Chapter 6: Selecting a Bride
Sakaki stood in front of a mirror as he dressed in imperial garments. He tied back his hair and sighed as he finished preparing for the selection of courtesans and other noble women from all around. He walked to a window and looked out then sighed.
" Highness," a servant said
" Yes," he answered
" It is nearly time," the servant said
" I will be there," Sakaki said
He looked at himself one last time and then walked down the hall, his sword tied to his side and a smaller sword as well. Sakaki came to the throne room and all bowed, to him. He looked at the many faces and then sat down, Empress Rinako sat to the right of him and then Miyako stood to the left. The palace guards were at the door just incase of an attack.
" All eligible women please rise and let his highness speak to you if he wishes," Miyako said
The women looked at Sakaki and he rose from where he sat. Empress Rinako stood by his side and looked at her precious prince. Sakaki looked at each young woman and only spoke to so many before he became tiered.
" Do you not see a woman you so desire?" Rinako asked
" None of them," he said, " Please dismiss them. I have seen them all and do not wish to chose."
" As you wish highness," Miyako said
Sakaki walked off and stood on the veranda. He took in a deep breath of air and leaned forward.
" Tell me Taiyou," Rinako said, " Do you disapprove of these women."
" No, I just don't feel like getting married," Sakaki said
" You are still young yet and pickings become slim as you grow," she said, " It is better to marry young then old."
She wrapped her arms around Sakaki and kissed his cheek.
" My young prince, it seems just yesterday you were smaller, and the servants would carry you on their shoulders," she said
" I still don't remember any of it, I just know what I knew growing up," Sakaki said
She looked at Sakaki and kissed his cheek. Sakaki leaned into his mother's arms and closed his eyes.
" You are the emperor, the Ranpu of this country, don't forget that. The gods have blessed you with your power," Rinako said, " Your father bestowed his blessings on you, so you could rule like he did."
" There are so many that hate me though, am I really like my father?" Sakaki whispered, " Am I as powerful as he?"
" Yes, and if not more powerful," his mother said
Sakaki nodded walked with his mother across the outside halls of the palace and walked down into the courtyard. Miyako joined them and looked at Sakaki, she smiled underneath her concern for him.
" I do hope highness you find someone of your liking some day," she said
" It's only dreams that comfort me," he said, " I do not believe that a woman of my like lives in this time. Nor will ever live in this time."
" That is not true your highness," a voice said from behind.
Sakaki stopped and lowered his head and said, " And how do you know."
" Because dreams reach across time to touch those they desire, your highness."
Sakaki turned around and looked at who bowed before him. He smiled and Miyako bowed to Sakaki.
" May I present to you Highness, Lady Miho," Miyako said
Sakaki looked at Karasuma as she looked up and he bow.
" Must have been a long journey to come here," Sakaki said
" It was, but it was worth it to stand before Ranpu," Karasuma said
Sakaki put out his hand and she reached for it. She smiled and wrapped her arms around Sakaki.
" Haruto," she whispered
The courtesans and servants looked at them in the courtyard, there was slight tears, but they were pleased to see the young emperor happy.
" Who she?" chatter began
" She's different from us," the courtesans said
Sakaki turned to Rinako and she smiled.
" The empress Rinako," Sakaki said
" Pleasure to meet you," Karasuma said bowing
Miyako vanished from the courtyard and the courtesans came to her.
" Who is she Miyako?" they asked
" Lady Miho," Miyako said
" Where did she come from?" they asked
" From a country far away, where our borders do not touch," Miyako said
" How did you get here?" he asked
" Miyako, came and got me," Karasuma said, " She said you were ill and I wanted to be by your side. Is that a crime?"
" No," he whispered, " It's a blessing."
Sakaki came to one knee and took Karasuma's hand.
" Please, marry me I don't want to lose you," he said
Karasuma smiled and knelt down beside him and kissed him.
" You don't have to worry, I will never leave you again," she whispered, " I'll marry you…your highness,"
Sakaki kissed her and stood up then looked at the crowd that had gathered before them.
" I will marry the lady Miho," Sakaki said
" Then let there be a wedding this day before all," Rinako said
Karasuma and Sakaki walked off together while things were being prepared. Sakaki pulled her close and Karasuma smiled.
" Are you ready for this?" Sakaki asked
" Ready to marry an emperor…no, but marry a man I love…yes," Karasuma replied
Sakaki kissed her and stroked her cheek. She smiled and laughed a little and Sakaki gave her a look.
