I updated two chapters today to make up for not posting last week. So make sure you didn't miss the previous one or else you'll be lost at one point of the story.
"Kyoko. You're wanted in the green room."
Kyoko looked up from her book, surprised. She was in one of the back corners of the library, studying the book Lory had given her. One of the concubines – Midori was her name right? - had come to talk to her.
"Why? What's going on?" asked Kyoko.
"All the concubines are gathering." said Midori, casually leaning against a book shelf. She didn't appear to have an open hostility towards Kyoko. That was a good thing right? "Kuon wants to talk to us. It's probably about the Sun tournament. We helped out the first time they held it. Most likely he wants our assistance again."
"Sun tournament?" said Kyoko.
The girl gave a sigh. "It's a festival held once every three years." she said with an air of forced patience. "To celebrate the kingdom of light and the royal family that guards against the dark forces of the land. Don't tell me you've never heard of it."
"I have, it's just... I forgot." She had a vague recollection hearing about the tournaments of light. The weeklong festival that happened in the capital, pulling thousands of people from all parts of the kingdom and beyond. She had always wanted to go, but that would have taken money that she didn't have. So she had locked away the memory to prevent it from taunting her.
"Right..." said Midori. "Well, hurry up and come. Kuon will be here soon."
Midori left, too quickly for Kyoko to follow. So she walked alone slowly towards the green room, her spirit brightening with every step. She finally got to go to a festival! Kyoko couldn't help doing a quick dance in celebration. There were sure to be some amazing shows, and wonderful feats of magic. Even if there wasn't much she could do to help, she could enjoy it all the same. Trying hard to school her emotions, and probably failing completely. Kyoko entered the green room.
It was furnished with a long table and chairs, most of these already occupied with the other concubines. The room hummed with the soft murmur of conversation as the women talked. She noticed Chieko and Aya sitting near the edge. Aya made eye contact with her and smiled softly. Kyoko smiled back, then noticed Chieko glaring at her. Making a scene was not what Kyoko wanted, so she took a seat at the edge of the table, pretending not to notice when the concubine beside her scooted away from her while muttering "filth"
A moment later the door opened again, this time revealing the prince. Conversation died as she strode through the room in confident strides, holding some papers under his arms. She had to admit, he had charisma. He commanded the attention of the entire room just by walking. He reached the head of the table and sat down.
"Thank you all for coming." he said, spreading the papers out. "As you all know, the Sun Tournament will be starting in a month. What you may not know, is that this year I have been given the assignment of coordinating the whole event."
There were murmurs from that statement. From what she could make out of the gossip, this was a big deal. The Sun tournament was a reflection of the status of the kingdom after all. If it wasn't successful, it could reduce moral through the kingdom. Kyoko studied the prince, his face not betraying any of the pressure this was sure to be bringing him. He looked just as calm as always, but she could see past the mask. He was stressed.
"Most of the preparations have already started, but there are some details that I would like your assistance on." He scanned the room, taking a moment to lock eyes with each of them. For that half second their eyes met, Kyoko's breath caught in her throat. She could feel the strength radiating from his gaze. Then me moved on. "Each person in this room has earned my trust and respect, and each women has a set of skills and talents that set her apart from the rest. So I come here to ask for your assistance in this event. Will you help me?"
All the faces in the room were pink as the women nodded.
Wow, what a people pleaser. Thought Kyoko with a wry smile. With just a few flattering words he had captured the hearts of every woman in the room. He could probably flatter a thief out of their stolen goods.
"Excellent." said Kuon, now breaking out into a smile that sent the women sighing. "Then let's get started." He started handing out the papers, having the girls pass them to their respective owners. "Yumi, I would like to put you in charge of the choreography for the dance number in the opening ceremony, as well as some of the intermediate breaks and shows. I've given you a list of people you will be working with this project. But you are in charge."
"Can I choose my own dancers?" said Yumi.
"I've given you a list, but yes. You can choose anyone you like."
For a couple minuets Yumi and Kuon went back and forth. Discussing the theme and which direction the dance should be most centered on. Then asking about what groups of musicians they would use and so on. Kyoko was actually amazing at how much effort went into something as simple as a dance routine. When Yumi was satisfied, Kuon went onto the next item.
"Setsuko, I'll be relying on you to accompany the ambassadors from Zergoth."
