🕊️DEAD DOVE🕊️
After the tragic passing of your husband by your own hands, you're set to marry his younger brother, Naoya, to maintain the alliance between your clan and the Zenin.
Under the facade of lending your family's influence in exchange fo...
AN: For best experience, please at least read Ch. 1-9 first. In chapter 9, Y/N talks about her wedding to Naohiro with Naoya at the mitamaya. This is that wedding. c: TW: Emetophobia
Gladioli represent strength of character, faithfulness, moral integrity, and remembrance.
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The Kamo estate buzzed with the quiet, disciplined activity of attendants preparing for your wedding. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers that came in through the open fusuma doors of the estate. You stood at the center of your nearly empty room, attendants fussing over the finishing touches on your shiromuku. You were to marry Zenin Naohiro, the eldest of four sons of the Zenin clan head Naobito.
Like Naoya and his other brothers, Naohiro always exuded confidence, his presence commanding and assertive. He wasn't one to randomly second-guess himself, such confidence often coming off as arrogance. As a Zenin, Naohiro had also always been deeply committed to his family, hence his 'gentleness' toward you so far through your engagement. You were set to become part of that family per his duty to the clan, so you weren't restricted from his overly protective nature. At first, the two of you hadn't seen eye to eye but as the weeks passed in preparation for your wedding you found yourself warming up to the charismatic Zenin with a knack for humor and playfulness. Naohiro's initial interactions with you were marked with formality and curiosity. He respected the arranged nature of your marriage but he was also genuinely interested in getting to know you as a person, especially after his education on your clan that he so diligently learned once he heard of the arrangement.
As you looked at your reflection in the mirror that leaned against the wall, your mind swirled with a mix of nerves and uncertainty. You had to remind yourself why you were doing this, for the sake of your clan, for your father's love and approval. This marriage was one for a mission, a union steeped in duty and family expectations. There was no love between you, at least not yet.
A loud rapping on the shoji door broke your inner monologue. Your brow furrowed slightly at the irritating noise. "Who is it?" You called out in your steady voice.
"It's Naoya," came the familiar, gruff voice from the other side, your future brother-in-law. His tone carried its usual blend of irritation and impatience.
You glanced at the attendant nearest to the door and nodded, giving them permission to open it. The shoji door opened to reveal Naoya standing there, a small, white box with a blue ribbon clutched in his hand. He was dressed in a sharp, black kimono, the formal attire only emphasizing his striking presence. His piercing amber eyes raked over you from head to toe, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Well, don't you look fucking ravishing," he drawled, a hint of something almost hungry in his voice. "I always knew you could clean up nice considering your snobby-ass clan, but this...this is something else."
Your eyes narrowed slightly at his crude remark, but you chose to ignore it. Naoya was known for his sharp tongue and provocative comments. You had learned to brush them off, not giving him the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, you focused on the small box in his hand. "What do you have there, Zenin?"
