Standard disclaimers apply.

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Chapter Three
The Attempt

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Sofia, Bulgaria

"I cannot believe the sheer rudeness of that…that wretch!" Kaoru exclaimed as soon as Felia closed the door to their chambers. "Did you know what he said to me as we walked? He dare inquire, as if he was talking about the weather, if I was carrying another man's child!" Kaoru wanted to throw something so badly that her hands shook, but refrained from doing so out of respect for the late Queen, who once made this her abode. Just thinking of his face made her furious once again.

Felia gasped. "He did not!"

"Oh, yes he did! The gall of that man!" Kaoru marched around the sitting room of her chamber. "I wanted to strangle him. No wonder Tomoe despises him! He is king, yet he has no gentlemanly manners. Unlike Prime Minister Enishi, who was so gracious of his welcome of us."

Felia opened one of the trunks and carefully took out several day dresses. "I believe His Majesty is only rude to you, my lady. When I was here with Her Highness, he seems to act the same way. He does not hide that he despises Her Highness and his engagement to her."

"If he does not like to be married to her, why carry on with the arrangement?"

"I believe the late Queen approved of the match. It is said that this marriage will seal the friendship between Bulgaria and Albania. The older of the twin princes is the current heir to the throne. If something happens to him, the other young prince will inherit the throne, therefore, there is a very little chance for Her Highness Princess Tomoe to become Queen of Albania." Felia said. "Now, my lady, which dress do you prefer—the blue or the green?"

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Kyoto, Japan

"Aoshi!"

Even though he was in his study, Aoshi flinched at the sound of the high-pitched cry from Misao. The loud footsteps coming from outside alerted Aoshi to her irritation. Misao was a ninja. As taught, they were supposed to create no sound coming from them, nothing that alerted any enemy of their presence. But Misao liked to create loud noises whenever she was irritated or angry. He mentally prayed to any god listening that she would not be stubborn about the issue.

When she appeared on the doorway of his study, he knew no god listened to his prayers.

"Aoshi! I heard from Okina that you are going to travel abroad. Is this true?" Misao demanded, her aqua eyes narrowed.

"It is true." He replied solemnly.

"I am coming with you!"

"No, I'm afraid I cannot let you." Aoshi said.

"Cannot let me?" Misao asked, her voice now dangerously low. "Please enlighten me as to who is the current leader of this organization?"

Aoshi knew answering that was one of his biggest mistakes. "You, Misao."

"Yes, me, Misao Makimachi. Even though you are the ex-leader, you are my subordinate now, so you must follow everything the leader decides. Is that not one of the rules of the Oniwaban?" She asked. "I have decided, as head, that I will accompany my subordinate," Misao stressed. "As he goes abroad. If you're worried about what Okina will say, I'll persuade him of the matter. Now, do you have any complaints?"

Aoshi frowned. "Misao, I am not currently aware of the hospitality of the country we are going. It could be hostile or at war. There could be many bandits and mercenaries prowling the roads. Although you are a ninja, you are young and inexperienced."

"If it is that dangerous, why travel alone?" She pointed out.

"I am not," He replied, closing the book he was reading before she came in. "I have decided to contact a cousin of mine, Soujiro Seta. He is a skilled swordsman with a speed that I admire. As soon as the ship taking us there is ready, we will go immediately."

"For the record, I am not that young anymore. I am twenty, considered in the eyes of everyone as an adult; therefore I can make my own decisions. Furthermore, even though I do not have experience in real battles, I can handle bandits and mercenaries easily, or have you forgotten that I, too, traveled alone while tracking you down? The percentage of protection is much higher when there is more than one accompanying you, is that not right? I may not be a skilled swordsman, but I can hold my own with my choice of weapons."

Suddenly, Okina laughed by the doorway. "Aoshi, it seems you have lost."

"You are not helping," Aoshi retorted dryly.

Okina chuckled. "Listening to her arguments, I concede that she has a point. She has grown from the child you have taken care of. Admit it; you cannot shelter Misao forever."

"But I would like to try," Aoshi muttered.

Okina gazed at his granddaughter. "Misao, I will allow you to go with Aoshi, but I will have several conditions."

"I'll try to honor them if they are reasonable." Misao shrugged.

Despite the reply, Okina smiled. "Firstly, you must listen to Aoshi whenever it is concerning your security. He will know what to do best on unfamiliar territory. However you despise those orders, you will listen and obey him. Secondly, always carry your weapons with you, no matter where you go. In this country, Aoshi informed me, they wear Western gowns. Think about where you can hide and easily access your weapons. Lastly, do not be impulsive." He gazed at her. "Are we clear on this?"

