Disclaimer: I do not own G Gundam or any of its characters
A.N.: sorry it's been so long, but I was bed-ridden for a while with the stomach flu...yeah, it was bad, but I'm much better now and I have a ton of work to do, but I decided to do this first because I always procrastinate when it comes to homework. Thanks to Chapter 6 reviewers!!
Punky: hey, thanks for reviewing...i know it wasn't really for chapter 6, but I hope that you'll come back for more and continue reviewing my work. Thanks for the compliment!
Sakura: sorry it took so long to update, I'll try harder next time. I don't really have writer's block now, so not to worry!! I hope everything will move along swiftly from now on!! Thanks for the review!
Kt: thanks for keeping me on-track!! It was nice of you to review and encourage me to get up off my butt and write the next chapter, I guess I was being such a slug, I needed to be motivated. I hope that you keep reviewing!
halstar@babe: WOW!! Thank you so much for the compliment...i don't know if I'm quite that good, but I'll try my hardest to live up to your expectations. Be sure to let me know if there's anything that you think I should add/change/remove, anything like that, k?
Lina567: hey!! Thanks for reviewing twice!! I finally wrote the chapter, I am so so so sorry it took me forever, but I made this chapter just for you, I began with a big M/G scene, nice and long, but a little angsty...Be sure to review and tell me if you like it or not, k? ^_^ and Allenby bashing, of course!!
Rain-Mikamura: wow! Thank you so much for coming back!!! I'm glad you're addicted, and I must return the compliment. I really enjoy your "Reflections"!! It's really, really good!! Something kinda different from the norm, it's very well done!
CrescentFighter: hey, sorry you're grounded...yeah, I know how that goes...and thanks for suggesting that I take the non-signed in reviews too!! I didn't even realize that I had that thing on, so thanks so much. I hope you'll keep r/r...somehow...just don't get grounded again!!
Posypanco: one ML/G scene, right up!!! A nice, fat, sappy, long one at the very beginning...it's actually a very important scene...this entire chapter is, really...and Allenby is rejected!
Skye Silvereye: thanks for reviewing my stuff!! In response to your e-mail, I actually haven't watched Inuyasha (I know, it's really sad... maybe this summer!) but your idea sounds great!! And even though I haven't seen it, I will still review!! Thanks for complimenting me on my research. It actually takes quite a bit of time, but it's very interesting. I hope you keep reviewing!!
Gold Angel: WOW!! What else am I supposed to say in response to a review like that? Thank you so very much for the wonderful compliment, I'm glad you added me to your favorites, and I hope that I can live up to your expectations! I'll try my absolute best. I hope you continue to enjoy, let me know what you think.
XP Dark Angel: hey, thank you for reviewing! I'm glad that you want me to update, and I hope that you continue to read and review!!
Kitty Luver: I added the mystical elements to my story in this chapter, just as you requested!! Sai's going to be okay, not to worry, and Allenby has recognized that Rain is ruining her plans and has a fit!! There is a little D/R going on, but I promise more next chapter...it's pretty unavoidable at this point, you'll see why if you read!
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 7
*~*~*~*
IN SAUVILLA
The moonlight spilled out onto the bridge, glistening in the bubbling water below, the sound pure and cleansing. Marie-Louise sighed, a content smile spread across her face as she gently leaned against the cool wooden barrier.
"Sir George, I wish to thank you most sincerely for showing me around the palace today. It was beautiful, and I had a simply delightful time, though I apologize for being such a burden."
"Rain, there is no need for you to apologize. I, too, had a wonderful day, thanks to your companionship. Perhaps, if you do not mind, we may spend tomorrow together as well."
"Oh, Sir George! I would enjoy that, very much so!"
"Please, Rain, I hoped that by now you would do away with the Sir. We are friends, and there is no need for formalities."
"Of course, George." Marie-Louise grinned at how his name rolled off her tongue so easily. He said they were friends, but she had hoped for more.
She sighed again, only this time out of frustration. All day she had made her intentions clear, as clear as a lady could without being brazen or too rash, yet he seemed to either not notice or not care. Perhaps he did not feel the same way for her.
