Wren of the East

01-Wren of the East

The sun offered no warmth in the grey morning. The clouds hung low, and a light mist filled the air. The only sounds on the road were the horses' hooves against the stone. The trees were even desolate and offered no cover for birds or humans alike.

The Southern Kingdom was as miserable as the whispers said. The Iron Empire, the nickname made me wonder if the people and Emperor were as hard as the name itself. I had been lucky enough to visit the Western and Northern kingdoms before this. The deserts of the west and mountains of the north were not as cold as the south.

The carriage slowed and came to a halt. The door opened, and one of the soldiers escorting me offered his hand. I took a deep breath and steadied my resolve. I clasped his hand, and he helped me from the carriage.

The sun's cold light blinded me momentarily, and I shielded my eyes from it. I let them adjust before I moved my hand. I was taken aback by the view before me. The Iron Palace towered above every building surrounding it. Its grey exterior matched the world, and it left me with a sense of foreboding and dismay.

I pulled my veil over my face and fell into a group of soldiers so they could shield me if necessary. We moved forward through the courtyard, and I could feel the eyes of the southerners on me. From what the lords had said from previous visits, the people were not pleased with my impending arrival. Blaming them wasn't something that had ever come to mind. These people didn't understand why their Emperor would choose a bride from another country.

The people country were not pleased that I had decided to marry the Emperor of the south either. I did it for one reason, protection. My people didn't realize how much danger they were in from the other kingdoms. I was choosing to align myself with the strongest of them. The way my lords spoke of him, the Iron Emperor was as cold and unyielding as the metal itself.

We ascended the stairs, and I could hear the whispering. The lords of the south wanted to see this foreign princess. They questioned my sovereignty, my intelligence, and my beauty. I had given them no reason to doubt my attributes. My sovereignty had come at the end of my father's life, and as he had no sons, I was the first woman to rule over the Western Kingdom. Ruling was not a woman's place but under my intelligence, an intelligence that my father was sure I had; my kingdom blossomed. I put its people before everything else, and for that notion, they thrived and devoted themselves to me. As for my beauty, I didn't proclaim I was beautiful. I was a woman, and men always decided if we were beautiful. I had no time for their quibbles in that regard.

My procession came to a halt, and I took another deep, steadying breath. The soldiers around me parted, and I could see him, Emperor Farrow. The lords I kept close to me had said he was a large man, gruff and undeterred. They had failed to mention that he was young, closer to my age than I had been expecting. As I approached him, I was able to see his features more clearly. Farrow's eyes were sharp and probing; I couldn't make out the color, but they seemed to reflect the darkness around him. His dark hair had highlights of blue and silver and hung loosely around his shoulders. His nose was strong and bulbed but not prominent and distasteful. Farrow's lips were tight, but so was the skin around his eyes. He appeared stiff and agitated, causing his shoulders to set back like stone.

Farrow stood, and his height made the men behind me seem small. "Princess Akira."

He made my name feel like he was not happy with my arrival.

I bowed, bending low. "Emperor Farrow, it is an honor to meet my husband."

He didn't speak, and I waited for him to release me from my bow. I went over my words in my head and knew they were correct. We had chosen to finalize our marriage before we had even met. I wanted to be sure that he could not change his mind before I arrived.

"You may quit your silly groveling. You are my wife, not a common lady." His voice matched the gruffness that the lords had described.

I stood and fought the frustration and tears that were building inside me. "Forgive me, my lord."

He held his hand out to me. "Come. Some things must be done before you can become Empress."

I swallowed my emotions and ascended the steps to him. He continued to hold his hand out to me, and I realized he wanted me to take it. I slid my hand into his, and he grasped it gently. I had not expected him to be so delicate. He helped me up the remaining steps and released my hand once I was beside him.

He placed his hand in the small of my back. He looked down at me, and I could finally see the color of his eyes. Blue as a raging sea rife with storms. "My bride and I have many things to discuss. But, first, settle her men and deliver her belongings to my annex. Do not disturb us."

Farrow's voice carried through the hall, and I knew all outside would have heard him as well. He tucked me close to his side and led me out of the main entrance. He took us through heavy doors behind his throne, and they thudded closed behind us.

Farrow released my waist and turned to stand before me. He lifted my veil from my head and cast the fabric aside. Farrow ran his finger along my jaw and pulled it away from my chin.

"I want to say I was prepared for your beauty, but I am not. The lords of your country said your skin was like fresh snow and your lips redder than a rose. While I disagree with their description, I am not disappointed by what lies beneath the veil. You truly are the Wren of the East."

Wren of the East. If I was a wren, how could I stand against the Iron Emperor?

02-Settlement

I leaned over the marriage contract and read the words over once more. I didn't want to miss any potential loophole. Placing my faith in a man I had never met was nerve-wracking. Did I trust Farrow? Absolutely not. Did I need to trust him? Yes.

Farrow sat across from me, silent as stone. He had watched me read and reread the contract without a word. I did my best to hide my discomfort. I was being surveyed by a man that all the other kingdoms feared. The lords of the north and west had begged me to marry them. I could not.

I pushed the document aside and rubbed my temples. Spending my first hours in this empire had left me tired, and I had spent it reading.

"I assure you I did not write anything into that contract you did not ask for." Farrow lifted a goblet to his lips.

"Everything seems to be in order. The preliminary contract sufficed to procure our marriage and temporarily solidify it. This one," I pulled the contract back to me, "finalizes it."

I picked up a brush and dipped it in ink. I scrawled my name across the bottom. The main reason I had finally agreed to marry Farrow was that he had given me everything I had wanted. Being able to remain in control of the Eastern Kingdom was vital to me, and he had given me that. My people wanted to be ruled over by me, and they would unless there was war. Then, unfortunately, my governing would be given to Farrow.

Farrow pulled the contract across the table. Then, without a second look, he signed it. He understood my hesitation, but I felt he didn't want me to see any of his. This man was iron and stone, rigid and silent. It would be interesting to see how to heat him and make him bend.

I closed my eyes and pinched my nose. Weeks in the carriage had caused my body to stiffen and my head to ache. When I opened my eyes, Farrow locked my gaze with his. I had never seen a gaze so intense from a man of his age. It was as if he had seen a world I couldn't imagine.

