With the decision made for her without her input, what will Claudine's fate in the Tendo estate be...?
Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.
Chapter 5. A Wary New Life
Due to Tendo's command that no harm should come to Claudine by the time he came to hear her answer, Claudine's parents confine her to her room and forbid her to leave. Of course, this is simply a ruse on their part to keep her out of sight and out of their way so that they could claim they were following instructions.
At first, Claudine is distraught about this unfortunate turn of events from her already unfortunate life. She spends her first day of solitude with aching, puffy eyes where she can feel the wetness of tears dribbling down her cheeks all day long as she limps around the room to collect and pack her belongings. She curses Tendo and she curses her family, but most of all she curses her own blindness, her own poor luck as an infant that had led to the accident.
But as the sun rises on the second day, after she has had plenty of time to calm down and mull things over, she comes to a hopeful realization. That, perhaps her initial instincts about Tendo being a decent man were right after all, and it was just her family trying to impose negativity onto the situation to further torment Claudine.
She considers this all throughout the second day, recalling Tendo's kind manner of speech toward her, even when he didn't know she was a daughter of the Saijous. Not to mention his gentle, supportive touches and how he respected her boundaries and always asked for her permission before making any sort of physical contact.
Where she had spent her first day of solitary confinement in distress, she spends her second one willing to believe the positives.
And finally, the morning of the third day before Tendo is to return to hear her answer, is spent in a perplexing combination of the two.
One moment, Claudine is almost relieved to be getting out of this prison, but then the next she fears she might only be getting sent to an even worse one.
Then she reasons with herself that her intuition about Tendo's actions toward her being genuine must be true. But then she considers that it really all could have been an act, and that behind closed doors he is even more abusive than her family has been to her.
It's too much for her to bear, these thoughts of simply not knowing. She takes an excessively long bath that morning as she wrestles with her own thoughts.
In just a few hours she was being taken away from this place and these people - for better or for worse. Her heart doesn't stop hammering for hours and hours, and she can't tell if it's more from nervous excitement or dread.
She changes into one of her best dresses for when her future husband will receive her, tucking her bangs back with the usual headband. She does one last sweep around her room, touching the mantle, the nightstand, the windowsill, going through the drawers and ensuring she hasn't left behind anything she would rather take with her.
As much as she will be relieved to be free of the torment of her sisters and the servants, she may just be being led into a worser fate like a lamb to the slaughter. Even so, she will miss this room, if only because it was the place where she would rest her head at night, and usually it was free of rats and ropes and other traps.
All in all, Claudine has but one suitcase with her, which she rolls behind her with one hand, and holds her walking cane in the other. She listens to the birds calling from outside the window, and the bustle of the marketplace down below.
Judging by the volume of noise and what smells of specific foods are wafting up to meet her, along with the angle of the sunlight, she can gauge that it is almost noon. Tendo will soon be on his way to hear her answer, and ultimately bring her home with him.
Claudine draws in a long, steadying breath, ignoring the thumping of her pulse as she holds it, and then releases the air.
Part of her hopes that this is the last time she ever has to set foot in this mansion. If her intuition is correct and Tendo is a decent man, Claudine would be more than happy to be out of this place, even if all he did was ignore her.
But if he is a terrible person, her plan is to either fight back or be as unappealing as possible, so much so that he will be sick of her and give her back. Of course, if that were to happen, the Saijous would never accept her back, and it was more likely that Claudine would just be exiled or executed. But depending on what this man had in store for her, either of those could be the kinder of those fates.
Only time would tell from here.
Noon was almost here. Claudine steels herself to head for the door, where she will struggle by herself to bring her suitcase down the stairs, and then wait for her future husband to collect her in the parlor.
As she makes her way to the door, she catches the sound of a dove's faint coo from outside, and then a fluttering of wings.
Either it had been singing and taken off of its own accord to go wherever it pleased…
Or it had been a death cry before a hawk had swooped down on it and ended its life in a mess of feathers.
Claudine swallows and prays it had been the former.
The day after she had met Claudine, Maya had returned home and sat down with her father and her advisors to discuss her choice.
