“Mother?” Queen Ruka blinked, shifting her gaze from the embroidery canvas to Kyojuro's wide golden orbs. He seemed ill at ease, clearly something was on his mind. She frowned, this was not a trait she often found in her eldest son. He was always so bright and passionate; a smile always on the young boy's face.
“Yes? Is everything alright?” she asked, turning in her seat as she directed her attention to him, careful not to disturb the sleeping babe in his cradle; Senjuro had finally fallen asleep moments ago.
“I... I've been thinking...” the nine year old boy felt his cheeks flush. The woman raised her brow as her son was acting strangely. Her crimson eyes remained focused on him; waiting patiently for him to explain himself. He seemed hesitant, “When... father began to court you... what did he do to keep your interest?”
The queen's eyes widened at this, though she wasn't surprised in the very least. She always knew the young boy vied for the young princess' attention. Though, she also noted how Yumeko seemed to relish in her son's attention. They had grown quite close; they rode their horses, practised their sword skills (yes, the young princess did not stand idly by, insisting she could handle it) with their fathers and each other; using wooden bokken as to not impale each other, and often played games such as hide and go seek, and even chess.
She had to admit, they were both smitten and neither party knew of each other's obvious affections for one another; it was quite amusing. She smiled at her son, “Why would you like to know?” she was interested to see how he would respond, would he tell her? Kyojuro, though respected his father greatly, it was his mother who he confided in when it came to his emotions. Not that Shinjuro would not understand, on the contrary, she was surprised he hadn't asked his father what he had done to keep his mother's attention. However, maybe he felt obtaining this information from a woman would prove to be more fruitful.
He averted his gaze a moment, cheeks darkening as he softly admitted, “I... I thought that... I could...” then, his eyes narrowed. No, he needed to be more confident than this; he was training to one day become a brave knight; the captain of the king's guard and one day, rule over his father's kingdom. He straightened his posture, looking directly into his mother's eyes, “I want to show Yumeko how I feel about her!”
The sudden outburst from her son caused her youngest to stir in his cradle, Kyojuro now fearing he may have woken him up. But the youngest son merely whimpered slightly with brows furrowed, then his features relaxed, eyes still closed as he peacefully slumbered, “A-Apologies, mother” he stumbled his words for a moment, before trying again, “I want Yumeko to know I care about her and... One day, I'd like to stand by her side”
Hearing this from her son made her heart swell with pride; he wanted to pursue the young princess. This had confirmed what she knew would one day come to fruition: he would one day ask for Yumeko's hand in marriage.
She hummed happily, “Well, where should I begin?” she would be more than happy to share as much as she could to assist the boy in doing so, “At the time, your father and I were young, interestingly enough, the same age as you are now. He took interest in hobbies I enjoyed and would try his best to dote on me. He would leave letters, flowers and gifts that reminded him of me” she thought back fondly on memories of them as the years had passed. Her hand wandered up to the gold necklace around her neck; it matched his family crest. A golden flame with a red ruby in the centre of it, “He had given this to me not long after he was accepted as captain of the King's Guard. It was a promise that one day, when we were of the appropriate age, he would take my hand in marriage” she looked to her eldest and smiled, “But above all, I cherish any and all time I am able to spend with your father. My point is, Kyojuro, is you do not have to focus on profound confessions or materialistic gifts, as I watch you both grow, she values the time she spends with you above all else” his eyes wide-eyed as he listened to his mother, feeling his chest warm. Yumeko enjoyed spending time with him?
“Does that answer your question, my son?” she asked, a warm smile still graced her lips.
He nodded, “Yes. Thank you, mother!”
She giggled softly, “You're welcome. I'm sure your father will be looking for you; isn't it about time you began your training for the day?” she questioned.
The young boy nodded, “Of course! I just... I wanted to speak with you first. I've gained much insight on what to do going forward!” he smiled bright as she returned his gesture.
“I'm glad. Now you best be off” he turned to leave, but before that, “Oh, and Kyojuro?” the young boy glanced at his mother with a look of confusion, “You've already earned her respect and attention, just be yourself. You're a fine young man with a bright future ahead of you”
Kyojuro felt his cheeks burn, but his smile widened, “Thank you, mother” he then made his exit, quickly heading for the training grounds to meet with his father. She giggled softly to herself as she returned to her canvas.
