CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

"I hate to disappoint you Your Highness but I want something much more than any of you Imperial Consorts could ever want and my envisage is much grander than that of any other woman that resides within Nippon." Princess Toyomike said.

"It doesn't matter, as long as we are well acquainted with one another like it or not we are both obstacles to ourselves." Consort Kasuga said.

"And what are you going to do with this obstacle?" Princess Toyomike suddenly asked.

"I'm going to vanquish it." Consort Kasuga replied as she smiled ghastly.

"Don't you think that you are overestimating yourself?" Princess Toyomike asked.

"Why?" Consort Kasuga asked, "Is there any Law that forbids me?" She added.

"Between me and you there is so much for one to understand, I am resilient and even I am unwilling to surrender to another." Princess Toyomike said.

"I was hoping that the both of us could come to a negotiation and perhaps an alliance." Consort Kasuga said.

"Why?" Princess Toyomike asked.

"The Empress and the Crown Princess are both our common enemies, we could first join forces to oust them and have the battlefield to ourselves." Consort Kasuga said.

"I love your honesty and your confidence but I have one question to ask." Princess Toyomike said.

"Proceed." Consort Kasuga replied.

"Between yourself and me why do you think an alliance is best, I possess so much while you possess nothing, on top of that do you even know what an alliance is?" Princess Toyomike asked.

"Equal parties joining forces." Consort Kasuga replied.

"We aren't equals." Princess Toyomike said.

"We are both Consorts to the Crown Prince." Consort Kasuga said.

"Except that I am a Princess of the blood and you are not, I am the favourite and you are not that either.

About my devotion I am willing to give my all to him including my heart but I am too greedy to share it with another man.

I want to be his Empress but sadly, The inner Court can only support one, my dreams are Dustinct and my people swear loyalty for life not to waver at all and you talk about Alliance?

Upon this paralleled world of ours where our thoughts are different and so are our words, your devotion is it something you find that easy to share with someone else?" Princess Toyomike asked.

"If it's a no then I am fine with it." Consort Kasuga said.

"It's a no." Princess Toyomike said.

"You are still young and I could have expected you to be wise, you know that the Empress still holds just as much influence in the Inner Court even if it has crumbled." Consort Kasuga said.

"And you'd expect me to just pick up everyone and bear them to my desire?" Princess Toyomike asked.

"It's a suggestion Your Highness." Consort Kasuga said.

"You told me to be wary." Princess Toyomike asked.

"But not to rebuke favour." Consort Kasuga replied.

"My only worry is that I'm too cautious." Princess Toyomike said.

"But don't let too much caution become your Master." Consort Kasuga replied as she stood up.

"I am certain that you think that the Empress was the one responsible for the commotion today but she equally thinks that it was you. It wasn't me as well and you know that of it's not any of you then it must be someone else." She added.

"How did you find out?" Princess Toyomike asked.

"Do you think that between the Crown Princess, yourself and me we are the only people rivalling for the Empress title?" Consort Kasuga asked as she walked about.

"No." Princess Toyomike replied.

"Then if not choosing your allies wisely I think it best to quit the fight because when everyone desires to rebel, even those with nothing are willing to give up all they have to see that their fellows with everything become like them." Consort Kasuga said.

"Thanks for your advice." Princess Toyomike said, "I'll think about it." She added with a smile on her face.

"I'll take my leave then Your Highness." Consort Kasuga said as she bowed her head.

Princess Toyomike was helped up by Sina and she stood up and bowed her head as well as Consort Kasuga and Teru headed out of her Chambers.

Sina followed them closely behind and closing the bedroom doors behind herself, she walked back up to her Mistress.

"Your Highness." She said.

"She is quite the most confident I have ever seen." Princess Toyomike said.

"What do you think about her offer Your Highness?" Sina asked.

"It is not too bad but as I have analysed her I have come to notice that she is very venomous with her words and deceptive with her actions." Princess Toyomike said.

"Why Your Highness?" Sina asked, "She is purely evil to me." She added.

"All evil people have something good about them." Princess Toyomike said.

"Other than her beauty there is nothing more that I see to call valuable and good about her." Sina replied.

"Her innocence." Princess Toyomike said.

"Which Innocence Your Highness, when she was confident enough to declare a war on you, then to ask first for an alliance against the Empress and the Crown Princess?" Sina asked.

