AN: Macbrooks here. First of all, domo arigato once again to all our readers! I can't believe that we're still getting requests for more chapters! Gomen nasai for the lack of posting - we wrote this story a long, long time ago and of course it takes time to set up the chapters. Lame, I know. But I'll try to be a bit more quick on putting up the next chapters.

Chapter 16


The First Step

He fitted his mask back on before descending the staircase, carefully observant of the guests below. This masquerade was quite the invention, especially for clandestine meetings. Guimel hid a smile - surely Lord Sagé was aware of this! Who was their fine host with tonight? he thought as he made his way through the thinning nobility to his table. It was very late, now: all the children were gone, as were the elderly noblefolk. The young players would have already gone through their first conquests of the night and were either boasting about it or seeking new prey. He inwardly frowned. No more of those games for him! Why should he, when he already had, and would keep, the best? Hiroko... he smiled before he could stop himself, and for once he didn't care who saw his true face. She had said yes; he was still unbelieving. The smile died as he spied Kenneth at their table: his cousin was scowling faintly at him. Uh-oh.

"Cousin," he drawled as he sat down beside him, suddenly feeling very tired. She had indeed exhausted him - he just wanted to find a bed and sleep. Kenneth looked at him sharply.

"Where have you been? Lady Aiko proved to be most adventurous; your addition would have made this evening very interesting." Guimel fought to keep from rolling his eyes. Kenneth loved this kind of game: have a girl be teased by two men at once until she couldn't stand it and either attacked one of them or ran away, an emotional mess. He'd only done it with his cousin a few times; it was just too frustrating on his end to do it more, since it got all three of them excited but they could never release their tension. All of a sudden, he thought of what Hiroko might have thought, had she been their victim, and he confusion swept through him. What a terrible game to play on somebody! He pushed down the confusion - stay focused! - and yawned slightly.

"I've been quite successful with someone else, Kenneth," he said smugly. "I don't need your games to get me all lathered up for nothing." His cousin smirked faintly.

"I suspected as much." He shuddered slightly. "Why do you bother? You already have the girl. On to the next one!" That was another battle cry he liked to give and usually Guimel would echo it heartily, but, once again he thought of Hiroko and he kept silent. He could feel his world shattering within, all his thoughts and upbringing in the game shifting, and it scared him. He felt the blood rush to his cheeks as Kenneth, after a moment, took up his wineglass and drank. I'm blowing this, Guimel thought desperately, I've changed so much - what am I going to do? He forced himself to smile lazily.

"What can I say?" he asked softly, pulling forward the glass of wine that Kenneth had gotten for him. Kenneth put down his glass and chuckled.

"My dear Guimel!" he softly exclaimed. "You never change!" He leaned forward. "Since you were off playing, I figured I'd get us a room. It's all been done, and I've been waiting for you to return." He stretched his shoulders, his grey eyes twinkling. "I can imagine you would like some sleep!" Guimel drained his glass, relief washing through him.

"Hai," he said softly. "Arigato." Kenneth winked at him and he smiled back, although the confusion fell upon him again. He loved his cousin, for all his eccentricities, but how would their relationship change? He wasn't who he had been - would Kenneth understand? Guimel inwardly shrugged as he followed him through the ballroom. He'd sleep on it and see what tomorrow would bring.

---

She could hear a voice beside her, piercing through that hazy state of dreams, seemingly trapped neither in sleep now awareness, somewhere between the two. It was a familiar, warm and loving voice; the fondness in it made her smile softly as she pulled her bed sheet further over her, up against her waist.

She could feel a hand against her cheek now too. Lightly tracing its way to her jaw line and finally she felt herself stirring as the sensation becoming more obvious, as did the words being spoken. Naolin… He wasn't speaking to anyone, simply murmuring words to himself, to Hiroko as she slept, or so he thought.

"You always have been to independent and vivacious for your own good, even when you were little. Always getting yourself into situations we tried so hard to keep you from, always trying to better us." She finally managed to hear him say, her mind taking a moment to comprehend what he was saying as her sleepy head slowly cleared. "I remember that time you cut you leg one time, when you and I were fooling about in paddock. You really were such a little tomboy then, so determined to show you were so much braver and stronger than myself and Lowell." His hand rested on her thigh, against the sheet and gown covering it.

