|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 8:42 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 7:18 am
((Sorry for the wait. T^T I had an exam to finish out winter semester and had to move back into the dorms. I'm settled in now though, so everything should be good.))
Exceptionally pleased at Kota's words, Ichiro said to his brother with a grin of victory, "Hah! You see? Even a slave can tell that I am the better master between the two of us. Even if you did have your own slave, you wouldn't be able to handle it." Finally setting down his chopsticks, Ichiro watched and waited for Kota to finish as well, so that they might leave the table before his brother had a chance to retaliate once more. However, before they could leave, Ichiro heard more insults spilling from his younger sibling's mouth, and couldn't help but bite back.
Smirking confidently, Ichiro began, "Well you see, dear brother, as I found out today, Kota isn't simply a normal slave. He is actually quite talented at using a bow and arrow. On top of that, he's honest and thoughtful, which is more than could ever be said of you." Placing a hand on the boy's shoulder as he continued smirking at his brother, Ichiro continued, "You see dear brother, you have no good qualities. Despite my temper, I am far superior to you." During the dispute, the rest of the table was silent. Their parents had gotten used to their constant bickering, and no longer intervened. Eventually they would stop and there would be peace once more.
Looking down and seeing Kota had finished, Ichiro stood, saying, "Now if you'll excuse me, we have more important matters to attend to than attempting to cure you of your stupidity." Getting up from his seat, Ichiro motioned for Kota to follow him and walked out of the dining room, leaving their dishes for a servant to pick up.
As they retraced their steps through the halls of the palace towards the prince’s room, they passed a female servant, more tomboyish than the others they had met, who paused when the prince passed her by. “Oh, your highness?” she called respectfully, although it seemed more casual than most. “That thing you ordered came in. The box should be sitting in your room when you arrive there. They said that it took such a long time to come in because of how far away it was made. I wonder what it was you bought this time,” she said with some suspicion unbefitting of her class, “but the package remains sealed. Enjoy.” Bowing slightly to the pair, she walked off without having said anything to Kota, or even taking notice of him, it seemed.
Satisfied, Ichiro continued on his way after the servant had left, knowing exactly what awaited him and feeling rather excited about it. “Tell me Kota, have you ever heard of those distant lands to the west? The ones even farther past than our cousin, the Middle Kingdom?” Although Ichiro doubted that many commoners concerned themselves with news from abroad, it was a luxury that many of the royals quite enjoyed, as it made them feel as though their sight could reach to the very corners of the earth. Above all else, Ichiro enjoyed collecting things from those places, although he had never been permitted to visit them himself. “Well, regardless,” he continued on, knowing what Kota’s answer would be, “this thing she mentioned is a great treasure, one that I doubt you shall be capable of appreciating the way I do. Nonetheless, I hope you garner some enjoyment of it.”
As they arrived in the room, a bundle lay on the low table that served as Ichiro’s constant workplace. It looked like a small box, wrapped in colourful silks, and tied at the top with a gold rope. Sitting down in front of it, delight apparent on his face, Ichiro tugged gently on the string and watched as the silk fell down softly from around the frame of his treasure. Now sat, on the table, a book. A large volume with yellowing pages and the smell of time, its cover was decorated with a series of letters which Ichiro himself could only barely understand. “You see, dear boy, this is what I waited so long for,” he said, looking at the book before him rather than the person he was addressing. Turning open the first few pages, Ichiro was quickly satisfied and closed it once more.
“Kota, you may not know, but the lands beyond our borders are just as rich in history and legend as our own great country, although certainly to different extents. There are many stories scattered throughout the world, and most shall be forever lost to the sands of time at some point. However, there are also many tales, which, with heaven’s grace, make their way into such volumes as this; written records of a nation’s heart.” Running his hand across the rough cover of the book, Ichiro gazed at it as though it were a gem belonging to none but himself. “I know you cannot read it, but if you would like and when I feel in the mood, I could read you some of the stories contained within,” Ichiro offered with a restrained hint of enthusiasm and hope, not wanting the slave to think him weak-hearted or sentimental over anything.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:00 pm
Kota wasn’t sure why his heart pounded in his chest at the Prince’s words. Indeed, the other was probably merely finding ways to further insult his brother by comparing him to a lowly whipping boy. However, he couldn’t help but let his cheeks flush bright pink as Ichiro praised him. It felt good to be praised-- to feel as though the other was proud of him.