"Are you tired?"

"Yes, among other things."

He stood and came to me, once again offering his hand. "I'll take you to get some food and a bath. After that, you may rest."

Confusion furrowed my brow. "Do we not have more to discuss or do to finalize our union?"

He retracted his hand. "The contract is signed. After you have rested, I will introduce you as my Empress. The night is for things of a more intimate nature. No need to rush if you are this weary."

I couldn't stop the rush of heat to my cheeks. I couldn't fathom why he was being so courteous to my feelings. "Thank you, my lord."

He snorted. "I am your husband now; Farrow will be fine."

He again offered me his hand. This time I accepted, and he helped me to my feet. Once I was standing, he pulled me against him. He tipped my head up, and my eyes went wide.

"Don't fear me. I will not harm you, Little Bird." His softness startled me.

"I do not fear you, Lord of Iron."

He leaned down and laid a kiss on my lips. Then, he stood back up, and the determination in his eyes surprised me. I wanted to know what he was feeling in the moment, to understand why that emotion flooded his vision.

"I do not want you to fear me, even when my anger and sternness rise to the surface. On the contrary, I want our marriage to be amicable. If I frighten you or you disagree with me, you must tell me. Your country has thrived under your rulership, and mine is dying. I elected to marry you for this reason, and if you are afraid of me, then you may not help."

A huff escaped my lips. "I married you for protection for my people. Unfortunately, it seems that we put our countries before ourselves."

"As rulers, we do not have the luxury to marry for anything other than our countries. However, it does not mean that we must dislike each other."

I looked away. "I'm sure over time we will develop a relationship that suits our natures well enough."

He stepped back from me. "Yes, we may."

Farrow held his hand out. "I'll show you to the bath now."

I followed behind him as he led me to the bath. Part of his sentence made me wonder if he wanted to say more about our future relationship than he had.

03- Wet Bird

Steam filled the room, and I inhaled, hoping it would clear away my headache. I sunk lower into the bath and let the hot water soothe my muscles. I had known that they were tense from traveling, but I hadn't realized how much. I looked at the ceiling of the bathhouse and marveled at its complexity. Its entirety was covered in blue and grey mosaic tiles and depicted a scene of the ocean.

Like the Eastern Kingdom, the Southern was edged by the Sea of Asase. Knowing this made me wonder if they fished or if it was a resource they didn't use. I would need to look into what resources they utilized and didn't.

Farrow had said his country was dying, and he needed my help in saving it. That was a considerable weight I wasn't sure how to deal with. The research to save his kingdom would have to begin immediately, and I would need many lords' help. The problem I was expecting was for them to refuse. I was a woman, after all.

I covered my face and yelled into my hands. I shouldn't have been experiencing frustration before it even began.

Bang!

The slam of the door startled me, and I slipped below the water. I sat up quickly, sputtering and splashing water everywhere.

I turned to the door, and heat rushed to my face. I covered my chest and faced away. "Emperor Farrow!"

I looked over my shoulder, and he was standing at the ready. Daggers in hand and prepared to attack. His face was momentarily panicked, then it turned to embarrassment.

"I thought someone was attacking you. I apologize."

"No, no. I'm perfectly fine. I was letting out the building frustration, that's all." I sunk below the water and turned to face him because I felt silly looking away.

He sheathed the daggers and stood straight. "There have been whispers of threats against your life. My people are not pleased you are here."

"Well, all the more reason for you to burst into a room at the slightest yell." I snorted.

"You think it's funny that I was trying to protect you?" His tone hardened.

I opened my mouth to respond but decided that rhetoric was not the best approach. "Thank you."

He nodded his head. "It is my responsibility as your Emperor and husband to protect you."

I slipped my hand beneath the water and pulled up a small dagger. "I can also protect myself to some degree."

Farrow grabbed a chair from beside the door, brought it to the tub's side, and sat down. As I pressed myself closer to the tub's side, I was continually aware of my nakedness. Farrow took the blade from my hand and examined it closely.

"This would only protect you if you could hit a vital artery. Unfortunately, it's much too small."

I took the blade from his hand, and water dripped from my arm. "Well, I did take the time to learn where those were. I'm aware that people may want to kill me."

"You're a delicate woman. I do not foresee you ever needing to use that knife with me around." He shook the water from his hand.

I clenched my jaw and laid back down in the water. I disliked men who believed that I was weak because I was a woman. No, I was not powerless. I sat up and looked at Farrow, and his eyes held only a serious note.

I would show him I wasn't as delicate as he seemed to think I was. Putting my arms together in front of me, I scooped water from the tub and flung it at Farrow. I did my best to jump from the water but ended up slamming Farrow and the chair to the ground. It wasn't as graceful as I had envisioned. Instead of pressing the knife to his throat, I pushed it against his groin. Most would have pressed for the apparent weak spot, but I wasn't most.

Farrow looked taken aback. He hadn't been expecting me to attack him. But, instead, he held his hands above his head, waiting for my next move.

"I do not understand why men always underestimate me! I am the only child of King Iseki. Do you think he wouldn't have had me trained to protect myself? Instead, he taught me how to govern a kingdom and to fight. My father didn't expect me to take a husband to simply have him sweep the kingdom out from under me. Instead, he gave me the tools to stand up to men and then have them question their own intelligence."

Farrow reached up and pushed wet hair from my face. I waited tensely for him to defend himself, move me from his body, but he didn't.

A slight grin appeared. "This isn't exactly what I meant by telling me that you disagree with me. But, then again, I may have continued to belittle your claims of being able to protect yourself if you hadn't."

I moved away from his body and stood up. I wasn't sure how to respond to him. I looked down at him, and he hadn't moved. His face spoke volumes, and I suddenly remembered that I had been, moments before, in the bath. I slowly turned away from him.

Farrow groaned, and then the chair skidded across the floor. I waited, thinking he was leaving but jumped when his hands touched my shoulders.

He ran his hands down my arms, and they slid smoothly because of the water. "I find your modesty adorable. Though, I will be seeing this," he ran his fingers over my bare stomach, "again this evening."

My heart started beating rapidly. A flurry of emotions settled in my belly. I hadn't expected to react the way I was from his touch. I didn't want to respond how I was. He was a virtual stranger to me, but at the same time, he was my husband.