"Do we know who they will be this time?" said Setsuko.
"They still haven't accepted the invitation formally." said Kuon "So no, not yet. But because of the sensitivity of our relationship, you're the only one I can rely on for this."
Setsuko's expression didn't change, but Kyoko could see her sit a little bit straighter. The other women shifted in their seats, trying to mask their obvious jealousy at the praise Setsuko received. But they wouldn't be jealous for long. Kuon went through the meeting, asking help from each of the girls individually and listening when someone gave their opinion. It was fascinating to watch, even though Kyoko was sure most of the really important things of their conversation went over her head. Some were asked to participate in different events, while others were asked to accompany different nobles. Each woman was given a task that suited her abilities and Kyoko was so engrossed in observing that she forgot that she was expected to be a participant as well.
"And for the last thing. Kyoko, I would lik-" Kyoko jumped so suddenly she caused quite a commotion with her chair. Some of the women sniggered, while several others scowled.
"Were you even listening?" said Yumi with a raised eyebrow.
"There's no need for that kind of tone Yumi." said Kuon, smiling his sparkly smile. "She was probably just surprised at being addressed so suddenly." Kyoko decided to dub that smile the 'gentleman's smile' as he tended to use it when angry, but needed to still act the gentleman. It worked, and Yumi scowled in embarrassment.
"Now Kyoko. I know you haven't been in the court life for very long, but how are you adjusting to your new situation?"
"I'm adjusting fine your majesty." said Kyoko with a slight bow of her head. "I haven't spent much time in the central part of the palace. But I have had some experience working with nobles in the clinic when they come in sick." And also with over worried parents. Thought Kyoko. One of the side effects of working with kids meant you got to work with the parents. Which meant you spent a lot of time trying to convince them their child wasn't going to die because of a cough.
She was at the complete opposite end of the table as Kuon, so there was no way he could have missed the strange looks the women were giving the two of them. Apparently something she said had confused them. But he ignored the looks.
"Good. Lory has said you've been doing well. I'm glad the staff has open enough to accept you there."
"Ah, um" Kyoko swallowed, then gave another bow of her head. "It's all thanks to you your highness that I've had the opportunity to work there."
He smiled at her again, and Kyoko felt blinded. He really is dangerous.
"Then if you feel comfortable, I have an assignment for you." said Kuon "It was actually suggested by Duke Takarada." The women began murmuring to each other again. Why were they glaring at her this time? A paper was passed to her, and she took it, noticing the official looking seal on the top right corner.
"Duchess Ruriko Matsunai is going to be here tomorrow" said Kuon. "And we would like for you to be the one to accompany her while she stays at the palace."
At the word Duchess, Kyoko eyes began to shine. Did he just say she got to accompany a Duchess? A real Duchess? But the others didn't share her enthusiasm.
"Are you sure that's a good idea Kuon?" said Utako. She leaned forward, her long black hair falling over her shoulders. "Duchess Ruriko is not an easy person to get along with. Especially for those of us that are concubines." There were murmurs of agreement from the others.
"Perhaps." said Kuon. "But Lory was very insistent in giving Kyoko the assignment. It's up to her if she wants to accept it or not."
"I'll do it!" said Kyoko, completely oblivious to the shocked looks on the women's faces. What was their problem anyway? She got to shadow a real Duchess! An image of a beautiful women in a long straight dress adorned with layers of fine silks and jewels entered her mind. She drifted through the imagery for a moment, lost in her fantasy till her name jostled her out of it.
"Kyoko?"
"Y-yes?" she said.
Kuon gestured to the paper in her hands. "You were taught what's expected of you correct? Yes? Good. Then I can leave this to you right?"
"Of course!" she said, eyes shining in determination. Meeting a duchess or not, this was the first real assignment he had given her since entering the harem. And she wanted to help him, even if it was in this small way. So, ignoring the doubtful looks in the other's eyes, she stuck out her chin in pride. "You can count on me."
The next day was bright, the light from the sun reflecting off the sand dunes and cobblestone streets. Kyoko shaded her eyes with a hand, scanning the road for a sign of her new assignment. She was standing on the steps of the palace leading up to one of the entrances connected to the road. The duchess was scheduled to arrive that evening and Kyoko was waiting for her to arrive. She enjoyed the moment to observe the castle from the outside. It was a huge building, that stretched for at least a mile with high columns and towers that reached towards the sky.
