Chapter 18

Ill Met at Merchants' Court

Guimel stood by the park entrance that faced Merchants' Court, leaning against one of the gate posts, Hiroko's letter tucked safely away in his breast pocket. Luckily, this was the only gate in this part of the park - he couldn't imagine how he would find her, otherwise! He frowned slightly, his hand automatically dropping down to the hilt of his katana as he watched some townsmen walk by across the street, headed for a nearby tavern. It was good that this was the only gate: Merchants' Court held only the best stores in the capital city, but it also bordered on a darker part of town. He smiled again as he looked to the Court's roadway, searching for her. No sight, yet, but he was early. It was a beautiful day - the sun shone down warmly and he could hear the birds singing in the park, rivaling the shrill cries of playing children. Life would be very different once he joined the military, but he was clinging to the hope that at least he'd have her here, safe within his family's confines, before that happened. But, perhaps she should stay with her own family - they would definitely treat her better. He inwardly frowned, then shrugged. Getting ahead of himself, once again. In any case, it was a beautiful day and soon he would hold her in his arms, breathing in the wonderful scent of her hair and tasting that sweet skin... He grinned at himself and shook his head. All in good time.

Madame Lafare's had actually gone much faster than expected and being overly pampered by the lady herself had been most refreshing, taking her mind off the time. She always had come here for her garments, the fine tailoring and fabric always produced the fines pieces to wear and the conversations she engaged in were most impressive.

Hiroko had in fact left the shop much earlier than expected and so had spent time walking among the bustling stores and stands. Hand crafted pieces of jewellery and gems covered the stalls, all carefully protected within glass boxes drew her attention away and she fond herself completely losing track of time. But how could one not when there were so many fine things on offer.

It was the hand on the shoulder of her jacket, which finally snapped her out of her daze, causing her to look up, a silver necklace still held in her hand.

"Pretty…" came the gentle tone of Terris as she stared up at him, her face paling as he first stared at the piece of jewellery then at Hiroko herself. In truth she was unsure if he was speaking of the piece in her hold or about her. God how she hoped it was the latter.

Guimel impatiently tapped his fingers against his swordhilt, staring down the Court street. The roadway was lined on both sides, not only with shop buildings but also street carts. There were myriads of noblefolk walking along the way - he silently cursed women's fashions. They hid more than they revealed, and any of the dark-haired noblewomen in his view could be her. But surely she would be headed for him if she was done with the dressmaker! He crossed his arms and sighed, his eye caught on a couple near the end of the street. Now that could be Mustrum - he was tall enough and the right color hair, but he was obscuring the lady next to him: all Guimel could see was the wink of silver in her hand. And there was no way Hiroko would be with the old goat today!

Terris was speaking to her, his tone calm and quiet as they stood together, as she placed the necklace back under the glass casing. Her head remained low and she did not speak to him, simply nodding or shaking her head whenever he asked her something. Why did he have to be here, she thought in a panicked manor. She needed to get to Guimel not stand here. The guilt was too much to bear!

It was upon the mention of the engagement that her head snapped up and she took a staggered step away from the stall, her eyes wary and concerned.

"What of it?" she whimpered in response to his heard words.

"The last time I spoke to your brother he seemed to think it a good idea that it be made common knowledge. I know you don't want it to be spoken of yet but you can get used to the prospect of our marriage while we are engaged."

"I don't want to speak of it…" she replied quietly, her eyes looking desperately over the crowd of people about them.

"It must be spoke of, Hiroko. It's happening whatever you think!" his tone was harsher and she whimpered at his words, as dread slowly ran through her.

"Has… has my brother not spoken to you..? You… you were at our home yesterday. I thought he would have mentioned something to you!" was quietly murmured, her head once again drooping down to stare at the ground.

"Not since the masquerade?" came the puzzled response, the tone still harsh. "Why?"

"Nothing…" she quickly said, pulling away. His hand caught hers as she went to move away from him, his eyebrows drawing together and his eyes staring down at her with what seemed to be restrained irritation.

"You should know better Hiroko, dismissing yourself from a man's presence. At home it is easily excused but here with all to see. Now, tell me what it wrong!" He pulled her back to him, his hold on her tightening and she winced slightly, staring up at him appealingly.

"Please, Terris"

"No, I've had enough of your pleas!" he retorted sharply. "I've submitted to them far too often. Now tell me, what is it that your brother might have told me!"

