[Day 3, Early Morning, Choudai's Room] Karmic Retribution (Closed)

Post by **Bayushi Choudai** » Tue Sep 13, 2022 11:51 am

The letter had arrived bright and early.

Choudai knew the seal, knew what it probably contained.

So he sat, turning it over in his fingertips.

It was silly. Whether he read the letter or not, the deal was done. Continued ignorance would simply leave him vulnerable to being blindsided by others who knew already.

This is going to hurt, whatever it says. I only want Hatsuki, and I cannot have her. Not openly.

It was funny. He knew that in most cases, affairs were a matter of physical attraction- and without doubt, he knew Hatsuki was the most beautiful woman in Rokugan.

But it wasn't bedding her that he really wanted- they'd done that. And could likely, at some point down the line, do it again. Finding enough time for coupling was... child's play.

But I want to be her partner in all things. I want to wake up knowing she's in my house. I want our children to know both of us. I want us to work together, go through the good times together, go through the bad times.

He ground his teeth, and closed his eyes, letting the tears leak out. The letter would change nothing meaningful between them, but it would put an end to some of his freedom of action. He would have to at least be seen with whoever the Clan had chosen for him. And sire children by her. Live in a household with her.

I don't want to.

He broke the seal and started reading.

Then he got to the name.

He couldn't help it. He snarled aloud.

"Is this a fucking JOKE?!"

With his teeth bared in a snarl, he tore the letter apart, shredding it into scraps which he promptly dumped into his chamber pot.

Kakita. Mikan. A producer of rude art without the courage to stand by it.

He had already loathed the idea. Now?

She didn't ask for it any more than you did, Choudai. And now her painting makes a lot more sense. Safe to say she's no happier than you.

...

Maybe she has someone she likes? You can be very, very understanding if that's the case.

...

Shit. Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit...

[/Scene]