Flower of Bulann

Chapter 8

Kinna's heart felt like it was about to burst, to the point that she still gripped her kimono tightly. Her father stood first as the closing ceremony finished, motioning for his retainers to rise with him. Kinna's legs felt like jelly though and she stayed knelt, glad that the men had to rise first.

"How did you find the jousts, my daughter?" her father asked, his thumbs tucked into the belt of his robe proudly.

"They were a little too, stimulating for me, father. I feared for prince Liu Kuan though, his injury looked fearfully bad" she replied, her heart still beating frantically at the thought of his near death.

"Indeed, that was unfortunate. The young prince is a bold man though, he would be a worthy husband for you. The young Vior also showed great perseverance, perhaps he is spurred on by something more powerful than a chance at status?" her father said with a knowing eyebrow raised, could Jaefan have taddled on her?

"Who knows, father" she smiled sweetly, banking on his unconditional love to override his reasoning.

Her father grunted with a nod and left her in the viewing box with her handful of maiden guard. Kinna took a deep breath and raised herself up. If her father knew about either prince Liu or Vior, a stern talking to would be the least she could hope for.

Her guard closed in around her as they left the viewing box. The arena was still ringing with conversations about Vior and Liu... which made Kinna feel oddly proud about having them compete for her. Lingering on the steps a moment, she listened to her sisters talk about them in a flattering light, making her smile further.

She was led down to her carriage, her maiden guard forming up behind it.

The journey back to the palace was a pleasant one as they rode in the carriage, her compartment spread with silk drapes and littered with plush cushions. Ovinna and Hinata accompanied her inside, gossiping incessantly. Kinna let them talk though as they blatantly flattered her with praise of Vior and Liu and by extension herself.

"If you could choose the winner, my lady. Who would you pick?" Hinata asked, looking every bit the fourteen-year-old girl she was.

Kinna looked away as her cheeks flushed, how could she think about such a thing? though...

"I would pick lord Vior" Ovinna butted in, taking Kinna's right arm gently and sighing. "He is both handsome and skilled, yet he has the tender look of an innocent boy... if only I were a lady of value."

"Ovinna!" Kinna protested, her handmaiden talking as if she were a brothel worker.

"Well, I myself would choose the prince, Liu" Hinata said, taking her other arm. "He has both standing and honour, the prince also sports a manly scar now. What a husband he would make."

Before Kinna could protest once again they began to playfully tug at her.

"Tell us, lady. Who would you choose?" they said in tandem, it was almost as if they had practised this routine.

"Well, if I have to pick one. Then..." as she trailed off the carriage came to a halt, her guard opening the door and placing a set of steps down and, more importantly, ending the conversation... much to her handmaidens' dejection.

Kinna stifled a smug grin at her little victory and followed her guard into the palace.

She woke late into the night, Hinata's arm draped over her. Kinna gently removed it, tucking her handmaiden into her bed as she put on a night robe and carefully slid her bedroom door open.

Kinna was surprised at the lack of guards outside, perhaps they were mid-rotation? either way, she took her opportunity, slipping outside to wander the gardens and enjoy the night air.

The gardens were as beautiful as always, especially when illuminated by the glow of the moon, it's celestial light bathing everything in a calming glow.

As she approached her favourite spot, where she had first reunited with Vior there sat a figure in the shadows.

"Lady Kinna?" came the familiar voice of Vior. His question sounding more hopeful than a challenge.

Kinna went closer, leaning forward to try and pierce the shadows that cloaked him.

"It is I, lord Vior. It would seem to be more than coincidence that we both come out here this night" she said calmly, though her heart had already begun to race wildly upon seeing him.

"Yet, it is so, lady Kinna. I would not have you think I waited here simply for a glimpse of your beauty" he stammered nervously.

She smiled unconsciously, he was so worried about displeasing her. Yet she knew he would never do such a thing... not on purpose anyway.

Kinna placed a hand gently on his cheek, Vior felt so warm to the touch and he placed his hands upon her waist, her heart pounding so hard it must surely burst forth from her chest any second now.

"You fought bravely today, lord Vior..." she whispered, terrified of what she might do in her state of passion.

"I fought for you, lady Kinna. I have always, and will always fight for you, my lady" he told her breathlessly, his face tantalisingly close to hers.

Kinna pursed her lips, this was it. This would be her first kiss, had this been what she'd wished for these past seven years without knowing?

A bell rang dully, piercing the still night air and breaking the spell that had transfixed the both of them once again.

"Forgive me, lady Kinna. It seems I have once again forced myself upon you" Vior said quietly, though he didn't let her go.

"There is nothing to forgive, lord Vior" she replied, still longing for that kiss.

Vior leaned in closer still, so close she could feel his warm breath upon her lips...

"Vior..." she worded breathlessly, the whole world seemingly on hold as he leant forward and kissed her.

Kinna's eyes went wide, for though she'd wanted it, she had been sure this moment wouldn't come to pass. Without thought, Kinna closed her eyes as she wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her to him.

Kinna had envisioned the perfect first kiss in her dreams so often, and now that it was playing out she dared hardly believe this was real.

Their lips parted slowly, each drawing breath as they gazed into each other's eyes, Kinna couldn't stop tears from flowing down her cheeks as they did so. Vior gently wiped them away with his finger, though his eyes clearly glistened too.

"I will let no other man have you, my love," Vior told her, his face trying to be stern and hard... but he was too pretty for it to be so. "Even my death would not satisfy another marrying you now."

"Then you must win," she told him plainly, taking his face in her hands. "And make me your bride, I..."

Before she could finish they heard the sound of rustling grass and she turned quickly in fear.

"Lord Vior, lady Kinna. I must say that I did not expect such a scene this evening" prince Liu said, emerging from the shadows.