A Song for the Devil

Reward

I woke up earlier than normal the next morning. I pulled a cushion to the patio and stared out over the garden as the morning fog was still on the ground and the sun was just beginning to rise to be visible.

Yesterday was full of disappointments. None of my wants or dreams supported or permitted. Although his reasoning is sound, I'm still recovering from the blows to my spirit. I was deep in thought when a gentle breeze rushed past my face and reminded me to take a big inhale. In the breath, with my eyes closed, I saw Hideyoshi in my imagination. There is absolutely no doubt that he would align with Nobunaga's opinions of my wants surrounding Kenshin. I wonder if I would recover faster if both of them were telling me no and looking at me with concern and pain at telling me "no."

Since we left Azuchi Nobunaga has received a letters from Hideyoshi in regards to Azuchi and always ending with some well wish for our time away that made my stomach twist a little. Nobunaga talks about him a lot. He admires Hideyoshi for his climb from humble country boy to a lord of his own lands. Without direct words he's made it clear he misses the way his monkey worries about him and how he keeps him grounded.

I had requested tea before sitting outside and when it arrived it disturbed the sleeping devil. The staff apologized as they quickly set the tea down on the table. Before they left I said they should be prepared to bring our meal earlier than normal.

I returned to my cushion on the patio, setting a second one next to me and holding my tea in the other. My mind resumed its daydreams of Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, the devil king and his most loyal vassal; passionate Oda and comforting Toyotomi.

"How long have you been awake?" The voice of my husband pulled me from my lecherous daydreaming. The sun has emerged and the fog on the ground begins to evaporate.

I looked over my shoulder to see him still stretching as if he was pushing his tiredness out of the futon. "Not long. It was beautiful to watch the garden before the sun ate all the fog." I returned my gaze to the garden and brought my tea to my lips.

"You look other worldly in this light." He stood and stretched once more before joining me on the porch. When he sat beside me he leaned into my ear, a movement I've grown accustomed to. He pressed his lips behind my ear. "Just checking to make sure you're not a spirit."

I smiled, the response he was hoping for I'm certain by the smile on his face now.
"Good morning." I turned to him and was quickly pulled into a kiss.

When we pulled away he was investigating my eyes. "I can tell by your kiss that you're distracted. What have you been out here meditating on?"

I sat back on my futon. And grabbing my cup off the floor for another sip. "I'm growing tired of this place. We should do something else today."

The suspicion left him and was instantly replaced with intrigue. "What do you have in mind?" He asked, beginning to lean towards me again.

"I'm sure that the horses are bored as well. We should go for a ride, get some wind in our lungs." My eyes had drifted to the sky as I spoke longingly.

His laugh was full. "If it would please my Phoenix, I'll have them ready our horses and we will ride after our meal."

I turned to him and quickly climbed into his lap as he laughed. My arms circled his neck. "Thank you. They're setting up our meal now."

He turned back to see the servants setting out our food. He gestured for one of them to come to him and ordered them to get the horses ready. He turned to me, his carnelian eyes and soft lips curved with happiness. "I'm glad you suggested this." He brushed his nose to mine. "Let's eat."