People in all sorts of dress and state of wealth walked up and down the steps. It was obviously a place of business as well as the home for the royal family. Guards stood on either side of each entrance and at the bottom of the stairs, eying all the people that entered, occasionally stopping someone to question their intentions. Kyoko herself was accompanied by one of her guards. This time it was a tall man called Shinichi Ishibashi.
"Looks like they're coming." He said, pointing out towards the road.
A fancy looking carriage came down the street towards her, this one standing out from the rest. It stopped on the steps and two people stepped out. One was an older man, wearing an illustrious robe and sporting a receding hair line. The other person was a young woman in a long green dress with a silver chain belt hugging her waist. She had dark brown hair and gray eyes, as well a scowl.
Kyoko walked up to them and gave a low curtsy.
"Duke Matsunai, and Duchess Matsunai. Welcome to the palace. My name is Kyoko Mogami, and this is Shinichi Ishibashi. We're here to escort you to his highness."
"Thank you." said the man. "it's a pleasure to meet you miss Kyoko."
Kyoko straightened and smiled. Duke Matsunai had a jovial aura, and Kyoko was sure they could get along. The daughter might be another story. She eyed the necklace Kyoko wore, then stuck her nose in the air.
"Why didn't he come get us himself?" she said "I'm sure he would be excited to see us. It's been so long since we saw each other last."
"His highness is quiet busy with preparations." said Kyoko with a polite smile. "But he asked me to lead you to him as soon as you arrived as we weren't sure when that would be."
The girl tossed her hair. "Then hurry up and lead the way. I want to see him as soon as possible."
Kyoko obliged, leading them through the palace towards where Kuon would be. Yukihito had given Kyoko Kuon's schedule so that she would know where to go no matter what time the party arrived. Traveling in the desert wasn't exactly a precise event.
While they walked, she asked about their journey and provided polite conversation. Well, it was supposed to be casual conversation, but she got sidetracked as she found out the duke his wife had an affinity for gardening. Soon the two of them were talking very animatedly.
"Kuon!" said Ruriko, her exclamation cutting the conversation off. She had stayed quiet for most of the walk, choosing to ignore the questions Kyoko asked her. But when they arrived at the room the prince was in, her face lit up. She quickly collected herself, gliding to where he was and curtsying. Kuon was accompanied by a couple other guests which included two women from the harem. The polite smile the three of them were sporting sent shivers up Kyoko's spine.
"Duchess Matsunai, it is good to see you again." said Kuon, taking her hand and kissing it. The brunet blushed while the smiles on the other two grew harder.
"It's been too long." said Ruriko. "I was impatient to see you again."
Kyoko stood back as more pleasantry were exchanged between Ruriko and the guests. Yet she couldn't help but notice the way the two concubines looked. Their faces were stuck in stiff smiles, their lips twitching in hidden annoyance. They really didn't like Ruriko.
"Kyoko." said Kuon, "Would you mind showing the Duchess to her room so she can recover from her journey."
"Yes Kyoko. Why don't you go show her to her quarters?" said one of the concubines, flashing the fake smile in Kyoko's direction. "I'm sure she would love to take the time to relax."
"Of course." said Kyoko.
Ruriko sent a quick glare at the other women, and a shining smile at Kuon before allowing herself to be lead away. As soon as they were out of earshot, Ruriko began talking- Well, it was more like a monologue- about Kuon.
"Did you see how excited he was to see me? But of course he couldn't say anything in front of all the guests. He does have a certain reputation to uphold. And is it possible for him to be even more handsome then the last time I saw him? I'm rather excited to be able to spend these next few weeks with him. After all, he's always in a better mood after talking with me. You should all be grateful that I'm here."
On and on she went, and Kyoko was happy to let her talk. At least until Ruriko addressed her.
"So." said Ruriko. "I haven't seen you before. You new to the harem?"
"Yeah." said Kyoko. She was surprised Ruriko was actually talking to her. "I joined not too long ago."
"I see."
Ruriko tilted her head, her eyes scanning Kyoko.
"I wonder if Kuon's taste changed." Said Ruriko. "He used to enjoy beautiful women. At least when he couldn't make contact with me. He must be getting desperate."