A small chuckle passed her lips as she opened her eyes to take in the slightly startled face of the young man kneeling beside her.

"It was such a small cut wasn't it! And yet it bled so furiously. I think you and Lowell were so worried about what mother would say when she found out what you had done!"

"What WE had done?" came the mock aghast response and Hiroko's smile grew.

"Yes, surely you remember. I'd begged you for so long to let me ride your horse, but you were so selfish at that age…" a small smirk spread against his pearly white teeth at her words. "As I recall you ended up conceding to my request, but instead of putting me on yours you sat me up on Lowell's mount." Naolin's eyes were cast to the ceiling, an act of unknowing innocence and Hiroko laughed all the more. "The darn creature was so high strung it took of with me hanging desperately onto its back. God the look of horror on both of your faces as it threw me from its back. I'll never forget it."

"As I recall your expression was in a pretty similar state to ours!" came the smug response. "You didn't cry though. You never did. You just sat there with a startled but self-righteous look on your face as you hitched up your skirt, in a most unlady like manner may I just add, and stared at the cut as smug as ever. It was as if it were a battle wound." She nodded her head, her own hand resting against Naolin's, her fingers sliding through his to run across the mark still there against the side of her thigh.

"I so wanted to prove to you that I was as good as you two, that I wasn't just a weak girl. I was so pleased when it actually scarred; though mother was less than happy! You can barely see it now…" her voice faded of before a small yawn was released, stifled by her hand as she sat up slightly. Her hand came up to run through her hair and she glanced around the room.

It was a good thing she had tidied up slightly, though she was unsure what had compelled her to do so. Yet as Guimel had left she had set to, gathering her own clothes from the floor and slipping them on before tidying her bed, the sheets relayed and smoothen out. Even Guimel's glass had been cleaned, the crystal clear glass having had any traces of being used and drank from removed; now returned to her bedside table beside her own still half drunk glass and wine bottle. Only when she was sure everything was as it should be had she finally lay down, inhaling the fine smell of Guimel which had remained where he had himself lay. What would it be like when she saw him next, what would it be like when Naolin saw him… She had no idea.

Naolin… she frowned slightly, in mock irritation before speaking.

"So what brings you to me bed chamber to early in the morning, brother, so rudely disturbing my sleep."

"I thought I would check on how you were feeling now, before I too went to my bed. I didn't intend to wake you, Hiroko. I suppose seeing you there made me lose myself in thought."

"So I presumed." She replied, yawning again.

"I also wanted to talk to you about Terris." She blanched, a shiver running through her as her intended's names utterance. After seeing him that night she had hardly given him a second thought, her mind solely concentrated on Guimel.

"I don't wish to speak of him, please…"

"You have to come to face this Hiroko! You cannot stand up to this marriage. Yet you refuse to accept it; he only wants to make you happy. Do you know how lucky you are? That you haven't been paired up with someone who wants you for your money. In this country beauty means so little to people. Breeding, manors, estate and fine fortune; that is what would draw most to you; apart for those who merely want you for pleasure's sake." How quickly this conversation had turned harsh. What would his reaction be if he found out that… "Terris wants you for who you are, Hiroko, so why can't you be contented by that." She said nothing, merely remained silent, thinking over her response carefully.

"We'll see. It's father's decision in the end. I leave it up to him," she finally spoke plainly.

"Yes, he will decide and you will accept it as a respectful daughter should and become a dutiful wife as is your place!" This was getting them nowhere. They would agree to disagree about this matter till the last moment…

"When must we rise for breakfast?" she ventured quietly, an attempt to defuse the current situation.

"Early! Breakfast is lasting the majority of the morning; for the guests are bound to wake at all hours and all must be catered for. Your maids have already had the proper instruction earlier today. They will arrive to wake you when the time is right." He tipped her head up slightly, his eyes running over her face. "You look tired, sister. I'll leave you now to rest." Naolin's voice once again held that reassuring calmness and affection as he bent to place a small kiss to her cheek. "The morning will most likely be as interesting as tonight has been. Hopefully you will be feeling well enough to enjoy it this time." He spoke as he neared the chamber door.

"That dear brother," Hiroko responded sweetly, a small knowing smile against her lips, "Will be no problem at all."

