Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Daughter of the Forest RK Style ❯ One Mustn't Speak of Courtly Matters ( Chapter 18 )

Full Summary: Kaoru, the only daughter of an Irish King, must save her six brothers from an enchantment placed on them by an evil sorceress. What will happen when she falls in love with a Britain? Story is based off of Juliet Marillier’s book Daughter of the Forest. KK
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or Daughter of the Forest. As much as I’d love to take credit for Nobuhiro Watsuki's and Juliet Marillier’s creations, I’d rather keep what little money I have.
This story is a work of fiction and should not be taken as a serious era piece. Sevenwaters, Harrowfield, Northwoods and the Three Sacred Islands are made up places.
I forgot to mention earlier that I do not own any of the shows that my author's notes are spoofing, excluding Druid You Know?. All borrowed plots are merely for entertainment purposes only.
A/N:
Italics mean mental conversations.
Daughter of the Forest RK Style
Chapter 18: One Mustn't Speak of Courtly Matters

I have been working diligently on the last shirt for the past day and fearfully I have yet to complete the last sleeve. Since Gohei alerted me of my impeding trial I have had no rest nor do I plan to do so. I must complete my shirts swiftly before my execution if I wish to save my brothers and Kenshin.
Between the words spoken by Sakura and Gohei and the dungeon's deafening silence many things have gone through my head. I have had a lot of time to come to terms with the confessions made by Gohei and though I am still confused and unsettled by them it's not his words that continue to echo in my mind. I do not believe Sakura's words anymore than when I first heard them, but I can't help but feel confused over them. If only she knew the truth behind Kenshin’s and my relationship. Maybe if she was told of the demands the Tuatha De Danann imposed on him, the secrets I hold of Akira and the suspicion Kenshin holds towards her brother she would understand. Kenshin may hold friendly concern for my welfare, but he doesn't love me.
Kenshin's actions are based on a sense of duty yet I can't help but feel comforted by the mere thought of him. Even now I hold faith in the fact that he'll come back and save me. After everything that we have gone through I can't help but continue to believe in him. My faith is the only thing that is keeping me from collapsing on the floor in defeat.
Wrapping my fingers around the ring hanging around my neck I begin to dream of all the things worth fighting for. I remember the days long ago when my brothers and I would gather at Rock Lake, of the nights spent on top of the roof conversing with Soujiro, and the loving glances Tae and Okubo would share when they thought themselves to be all alone. All the fondness I hold for the folk of Harrowfield suddenly flood my consciousness as well. I slowly begin to relive the memories of Mine's temper towards Jiro, the day little Sanosuke was born and how his father held him so lovingly, all the late night walks Kenshin and I shared in the garden, and of the day Kenshin took me to the beach and gave me this ring. For them I will continue to work without rest; for them I will succeed.
***later***
As Gohei promised two days prior, I am currently being escorted to the courtroom by several guards. I figured that they would not take much pity on my current condition, but I was not expecting them to treat me this harshly. I am being dragged quite forcefully despite the fact that I have been under nourished and under-acclimated to the elements. I don't know exactly how long I have been in the dungeon, but it has certainly been long enough for my body to protest my sudden movements. My eyes are burning due to the sudden exposure to light, my legs are wobbly from lack of use and my skin is incredibly pale from being malnourished and lacking sunlight. My head is spinning so fast that I can barely make out the difference between the curtains and people walking down the halls. Everything seems to be passing by me in a blur and I can't seem to clear my vision no matter how hard I try.
In a daze I find myself in a large room prepared for my trial. The room would be extremely dark if it weren't for the many candles scattered around the room and a large fire in the hearth. In the room is a large wooden table positioned against the opposite wall with four chairs facing the doorway. On the sides of the table like two bookends are two men with inkwells, quill and several piles of parchment. In the middle of the table are Gohei and a man of fine robes that I can only assume to be the bishop's man. On the remaining three walls is a full audience of what I can only assume to be influential members of the court. There looks to be not a single seat left vacant in the hall, but I am not able to know for sure due the guards hastily pushing me to the center of the room where a high pedestal stands.
