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Chapter 1
As Miyako trailed behind her
nursemaid (although seeing as she was 14 she didn’t really need one, but Nana
was good to have around, she was a good friend) she saw the giddy looks some of
the younger girls who passed her gave. Everyone knew something wonderful that
she didn’t obviously, and this unnerved her. Nana opened the door and gave a
slight bow to Miyako as she walked through the door. Ugh how Miyako hated it
when Nana did such things, there was no need for such courtesy Nana had almost
raised Miyako for crying out loud. There was something in the way Nana looked at
Miyako as she walked past that she didn’t like, it was a look as to say “I’m
sorry” and “Good luck” as well as something else she couldn’t quite describe.
Miyako walked in the find her
father as well as two other men sitting on mats in the large meeting room. One
of the men was young, probably around 17, handsome to an extent, with a strong
yet slender frame with dark brown eyes and jet black hair, just as all the men
in her village had. The look he gave her was odd, in her opinion, it was a bit
of pity mixed with surprise. An odd look indeed.
The other man she had seen on a
number of occasions but she had never bothered to learn his name. If she
remembered correctly he was one of the other clans leaders. He was a bit taller
then her own father that stood about 6'1 and had a regal nose. His eyes were
small, hardly bigger than slits, and they were oddly enough green. Green and
blue eyes were uncommon in her village, most were a dark chocolate color.
Although hers were an odd mix of hazel, gold and green. The look on the leaders
face was serious. ‘I wonder if he were to crack smile, his face would shatter?’
Miyako mused to herself. She had rarely seen the man relaxed. She had never
spoken to him at that. He was about the same age as her father, who was in his
mid 30s.
“Miyako, I believe you know Tsusuba
leader of the Koto clan?” her father said in a serious tone. So that was his
name, why hadn’t she heard it before. Miyako merely nodded. “This is his son
Kyohei” At this the young man bowed to Miyako, just low enough to show the
proper respect for her status but not so low as to give too much respect. Miyako
remembered hearing that the Koto clan was the third most powerful in the
village. Thus explaining the mid bow. Miyako caught her father silently
signaling her to show proper respect. Miyako folded her hands over each other
and bowed her head. It would have looked more dignified had she been wearing a
kimono but instead she wore breeches and a lose white shirt made of thin
material. This made the slight head bow look quite unnatural.
“It is an honor to finally meet you
Miyako-san” Kyohei said with a small smile.
“As it is to meet you Kyohei-kun”
Miyako said a bit stiffly. She wasn’t good with such formal introductions and
rarely used the proper add ons to peoples names. She saw no point in adding such
things, a name was a name and needed nothing more to it.
Miyako looked over to her father
puzzled as to why she had been summoned. He responded by saying “Tsusuba has
proposed something concerning you that I want your approval on.” Miyako’s father
said this rather stiffly, it was obvious he in all truth didn’t like this
proposal himself. As Miyako gave a nod of acknowledgment her father continued.
“He has proposed that his son, Kyohei, and you my daughter should wed come next
spring.” At this a look of complete shock crossed Miyako’s face. How could this
man ask such a thing? Miyako was to be head of her clan meaning she must be
appointed head before marrying in order to keep her place as leader of the clan.
Just what was going on?
Kyohei, at seeing Miyako’s look of
utter shock put in “I know this may seem very sudden but, the elders have said
that if you are to marry by next spring than you may keep your place as heir and
future leader of you clan.” Miyako still did not understand. “But who says I
want to marry?” she blurted out. “Well the elders think it best they make an
exception and let you marry before you take over your fathers place as head of
the clan” said Tsusuba. “You didn’t answer my question, who says I want to ever
marry? Why do they think it best?” she said a bit haughtily. Her father
interjected, he could tell her temper was rising. “Miyako this is up to you, but
many in the village think it improper for a woman to be leader of a clan when
she is not married. To avoid arguments and discord in the village, the elders
want you to marry by next spring.”
‘Absolutely not ’ Miyako screamed
inwardly. But she knew that such an outburst would not be wise, much less help
her already heated temper. “Father, tell me how is it you expect me to marry one
I have just met, much less have even talked to? Why should I marry one I do not
even know?” With that Miyako left the room her cheeks red with anger and
annoyance at the elders, who were clearly stepping over the line interfering
with clan affairs.
Tsusuba and Kyohei looked at
Miyako’s father with inquiring looks. “That is...my daughter’s way of saying she
will think about it. Although I might be so bold as to suggest that Kyohei stay
with us here in our home as to get to know Miyako better. I would prefer my
daughter, as well as myself to get to know one who wishes to marry her.” her
father said simply. Tsusuba agreed although he had his doubts that Miyako would
change her mind about refusing.
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