Dangerous Games

Chapter Eight

A Dangerous Combination

                She just wanted to cover her ears and blank out Naolin's incessant talking. Though at least he had waited until dinner before beginning his lecturing, if that was any consolation. For once she was thankful that her father wasn't there. He had been called away later that day, some business meeting which had suddenly come up and could not be put off.

                Her mother had excused herself as soon as her plate had been cleared; if only Hiroko could have done such a thing. From the moment her mother had left the room she hadn't had chance to speak one word. She kept her eyes on her plate as her brother carried on chastising her over nothing. He did so over such innocent things; merely being in Guimel's presence was enough. If he only knew what had already transpired between the pair of them… not that she ever planned to let him know.

                He had finished talking, taking a drink of wine from his glass goblet.

                "May I be excused now please…"

                "No you may not!" came the sound response and she released a long sigh, shooting a small glance at Terris, a silent plea for help. Yet his face showed the same concerned and apprehensive look as Naolin's.  "You're nothing to him, Hiroko. Why can't you see it? He plays nice but it's all a façade. Once he's gotten what he wants from you he'll leave you."

                "He's been very kind to me, brother." She countered. "Why can't you just let us alone and enjoy each other's company. You so spoilt my tea today. Must you do more damage now?"

                "Whatever I do it's for your own good, Hiroko!"

                "But brother…"

                "He's right, Hiroko. The events at the ball were just the beginning." She turned promptly to stare at Terris, taking in his straight lips and serious expression. Did they both think her in that much danger, being with Guimel? But why? Well, in one way she knew. His manner was so appealing, and his actions and words so flattering and tempting…

                "The sooner father arranges your marriage the better. I doubt even the young lord would try and intervene, then."

                "You speak as if he has already found a suitable suitor." She laughed lightly.

                "That's because he has!" Naolin replied deftly, finishing off the last of his wine.

                "And so..?"

                "And so nothing," he replied curtly, the glass roughly hitting the dinning table in his obvious irritation. "It isn't necessary for you to know such things. Father has taken time to think over the proposal and seems to think this is to be the best arrangement! I happen to agree heartily with him. And so you now have no say in the matter. You will submit to our decision." His tone so harsh… he sounded just like father. Strange how cold his affection could turn within a day. That morning he had been so tender and playful and now… In an attempt to gain a little support Hiroko turned to Terris, eyes appealing.

                "And what do you think of my would-be suitor, lord?"

                "I'm not in a position to say anything. It's not my place," was all she received in response as he turned away from her.

                "And if I were to refuse?" she murmured, head dropping again, staring down at her plate.

                "You would not dare. You know what your fate would be if you chose to dishonor father in such a way; after he has sought such a worthy gentleman to be your husband. So do not even jest about such things."

                "Lowell would not force me into such a position. If he were here he would not speak so…"

                "But I am not our brother! And do not think of bringing such a thing up in front of father. You know how he detests our brother's decision to enlist in the military."

                "He wouldn't be doing this to me. Forcing me into a marriage I don't want," she cried out softly, shoulders trembling.

                "He doted on you to much. I think you bewitched him the first time he saw you. I don't think any are free from that air you exhume. You draw us to you. That innocent smile, quivering lips, even now… But I will not submit like Lowell would. Hate me if you like but I will not let you go to Lord Guimel. I do this for your own good."

                "Like marrying me to a man I don't even know… who I don't even like. You have no concept of how I feel. For you this is nothing." She cried out, her voice coming out forced, filled with emotion. So much so it became all the more desperate with every word. "You get to marry whomever you chose, whenever you chose. But I must submit like a good girl?!"

                "Naolin, perhaps I should…" she heard Terris murmur and she glanced up at him, taking in the concern in his eyes; the action causing the tears gathering in her eyes to finally fall.

                "No, Terris. Do not even think of it."

                "Think of doing what?" she asked, pushing herself up from out of her chair.

                "It's nothing to concern you, Hiroko. Now sit back down. Now!"  She shook her head, disregarding how ill-mannered she was being, the anger in her brothers voice. This was no way for a lady to act but she couldn't help it. Despite all her manners and the front she put on for others she truly did not wish to be married of to some man she hardly knew. She moved over to Terris, kneeling before him and resting her head against his lap, her trembling and tears continuing.