Of course, her father had expressed some concerns about her decision of a bride, but Maya had confidently given all of her solutions for every potential issue, including her proposal about a male cousin and trustworthy woman to perform the act of consummation to bear Maya's future children, whom she and Claudine would raise as their own.
And just as Maya had suspected, her father agrees to her terms - as powerful a politician the rest of the Empire saw him as, he had always been a pushover for his only daughter. So while Rei and Shuuichi had left the meeting muttering to each other in mild distress, Maya had strutted out with a grin.
She'd spent the following three days requesting that the maids and servants tidy up the place even more than usual. Maya herself goes around to make minor adjustments to help potentially accommodate a blind person, such as the movement of small decorative rugs or statues that might be easy to bump into.
Although she has yet to hear Claudine's answer, Maya truly hopes she will accept. She wants to speak with her more, hear her honest opinions and thoughts about various topics.
She wants to hear Claudine get heated and passionate about some things, and giggle merrily at others.
She wants to watch her perform again and listen to her sing.
She wants to give her a better life - the life she deserves. A life void of the fear of simply walking in her own home, void of ridicule and harsh words.
Maya wants to combat all the wrong that has ever been done to Claudine in her life thus far. She wants to instead provide Claudine with a safe place to live, meals that are prepared for her, a warm bed, and good education…
Of course, she tries not to let herself get too carried away, and on the morning of the fateful day, Maya does her best to keep her demeanor calm and collected. It was only proper of her to be going directly to the establishment of the person she had chosen to hear their answer directly, be it acceptance or rejection.
All the carriage ride there, Maya prays to whatever gods may or may not exist - to who or whatever might hear and understand her prayers - that it can be a favorable answer. But she does steel herself and expect the opposite.
And at last, when the horses slow to a stop, Maya is up on her feet too quickly, and Rei needs to motion for her to sit back down. The advisors exit first, then help Maya down, as is proper.
Maya is greeted by a beautiful sight.
Claudine stands there before her with the Saijou estate and gardens behind her and a suitcase in one hand. Just that image enough gives a clear answer, but Maya fights herself to keep down a squeal of delight.
The rest of the Saijous are present as well, with the elder sisters looking particularly dolled up, as if they'd been hoping Maya might change her mind at the last second and choose one of them instead. The parents are looking painfully pleasant, so much so that it's obvious it's all and act for the money, but Maya doesn't care about that.
Her eyes only settle on Claudine, whose rosy eyes somehow seem to locate her even before Maya has even made a sound. As is proper, the lower-class family greets the higher-class first.
"Good afternoon, Tendo-sama," Lord Saijou says. He bows, and all the women curtsey. Claudine, too, dips her head and bows forward as she speaks in a reserved tone.
"Good afternoon." She doesn't smile, nor does she frown. She lets on nothing about what she is feeling.
Maya tries not to let that bother her too much.
"Greetings." She briefly makes eye contact with the others, but ultimately rests her gaze on Claudine again. "Saijou Claudine-san, I take it you have favorable news for me?"
"She accepts!" Lady Saijou proclaims. "She accepts your proposal, Tendo-sama!"
"Indeed," her husband agrees. "There would be no greater honor than if the esteemed Tendo household would be willing to look after her."
"That's all very well and good," Maya says calmly, trying not to sound irksome at their interjections. "But as I had previously stated, I need an answer from Claudine-san herself. Only if she accepts the offer shall I do the same."
There is a slight pause, during which time Maya can all but see the Saijous' thoughts, shouting at Claudine: 'Tell him you accept!' Maya knows the rest of the family is only in it for the money, but if it means Claudine can honestly accept her offer and be happy and safe for the rest of her life, Maya will gladly pay to keep them away. Maya sets her attention only on her.
"Claudine-san?" She waits patiently, watching as Claudine draws in a breath before lifting her face once more. This time, her blind eyes find Maya's as accurately as if she truly could see.
"Tendo-sama. I am exceedingly honored by your offer to make me your bride. And I humbly accept."
Maya is absolutely enthralled. Had she harbored even an ounce less of self-restraint than she had, she might've scurried right up to Claudine, grasped her hand, and kissed it. But thankfully, she is able to keep herself poised, and approach the girl more slowly - though she can't keep the smile off her face.
