The Hikaru Curse

VI

I tense up at being left alone with Yua.

There are no guards watching, nor consorts chatting, and above all there is no empress in sight.

Ensuring we're alone can only mean one thing.

My fears and insecurities triple. Panic builds in my chest. I cover my face with my fan. "My Princess, why have you come to grace me with your presence?" I ask nervously. My guard is up as I watch Yua.

The princess saunters over to me. She smiles sweetly as she lowers my fan. "Genji, I am quite aware that you do not wish to do this, and I do not like asking too much of someone. But I love you and do not wish to do it with anyone else. I seek your consent. Will you allow it?"

My heart beats frantically, the panic in my chest reaching its height. My mind is screaming at me to refuse while my heart wants to accept. I've never been so torn in my entire life. I love Yua passionately and I want to make love to her, but I fear what she will think of the curse when she finds out.

Ryoma's words come back to me. You cannot hide forever, Genji. And, truth be told, you might be better off with the princess finding out instead.

I didn't believe my brother's words at the time. Deep down, I know he's right.

If the princess truly loves me, she wouldn't care that I'm cursed.

I cannot hide forever and Yua may be the only way to free myself from this burden that has suffocated me since before I was born. I take a deep breath and turn to Yua. "Yua, I will give you consent. But I require a promise that must never be broken." I close my fan as I look at her sternly.

Yua takes in a soft breath. She wasn't expecting this. Yua reaches out and cups my cheek. "Genji, tell me what bothers you. I wish not for your suffering."

I look into her warm eyes. "Promise me," tears prick the corners of my eyes, "Please promise me you will love me no matter what happens because of our actions this evening. Promise to never abandon me after this evening," I beg.

Yua seems baffled by my words. She wipes away a stray tear with her thumb. "Oh Genji, why do you doubt me?"

I want to tell her–to warn her of what's coming, but I don't want to scare her off now.

Yua has done everything she can to get this chance. She has been awaiting this moment since meeting me.

"It is not that I doubt you. I am simply just worried that you will betray or leave me after this night. I have always had these fears since I came of an age to understand the curse that surrounds me. Make this promise and I promise to be your lover for all eternity and every life after this one," I reply sternly.

Yua rubs my cheek with her thumb. "Genji, please trust in me and my love for you. I promise to never leave nor forsake you. All I ask is for you to give into your desires as I will do so with mine." She gently takes my fan from my grasp and places it on the nearest table. Yua reaches for my robe with hesitation.

I take her hand and pull her up against me. If she wants burning desire, I'll give her an entire inferno. I crush her perfectly soft lips with my preciously chaste ones. I don't hesitate and aggressively shove my tongue inside her mouth. I kiss her fiercely without letting her escape. I reach and pull down the sleeves of her dress. I begin sucking at the skin of her neck while using my right hand to cup her breast.

Yua wraps her arms around my neck. "Genji...I need...need more...of...you..." she moans. Her words awaken the last few sparks the fire needs to set my passion ablaze.

I wrap my arms around Yua and pick her up.

Yua wraps her legs around my waist tightly. She lays her head upon my shoulder, sighing contentedly.