A/N: Alright... This story I started quite a while ago but didn't really have time to go back to. Yes yes I now I haven't worked on my other two stories either.... but I thought I'd post this anyway and see if I can work on a bit. Thanks to dementedchris for pre-reading and editing this chapter! (even though it was so long ago!!! AH sorrie to put u through all that trouble!!~)
As u see, it's set in some weird country named Seralon (I just made it up) but they are suppose to have similar traditions as ancient Japan... (I think... I could be mistaken...) and they speak Japanese! yay~
Chapter One
Hiko Seijuro looked out of his enormous half moon shaped window that adorned an entire wall of the study. It was framed on both sides by heavy velvet draperies of forest green sewn with threads of gold and silver. The window itself was tall enough for two grown men to stand one atop the other without reaching its full height, and at least twice as wide. Every inch of its border was encased in carved mahogany studded with emeralds at intervals, to match the walls made of the same dark, dense wood. However fine the ornamentation, the prospect at this vantage, if one were to see for the first time, was by far the most breathtaking of the entire room. The view was directly in line with the main city gates that stood in the distance, tall, proud, and imposing. Beyond them, one could see the vast mountains ranges of Kamora to the left and to the right, the infinite stillness of the Boeni seas. From this perspective, the entire southern half of the city lay at the feet of the great palace that have been home to the royal family for eleven generation.
A large table lay to the side, covered with papers, scrolls, and maps of all possible combinations. One particularity large one was spread on the table, corners held down with smooth, polished oval marble stones. Four miniature carvings of white jade: a dragon, a scorpion, a wolf, and a panther, all very lifelike and each detail intricately engrave in to the semi transparent stone, were placed haphazardly on the age yellowed parchment. Other figurines of an array of semiprecious stones, were neatly arranged in small polished wooden boxes with a few laying on the map as well. At a glance, anyone might mistake the set up to be a game of chess or the like, but games were far from Hiko's mind as anyone in the city might tell you – Seralon was at war.
Already the snow was melting away from the roofs of houses and icicles no longer hung in rows beneath the windowsills. Warm air was blowing in from the coast, ushering in the fast approaching spring.
Customarily, springtime was a cause for celebration. Crops could once more be planted and the endless winter nights gradually faded to give way to the longer sunny days. But this year, spring meant the soldiers were once again sharpening their swords and polishing their armour. The horses would be saddled and readied for battle, and many men would leave here never to return to their homes or their families again.
A light knock on the heavily engraved mahogany double doors at the opposite end of the room interrupted Hiko's musings and brought him back to the greatly festooned surroundings of the royal study. The tapping was followed by an announcement of the visitor.
"The Princess Misao of Seralon."
Yes, he had sent for her some time ago. Making a slight gesture to the attendants standing on the inside of the entrance he sat down at the desk just in front of the window. The doors swung soundlessly on their well-oiled hinges.
"Father." Misao smiled at the older man, a genuine smile that sparkled in the depth of her ocean blue eyes. She moved across the room, then around the large oak desk to kneel beside her father's chair, taking one large hand into her own two smaller ones.
There was so much of her mother in the delicate features of the 17-year-old girl. The queen had died during childbirth 11 years ago. The infant boy was saved but the loss of his wife had taken its toll on Hiko. Misao being the only girl with 3 older brothers at the time was also deeply affected and since then, father and daughter had shared a very special bond that held them very close together. The king loved his daughter very affectionately and whenever he was stressed, or frustrated, one of Misao's dazzling smiles would always drive away any disquiet buried in his mind.
This day was different. He didn't ask for the presence of her company merely to calm his own uneasiness. Something was on his mind. Something he had meant to talk to her about for a quite some time, but had always put it off, telling himself that she was still young, still a child. However, the war has made him realize that time is not something that is available in abundance.
"Misao," he looked down fondly at the young girl who gazed back with innocent blue eyes, "Misao, you know that I love you very, very much. We've been through quite a bit together, you and I," he sighed before continuing. "In another five days I'll be leaving with the soldiers. I don't want to scare you, but… I have an odd feeling I might not come back."
Innocent blue darkened with worry and confusion, not willing take in her father's words, "D..Don't say that…."
He chuckled, "Don't look so worried, I don't plan on dying without a good fight at least."
"Father…" Misao didn't look convinced.
