As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, Tokinada's eyes flickered open. He found himself holding Ayame in his arms, Her head snuggled into his shoulder and curvaceous body still pressed against his.
He looked down at her sleeping form, A sense of contentment and satisfaction coursing through him. He smiled, Running his fingers through her hair, Feeling the silky strands between his fingertips.
He allowed himself a moment to enjoy the feeling of her in his arms, But as the minutes ticked by, His thoughts turned towards the day ahead. He knew he would need to get up soon, However he wanted to savor this feeling of intimacy just a little bit longer.
He leaned down, Pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, Before reluctantly leaving from his place beside her. He sat up, Running a hand through his messy hair as he stretched his limbs.
After changing, He slipped on his coat and left her room. He wandered aimlessly through the archaic wing of the castle, Following the wood bound walls, He walked past countless paintings that showed the history of his family and how they came to be. Paintings gifted to Utsunomiya after one of their infamous conflicts.
As he passed by one painting, He caught sight of her ex-fiance Byakuya and Ayame. Both teenagers were dressed in traditional robes, Their hands linked together. They looked happy, Happier than he'd ever seen them. A pang of jealousy stabbed his chest, As he wondered how and when they'd become so inseparable. It seemed a past-hood now, For them to share such feelings. They were supposed to be a match made in heaven. Both now separated, Ayame in the clutches of a snake and Byakuya with a eurydician woman he cannot ever truly be with.
It wasn't long before he reached the courtyard. He stopped, Looking around curiously. He didn't think he had ever been in this part of the castle before. In fact, He had never come this far into the ancient complex.
He gazed at the garden, He couldn't help but frown in confusion when he saw Ayame's mother Tsuyoi standing near the middle of it, Her back towards him. Her red shawl billowed lightly in the breeze, The yellow sunlight reflecting in the woman's black hair. She slowly turned to Tokinada with a weary demeanor.
"I heard noises coming from my daughter's quarters last night, You slept with her didn't you?"
Tokinada paused, A mixture of surprise, Annoyance, And amusement on his face. He had not expected to be approached by Tsuyoi, But more than that, He had not expected the directness of her question. He was not used to others being so bold in his presence, Especially not a woman. Nonetheless, He smiled, And spoke quietly and calmly.
"That I did," He answered simply.
"I thought I raised her better." The woman said sternly, "That my daughter would be smart enough to avoid a man like you. It seems I was wrong about her and to trust my husband's judgement especially now that he chose you to be a courtier for Ayame."
Tokinada raised a dark eyebrow in slight amusement. It seemed that Tsuyoi was clearly not happy about the night's events. He wasn't overly concerned, But it was always entertaining to see a mother's protectiveness over her daughter.
"Is that so?" Tokinada said casually, Crossing his arms. "And what sort of 'man' do you think I am?" He asked.
Tsuyoi fixed a look of distaste upon Tokinada, "You are a man who cannot be trusted," She said bluntly. "A man who only thinks of his own pleasure, With no regard for others. A man who takes what he wants and discards it when he is done." Tsuyoi paused for a moment, Her expression softening slightly. "And I had hoped that my daughter would have more sense than to give into your selfish whims. The man who was meant to have my daughter was never meant to be you, Tsunayashiro."
Tokinada's expression remained unchanged, His smile did not waver. He could not help but be amused by Tsuyoi's harsh words. She was so quick to condemn and judge him, Without even knowing him. Tokinada's smile grew cold at the woman's assessment of his character. It was true that he was selfish and hedonistic, He would not deny that. Then again, He knew it was quite pointless trying to justify himself to her.
"Selfish, Am I?" He said, A hint of mockery in his tone. "Perhaps it is you who is being selfish, Tsuyoi. Your daughter is grown. She is capable of making her own decisions."
Tsuyoi bristled at Tokinada's words. "How dare you!" She exclaimed, Her voice rising in anger. "I am not being selfish! I am trying to protect my daughter from a man like you!"
Tsuyoi took a step towards him, Her hands clenching into fists. "You do not know my daughter. You do not understand her. You only see her as a means to satisfy your own desires. I saw her drinking yesterday, All evening! You took advantage of her vulnerability!"
Tokinada's smile turned into a smirk. Tsuyoi's protectiveness amused him even more.
"Oh, I understand your daughter quite well," He said, His voice taking on a sinister undertone. "More than you think. And as for taking advantage of her... Well, I didn't need to force her to do anything. She came to me willingly."
