EMPEROR by GreatMarta

Charter 5 – Just a woman

The younger son of the emperor rolled over his bed, staring at the ceiling. How pathetic.

He gazed at the clothes, that covered the floor of his chamber. So many beautiful robes. Many were designed specially for him. Like that black kimono, with dozens of little, sparkling spots. Like starry skies. To him, it was meaningless.

He didn't want to attend the ceremony. The ceremony for his nephew. For that brat, who took forever his chances of becoming the emperor away. And it was the child of his brother, and the woman he loved. He used to love. He no longer cared for her. Despite that beauty. All that was left from his love was it's dark side. Envy. Anger. Desire. Hatred. Tons of hatred. He wanted them to suffer. His father, brother, sister-in-law, nephew. All of them. It will offend them, if he doesn't appear on the ceremony. Hell it will. And hell he intended it.

A shy knock was heard. It must be that idiotic major domo again. Very well. Takasuke stood up and corrected his yukata. Now, just a little more effort.

"Come in" he ordered. The short man in colorful robes entered the chamber. He bowed to the prince and announced the following:

"You Highness, the ceremony is about to start" while speaking, he used the opportunity to take a look on the floor. What a mess. To think, that one could treat such expensive, valuable clothes with such disrespect. It hurt the major domo. He was the man of good taste and manners. To interact with the careless prince was a hard challenge for him.

"Tell them to start without me" Takasuke demanded "I am going to be late"

"I 'm afraid His Majesty is not going to be pleased about it, Your Highness" Zenko insisted "I would advise you to hurry"

"And I would advise you to leave the room and leave me in peace, which I need to organize myself" replied the prince harshly "Go"

Against a direct order, the major domo had to give in and leave. Takasuke returned to his bed. He wondered, what will his father do now. He will be furious, no doubt. But, was he ever satisfied with him? That old geezer deserved no respect. And neither did Masahiro. A guy with a kilo of sugar instead of brain. Heh. But mother? Neh. Advantages are overcoming the disadvantages. He will not give in just because of her. No way.

And, meanwhile, the ceremony was about to start.

Everything was ready. The usually empty, enormous throne room, was now as crowded, as an ordinary market. Magnificent, colorful flags with the imperial emblems hung from the ceiling. The dominant color of the room was red. The color of nobility. Long tables and soft pillows have been placed inside, for the noble guests and their servants. A piece of about ten meters has been left clear, separating the crowd from the podium, on which the imperial family would sit. Part of it was 4 meters high and destined for the imperial couple. There also was a much wider podium in front of the first one, on the height of 2 meters, destined for the children of the emperor and their spouses. Both podiums were connected with stairs from both sides. A red-and-golden carpet lied on the floor in front of the podiums. That is where the guests would come, one after another, offering gifts and good wishes for the newly born prince.

The imperial family was almost ready. The four adults and the baby. All five of them as elegant and shining as the most perfect porcelain dolls. They were gods. Gods in human skin. They had wealth. They had power. But now, most of all, they had hearts full of love for each other, and the baby Shinhiko above all.

Sayako pet her son gently. She fed him before, so he shouldn't be crying for food during the ceremony. Hopefully, he will remain as peaceful as he is now. The emotions connected with meeting her side of the family must've taken lots of his energy. Good. Everything will be fine.

"Do you remember everything?" Masahiro asked with concern in his voice. She nodded.

"Your parents go first. We go out only when we are announced. You go to the left, I go to the right and we meet in the middle of the lower podium. Then we face the crowd, and after they've greeted us, sit down. I am not allowed to say anything but ,,thank you" in any form. And it is the best, if you do the talking, and I just look pretty" she recited. She knew all of this very well. But the imperial etiquette was complicated, and she sometimes forgot a detail or two. But in her opinion, she was doing great as for being a princess for a year only.

"Exactly" Akihiko confirmed "People want to see perfection in our every word and gesture. We cannot disappoint them"

"Your Majesty?" Zenko approached them.

"Is prince Scar ready yet?" the emperor asked straight out.

"I'm afraid he would be a little late, Your Majesty" the major domo informed him. Akihiko didn't seem surprised at all. He knew he couldn't trust his second son. That irresponsible, with no sense of responsibility nor honor, brat. Not to understand, how important today's ceremony is for the entire family. For the entire empire.

