Just Another Form of Entertainment
Her deeply rouged lips curved slightly as the smallest of smiles graced her face; though it was too faint for most to notice. She turned her head slightly, taking in the tall form of her uncle not two metres away from her, speaking flamboyantly to her intended.
He had always been a strange one, her uncle, always determined to find the best in life, Hiroko thought as she adjusted the delicate mask upon her face. He coveted the finest pleasures in life! Perhaps it was for this reason that his physical state was so… the fine wine, food and… other things, contributing to his robust belly and flustered face. Oh, but he was a merry man, always laughing loudly as he poured a glass of the finest wine available down his throat or guzzling indulgently on a his fourth or fifth finely roasted glis glis.
How could tw people be so completely different; for though he was clearly her father's brother, he was the opposite of him in every way. He most certainly lacked her father's restraint… with a lot of things! But he was a good man, and he doted on Hiroko, ever since an early age. He had always saved her the finest sweet treats and foods.
She laughed gently as he turned towards her, his own constant smile brightening, his eyes glittering with affection. Yes, she could recall clearly how one time during her stay with him he had allowed her to gorge herself on buttermilk, and although at the time she was too young and ill to see the funny side, she now found it quite amusing. That had been the last time she had touched buttermilk!
The party tonight was a fine example of the lengths, and expense, he was willing to go to get people to enjoy themselves as much as he always did. As a means to do this he had chosen a masquerade for his setting as well as a fine banquet and a wide selection of alcoholic beverages. These contemporary fashions were always a huge hit with him and he seemed overly optimistic by such a concept. Anything new like this always went down very well with him! So he was willing to go all out, anticipating the amount of drinks to be consumed that night, and opening his house for all who may wish to stay after the ball.
Truth be told, Hiroko was glad of the mask. She herself felt more relaxed with the knowledge that she had less chance of being acknowledged - at a time when all she wanted was to be alone; it gave her oh so much more freedom than she would have had without the flimsy piece of satiny soft fabric about her face. To her relief her uncle Sagé had informed her, after an overly affectionate hug, that it was not proper for oneself to be announced at a masquerade. Surely the gods were on her side this night!
But although this did comfort her, her wariness had not lessened and she was determined not to stray far from her brother; when, that is, he returned to her side. He seemed to be of the same opinion, promising that once he had dealt with some unspoken matter, she would not be left on her own during and part of the party's duration. He had promised her that the day before; the day she had so easily given up her virtue to that unscrupulous naive!
How she had wept after the messenger's departure, wept herself dry in Naolin's compassionate embrace till she had nothing left to give. Only then, once she had quieted, had he told her of Sagé's party. She didn't want to go, begged him not to make her but she knew it was futile. Attending such a function was mandatory; especially since part of its purpose was to have her engagement to Terris made common knowledge.
As if Terris would want her now! As if anyone would ever want her! She was fooling herself, as she had with Guimel. Besides, what was to say Terris did not harbor the same intent? No, he would never wish to harm her so and yet… now she was unsure, as unsure as the moments in the past two days when Naolin had touched her, making her shy away. Would he too wish to do as Guimel had done? It had to be so, for why would Naolin speak of his friend's reaction to this untimely situation if he himself had not wished to be the first? Her confused mind and baffled thoughts had drawn away the last of her strength and, forcing back the impulse not to, rested her head against her brother's lap, sleep claiming her in her sorrows; for a time taking all her pain and fears away!
---
Guimel stifled a curse as the carriage went over the umpteenth bump in the road. Why anyone would want to live out in the country was beyond him. He loved the rhythm of the capital city, the endless opportunities for excitement. What did the country have? He looked out at the window beside him: nothing visible, no lights beyond the carriage lamps. And of course they had to ride a carriage, instead of horseback! He glared over at his cousin, his expression safely hidden by the evening's darkness. Kenneth was very insistent about riding in his family carriage when they had to leave the city - he was proud of his family's crest and liked to show it off whenever he could. The carriage lurched again, surprising a snarl out of him. Kenneth laughed.