Farrow pressed his palm against my stomach and pushed me closer to his body. He laid his head on mine, and his hair brushed the sides of my face.

"I don't know what has undone me more, your beauty or your strength." He let me go quickly, and I turned to watch him stand in the doorway.

"Get dressed, and I will see you shortly. My Little Bird."

Farrow had left me flabbergasted. I struggled to process what had happened in the moments since he had entered the room. Of course, he wasn't what my lords had led me to believe. But then again, I was beginning to think, I had yet to see the true power of the Iron Emperor.

04- Empress Akira

Smoke billowed into the halls from bonfires outside the palace. I covered my face and eyes to keep them from burning. Farrow's hands remained behind his back as he weaved through the halls. I did my best to keep up with him, so I wouldn't become lost.

Farrow stopped, and I nearly bumped into him. I peered around him, and we ran into a group of men. From their finery, I assumed they were the region's lords. They bowed once they realized who was standing before them.

"Is there a reason you have decided to congregate outside of my sleeping quarters?" Farrow's voice was gruffer than when he had spoken to me. I realized that he must have softened his voice to keep from frightening me.

"We knew you would be coming. We had hoped to escort you and your soon-to-be wife to the viewing balcony." But, instead, the man's voice held nervousness.

"We don't need an escort. However, I believe you hoped to catch a glimpse of my wife. You assumed that she was still a maiden; a peek couldn't hurt?" Farrow's words held an unspoken threat.

They all rushed to answer.

"Never."

"We wouldn't dare!"

"Emperor, please believe us."

Farrow stepped forward. "Get out of my sight before I decide to execute retaliation."

The men scurried out of sight before Farrow could change his mind. He let out a deep breath but didn't turn back to me.

"You may encounter more of that behavior going forward. Old men tend to fawn over beautiful girls and women." He started walking again, and I had to run to keep up.

I grabbed his elbow. "Please slow down. Your stride is twice that of mine."

"We have to hurry. The people have been waiting, and I don't want to keep them waiting any longer."

"Well, I'll have to run to keep up with you." I could understand the hurry, but layers in kimonos weren't made for running.

Farrow turned quickly and scooped me up in his arms. He held me easily as he walked through the halls. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders to steady myself. Being carried put me close to his face, and I examined him closer. His hair brushed my fingers, and I ran it between them. It was soft and delicate. His jaw was well defined and gave his face a distinct shape. It was also clean-shaven, and I wanted to run my fingers over his skin.

I looked up, and he quickly looked forward. He had been watching me. I pulled myself up and pressed my lips to his cheekbone.

"Thank you."

"There is no need to thank me. As I said, we're late. Had you not drenched me, we wouldn't be." The redness of his cheeks let me know I had flustered him.

"Mm-hmm. I believe that wholeheartedly, my Lord of Iron."

Farrow stopped in front of an alcove and set me down gently. "Believe all you want. I will open the curtain when I am ready for you."

He strode forward, but I grabbed his hand to stop him. He looked back at me and frowned. I closed the space between us, reached up, grabbed his head, and kissed him.

He put his hands on my hips and pushed me back. "What was that for?"

I smiled. "You look like you needed a boost in confidence."

He shook his head and strode through the curtain. The crowd beyond the balcony cheered at his appearance. I peered through the crack and watched as Farrow addressed his people.

"I know most of you are concerned with my choice in a foreign princess to become my wife." Grumbles from the crowd followed his words.

Farrow raised his hands. "I did what I felt was best for my kingdom. As a result, the Eastern Kingdom is thriving. Thriving unlike ours, and the North and West. Of the two kings and myself, I won in the battle to claim a bride. I know she will help us rebound to our former glory!"

The crowd erupted at their Emperor's words. Making it sound like he fought for my hand seemed more appealing than the truth. I had simply chosen the best option without offers from the others.

"Here is your Empress, Akria!" The curtains pulled back, and the cold sun lit the alcove.

I stepped out, and the crowd once again erupted into cheers. While some seemed genuinely excited, I could see the ill will on many of the faces below me. I swallowed and stepped to Farrow's side. His appearance was stern and stiff. He didn't reach out to me or touch me in any way. This was the face of the Iron Emperor, and he ruled with a matching fist.

05-Deflower

The room was cold and untouched by the remnants of sunlight. I tucked my arms into the sleeves of my kimono. The fire behind me roared to life. I turned, and Farrow had added wood to the fire. He began taking off his armor. He placed the pieces on a stand to the side of the fire.

"Do you need help?" I didn't know if removing his armor was a ritual for him or out of necessity.

"You want to help me take off my armor?" He sounded puzzled.

"If you'd like me to."

"Yes."

I moved closer to him as well as closer to the fire. My chill disappeared instantly. Farrow lifted the dou over his head and laid it on the stand. It would have protected my chest and waist, so it was so big. I dipped down and began untying the kusazuri that covered his waist and upper legs. I removed the haidate from his waist and the suneate from his shins carefully. I set them beneath the stand.

I looked up at Farrow, and a heat I was unfamiliar with filled his eyes. The heat on my cheeks told me I was lying to myself. Farrow took my face in his hands and gently led me to stand. He pulled my face towards his, leaned in, and hesitated a moment, then let his body take over control of his mind. Farrow kissed me with a hint of uncertainty, but it changed with each passing second. I held onto the back of his arms to keep myself steady.

Farrow let go of my face and pulled the combs in my hair, freeing it. He reached for the obi securing my kimono at the waist, tugged on it, and the fabric fell away. Farrow carefully removed each layer, unwrapping me as one would a gift. When he reached the nagajuban covering my body, he stopped.

I touched his hands and pressed them to the edges of the robe. "I do recall you saying you'd be seeing my skin again."

He closed his eyes, and a light laugh slipped from his lips. "I did."

Farrow took the edges in his hand and pulled the robe off like he had the layers on top of it. He looked down at my body slowly, and I felt the total weight of that gaze. Farrow stepped closer to my body, wrapped his arm around my waist, and pulled me against his. He grabbed the back of my head and pulled me into another kiss.

He picked me up in his arms and carried me across the room. Farrow set me gently next to the bed. I ran my hand against the fur blanket covering it. I watched as he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it away. His chest had several scars that were visible in the dim light.

