Chapter Song Suggestion : "Lone Wolf by composer Alexander Nakarada"
Kyou recognized the flare of anger in Inka's eyes and watched as she furiously yanked off her turban. Those silver tresses he loved so much fell in waves over her back and shoulder — a bold contrast to her red robe.
The crowd's gasp mingled with a flurry of confounded whispers. "It's the Princess of Ashina!"
"Didn't the Emperor wipe out her tribe? How is she still alive?"
"Are you truly the Princess of Ashina?"
"Yes, I am she," Inka answered with indomitable pride. "As you can see, I am well and alive. My tribe still lives and it's partly because of King Kairyuu's efforts that we have survived."
Kyou believed she was stretching the truth by a mile. His brother had been out like a light for the crucial moments of their rescue.
"That's a lie! He's the reason for your tribe's downfall!" A woman shouted.
"I do not deny that King Kairyuu played a part but, he isn't wholly responsible for corrupting our nation. The faux King is the main culprit who brainwashed the nobles and gave birth to the rebellion. He acted of his own will. Which is why, His Majesty wants to make amends for his oversight and rebuild our nation."
"How can we believe the words of a King who neglected his province in the first place?"
"You don't!" she countered, her voice brimming with conviction. "You will take my word for it. As the faux King's victim, I understand what you have endured and how you feel. I know for a fact that Shiryuu needs change, and we have to start taking risks for a better future. I implore you to risk giving King Kairyuu a chance. That's all you have to do." Her arms spread wide open. "You can judge and criticise him all you want but, only after you have given him a chance to explain."
She studied the crowd. "Everyone here has made mistakes in their lives. Haven't you ever wished to be given a second chance? Don't you wish for someone to believe your truth and to let you fight for your rights?"
"Commoners and reformed slaves do not have rights!" A man shouted with vile contempt, inciting the crowd to rebel against her efforts. "You insult us with misleading hopes for your own selfishness. Even if you have experienced hardship at the hands of the faux King, it's your word against ours!"
"I'm the same as you!" she challenged fiercely, her nostrils flaring. "I watched my mother gutted before me like an animal by someone she trusted. I was powerless when my tribe was brutally murdered and then captured by merciless slavers. This all happened at the hands of a power hungry man who became corrupted and driven by the faux King's principles. My people didn't have it easy."
Tears pricked her eyes. "Like everyone else here, I wanted a simple and happy life. I face troubles like you do. I worry about what tomorrow brings and where it will take me. Lost without a home, my tribe strives to stay alive, to put food into our children's bellies and always wondering if we will make it through another day. I am tired of this! The King is responsible for our plight, and I want him to make it right. No! I trust him to make it right."
"Our children deserve a better future, and it is our responsibility to make it happen. If you back down now, who will fight for us? Only you can fight for yourself. If the King is willing to make amends, then, as the people of Shiryuu, I urge you to seize this golden chance. Do not cut off your nose to spite your face. You would be a fool not to take your revenge."
Disguised in the crowd, Ryuu mentally pleaded Inka not to take it too far. He didn't know if she was convincing the crowd or inflaming their fire.
Kyou on the other hand, marvelled at her splendid rage and energy.
Nakoda appeared by his side. "Is that ─?" He was transfixed by the angel of death with silver fire burning in the depths of her eyes. Was this magnificent creature Kyou's lover?
"You may be poor or reformed slaves, but no longer will you have to suffer. The King has shown his true colours to me, and he wishes to reform. Now is your chance to better your lives, so why do you reject it? Why do you want to live as you are now, struggling away and being stepped on by the nobles who don't deserve their riches? You wanted revenge?" she continued with raw, savage strength. "Well, you can have it now! Make your King work for you, make your demands! Tell him what you want Shiryuu to become! Tell him how he can make it up to you, for all the hardships that he has put you through! We deserve it."
"The King will have us killed!" A voice cried. "Or worse, if the Emperor finds out, he will have us all beheaded!"
