Crown of Blood

Chapter 1

I dipped my quill in ink and began writing,

"Dear Hanzō,

Every moment you have been by my side has been extraordinary and enchanting. As the next heir to the throne I have to carefully consider my lovers. There are many factors I have to remember, for instance, people using me for the throne or assassination plots. Hanzō, one of these factors is the approval of the citizens, while I don't care about what others have to say, I'm afraid that I can't ignore that I'm their voice and have to mold myself to their expectations. I think it's time I introduce you as my significant other. There is a banquet coming up where everyone is invited, during my speech I would like to introduce you, so if you would please be my partner for the banquet I would be delighted. I'm sure my people will love you as much as I do.

Your love,

Prince Odai"

I placed the letter carefully into a beautifully decorated white and gold envelope. I kiss the letter for good luck and ring the bell on my desk. Quickly my personal knight, Nitin enters my room.

"My prince, how may I be of assistance," He said bowing without once making eye contact.

I smile at him and wait for him to stand up and say, "Can you make sure this reaches Hanzō?" I handed him the envelope.

He stares at the envelope for a second, he always gets silent when I mention Hanzō. I don't think he approves of our relationship. It's a good thing that Hanzō hasn't noticed; he has quite the temper.

"I will make sure this arrives safely. Although if I may ask, what are you writing to him about?" Nitin asks, still avoiding eye contact.

"I can't write to my boyfriend?" I joke.

"No, that's not what I meant, my apologies," Nitin mutters.

"I was just joking, relax. I'm inviting him to the banquet so I can introduce him."

Nitin got quiet again, he nodded and left the room. I never understood why he didn't just stay in the room. He just stands outside the door anyway. I told him he could stay in here with me but he just shook his head. I wonder if that's something they cover in knight training.

I spent the next few days before the banquet writing my speech. I have been writing speeches all my life but I had an especially difficult time writing this one. I had to introduce Hanzō in a way that would persuade the people to love him. I had to write about his good traits and avoid the topic of him being a foreigner. I was very stressed but Nitin kept coming to check on me and giving me advice. I'm very grateful to him, if he wasn't so distant I would say he's my most treasured friend.

The day of the banquet, it came rather fast. I was a little nervous, so I propped up the picture of me and Hanzō on our first date; he took me to a bazaar. I kissed him that night, I didn't think we would be together this long though. As I was staring at the picture there was a knock at my door.

"Come in," I responded

Nitin held the door open as my mother walked in carrying my little brother. My mother, the queen of Kyo-gen, she is grace personified. My little brother, Agni, the sweetest boy you will ever meet.

"Mother! What's with the sudden entrance?" I ask since she never enters my room unless it's to scold me.

"Nitin told me that you're inviting Hanzō to the banquet, I don't mind Hanzō but are you prepared to face the citizens?" My mother asked as she put her hand that wasn't holding Agni on my shoulder.

I know full well that if things didn't go well I would have to break up with Hanzō. I was scared but I knew that no matter what happens my family isn't going anywhere. Even if I lose Hanzō I still have my parents and Agni.