I ran my fingers over one, and he shuddered. I pressed my chest to his, and he grabbed my waist with one hand and my face with the other. He kissed me rougher than before. Farrow released me from the kiss, reached down, and flung the blankets back. He pushed me down, so my back was on the bed, but my legs dangled from the side.

My brow furrowed, and he noticed. "I want to explore my bride."

I wanted to object, but he didn't give me a chance. Farrow moved and hovered above me. His kiss distracted me and kept me from protesting. Since I was below him, I couldn't push up either. I didn't know what he was about to do; it frightened me. No amount of lessons and demonstrations could prepare you for this. The unexpectedness of it all.

He ran his hand down my side and traced my hip bone to the very core of me. He ran his fingers against my body, and I involuntarily moved my leg so he had more room to move. I could feel him smile against my lips. He continued to slide his fingers over me, and they moved easier with each pass. Then, with no warning, he forced one of his fingers inside of me. I reflexively grabbed the back of his head and shoulder. My sudden movement didn't stop him, and he moved his hand away and pushed it back. After a few moments of this, my body relaxed, and it moved with him.

Farrow lifted away from my body and pulled his hand away from me. I whimpered. He didn't laugh at my plea like I would have expected. Instead, he moved, slid his arms under my body, and carefully laid me in the center of the bed. Then, he crawled onto the bed and positioned himself above me.

Farrow spread my legs apart and took a deep breath. He moved to kneel, undid his pants, and pushed them down his hips, finally exposing himself. I knew that if it had been daylight, Farrow would have seen the blush on my cheeks intensify. Instead, he moved back to where he was and rested on his elbows. Farrow didn't say anything and began kissing me again. I wrapped my arms around him, and he wiggled one of his under my back.

As he kissed me, I could feel his member against my stomach, and knowing what was about to happen became a reality. Of course, I wasn't ready, not really. But, it didn't matter if I was ready or not, I was his bride, his prize, and he was about to make me his.

Farrow reached down and guided himself to my opening. I went to ask him to stop, to tell him I wasn't ready, that I needed a moment longer, but it was too late. He pushed himself into my body, and I cried out. I squeezed his body harder than before and buried my face in his neck. He began rolling his hips against mine, and I cried harder.

Instead of kissing me, Farrow pressed his lips to my ear. "I know, I'm sorry. It will be alright, my Empress. I have you."

As Farrow took my virginity, he comforted me. He stroked my hair and held my body. Farrow's movements only faltered once when his body met its release. He gripped me tightly and pressed his head to mine.

Farrow waited for a moment, then moved slowly away from my body. He reached down and pulled one of the fur blankets over our bodies. I didn't want to move; it was one of the first times I had felt vulnerable.

The bed shifted, and Farrow pressed himself gently to my body. "I wish that was easier for you. I know that is one of the most difficult things for women to go through."

I didn't have words, and more tears rolled down my face. I bit my lip as I moved and pressed closer to him. He wrapped his arms around me and held me while I wept. I knew that Farrow was many things at that moment, but heartless wasn't one of them.

06-Discussions

Rustling woke me from my dreamless sleep. I sat up in the bed and pulled the blanket around me to fight off the chill of the morning air. I looked around the room and found Farrow. He was sitting at a table by an unopened window. He was reading a scroll, and his mouth was turned down.

I tucked my knees to my chest, cradled them in my arms, and rested my head against them. I watched Farrow as he read over the scroll. The frown set deeper the more he read. Finally, he rested his head in his hand and tossed the scroll on the table. He looked up, and surprise filled his face.

"I didn't realize you were awake. I didn't wake you, did I?"

"I thought I heard birds, so the rustling pulled me from my sleep."

Farrow stood and stretched. He wore only breeches, and I could see his upper body better than in the night. His body reflected years of training and fighting. Of the three royals of each kingdom, he was the only one to go into war himself.

He came over to the bed and slid across it. He pulled the blanket away from my body and ran his fingers down my spine.

"I didn't mean to wake you. I knew that the last few weeks have caused you to be weary from travel. That aside, last night was emotional."

I looked away from him. "It was not something I would have liked for you to see. I felt weak and vulnerable at that moment."

He stopped rubbing my back. "You have the right to be vulnerable, but I wouldn't say that you were weak. My mother told me that a woman giving herself to a man in that way is a gift. We do not deserve to claim a woman's virginity. It is the one thing she possesses that is hers. She made sure that I understood that. So I treated you like it was a gift you were giving me."

He rolled to his back and looked at the ceiling. I turned to look at him. He had his eyes closed, and his face was blank.

"Your mother is a wise woman."

The slight smile that formed was sad. "She was. It was a shame my father didn't marry her, but he did not want to share his kingdom."

"They weren't married?"

"No, my mother was one of my father's many concubines. She was the first to give him a son. I have numerous sisters. None have titles, and most have been given to lords as rewards. When he delivered them to their husbands or the lords' harems, I promised them I wouldn't treat my wife like my father treated their mothers. That and I wouldn't give my daughters away so easily."

"Do you have daughters?" Of course, I knew that he was bound to have one or two concubines with an empire.

"No children. No concubines." He turned his head to look at me and started rubbing my lower back. "I had concubines when I was young, to teach me. My mother didn't want me to be inexperienced and hurt a woman. My father was not gentle, and his women had scars. So she didn't want me to be like that."

"Again, a wise woman. I appreciate her kindness as it was passed to you. I do not think another man would have comforted me as you did." I reached behind me, moved his arm, and laid beside him.

Farrow rolled to his side to face me. His features were relaxed, giving him a softer appearance. I reached out and ran my hand over his face like I had wanted to in the hall. Instead, he took my hand and pressed it to the side of his face closing his eyes. I had not expected this man to be gentle and kind. Though we were behind closed doors, and maybe this was only for my benefit.

"I didn't think I would have a bride that was like you. But, I must admit, it was difficult to control myself when you were in the bath and confronted me. Your strength impressed me, and your beauty left me wanting. It would have been easy for me to take you then and there, but I didn't because I wanted you to trust me. To believe that I can control my nature and keep from doing you harm."