Sneaking in a quick glance, she took in his tall, muscular figure. He was watching as the torches were lit, one by one, illuminating the magnificent castle, revealing its splendor and glory. During a perfectly romantic moment such as this, he was not even paying attention to her. No, he did not love her. If he did, he would have shown something, anything, towards her. But he hadn't and she couldn't keep pretending that he had. She ran through every event of the day, and he had never behaved like more of a gentleman. But as the perfect gentleman, he was reserved, always composed and rational, never passionate or showing her any particular favor.
The realization destroyed her previously satisfied mood, and she frowned, irately crossing her arms over her chest. How could she make him love her? Was it even possible to make someone you love return your affections if they don't feel the same? Was there anything at all she could do?
George seemed to recognize that he was being rude in allowing the conversation to come to a sudden halt. Clearing his throat, he turned to address her.
"Rain, tell me, do you have family back in Mersenia?"
Marie-Louise deliberated momentarily on what she knew about Rain before speaking. "I have no known family. The queen found me on the bank of the river, Epuratoire, (1) and brought me back to the castle. While it was not fitting for the queen to raise an orphan with no known connections as a princess, I grew up with many advantages over fellow servants. When princess Marie-Louise was born, I was immediately appointed as her serving maid. Since I was only six at the time, I matured quickly with the responsibilities that I had to fulfill.
"With the queen's death when I was only ten, I found that she had left me a sealed note, containing the only valuable I own. It's a beautiful silver moon pendant on a thin, braided chain with an elegant sapphire raindrop. It contains the initials 'R.M.', the only clue to my identity. (2) In the letter, she explained that she had found it around my neck that day by the river and had been planning to tell me the story when I was old enough to understand, but she unfortunately died before she could do so.
"She came upon naming me 'Rain' because of the sapphire's resemblance, the name of the river, and the letter on the pendant. She always used to tell me that I was a gift from heaven, someone with a pure heart and soul, come down to bless those on earth. Even though I barely knew her, she was the only mother I have ever known. I loved her very much."
Marie-Louise lowered her head as she thought about her long-deceased mother. She still missed her, to this very day. Though she had only been four, she wished with all her heart that she could have known her better and made her proud. She was jealous of the relationship that Rain had had with her. All that she had told George was true, it was everything that Rain had told her about her past. It was short, but even Rain knew very little about who she was and where she had come from.
Suddenly, she felt a gentle hand upon her bare shoulder and she turned to face George. He was staring down at her, intently, his eyes full of compassion and something else Marie-Louise could not figure out.
"I am sorry. I was rude in bringing up such a personal subject."
She drew in a shaky breath at the feelings his touch excited, and shaking herself back to reality, waved his comment away. "Do not be ridiculous, George." She smiled. "It was my decision to share the facts with you. I trust you. You, yourself, said that we were friends. I would not reveal my past to anyone I did not think so highly of."
Marie-Louise shivered from the icy air. She thought about continuing with her confession of her affections, but she knew that it was useless to try anymore. She was already embarrassed that she had spent the entire day trying to get his attention. He was the perfect gentleman, but would show her nothing more.
"Shall we return now? It is getting quite late, I am sure that the princess awaits your return."
Smiling in spite of her heart's agony, Marie-Louise accepted his arm as he led her back to the castle. "Yes, of course."
*~*~*~*
Rain wiped her brow with the back of her hand and released a sigh. It was getting quite late, and she was exhausted and shivering from the cold. All she wanted to do was to collapse in a pile of straw, allowing her body to sleep. But this was selfish of her, especially when Domon was also working so hard. He hadn't left her side the entire night, and together they tended to Sai Sici. It was difficult work, particularly when she discovered that not only were the scars infected, but they had been treated with salt (3). They had to peal back the scars that had formed to expose the wounds so they could be properly cleaned and then treated.
Mixing the boiling water with some soap, Domon cleaned out the gashes as Rain crushed several herbs in the mortar (4). He watched her hands turn red from rubbing against the rough stone of the pestle (5) as it grounded the contents. Pausing, she picked up a narrow band of cloth that she had set in the boiling water.