"Claudine-san. You haven't the slightest idea as to how happy it makes me to hear that answer from you. Thank you. As I am already certain that you will make me the happiest man alive, I swear to make you the happiest woman."
Maya offers her hand. She lets Claudine know she has done so by gently brushing her thumb across the pads of her fingers. The slight sound it creates tells Claudine of the position of her hand. She leans her cane against her dress and reaches out to accept Maya's palm. Maya beams.
As Rei and Shuuichi discuss the weekly payments with the Saijous behind them, Maya and Claudine are given a moment alone.
"Saijou-san," Maya says more privately. It feels better to address her more formally when they are alone. "I truly am so elated by your response." It takes a great deal of self-control for her not to be too excessive and squeeze or stroke Claudine's hand. But Maya does raise it up a little - an unspoken inquiry. It was only natural that a man would kiss the hand of his future wife. Even if they were not quite at the level of lovers, Maya still feels the urge to try it.
She pauses, allowing Claudine to understand her intentions and pull away if she wishes. But after a heartbeat, Claudine blinks up at her and dips her head slightly in acceptance. Maya leans down to press a soft kiss to the back of her hand as a trill of excitement runs through her. She then gently lowers Claudine's hand and releases her so she can hold onto her cane again.
"Now then," Maya says to her. "Please direct me inside to the rest of your things. I'll have them brought out."
But to her surprise, Claudine stops her.
"There isn't any more. This is all."
Maya blinks down at the single suitcase in her possession.
"That's all…?"
"Oui. This is all I care to take with me."
Maya understands that the Saijous never publicly announced Claudine as their third daughter, but she had hoped that they might've still provided for her as they did for the other two. Clearly, that wasn't the case, and Claudine had fewer material possessions to her name than her servants did.
"I see… Then please, allow me." Maya reaches out her hand, and Claudine allows her to take the suitcase. Maya places it into the carriage, then hurries back to her side.
Claudine doesn't seem to know what to do, so Maya softly nudges her arm with the lightest of touches. Once Claudine understands, she reaches out a bit hesitantly to loop her free hand around Maya's elbow.
Judging by the soft huff Claudine gives, Maya gauges that normally she would go herself, since she was more than capable with her cane. Only because it's a carriage does she allow Maya to guide her up to the doors.
Maya steps up first, then gives a light pull to help Claudine inside after. Maya hovers beside her, somewhere between sitting and standing.
"Are you comfortable? Shall I open the window at all?"
Claudine blinks, once again as if surprised by the prospect of someone asking about her comfort levels.
"This is fine."
"Ahem." Rei's grunt alerts Maya to her presence, and she quickly exits the carriage to face her. The maid appears almost irked, but her eyes are bemused. "Tendo-sama, you're fussing over this girl like a schoolboy with a crush."
"My apologies." Maya knows it's a concealed warning that she's being too lax in front of other people. She reels herself in and puts on the proper front again. "Have you and Shuuichi finished discussing the legalities with the Saijous?"
"We have." Rei lowers her voice. "Please let us get out of here now."
Maya smirks just a little.
"Of course."
"Is that all of her luggage?" Rei asks, glancing into the carriage behind Maya.
"It would appear so."
The maid mutters something likely to further add to her distaste of the Saijous.
"All right then. Shuuichi and I will ride up front with the driver so you two aren't crowded."
"I appreciate it."
Maya gets back inside the carriage and secures the door behind herself. She remembers her manners and sits on the seats opposite Claudine rather than next to her.
A moment later, the carriage begins to move. Maya expects to see a bit of sadness on Claudine's expression as she leaves her home and family behind. But again, to her surprise, she sees more relief there than anything.
"Saijou-san?" Maya asks. "Are you all right?"
"Yes," she replies.
"Pardon me for prying, but it seems you have more you would like to say. Please don't hesitate to speak your mind when you are with me. I don't mean to pressure you, but if you would feel comfortable saying more, then please know it is quite all right."
Claudine lifts her eyes toward Maya, and a tiny smile curls up the corners of her lips.
