ok ok i realize the chapter is not the most exciting but I wanted to formally introduce my new two characters: Tora and Erika...sorry if you find this chapter boring. I also realized that a lot of my reviews sound old English XD its great
Chapter 14: The past
"You have to use your hips" Usui told Misaki as she was once again defeated by Usui in sword play.
"I trying!" Misaki exclaimed. "It just doesn't seem to work properly. My skirt makes it much too hard."
After Misaki escaped last time, Usui locked up all her men's clothing and forbade her to leave without him. But Usui was at home more now which made life better. He took her out on rides daily and came up with hundreds of things to keep her busy. They practiced swordplay, archery, politics, and many foreign languages. Usui thoroughly spoiled his wife. Misaki was permitted not to learn sewing or practice music, much to Honoka's distaste yet she didn't dare refuse the Duke.
Usui smiled and stood behind Misaki. He placed his strong hands on her hips and physically moved them.
"U-usui" Misaki said, blushing.
"Tis nothing, my love" Usui said laughing. "Just perform the play"
Misaki too a deep breath and lifted her sword up. They did each step slowly.
"Understand?" Usui asked letting his hands drop.
Misaki nodded.
"My lord and lady!" Erika called running over. Her skirts hitched up. "You have a visitor!"
"Who is it?" Usui asked.
"The Marquess Igarashi" Erika panted.
Usui dropped his sword. Misaki saw him run his hand through her hair and mutter something under his breath.
"What does he want?" Usui demanded.
Erika shook her head. "I do not know, my lord"
Usui look at the sky as if to ask why. "Come, my darling" he said. "We have guests to entertain"
Misaki followed Usui back into mansion. Usui went to go meet the marquess while Misaki went to change. She quickly donned a long blue gown with a diamond circlet. Her short train swept along the floor as she headed downstairs.
She approached the door frame and saw a well dressed man next to her husband. They seemed to be politely talking.
"My lord" Misaki greeted as she walked in. The man turned.
"So this is the beautiful Duchess" he said kissing her on the hand. Something about the Marquess made Misaki uneasy. The way he looked at her made bumps raise on her arm.
"Yes" Usui said pulling Misaki to his side. "This is my wife...Misaki this is the Marquess Igarashi"
"Tora" Tora corrected him. "No need for such titles. Tis an honor to meet you, my lady"
Misaki politely nodded. "You as well."
Erika carried in a tray of tea and set it on the table. Misaki laid out tea cups and poured drinks. She knew Usui like two lumps of sugar and decided to give the same for Tora.
"Thank you" Usui said taking the cup. Misaki proceeded to hand Tora his.
"Thank you..."
Misaki didn't understand how a person could make simple words so blood chilling. She quietly stayed in the background and listened to the men talk politics. Tora was pressing Usui to join in a secret campaign.
"This is folly" Usui said. "If it plays out wrong it shall be considered treason against the crown."
"The power would be in our hands..." Tora argued in a low voice.
Usui shook his head. "I am not interested in power"
They argued and argued until Tora gave up.
"You'll regret this decision" Tora warned.
Usui rolled his eyes after he left.
"Are you not worried?" Misaki asked.
Usui shook his head. "The marquess is one with his head in the clouds. He is too greedy...never satisfied."
"You're not interested in power?" Misaki asked, doubtful.
Usui chuckled. He got up and hugged Misaki. "I'm satisfied with a grand roof over my head and a beautiful woman in my arms."
Misaki snorted. "Stop it..." she scolded when Usui tried to kiss her.
"You don't believe me?" Usui said trying to kiss her again. Misaki shook her head, laughing.
"Ever since I met you...I don't even notice women anymore..." Usui said kissing her neck. Misaki gasped as he pushed her against the wall.
"What color hair does my lady in waiting have then?" Misaki asked, breathing heavy.
"What lady in waiting? I only know that you're waiting for me." Usui murmured against her neck. They shared a small laugh.
"You're too much..." Misaki said. "You know quite well the women in your own household..."
"What women?" Usui asked. "I only see one...and she's right in front of me..."
"Duke Usui" a voice called. Kanou stood at the doorway with his eyes covered with his arm, not realizing what had been happening.