"Am I dead?" she retorted, shutting up the man. "Shall I prove it to you that blasphemy against the King won't get you killed?"
"Yes, prove it to us!" the crowd clamoured feverishly.
"What a bloodthirsty bunch," Nakoda mused, wondering how this debacle would end. "You aren't going to let them have their way, are you, Kyou?"
"This is Kairyuu's problem. He will never learn if I help him at every turn." Kyou was content to be a passive observer. "He might even surprise us."
On stage, Inka widened her stance. "Alright, then I shall prove it to you." Taking a deep breath, she declared, "Your Majesty! Because of your transgression, my tribe was killed by the rebellion incurred by their wrath for you. Now, our women and children are homeless. Will you grant us land to rebuild our lives and grow our roots again?"
A hush fell over the congregation.
"Yes! I shall grant it to you!" King Kairyuu's voice boomed from within the crowd.
Heads turned and necks twisted. Had the King been present all along? The air hung with deep seated fear and uncertainty. For centuries, the imperial family reigned with absolute supremacy, demanding instant submission and loyalty from their subjects. That cultured submissiveness beaten and terrorised into every generation couldn't be reconditioned overnight, and not by words alone.
Ryuu ascended the stage, carrying a resolute aura that piqued his brother's interest. Kyou fathomed this charade was staged but, the performers' feelings were genuine to the point of overflowing.
"It's the real King!" someone whispered fiercely.
"He holds the emerald jade!"
Facing the crowd, Ryuu bowed at a forty-five-degree angle. A King apologised to no one. That was the unbroken rule. Until now. "People of Shiryuu, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive a useless, irresponsible and selfish King as I. I accept your anger and resentment caused by my actions. I don't expect you to forgive me anytime soon but, I beg that you give me a chance to prove myself to you." Slowly, he lifted his head. "For years I have travelled across countries and explored our nations. I have witnessed much pain and suffering and it was then I understood the power I have to change the future."
Remorse veiled his expression. "Blinded by my rage and hurt, I was a selfish idiot who only cared about his own pain. I want to make it up to you, people of Shiryuu. I know that I have betrayed your trust and it is shameless of me to ask but," he paused for courage, "Will you allow me to be your King once again?" His heart thrashed wildly against his ribcage in violent anticipation.
A deep voice pierced the silence. "While I cannot forgive you just yet, I believe that you are truly regretful of the past."
"Kyou?" Ryuu whispered to himself, searching the crowd for his brother.
"If His Majesty wasn't serious, he wouldn't have humbled himself to us." He heard a wavering whisper. The rest of the crowd murmured in agreement and Ryuu held his breath as they judged him.
"The faux King would never have done this. Does this mean that he has truly reformed?"
"What choice do we have? It's better than the faux King."
"Maybe we can trust him…,"
"If the Princess of Ashina has put her faith in him, then we should give him a chance."
Inka heard their generous debates — to trust or not to trust — was the main question. She silently willed them to trust their instincts and Ryuu's undeniable sincerity.
"Why should we choose to believe in you, Your Majesty?" Kyou launched another decisive question.
Ryuu heard him loud and clear. He wasn't mistaken. It really was Kyou, and this gave him the extra push to forge ahead. "Firstly, I sincerely apologize on behalf of the council's corruption and demise. I will strive to uproot the evil they have caused and those involved have been dismissed and sentenced to death. Secondly, I take full responsibility of the faux King's actions and shall address any issues that you have. I will be welcoming visitors to the palace to consult your problems. To atone for my sins, your problems are now mine and I will do my best to help you."
"We want proof that you will honour your words!" A man shouted.
Ryuu faltered, uncertain how to go about it.
"I will be the proof you need," Kyou emerged from his hiding spot with General Nakoda trailing behind.
"And who are you?" Another man yelled.
"Curb your tongue!" Nakoda barked sharply. "The Emperor of Xi stands before you."