With a newfound sense of fiery passion in his heart, he quickly sprinted towards the training grounds to see his father and King Kenji sparring. Yumeko was nowhere in sight; she must have been with her mother out to the market. Though a little disappointed, he knew he needed to focus on his training today; he needed to become a knight so that he could, one day, protect Yumeko... Even if it cost him his very life.
The summer months had been harsh with it's intense heat, but the Rengoku's had become accustomed to such temperatures for generations. The Shiratori's lived in a cooler climate on the opposite side of the continent; hence why they seemed to struggle with the heat, yet never once complained. They were gracious guests, treating all the palace staff with the upmost respect; just as they treated anyone else. Wealth nor status was of any concern to them. It wasn't to anyone's surprise that King Kenji would be seen in the village, helping anyone who required assistance; such as the farmers, the blacksmith, even the baker.
Shinjuro was no exception; everyone in his kingdom flourished. He was an honorable and valiant leader, just like Kenji. He cared for each of his citizens, ensuring no one had to scrounge for food or proper shelter. And everyone loved the King. The young prince had reached the training grounds to see a few of his friends had their eyes focused on a fight in front of them; it was both kings facing off against one another. Water vs Fire – what a spectacle to be witness to!
“Water Breathing, Fourth Form: Striking Tide!” Shinjuro's eyes narrowed slightly as he readied himself to counter the Water Breather's attack.
“Flame Breathing, Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation!” in a fluid, circular motion, flames spread from his sword, blocking Kenji's attack, “You'll have to do better than that, my old friend!” They both seemed to be enjoying themselves. You would be quick to assume that Shinjuro was at a disadvantage, given that he controls flames, yet, he's been able to match Kenji at every turn.
The Water Breather laughed joyfully, “I suppose I do! You should be at a proper disadvantage, given our elements, yet, you've barely broken a sweat – goes to show your dedication is limitless!” he praised.
“What did I miss?” the young prince inserted himself in between his friends that were standing behind the fence of the training grounds.
The silver haired ten year old, dressed rather flashily, grinned, “The Kings decided to have a sparring match while they waited for you – where were you, huh?” he eyed his friend rather suspiciously, “I bet you were hanging out with the Princess again” Tengen teased as Kyojuro's face flushed, his friend was relentless when it came to the two of you, though in his mind, he couldn't blame the young Rengoku – her beauty had been unmatched.
“Give it a rest, Uzui” the young Iguro rolled his eyes at his friend's immaturity. For boys so young, Iguro seemed to be the most mature, next to Giyuu. Speaking of Giyuu, he stood by and kept silent; his stoic expression never faltered, even if he was eager to begin training with the Shiratori family patriarch.
“You all need to shut up” grumbled another boy, his hair color matched that of the young Tengen's. His steely eyes narrowed as he was disappointed in having to watch the Kings end their fight so soon: he wanted to see more. The sound of grown men laughing had brought their attention back to the men in front of them as they approached the young boys.
“Alright boys, now that you are all here, it's time to work on your breathing techniques; someday, you'll be great knights, serving on the King's Guard” the head of the Shiratori family spoke as all boys stood at attention, greeting him appropriately.
Over an hour had passed since their training began and Kyojuro could not shake off his mother's words from earlier that day.
“She values the time she spends with you above all else”
'If that's the case, then... I will continue to find ways to spend time with her... and maybe I could make the same promise father made to mother years ago, when he was captain of the guard' with determination in his heart, he made sure to train even harder during this session, 'And I will protect her'
Just as he continued to practice his katas with his father's guidance, from the corner of his eyes, he could see you from across the field; walking next to your mother. Normally, you would both be wearing your formal wear, but today, your mother opted for a simple dress, with a basket on her hip, while you wore something more, fitted for a boy – a sapphire blue tunic tucked into dark pants and high knee, lace up boots. You seemed to be ready for training; were you coming to the training grounds he wondered? He noticed the absence of both your crowns and your mother's basket full of baked goods. You were looking up to your mother, laughing and smiling as you always did; you were so beautiful, even when doing the most mundane things.
“Kyojuro?” the young boy's thoughts snapped as he scrambled.
“A-Apologies father” the King raised a brow before glancing over to see Queen Sana and Princess Yumeko approaching. Internally, he had an 'aha' moment when he realized why his son was so distracted.
