watch out for him."

I raised my eyebrow, not looking at him even though I wanted to so badly. Self-control, Misao. "I can take care of myself," I said, the words dripping with restrained tension. So much for self-control.

"I know you can. I just want you to be careful." His tone was suddenly soft.

"Careful with whom?" I murmured, not really intending him to hear it. But the sharp intake of breath told me that he did.

"Misao, let me explain – "

"I think we're here." I said, cutting him off. The carriage stopped and the door suddenly opened, showing an escape. Aoshi hesitatingly got out and helped me, and the hand that was initially on my hand moved to my back and stayed there possessively even when we walked inside the manor. I fought the weakness inside… I have to stay strong.

I looked around the house. It was huge, but it lacked that sense of warmth that a good home has. I found it very cold and gaudy. Then that Danosuke guy appeared and smiled at us and I shivered. There was something menacingly evil about this man. For that moment, I was thankful when Aoshi's arm tightened around me.

He's right. I have to watch out for him. But that doesn't mean that I won't go on with my plan. It only meant that I had to be careful.

"Ah Shinomori- san! Glad you could make it." He walked towards us.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world," Aoshi replied, his voice having a hint of sarcasm.

"Is this your lovely fiancée?" He turned toward me, leering in that disgusting way.

Well, here it is. No turning back now, Misao. Just do it.

I took a deep breath, and –

"HELLO! I'm Makimachi Misao and you're Danosuke-san, right? You were in the bath earlier, I think. Gosh, that was SUCH an embarrassing thing, don't you think? But it's all done now so there's really no point in discussing it further. WOW, this is SUCH a grand place!" I made some rather exaggerated actions with my arms. "Did you import these from Europe?"

Stunned silence.

If I wasn't so into it, I would've laughed at their expressions. Aoshi looked like he swallowed a cat (umm, stoically shocked?) and Danosuke's eyes were as large as a saucer. I blinked innocently at them.

"Errr… why yes, they are from Europe," he replied, a little more than disoriented. Then suddenly, he laughed and faced Aoshi. "Why, Shinomori-san! She is such a charming young lady! Where DID you find her?"

"I'm… not exactly sure," he said, his voice low. I could feel the rising anger emanating from him.

Good. I suddenly felt smug. But it's only the beginning.

Danosuke chuckled and moved towards the parlor. "Follow me then, we'll have drinks here."

I started after him, but I felt a sharp tug on my arm and a harsh whisper on my ear. "Are you really intent on making a fool out of yourself Misao?"

I smiled up at his angry face and replied calmly. "No, Aoshi. You already did." Not caring if he really understood it, I snatched my arm away and went inside the parlor.

There were around less than twenty people present, and some of them brought their wives. Others brought their mistresses. Looking around, I realized with relish that this was going to be a VERY interesting evening. Very interesting indeed.

Then all eyes were suddenly on me. I gave them my widest grin and declared using my best English, "SOH! Wenu ees dee pahrtie gowingu to stahrto?" (translation: SO! When is the party going to start?)

Another stunned silence.

Geesh, these people sure practice their 'stunned silences' a lot. They must've had boring lives, poor people. They're a perfect audience for my act.

And with a few loud "good-evenings" and beaming smiles, operation Make-Aoshi-Sorry-For-Making-Me-Do-This has commenced! I could feel Aoshi's burning gaze at my back. Too bad he's stuck there with that Danosuke guy… it would have been fun to see what he might have done.

I was at my boisterous best! Positively annoying! Wonderfully rowdy! THIS is Misao at her best behavior! The expensive European wine was okay, though not as good as sake. I finished it nonetheless. Nobody was dancing… it ISN'T a party without dancing! Then again, there was no music. Easily remedied – I sang. While dancing of course. And I even managed to drag a few poor saps along with me.

Really, they need to take lessons on partying.

In the middle of dragging esteemed gentlemen off their seats, I managed to let my gaze roam across the room where he was. Well, where he supposedly was. He was gone, along with Danosuke. I furrowed my eyebrows. Darn, I wanted him to be embarrassed so much… to see his reaction – any reaction – is my sweetest revenge. Oh well, there's more time for that later when he gets back.

At this moment, I was already half-wasted. The wine helped, I suppose. I really didn't care now.

This guy 'butler' – poor guy, named like that – came in and announced that tea was ready. I bounced ahead (literally) towards the solarium and spotted Aoshi already sitting on a chair. I eagerly looked at his face.

Stoic. Damn it. He got a head start on controlling his emotions.

I bounced towards him and sat on the chair beside him. I squirmed on my seat as the rest of the guests started entering the bright room. I looked up at Aoshi. He stayed silent, but not exactly cold. I waited. But being Misao, I lasted around twenty seconds. Hey, it's an improvement from the previous ten-second-waiting-marathon. I spoke out.