Usui let out a groan and he let the blushing Misaki go. Misaki was practically crouching on the ground in either shame or embarrassment.
"What is it, Kanou?" he asked, clearly annoyed.
"I can come back later..." Kanou muttered, turning his back.
"Since we've already been disturbed you might as well say it now" Usui muttered. "Stand up, darling" he told Misaki. "It perfectly natural for a man to touch his own wife..."
Misaki ignored him.
"Kanou, talk to me from outside in the hall...you're embarrassing the duchess"
Kanou quickly backed away, grateful. "I was simply going to report the inventory"
"I will deal with it later..." Usui called.
There was a pause before Misaki jerked up. She rushed out of the room.
"Misaki!" Usui called after her. Misaki refused to pay heed and went to bed. She kicked off her shoes and pulled the blanket over her head. She was feeling fatigue anyways.
Usui, however, promptly came and apologized.
"Please forgive me..." Usui said shaking her lightly. He wrapped his arms around her and smiled to himself. Misaki was playing stubborn again.
"Its fine..." Misaki grumbled. "I'm feeling tired"
Usui smoothed down Misaki's long raven hair. "Get some rest then" he said. "I'll send Erika up to look after you."
Misaki made a sound of agreement before drifting off to sleep. Erika quietly straightened up the room as her mistress slept. She folded the clothes and dusted the area.
When Misaki woke up, Erika immediately rushed to her side.
"My lady" she greeted, pulling up the curtains. "You seem to enjoy napping these days."
Misaki yawned and nodded. "Sleep feels better than ever now"
"Does the Duke keep you up late in the night?"
Misaki blinked and felt heat creeping to her cheeks. "Its not that..." she reassured Erika.
"How do you even know of such things?" she asked, curious.
Erika sighed, looking rather sad. Misaki gestured for her to sit on the bed.
"I never asked you about your past..." Misaki began. "I am interested though do not feel pressed to share"
Erika smiled. "I am most willing to tell you" she promised. "My mother worked in a brothel" Erika admitted. "My father had been a client"
Misaki gasped. "Erika..." she breathed.
Erika shook her head. "Tis the past" she reminded Misaki. "My mother had me and returned to the brothel. I grew up there. The place was always brightly lit with deep red walls and carpets. Music and laughter was always heard..."
"Did you work there also?" Misaki asked gently.
Erika shook her head. "I would clean and serve the brothel mistress"
Misaki let out a breath of relief. "How did you become a slave?"
"I grew up. The mistress there tried to make me work. She claimed I had the perfect body but I refused. She would often beat me but still I refused to take any client."
Misaki squeezed Erika's hand. "You don't have to tell me if its too hard"
Erika shook her head, her eyes slightly watery. "I must." she said. "People ought to know my story... The mistress there gave up and sold me to a client to be a slave. There I have worked for years. My master thought I was beautiful and enjoyed using me in his games"
Misaki shook her head. "That's all over" she told Erika. "Nothing like that shall befall you here"
Erika smiled and nodded. "I know..." she whispered. "Which is why my loyalty is to the Duchess only...I do not trust men"
"The Duke is different" Misaki said.
Erika sighed. "My lady has little worldly experience. I've seen thousands of people and everyone has a dark side. The gentry class is the only thing more frightening than the night time world"
"How so?" Misaki asked. She was aware of all the dark plots nobles had but wondered what Erika could have seen that she didn't.
"I fear for you Misaki...for you have no produced an heir yet" Erika said slowly. "Tis dangerous to not have a support. You can easily be replaced in such an unstable world"
"Usui would never-"
"I'm not saying the Duke..." Erika amended. "Just what I've seen."
"Don't worry" Misaki said. "I am not afraid"
Erika nodded. "There are many things you do not understand" she said softly.
"How can I not know?" Misaki asked. "I grew up knowing practically everything"
"You know a man's fight" Erika explained. "You understand such politics and battle strategies but not a woman's battle"
"Women don't fight" Misaki said slightly confused.
"They do..." Erika said. "But in a much more scary way. Men come right out but women...they slowly bleed you until you're left with nothing and don't even realize it"
Misaki smirked. "I'd like to see this new battle..." she said. "Because I won't be backing down." Misaki turned to Erika, a fire burning in her eyes. "Because I think I'm in love with Usui..."