Warning: Not much actually. I think it is a pretty safe chapter. There is a slight part about sibling 'love'. That's all. So, enjoy!
Chapter 7
Changes at Dusk
The room was dark, not too dark that he could not see it was her, but just dark enough that he missed her tear-streaked face.
The room was dark, not too dark that he could not see it was her, but just dark enough that he missed her bruised cheeks, red with Enishi's palm printed on them.
The room was dark, not too dark that he could not see it was her, but just dark enough that all he could see were her eyes, wide with fear and shock.
The room was dark, not too dark that he could not see it was her, but just dark enough that he could see her robe pooled at her feet, not torn as if she was forced out of them, but pooled, as though she had dropped them or her lover had.
He only caught a glimpse to know it was her when his vision was blocked by Tomoe, who stood in front of him, her eyes blank and guarded. Behind her, Enishi pushed Kaoru behind him, in a move that almost looked like he was protecting her modesty. Only he knew that he made sure Kenshin had gotten an eyeful first.
It was only Tae who was inside the room saw the tears on Kaoru face. Only Tae saw the way Enishi gripped Kaoru. Only Tae saw how Kaoru's body was trembling, how her hands rose to cover herself the moment Enishi let her go. She saw Kaoru's hand covering her mouth to stop from sobbing out loud.
And her heart beat furiously against her rib cage, anger at the man who tried to steal the innocence of the child she had helped to bring up.
Kenshin felt a fury like no other as he stood at the doorway, the scene inside imprinted in his mind. He could feel his muscles flexing, prepared to tear Enishi from limb to limb for even thinking of touching Kaoru. The rage inside of him enflamed his whole body and his hand slipped to his faithful sword hanging on his hip, the desire to cut Enishi to pieces almost making him blind. When Tomoe neatly stepped in front of him, he was painfully aware of his position as her betrothed and was forced to step back to allow her, as the head of the manor, to deal with the situation. It was not an easy decision on his part and Kenshin cursed his upbringing of propriety and power that suddenly seemed like an utter nuisance.
As though she sensed his fury, Tomoe urged Kenshin out and shut the door behind her. She saw the anger in his eyes and her own threatened to come out. Due to her brother's stupidity, Kenshin was once again thinking of Kaoru. She had successfully kept Kenshin's attention entirely to herself and now!
"I'm really sorry about that scene, Lord Himura. I truly apologize," Tomoe said as she bowed low. Kenshin shook his head.
"Don't. It is not your fault. For now, is it alright to leave them there? Should we not at least bring the girl out?" Kenshin asked, wanting to get Kaoru away from Enishi at any rate.
Tomoe felt the anger inside of her grow at an alarming rate. She could cheerfully kill the two figures inside the room. How dare they destroy he well laid foundation in winning Kenshin's heart. There was only one thing to do now to salvage the situation and she did not mind it at all.
"The girl? My lord, that girl is a...I can't even say it! She has slept with many men before. Only due to my mother I have kept her under my roof. Today, I am regretting my actions. I have always known that girl liked my brother but I just never expected...I can't believe she tried to seduce him like that! I am so sorry! If I had known she would try to secure he position like this, I would have thrown her away a long time ago!" Tomoe lied as she kept her head low, quickly deciding to put the blame on Kaoru.
Slept with many men?
He felt utterly disgusted. How could he have been so blind? She did not really care who she was sleeping with! There he was, pursuing her when she had already set her eyes on her own stepbrother. Was that why she kept refusing him? She had wanted to secure her position in the house. Was marriage among step siblings even allowed? The thought that she preferred Enishi almost made him snap. The desire to throttle the woman behind the door was so great that he mentally formed himself to calm down. It would not do to show his betrothed that he had fancied her.
Looking at Tomoe, Kenshin could only be glad he had not mentioned Kaoru to his mother or walk out from his mother's matchmaking. Although the old woman had played him like a bow, it was for his own good especially if his choice of woman was like her.
Unable to even say her name any more, Kenshin turned away and looked straight at Tomoe, who looked downright miserable. There were tears glistering on her eyes and he gently brushed them away with a tenderness he did not feel.
"I am sorry you have to put up with her. She is your father's mistress' daughter, is she not?"
