Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ Crimson Shadows ❯ Interrupted Dream ( Chapter 7 )

"I'm so glad you came. You don't know how much I've missed you," Rianna said as Gojyo came towards her through an unearthly yellow haze. He took her in his arms and tightly embraced her. He kissed her passionately as she ran her fingers through his crimson hair. It was so soft, softer than she remembered it and she flushed as she felt his hands on her shoulders. He quickly unbuttoned the shirt, kissing her skin as it became more visible. She sighed and closed her eyes, hearing his soft words in her ear. She felt him touch her in a place that only he had touched her before and flushed.

Suddenly, there was a sharp rapping coming from some unknown source and Rianna glanced around. There, in the mist that had somewhat dissipated was a door. The knocking grew louder and louder until...she opened her eyes and yawned. She stared at the door and watched as the handle slowly turned and recovered enough alertness to shove the sword underneath her bed. She smoothed down her dress and tried to regain her composure as the door opened and the servant, who had brought her to the room in the first place, entered carrying a covered platter.

"I've brought your food, Miss Lenora," he said and laid it on a small table. He removed the lid and pointed at the food. It was a gourmet meal consisting of some wild game braised in what appeared to be some kind of berry sauce, freshly steamed vegetables, a small roll, and a tiny fruit tart. A glass of wine stood next to the meal and the servant handed Rianna a napkin.

"Please," he said as he pointed to a chair. "Sit and eat."

"Why have I been made a prisoner here?" Rianna asked and the servant looked at her.

"Whatever do you mean?"

"I was taken here and locked in. To me, that means that I am a prisoner. If he is truly my father, then why has he shut me away like a criminal? I thought he wanted to get to know me. This isn't the way to build a relationship with your daughter."

"He is merely concerned for your safety. He doesn't want you to get hurt when these youkai killers arrive."

"Tell me. These youkai killers...did one of them have hair like mine?"

"I have not seen these youkai killers Miss Lenora. I merely am relating what I have heard."

"When will they arrive?"

"In three days. Why?"

"I was just curious. Why can't I be allowed to at least walk in the garden? It's a beautiful garden and there's three days until their arrival. Is it too much to ask for a little freedom until then?"

"I don't know. I suppose I can ask."

"Please do."

"I'll ask when I bring your dishes back to the kitchen to be washed. Would you like anything else?"

"What I want can not be granted by you nor do I want my father to be aware of my wish. Tell me something, though. Do you agree with what my father has done?"

"I have been with your father for twenty years. He's been a good leader. Your father has suffered greatly as a result of your loss but now that he's gotten you back, things will get back to normal."

"What if I don't want to be a princess? My entire life has been spent on the run, constantly being tormented because I'm split between a world of humans and a world of youkai. I am a child of the shadows. An incarnate of a forbidden love. How can I accept the fact that he really wants me around when he shuts me in this room with no way out? I want to know his true intentions. I don't want to know what he says he's going to do. I want to know what he's actually going to do. Why can't you tell me that?"

"Because you wouldn't understand."

"You haven't even given me the chance."

"I don't know much, Miss Lenora. I only get my knowledge from others and what they say may not always be accurate. But please, eat, for I must return these dishes to the kitchen before the cook retires for the day."