Without a word, he followed the man out of the room when ordered to do so. The mention of the package caught his interest just barely. He was more focused on the fact that the servant girl didn’t even ACKNOWLEDGE his presence. It was infuriating to feel so worthless-- not even worth a second glance. At the mention of the package being a treasure, the boy’s ears perked up.
Interest snared, he shuffled after the prince into his quarters.
All his life Kota had displayed a surprising love of learning. This simple craving for knowledge, combined with his father’s affinity for collecting all things old, had bred a deep-seeded need to read-- to understand. So it was when he saw the book his Master whipped out of the ostentatious box, that his heart pounded in his chest, eyes widening at the wise explanation. He wished to know more. That much was apparent as he kneeled beside his master.
“I would love it, if you would read to me, Master. Thank you.” He whispered, eyes scanning the yellowing pages with slight awe. “It truly is a handsome book. My father’s close friend was a merchant of sorts and my father liked to collect things from foreign lands and past times. Though I cannot name a time he would ever have laid a hand on such a treasure as this, being of our station in life. It’s quite lovely. I wish I did understand the words-- the language.”
His eyes sparkled with curiosity and intelligence, showing an appreciation for the Prince’s gift and his offer to read Kota some of the stories within. He supposed he could put off his plans to escape for a short while. After all, another opportunity such as this would never arise again when he left the palace.
“Though you must realize that after you read me a few of these stories, I will most likely resume my plans to leave.” he spoke honestly, in a calm tone, not giving any sign he meant to offend the other man. He would be frank. He had no intention of remaining in this man’s servitude, no matter how quickly he found himself growing fond of the handsome, short-fused prince.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 9:35 pm
Delighted to see the sparkle in Kota's eyes as he observed the book, Ichiro believed he had truly been blessed to receive such a fine slave. For the most part it seemed as though commoners had little interest in such matters, and often restricted themselves to a knowledge of their own region or country, if anything. Kota, however, seemed to understand the importance of gazing beyond the horizons at lands unknown. "If you had not had the misfortune of being born poor, you may have made a decent scholar, my boy," Ichiro mused affectionately, enjoying the fact that he had finally found a slave worth having a conversation with.
Opening the book once more and scanning the first few pages of text, Ichiro replied, "Then you will have to excuse me for the time being; there are certain words here I have not seen before, although I understand generally what it means. After I have had some time to study it, I will pleasure you with the honour of being read to by your prince." Even though it was odd for him to become so attached to a servant, Ichiro by no means minded being able to have a close relationship with Kota. After all, for a servant he was rather intelligent, or so it seemed, and they seemed to share a love of learning befitting the higher class.
"Hmm. Perhaps some day I shall teach you a bit, although I must admit, we have never before concerned ourselves with the education of slaves. In general it seems to have little application, lest it involve the skills with which they are occupied. However, seeing as you have no real job to perform other than be with me at all times, I suppose it is not such a great exception. Another time perhaps. I am not in the mood for such lectures." Closing the book again gently, Ichiro tried to imagine what kind of wondrous tales it would teach them. From his experiences, the prince knew that many cultures shared a few similar plots in their most popular stories. However, each also had its own unique creations based on ideas that would never have crossed another's mind.
Smirking at the boy's honest audacity, Ichiro waited for him to finish before reaching over with one hand and holding Kota still for a sudden kiss. After a few seconds, Ichiro pulled back just enough for their eyes to meet and explained, "No matter what you do, you will never escape me for long. If you leave the palace, I shall announce a bounty on your head, and with those beautiful blue eyes of yours, you'll be an easy target. From the moment I chose you as my slave you became mine, body and soul. We are bound together until I see fit to release you which, I must admit, will not be within the foreseeable future." Easing back into his normal sitting posture, the prince added, "Count your blessings, dear boy, and enjoy what you are given. At times, captivity can be far better than freedom, for who is truly free from this world? We are but birds in a cage," he continued to muse, thinking about the splendor and poetry of the world at large.
