Kenshin stared moodily at the piles of papers that had been stacked in
front of him and sighed
Kenshin stared moodily at the piles of papers that had been
stacked in front of him and sighed. Carefully he filed through them, setting
them in neat little heaps. “Are these the last of them?” He asked in a dry
voice. He could already feel the migraine building in his temples and sent
Aoshi a sour glance. Aoshi gave him a calm nod of his head and Kenshin looked
at the faces around the table.
Aoshi and Sano filled the seats to his right and left. To Aoshi’s right sat
Shura, Master of Harbors. She ran things with a tight formation that was hard
pressed to be matched from his Southern port. Kamatari was sitting a few chairs
down from her. The Duke was his main ambassador to the Southern Seas and had
just returned from a mission there a few hours ago. If the amused expression in
his eyes said anything he had already been filled in on the situation and was
delighted by it. Kamatari loved mischief.
The only one who was missing was his Uncle, but he was off examining his
duchy and wouldn’t be back for another week.
“Aoshi, how much damage is going to occur with the closure of trade to the
South?” Kenshin asked. He looked up as the door opened and he blinked in
surprise as his Mage Master walked into the room. Tokio looked tired, but took
an empty seat silently. He swung his eyes to Aoshi who nodded. So Aoshi had
invited her in.
“Not as much as you think. King Wargen wants us to know that he completely
supports our decisions.” Aoshi’s mouth curved lightly at the edges. “We simply
reminded him how important our iron is for his people and he became far
more...agreeable. After that, he was quite willing to continue to trade with
us.”
Shura gave a quick nod. “Is he still planning on sending his usual salt and
gold caravans? We can get the glass from a few other partners if we need to.
Besides,” her dark brown eyes narrowed. “Some of the glass he has been sending
has been faulty and I have been hearing some
complaints about the quality of the beads.”
Kenshin frowned. “I believe that was one of the reasons that Tomoe’s
marriage was so welcome. Her kingdom does trade in glass. All right, if Wargen
decides to continue to skimp on us, what are our other options?”
Shura pulled out a thin file and handed it over. “Your old friend Shishio is
attempting to branch out. Apparently Yumi has grown weary of depending on the
same trade. They do have the monopoly on the silk and jade business but Yumi
has been pushing Shishio to expand. There merchants have been tirelessly
working on improving there glass trade. However, our pottery is doing very well
and putting pressure on the market. She smiled craftily. “Shishio has been
attempting to get his hands on our spells to prevent breakages and we had to
discourage that. It appears, however, that the Yukishiro clan pissed Yumi off
about something so they’re willing to support you in this little boycott of
yours.”
“Keep us updated on that and let Wargen know about the competition and our
willingness to go in other directions. Sano, what about our
friends to the north?”
Sano snorted. “As irritating as always. Amakusa is
being his normal charming self. However, he has been attempting to arrange a
marriage between his sister and one of Shishio’s offspring, so we might have
some leverage on him.” He said easily. “He has a very tentative hold on the fur
trade and he knows it. The only thing he really has a good grip on is his amber
trade. It brings him in a pretty penny but it won’t last if he aggravates us.”
He grinned. “. “The trappers here have been doing a good job and have been keeping
with the guidelines you set reasonably. We're doing a better job conserving our
game and it's going to keep us in the business longer. We shouldn’t have too
many problems.”
Kenshin nodded and made a few notes. “All right, what are we going to lose
with our,” he paused and gave Shura a sharp smile. “Little boycott?”
“Tobacco,” Shura and Aoshi said at the same time and gave each other dry
looks. Aoshi continued. “As well as some good quality cotton and those citrus
fruits you’re so fond of. They have a minor diamond trade but Wargen has better
quality stones. They did have nice ivory but they butchered too many of those
beautiful animals and had to cease the trade altogether. The glass trade is
just taking off, but we have sources for that. We are going to be lacking now
with the coral trade.” Aoshi informed him softly.
“I think I can solve that problem,” Kamatari said easily. They all turned to
look at him and he smiled. “The Empress of the Southern Seas was very
interested in being involved with our trade. She sent a little gift when she
learned of your wedding,” Kamatari informed him. “She has a large coral trade,
does extensive pearl trades, and has several exotic fruits to offer. Sugar,
pineapple, citrus fruits and some I have never tasted before are being offered.
Her people also have an assortment of spices that are cheaper than our current
provider.” He made a little motion with his hand and a beautifully carved box
landed in front of Kenshin.
The box was several inches high and had delicate hand painted pictures
across the glazed lid. Little bits of coral and mother of pearl decorated the
sides. “It’s for your bride.”
