The Samurai That I Loved

第24章

Eliza shivered uncontrollably in his arms as the opium coursed through her ailing body. Shojiro kept her snuggled tightly against the thin, meager warmth of his kimono, feeling every tremor, each weak heartbeat that bespoke the true battle taking place beneath the surface.

He smoothed back her hair and whispered never-before-spoken words of encouragement while silently pleading with the heavens above for a miracle.

She still had no idea he was the one holding her until she lifted her head. It lulled to slump against his shoulder as perspiration dewed her brow and the gentle dip above her pale lips.

Her thick, auburn lashes framed her face as she fluttered them open halfway. Shojiro returned her gaze with anguish in his own eyes, anguish and guilt. He had never felt so torn inside himself before, never felt this utterly out of his element and out of control of literally everything around him.

"Shoji...Shoji..." She whispered hoarsely before her eyes slipped closed again. Shojiro's hand lifted to cup her face and he rested his forehead against hers as he answered in a soft voice,

"You're safe."

She bent over his arm and released the contents of her body with another gut-wrenching heave. Shojiro hoisted her closer against him after she was finished and delicately wrapped her robes closer around her slender shoulders before easing them both down to the ground.

He pulled her waist against his own as his other hand cradled her head against his chest. From this angle, she could rest easier on her side and he could simply look down to check on her, feel the warmth of her soft breaths against his chest.

"P-oison...I...it's poison." She croaked out with a trembling ridge in her voice. His hand soothed her face gently and he bent his head to look into her eyes.

"Yes." He murmured with grave reluctance. Her eyes fluttered open once more and widened on him for a fleeting moment. He felt her heartbeat start to accelerate as she said,

"Y-you, it's you...k-kill me, you want t-to kill--"

"Shhh. No. No one is being killed, Eliza-chan. Don't move. Just rest." He whispered back faintly with a wince as she wriggled against his wounded shoulder. She gasped and moved back just enough to get a clear view of the bloody stains all over his robe.

"I shot you! How are y--"

"Nothing but a bruise, little hana." He chided with a whimsical smile curving at the corner of his mouth. His hand behind her nape gently pulled her back to him and he settled his chin atop her hair, only taking in the sweet pleasure of being able to hold her and let the peace of that simple feat wash over him in clarity.

He had never felt this way before...about anyone or anything. Not to this deep, unfathomable extent. He felt weak, but also...incredibly strong in his determination to protect her. Something about her innocence, her complete outlook of positivity and endearing love compelled him to be more true to himself as a man.

To protect her, nurture her happiness, her beautiful heart..he wanted to bring water and life to such a delicate rose that was already blooming in rich colors of scarlet, magenta and vermillion. She was an exquisite flame meant to cherish, not dampen.

She shuddered and tried to pull back weakly, but when his lips found her hair and kissed her softly there, she froze for lingering seconds before lifting her head to look up at him with a butterfly shudder and longing questioning in her eyes.

"I am your prisoner." She whispered with a tormented expression of sadness and despair.

Wordlessly, Shojiro stared down at her for countless seconds as his mind centered on those words along with many others.