"Her innocence is an outstanding charade that blinds the whole world, whoever is privileged to tear the mask off her face is but a very wise person because I could tell, even if she is angry or offended, she does a good job when it comes to hiding it, something that not everyone is very good at.

With such an Expression on her face nearly Everytime she makes it difficult for the enemy to tell her thoughts and also read her mind.

Her actions are overwhelmed with grace and undeniable smartness that you wouldn't hold her responsible for misdemeanor unless you knew her too well." Princess Toyomike said.

"In other words she is a green snake in grass?" Sina said.

"What more would you expect?" Princess Toyomike replied.

"You have quite the eye Your Highness." Sina praised.

"Everyone is an enemy and everyone can be a threat." Princess Toyomike said.

"What are you going to do your Highness?" Sina asked.

"My enemies are all so capable and those that want me dead are quite talented as well but if I am to foster an alliance first then my closest people should be those that are humble." Princess Toyomike said.

"But Your Highness, there is a dear price that is attached to that request of yours." Sina said.

"When your allies are resilient people then it is easier for them to revolt, but should they be so tender and submissive, then you are assured of security and peace as they keep your relationship longer." Princess Toyomike said. "Besides, my concern right now is not someone who can fight in the inner Court." She added.

"My concern is someone that I can trust." Princess Toyomike said.

"I understand Your Highness but the weak are very easy to manipulate." Sina said.

"Don't worry." Princess Toyomike said, "Because I guarantee that I can protect what they all consider to be very valuable." She added as she smiled ghastly.

"Your Highness I only wish that you are more careful because nothing is certain." Sina said.

"One can never be ready, just prepared and I wish to take the Empress by surprise in such a way that she'll not dare see it coming." Princess Toyomike replied.

Eventually, the long awaited day arrived and The Crown Prince was in his Chambers and he was already getting dressed by some of his valets.

He wore beautiful scarlet and golden robes and the designs were identical to cherry blossoms.

His face was bright and his hair combed backwards and tied with a golden silk thread hair band that had a phoenix icon attached to it.

The hem was designed with a beautiful golden wave like pattern and his shoes were coloured the same.

He looked into the mirror and he was content that he was smart.

"We are done Your Highness." Miwa no Sakau said as he bowed his head.

"Let's go to the throne room." The Crown Prince said.

"Yes Your Highness " Miwa no Sakau replied.

Princess Toyomike sat at her own dressing table while her hair was being tied into a series of knots.

It was adorned with a beautiful Phoenix headdress and many floral and cherry blossom like hairpins that was diamond encrusted and inlaid with gold.

The Gown that she was wearing was plainly white with some red designs on the edges and the hems and real flowers had been incorporated to make her look beautiful.

"Your Highness." Sina said right after the Vermillion eye shadow was added to her face and red cherry lipstick marked her lips.

Her cheeks were fairly rich in blush and in her forehead there was a bright red Lotus design.

"Yes?" Princess Toyomike replied.

"You look so beautiful." Sina replied.

"I owe all these good looks to the care that you have all given me." Princess Toyomike said.

"Naturally, I can conclude that there is not a single woman within the whole of Nara that can match up to your beauty and your elegance." Sina said.

"I smell fresh roses and strawberries " Princess Toyomike said.

"With all that not only the Courtiers alone but also the Crown Prince will look at you longingly you are bound to make all the women of the inner court jealous.

"You only live once." Princess Toyomike said, "This is a day that I have waited for my entire life that I shall do whatever it takes to baptise it with luxury." She added as she offered her hands to the maids who helped her up.

"Take me to the Throne room, take me to my husband." Princess Toyomike said.

"Yes Your Highness." Sina replied as they all walked the Imperial Princess out of her Chambers.

She walked with grace and so much care that the guards within her Palace couldn't stop staring at her beauty as she made her way past them and headed towards the direction of the Emperor's household.

Everyone of the Courtiers was gathered outside and each one of them was dressed so outstandingly.

The women of the Inner court had also made an effort to beautify themselves and the Empress herself was present with the Emperor as well as Consort Katashishime.

Sato walked up behind the Crown Prince who was already earnestly waiting for his bride at that moment.

The Western door of the throne room was opened and Princess Toyomike walked in.

He stared long enough to forget everything that was around and it was as though it was an angel that had graced him with her presence.

