The Concubine
by: Saku-Yume
Chapter Four: First Night
Kenshin stood at the door to Kaoru's quarters. He'd been standing there for some time now, unsure of what to do. Or rather, unsure of why he was so apprehensive about what he had to do. Which was pretend that the way his brother had reacted to her in the gardens, although he knew it would happen, hadn't bothered him.
He sighed. He always seemed to get himself into these awkward situations
Kaoru had pulled herself together by now. She had allowed the palace dressers to tend to her dinner attire and appearance and was now waiting for her escort to arrive. As nervous as she was about being in the presence of the emperor for a second time, she felt a tinge of excitement at being near Kenshin again. Yes, the feelings the emperor had elicited from her were new and stirring but they frightened her. Kenshin made her feel safe.
Then her heart sank. Kenshin had seemed extremely removed from her as he walked her back to her quarters. Perhaps he'd seen how the emperor seduced her? She reddened at the thought. Maybe he'd assumed that she welcomed his advances? Her shame deepened. Why was she even worried about how Kenshin felt, if he felt anything at all? Perhaps she was blowing it all out of proportion. Why would such a man as he take notice of such a girl as she? Was she so arrogant; so hot? Kaoru felt discomfited. She had almost lost sight of why she'd come here. So caught up had she been that she hadn't found a chance to ask the emperor for his aid.
"This is about helping my father and ensuring the survival of my family," she said sternly to her reflection. She hardly recognized herself. She was made up so well and swaddled in such fine clothing she hoped it wouldn't all be for nothing..
At that thought there was a faint knock on the door. Kaoru arose and smoothed the wrinkles from her light silk kimono decorated in the white and gold brocade of the royal household. Her heart pounded despite her decision not to concern herself with Kenshin. She took a deep breath before sliding the door open.
His breath caught in his throat. She looked lovely, of course, and all of the emotions he was struggling to keep down came flooding forth again. He opened his mouth to speak and no sound emerged. He cleared his throat. "My lady," he whispered softly.
Her heart melted when he called her 'my lady'. If only he could possess her.. She shook the feeling off and smiled as charmingly as she could manage. "My lord."
He returned her smile and held out an arm for her. They headed to dinner silently, content in their private and mutual thoughts.
*****
The Lady Taki sat poised and pleased to see that she was still the loveliest of the women in Enishi's court. It was her beauty that allowed her the opportunity to become his first wife in the beginning. She remembered the first wife before her. She had been waiting silently in Enishi's court for her chance to rise to the top. And it came in the form of a miscarriage and the untimely death of his former first wife, Yuri.
To be perfectly honest, the main obstacle had not been Yuri, but Enishi's late and dear sister, Tomoe. He had never loved anyone as he loved his elder sister. It was a sick kind of obsession that everyone noticed but no one talked about. He was more than attached to her. But after her tragic death, everything changed for Taki. He wanted anyone who could make him forget the pain. And she, with her flawless beauty and mysterious allure to men, was the perfect remedy. He'd not lost interest since. Yes, he did still take the occasional concubine in, but that was his right as emperor. Taki really didn't care, as long as nothing disturbed her very comfortable way of life. She sighed happily in the midst of the lively dinner party and placed her hand on her ripe belly. All she had to do now to cement her place in the royal line was to provide Enishi with a son....
Just as she took a sip of the plum sake, her eyes rested on the young woman who had just arrived to dinner on the arm of her husbands' head military advisor. She felt a sickness rise in her throat. She had heard that her dear husband had been presented with another concubine, but she didn't know he'd allowed her to stay. Nor had she known just how young and beautiful the little wench was. Taki watched her with narrowed eyes. The girl couldn't have been more than nineteen years old. But she had a grace about her. Was she some lord's daughter given to Enishi as a display of fealty? Whatever she was, Taki had already decided, she must not remain here. Because she could tell by the look in Enishi's eyes when he saw her that she was no ordinary concubine.
"Anata," Taki drawled sweetly, getting Enishi's attention. He turned from his primary accountant who was beyond drunk and regaling him with some lascivious escapade with one of the palace servant girls and replied,
"Yes, my love?"
Taki smiled at him sweetly, contradicting her hatred for the way he sarcastically addressed her. She knew that he never really would love her in any significant form, and it didn't really bother her, but did he have to mock her so?
"I do believe your top military advisor has arrived with something of a street tramp on his arm. Are we now allowing such company to dine with us?"