As I take my seat my head begins to further spin. I do not know if it is because of the poor conditions I've been under or from all the eyes on me, but I can hardly concentrate on my surroundings.
Rising from his seat Gohei pronounces regally, “This moot shall now commence. In the absence of my nephew, Lord Shinta of Harrowfield, master of this estate, I, Lord Gohei of Northwoods, will be preceding over these hearings. All matters of court previously scheduled for today shall be pushed to a later date due to the importance of the case before us. As inconvenient as this may all be I assure that it could not be helped. Food and drink will be provided for as long as the business of the moot takes place.” Mutters of approval are heard around the room. “Today a most pressing matter shall be addressed. The girl before us, known as Marina, has been charged for various crimes, all in which are punishable by death.”
My head begins to spin uncontrollably as those around me gasp. Though I am not paying attention to the crowd surrounding me I have no doubt that they are also staring at me. Trying to focus once more I close my eyes and listen to the voices surrounding me instead.
“Because of this woman's position in my family I have asked Father Ryu of Ravenglass to help advise me on a final verdict, but he was unfortunately called upon to deal with another case. I had hoped that Father Ryu would be able to grace us with his presence so that the opinion of the church might be heard on the charge of sorcery, but alas that will not be.” The crowd gasps in horror at Gohei's words. “In his stead Father Tohru of Whitehaven has so graciously given of his free time to proceed over these hearings.”
Opening my eyes I take in Gohei's expression. Is it my imagination or is Gohei not pleased with the change of council?
“This morning the evidence against the girl will be presented. After all the evidence has been placed before the court we will give the girl a chance to speak for herself. I shall question her along side Father Tohru, if he feels so inclined. Anyone in the moot who wishes to question the girl will also be given a chance to do so. Later tonight the moot will be dismissed and Father Tohru and myself will speak among ourselves. Though the decision will no doubt be agreed upon quickly we shall wait until the following morning to announce the girl's fate.”
Nodding with an almost bored expression Father Tohru replies, “Fair enough.” Grabbing his quill and some parchment the man continues, “Now onto the matter at hand. What charges are you pressing against this young girl?”
“There are several,” Gohei states arrogantly. “The first to be addressed is her involvement in spying for the enemy. She has not denied her origins among the Chieftains of Erin nor has she tried to hide it. The second charge is reception of an outlaw on our lands. This has no doubt something to do with her first charge. Lastly, she is being charged for sorcery and witchcraft. She has used her craft to cause mischief and other such disturbances upon my nephew's household.”
“These are very weighty matters you have addressed. Do you have witnesses to testify your claims?” Father Tohru replies with a raised brow.
“Several,” Gohei quickly replies with a smirk.
“Then I suggest that you proceed.” Looking towards me Father Tohru continues, “When the time comes I expect you to account for yourself.”
I stare at the man incredulously.
“Lord Gohei, are you sure that this girl is able to understand our tongue?” Father Tohru inquires in annoyance.
“I assure that she does,” Gohei replies angrily while glaring at me. “She is not able to speak but she is able to make herself understood through crude gestures when she chooses.”
In exasperation Father Tohru states, “For your sake I hope she can. I find it quite difficult to hold trial for one who has no knowledge of our tongue or means to communicate. Does she at least have someone to assist her?”
“She can do well enough for herself. May I continue to proceed?” Gohei dismissively replies.
“I am not pleased, but you may continue,” Father Tohru comments with a shake of the head.
Gohei immediately begins to walk the length of the room taking in all the faces around him. Much like an expert storyteller Gohei dramatically pauses in front of the room before beginning, “The girl in front of you may look innocent by all accounts, but do not let appearances deceive you. My nephew brought her into his household after conducting a search party for his brother that her kindred murdered. When my nephew, Shinta, brought her home with him it came as much of a surprise. He had never once brought an unknown woman into his household nor had he ever dared to bring one from Ireland into his midst. Immediately I suspected sorcery.” The crowd gasps in shock. “In my mind there is no other reasonable explanation for her actions. Not only did he never show any interest in the Irish before, but shortly after he took her as his bride despite the fact that he was already promised to another. It goes against everything he stands for! The only explanation is witch craft.” The crowd suddenly goes pale at his testimony.
