"Dearest gentle readers,

Suffice it to say, that a young woman's sexual virtue must be perfectly unimpeachable.

And if there ever be question of said virtue, may there be at least two witnesses to confirm her truth; securing her as treasured.

Unless, however, she is found culpable. Then of course, as this society deems it so, she is forever ruined.

May these newly debutantes, whom wish to grace the presence of the ton and subsequently secure the approval of the Queen, be reminded of past events.

One would abhor such a life wedded to the wrong personage.

Indeed, I'd be remiss in not sharing the latest talk of the ton:

The return of the infamous Duke of Wingside, alongside those of his blended family.

Even in the King's fragile state, he, nonetheless, can discern the valor and strength of character in the Gushiken men.

Even if they may be adulterers.

Because of course, as history dictates, The Duke's alleged affair with the now Duchess of Wingside, was highly indelicate and scandalous.

One can only hope that his two sons will evade such shame in their time at court."

-Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, 10 April 1817.

The breaking dawn on the English Channel is without a doubt spectacular and noteworthy. It transcends, going beyond the everyday life of a noble aristocrat; calling to the mind, the awareness of the simplest of things.

Most days, I'd only have the luxury of viewing such a sight from my bedchamber's window. This day, I shall ride Nessa up toward a high cliff. We were able to depart before first light, and shall return, just in time before Mama will wake.

The day was usually a scheduled one: endless structure, constant dress changes, timed courses.

Everything to build the perfect product.

To advertise her.

She - demure, chase, quiet, submissive beyond all reason. Knowledgeable in every sense of the word: domestic.

A woman, well within her role, (as long as she does not allow her mind to speak, because God forbid).

And dare I ask what that might resemble?

Ignorance, yes?

Because, of course, I am to be mindless - eating after every word of what a man will give in utterance.

The diligent search through the British peerage system, of her that is unblemished. In all accounts: flawless.

In efforts to identify the one who could be chosen.

They would be qualified.

Anointed!

With only our Majesty to serve such a grace.

And although I am told to not think too much. To not allow my mind to wander. I am not ignorant of the honour it bestows, as it is the rarest of blessings.

To be…

A diamond.

The season's diamond!

I may not be as pretty as a Bridgerton, as strong-minded as a Sheffield, or even as poetic as Lady Whistledown (How such a grace that would be to most). However, I am inclined to desire such bestowing.

If I may obtain such, without the sultry attention of the most wicked-minded of men.

Without the one who flaunts all of his land and all of his wealth.

The old, tired, impatient, and quite eager for something that should certainly be out of his reach.

Or how about the one with the highest possible rank?

Or perhaps far worse, lest I be foolish to forget, one epithet: The Rake.

He lives in this world, like most men, where his sins are hastily absolved. Where he has every right to make his own choices.

For us, especially, women of nobility, our lives are already decided.

That is the way it is. The way it's always been.

The ground was soft today. The open field of grass yielding. The morning dew glinted its crystal colors; forming a wet blanket over the walk. The scent akin to petrichor surrounded me; calling me out to enjoy its fragrance, and its offering of bittersweet nostalgia.

And yet, able am I to indulge all but once a week.

I had mounted Nessa, and we began our walk down the path toward the open field.

She whinnied gently and tossed her head to and fro, along with her almond colored mane, in response.

I brushed my fingers over her neck, "Attagirl! We're overdue for a ride, are we not?" And held myself secure on her saddle.

The distal sound and thumping of hoofbeats was slowly approaching. I pulled the reins, turning Nessa and I around. A bright figure on horseback slowed before us; covered in ivory head to toe. He wore a cloak around his head and face, shielding his face from sight. He quite stood out; was rather odd, and nearly complemented his steed in appearance.

"How are your plans of stealing away?" He spoke, his voice smooth and low; equivalent to the timbre of a bass. "Certainly well, as you have not been detained even at such an hour."

How odd of a gentleman so near the center of London to be dressed as if he is not to be seen? Yet, his guise would surely attract attention. "I had not a mind to think much of it, sir."

"I see. Nessa?! I chance it you wish to race up-cliff?" He said, pointing upward, over the hill; evidently ignoring the bewildered expression that presented my face. Where he pointed toward happen to be our favored stop, toward the headland, above the English Channel. I often paused, absorbing in the view at its edge. I'd grown to miss the hours, Nessa and I, would sit up there, basking in the open air of the day. The grass was always greener there; softer even, and pleasant to lie down on.