Tsuyoi's eyes widened in surprise and disgust, "You..." She was at a loss for words, Unable to believe what she was hearing. "... You filthy, despicable monster! You took advantage of her because she was depressed and exposed!" Suddenly, Tsuyoi's expression hardened. "I will not allow you to ruin my daughter's life."
Tokinada's smirk widened. He was enjoying this way too much.
"Oh, Is that so? You're going to protect her from me, Are you?" He said, His tone mocking. "How very noble of you, Tsuyoi. Although, I'm not sure you're the best person to be giving advice on ruining someone's life. After all,"
Tokinada leaned closer, His voice dropping to a low, Menacing whisper, "If I recall correctly, You have a bit of a secret yourself, Don't you?"
Tsuyoi flinched, Her expression faltering for a brief moment. She knew exactly what Tokinada was referring to. Her own secret affair with her husband's cousin had been kept private for many years, And she had hoped it would never come to light.
"I...I don't know what you mean," She stammered, Trying to feign ignorance.
Tokinada chuckled, enjoying the sight of Tsuyoi's discomfort. "Oh, Don't play coy with me, Tsuyoi. You know exactly what I'm talking about. You think your little secret is safe? You think no one knows about your little indiscretion?"
He leaned in closer, His smile growing wider. "I know all about your affair, Tsuyoi. Your little fling with your husband's cousin. Don't try to deny it."
Tsuyoi's face turned pale, But she tried to maintain her composure. "Y... You have no proof..."
Tokinada chuckled again, His gaze piercing into her. "Oh, Tsuyoi, I don't need proof. I have my ways of knowing things, Don't you worry. Besides, I'm sure your husband would be quite interested in hearing about your little tryst, Don't you think?"
Tsuyoi's face paled even further. The thought of her husband finding out about her secret love affair was a fear that had plagued her for years. She had done everything in her power to keep it hidden, And now this man was threatening to expose her.
"You wouldn't dare," She whispered, Her voice trembling. "You wouldn't tell Hachiryu."
Tokinada's smile was cold and cruel. "Oh, I would. I would take great pleasure in watching your world come crashing down around you."
He took a step closer to her, His eyes boring into hers. "But I may consider keeping your secret, If you do something for me."
Tsuyoi's face crumpled at Tokinada's words. She knew she was trapped. She had no choice.
"What... What do you want?" She whispered, Her voice barely audible.
"Simple," Tokinada said, His tone almost casual. "I want you to leave me and your daughter alone. Don't interfere in our relationship any further. In return, I'll keep your little secret safe, Hidden away from Hachiryu."
Tsuyoi closed her eyes, Feeling defeated and humiliated. She had no choice but to agree.
"Fine. I'll do as you say," She said, Her voice resigned. "Just... Please don't tell Hachiryu about my affair. I'll do anything."
Tokinada's smile grew, His eyes glittering with sadistic pleasure. "Good, I'm glad we could come to an agreement. I'll keep your secret safe, As long as you keep your end of the bargain."
He stepped back, His tone becoming more casual. "And just for the record, I didn't force your daughter to do anything. She came to me willingly. And trust me, She was quite eager."
Tsuyoi's stomach clenched at Tokinada's words, Her face twisted in anger and hurt. Tokinada's last remark was like a knife twisting in her heart. It was one thing to know that her daughter had slept with this man, But to hear him speak of it so callously and revel in it was almost too much for her to bear. The thought of her daughter, Depressed and vulnerable, Being used by this monster was almost too much for her to bear.
"I hate you," She whispered, her eyes filled with tears. "I hate you with every fiber of my being... Ayame is a smart, Strong woman. She would never willingly give herself to you."
Tokinada chuckled again, Clearly enjoying the woman's pain and anguish. "Oh, But she did. She was eager, Desperate even. And let's be honest, Tsuyoi, You know your daughter better than that. You know that she is not the strong, Independent woman you think she is. She's a fragile little thing, Desperate for someone to come and save her."
He smirked, His eyes glittering with malice. "And who better to save her than me, The man who can give her everything she desires."
Tsuyoi clenched her fists, Her eyes filled with anger and pain. "Is that what you did? You took what you wanted from her, Knowing she was vulnerable and weak? She's already shattered and desperate. Did you need to destroy her further?"