"I hope it is my strength that leads to your undoing. I do not hold value in my beauty. So many women are more beautiful than I consider myself, so I want to be strong. I want my strength and intelligence to be invaluable to you. I want to be the Empress you are expecting me to be."

He squeezed my hand. "My Empress, I believe you are going to have a chance this morning to prove that. We have a meeting with the merchant guilds and the governing lords. I will have you at my side, and I expect you to make that voice of yours heard."

Farrow rolled away from me and offered his hand. "Let's clean ourselves up and prepare for the verbal war ahead."

I grasped his hand and was surprised when he pulled me into his arms and stood holding me. He hugged my body to his chest, and I enjoyed the warmth he emitted. I was wondering what type of man Farrow truly was, the complicated man of rumors or the one that was holding me in his arms. Time would tell which I had taken for a husband.

07-Inconveniences

Air blew through the open doors in the lower palace. The lords and chief merchants kneeled before Farrow and me. Their annoyance had only grown more apparent when Farrow had told them I would be joining them. They had voiced their concerns about my presence. Yes, I had only been in this kingdom since midafternoon the previous day, but I was his wife now. I needed to be present.

Farrow's attendant handed him another scroll, and he did his best to appear calm. But, since the men were farther away, they couldn't see the slight agitation in his features.

"Who is this scroll from?" I turned to Farrow.

His lips moved as he read over the scroll, and I noticed that he paused on some of the words.

"Emperor?" I touched his arm, and he jumped.

"What did you say?"

"Which merchant is that from?" I pointed to the scroll.

"Oh, it's from the Port Authority regarding the fisheries." He handed me the scroll.

I took the scroll from Farrow and quickly read over it. The numbers were troubling but nothing that should have given Farrow pause. I didn't move my face from the page but stole a quick glance at him. He was scrutinizing the page, like what was written was confusing.

I cleared my throat and turned my attention to the men. "Who is head of the port?"

One of the men bowed down to the floor and rose back up. "I am."

I lifted the scroll. "For the month, the fishermen have brought back 10 barrels of shrimp, two giant tuna…

"I do not think the lady needs to worry about the matters of men." One of the lords addressed Farrow without looking at me.

I handed the scroll to my attendant. I noticed Farrow's jaw clench and his knuckles whitened from squeezing his chair. He began to push up from his chair, but I stayed with him, gently touching his hand.

"Lord Osamu, was it? I want to ask you a few questions." I put on my best smile and demure appearance.

"Of course, Lady Akira." His smile was cajoling.

I let my face fade into one I hadn't used in a long time. My father had told me there were moments when I would need to be hard. For example, to overcome men's assumptions that I was just a woman, not a royal.

"Lord Osamu, where are you sitting?"

"Below you, Lady Akira."

"Oh, you understand that you are below me, excellent. Now, who am I sitting beside?"

"Emperor Farrow, Lady Akira."

"Good. You see that my place is beside my HUSBAND. Yesterday, how did Emperor Farrow introduce me, my title?"

Sweat dripped from Osamu's nose. "He called you Empress Akira, Lady Akira."

I let a malicious grin fill my face. "Let me tell you in a way that you understand. I married Emperor Farrow, I sit beside him, this means I rule beside him. You are beneath me in title and position. I am an empress, not a lady, and even before my marriage, I was a princess and ruled a country independently. The Eastern Kingdom is thriving because of MY rulership.

"Do not think for one instance that you are better than me, that I have no place in the matters of the kingdom I now rule with my husband. Know your place and address me as Empress Akira, not Lady. Do I make myself clear, Lord Osamu?"

Lord Osamu dabbed his face and nodded his head.

"I did not hear you." I held my hand out, and my attendant handed the scroll back to me.

"Yes, Empress Akira."

"You may press your forehead to the ground. I will let you know when you can rise. I have pressing matters to address concerning the state of the fisheries. You are not port master Lord Osamu. So keep your mouth shut." I pulled the scroll open again and began reading the catches that had been brought in.

I glanced at Farrow, and his face had relaxed, but the same stony exterior was intact. Had the men below been closer, they would have seen the shine in his eyes.

---

The men left after I had allowed Lord Osamu to finally get up. The others had to assist him in standing. I let a soft smile set on my lips, a viper in wren's feathers. Once everyone had cleared from the room, I relaxed. I inhaled and exhaled.

I turned to Farrow, and he was looking at another scroll. "Emperor?"

Farrow paused and looked at me. He swallowed and closed the scroll. "Yes."

"Was my voice clear enough for you?"

He reached out and ran a hand over my cheek. "Louder than any man to sit in this room before."

I pressed my lips together. "May I ask you something?"

"Of course."

I leaned in close to him. "Can you read?"

He went from placid to outraged in a second. "You're asking an emperor if he can read?"

I didn't let his reaction shake me. "I am."

"I can read." His teeth were pressed together, and his lips were tight.

This matter was delicate, and I knew that I couldn't continue the conversation further. At least not with so many eyes and ears. I stood and headed for our chambers.

"Where are you going?" He was right behind me.

"Our chambers. I can tell I've angered you and do not wish to press you further."

He strode past me. "Press me further? I gave you an answer, and there is nothing more to it."

Farrow threw open the doors to our chamber, and I followed behind him. I closed them and locked them. I looked across the room, and Farrow had opened the window.

I moved closer and stood beside him. The mountain-lined bay was breathtaking and calming. Farrow leaned against the window but didn't look at me. I gently pressed my hand against his and was pleased when he didn't move his.

"Farrow."

"Don't." His lips were thin, and his eyes were tight.

"You can't read, can you?"

His lower jaw moved forward, then back, and then clenched. He glanced at me quickly and then away.

"Not well."

I pulled my hand away from him and stepped away. I closed my eyes and thought about what to say.

"No one can know. If they know that their Emperor cannot read, then they'll try and overthrow me."

"This is another reason you married me, isn't it?" I didn't face him.

"It is. You have taken a failing country to flourishing, and I have taken a flourishing country to failing. I cannot read the kanji, and because of that, I have made horrific mistakes with the merchant accounts. Moving currency from one to the other and causing a great deal of anguish amongst the people. I thought that maybe if I married you, you would second guess my decisions. Make the right ones, then I could simply implement them and hope no one noticed."