"Patience, my dear Guimel. We're almost there!"
"Hai," he replied, looking out into the darkness once again. How the hell was he going to be able to talk to her? She already had shown him that she didn't want anything to do with him; would she create a scene if he just walked up to her? She was fairly good at hiding her feelings in company, but not always. Well, he'd check out the party and see what chance would give him.
The carriage finally stopped with a jerk, bright light now shining through the windows. Kenneth was grinning at him; he smiled back, running his hands down his ornately embroidered jacket, pulling at the bottom edge to straighten it out.
"Let the games begin!" Kenneth announced: something he always did whenever they were about to enter another party. Guimel's smile turned to a smirk.
"I anticipate watching you work tonight, Cousin," he said. Kenneth winked at him as the carriage door opened. They climbed out, Guimel stretching his shoulders appreciatively as his boots hit the ground, then he froze as he saw Naolin, standing at the mansion entrance.
"I think I'll try Lady Aiko tonight," Kenneth was murmuring, already walking towards the entrance.
"Sounds like a challenge," Guimel replied, following in his cousin's wake. "I'm going to get a little fresh air before going in, all right?"
"Hai," Kenneth said, not turning around. "See you." Guimel slowed and stopped, about a meter away from Naolin. From the look in his eyes, he knew. That was not unexpected, but surely he knew better than to make a scene out here! More guests were arriving; Guimel neatly stepped out of the main pathway, still facing the nobleman.
"Lord Madeious," he said formally, briefly dipping his head.
"I wish a word with you, lord!" Naolin ground out, jaw locked, quite thankful that his tone did not betray his anger towards the youth before him. He didn't return the boy's nod. He couldn't stomach to, it was hard enough keeping himself in check and he refused to show this scoundrel any such respect. He had seen him arrive and watched his banter with his cousin and it had taken all his control not to speak out, do something to vent his frustration and fury yet he had curbed it. There was time for that, once they were else where; somewhere more private!
Guimel raised his eyebrows; feeling a slow burn at Naolin's lack of manners. But, of course, that was to be expected, too. It just bit into him more this time, for some reason.
"Speak your word, my lord," he said quietly.
He turned away from him, without a further word, only a brief signal to follow, making his way from the entrance and away from enquiring ears. He waited till they were a good distance from view before turning around, a snarl immediately twisting his features.
"How she can do it, I have no understanding. After what you have done to her…" his ire rose and he caught himself short of raising his voice too loud. "Whatever my sister's reasons, she shows you a lot of compassion, so much so she have begged me not to even confront you tonight. But I cannot hold my tongue for this… Do you have no honour, sir? How could you have such ill-found dealings with her?"
Guimel cocked his head to one side.
"Lady Madeious certainly has more honour than you show, my lord. And what transpired between us is our business, not yours!"
"It is my business when she hides herself away in my chamber, cries herself to sleep in my arms. It is MY business when she cannot bear to be touched for fright. Whatever you did to place her in such a way, you did it well! It is an ill mattered thing to do a lady as innocent as she. I thought I warned you, but you couldn't help yourself could you!" came the sharp reply, Naolin's eyes narrowed and blazing, his hands clenched at his sides.
Guimel felt a stab of remorse - she had felt such pain! He hid a frown, suddenly confused. He wanted to make this right, but how? He'd never thought about a conquest after she'd been conquered; he'd never felt this overwhelming need to do... what? But he wasn't going to kowtow to Naolin - the man was an ass, and a hypocrite.
"So, now what, Naolin?" he asked with a faint sneer. "How have you handled the ire of your conquests' brothers?"
"I, sir, do not deal so badly with my own women that I give their brothers means to come and see me! I also choose those who are not innocent to the game. I do not delight in hurting them, unlike yourself! Perhaps if the roles where reversed you would be more understanding, or maybe not? I have noticed your disregard for you older sister, despite how careful she seems to be in her own conquests. I doubt if I saddled her you would blink an eyelid. But not I! My sister is more to me than just a commodity and I refuse to let her be toyed with so unfairly. She is not knowledgeable of the risks such games cause for women, the disgrace you have caused her! All because…" his body shook slightly under the restraint he forced upon himself. "All because you couldn't keep your damn pants up!"