Kyoko didn't know what to say. This woman must be touched in the head if she thought Kuon actually liked her, meaning Ruriko. Kyoko had noticed that even the guests could tell he was only putting up with her. Ruriko was like a misbehaving child Kuon didn't have the authority to scold. But Kyoko didn't have that sort of filter yet.
"I'm not sure what you mean by that." said Kyoko, "But I doubt the prince is desperate for the attention of women when he has 22 competing for his."
Ruriko's mouth twitched. "Oh really? Because you think there is importance in quantity over quality?"
"Who knows." said Kyoko "That's a question you'll have to ask the prince."
They had reached Ruriko's temporary quarters and Kyoko gave a curtsy. "This is where you'll be staying while here in the palace. The dining hall is just down the hall. And if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask one of the staff or you can call for me."
"I've been here before." huffed Ruriko. "I'm sure I know the palace better then you."
"Er. Right"
Ruriko rolled her eyes before entering her room and closing the door. Kyoko sighed. That could have gone better.
"Not too polite is she?" said Shinichi, her guard.
"It's my fault for annoying her when she probably knows more about the palace then I do." said Kyoko. "Let's just hope I can make a better second impression then first one."
"I'm not sure that's the problem." said Shinichi.
He might have a point. Ruriko did seem to hate the other concubines. Though, that might be their own fault. They weren't exactly the best at welcoming newcomers. No wonder Ruriko was so nasty to her. Kyoko folded her arms, nodding in thought. She would just have to work extra hard to show the Duchess that not everyone was as mean as they were.
Kyoko went to get Ruriko the next morning to lead her to the practice arena. Ruriko was a pulse magician, and was going to be the main star in the opening act of the festival. Apparently it was a tradition to open with a spectacular show hosted by one of the major cities. And she was one of the lucky participants this year.
As they walked, she tried to engage the women in conversation but quickly gave up. It was obvious Ruriko had no time for Kyoko. But Kyoko wasn't deterred. There would be other opportunities to be friendly. They made their way to one of the practice rooms. Several people were already in there. Much to Ruriko's disappointment, none of them were the prince. The group spotted them and walked over.
"Duchess Matsunai." said one of the men with a bow. "It is good to have you here. My name is Seiji Shingai and I'll be directing the show. I look forward to working with you."
"The pleasure is all mine Mr. Shingai." said Ruriko with a smirk. "I look forward to working with you as well."
He nodded his head, then gestured towards Kyoko and her guard. "And who is this?"
"No one of importance." said Ruriko, jumping in before Kyoko could introduce herself. "She's just here as a formality. You can ignore her." The duchess turned to Kyoko. "You can go sit on the side lines till I'm done."
The director raised an eyebrow, observing Kyoko's reaction. She took it in her stride.
"Then I'll be over here if you need anything." she said, curtsying. She and Hikaru waked to the edge of the room where there were some chairs lining the edge.
When they were out of earshot, Hikaru whistled.
"Wow, Shinichi was right. She is a piece of work." said Hikaru
"She's just used to getting her way and being able to boss people around." said Kyoko with a sigh. It looked like she wasn't going to be able to befriend Ruriko. Oh well. She would make sure not to upset her at the least. That way Kyoko wouldn't cause problems for Kuon. "It's a good thing I brought my book. "
She took it out with every intention to study, but was soon distracted when the practice started. Seiji began demonstrating what Ruriko was going to be doing for the show. It included using pulse magic to create colorful light illusions that swept across the sky. The sight took her breath away as she watched the transparent colors move and swirl through the air before bursting into a thousand pieces. She never knew pulse magic could be used like that.
"Beautiful."
The word came out without her realizing it, and she heard a soft chuckle behind her. To her surprise, the seat beside her was soon filled by the prince.
"Your highness" said Kyoko, taken aback at his sudden presence. "I didn't think you would be here this morning."
"I had a meeting cancel and thought I should check to see how things are going." said Kuon. "He's still showing her the routine I take it."
Kyoko nodded. "From what I can tell, she's having trouble learning it. But it's amazing. I never knew pulse magic could be used that way."