Princess Toyomike walked up to him and she bowed her head.

"Your Highness." She said but the Crown Prince carefully held her up.

"There's no need." The Crown Prince said, "At last, in the wedding gown you are the most beautiful bride that I have ever seen." He added.

"This is where our journey starts." Princess Toyomike said.

"This shall be the beginning of the wonderful Nippon that I am going to give you." The Crown Prince said as he offered his right hand and Princess Toyomike placed in it her left.

The two of them faced the main doors of the throne room and at once they were opened and the Imperial couple walked up to the front of the whole congregation.

Everyone hearing the doors of the throne room having opened they turned their gaze upwards and they were all surprised when the two stepped into their sight.

With all radiance they each looked young in their own way.

"A beautiful disaster had befallen us." Empress Ishi Hime muttered under her breath while most of the Courtiers were surprised that they stood their speechless.

Sato walked up to the front of the two.

"BY THE ORDER OF HIS MAJESTY THE EMPEROR, THE GRACE OF HEAVEN AND EARTH HAS GIVEN HER IMPERIAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS TOYOMIKE KASHIKI YA HIME TO ME AND I SHALL NOT DISAPPOINT I HEREBY NAME HER MY CONSORT AND YOU HAVE ALL BEEN TOLD." He announced.

"Your Highness." Everyone said as they bowed their heads.

"To the Imperial Shrine." Sato said and at once the Imperial couple descended the stairs as the whole world was watching.

Walking through the aisle that led to the entrance of the palace Courtyard, they halted right where a procession was waiting for them outside.

There as they were followed by the Courtiers and other members of the Imperial family, they walked into the beautifully decorated Palanquin that had been prepared for the both of them.

Seating inside, most of it was exposed abd surrounded by beautiful flowers.

"The carriers themselves were dressed in scarlet robes and as the music sounded their March to Ise Grand shrine started as they were taken through the streets of Nara.

Everyone had gathered from their household to have a glimpse of the Imperial couple and Princess Toyomike having received quite so much attention she blushed as she looked down with a simple and sweet smile on her face.

"Her Highness is in deed so fair." She heard the people murmuring amongst themselves.

"There is not a single person on Earth and in heaven that can ever compare to her." Others went ahead to say.

The Crown Princess who was listening to all that felt suffocated as she had never hoped that her husband would hold such a grand wedding for his favorite and he'd barely put in an effort for his most legal wife and she'd have to walk behind his Palanquin as he bore with himself another woman.

She was furious but she couldn't show it that the last thing that she did was to clench her fists as so much rage filled her.

It was at that moment that the Crown Prince noticing that the attention in a way had made the young Princess a bit shy and uneasy.

He got a hold of her left hand and tightened it in his grip as her eyes were forced to look up at him while she recalled the first time that they had met and the harsh realities that they had been through.

The moments that their faces had been so close to each other and the times that they were in the warmth of one another's embrace.

It all brought a smile onto her face.

"Don't worry." The Crown Prince said, "I am here for you." He added as Princess Toyomike nodded her head happily at him.

They looked ahead and in a distance they caught sight of the Ise Grand shrine and the rest of the shrine maidens that were waiting outside with the High Priestess.

They halted in front of the entrance and the Imperial couple walked out as a number of commons had gathered to also witness the ceremony as well.

The Crown Prince stepping out first he helped the Imperial Princess Toyomike and the two walked up towards the altar that had been set up outside.

The guests and everyone that had turned up for the event gathered around the couple as the High Priestess stepped right in front of them.

They started with a purification ritual and following a series of prayers, the two were exorcised of evil spirits.

After they were done, The shrine maidens that stood on either side of the altar provided them will small white cups that were made from fine Chinaware.

Princess Toyomike took one in her possession as the Crown Prince did the same.

They raised them to each other and they stared at each other in the eye.

"How can I say that I am grateful, this day it doesn't matter what future lies ahead but you have me right by your side." Princess Toyomike inwardly to thought and they drank sake the first time and lowered the nuptial cups.

They raised them to each other again.

"I shall take you and faithfully love you in all sickness and in health, through good and evil and be a shoulder for you to cry on when your low and also a rock so that when you have fallen I can support you and lift you up." The Crown Prince inwardly vowed as they drank sake the second time.

"To love you." Princess Toyomike thought as she raised her cup.