Tomoe looked up, shocked. "You knew?"
"I was curious. I'm sorry."
"It doesn't matter," Tomoe replied softly, her eyes demurely on the ground. She did not expect his interest on Kaoru to be simply a matter of curiousity and not interest. "I just thought she was different from her mother. Looks like I was wrong. Even my mother trusted her...I just...I thought she was different!"
"Yes," Kenshin said oddly, before taking Tomoe's hand in his and kissing it lightly. "Looks like we were both wrong."
Tomoe watched as Kenshin left and she smirked. At least she did not have to worry now that Kenshin was interested in Kaoru. It was odd how the whole matter turned to accommodate her. She was very pleased that whatever Kenshin's interest with Kaoru was, it was already in the past. He would not bother with her in the future. With that matter settled, she opened the door and entered it angrily.
How could her brother do this? She thought in disgust. He knew who she was! He knew she was that woman's daughter! Why can't he keep his pants up? Why was he interested in Kaoru? What was so great about Kaoru and her mother that men could not keep away from them? Enishi is lucky that Tomoe managed to spin the truth so that Kaoru looked like the guilty party there. However, she was furious that her brother was thinking with his glands and not his head.
Inside, Kaoru was dressed and she stood beside Tae silently, not a word passed her lips. She did not know what was going to happen and she was afraid to find out. When Tomoe left, she had rapidly dressed and Enishi had simply watched her openly. She did not even look at Tae, afraid to see rejection in her eyes. Yet when she stood beside Tae, the older woman did not move away. Instead, she took a step closer to Kaoru and stood there beside her.
Glad of the silent support, Kaoru watched as Tomoe briskly walked inside and glared at Kaoru. She reached out and slapped Kaoru loudly, making her head turn with the force. Even then, Kaoru kept silent.
"You stupid stupid fool! How dare you seduce my brother?" Tomoe bit out furiously as she slapped Kaoru once more. Tae fisted her hands, holding herself back from helping Kaoru no matter how miserable she felt. "Listen and listen well, you insignificant sack of rubbish. You are going to keep away from my brother. You will not even appear before me, do I make myself clear?"
Kaoru nodded, secretly relieved that Tomoe had punished her that way. She did not want to meet Enishi anyway and Tomoe's order was one she was glad to follow although she did not say anything.
Tomoe turned to Enishi and glared at her brother. Before she could say a word, he pulled her towards him and shook his head. "I will tell you later."
Tomoe looked up at him irritated. "You better have a good explanation, brother."
"I do, my dearest sister. I do."
And Kaoru wondered dreadfully what his explanation was.
XXX
He raged.
He did not understand why he was so angry at that whore! She was not worth his time or his feelings! She was no one!
He threw whatever was in his range across his room. Outside, his family beat against the door, calling out to him, asking him what was wrong but their concern made him all the more violent. He yanked the door and yelled at them to leave him alone.
Maybe it was his voice. Maybe it was his eyes.
Whatever it was, they left when they realised he wasn't a danger to himself.
When they left, he sank to the ground, his back resting against the door and his eyes dispassionately eyeing the blunder which was once his room.
What the hell was wrong with him? Why did he want a woman like her? A woman with no sense of shame or propriety? Why couldn't he simply remove her from his mind? Why could he not forget his every encounter with her? Her every word?
That is not such a good idea, Kenshin-san. You should leave before you are spotted with me.
Please, you can't!
I want to know you.
No, you don't. This is for the best.
Please, do not make this any more difficult on us. Stop seeing me and stop following me around.
I think I like you, Kenshin-san, but we do not belong. Excuse me.
Shattered, Kenshin closed his eyes. His master's words came clearly amidst the turmoil in his heart and head.
No everything is as it seems. Close your eyes and rely on your senses, you stupid pupil!
Was everything what it truly seemed like? Kenshin wondered as he closed his eyes, wanting to disappear from the present. Wanting something, anything to tell him she was worth the chase, the fight...The very first sign that made his own ki flare strongly and almost made him run to the shed. What was it?
The desperation in her ki.
Kenshin concentrated hard. What did he see when the door first opened?
The hold of his hand.