Enishi looked up and noticed Kenshin with the girl Kaoru for the first time. She looked lovely. And terribly anxious. He smiled. "Now, now, Taki, my dear. Let's not be snooty. That is my newest addition to my pleasure gardens and it's more than obvious that she's not street tramp. She's quite lovely." he trailed off thinking to himself, 'and tastes even better.'
Enishi was not the only one that had noticed the charming anonymous young woman by now. Nearly everyone had seen her and was murmuring their wonderment to one another. Kaoru's grip tightened on Kenshin's arm. She grew tense, feeling all eyes on her.
Kenshin squeezed her arm reassuringly and allowed a small smile for her. She smiled back, a bit more relaxed. They walked past the tables full of courtiers and royal officials. The hall was nearly quiet as Kenshin helped Kaoru to her knees at her place next to him.
"I see you've brought the lady from the valley of the gods, Kenshin." Enishi stood. Everyone fell silent. "Courtiers, royal advisors and dear friends, allow me to introduce Kamiya Kaoru, one of the newest, and truly most beautiful, additions to my ladies in waiting." He offered his hand to Taki who was seething inwardly next to him. He beckoned her to rise without looking away from Kaoru. Taki stood reluctantly but held her head high, looking down at the girl. "This, Kaoru is the Empress and my first wife, Yukishiro Taki."
It was obvious that Enishi's introducing Taki was executed strictly out of propriety. He had already given this unknown girl slight precedence over the Empress by introducing her first to everyone before her and regarding her as the most beautiful of his women. In an effort to redeem himself in the eyes of decorum he introduced the Empress. But, then, his eyes were steadily fixed upon Kaoru.
The room was silent. Kenshin gently nudged Kaoru to incite her out of her trance. This was her moment to get up and beg the Empress' benevolence and pledge herself to the Emperor. Kaoru rose effortlessly, albeit a bit nervously, and bowed deeply.
"Your majesties please accept my gratitude for your grace and allow me to serve you well." She turned to the Empress, head inclined gracefully. "I hope to please you both, your majesty."
Taki turned up her nose at Kaoru with disgust and said, "I don't know about you, child, but I can find no pleasure with another woman. How silly you are. Or perhaps you are like a vine that grows in both trees?"
Kaoru blushed deeply, head still bowed as a slight ripple of laughter found its way throughout the hall. Enishi smirked "That's quite enough my dear. You may be seated. I wouldn't want you to strain yourself in your most delicate position." Taki sat, pleased to have embarrassed the little wench. "Do not take my lady's words at heart, Kaoru-chan. She is quite hormonal at the moment. Please enjoy the evening. I'm sure Kenshin will see to your every need as my wife requires my full and undivided attention tonight."
Kaoru sat down and conversation filled the hall again. She was too embarrassed to look up from her lap. Tears blurred her vision. This is not what she had seen for herself. Things were going to be complicated enough without having an enemy at court, and such a powerful one at that. Then she chided herself again. She was not the important one here. This was for her family. But despite her better wishes, the tears escaped her eyes.
Kenshin was the only one who noticed her tears. He quickly checked to make sure the Empress was not watching her and got her attention. Kaoru turned slightly toward Kenshin wanting to bury her face in his chest, but she knew she could not. She tried to stop the tears. "Yes, my lord?" she whispered.
"Come with me outside to get some fresh air, my lady. Then perhaps your appetite will return to you." He offered his hand and they rose, slightly unnoticed. The empress raised a pleased eyebrow at the insolent girl. She would teach her who was at the top of the Emperor's list. She'd teach her so she'd never forget.
Outside, Kaoru wiped her tears on a silk kerchief Kenshin offered her. It smelled like him. She breathed it in deeply, trying not to be noticed by him. If he couldn't hold her, this was the closest she would get. And she wanted to savor it.
Kenshin interpreted her deep intake of breath as a sign of sorrow. He stepped closer and said gently, "Do not worry about the Empress, my lady. She only wants to feel important."
Kaoru looked into his eyes sadly. "It's not as if I even want to be here. She shouldn't feel threatened at all."
A wave of relief washed over Kenshin before he knew why it hit him. He realized with her open confession that the Emperor's seduction was lost on her. Or, at least, it was not a lasting impression. He tilted her chin upward so she could look into his eyes. "Why are you here, Kaoru?"
She sighed and swallowed lightly. His deep gaze made her feel exposed. Should she tell Kenshin before the Emperor? She'd already made a blunder at dinner by not knowing the proprieties of the royal court exchange. The Empress had made sure that everyone's attention was called to that. And it was embarrassing. But it effected her the most to be embarrassed in front of Kenshin, she realized. She didn't know if she could bear that again. But those eyes of his melted her reserve.