"To cherish you." The Crown Prince thought.

"For as long as we both shall live." Princess Toyomike promised.

"Until the very day that unlike anything in heaven above and the earth below death itself alone shall do us part." The Crown Prince concluded as they drank sake the third time.

The Empress, The Emperor and Consort Katashishime walked up right behind their children and they too drank sake.

"By the power vested in me as the High Priestess, with heaven and Earth as witness in the presence of all men and folks, I seal the bond between the both of you to be eternal and unbroken, your faithfulness unwavered and your devotion to one another unparalleled.

As a family that is gathered here today I take pride in bestowing upon you the honorary titles of husband and wife." The High Priestess said.

The Bride and the groom facing one another they bowed their heads and the rest of the congregation applauded the both of them.

The Imperial couple that were all extremely Charming turned and faced the world from the altar as the Crown Prince held Princess Toyomike's left hand firmly within his right.

"In the presence of the Courtiers, they bowed their heads and their audience equally returned the favour.

"At last." The Crown Prince inwardly thought, "On this day I have made you mine." He added.

The Royal couple descended from the altar as they were showered by a series of coloured petals while Princess Toyomike smiled innocently at the rest of the audience they were entirely captivated by her charm.

Prince Anahobe who stood not so far from the two looked at their sweet moment together and his heart incontented with what he was seeing he clenched his fists.

"How could he be more deserving of you Your Highness?" He asked himself, "Don't hold onto him long enough because I shall one day make you mine." He added confidently.

The Crown Prince carried his new Consort through the doors of her quarters.

They had already been decorated with very many small lanterns and flowers.

She held onto him tightly as she leaned part of her head on his chest and felt the muscular build that was underneath his Montsuki.

She took a deep breath and sighed in comfort as it was the most beautiful experience that she had ever had right their in his arms.

He eventually placed her right in the middle of the room and she stood up on both her feet.

They had been surrounded by a number of garlands that were hanging from the ceiling.

Princess Toyomike looked at her husband in the eye while he caressed his cheek.

"I wish you knew how long I waited for this day that it feels so much more than a reality but rather a dream come true." The Crown Prince said.

"I couldn't wish for the embrace of any other man in the world as you won my heart as my Jinsuke and deep down inside it's what you'll always be." Princess Toyomike replied.

"Your eyes tonight, they are beaming with so much joy." The Crown Prince said.

"Who other than you can give me the peace of my heart's longing and can render me happy for all the days of my life?" Princess Toyomike said.

The Crown Prince pulled her into a hug and kisses her on the forehead.

"From this moment you'll be a lonely Princess no more, from this moment I swear that I shall protect you with my all.

How dare I let any other person bother you?" The Crown Prince said.

"As long as I am with you you don't have to worry, there is no burden that I won't help you carry and there is not a single day you'll have to be alone.

When you work tirelessly day and night and you are exhausted from governing the country and meeting up with Courtiers, return in my hands and there I'll keep you, safe from all harm I shall love you and make you always feel at home." Princess Toyomike replied.

The Crown Prince carried her and then he placed her on the bed, and just as the candles watched the two dived into the most beautiful kiss they had ever had.

The Crown Prince was sucking at the cherry lips of the Princess and the stopped resisting giving her all in to embrace the god made erotica whose arms were so tight around her body.

It was early in the morning and the Courtiers were reporting to the palace.

As they approached the main quadrangle, doves and pigeons were flying around Princess Toyomike's roof and they were very large in number as some had even landed with the courtyard.

Others were seated on her very roof and looking at it they were all marvelled.

"What is this?" A few asked themselves.

"Surely, it must be something auspicious." They concluded.

The people in the village were additionally intrigued as they gazed up at the palace.

"What could this mean?" They asked themselves and at that point within the large mob, there was a man who walked out.

"I know." He said and everyone turned around and looked at him but his face was covered by a veil and the only thing that was visible was his forehead and eyes.

"Who are you?" A number of people asked.

"When the doves and pigeons descend from the sky upon the residence of Her Highness, they are a sign that peace is with her." The man said.

"How certain can you be?" Another asked.

"Do you not remember that it was her Highness that caused the third star of calamity to fall from the sky In the Kii mountains?" The man replied and everyone was silenced.

