Hi All! Tanu here! I am new to fanfiction and I wanted to write a first-class story centering my favorite character, Hilary. So, after days of procrastination, I finally decided to do it. A little simple briefing about the story: this is set in ancient Japanese times. Hilary as Hiromi is an ojo (princess) of a powerful shogun(feudal lord) and she is to be married off. Many suitors consisting of princes, kings, generals have come to participate in a contest and win her hand. That's all I am saying for now. Also, this is my first story so please correct me if I go anywhere wrong. You are most welcome to leave your suggestions in the reviews.

Kagoshima

Behind those battlemented gates, stood a paradise. It offered a pleasant change to a city of colour and pleasure, with people enjoying the business of living. Rich in royal worth and history, it was ruled in the happy days of the yore. The subjects of the city were loved like a father's loving grace. Truth and Justice swayed each action. Every thought and deed impelled. And very much like heaven itself, the city rose in proud and peerless beauty on Kinko's limpid waves. Peace was a luxury in the righteous people, and rich in wealth and merit high. Neighbours lived in mutual kindness helpful with their ample wealth. Men to plighted vows were faithful, faithful was each loving wife.

It was city of towers, mansions, fountains, squares, and ramparts with the shogun's palace dominating the landscape. The city was imposing and compared well with the capital city of Heian-kyō. Presiding over the city was the loyal and kind shogun, who watched over the city with compassion and courage and was loved and honoured by his subjects, and had been blessed in so many ways. His heart harboured one great sorrow of his life: that he didn't have a son. The plight of his dynasty ending with him was far too much to bear. However, his plight had been bested by the joyous news years ago when a daughter was born to him and his wife. The beauty of that child was so magnanimous that it illuminated the whole city the night the child was born, and the feudal lord named the child 'Hiromi.'

And nineteen years later, he stood proudly gazing at the Sakurajima volcano. It was the day his only daughter would choose herself a partner to spend the rest of her life with. The port was busy. Rich and gallant suitors were arriving from all over the world. Such was the beauty of Hiromi that was attracting the weakest hearts from the farthest corners. The city had been very active since the past one month. The city was decorated like never had been before, not even to welcome the Emperor himself.

Golden turrets danced on domes and towers, with colorful flags honouring the Emperor fluttered in the wind to welcome a royal bridegroom-to-be. The streets glittered with odds and ends of ornaments cast off the people. Even the poor had worn the finest robes and yukatas while the women had been treasuring their kimonos for this very day. The city was colored in gold, as no one was inclined to pick them up in a society of such affluence. Cherry blossoms and rare flowers were being used to welcomes the guests. On lofty terraces, gifted artisans sung to the tune of the biwas. Shops were displaying rare items to attract wealthy tourists. The Torii gates were strongly barred and lofty archers occupied the towers, sharp, cynical glares casted on every street. Decked the vast and peopled city fair as mansions of the sky.

The gates to the palace were flooded. For the chance of winning the hand of the peerless Hiromi was only once, and never again. Suitors came from the farthest countries, warlike princes, bold generals, fierce commanders, wealthy shoguns and other shoguns, everyone known to fame. Never had the shogun's personal treasured garden had ever witness such a massive population of ferocious beings, each eager to rumble in this contest, and take home the princess of royal beauty that would change their fortune forever. It was said that Hiromi was gifted with prophetic abilities with profound accuracy, and ever since, he has been on the sight of many princes.

Desirous of winning the princess such monarchs were ready to sacrifice their wealth and other articles of enjoyment. All were very well received by the reverence of the shogun. Keen of beholding the ceremony, the citizens roared like the sea, all taking their seats on the platforms that were erected around the amphitheatre. And the amphitheatre which itself had been erected on an auspicious plain was surrounded by beautiful mansions. And it was enclosed on all sides with high walls and a moat with arched doorways to admit the large crowd. Silence spread the amphitheatre as the shogun entered the grand amphitheatre by the northern gate, followed by his trusted officials and placed himself on the costly expensive mattress.

With a raise of his hand, his ministers clapped in a commanding authority. Welcomed to auspicious and pure tunes, a golden litter with arabesque design which was being carried by eight stalwart men of bulk stature arrived into the garden. A guard opened the royal door of the carriage and a maid held her hand out.

