Truth, Lies, Betrayal and Love

Chapter 3

Kenshin could only stare in shock at the man next to him, his jaw literally resting on his lap as he tried to take in the astounding news, "You… mean to tell me that… I'm a… a prince!"

"Yes sir, you most certainly are."

Everyone was silent for a moment before Sanosuke and Yahiko busted up laughing, receiving a glare from Naoto, "And what is so funny to you, gentlemen?"

"You honestly think that Kenshin's this prince! That's so hilarious!"

"How so?"

"Kenshin's a bum that's why, the man hasn't even lived in one place until three years ago when Missy made him stay here!" Sanosuke somehow managed between laughs.

"Oro…" Kenshin said pathetically

Naoto cleared his throat to regain their attention, "I realize that he may have grown up as a commoner but he is the prince of the Iishikawa family and the heir to the throne."

Kenshin smiled and shook his head, "But… sir you have to be mistaken…"

"No sir, you are Lord Kiyoshi Iishikawa, I know for certain that you are."

"How can you be so sure?" Kaoru asked

"When Kiyoshi was young he was playing and fell down on a piece of broken glass, cutting his left wrist and Sir Kenshin here has the very same marking on his left wrist."

"So what? Himura's been in countless battles, he could've gotten it from anywhere, right Himura?" Misao asked looking to the still stunned red head.
Kenshin looked down at his wrist and ran his thumb over the scar thoughtfully, "Honestly… I've had it since before I can remember, that I have… I really don't know how I got it, that I don't."

Everyone was quiet for sometime after that then Kenshin finally whispered, "I'm… a prince… I can't believe this…"

"I know this must be a shock for you, Milord, but believe me it is very true, you are my cousin and I am so very glad to finally see you after all of these years. I am sorry that you had to find out this way but I believe that you deserve to know who you really are and I want to ask a favor of you."

"What's that?"

"Will you come with me back to the castle?"

"What? Why?"

"So you can meet your parents and…"

"My parents are dead, that they are, they died twenty years ago of cholera, that they did."

"Your birth parents, sir, they have grieved over your disappearance since it happened, especially your mother. I don't expect an answer right away but at least consider it, Milord."

"I'll think about it, that I will… I need time to think and get my head straight, that I do."

Naoto smiled, "I understand completely Lord Kiyoshi, I know this must be difficult for you to learn that you're not who you think you are…"

There was a knock on the gate and Kaoru went to answer it, returning a moment later, "Sir Naoto, there's a carriage here and… some guards I think they are, they're looking for you."

He laughed and smiled, "Oh yes, the ever diligent cavalry is here to return me to the castle."

"Were those the guys who were chasing you earlier?" Yahiko asked

"Yes, they were some guards from the castle, I'm not supposed to leave the grounds without an escort but I frequently sneak out to mingle among the normal people of Tokyo to get away for a little while."

"So… are we in trouble for interfering?" Misao asked worriedly

"Oh no, not at all, miss, as long as I'm alright they are more than happy to leave people alone. But that is my que to leave and I must do so before they storm your dojo, thank you for your hospitality, I hope to see you all again someday."

He turned to Kenshin and bowed deeply, "It was an honor to see you again, I hope to see you at the castle soon, Milord."

"Maybe…" was all Kenshin could say

"Thank you, goodbye sir."

Kaoru followed Naoto out and bowed to him as he left the gate, "Thank you for explaining everything to us."

"Anytime, but may I ask you for your name, miss?"

"I'm Kamiya Kaoru, sorry I didn't tell you earlier but I was in shock."

"It's quite alright, it was a pleasure to meet you and thank you again for your help."

"Anytime, Sir Naoto."

Naoto took her hand and placed a gentlemanly kiss on it before smiling at her, "I hope we meet again, farewell, Lady Kaoru."

With that he got in the carriage and it took off down the road, missing the shocked expression on Kaoru's face as she watched it leave. She went back into the dojo and looked around at the others but found one to be missing, "Where's Kenshin?"

"He went outback." Yahiko said

"Thanks, I'll go talk to him."

Kaoru made her way to the back of the dojo and saw Kenshin kneeling in front of the laundry, as usual. She went up and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Are you alright Kenshin?"

"I'm fine, Kaoru, that I am, why do you ask?"

"Because you just got one of the greatest shocks of your life, that's why."