Lest you be caught in such an unbefitting posture.

Nessa nickered, inclining her head in response. "Sir, I do not wish to cause offense but, how did you come to know her name?"

He responded in a titter, plainly circumventing my question. "I am certain Nessa has not been visited by such a challenge in some time. Make haste!" He boomed and called out to his horse in two clucks- speeding off in a canter.

"Indeed, he wishes a race then, Nessa. Well, of all days. We were looking for quite the thrill, have we not?" Nessa neighed her response again. I squeezed my thighs around her; signaling for her to trot ahead.

And off we went.

"Canter on, Nessa!" But she wanted to gallop. And so we did! The wind around us transformed into a gale; tousling my long, mahogany-colored hair behind us, as we galloped in her three-step gait.

The rush of excitement, the speed of the race, and then the cloudless skies opened up for us.

How liberating!

It had been years since we rode at such a speed. With no one of aristocracy about, and knowing that this could very well be the last of times for us, I quite proudly, enjoyed this!

How coarse it was, unladylike.

They'll think me unmannerly.

At the least, the cloaked gentleman was, somehow, privy to my need for such a morning. And in a small way, I was thankful for him.

Nessa and I were closing up on him and she was overtly thrilled by the ride.

The stranger and his steed were synchronized in their gallops, riding brilliantly. Boldly! Even. Pressing onward.

Somehow, though, this was all quite seemingly familiar.

"It is rather indecent for a lady to ride in such a way," I called out, unsure if he had even heard me. "Especially in the absence of a chaperone!"

"Worry not, we are free out here!"

"I am familiar with the trail upward. Are you certain your horse can handle it?"

"I suppose there is only one way to find out!" He signaled for his horse to gallop forward, speeding hastily ahead.

We tagged behind in the same. He appeared to be quite the equestrian; impressive really. He embodied a formidable aura and was one with his steed.

How, unfortunately for him, even if he knew not, he had met his match.

At once, Nessa seemed to have gotten her second wind as we were now able to reach them, nose to nose. The synchronized galloping of our horses pounded at the ground beneath us. Nessa was fiercer than ever; in sync with elation and euphoria. He had roused her, this stranger, stirring her awake. Fevered in a galloping frenzy.

We were equal though, in mind, man and beast. Delightfully subject to this experience, as exhilarating as it was. My cheeks even started to burn; my smile large and wide, beaming. It was a ride I'll soon not forget.

In no time we had outpaced them; dashing through the freshly moisten terrain, through and around the blossoming trees, then, up and over the high cliff. The salty, driftwood smell of the sea was evident now. A scattered ombre of red and orange colors spilled over, throughout the skies. Their luminosity pouring through the pockets of darkness that rested over the forest of trees; tucking the night away.

We had finally arrived at the cliff's edge. At such a sight, it takes one's breath; expelling it which ever way the wind goes. The atmosphere and its zephyr, offered a deserved sense of freedom. One that felt almost like a sin to know of, to experience.

A rush of wind caressed over and through my bare face. My long hair wind-blown, fluttering freely. Freely as it should be.

If only time could be restrained here; in a seemingly perpetual sunrise.

I am thankful of such a numinous beauty. For I am certain it would feel forsaken, if not viewed by our eyes for just one more day. A piece of life that is seemingly missed by the ton. They believe themselves to have all. And if that be true, then certainly, for I am sure, they have not even lived.

The strange rider approached, still mounted upon his horse. The ivory colored cloak was presently unaltered, enshrouding my view of him. He was silent and held his position adjacent to mines.

"I shall be the first to reflect on such beauty. A spirit of lightheartedness induces, yes?." It could deliver. It had delivered. Time and time again. It was good for that, and gave me my own sense of unaltered freedom.

"You are most certainly accurate." He replied.

"Have you been up here before?"

"Have I?" He huffed a laugh. "I know it well."

"And where are you headed this morning, sir?"

"I had hoped to see someone out here this morning, assuming she and Nessa still frequent here." He replied with not much inclination in his voice. "At least before I returned to the Duke of Wingside's London estate."

"Have we been acquainted?" Wait..., "Yes! I remember. Is..., is it you, my Lord?"

He dismounted and pulled at a small string holding the front end of the riding cloak together. Once it loosened, he removed the covering from around his shoulders, tousling his knee-length whitish-silver hair free.

I sobered!

This was undreamt, a pleasant surprise!