Heartbeats raced as the princess stepped out and graced everyone with her unrivalled beauty. She was richly attired in expensive multilayered jūnihitoe, adorned with several ribbon like colorful obi. Her hair tied up and decorated with Kushi, Saishi and Hiradai. The slender waisted princess of every feature perfectly faultless, and whose body emitted a fragrance that of jasmines took a seat besides her father, and revealed the face that was concealed behind the Hiougi. And she proved that every word of every story of her beauty was true. Softly before them was revealed the divine looking Hiromi – bridal blush on her brow. Bright brown eyes shone with intelligence, kindness and compassion and some other spice like a little sadness. The glimpse of her face was already making suitors crazy. She had definitely dived from heaven. She was the light of the moon and lamp of the temples. She would make any eyes thirsty for her, and her lips that hadn't smiled yet, but they could be contagious. Even the disheartened that would leave without her would be dreaming of her for nights to come. Such was the beauty of Hiromi, that would captivate all.

One Night Before…

Hiromi stood by her window, exasperating. Her maids in attendance had never seen her in such a mood. They were bewildered and amused at first, but later became genuinely concerned, when they noticed tears streaming down her cheeks. They found her prattling involuntarily. The sun had set beyond the sea. The cry of birds settling down for the night and the sound of waves on the bay became clearer as the evening advanced into dusk and night. A cool breeze blew in to Hiromi's room but none comforted her. Her heart was agitated with hopeless longings. The fool moon rose from the bay and flooded the earth in its soft light, but Hiromi still did not move. It was as if she was waiting for someone. At the sight of the moon she covered her eyes with her palms. She felt all the elements in the mood alien to her and combining to aggravate her suffering. Her attendants noticed her distress and feared that some deep-rooted ailment had seized her.

They lit cool lamps whose wicks were fed with clarified butter, but found that even such a flame proved intolerable to her, and they extinguished the lamps and, in their place, kept luminous gems which emanated soft light. They made her a soft bed on a slab of moonstone with layers of soft petals, but the flowers wilted, Hiromi writhed and groaned and complained of everything— the night, stars, moonlight, and flowers: a whole universe of unsympathetic elements. The question went on drumming in her mind: "Could she really love the man who will win her tomorrow?

The present day…

She felt naively proud. Hundreds of faces were seated before her, all enchanted. Kings, rulers, monarchs, princes were all intoxicated with pride, beauty, prowess, lineage, knowledge, wealth, and youth. But they also beheld each other with jealousy, and influenced by desire, as they rose up from their royal seats as they were introduced in heroic descriptions by the shogun's royal speaker .

"Next is the brave and indefeasible general of Roman Empire, Moses, who is so beastly strong that he can bend the will of even an elephant on a battlefield! He is mountainous and crushes anyone to oppose the Roman Empire"

A gargantuan, dark-skinned man hoisted up from his large chair and roared with gusto, exclaiming himself as already the victor. Hiromi narrowed her eyes and sighed dryly, hoping that man could get bested in the first stage of trials itself.

Concerned by the mass of contestants, the shogun heavily sighed and whispered into his minister's ear, "I am worried, Kuramoto. I have honoured our ancestors' tradition by holding this event, however, somewhere deep in the corner of my heart, I am worried my daughter shall be marrying a total stranger. What if my son-in-law turns out to be a man of impeccable beauty but of barbaric cruelty, or a timid ruler who hides behind his bodyguards? A rich monarch who subjects harsh tax implications or a greedy tempered king who always seeks out war? Amongst these men, I seek the man who is righteous, crowned with various qualities, and endued with prowess, who knows his duty and firm in oath, who is qualified by the virtue of his character, and is learned and knows the art of pleasing his kingdom. The one who has subdued his anger, and is devoid of malice, and whom engaged in battle, even the mightiest fear. Tell me, Kuramoto, is there a man we ever heard of to bear all such magnificent attributes? Only he deserves to obtain my daughter."

"My Lord, I knew such questions will disturb your nights, so I had the invitations sent accordingly. The princess's beauty is only exceeded by her sharp intelligence and excellent judgement of character. After all, it is her who will be choosing her husband. You must bury your hopes in your daughters ambitions, my Lord, for her choice will never be incorrect." The minister slowly whispered into the shogun's ears, "As for the qualities you speak, only limited men come close to be raised with these charms. One of them," the minister pointed to a seat, "is present here. The Grandson of Tsar Voltaire."

Hiromi who had sharp senses, was eavesdropping to the conversation of the two, completely ignoring the announcement of other suitors. Her eyes were directed themselves to the person mentioned in the conversation, and blood immediately rushed to her cheeks. Seated at a distance, was the most gorgeous man she had seen. He had a manly peppered stubble and a sharp jawline. His sea rover blue eyes were cold, a façade for what truly lied behind. His wrestler's shoulders were part of his burly physique which said he was a veteran of many battles. Hiromi's eyes admitted to a slender shaft of attraction, as she was perturbed by the minister's further description of the prince. Now that had piqued her interest.