---

Guimel awoke to the sound of Kenneth taking his morning bath. His cousin was singing the latest popular tune, terribly off-key. Guimel winced, squinting at the bright morning sunshine, then smiled to himself. Hiroko... He stretched lazily, yawning and realizing that he was ravenously hungry. Kenneth came out of the bath, wearing a guest robe and toweling off his hair.

"Kenneth, you have the worst singing voice on Gaia," Guimel stated with a smile as he got out of bed and headed for the bathing room. Kenneth smirked.

"Jealousy is such an ugly trait, my dear Guimel." He quickly bathed and dressed in his party outfit, Kenneth done and waiting by the door by the time he'd finished. They made their way downstairs; Guimel could feel the dread growing as they merged with other nobility, who were all headed to the ballroom. He would have to play this right - having less than a month to court her could excuse not asking his father first for permission, but he had no idea on how to confront Hiroko's father, or her brother. And Kenneth. He glanced at his cousin as they headed for the breakfast buffet that was set up by the eastern-facing windows. Perhaps he should talk to him first?

She had been up well before the first guests had been downstairs, for as Naolin had said that morning her maid's had come to her room early to help her change and prepare for the next day. At first the guests had come in dribs and drabs and she had simply stood greeting each person as they entered the drawing room, while the rest of her family did the same in other rooms.

Though she had rested well she still felt rather drained but she didn't let it show, a bright smile and merry attitude seeming to brighten even the weariest party goers that morning.

She had conceded to Callista's small pleas for her to play the piano a while off, her parents leaving her with the responsibility of watching her younger sister and so while the guests waited patiently for the morning meal to begin she had allowed herself to be pushed into entertaining them while they quietly talked.

The tunes had matched her feelings that day and with an amused smile she let Callista play the additional few repetitive notes of her latest favourite melody, moving to one side on her stood to accommodate the child's small form while some of the young women took turns to sing the words to each song played.

The only thing which made her seem a little uncomfortable was the fact that Terris was one of the gents present in the room that morning, and knowing he was watching was not the most heartening of facts. Yet somehow she managed to dismiss it, concentrating on Callista and the happy smile she had at being allowed to accompany her elder sister.

"Kenneth..." he said hesitantly as they sat at a table, eating. His cousin grinned at him as he buttered a roll.

"I cannot believe how great this party has been!" Kenneth announced. "I simply must do one of these!"

"Hai, of course," Guimel replied, a little sharply. If he gave his cousin a moment, he would launch into one of his endless monologues - he was showing all the signs of doing so. "Kenneth, there's something that I need to..." He stopped as Kenneth held up his hand.

"Don't even think for a moment that you're getting out of tennis today!" he said with a smile, then looked at the windows. "Look at the time! I've got to see to Lady Ellen!"

"Lady Ellen?" Kenneth tsked.

"You know - the one I was telling you about two days ago?" he replied impatiently. "She's parked herself at my mansion for at least a month! Bitch." The last word was said in a subtle whisper; Guimel hid a smile. His cousin hated it when people imposed upon him. He also felt a little relief - Kenneth had already finished his breakfast and was getting up, ready to leave. He sat back, smiling lazily.

"I'll find some way to get home," he drawled. "Have fun, Kenneth." His cousin glared at him for a moment, then cracked a grin.

"I'll teach her tennis!" he replied and Guimel almost laughed out loud - the thought of a noblewoman running back and forth, chasing the tennis ball was hilarious! He nodded and Kenneth vanished. Now, time to find the Duke or Naolin, he thought with determination as he also stood and ran his hands down his jacket, straightening it.

Naolin leaned idly against one of the main pillars in the foyer, nodding his head politely at each guest as he pointed them in the right direction for the morning meal. He hadn't slept all that well that night, a case of drinking a little too much fine wine and now his head ached irritably against the sides of his head. His talk with Hiroko hadn't gone all that well either that morning. First in his darn sentimental state he had found himself absentmindedly talking to her, all because of his memories of how sweet and endearing she had been at such a young age, at she had looked so innocent and contented there when he had entered the room… he couldn't help himself. But then how easily he had allowed himself to get frustrated at her.

Naolin massaged his temples; this wasn't helping his headache any and he was yet to have anything to eat, waiting to be relieved so he could sit down and relax for a short while. Darn Duran. No doubt his cousin was still lazing in bed. He had that untimely habit of disregarding what he was told and going off to do whatever he liked. He'd get him back at a later date. The young scoundrel would pay, he thought with a knowing smirk.