They watched as Ruriko took the staff Seiji had been using and tried imitating his magic. It came out as a sputtering of sparks and colors. Kyoko sneaked a few glances at Kuon, curious. He was sitting up straight in his chair, his long ponytail draped over his shoulder. His face was calm and pensive as he watched the group practice. She secretly wondered how his own magic practice was going, but couldn't figure out a way to ask without giving away her identity as Bo. Maybe he was here to get a few tips but was being subtle.
"By the way Kyoko." said Kuon suddenly without looking towards her. Had he spotted her sneaking glances? "Why are you sitting all the way over in this corner? It's deliberately out of the way."
Kyko gave out a hollow laugh. "Because I'm not great at making friends it seems." she said bitterly. "I don't know how you manage it. People scramble over themselves to make you happy. But I can't seem to make a good first impression on anyone."
"Except me of course." said Hikaru, and Kyoko gave him an appreciative smile. It's true, Hikaru was one of the few people that had been kind to her off the bat. Kuon raised an eyebrow at the guard. Kyoko realized with a jolt that even the prince hadn't been too friendly with her at the beginning.
"I'm not saying anything bad about you though." said Kyoko, quickly trying to fix her blunder. She didn't want to insult him again. "It's understandable why you would start on the wrong foot with me as I almost got you hurt and insulted you to your face. I was just pointing out that I am bad at making friends in general it would seem."
"I get what you're trying to say." said Kuon, and Kyoko was glad to see he wasn't upset. His gaze was finally focused on her. "And I wouldn't say I get along well with everyone. You have to remember that having a different social status does mean something to most people, even if it doesn't to you. I'm the crown prince of Ashuron. Of course people want to have a good relationship with me. It could hurt their political standing if they didn't."
"I don't think it's just that." said Kyoko thinking out loud. "You can tell when you observe the way people talk to you. They look to you for approval and guidance, and they trust what you have to say. Even Taisho's wife was friendly with you after you almost hurt her husband. You may be grumpy sometimes, but people still like you. I wish I had that talent."
Kuon gave her an amused smile. "Grumpy? You think I'm grumpy?"
Kyoko swallowed. She needed to start filtering herself more around the prince. But to her relief he didn't appear mad. In fact, he seemed almost... happy? Why would being called grumpy make him happy?
"I'm flattered of your opinion of me." he said "But it comes from years of meeting and dealing with all sorts of people. I'm sure you met your fair share of individuals while working in the clinic back home."
"Sure." said Kyoko. "But is that the same thing? I didn't have the difficulty getting along with people there that I've been having here."
"It is and it isn't." Kuon rubbed his chin in thought. "Every person and situation is different."
"What do you mean?"
"Let me give you an example." he said, then gestured to her. "What do you know when it comes to magic and its origins?
"Well." said Kyoko slowly. "Magic is part of the core of who we are. Every living thing is made up in three parts." She held up three fingers, counting them down as she talked. "The body. The soul. And the essence. The essence is a mediator between the soul and body, and exists in a completely different dimension. Magic is basically the manifestation of the essence in this world."
"A good summary." said Kuon. "But that's not what everyone else believes."
"It's not?" said Kyoko.
"No." said Kuon. "Just go two countries over and you have a people that believe in something completely different. They believe that magic comes from the spirits and Gods that guard over their land. When someone uses magic, it drains the energy from those spirits, which in turn weakens them. When that happens, the land is filled with plagues and famines. It's considered an abomination to use magic and anyone caught using it is arrested immediately. No question."
"Are you serious?" said Kyoko. "That's so weird."
"It's a different way to see the world." said Kuon. "So with that in mind, do you think it would be a good idea to invite them to our Sun Festival, where almost every event is highlighted with some sort of magic demonstration?"
Kyoko's eyes went wide. "They'd probably be disgusted with us." she said.
"Exactly" said Kuon. "Which is why it is so important to know as much about people and the world in general. It helps you to understand them and prevents you from making ignorant assumptions that could cost you a potential relationship."
"I see." said Kyoko. It was strange. She had never heard of other beliefs regarding magic. She was suddenly very aware of her holes in her education. "So basically, because of the differences between me and the other concubines, it makes it harder for us to get along. But if we come to understand each other better, we could learn to adjust and accept one another?"
"It wouldn't hurt." said Kuon "Though, I think in your case, time will probably be a factor. I'm quiet disappointed in how quickly they deemed you an enemy, but guess I can't say much considering."