"I knew it…"
"Pardon?"
Claudine lets out a sigh.
"I knew I was right about you. In a good way," she clarifies.
"I am very happy to hear that." Maya is a bit confused, but still smiles back. "Would you perhaps mind elaborating for me?"
Claudine, who had been sitting rather stiffly upright until now, leans back a bit against the cushions and relaxes just a little.
"It's a relief to be out of that place," she murmurs. "Yes, my parents forced me to accept your offer, but-"
"Eh…?" Maya's heart and smile fall together. "They forced you to?"
"Of course they did. I don't know how much your family is paying them weekly, but it was more than worth it to them to have a burden like me out of the estate."
Maya's stomach starts to churn. She feels sick, with anger and with dejection alike.
"But… I thought I made it very clear that this should only come to fruition if you accept my proposal of your own volition."
"I do," she says matter-of-factly. "After thinking it over for a few days, I do accept. I trust my instincts that I was right to judge you as a good man, so coming with you and taking that risk is far better than staying trapped in that place."
It's a lot for Maya to process all at once, so she takes a moment to consider it all.
Based on her initial interactions with Claudine, and how the rest of the Saijous had behaved, Maya could assume they weren't the kindest of people. But for Claudine to be actively relieved to be away from them, and not shed a single tear for loss of anything at all…
It showed just how little anyone there cared about her.
It all but confirms to Maya now that Claudine's parents and sisters also abused and neglected her, and treated her as a nuisance. She can't even imagine a life like that…
Maya knows full-well that her own father could've hated Maya and blamed her for the death of his wife and son. But the only hardship she'd ever had to face was covering the slip-up of a feminine giggle here or there.
Claudine, however, had been despised all her life, it would seem, forced to fend for herself in her own estate, never acknowledged as a daughter of the household, made to entertain guests all because she was blind…
And that is an entirely different matter that Maya could never hope to comprehend. A life without sight, without colors, without shapes, without the ability to see a person's expression and judge their intentions in their eyes.
Maya does her best to understand. To Claudine, she is the wealthy son of the richest noble family in the empire. She likely assumed that Maya only meant to abuse her, or use her for entertainment. And even after considering all of the terror and pain that would come with that, Claudine still chose Maya over her own family.
And that spoke to just how awful they were to her.
It saddens Maya into silence for a long moment. She can't blame Claudine for being cautious and wary of her, but it does sting just a little.
Claudine had mentioned she'd judged Maya as a good person, so her decision to come with her had been made out of logic. Coming with Maya to escape the Saijou household had been a decision of practicality, not genuine emotion. Maya respects that logic, because if she were the one in Claudine's position, she knows she would do the same thing.
But she doesn't want Claudine to think she has any ulterior motives in this. She truly did like Claudine. It had been evident from the moment Maya had laid eyes on her in her performance, and it had only solidified with the more sides of herself she had revealed to Maya. It is her hope that someday Claudine might return those feelings.
The fact that Claudine was blind and would make the perfect candidate for Maya's wife because she would never be able to see that Maya was a woman was an added bonus.
Maya will simply have to do everything within her power to prove any of Claudine's fears wrong, and ensure she understands that she is nothing but safe with her.
Her minute of reprise had turned into three. Maya quickly brings herself back into the moment, smiling once more.
"I understand," she says. "And while I do apologize for the injustices you have suffered until now, I swear to you on my family name that you shall not suffer any more. Not while you are with me. I swear it to you, Saijou Claudine."
For the first time since Maya had met her, she witnesses the faintest blush dust across Claudine's cheeks.
"Please," she mutters, tilting her head down. "You needn't consider me so much."
"I beg to differ." Maya doesn't miss a beat. "If you are to be my wife, then I shall see to it that you are cared for, if not by me, then by my most trusted attendants. No one in the Tendo estate shall harm you or speak ill of you. And not because they will be under orders or anything of that nature, but simply because they are good people. My father and I do not keep bad company. If at any point you find anything or anyone disagreeable, please do not hesitate to approach me about it." Maya softens her tone, but remains serious. "And… should you, at any time wish to cancel the arrangement and return home-"
"Enough." Maya is cut off when two hands reach out and aimlessly dance through the air above her lap until they've located her hands. Claudine squeezes firmly. "I trust my instincts. Since I can't see to judge a person's expression for myself, I know my intuition is infallible. I won't ask to go back there. Not if you're truly the kind of man you say you are."