"I'm alright please don't worry, by the way… I hate to ask you but… would you mind starting dinner for me while I finish the laundry?"

"Of course, take your time and… if you want to talk you know where to find me."

He smiled, "That I do, thank you, Kaoru."

Kaoru headed off towards the kitchen and Kenshin returned his gaze to the wash-bin but his mind was elsewhere as he scrubbed a gi, "I'm a prince? Master would never believe this if I told him. But… if it's true… then… no! Don't think just wash!"

Later that night Kaoru was awoken by a strange sound outside, like someone shuffling their feet on the dirt in the courtyard. She slipped into her jacket and went out to the back, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw Kenshin there practicing. She watched him for several minutes, mesmerized by his movements, she'd never seen him practice before but she found that she quite enjoyed it. Every move he made was precise and graceful, she could even hear the wind rushing off of the blade as he swung down with his carefully hidden strength. After awhile he paused to catch his breath and Kaoru went up beside of him, touching his arm, "Kenshin…"

Kaoru then let out a cry of surprise when he spun around and caught her wrist in an almost painful grip, his gold eyes flashing with suspicion for a moment until he realized who it was, his eyes immediately returning to violet, "Kaoru… I'm so sorry, you startled me! Are you alright, did I hurt you!"

"No, I'm fine, don't worry about it, I should know better then to sneak up on you, are you alright?"

"Yes, I just can't sleep, that I can't, did I wake you?"

"Yes, I heard you out here, are you still thinking about what Sir Naoto told us?"

"Yes, I just… can't believe that I'm actually a prince, that I can't, I mean… never mind, I shouldn't bother you with my problems, that I shouldn't."

"Kenshin, you can talk to me, I want to hear what you have to say, please tell me."

Kenshin hesitated for a moment but when he looked into her deep blue, pleading eyes he couldn't resist her request, "I've been a commoner all of my life and I've been perfectly happy with that, that I have. I had very good parents and I have a wonderful new family here with you and the others and then… this stranger with my face comes and tells me that I'm actually a high ranking prince that was kidnapped? I just… don't know what to think or feel that I don't."

"Do you want to go and see him?"

"Part of me does and part of me wants to stay here with you, I…"

"Go and see them, Kenshin, what harm could it do and besides, I'm sure that they won't make you stay if you truly don't want to."

Kenshin smiled at her, "I suppose so… if I do go will you be here when I come back?"

"Of course, I'll wait for you, I promise and I'll be here to welcome you home with open arms."

Kenshin took her hand in his and ran his thumb over her knuckles gently, "Thank you, but I think I need to get you to bed so you won't be tired in the morning."

Before Kaoru could do anything else Kenshin scooped her up into his arms, getting a giggle from her as she protested, "Put me down, I don't like you to carry me, Kenshin."

"But I like to carry you, Kaoru, that I do, so deal with it."

Kaoru sighed and laid her head on his shoulder, enjoying his masculine scent as he gently took her to her room, setting her down at her door, "Thank you, Kenshin."

"No trouble, I appreciate you listening to me, that I do, thank you, Kaoru."

"Anytime, Kenshin."

She looked up at him and unconsciously started leaning up towards him, their lips almost touching when she caught herself and pulled away with a flush, "Well… goodnight… Prince Kenshin."

Kaoru went into her room and shut the door, missing the smile that Kenshin had on his face as he retreated to his own to room to try and get some sleep.

The next morning Kenshin cooked breakfast as usual and everyone ate before heading outside to goof around. Yahiko and Misao were sparring while Sanosuke and Kenshin sat back and watched, keeping score on how many hits they made. After awhile Kenshin began to wonder where Kaoru was and slipped away from the others to go and look for her. He found her in the dojo practicing, swinging her wooden sword with grace and ease. He watched her for sometime until she finally stopped and wiped some sweat from her brow, "You're getting better everyday, Kaoru, that you are."

"Oh Kenshin, what're you doing here and how long have you been there?"

"I was watching you practice and I've been here for a few minutes, are you tired?"

"No, why?"

"Well, I was just wondering about something."

"What's that?"
Kenshin went over to the wall and took one of the wooden swords from the wall before smiling at the stunned young kendo master, "I was wondering if you'd like a friendly spar?"

"You honestly expect me to fight you, Kenshin!"

"Sure, I'm certain you'll go easy on me."