Tokinada smirked, His eyes glittering with malice. "Oh, But I didn't destroy her any further. I merely took what she willingly offered. She came to me, Desperate for some kind of escape from her despair, And I provided it."
He leaned closer, His voice lightening at Tsuyoi's despair. "But I must admit, it's quite... Satisfying to see you so upset. I enjoy seeing the look on your face, The pain and anguish knowing that your precious daughter is with me."
Tsuyoi clenched her jaw, Trying to hold back her tears. She wanted so badly to lash out at this monster, To make him pay for what he had done to her daughter. But she knew she was powerless against him. She could only watch as he toyed with her pain and humiliation.
"You're a monster," She whispered. "A monster who takes pleasure in the suffering of others."
Tokinada chuckled, His eyes never leaving Tsuyoi's face. "Perhaps I am," He said, His tone almost nonchalant. "But let's be honest, Tsuyoi. You and I are not so different. We both have our secrets. You have your own transgressions, Your own darkest desires that you keep hidden from the world. And I do take pleasure in other people's pain. It makes me feel... Alive."
Tsuyoi's face paled at Tokinada's response. She didn't want to believe it, But deep down a small part of her knew he was right. She had her own secrets, Her own dark moments that she kept hidden from others. And she knew that somewhere, Deep down, She was capable of the same malice and sadism as the man standing before her.
"Don't compare me to you," She said, Her voice trembling. "I'm not like you."
Tokinada chuckled again, His eyes dancing with cruel amusement. "Oh, but you are like me," He said, His tone almost mocking. "You've controlled your daughter's life, Every aspect of it, since she was born. You've planned out her future, Her every move, even her marriage. You've never given her a choice, Never let her make her own decisions. You've made her into the miserable, Broken woman she is today. And you wonder why she turned to me for comfort and release?"
Tsuyoi's eyes widened in horror. Tokinada's words cut deep, And she knew he was right. She had controlled her daughter's life, And in doing so, Had stripped her of her independence and happiness. She had been so focused on creating a perfect, Flawless heir, That she had forgotten to allow her daughter to be herself.
"I... I was just trying to protect her," She whispered, her voice cracking.
Tokinada snickered, His eyes glittering with malicious excitement. "Oh, Tsuyoi, You were not protecting her. You were suffocating her. You were so fixated on creating a perfect heir, That you forgot to see her as her own being, With her own dreams and desires. You were so focused on the future, That you forgot to let her live in the present."
Tsuyoi looked down at the ground, Tears streaming down her face. She knew Tokinada was right, And it hurt her to the core. She had always thought she was doing what was best for her daughter, But in her desperate striving for excellence, She had destroyed her very soul.
"I...I didn't know..." She whispered, Her voice choked with tears.
Tokinada chuckled, Relishing in the woman's pain. "Of course you didn't know," He sneered. "You were too blind to see what was right in front of you. And now, Look at what you've done. You've turned your daughter into a shell of herself, Broken and desperate for someone to save her."
He leaned closer, His voice dropping to a cruel whisper, "And that person was me."
Tsuyoi's tears streamed down her face as she looked up at Tokinada in agony. The realization of her mistakes was too much to bear. She had hurt her daughter, And she knew it. It was too late to take it back, Too late to undo the damage she had done.
"What am I supposed to do now?" She whispered, Her voice shaking. "I... I can't fix this."
Tokinada chuckled again, His eyes glittering with sadistic satisfaction. "Oh, there's nothing you can do," He said, His tone almost mocking. "You can't fix what you've done. The damage is already done, And your daughter is now mine. You've lost her, Tsuyoi. Just like you've lost everything else you've ever loved."
Tsuyoi's mind flashed to the past, To the destruction of her clan. The memory of the violence and bloodshed was as fresh as it had ever been, And the pain and anger of that loss still burned within her. More tears streamed down her face as she clenched her fists in hopeless rage.
Tokinada's eyes gleam as he watched her, The memory of her loss bringing him pleasure. He knew the pain she felt, And he relished in it.
"Ah, I see the memory is still fresh in your mind," He said, his voice dripping with malice. "The destruction of your clan, The loss of everything you held dear. It must hurt, Doesn't it? To remember how powerless you were to stop it."
Tsuyoi's body trembled, Her pain and helplessness overwhelming her. She closed her eyes, Willing herself to push the memory away, But it was no use. The trauma of the loss was too real, And the pain was too deep.