Misao was silent for several minutes before she nodded. "They sound reasonable. I accept." She shot a triumphant grin at Aoshi. He glared back at her.

"Aoshi, you need to learn more about the country's situation." Okina said.

"I'm already starting on that. Bulgaria is not unfamiliar to me, but ten years is a long time. Much can change."

"Good. Misao," Okina turned to her with a secret smile. "I have a special task for you."

--

Sofia, Bulgaria

Kaoru looked sullen as she sat on the chair in front of the dresser. "I admire Tomoe for not complaining about these evil things." She said, eyeing the hairpins scattered on the surface. "Are you sure a few will not be enough? It is quite…painful." She winced as another poked hard her scalp. "Or can we not settle with ribbons? I like tying them in a simple style. Why does my hair need to be pinned up in elaborate ringlets?"

"My lady, hairstyles are part of the fashion of society. Everyone looks from the top of a lady's head to the tips of her slippers." Felia explained. "Besides, you have beautiful hair. Women flaunt their charms."

Kaoru scowled. "Well, I do not. It is not practical."

"Beauty is rarely practical, my lady." Felia replied amusedly.

Kaoru was thankfully almost the same size as Tomoe. She was dressed with little problems except a quick fix on the length. Although they were much alike, Tomoe was taller by an inch or two, but not tall enough to be commented upon. Kaoru admitted, as she looked at the mirror, that she looked wonderful. With her hair artfully pinned and the dress beautiful beyond words, she looked like the princess she dreamed about when her mother told about her court life.

"It's almost time, my lady." Felia said as she made last-minute checks. "His Majesty must be waiting."

"Let him wait," Kaoru replied crossly.

"But the people coming to the reception must be waiting, as well. There is a difference between coming fashionably late and coming very late."

She was reluctant to be in the presence of the king. It took much prodding in Felia's part to make Kaoru move faster. Kenshin was, indeed, already waiting, sitting on a lounge chair on one side of an end table. He was still dressed the same as when she last saw him, right down to the sword.

Kenshin liked the dress on her. It was deep azure with golden embroidered leaves scattered throughout the cloth underneath a black cloak with white lace trimmings. He was sure that she was not Tomoe; he observed everything to the very last detail. For instance, Kenshin knew that Tomoe had dark eyes the color of chocolate and coffee, and that they were almond-shaped. Tomoe wore plum perfume that reminded him of early springtime. Tomoe was also taller, graceful in an ethereal sense. Her temper was also as cool as frozen ice.

This woman who looked too much like Tomoe was Tomoe's counterpart in almost every aspect. Her eyes were what really gave her away—blue like the sea, and the corners slanted upwards. Her scent was milder; summer blooms and light breeze. She was lithe and had her own sort of grace. She moved like she was walking on water—soft, silent and dangerous. Her temper was what impressed Kenshin best. Fiery with flames that burned and a tongue sharper than a sword.

If Tomoe had not been adamant that she was marrying him out of duty, Kenshin believed he would have liked her. Tomoe had confessed to a lover, and Kenshin had politely asked her to set him free from the arrangement, but she was determined to see the marriage through, which until now he did not understand as to why.

"Kaoru," Kenshin murmured, bowing over her gloved hand then offered his arm. "Enishi is waiting with the carriage. He believes in punctuality."

"No barbs today? I am rested enough to win over you." Kaoru whispered.

"My initial welcomes of you are always the worst. I'm afraid your loathing of me returns twofold every time I see you again. You should know by now that I mellow down after the first, most contemptous remarks."

Kaoru turned away. "Loathing is such a strong word."

"But do remember that does not mean I stop entirely." Kenshin continued, smiling wickedly.

Kaoru returned her gaze back at him. "It really is too bad, my lord, but you should know that I become more of a hellion when given time. I vow, one day I will see you on your knees in front of me."

"What a brutal challenge," Kenshin drawled.

"No doubt you deserve your pride to be torn to shreds by a woman." Kaoru huffed.

"Lady, my pride has very little to do with your petty challenges." He scoffed.

She gave a slow, evil smile that disturbed Kenshin more than he could admit.