Kaoru smiled, he had a definite challenge in his voice and she wasn't about to back down, not even from the Battousai himself, "Alright then, but don't think that I'll let you off easy just because you're cute."

"I wouldn't want you to, that I wouldn't."

Kaoru charged at him and struck at his side but he easily evaded the move and she tried to stab him but he knocked her sword away and tapped her shoulder with his sword, "Got you."

Kaoru jumped up and swung down at him but he simply pushed her away before she came at him again. Kenshin sidestepped and tapped her on the back of the head, unable to hold back his amused chuckle as she glared at him. Kaoru began to get angry, knowing full well that he wasn't even trying to fight her but she still couldn't get him, then an idea came to her and she swung at his head. He ducked down and gently hit her side, pushing her away with the sword more than hitting her with it then she suddenly fell to the floor and laid still, getting Kenshin to chuckle, "Don't sulk at me, Kaoru, you left yourself open and I couldn't help myself, that I couldn't… Kaoru… Kaoru are you alright?"

She didn't answer, she just stayed still and fear clenched Kenshin's stomach as he dropped the sword and ran to her side, shaking her shoulder as he realized he'd hurt her, "Kaoru! Kaoru please answer me! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you, I…"

As he turned her around she suddenly opened her eyes and pushed him onto the floor, sitting on top of his stomach as he stared up at her with wide eyes, "Got you, Kenshin!"

"W… what?"

"I knew I couldn't get you playing fair so I used the mean method and tricked you, you let your guard down, Battousai."

Anger replaced his fear and his eyes turned to gold as he glared at the woman on top of him, "That wasn't funny, Kaoru, I thought I'd hurt you!"

Kaoru frowned, "I'm sorry, I thought you knew that I was just playing…"

Kenshin sat up and moved her off of him before he stood up and put his sword away. Tears filled her eyes as she realized that Kenshin was really mad at her and she went up to him and rested her head on his back between his shoulder-blades, "Please forgive me, Kenshin, I didn't mean to scare you... Kenshin please say something, any…"

Before she could finish Battousai turned around and had her pinned against the wall, holding her arms down in his strong hands as he smiled evilly down at his stunned captive, "You're not the only one who knows how to play dirty, Kaoru, you forget that that's how I stayed alive in the revolution was by playing unfair."

Kaoru's eyes flashed in anger, "You jerk! I thought you were mad at me!"

"I was… that is until I saw how cute you looked when I pinned you."

"Oh alright, we're even now so…" Kaoru tried to move away from him but to her surprise his grip tightened slightly, not enough to hurt her but to simply hold her in place. She looked up at him and saw a strange twinkle in his golden eyes as confusion reflected from her own, "Kenshin?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you… feeling well?"

"Yes why?"

"You look… strange is all…"

"I was just thinking about how fun it was to spar you."

She smiled, "Well, I appreciate you going easy on me, thanks Ken…"

Kaoru was cut off when Battousai suddenly leaned down and claimed her lips with his own, muffling the cry of surprise that she let out as he did so. After a moment he pulled away and gazed down at her with hazy eyes as she swallowed the sudden lump in her throat, "Kenshin… why did you just kiss me?"

He smiled and moved some hair away from her face, "I wanted to, is that a crime?"

"No, it just surprised me is all."

"Was it that bad?"

"No it just… felt strange… I've never kissed anyone before…"

She looked to the ground as a bright flush came to her cheeks then she felt Battousai's fingers lifting her gaze up to meet his, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been so rough with you… let me try again and see if I can do it right this time."

"You… want to try again?"

"Yes, if you'll let me."

"Um… I'm not sure…"

"I won't hurt you, I promise, so may I kiss you again?"

Kaoru smiled and nodded silently, he then tilted her head back and rested his lips against hers, gently this time. She tensed up at the touch and he moved his hand back to cradle her head, letting her get used to the feeling of his lips against hers before he tried anything else, after a moment she sighed and he took advantage of that and deepened their kiss. Several minutes later Kenshin pulled away to catch his breath and smiled down at Kaoru, his violet eyes shining, "Are you alright, Kaoru?"

"Y… yes, I'm fine, just… in shock I guess."

"What for?"

"Well… I didn't expect you to go from being angry at me to kissing me is all."

I'm sorry, that I am, I don't know what came over me, that I don't."

