Revelry and Fealty
By Saltwater Romance


Chapter Seven


With our eyes locked on each other and his fingers still tracing the curling spiral of my hair, I couldn't find myself to break away from his gaze. I couldn't read his expression, and I was sure my face was turning red. He then grinned at me and declared, "This is the first time you've looked like you're enjoying your time with me."

His face glowed with masculine pride, and the only thing that I could do was smile weakly back, "It's because it is."

If this is how Koko is normally like, then it's such a shame that he acted like the spawn of Satan when we first met. I didn't know if I should be annoyed that he didn't even bother to treat me like a human being or grateful—if he acted like this when we first met, then I definitely would've been another victim of his charm and been another one of his many fawning helpless admirers.

He didn't seem bothered by my comment as he finally let go of the ringlet, "Then let's rectify that. Let's smile and laugh more together from now on."

"I'm not sure how you can demand me to be happy, you dictator," I muttered under my breath, frowning slightly before saying more loudly, "Okay that sounds great!"

Because anything is better than having this man pointing a sword at my neck and threatening me.

You want me to acquiesce and laugh with you? To keep my head attached on my shoulders? Hell yeah, I would agree to anything! But if you want anything more from me, I will stick my pocket knife in your groin and pepper spray your eyes until you're blind.

Ignorant of my disquiet and pleased with himself, Koko leaned back in his seat and drank his tea slowly, giving me time to finish the dumplings and reflect on this sudden change in our relationship. After weighing the pros and the cons, I came to the conclusion that it would be nice to finally sleep without fear. So, I will just roll with this. When we were done, he stood and announced, "We can't go back to the castle empty handed. Let's pick up a souvenir to commemorate the day."

"You really want to buy me something, don't you?" I arched my eyebrow.

He smiled warmly at me and teased, "Is it that obvious? Come on."

He offered me his hand. I paused.

"Well? Aren't you coming?"

His words launched me into action and I grabbed it. He had large hands. Warm. And strong.

Koko helped me to his feet. He didn't cling. But the heat from his hand stayed with me.


As I grew more accustomed to the daily life of the castle, performing the true duties of a chatelaine became a breeze. I was no longer hiding in the kitchen; I was taking more responsibility and was now the one that commanded the maids and such. It was easier to do this knowing that Koko was no longer looking for any misstep. Several days had passed uneventfully before Natsume ordered my presence at the war council. My reports as chatelaine have been passed to him by pages, but he said this matter concerned me personally.

His greatest warlords quickly filled the hall. As the lowest ranking member in attendance, I took the furthest seat. Natsume entered last, his haori falling around him like a cape as he sat down. After quickly scanning the room, his eyes rested on me as he smirked, "I see Sumire has overcome her fear of me, appearing as I commanded."

"Oh yes," my eyes rolled as I spoke drolly, "I'm positively quiv—nevermind. Yes. Yes. I have."

His crimson eyes grew more predatory as if he knew where I was going before I stopped myself. Squaring my shoulders, I met his gaze coldly, refusing to bend to his will. I barely remembered my decorum in time, but hell would sooner freeze over before I let him walk all over me. Finally, he broke away with his lips curling upwards, though it did nothing to endear me.

Breaking the silence, Yuu spoke up quietly, "If it's alright, my lord, I will make the first report."

His face darkened, no longer resembling the angel that I recognized him as, "As you are aware, we were unable to capture the rogues who attacked you at Honno-ji. However, we've since learned several things."

I sucked in a breath; now everything made sense. The reason I had to be here was because this meeting was specifically following up the incident at Honno-ji and the night that I arrived. My sudden trip to the Sengoku period hadn't just changed my life, it changed everything! This is all new history; Natsume's killer might not even be the same anymore.

I hadn't clearly seen his face in the smoke and fire. I just knew that he was tall and had carried a thin, gleaming blade.

