Chapter 2: Challenge
2020 Words
::Ryanna's POV::
Ah- this feels so great!
I sunk underneath the shallow waters of the bath. It smelled so nice and had a hue of green to it. I wasn't sure what was in it, but it definitely cleansed my soul. I resurfaced and felt such warmth recede back into the waters. I lathered myself as best as I could. I closed my eyes and began to plot.
How am I going to escape? Can I escape?
I let out a defeated sigh as I had no idea how that was happening anytime soon. I knew that I wanted to return to Dom, but I should tread carefully. I don't know where I am at or how to get back. Not to mention that if I leave I could get beheaded, or if I return home... I could get beheaded!
Either way, I did not feel wanted at either locations.
But, I missed Dom, and hoped everything was okay.
Would he forget about me?
I recalled that I was assigned as the emperor's concubine, but what was that anyway? Some kind of advisor? Maybe I could advise him to let me go and...
"I see you must be hard of hearing as well," he entered the doorway.
My eyes shot open. I couldn't breathe as my eyes fixated on the man I was assigned to. Emperor Kenji leaned against the wall and smirked at me, "I'm assuming we can have the discussion here instead."
I squealed and scrambled for the towels, "What are you doing in here?"
"You should not be questioning me that, especially that this is my bath," his eyes challenged mine, "What are you doing here?"
"I- I was trying to freshen up obviously!" I wrapped myself as best I could, "How did you know I was here?"
Without a flinch he closed his eyes and sighed, "I can hear you moaning to the enjoyment of my bath."
Was he referring to me soaking earlier? I mean... I might have slipped out a few heavy breaths, but... seriously?
"Since we are both here, why don't we enjoy the bath together?" he grabbed his robe and began to disrobe!
"N-no!" I shielded my eyes.
"Relax," he said, "I'm just teasing."
I peeked and wish I hadn't! His bare chest was showing! His skin was smooth, and his abs were just as impressive as his chest! His collarbone showed no flaws, while his shoulders were armored with more muscles. I felt blood rush to my cheeks and I reshielded my eyes again.
"Please," I begged, "Please no!"
"Don't do that," his voice became husky.
"What do you mean?" I took a step back, still not looking.
I did not hear his steps, but a few strides and I felt a finger lift my chin up.
He touched me!
I panicked and threw a slap.
But his other arm blocked it. I came face to face with Emperor Kenji. His eyes locked onto mine and he dared challenge my tone.
"Don't ever question me, but you can beg."
Wh-what?!
I stood frozen. I couldn't comprehend what was happening! His face was close... too close! I couldn't understand why my eyes wouldn't look away. His glare had me right where he wanted me.
I managed to break our gaze and looked away, "As your concubine, I request you don't touch me."
There was silence.
Kenji removed his hand from my chin and started laughing profusely. I looked at him in confusion. He was holding his stomach from the pain of laughing.
"What's so funny?" I impatiently asked.
He continued laughing and then reduced to a chuckle. He rested his palm against the side of his head and then peered at me.
"I'll have Kana explain that to you," Kenji turned away, and before he exited he let out one last chuckle, "And don't worry... I've seen better."
What did he mean by that? I asked myself.
Wait! He saw me naked! Another man saw me naked!
My body was heated from embarrassment. How was I supposed to know this was his bathroom? I couldn't read Japanese. And what did he mean by saying Kana would explain what, to me?
Kana must be the woman from earlier.
I struggled to get into the kimono properly. I had to calm myself down.
What was that just now? I didn't break away or run. I talked a whole awful lot for someone whose privacy was invaded.
I cursed at myself. I felt disgusted that I froze and had my body visually violated. But, I didn't move... why?
I exited the bathroom and could smell the scent of food. My stomach instantly growled and urged me to follow the aromatic smells.
"It has to be dinner," I spoke to myself.
I began walking down the hall. I realized that there were different wings and I passed a courtyard that consisted of different plantations. There was a tree in the middle. It had pink blossoms, but it wasn't exactly a cherry tree.
I would make that place my next point of interest. For now, I have to look forward to having dinner with emperor Kenji. I watched my feet move forward, one after the other.
Emperor Kenji is not what I was expecting. I drafted some old geezer image in my mind. Someone who drank tea all day with wispy white hair and a beard. But no. Emperor Kenji seemed like he was my age, if not, a bit older. It's hard to believe that someone so young could rule a whole nation.
But then again, there was Dom. He was known as one of the young Lords that conquered and liberated the South. There was a distinct difference between the two of them, but there was also a small hint of a similarity. I just can't put my finger on it.
I found myself stopping behind a closed door. The aroma of steamed rice was luring me into the room. I knocked and peered in.