Even the ants bent to her will and defined peace on the sacred tree that in my opinion it is clear heaven itself has accorded her its support." The man added.

"In deed her Highness is blessed." The people said when another man turned up in between the mob and he knelt down and everyone wondered what he was doing.

He raised up his eyes to the sky.

"Only Her Imperial Highness the Princess can do away with the trouble that has befallen our land because the High Priestess can do nothing." He said

"What's he talking about?" The people asked themselves.

"The Heavens." The man pointed right into the sky where a very thick cloud loomed above their heads and coming along with it there was so much darkness.

Princess Toyomike has walked out of her Chambers leaving the Crown Prince inside and she was kneeling in her quadrangle amidst the doves as everyone in it wore white and black including the guards.

"It hasn't rained in a while." The guards whispered amongst themselves as Princess Toyomike prayed there while some of the servants around the Palace were attracted to have a glimpse of her.

A great wind rushed throughout the streets.

"This is her doing." The kneeling man said, "She in the Palace is praying." He added.

"The High Priestess at the Ise Grand Shrine stood at the balcony as she watched a thick cloud emerging from the East and sitting over the whole Capital.

"It's going to rain." The High Priestess said with a smile on her face as Mihari stood behind her contented with her Mistress' excitement.

"There had been a famine for the past three months, how is it possible?" She asked and at that moment, another of the shrine maidens rushed up to her.

"Your Eminence." She said as she bowed her head.

"What is it?" The High Priestess asked.

"Her Highness the Imperial Princess." She replied.

"What's wrong with her?" The High Priestess asked.

"The commons and other people are holding her responsible." She replied.

"How?" The High Priestess asked.

There was thunder and at once the birds that rested above on her Palace buildings scattered in a very large number even the High Priestess from Ise saw them possessing the sky.

As the guards watched eventually small water droplets started to land on them and Princess Toyomike looked up and then she smiled.

The people in the Capital raised their hands up to the sky and in deed felt the rain on them.

"It has rained." They said.

"The sky downpour is upon us all." They added so excitedly as they danced with joy.

The Courtiers gathered within the Throne room and Sato walked in a while later.

"His Majesty deigns you all with his presence." He announced at the Emperor walked through the aisle and approached the throne.

"Your Majesty." The Courtiers said and they all bowed their heads while The Emperor sat down.

"Is there anything that you wish to report to me today?" The Emperor asked.

"Yes Your Majesty." Soga no Umako replied as he bowed his head.

"What is it?" The Emperor asked.

"Your Majesty, there has been an ongoing famine these past few months and the crisis that had been caused by Mononobe no Mori had heavily depleted our food reserves." Umako replied.

"It has rained today, the people can plant now." The Emperor said.

"Your Majesty, all I was requesting is that all officials contribute to the state reserves because it is only months until the people can harvest and I am afraid that if the food reserves are not filled then a number of the people shall suffer from starvation." Umako replied.

"But not all the Officials are in possession of enough food especially grain." Moriya said.

"Your Majesty, the Military reserves have been filled to capacity and I wanted your approval to have part of the military rations distributed to the General public." Umako said.

"We can not risk to do that your Majesty." Moriya opposed.

"It has been thirty one years since I ascended the Chrysanthemum throne and there has been no war, I am the Emperor of the people so I believe that this is something that I should take into consideration.

As Ōmuraji Soga no Umako has said the people shall starve and of the Courtiers are unable to provide for them then this time I must." The Emperor said.

"Thank you Your Majesty." Umako replied.

"Any other concerns?" The Emperor asked.

"Yes Your Majesty." Fujiwara no Shige suddenly spoke up.

"What is it this time around?" The Emperor asked.

"Your Majesty, this is concerning Your Inner court." Fujiwara no Shige.

"Your Majesty, if it is about the Inner Court then I believe that this is a very private matter." Moriya said.

"Your Majesty, the rumors that are circulating throughout the whole of Nara are quite fatal as it is that nothing concerning the Imperial family is a private matter." Fujiwara no Shige.

"Tell me what is it that you wish to say?" The Emperor asked.

"I am afraid Your Majesty, there are things that are beyond my control and forgive me for prying as I may sound a little bit out of line but I have discovered reports that indicate collusion between the Inner Court and the Imperial Court." Fujiwara no Shige replied.

"Who is it that desires to tear down my Court and divide it?" The Emperor asked.