'Till Death Do You Part

Chapter Two

She let her eyes travel across her surroundings, taking every single detail in and further feeding her curiosity. The two had long left the carriage and were now left to their own two feet for support, feet that were aching through the muddy pathways to their home.

The rain had stopped, and she watched with awe as the wooden stands were already being refilled with goods for selling. The most mesmerizing scents of fresh fruit filled her nose and she wished for nothing more than to taste some, she thought that their sweetness could somehow counteract the bitterness she felt inside. Everywhere she’d turn, people would be chatting, laughing, talking about how the rain was much needed for the crops.

Nothing  of interest to her, but so foreign and intriguing that she just had to listen.

All the chatter she’d hear at home would be about how she mustn’t do this, mustn’t do that  – because after all, she was the daughter of a powerful aristocrat, she wouldn’t want to bring shame upon her family by slouching.

“Would you like to buy something?” Hirotaro suddenly asked, breaking off her little chain of thought.

She wasn’t expecting that question. She thought that her place would be at the house, and at the house alone and that she had no business looking or getting involved in any sort of activity at the market. Her father said it himself, she wasn’t allowed outside or among the people. God forbid that she spoke to anyone beside Hirotaro, it would cause complete and utter chaos.

But she welcomed his sudden act of kindness with open arms, nodding gently with a smile.

Turning to one of the stands that had some of the most beautiful fruits and vegetables she’d seen, she looked at the man selling them with a warm expression, which he returned.

“Could you sell me a vine?” she gestured towards a crate full of grapes, and an even bigger smile appeared on the man’s face as the grapes were the most expensive thing he was selling.

“I’ll pick out the best one for you.” He replied and was quick to do so, handing her the plump fruit while Hirotaro paid for it.

She wasted no time and picked a grape out, melting completely at it’s taste. It was so sweet and delicious, you’d think it was candy. It satisfied her cravings with the upmost certainty, to which she began to hum a random melody. She didn’t even wait for Hirotaro as she continued on her venture, feeling more than free to do so.

And he let her, he swiftly followed along.

He felt like she needed to be freed, even if it’s just for a little while. He watched her grow up by his side, he protected her, seeing  first-hand the burden she carried on her back from her birth.

He saw this young woman as his own, and to watch her suffer at the hands of her father and his position in the community, it didn’t sit well with him. He vowed to keep her safe and happy, and he was only fulfilling his promise.

“We shouldn’t stay for long, the sun will be setting soon. We both need to get some rest.” He spoke to her in a softer tone than usual, not wanting to ruin one second of her happiness with his serious temperament. And she agreed, nodding with a mouth full of grapes while her eyes were still running free and exploring this new and exciting environment.

“Can we come here again tomorrow?” she questioned the man beside her, in an almost pleading tone which she knew he never figured out how to refuse.

“Of course.” He replied shortly, then continued after a few moments of silence. “I’m glad you like it here. It still isn’t certain how long we’ll have to stay.”

To his words, she looked away as she put another grape into her mouth. Again, that devious and unsympathetic excuse of a man entered her thoughts, reality slowly setting in… The grapes suddenly lost their sweetness and appeal to her.

Hirotaro noticed her discomfort which unsettled him, so he smiled lightly to try and ease her pain. He wanted that smile to stay on her lips for as long as they had to stay in this village, all until the Emperor returned. She deserved that much at least, for the pain she had to be put through.

“I understand how hard this must be for you. I know what you’re thinking.” He began talking, his tone of voice getting even softer as his emotions resembled one of a father comforting his daughter. “Your eyes tell it all, but don’t let the fear consume you. With the power you’ll be holding the second you take your husband’s hand, you can make your own happiness. That is the only way to get out of that marriage alive.” He stopped for a second and glanced at her, sighing when he saw that her eyes and mind were still someplace else. “I know how strong you are, don’t ever doubt yourself.”

Silence followed his words. She didn’t know how to reply to him, didn’t know what to say. Did she truly have to think so politically just to evade her husband’s wrath? To think ten steps ahead of each of his decisions, to use his words against him and in her use?

She didn’t want that for herself, she didn’t want that for her worst enemy. What kind of life is that? A life full of fear, anticipation, dependence… that was torture in it’s purest form, and she wanted none of it.

What she had to do now was torture in it’s own way, but she tried to look at it from a positive side. She had never lived this way before, never truly appreciated all she had in her life – she never even experienced life truly. And if she was ever going to do it, it’s going to be now when true bliss was within her reach.

“Let’s just go home, I’m exhausted and I’m sure you are as well.” She quickly said and avoided touching back on the topic she couldn’t face yet. She decided to just ignore what was ahead and enjoy what she had now. At least she was at peace until he returns, at the mercy of only her judgment.