Lady Samurai

Chapter 71

Lord Takeda rode at the head of his entourage, seemingly deep in thought. He was tired and very impatient to reach Kyōto. He missed Lottie with all his heart, but had to admit he felt a vague sense of unease remembering a few Geisha he was obliged to invite to his residence during the stay in Edo. It would have raised more than a few eyebrows if he hadn't. But now he felt guilty. All of them were young, beautiful and highly skilled in all arts; especially, in the art of love. And although he had enjoyed that as a quick release, he couldn't stop thinking about Lottie. Even now the mere thought of her stirred his desire and with each heartbeat sent a heat coursing through his body, which made his ride in the saddle quite uncomfortable.

With her it was always more than just desire. He longed to hold her in his arms and just feel her body next to his. He missed her eccentric sense of humour and her honesty, even if sometimes what she said wasn't what he wanted to hear. He recalled talking about her to Lord Matsuda: 'When love comes to us in the later years, it's not a fleeting affection of the youth. It defines us completely and brings perhaps the last chance for happiness.'

He sighed deeply, both with impatience and anticipation and spurred his horse.

*

Takeda did not expect to find anybody on his arrival at the Kyōto residence, as he knew that they all lived now at the palace. Therefore, he was surprised to see a group of his samurai waiting in the courtyard. They all bowed low in greeting; he acknowledged them, but left them be. He dismounted stiffly and entered the house. Hearing distant voices, he went towards them. Unexpectedly, the door in front of him slid open and someone literally walked into him. He recognised her instantly. To be precise, his body recognised her, instantly reacting to her touch and her smell.

Realising it was him, she dropped to one knee in samurai greeting. "My Lord," She bowed her head.

"Lottie, what a surprise." He smiled happily, moving closer to embrace her.

She however rose and stepped back a few paces, turning to standing behind her Steward. "Prepare immediately a bath and a meal for the Lord. Give orders to cook for the soldiers and send for more supplies to be delivered."

"Hai, My Lady." The Steward bowed low and disappeared to do his duty.

"My Lord, had we known about your arrival..."

"I wanted it to be a surprise." He smiled.

"Please, allow me to escort you now to your rooms." She bowed again.

He looked at her questioningly. "What has happened? Are you not happy with my return?" He joked. But she refused to meet his gaze; she was afraid to see there the truth she didn't want to know. "Lottie," He stepped quickly towards her and embraced her. "Tell me, what is wrong?"

She finally looked at him. "My Lord." She whispered, but she was unable to continue.

Hikaru leaned in and kissed her passionately. Both, his kiss and... his body told her that he still desired her. She returned the kiss and allowed her body to fit his.

"That's better." He smiled, seeing the expression of happiness on her face. "For a moment there I was worried."

When he let her go, she bowed again. "My Lord, allow me now tend to your comfort."

He just nodded, allowing her to lead the way to the bath house. Once there, he sent everybody away with a wave of his hand and embraced her again. It was quite evident what his intentions were. Her body responded to his touch as if with a mind of its own and they made love there and then, with a tiled floor for a bed.

Afterwards, they just lay there for a long while, trying to catch their breath, wrapped in other's arms, relishing that moment of pure happiness.

"Well, my little Lottie," He nuzzled her neck. "Now I KNOW that you've missed me."

"My Lord... Hikaru, each moment away from you was insufferable." She confessed.

"So why were you so cold before?"

"I..." She stumbled. "It's a long story, My Lord." She rose. "You are tired and my first duty is to attend to you."

She helped him to wash and dress in a fresh kimono. Then she led him to his rooms where she served him during a meal.

"My Lord, do you wish to send a message to Lady Mariko?" She asked after he finished.

"No. It can wait until tomorrow."

"I will have to report that I'm going to stay here. Perhaps Nabutada-San could carry both messages?" She suggested.

"Darling Lottie, always thinking of others." He smiled, understanding her intention of allowing Mariko and her betrothed some time together. He ordered Nabutada to be brought in and gave him a message for his sister. "It's late, so if she has already retired, stay there until tomorrow."

"Hai, My Lord." Nabutada bowed and left.

"My Lord, you should rest now." She said when the meal had been cleared.

"What gave you the impression I want to rest?" He embraced her once more. "I'm not as old as you seem to suggest."

She loved that mischievous spark in his eyes. She loved him.

This time the Lord took his time, kissing and caressing every inch of her body, rediscovering that feeling of serenity and contentment he could experience with no one but her.

When she finally fell asleep, wrapped in his arms and satisfied, she felt absolutely happy. Hikaru was back. And he still loved her.

*

Nobody dared disturb them and when they finally awoke, the sun was already high in the sky.

A deep sigh of happiness and contentment escaped Hikaru. "You have no idea how I've missed you." He traced the contours of her body with his finger.

"I've missed you too, My Lord."

"We have so much to talk about." He rose on his elbow and looked at her face. He noticed the blackness of her hair wearing off. "Have you abandoned the pretence of dyeing of your hair black?"

"Yes. Everybody knows who I am anyway, so there's no point."

"I've always preferred you with the golden hair." He murmured, lowering himself back down. She had a pretty good idea as to his intentions and tried to get up, but he pulled her back. "I want to spend the whole day like this." He declared. "Let's announce that I'm not well after a long journey and you are tending to your elderly Lord."

She burst out laughing at that. "Judging by your virility, you're not so old, My Lord. And nobody who knows you would believe it."

"Why can't a Lord spend the whole day in bed?" He murmured, feigning a tantrum.

"Precisely, because he is a Lord." She retorted. "And I have my own duties."

"Your primary duty should be to your Lord!" He feigned outrage. "And if your Lord tells you he is old and not well, you must attend to him."

"My Lord, I'm your samurai, not your nanny." She mocked, using her old argument.

They laughed together, realising how much they both missed this feeling of the carefree connection.

"Very well, then." He grumbled eventually, rising. "But I want you to move back with me now. Enough of that flirting with the courtiers."

"As you wish, My Lord." She hid a happy grin.