Glancing in my direction he continues, “Since then I have asked myself what a witch like herself would want with my nephew. He is not involved in any war with her people so I concluded that she has used my nephew's possession as a means to spy on my campaign. Marina has been spotted several times listening in on meetings held by Shinta and myself. I have even seen her run off from the castle in the middle of the night suspiciously. Each instance she has been out for several hours at a time.”
“This is nothing but speculation,” Father Tohru comments in annoyance as he looks up from his parchment. “Do you have any evidence to prove your theory?”
“I was just about to get to that,” Gohei replies back in frustration. “As I was about to say, my suspicions were proven less than two months ago when my men and I found Marina in the arms of an Irish man. From the looks of it, we had interrupted them in the middle of a very intimate situation. He was naked while she was wearing very few articles of clothing. I could only assume that she was having some sort of relations with the man we found her with.”
“You wish to add charges of adultery as well?” Father Tohru calmly asks while dipping his quill in the ink well between one of the young scribes and himself.
Gohei nods his head but Father Tohru does not pay him notice. I can only assume that the Father knew the answer to his question before asking and thus is writing it down in his notes.
“Do you have any witnesses to back your claims?” Father Tohru inquires without so much as a lift of the head.
“A close friend of my nephew, Jiro of Harrowfield, Chief of Security for the house of Harrowfield was also there to witness the event,” Gohei replies calmly.
“I expect that this man will be heard from later in the proceedings?” Father Tohru asks with a raised brow as he lifts his eyes from the parchment in front of him.
“Of course,” Gohei replies with a smirk.
“Good, I wish to hear his side of the story. Now are there any other claims you wish to make or are you finished?” Father Tohru inquires enervated.
“Those are the only charges in which she shall be tried for,” Gohei replies cockily.
Addressing Gohei directly Father Tohru curtly states, “If you have any witnesses this might be the time to bring them before me. What of this Jiro of Harrowfield? He seems like an important witness.”
“I assure you that my guards will bring him soon,” Gohei replies while glancing at the door in anticipation.
“Since he is not here do you have any other witnesses that you'd wish to bring forward?” Father Tohru questions in slight annoyance.
With a smirk Gohei answers back, “I wish to bring forward one of the household maids working in my nephew's household, Yukiko.”
“She may come forward,” Father Tohru replies not at all impressed.
Walking forward is one of the chambermaids I commonly over hear gossiping. If my head weren't hurting so much or my life wasn't on the line I'm sure I would be highly amused at Gohei's choice of witnesses.
“What is your relationship to the girl under trial?” Father Tohru inquires before Gohei can get in a word.
Nervously the girl stutters, “I... I ah... am her chambermaid.”
“What are your tasks as her chambermaid?” Father Tohru asks suspiciously.
“I... I prepare her baths, keep her room in order and wait on her when she is in need of service,” the girl quietly replies.
“Do you take care of any other member of the household?” Father Tohru asks while taking notes.
“Normally I only tend to one person at a time and have no other tasks to perform, but because she doesn't ask for my assistance often I also work in the kitchen,” she replies back while glancing at the floor.
“You are a chambermaid, why would you assist the kitchen? Is there no other person to do so,” Father Tohru asks in puzzlement.
Slightly blushing the girl replies back, “I originally worked in the kitchen but none of the chambermaids would wait on her so I was given the position.”
“I see,” Father Tohru replies while writing something on the parchment in front of him.
“Yukiko, you saw first hand some of Marina's witch craft?” Gohei states coaxingly.
“Ah... yes, I was cleaning Marina's room while she was out walking with Lord Shinta one afternoon and fell across her shirts and a talisman,” Yukiko replies nervously.