Guimel straightened with a jerk as Hiroko's unmistakable features came into view, as did Terris'. Oh, fuck! The Court was streaming with nobility - if he went over there, there would sure to be a scene. Her face looked distressed, almost pained; he had to restrain himself from charging over there. He inwardly rolled his eyes - truly, he'd become a total baka over her! OK, calm down and do things properly. He sauntered over, casually gripping his katana hilt with his left hand, merging seamlessly into the crowd before coming up to the couple.

"Lord Mustrum... and Lady Madeious," he said courteously, bowing his head to each of them in turn.

The familiar voice maid her head turn sharply in its direction, her mind torn between panic and relief.

"Lord Guilliame," she replied, her voice a little strained. She pulled her arm from Terris' hold as he relaxed his grasp, his voice mirroring her own from a moment before.

"Beautiful day, ne?" he drawled. "And what a happy surprise to see you two here!" He looked about the stalls, then casually glanced over the nobleman. "Looking for something to enhance your appearance, Lord Mustrum?" he asked, innocently raising his eyebrows.

"I could ask you the same thing, Lord. But no, I have found what I have been searching for." Came Terris' curt reply as he glanced down at Hiroko, causing her to shiver slightly. "Now, if you please, the lady and I have private matters to discuss."

"A very public place to speak privately, ne, my lord?" Guimel asked softly, still lightly gripping his katana. "And, I must confess, I don't please: I've found you and the lady's company quite enjoyable, and you did miss out on tea the last time we were together."

Panic ran through her, as her eyes caught sight of Guimel's hand, and the sword beneath its hold and she made sure to place herself between the pair of them, her form trembling slightly.

"Please…" she said softly, her attention turned to Terris. "I didn't come here today to discuss our engagement. I'm sorry if I've confused you but I'm sure father will send for you soon," she turned back to Guimel, offering him a soft smile. "My purpose here today was… was to actually seek out Lord Guilliame!"

She felt Terris stiffen beside her and instantly she turned her attention back to the count. "My father bid me give something to him…" she added quickly slightly startled by the sneer which flickered across his features as she stared up at him. "I simply became sidetracked."

"That is completely understandable, Lady Madeious," Guimel said smoothly, then looked up at Mustrum and smiled smugly.

"Would you mind sir if I could complete my appointed task, since it was felt that it would be best that I be too important to be done by a servant or messenger," she nibbled gently on her lower lip, taking in the frustrated and angered look on Terris' face, and subconsciously wincing, noticing now too that his grasp on his own weapon had tightened. God how she had never wanted to hurt him, ever. But that was all she seemed to do that day and all this seemed to be doing to enraging his anger.

Guimel smiled lazily at him. "Lord Mustrum," he said quietly, "I should think you would have more honor than you are showing! Either let Lady Madeious do her task, or face me." He kept his voice extremely low, highly conscious of the crowd about them. At least the park was only a few meters away, if Mustrum wanted to really come out and play.

Terris snorted in distaste and Hiroko noted the glint in his eyes. He would… but they couldn't. God knew what would happen between them if her father decided to agree to Guimel's request.

"Terris, Please," she whispered gently and watched at his eyes glanced in her direction, softening ever so slightly.

"Very well then, Hiroko," he murmured before casting a short glance at Guimel. "We WILL speak later of this! This is a subject you can not escape from." And with that he turned sharply and disappeared back into the crowd.

He almost went after him - self-righteous bastard! - but she put a hand on his arm and he stopped. He turned irritably towards her, then smiled at the worried look in the dark blue eyes.

"It seems like we simply cannot meet without some excitement, my lady," he said softly.

A faint smile crossed her lips as she aloud herself to take in his form. Had it only been two days, at this moment it felt more like weeks.

"It's nice to see you again my lord," she replied simply, her eyes warm with affection.

Guimel was suddenly very aware of the crowd about them, even more so than before. "My lady," he said in a low voice, "Would that I could show you my true appreciation at seeing you once again!" He tucked her hand about his arm and drew her through the crowd, towards the park. "I think that, although this park is lovely, I prefer the more private meeting places!"

She chuckled gently, her hold on his arm tightening ever so slightly.

"You're right. I had considered a concert or the theatre but I would have had to wait till later in the day for more private entertainment. I couldn't wait till then; I had to see you again."

They crossed the gates into the park, casually strolling down the cobblestone pathway. He looked at her as they passed under an maple.

"You are still lovely as ever," he murmured. "It has been too long." He looked back at the ground, scowling faintly. "I'm going insane, waiting for your father to send for me. But I have to admit," he added reluctantly, "You are most likely better off with Lord Mustrum."

"Perhaps you will think differently when I give you a little something," she murmured gently, her smile growing just a little.

His eyebrows rose. "My lady?"

She chuckled gently, eyes staring out in front of her as they walked.