Maya does flinch very slightly at that, but not in her hands where Claudine would've been able to detect it. She swears to herself that her gender will be the only lie she tells Claudine. The matter of what they plan to do about children in the future can be elaborated when the time is right. But Maya vows never to lie to her about anything else.
"I am," she says. "I promise you that your instincts are correct, Saijou-san. I am exactly the kind of man you think I am. I don't intend to have you do anything you wouldn't wish to, and that includes agreeing to this proposal."
"I've already agreed to it," Claudine says, releasing her hands. "And I don't intend to change my mind about it."
Maya maintains her smile just as the carriage comes to a halt. Her conversation with Claudine had made her consider a lot of things in a brief amount of time - most importantly Claudine's feelings in all of this. But ultimately, it seems Claudine does trust her, at least her to some degree.
Rei comes around to take Claudine's suitcase, and at that point Maya introduces them.
"Saijou-san. Rei is my closest attendant. She is exceptional at what she does, and she will always come to your aid should you require any. Please never hesitate to call upon her if you do not feel comfortable with calling me."
"It's a pleasure, Saijou-sama," Rei says. "If you reach out your hand I can help you down."
Again, Claudine hesitates. Clearly, she's never been assisted like this before, or been spoken to so kindly.
"Merci," Claudine says. "I'll be in your care."
Rei helps her down, and Maya follows.
From there, the attendants head off into the mansion to find Maya's father and discuss the contract and paperwork. The driver takes the horses and carriage around back to the stables, leaving Maya and her bride alone on the expansive walkway.
Maya offers her hand, brushing her thumb across her fingers like she had earlier.
But perhaps because now that Claudine is in unfamiliar territory, she has become that much more cautious. She turns away from Maya, ignoring the offered hand, though Maya knows she'd been aware of it. She's about to get a little sad, until Claudine makes a simple request.
"Describe it for me…?"
Maya perks up.
"But of course."
It was going to take Claudine a long time to get used to the new property, all of its walkways and corridors and objects. The best way to help her adjust would be for Maya to describe everything in great detail.
"Well for starters, there is quite some distance until we reach the doors. The ground is level and paved, so you'll be fine to walk forward."
She isn't sure how much detail Claudine can comprehend in order to paint a mental image in her head. She can only assume that Claudine makes sense of things best via the descriptions of how they feel, so Maya focuses on that.
She begins walking and talking, while Claudine slowly follows after with her cane.
Maya describes the width of the walkway and the layout of the surrounding property. She tells Claudine where the stables are located, and where the fountains are. Once they reach the stairs, Maya counts them and informs her how many there are before guiding her to the door.
Claudine is clearly determined to navigate her way through it all on her own, without the help of Maya's physical touch. So Maya keeps a fair distance between them, but remains close enough that she could help her if she did fall victim to the unfamiliar surroundings.
Once they're inside the main entrance, Maya describes the parlor area, the furniture, the lights, the tapestries, and which direction to go in order to reach which destination from there.
"But first," Maya says. "I presume you are exhausted from your journey. Would you care for some lunch?"
"...I wouldn't mind."
"Very well. Please follow me."
Maya leads her to the dining hall, where she describes the layout of the room. She pulls a chair out for Claudine. But it's evident that Claudine has never had her chair pulled out for her before, because she goes to try and pull it out herself, only to find it isn't in the position she expected it to be in. She stumbles just a little, and Maya reflexively reaches out to steady her.
"My apologies! Are you all right?"
Claudine shies away from her.
"I'm fine…"
Maya's heart drops again. But again, she tries to consider everything from Claudine's perspective. She vows to earn her trust, no matter how long it may take.
A maid soon brings out a luxurious meal, consisting of meats, soups, rice, and vegetables, all prepared to the finest extent. Maya thanks her, and requests that her gratitude be passed along to the chefs as well.