Enishi stood by the carriage, the door already open. "Your Highness." He bowed. "Let me help you up." Kaoru shot Kenshin a look, which he could roughly translate as, "A gentleman at last." Kenshin glared. Kaoru allowed him to help her inside, followed by Felia, who quickly arranged Kaoru's skirts. Kenshin alighted next before Enishi. An awaiting footman closed the door firmly and they were off, followed by ten bodyguards on horseback.

"Where is this reception to be held?" Kaoru asked.

"It is more of a small gathering than a reception, Your Highness." Enishi replied. "A courtier was honored to let us use his house for this occasion."

"I am surprised that this was not held in the palace itself."

Enishi shot Kenshin a wry look. "His Majesty does not like the idea of reporters in the palace walls."

Kaoru gave an exclamation. "There are to be reporters present?"

Kenshin sliced his hand through the air in an irritated motion. "They are not serious journalists. They are gossip writers that print tabloids containing unconfirmed rumors and scandals. These so-called reporters have destroyed more than their fair share of reputations and marriages." He tried but failed to contain a scowl. "I am vainly trying to erase their existence, but the people openly like reading their worthless news. It is a very hard fight, but I believe I'll win in the end."

Enishi turned to Kaoru to explain. "Several years before the death of the Queen, there was a published column that told of the previous King's hidden concubines. Apparently, they are not that hidden, and they managed to dig out more than quite a few. Needless to say, even though the Queen knew of her late husband's infidelity, it was distressing to read it in public paper." He said. "The Queen was already weak then, and was distraught by insult brought to the late King that she took to bed for several days. His Majesty has made every effort to close the tabloids since then."

"But why are they set out to come?" Kaoru inquired.

"There are apparently some rumors spreading that the union between Your Highness and His Majesty will result into unrest. There is another rumor floating around that you, Your Highness, are apparently courting a lover." Enishi said. Suddenly, the air became wrought with tension. Kaoru stiffened, Felia looked down on her hands, while Kenshin looked grimly on outside. After a moment, Enishi coughed and continued. "We are suppressing these ridiculous rumors, of course, but there is no stopping the curiousness of people."

"Apparently," Kaoru agreed.

They were halfway to their destination when there was a shout outside. Kenshin and Enishi went suddenly alert when they heard several gunshots outside. Kenshin immediately took hold of his sword. Enishi opened a secret compartment beneath the seat and took out his own sword. "It is a good thing, then, that I took precautions." Enishi said.

"What is happening?" Kaoru asked.

The carriage suddenly came into a sharp stop. Both Kaoru and Felia were not ready for it and tumbled forward. Enishi managed to catch both of them as Kenshin peered out cautiously. "You two, whatever happens, stay in the carriage." Kenshin ordered. "Enishi, we have company."

"We seem to always do," Enishi said lightly and righted the two women on their seats. "Do excuse me, Your Highness." He opened the door and jumped out, sword already drawn, leaving the sheath inside. Kenshin pointedly looked at them again. "Remember—stay!" He jumped out after Enishi and promptly closed the door. His gaze immediately went to four of his bodyguards already lying dead on the ground. The remaining guards were locked in combat. Enishi joined the fray. Kenshin noticed a hooded man coming towards him.

"Such lengths to kill me," Kenshin said.

The shoulders shrugged up imperceptibly. "It is not you we are after today, King." He replied and moved his head to the closed carriage. Kenshin's eyes narrowed.

"The princess."

"Yes. She is our target." He withdrew a pistol from his cloak. "Stand aside, King. Although I have no qualms in shooting you to get her, though, but I must see her dead first."

Kenshin drew his sword. "Then you must get past me to do so."

It was fortunate that the would-be assassin was not an accurate shot; Kenshin evaded in just in the nick of time. And then swords were clashing, the area surrounded by the sound. A wounded but still alive crony approached the carriage, throwing the doors open, then he gave a cry of pain when the heavy sheath slammed into his stomach. He fell down on the ground, writhing in pain. Out emerged Kaoru, the sheath clutched firmly with both hands as she positioned herself in a defensive pose. When another tried to strike her down, she gave a battle cry as she wielded her makeshift weapon to her attacker's throat, blocking his windpipe. He fell down unconscious.

The sounds of hooves came echoing into the path. Most of them stopped to see what was going on. Seeing armed men coming their way, the group of attackers moved quickly to retreat, some managing to escape into the nearby woods, others captured with the sword tips near their chests. Kenshin nodded, recognizing the house colors of a noble family living not far from the road.

"Your Majesty, are you unharmed?" One of Kenshin's personal guards asked.

