(A/N: After many months of being consumed by various things, I have finally brought something to bear. At last all of the actors have arrived and the stage has been set. Soon, the true story will be revealed. I think you all for your patience. Thanks to Elder Master for the beta. The roulette is to begin soon. Revel in the upcoming posts my readers, for something is indeed coming.)
(Winter Palace: Study)
"It would stand to reason that she has overstepped her bounds yet again." Miyuki stated as she stood before Her Highness. Miyuki found the entire situation distasteful as was apparent by her repeatedly pursing her lips.
"I am surprised." Shizuma stated. "I didn't think she would go so far in my palace. Summon them both; I have little patience for either of them."
"But Lady Momoni…" Miyuki trailed.
"She knew about this. I will deal with them accordingly. Summon them both." Shizuma ordered. And, after Miyuki left, Shizuma began to show her anger more openly.
"That insolent cur! I will be rid of her once and for all. She will spend the rest of her days sweeping the snow away in Siberia." Shizuma seethed as she slammed the book she was reading on the table. To be truthful, Shizuma was quite stressed and not in a way that could be easily relieved.
If it was something to be said of current events, it would not be found in falsehood. Shizuma's mind struggled to understand the situation she had found herself cast into. For her entire life everything had been provided. Anything her heart desired was at her whim at an instant.
Well, almost everything.
"She perplexes me. She demands not to be treated as a wench, but stands unassailed. She demands equality, but will not provide in kind." Shizuma spoke to the books in the room. If anything, she felt lost. The unknown both mocked and pitied her. To be mocked was something Shizuma could handle, but to be found pitiable, that was an insult greater then any other.
The Great Tsarina only bowed to gods, not to noblewomen. But to her credit, Lady Nagisa held some other mystery, a treasure unseen that made Shizuma's hands shake in thought of it. Not frailty, not anger, something more. Flesh was but an end to life's means, Lust was to flaw as holiness was to perfection.
Such things Shizuma had been taught, such things she held to be truer then all other truths. One was meant to take what was theirs. It was so for beasts and for men.
"Then, why …"
Shizuma's core was once again shrouded as the door opened and the two she sent for were brought before her. The stop of footsteps signaled the entrance…
"Milady, you've called…"
Silence.
"Your Highness…"
"Tell me when I decreed it?" Shizuma asked the pair of nobles. Naturally the question was left vague. But the two stared blankly and likely didn't know to what Her Highness was referring to. They would soon know
Oh would they ever.
"Tell me when I decreed that the servants were to be slobbered upon by wild dogs."
"How dare you!" Momoni growled at her Tsarina-to-be.
"How dare I? This is my land you stand upon! Every being upon it belongs to me! Not you, filth." Shizuma voice boomed.
"So, that little wench…" Kaname began to speak but was quickly cut off by a hard slap that could only be characterized as retribution. As she turned to her side, she noticed the cold stare of someone that was clearly not to be trifled with.
"Actually no, she went about her duties after attempting to wash away the welts that were inflicted upon her." Miyuki's harsh voice and glowering stare made Kaname wonder where it had been all this time. Such fire and defiance!
"I told you once before. After you manhandled the servant of Lady Nagisa …"
"You mean, your little bitch?" Kaname did not see, or perhaps she did not realize how angered Shizuma was by her comment. But she soon found out as she was pulled across the desk. As Kaname struggled to gain freedom, Shizuma's grip threatened to crush her windpipe.
"I see that you really are a dog now. So I shall treat you as one. You shall spend the night in the dungeon. In the morning, you shall be sent under guard to the stockade in Siberia. As for you..." Shizuma said with a pause before speaking.
"You shall also spend the night in the dungeon. Then after that you will report to the stables. All your belongings including land and serfs will revert to the Empire. As much as I would like to simply have you two tied to posts and stripped, this will have to do for now. Begone!" Shizuma's voice ordered with harsh finality as she waved her hand and the guards retrieved the two. As expected Momoni put up no fight. And as Kaname was dragged out of her presence, she felt somewhat sullen.
"Milady?" Miyuki whispered lightly.
"I grow weary. Leave me and see that I am not disturbed." Shizuma ordered flatly. Miyuki bowed and then departed. And as Miyuki left, she began to wonder if Her Highness was feeling alone or perhaps even depressed. Putting such thoughts to rest, Miyuki continued down the hall.
(Winter Palace: Main Stables)
"Please make sure that you look after this horse well. He has saved my head many a time." Amane stated as she handed over the reins. Amane didn't really like the idea of someone else caring for her mount, but such things were at cost. The idea itself still unnerved her, however.
"We will treat him the same as Her Highness's warhorse." The stableman said as he led the horse. Putting the last of her doubts out her mind, Amane turned and began to walk towards the palace. It took a great deal of time, but she felt that tonight she would at long last be able to put her frustrations to rest.
"I have come back to you, my Hikari."