Claudine seems once again baffled by it all and doesn't even touch her utensils. Maya, who had taken the seat next to her, invites her to help herself.
"You needn't worry," she says. "They've served us the same thing. I guarantee you that everything is as it should be. Nothing has been tampered with." She can only assume that Claudine had been a victim of such pranks many times in the past.
Claudine cautiously reaches for her knife and fork, fumbling just a little as she figures out what is where on her plate. Maya watches her curiously, resisting the urge to speak and tell her everything. Claudine is perfectly capable of figuring things out for herself if she's given the time and enough space to do so.
She scoops up a bit of rice and confirms it by its scent before tasting it. Then, once she's more sure of herself, she cuts off a bit of meat as well. She swallows, then finds her napkin and covers her mouth.
"This… is this pork?"
"Indeed it is," Maya affirms. "Have you never had it before?"
Claudine shakes her head.
"I've smelled it, and I've prepared it myself. But I've never tasted it."
"You've prepared it?" Maya blinks. "Pardon my outburst. I don't mean to insult your abilities. But preparing meat involves a great deal of cutting."
"I cooked," Claudine replies. "And cleaned. I could perform all the tasks as well as any of the other servants."
"Servants-?" Maya stutters. "So they really did keep you as a servant, then..."
"If not as a daughter, than what else would I be?"
Maya falls silent, feeling a fresh wave of disgust rising up in her throat. But she make sure to speak softly to her blameless bride.
"You prepared meals for your own family, but you never tasted them?"
"No. Not the meats and better ingredients, anyway. It was mostly leftover bread and fruit."
"And you prepared your meals yourself," Maya notes. "Because that was the only way you could trust it."
Claudine shrugs.
"I managed."
The remainder of their lunch is spent in silence, though not an uncomfortable one. However, Claudine doesn't manage to eat too much more of her food.
"I'm sorry to leave leftovers," she says. "It's delicious. Honestly, it is. I just-"
"Please do not fret." Maya soothes her before she can get too upset. Leaving leftovers at a noble's table was typically seen as an insult. Such high-quality food should have every last crumb cleaned off, or such was the mindset.
But Maya understands that this has been a long, exhausting day for Claudine, and she's likely dealing with so many emotions that her stomach is becoming upset. Not to mention that she likely wasn't accustomed to eating so much food at once. Maya imagined she'd only ever had very small meals until now.
They leave the dining hall, and Maya continues her tour of the place, describing everything she can to help Claudine form a mental map. With every servant they pass by, Maya pauses to greet and introduce them, describing to Claudine who they were and what their duties were. They all greet both Maya - their's master son - and Claudine - their master's sons' new bride - with gusto and excitement.
And each time, Claudine responds with a hesitant smile, as though she is constantly expecting any of them to suddenly trip her or laugh at her. She always appears genuinely shocked when the conversation ends normally, and she is allowed to walk away without any repercussions.
Maya hasn't even finished bringing her around the lower level before she spots an unexpected figure.
"Father!"
Normally, he would be upstairs in his quarters doing work, or out and about working with the Emperor, so Maya is shocked to see him here now. He turns to face Maya and smiles.
"Ah, son! I made sure I would be here to meet the lucky lady you told me so much about."
Maya stays by Claudine's side as her father approaches them, and she can see how Claudine stiffens. To be meeting the master of the estate so soon, and when she's already had such a hectic day, must be nerve-wracking for her. But even so, she bows deeply in his direction.
"Tendo-sama. It's an honor. I can't possibly thank you enough for your hospitality."
Maya makes eye contact with her father. When Claudine lifts her face again, he gives a slight nod, noting her condition.
"Saijou Claudine-san, is it? My son didn't do you justice when he described to me how beautiful you are."
"Father!" Maya blushes, and her father laughs.
But poor Claudine must be too intimidated by being in their presence, because she simply locks herself into another bow.
"Thank you, Tendo-sama. I surely don't deserve such a compliment."
"Surely you do," he says. "Son, we'll talk more tomorrow. For now, do what you need to."
"Yes, Father."
With this, her father leaves them to go about their way. Claudine waits until his footsteps have faded before straightening up again. It's at this point when Maya notices that she seems to be more distressed than she would like.