                "Please, Terris." He sighed, a hand coming down to rest against her head, running down her hair in a soothing action. "I've been trained all my life to be so very proper and dutiful, to my family and for the future with my husband. But I can't take it. I've barely been home a day and already I feel as if my life has been torn apart. Please, Terris. If you are my friend, if I mean anything to you at all, please tell me who he is. Who my suitor is." His hand stilled at the top of her neck and he released a long sigh, both hands sliding down to her shoulders, causing her to sit up slightly. She watched him glance to her brother, noting Naolin's slight nod before returning her attention to the lord.

                "I am," he whispered gently, a finger tracing her cheek and she started, her form becoming ridged as she stood, mouth parted in shock.

                "You are…"

                "I am the suitor requesting your hand in marriage." A small, choked cry passed her lips as she turned, eyes searching Naolin's, only to have him nod his head. Another sob passed her lips, but this time she found her legs making her step back. Terris in turn reached out to her, trying to tempt her back.

                "Hiroko…" She shook her head before turning about and fleeing the chamber, in an attempt to find solace in the one person she felt she could trust now. Her mother.

---

                Elegant fingers ran through her tousled hair, an action used in the past to calm and sooth the young women to whom the locks belonged to. Hiroko exhaled heavily, her head resting against her mother's lap as they sat together in her parents' chamber. Her shoulders still shook slightly, though her tears had stilled a while off; her mother always had known just how to calm her down. By her mother's expression upon Hiroko's entrance in her chamber, it seemed she had been expecting such a reaction. But how else was she meant to react? She didn't even know if she should be happy or sad of such an outcome. Of all people her father had chosen Terris as her husband to be. When had the young lord begun to see her in a different light, never once had she given thought to him as anything other than a brother.

                At least now his actions at the ball made more sense! He had been jealous of the attention lord Guimel had been giving her, and his interruptions earlier that day pointed all too clearly to such an envious emotion.

                "How long have you known?" she whimpered quietly, glancing up at her mother with weary eyes.

                "How long have I known of the arrangement or how long have I known of Terris' feelings for you?" came the slightly amused retort as warm, light blue eyes stared down into Hiroko's prussian ones.

                "Both!

                "The marriage has been in question well before your departure to Asturia. You must realize, my dear, that this has not been an easily dwelt-on subject. Your father has taken great time in considering it. And as for Terris' feelings… well, they have been apparent to me for a long time; well before your 14th rotation!"

                "Why did no one think to tell me of this? Surely one of you would think to enlighten me on such a thing!" she said, fisting a handful of silky fabric from the bed's linen in her hand.

                "And what would you have done? It was Terris' place to tell you how he felt and he chose to remain silent. I think he valued you too much to take the chance of ruining your friendship. But now, with you drawing the attention of others, he feels he cannot take the chance of losing you to another." Her tone was calm, Hiroko thought silently, and she seemed quite agreeable to such a pairing. She could understand that, though. Their families had been close well before her birth. This would merely aid in tightening the bond the two families had for one another. "Truth be told, Hiroko, I doubt you could do better than that young man. Just imagine the alternatives you may have faced had his affections not been so great."

                "But after seeing him as a brother for so long, now I am meant to suddenly see him differently?" Hiroko whispered, a fresh trail of tears sliding down her flush cheeks.

                "That is the way things must be. You are luckier than you believe. At least you knew your suitor. Your father's and my marriage was arranged. You have the advantage of having spent you entire life around him, I did not. Terris is handsome, well educated, and reliable. He has a fine home, money to take good care of you and your future family. And he cares for you so very much. You truly need to understand how lucky you are!"

                "How am I meant to love him though mother? I don't wish to cause him ill will, heaven forbid!" she whimpered.

                "You will learn to love him, as I did your father. I think you will find yourself falling for him quickly now that your eyes have been opened!"

                "But…"

                "Ma-ma." A plaintive call echoed into the vast room, cutting Hiroko off, and both women turned towards the main chamber door as it was slowly edged open. Silently a small form slipped into the room, a trail of white fabric following it as the door was closed again.