"Legend says that he who is named Kai was beget by a fierce Japanese warrior and the Tsar's own son, and has been educated with both heritage. He is the warlord of the Russian army. He has macho personality and beastly raw strength. He is endowed with patience, intelligent, rich in morality and slayer of his foes. He is possessed with combat prowess, my Lord and has not been bested in a battle before. He is an adept swordsman as well as His reign of their empire is spread over a three-fourth portion of Russia. He comes from a famous lineage and they have vast prosperity. If the princess chooses Lord Kai as her spouse, this could benefit both countries, and the Emperor will be impressed. Think about it."

When he heard of Kai's lineage and prowess, the Shogun mused, "The prophecy does say Hiromi shall be wed to unexampled warrior. If it were up to me, I would have already made my choice. However, I have one more youth in mind who hasn't shown up. And I am worried. This trials in this contest were set thinking of him."

The minister understood the cause of his despair. A seemingly insurmountable condition existed in any proposal concerning Hiromi's marriage.

"Kai…" Hiromi mumbled his name. She threw another glance at him, before a clap gained everyone's attention and the stringing of the music ceased.

"It is an auspicious day for Kagoshima, as On behalf of the Shogun, I welcome all of you brave and accomplished men to participate in the princess's Omiai. We have a total number of 431 contestants. Today, all of you brave kings and princes must prove your worth in a competition of three trials. The rules do not dictate a process of elimination. Instead, the victor will be based on the princess's judgement. Therefore, all the contestants will be participating in all three stages and the result will be declared by the princess herself. Therefore, the Shogun will now commence the ceremony!"

Before the authority could rise and declare the official opening, a loud smug voice interrupted everyone.

"Now don't say it is starting without me!"

"Looks like he is here, my Lord," the minister whispered to the shogun and brought some life back into the father's smirk.

"Ah…some weight in the competition…" the shogun smiled proudly.

Each head was curiously directed towards the entrance of the amphitheatre to learn the source of their voice. They sight was blessed with a broad chested warrior whose hands were stationed on his waists. A grey hakama was worn over the black kimono of the man, and a silver haori was draped over. The scabbard tied to the waist of the man told a story of an experienced one-of-a-kind warrior, of a sword that was greatly feared in whole of Japan. The muscles were his proof that he could overcome adversity and rise, proof that he valued himself enough to put in the effort it took. Face was touted to be handsome, with an alluring face and arresting gaze. His hair as if the dark sky itself was coiffed to perfection. His eyes had the same startling clarity as a mountain stream and the lineaments of his face were in perfect proportion to each other. His only blemish was that he was beetle-browed and they sometimes knitted in frustration. Lacquered and enamelled by the sun, he radiated energy and brio. His voice could be foghorn loud when he was booming out a guffaw but it was normally mellifluous.

He further silenced everyone as he took his first step, descending down the stairs to find his assigned seat.

Disturbed from the tap on his shoulder, the speaker shook his head and apologized softly before announcing the arrival of the youth.

"And our final contestant, I am bridled with pride to announce as well as welcome Prince Takao of the Kinomiya Clan, the second grandson of the Emperor, the commander of the Japanese army, a disciple of his elder brother, Hiro who is known for his exceptional skills. An exceptional archer with gifted eyesight and unmatched accuracy, and a prodigious warrior revered in all combats. With strategic acumen and wisdom in his role as commander of Japan's army, Prince Takao has been victorious in many battles that has liberated Japan from tyranny, earning him the title of the "Timeless Hero of Japan."

His steps towards his seat as well as the resume of his achievements planted a seed of scare in the hearts as he passed by. Next to Kai, he claimed his seat after righting is outfit, and met the deathly heated gaze that he could feel ever since he had entered the garden. He smiled fondly, finding the discomforted look on the princess's face.

Hiromi gave him a dirty stare, pretending to retch and turned her face away from him. Puffing a cheek, Takao snorted before looking in the other direction. Yet again, a small exchange of glances through their side vision casted a clash of bolts.

The shogun completely oblivious to their loathing, stood up and announced, while spreading his hands wide.

"I now declare the opening of the ceremony!"

Well, that was the first chapter. Please let me know how did I do. I have done some extensive research on Japanese culture, but I am truly sorry if i have gone wrong. Please feel free to correct me. I appreciate the feedback very much.