Yuu continued on after Natsume waved his hand, "It seems that the monks in residence at Honno-ji are innocent of the conspiracy. But, a monk they didn't know had come to stay with them just before the incident, and he has been missing since."

"So, the conspirators placed someone in the temple in anticipation," Kitsuneme drummed his fingers against his thigh, "I didn't catch anyone sneaking away when I arrived. I'll wager whoever it was had their escape all planned out."

"That seems to be the case, Lord Kitsuneme," Yuu nodded in agreement, "It's likely that we're dealing with someone of sublime skill. Even so, whoever it was must have had help."

"They're going to need a lot of help when I find them," Kitsuneme wasn't fighting the smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, "Otherwise, it wouldn't be a fair fight. No fun if there's no challenge involved."

His greatest concern is their challenge rating? I guess not everyone lives and dies for their lord's commands here.

"While my lord broadens his influence, there's been an increase in scoundrels looking to stop him—" Koko scowled darkly, "But resorting to assassination? That kind of cowardly, reprehensible act won't be tolerated!"

Not surprisingly, Koko's pretty upset about this; it was written all over his face. Funny how all of his sweetness vanishes when it comes to Natsume. He continued on, "I don't know if this is related to the incident at Honno-ji or not, but there was that poisoned needle in the tribute last week. We have Sumire to thank for discovering it. That's the second time she's saved Lord Natsume's life."

Kitsuneme turned to me with a slow smile—mimicking a cat swallowing a canary, "Trying for a record, little lady?"

"We're grateful, Sumire," appreciation gleamed in Yuu's wide eyes.

"I'm glad I was able to help."

I might have been able to save Natsume twice—both times out of sheer luck—but that doesn't mean that I'm volunteering to become his food tester!

"Back to the attempted poisoning, Yuu, have you or Youichi found out who sent the haori?" Koko leaned forward to look at the two men.

"As to that—" Yuu hesitated, as if he found the matter distasteful.

"Yuu, if you're going to take forever, then I'll just say it," Youichi snapped, speaking up for the first time in that surly tone. His emerald eyes darted towards Koko and narrowed, "But only if Koko promises not to explode."

"That depends on what you tell me. Say it," Koko's scowl deepened.

"The guy who sent the poisoned haori has already gone into hiding. But there's the issue of where it came from," Youichi paused as his eyes wandered over to Natsume who waved him to continue, "We tracked it all the way to Tanba… Mochu's fief."

You mean the guy with the front page entry on the wiki for Historical Japanese Coup D'etats is involved? Quelle surprise!

"What?!" Koko roared.

Everyone stared blatantly at Mochiage, who up until then had been silent.

"Well now, that's news to me," Mochiage replied calmly; he neither seemed surprised nor disturbed. He began to smile as he looked at everyone individually, "What looks you're all giving me. Yours is especially heated, Koko. It's rather attractive."

"Mochu, I demand an explanation!" Koko's temper was rising with each passing second.

"An explanation of what? I knew nothing about it," Mochiage's eyes turned icy.

"Can you swear to that?"

"If only it was that easy to satisfy you," Mochiage sighed, "Just because I know nothing doesn't mean my subordinates weren't plotting something."

"Why are you treating this so lightly?!" Koko thundered, "If it was one of your subordinates, then you're still responsible!"

"Oh you're right!" Mochiage gushed insincerely, "It's always so enlightening talking with a model vassal like yourself!"

"Stop playing games, Mochu!" Koko leapt into action. He grabbed Mochiage by the lapels and dragged him to his feet.

Well, this doesn't look good! Where are the others? Don't they normally stop Koko by this point?!

Unperturbed, Mochiage smirked, "They say too much anger shortens the lifespan."

"Then maybe the cause of my anger should spare me by telling me the truth!"

"Lord Kokoro, Lord Mochiage, now isn't the place—" Yuu pleaded with the two standing figures.

"Yeah, come on. Let's be civil, you two," I echoed in agreement. But Yuu and I were the only ones not looking on passively at the fireworks happening. Natsume, who had the power to stop all of this with a single word, kept utterly silent. Don't you think now would be a good time to use your authority? Maybe?