"Come to think of it," the prince said, as though nothing had happened, "do you know anything of poetry? If you like stories, then you must enjoy poetry as well, yes?" he asked, although it was more of a rhetorical question. "You know, here at the palace, we actually have a fine collection of reading material. I myself collect a few things for my exclusive enjoyment as well, such as this magnificent volume," he mentioned, caressing the cover. "Are you literate? If so, you are more than welcome to request admittance to all but my own collection. Of course, you must always ask before taking something, and cannot keep any item too long...however, seeing as you share an interest in learning, I feel obliged to aid you in such a worthy pursuit."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 8:19 pm
Kota had been stunned speechless by the kiss. His cheeks had immediately stained themselves pink and his body went rigid. He had just began to foolishly return it when the other pulled away. The small slave was a tad relieved. He had almost made a mockery of himself. Returning the prince’s teasing with something serious would have been a weighty mistake and embarrassing to boot.
The poetic prose that followed captured his interest, making him relax and smile faintly, despite the threat preceding it. At the other’s question, he nodded. “I am fond of poetry and indeed literate. My father believed that every child deserved an education of sorts. I would love to see your collection sire.” He kneeled next to the other again, shuffling shyly.
Why had the prince kissed him? Was it to tease him? Was it supposed to be a punishment. He hardly thought it was the latter. How could something so pleasant be meant for discipline. With bright , curious eyes, he looked up at the other, long dark lashes framing the exotic blue pools. “Sir… um… why did you kiss me?” he asked curiously, touching his pink lips with a confused expression. “I don’t… understand.”
In truth, Kota was rather innocent regarding such manners and found the whole ordeal quite puzzling. He had only ever been kissed once before and that was by an overzealous friend after drinking too much sake. The other, in his drunken haze, had mistaken Kota for a pretty girl due to his long, silver hair. Needless to say, Kota had been forced to shoo the other out of his house with a broom after the big oaf started getting handsy.
He had always been raised to believe people only kissed those they truly liked in a romantic fashion. He doubted the prince felt such things for him, considering the man’s first course of action if and WHEN he ran away would be to put a bounty on his head. He wondered if the other had meant, dead, alive, or either.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 2:28 pm
Nodding his head contentedly, Ichiro said, "Good, perhaps it will aid in ridding you of your rougher peasant traits. After all, good poetry smoothes, yet also sharpens the mind and soul. Doing a bit of higher learning and some good reading should help you better adjust to life here." Chuckling to himself, the prince wondered if a boy such as Kota could ever truly make himself comfortable in place so grand as the imperial palace. It wasn't as though he felt the boy was unsuited for it; on the contrary, with a little cleaning up and training, he might have been able to pass for a nobel man's son. However, Kota seemed perpetually uneasy in the house, perhaps because he had been raised a peasant.
Noticing the cute shade of pink that Kota had become, Ichiro was actually a tad more confused that he was cocky. Normally he would have teased the boy about his blushing, but it was hard to tell what exactly he was blushing about. When the boy asked him about the kiss, the prince seemed even more confused, taking a few moments before answering. "I'm not entirely sure what you're asking me. Why did I kiss you? Because you're so adorable you're practically begging for it," he joked with a smirk, finally able to bother the boy a little about it, "and also, I thought it would teach you a lesson, although to be honest it's beyond me why someone would even need a reason to kiss, so long as there was someone else attractive enough to kiss within reach. I wanted you to understand that you are mine, no matter what you do or where you go. You'll never forget me, and I'll probably never forget you. So there's no point in even trying to run away."
Honestly, the boy's strange naïvety confused Ichiro even more so than his desire to escape the palace. Did the boy not understand how thoroughly adorable he was, not only in appearance, but in manner as well? Or perhaps commoners were not used to such openness. After all, when you lived in the lower world, there were bound to be hazards not found amongst the upper classes, and it was likely that the peasants were always less open with each other. Along the same lines, Ichiro recognized that the elite were a much smaller circle. Although they were probably more distant from each other than some of the peasantry, they trusted each other much more, knowing that if anyone did something, it would get around to everyone they knew within just a few days. Gossip was a precious commodity, although no one would admit it publicly.
"What? Don't tell me you have virgin lips or something like that," the prince added arrogantly, hoping that the boy would get over it soon. However, the blush on his cheeks and his innocence were rather adorable, and Ichiro actually rather liked the idea of the boy being inexperienced; it was cute, and made him feel even more in charge than he already did.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 11:29 am
Kota blinked in surprise. The prince thought HE was adorable? How could the prince say such things when he was surrounded by such beauty. Surely, Kota paled in comparison to most servants. Even that tomboyish girl had felt more attractive than him. The boy was also a tad confused by his explanation of the kiss. “I-I’ve been kissed only once before but it was by accident. My friend had drank to much and mistook me for a girl. But that was about it. I don’t think I’m cute sir. I’m just short and girly looking.”