Breathing deeply, I turned to face him, only to find his back was to me. I went to him, wrapped my arms around him, and embraced him. He was flawed and afraid his people would hate him for it. Farrow took my hands in his and pulled them to his lips, planting gentle kisses on them.

"They tried to teach me, but I didn't understand. Not the kanji or the letters. I did my best to hide it, but it has become more and more difficult."

I rested against his back. "I will help you hide this and overcome it."

His shoulders relaxed. "Thank you, Akira."

I squeezed him. "You chose me as your Empress. I will strengthen you but not hurt you."

I only hoped we chose wisely.

08-Declaration

The sun was warm against my skin, and the song of a warbler roused me from bed. I stretched and was surprised to see the window open. Then again, it is warmer than any previous day. The breeze moved the papers on the table and blew ash from the fireplace.

I searched the room for Farrow and was disappointed when I didn't find him. Over the months since my arrival, he was a constant presence until I was ready for the day to begin. He would wait until I was awake and dressed before he went about the tasks we had decided he could do without me there.

The warbler's song drifted into the room again, and I knew that I wouldn't be going back to sleep. I pushed the silken sheets away and went to the window. The trees were bright with brand new leaves and had begun to call to the birds. I could hear conversations and laughter drift up from the village as I listened. They were happy, and it was a welcome sound.

The chamber door creaked open, and I turned to see who it was. My attendants came into the room, and their arms were laden with fabric.

Kokoa laid the kimono on the bed. "Good morning Empress."

“Good morning Kokoa. Ruka.”

Ruka pulled the nagajuban from the pile. "The Emperor sends his regards as he was called away at dawn. He said he would discuss everything with you once he returned."

I slipped my nightgown off, and Ruka helped me dress. The two women moved around me in a dance of finery and fabric. Once they had finished securing the obi, I sat down in a chair Farrow had given me as a gift. He wanted me to be comfortable as my attendants helped me with my hair and makeup.

"Was I left anything this morning?" I sat straight and let Kokoa pull my hair back.

"A letter from the Eastern Kingdom. Also, a note informing you that the lords have arrived." Kokoa secured my bun with a comb.

"They're early. Where are they?"

"We had them wait in the lower palace. We were coming to wake you."

I stood and hurried from the room. If the lords were here early, then something had gone wrong.

---

The lords of the Eastern Kingdom waited in the lower palace. Instead of resting on the zabuton, they were huddled around each other, whispering fervently. Upon noticing I had entered the room, they all bowed.

"What has happened?"

The men looked at each other. "Empress Akira, forgive us, but the Northern Kingdom, they've attacked."

Bile rose in my throat. "The Emperor is with one of the generals, I take it?"

"Yes, Empress. General Yuri is with him now."

I nodded my head and began pacing. "In times of war, Emperor Farrow takes overruling the kingdom. He has survived war against all three nations. I trust him to keep the kingdom safe."

The lords erupted into upheaval.

"Trust him? You have been married to him for six months!"

"He doesn't care about us. Meeting with Yuri is a formality. All generals must meet the Emperor."

"Empress Akira, you cannot truly believe that he will do what he can to defend us."

"Enough!" I let my panic, agitation, and anger seep out into that one word. If they began to question me, this marriage was for nothing.

Their fear was bubbling over, and I could see it in their eyes. However, quelling it would prove impossible as I no longer live in the country.

Bang!

I spun around, and a sense of relief filled me. Farrow entered the room, and Yuri was close behind. He descended the stairs and came to a stop beside me.

I could feel his anger roll off him. Farrow handed me a scroll, and I pulled it open and scanned it. The words filled me with dread. Farrow grabbed my upper arm and pulled me away from the other men.

"What do we do?" He leaned in close so he wouldn't be overheard.

"Ryu is going to start burning the fields and orchards because he's insulted by my marriage to you. I have soldiers, but his army is stronger." I touched the scroll to my head.

"I have soldiers. If I bring them, it's a declaration of war. The Western Kingdom may side with him."

I shook my head. "Perhaps, but they will be angry at each other too. We need to make sure he understands that the Eastern and Southern kingdoms no longer exist. We are a whole. He is declaring war on us. King Ryu is declaring war, and we need to answer."

"Well, my Little Bird, you need to come up with a name for our country. I'll go and answer the bastard back." He kissed my head and returned to the men.

"I have conferred with my Empress, and she and I agree. King Ryu of the Northern kingdom has declared war. The nation of…."

"Kikon." We were marrying our lives together and our countries. It was a fitting name.

Farrow smiled. "The nation of Kikon will answer," his smile faded, and his face turned hard, "and make them regret it."

09-In the Moonlight

The darkness seemed to be coming from all sides. A deep sense of fear and misery choked me like smoke. I frantically pushed at the dark film of despair, but it wrapped around my body, pinning me to the ground. Sticky, sickly breath filled my nostrils, and I gagged.

A face leaned close to mine, and a tongue left a trail up my face. "I will have you as my queen."

I thrashed and tried to pull away. Ryu's face filled my vision, and I pleaded for him to release me. His eyes filled with flames, and he pressed his body to mine. Tears streamed down my face foreshadowing the impending violation. Ryu positioned his body closer to mine, and his stinking breath filled my nose again.

His face hovered inches from mine. His smile was filled with dagger teeth. "You will be mine!"

I bolted upright in bed, clutching the blanket close to my chest. The nightmare had been vivid, and it made my body slick with sweat. I tossed the blanket away from my body and pulled my nightgown over my head. I wanted the feeling of the dream away from my body.

"Akira, are you alright?" A candle lit Farrow's face softly.

I shook my head and remembered he couldn't see me. "No."

Farrow came over to the bed and set the candle down on the table beside it. He reached out and brushed the hair from my face. "Was it a nightmare?"

I held his hand to my face, gripping him tightly. "It was Ryu."

"He cannot touch you, my darling." He scooted closer to me, pulling me into his arms.

I clung to him. "It was so vivid. He was trying…."

Farrow squeezed me tightly. "He will never have that opportunity. I will kill him before he even tries."

"I want to forget that feeling of dread. It was so sickening." I pressed my ear to Farrow's chest, listened to his heartbeat, and tried to steady my own.

