Disclaimer: I do not own Ai Yori Aoshi and Ai Yori Aoshi Enishi. This is the property of Kou Fumizuki, Pioneer/Geneon, and JC Staff.

Blue Monarch
Act 1, Scene 2

The sprawling Sakuraba family compound was located far enough from the bustling cities and deep enough in the quiet countryside. For one of the largest estates that housed one of the most powerful families in Japan, it was accessible through one dirt road in the mountains and foothills. The simple, unpaved road circled the entire estate, leaving many smaller, less used paths to be cut through the underbrush.

The Sakuraba family proudly upheld their 200 years of tradition, as evident in the design of the buildings that housed all who were within the clan. Not many were privileged enough to see what went on inside, for the entire compound was fenced in by high walls. Though the design was simple, their job was apparent and done well.

Beautiful. Traditional. Rigid. Isolated.

This was where she grew up.

And though Aoi was curled into herself and closed off to the world, it did not feel like she was back in her home.

The moments felt prolonged and anywhere didn't matter. Her room was entirely silent, when it was not filled with her muted sobs, and the white noise of unbearable, unasked, unanswered questions filled all the spaces. Her eyes were closed, and she lay huddled under the covers like a hurt child.

Although it was bright outside with the creeping tendrils of summer, it was dark for her. She was cold and clammy, the sickly residue of self-loathing and self-doubt clung to her skin and made her feel unclean. She was nauseous, and lacked an appetite as she tortured herself with the questions and answers that she pulled from the air.

How could he do this to me? Why would he do this to me?

He never had experience with other women, he must have felt trapped by me.

Did I offend him? Am I not good enough for him?

It's natural to feel that way, even when you love someone.

I should have been enough. If he really and truly loved me enough, then he would have been strong enough to resist temptation.

Everyone is confronted with temptation.

I have never been tempted.

You've been sheltered. He grew up in an abusive environment. He couldn't have come out of it perfect.

But he didn't come out of it any worse! He was still kind to me.

And he was damaged beyond your repair!

And so back and forth it went between emotion and logic.

Aoi desperately tried to find some reason, some consolation in a random and unfair event.

A large hole, a gaping wound throbbed in her soul. The betrayal had cut through her, that much was true, but the questions and thoughts that she was left with stung endlessly and unmercifully.

What had made her less of a woman in his eyes, his arms, that he should turn to another?

Ultimately, the root of all such pain, was "Why?"

Why wasn't I good enough?

Her muted sobbing could only answer uselessly.