The burn within Guimel returned, flaring up into fury and causing him to clench his teeth. No one talked to him like that! He kept his faint smile in place, although his fingers itched for his katana.
"Maybe she was just following your example," he said. "She certainly shows more style in the game than you ever have!"
"If she had not sworn me not to, I would call you out for this! I have more than ample reason to. But I will not break my word. So I tell you now. If you dare to EVER hurt her again I swear that I will take my revenge on you, sir! Be damned the repercussions. Your actions have already destroyed her reputation…" he paused, a small frown replacing his angered expression and he studied the youth before him. "Now that I mention it, I am yet to hear, from any I have seen, of your conquest. I doubt they could keep it to themselves and yet…" his eyes narrowed slightly, his clenched fist relaxing. "You have had plenty time to speak of it. I do wonder why you are yet to?"
"What has transpired between Lady Madeious and myself is our business," Guimel said in a bored tone. The anger licked along his veins - who did Naolin think he was, threatening him? But he didn't show it, merely stared at him, his eyebrows slightly raised.
Naolin's eyebrows rose in surprise, his suspicion still lingering.
"Then what was the point in taking her? I've seen you at work, lord. You seem to like those of challenge or with ulterior motive. What could have been so different about my sister?"
Guimel rolled his eyes.
"Is this meeting over?" he asked. "I've heard the strangest rumours about this party and am anxious to see if they are true."
"I want your word that your intentions towards my sister are over. I do not wish to see her hurt any more that she already is!"
Guimel contemplated turning around and walking back to the entrance. Could this baka insult him any worse? However, he could kick him out of the party, and he still wanted to see Hiroko, to know if she was all right, despite everything. The pull to do this was very strong, much more than before, and he was finding that he also wanted to see if she was as beautiful as he remembered her. It had been two days, after all... Guimel inwardly shook himself, then quelled a short sigh. Just go with it, he thought grimly, and maybe it'll go away, like Robert said. But did he want it to go away? So confusing. He smiled lazily.
"I'm surprised that you would want my word, since you seem to have so little regard for me, Lord Madeious."
"As if you have given me reason to do so!" Naolin replied, folding his arms before him. "Fine, so be it. Whatever your intentions, you will not be getting near her tonight nor any time after if I can help it!"
"As you wish, my lord," Guimel replied, tilting his head briefly, then he turned and made for the entrance, hiding a smirk. But he'd have to be careful, since Naolin would be on the lookout for him.
Kenneth was waiting for him in the foyer, much to his surprise. His cousin's face was flushed, and he grinned widely upon sighting him, handing him a piece of black cloth, intricately embroidered. Guimel looked at it, frowning slightly.
"What's this? Why aren't you inside?" Kenneth fitted his cloth onto his face, effectively concealing his features.
"Look!" he said happily. "Isn't it grand? Lord Sagé is hosting a masquerade; we'll be completely anonymous." Guimel raised his eyebrows, irritated. He didn't like to be anonymous; the term was alien to his sense of self. Besides, he had both of his parents' distinctive hair, and he was below the average height for his age. Kenneth was grinning broadly, his eyes sparkling with glee at the novelty.
"Put it on! I'm dying to get inside! I must meet Lord Sagé and talk to him about this - such a marvellous invention!" Guimel smirked, fitting the mask onto his face.
"And Lady Aiko?" he asked. "I thought you couldn't wait to start on her." Kenneth tsked and reached over to adjust Guimel's mask, tightening the strings.
"Women! Bwaa, they're just another form of entertainment, and a common one at that." He stepped back and studied him. "This, my dear Guimel," he said brightly, "this is something new! Let's go!" Guimel grinned back at him and nodded, and the two young men followed the stream of masked guests into the grand ballroom.