I am trying to concentrate on the testimony in front of me but I can't help but become distracted by this sudden uncontrollable swaying. Closing my eyes firmly I try to push down this feeling but I can't.
Opening my eyes once more I hear Father Tohru comment, “...no idea what it looks like nor can you present it to me. For all I know, it could have just been a necklace.”
“I assure you that it wasn't,” Yukiko replies, “I never saw it after that nor did she give it to any of the females in the household. I would have noticed if any of them were wearing it. I'm sure that she used it on Lord Shinta and that's why it has vanished. She probably cursed him like she did Kiyoshi, and Mine after delivering their son Sanosuke.”
After writing something on the parchment in front of him Father Tohru asks firmly, "Does anyone else wish to question the witness?”
The room is completely quite.
“I think that is a no,” Gohei states with a smirk.
Father Tohru does not reply to Gohei's comment but instead looks upon the man in disgust before continuing, “Do you wish to bring out any other potential witnesses while we wait?”
With an irritated tone Gohei replies, “I wish to bring forward one of my nephew's guards Hiroshi.”
With a nod of the head Father Tohru dips his quill in the ink well before inquiring, “What is your relationship to the girl under trial?”
“I commonly watch her sector of the palace from evening to early morning, Father,” the guard states straight to the point.
“How often do you have this shift?” Father Tohru asks while taking in the man's expression.
With little emotion or hesitation the man replies, “Up until a month ago I was posted to this shift two or three times a week. I was transferred once Lady Marina was imprisoned.”
“I see,” Father Tohru states in deep thought. “So what exactly did you see that might support Lord Gohei's claims?”
“There were several occurrences that had me suspicious,” the guard replies calmly. “Several times during my watch I noticed that the girl would sneak out of the palace. She would be out for hours at a time.”
“Where would she go?” Father Tohru inquires calmly.
“I do not know Father,” the guard replies honestly.
“You were suspicious of her activities yet you nor any of the men on duty thought to follow her?” Father Tohru states in bafflement. “Is it not in your job description?”
Bowing his head in shame the man replies back, “We were told by Lord Shinta not to follow her and remain at our post. We were to report her disappearance directly to Lord Shinta and no one else.”
“I wonder why he would do that?” Father Tohru replies while stealing a quick glance in my direction. “Was there any other suspicious activity?”
“Few days before Lord Shinta left the estate I was posted outside the palace walls when I saw Marina run outside toward the forest. Being suspicious I followed her only to find the woman dancing naked and chanting something in a foreign tongue. Fearing for my life I naturally ran away from the scene before she found me,” the guard replies back far too calmly.
“I see,” Father Tohru states in deep thought. “I assume you told your superior or Lord Shinta?”
“I did not,” the guard replies back in shame. “I feared that if word got out that I saw her she would curse me. I was not thinking.”
“Obviously not,” Father Tohru states unimpressed by the man before him. “If she had been practicing witchcraft she might have hurt your King. Is it not your duty to protect him and his own even to the point of risking your own life?”
The man nods his head down in shame as Father Tohru opens the floor for further questioning. Again no one takes up his offer, not even Gohei.
As Gohei begins to address the crowd once more my ever-present headache begins to become unbearable. My vision, though already bad, suddenly becomes worse. Everything is suddenly getting much darker and less defined. Feeling my body sway at an increasing rate I close my eyes as the world seems to slip away from me.
***later***
“Marina? Can you hear me?” a concerned voice inquires.
Opening my eyes I come face to face with the concerned face of Sakura. After the lecture she gave me while in my prison cell I never expected her to look down at me with so much sympathy. Wait a minute, what am I doing on the floor? Last I remember....
“Be careful,” Sakura asserts firmly. “You shouldn't get up so quickly. After the fall you had, I wouldn't doubt if you had a concussion.”
Grabbing a hold of my head I slowly rise into a sitting position. As soon as my vision starts to clear I look upon Sakura in shock. Why is she being so kind to me?