Kenshin looked up. Opening the lid he was surprised to find it crammed with
pearls. There were dark pearls with an unusual pink-green glaze and several
ropes in a golden yellow. There were pale pink pearls and some perfect white.
The box was filled with combs and necklaces and bracelets. With Kaoru’s dark
hair, all of them would look stunning. “Empress Chizuru Raikōji
informed me that such a gift is common among her people for a woman’s coming
out and thought it a suitable gift.”
Kenshin raised a brow. “I suppose she is also showing off what she has to
offer. Send our thanks and regards to the Empress. I shall make sure Karou gets these.” He looked up. “I am assuming she drew up
what she expects to trade for and prices?”
Kamatari nodded.
“Make a copy and have Shura look over them. I want both of your opinions on
my desk by tonight.” He turned to Tokio. “How are things going on your end?”
Her exotic almond shaped eyes gleamed with the evil mischief that he had
only seen Tokio and Misao manage. Her golden skin was a little paler than he
was used to seeing on the stunning woman, but the smile curving her red lips
was confidant. “We should have the spell in place by the end of the year. We
had hoped to have it up sooner, but we have to build power reserves and have
just managed to figure out how to keep it in place.” She gave a little sigh.
“It’s going to take some time to link the power nodes to the link-stone we are
going to build. There is also the fact that there are some very delicate spells
that will be required to go into the shield. We are looking for a way to keep
all those loyal to the Yukishiro clans out of out kingdom. That way, if the
minor people need to come through for emergencies, they may.”
Kenshin considered this for several moments. Then he nodded. “That will be
fine.” He fingered the smooth lid of the jewel box in thought.
“Alright, here is what we are going to do. Shura, I want you and Aoshi to
keep in close touch with Kamatari with his deal in the South Seas.
I also want you to send missives to Wargen, Shishio, Amakusa, and Raikōji and let them know our terms and prices. Use
the birds if you have to get them in time. Also, inform our merchants
that there will be little change. We need to start sending troops out to help
secure the iron and jewel caravans into the city so they can be counted and
distributed. Get word back to me if there are any problems.” They nodded.
“I also want word sent to the trappers that we our opening up our warehouses
and are willing to pay a good price for their goods. I am assuming the fishing
ships are already bringing in their dried goods?” When Aoshi nodded he leaned
back. “Good. If anything comes up, let me know and we will set up a meeting to
deal with it.” He quirked a brow. “Is there anything
else?”
Kamatari leaned forward. “Our porcelain trade is having a hard time breaking
open because of Shishio’s monopoly. Raikōji does
not have good porcalian or pottery. We could make a
generous gift to her courts as a thank you for the trade and win some points.
That would also allow our people an outlet to make money and break open the
trade routes in the south.”
Kenshin nodded. “Give me numbers and names,” he suggested. “We will meet
here again tomorrow at the same time to go over the information.” He stood and
they all followed suit. Pausing, he turned and gave Tokio a stern look. “Take
some time off and play with that little boy of yours.” He teased her and then
left. “I am going to track down my wife.”
Kamatari leaned over. “So, is she really as cute as everyone says she is?”
Tokio grinned. “Adorable.”
~*~
Kaoru was certain her wide-eyes were going to cause the
maids all sorts of giggle fits later on but she couldn’t seem to stop her
reaction. When Tae said that the seamstress was going to bring in cloth
samples, Kaoru had thought she would have a few different choices. What she had
been presented with were swabs of colors everywhere. There was no lack of color
and there had even been a few individual bolts brought in so that they could
start making something decent for her. Kaoru was certain that she was going to
go colorblind with it all. There were jewel tones: emerald, sapphire, gold and
a shade of moon-silver that she’d had to sit on her hands to keep from
touching. There were pale pinks, yellows, blues and every shade in between. She
had never seen so many shades of reds; much less the deep wine to a rose so
pale it was almost pink.
Tae seemed to take it all in stride and made fast, rapid decisions that
Kaoru thought might have been part the expression on her face and part the
color of her face. She tossed the creams and pale colors aside on the basis
that they washed her out, although she did agree to use some of them as
accents. Kaoru wasn’t certain what she did with several of the colors but she
admired the different dyed fabrics and her measurements taken and one of the
dresses that she thought might have been Tomoe’s was dissected.
Once she had pulled on the breeches and tunic Kenshin had given her she was
dismissed from the room and allowed to save her sanity. Tae had been very
polite about it but she had been all but ordered to leave the room and given
absent directions to the kitchen. Kaoru, knowing a dismissal when she heard
one, fled.