Anger shot through him once more at the thought of her in Enishi's arms. He fought past his anger and past the sight before his eyes. Instead, he focused on his senses and concentrated on her once more.
The fear and shock in her eyes.
His own snapped open and his heart raced as pieces of the puzzle jumped before him, connecting one by one.
Tomoe said she slept around but Kaoru never made a move on him.
When he kissed her, she did not seem like she had any experience.
She flushed easily at any advances he made.
Kenshin stood up and paced, forcing his thoughts to see beyond what his eyes glimpsed.
The room was dark.
There were two figures.
Her robe was on the floor.
His arms were locked around her from behind.
There were marks on her arms, as though she was pulled and pushed around.
Her hair was a mess but they had not even gotten to the good part of making love yet.
Why was her hair in a mess?
A glint of light had caught on her eyes, the tears clearly glittered on her lashes.
Oh, Dioni! Was he a fool? That woman was not there because she wanted to! She was there because she was forced.
The knowledge stunned him and he sat on his bed, shocked. A part of him was so relieved, he could have wept but another part of him, the darker side of him was so furious he wanted to shed Enishi's blood. That he had left her with Enishi and walked away ate at his heart, twisting it as he sat on his bed, his head in his hands. Enishi was a dead man!
No...he couldn't. He couldn't kill Enishi. It was not the way of the land. Not unless he had a better reason than jealousy and a houseful of people who will not testify. There has to be another way.
There has to be a way to keep her safe, to bring her into his home, to make his mother accept her as part of the family even if it was by force.
There has to be a way.
He wanted Kaoru out of there and he needed to act fast.
A plan formed in his head. It was risky and he needed a few trustworthy people to help him out. Even then, he was going to have to hurt her once more.
But if it worked...Kenshin felt elated and he walked over to his window and stared out excitedly, Kaoru's face dancing in his mind.
If it worked, she was his.
His mind made up, he left the room and ordered the servants to clean it up. He did not bother apologizing or explaining to his family. His nerves were still on fire and he did not think he wanted them to know anyway. He'll make it up to them later.
Kenshin saddled his horse and rode him towards town. There were a few arrangements that needed to be made.
He might be crazy but at that moment, he couldn't have cared less.
XXX
The news that the engagement was being brought forward made everyone bustle about and gossip spread about like fire on a hot weather. Young master Himura was more than taken up with Lady Tomoe and the pair was a very well loved one. The women looked up to Lady Tomoe's quiet elegant ways and the men respected the authority and wisdom of their upcoming lord.
It was a match made by the gods.
Even then, they wondered if their future lord and mistress had hastened the engagement due to other unsavoury reasons such as an untimely pregnancy. It was a rumour that was whispered throughout the land but no one spoke openly about it. After all, they all respected their current ruler and they did not want to anger the Himura family with ill rumours and gossips.
The happy couple seemed oblivious to the rumours spreading like wildfire in their land. They spent time together, often seen together and took long walks together. Tomoe was often at the Himura household, bonding with Lady Aya and Megumi. Kenshin would sit nearby and listen to them talking, a soft amused smile on his lips. The sight made Aya squeal at night in bed and in turn, amuse her dear husband.
Despite that, Tomoe felt a little under the weather. Enishi had had to leave a few days ago and he could not make it for the engagement. He had some information that he desperately needed that he pleaded with his sister to let him go. Thinking about his encounter with Kaoru, Tomoe had given her consent. She did not want her brother to be enslaved by Kaoru and so she had sent him away. At least while she was still the mistress of her home, she need not worry about Enishi bedding Kaoru. She did not mind in the least if he did her after she had left the mansion.
The morn of the engagement was a whole new story.
Kaoru was kept busy from the moment her eyes snapped open. There were so many things to do that she felt her hands were going to fall off. She ran around, running errands while the women fussed about Tomoe, dressing her up.
The engagement was in four hours time, just before the sun goes down to rest. When its last rays touch the tip of the mountain, they would be engaged and in a week, they would wed.
That thought made Tomoe smirk inside while the women fussed around her. She did not want Kaoru to destroy her mood in any way so she ordered her to work elsewhere.
Kaoru was more than happy to oblige.
She wanted to see her mother so much but ever since her last visit, she had not been able to go again. It made her depressed but she kept silent about it, knowing Tomoe would gloat if she ever knew.