"Please... Stop..." She whispered, Her voice cracking. "Don't... Don't talk about it..."
Tokinada chuckled, His eyes glittering with sadistic delight. "Oh, But I enjoy seeing you in pain, Tsuyoi. The memory of your loss, The pain it causes you... It gives me great pleasure. To see you so shattered, So broken, Is truly satisfying."
Tsuyoi's body trembled again, Tears streaming down her face. She wanted to cover her ears, To block out Tokinada's words, But she couldn't move. Her legs felt weak, Her spirit broken.
"Please..." She whispered again, Her voice trembling. "Don't... Don't say these things to me..."
Tsuyoi stood there, Frozen in anguish, For what felt like an eternity. But eventually, With heavy heart and tears still streaming down her face, She managed to turn and stumble back into the castle.
She knew that there was no escaping Tokinada's cruelty, No way to shake off the guilt and shame that weighed her down. She could only try to find some small measure of peace, Some meager comfort in the face of her shattered life.
Tokinada watched as Tsuyoi stumbled back into the castle, A cruel smirk on his face. He had enjoyed every moment of her pain, Every tear shed, Every ounce of despair that he had inflicted upon her.
"Pathetic," He sneered to himself as he turned away from the woman.
Tsuyoi stumbled through the halls of the castle, Her feet heavy and her heart even heavier. She felt like a ghost, Trapped in a limbo between life and death, Tormented by memories that refused to leave her alone.
Each step she took was agony, Each breath a struggle to remain standing. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she was stuck in a never-ending nightmare, A hell she would never escape. Her children and affairs were just the smoke screen to blind her of the reality she lived in.
Tsuyoi eventually found herself in a secluded corner of the castle, A small, Quiet chamber where she could be alone. With trembling steps, She collapsed onto a soft chair, Her body wracked with sobs and tears. She had always been so strong, So proud. But now, The proud lady felt like a mere shadow of her former Self. A pathetic, broken woman, Crushed by the weight of her own sins and regrets.
She sat there for what felt like an eternity, Her sobs slowly fading into soft, Resigned gasps. The events of the day whirled through her mind, Tormenting her like a relentless storm.
"How did it come to this?" She whispered to herself, Her voice hoarse and broken. "How do I go on from here?"
But there were no answers, no way forward. She was lost, Drowning in a sea of despair. The only certainty she had left was the cold, Hard truth that she had nobody left to turn to, Nobody who could save her from the darkness that engulfed her. She closed her eyes, Her body slumping forward in exhaustion. The sobs had stopped, Tears had dried, And now all that was left was an empty shell of a woman, A hollow facade of the proud lady she had once been.
Ayame woke up hours later alone, The bed empty beside her. She frowned, staring at the ceiling with a yawn. When she realized she was alone, Memories flooded her mind of last night. He must have gotten up a few hours ago. She groaned, Leaning her head back against the pillows.
As Ayame laid there with aching limbs, Her mind lingered on her hazy memories of their passionate tryst. She had shared her bed with Tokinada. She shook her head, Trying to rid herself of those embarrassing, yet strangely pleasant thoughts about him. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, Pushing herself up with a grunt. She stumbled, Her legs shaking as she tried to find balance.
Ayame let out a sigh, Taking a look into a hand held mirror. Her violet eyes gazed back at her reflection, Her eyes filled with confusion and embarrassment.
She couldn't understand why she had agreed to sleep with him. Even though she enjoyed his company, She couldn't help but question herself when she was with him. Why did she allow herself to be captured by him? Why did she give in to him, Accepting his desire despite knowing full well she could've easily refused them?
But even then, Even if she did refuse, Would that really have stopped him?
She sighed again, Placing the hand holding her mirror down next to her on the bed. Her fingers played with the sheets, Her mind unable to sort through the tangled mess it had created last night.
She got up, Grabbed her robe and slipped her arms through the sleeves.
Sauntering into her study she gazes at her desk. To her work and the sake bottle on the right side of the quiz papers. She reached forward, Latching onto the bottle, Her mind flashed back to the memory of Tokinada holding her close as she lay there, The way his mouth had teased her skin, The way his hands had moved over her body so boldly.
His voice echoed in her head, His words ringing loud and clear.
"You are mine..."