                "Callista, what's wrong, baby?" came Hiroko's mother's soothing voice and she watched as with quick steps her younger sister made her way over to the bed and immediately curled up in between the pair.

                "Bad dreams? " Hiroko murmured softly, receiving a nod of her sibling's head before the young girl rested her head against her mother's lap; an action not so dissimilar to the one shown by Hiroko not so long ago.

                They remained silent after that; a case of actions speaking louder than words; besides, Hiroko had more than a few things on her mind at present.  Her marriage to Terris, whether she wanted it or not, was non negotiable. But where did that leave her with him, and where did it leave her with Lord Guimel. She was determined to see him again but now more than ever it was going to be a hard task to achieve. But she refused to submit to her brother's words just yet, not until her father himself spoke to her would she truly submit. Besides, tomorrow she had a few excuses worth trying; at least one of them would excuse her to go see the young lord. It was strange but she just wanted to be in his presence, he seemed to draw this need from her and she found herself compelled to counting the hours till their next meeting. What would his reaction be, she wondered as her eyes fluttered shut sleepily, subconsciously acknowledging the fact that she felt Callista shifting sleepily in her sleep, transferring her weight from her mother to Hiroko. Her arms wrapped around the small child as her own form sagged wearily onto the large bed before all thoughts were lost in a deep sleep, though most certainly not dreamless.

---

                It wasn't until the next morning that Hiroko had opened her eyes again, finding herself dressed in the same gown as that night and the form previously held in her arms gone. She had sat up slowly, slightly puzzled at how she had arrived in her own bedroom, yet dismissing it a moment later as she rose, slipping from the loose sheets to enter her bathing room. The maids had seemed to anticipate her rousing, for as she entered the chamber she found three already present, busy preparing her morning bath. Unlike the other night she did not linger long there, instead opting for a short dip in the hot water before drying, changing and promptly heading down for morning breakfast.

                Somewhat to her relief, Terris was not present at the meal. Once again her father had left early on important business, while her mother had left early with Callista to see an old acquaintance, leaving just herself and Naolin to eat that morning. The silence was palpable, considering last night's harsh words, but it was not to last. The moment Naolin had finished his meal he spoke and Hiroko prepared herself for the onslaught, which was to ensue. Yet it never happened. He spoke to her in his usual affectionate manor, a small smile grazing his lips as he drank his morning tea.

                Much to her embarrassment, Naolin informed her that it had been Terris who had returned her to her bed that night, while he himself had, after a lot of effort, removed Callista from her embrace and returned her to her own bed.  She smiled slightly and she knew Naolin noticed it, his own smile growing slightly before he continued on, telling of Terris' words after she had left. His regret and worries seemed to mimic her own and Hiroko drooped her head slightly, chastising herself over her own selfishness; as if she were to be the only one worried about the marriage.

                Strangely enough her brother had seemed quite willing to allow her to go riding that day. Then again she had spoken the day before about her appointment at the dressmakers, so although he did not enquire where she planned on going it was clear that was what he was presuming. She did not like the fact that she was slightly deceiving him but the chances of him letting her leave the house, knowing she was going to see Guimel, well it was nonexistent.  Let him believe what he liked, for despite how selfish it seemed, she was going to enjoy her freedom while she still had it.

---

                Guimel leaned forward, balancing on the balls of his feet as he held his tennis racket loosely in his hands, waiting for Kenneth to serve the ball.  God, he hated this game!  But Kenneth had fallen in love with it during a month-long visit to Egzardia and so they played it at least three times a week at his estate.  It just seemed like a lot of nonsense to Guimel:  hitting a ball back and forth and you weren't even trying to hit your opponent with it!  And he wasn't very good at it, despite the hours he'd devoted to it.

                Kenneth served and Guimel jumped forward, managing to send the ball back over the net.  His cousin was already there, though, and he smashed it past him, just inside the back line.

                "That's game, again," Kenneth drawled, grinning broadly.  Guimel scowled, wanting to throw his racket at him.  He was dripping with sweat and losing repeatedly for two hours was not what he called fun.  Still, he always beat Kenneth when they sparred with kendos, so he supposed it was only fair.  Kenneth looked him over.