Kaoru also locked away any thoughts of Kenshin from her mind. She did not want to even think about the redhead. Her heart clenched in pain every time she thought of Kenshin and the pain was pure torture. Surely, the redhead thought the worst of her and that was for the best, was it not? He would now leave her alone and marry Tomoe, the lady he actually loved.
Kaoru knew Kenshin loved Tomoe. No one else looked at blissful as him whenever he was around Tomoe. He might have thought he loved Kaoru but obviously, Tomoe was the one who won.
She always won...
It was a feeling Kaoru was used to but it was also something she wanted to change. Once her mother was a free woman, she will change that. She will bring her mother away from this place and this people. They will start anew and then, if Dioni had mercy on her, perhaps she will start her own family. Even then, a defiled woman was not exactly bridal material. That thought was more than depressing but Kaoru locked it away as well. As long as she could claim her life once more, she was willing to sacrifice her dream of having her own family. She was sure Aoshi would help her to get away. For now, she simply had to be patient.
The only plus point from the whole event was that Enishi had disappeared soon after. Where he had gone, she had no idea. She was only glad he was not there anymore.
The preparations outside were going on full swing.
Tents were put up at the city centre and colourful flags decorated the whole town. Flowers were strewn about and decorations cheered the place up.
The tents were full of people, both old and young. They looked forward to seeing the happy couple engaged. Bets were placed on how soon they would have a child, on what would Kenshin's reaction be when he actually sees Tomoe?
In his own home, Kenshin quietly dressed for his engagement. Aoshi was not around. He had a job to do. The vibes from the land of Makineb were discomforting and he had gone to check it out once more. It was a dangerous duty and Kenshin wished him well.
Sano stood behind him, watching him closely. He had not gotten any more news regarding Kaoru. However, he had visited the prison quietly and saw Kaoru's mother. She had looked haggard, so unlike the beauty he had heard about. On the other hand, from the jailer, he had heard that Kaoru was wonderful young woman and he was sad she had so many misfortunes.
Sano did not know what to make of his discovery. Something in him felt for the young woman. But he knew she was not suitable for Kenshin. That thought alone made him keep his mouth shut as he watched his friend preparing to sacrifice himself that the altar of marriage. He would not be the bearer of the news that would stop the engagement.
Kenshin was ready and he looked up at Sano, gesturing at himself. His old friend nodded and grinned, but it did not touch his eyes. Kenshin knew why but he kept quiet.
Inside, he wondered how today was going to go.
His family escorted him to the carriage and sat inside with him. They drove to the city centre, his mother chattering happily and his sister forced herself to smile and go along acting as though everything was alright.
Megumi did not know why she was so against her brother marrying Tomoe but the union did not feel right. Ever since she found out he was in love with a woman he could never marry, she felt her heart break painfully. She loved Kenshin. She loved him so much. They were and always will be close. That he had to sacrifice himself for her was a thought she had never even allowed to cross her mind.
Yet today, it was happening.
When she caught his eyes, Kenshin smiled and nodded at her reassuringly. Inside, Megumi cursed the fates for throwing her brother into falling in love with Kaoru. She had never laid her eyes on the woman but she was sure Kaoru was stringing Kenshin along. And yet...oh why did her mother push Kenshin to marry so soon? Megumi thought helplessly as she looked out the window.
Her mother was a sweet woman but she was too trusting and too close minded. Just because of an old promise she was forcing Kenshin's hand. Megumi did not know what she would have done if her mother had her betrothed to someone other than Sano.
'I might probably thank her after a month of marriage,' Megumi thought, half heartedly amused.
Whatever it was, she could only wish her brother the best. After his engagement, if he ever fell in love with someone else, he would have to forget the woman. It was their culture after all. No one broke an engagement blessed by Dioni.
Megumi hoped Dioni would break this engagement in front of everyone today.
XXX
She sat on her chair, facing the dresser. Her hair was coiled above her head elegantly, diamonds sparkling around her head. Her face was elaborately done, shining for her engagement. Her gown was a rich purple, simple in design but very sophisticated. It was made especially for her and she wore it with pride for her accomplishments.