"My father is ailing," she whispered. "I cannot afford to take care of him properly on my own any longer. My teaching fees won't cover the expenses. If I have to live this way to save him, then I do so gladly. Or I wish to. But I am sorrowful. I feel.."
She paused and Kenshin's heart twisted. "Please, my lady, you can tell me. I will not betray your privacy or trust."
"I feel like I should be able to do better. I don't want to be a concubine. I don't like this. But I can't think only of myself. I may be miserable but I am young and healthy and my father is not. He cared for me when I was small and weak and vulnerable. And he deserves at least that much from me." Despite her sadness, she was filled with determination and conviction, another trait to admire, Kenshin thought.
Kenshin smiled gently. "I understand, my lady. We must all do things sometimes that we do not like out of respect for those around us." Kaoru noticed the distance in Kenshin's voice when he spoke these words. Perhaps they shared an understanding that she was unaware of?
Kenshin pushed the memories of Tomoe away for the moment. Now was not the time to think of her. He forced a smile. "Don't worry, Kaoru. This will stay between us. Let us return now. If we stay much longer there will be more talk than there already is." He offered his arm.
She took it and smiled at him. "Thank you, my lord."
"Please, call me Kenshin, my lady."
"Only if you promise to call me Kaoru."
They returned to the dining hall.
*****
A/N:
I AM SOOOOOO VERY SORRY IT TOOK SUCH A LONG TIME TO UPDATE! I'm in my final year of college and I'm in my Thesis class! They're trying to kill me! And if it's not school its work (Starbucks- "would you like whipped cream on you godamn frappucino, miss?)
Anyway I hope this pleases someone. I hope to continue still but don't kill me if I can't update tomorrow or whatever, okay?
Thanks to everyone who reviewed and still reviews! I read and save all my e- mail review alerts. They mean so much to me. Your feedback is as always very welcome.
So what does everyone think? Is Taki enough of a bitch or not? I wanted to establish a common ground between K&K in this chapter. Because they can't just BE together, you know? Nothing happens that way..
Anyway, much love and hope to update ASAP. I PROMISE!!!!!!
-Saku-chan
by: Saku-Yume
Chapter Four: First Night
Kenshin stood at the door to Kaoru's quarters. He'd been standing there for some time now, unsure of what to do. Or rather, unsure of why he was so apprehensive about what he had to do. Which was pretend that the way his brother had reacted to her in the gardens, although he knew it would happen, hadn't bothered him.
He sighed. He always seemed to get himself into these awkward situations
Kaoru had pulled herself together by now. She had allowed the palace dressers to tend to her dinner attire and appearance and was now waiting for her escort to arrive. As nervous as she was about being in the presence of the emperor for a second time, she felt a tinge of excitement at being near Kenshin again. Yes, the feelings the emperor had elicited from her were new and stirring but they frightened her. Kenshin made her feel safe.
Then her heart sank. Kenshin had seemed extremely removed from her as he walked her back to her quarters. Perhaps he'd seen how the emperor seduced her? She reddened at the thought. Maybe he'd assumed that she welcomed his advances? Her shame deepened. Why was she even worried about how Kenshin felt, if he felt anything at all? Perhaps she was blowing it all out of proportion. Why would such a man as he take notice of such a girl as she? Was she so arrogant; so hot? Kaoru felt discomfited. She had almost lost sight of why she'd come here. So caught up had she been that she hadn't found a chance to ask the emperor for his aid.
"This is about helping my father and ensuring the survival of my family," she said sternly to her reflection. She hardly recognized herself. She was made up so well and swaddled in such fine clothing she hoped it wouldn't all be for nothing..
At that thought there was a faint knock on the door. Kaoru arose and smoothed the wrinkles from her light silk kimono decorated in the white and gold brocade of the royal household. Her heart pounded despite her decision not to concern herself with Kenshin. She took a deep breath before sliding the door open.
His breath caught in his throat. She looked lovely, of course, and all of the emotions he was struggling to keep down came flooding forth again. He opened his mouth to speak and no sound emerged. He cleared his throat. "My lady," he whispered softly.
Her heart melted when he called her 'my lady'. If only he could possess her.. She shook the feeling off and smiled as charmingly as she could manage. "My lord."
He returned her smile and held out an arm for her. They headed to dinner silently, content in their private and mutual thoughts.