With a frown Sakura states disgustedly, “I still have not forgiven you. You have hurt my son more than words could ever express. You have betrayed his trust and therefore you have betrayed mine. I am only taking care of you because my son would wish it and because your treatment goes against everything I stand for.”
I stare at the woman in disbelief as she gets up from off the floor and brings me a glass of water and a bowl of something that looks to be broth.
“You need to drink and eat if you're ever going to make it through your trial. As soon as you do so I will have you cleaned up and changed. No respectable person should be in the state in which you're in,” Sakura states in pity.
Before I can gesture a response the door swings open and a voice screams, “Oh, Marina! I'm so sorry. I've been so worried.”
Before I can turn to see my friend Mine cries, “I know I should have seen you before, but I was so upset over Kiyoshi and I just couldn't take another tragedy. I'm so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?
Looking at the woman now kneeling in front of me I smile up at her and nod my head in understanding.
Grabbing me in a fierce hug Mine tearfully replies, “I'm so sorry Marina. I should have been there for you and I wasn't. I didn't know what to do.”
Pulling apart from her arms I smile at the woman in front of me. How can she be so kind to me after all the things everyone has claimed me of doing?
With a sorrowful smile Mine replies, “I know you didn't do the things Gohei claims you to have done. I know you wouldn't intentionally do anything to harm Kenshin or the household and that there is no other man in your life. You two are meant for each other.”
“As touching as this moment is,” Sakura replies harshly, “I'm going to have to break you up. You shouldn't even be here Mine. Though the trial is in recess you are still not allowed to converse with the accused. I shouldn't even be allowed in here.”
With a sad face Mine replies, “I know Sakura and I'm putting you at risk but I had to see Marina once more. This could be the last time I ever talk to her.”
In sympathy Sakura states, “I understand. You can stay only if you promise to keep a low profile.” Looking at me once more Sakura comments, “You smell horrible. Let's get you out of those clothes, bathed and into a cleaner dress.”
Quickly Mine takes my arm and assists me to my feet. While she holds me up Sakura immediately strips me out of my clothes and begins to sponge bathe me. I watch the sponge as it quickly turns a sickening shade of brownish red. Little by little the blood and grime on my body begins to vanish.
As soon as Sakura finishes bathing me one of her maids comes up to her with the dress Mine so lovingly made for me. The dress looks to have been recently cleaned yet it still bares the marks of ocean's waves at the bottom of the dress.
I look up at Mine in a panic. I do not want to die in this dress. I cannot tarnish Mine's gift of love with such a horrible departing memory. This is dress of joy, not sorrow. Mine also looks at me stricken in panic but says nothing to Sakura as she slips it over my head.
Once done fitting the dress Sakura and Mine place me on one of the now vacant chairs and begin to insist that I drink and eat. I eat a couple of mouthfuls to appease the two fussing women but cannot manage to consume more than that. The water was far easier for me to consume. The full glass of water I drank only seemed to intensify my thirst rather than appease it.
“Oh, Marina. You're so skinny. Kenshin's going to be so angry when he sees the state that you're in,” Mine states in despair.
I look at the woman in bewilderment. How can she still believe that Kenshin will save me? There's no possible way that Kenshin's going to get here in time for my execution tomorrow. Though Gohei has not officially set a date I know that he will not delay it any further. He is far too excited over the prospect of my death.
“Kenshin loves you. I know he'll make in time to save you. Nothing could stop him from doing so,” Mine states optimistically.
I nod my head in disbelief. As much as I want to believe her words I know better than to blindly do so. He might have been able to stop the inevitable had he shown up today, but no later. Kenshin is not coming back and I have to except that. I will just have to save my brothers and hope that they can get me out of the blaze in time.
“We don't have much time left,” Sakura states hastily. “Someone will surely come and see to us if we don't alert them of Marina's condition soon.”
“I understand,” Mine depressively replies, “Keep believing in Kenshin. He'll come back for you; I know it.”
With a sad glance toward Sakura, Mine quickly makes her way out of the room unnoticed. Looking back at me Sakura states firmly, “I do not have nearly as much faith in you as Mine does, but I know at least half of the accusations are false. You should attempt to defend yourself or you will surely never see my son again.”