He also knew the man’s words were true. He would never forget the prince. The other was one of those people who stuck in your memory for all eternity. He was unique in every way, shape, and form. The prince stirred something strange in his abdomen-- like butterflies in his stomach. However, he wouldn’t be surprised if the prince forgot him. After all, he was just a lowly servant. His whole reason for being there was to accept whatever abuse the man decided to unleash on him.
“Where I’m from you only kiss someone you like in THAT way,” he explained meekly, looking away. His eyes fell briefly to the book, scanning the worn cover. “I am quite aware of the fact that, at this point, I belong to you. However, even if I know I won’t get far, I’m still going to try to escape. I suppose I may seem ungrateful in your eyes, but please understand that I was torn from my home, starved, and then thrown into this place where I was told I was a hopeful to be the prince’s whipping boy. Though, I never expected you to be as pleasant company as you are.”
It was true. He had never expected the prince to be so smart, intriguing, and handsome. Truthfully, he had expected a large, overbearing man with a permanent scowl twisting his lips. He might have considered staying forever to serve this man were he not worried for his mother and already yearning for the freedom that came with his little village home.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 6:43 pm
Chuckling lightly at the boy's explanation, Ichiro wondered why the boy had not been gone after before. "That's really it? I'm surprised; you're very inexperienced. Even more so than I would have guessed!" the prince admitted, merely because he found it astounding. The boy couldn't have been so terribly young as to never have had physical feelings for someone else, yet unless he was lying he had never acted upon or been acted upon by such feelings. The prince had to wonder if that was normal among commoners, to be so withdrawn to others. "Even though you're so much more open than I am...you've truly kept your body to yourself all the same? Astounding," he commented with an odd smile, trying to figure this boy out as they sat and spoke.
Patting the boy on the head, Ichiro said, "Few people can objectively judge themselves; it appears as though you are not one of them." Looking the boy over once more to be certain he had not missed anything previously, he said, "You are quite cute, at least in my eyes. Being short and girly helps that, you know," he added with a slight laughing, wondering what in the world this boy called "cute" if he was so critical of himself.
"That way?" the prince repeated, wondering whether or not the boy was referring to the more childish sense of the term or the more realistic, sensible way that the prince knew so well. "Well, then you should not be so surprised by my kiss. Do you think I picked you from among the other presented slaves by lottery? Of course not! I always have my reasons," he said, digressing only slightly. Taking Kota's chin between two fingers and raising the boy's eyes to meet his own, Ichiro smirked at his innocent face. "I would gladly have you that way. However, I don't want to overstep myself," he said, his look softening as he let go. "You've only been here so briefly. How rude would it be of me to do something like that to you on your first day? No, I know better than that. Of course, if you ever get caught attempting to escape, I can see no better punishment..." he mused, wondering what the boy would think of it.
Just as Kota had guessed, Ichiro thought that he was rather ungrateful for wanting to escape and, even though he somewhat understood the boy's reasons for wanting to escape, he couldn't help but be angry that Kota wouldn't rather stay there with him. Getting a bit short-tempered, he said, "If you continue to act so irrationally, I shall no longer be such good company to you! Perhaps you just need more time to adjust, but heed my warnings. You shall be severely punished should you be caught attempting or after an escape. I shall not tolerate disloyalty!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 10:11 pm
Kota wasn’t sure why, but he was inwardly thrilled to know the prince would have him THAT way. It made the butterflies reappear in his stomach. However, when the man rose his voice at the thought of the boy running away, Kota visibly winced, seeing the man’s short-tempered nature start to shine through. He didn’t see how he was being irrational. He looked up at the man with big eyes and waited for him to stop speaking.
“I apologize, my lord. I won’t mention running away again. I don’t like upsetting you.” he said in a soft, meek tone, giving the other a faint little smile in hopes of calming the other man’s nerves. “And after you got such a lovely gift to. You should be happy tonight, not angry because I spoke out of line. I won’t talk about it again. As for the punishment of having me THAT way, I must admit that wouldn’t be a good punishment.”
Punishments were MEANT to be unpleasant, right. If the kiss was anything to judge by, he couldn’t imagine completely disliking whatever the prince did to him in THAT way. “If you were a brutish, unpleasant, ugly jerk then I assume it would be a proper punishment. But as I said, you are good company and everything I did not expect,” he sighed, looking a bit tired, and rubbed his eyes cutely with his fists. “at what time do you usually retire your majesty?” he asked quietly, looking back up at the man.
