The Tailor and the Prince

by Pelaam

  “Do not say it.” Ichirou sat up, kissing Bertie desperately. “To say anything aloud would be treason.”

  “I understand. I’ll go. But I promise, I’ll return.” Bertie didn’t want to go. Every instinct he possessed told him to stay.

  “You must leave now. Before I cannot bear to let you go.” Ichirou lost what little strength he possessed and sagged back onto the bed. As he did, his hair slipped to the side, revealing a bruise on his throat.

  Bertie was about to reach out for it, when Cherry Blossom grabbed his hand and pulled him away.

  “Now, Bertie-san. If you’re discovered here, Ichirou will be disgraced.”

  That thought pushed all else from Bertie’s mind. He would not be the cause of any such thing and allowed himself to be led from the room.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The best place for Bertie to be with such fury bubbling inside him was with Tom and Hayate. And since he now knew Takeshi would be watching for him, it was also the most prudent place to be.

  “Good morning, Bertie.” Tom looked up as Bertie entered the workshop. “We were told the prince is indisposed today. Have you heard anything more?”

  “A great deal more. Take a seat and I’ll tell you.” Bertie waited for Tom and Hayate to sit down before telling them what had happened.

  His friends sat in silence as Bertie explained everything. The only thing he didn’t confess to his friends was his growing affection for the prince. That was something he needed to come to terms with himself, before even sharing it with Tom.

  “Will the prince be all right, Bertie-san?” Hayate asked, his expression reflecting his concern for Ichirou.

  “Oh, I’m sure of it.” Bertie nodded emphatically, trying to push aside the memory of how fragile Ichirou had looked lying in bed. “He has the best of care.”

  “He’s a very good man. A good prince. He cares for his people.” Hayate shook his head. “It would be a great loss to us all. He has no heir. If anything happens to him, Takeshi, as most senior member of the royal household, would take over.”

  “Perhaps Takeshi is keen to take advantage of that.” Bertie smacked a fist onto his hand and began to pace the floor. “I don’t trust that man.”

  “Bertie-san, you must not say such thing aloud. If anyone else were to hear you and report it, you could be imprisoned for treason.”

  “Just for saying I don’t trust him?” Bertie looked at Hayate who nodded earnestly. “But surely, it’s treason only if I speak against Ichirou?”

  “Yes, Bertie-san. You must understand that Takeshi represents the prince. To criticize him, is to criticize prince Ichirou.”

  “I see.” Bertie sank into a chair and stared at Hayate. “Then I will have to take care. But I will not be dishonest with my friends. I do not trust that man, and I told Ichirou to make sure he keeps a guard, one he trusts implicitly, close by.”

  “Do you think Takeshi did something to Ichirou?” Tom asked, his eyes wide.

  “Maybe.” Bertie ran a hand through his hair. “He desperately wants Ichirou to close the deal with Felton. Now we have another delay while Ichirou recovers. And another opportunity for Takeshi to try to force his wishes on Ichirou at a time when he’s vulnerable.”

  “What now, then?” Tom asked.

  “We fix Hayate’s balloon. If she can, Cherry Blossom will try and smuggle me to see Ichirou again, but it’s not easy, and could even prove dangerous. If anyone asks where I am, you must say I’m taking a walk in the gardens.”

  “Don’t worry, Bertie. We won’t give you or the prince away, will we Hayate?” Tom patted Bertie’s shoulder and Hayate shook his head.

  “If you are a favorite of the prince, I owe more fealty to you than to Takeshi.” Hayate bowed to Bertie. “Your secret will be safe with me.”

  “Thank you. Both of you. Now, you’d better show me what I can do to help. I need something to keep me occupied.”

  ****

  The day dragged by with interminable slowness for Bertie. He was unable to offer any real help whatsoever to Hayate or Tom. Between them, they seemed to have things well under control. The repairs to the balloon were well under way, and Bertie was relegated to fetching and carrying the tools.

  Afternoon was waning into evening before Cherry Blossom made another appearance. This time, Bertie followed the geisha through the palace. Cherry Blossom constantly shuffled ahead, and then indicated when it was safe for Bertie to hurry to join her before moving on.