Finally, today she had won.
As she sat and looked at herself, her mind drifted angrily to the conversation she had with her beloved brother.
"Enishi! What were you thinking? You know I do not like it when you are with her like that!" Tomoe said sharply as she turned to face her brother once they were alone in the room.
Enishi simply shook his head and walked over to her. He held her arms gently and pushed her down on the bed where she sat, looking up at him, anger still in her eyes. He sank on the floor and placed his head on her lap. Tomoe brushed his hair lovingly, though still angered by his actions.
"Sister, I would not do anything to hurt your prospects, you know that. I want you to marry into power as much as you do. Kaoru is another matter altogether. She has been seducing Lord Himura!"
Tomoe's hand stopped playing with his hair.
"You're lying."
"No, sister, I am not. My dear dear darling sister, would I lie to you? Lord Himura was seen embracing Kaoru by our men. I had to punish her for it. I also had to show him who he belongs to as well."
Tomoe nodded understanding the situation yet not liking it one bit. So Kenshin did have an interest on Kaoru.
Why? Why did the men she knew like Kaoru better? It was infuriating!
It was unacceptable!
"Were you planning to keep her your mistress, Eni-love?"
Enishi laughed and looked up at his sister.
"Mistress? That is already too high a status for her. She will be my whore. There are times even my men have needs. She will do well enough," he said as he laughed wickedly and kissed his sister's hand.
Tomoe smirked and nodded.
Yes, she could leave Kaoru in Enishi's capable hands without worrying her head over it.
"Sister, there is something else I need to talk to you about."
Tomoe slipped her fingers through her brother's hair and smiled indulgently. "What is it, Eni-love?"
Enishi smirked. "There is some valuable information that my spy has gathered for me. I will need to make this trip. It will take me three weeks before I can return. I am sorry but I need to make this trip. Will you allow me to go?"
Tomoe looked at him, stunned. "But...my engagement?"
"I am sorry, sister. But this information is important to you and to me. Our future depends on it. Please, let me go?"
Tomoe shook her head and finally nodded.
"Very well. Still I wish you were here."
Enishi laughed and hugged his sister, his lips caressed hers adoringly. "Do not worry, my dear darling sister. Himura would not even look at my whore anymore after the stunt I pulled. He will have his eyes on you. And after I get my information, we can plan our way into getting this kingdom in our hands!"
Tomoe laughed and kissed her brother back, sighing as she felt his hand caressing her back softly.
Tomoe stared at her reflection in irritation.
That worm thought she could seduce Kenshin? Her Kenshin? She would rather die than allow Kaoru to be her master.
Soon, she will be the ultimate mistress of Khaheleb.
Kaoru would be nothing at all.
XXX
Conspiracy means a secret agreement between two or more people to commit an unlawful act. Conspiracy is an act that has been going on for many many years. Conspiracy is the enemy of any kingdom and yet the friend of every enemy of the kingdom. Conspiracy is the very foundation of every kingdom.
In that fateful morn, there was a bout of conspiracy at the house of Yukishiro.
Kaoru had just taken a quick bath and was about to change into one of the new gowns Aoshi and Misao had given her. She was so excited. After all, today Tomoe could not possibly say anything. It was her engagement and since every maid and man servant was dressed in his or her best, Kaoru too wanted to look her best. The thought that this gown was given to her by two of her most beloved people made it all the more special.
Just as she finished slipping on her undergarments, there was a knock on the door. Tae walked in carrying a deep purple gown, so exquisitely made that Kaoru's eyes widened at the sheer quality of the material.
"Tae-san?"
"Oh Kaoru! I do not know what the young mistress is thinking!" Tae cried out as she carefully placed the gown on the bed.
Kaoru was bewildered.
"What are you talking about, Tae-san?"
Tae beamed. "It looks like her engagement has placed her in an extremely good mood. Her lady had instructed me to ask you to wear this gown. It is so beautiful that I nearly fainted. But maybe, she is thinking of your status in this household."
There was something fishy in the air and Kaoru felt like running far away. Tomoe? Thinking about her? It would be the end of the world before her former stepsister even gave a passing generous thought about her!
"Perhaps, she meant for the gown to be worn by someone else?" Kaoru said cautiously, frightened to even touch the material.