"We are not going to wait for him" he decided "May the ceremony begin"

"Yes, Your Majesty" Zenko bowed and left.

Masahiro sighed heavily. He trusted his brother to come. He wanted him to be here. To celebrate with him. Brothers should always be there for each other. And to be let down in such an important moment hurt… It hurt so much. But he couldn't show it. He was the future emperor.

Sayako touched his arm. Scar's absence hurt her almost as much as him. Even though he was acting so cold last times, she still thought of him as of a good friend. But friends should not do such things to each other.

But the one, who feared the consequences of the prince's disrespect the most was his mother. Urumi could feel her husband's anger, even though he tried not to show it. Poor Taka-chan. Why does he have to act like this? He knows, that his father won't forgive him. His brother neither. Does he want to destroy the relations with the entire family? It's not the right way. He cannot treat them like this. They want to help him. Why won't he see? Poor boy, he is so lost. And if he doesn't appear at the ceremony at all… she didn't even want to think about it.

Meanwhile, lord Akeda was making his way between the rows of tables, along with his wife and the oldest daughter.

"Father, how does he look like?" Sayuri asked. It was better to know, what are you going to face. And from what she knew so far, the meeting was not going to be a pleasant one.

"I have no idea" he replied, full of optimism "He will be wearing a cape with the emblem of his clan, that's all I know. But people say he's a real giant"

"A real giant…" the girl repeated. Such an opinion of her fiancé did not please her one bit.

"Ah, there he is" lord Akeda finally spotted their goal. His women looked in the direction he pointed. At a small table at the very corner of the room. They saw a powerful, wide back, covered with a cape, that was half white and half black, with a half black and half white circle in the middle. The Hikakuro crest.

From what they could see now, Itaru, if it was him, had short, shaggy, black hair. Okay. It's not so scary. Nothing to worry about… but that wide back. Yes, he indeed must be a giant.

"Lord Hikakuro?" Toshio asked. The man turned his head slightly, just enough to catch Toshio in his field of vision. Sayuri shivered. He was frightening. That face. Thick, massive nose. Strong, square jaw. Short, shaggy beard and mustache. Small, wild eyes. Those eyes were the worst. In such a shade of golden brown, that seemed almost yellow. Oh God. He really had the face of a murderer.

"Yes?" the man spoke and scared Sayuri even more. Such an impolite tone. She could swear, that he could kill them all within a second. She stood closer to her mother. How could father choose a brutal criminal like this for her husband? To think, that she will have to spend the rest of her life by this monster's side… oh no.

"I am lord Akeda Toshio" the proud nobleman introduced himself "And I am glad, that I can finally meet you in person, my soon-to-be son-in-law" he gifted Itaru with a look full of hope and joy, completely ignoring the younger man's cold reaction. Mariko felt, as if she was to throw up. That suck up. Bleh. If he likes that bastard so much, then why don't he marry him himself, instead of risking the life of their firstborn daughter? Really, the more she knew him, the more she despised him.

Having learned his interlocutor's name, Itaru stood up to face him. At this moment, lord Akeda's self confidence decreased. This man was one and half a head taller than him! And this chest… twice as wide as his! This size! His entire body! He was huge! He couldn't believe his eyes. Neither did Mariko and Sayuri. They just stared at him, with fear in their eyes. Especially Sayuri was terrified. Those gigantic hands… he could break her neck with one move! He had complete, official clothing on, but she could clearly see the muscles drawn underneath it. He's gonna kill her. She wasn't as weak as most women, but there was no way she could handle this. He's gonna crush her. Literally. On their wedding night. She didn't even want to imagine it. God, have mercy!

"Umh… well…" her father was slowly regaining his ability to think and speak "I knew you were quite a piece of a guy, but wow, I'd never expect this much!" he friendly poked Itaru's enormous chest, almost giving his wife and daughter heart attack. How could he touch that giant? Was he crazy or what? "Dear heavens, you are as hard as a rock! The years spent in king Kwanza's Arena did their job, didn't they?" Toshio continued, giving Itaru a smirk. Itaru didn't seem pleased about being touched, nor by his possible father-in-law mentioning his past. The women feared, that he would do something to the old man. But, instead, he moved his sight onto them. Lord, he looked so furious!