He was too afraid of rejection to ever venture taking a kiss of his own from the prince. The man was royalty and could afford to be so bold. But even if he liked the man, he would never act on him. Even if he didn’t TALK about it, it was obvious he did, indeed, still intend to escape. For some reason, he had a feeling when he did try he would completely regret it. However, he instantly shooed away that unpleasant thought, wanting more than anything to lean against the other out of exhaustion but being too frightened to do so.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 7:58 pm
Sighing as he controlled his anger, Ichiro said, "Very well. Perhaps this will be a good lesson for you. I'm not sure how honest the commoners are on a regular basis, but when you are among the upper-class, you must choose your words very carefully. Although it is still good to be truthful when you can...there are times when no amount of truth can led to a good end. In these cases, you must learn how to lie convincingly while not causing any more damage than telling the truth would have. Do you understand?" he asked, hoping that the lesson was not too far over the boy's head. After all, commoners could be just as corrupt and petty as the rich, so it shouldn't be a problem even for him.
"Hmm, I suppose," Ichiro said thoughtfully, thinking that it was a rather bad day to be in a foul mood. After all, he'd gotten Kota as a gift from his parents and even got to show off his new pet at the training centre. On top of all that, the book he'd ordered had finally come in. It certainly wasn't a good day to be upset. Petting the boy's head yet again, the prince smiled again. "I suppose you are correct. I should at least be in a moderate mood today, if not a good one. I shall pretend we never spoke of such things if you keep your promise not to speak of them again." Although he wasn't usually the type to forgive and forget, Ichiro saw no reason to dwell on Kota's plan of escape. After all, the boy would be returned to the palace eventually, even if he made it outside.
Smirking at the boy's comment on his choice of punishment, Ichiro replied, "Ah, you do not know me so well. However, I shall take it as a compliment. Perhaps you shall learn pain at my hands in such a manner soon enough. However, I shall hope that I do not have reason to resort to that. While I can be an enjoyable pillow companion, I assure you that I can also be a demon."
Watching the way Kota yawned so cutely, Ichiro continued to wonder why the boy sold himself so short when it came to his looks. Any of the other nobles would have agreed that he was adorable, and had he not been a slave but a peer, he would have been greatly beloved and desired by all. However, there were many people who could not see past class, who would look upon him as a filthy cur no matter what he looked like or what he did. The prince, on the other hand, was more interested in his looks and his heart than what position he held. If anything, being a slave made the boy even cuter, as it gave him a vulnerable, powerless air.
"If you are tired, then perhaps we should both turn in for the night. After all, sleep does the skin good, and I do not wish to grow old before my time. Allow me to call upon a servant for preparations." Walking out into the hall, Ichiro made a bland, gentle call, and two younger servants came rushing over. A young girl and boy, apparently siblings if not twins, bowed and waited patiently for instructions. As the girl continued into the room at a word from the prince and began going through things in an adjoining closet, the boy looked up at the prince attentively and listened to every word he said before dashing off. A minute later he returned with a large mat balanced on his hands as well as a clean servant's robe. Spreading the futon out on the floor as his sister laid out the much larger, decadent one from the closet, the boy handed the robe to Kota, and stood watching right in front of him, waiting to have Kota's current clothing handed to him to wash.
As Ichiro undressed and dressed once more in front of the young girl, he said to Kota, "Just change as quickly as you can and hand him your dirty clothes. They shall be washed and possibly returned to you tomorrow. For now you can simply wear that one he gave you. It's a simple servant's uniform, nothing special, but it should be suitable for the night." Once he had handed off his previous clothes to the girl and saw her scurry out of the room again, Ichiro asked, "Is there anything else you need before sleeping?" wanting to be sure he wasn't overlooking anything that Kota might enjoy before turning in for the night.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 4:43 pm
Kota flushed when he was ordered to undress and did so quickly, revealing pale soft-looking skin and a lithe frail body under the baggy clothing. His cheeks were flushed bright pink and he averted his eyes from his master, not exactly proud of his own physique compared to the other man’s. He slipped into the clean robes speedily and nodded in thanks, handing the servant his dirty clothing. As soon as the two left, he crawled onto the small mat that he assumed was for him and looked up at the prince.
