by C. J. Anaya
“Princess Mikomi,” he said loud enough for the whole room to hear, “it is my honor to finally meet the woman who was chosen by our First Parents to stand united by my side for eternity. I accept this union wholeheartedly, and will willingly devote my life to protecting the veil with you by my side.”
I supposed explaining we had already met during an attempt on my life was probably something he and my father would keep quiet about.
He never once took his eyes from my face. My whole body was becoming uncomfortably warm with the unwanted attention. I was very much used to remaining invisible. There was no hiding from Katsu’s probing gaze. The room grew quiet again, and Katsu continued to look at me, waiting for me to speak. I cleared my throat as quietly as I could, but from the amused twitch I saw on Katsu’s lips I could tell he had heard and could see through my calm façade. Was he laughing at me? I struggled to find the words necessary to end this very public meeting, but the nervousness I felt was beginning to overrule my thoughts.
I finally managed a small kind of bow from my knees instead of my hips since he was too close to me to perform such a deep bow. Apparently, that was all that was needed because the room broke out into loud applause again, and soon whatever festivities that had occurred before my arrival resumed. I breathed out a silent sigh. I remained facing Katsu merely because he continued to hold my hand, studying me.
He took a small step forward, lowering his head toward mine. “Princess, do you wish to eat or would you be more comfortable on the terrace? It is quite warm in this room.”
I nodded gratefully and wondered at his noticing my mild distress. I was not used to such consideration from a powerful man, kami or otherwise.
“If you will meet me on that terrace just outside this room, I will go retrieve something cool for you to drink.”
“Thank you. That is most kind of you.”
He gave me a slight bow and moved past me. I quickly retreated to the landing on my left just past my father’s usual seat. Once outside, my breathing came easier. The rainy season had started, and I could see storm clouds gathering in the distance, but for now the sky withheld its torrential shards, and a cool breeze ruffled the silky folds of my clothing.
The night sky filled with lanterns of various shapes and colors, honoring the special meeting that would mark the union of The Healer and the warrior god Katsu. I felt quite disconnected with the excitement and the festivities. To me, it seemed surreal—some fantastical farce I couldn’t possibly be a part of. I ached to magically sprout wings and sore right off the palace roof, leaving my gilded cage far behind me. The heavy stomp of booted feet interrupted my brief daydream.
“Could you think of nothing respectable to say in return to Katsu’s most gracious speech?”
I turned around quickly, recognizing the angry voice of my father. He didn’t give me even one moment to defend myself before his ready fist lifted and fell heavily against my left cheek, splitting the skin across my cheekbone. I felt blood begin to drip down the side of my face.
“Fukurokuju, what is the meaning of this?”
I had gripped the hand rail behind me to keep myself upright but couldn’t look up to see who had spoken, though I had a pretty good idea. Humiliation and shame overwhelmed me with thoughts of my betrothed witnessing such a degrading moment.
“Why, Katsu, I was merely teaching the princess a lesson in respect. Her lack of decorum will never happen again.”
The wooziness I suffered after being struck began to subside as my body commenced the healing process. I knew the cut and bruise on my cheek would disappear within minutes.
“Teaching? Is that what you call such callous abuse?”
I looked up sharply, surprised that Katsu would have the courage to stand up to my father. He glared at the emperor, clearly agitated by what he had seen.
“You forget yourself, Katsu.”
“I forget nothing. Do not put on airs with me and pretend that you have any kind of power over me when you were assigned this empire only a few decades ago. Before that, you maintained your role as any other kami does. Do not expect me to bow down to you as would a lowly human.”
My mouth hung open in a most unseemly manner, but it could not be helped. I had never heard anyone address my father in anger. I’d never before met anyone who wasn’t afraid to do so.
Katsu pointed a finger at my father’s chest. “If you ever lay a hand on my future wife again, Fukurokuju, so help me, I will find the nearest sword forged from the land of the dead and shove it through your cold, unfeeling heart.”
I could see the emperor’s body trembling in anger, and I was certain he would call out his guards and demand Katsu’s head. Instead, he balled his fists at his sides and quickly walked past Katsu, heading back into the great hall.
I remained where I was, with my hand still nursing my left cheek, dumbfounded. What had just happened? Katsu moved with lightning speed to my side, wrapped one arm around my waist and pulled me to him. He grabbed the hand I had placed against my cheek and lowered it.
“How badly did he hurt you?” His voice dripped with barely controlled anger. He took my face in his hands and studied it.
All of this physical contact was beginning to overwhelm me. The only males who had ever been close enough to care for me had been my brother, Daiki, and Kenji, and they had never embraced me like this.
“I’m fine…I tend to…I heal quickly.” I was breathless and flustered and could barely form enough thoughts in my head, let alone construct a complete sentence with Katsu holding my face like I was a porcelain doll and looking at me as if I mattered.
“Whether your wound heals quickly or not is irrelevant. Physical violence on your person should never be tolerated. How many times has this happened?”
“Once or twice,” I stated.