"You must be Sayuri" he turned to the younger of the two women, deciding that she was his fiancé "I am honored to meet you" he said, slightly bowing to her. The whole family was shocked. Not only he greeted the woman first, completely ignoring her father, but also spoke to her In a kind, peaceful tone. So much different than the one he used against Toshio. What a surprise.

The older of the Akeda sisters got a grip of herself. She had to respond to him somehow. Okay, be relaxed, don't let him know you fear him…

"The honor is mine, lord Hikakuro" she replied, also bowing to him. Alright. That's a nice start.

"In his letter to me" the giant continued "your father claimed, that your have a fantastic figure. I must admit, that he said the truth. But he forgot the mention, that you are so extraordinary beautiful" this statement amazed the young woman even more than the size of her fiancé.

"Excuse me?" she asked. Beautiful? He called her beautiful? Extraordinary beautiful? No. He must be kidding. Lying, just to make a good impression. It is obvious he is trying to make a good impression. But if he really meant it…?

"I suppose you've heard this so many times, that it no longer impresses you" Itaru went on "Girls like you grow up surrounded with love, fed with words of admiration. It is not surprising at all. True beauty deserves to be praised. I'm sure you've received many poetic compliments, and it will be difficult to come up with something, that could sound original and sincere to you, but let me say, what I truly think: to me, you are like a fire within the darkness. A pleasant view for sore eyes. A sanctuary that scares all the sorrows and danger away, summons the positive energy and stimulates imagination. Fire is safety. Fire is a mystery. It can save one's life, but it can also take that life away. When treated with care, it will pay back with warmth and conformation. When underestimated, it can evolve into a true god of death and destroy everything in it's way. It is not simple. It has a dual nature, just like a human being. I do love fire. And believe me, when I say: to me, you are as beautiful as a fire within the darkness" as he spoke, they listened, still and with such focus, as if he hypnotized them. Such a comparison… such a language… such an erudition. Could he really be the bloodthirsty murderer he seemed to be? He sounded like a poet. Even though he kept his expression slightly sorrowful and his tone plain for whole the time, he sounded like a sensitive, subtle boy. Such an amazement…

Sayuri was speechless. Was he really saying all of these? There was no way he could just make all of this up. Or memorize from some poetry book. No. He really felt so. He knew, what was he talking about. And he really… he thought, that she was beautiful.

She knew she shouldn't let his words fool her. He was a murderer. Capable of killing innocent people. A man like this could not be considered a good candidate for a husband. Yet… no man has ever addressed her with such nice words.

"I see you are starting to feel more comfortable" Itaru smiled, for the first time since the discussion started "That's great. Please, sit with me. I believe we have a lot to discuss" discuss. Yes. To discuss their marriage, that's what they were here for. Sayuri had that in mind. And even though that man turned out to be less scary than she had imagined, especially with a smile on his face, the vision of becoming his wife wasn't a thrilling one.

So, the family took their places by Itaru's table. Apart from them, lord Hikakuro was only accompanied by a young woman. Assuming from the modest clothing, she was a servant. To their utter surprise, she was a redhead, just like Toshio and Sayuri! She also had a freckle complexion!

The woman looked at them shyly. She had brown eyes and seemed to be a very nice person. In her arms, she held two children: boys, aged about one, maybe a little less. The first boy was a real cutey. He had big, blue eyes, and a gentle face. He reminded them a lot of Shinhiko. But seemed much more reserved than the little prince. The other boy, a more lively one, surprisingly, had brown skin!

"Let me introduce" Itaru took the blue eyed boy in his arms "Tojomaru, the son of my sister, peace upon her soul. Baina, his governess" he pointed the woman "And Malachi, her son" he pointed the brown skinned boy. Baina bowed her head in respect for the Akedas. They answered with a slight head motion.

"So, miss Akeda" Itaru started, yet again directing his words to Sayuri "Tell me: do you have any hobbies or interests? Your father didn't mention any in his letter to me"

Sayuri lowered her head. What was he expecting her to say? That she can play various instruments? Or perhaps sing like a bird? Or is it about how useful she is in the household? That's the stuff men appreciate in women. If she told him about painting, how might've he react?