Deeming not to answer the question, Kenshin turned and tried to keep his temper in check as he strode towards Kaoru, still holding Enishi's sword sheath in her hands. "Did I or did I not tell you to stay inside the carriage?" He asked, his voice strained by anger.

"I cannot very well just do nothing when an assassin tried to kill us inside, now would I?" Kaoru retorted hotly, rubbed wrong by his fury. "I was lucky enough to notice the Prime Minister's sheath. I am most thankful." Enishi gave a gracious nod in acceptance of her thanks and took the sheath from her.

"And you have experience in how to fight?" Kenshin demanded.

Kaoru stiffened. "Enough." She replied, turning her head away. She knew, then, that it was a bad move to make when she saw several mutilated bodies bathed in blood. Now that the adrenaline of the fight left her, she gave a gasp at the ghastly sight, paling until she was chalk-white. Her knees gave way to her trembling and she collapsed in a heap, her eyes never straying. Following her line of sight and cursing, Kenshin promptly swept her up and placed her inside the carriage, settling her gently next to Felia, who looked considerably distressed.

"Enishi, tell them that the reception has been cancelled." Kenshin ordered. "Ride with the guards and do not return to the palace until I've sent additional men to protect you."

Enishi nodded and was given immediately a horse. After giving instructions, the carriage was turned around back towards the palace.

"How does she fare?" Kenshin asked as he gazed at Kaoru's complexion.

"She is mostly in shock, Your Majesty. She has never seen such bloody carnage before." Felia wiped Kaoru's cold forehead. Kenshin refrained from retorting that the bodies were not enough to constitute a "carnage". Instead, he took out the coach blankets and helped wrapped it around Kaoru, trying to keep the worst of the shock at bay. When they arrived at the palace, Kenshin jumped out from the carriage without waiting a footman to open the doors and gathered Kaoru in his arms and carried her. Felia managed to walk in front, fussing over her. The maids immediately opened the door to Kaoru's chambers. Felia pushed away the covers from the bed. Kenshin brought her down and was relieved enough to see that Kaoru had managed to slip into unconsciousness.

"Send for Dr. Takani." Kenshin commanded a hovering footman outside the door.

"At once, Your Majesty!"

Kenshin glanced at Felia. "There is no need to worry. Dr. Takani is capable. She will help with your mistress." He assured her. "If you excuse me, I must see to other affairs." He looked down on Kaoru's sleeping face, lines of concern appearing briefly on his forehead before disappearing, and he went out of the room.

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It is popularly said that when you want things done, you have to do it yourself. I found that whoever said it has taken more than his fair share of disappointments. I, too, began to believe this short philosophy. The assassins I've hired are imbeciles, the lot of them. They could not even kill one slip of a girl. In my rage, I killed the small number of escapees and regretted it instantly, for I soiled my blade in killing these puny people not worth of my time. But I felt some satisfaction in watching the blood flow on the ground. Red and green do make a beautiful combination.

I want his pain. I want to see his face twist in agony as I stab my sword—especially crafted—through his heart. I want it so badly I dream of it, and there stems my impatience. My hands shake with the need, and I laugh as I look at my bloodied sword. Not long from now, not long at all will my dreams be a fervent reality.

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To be continued...

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Notes: Finally I've finished this chapter. This was late in coming. I blame my kittens for pulling out my letter keys on my keyboard and the fact that I had to pool money to buy a new one. Pulling out keys! Now, I've even gone out of my way to make sure it never happens again!

Thanks to the following who reviewed:
celestialfirefox, sulou, Kaoru4, inukensgurl, Queen Hermy Penguin, ixchen, yuMeNami, Jasmine blossom625, PaCT, mischka, SoreNoMiko, NEeLLoC, Seikkyokuka

skenshingumi - It's not an open secret, but it's known by Kenshin (because she confessed it), Enishi (because he's Kenshin's Prime Minister) and Felia (can you honestly hide anything from your personal maid?). With Kenshin's obnoxiousness, it's true he wasn't (much) like that in the original version, but after much contemplation, I think most people would be feeling bitter in marrying a future spouse that you know has someone on the side. I know I would.

Obsequious101 - I blame this on author's creative license, but if that doesn't help...Tomoe has dark brown eyes, while Kaoru might have blue eyes, I've always imagined her with "eyes like sapphire". A sapphire gem, when in dim light, is quite dark in color. A bit lame, LOL. It's a fanfic, right? XD