"Saijou-san? You're pale... Are you feeling unwell after all?"
Claudine grimaces and bites her lip, gripping her cane tightly.
"I'm sorry… It's a lot to take in."
"Of course! I should be the one to apologize. Please, allow me to take you somewhere where you may relax."
But even in spite of her weakened state - or perhaps because of it - Claudine still refuses to take Maya's hand.
Maya guides her verbally to the main staircase, matching Claudine's pace and keeping an arm out hovering at the small of her back in case she does end up swaying. Thankfully they make it to the top without incident.
Maya guides her several doors down the hallway until they come to Maya's own master bedroom. But she thinks better than to call it that right now. She understands Claudine's wariness of her, presuming Maya is a man who has brought her home with the intention of making her his wife. To bring her to Maya's bedroom when she was feeling unwell had too many unsavory implications that Maya didn't care to entertain, but it was the only bedroom available and fit for Claudine. Therefore, Maya simply leaves her ownership of the room out of it for now.
"Here," she says, pushing the doors open. "This will be your bedroom. There is an adjoining restroom to your right, a wardrobe and vanity to your left, and the bed is straight ahead. Would you care to rest for a few minutes?"
"Please…"
"Of course."
Claudine makes her way toward the bed, but as desperately as Maya wants to help her and make sure she's all right, she refrains.
To Claudine, she is a man. Her future husband. Even in the classes Maya had been apart of - classes for young boys and noblemen - it had been blatantly stated that a man could demand sexual favors and intercourse from his wife whenever he pleased. Maya had been outrageously appalled by this particular notion, but it was something that their society widely accepted.
Even so, she doesn't want Claudine to have that fear of her. So Maya stays put, wanting her to feel as safe as possible.
Claudine reaches the bed and cautiously sits herself down. Maya swallows anxiously.
"Would you perhaps like a glass of water?"
When Claudine hears how far away Maya is, she seems a bit shocked, but also relieved to have the space of the bed to herself.
"That's all right. I think I'd just like to lie down for a moment."
"Of course. I apologize for bombarding you with so much so quickly. Please, take all the time you need. May I send Rei to check on you later?"
"That's fine."
"Very well."
Maya dips her head before turning briskly and exiting the room. She leans back against the closed doors and lets out a long sigh.
This was enough for today. The last thing Maya wants to do is push Claudine. Unless she hears from Rei that Claudine asks for her, Maya will wait until tomorrow to see her again.
For now, Maya seeks out her father once more, and goes over everything with him. How Maya won't reveal her gender to Claudine since she is blind. How they will eventually seek out another couple to bear children for Maya to raise as the future Tendo heirs. And then about the wedding arrangements, and how they plan to handle the public's reaction about Maya's wife being blind.
It's going to be a lot of work, and Maya knows this.
But if it means giving Claudine a better life, and if it means that Maya can be a part of that life - even just on paper - she is willing to accept it.
Going into all of this, Maya hadn't been too thrilled about the idea of marrying a woman she didn't truly care for, but simply whomever could agree to keeping Maya's secret.
But Claudine is someone who doesn't ever need to know that secret at all, someone they don't need to pay to keep quiet.
Though right now, Maya knows Claudine mainly only agreed to this arrangement because it was the lesser of two evils. But she hopes that someday, Claudine might enjoy her company, enough to seek Maya out and grow close to her.
After all, Maya has yet to inform her of the plan of how they intend to raise children in the future - children who won't belong to either of them.
At this point in time, Claudine has no knowledge of any of that, or of Maya's circumstances in general.
Right now, all that Saijou Claudine knows is that she is to be the wife of a nobleman.
By the time Maya explains everything to her… her only hope is that Claudine won't come to hate her in the end.
A/N: I hope how I've written the rules/plans of their marriage and the surrogate couple who will give them children makes sense. 0mn had it all written out in great detail on the notes page, so I hope I'm portraying it in a comprehensive way.
Claudine is still wary of Maya, and Maya is doing her best to understand things from a blind, confused, mistreated girl's perspective! It's going to take time and kind actions in order to gain her trust.
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