With that said Sakura quickly leaves the room. I take my seat on the pedestal once more as I wait for the trial to commence.
***Later***
“Now that all the members of the moot are congregated together once more we shall get back to business,” Gohei states in irritation.
“Please do,” Father Tohru replies back calmly. “We are further behind the schedule than originally anticipated so unless you have anyone other than the hired help to interview I suggest you call in this Jiro of Harrowfield.”
I have my men searching for him as we speak,” Gohei states slightly anxious.
“This is a very crucial witness. You should already know of his whereabouts,” Father Tohru replies in disbelief. I too am shocked that Gohei would not keep better track of his key witness.
Running into the hall swiftly one of Gohei's men clearly states aloud, “Jiro is no where to be found. One of the stable boys admitted to having seen him depart around four days ago. Supposedly he went to see his family and has yet to return.”
I stare at Gohei's man in disbelief. Jiro has run off? I know that I should be relieved that he is not speaking against me, but he isn't speaking for me either. I guess he isn't as forgiving as Mine.
“Not only do you not know where your key witness is but you have given him the opportunity to run off before testifying. That does not look very good no your part,” Father Tohru disappointedly says while shaking his head.
“I assure you that I had no idea he would hastily leave like this,” Gohei replies with deflated pride.
“I'm sure you didn't,” Father Tohru comments in disgust. “If you have no more witnesses I suggest that we cross- examine the witness.” Taking in my expression Father Tohru states slowly, "The evidence Lord Gohei has brought against you looks quite damning. How do you account for yourself?"
I stare at the man in shock. I didn't actually think he would question me; I thought it was all for show.
"You assured me that this young girl would manage to speak up for herself," Father Tohru comments in frustration. "She either is dimwitted or lacking knowledge of our language."
"I assure you that she has made herself understood many a time before," Gohei replies in panic. "Her silence is a testimony of her guilt."
Looking towards me once more Father Tohru inquires, "Do you understand what I am saying child?"
After a slight pause I manage to shake my head yes.
"Good. Are you guilty of the crimes presented against you?" Father Tohru asks coaxingly.
I am not able to respond. Despite Father Tohru's fair treatment of the case I know that I will still be killed. In the end, the only opinion that matters in this court is Gohei's and he will not back down from his verdict. My testimony will not save me and I do not want to jeopardize giving away any information about my task. If my brothers do happen to make it before my execution, I want to be able to free them of Lady Yumi's enchantment.
"You do understand that your silence will be taken as a testimony of your guilt?" Father Tohru questions in concern. "You should speak up unless you wish to die."
"She understands perfectly well," Gohei replies cockily. "Her kind are a stubborn and ill- educated lot. She probably thinks that her silence will somehow give her a gain."
Staring at Gohei mincingly Father Tohru replies, "I would not speak so harshly of her people. Many of my brethren happen to be among her people and are highly educated in the ways of debate and lore. She is young and highly malleable. If she were to speak up in her defense or decide to repent for her sins her case might be commuted."
Gohei is shocked speechless.
"Do you still wish to remain silent?" Father Tohru asks anxiously.
I do not reply.
"Are there no more questions?" Father Tohru asks the members of the moot.
No one raises a voice.
"Since there are no other witnesses I suggest that Lord Gohei and I speak further of this case in private," Father Tohru states firmly.
“I am sure that will not be necessary. As I see it, this is a simple matter,” Gohei replies cockily.
“I would feel much better if we talked about the case further in a more secure room,” Father Tohru firmly asserts.
With a nod of the head Gohei quickly dismisses the members of the moot. Swiftly his guards grab a hold of my arms and drag me back to my cell where I will remain until the following night for my execution.
***later***
I stayed up all night working on the last sleeve but by the time the guards came to pick me up in the morning I had yet to attach it. All the shirts have not been completed yet I fear that there is no time left to do so. I feel bad that Tsunan's shirt is not finished but somehow I think that doesn't matter much. I highly doubt my brothers will show up since I was unable to get in contact with Shougo last night.