"You don't need to worry, son" Sayuri's father spoke up, before she could open her mouth "My daughter is a solid, obedient worker. She does her chores calmly and…"

"How old is your daughter?" Itaru cut in. Toshio silenced himself for a second, surprised with such a sudden question, but replied with his usual, happy tone.

"23, just like I told you in my letter. She hasn't turned 24 since I wrote it"

"Don't you think that a 23-year-old is old enough to speak for herself?" with that firm question, Itaru caught Toshio unaware. Lord Akeda's eyes winded. What was he saying? What could he mean? He wanted Sayuri, a woman, to speak for herself? Impossible. It is commonly preferable, that a father represents his daughter in such business issues. For God's sake, women have no idea, how to cope with that!

"But… but I was just answering your question" he tried to explain.

"I was talking to Sayuri, not you" Itaru insisted, nailing his possible father-in-law with a dreadful gaze "Moreover, my question did not concern the way she does her chores, I was asking about her hobbies and interests. Do I have to explain the difference between chores and hobbies to you? Or perhaps are you simply deaf and misunderstood what I said?" he growled, putting more and more pressure on the pitch of his voice, scaring the self confidence out of Toshio. That whole Hikakuro was really going to kick him out of the discussion. To talk to Sayuri only. But that's impossible. Against the law and commonly accepted rules. He cannot be serious.

Mariko was also confused. It was very rare for somebody to make such an impression on her husband. To close his mouth just like that. And that Itaru was practically bossing him around. With such a little effort. The old woman had to smile to herself. If that man does become her son-in-law, he would surely keep Toshio out of Sayuri's life. And as far as Sayuri is concerned, it seems that he does have respect for her. That is a real surprise. For a murderer to actually treat women like equal to himself. In the end, he might turn out to be the wisest choice to make.

Assuming he's done with lord Akeda, Itaru calmed down and turned to his fiancé.

"Pardon me" he said gently "I just cannot stand such lack of manners. Now, please, you may speak. Tell me, what do you enjoy doing?"

There was no doubt now. He was going to talk to her only. And he indeed was asking about her interests. He really wanted to get to know her better. It was so strange. A man like him should not give a dam about what his wife was alike. The purpose of a wife was to bear children. Sons, who could inherit the family fortune. Daughters, whom the father could use to make alliances with other powerful families. That's all men expected from their spouses. Well, apart from plain satisfaction, of course. But he was different. He could see beneath that. He cared for her.

Her brain kept her in chains of realization. He was a brutal killer. And she could not love him. She did not. But she couldn't help it but feel, that she could trust him.

"I.. sometimes…" she started shyly, begging her inner fears to let her seem natural and not one pile of nerves "I do draw and paint a little…"

"Aw, so you're an artist" the giant was pleased with the answer "That's great. What style do you use? Realism? Impressionism? Or abstractionism perhaps? I have to say I can't really understand abstractionism, but such a landscape or a building is always a nice thing to look at, even if the colors are unnatural" and he actually knew something about art. Oh my.

"That is insane" Toshio couldn't help it but protest "What is this supposed to be, a club of shared admiration?"

"Didn't your mother teach you not to interrupt someone else's conversation?" Itaru growled at the old man. This time, lord Akeda found strength to fight with the fear of his possible son-in-law.

"Well, excuse me" he said "I thought we were going to discuss your marriage"

"Well, excuse me" lord Hikakuro replied "That is exactly what I'm trying to do"

"With her?" the redhead man was running out of understanding.

"Yes. No offence, lord Akeda, but you are too old for me" the younger man teased, earning a slight giggle from the women and a complete shock from Toshio. That bandit. He's rude to him. He's ignoring him. He's showing a deliberate disrespect towards him. Him, a nobleman, a close friend and in-law of the emperor, a senior, the father of his future wife, and now making jokes of him? Now that is more than old Akeda's pride could take.