Kyoko chewed the bottom of her lip in thought. What he said made sense. After learning there were bad rumors about her, she could understand why the women looked at her in disgust. They thought she was a sneaky seductress. As well as a liar, gold digger and a fake. If she could clear that up, maybe things could be better. After all, she and Aya had started by getting to know each other. And that hadn't gone sour until after Chieko and her friends had come in and confused her with the false rumors. But since the concubines weren't interested in understanding her, it meant the understanding had to start with Kyoko.
And honestly, wasn't that what her and Kuon had done? After learning a bit about each other- even if it was secretly on her part- they were now talking to each other like friends. And that had seemed like a completely hopeless case. She drew courage form this before asking her next question.
"Can you teach me?" said Kyoko. "About the kingdom. The other girls, and the world in general? I want to know how things are done here in the palace. And what others believe. And about everything!" To be honest, she was a little mortified of how little she knew about the world. This was a chance to fill the holes in her education and learn how to make friends.
"Everything?" said Kuon. "That's quite ambitious even for you." Then he smiled. "I believe I already told you to come to the main room once a week to ask any questions you had. Which you didn't do I might add." he held up a hand to stop her apology. "Not that I actually expected you to come anyway. You've made it clear how little you trust me. But I hope to remedy your view of me at least a little. I can manage at least an hour of my time a week to answer any questions you might have."
"Will it be a problem?" said Kyoko, realizing that this could be a troublesome commitment. Especially as the tournament preparations were keeping him so busy. "We can wait until after you're not so preoccupied with the tournament."
"It's not a problem." said Kuon. "And besides. As you are my concubine. I have a responsibility over you. It would be neglectful on my part to expect you to fend for yourself when you've gone out of your way to ask for my help."
Kyoko tapped her fingers together nervously in front of her. "Are you sure it's not a problem? Do you promise to stop coming if it's inconvenient?" It was kind of him, but she hated to be a bother.
"Let's think of it as giving me a break from work." said Kuon, his kind smile reassuring. "I'll make sure to have Yukihito pass you the times that I'm free. That way we can find a time that works best for both us. And, as we are already here. What questions can I answer for you right now?"
Before she could say anything, the cry of "Kuon!" stopped their conversation. Ruriko had spotted him, and was running over to where they are.
"Did you come to see me?" said Ruriko, her face a little pink. "You should have said you were here. I would have stopped to say hi."
"I didn't want to disturb you." said Kuon, standing up and bowing his head "I was just passing by and wanted to see how the rehearsal was going."
Ruriko had decided that meant he was here to see her, and she blushed furiously. "Well come and see if that's what you're here to do. I'll show you what we're doing. Mr. Shingai has been giving me nothing but praise since we started." she slunk her arm around Kuon's, and made to lead him away. But he held his ground.
"It would be horribly rude of me to just leave Kyoko like this. We were in the middle of a conversation." he said, then addressed Kyoko. "Would you like to come with us?"
Again Ruiko cut Kyoko off before she could speak. Kuon's back was turned to Ruiko, so he couldn't see the thunderous look she was giving Kyoko. His voice only betrayed a little of the anger her face was displaying. "Oh she wouldn't be interested in what we were doing. " she said. "She doesn't understand magic anyway. Just leave her with the guard and they can entertain each other."
"It's fine." said Kyoko, before Kuon could retort, no doubt to correct her assumption about Kyoko. "I brought a book to read. We can finish our conversation another time."
Kuon hesitated before nodding. "Another time then." he said before reluctantly letting Ruriko lead him away. She dragged him to her instructor, never once detaching herself from Kuon's arm. Kyoko could see the sparkles his fake smile was producing from where she sat.
"You know Kyoko." said Hikaru after a moment. "In my experience, understanding a person better does help. But sometimes, when you're getting pushed around, the best thing to do it push back and forget the whole 'getting along' thing."
"I know." said Kyoko with a sigh. "It's just knowing when to push back."
Thanks for reading!
Again, I want to thank everyone for their patience when I did not upload last week. But I hope updating two chapters will help placate the angry mob coming for my blood.
So Ruriko is here. Yay. She's a piece of work. But then again, so are just about every female in this story so far. I really need to make better role models. Women aren't all this nasty in real life I promise!
Thank you for reading/fav/commenting. I love hearing feedback and sometimes incorporate it into the story. XD
-Blushweaver