The memory made her blush, But then she recalled the look in his eyes when he saw her. The desire and lust in his gaze had sent an electrical current flowing throughout her entire body. She swallowed hard, the taste of him still lingering on her lips. She wondered if he felt anything for her. If it was real or was it merely the heat of the moment? Or did he sleep with her for a reason besides the obvious one?
Ayame continued to hold the sake bottle, Her mind still racing. With the bottle in hand she swiftly walked through the sliding doors onto the floor of the pavilion. With a swing of her hand she threw the bottle into the lotus pond.
Then lowered herself sitting down on a rock, Hanging her head, Her messy hair covering her face. She let out a heavy sigh. She knew she should feel ashamed, Ashamed for allowing herself to be trapped like that. She knew she should be angry at him for how he treated her, For how he took control and made her give in. Her body still ached from the night before, reminding her of what had happened.
Yet, Despite everything she still couldn't bring herself to feel those things. She didn't feel shame or anger towards Tokinada. Instead, She felt a strange mix of confusion, Desire and fear. She felt like she was in over her head and that scared her.
Despite her inner conflict, She couldn't deny the way he made her feel. The way his touch had aroused her and made her body respond to him in ways she had never experienced before. She was tempted to blame it on the alcohol, But even in her haze she knew it was more than that.
She could vividly remember how he had looked at her, How his eyes had darkened with lust and how they had wandered over her trembling form. How he had whispered dirty words to her, Words that she once thought she would never hear. She had never felt like that before, So vulnerable and yet thrilled at the same time.
She shivered, The memories from that night swirling through her mind. It was like a drug, One that she craved even more of. Despite her inner turmoil, She couldn't stop thinking about him. The way he touched her and moved against her body.
She remembered the way he tasted, The way his lips had traveled across her skin, The way his tongue had teased her and made her moan. She remembered the feeling of his hands moving over her body and the way he held her in his arms.
She closed her eyes, Her body reacting to the memories, Remembering his heat and intensity. She felt a strange pang of desire, A need for more of what he had given her. She wanted to feel him again, To have him touch her and give her pleasure. With a sigh, She opened her eyes.
She looked up at the sky, The bright light of the sun making her wince. She knew she had to snap out of this mind set, To get her mind off of him. But even as she thought that her mind wandered to him once more. She tried to push the memories away, But they stubbornly refused to leave her alone.
She tried to clear her head, To distract herself from these thoughts. But it was no use. She could still hear his voice whispering in her ear. Her body ached for more, Her mind refused to let go of the memory of the night before.
No he did not make her give in, She knew it was quite the opposite. She wanted and did indeed give into his desires and her own. He brought her both pain and pleasure, An escape.
Just then, She heard the sound of footsteps behind her. She turned, Her hair flowing with her as her eyes met with the familiar figure standing there.
Tokinada stood behind her, A slight smile on his lips, His eyes watching her intently. He stood there for a moment, Studying her. He could tell that she was deep in thought, Her expression troubled and conflicted.
"I see you're already up," he said, A hint of amusement in his voice. He moved closer to her, His footsteps light and graceful.
Ayame looked up at him as he approached. She tried to keep her expression neutral, But she knew he could see through her mask. She felt her body respond to his presence, Her heart beating faster.
Tokinada stopped in front of her, His eyes flickering over her, Taking in her appearance. He could tell that she was still affected by the night before, Her body still bearing the evidence of their encounter.
He reached out, His fingers lightly brushing against the strap of her robe. He felt her body tense under his touch, A small shiver running through her. He let his fingers trail down her arm, Feeling the slight tremble of her skin.
Ayame tried to keep her breathing steady, Her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't deny that she still responded to him, Her body reacting to his touch. She wanted to pull away, To keep a distance between them, But something deep down was drawing her closer to him.
"You look quite tired," He said, His voice soft yet amused. "Did I wear you out last night?"
Ayame bristled, Her eyes narrowing as she met his gaze. She knew he was enjoying this, Enjoying seeing her squirm. She tried to come up with a retort, But she was too distracted by his proximity, His presence filling her senses.
Tokinada chuckled, A sly smile on his lips. He could sense her internal struggle, Her conflicting emotions battling within her. He found it amusing, Her attempt to resist him even after the night they had shared.
He moved closer, His hand now resting on her hip. He pressed his body against hers, His frame almost towering over her. "You should have slept longer," he whispered, His breath hot against her ear .