*****
The Lady Taki sat poised and pleased to see that she was still the loveliest of the women in Enishi's court. It was her beauty that allowed her the opportunity to become his first wife in the beginning. She remembered the first wife before her. She had been waiting silently in Enishi's court for her chance to rise to the top. And it came in the form of a miscarriage and the untimely death of his former first wife, Yuri.
To be perfectly honest, the main obstacle had not been Yuri, but Enishi's late and dear sister, Tomoe. He had never loved anyone as he loved his elder sister. It was a sick kind of obsession that everyone noticed but no one talked about. He was more than attached to her. But after her tragic death, everything changed for Taki. He wanted anyone who could make him forget the pain. And she, with her flawless beauty and mysterious allure to men, was the perfect remedy. He'd not lost interest since. Yes, he did still take the occasional concubine in, but that was his right as emperor. Taki really didn't care, as long as nothing disturbed her very comfortable way of life. She sighed happily in the midst of the lively dinner party and placed her hand on her ripe belly. All she had to do now to cement her place in the royal line was to provide Enishi with a son....
Just as she took a sip of the plum sake, her eyes rested on the young woman who had just arrived to dinner on the arm of her husbands' head military advisor. She felt a sickness rise in her throat. She had heard that her dear husband had been presented with another concubine, but she didn't know he'd allowed her to stay. Nor had she known just how young and beautiful the little wench was. Taki watched her with narrowed eyes. The girl couldn't have been more than nineteen years old. But she had a grace about her. Was she some lord's daughter given to Enishi as a display of fealty? Whatever she was, Taki had already decided, she must not remain here. Because she could tell by the look in Enishi's eyes when he saw her that she was no ordinary concubine.
"Anata," Taki drawled sweetly, getting Enishi's attention. He turned from his primary accountant who was beyond drunk and regaling him with some lascivious escapade with one of the palace servant girls and replied,
"Yes, my love?"
Taki smiled at him sweetly, contradicting her hatred for the way he sarcastically addressed her. She knew that he never really would love her in any significant form, and it didn't really bother her, but did he have to mock her so?
"I do believe your top military advisor has arrived with something of a street tramp on his arm. Are we now allowing such company to dine with us?"
Enishi looked up and noticed Kenshin with the girl Kaoru for the first time. She looked lovely. And terribly anxious. He smiled. "Now, now, Taki, my dear. Let's not be snooty. That is my newest addition to my pleasure gardens and it's more than obvious that she's not street tramp. She's quite lovely." he trailed off thinking to himself, 'and tastes even better.'
Enishi was not the only one that had noticed the charming anonymous young woman by now. Nearly everyone had seen her and was murmuring their wonderment to one another. Kaoru's grip tightened on Kenshin's arm. She grew tense, feeling all eyes on her.
Kenshin squeezed her arm reassuringly and allowed a small smile for her. She smiled back, a bit more relaxed. They walked past the tables full of courtiers and royal officials. The hall was nearly quiet as Kenshin helped Kaoru to her knees at her place next to him.
"I see you've brought the lady from the valley of the gods, Kenshin." Enishi stood. Everyone fell silent. "Courtiers, royal advisors and dear friends, allow me to introduce Kamiya Kaoru, one of the newest, and truly most beautiful, additions to my ladies in waiting." He offered his hand to Taki who was seething inwardly next to him. He beckoned her to rise without looking away from Kaoru. Taki stood reluctantly but held her head high, looking down at the girl. "This, Kaoru is the Empress and my first wife, Yukishiro Taki."
It was obvious that Enishi's introducing Taki was executed strictly out of propriety. He had already given this unknown girl slight precedence over the Empress by introducing her first to everyone before her and regarding her as the most beautiful of his women. In an effort to redeem himself in the eyes of decorum he introduced the Empress. But, then, his eyes were steadily fixed upon Kaoru.
The room was silent. Kenshin gently nudged Kaoru to incite her out of her trance. This was her moment to get up and beg the Empress' benevolence and pledge herself to the Emperor. Kaoru rose effortlessly, albeit a bit nervously, and bowed deeply.
"Your majesties please accept my gratitude for your grace and allow me to serve you well." She turned to the Empress, head inclined gracefully. "I hope to please you both, your majesty."
Taki turned up her nose at Kaoru with disgust and said, "I don't know about you, child, but I can find no pleasure with another woman. How silly you are. Or perhaps you are like a vine that grows in both trees?"