"You cannot be serious" he insisted "You are talking shit, and call it discussing your marriage? That's irrational"

"That is the most rational" Itaru opposed "Did you seriously think I would marry somebody, whom I haven't gotten to know? The wedding oath is something, that you make for the entire life. I want a serious relationship. How am I supposed to know if your daughter is the woman I could grow old with, if you don't let me talk to her? How is she supposed to know if I am the man she would like to marry? How do you imagine us to ever become close, if you get into the way?"

"And what do you think you could talk about with her?" Toshio let his anger take over him "She knows nothing about politics, business, neither about the military! How could she even tell the difference between impressionism and abstractionism? She's just a woman!"

Itaru rose up rapidly and hit the table with his fist, giving Toshio the most bloodthirsty sight one could ever see.

He made a mistake. Now he knew. But it was too late.

"Just a woman?" the giant drew through clenched teeth "She carries your blood in her veins, and you say she's just a woman? Tell me, who the hell gave birth to you? Thanks to whom are you a part of this world? Who has been standing by your side and satisfying your lust for the last 25 or so years? Who gave you children? Who is the inspiration for writers, poets, painters? Who runs the household? Who brings up children?" he roared, now standing right above the old man, scaring the life out of him and the people from the closest neighborhood by the way "It is because of such a sick outlook on the role of men and women in life, that our society is so darn fucked-up! It is that inhuman way of thinking, that cost me 11 years of slavery in king Kwanza's bloody circus, and my sister 8 years of endless humiliation which ended with her death!" at this point, to everybody's utter surprise, tears formed in the eyes of the giant "She was forced into a marriage with an egoistic fool, who was old enough to be her father, who kept dozens of mistresses, who treated her like an object he could own, who made her loose two pregnancies, who killed his firstborn child because it was a girl, and who killed her right after she gave birth to a son!" lord Hikakuro's wrath echoed all over the throne room, surrounding the noble crowd, consuming it like a monstrous tsunami, with Toshio being at it's very centre. They were all speechless. Silent like stones. So silent, that everybody in the room could hear lord Hikakuro's panting. And the cry of Tojomaru and Malachi.

For a few more second, which seemed like an eternity to Toshio, Itaru stared at him. In such a mad way, as if he was going to rip him apart.

When those few seconds were gone, Itaru whipped his tears and took his nephew from Baina, who was doing her best to calm the two boys down. He held Tojomaru close to his chest and sung him a silent lullaby, so quietly, that the people around him could barely hear it. But the words of the song spoke for themselves.

Wish I could, for a while

Turn back all the wasted time

Go to times we knew no anger and we knew no hatred

No sorrow did we know too

Wish I could, once in life

Feel the child I am inside

I'd give anything just to see you smile again

Please smile again

He sung about the past he lost. About the childhood he missed. About the sister, whom he lost. And in a short while, both Tojomaru and Malachi silenced themselves.

And another short while later, an announcement was passed out loud.

"Let's welcome the imperial family!"

"You'd better get ready" Itaru advised the Akedas "You would be the first to offer your gifts to the prince"

"Yes" Sayuri confirmed. She took a look at her father. He was still under a deep shock. She has never seen him in such an unstable state before. That Itaru. He had power. An unimaginable power. Yet, he had his heart. And under the huge size of his body and the face of a murderer, he kept a desire to return to carefree times and the need of a loving family.

She felt, that she could really accept a man like that as her husband.

Toshio wanted to say something. But he kept him mouth shut. He just stood up and walked away, his wife and daughter following him. They took one last glance at the man, who caused them so much amazement. One thing was sure. Weather this marriage would happen or not, they will never forget Hikakuro Itaru.

NOTES:

Sorry it's so late, and sorry it's OOC-centric. But, that's how the plot goes. The Itaru part was just too important, and cost me too much thinking. I guess it wasn't that bad, neh?

About Akihiko in the previous chapter: people are complex creatures. I decided that shyness towards women would be a funny addiction into the character. And the clothing, that seemed heavy: well, one problem with Akihiko will be his ageing process, which has already started (his forties – the time came), but he will refuse to accept it. About Scar being girly: I hope this chapter explains, that he just needed an excuse to skip the meeting with Sayako's family and the ceremony later on.

Now, in case you haven't figured it out:

Tojomaru is Tojo

Malachi is Malka

THX for your attention, and stay by for more .