I felt, immediately, each and every one of my hair follicles stand up on its ends. I was suddenly numb and frozen all over; certainly the color in my face paled, as all of the blood in my body rushed inward - channeling its focus to the most vital of things.

And it was all I could hear:

My thumping heart.

My eyes had deceived me, assuredly. For, whatever else could explain who stood before me and Nessa. He still had those sparkling honey eyes and skin akin to the brightness of the night's moon. He had grew a great deal taller, much in vitality. He even let his hair grow quite long. So very long, seemingly as long as mine. He had his eyes fixed over me, as if he too was unsure of who he had met atop here this day.

He had not blinked. Had not uttered a single sound. The sea's crashing waves, had filled the silence in for us. A worthy substitute, indeed. That same wind flittered both our freed tresses toward the sea. I had not the mind to keep mines from fluttering across my face - as shock had possessed me, still.

He had grown handsomely.

The youth of his adolescence a distant memory. What remained behind was the face of a warrior; of tolerance, of stoicism, and of strength.

For, now, each of the days I had intentionally rehearsed this moment, I had some difficulty comprehending if I had, in fact, prepared myself even at all.

I felt first, the resonance of his voice; a low timbre in the range of a bass. And suddenly I realized then, how now, I was not simply alone with an old friend. I was alone, some miles from my papa's estate, with he, that was now, a man. "Had you gotten my letters?"

"My Lord," I said, quickly dismounting Nessa. I soon realized how much I had underestimated his height, indeed. He easily towered over me. Although, he always did - some seven years before, but, everything here was so...,

Different now.

"It is really you? All in one flesh?" I had set my gaze up at him. Just as I would some time ago. He, however, held a sharp look over his eyes as they scanned me over again; crown to sole.

"Certainly you recognize me, Rin-chan?" A small smile reached a corner of his lips.

"Yes, yes of course I do!" I grinned up at him and bowed my respects. "Sesshōmaru-sama! I feel I cannot believe what my eyes are seeing."

He edged a step closer to me, inclining his head. At this shorten distance, I could much better map out his sharp and chiseled jawline. His complexion perfectly clear, translucent even. "It is I who is left without words. Seeing as you have grown...," He paused, seemingly focused on my unwavering fixation of his eyes. "...quite beautifully into yourself."

I then felt the heat from his body, a foreign fragrance of sandalwood encircled me; inducing me faint. And if I may be so candid, I had evermore set my gaze over his eyes, however many years have lapsed, and yet, having never seeing, er, feeling, the look he had in his eyes, right here in this moment. "My Lord, you embellish me."

"When have I ever exaggerated the truth?" He said, matter of factly. Even for such a revered and respected warrior, he still held his countenance approachable, genial. At the very least he did with me.

I lowered my chin and nodded. "You are far too kind, as you have always been." I turned my back to him and slowly brushed my fingers through Nessa's mane, hearing her sigh in response. "I haven't received your letters in some time. It so happens that around that time, mama wished me to forgo such a friendship. She thought me foolish for continuing to embrace the thought of you ever returning or that I'd ever see my friend again. I however, did not find fault in it."

"And so, they remain unread?"

"Yes. I suppose they had not found their way to me it would seem."

"Hmph, your mother was never one to appreciate our relationship as children." He mulled.

"I sensed that she thought it improper to continue writing you." I paused, turning slightly to meet his eye. "As you, of course, my Lord, are now a man. A soldier! The Marquess of Wingside. And I, a woman-..."

"Are you?" He asked directly, an arched brow rested over his forehead.

"W-Why, certainly my lord. Well, toward the end of this very day.

"You are to be presented at court? Before our Queen?"

"Yes."

He huffed a laugh.

"You mock me, my Lord?" I chortled.

"I dare not."

He however left an irritating little smirk over his lips. I forced a smile in return then pouted my lips at him.

His eyelids lowered and he slowly shook his head before flashing them back over at me. "I do not wish to burden you, Rin-chan. I am simply re-calling a time when such a practice revolted you."

"I do not have the privilege of declining. I have learned to accept that." I had my eyes toward the seas now, mulling over my acquiescence. "I concur!" I let go a despondent shrug. "I have been thoroughly prepped and prepared, perfectly intact."

He hummed deeply in response. I could literally feel his eyes leering over me. His gaze, since his unveiling, was rather persistent; penetrating even. As if what caught his eye had possessed his reason.

It bears mentioning, that the Sesshōmaru-sama I had knew, was his usual: apathetic, aloof, unbridled, and overtly unconventional.