“How about you all take a break, hm? It seems we have visitors” Shinjuro suggested as the boys all agreed – a break was welcomed.
As you arrived to the training grounds with your mother, your father approached her to gently take the basket from her arms as he leaned down to kiss her; the boys behind his back all made snorts of disgust or disgruntled noises... with the exception of Kyojuro and Giyuu. Kyojuro's face glowed at the interaction between the King and Queen while Giyuu just looked stoic as always.
You were used to see your parents being affectionate with one another. Deciding this was an opportune moment, you approached Kyojuro, though you grew concerned at the look on his face, “Oh, Kyojuro, are you alright? Your face is quite red, you've been in the sun much to long, haven't you?” worried as his cheeks seemed to be burning up.
“O-Oh! N-No, I-I appreciate your concern, p-princess! I'm alright, I promise!” his smile returned as he reassured you, though his cheeks were still tinted, he seemed to be in better spirits and not as dazed.
You blinked a few times, but smiled, “Well, as long as you're alright”
“Hey, princess, you shouldn't be here” both yourself and Kyojuro looked to the side at the voice who spoke. It was none other than Sanemi Shinazugawa, “You'll end up getting in the way”
King Kenji and Queen Sana tensed at Sanemi's sudden remarks, knowing full well the young princess had a fiery temper, “Oh no...” the queen mumbled.
“Is that a challenge?” you asked, your eyes narrowed at the boy; so cocky for one so young.
He smirked up at you, “Oh what, you think you can compete with men?”
As Kyojuro was about to speak, you cut him off, “But you're no man; you're a boy, so yes, I most certainly can” you were confident in your ability and you never backed away from a fight.
Growing nervous, the patriarch of the Rengoku family spoke, “Hey now, let's all calm down now – Shinazugawa, mind your manners” Shinjuro attempted to step in, but Kenji looked at his old friend, quickly shaking his head – not a good idea.
“Hand me a bokken and stand up and I'll show you I can easily best you in a duel” you challenged the boy – you were going to put the young knight in training to the test.
“Yumeko...” your mother tried to speak up as well, but Kenji, again, interfered and shook his head.
“No, let her fight” everyone, other than yourself and Shinazugawa, looked up to your father in shock, “She'll be fine, just wait” a knowing smile played on his lips. Maybe, she would be able to humble the young lad.
“Bring it on, princess” the boy stood up, grabbing his own bokken from the ground.
Kyojuro, seeming a little concerned, looked to you, “Are you sure, princess? Allow me to fight in your place!”
You couldn't help but giggle at the prince as his cheeks flared, “Not this time, next time, however, you may have the opportunity to fight in my honor” his eyes blinked in shock as both yourself and Shinazugawa readied yourselves for combat; you were a fair distance from each other as you were face to face.
He scoffed, “Don't go crying when I beat you, I'll show you, a battlefield is no place for a girl”
Oh, you could not wait for this boy to eat dirt. For now, you choose not to respond, you would allow your sword to do the talking.
And in a flash, as quick as the battle began...
The young Shinazugawa lay on the ground, motionless as you stood over him; your bokken pointed directly at the boy's throat as the look on your face was not the same as he had seen mere moments ago. Before, you were a seemingly kind and soft spoken princess. Now? You were a mighty warrior, ready to slice your opponents neck at any given moment as your sapphire eyes gleamed menacingly, “Don't underestimate me just because I'm a girl – my father taught me well” Your eyes narrowed the young Shinazugawa boy. His eyes were still wide-eyed as he stared up at you, completely and utterly speechless that you had bested him so easily. How was that possible? He didn't even get to use his Wind breathing! Everyone seemed to either be in shock or just chose not to speak – too stunned to.
Shinjuro laughed loudly; the sound echoing throughout the training grounds as Kenji smiled proudly at his daughter, “Your daughter is a force to be reckon with, Kenji, perhaps she could teach those boys a thing or two?” he suggested as he continued to laugh.
“Well my daughter is consistent, if not a little spirited... Not to mention stubborn, like her mother” he muttered the last few words.
Both Shiratori women immediately turned their heads to the King, “What did you say?!” Kenji's face paled as Shinjuro continued to laugh at the poor man's expression. He most definitely had his hands full; he was outnumbered by women in his life. Though, he could not deny how proud he was of his young daughter, able to control her breathing style with such poise and grace.
She would make a great ruler one day.
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