Which was why she found herself in her currant predicament; she couldn’t
remember if Tae had suggested she take a right at the suit or armor or down by
the large bay window. Or if there had even been a suit of arms and a large bay
window in her directions. Chewing on a fingertip she mentally swore and cursed
herself for her lack of skill with verbal directions. Sighing she looked around
and didn’t find anyone and located a little settee under a window and plopped
herself down. “Just great Kamiya,” Kaoru scolded herself. “Getting yourself lost like a little ninny.”
There was a noise like a mouse squeaking and Kaoru turned from her view of
the little fish pond outside and found herself looking
at a little girl with her hair cut just below her chin and huge, shy brown
eyes. There was a rising blush that was threatening to take over her little
face and Kaoru blinked rapidly before offering her a smile. “Hello, my name is
Kaoru.”
The girl swallowed and fidgeted with her miniature apron and bobbed her
head. “Yes Lady,” she said softly not willing to give anymore information, her
eyes darting around nervously.
Kaoru wondered what had her so nervous. “I’m wondering if you can help me.”
She said, carefully using the same tone she used on the shy little children who
were inducted into the temple. Something in her eyes calmed a little at the
prospect of having something to do. “I am quite lost.”
The girl seemed to visibly pull herself together and gave a little nod. “What
can I help you with miss?”
Kaoru grinned at her. “Well, I was given explicit orders by none other than
Tae herself.” She winked at the girl. “I am supposed to be heading to the
kitchen to eat a late breakfast.” She gave a sad little sigh. “I was bombarded
by forces that would strike fear into the King’s heart, I think.”
The little girl’s eyes were even wider than they had been before. She seemed
to struggle for several moments before she managed to find the words.
“You’re…y-you’re the queen!” She gasped out in surprise.
“Hmmm,” Kaoru admitted lightly. “I am also very hungry and hope that you
might lead me to the kitchen.” She opened her blue eyes wide. “Tae scares me.”
The girl let out a little giggle but clamped down on it before curtsying. “If you will follow me, Lady.”
Kaoru rose and followed her down the halls. “Is there any sort of landmark
that I can follow?” Kaoru asked in a deliberately unsure voice. “I am afraid
that it’s going to be even worse once I have to start peering from behind a
fan.”
The girl made another little noise that might have been a giggle. “Well,
Lady, it’s the tapestries.”
Kaoru stopped dead in the walkway and looked around. The walls were covered
with beautiful wall hangings but she couldn’t quite manage to find anything
that looked like directions. “The what…where?”
The girl shot her a shy smile. “The fringes. Each
pathway has different fringes to show the correct walk-ways. The kitchen is
found by following by the white fringes and the gold fringes are for the
presence chamber. The red are for the public library and the pale green are for
the armory.” She turned to look at her and blushed again. “The tapestries are
kept bright and cleaned by magic.”
Kaoru blinked rapidly and grinned. “So that’s what she was rattling on about
when she said keep with the white. I was completely lost.” She stepped behind
the girl again. “Well, since you were so helpful I am going to have to ask that
you eat breakfast with me.”
It was the girl’s turn to stop and she was shaking her head rapidly. “Oh, I
insist,” Kaoru said in a firm tone. “You are obviously a very bright girl and
for some reason my husband failed to mention some basic things.” She gave
another long suffering sigh. “I am afraid I am going to have to rely on you for
proper advice.”
They were walking into the kitchen by then and the girl’s mouth was working
but nothing was coming out. Kaoru paused at the edge of the kitchen and stared
in surprise. There were large ovens and large countertops. The temperature of
the room was also the coolest she had ever stood in. The girl tugged on her
sleeve shyly. “They use magic to move the heat to other places,” she whispered
quietly. “It helps keep the bathwaters warm.”
Kaoru blinked in surprise but another servant girl looked up and her eyes
widened as she caught sight of them. “Hello Highness,” she babbled out. “Miss
Tae said you would be here.” She said, flitting around the kitchen like a
little bird. “I put your plate in the warmer and I have fresh cream to go with
the fruit!”
The plate was dropped off and Kaoru stared at the amount off food on her
plate. There were at least four pieces of bacon, two fried eggs, two biscuits
and a large bowl of fruit. The girl did in fact have a bowl of fresh cream
dropped off and Kaoru requested a second plate and fork and halved the food.
Although she kept the bacon for herself and made up for it by giving the girl
more strawberries; the girl was hesitant to eat until Kaoru dug in herself.
“You never told me your name,” Kaoru reminded her around a bit of biscuit
slathered in honey.
The girl swallowed and blushed. “Tsubame, Highness.”
Kaoru made an exaggerated face. “Call me Kaoru please.” She moaned in
happiness as she picked up her last piece of bacon and waved it. “I very much
prefer Kaoru.” She said sweetly.