Ayame closed her eyes, A small gasp escaping her lips. She could feel the heat of his body against hers, His smell engulfing her. She tried to push him away, To maintain her composure, But her body betrayed her. She felt herself leaning into him, Her body seeking his touch.
"You're quite a mess," He whispered, His lips hovering dangerously close to hers. "And such a stubborn one at that." He ran his fingers down her back, Enjoying the way she shivered under his touch.
Ayame tried to summon up some anger, Some sort of resistance, But her body was betraying her. She wanted more, She wanted him. She hated how her mind and body were at odds with each other.
She opened her eyes, Her gaze meeting his, Her voice a shaky whisper. "What do you want from me..."
Tokinada chuckled, His hand moving up to cup her cheek. He ran his thumb over her bottom lip, Feeling the softness of her skin. He leaned in closer, His breath hot against her ear.
"You know what I want," He murmured, His voice low and seductive. "I want you, in every way possible... So did you enjoy yourself last night?"
Ayame's heart thumped in her chest, Her body on fire. She could feel her resolve crumbling, Her resistance breaking down. She wanted to deny it, To push him away, But her body was betraying her, Responding to his every touch.
She swallowed hard, Her throat dry. "Yes," She admitted, Her voice a breathless whisper. "Yes. It was.. Incredible..."
His smile widened, His eyes darkening with lust. He loved how she admitted it, Her words giving him confirmation that he had her in his grasp. His hand moved down her back, His touch possessive.
"And what about me? Did I satisfy you?" He asked, His voice a low rumble against her ear.
Ayame's cheeks flushed, Her body heating up even more under his touch. She remembered how he had made her feel, How he had taken control and made her his. She felt a pang of desire, A need for more of what he had given her.
She met his gaze, Her voice shaky. "Yes," She breathed, "You did. You...You more than satisfied me..."
Tokinada smirked, His grip on her waist tightening. He could sense her arousal, Her body yearning for more. He loved knowing that he had this effect on her, That he had completely controlled her last night.
"You were quite the loud one last night," He murmured, His lips brushing against her neck. He felt her shudder beneath him, Her body responding to his touch.
Ayame's heart skipped a beat, Her body still wrapped in his embrace. She had almost forgotten where she was and what was expected of her. She pulled back slightly, Her eyes searching his.
"Did you... Did you get permission from the Tsunayashiro clan head... To court me?" She asked, Her voice slightly shaky. She knew the answer already, But she wanted to hear it from his own lips.
Tokinada chuckled, His fingers tracing patterns on her back. He knew this question was coming, But he could tell that she already knew the answer.
"No, I did not," He said, His tone unapologetic. "I came on my own volition. Does that bother you?" He asked, His eyes locked on hers, His gaze intense.
Ayame held his gaze, Her heart fluttering under his intense stare. She took a deep breath, Summoning up the courage to ask him the question that was on her mind.
"How do you plan to make the clan head accept our courtship?" She asked, Her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest.
Tokinada's smirk wisened, His fingers still drawing patterns on her back. He loved that she was asking him directly, Her curiosity and defiance still present. He embraced her from behind, His body pressed against her back.
His lips brushed against her ear, His voice lowering to a seductive tone. "You're quite bold today, Aren't you?" He murmured, His fingers moving up to toy with a strand of her hair.
Ayame shivered at his touch, her body still tingling from the night before. But she held her ground, Her eyes firmly meeting his gaze.
"Don't avoid my question," She insisted, Her voice serious. "How will you make the clan head accept our courtship?"
Tokinada chuckled, His fingers tracing a slow path down her spine. "Ah yes... that... I'll take you to meet my shrew of a mother Lady Itō."
Ayame's eyes widened, A mixture of surprise and disbelief on her face. "Your mother... The matriarch of the Tsunayashiro clan?" She whispered, Her voice laced with shock.
Tokinada smirked, His fingers still dancing across her back. "Yes, The very same," He confirmed, His eyes never leaving hers. "She's a real piece of work, But she holds the ultimate power in our family when it comes to marriage and spouses... I don't doubt she will approve of you.."
Ayame swallowed hard, Her mind racing with thoughts. She knew how influential the Tsunayashiro clan was, And the power their matriarch held.
Tokinada tightened his hold on her waist, Drawing her closer to him. "Don't fret," He breathed, His lips just barely skimming her jawline. "My mother is a difficult woman, It's true."