"... I told him not to explode. I should've gotten it in writing," Youichi grumbled, but didn't offer anything else to placate the situation.

Kitsuneme rose and forcefully pulled the two men apart, "That's enough you two. Listen to the others."

Finally!

Snarling, Koko lunged for Mochiage, "Let go, Kitsu! This conversation isn't over!"

"I think you've moved well beyond conversation. Besides, if Mochu was going to betray us, he wouldn't be this clumsy about it," Kitsuneme reasoned, though it did make me raise my eyebrow, "His plans are way more foolproof. Right, Mochu?"

"Modesty forbids," Mochiage never lost his composure.

Koko growled menacingly.

"Take your seat, Koko. That is, if you're quite done."

At last, Natsume intervened! And just as I suspected, Koko backed down, "Yes, my lord. I'm sorry for that ungracious display."

Though he spoke those words, his eyes danced with anger as he kept them trained on Mochiage. After that, everyone took their seats and some semblance of order returned.

Koko and Mochiage fought that night that I arrived too. It didn't get that intense, but it was close. And historically, after Mochiage caused Natsume's death, it was Koko who hunted him down. However, now that history has gone off course, I don't know what will happen. Mochiage just smiled complacently. The gears in his mind were clearly turning. But for what purpose? He's a snake all right.

The warlords sat in tense silence until finally, Kitsuneme cleared his throat, "Let's get back to it. I too have something to report, Lord Natsume."

"Speak."

"I sent some scouts of mine to the east, and they brought back news from Echigo. The dragon's den is stirring."

Reactions were split down the middle between horror—and hostility.

I can tell no one here thinks this is good.

"Troops from all over Echigo and her allies are gathering at Kasugayama Castle," Kitsuneme wore a stern expression that I've never seen before, "One guess as to where those troops are going to be sent."

"I find that news pleasing. It was beginning to look like there was no one left to challenge me," Natsume smiled coldly as excitement brightened his eyes, "Kitsu, bring me further news of this. I want the name of the man I'll be fighting."

"Yes, my lord."

"Youichi, as for you—"

Before Natsume could finish, the youngest man in the room interrupted, "I know. I'll send out the call to our own territories to gather the troops and begin drilling them. They'll be ready to go at any time."

There will be war soon. It was inevitable, I suppose, being in the Sengoku period and all. That didn't mean that I wasn't nervous. A few self-defense classes wouldn't be able to protect me from an onslaught of enemies. A queasy feeling settled in my stomach. I wonder how I will need to prepare.

"Yuu, I want you to assist Youichi with logistics and supplies," Koko commanded his own vassal.

"Of course, Lord Kokoro. You can trust me. I'm looking forward to working with you, Lord Youichi," a soft smile to the silver haired man.

"That makes one of us."

"One of what, Lord Youichi? I'm afraid I didn't catch that."

"I'd say it again, but it would just pass through your fluff-filled brain like everything else," Youichi scowled.

"There's no telling if Honno-ji is connected with the poisoned needle. Or if either of those are tied to Echigo," ignoring the two of them, Koko spoke up, "Especially if we have a traitor in our midst."

There was no question as to who that last statement was intended to refer to, especially when his golden eyes narrowed at latest suspect. Thank goodness, it wasn't me anymore. Sorry not sorry Mochiage.

"I suppose I'll be on my best behavior until I'm cleared of suspicion," Mochiage let that insult roll off his back before turning to Natsume, "I know. Maybe I'll take some leave?"

"Mochu, don't you understand the situation we're in right now?" Koko growled.

Mochiage ignored Koko, speaking over him to address Natsume, "What do you say, my lord? Will you allow it?"

"Fine. You have my permission."