Tsubame poked at her remaining egg so Kaoru let it go. Picking up a
strawberry she dunked it deep into the cream and took a bite. She watched in
surprise as Tsubame’s eyes went really wide and dark red crept up her cheeks.
Kaoru turned and blinked when she found her husband watching them with
curiously shaded eyes.
Swallowing, she put the half-eaten strawberry back on the plate and licked
her fingers while attempting to figure out what he was wanting. His eyes
flickered and darkened in color. “I see you managed to escape.” He said
finally, his voice a little rougher than normal.
“I don’t know if what happened was an escape or a retreat.” Kaoru informed
him as she finished licking the cream. “But I do know that you are going to be
sent a very large bill for far more clothing than I need.”
A dark red brow rose up into his hair line as he leaned against the door.
“Is that so?” He asked lightly before pushing off and coming to sit on the
bench next to her, nodding at Tsubame who looked like she wanted to run. “You
need clothing,” he returned easily. “State balls right now are rare but during
the Fall and Winter seasons when the court is in
session, you will need a new dress for each dinner.” He smiled at her. “If we
figure out now what you prefer then it won’t be nearly so stressing.”
Kaoru stared at him and attempted to figure out exactly what she was going
to say to that.
“However,” he told her softly. “What I came to tell you was that I will be
in meetings all of today and most of the week.” Kenshin didn’t have any
intention of telling her that they usually started around dawn but until she
showed signs of being completely recovered, he was not leaving his bed until
she rose. Even now there was a hint of weariness back behind the blue of her
eyes that she was attempting to hide.
The anger he had felt the first few days had smoothed into a sort of
resigned patience. “We are redirecting trade routes. I will also be working
with my top mage so we can complete the shield.” He reached for the half piece
of bacon that was left on her plate and she slapped at his fingers with her
fork. He raised a brow in surprise and she leveled him with a glance. “You have
an appointment with our Gentleman Usher to discuss safety issues.” He grumbled
as he rubbed his knuckles.
Kaoru picked up the bit of bacon and popped it into her mouth, chewing
slowly as she considered his words. “The who?” She
vaguely remembered her mother’s speeches over the gentleman usher and she
couldn’t quite remember who it was. She was thankful that she had spoken up
when Kenshin’s violet eyes softened, darkening into true amethyst. She had
almost forgotten she wasn’t supposed to remember any of this. Not when he spoke
of it so casually and she was too busy attempting to remember to keep her words
in check.
“Our Gentleman Usher,” Kenshin repeated easily. “He is a very stern man but
don’t let him intimidate you. He is in charge of keeping unwanted guests out of
the royal wing. His wife is actually my top mage. He has a fair bit of magic
himself and trains the guards for our royal chambers himself.”
Kaoru gave him a startled look. “There are guards in our room?”
“The outer rooms. If you haven’t noticed them, then
they are doing their job.” Kenshin informed her absently. He stood suddenly,
looking outside. “I have to go. Feel free to explore the castle after your
meeting.” His eyes darted to the girl at the table and he smiled at her. “Do
you think you can have her in Saito’s office in half an hour?”
The girl bobbed her head frantically and Kenshin smiled at her before moving
away.
Kaoru was too busy attempting to work her brain around the fact that Kenshin
was no respecter of persons to really notice the kiss he dropped on top of her
head.
~*~
Tsubame led her through the castle and shyly pointed out
different paths. They even peeked into the Presence Chamber where she and
Kenshin would sit during the weekly hearings during winter and fall seasons.
Everyone had access to the Presence hall and it was set up to be both
intimidating and luxurious. She had retreated from that location rather
quickly.
Tsubame had dropped her off front of a fabulous set of mahogany doors that
were etched with symbols and was practically sparking with energy. Wondering if
that was the point of the whole thing she decided not to knock and simply
pushed open the doors.
The first thing that she noticed was an acrid scent of smoke. It was fainter
than she would have given it credit for if the owner of the room smoked often
and she wondered if that was part of the symbols carved. She had hated those
cigarette things since Tomoe had come in one day and ground her butts into her
clean floors.
“Stop gawking. It’s not nearly as impressive as you would think.” The man’s
voice was sharp and unamused and Kaoru turned and blinked at him. He was tall,
with dark brown hair brushed back, except for a few random strands of bangs
that fell over his brow. His eyes were a hard yellow. Eyes that could have more
easily belonged to a wild animal and she understood now why Kenshin had him.
She rather doubted that any fainting lady would dare enter Kenshin’s private
rooms with this man keeping an eye on things.
“I don’t have all day.” He informed her with a raised brow. “His Majesty,”
there was a note in his voice when he said majesty that stunned her. “Has requested that I update you on the current events of this
hall.” He reached over and put the cigarette in his had out in a little
gold dish on a low table and walked over to his desk.
