Truth, Lies, Betrayal And Love

Chapter 8

The next day Kenshin stood out on his balcony and watched Kiyoko as she gossiped with one of the maids. Suki came up next to him and smiled, "Are you doing well Kiyoshi?"

"I suppose."

"What's the matter dear? You've been depressed since you came back to us."

"I just don't understand how you expect me to marry someone I don't love, that I don't. People should have the right to choose who they want to marry that they should."

"Listen son, I know you've grown up differently than you were meant to but this is how it is here. The father chooses worthy partners for his children and they must marry to carry on the bloodline and the throne."

"But I never wanted to be an heir that I didn't I was more than happy just being me that I was."

"Oh Kiyoshi, I know that all of this must be strange and overwhelming for you right now but give it time and you'll come to enjoy this way of life. And I'm sure that you and Kiyoko will learn to love each other soon enough."

Kenshin didn't answer her but she smiled and hugged him, "I know I failed you as a child but I'm trying to make up for it Kiyoshi, why won't you open up to me?"

"Truthfully… I've never been one to really express my feelings to anyone that I haven't. I learned many years ago that people will use your emotions against you and so I do my best to suppress them no matter what."

"You shouldn't hide your feelings Kiyoshi."

"It's all I know and besides… sometimes it's better to hide what you're feeling from others that way you save everyone some trouble."

Suki smiled, "You're very wise my son, I'm just sorry that I wasn't the one to help you earn that wisdom. But follow my advice and give all of this some time you will warm up to all of this soon."

"What if I don't?"

"You will."

Suki kissed his cheek and left the room as Naoto came in and stood beside of Kenshin, "Did she bite you?"

"No."

Naoto looked to where Kenshin was staring and smiled when he saw Kiyoko, "She's beautiful isn't she Kiyoshi?"

"Yes."

"She really isn't as polite as she lets on. Ever since she was little she made it her obligation to let everyone know exactly what she was thinking. Most of the time she's actually quite rude, especially to me, she has been tough on me ever since she could walk."

Kenshin smiled, "You've watched her grow up basically haven't you, Naoto?"

"Yes, I was there the day she was born, I was twelve and I thought she was strange looking."

"Most twelve year old boys think that of any girl that they do."

"Yes, but when she got old enough to talk I began to spend time with her and we became friends, we have been very close ever since."

"She's your best friend?"

"Yes, so believe me when I tell you that she is a good woman. She is loyal and brave, and believe it or not she is actually quite the fighter."

"A princess that fights?"

Naoto nodded then they heard someone call to them, "Kiyoshi, Naoto, come join me!"

"Coming Kiyoko, let's go before she decides to come and retrieve us herself."

Kenshin laughed and they headed to the courtyard and noticed that Kiyoko had changed into a pair of black pants and a black shirt and she had tied her long black hair up into a ponytail, "Hello gentlemen care for a friendly spar?"

"And humiliate myself in front of all of these people?" Naoto asked playfully

"Yes, you've embarrassed yourself before so why not let someone else help you good sir?"

"Well… I can't turn down a challenge."

Kenshin caught his arm and whispered into his ear, "Are you really going to fight her?"

"Yes, she and I have sparred on many occasions, do not worry I will go easy on her."

It didn't take long for Naoto to end up on the ground, panting and in pain as he looked up at the calm and smiling princess, "I must admit Naoto you have improved greatly but I advise that you practice more if you ever intend to beat me."

Naoto laughed, "I will take you up on that suggestion."

Kenshin chuckled, "Lady Kiyoko, where did you learn to fight?"

"I… just learned."

"You're very good that you are and if I didn't know any better I'd say that you were a ninja."

Kiyoko flushed, "Well… truthfully… I have had a small bit of ninja training so I can defend myself. I hope you don't think of me as crude Kiyoshi."

"Not at all, I think it's perfectly fine for a woman to fight for themselves that I do."

"Thank you sir, would you like a spar?"

"No ma'am, I don't fight women unless they're trying to kill me that I don't."

Everyone chuckled and went inside when Rika called to them that lunch was ready. Later that night after everyone was asleep Kiyoko went outside into the courtyard to get some air. She took in a deep breath before letting it out in a heavy sigh, shivering as a cold breeze wafted across her. Out of nowhere she felt something drape over her shoulders as a voice sounded in her ear, "It's dangerous to be out here alone at night milady."

Kiyoko turned around and smiled at the red head standing next to her, "Hello Naoto, can't you sleep?"

"I heard you going down the hall and I became worried that something was wrong."

"Nothing's wrong… not really…"

"Kiyoko I know you better than you know yourself, so why don't you just tell me what is troubling you, perhaps I can help."

She was silent for a moment until she looked up at the sky and spoke softly, "Everything… especially the wedding."

"Has Kiyoshi upset you or hurt you?"

"Oh no, Kiyoshi has been the perfect gentleman to me I just… don't… want to marry him. It has nothing to do with him personally I just…"

"Don't love him." He finished

"Yes, he's a good man but… my heart belongs to someone else."

Naoto smiled, "Oh, is it someone that I know?"

"Yes, but I'm afraid to tell him because I know that I cannot be with him and… I'm afraid that he will not feel the same way for me."

"I don't see how anyone couldn't love you Kiyoko, you're a wonderful woman."

"Thank you Naoto, but… even if he did love me we couldn't be together because I'm destined to marry Kiyoshi."

"You should tell him then maybe they would allow you to marry him instead."

"No… they wouldn't let me marry him."

"Why not, who is he?"

"You will think I'm horrid."

Naoto rested a hand on her shoulder, "No I won't, please tell me my friend."

"I... I…"

"Kiyoko don't be afraid to speak your mind, it's only me you can tell me."

Kiyoko turned around and looked up at him with watery eyes then she stood on her toes and placed a soft kiss on his cheek, "I love you, Naoto."

Naoto stood in shock for a moment and Kiyoko smiled, "I guessed that would be your reaction, please just forget everything I've said here tonight and let us stay friends… well… goodnight Naoto."

She turned to leave but Naoto caught her wrist and stopped her, "Wait Kiyoko."

"What is it?"

Naoto pulled her back to him and smiled down at her, "Why were you so afraid to tell me?"

"Because… I know you only see me as a friend or a sister… I knew you could never truly love me."

She looked down to the ground and sighed, "You must think I'm a fool… to be in love with my best friend."

"Not at all milady, I just regret that you didn't tell me sooner."

She didn't answer him she just kept looking at the ground. Naoto put his hand under her chin and made her look up at him, the soft moonlight revealing the tender smile he had playing across his handsome face. Kiyoko tried to look away but he held her still and chucked lightly, "Don't turn away from me I never want you to be afraid to look me in the eyes. No matter what you tell me I will never think badly of you, Kiyoko, you are my dearest friend and you can always trust in me."

"I know, thank you Naoto but it's late and I must get up in the morning to assist Lady Suki."

"Wait for just a moment more."

"For what?"

Naoto smiled down at her and tilted her face up to his as he whispered, "I love you milady, with all of my heart."

Before she could do anything Naoto pulled her against him and gently pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss. A tear of joy slid down her face as she let her hands clutch at the material of his shirt and for a moment she forgot about Kenshin and the king and queen, the only thing she could think of was the man in front of her.