"I'm going to need to wrap his wounds now. Could you help me hold him up?"
Domon nodded, and she smeared some of the herbal remedy on the wounds, wrapping the young boy's torso with the strips. He helped her wrap, holding the unconscious figure upright as he did so. Together, they worked quickly and in silence, each focused on their task. Finally, the last scar had been cleaned and wrapped. Domon took the body gently in his arms and carried him over to where Rain directed him, to the boy's room in the stable, laying him down on the small cot. Rain set a pitcher of cool water by the side and sat down on the floor, her back resting against the wall.
"You're not thinking of staying here all night, are you?" Domon leaned against the wall, his head lowered and his eyes shut.
"He is a patient in need of my care, I can't very well leave him all alone over night, so of course I am going to stay."
He reprimanded her coldly. "You need your rest. And it is freezing out here."
Shaking her head, she responded gently. "You don't understand. What if he wakes up in the middle of the night? He needs someone to care for him."
"All right. He needs someone to care for him. But that's not you or me, not out here where we could only further worsen the situation by becoming sick ourselves. We have already been missing from the castle for far too long, to be gone any longer would only continue to raise suspicion. We both need to return."
"Well-do you think we could bring him to one of our rooms? Just for tonight, anyway? I couldn't possibly leave him out here alone."
"I don't know how it would work, but I suppose we could try. Let's wait for Chibodee to return and help us."
*~*~*~*
Ulube strode into his darkened chambers, closing the door with a click behind him. Opening his wardrobe, he produced a long, dark cloak. He slipped it on, pulling the hood over his head and strolled towards the center of the room where there was a circular fireplace. Every time he stayed at the Kasshu castle, he was sure to request this room. It was, after all, the only one that could satisfy his very-particular-needs.
Glancing out the window, he judged it was late enough to begin without worrying of attracting unwanted attention. His silver mask flashed dangerously in the flickering light produced by the fire, creating an uncanny and disturbing expression. An evil smile spread across his visage, the corners of his mouth creeping up his face. As he approached, he stepped into the ceremonial chalk markings, and stirred the large, coal-black cauldron bubbling in the fireplace, causing a whirlwind effect.
"Guardians of the Night, creatures who take cover in the darkness, show me this maiden who is visiting the prince Domon of Sauvilla to claim his heart."
With his demand, a nebulous shadow rose from the whirlwind, its eyes glowing like rubies. It stretched out a dark, sinister tendril towards its master.
"As you command." It hissed a response, the voice indistinguishable, neither male or female.
The phantom spun in a quick, cyclic motion, producing the image of a young maid, not yet one and twenty, walking next to the prince. She had auburn hair that flowed down in waves and eyes an exceptional shade of cerulean blue. Around her neck, she wore a silver pendant, but no other form of jewelry. Her extreme beauty was apparent, and as she moved about he caught her glancing several times at Domon.
A brief wave of his hand banished the shadow and the image. The room went black as the fire was quelled at his command. Exiting the circle, Ulube clasped his hands behind his back, immersed in thought.
"So she fancies the prince. That is a problem indeed. But one to be quickly remedied."
*~*~*~*
Chibodee had finally returned to the stables and agreed to help Domon carry Sai Sici, but he was still having doubts.
"Are you both sure this will work?"
"It's so late, most everyone will already be asleep. Besides, the guards are not located on the bedroom floors. It will be easy to sneak in without notice," Domon replied.
Rain gathered her belongings as the men took Sai Sici and they headed towards the castle. Domon was right, it was easy sneaking into the castle; however, it was apparent that he had done it several times before and knew how to move without being caught. They entered quietly and set Sai and his cot down on the floor in Domon's room.
"Well, there you go. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm going to sleep now. I'm worn out." With a yawn, Chibodee stretched and left, shutting the door behind him.
"Wait!" Rain called out, but Chibodee had already disappeared. She turned to face Domon. "You don't mean to keep him in your room, do you?"
"Why else do you think he is in here?"
