Firstly, any man who was a double agent would have NOT touched a princess. Killed, poisoned, even scared her, but dishonored? Bargaining chip dead or alive and the later meant unspoiled. Secondly, Katsura would have definitely been approving of killing Iizuka in that circumstance. He probably would do it himself once he heard, she is the 'only' heir, as a lineage of that time could only slightly be assured by virginity.

Cute! Shortish but well done and lots of well described symbolism! Keep it up and Thank you!

I love it! I love happy endings hahahaha

Good story !

So basically, you replace Tomoe with Kaoru and erase the tragic ending? I've always though Kaoru suited Kenshin better. She's much more alive than Tomoe.

I loved this story! It was so beautiful! Awesome work!

A very lovely story! Well written. I love the symbolism and the interactions between Kenshin and Kaoru, it was deep and profound. Wonderful work! :)

Great story, loved it :)

This story is so great so far :) OK I will continue to read more :)

I love the story so far :) Can't wait to read more :)

Interesting story so far :) I love stories with Kaoru and the Battousai in the Bakumatsu :)

That was awesome!...Are you an English/writing major or something? Your writing captured me and your story - my heart!

Good story.

Pleasingly lyrical writing style, and you accomplished what you set out to do with it - create an AU where Kaoru instead of Tomoe gives Kenshin hope of holding on to his humanity. It was Kaoru's transpormation that suprised me most though. While it's an established convention of romantic literature to have the heroine go from hating the hero to adoring him, you managed to instill a sense of freshness and grace to it.

The only thing that bothered me was the ring Kaoru dropped in the last chapter, and her comment about 'silly arranged marriages' because if Kaoru were leaving behind a legally wedded husband then that's an important part of her story that needed exploration and explanation. If it were just an engagement thing then the story and epilogue are fine as is.

Had to laugh at your A/Ns describing your cat's attempt to 'help' you type the chapters. Gotta love the hairy beasties when they're demanding attention right when you're trying to work.

Great yet again...loved it

Wow. Wow.

Where was I when this story was written?

Beautifully written story. I love the ending. 'We are home.'

Amazing. Simply amazing.

Wonderful work.