"When I went to leave the house this morning my brother stopped me and handed me something he seemed to think was of quite importance. You see I was being truthful when I told Terris that I had something for you."

"Don't keep me in suspense, Hiroko," he said with a smile. "What is it?"

She removed her hand form Guimel's, untying some of the strings to her long jackets front, before slipping her hand into the now opened fabric and retrieved the letter which had been safely kept there that morning. She quickly retied the lacing before tipping the white bit of sealed paper in Guimel's direction, the slip held between two fingers.

"Somehow Naolin seemed to know I would see you today. He thought it would be best if I gave you this."

He covered her hand with his, feeling a rush of warmth as his fingers folded over the paper in her grasp. "The summons?" he asked quietly.

"I believe so," she whispered softly "I've been told nothing about it, all but what was said just after you were excused. Father asked me quite a few questions about my opinion on the matter. But he didn't seem for or against your request. Not even Naolin said anything and normally he can't keep such things to himself… I think they've taken it at their own pace. How… how have your family taken it?" she ventured timidly.

He smiled warmly, quelling his inner doubts. "They approve of the match. Which is all you need to know," he frowned, suddenly. "I am not much like I used to be, and I would rather you not spend your time with my family when I leave for the military. They would not treat you in the same manner as your own - you are too precious to me to be belittled so!" He turned away from her, forgetting the slip of paper momentarily. "I spoke with my mother in private the other day - something I haven't done since I was a child. She was so happy to see me! I have missed her."

"Why haven't you spoken to her?" she asked, her expression startled. "My brother has spoken that our family is a lot closer than most in Zaibach but…"

He shrugged. "She is merely a woman, and therefore not important in my world." He looked quickly about and, seeing no one in sight, turned to her and gently caught her up in his arms. "You know our country - your gender has no rights, barely an acknowledged existence. You will have to teach me otherwise, if all goes well." He looked into her eyes, feeling that strange warmth flowing through him; not lust, but rather a longing to stay here, with her, in the sunlight and the pleasant sounds of birds and children about them.

"I know my sex gives me little to no say in my future. Being a women dictates that I am weak and have no importance, but the thought that my children may grow up and end up disregarding me as just another commodity… I couldn't bear such a thing," she sighed gently before she nudged him gently. "For a man who spoke of going insane waiting for a summons you certainly seem to have kept hold of that note long enough, don't you think, Guimel!"

He grinned suddenly and held the paper up, waving it lazily back and forth. "It could be anything, ne?" Then he relented and unfolded it.

"Anything…?" she scoffed slightly, eyebrows raised as she watched him open the paper. "As if my father is in mood to spend the time to write to you for some unimportant matter. I rarely see him for he is always so busy. I doubt that he would trifle with something as this if it did not have importance!"

He read the note, then looked at her. "It appears that I am to meet him tomorrow morning," he said softly.

Her head drooped slightly at his words, once again nibbling nervously on her lower lip. A day to find out the decision, which would change her life forever. Such a trivial thing… a simple word yes or no. Strange how much rested upon it.

"What if he says no," she said ever so quietly though it was more to herself than to Guimel.

"Then you will become a Countess, with a man who adores you," he replied softly, harshly quelling his own angry denial. "I hate the thought! But I will not dishonor my, your or Mustrum's family by crossing your father's decision." He put his hand under her chin and tilted her face back up. "You are so beautiful," he said, dipping down a little to kiss her.

She shut her eyes tightly, his words causing her heart to twist terribly in her chest. She accepted his kiss willingly, leaning against him. How could she just give this up, forget everything that had been exchanged between them, how could she…

He was losing himself in her soft lips, the heat of her body pressed against him... he gently pulled her away from him, his blood starting a slow pound.

"This is not a good place for this," he lightly gasped. He looked quickly about, seeing no one in sight but a small child, running to pick up his ball on the path, and he sighed in relief. Then he smiled and put her hand back around his arm. "In any case, that is tomorrow! We still have a few hours today, ne? Let's make the most of them."

"You were the one who initiated the kiss, Guimel!" she teased chuckling softly, a faint blush against her cheeks. "But what or where do you suggest we go to make the most of it?"

"Don't tempt me, Hiroko," he said, smiling at her. "I know of many places nearby where we could enjoy each other's company in private."

"When have you ever needed tempting? You seem to be able to do that all by yourself."

He looked at her in surprise, then grinned and took hold of her hand. "Follow me," he said softly and pulled her back to the gates.

"As you wish, my lord!" she replied sweetly, following him willingly with her smile still remaining, her eyes taking in the people before them, as they passed through the great gates and back into the crowds before them.