I had enough evidence to see here, how much he had changed. How much he had grown. How he had flourished and I'm quite sure he had seen much of the world.

Well, it felt akin to onism. And if I am honest, a trace of envy lurked somewhere deep in my mind, of how truly free he was.

"Then,..." he said under his breath. He had gathered himself directly behind me and I felt a shudder hurtle from top to distal. "I hope you are aware, Rin-chan. It requires more than a nod from the Queen to qualify for womanhood."

I cannot say what possessed me to turn my head backward. But at first glance, I immediately realized how much of a lapse in judgement that was. His eyes had caught a gleam of the morning's light, reflecting the irregularly designed honey-colored furrows within his direct and centered irises. My heart had literally stopped; excusing the apparent reason for my newly found faintness.

"You fancy me, Rin?" He said, overt in confidence.

"By the Gods!" I had quite literally slapped myself sane. "My lord! Pardon my..., gaze."

I was, presently, several inches away from where he had, - not been several inches from me. I had taken the backs of my hands toward my burning cheeks.

He leaned an elbow over Nessa's saddle, "What ails you then?", a lifted brow and humored smug drew at his face.

I crossed my arms to my chest and scowled at him. "You merely wish to gawk and snicker at my demise. How ungentlemanly of you!"

He let out a husky laugh and shook his head at me. "I take no pleasure at such things. And have not sinned against you Rin-chan." He closed the distance between us again. I did not - could not meet his gaze. "May you accept my repentance nevertheless?"

"Not in the least!" He hid his eyes from me, covering them with his whitish-silver feathered bangs. "Oh, oh, alright, my Lord. Stop this at once, lest I be undone once again!"

I waited for him to lift his chin and display that rare, spirited upturn upon his lips. "And what of your duties? There is talk of you and Inuyasha-san. Of your gallantry. Your boldness on the front lines."

"We have fought brilliantly; protecting our lands and for all of Great Britain."

"You have done all you set yourself out to do, my Lord. I'm sure our Majesties are forever indebted to your efforts. Your bloodline prevails!"

"I have made my name by my industry. And of course,..." a more stern aura projected from his countenance then. "It has always been an honour to hear of your approval."

I bowed my respects again and mulled over what I had yet to ask him, "Why have you returned only now?"

He paused and set his eyes elsewhere. Perhaps in the midst of the crashing waves. "I am in need of an heir."

I huffed my disbelief. "You! You wish to marry, my Lord?"

"It is merely a consequence of duty."

"And there we agree." I finalized.

"You truly do not wish to take a husband?"

"I..., I'm not sure," I held my eyes low, before flickering them back up at his that were intently assessing me. "No matter! It's 'a fait accompli'.

"Indeed. Your sensibility and wisdom precedes you, Lady Rin."

I flashed at him a small grin and reached for Nessa's reins. "Since we have exchanged pleasantries, I must take my leave."

He nodded plainly, "As you wish. I shall remain here."

I remounted Nessa and began guiding her down the path of the cliff. I had learned, in former days, of his father's supposed affair. He had divorced and remarried in haste, which was highly the gossip for the end of the 18th century.

As the Duke of Wingside, there was always talk of the innumerable escapades he and his two sons endured relentlessly fighting during the wars, protecting the boarders of England. As I took an interest in the politics of our great country, I discovered their contributions, their war efforts, and the alliance agreements formed from networking within our homeland, Edo, Japan.

Apparently, so had the rest of England.

With the lapse of time, the rumors of the past seemed to fade into the shadows. Subsequently, topics of their heroism was in the mouths of not only the aristocracy but of other nobles, and even commoners.

I was jiggered! Such an encounter was of the upmost surreptitious. His sudden return had not been the distraction I would have thought to need on such a day. Because, some part of me desired to stay atop that cliff, at least until the end of day, if at all.

He possessed no knowledge of the deep-seated affinity I had in him. Even after so many isolated years.

A childish fascination it was. But, children we are no longer.

I pray then, that my heart will not lead me away from what is duty. Even away, toward a possible destruction of our invaluable, cherished friendship.

AH! I have finally clicked the "post" button for the official first chapter of this story.

I am so excited for it and I hope you all are as well.

Of course, the presentation will be next chapter!

Kudos. Comment. Share.

(I understand that geographically, the English Channel is not as close to the center of London as described here. But that view, (and I have only seen it electronically) I could not help but to include!)

Next chapter loading: "Venus: The Maverick"