Kaoru blushed deeply, head still bowed as a slight ripple of laughter found its way throughout the hall. Enishi smirked "That's quite enough my dear. You may be seated. I wouldn't want you to strain yourself in your most delicate position." Taki sat, pleased to have embarrassed the little wench. "Do not take my lady's words at heart, Kaoru-chan. She is quite hormonal at the moment. Please enjoy the evening. I'm sure Kenshin will see to your every need as my wife requires my full and undivided attention tonight."
Kaoru sat down and conversation filled the hall again. She was too embarrassed to look up from her lap. Tears blurred her vision. This is not what she had seen for herself. Things were going to be complicated enough without having an enemy at court, and such a powerful one at that. Then she chided herself again. She was not the important one here. This was for her family. But despite her better wishes, the tears escaped her eyes.
Kenshin was the only one who noticed her tears. He quickly checked to make sure the Empress was not watching her and got her attention. Kaoru turned slightly toward Kenshin wanting to bury her face in his chest, but she knew she could not. She tried to stop the tears. "Yes, my lord?" she whispered.
"Come with me outside to get some fresh air, my lady. Then perhaps your appetite will return to you." He offered his hand and they rose, slightly unnoticed. The empress raised a pleased eyebrow at the insolent girl. She would teach her who was at the top of the Emperor's list. She'd teach her so she'd never forget.
Outside, Kaoru wiped her tears on a silk kerchief Kenshin offered her. It smelled like him. She breathed it in deeply, trying not to be noticed by him. If he couldn't hold her, this was the closest she would get. And she wanted to savor it.
Kenshin interpreted her deep intake of breath as a sign of sorrow. He stepped closer and said gently, "Do not worry about the Empress, my lady. She only wants to feel important."
Kaoru looked into his eyes sadly. "It's not as if I even want to be here. She shouldn't feel threatened at all."
A wave of relief washed over Kenshin before he knew why it hit him. He realized with her open confession that the Emperor's seduction was lost on her. Or, at least, it was not a lasting impression. He tilted her chin upward so she could look into his eyes. "Why are you here, Kaoru?"
She sighed and swallowed lightly. His deep gaze made her feel exposed. Should she tell Kenshin before the Emperor? She'd already made a blunder at dinner by not knowing the proprieties of the royal court exchange. The Empress had made sure that everyone's attention was called to that. And it was embarrassing. But it effected her the most to be embarrassed in front of Kenshin, she realized. She didn't know if she could bear that again. But those eyes of his melted her reserve.
"My father is ailing," she whispered. "I cannot afford to take care of him properly on my own any longer. My teaching fees won't cover the expenses. If I have to live this way to save him, then I do so gladly. Or I wish to. But I am sorrowful. I feel.."
She paused and Kenshin's heart twisted. "Please, my lady, you can tell me. I will not betray your privacy or trust."
"I feel like I should be able to do better. I don't want to be a concubine. I don't like this. But I can't think only of myself. I may be miserable but I am young and healthy and my father is not. He cared for me when I was small and weak and vulnerable. And he deserves at least that much from me." Despite her sadness, she was filled with determination and conviction, another trait to admire, Kenshin thought.
Kenshin smiled gently. "I understand, my lady. We must all do things sometimes that we do not like out of respect for those around us." Kaoru noticed the distance in Kenshin's voice when he spoke these words. Perhaps they shared an understanding that she was unaware of?
Kenshin pushed the memories of Tomoe away for the moment. Now was not the time to think of her. He forced a smile. "Don't worry, Kaoru. This will stay between us. Let us return now. If we stay much longer there will be more talk than there already is." He offered his arm.
She took it and smiled at him. "Thank you, my lord."
"Please, call me Kenshin, my lady."
"Only if you promise to call me Kaoru."
They returned to the dining hall.
*****
A/N:
I AM SOOOOOO VERY SORRY IT TOOK SUCH A LONG TIME TO UPDATE! I'm in my final year of college and I'm in my Thesis class! They're trying to kill me! And if it's not school its work (Starbucks- "would you like whipped cream on you godamn frappucino, miss?)
Anyway I hope this pleases someone. I hope to continue still but don't kill me if I can't update tomorrow or whatever, okay?
Thanks to everyone who reviewed and still reviews! I read and save all my e- mail review alerts. They mean so much to me. Your feedback is as always very welcome.
So what does everyone think? Is Taki enough of a bitch or not? I wanted to establish a common ground between K&K in this chapter. Because they can't just BE together, you know? Nothing happens that way..
Anyway, much love and hope to update ASAP. I PROMISE!!!!!!
-Saku-chan