“What…” Kaoru started but he cut her off with a glance of his flat eyes.
“Security breaches are rare, but if they do happen, please direct yourself
either towards your husband or this room. The spells woven into your rooms
should allow you the time needed. Fainting is not suggested.” He said once she
closed her mouth. “It will get you killed and that would be…inconvenient.”
Kaoru glared at him but he didn’t seem to notice or care.
“Any questions?” He asked impatiently and when she
simply narrowed her eyes at him, he continued. “No one is allowed in your rooms
without my permission. Shinomori’s little wife is allowed access as is that
idiot rooster’s pregnant woman. They both come in and out. Any other female
companionship will be monitored. If you decide you want a new maid you must
bring me a list of the reasons that you have dismissed the original and the
reasons that you found her work unacceptable. I will not allow you to harass
every other maid and will have no problem with leaving you to your own devices.”
“I can dress myself,” Kaoru shot back finally, her temper putting color in
her cheeks.
“You know how to pull on pants and shirt. Ball gowns require buttons. Please
refrain from giving meaningless outbursts. You annoy me as it is.”
Kaoru felt a rushing in her ears and she vaguely wondered how he had so much
leeway. If she were a bitter woman, she would have marched into her husband’s
office and pitched a fit. Narrowing her eyes, she wondered if that wasn’t the
point. “Anything else?” She managed to grit out.
“As of now, there are guards stationed in convenient locations.” She
wondered at whose convenience. “If you break any of the rules that will
be in the manual at your bedside tonight, I will resort to assigning you a
private guard who won’t let you breathe alone.”
Kaoru felt like crossing her arms, but instead, she angled her chin at him
and glared. Something like amusement flickered in the lines around his mouth
but was gone in an instant. “You have several duties that will also be outlined
in your rule book. Attending court functions. Not
bothering your husband. There is also the expectation of a male heir…” He
stopped at the expression that she knew was on her face and gave a careless
little shrug.
“Is there anything else,” Kaoru managed through gritted teeth.
“There is also the matter of your allowance.” He told her irritably. “For
now, his Majesty has set a particular limit that he desires and I have not the
authority to change it. Each week you will be given a certain sum and when you
go out it will be added to your purse. You may also charge a limited amount on
the store fronts.” His expression was sour.
“Allowance?” Kaoru asked faintly, stunned. She
hadn’t even considered that she would have a small purse of her own to spend on
things that she wanted or that she could petition her husband for more if she
wanted to make a special purchase. Those ideas had been carefully tucked away.
Saitoh’s eyes were sharp as they took in her face. “Indeed.” He carelessly
named off a number of gold and silver marks and Kaoru stared at him. “If that
is all your Majesty, I have other business; I have nothing more for you. If I
need to express my wishes to you at a further date, I will do so.”
Kaoru considered answering his sarcasm with her own but instead she nodded her
head once and turned to leave. That man was not worth all the headaches he was
sure to cause in the future. As she slipped into the hall, a lingering thought
nudged in her direction. What, exactly, had she gotten herself into?
~*~
The rest of the morning had gone by smoothly and lunch had
been a quiet affair. Kenshin had penned her a fast
note apologizing for missing the afternoon meal with her. Apparently, there was
some sort of small crisis involving a few of his mages that had to be cleared
up. Kaoru had decided that she was tired of being completely uneducated when it
came to magic and headed for the royal library.
She quickly learned that she was going to need a soft bound book and some
empty sheets of paper to take notes. The whole lot of it was so confusing that
she had a headache before she even really began. She didn’t want to write in
Kenshin’s books so, instead, she went and located herself several books over
the trade routes. Kenshin had been working so hard on his own
that she wanted to learn what she could. There were also a few well written
histories over his people that she thumbed through before adding them to her
stack. She managed to sneak them back into the royal apartments and hid them
under her side of the bed when there were a set of loud voices coming from down
the hall.
“Where else would she be? The poor dear doesn’t know anyone, much less
someone who would…see!” Kaoru kicked the last book under the bed and looked up
in time to see Misao walking through the door. She was dressed in a comfortable
dress of pale green and the woman behind her wore a set of healer’s robes.
Misao’s hair was secured at the base of her neck in a knot that allowed the
rest of her hair to tumble free. The women she didn’t know wore her hair
completely loose.
The fact that both of them wore wedding bands and wore their hair down was
contradictory for her normal mental standings. As far as she knew, in her
mother’s kingdom, married woman had worn their hair up.
“Kaoru,” Misao said brightly. “May I introduce Megumi Sagara? She is the
Head Healer here and, obviously, married to Sano.”
“You’re Majesty,” Megumi said with a slow curtsey. Kaoru sighed. She was
never going to be used to that.
