The Peace Offering

Kouen: Chapter 12

I tapped my finger nervously against my thigh, Sindri was supposed to meet my family, but she was late. With a quick glance I could tell that my siblings were getting bored and annoyed. My father let out a grumble of annoyance, this meeting was not starting off well. 

Just when I thought that Sindri had completely ditched the meeting the large twin doors opened. Sindri came into the room with the confidence and grace of a queen. As she came closer I got a good look at her, and my mouth slightly opened in shock, her outfit was not the one that I had personally picked out. Instead of the pink kimono Sindri was wearing a long white skirt with slits on both ends up to her upper thigh and a low cut shirt with transparent sleeves that exposed much of her stomach. Her gold ornaments jingled with every step she took.

Placing a fist over her heart she bowed in a fluid motion, "My apologies for being late, this meeting was unexpected."

"My, what an interesting choice of apparel." Gyokuen remarked with a sneer. 

"This is the traditional dress of Sindria. I meet you all here today as a daughter of Sindria." Sindri stated as she lifted her head higher. Gyokuen and Sindri continued to have an intense stare off before my father interrupted them.

"That is very all well and all. Now, let us get down to the responsibilities and duties you are expected to upkeep."

Once again my siblings started to get bored and wander off in their minds. Unlike them I wanted to hear what Sindri would have to do, as ultimately it would affect me to. Sindri's face became like stone and her posture stiffened up even more than it already was.

"First, you will provide Kouen with an heir in the first two years of marriage. Second, you will be faithful to your husband. Third and finally, you will act as is expected of you as a royal member of the Kou Empire."

"I hear and accept the terms you have said." Sindri stated, her voice hard as steel. 

The meeting soon finished and everyone dispersed. I followed close behind Sindri with a rose in my hand. Kougyuku had recommended flowers as a nice gift to thaw the ice between Sindri and I. She continued to walk with the grace of a queen until she reached the hallway in which her room was. I hid as she glanced around searching for people. When she thought no one was around she sunk to the ground and began to sob. At first it was quite, then she got louder as she shook in grief.

My heart sank as I watched her. Did she despise me that much? As she began to quiet down I realized that she didn't hate me, she was just scared. She had been forced into this marriage didn't know what to do. Her tough act was just that, an act.

Weakly Sindri got up and went inside her room, her legs shaking. I looked at the rose and sighed, this was not the time for romance. I turned and walked away. My emotions were jumbled up, when it came to Sindri I always ended up feeling conflicted. I needed to sort them out and decide quickly how I feel about Sindri.