"You have nothing to say about my 'shocking behavior', Aoshi?"

He cocked an eyebrow. "Only that you proved you're more of a benefit rather than a liability." There was a glint in his eyes.

WHAT? I don't get it! What is he talking about?! Confused, I looked around the room, expecting to see disgusted faces full of scorn. I was already doing my little "Go Misao!" dance inside when someone said, "By Jove! I haven't had that much fun in years!"

"Ohoho! What an exercise! This will do wonders to my figure!"

I blinked. What the hell is a 'JOVE'? And they're amused? What kind of sick lot is this? Aren't they supposed to hate, scorn, and kick out Aoshi for bringing me here? I almost dropped my jaw. Almost. As it is, I was still able to control my wayward bone. Just a benefit of being mature. But I suppose my expression gave me away.

"Disappointed?" a low voice whispered in my ear. I almost jumped out of my skin. I gathered what was left of my scattered wits. My plan backfired and now instead of blackening Aoshi's reputation, I just improved it! Baka Misao… THINK!

"Well… no. Actually, I was making this work for you." My voice was low, trying to make it threateningly sarcastic but it came out seductive. Damn it, what more can go wrong? Maybe the alcohol had its more dire effects on me. What to do?

Tea was served at last.

I thoughtfully stared at the brown liquid on my teacup. My supposedly perfect plan was destroyed! I was running out of ideas. Think, Misao, think! What would irk these gaijin-lovers so much that they would kick out Aoshi, thus destroying his probably selfish machinations?

"… letting Germany buy our resources will definitely make us rich!" I caught up on the discussion.

"I don't know. The offer of Netherlands seems more practical."

"True, but there is also Switzerland to consider."

I blinked. I couldn't believe it. These… these SCUMBAGS are actually planning to practically sell off Japan to other nations! "Anou," I interjected, "am I hearing this right? Are you seriously allowing those gaijins to exploit us?"

The stunned silence this time was quite heavy.

Danosuke, with a knowing smile on his face, said, "Why, that's a little too harsh, Makimachi-san! But I do have to admit, what we're planning is akin to that."

I suddenly stood up, livid with anger. "I can't believe all of you! You're all Japanese citizens… don't you have a drop of nationalism in your blood? Don't you love your country? Countless numbers of people have fought and died just to have freedom and independence!" I felt something grip my hand. I ignored it and continued, "Don't you think you owe Japan and your fellow citizens your life? And here you are, giving your country away to another one… for what?" I sneered. I couldn't stop. I wouldn't stop.

"For MONEY?" I spat the word out, as if it was some nasty venom on my lips. I suppose it was some kind of poison inside me. Something that I've kept for this past year. My frustration, my anger, my hate – it all came out in that little speech. It was as personal as it is public in the literal sense.

My chest was heaving from my outraged outburst. I vaguely registered that someone stood up. All I could see was red. Crimson. The color of their blood when I killed all of them. "You sick bastards… don't you have a sense of honor? You're all cowards! I myself took part in saving this country! Why, even Aoshi – "

I was suddenly cut off. Tell me, how can one continue speaking when one's air supply is cut off? Before I knew it, I was staring at dangerously dark blue eyes, my lips smashed against firm ones. Arms around me tightened to the point that I thought my bones would break. After a few moments, I finally recovered from my initial shock and shoved him away.

I looked at him, that familiar raw betrayal washing over me. I could take it if it was just me… but he's betraying Japan! The one that we've all fought for. I couldn't believe that his evilness, his selfishness would reach this height…

"I thought better of you, Aoshi. But this… this is really low even with your standards. Goodbye."

And so I ran.

I couldn't care less about the cowardly implications of my running away for the third time. It was just too much, all of it. After all, don't they say that three's a charm? Maybe something good will come out of it – no, I'm sure it will. Now, knowing what he had become, knowing what he's capable of, I will fight him. For the good of the country.

For my own good.

Even if it means ignoring the shards of glass cutting me inside.

Then suddenly, everything became black.

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A/n: WAH! I couldn't concentrate on writing this with all these people in the house!!!! It's so crowded!!! ARGH!!! breathes slowly Okay, calm now. I really am absolutely sorry for posting this up late. I had it all figured out but I couldn't write it down. Gomen! bows Anyway, this is the second to the last chapter (excluding epilogue) and I'm planning on finishing this before I start classes next next week. So, faster updates, I hope! :D

Anyway, thanks a whole bunch for the lovely, lovely reviews! I love you all! Oh, and please read and review for this one, minna-san! Arigatou!