Tae shook her head so hard, strands of her hair fell about her face.
"No, Kaoru, I'm sure that she was thinking of you. She wants you to wear this and accompany her during the ceremony. You do know how the ceremony progresses, don't you?"
Kaoru shook her head and sat down on the floor, wondering what was going on. She was very frightened at the mere thought of Tomoe doing anything nice for her. There was always a catch.
Tae pretended that she did not notice the horror in Kaoru's eyes as she continued to babble. "In Khaheleb, there is a tradition. When a man marries a woman, he needs to be acquainted with ALL of her female siblings. This is to ensure, in the future, had his bride died leaving a young child, the female sibling will take over the duties of the late mother and raise the child as her own. So before the bride makes her way to meet her groom, the female sibling meets him first. Her blood is then mixed with the groom's in a lasting and divine bond that promises she would forever belong to the groom and be at his disposal if anything befalls the unfortunate bride."
Kaoru looked utterly shocked. "But how is that possible, Tae-san? What if the sister decides to get married? And I thought only the two who decide to get engaged is expected to shed their blood in a blood pact with Dioni? I did not think the female siblings had to do it as well! What if at the last minute, they decide not to get married? A pact is made, is it not? How will the sister escape from it?"
"Well, I did not bother to inform you much about the ritual since...well, your circumstances are not exactly flowery," Tae winced as she said that but determinedly continued. "You see, a female sibling is important. Very important. That is why she is only required to take care of the children. She is not required to marry her sister's husband. Hence, the sharing of the blood. And yes, it is a pact. However, on the day of the marriage, if the bride's blood is not shed, the sister is instantly free of the pact. It is all in the ritual. I just never explained it to you well."
Tae watched as Kaoru rose and paced, her mind still rebelling at the thought of appearing before hundreds as Tomoe's sister.
"I am not her blood sister, Tae-san. I am sure..."
Tae shook her head. "Even if you are not her blood sister, by law, you are her sister. Hence, she needs you. She is going to marry the ruler's son, Kaoru. It is only natural she will want to proceed with this part of the ceremony though it even surprised me when she gave this order."
Blue eyes eyed the dress in fearful interest. "Do I really need to wear this?"
Tae nodded enthusiastically and said happily. "Do not worry. You will be veiled the whole time so no one will know it is you!"
Sighing in defeat and wanting to keep Tomoe from being mad at her, Kaoru nodded reluctantly. "Very well. Will you help me dress, Tae-san? I am not used to such elaborate gowns."
Tae's smile was heartbreakingly gentle. "Yes, my sweet child. I will help you."
XXX
"Tomoe-sama, there is a light delay in the transportation. Lord Himura had suddenly requested we use one of the family carriages so we are waiting for it," Hattori said as he bowed low in front of the beautiful woman. He suppressed the need to shudder at the sight of her, wondering how such beauty could hold such wickedness in her heart. Despite that, years of practice made him keep a blank face before her.
Tomoe's initial fury was reduced when she realised the Himuras had sent her a family carriage, another symbol of their acceptance of her. She smiled smugly, pleased with herself and nodded at Hattori.
"Thank you for informing me."
Hattori nodded and slipped out. He then made a show of walking away when a small figure sneaked past him. Hattori barely felt the figure's nimble fingers slip the keys from his pocket but he knew that the young pickpocket had done his job. He simply left to ensure no one passed the hallway while Yahiko worked on locking the young mistress inside her room.
XXX
By the Tae was done with Kaoru, the young woman could barely recognise herself and neither could her friend. Kaoru looked like a woman who had simply stepped out of a renowned painting, her looks so spellbinding that even Tae had trouble looking away. Her young charge had grown into a dazzling beauty, sensual in her innocence. The fact that such beauty was buried in this hell of a place infuriated Tae but she but her tongue and kept quiet. Soon.
Soon, her lovely charge will be free from this torment.
Kaoru looked shyly at Tae.
"You need not dress me so elaborately, Tae-san," she murmured softly, enchanted by her looks. "But thank you."
Tae laughed and nodded.
"Come that is our cue. You will need to leave earlier as your ceremony begins first."