The two of them exchanged a look, and then Mochiage walked out of the hall without another word. Is he trying to be suspicious? Koko held his tongue, though his expression spoke volumes. Natsume addressed the seething man, "Koko, ignore him. Keep your efforts focused on internal affairs. I will be taking my own steps to ascertain our enemy's plans. During that time, you will take care of official business in my stead."

"Yes my lord. I understand. I'll gladly expend myself in doing the role you've entrusted me with."

"Do that, and I can't make further use of you," Natsume's simple response held a surprising bit of warmth. He cast one final look over the room, "All of you are to continue to fulfill your roles."

With that command, the war council came to an end.

And with the prospect of war, the castle is mobilized, just like that. I can't stop thinking about what I heard today. As many as two groups were seeking to kill Natsume. Mochiage had a link to at least one of them. And finally, Echigo—a province to the east under the rule of the Ando, as my history books reminded me—was gathering an army.

I'm no longer in danger from the denizens of Azuchi; now we're all at risk.

"Sumire, can I talk to you?" a deep baritone voice called for me.

I was in the middle of brushing out my hair from the plaits I worn all day. Putting down the brush and righting my sleep attire, I called back, "Yeah. Come in."

"Sorry to visit you this late at night. I promise it'll be quick," Koko's eyes were no longer dark with anger. He met my gaze and smiled, though it was a weary smile. He was carrying a package wrapped in cloth, "Just when I think I don't need to worry about you. What do I find?"

"What?" I looked up at him, startled.

"You looking worried! I see that frown!"

"You caught me," I replied drily before admitting, "I'm not used to war."

Koko's eyes shone as if he was excited by this new revelation—though I'm pretty sure it was pretty obvious—and patted the top of my head soothingly, "Don't worry. There's no one stronger than Lord Natsume. And besides, I'll be there to look out for you. I promise to protect you from anything bad."

I arched an eyebrow, "Thanks, Koko."

But wouldn't he be on the forefront of the battlefield? What? Is he going to drag me with him? Me? Someone with no medicinal or fighting skills? Is he expecting me to sew someone to death? I snorted at that thought. But as I looked closer at his confident expression, I couldn't help but think that everything will be okay.

He cleared his throat and shifted his feet, "But back to why I came here. I have a job for you."

My eyebrow rose impossibly higher, "What kind of job?"

Please don't let it be food tester. Please. Please. Please!

Koko set the bundle down on the floor and unwrapped it. I gasped in awe at what I saw. He looked up and shot me a dazzling smile, "First you'll need this."

"Koko this is—"


I wiped my forehead in complete satisfaction. Phew! It's done! This is the first time I've tried making a kimono! I chose to design a kosode—a traditional short-sleeve garment. With a touch of pride, I laid it out to examine. The last time I'd sewn anything was for my portfolio in the weeks leading up to my application with Giorgio Armani.

With a critical eye, I frowned. I could see room for improvement, but then again, you're always your own worst critic. I just hope whoever this is going to will like it. That was, at the moment, my greatest concern. But something else nagged at me. This sewing project had been the "job" Koko came to me with about a week back.

I had gasped in awe at what I saw.

"Koko! This is the tsujigahana fabric we saw at the market!" I fingered the silky material reverently, still awestruck by its beauty, "You want to commission an outfit from me?"

"That's right. It's a gift for someone special. Do you think you're up to the task?" his golden eyes twinkled.

I have studied kimonos in the past; I knew the basic measurements, but I've never actually made one before. But what am I hesitating for? Of course I'm up for it! This is a perfect opportunity for me! I looked back up at him and bit my lip, "Before I get started, I have to let you know that I've never sewn a kimono before. But I'll learn how. If that's okay with you, then I'd love to take on your commission!"

I tried to conceal my excitement as I waited for his reply.

"Full disclosure. I respect that. I think I've chosen the perfect girl for the job," he reached down to pet the top of my head somehow eliciting a sense of warmness and affectionand not of condescension, "I only have one requirement; I want it to be as cute as you can make it."