"Well, it's just that-I thought that he was going to my chambers so I could look after him."
"And you can't look after him in my room? You can just stay here for the night."
Rain blushed as her eyes drifted unconsciously towards the enormous bed that could easily sleep five men. "I. I. Just don't know about that. I mean. I've never, well, stayed in another man's chambers before."
Domon rolled his eyes. "Marie-Louise, I promise I won't attack you sexually."
Rain blushed again. Attempting to regain her composure, Rain pushed her rising feelings away, but her face remained flushed. Hesitantly, she responded. "All right."
She bent down at Sai Sici's side and wrapped several more blankets around his figure. Rising, she made a sad attempt at warming herself up by rubbing her hands up and down her arms, but she still continued to shiver.
"So." She paused. "Where shall I sleep?"
Domon glanced up at her. He hadn't thought of that. "I suppose we will have to share my bed."
Rain whirled around. "What!?"
"Unless you want to risk your life by sleeping on that freezing stone floor, that is. You can always go back to your own room, if you like, I'm not going to force you to stay. I know what you must think about me, with how I act around Lady Allenby, but you can trust me. I won't try anything like that with you. I promise. I'll sleep on one end, you can sleep on the other."
Rain slowly nodded, agreeing to his terms. And she did trust him, somewhere along the way, her opinion of him had done a complete one hundred and eighty degree turn. She couldn't pinpoint when it exactly happened. Maybe it was how he acted around Sai Sici, how he offered to help take care of him without hesitation, how he didn't seem to care about Sai's social standing. Or maybe it was when he had shown concern for her after Allenby had fallen in the water. Or perhaps it was Kyoji's words that had caused her to see him differently.
Either way, she had suddenly grown to trust him. That wasn't the problem she was having in accepting his offer.
Rain crawled into the luxurious bed, lying down at one end on her side facing away from Domon, pretending as she stared intently at the wall that she didn't notice him undressing or sliding into the bed, his body resting only a few feet away from her own.
She was being absolutely ridiculous. He probably didn't even have feelings for her. In fact, he probably was repulsed by the idea of her staying there, all the time, wanting Allenby instead. She may have even ruined plans that he had organized with her. And just who was she? Some spoiled little princess, or so he had been led to believe. No, trusting Domon wasn't the problem.
The problem was...could she trust herself?
*~*~*~*
Lady Allenby glared at Domon's door from her hiding spot in the shadows, silently willing it to open again. When would that princess come out?
Walking across the hallway, she pressed an ear to his door, listening to what was happening.
"You can just stay here for the night"
Was that. Domon's voice? After a standing, stunned in the hall for a lengthy period of time, she felt choked, unable to breathe. She ran, returning to her dark, secluded chambers. As she shut the door to her room, she gripped the doorknob, her knuckles turning white.
No no no!! This wasn't happening to her. Not this, it was the one thing that she hadn't counted on, and the one thing ruining her plans. Betrayal. She anticipated the princess falling for Domon, but never had she considered the feeling being returned by him. She was loosing her control of him, all the power over him she thought she had, was rapidly decreasing.
She began to see red and let out a piercing scream, hurling anything she could get her hands on in an animalistic manner at the walls, bed frame, floor, windows, and mirrors. After exerting all her energy, she bent over, huffing furiously, seething in rage.
The princess was stealing Domon away from her. And she would pay, she would pay dearly.
*~*~*~*
Please REVIEW!!! A lot of major events happened here, so I want to know what you think, okay? Be sure to let me know!!
(1): Epuratoire means "cleansing" or "purifying" in French.
(2): Rain's necklace was mentioned in chapters 1 and 4 for those of you wondering. She has never mentioned her last name.
(3): Often, salt was poured into the injuries to add to the further pain, like in the saying "adding salt to the wound" (or something like that...) Salt would not only increase the amount of distress, but would cause permanent scarring, preventing the lacerations from ever healing.
(4): A mortar is a vessel in which substances are crushed or ground with a pestle. It resembles a bowl, and is usually made of stone.
(5): A pestle is a club-shaped, hand-held tool for grinding or mashing substances in a mortar, also usually made out of stone.
