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

第3章

"Emiko, summon Riki to my chambers,'
Eunchae said, her voice calm and
authoritative."I wish to speak with him.
Prepare tea for us, please."

Emiko bowed gracefully. "At once, milady."

She glided silently from the room, leaving Eunchae to collect her thoughts.

Moments later, Emiko returned with Riki in tow.

"Nishimura Riki, milady."

Riki entered, his eyes cast downward, and bowed deeply. "Shinsei Shogun Eunchae-sama.'

As Emiko poured the steaming green tea into delicate ceramic cups, Eunchae studied Riki's composed features.

Eunchae's patience wore thin. Not once had Riki met her gaze. She rose, her movements fluid, and grasped the nearby katana. The wooden furniture creaked as she pulled the blade free.

With precision, she positioned the katana under Riki's chin, the sharp edge glinting in the  soft light. Slowly, she lifted his face, their eyes finally aligning.

Yet, to her growing annoyance, Riki's gaze still drifted downward, refusing to meet hers.

"Elevate your eyes, Riki," Eunchae
commanded, her voice low and even.

"Look at me."

The air thickened with tension as Riki's lashes  fluttered, his gaze hovering at the base of her throat before dropping again.

Eunchae's grip on the katana tightened.

"Do you hate seeing my face that much?"
Eunchae asked, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and curiosity.

Riki's eyes flashed upward, then dropped, his shoulders tensing.

"Eunchae-sama, no... it's not hatred," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"It's respect. I'm unworthy to meet your gaze."

Eunchae's grip on the katana remained firm.

"Respect?" she pressed, her tone firm. "How  can you protect me when you don't follow my simplest orders? I ask you to look at me, and you can't."

Riki's face twisted in anguish.

'Forgive me, Shinsei-sama," he pleaded. "I'Il try--"

"Try?" Eunchae's voice cut through his words.

"Try isn't enough, Riki. I need
unwavering  loyalty and trust."

Riki's eyes snapped up, locking onto
Eunchae's, a spark of determination igniting.

"I swear on my honor, Eunchae-sama," he vowed. "I'll protect you, and l'l learn to look you in the eye."

"Words mean nothing, Riki," Eunchae said, her voice laced with bitterness. "Your father, Nishimura Kaito, promised his honor, but what happened?"

Riki's eyes faltered, shame and regret etched on his face. Emotions he has some at least.

"The past cannot be undone, milady," he
whispered. "But I swear on my own honor, I will not repeat my father's mistakes."

Eunchae's gaze bore into Riki, searching for sincerīty.

"The rebellion...your father's betrayal," she listed, her voice cold."How can I trust you?"

Riki's face paled, but he held her gaze.

"I understand if you cannot," he said. "But I vow to earn back that trust,  Eunchae-sama with every breath, I will prove my loyalty."