“Please,” Kaoru said with a faint grin. “Call me Kaoru.” Did she always have
to point out that she was used to sweeping floors instead of being curtsied to?
The garnet eyes were startled and Kaoru decided that the woman was
beautiful. It was a different beauty than Tomoe’s but it was there none the
less. Standing, feeling slightly awkward in her baggy tunic and breeches, she
smiled at them. “I take it from the noise you were looking for me?”
Misao grinned in unabashed delight. “We are having tea now and want you to
join us.” She clapped her hands in front of her body and gave her a wide-eyed
glance that would have won over small puppies, much less a grown woman. “It
will be so much fun!”
Kaoru had the feeling that Megumi was suddenly unsure about something so
Kaoru nodded in agreement. The idea of having a female friend or two that she
might be able to really talk to once she settled down lifted her
spirits.
“Wonderful!” Misao declared with an enthusiasm that was almost as startling
as the pace she set as she dragged her out of the room. Megumi muttered
something under her breath and followed at a much more sedate pace.
“I hope you don’t mind, but we asked Tae to set up the tea in your parlor.”
Misao said cheerfully. “It’s one of the few rooms that hasn’t
been redecorated and it’s still in the lovely patterns that Kenshin’s mother
set up.”
Inside there was a large window and a several low couches. There was also a
circular table that had several chairs and an elegant tea-set that had hot
steam coming from a little opening at the spout. The china was done in elegant
roses and pale blue butterflies. It was lovely, but a little flowery for her
taste. Matching tea cups and little plates were set out.
There were small platters of thin cucumber sandwiches slathered in
mayonnaise. She thought the other plate of sandwiches might have been grilled
chicken with a honey mustard sauce but she wasn’t sure. There was an assortment
of cakes and pastries as well and she took her seat so that Misao and Megumi
could also sit. She remembered that much of her court rules. The Queen always
sat first.
The woman carefully filled their plates and picked at the delicacies and
Misao cheerfully informed them that she was going to serve the tea. Kaoru had
no problem with that, since she couldn’t quite remember the proper motions. She
took mental notes as Misao moved with surprising elegance.
“My mother made me learn this until I could do it in my sleep,” Misao
informed her when she caught Kaoru watching, winking outrageously. “She always
said that a woman wasn’t a lady until she could pour proper tea. Of course, she
always said this while threatening me with something sharp.”
Megumi snorted. “That’s because you were a little hellion.”
Misao shrugged delicately. “Perhaps, but it was honest hellionism.”
She turned and smiled at Kaoru. “Megumi here is just cranky because she can
only drink water-downed tea and the pot is spelled to pour the correct
substance into her cup alone.”
Kaoru grinned, as she was supposed to and nibbled on a cucumber sandwich.
“How complicated of a spell does it take to pull something like that off?”
Kaoru asked curiously. She vaguely remembered the words in the spell books but
she hadn’t gotten that far.
“Not difficult. Now, what is really fun is when you have a tea with
twenty or so ladies and only one tea-pot. Royals are used to being spoiled, so
instead of having twenty different teas in front of them during the actual tea,
they are sent a list before hand.” Misao explained, pausing to take a bit of
what looked to be crumb cake.
“What she means is that they brew the different teas requested and leave
them in the large pots on the stove,” Megumi said in an exasperated voice.
“Then a journeyman mage comes in and weaves the spells that allow the single
pot to pour different teas depending on the ladies choice. Its space saving.”
Kaoru wondered if her face looked as fascinated as it felt. “I take it
journeyman is a rank?” She asked carefully, watching there faces for some sign
of alarm. They just looked delighted that she was interested.
“Yes,” Misao agreed. “Journeyman, Master, and Adept are the three higher
ranking classes.” She grinned. “Your husband is adept rank for his field.” She
shrugged. “His magic may be more or less sword bound, but it’s rather deadly
when he uses it. Now, say someone like Tokio—that’s Usher Saito’s wife—is an
Adept, but her skills are much more adaptable.”
Megumi nodded as she watched her with curious eyes. “She is in charge of
putting up the shield between our kingdom and yours.”
Kaoru sighed and nodded, picking up the honey
glazed cake and sunk her teeth into the sweet treat. She was rather delighted
when it all but melted in her mouth. Swallowing carefully, she considered her
words, biting her bottom lip. “Why is it so important that the shield go up?”
Kaoru asked slowly, uncertain if it was her right to ask.
She watched as both women went still and schooled her face into a mask.
It was Megumi who finally fielded the question.