Using that as my only guide, I added some feminine touches without going overboard. I hope this is what he wants; he did say that it was a gift for someone special. A girlfriend perhaps? He did specify "cute." Those women in town were all really attractive. It's probably for one of them. I thought about asking him for more information, to personalize it. But I didn't. When I thought about Koko giving this to someone, I'd get this weird pang in my chest.

I have never had this problem before. I didn't know why I was getting it now. I even thought those other women were nice. I laughed a little to myself and folded the kosode up in a decorative cloth.

"Koko, it's me. Sumire."

When I arrived at Koko's manor, a servant led me to him.

"Welcome. Have a seat," he ushered me into his study.

"Thanks. I've finished the job, by the way."

"You've finished it already, working all on your own? That's amazing," he looked at me with wonderment plainly written on his face, "Can I see it?"

"Of course!"

I removed the wrapping and spread the kosode out for him to examine. Painted chrysanthemums bloomed in the boldly colored silk that transitioned seamlessly from a faint orange to a beautiful burgundy and then to a deep purple. The rich colors were elegant, and I did my best to do this fabric justice. This is both the best and the worst moment about making clothes for someone! I watched, trying not to fidget from nervousness, as Koko leaned in to inspect the garment. After a moment, he looked up with that same awestruck expression, "This is really impressive. Thanks for doing such a good job."

He likes it!

The exhilarating rush of cheer was followed by that comforting sensation of a job well done. His whole face smiling, Koko handed me a small purse full of coins he had set aside, "Here's your payment for the job."

"I don't need payment. This is me paying you back for taking me into town all those times and buying me tea."

Frowning, he placed the purse into my palm and closed my fingers around it, "Don't you dare say that. You did a great job, and you deserve to be paid for it. Take it."

I shrugged, "Well, okay. It's nice to have a little more spending money. Thank you."

I earned my first paycheck in the Sengoku period doing what I love! I feel pretty good about that. Only one thing would make me happierfinding out whether the recipient likes it!

"By the way, let me know what the girl who gets this thinks of it, okay?"

"Oh."

There was that weird feeling again. Was I not supposed to pry? I shifted feet as I explained, "It's just, you know, if she wants anything changedthe fit, the hemlineI can do that."

His face unreadable since my first question, "Sumire, what do you think about this piece?"

"Me?" I pointed to my chest and he nodded for me to continue, "Well, it's my first kimono, and it shows. I wasn't able to do anything fancy, but with practice I'll"

Interrupting with a sharp bark of laughter, and his eyes finally twinkling with amusement, "Okay, I think I understand how you see it as a seamstress. But how do you think it looks?"

Shifting my feet some more, not used to complimenting my own work, I replied bluntly, "I normally don't say this, but I think it's super cute. I mean, that was what you wanted, right? I think the simple style shows off the beauty of the fabric. And you can create a lot of different looks by accessorizing. Plus, the creped silk means it will feel both great to wear and to touch."

"That's good to hear," Koko smiled in relief before picking up the kimono… And gently draping it over my shoulders.

What is he doing?

I gazed up at him, bewildered.

Explaining in a gentle voice, "This is for you. I hope you like it."

Koko… Tell me you didn't! I gaped, "Y-you're giving this to me?"

I'm the someone special?

My cheeks flushed.

"I met this very special girl, you see. Her name is Sumire Shouda," his kind eyes bore into mine, "We had some trouble in the past, so I wanted to give her a gift to show how much I appreciate her."

I was stunned. Koko gently nudged my shoulder, as if to check that I hadn't fainted. What do I say? Nothing like this has ever happened to me before. I was touched beyond belief.

"A-are you really sure about this?"

"I wouldn't have made you go through all that trouble if I wasn't. I want you to have it," sincerity bled from his pores.

"Thank you. Thank you so much, Koko!"

I was having a hard time smiling before I realized whyI was crying. The emotions that I thought were long gone came flooding my senses, overwhelming me. Trying to hold them back, threatened to make me sob. I couldn't hold back how much his gesture meant to me.