A.N.: sorry it's been so long, but I was bed-ridden for a while with the stomach flu...yeah, it was bad, but I'm much better now and I have a ton of work to do, but I decided to do this first because I always procrastinate when it comes to homework. Thanks to Chapter 6 reviewers!!
Punky: hey, thanks for reviewing...i know it wasn't really for chapter 6, but I hope that you'll come back for more and continue reviewing my work. Thanks for the compliment!
Sakura: sorry it took so long to update, I'll try harder next time. I don't really have writer's block now, so not to worry!! I hope everything will move along swiftly from now on!! Thanks for the review!
Kt: thanks for keeping me on-track!! It was nice of you to review and encourage me to get up off my butt and write the next chapter, I guess I was being such a slug, I needed to be motivated. I hope that you keep reviewing!
halstar@babe: WOW!! Thank you so much for the compliment...i don't know if I'm quite that good, but I'll try my hardest to live up to your expectations. Be sure to let me know if there's anything that you think I should add/change/remove, anything like that, k?
Lina567: hey!! Thanks for reviewing twice!! I finally wrote the chapter, I am so so so sorry it took me forever, but I made this chapter just for you, I began with a big M/G scene, nice and long, but a little angsty...Be sure to review and tell me if you like it or not, k? ^_^ and Allenby bashing, of course!!
Rain-Mikamura: wow! Thank you so much for coming back!!! I'm glad you're addicted, and I must return the compliment. I really enjoy your "Reflections"!! It's really, really good!! Something kinda different from the norm, it's very well done!
CrescentFighter: hey, sorry you're grounded...yeah, I know how that goes...and thanks for suggesting that I take the non-signed in reviews too!! I didn't even realize that I had that thing on, so thanks so much. I hope you'll keep r/r...somehow...just don't get grounded again!!
Posypanco: one ML/G scene, right up!!! A nice, fat, sappy, long one at the very beginning...it's actually a very important scene...this entire chapter is, really...and Allenby is rejected!
Skye Silvereye: thanks for reviewing my stuff!! In response to your e-mail, I actually haven't watched Inuyasha (I know, it's really sad... maybe this summer!) but your idea sounds great!! And even though I haven't seen it, I will still review!! Thanks for complimenting me on my research. It actually takes quite a bit of time, but it's very interesting. I hope you keep reviewing!!
Gold Angel: WOW!! What else am I supposed to say in response to a review like that? Thank you so very much for the wonderful compliment, I'm glad you added me to your favorites, and I hope that I can live up to your expectations! I'll try my absolute best. I hope you continue to enjoy, let me know what you think.
XP Dark Angel: hey, thank you for reviewing! I'm glad that you want me to update, and I hope that you continue to read and review!!
Kitty Luver: I added the mystical elements to my story in this chapter, just as you requested!! Sai's going to be okay, not to worry, and Allenby has recognized that Rain is ruining her plans and has a fit!! There is a little D/R going on, but I promise more next chapter...it's pretty unavoidable at this point, you'll see why if you read!
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 7
*~*~*~*
IN SAUVILLA
The moonlight spilled out onto the bridge, glistening in the bubbling water below, the sound pure and cleansing. Marie-Louise sighed, a content smile spread across her face as she gently leaned against the cool wooden barrier.
"Sir George, I wish to thank you most sincerely for showing me around the palace today. It was beautiful, and I had a simply delightful time, though I apologize for being such a burden."
"Rain, there is no need for you to apologize. I, too, had a wonderful day, thanks to your companionship. Perhaps, if you do not mind, we may spend tomorrow together as well."
"Oh, Sir George! I would enjoy that, very much so!"
"Please, Rain, I hoped that by now you would do away with the Sir. We are friends, and there is no need for formalities."
"Of course, George." Marie-Louise grinned at how his name rolled off her tongue so easily. He said they were friends, but she had hoped for more.
She sighed again, only this time out of frustration. All day she had made her intentions clear, as clear as a lady could without being brazen or too rash, yet he seemed to either not notice or not care. Perhaps he did not feel the same way for her.