“N-no. Not at all,” he whispered softly, resting his head and yawning again. Already he could feel an invisible force weighing down his eyelids. Before he knew it, he had fallen asleep, curled into a small cute ball.
When he awoke the later that night he found himself curled up in his master’s arms. His eyes widened and he immediately slipped away, unsure how he had gotten into such a precarious situation. He could have very well rolled accidentally next to the man, considering how close their mats were. In fact, it was a likely idea. However, it was also extremely embarrassing.
‘I really should be more careful,’ the boy thought to himself, not daring to nudge the other awake at such a time. It was still dark out. However, he had somehow managed to tangle his legs with the man and was too frightened to move away, not wanting to wake his Master.
Sighing, he deciding to take the chance and detached himself from the man, turning to crawl back into his own bed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 7:01 am
Noticing how quickly Kota fell asleep, Ichiro could guess that he'd had a hard day even before he'd gotten to the castle. Of course, the life of a slave could be riddled with hardship, so it wasn't so much surprising as it was just cute to watch. After all, Kota was his now, and much like watching a child or a kitten close its eyes for the first time, it made Ichiro feel oddly attached to his new servant.
After both of the young servants had left the room with their clothing, Ichiro walked over to his own futon and laid down beneath the covers on the soft mat. Opening his eyes slightly, he peeked over at Kota once more before falling to sleep himself. As he laid in bed, sleeping deeply, Ichiro felt that, in a vague dream, he was holding on to someone. Small and frail in his arms, he could only assume it was his youngest sibling, but why wasn't he moving? Were they both sleeping within a dream?
The prince was roused from his confused and jumbled thoughts as something nudged him slightly. Opening his eyes just a crack with great difficulty, Ichiro saw Kota rolling back over onto his own futon. Curious, the prince almost called out to him, to ask what had happened, but decided against it. The boy had done no harm, and perhaps he was just lonely after being taken from the only home he'd ever known. For the time being, Ichiro would let it slide, although it would no doubt be saved as ammunition for later.
When the morning sun finally arose and cut through the small window in the room, Ichiro sat up and stretched thoughtfully, used to rising in such a manner whenever the weather permitted. When he found Kota still asleep in his futon, he almost woke him. However, remembering how tired the boy had been last night prevented him. For some reason, he couldn't bring himself to disturb the boy, and rationalized it by telling himself that Kota had no real work to do and could therefore rise whenever he wished.
Going out into the hall and calling softly for a slave, Ichiro waited until a young girl whose name he did not know to come along and kneel before him. Telling her to fetch proper day clothing for both himself and Kota, he made sure she went down the proper hall before returning to his own room. Walking over to the mirror and drawers at one corner, the prince took out a comb and began brushing through his long hair. Staring at himself the entire time, Ichiro wondered what he looked like through Kota's eyes. Shaking his head, he attempted to return to making himself look proper, but seemed to become distracted too easily for his own comfort. When he had finally ridded himself of every knot, the girl returned to the room, announcing that she'd brought clothes.
"Stopping being so loud-mouthed! Are you trying to wake him?" Ichiro asked, snatching the clothes away from the girl. As she cringed and apologize, Ichiro found himself in an awkward position. It would have been proper to give the girl a small whack in order to teach her a lesson and to get out his annoyance with her. However, he was supposed to be using Kota for that from then on. At the same time, he was currently scolding her for being loud and possibly waking up Kota, so if he hit Kota he would wake the boy up anyway. As he went through this loop in his mind a few times, the prince began to give himself a headache and ordered the girl to leave his sight at once.
Heading back into his room, Ichiro set Kota's clothing for the day down on the floor close to the foot of his futon. As he dressed himself, he thought about what he was supposed to being doing that day. There was some business to conduct, some formalities to attend to; mostly it would just be a pain in his neck, but at least he would be able to show Kota many more facets of royal life. Whether it would help him to adjust or spur him to escape more quickly, the prince had no idea and really no interest. Despite the boy's insistence that he would eventually be able to leave the palace, Ichiro knew he could never succeed. At least, not for terribly long.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 3:36 am
Kota awoke several minutes later, yawning and stretching. His first reaction upon waking was to look around in sleep-induced disorientation. Where was he? What was going on. This wasn’t his room. It took him a few moments to realize he was Ichiro’s whipping boy and, chances were, he would never see home again. He saw the clothing arranged by the foot of the bed and crawled over to it, dressing himself silently in the soft, expensive garments.