"I have no fear of death. Someone's waiting for me on the other side, and I'm more than willing to join her when my time comes." He smiled. "But before I see your mother again, I have a request to make of you…" his tone became serious as he looked at her steadily.
In Seralon, lineage was passed from mother to daughter. Only through the women can there be absolute certainty of the bloodline in a child, especially for the royal family.
Hiko himself had been born the youngest son of a wealthy merchant family, who joined the royal army against his father's wishes. He caught his first glimpse of the beautiful young princess when the late ruler of Seralon summoned him to this very room, to discuss the military movements of the surrounding lands. He still remembered the green silk gown she donned on that unusually warm spring morning, but his first memory of her deep green eyes will forever be etched in his mind.
Hard to believe that was twenty-nine years ago.
"Of course, anything."
"You're 17 years old now, old enough to be married, old enough to have a family. You are the only heir to the throne. Because of that, you will be a target in this war. If something happens to me, you will be Queen. But if something happens to you, and you have no one to succeed you, there will the chaos, and this kingdom will be torn apart."
Misao lowered her eyes and nodded in comprehension. The small blush that crept in to her cheeks didn't escape Hiko's notice. He lips curved into a smile once again, "You seem to have someone in mind already hum?" it was more of a statement than a question. "My oldest if twenty seven and yet I still haven't any grandchildren running around! Maybe you can rectify that for me… perhaps sooner than I expected!"
"Father!" the blush deepened as she heard her father's laughter.
The room became silent as Misao played with the end of her long braid. It was no secret that whenever her father left to command the soldiers in the seemingly endless war, Misao, as the heir to the throne would be left in charge of things back home. She always felt a bit anxious to be left in such a position. Even though the eldest (and only) princess had been trained since birth to one day take on the role of leading the kingdom, Misao never felt really craved the power that so many would kill for. Of course it was bound to be an interesting experience, but she would still much rather have her family beside her and to know that they were safe.
Hiko noticed her discomfort and silence and thus tried to offer some reassuring news.
"Mmm, a messenger came in a dawn. You know I sent for the Dragons a while back, they're on their way from the western border, and should be arriving in a week or two at the latest."
Misao leapt up at this news. "Kenshin's coming back?" she asked excitedly. "Oh wait, doesn't that mean that Sano will be commanding the troops before your get there?"
Hiko nodded.
The King's eldest son Kenshin was the commander of the Dragons, one of the 4 elite squadrons in the royal army. Sanosuke who commanded the Panthers, was the second oldest in the family, followed by Soujiro, who was second in command to Sano. It was really a matter of age that separated the two titles because they worked very well together and one could never really tell who was truly in command. The three brothers were always very protective of their younger sister and the four of them were very close.
Kenshin's return meant that he would be able to offer her his experience and advice in matters that she would be unsure about. Of course there were plenty of qualified advisors, philosophers, and scholars who would be willing to recite 2 thousand years of history if only someone would lend them an ear, but Misao still preferred her brother's counsel over anyone else's
"Oh heaven help us!" Misao cried jokingly as she tilted back her head and brought the back of one hand to touch her forehead as she recalled Sano's antics. They both laughed.
"Have some faith in your brother! He might be quick to pick fights but when things get serious, he's always come through. Besides, Soujiro will be there to smack him if that's what he needs."
Their exchange ended as the bells in the cathedral sounded to signify the time. Ten rings; It was ten o'clock in the morning.
"Oh! I promised Kaoru I'd meet her at the stables at ten this morning, we're going to take a ride in the woods."
"Take an escort. No arguments," he added seeing his daughter's expression, "I know you're fully capable of taking care of your self but it's getting dangerous now that the war is starting again. We can't take the chance."
"Yes Father, I understand."
"One last thing Love," Hiko added as his daughter made to take her leave, "when you marry, make sure you choose someone whom your people can respect as their king, someone your soldiers can respect as their commander, but most importantly, someone you can love and respect as your partner in life, who will love and respect you just as much in return. I want my little girl to be happy."
"Hai," she answered with a nod and a smile before exiting.
Alone again, the king sighed moving back towards the window, ::Choose well Misao, you deserve someone who will make you happy when you must carry the weight of a kingdom on your shoulders.::========================
So, end of chapter one! tell me if u like it~~ suggestions, constructive criticism, comments are all much appreciated thank you!!~ ^_^