WHISPERS OF A BUTTERFLY • Kamisato Ayato

nine. 九

Being from old money, you were used to onsen springs and Shiatsu masseurs. Ayato had become adamant about proving that he could provide you even better. Bubbly, warm water engulfed you with the scent of roses as you lowered yourself into the bath. Your maids scrubbed your skin, manicured your nails, and cleansed your hair with elixirs smelling of sweet flowers.

As you blinked in the languid steam of rosewater and Natlan oils, you wondered what mind game he was playing on you now.

Was it guilt-tripping? No, that wasn't Ayato's style. Was he trying to brag about his wealth? That wasn't like him either. Perhaps he thought giving you so much comfort would make you suspicious like you were now.

You forced yourself to focus. The point of all this pampering was that you could be at ease at the engagement party later. Ayato's game or not, you weren't passing up the opportunity. You closed your eyes with intention.

No.

Do not think of Ayato.

Blue. That was the color that suddenly flashed in your mind. Your mind wandered and you wondered how that blue would look if he were in this bath with you.

Your eyes opened, disoriented between your thoughts and reality.

"Is there something wrong, my lady?" asked your maid. You shook your head no.

Blue haunted you, as it was the color of your yukata tonight. The skirt was embroidered with threads weaving into the image of a flowing river, and the belt holding it together was complimentary gold with the Kamisato crest. You nervously smoothened it, worried that one wrong tug would unravel it.

"You look beautiful," said Ayaka as she poked her head through your door. "Ayato will be pleased."

You touched your bodice. "It's ostentatious."

"And to think you'll have to one-up yourself when you get married!"

"True. But Chisato is the heir—glamorous responsibilities went to her."

Thoma popped in. "Our first guests arrived. The Traveler and Paimon, my bro Itto, and young Kaedehara. Lady Ayaka will see them in."

"How nice of them to come early," you said. "Who else?"

"Guuji Yae never shows up on time while the Raiden Shogun does. I don't know if Kujou Sara wants to attend, but Ayaka extended an invite to the Tenryou Commission."

Ayaka looked distressed. "I know the Tenryou Commission isn't exactly the nicest to the Hiiragi family, but I promise, they don't have the right to treat you badly tonight."

That was a half-truth. Parties, especially for weddings, were a place where everyone stabbed each other in the back.

As the bride, it was particularly disheartening to you. Still, you weren't made of sugar.

"We'll go ahead," Thoma told you. "You should find Ayato for the entrance."

As you left, you realized you'd never practiced walking around. A heavy yukata denoted wealth and status, and although you were used to wearing dresses like this, they were even heavier now, like your responsibilities.

You knocked on his office door.

"Come in," he said.

You slid the door open to find Ayato dressed in a kimono similar to yours. It regally complimented his blue hair. Not the first time you thought he was handsome, and probably not the last, but you hated him, so that didn't matter.

For a moment, you stared at each other, taking in appearances.

"You dress well," said Ayato.

"Of course, you'd say so. We're wearing the same colors."