" Your laughing why?" he asked
" You just don't seem to be emperor material," Karasuma said
" I'm getting use to it, no electricity, no motorcycle…oh my precious motorcycle," Sakaki said
" You care more about that motorcycle than your life," Karasuma joked
" I guess I do, but I have something else to care for now," Sakaki whispered and kissed her neck.
She smiled and stroked his head as he took her into his arms.
" You could have been empress," Captain Izo said
" He does not love me," Miyako said
" The emperor is weak…he is weaker now that the lady Miho came," Captain Izo said
" I don't want to be empress," Miyako said
" Then you will be his mistress," Captain Izo said
Miyako narrowed her eyes and said, " The only reason you want me to be empress is so that you have an idea of what weakness the emperor may have. You're as selfish as those who tried to over throw his father."
Captain Izo slapped her to the ground and Miyako looked at her father. She narrowed her eyes and held her throbbing cheek.
" I am the rightful emperor to the throne, his father is the stepson of the empress before…my mother. I was first in line to take the throne, but when she married my stepfather I was second in line. His father took my spot as emperor," Captain Izo snarled
Miyako looked at her father and narrowed her eyes.
" His eyes, they are not my father's," she thought, " My father spoke of only serving the Ranpu before his son took the throne. He never spoke of claiming the throne for his own selfish reasons."
The evening the ceremony began as Sakaki took Karasuma as his bride, she would be his empress and loving wife. He promised to be with her forever until the end of his days. The palace watched as their emperor vowed his loyalty to his lady love and she vowed hers to him. Sakaki kissed his bride and they turned and faced to their loyal subjects. Captain Izo looked at his daughter as she bowed to the royal couple. The couple walked down the isle of the throne room holding incense to pay tribute to the gods above for bestowing their blessing on them. They said a prayer to the gods and then the celebration began, music and fireworks to celebrate the emperor's marriage, food of the finest Japanese dishes were served. There were congratulations and songs to the bride and groom, for entertainment. Sakaki looked at Karasuma and whispered something into her ear, she smiled and nodded. Captain Izo watched the young couple speak of something to one another, he felt his fist ball up.
" I am the rightful heir," he thought, " I should be emperor."
As the celebration continued Karasuma and Sakaki snuck away and went his grand room. Sakaki shut the door and lit several candles, then looked at her.
" It's our wedding night," he whispered
" I know," she said undoing her garments
Sakaki walked to her and kissed her and gently undid her sash. She kissed him deeply as she began to undo his garments. Sakaki pushed hers off her shoulders and let the silk fall to the ground. He trailed his hands over her body, she closed her eyes as she felt his hands touch her skin. She looked at him and undressed him fully, and stared at his body. She kissed him and Sakaki pulled her to him, and he took in the sweet smell of the perfume she wore. She traced his body all the way down and came up again, he looked at her then kissed her.
" Haruto," she whispered
Sakaki traced her body stopping in certain areas to please her, she kissed him deeply on his lips. He lifted her up into his arms and gently laid her down, and touched her, hearing her moan as he increased the pleasure. She took her turn and straddled over him as he laid there. He laid her down again and kissed her deeply as he placed himself over her.
The sounds of passion came from the room, loud enough it could be heard from down the hall. They made loves for hours until the early hours. Both laid in bed holding each other, recovering form the hours of making love. Karasuma looked at him and wiped away the sweat that touched his brow, she smiled at him. He caressed her soft tender body as they held each other.
" Oh, Haruto," she whispered
" I don't know what got into me," he whispered
" Should it matter if it was great?" she questioned
" No, not at all," he whispered, " Because it was great for you."
He kissed her and she smiled as she laid in Sakaki's arms. Sakaki closed his eyes with her in his arms.
It was not until late morning that Sakaki and Karasuma decided to get up. Sakaki dressed in his causal imperial garments. He called the courtesans to speak to them about getting new clothing for Karasuma. He explained to them that he would wish to see her in colors that matched his own. They bowed and Sakaki looked at Karasuma as she slipped a casual kimono Miyako brought to her. Sakaki looked at Karasuma and kissed her passionately.
" Shall we greet your subjects?" Sakaki questioned
" Yes," Karasuma said
Sakaki walked out with her and the servants came to a formal bow as their superiors walked down the hall.
" Welcome to palace life," Sakaki whispered