Farrow pushed me back and tipped my head back. He kissed me gently, and he tasted sweet. "I'll open the windows to let the moonlight in, and I will hold you until you fall asleep again my Little Bird."

He crawled off the bed and went to the windows, and pushed the shoji to the side. The moonlight spilled into the room and pushed away the darkness. The light touched Farrow's skin and softened its hardness.

"Where were you?"

He turned back to me and smiled. "In the bath, drinking. I couldn't sleep. I am not looking forward to leaving tomorrow."

"I truly don't want you to leave either."

Farrow came back to the bed and laid down beside me. He pulled me against him. "I have to leave you."

I brushed his hair from his face. I tucked my head beneath his and laid a kiss on his throat. "I have found over the last few months that I come to care about you deeply. Not all unions like this work, but I cannot prevent myself from loving you."

"Nor can I. Akira, you have been a light in the dreariness of this place. We each had our reasons for this marriage, but now I look forward to growing old with you." He hugged me tightly.

"Will you lay on your back for me?" I rubbed his collar bones lightly.

Farrow didn't question me and rolled away from me. I moved, so I was straddling his hips. We had never tried this position before, but I wanted to see what it was like to see him lying beneath me. He reached up and ran his fingers down my body. I shivered.

I leaned down, and my hair covered our faces like a veil. "Do you trust me, my Lord of Iron?"

He reached up and pulled me to his lips. "You have all my trust, Little Bird."

We kissed each other and let our emotions boil over into it. Our fear, anger, desperation, admiration, and love. Each kiss bruised our lips and chapped them. If this was my last night with him, I wanted him to know what he meant to me.

Farrow squeezed my waist and slid my body back. He tried to roll us, but I stopped him. I reached behind me and guided him into my body. I sat up straight and let him reach the depth of me. His eyes were closed, and his hands gripped my waist.

Using his stomach to steady myself, I moved my hips back and forth. He bit his lip and helped my movements by pulling my hips. I pushed against his stomach and moved up and down. A soft groan escaped his lips. I moved up and down back and forth, and Farrow struggled to follow my movements. I leaned forward and kissed him. The action pulled him out of my body.

Farrow took advantage and rolled me back to the bed. He took my hand in his and thrust back into me. Farrow supported himself with his other arm, and I reached behind him, grabbing his back. Our lips met in a delicate frenzy as he rolled his hips into mine slowly over and over. His name slipped from my lips, and he thrust harder. For the first time, we squeezed each other's bodies as we met our release.

Farrow moved to my side and pulled me gently to him. We laid in silence for a time. I didn't want to go back to sleep for fear that he would be gone when I woke.

10-Bitter Partings

The morning was bright and warm. However, the warmth couldn't disguise the trepidation in the air. Soldiers formed lines in the central courtyard. They had been assigned to travel to every post across the newly named country of Kikon. The people had accepted the name with joy but knew that it also came with dread.

Farrow sat upon a large black stallion. He looked imposing in his armor and finery. It reminded me that he was indeed the Iron Emperor. Farrow's visage dominated the men before me. I would know who he was even if I had never met him. He turned his horse and came to where the governing lords and I were standing.

His eyes gave away more than his face ever would. For the first time, he didn't want to go, and I was why. He gripped the reins tightly but didn't move from the horse.

"Empress Akira, I leave Kikon in your capable hands. I will lead our men to victory and return to our capital to rule beside you once again."

I knew he wanted to say return to me, but he couldn't. I took a deep breath and went to him. Puzzlement filled his features.

I offered him a small cloth pouch. "Take this as a token of my affection."

Farrow took the pouch and opened it. He pulled the lock of my hair from it and examined it. Then, Farrow carefully tucked the hair back into the bag and into his armor. I stepped back so he could turn his horse and go.

Farrow dismounted and reached for me. He pulled me to him and kissed me like it was the last time he ever would. He pressed his head to mine. "Be safe, my Empress. I will fight to return to your side."

Before I could respond, he mounted his horse again and turned, rising quickly to the gate. It felt like my heart was breaking into a thousand pieces. I didn't want to show weakness, but it was nearly impossible to hold back tears.

I stood in that place until every soldier left and was long out of sight.

11- Weakness

The cold winter wind rattled the shoji, and I pulled the shawl tighter around me. Kokoa placed more wood into the fireplace, and it roared to life. I pulled another scroll towards me and began pouring over it. I did my best to keep my mind distracted, the war with the Northern and Western Kingdoms had raged on for six months, and there was no end in sight.

"Empress, are you feeling well?" Kokoa placed a cup of warm tea in front of me.

I took it in my hands. "I'm tired. These cold days and even colder nights are taking their toll."

She draped another blanket over my shoulders. "We could move you to a smaller room. The heat would be felt easier."

I shook my head. "No, this room is fine. I simply dislike that it is this cold. It is warmer further east."

"Is there anything I can do for you at this time, Empress?"

"No, Kokoa. I must finish approving these accounts. I'll need you to take them to the accountants later once I've approved."

"Of course, Empress."

I set the scroll down and looked at my companion. "Kokoa, has there been any word?"

Her eyes saddened. "Not since last we heard. They've successfully pushed King Ryu's forces back, but that is all."

I put my hands in my face. "I need to know if he's safe."

I let the tears spill over. I had done all I could to remain strong, to keep the fear I had bottled away, but I couldn't hold it in anymore. Kokoa rushed to my side and embraced me. She held me as the sobs racked my body.

"He will return to you, Empress. Emperor Farrow will be by your side again. I know it. He is fierce and unbending."

I hugged her. "Thank you, Kokoa. If I did not have you, I do not think I could endure this loneliness."

"I will remain by your side for as long as you'll have me."

I shooed her away. "Yes, I believe you'll be my attendant for some time. Let me finish these things, then I'll have you take them to the accountants. After that, we do need to speak with the governing lords."

I grimaced. I was not looking forward to dealing with them.

---

I did my best to remain calm, but the men below me tested that. I had a mixture of lords from the east and the south present. I had split the group so they could learn and better the country that way. However, it was proving difficult to get them to cooperate.

I held my hand up, but none of them quitted. I took a deep calming breath. "That will be enough!"

The words echoed through the hall, and the men went silent. I gave them a moment to settle. Their bickering was innocent.