                "You're playing exceptionally bad, my dear Guimel.  Something wear you out earlier today?"  Guimel smiled lazily:  he knew his cousin was dying to find out what had happened at tea; it was only a matter of time before he brought the subject up.

                "Whatever could you be talking about?" he asked guilelessly.  Kenneth laughed outright, then started walking along the net, gesturing for Guimel to follow him.  He did, throwing his racket onto a table that was set up by the edge of the tennis court.  Kenneth tsk'ed.

                "That little piece of equipment cost more than your entire wardrobe, Guimel," he said reprovingly, picking up the racket and inspecting it.  Guimel grinned as he sat down and poured out two glasses of wine from the waiting, chilled bottle.

                "That's what you get taking up a sport that no one's ever heard of, from a country on the other end of the world."  Kenneth gave him a smirk, then set both rackets carefully on the ground before sitting down.  He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and tapping his folded hands against his chin, his grey eyes intent upon him.

                "Well?"  Guimel took a swallow of wine, enjoying the slight burn down his throat.

                "Your cellar just keeps improving, Kenneth," he said appreciatively.  His cousin sat back suddenly and crossed his arms, a slight smirk on his lips.  Guimel grinned at him, then leaned forward.  "I could have had her."  Kenneth's eyebrows rose.

                "At the Duke's?"  Guimel nodded smugly.

                "I don't know how he's justifying it, but he's kept her totally ignorant about men while fostering her independence.  A dangerous combination to virtue, ne?"  Kenneth slowly grinned.

                "So, what stopped you?" he asked innocently.  Guimel smirked at him.

                "Right.  Fuck the Duke's daughter at his chateau.  I was very tempted, though:  that boldness of hers…"  His face darkened.  "But it's a good thing I didn't.  That royal pain in the ass Mustrum had to show up, just as things were getting interesting!"  Kenneth's smile grew sly.

                "Lord Terris Mustrum, the future Count.  Do tell."  Guimel knew that look, that tone of voice.  His cousin knew everything that went on among the Empire's nobility; his insatiable appetite for gossip fed by a vast network of servants, merchants and friends.

                "What?" he asked sharply.  Kenneth looked at his fingernails.

                "Oh, just a rumor of a rumor.  A mere whisper about him and the Duke's most dear, eldest daughter…"  Guimel groaned.

                "You're kidding.  They're engaged?"  Kenneth shrugged, grinning once again.  Fuck, Guimel inwardly snarled.  That was bad.  But it explained the major protectiveness the old goat had shown over the girl.  He drained his glass, thinking it over.  The best plan would be to drop it:  engaged prey were too dangerous; the political backlashes that could ensue if the affair was discovered were usually very damaging.  His father would kill him before he got to the military if everything went wrong.  But… dammit!  He wanted this girl!  He'd invested way too much of his time and effort to let go of her now.  That mixture of spirit and innocence: just thinking of how she would be excited him.  And Mustrum…  Anger burned through his veins.  Self-righteous bastard.  It would be sweet to take her chastity away from him; even if she never confessed, Mustrum would know who did it.  He smiled and poured himself another glass of wine.

                "Well, this'll just be more of a challenge, ne?" he asked lazily.  Kenneth's face sobered and he leaned forward.

                "Guimel," he said seriously, "Drop this one.  She's too dangerous."  Guimel smirked.

                "No," he replied.  "I've haven't felt this aroused by a prey in a long time.  I will have her."  Kenneth smiled again and picked up his wineglass.

                "I suppose that stubbornness is why you've never lost a conquest," he remarked, taking a swallow of wine.  He sighed, shaking his head.  "I must admit, though," he said suddenly, looking at him and grinning, "This is proving to be a most interesting experience."  He sat back and crossed his legs, tilting his head to one side.  "Now, tell me all about your tea party with Lady Madeious."

AN: Sorry it's taken so long to upload. We've currently been rather busy and this has been the first free moment that we could post anything new. There's still plenty of chapters to come though so never fear, we will be updating soon. In the meanwhile Macbrooks and myself hope that you have been enjoying reading our weekend writing madness and continue to do so. Reviews are always welcome, so feel free to tell us your thoughts on this most recent update. Yours Dilandau's girl.x