[fic] Harem: Resonance Chapter 05
Chapter Five
The palace gardens were extensive and were divided into various sections, depending on the nearby buildings. The ones near the concubine’s chambers were walled off for maximum privacy, with several archways that led to other sections of the gardens. Gardeners tended to the plants daily, ensuring that the concubines’ favourite specimens were in abundance. On days when the gardens were especially beautiful, or when their moods suited, the concubines would gather for tea and conversation.
Ryou glanced at the empty seat next to Ryuuji.
“It seems Lord Ishtar will not be joining us today,” he commented.
“Ah, he must still be upset over the incident at the Bureau,” Ryuuji agreed with a smirk. “He does not like to be belittled in front of others and it will undoubtedly take a while longer for his pride to recover.”
“Lord Otogi,” Ryou chastised.
“I am only speaking the truth,” Ryuuji said in his own defence. He sounded amused nonetheless. “And it seems he is not the only one who hasn’t recovered from the incident.”
His gaze was directed to the other empty seat, next to Ryou’s, at the round stone table. Shizuma had also begged leave of the day’s gathering. She had been ill for several days already, but the physicians reported she was certainly not with child and her illness was most likely due to the heat. This news eased many minds, of course, but her absences were becoming an issue of social propriety.
“Perhaps she is seriously ill and cannot leave her bed,” Ryou said calmly, taking a sip of tea.
“I recall when I first became a concubine and had forgone these gatherings.” Ryuuji’s smile turned teasing. “You came directly to my chambers and reminded lectured me on the propriety expected of concubines. You were not so tolerant then, Lord Bakura.”
“Ah, I was young,” Ryou replied with a gracious smile. “I was still new to authority and did not know to allow for unexpected circumstances. I do hope I have improved since then.”
“You have indeed, my lord. You are a very wise and fair leader.”
“And you remain as you have always been,” Ryou replied. He took Ryuuji’s hand gently. “Vibrant, humorous and a hopeless flirt - the last of which you really must master, lest it should get you into trouble, my lord.”
“If being friendly is a punishable crime, then this is a harsh place to live indeed,” Ryuuji replied.
“Surely you would have known this by now.”
“Of course I know this! After all...” here, Ryuuji smirked and twirled a loose lock of hair around his forefinger. “...I have a lot of practice dealing with Lord Ishtar.”
Despite himself, Ryou smiled.
--
Shizuma hummed to herself softly as Tamao ran a comb through her long, luxurious hair. She relished in the feel of the fine teeth brushing against her scalp and the knots in her hair untangling as the comb was pulled through, sighing in pleasure. Tamao noticed how blissful her mistress was, but bit her lip and said nothing. Finally, Shizuma waved her away.
“Tamao, bring me a cool drink,” she said, the blissful smile still on her face. “I am quite parched.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Oh and bring Aoi Nagisa to me,” she added as an afterthought.
Tamao froze in her steps, her fists clenched at her sides. Shizuma seemed not to notice, continuing to admire herself in the mirror. When no response came at this second order, the concubine finally turned around to see her maidservant standing at the doorway, unmoving.
“Tamao?” she called. “Did you not hear me?”
The girl took a deep, shuddering breath and turned around to face her mistress. Shizuma didn’t look irritated, only slightly puzzled as to why she had not been answered, so Tamao took the plunge.
“My lady, forgive me for daring to speak out about my lady’s personal matters.” Shizuma sat up a little straighter at this, her hazel eyes narrowing. “But it would not be proper for Nagisa to continually visit my lady’s chambers.”
For a moment, Shizuma did not speak and Tamao was afraid she had offended her mistress. Finally, Shizuma turned back to her mirror without another glance in her direction.
“You are awfully forward today, Tamao.” She picked up the comb from the table. “I will take your suggestion into consideration. Nevertheless, you will do well not to do so in the future.”
Tamao bowed.
“Yes, my lady.”
--
“My lord! My Lord Bakura!”
Ryou looked up from the book he was reading at the sound of his name being called. He had given explicit orders not to be disturbed as he perused the library. This afternoon ritual was the only time he really had to himself without the ever-present entourage of servants following his every step and he had only just settled down comfortably at his desk. He gave the eunuch who rushed into the room a stern look.
“What is the meaning of this?” The eunuch bowed low. “Running is forbidden in the Palace, as is raising your voice. This is most unseemly of you.”
“My deepest apologies, Lord Bakura,” the eunuch replied hastily. “But it is something of utmost urgency.”
He produced an envelope from inside his robes and presented it to Ryou.
“A dispatch arrived from the northern borders an hour ago, my lord. This letter was addressed to my Lord Bakura, so the Emperor commanded me to deliver it to my lord immediately.”
Ryou took the letter from the eunuch and dismissed him. When he recognised the handwriting, a small smile bloomed on his face and he sat down to open it, his book forgotten on the table.
My Lord Bakura,
I am most pleased to report that the summer campaign in the North was successful. His Majesty’s armies have defeated the enemy and captured their King. We are commanded to return and shall be arriving within the month.
I trust my lord has been well and wish for nothing more than your continued health.
Your faithful servant,
K.S.
--