Chapter 7: Sounds of Blades

1 week after the marriage

Sakaki drew his sword and attacked Captain Izo. Captain Izo watched Sakaki's every attack.

" Your doing well Highness," he said

" His attacks are good, he attacks me as if he thinks me his enemy," Captain Izo said

Sakaki sheathed his blade and Captain Izo did the same. Both took a stance and the courtesans came out to watch. Miyako and Karasuma made their way to the front.

" Captain Izo and Taiyou-sama are practicing," Miyako said, " Do not worry Lady Miho."

Karasuma nodded and watched as they drew and came at each other, the sounds of the blades made Karasuma nervous as she watched.

" I sense anger coming from Captain Izo," she thought, " Strong anger towards Haruto."

It was longer than what a normal little duel was. Sakaki was putting his heart into the slashing and protecting himself. The blades ceased and Captain Izo bowed after sheathing his blade.

" Majesty, you are doing extremely well," Captain Izo said

" To well, he will be more of a challenge than I thought," Captain Izo thought

Sakaki sheathed his blade and bowed then looked at Karasuma, she smiled and came down to the courtyard, gave a bow to him then kissed his cheek.

" Well, done," she whispered

Sakaki wrapped his arm around her and kissed her head.

" Are you ready to have something to eat?" she asked

" I'm starved," he said, " Did you fix it?"

" Not this time," she said

Karasuma wrapped her arm around his and the two walked off and Captain Izo narrowed his eyes as Sakaki walked away. His hand touched the hilt of his sword and then sighed.

" There's still time," he muttered

Sakaki and Karasuma dined out under the Sakura tree and Sakaki looked at it.

" This tree was the last thing I remember being under before the rebellion 11 years ago," Sakaki said

" You were young weren't you?" Karasuma said

" Yeah, and what I do remember became a blur to me when I was living in the other time.

Karasuma grabbed his hand and smiled and he placed his on her hand. They ate breakfast while they were attended to with fine food.

Later, the royal couple walked through the gardens and Karasuma looked at him. Karasuma kissed Sakaki on his nose and walked around the garden, Sakaki watched her and only desired her more each moment they were together. She stopped and looked over her shoulder and Sakaki could only stare at her beauty.

" What's wrong?" she asked

Sakaki shook his head and walked over to her and gently lifted her up into his arms. She wrapped her arms around him and laughter escaped her lips.

" I have a confession to make," Sakaki said

" And What is that?" Karasuma asked

" I am in love with a beautiful woman," he replied, " Actually gorgeous woman."

" And does this gorgeous woman have a name?" Karasuma asked

" Do angels have names?" Sakaki whispered

" Perhaps," Karasuma replied

Sakaki kissed her on her lips and she kissed him back placing her hand on his slightly rough face. Sakaki held her in his arms as they just kissed their longest kiss.

Later, Sakaki once more took on Captain Izo with another duel. Karasuma watched as they dueled and only felt that there was more to Captain Izo's attacks when it came at Sakaki.

" Their at it again," One courtesan said

" They practice a lot," another said

" One never practices enough ladies," Miyako said

They giggled and Karasuma breathed in deep, she sensed something else, but didn't know exactly what it was. Sakaki threw Captain Izo's attack back at him as struck at him. Sakaki stepped back and lost footing and Captain Izo struck.

" Highness, watch out!" Karasuma shouted

She turned around and Miyako and the other courtesans breathed deep as they watched. Sakaki looked up at Captain Izo and breathed deep and he too breathed deep, sweat dripped from their brows.

" Stand down Izo," Rinako called

Captain Izo did as he was told and she looked Sakaki. He gave a bow and sheathed his blade.

" Are you alright Highness?" Captain Izo asked

" I'm fine," Sakaki replied

He stood and looked at his hand seeing his blade cut through his hand. Sakaki pulled the tip from his hand and sheathed his blade.

" Taiyou, your hand!" Rinako exclaimed

Karasuma came down and ran to Sakaki's side and Sakaki held his hand.

" It's only a flesh wound," Sakaki replied

Karasuma looked at his hand and removed her handkerchief, then tied it around his hand. Sakaki looked at her and shook his head.

" Allow me to look at it sire," Nari said

She undid the handkerchief and looked at it and nodded. She placed her hand over his and a light came from her hand. Sakaki looked at her in surprise and so did Karasuma. She removed her hand and Sakaki saw only a scar on his hand.

" A craft user," Sakaki thought

" Lady Nari is the healer Taiyou, I did not mention this before, but she one of 13 members of the council," Rinako said

Sakaki looked at Rinako and she nodded.

" I'm in your debt," Sakaki said

" No, sire I only serve the Ranpu," Nari said

Captain Izo walked off and Rinako looked at him, she turned and walked off.

" I sense tension between your mother and Captain Izo," Karasuma whispered

" It seems that way," Sakaki whispered

That evening Sakaki stood under the water fall and closed his eyes, the blade coming at Sakaki made him jump.

" His attack was not a practiced attack, he took advantage of my miss stepping," Sakaki thought.

Sakaki sighed and looked at the scars on his body, they all had some significance, but he could not remember them.

Suddenly a pair of hands wrapped around his nude body and Sakaki looked up.

" Miho," he whispered

Sakaki turned and faced her and to his surprise it wasn't Karasuma.

" Miyako!" he exclaimed

" Shh," Miyako whispered, " It's alright."

" No, go away," Sakaki growled

Miyako looked at him and placed her finger on his lips.

" Please, for one night could you bed me?" she questioned

" No," he replied

Miyako bowed and walked off and Sakaki looked at her as she walked to gather her robes. He could not help, but to admire her form, but it was not a desire…his only desire was Karasuma.

He got out and wrapped his body in a robe and moved quickly to his room ,away from spying eyes. Sakaki dressed in his night garments and Karasuma entered the room. She walked over to him and sat beside him.

" Something's weighing on your mind," Karasuma said

" I don't know, something about today has me thinking," Sakaki said

He grabbed her hand and looked at her, she laid her head on his chest, then sighed.

" I was scared, when I saw Captain Izo attack you as he did, he took advantage of your footing error," Karasuma said, " I don't believe a swordsman would do that."

" Right now we have nothing to worry about," Sakaki whispered