Edo Palace
Main Garden
"Why are you napping princess? You are to memorize your poem!", Miku shouted. "Ah, there you are... Saphira. I knew you'd be able to find my hairpin", Iris sleeptalked. "I see, you're still a sister after all", Miku smiled and sat with the princess. A prince happened to pass by. "It's not safe to sleep here, bring her to her room", he ordered.
Miku was starstruck with such beauty. "Ah, My apologies", she bowed then shook the princess. "What, I still want to eat meat buns", Iris yawned. She was also startled to see a man looking down at her. She gave a bow and then left with Miku. "Why didn't you wake me up earlier?", Iris complained. "I'm here to drag you because you're supposed to be fixed. You don't know how long it is to prepare a bride here", Miku lectured while they are walking towards the Royal Court's Lady's Waiting Room.
There were tons of rituals to be made. First, she was bathing in spring water which is extremely cold since it comes from the rock. After which, she was made to drink all the tea poured by the Concubines and Empress. She went to the toilet to release all the water. After which, the priest would smoke her up with fragrant burning flowers. That's her favorite part. "You look gorgeous, Princess", Valentine smiled. The other concubine gave her praise and then proceeded to the Royal Court.
Royal Court
"You look as sharp as ever", Oikawa fixed the lad's cloak. "You're the only one in this place who thinks like that", Ren whispered. "Then, lastly", Oikawa placed a veil to cover his lower face. Ren waited at the hall and assisted Iris as she walked down the hall.
Iris picked a white mask to cover her face. It is a customary belief that both couples are to cover their faces on their first wedding as an indication that they're only married once. "Your sister looks stunningly beautiful", Victor elbowed Reinard. "How are you able to tell?", Reinard sighed. "Because she looks just like your mother", Victor smiled. Saphira marveled at how Iris would stand up for the Kingdom.
"Now, for the poem", the priest opened.
In the middle of the night
With the howling wind, and a loud sigh
Would my heart remain true to itself
Withholding no fear and regret
With these words engraved in my heart
Are the long lost song and a genuine art
So long are those fleeting days
As I stand before you, and in your eyes, I gaze.
The poem continued and the spectators were amazed to hear such a long and beautiful poem. "Did she do that on her own?", Reinard whispered to Saphira. "You might not know but sister had been studying literature with Harvey before. She's been writing poems for father as well", Saphira informed. Victor's eyes are filled with tears as if Iris was reading it for him. "See, she can do it if only she tries", Saphira chuckled. It was the prince's time to recite his poem.
Long before I knew you, I learned the truth
That moth that flies above fire gets burned
Though I have learned the painful lesson
I sank into quicksand because of one reason
That is because...
"Though we get burned and fall on the ground. We'll create the most beautiful sound", Victor continued. "Hmmmm? You knew the poem?", Reinard asked. "It was a poem that Valentine and I wrote before", Victor smiled and listened to the rest of the poem. Two couples were asked to kneel before the Emperor, The King, Princess and Prince, and the Empress. They were all sitting in the elevated area. They were asked to do things like spreading wine on the ground and bowing to the emperor. Thus, it was a long day.
The celebration still continued with the couple hidden behind an opaque curtain. "You can eat here alone, right?", Ren asked. Iris was dumbfounded and wasn't able to answer. She nodded. "Cover up for me", Ren said then silently sneaked out.
Why can he sneak out and why can't I? His voice was just too soothing and calm.
Iris ate all the food offered to them as she removed her mask. "We are here to give our gifts. I am the 3rd Concubine, allow me to give the Princess a zither", she said. "I am deeply honored", Iris swallowed the food and slipped her hand through the curtain to accept it. The rest also gave their gifts.
"I wasn't prepared for this that's why I didn't prepare", Victor knelt in front of the curtain. He slipped in a ring inside. "Their tradition does not include Ring. Sorry for a cheap gift", Victor chuckled. "Father, the truth is... I knew Mom was killed in this place. But even if it's scary and frightening for you, you still did it for my cause. I've been selfish and caused you a lot of trouble. For you to come with me and walk with me through this journey is not a cheap gift at all..." Iris' voice cracked. Victor can tell behind the curtain is his daughter crying. He sneaked his hand once again and held his daughter's hand. "You're the one who is amazing. You are always full of surprises, Iris. Are you aware? After a year, you are able to leave this place that's why you're actually... not forever his wife", Victor scratched his nape. Iris twisted her father's arm. "Then, why did it take you so long to say that?", Iris got irritated after all the drama. "Valentine was gracious enough to include that in the treaty", Victor explained. Iris sighed and wiped her tears. "Then, see you in Thalmes, next year", Iris laughed. "I love you Father", Iris said before Victor stood up. "You know that I also do, your mother also did", Victor gave his bow and then left.
Night Time
8Th Prince Room
"Hey! Miku what's gonna happen now?', Iris panicked. "Well a man and a woman who got married will consummate the wedding", Miku answered while preparing the bed. "Why are there two pillows?", Iris asked. "Why am I going to sleep on the floor?", Iris bombarded her with a lot of questions. "I wonder how you will survive your life here in this place. Listen, Women here in Edo are expected to do what their husbands will demand", Miku pointed out. "Like?", Miku covered her chest. "What were you thinking when you agreed on the marriage", Miku flicked the Princess' forehead. "Then, I'll be off", Miku shrugged. Iris grabbed her feet. "Don't leave me here", Iris cried. "Fine, I'll be here till the Prince arrives", Miku gave up.
3 Hours Later
"It's in the middle of the night already. Could it be that he is devoured by a wolf?", Iris panicked. "Princess. Truth be told, neither two of you agreed to marry the other. For him, it could be just to please the emperor, and for you... I'm not quite sure", Miku pointed out. "Which means?", Iris asked. "Neither the two of you love each other. That's why it's hard to expect things to come out from this", Miku explained. The door slid open. Miku bowed and left right away. "Wai..", Iris looked up to Ren who is still wearing his veil. "Ahh... I don't know how to address you and don't even know your name but... It's fine. Since we're just doing this for some kind of reason, there's no need for the two of us to get chummy. That's why you can sleep wherever you want and also eat wherever pleases you", Iris smiled brightly.
This is pure sarcasm.
Oh, right. I was here for the book.
Chapter end.