As the midnight hour drew closer, Takeo got ready for his mysterious meeting in Jia's bedchamber. He tucked a short sword under his belt. He could form any weapon at will with the moisture in the air, but he didn't want to get caught weaponless and give away his hidden abilities.
It wasn't uncommon for nobles to have seperate bed rooms from their spouses, especially in when the lord or lady had multiple husbands or wives; there was even a neighboring kingdom that the ruler married all their advisors.
He left around a quarter til midnight and silently crept thru the dark corridors to the royal appartments. Takeo could walk the entire palace blind folded, though he hadn't spent the night there in more than six years. The solid oak floor with red silk runner rugs in the middle, the elaborate tapestries on the walls, . . . Not much had changed since he first came to the palace as a child. The distance sound of crickets could still be heard echoing.
Finally, Takeo made it to Jia's private appartments. The rooms were spacious enough for an entire house for a family of five, but compared to the Emperor's (from what Takeo remembered) relatively small. First, was a great room where as young teens he and Jia used to plan adventures, play games, and practice hand to hand combat. The room to the left was Jia's private bath, to the right was the study, and straight ahead was the bedchamber. It was eerily quiet and clean, but Takeo remembered Jia had been gone for days and the maids had no doubt been taking care of the prince's mess in his absence.
Takeo knew his mysterious host was already here; the lite candles gave away their presence. Carefully, Takeo opened the door to Jia's bedchamber. The window to the Prince's private garden where they had had so many mud fights over the years. The bed was neatly made as though waiting for Jia to come in and collapse on top of it after a long day of royal duties. The wooden partition in the corner looked fairly new, probably a a gift from Princess Rin judging by the peacock patterns; Jia usually picked out warrior motifs or dragons for himself.
He scanned the room with his eyes from the ceiling to the floor and wall to wall. There was a second dresser, more Princess Rin's style and the folding screen had been pushed into the corner on his left side where light couldn't pass thru the delicate panels. Takeo approached the screen with one hand on the hilt of his sword. He pushed the screen aside and was tackled by a dark haired woman in a purple kimono with golden embroidery.
Takeo loosened his grib on his sword as he recognized her as Princess Rin. Her sharp green eyes focused on him. "Where is my husband?!"
"He is on a peace mission. I'll be joining him tomorrow." Answered Takeo without wavering. Half truths were the words of the ninja.
"Is that so?" Rin untied her long raven hair and it cascaded over her sholders. She started loosening her clothing enough to show off her cleavage. A sapphire hair pin was still in her hand. "Since my beloved Jia isn't here, could you please pleasure me, Master Takeo? No one else would know besides you and me."
"You know I can't do that. Jia is the the Imperial Prince and my best friend. I can't share a bed with his wife, especially his own." Refused Takeo.
"Just like you know that Jia has been captured by the Dragoons." Countered Rin. She flashed a smirk. Takeo kept a stone face despite his surprise; always be wary of those who play the fool. "I'm not as out of the loop as these fools in the palace think. I know odds are he's being tortured, assuming he hasn't been killed already. Are you sure you can not find it within that icy heart of yours to comfort a poor widow?"
"It has already been confirmed that Jia is still alive. He'll be home with you in afew days." Answered Takeo.
"Then I assume you will be joining us?" Rin giggled. She let her kimono fall to the floor. Takeo gasp, but focused his attention to Rin's face. "I suspected it a long time, that you and Jia were closer than mere friends. I've decided to take advantage of the situation. I certainly wouldn't mind sharing my bed would two handsome men, especially after being denied tonight."
"We'll see when Jia returns."
"And if not, maybe you can take his place. I'm already so lonely without him. I can't spend the rest of my life a lonely widow and my son needs a father." She whimpered. Rin reached out and touched his cheek. "I could certainly pleasure you more than your country bumpkin and I wouldn't mind sharing you."
"If you end up alone, it will not because of me." Grumbled Takeo. He swatted her hand away and finally started to leave. "Now, if you don't mind, I must get back to my rooms to rest for my trip tomorrow. Goodnight, Princess Rin, and save your affections for when Jia returns. I have no doubt he will need you to lean on while recovering. He certainly is a lucky man."
He quickly walked back to his rooms without looking back, even as he felt daggers glaring at his back. Jia certainly was married to a tigeress.