“Ichiro,” he asked sweetly, standing and rubbing the sleep from his shining blue eyes. “Where are we going today?”
The first order of business was a meal. The second he kneeled next to his master, he could feel the tension rolling off the Middle brother in waves. He unconsciously moved closer to his master, not wanting to look at the other man. Jiro made him anxious-- uncomfortable. He waited for everyone to give thanks and his master to take the first bite before beginning to eat his own meal.
“So, Ichiro,” Kotaro visibly winced when the other man addressed the prince. There was a hint of rudeness in his tone and feigned superiority. “I heard you went so far as to yell at a slave for nearly waking your little servant, and then didn’t even bother to strike the boy.” Kota blinked in confusion, not seeing how that was even logical or remembering the events in the first place, having been sound asleep. He gave Ichiro a puzzled look, silently asking why the man should have hit him if he had been telling her not to wake him in the first place.
It also gave him slight butterflies to hear that the other had shown such care for his personal comfort. Kota had to bite back a smile, but it shown in his eyes when he looked up at Ichiro.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 9:05 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 2:55 pm
As they were leaving his room, Ichiro looked down at Kota and thought about how to answer him. After all, he couldn't rightfully expect a peasant to understand or appreciate the duties of a royal, so he would have to use simple language. Sighing and crossing his arms over his chest, he explained, "I have some business to attend to today; meeting with members of other important families, discussing things, and making deals. It will probably all seem very boring to you, but you'll still have to come with me. Although I don't really care one way or the other, I still hope it will not be too bothersome for you. It's actually rather nice to be able to count on your good mood."
Even though he was predisposed to be kinder to Kota than most other servants, Ichiro was not going to go too lightly on him. Not only was he already risking his reputation by showing the boy such favour, but if a deal went badly or there was an argument, Ichiro would likely be in almost immediate need of Kota's services. He wouldn't want to be caught without him in someone else's house. It just wouldn't be decent. "Perhaps you will be able to learn a thing or two about high culture today by visiting other people of distinction. However, your priority is merely to sit silently and patiently beside me at all times, as always."
When they finally arrived at the breakfast table, Ichiro was relieved to see as good a spread as the previous night. For some reason he was particularly hungry that morning, even though he hadn't done anything out of the ordinary. If anything he should have been less hungry since he'd spent more time dealing with Kota than exercising. Nonetheless, he listened to his stomach and happily began his meal.
Smirking as he heard his brother address him from across the table, Ichiro did not even look up as he responded, "What good would that have done me? I was angry at the girl for almost waking him up, seeing as his time in the care of the slave traders had been so taxing and I wanted him in good health. If I had hit him to take out my frustrations, I would have awoken him anyway, making it completely pointless. Really dear brother, is that pretty little head of yours only for show? Perhaps you should attempt to think about something before you dare to so much as open your mouth in my presence." Although they were arguing, Ichiro smiled as he ate, knowing that he was winning the battle. In any case, he was still superior to his brother, no matter what the other said or did.
Glancing sideways at Kota, Ichiro noticed the glimmer in his eyes and couldn't help but feel good for it. Not only had he managed to make a fool of his brother in front of the entire family once again, but he'd made his new slave happy. Even though it was of no real consequence to him how a servant felt, it was strangely satisfying to know that he had pleased someone without even trying.
After he had filled his stomach appreciably, Ichiro waited to be sure that Kota was finished as well before standing. "I would love to stay here and continue to humiliate you, dear brother," he said, finally looking directly into his sibling's eyes with a malicious smile, "but, unlike you, I actually have important matters to tend to. Perhaps if one day you actually put yourself to doing some work, dear brother, you will have much less time for insults and mindless servant gossip. And a good day to you all." Turning silently on his heel, Ichiro made his way out of the hall and to the front door of the palace. "Then, let us depart," he said, more to himself than to Kota, and walked outside where a carriage and guards were waiting for them.
Stepping inside with Kota at his heels as everyone bowed in their wake, Ichiro gave the order for them to begin, and the procession lurched into action. As they went about the business of the day, it was painfully obvious how boring it was, even to Ichiro. Although he usually had no problem with such things, he found himself struggling to maintain his focus on the matter at hand, constantly wishing that they would be finished with it already. However, each visit included not only the intended business, but also the mandatory formalities of their culture, which only added to the agonizing time it took for them to get back out the door and to their next stop.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
