Love (2nd story in the Eastern Arc)
Sorry that it's been so long since I last posted.
Title: Love
Author: skybirdday
Challenge: Butter Pecan #2 - share/ cookies n' cream #1 - run/ Chocolate #5 - mercy
Series: My King (2nd in Eastern Arc)
Athena had just finished getting ready for the day when she heard a knock on the door. She went to the door and opened it. She smiled when she saw the person standing there. "Good morning, Lord Daisuke."
The tall dark haired man bowed before he returned her smile. "Good morning, Lady Athena."
"Why are you here? I was going to make some rounds of the grounds before breakfast."
"Would you mind if I walked with you?"
Athena smiled. "Not at all," she said as she went out the door, closing the door behind her. From there, they walked through the halls until they reached outside and headed out to walk quietly. "How about we walk in the garden?"
"Why did you not tell me that it was you that befriended Isamu when you two were young?" he said as they walked through the garden. "What was he like at that age?"
Athena smiled at Daisuke. "Isamu was thin and small in stature with short black hair. I found out that he and I were the same age from his tutor that came with him. One day I invited to play. We had to ask both of our fathers for permission and then we showed off our families' finest swords to each other."
"Swords?" asked Daisuke.
Athena nodded. "I have loved swords from the time I was little. King Stephen also had a fine collection as well as some of the older members of the Eastern party. Some were well kept, others dull or nicked, but they still were sharp, in use and had seen many battles. Isamu and I were enthralled. Each of the owners told a story about their swords - one had been given a sword to continue in battle after the original owner died or it had been used for many generations. Besides that we would talk about our families or play swordplay with thin sticks. Three months they were here before they left. Then we traded addresses and began to write to each other for awhile."
"What happened after that?"
"My father and grandfather died within a span of eight years. My mother and I sold some things and lived together. I began to teach swordplay before Lord Brody and Father Ian contacted me about the upcoming king's coronation and I came here. You?" she said turning to Daisuke.
"Hana, Isamu's wife, is my little sister and I have known Isamu since we were youths. Isamu and Hana met when Isamu was visiting us. At the time, his father King Jin was trying to find worthy candidates to be a wife for Isamu. Hana caught Isamu's eye and she found him handsome so they were pledged to each other soon after. I came to Isamu's part of the kingdom with my sister as a chaperone as she and Isamu went through the two year ritual of courtship before they married. Now they have been married for two years."
Athena smiled. "It sounds nice to find someone like that in that way."
Daisuke smiled back. "What of your kingdom's courtship rituals?"
"Usually, the intended asks the parents to court their daughter or son and they have a courtship for a year or two before they marry in a church or at the family home. Why?"
"What did you think of me asking you if I could court you a week ago?"
"I am flattered by your attentions. I never thought that you would be interested in someone such as I. It will be hard when you go back to your kingdom. Perhaps we could write back and forth.
"May I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
Daisuke took her hands in his and said "May I ask for a kiss from you?"
Athena nodded. "Yes," as he leaned down and their lips met. . .
"Brother, must I and Isamu chaparone you as well?" said a voice.
Daisuke and Athena pulled apart and they both blushed. "Hana, do not startle us like that."
Hana smiled. "I saw you two kissing. Will you tell Father of the courtship or shall I?"
"I shall," Daisuke said, staring into Athena's blue eyes. "I believe that Father will be happy that I have found a worthy woman."
Isamu nodded. "Would you like to be alone again or may we join you?"
Athena smiled. "You can join us. I'll show you the garden here," she said.
Then with Daisuke holding her hand, Athena, Isamu and Hana turned to go further in the garden.
END