Katsu hissed under his breath. “All your life then.” I marveled that he had seen through my lie. “And each time your body healed quickly so no one was the wiser. Your father is an ass.”
I laughed at that. I couldn’t help myself. I’d spent so many years hiding the abuse I’d suffered at the hands of my father, and now someone finally knew. I continued to laugh, and then suddenly I began to cry. Deep, gut-wrenching sobs shook my body so badly I could barely keep upright. Katsu pulled me close to him and held me with my head tucked under his chin.
I’d never met anyone like him before. Most of the men I knew had very little time for their wives and even less patience for any emotional expression. Crying simply wasn’t done, and here I stood crying like a baby while he held me as if it was completely acceptable and not some show of weakness.
“I’m sorry,” I managed, once my crying subsided a little. “I’m never like this. I don’t usually cry. I apologize for the scene I’ve made.”
“Stop. If anyone had backhanded me as hard as I saw the emperor backhand you, I would have cried on the spot.”
I giggled but kept my head down. I still felt unsure about what behaviors were appropriate around my future husband. I didn’t know what he would allow. “You would never cry, I’m sure. You’re simply saying that to make me feel better.”
“Well, that might be true, but I certainly would have wanted to cry.”
I chuckled again and looked up, meeting Katsu’s eyes and giving him a shy smile.
Katsu placed a soothing hand to my left cheek. “I didn’t get a chance to grab that drink for you. When I saw your father pass me, the look in his eyes gave me pause. I’m very happy I listened to my instincts and followed him back.”
“I’m not really thirsty any longer.”
He eyed me worriedly. “You still have some blood here. Let’s go down to the gardens, away from the prying eyes of that great gathering in there and get you all cleaned up.”
“Yes, thank you. I don’t like to be in crowded rooms. It…I feel very self-conscious.”
“A princess who dislikes being the center of attention? Now that is a surprise.”
Was he teasing m
e? I glanced at his features and beheld his wide smile. I smiled back and looked at the floor again as he grabbed my hand and led me into the crowded great hall and out the way I had originally come.
Katsu’s kind behavior had me completely baffled. I had been prepared to suffer through this night in silence, willing to bear this forced meeting because I knew I wasn’t going to have to continue pretending that I agreed with my fate and the expectations that had been drummed into my head all my life. I’d never considered that I might actually have an ally in the man I was destined to marry. I’d certainly never expected him to champion me against my own father.
It took some time, but we soon left the palace and entered the gardens circling the palace in the back. Katsu led me to an ivory bench nestled next to a silvery, oval shaped pond filled with colorful fish.
I loved these gardens, they were extensive and elaborate in their landscaping. The outer wall of the garden was lined with bushes, trimmed to perfection. As you wandered past the pond you could follow a trickling flow of water that led to a grouping of whimsical looking statues made up of female kami who represented peace, prosperity, and good fortune. The trickling water spouted up through the statues, creating a beautiful waterfall.
Cherry trees of varying shapes and sizes were placed strategically throughout the expansive space, along with several other trees and flowers, but my favorite were the white cherry blossoms, snow blossoms, and azaleas. Where trees and flowers were absent, the soft earth was covered in lush grasses of the brightest greens, interrupted only by small rock formations and sand patterns.
Yes, these gardens were a peaceful place of refuge whenever I needed moments for myself. I was happy to share this place with Katsu but nervous to be with him unchaperoned. I sat meekly and waited. He walked over to the pond and ripped a strip of cloth from the undergarment of his black silk kimono.
“Oh, no,” I said before I could stop myself. I slapped a hand over my mouth and then tried to make my person as small as possible when Katsu looked at me questioningly.
“We need to wipe that blood from your face.”
“Yes, but we have plenty of linen within the palace. There’s no reason you should ruin your clothing for my sake.”
Katsu knelt down by the pond and wet the strip of fabric, bringing it up and wringing it out. He then walked over to where I nervously waited and positioned himself next to me. When he lifted the wet cloth toward my face, I instinctively leaned back and put my hands up in a defensive gesture.
I felt silly the minute I did so, but my nerves were completely frayed by my father’s behavior and Katsu’s unexpected kindness. I felt terribly unbalanced emotionally and could no longer keep my reactions in check.
Katsu lowered his hand the minute I backed away.
“Mikomi, I hope you understand that I do not think it appropriate for a man to hurt a woman. I would never hit you. Do you believe me?”
I honestly wasn’t sure if I did or not. I didn’t really know Katsu, but he had protected me from my father, and I saw no reason to be afraid of him until he gave me one.
“I believe you. I’m just very used to far different treatment.” I relaxed my body and sat forward.
Katsu’s eyes looked a bit stormy as he lifted his hand again and brought the wet cloth to my face. He gently wiped away the blood.
“If your father cannot be trusted to keep his temper in check, then I will demand that you and I are married on the spot and take you away where I can protect you.”
“Oh, no.” I raised my hand and grabbed his arm. It was a very brazen move on my part. We were not yet familiar enough with each other for that kind of physical contact, and yet I had to remind myself that he had held me while I cried not fifteen minutes earlier.