The people recognized the royal crest upon Nakoda's coat and at once, the crowd lowered themselves to the ground. "Hail, Emperor Kyoutarou! Long live the Emperor!"
"Arise," Kyou said curtly. "As I said, I will ensure that King Kairyuu honours his word to you. As the Emperor of Xi, I will not stand by and watch this nation crumble because of one man's incompetence."
Ryuu hid a wince at that direct hit.
Kyou's gaze landed and softened on Inka. With a tender smile, he greeted her with a kiss on her forehead, shocking the public. The remote Emperor was showering a woman with affection. Was there no end to the string of endless surprises today?
Inka blushed profusely. Through clenched teeth, she berated in a harsh whisper, "You shouldn't have done that! It might undermine my efforts if they believe I have a connection to you. Don't you know how leery the commoners are of the royal family?"
"The sooner they resign themselves to their new fate, the easier it will be for everyone," Kyou responded bluntly. "Besides, isn't this just a farce to pacify their anger? If Kairyuu doesn't renege his words, then there is nothing to worry about."
Inka refrained from sighing. The very trait that repelled her about him was also what attracted her — his confounded arrogance.
Nakoda himself was stunned. He had never imagined Kyou could make such an expression — towards a woman, no less.
"As you can see," Ryuu cleared his throat, "The Emperor is here to vouch for me. If you cannot take my word, then you can trust him."
"We hope that our trust will not be misplaced, Your Majesty." An elderly woman cautioned.
"You have my word, ma'am." Ryuu swore sincerely.
The old woman must have seen something in his eyes for she flashed a row of pale, pink gums. "Then it is enough for an old woman like me."
Inka sidled next to him. "How do you feel?"
"Honestly? I'm relieved," he confessed. "I only hope I won't disappoint them."
"You won't." Kuriko's voice reassured him. Whirling around, he saw her beaming proudly at him.
"That was an impressive speech, Ryuu," she hooked her arm around his. "Although it would have been more inspiring if you had confided your past."
"Some things are better left in private, Kuri," he responded wryly.
The nickname didn't escape Inka and she smiled at the couple.
"Wait a minute," Nakoda held up a gloved hand. He was very confused. "What is going on here? Has somebody replaced Kairyuu because the spoilt, vain prince I know isn't this man standing before me." He then gestured at Kyou. "And you — acting all lovey-dovey with this exquisite creature here. How long was I away?"
"Don't be so surprised, Nakoda. People change and this –," Kyou gesticulated around them,"– is what happens."
"Who is this, Kyou?" Inka asked, taking in the General's prestigious uniform.
Nakoda bowed and planted a brief kiss on the back of her knuckles. "I am General Nakoda, Kyou's blood-brother. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Her brows rose. "Blood-brother?"
Kyou yanked her hand from Nakoda's grip and levelled his General an icy glare. "We exchanged a blood oath when we were younger. He's just embellishing our relationship. Nakoda enjoys being the center of attention, so just humour him."
"I had expected your arrival in the evening at the earliest, Kyou," Ryuu commented.
"I came for Inka," Kyou admitted shamelessly. "My conveyance is over there. We'll have Jin take us to your palace."
Inka's eyes narrowed on his back, as if she could see through his clothes. "And your wounds?"
Latching onto her concern, he played the helpless patient. "It still irritates me and I miss your touch. I think I might still be running a slight fever."
Nakoda observed the couple as Inka fussed over Kyou all the way to the carriage.
"I wasn't certain how you would react to my brother's transformation," Ryuu followed the direction of his gaze.
"It's a decent look on him. A little softness makes him more human, and he seems happy." Nakoda reflected. "I see that you too have grown up. It is high time you took your responsibilities seriously."
"Why do you and Commander Rei always talk down to me?" Ryuu groused menacingly.
"That's because you're still decades behind us. A boy in short pants."
"One day, General, I will make you eat those words," Ryuu growled as Nakoda strolled off, whistling cheerfully.