“Because what Tomoe,” the word was spoken softly but had enough venom that
Kaoru blinked. “Did to Kenshin is unthinkable.” She frowned, her pretty red
mouth pursed. “She completely went against our gods and nature, because she
could. To be honest,” Megumi said carefully, “We are rather thankful that she
did.”
Kaoru stared at her absolutely thunderstruck.
“The only reason Kenshin was marrying her was because he thought it would be
good for the kingdom. He didn’t really take his own self into consideration.”
Misao continued cheerfully. “We like you lot more than that other woman. You
seem like you know how to have fun and someone has to keep Kenshin from being
all business and no play.” She winked at her. “We’re thrilled you got the job.”
Kaoru made a face. “I am so thankful!” She joked, hiding the loosening of
emotion Misao’s words had caused. It may have been because they had hated
Tomoe, but someone was willing to get to know her for
herself and she wanted to cry. That hadn’t happened since long before her
parent’s death.
Megumi gave her a hesitant smile. “Perhaps we should talk of something else.”
Misao grinned. “Baby things,” she declared authoratively. “How, exactly, are
you planning on decorating that darling nursery?”
~*~
Kaoru was almost half-asleep when her damp husband crawled
into bed next to her. Turning her head slightly she opened her eyes and watched
him settle down with a tired sigh. He closed his eyes and she was considering
just rolling back over and going to sleep but he opened his eyes and looked at
her. “You’re still up,” he muttered and Kaoru fought down a laugh.
“Hmmm,” she agreed. “You look tired.”
He sighed again. “It was a long day,” He agreed quietly. “Tomorrow is going
to be another long day. Shura, my Master of Harbors, has asked me to come down
and look some things over.” He rolled a bit and propped himself up so he could
play with her hair. “I will be gone most of the day.”
Kaoru nodded her head and scooted over so she could curl against him. It was
still early summer and a bit chilly and Kenshin was pleasantly warm. “Sounds
like you need to get some sleep then,” she said while she yawned. Part of
herself was warning her that this was a bad idea and that she shouldn’t allow
herself this habit. It was like in the two weeks that she had been in this
position that her body had fallen into this routine.
Kenshin settled back onto his pillow and cradled her against him. “I will
probably spend some time in the market. Is there anything you want?” He asked
softly, aware of how she was relaxing against him.
She stirred a bit and yawned. “Could you pick me up a pad of some sort and
some pencils?” She asked sleepily. “There are some things I want to do…” her
words trailed off fuzzily and before he could ask why she hadn’t just gone to
Saito for them she was asleep. Mentally shrugging, he made a mental note to
pick her up something nice and fell asleep.
~*~
Saitoh walked into his wife’s work room one he had made sure
that the Royal couple were both in their beds
sleeping. Keeping up with the brat and his new wife was a task he had never
particularly asked for. However, a certain ex-regent had found a great deal of
amusement out of watching him sweat and had decided that he needed something to
do with his spare time besides bothering people.
Tokio was bent over her books again and he didn’t doubt for a moment that
she had already forgotten how late it was and had done nothing more than pick
at the meal that had been sent up earlier. Clearing his throat he caught her
attention and watched her look up.
Tokio leaned back and sighed, brushing her sweaty bangs out of her eyes. Her
brown eyes were weary and Saitoh frowned as he took in the sweat beaded throat
and temples, her pale skin. “You’re pushing yourself too hard.” Saitoh informed
her as he leaned against the wall. He had never felt the need to mince words
with his wife and didn’t feel like doing so now.
She gave him a heated glance from her almond shaped eyes. “I have to find
out what I am missing,” she told him wearily. “I know it’s
right there, but I just can’t seem to find it.” She sighed irritably. “We were
so close to finishing the first damn set of spells and they all just
collapsed.”
Saitoh moved into the room with a sigh and took in her work space.
High, clean walls with dried and fresh herbs littering her
shelves. Books carelessly stacked and left half-open in secure
locations. Tables lined with glass bottles. A large section of the floor was
covered in removable slabs of slate with careful chalk lines drawn. The door to
the right opened up to a room that’s shape mimicked this one perfectly. The
floor was made, however, of glossy marble with carefully etched lines that were
permanently engraved.
Tokio took her work seriously. It was what had attracted him to her in the
first place. He knew she had been carefully siphoning power away from her
apprentices but most of the delicate work she had to do herself, using her own
power. Over and over, never stopping until it was perfect.
She was still hitting a stumbling block that neither of them could quite
break and the strain was showing in her slender body. She had already dropped
several pounds and had been forced to stop breast feeding their youngest. The
wet nurse Himura was paying for was too delicate for his taste, with too
wide-eyes and a jumpy manner that irritated him. He had preferred the tougher
women from before. His wife hadn’t complained about letting someone else feed
their son, but there was a wistful sort of longing in her eyes.