Katsu quirked an eyebrow at me. “I take it the idea of marrying me displeases you. Perhaps I am not handsome enough?”
His assumption horrified me, worrying I had offended him, especially after the kind way he had treated me. The thought of marrying him wasn’t as repulsive to me as it had been, but if he took me with him tonight as his bride, I would never have that meeting with the general of the samurai insurgents.
I hesitated for a moment. Then, gathering my courage, I scooted closer to him and grasped his hand with both of mine. I gauged his reaction to the physical contact I had initiated, but he didn’t seem displeased. Encouraged by his warm, teasing smile, I answered his question.
“That’s not what I meant. You are wonderfully handsome.” When Katsu gave me a wide smile, I realized how frank I had just been. “I mean…of course you are fine to look upon…I just…I think that perhaps—”
Katsu began chuckling quietly. He placed his other hand on top of both of mine and squeezed them. “I am merely being playful, Princess. I like the way your beautiful brown eyes grow large and wide when you think you’ve said or done something wrong. It’s quite endearing.”
He thought my eyes were beautiful? I felt them grow wide all over again, and Katsu laughed out loud this time.
“There is much for you to learn before we are wed, and I would like to spend time getting to know my future wife. In other words, I promise not to marry you and whisk you away from the palace until you are ready.”
I smiled and nodded. Then I looked down at our entwined hands and felt my body warm at the realization that he was rubbing his thumb softly against the inside of my wrist. I let out a shaky breath and slowly pulled my hands out of his. I could tell he wanted to hold them longer, but he let me go. Another surprise. He wasn’t going to force my affections. I might have tried relaxing, but the need he felt for me was playing on my own need for his attention.
“Is there anything you would like to know about me at this moment?” I asked. I looked up quickly but couldn’t hold eye contact with him and lowered my gaze to my hands resting lightly on my lap.
“Were you afraid to meet me?”
I swallowed hard. I had been expecting a less personal question, but I knew I could answer him honestly without any fear of punishment.
“Yes. I had heard that you were not pleased with this arrangement.”
“That’s very true. I’ve been told for thousands of years that you were my destiny. I had no choice in the matter, and I had no idea when you would be born. I guess I rebelled at the thought of someone choosing my bride for me.”
I marveled that our feelings about the betrothal could be the same. It had never occurred to me that Katsu might resent this situation as much as I did. Then I felt a little sad, wondering if he still felt that way.
“I understand.” I tried to keep the disappointment from my voice. I didn’t necessarily want to go through with this marriage, but I was warming up to this warrior god who had protected me against my biggest enemy, treating me like a person instead of a pawn or even a prop. At the very least, I realized, I wanted his friendship. I didn’t want him to resent me because of what I represented.
“And you? How did you feel about the match?’
I felt my eyes go wide and heard him chuckle again. It surprised me that he would be interested in my opinion.
“I suppose…I was not happy to be given little choice in the matter. It is difficult to consider a life with someone you’ve never met.”
“Yes it is. To be perfectly honest, I was determined to hate you. Isn’t it amazing how quickly one’s feelings can change?”
I met his gaze to measure his sincerity. “You don’t hate me, then?” I waited with my breath caught in the back of my throat. When had this kami’s opinion of me become so important?
Katsu smiled. “No, Mikomi, I don’t hate you. I feel quite the opposite.”
His warm look seemed to heat my cheeks with its intensity. He lifted his hand to my face and rubbed his thumb softly over my healed cheekbone. If I had been standing I most certainly would have needed assistance remaining upright. Katsu was not the reserved, menacing warrior god I had so often pictured in my mind. He was sympathetic, understanding, communicative, and
surprisingly affectionate. Men simply didn’t behave this way, let alone deities, but then maybe I was so used to my father’s behavior that my perceptions were skewed.
I needed to say something in return, but his soft caress and the warm way in which he gazed at me made my thoughts stutter and scatter. I opened my mouth to speak, but the loud snap of a branch echoing in the still night air distracted me from anything I might have said. Katsu was on his feet with his hand resting upon the hilt of his sword. I stood up as well and looked toward the opposite side of the pond where the noise had originated.
“It might have been a bird or small cat,” I offered quietly, but Katsu didn’t relax his position.
I looked across the pond again and thought I saw a dark shadow moving forward. After a few more steps the shadow moved into the moonlight. I gasped and grabbed Katsu’s arm.
“Well, Princess, you were half correct. It’s certainly a cat.”
The figure standing before us was a copy of the large assassin that had tried to kill me this morning, a black panther with the musculature of a man. Its dark mane hung loosely around his head and ears, much like a lion’s, and his snout was made more gruesome by the sharp pointing fangs that descended on either side. It wore a black leather vest, leaving its arms and chest exposed. Its waist was encircled about with a belt holding various weapons and a gleaming sword, all black in color and wickedly sharp. Its feet and hands ended in sharp claws the length of small curved daggers, and its tail looked as if it had been split into two, flicking sharply back and forth behind it.
“Hand over the child, most honorable Katsu, and I will leave you uninjured,” it hissed and mocked at the same time.