Sneaking in a quick glance, she took in his tall, muscular figure. He was watching as the torches were lit, one by one, illuminating the magnificent castle, revealing its splendor and glory. During a perfectly romantic moment such as this, he was not even paying attention to her. No, he did not love her. If he did, he would have shown something, anything, towards her. But he hadn't and she couldn't keep pretending that he had. She ran through every event of the day, and he had never behaved like more of a gentleman. But as the perfect gentleman, he was reserved, always composed and rational, never passionate or showing her any particular favor.
The realization destroyed her previously satisfied mood, and she frowned, irately crossing her arms over her chest. How could she make him love her? Was it even possible to make someone you love return your affections if they don't feel the same? Was there anything at all she could do?
George seemed to recognize that he was being rude in allowing the conversation to come to a sudden halt. Clearing his throat, he turned to address her.
"Rain, tell me, do you have family back in Mersenia?"
Marie-Louise deliberated momentarily on what she knew about Rain before speaking. "I have no known family. The queen found me on the bank of the river, Epuratoire, (1) and brought me back to the castle. While it was not fitting for the queen to raise an orphan with no known connections as a princess, I grew up with many advantages over fellow servants. When princess Marie-Louise was born, I was immediately appointed as her serving maid. Since I was only six at the time, I matured quickly with the responsibilities that I had to fulfill.
"With the queen's death when I was only ten, I found that she had left me a sealed note, containing the only valuable I own. It's a beautiful silver moon pendant on a thin, braided chain with an elegant sapphire raindrop. It contains the initials 'R.M.', the only clue to my identity. (2) In the letter, she explained that she had found it around my neck that day by the river and had been planning to tell me the story when I was old enough to understand, but she unfortunately died before she could do so.
"She came upon naming me 'Rain' because of the sapphire's resemblance, the name of the river, and the letter on the pendant. She always used to tell me that I was a gift from heaven, someone with a pure heart and soul, come down to bless those on earth. Even though I barely knew her, she was the only mother I have ever known. I loved her very much."
Marie-Louise lowered her head as she thought about her long-deceased mother. She still missed her, to this very day. Though she had only been four, she wished with all her heart that she could have known her better and made her proud. She was jealous of the relationship that Rain had had with her. All that she had told George was true, it was everything that Rain had told her about her past. It was short, but even Rain knew very little about who she was and where she had come from.
Suddenly, she felt a gentle hand upon her bare shoulder and she turned to face George. He was staring down at her, intently, his eyes full of compassion and something else Marie-Louise could not figure out.
"I am sorry. I was rude in bringing up such a personal subject."
She drew in a shaky breath at the feelings his touch excited, and shaking herself back to reality, waved his comment away. "Do not be ridiculous, George." She smiled. "It was my decision to share the facts with you. I trust you. You, yourself, said that we were friends. I would not reveal my past to anyone I did not think so highly of."
Marie-Louise shivered from the icy air. She thought about continuing with her confession of her affections, but she knew that it was useless to try anymore. She was already embarrassed that she had spent the entire day trying to get his attention. He was the perfect gentleman, but would show her nothing more.
"Shall we return now? It is getting quite late, I am sure that the princess awaits your return."
Smiling in spite of her heart's agony, Marie-Louise accepted his arm as he led her back to the castle. "Yes, of course."
*~*~*~*
Rain wiped her brow with the back of her hand and released a sigh. It was getting quite late, and she was exhausted and shivering from the cold. All she wanted to do was to collapse in a pile of straw, allowing her body to sleep. But this was selfish of her, especially when Domon was also working so hard. He hadn't left her side the entire night, and together they tended to Sai Sici. It was difficult work, particularly when she discovered that not only were the scars infected, but they had been treated with salt (3). They had to peal back the scars that had formed to expose the wounds so they could be properly cleaned and then treated.
Mixing the boiling water with some soap, Domon cleaned out the gashes as Rain crushed several herbs in the mortar (4). He watched her hands turn red from rubbing against the rough stone of the pestle (5) as it grounded the contents. Pausing, she picked up a narrow band of cloth that she had set in the boiling water.