Ayame shuddered under his touch, Her heartbeat quickening at his words. She wanted to believe him, To trust in his reassurance. But the thought of meeting his mother filled her with a mix of fear and anticipation.
Tokinada smiled bitterly at the memory, His fingers twitching against her skin. "She's a woman who doesn't know the meaning of motherly love," He said, His voice quiet. "She only birthed eleven children for political advantage, And she viewed us all as nothing more than pawns in her machinations. I was the youngest and the least valuable to her, So I was the perfect scapegoat for anything that went wrong and the perfect candidate for ridicule."
Ayame's heart ached at his words, Her own fingers reaching up to gently stroke his face.
Tokinada closed his eyes, A flicker of vulnerability slipping past his cool facade as Ayame touched his cheek. He swallowed the lump in his throat, Turning his head to press a soft kiss against her palm.
"But I have no intention of letting her treat you the same way," He muttered, Opening his eyes to look at her intently. "You're not a pawn, You're not a tool for... her schemes. You're the only thing I've ever had for myself, And I'll be damned if I let her take you from me..."
Ayame felt her heart clench at the raw emotion in his voice. She knew that beneath his charming, Sarcastic exterior, Tokinada was a man haunted by a lifetime of cold, Familial manipulation and neglect. But at that moment, All she saw in him was protectiveness and a desperate longing for something real, Something of his own.
She pressed her forehead against his, Her fingers tangling in his hair. "I won't let her take me from you either," She promised quietly, Her voice filled with conviction. "We'll face her together."
Tokinada let out a shaky exhale, His hold on her waist tightening. For a brief moment, He looked unguarded, His cool facade completely dropped. Then, he chuckled, His usual, amused smile returning to his lips.
"Tch, Don't make promises you can't keep, Princess," He teased, His voice laced with amusement. But his eyes, Still fixed on her face, Betrayed his real feelings - vulnerability, And a desperate hope.
Ayame nodded, Bracing herself. "What is it?" She asked, Her heart rate picking up again.
"Where your mother is dogmatic and pathetic, My mother is... Cruel in every sense of the word." Tokinada's expression darkened. "She's ruthless, manipulative, And she has no love for anyone besides herself. When we meet her, She's bound to try and tear us apart, To break your spirit and convince me to give you up, Possibly humiliate us both in the process.."
Ayame swallowed hard, A wave of uncertainty crashing over her. She was no stranger to adversity, But the idea of facing Tokinada's mother was daunting.
But then, A determined spark appeared in her eyes, Her chin lifting slightly in defiance. "I won't back down," She insisted. "I won't give in to her mind games or let her manipulate me."
Tokinada met her gaze, Surprised by her resolve. But then, A small, Proud smile tugged at his lips.
"You're more stubborn than I gave you credit for," He said, His voice tinged with reluctant admiration. "But I suppose I'll enjoy watching you try."
He tugged her closer, His fingers tracing a path along her jawline. "Just promise me one thing," He murmured, His voice turning serious.
Ayame tilted her head slightly, Her eyes meeting his. She could sense the gravity of his words, And her heart pounded in anticipation. "What is it?" She asked softly.
Tokinada's fingers paused at her chin, His thumb gently brushing against her lower lip. "Promise me, No matter what she says, No matter what she does..."
His voice dropped, The protective edge sharpening. "You'll stay by my side."
Ayame's breath caught in her throat at the intensity in his gaze. For a moment, She simply stared into his eyes, the gravity of his words settling over her.
Then, Slowly, She nodded. "I promise," She said softly, Her voice holding a quiet determination. "I'll stay by your side, No matter what."
A flicker of relief crossed Tokinada's expression. He'd never expected her to back down, But hearing her firm, Reassuring words still eased some of his worry. He smiled faintly, One hand sliding down to rest on the small of her back, Pulling her flush against him.
"Good," He murmured, His eyes searching hers. "Just... Be prepared. My mother is a venomous snake. She'll stop at nothing to get what she wants."
Ayame suppressed a shiver at the thought of facing Lady Itō. She'd heard rumors about the matriarch of the Tsunayashiro clan, Whispers about her cold, Calculating nature.
But she pushed those thoughts aside, Determined to stand her ground. No matter what, she would not give Tokinada's mother any reason to question their relationship.
She leaned into him, Her head resting against his chest. "I'll be ready," She said quietly, Her voice steady. "I won't let her have her way."