Kaoru nodded and lowered her veil. Her face thoroughly covered, she missed the apologetic look in Tae's eyes and concentrated on walking so that she did not trip and make a fool of herself.
As they walked outside, Kaoru could not help but ask Tae more about the ritual. In her mind, it was she who was going to get engaged to Kenshin. It was only a dream but she did not want to feel down about it. It would only hurt more if she allowed the news to hurt her.
"How will we know if the ceremony is blessed by Dioni?"
"Well, this has only happened when the rulers get married. When the bride's and groom's bloods are mixed and dripped into the blessed bowl of water. Only during the betrothal is this bowl used because it is so sacred. Anyways, when the ruler's blood drip into the bowl with his chosen mate and if the woman and man are blessed by Dioni, the water glows! It is amazing! And depending on the compatibility of the relationship, it either glows a soft gold or a bright gold. No ruler have ever gotten a bright glow though."
Entranced, Kaoru listened to Tae's soothing voice. "And for us mere people? What if we marry?"
"Well, when we marry, we go through the same process as well. However, instead of a bright gold, the bowl usually glows a gentle yellowish color. It is odd but I suppose that is what separates us from the rulers."
"So somehow...you always know."
Tae nodded. "Yes. However, not every marriage goes through this ceremony. Sometimes, couples simply get married without the betrothal ceremony. It is a risk but is done often. They go straight to the blood pact on the wedding ceremony. It is not advised though. After all, we know one couple who did it and it did not turn out well."
Curiously, Kaoru glanced at Tae's quick feet. "Who?"
"That's odd, Kaoru, my dear. I thought you would know more. Of course I am referring to Lord Heishin and Lady Saya!"
The mere mention of Heishin's name made her tighten her fists. The nightmares of the child in her rushed to the surface in full force and Kaoru barely managed to keep from flinching when Hattori helped her up into the carriage. She forced thoughts of Heishin away from her mind. Instead, her traitorous little heart saw Kenshin waiting at the altar.
'I might only be the sister of the bride but at least I will get to see him one more time as an unattached man.'
She totally missed the anxious and nervous looks in Tae's, Hattori's and Yahiko's eyes.
XXX
The tents were full. The place was packed.
Kenshin watched as his future subjects addressed his family almost reverently, bowing and greeting them. He grew up in this chaos and felt almost at home with it. However, the events that were about to take place gave him a splitting headache and he wished everyone would leave him alone.
He waited anxiously for the carriage that carried his bride-to-be to arrive. In his mind, all he could see was Kaoru.
The sound of the carriage arriving made him rise and take his place in the centre near the altar. His family were right in front, smiling happily at him. All except Megumi. She gave him a killer glare but he smiled gently back at her, hoping she would relax. The sound of the admiring gasps and scattering feet made him turn away from the temple priest now before him and he looked behind to see a spectacularly dressed veiled figure making her way to his side.
His heartbeat raced and his palms dampened with sweat. Cursing himself for a fool, he smiled softly for the sake of his audience and took her hand in his when she came closer. The congregation circled them again.
The temple priest cleared his throat and nodded, signalling the ceremony was going to start. Kenshin felt his bride's hand chill beneath his own and he leaned closer to whisper soothingly to her.
"Don't worry. It'll be fine. Just do as he asks."
His bride nodded and kept silent.
Inside, Kaoru was a mess. She did not know she had to hold hands with Kenshin. She could feel her pulse racing madly and wanted nothing more than to pull her hand away from his and ran as fast as she could – in the opposite direction. He unnerved her and despite the fact he was going to marry her stepsister, he was holding her hand so calmly and naturally.
Did he not feel disgusted? How could he whisper so soothingly into her ear when he must think of her as a cheap whore? Was it because she was Tomoe's sister? She wondered as she forced herself not to start jumping from one foot to another. She felt so restless. Why wasn't the ceremony any faster? Where was Tomoe? Why was she so late? The sun was going to set soon. She also could not find Tae anywhere in the crowd. She had lost track of Tae when her caretaker's feet mingled with others. Kaoru could not see through her veil much – just enough to keep her from tripping and just enough for her to notice her surroundings.