"I'm going to need to wrap his wounds now. Could you help me hold him up?"
Domon nodded, and she smeared some of the herbal remedy on the wounds, wrapping the young boy's torso with the strips. He helped her wrap, holding the unconscious figure upright as he did so. Together, they worked quickly and in silence, each focused on their task. Finally, the last scar had been cleaned and wrapped. Domon took the body gently in his arms and carried him over to where Rain directed him, to the boy's room in the stable, laying him down on the small cot. Rain set a pitcher of cool water by the side and sat down on the floor, her back resting against the wall.
"You're not thinking of staying here all night, are you?" Domon leaned against the wall, his head lowered and his eyes shut.
"He is a patient in need of my care, I can't very well leave him all alone over night, so of course I am going to stay."
He reprimanded her coldly. "You need your rest. And it is freezing out here."
Shaking her head, she responded gently. "You don't understand. What if he wakes up in the middle of the night? He needs someone to care for him."
"All right. He needs someone to care for him. But that's not you or me, not out here where we could only further worsen the situation by becoming sick ourselves. We have already been missing from the castle for far too long, to be gone any longer would only continue to raise suspicion. We both need to return."
"Well-do you think we could bring him to one of our rooms? Just for tonight, anyway? I couldn't possibly leave him out here alone."
"I don't know how it would work, but I suppose we could try. Let's wait for Chibodee to return and help us."
*~*~*~*
Ulube strode into his darkened chambers, closing the door with a click behind him. Opening his wardrobe, he produced a long, dark cloak. He slipped it on, pulling the hood over his head and strolled towards the center of the room where there was a circular fireplace. Every time he stayed at the Kasshu castle, he was sure to request this room. It was, after all, the only one that could satisfy his very-particular-needs.
Glancing out the window, he judged it was late enough to begin without worrying of attracting unwanted attention. His silver mask flashed dangerously in the flickering light produced by the fire, creating an uncanny and disturbing expression. An evil smile spread across his visage, the corners of his mouth creeping up his face. As he approached, he stepped into the ceremonial chalk markings, and stirred the large, coal-black cauldron bubbling in the fireplace, causing a whirlwind effect.
"Guardians of the Night, creatures who take cover in the darkness, show me this maiden who is visiting the prince Domon of Sauvilla to claim his heart."
With his demand, a nebulous shadow rose from the whirlwind, its eyes glowing like rubies. It stretched out a dark, sinister tendril towards its master.
"As you command." It hissed a response, the voice indistinguishable, neither male or female.
The phantom spun in a quick, cyclic motion, producing the image of a young maid, not yet one and twenty, walking next to the prince. She had auburn hair that flowed down in waves and eyes an exceptional shade of cerulean blue. Around her neck, she wore a silver pendant, but no other form of jewelry. Her extreme beauty was apparent, and as she moved about he caught her glancing several times at Domon.
A brief wave of his hand banished the shadow and the image. The room went black as the fire was quelled at his command. Exiting the circle, Ulube clasped his hands behind his back, immersed in thought.
"So she fancies the prince. That is a problem indeed. But one to be quickly remedied."
*~*~*~*
Chibodee had finally returned to the stables and agreed to help Domon carry Sai Sici, but he was still having doubts.
"Are you both sure this will work?"
"It's so late, most everyone will already be asleep. Besides, the guards are not located on the bedroom floors. It will be easy to sneak in without notice," Domon replied.
Rain gathered her belongings as the men took Sai Sici and they headed towards the castle. Domon was right, it was easy sneaking into the castle; however, it was apparent that he had done it several times before and knew how to move without being caught. They entered quietly and set Sai and his cot down on the floor in Domon's room.
"Well, there you go. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm going to sleep now. I'm worn out." With a yawn, Chibodee stretched and left, shutting the door behind him.
"Wait!" Rain called out, but Chibodee had already disappeared. She turned to face Domon. "You don't mean to keep him in your room, do you?"
"Why else do you think he is in here?"
"Well, it's just that-I thought that he was going to my chambers so I could look after him."