"Don't worry about it, it's alright."

Kenshin nodded and moved away from her before turning to leave the dojo but Kaoru's voice stopped him, "Hey Kenshin?"

"Yes?" he asked as he turned to face her

"Care to spar hand-to-hand?"

Kenshin smiled and couldn't help but chuckle, "I'd love to."

MEANWHILE

Naoto awoke and changed into his 'around the castle' outfit, which was a pair of long, tight black pants and a deep gold long-sleeved shirt. One of the servants passed him in the hallway and told him that the king was looking for him. He headed down to the throne room and entered the huge double doors, bowing in front of the elegantly dressed man and woman there, "You wish to speak to me, Milord?"

"Yes, I'd like to know where you snuck off to yesterday."

"I came across a small dojo and the guards caught up to me but the owner believed that I was in trouble and helped me, then I found…"

"What did you find, Naoto?" the queen asked in a quiet voice when he didn't answer

"I… found Lord Kiyoshi."

The king's eyes went wide and he leaned forward in his throne as if to hear him better, "You… found our missing son?"

"Yes sir, he goes by the name of Kenshin now but it is our prince Kiyoshi, I am willing to bet my life on it, sir."

"If you're so certain it's him then why didn't you bring him with you?"

"He didn't know who he really was and he was in quite a state of shock when I told him, I thought it would be best if he decided to come on his own."

"And… just where is this dojo?"

"It's near the outskirts just past the clinic, I believe it was called the… Kamiya Dojo."

The king was silent for a moment then he smiled softly and nodded, "Thank you, Naoto, you may leave."

"Thank you, sir."

Naoto bowed and left the throne room before the queen rested a hand on her husband's, "What are we going to do now, dear?"

"That's very simple… Ryunosuke!"

A guard came forward and bowed to him, "Yes Sire?"

"Gather a few of your troops, I need you to go and get someone for me at the Kamiya dojo just outside of the city."

"Who is it, sir?"

"A man named Kenshin, but make sure that he is unharmed."

"Forgive my rudeness, Sire, but… why must he be unharmed?"

"Because he is my son Kiyoshi, now leave and return him to me safely or you will face my wrath."

"Yes sir, right away."

Ryunosuke bowed and left the room, then the king turned to the woman sitting next to him and smiled affectionately, "We're about to get our son back, just be patient a little longer, my love."

LATER THAT DAY AT THE DOJO

After their sparring match Kenshin and Kaoru decided to go and hang around with the others for awhile and before too long it was near noon and Kenshin rushed to prepare lunch for everyone. As they were eating there came a loud knock on the gate and Kaoru went to see who it was, returning a few moments later with an astonished look on her face, "Um… Kenshin?"

"What is it, Kaoru?"

"There's… some guards here to see you."

"Guards?"

Before she could explain a tall man with shaggy hair and a bushy mustache came in and bowed politely, "Excuse the intrusion, I am looking for a man named Kenshin, is he here by chance?"

"Yes, I'm Kenshin, how can I help you, sir?"

"I am Ryunosuke Sukachi, I have come to return you to the castle, sir."

"Huh? Have I… done something wrong?"

"No, the king has asked for your presence and you must come with us, he has requested that we bring you to him."

"I don't know… what about my friends?"

"We'll be fine, Kenshin, I'm here to look after the girls for ya." Sanosuke said with a chuckle

"Yeah go and meet the important people." Yahiko joked

Kenshin smiled and shook his head at them, "Alright, I'll be back soon, that I will."

Ryunosuke lead Kenshin out to the front of the dojo and Kaoru tailed closely behind, watching with sad eyes as she watched Kenshin step up to the carriage. He caught this and turned to face her, "What's wrong, Kaoru?"

"Oh nothing… I was just… remembering when you left for Kyoto… this feels exactly the same…"

Kenshin smiled and went up to her, hugging her tightly against him, his breath brushing her ear as he whispered, "I'll be back, I promise you, just be patient for me."

"I will, have fun."

"I'll try," he pulled away and placed a gentle kiss to her lips before smiling lovingly at her, "Goodbye Kaoru, I'll be back soon."

Kaoru watched as Ryunosuke helped Kenshin into the carriage before it sped off towards the outskirts, a single tear falling from her eyes as she watched it leave in a cloud of dust, "I'll be waiting… Kenshin…"