"This is not how you settle the matter of a resource shortage."

"Empress Akira, please forgive my rudeness, but a woman in your current state shouldn't be bothered with this." Lord Osamu looked at the man beside him without addressing me directly.

"My current state?" I let the venom sink into my voice.

"Yes, with all your womanly woes building up and bubbling over. We all see that you are struggling with the Emperor being away."

I looked at the men from the east. "Do you feel that way as well?"

Lord Haku bowed almost to the floor. "We do, but not the way they do. The lords of the east wish to assist you in any way we can. However, you cannot carry this burden alone, Empress."

"She is a weak woman. While the Emperor is off fighting a war, she sits here. In the comfort of her status while her people suffer." Osamu's words burned.

"Lord Osamu."

He finally turned to look at me. His face paled. "Yes, Empress."

"I have had enough of your big mouth. I know you resent me since the Emperor did not marry your daughter, but you do not speak to me that way. From this moment forward, you are no longer a lord. You and your family will be stripped of everything. As a commoner, you do not need the comforts you surround yourself with."

"You cannot do this!" Osamu's words were filled with rage.

I pushed myself up. "You see, Osamu, I can. I have given up much to the people to ensure that they survive. You are the only one disobeying me from the accounts and calculations of all the lords here. They've all given over what they can, anything that the people of Kikon can use to survive. Things that can be sent to our soldiers that they can use. You are the only one here that is living in comfort."

The lords surrounding Osamu began to whisper. He turned, waving his arms wildly. "Don't you see what she's doing! She's lying to turn you against me."

Haku stood and clutched Osamu's upper arm. "The Empress has spoken. You have been stripped of everything. You are no longer welcome in the palace."

"Lord Haku, I leave you in charge of his affairs. Make sure everything is sorted out appropriately."

He bowed and pulled Osamu down with him. "As you wish, Empress."

Haku pulled a rage-filled Osamu from the palace. His screams echoed off the columns, but his words fell on deaf ears.

I looked back at the men below. "Let me make this clear, yet again. It has been a year since I married Emperor Farrow. Simply because he is off fighting a war does not mean I have any less authority."

The men bowed deeply. "Forgive us, Empress."

"Do not do it again. As for the issues with the food shortages, please write out detailed plans and deliver them to me by daybreak tomorrow."

I left the men in their bow and returned to my chambers. I was tired and no longer wished to be awake.

12-Joyous

The bird song filled the bay, and the cool ocean breeze blew into the bedroom. The sun shone brightly, and flower petals drifted across into the palace. The lords were chatting in happy hushed tones. For the first time in a year, the kingdom was filled with joy.

Rumors had begun to swirl that soldiers were making their way home. Though none of those rumors contained whispers of Farrow. My heart had darkened months before, but I had reasons to try and let it heal. The people of Kikon deserved a happy ruler and had only the best intentions.

A commotion drew our attention to the palace gates. Soldiers. I stood and watched as they poured into the courtyard. I scanned the men but couldn't locate Farrow's horse. I descended the stairs and waited for the men to settle. I smiled and looked over the men as they returned home. They looked worn and tired. Many were missing pieces of armor and their weapons. They looked up at me and did their best to smile in return.

After a moment, the soldiers parted. My heart leaped, and I didn't fight the tears that streamed down my face. Farrow stood among his men and beamed with pride. His arm was in a sling, and he had a bandage around his eye, but he was home.

I pulled my zori off and handed them to Ruka, and she held them for me. I also pulled the tabi off so I wouldn't slip on the stone steps. I didn't care what those around me thought or about protocol and tradition. I hurried down the steps and into the courtyard.

Farrow smiled and headed toward me. Instead of simply embracing me, he picked me up with his uninjured arm and twirled me around. He set me down and kissed me.

"My Little Bird, how I've missed you." His words broke.

"And I you, my Lord of Iron."

---

I laid on the bed and waited for Farrow to finish cleaning up. I curled around the surprise I had for him. I was excited to share it with him.

"I didn't realize how much I would miss a bath." He stood at the foot of the bed and pulled the towel away from his face.

His eye went wide, and he winced. "Akira?"

I smiled and looked at the sleeping babe next to me. "You left me with a very precious gift."

Farrow came around the side of the bed and sat beside his child. "Our child?"

"Yes, Farrow. Your son." I reached out and put my hand on his knee.

Farrow reached out and ran his finger down the babe's face. He let out a little yawn, and his tiny eyes fluttered open. He stretched and grunted, and my heart melted.

"What did you name him?" Farrow's voice was quiet.

"I didn't."

He looked up at me. "Why?"

Our baby turned, looked at me, and smiled. I took his little hand in mine and kissed it. He laughed.

"I didn't name him because I wanted you to name him."

"Akito." He didn't hesitate.

"Are you sure? Name him after me?" I pushed myself up.

Farrow looked at me, and his eye was filled with tears. "Yes. You are the light of my life Akira, now we have our own little light.

I picked the baby up. "Well, your father thinks you need to be named Akito. Do you like it?"

He grinned and shoved his hand in his mouth. We both laughed. Farrow moved to the head of the bed and leaned against it. He patted between his legs, and I moved to sit between them.

I leaned against his chest. "Am I hurting you?"

"No. Now tell me everything."

"About?"

He wrapped his arm around my waist and pressed gently on my stomach. "I want to know about your pregnancy, his birth, everything."

"I only knew I was pregnant for a short time. When I realized, I wasn't even sure when he'd been conceived. I could have been a month or two pregnant before you left. He's almost four months old."

"I think I would have wanted to be here with you when he was born." He reached up and tickled Akito's toes, and he giggled.

"I would have liked that, but his birth was long and hard. They were afraid that both of us were going to die. He was facing the wrong way, and it was not pleasant. When he arrived, his voice was loud and clear."

Akito reached for my chest, and I knew he was hungry. So I pulled him to my chest and let him nurse.

"You're nursing him?"

I grabbed Farrow's arm and tucked it under Akito's body. "He is my connection to you; I did not trust anyone to tend to him. I want him to be strong and happy. He's happy with me, and I know I'll make him strong."

Farrow kissed my head. "My Little Bird, you will make our son strong as iron."

I rested against Farrow. "Lord of Iron, you will teach him how to bend."