He could hear the sound of music coming from the drawing room and his smirk slipped into a small smile, enjoying the familiar tone, his eyes falling closed for a moment. Hiroko always had excelled at playing the piano!

Guimel made his way through the crowd of nobility, going over his options. Just how the hell was he going to convince Naolin to accept his proposal? He needed time to think about this, but there wasn't any: the Duke may just decide to override Hiroko's wish and have the engagement announced this morning! He passed into the foyer and stopped short, spying Naolin. Well, the time has come, he thought grimly as he approached and gave a slight bow. But he would succeed!

"Good morning, Lord Madeious," he said formally.

His eyes opened slowly, an eyebrow raised slightly as he regarded the youth before him before nodding his head in response.

"Good morning, Lord Guilliame. How does the day fare for you? I presume you had an enjoyable night at the party?" he spoke his words calmly for his head hurt too much to raise his tone. It would only irritate his displeasure more and that was all he needed. Instead he decided to remain calm. No point getting aggravated for no reason.

Guimel wanted to smile softly, thinking of Hiroko, but restrained himself: Naolin would most likely take it very much the wrong way. His face remained serious.

"It was quite pleasing," he replied. "And yourself?"

"Quite admirable, thank you." Naolin replied, his arms crossed before him as he continued to look down at the young lord.

"There is something that I would like to discuss with you, in private," Guimel said quietly, inwardly growling in frustration. This wasn't going to be easy! Especially since all he really wanted to do was see Hiroko again. Such a baka, he thought with an inward smile. But at least Naolin was being civil with him - better than last night.

"Speak your word." Naolin replied plainly, his words echoing Guimel's own the night before. "What could you want to speak to me of?"

"Is there a place that we can talk?"

He pushed himself up from the pillar, stretching slightly before moving away, most guests were busy eating by this time, those either finished or waiting for a place to sit to eat were in the drawing room… The study… If lord Guilliame desired so much to speak with him in private there could be no place better than that.

Guimel followed the nobleman down the foyer, past the drawing room - he glanced briefly in and saw her playing the piano, his cheeks flushing at the sight of her - and into a smaller room nearby. He shut the door, muting the hum of conversation and the pretty tune she was playing, then turned and looked at Naolin.

"This may come as a surprise..." he started.

Idly Naolin sank down into his uncle's sofa, watching the youth this slight interest as he crossed his legs. Actually it was nice to be away from the noise, it gave his headache a chance to lessen a little.

"Come then…" he prompted, despite his thoughts he still had a duty to do, he couldn't shirk it. His father would be less that pleased if he found out he had gone off. "What should surprise me? You seem to be quite apt in presenting with surprises, lord Guilliame. What is next on the card?"

"I would like to court your sister, Lady Madeious." There, it was out. Now, Guimel thought as he involuntarily tensed up, we shall see what he thinks of that.

"The proposition is un-negotiable, sir. She is already intended to another." Naolin replied flatly, his expression plain as he spoke. "Though I do not see why you wish to make such a proposal. Surely you have gotten what you wanted from her the other day. Why bother tying yourself down to her now?"

"My intentions may have started out with the highest dishonor, my lord," he replied quietly, "But they have changed." He backed up a step, inwardly snarling. Talk about an impossible challenge! But, onwards! as Kenneth might say. He suppressed a smile.

"I have heard of no formal engagement, Lord Madeious," he said. "My family is one of the highest ranking among the Empire's Baronies. Surely my credentials would make me eligible."

Clever little bastard, Naolin thought, suppressing an irritated sneer.

"You know very well that it makes you eligible. I spoke plainly of it that day at my home, yet you seemed to dismiss it for more personal, selfish purposes. I do not wish to see my sister with a boy who has no concept of what SUCH a proposal implies. Especially after he has dealt so sourly with her so short a time ago!"

Guimel hid a snarl: self-righteous bastard! And, of course, he had every right to refuse him. Fuck. What was he going to do? He had to have her! No one else could! NO ONE! He gasped faintly, trying to calm himself down.

"My...lord..." he said quietly, feeling the sweat break out on his brow. "You say that you know my reputation, have seen me 'work.' Surely this is very uncharacteristic of me! My intentions are of the highest honor - I want to marry her!"