Emperor Kenji and Kana were seated and what looked to be my seat was already prepared.
"You're late," Kenji seemed annoyed.
"I apologize. I got distracted by the botanical garden-"
"Sit," he gestured towards my seat.
I bit my tongue behind pursed lips. His smug attitude boiled my blood. But I took off my sandals and obeyed his orders.
Kana then placed a soup in front of me. It had what looked to be white cubes and green squares. The aroma was pleasant and I wanted to try it right away.
I took the bowl and gently slurped along the side. The rush of hot soup ran down my throat and caused a relaxed sensation to my stomach. I've never tasted anything like this. I continued slurping until there was none left.
"Well," Kenji looked over at my empty bowl, "I am guessing you like miso soup."
Was that what it was called? If so, yes... more miso soup please!
"I do apologize for her barbaric eating behaviors, emperor Kenji, shall I commence disciplinary actions?" Kana asked with a straight face.
I just realized that I was being watched for every little mistake I made, and did not know what was going to happen if I didn't obey. But, this soup. It was amazing!
"It's fine Kana," he shooed his hand in the air, "That just means she likes the food."
"Yes emperor Kenji," she bowed and then left the room.
The silence in the room could make the sound of a needle dropping like a war drum. It was just me and him!
"So I'd like to thank you for the viewing tonight," he teased, "It was rather... unique."
I gulped down a mouthful of miso soup and placed the bowl down as calmly as I could. Although on the outside I looked calm, in the inside I was shaking. Shaking with anger, fear, and uncertainty. Whatever the feeling was... it wasn't pleasant.
"And I don't mean that as a compliment," he added.
"Well," I sassed, "I happily accept your insult. That'll make it easier for me," I met his gaze.
Those honey brown eyes were powerful. They could lure the smartest of prey to willingly accept their demise. I found it unsettling that I couldn't match his gaze the way I was able to with Dom. But the longer I looked, the more I was drawn in.
"I wouldn't chase after something that is so scarred," he scoffed.
"What are you talking about?" I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Your ankle," he pointed out, "It seemed to have undergone some trauma."
Oh, my feet. I looked down and saw that the bruising from that twisted ankle was still visible. It looked to not be as bad before, but I could see why he was able to notice it.
"Does that make me more unattractive to you?" I asked.
"It does," he answered.
"Good." I replied.
I was about to get up when he frowned and ordered me to sit back down. I felt shivers run through the tip of my skin and I obediently sat back down.
"You don't get to decide when you can leave. You will do as I say, or I will have you punished," he warned with a straight face.
"Then do it," I retorted... regretfully.
"Is that so?" his eyes turned into such a dangerous gaze, "Are you asking or are you demanding me?"
I knew I messed up. I didn't want to provoke anything for him to look my way. How was I so stupid?
Emperor Kenji chuckled, "You're no fun," he sipped his cup of tea, "It'll be too easy to have you under my wing."
"W-what do you mean by that?" I balled a fist under the table as an outlet for my frustration.
"You'll see soon enough," he leaned back, "For now I should welcome you to Nihon. Your training starts tomorrow. I wonder what kind of concubine you will be."
"I don't have any experience," I shyly answered, "But I am sure to give you some good tips and advice."
His eyes widened for a split second, and he instantly focused on me, "You? Give me advice or tips? You do know that I could have as many of you as I wish."
"I promise that I can teach you a thing or two I learned back home," I can feel my thoughts stuttering. This is bad!
"Oh yeah?" he smiled, "And perhaps I can show you a thing or two from here."
I just sat there awkwardly, my legs couldn't do their usual anxious taps because I was sitting on them! But I could feel the energy in the room shifting, and I was uncertain if he still wanted me to stay.
"You can go," he dismissed me, "I have important things to attend to."
I bowed a bit and got up and left.
Once I slowly closed the door behind me, I immediately started power walking back to my room.
What was that? What the hell?!
My thoughts began to argue with each other as I blindly continued my pathway back.
I'm stronger than this? Why did I obey him? Why am I like this?
These conflicting emotions stirred an unwelcome feeling in my gut. I blinked to remember those eyes. They were so alluring, and it frustrated how he didn't know how much he could weaponize that to his advantage.
Advantage? What advantage?
Ha, ha, HA!
I got to be kidding myself! He has no advantage over me! I mean... I have to obey him, but that's for survival! I have to do this until I can find my way back to Dom!
That's what I should do... right?
I finally let out a breath as I reached my room. There was what seemed to be a futon with minimal bedding and linens prepared for me. It didn't look comfortable, but I slid into it and found myself amazed about how wrong I was. I kicked the sheets off to look at my bruised ankle.
Will something damaged elsewhere be healed in a new place?
- Writer
