Death is Timely

Asami woke in the morning with dread. Nothing delighted her lately. She felt as though a part of her heart was lost as well. Satoshi had been bustling about ever since his fathers death and had little time for her now. It was always meetings, meetings, meetings. Was he even sad about his fathers death? He hadn’t shed a tear at the funeral, nor in secret with her. Not that he had time for her anymore to begin with.

Quickly she slid out of bed and as if on cue her handmaids appeared from another room in their garbs, veils lifted, and dressed her as well. “Would you like us to bring you breakfast my lady?” Yvonne tried to smile as she helped dress her. Asami shook her head and Yvonne’s face fell a bit.

“There is a letter for you my lady” Yvette timidly brought out a deep green envelope from underneath her sleeves, Asami took it carefully. The Tempest Order. Her heartbeat quickened a bit. It had been a long time since they contacted her. Surely now it was due to the death of the emperor. More often than not, no news was good news.

“Thank you, please leave me” they bowed their heads and retreated through the same side door. There will be time later to spend with them. Asami sat on the edge of her bed and ran her fingers gently over the envelope. She couldn't bring herself to open it. Quickly she set it on her nightstand and took off from her room.

The last thing she needed was a letter from them. She had to tell Satoshi, but maybe the letter was nothing. Perhaps she fretted for not. Eagerly she made her way outside into the cool afternoon and made her way towards her training area. There was much to be done but all she could seem to do these past few days was hit a sandbag with her staff or practice hand to hand combat with her maids. After crossing a bridge up unto a hill she spotted the large tree and sandbag that hung underneath it. She should probably replace it as soon as it gets soggy from rain or dew.

Time seemed to pass quickly for Asami, she was in shock that the death of the emperor was so quick. Just earlier that evening she had talked to him.It made little sense to her. Sweat beaded her brow as the cold nip of the coming autumn bit at her lungs. How? They said it was poison but how was it done? She continued to beat the sandbag with her staff. Was it the servants? The guests? She wracked her brain for any recollection of putting people off but the stranger-Kai that she met that night just kept coming to mind. She had lost him in the rush to find Satoshi. He didn't seem like the type to poison people. Did he? She shook her head, continuing to beat the bag harder, the wood thwacking loudly. But why? The Emperor did not have much longer as it was already. Was it imperative for him to die to fit other plans? Each question led to more questions Asami had no answers to. She was growing tired and frustrated.

“Hello my Lotus” Asami turned to face a smiling Satoshi leaning against a nearby tree. She nodded at him before turning back to the bag she had strung up. “Come now” he clicked “that's no way to treat your future emperor my love” he came up behind her sliding his hands around her waist forcing her to stop.

“So eager to be emperor when your father has just passed” she gritted and she felt him stiffen. “I don't understand how you can be so cold, Satoshi. I dont think ive seen you shed a single tear” he spun her around to face him quickly, his blue eyes piercing hers.

“I apologize if I haven't been attentive to your feelings. It seems i've neglected you” heat welled in her face as his hands grasped her arms firmly “Make no mistake that I have grieved in my own way, but this country needs its ruler and I will step up to take what is mine”

“Satoshi-I-Im sorry” she felt a little embarrassed now at her outburst. It was wrong of her to accuse him of not missing his father; he probably did more than she knew. His face softened into a smile.

“No worries, be aware that you will be my vessel Asamil, to rock the seas, turn the tides of my war, and help me shape this country into my ideal paradise. And you and I can be together on top of the throne “'you are important to me know that as my lover you will not only be a priestess but I will make you my queen” her heart fluttered at his words and his intense gaze, it was lit with excitement and promises. Promises that were hers. He gently kissed her lips filling her with warmth. She felt the waves of his life skim over her lips. He pulled away and smiled at her.

“I'm here for you, you can come to me with whatever ails you” she looked into his eyes pleading he just kissed her once more his long blonde hair tousled in the wind, before turning away.

“I must meet with the ministers to discuss my crowning, I will see you soon Asami”. He left her under the tree, the cold biting a little more than usual. He promised her much, and the burden that he would share hopefully she could hold as well.

Asami headed back to her room to prepare a bath, traveling down the lantern path. And prepare her duties as priestess, leaving the letter unopened.