Sealed Love 封印の愛 "Fūin no Ai" ( a chaemura au)

1つ

  Eunchae's eyes settled on the boy, his tiny frame swaying slightly as he stood. His grey kimono hung loosely, its threadsbare fabric a testament to hardship. The once-vibrant color had faded, much like the hope in his
eyes. As she searched for a glimpse of his
soul, he shied away, his gaze darting to the floorboards.

Eunchae's gaze lingered on the boy's angular face, his eyes thin slits that seemed to hold a world of pain. He stood perhaps a hand's breadth taller than her, his age difficult to discern, but likely similar to hers, or maybe slightly older.

"Otosan," her father's advisor, Lord Matsumoto, said, his voice low and gravelly, "this is Riki, son of the late Samurai Nishimura."

Eunchae's father, the Shogun, nodded
solemnly.

"Riki will train under our guidance, honing his skills to become a worthy samurai".

Eunchae, only twelve winters old, furrowed her brow as she pondered the boy's presence. Why would her father, the Shogun, take in the son of the treacherous Samurai Nishimura? The same man who had betrayed their trust
and attempted to overthrow their rule.

She recalled the whispered conversations among the servants: Riki's family had served  theirs for generations, earning a measure of
loyalty and respect. Her father, in his infinite compassion, had chosen to honor that legacy.

To Eunchae, however, her father's kindness seemed misplaced.

"Why show mercy to those who sought to harm us?" she wondered.

"Eunchae, come here," her father called, his voice gentle but firm. Eunchae's reverie shattered, and she hastened to his side, her kimono rustling softly. She
settled beside him, her posture demure.

"When Riki comes of age and becomes
a samurai, he will serve you," the Shogun explained, his eyes serious. "Remember, he is not your friend, but a loyal companion."

Eunchae's brow furrowed. "Loyal companion?"

The Shogun's expression turned stern
"Yes, like a loyal attendant - devoted, yet
subordinate."

Eunchae's thoughts whirled. A companion, yet not a friend? She glanced at Riki, who stood rigidly, his eyes cast downward.

Eunchae's gaze lingered on Riki, her mind racing. Could someone whose father had betrayed theirs truly be loyal? She sensed Riki's eyes flicker toward her, but he quickly looked away.

"Understand, Eunchae?" her father asked, his voice softening. Eunchae nodded, though doubts lingered.

The meeting concluded, and Riki was swiftly dispatched to begin his training. Eunchae watched him depart, his figure disappearing into the bustling corridors of the palace.

From that day forward, Eunchae rarely caughtglimpses of Riki. He was always elsewhere, honing his skills under the watchful eyes of the samurai instructors. Their paths crossed occasionally, but they exchanged no words, only silent nods or brief bows.

Months passed, and Eunchae grew
accustomed to Riki's absence. Her days
filled with lessons in etiquette, literature, and diplomacy, while Riki's life became a blur of sweat, steel, and discipline.

As seasons changed, Eunchae found herself pondering Riki's progress. Had he proven himself worthy of her father's trust? Did he harbor resentment toward their family for causing his father's death?

One day, while strolling through the  gardens, Eunchae spotted Riki training with a group of young samurai. His movements were fluid, his focus intense.

Their eyes met, and for an instant, Eunchae sensed a flicker of connection.
But before she  could grasp it, Riki's gaze shifted away, his focus returning to the training session.

Why did Riki's gaze falter? Was he still bound by his family's shame?

Days turned into weeks, and Eunchae's
encounters with Riki remained fleeting
Yet, she sensed subtle changes in him - a
newfound confidence, a sharpened edge.

Later that evening, Eunchae's father
summoned her to his chambers.

"Eunchae,l've received reports of Riki's exceptional progress. He may soon become your personal guard.

Eunchae's instincts rebelled at the notion.

"Must it be him, Father?"

The Shogun's expression turned stern.

"Riki has earned his place You will learn to trust him."

Eunchae's confusion and frustration boiled over. "Father, I don't understand. His family betrayed US. Why should we trust him?"

The Shogun's expression softened, his eyes louding with memories. "There's more to the story, Eunchae. Nishimura's betrayal was not solely his own doing. He was manipulated used by forces that sought to destabilize our rule."

Eunchae's brow furrowed. "What forces?"

Her father's voice dropped to a whisper.

"The  Imperial Court. They sought to weaken our influence and gain control over the region. Nishimura was a pawn in their game"

Eunchae's mind reeled. She had never known.

"Does Riki know?" Eunchae asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The Shogun's eyes locked onto hers. "No, and it's crucial he remains unaware. His loyalty must be to our family, not driven by revenge or loyalty to his father's memory."

Eunchae pondered her father's words. Could
Riki truly change? She recalled his gaze, the
fleeting connection they shared.

Father, what if Riki's loyalty wavers?" Eunchae asked, her voice laced with concern.

The Shogun's expression turned grave.

"Then we must reevaluate our decision. But for now, let us give him a chance to prove himself."

Eunchae nodded, acquiescing to her
father's wishes. She bowed respectfully and excused herself, seeking the tranquility of  her chambers. A warm bath, prepared by her attentive maids, beckoned.

As she entered her quarters, the sweet
fragrance of rose petals and fragrant oils
enveloped her, transporting her to a state of serenity. Her maids, skilled in the art of relaxation, had readied the bath to perfection.

Eunchae slipped into the warm waters, feeling tension melt away. The gentle lapping of the water against the wooden tub's edges created a soothing melody.

As Eunchae soaked in the bath, her thoughts drifted to Riki. Could he truly redeem himself?Her father believed so, but doubts lingered.

A soft knock on the door broke the silence "Lady Eunchae, shall I wash your hair?" her maid, Emiko, asked.

Eunchae nodded, her eyes closing as Emiko's skilled fingers began to massage her scalp.

Eunchae's eyelids grew heavy, the warmth of the bath seeping into her bones. As Emiko gently dried her hair, she felt her exhaustion catch up with her.

"Thank you, Emiko," Eunchae whispered, her  voice barely audible.

Emiko smiled softly. "Sleep well, Lady
Eunchae. I'll ensure your chambers remain quiet."

With a nod, Eunchae slipped into her bed, the silken sheets enveloping her. Her thoughts flickered to Riki, but before she could dwell on him, slumber claimed her.