She's My Sister

First Day

This was it! I was finally doing something for me and me alone. Smiling I snuck through the palace over to the west wing where Mitsuhide said he'd meet me. I hadn't encountered anyone yet so that was good. And taking a break from court herbalist was easy, all I had to do was say that Mitsuhide needed my help.

Smiling I peered down a corner and once the coast was clear I continued on my way.

I wonder what I'll learn today. Maybe some stances, cool moves?

I was giddy just thinking about it.

When I arrived I saw Mitsuhide fixing the swords.

"Hey!" I waved, walking over.

"You're right on time, how much time do you have?" He asked, smiling.

"As much as we need." I beamed, walking over and looking at he sparing gear.

"If you're good enough maybe Zen will consider you for a position as my apprentice. We'd need to get you a proper uniform, but that shouldn't be too hard." Mitsuhide told me.

I listened with eager content.

"So we'll start with basic stances and how to hold a sword, first lets get you geared up a bit. Don't want you bruising." He laughed, handing me a leather chest cover and a pair of leather arm protects.

After putting them on I frowned.

Huh, this doesn't look quite right...

I fiddled with the strings on my arm wraps and Mitsuhide seemed to notice.

"Here." He said, gently taking the strings from my hand, fastening the straps properly.

"Ohhh, haha, thanks." I laughed as he fixed my gear.

"No problem, lets get started!" 

Mitsuhide gave me a sword and helped me get my grip down. After that we worked on strong stances. By the end of what seemed to be at least two hours we'd gotten to some very scripted and slow sparring. 

I was having a blast, I was learning, sweating and moving. I was in control of everything I did. How my sword moved, how I moved. I felt amazing. 

"Great job today Y/N." Mitsuhide smiled, setting his sword down.

"Thank you, I could have never done it without you." I beamed at him.

"Meet me here tomorrow. I have to go now. You should shower and rest, your muscles will be a bit sore tomorrow." Mitsuhide informed me.

"Of course." I replied.

"Well, I'll see you later!" And with that Mitsuhide waved and disappeared down the empty corridor. 

Wiping the sweat from my forehead I used my wooden sword as support as I sat down. 

"What an extraordinary sight!" 

I felt my heart skip a beat in fear. Whipping my head around I looked for who'd spoken.

"I-Izana?!" I asked in shock, standing quickly and bowing.

"I have to say, never in my years at this palace have I seen something this absurd! An herbalist trying to become a swordsman." I heard him chuckle as his boots clicked on the tile floor, walking closer to me.

Standing up straight I saw he'd come closer. He'd stopped, but he was staring and smiling at me.

"Please, Prince Izana, I beg you to tell no one, especially not my sister. It'd break her heart that I never told her about this." I pleaded.

Smugly he folded his arms.

"I won't tell a soul." He assured me and I sighed in happy relief.

"Thank you-"

"However." He cut me off.

Oh no.

"If you do become a skilled swordsman, by some miracle, I won't tell anyone about if as long as you become my aide." He said.

I was trying to put things together in my head because what he'd just proposed seemed far too absurd to be a real proposal. 

"Your aide?! With all do respect your highness, but even if I were to become a great swordsman that'd be far in the future and I doubt I'd be of any service to a future king!" I sputtered.

"Hmm, I suppose you make a point." He pondered for a bit before looking back at me and walking forward. "But you would make a lovely bride." He approached me, making me shrink where I stood. 

What?!

"I beg your pardon?!" I asked in complete disbelief at what I was hearing. 

"I do not fancy commoners in any way. Ever. I believe strongly that people should marry within social class. However... You have something I've never seen in a woman." He spoke smoothly. "Not love by any means, just fascination, let me make that clear now. But you have such extraordinary eyes, and quite a bizarre personality. I can't help it but my personality compels me to learn more about you." He leaned in, holding my chin with his thumb and forefinger, leaning my head up as he observed my eyes. 

My mouth hung open for three reasons. One: Complete disbelief and loss for words. Two: The proximity of the princes face to mine. And three: How handsome Izana really was.

Blinking out of my trance I stepped back, out of Izana's light grip.

"I can't accept! This is exactly why my sister and I left out last country! I refuse to be someones object of observation and fascination!" I blurted, forgetting my manners. 

"I can sense you're tense... maybe a little tired from your training. I'll let you mull the idea over." Izana gave me a close eyed smile before turning to leave. 

Just as he was about to leave the room he stopped and turned his head to me.

"But I must warn you. I'm quite persistent."

AHHHHHH! Hello lovelies! I hope you are all enjoying this story! I plan on updating weekly! (Probs on Sunday nights) If it's more than a week feel free to scream at me in the comments, I either am super busy or in a writers block. Sorry for the slightly shorter chapter! Love you all and enjoy the story! Toodles!!