"Did it come as that much of a surprise?" he leaned over and wiped each tear that fell, "I said I'd treat you like family, didn't I?"

Like family. Right.

I'm such an ugly crier. Ugh. I needed to stop before I had snot running down my nose. Rein it in, Sumire! His face was mere centimeters from mine, and I could see his eyes crinkling as he smiled, "I don't have any sisters, but I would adore having one like you. So get used to me spoiling you."

I nodded wordlessly.

Sister?

I felt that weird pang in my chest again.

Nudging me, "Hey, you should try on the kimono. I'll wait outside."

Sniffling, I nodded as he pulled a carefully wrapped bundled out and unfolded it before me, "Here, before I leave you to it, I got you this obi and this obi charm I thought would look good with it. Oh, and try this hairpin too."

Each ornament sparkled and was beautifully crafted.

Yet again, I was speechless as tears threatened to fall once again.

I could feel my heart thudding in my chest, but… But he just sees me as a sister.

I attempted a smile that felt more like a grimace, "Do you keep an accessory shop back there, Koko? I never knew!"

"Don't make it weird," he frowned slightly before smiling, "I got these just for you."

Just for me, huh?

"You didn't really go out and buy me a pile of matching accessories in secret, did you?" still not believing the items that I was holding in my hands.

"I had to!" he defended himself, "Whenever we go into town, you never let me buy you anything! Not even an apricot! I figured this way, you'd finally let me give you something nice!"

He frowned again, "You came to the castle with just that one funny sack. I don't want to load you down, but you should have some nice things."

He must have been planning this for so long.

As I felt my heart squeeze, I had to remind myself: sister, only a sister.

"Now hurry up and get dressed so I can see how it looks on you!"

"Roger that."

I closed the door behind him as I swiftly changed clothing.

Peering out of the door, I looked at him, "I'm all done Koko."

He followed me inside. Once the door closed, leaving only the two of us in the room, he looked at me up and down and then once again… Slowly. Absently, he placed his hand over his mouth and slid it down his jaw. His eyes burned into mine, "You look… You look…"

He couldn't find the right words, but his eyes seemed to say a million things at once.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

My cheeks turning red, "Thanks."

It was the first time I'd receive a compliment like that, and all I could do was look at him from under my eyelashes.

"But your obi is crooked. Stay right there, I'll fix it for you."

"Do you want me to turn arou?"

But Koko was already gently spinning me around, his firm hands on me before I could finish my question. I could feel the warmth of his deft strokes even through the layers of fabric as he fixed my ties. His breath on the back of my neck made my skin tingle and burn. His fingers lingered as he finished the bow; even though his motions were practiced and clinical, I had never been in a more intimate situation. Spinning me back around, he gave me a beautiful look of approval. In a husky voice, "Now, you look perfect."

His eyes never left mine and his hands stayed on my waist as my breath hitched.

Hoarsely, I breathed out, "You really are into fussing over people, huh?"

"Am I?" his eyebrow rose, skeptical of my claim.

I bet the whole castle knows, and you're not aware of it. I smiled; I guess Koko's got a cute side hiding in there too. My heart danced with joy, as I looked at him from under my eyelashes, "Yes. And everyone knows it, but I think you could use someone to watch out for you, Koko."

His name sounded more like a caress out of my mouth, and his grip on my waist tightened. He pulled me closer and whispered in my ear, "So my little sister thinks she's grown up enough to watch out for me?"

Um. Sister? In this position?

I glanced down at his hands gripping my waist proprietarily, at how flush our bodies were, at his heated expression.

I think the hell not.

His words were a splash of cold water down my back. Whatever spell he enchanted me with broke.

Whatever helps him sleep at night. I guess.

Not noticing the change in my emotions, he let go of my body to gently ruffle my hair.

Like how someone would with their younger sister.


Author's Note: Denial is not just a river in Egypt, Koko.