The priest was muttering some ancient words and Kaoru's mind wondered as she did not understand them. She watched as Kenshin raised his palm calmly and the priest sliced it slightly to allow a few drops of blood to flow into the bowl. Kaoru frowned. Wasn't that the sacred bowl for betrothals to be questioned and blood pacts made?
The priest nodded towards her without a word and help out his hand for hers. She mechanically placed her hand in his, wondering what was going on. She had never attended a wedding or betrothal in her life and it fascinated her to see how it was done. The priest raised his dagger and drew a thin line on her palm but kept her blood from dripping into the bowl. He looked up at the congregation and said in a loud and clear voice that shocked Kaoru to the bone.
"My dear beloved people whose believe and trust in Dioni is absolute, witness the betrothal between our two own people. Celebrate in their union and pray Dioni will bless them!"
The priest's announcement shocked Kaoru. Betrothal? Her and Kenshin! No! This was not why she was here!
As the priest turned her hand, she gave a cry of despair and tried to wrench her hand from his grasp. "No!"
The priest looked at her, shocked. Kenshin turned to look at her as well, his eyes wide and stunned. He wasn't the only one.
Most of the people turned to look at another voice that cried out desperately in the silent room.
A woman with dark hair and rich purple gown pushed past the people and stood before Kenshin, her face horrified at the sight before her. Instantly, confused mummers filled the tent. Kenshin looked at Tomoe and then back at the woman by his side.
Tomoe took a step forward, her eyes locked on the figure beside Kenshin.
"That woman is not me. Stop this ceremony at once, please!"
Her eyes locked hopefully on the bowl.
XXX
She had been waiting. There was still no news. Time was passing by quickly. Where was her carriage?
Frustrated Tomoe opened the door.
Or at least she tried to.
It was locked.
Cold fear settled in her heart.
What was going on? Why was she locked in?
She screamed and yelled. Yet no one answered. Tomoe pounded furiously at the door until it was opened and a dark haired boy stared in confusion at the sight of her.
"Lady Tomoe? But I thought you had left?"
Tomoe's eyes widen in horror. She did not pause to ask the boy any questions. She needed to hurry. She needed to stop Kenshin from getting engaged to the wrong woman.
It took time to get a new carriage and since she did not know how to ride a horse, she had to wait until the carriage was ready before she could leave. She threatened the poor driver to get her there as quickly as he could.
She had seen the gathering and pushed through the people. At the last moment, she heard the priest's announcement and a cry sprang from her lips.
"NO!"
She looked at the confused and shocked faces and she stared at the woman before her at Kenshin's side. She had seen the woman pulling back her hand and she hoped the damage was not done.
Tomoe stared at the sacred bowl.
XXX
The sight of Tomoe froze Kaoru's blood. She looked helplessly to the sacred bowl, praying her blood had not spilled inside.
Her prays were not answered.
Only a drop of her blood entered the bowl.
That was all that was needed.
Before a multitude of witnesses, the sacred bowl glowed a bright gold, so bright the people were astounded to silence.
And Kaoru felt the world crashing around her.
What happened?
Shocked, speechless, she looked up as the glow died down. The silence was deafening.
Aya was the first to get on her feet and march up to the small group, furious and shocked. She stopped in front of Kaoru.
"Who are you?"
Kaoru wanted to answer. She wanted nothing more than to voice out her name and her mistake but no voice came out.
"I ask you once more. Who are you, woman?
Kenshin simply stood before his mother. His eyes blank. He nodded at Tomoe and raised a hand towards Kaoru's veil. This time, the fear of everyone knowing who she was made Kaoru take a step back, but Kenshin simply gripped her wrist and pulled her veil back exposing her face to everyone.
Tomoe gasped.
Aya's eyes widened.
Kenshin blinked, as though he could not believe his own eyes.
"Ka...Kaoru?"
XXX
Author's note:
Finally, another chapter done! Thank you all VERY MUCH for all your reviews. You have no idea how meaningful they are to me and how much I feel encouraged to write when I see so many people enjoying my story. This is by far a very complicated chapter to write and it isn't even the core of the story yet. Thank you all once more for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. Forgive me as I can't reply each and every one of you.
Please, enjoy this chapter. Soon, I will start writing about the present but the past is important as well =) Have a nice day!