"And I am to just believe you! I am not so easily fooled like my sister." He watched him carefully, as he spoke. "My friend has honourable intentions towards Hiroko, far more honourable than yours have been, lord. And yet you think you can just ask for her hand and expect me to accept. You're a bigger fool than I first thought!"

"Careful of your words, Lord Madeious," Guimel softly growled before he could stop himself. But he was furious - how dare he call him a fool! This soft, self-serving bastard who had no concept of true honor!

Naolin laughed softy, a small smirk forming.

"And you anger is so easily provoked. Another reason I think to keep my sister from you. A charlatan such as yourself should been kept under a careful watch. You have the audacity after all you have done to come to me and ask of me this. No I am not so easily won over. My sister means too much to me to dismiss her so easily."

Guimel drew himself up, keeping his face calm with an effort. Bastard. He thought of Hiroko, her happiness from his declaration, the abandon and trust she gave him, despite how he had first treated her.

"Lady Madeious," he said slowly. "Have you ever considered what she may think of her intended, whomever he might be?"

"It is not her place to question my father's decision." Naolin replied bluntly, his eyes narrowing. "The same as it would be your own sister. So do not question me when you know all to well what my response would be… the same as your own if I asked to court her!"

Guimel raised his eyebrows. "You've noted that my sister and I do not have the relationship that you and Lady Madeious have. Do her feelings mean so little to you, after all?"

He stared at the youth with his words, his expression faltering.

"It is because of this reason that I reinforce her current position. Her marriage will be a fine one, and she will be taken well care of!"

"We are of the same mind on that point - she must be taken care of!" he replied heatedly, again, before he could stop himself. Perhaps this was all a mistake - Mustrum could truly keep her well, and he would not leave her alone after a few short weeks. But... dammit! He wanted her! HE wanted to be the one to take care of her, to have her bear his name, and his children. And she wanted to be with him, he suddenly thought, surprising himself. She would be very unhappy with Mustrum, and that was something he'd do anything to prevent!

"Then tell me. WHY should I let you have as you ask? What makes you different from my friend?" How typical, just when he thought he would have a break and give his head a chance to recover from the nights drinking, this was sprung on him. As if he didn't have enough on his mind. Darn it he needed a strong drink, for all the good it would do him.

Because she loves me, he almost said but managed to stay silent. He'd been far too spontaneous already! He made a short bow.

"Lord Madeious," he said softly, "I only am requesting the right to court her. If Lady Madeious does not wish to receive my courtship, then I shall withdraw the request."

Naolin forced himself up out of the chair and made his way over to the young lord.

"That does not answer my question, sir."

Guimel looked up at him, trying not to let his anger show, calming himself down once again.

"My lord," he said through set teeth, "I have found that I care greatly for your sister. This is as much a shock to me as to yourself, I'm sure. But my family has never been one to question the unexpected, nor passion! I know of no way to convince you of my intentions, beyond the fact that I am taking the most honorable path possible to achieve my goal of wedding her!"

He released a frustrated sigh. Could this day get any more complicated?

"And my father, have you spoke to him of this? Have you even spoken to Hiroko of this?"

"You were the first one I saw today, my lord," Guimel replied evenly. "In this matter, you have as much authority in this as your father." He looked over to the wall that separated the den from the drawing room. "As to Lady Madeious..." He stopped speaking. What could he say? As far as Naolin knew, they hadn't exchanged a word, Hiroko had been safely ensconced in her room all evening. He felt his cheeks flush slightly as he remained silent, staring at the book-lined wall.

"If that is the case it means you have others to see other than myself, lord. My consent is but one part of the final decision."

Guimel looked back up at him. "I am well aware of that, my lord. But you are the first step."

"You presume a lot of me, Guimel!" he finally spoke after a long drawn out pause, his hand coming to rest upon the lord's shoulder.

"My lord," he replied, trying not to twitch his shoulder from under his hand. It seemed very patronizing, but, then again, he knew nothing about Naolin. Perhaps he was softening? "I have done Lady Madeious a great dishonor, but my feeling for her goes beyond mere reparation. I will take excellent care of her, I assure you!"

"And what of Lord Mustrum. Is he to be dismissed so easily?" Naolin sighed; he really was putting him in a very awkward position. "Go then, see if you can work your charms with my father also." He replied with a soft smile. "IF he gives his consent, and Hiroko hers then so be it. But he will be far harder to convince than I was."