“You’re wearing yourself out.” He informed her in a harsh tone. She just
blinked at him and sighed. The fact that she didn’t try to argue with him told
him a lot about her weariness and his fingers twitched as he restrained from
grasping a cigarette. His wife might have been tired but she would not have put
up with him smoking. Sighing, he took in her form. Her dress was loose around
her bust and hips and fell damply along her shoulders. Already her magic was
eating away at her physical reserves in an attempt to find the power she
demanded of it. “Tokio.”
She sighed, her shoulders drooping for a moment. Moving to her little
notebook behind some protective runs she made little notes. “It’s right there!”
She told him softly. “I need to make this barrier work, Hajime. The actual
spell is difficult but it’s easy compared to finding a way for it to sort those
who are loyal to the Yukishiros and those who are
not.. its difficult.” She slapped her hand against her
notes in a fit of temper. “There has to be a way!”
Saitoh looked at his wife. “You’re being silly.” He told her flatly.
“Working yourself into a state of collapse is not going to solve the answer.”
She turned and looked at him with narrowed eyes. “You are going to put your
books down for the night and join me in bed. Tomorrow, you’re going to take an
afternoon off and play with your children, after eating a large, protein based
meal. Then we will discuss your coming back in here.” He ignored her stare. He
needed to get her out of this room so he could roll himself a cigarette and
then plan on how to make Himura suffer for giving his wife something that upset
her. He also needed to suffer a bit for the pain in his ass he had created with
the wet nurse.
“You are not patronizing me.” She informed him acidly.
“Of course not,” Saitoh said irritably. “I am simply reminding you of what
you obviously have forgotten. Don’t make me spank you.”
Tokio stared at him for a long moment. A smile cracked her severe
expression. “Is that a promise?” she asked lightly before the tension fled from
her shoulders and she brushed by him. “For that, Hajime, you can go and prepare
a bath for me before you take off to smoke. Behave or all your cigarettes are
going to be damp.” She winked at him before she left with a swing to her hips
that she knew drove him crazy.
He really needed a cigarette.
~*~
The rider was covered in mud. The spring storms were finally
abating, but they still rose up suddenly with little concern for those under
them. His horse was flecked with foam and the whites of his eyes were prominent
from strain.
Attendants, seemingly unaware of the downfall, rushed to tend to the heaving
animal. The rider swung down completely unconcerned with the horse or his packs
that the servants desperately attempted to deal with. Walking with quick,
ground eating steps, he made it into the overhanging.
His hood was tossed back as he unfastened the knot at his throat and tossed
it to a servant. Spiky blond hair was in a disarray as he moved down the
pristine stone halls, stomping his feet hard as he looked down at his boots.
Whispering a word under his breath, he stomped once more and watched the mud
fall away before walking into the hall on silent feet.
She was sitting on a high backed chair in the parlor. Her face was bleached
of what little color her cheeks normally maintained and her wide, dark eyes
were glittering. Around her, the buzz of the room was
strangely silent as he walked in. She lifted her chin when she saw him
approach, a faint smile touching the corners of her mouth. She lifted one long
slender hand and he settled to his knees grasping her fingers and bringing those
cool fingertips to his lips.
“Welcome home,” she murmured, her voice the only sound he really wanted to
hear.
“I bring Akira’s greetings.” Enishi murmured against her hand before
lowering it to grasp it in both of his. Her hand was cold and he rubbed it
lightly. Her warm browns eyes darkened a bit before she nodded.
“I have missed you.” She told him softly. “Things have been…unfortunate
here.”
His mouth tightened. “So I have been told. Are you all right?” He asked,
looking her over carefully. There were no bruises that he could see but he knew
that there had been markings on her wrist. Brushing a finger down the fine bone
he let a small fission of power lift the hair on her arms as he double checked
that the wound had healed. “Shall I kill him for you?”
“When the time comes,” she agreed easily. “I am afraid that our little
cousin has set things back.”
Enishi felt a slow smile begin to curve his mouth. “That is not completely
so, sister.” His looked up, and rose to his feet. “Things may fall into place
yet.” He gave a low bow and offered his hand. “Let me escort you to dinner.
There is much to tell you and I am eager for news on how you have been.”
She allowed him to pull her to her feet. Enishi noted with satisfaction that
even with the weight of the last few weeks she was regal, elegant. Queenly. It wouldn’t be long now.
“I have missed you Enishi.” She told him gently. He ignored the way those in
the room shivered at the chill of his presence as the moved. Their little
vermin of a cousin would not steal away her crown.
“I have missed you as well.” He agreed lightly. “Don’t worry,” he chided as
her eyes lowered. “Akira and I will take care of everything.”
Everything.