"And you can't look after him in my room? You can just stay here for the night."
Rain blushed as her eyes drifted unconsciously towards the enormous bed that could easily sleep five men. "I. I. Just don't know about that. I mean. I've never, well, stayed in another man's chambers before."
Domon rolled his eyes. "Marie-Louise, I promise I won't attack you sexually."
Rain blushed again. Attempting to regain her composure, Rain pushed her rising feelings away, but her face remained flushed. Hesitantly, she responded. "All right."
She bent down at Sai Sici's side and wrapped several more blankets around his figure. Rising, she made a sad attempt at warming herself up by rubbing her hands up and down her arms, but she still continued to shiver.
"So." She paused. "Where shall I sleep?"
Domon glanced up at her. He hadn't thought of that. "I suppose we will have to share my bed."
Rain whirled around. "What!?"
"Unless you want to risk your life by sleeping on that freezing stone floor, that is. You can always go back to your own room, if you like, I'm not going to force you to stay. I know what you must think about me, with how I act around Lady Allenby, but you can trust me. I won't try anything like that with you. I promise. I'll sleep on one end, you can sleep on the other."
Rain slowly nodded, agreeing to his terms. And she did trust him, somewhere along the way, her opinion of him had done a complete one hundred and eighty degree turn. She couldn't pinpoint when it exactly happened. Maybe it was how he acted around Sai Sici, how he offered to help take care of him without hesitation, how he didn't seem to care about Sai's social standing. Or maybe it was when he had shown concern for her after Allenby had fallen in the water. Or perhaps it was Kyoji's words that had caused her to see him differently.
Either way, she had suddenly grown to trust him. That wasn't the problem she was having in accepting his offer.
Rain crawled into the luxurious bed, lying down at one end on her side facing away from Domon, pretending as she stared intently at the wall that she didn't notice him undressing or sliding into the bed, his body resting only a few feet away from her own.
She was being absolutely ridiculous. He probably didn't even have feelings for her. In fact, he probably was repulsed by the idea of her staying there, all the time, wanting Allenby instead. She may have even ruined plans that he had organized with her. And just who was she? Some spoiled little princess, or so he had been led to believe. No, trusting Domon wasn't the problem.
The problem was...could she trust herself?
*~*~*~*
Lady Allenby glared at Domon's door from her hiding spot in the shadows, silently willing it to open again. When would that princess come out?
Walking across the hallway, she pressed an ear to his door, listening to what was happening.
"You can just stay here for the night"
Was that. Domon's voice? After a standing, stunned in the hall for a lengthy period of time, she felt choked, unable to breathe. She ran, returning to her dark, secluded chambers. As she shut the door to her room, she gripped the doorknob, her knuckles turning white.
No no no!! This wasn't happening to her. Not this, it was the one thing that she hadn't counted on, and the one thing ruining her plans. Betrayal. She anticipated the princess falling for Domon, but never had she considered the feeling being returned by him. She was loosing her control of him, all the power over him she thought she had, was rapidly decreasing.
She began to see red and let out a piercing scream, hurling anything she could get her hands on in an animalistic manner at the walls, bed frame, floor, windows, and mirrors. After exerting all her energy, she bent over, huffing furiously, seething in rage.
The princess was stealing Domon away from her. And she would pay, she would pay dearly.
*~*~*~*
Please REVIEW!!! A lot of major events happened here, so I want to know what you think, okay? Be sure to let me know!!
(1): Epuratoire means "cleansing" or "purifying" in French.
(2): Rain's necklace was mentioned in chapters 1 and 4 for those of you wondering. She has never mentioned her last name.
(3): Often, salt was poured into the injuries to add to the further pain, like in the saying "adding salt to the wound" (or something like that...) Salt would not only increase the amount of distress, but would cause permanent scarring, preventing the lacerations from ever healing.
(4): A mortar is a vessel in which substances are crushed or ground with a pestle. It resembles a bowl, and is usually made of stone.
(5): A pestle is a club-shaped, hand-held tool for grinding or mashing substances in a mortar, also usually made out of stone.