Strategy Masters

Nobles

I stared at the cherry blossom that had recently bloomed. It flourished, even under the harsh conditions that it was put through.
Sighing, I turned away, looking at the mansion I lived in. My brother was the only company, since we both insisted upon doing our own work. Even then, he was constantly busy, never having time for his younger sibling. He insisted that I marry into a better life than this, one where we could have some time to relax. He really meant that he wanted me out, most likely because I looked like a replica of our mother.
Our parent's deaths had been tragic, murdered at a banquet that we had not been permitted to attend. Everyone at the gathering was burned, leaving no trace of anyone. We mourned, of course, but the duties that my father had was passed on to my brother, who soon hardened, letting no emotion show to outsiders, beckoned.
My green eyes swept across our walled in courtyard, then lowered to the wooden floor. There was nothing here for me, not in this small place. I knew I belonged somewhere else. But where was the question.
My bare feet found their way to my brother's study, where he was no doubt doing some form of paperwork.
"Brother? Might I request something?" I twirled one of my white locks around my finger, feeling slightly queasy about what I was going to say.
"Please do hurry, I'd like to get this done before the sun is completely down." He glanced up at me, his light brown hair falling in his face.
"Well... I've thought about it... And I'd like to be betrothed. Well, I'd like to approve of the man you choose for me first, if it's not a bother..." I looked away, feeling his stare.
"Nö, there is a war raging around us. I know you're doing this for me, but there really isn't a choice for you. I've already come to an agreement with Dong Zhuo. You'll be sent off in three days." He looked down, almost ashamed of himself for not saying anything sooner.
I looked away. There was nothing to say. Standing, I glared back at him. "You promised me. And you've broken my trust." A cloud hung around the room, intensifying the gloom that had gathered. My eyes softened as I turned away, leaving my brother alone in his study. Though the words didn't seem like much, it meant a lot to him, most likely scarring deep.
I went back to the orchard, sitting on the small porch. My hands buried themselves into my hair, pulling in a not so lightly fashion. The sleeves of my strangely fashioned kimono fell to my elbows, my bare knees drew to my chest. Still, no tears fell. Not even out of anger.
My stare became blank as I looked out over the beautiful blossoms. I would most likely never see them again after the marriage, then again, they would burn if we were attacked.
Sighing, I stood once again. As childish as it seemed, I was only angry that my brother had broken his promise.
My hands found their way back into my hair, twirling it lightly once again. Biting my bottom lip, my thoughts travelled to the man I was to be betrothed to. From the talk of the villagers, there was a war going on between him, and the Master Strategist, known as Sima Yi. And it wasn't my betrothed that was winning. If my brother knew what was going on, then why hand me over to the losing side? He risked my life at his actions, and he knew it.
My eyes narrowed dangerously. There was no way that I was going to sit through and be shipped off to a possible death. If I was going to go, then I'd go down with a fight.