  Despite the delay, Bertie understood Cherry Blossom’s caution. The last thing he wanted was to cause problems or, worse yet, get himself expelled from the palace. Even the contract was no longer of any importance, only Ichirou.

  When they reached Ichirou’s suite, a wave of relief washed over Bertie to see that Ichirou now sat up in bed and was looking much better. Ichirou held out his hands and Bertie hurried to perch at Ichirou’s bedside.

  “You look so much better.”

  “I feel better. Kiss me.” Ichirou tugged at Bertie’s hands to pull him closer.

  When their lips met, Bertie felt more assured as Ichirou not only pressed his lips firmly to Bertie’s but also ran his tongue across them, silently requesting entrance. Opening his mouth, Bertie welcomed Ichirou’s questing tongue, sliding his own against the prince’s slick, eager muscle.

  When Bertie eased slowly back, Ichirou patted the bed.

  “Stretch out beside me. I want to enjoy the feel of you so close.”

  Without hesitation, Bertie did as the prince wished, and Ichirou shifted sinuously to lay with his chest pressed to Bertie’s.

  “As much as I want to feel your skin against mine, it’s too dangerous.” Ichirou whispered in between kisses. “If you’re caught here, it would be exile for me, and banishment for you. You’d lose any chance of the contract for silk, and your name, along with that of your store, would be sullied in my country.”

  “I don’t care for anything to do with the contract.” Bertie feathered kisses against Ichirou’s smooth cheek. “Only you. You’re the most important thing. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

  “Oh, Bertie. As foolish as this is, I cannot control my heart. I-I love you.”

  “And I love you. It isn’t foolish. Not at all.” Bertie’s heart soared at Ichirou’s confession, even though he knew there was no way for a common man such as himself to be the chosen consort of the prince. Takeshi is bad enough just over the silk trade. I can’t imagine how he’d react to hearing Ichirou declare his love. “We have whatever time is left while I’m here, and I give you my word I’ll come back as many times as I can.”

  It wouldn’t be enough. Not nearly enough, but it was all that Bertie could offer, and more than he could ever have hoped for.

  Chapter Sixteen

  When Bertie woke the next morning, he was surprised, but delighted to receive the news from Keitaro that Ichirou was well enough to get out of bed. But his delight turned rapidly to concern when he caught his first glimpse of the prince.

  If anything, Ichirou looked as pale and drawn as he had first thing the previous day and shuffled slowly between Takeshi and Makoto. All the vivaciousness that Bertie associated with him had gone. Worse still, he seemed to be listening more to Takeshi, who leaned in close, speaking almost continually.

  When Ichirou took his place on the golden throne, Makoto stood to one side, darting the odd glance in Ichirou’s direction. Although as a trained soldier his expression remained impassive, Bertie saw the concern in his dark eyes.

  Worse of all, was the look of triumph Takeshi sent Bertie, and his heart plummeted. He’s too weak to argue. Ichirou should still be in bed and Takeshi’s taking full advantage of his weakness.

  “I should call your compatriots, Blackwood-san. They, too, should hear what the prince has to say.” Takeshi strode away, becoming engrossed in speaking to one of the courtiers and Bertie leaned toward Keitaro.

  “I suppose they should be here. I think I’m about to lose out to Felton.
Thanks more to Takeshi than any direct competition from him.”

  “I’m sorry, Bertie-san. Something is very wrong. I heard Makoto offering to resign as captain, but Ichirou wouldn’t accept it. I think that argument drained the prince. I haven’t had a chance to speak to Makoto. I don’t understand why he would even consider leaving prince Ichirou at the time the prince needs him most. Things are not right here.” Keitaro shook his head. “The dreams I had last night—of a dragon, and blood, and big glowing eyes. There is evil in the palace.”

  His gaze not leaving Ichirou, Bertie remembered the talk he and Makoto had over his position as captain. A man as concerned as he was, willing to give up his own chance of love and happiness, doesn’t abandon his prince so easily. Something has happened.

  With a quick glance around to ensure Takeshi wasn’t anywhere near, Bertie took a few steps forward, before dropping to one knee as close as he dared to where Ichirou sat staring unseeingly ahead.