The guards quickly direct me towards Kenshin's study, which just so happened to have become Gohei's base of operations after Kenshin's departure. Standing in front of a bookshelf searching through titles Gohei states distractedly, “I never realized that Shinta had such an extensive library full of books until recently. And all this time I thought Shinta cared only for his silly little fields and trees.”
The guards firmly close the door with a thud as they leave me alone in the middle of the room in fear. I have no idea what to think about the situation I'm now in. The last time I was in a room along with Gohei I was nearly violated. Kenshin isn't here to save me this time around and I highly doubt anyone nearby would care to come to the rescue.
Turning towards me Gohei states with a smirk, “Father Tohru and I came to a verdict last night. He wished to be here to announce the sentence beside me but to both of our disappointment the High Bishop has just recently passed. He assured me that it was most urgent that he be present for the mass they are holding in two days time.” In amusement Gohei continues, “There was no doubt in mind that the good Father would agree with my verdict. You have been found guilty of being a spy, receiving a mortal enemy of these lands, of using witchcraft and adultery. All four of these crimes are punishable by death.”
Roaming his eyes over my body Gohei states huskily, “Come here.”
I stand paralyzed in fear. The last time I heard such a tone was when I was raped and beaten. I no longer have my brothers or Kenshin to protect me from whatever Gohei has planned for me.
“I see that you will not come to me, so I'll just have to come to you,” Gohei comments as he makes his way toward me.
Before I can react one of Gohei's hands has both of arms pinned behind my back while the other begins tracing the line of my jaw slowly as if trying to memorize the contour of my face. I turn my head to the side in an attempt to avoid his touch, but instead Gohei's free hand firmly grabs my chin and turns my head back toward him.
With a dark chuckle Gohei states, “Despite how skinny you have become you truly are a magnificent creature. Nothing in comparison to your step-mother of course but quite...” he trails off while roaming his eyes over my body. “ adequate.”
I try to struggle out of Gohei's clasp but I am far too weak to do more than squirm.
“You do not like my words?” Gohei inquires while slightly gliding his hand over my arm. “I would have expected that one such as yourself would not care for sweet words. Sluts such as you generally prefer men who take action to those who whisper sweet nothings. My nephew must have spoiled you. The fool probably thought that was the key to winning your heart. What an idiot.”
I stare at the man in anger as I slowly stand on my own two feet.
“My my,” Gohei replies in amusement, “Such anger and defiance. What I would have once given to be the one to tame such emotions. It's too bad that you must die, even if you are Shinta's slut. If things had turned out differently I probably would have had my way with you by now.”
If not for the fact that I'm too weak I would have escaped his grasp and beaten him senseless! How dare he speak to me in such a manner?
As much as I'd enjoy playing with you longer I most regrettably have to prepare for your execution... So much work and so little time. My guards will come to escort you this evening so do be prepared,” Gohei replies sinisterly while making his way towards the door.
As he approaches the door Gohei turns back and adds, “And by the way, I want you to enjoy the little time you have left to live. I think you need a little break from your work so I suggest that you watch the construction. I hear that it's going to be quite the event.”
With a final chuckle the man makes his way out of the room and locks it behind him. Collapsing on the cold floor below me I begin to cry out in frustration. The only thing left for me to do is hope and pray that my brothers somehow received my message and are on their way.
Aren't you proud of me? I updated so quickly! I'm actually really surprised at how swiftly I produced this chapter though it's kind of short. Thankfully it's not as bad as the last update, but I can't help but be slightly disappointing. There's not much I can do about that though.
Many of you were interested to see what happened during the trial so I decided to give a more detailed account of the proceedings. I remember being so frustrated at the book when it shortchanged the testimony, so I decided to give you guys a fuller account. I hope you all weren't too bored. I know that not everyone holds my interest in court scenes.
Thank you for the support. I've now reached over 13,000 hits. Yay! Ja ne!