  “Ichi-chan, it’s Bertie. Do you recognize me?”

  For a moment, Ichirou’s eyes remained glassy and unfocused. Bertie grunted as the medallion he wore suddenly felt hot against his skin, but it seemed to be the impetus Ichirou needed.

  The prince frowned, blinked, then looked down at Bertie, the light of recognition slowly replacing the blank stare. Bertie’s heart lifted as Ichirou’s lips curved into a smile.

  “Bertie-chan.” Ichirou looked around, then back at Bertie. “How did I get here?”

  “Makoto,” Bertie called softly to the captain. “Ichirou was mesmerized in some way. We must keep him away from Takeshi while he gains his strength.”

  “Are you sure you still trust me, my prince?” Makoto’s eyes were filled with pain and shame. “I, like the others, fell asleep while on duty. Surely it was an unforgivable act?”

  “Something made you fall asleep. Like it attacked me. Our protections aren’t strong enough.” Ichirou stood, swaying slightly. “I cannot resist Takeshi’s demands. I want to, but find I say what he wants. Take me away from here. Now.”

  “As you command.” Makoto hurried to Ichirou’s side. “Bertie-san, we shall be in the garden, in Ichirou’s secret glade. Get Cherry Blossom, she was dismissed by Takeshi from attending to the prince. She knows where to come, and the charms to gain entrance. It’s the safest place I can think of right now.”

  “When Takeshi returns, tell him I’ve changed my mind, and wish to be left alone. I’ll be waiting for you, Bertie-chan.”

  “You can rely on me.” Bertie rose to his feet, took a deep breath, and drew himself to his full height. I don’t know what happened, but I’m certain Takeshi is at the bottom of it. He watched in an agony of impatience as Makoto helped Ichirou out into the garden.

  They made it just in time. A moment later, Keitaro returned with a pale-faced Tom. Hayate was behind them and was casting anxious glances in Tom’s direction.

  “Are we being sent home, Bertie?” Tom asked. “Keitaro said the prince seemed enthralled by Takeshi.”

  “No. We are not.” Bertie shook his head firmly. “Enthralled … hmmm, no. More like in thrall.”

  “I don’t understand.” Tom’s expression reflected his utter confusion, but Bertie just patted his friend’s shoulder.

  “Not now. Keitaro,” Bertie leaned in close to the soldier. “Makoto has taken the prince out into the garden. To his secret glade. We need Cherry Blossom. Wait.”

  At the sudden return of Takeshi, Bertie fell silent. The man hid his emotions well, but his fury was almost palpable when he saw the empty throne. But it wasn’t Bertie he addressed. Felton and Madam Kana were with him and Takeshi took a step closer to the woman.

  “He’s gone.” Takeshi’s voice was tight with repressed anger, but when Madam Kana hissed at him, Takeshi took two hasty steps back.

  “So we can see.” Madam Kana’s voice was low and menacing. “You had best find him. I’m sure he’s not well enough to be wandering around on his own. Come, Felton. There’s nothing we can do here.” Kana slipped her arm through Felton’s, but before she left, she shot a venomous glance at Bertie.

  Although it was no more than a look, Bertie felt as if he’d been hit by a physical blow and almost staggered back. For a second or two, all Bertie saw was a dark creature, with red eyes and long teeth crouched over Ichirou.

  Reaching for his medallion, the image vanished, and Bertie took a step forward, but Kana and Felton were already walking away.

  “Bertie? You all right? For a minute there you went as white as a sheet.” At the concerned tone in Tom’s voice, Bertie turned to his friend with what he hoped was a reassuring smile.

  “Yes. Fine.”

  “Do you have any idea where the prince has gone, Blackwood-san?” Takeshi folded his arms and glowered at Bertie.

  “No.” Bertie adopted his most innocent expression and shook his head. “He suddenly looked up, spoke to Makoto, and they left. He didn’t tell me where he was going.” That’s no lie. It was Makoto.

  “Take a care, Blackwood-san. There are ancient forces here. Tradition will be respected. Prince Ichirou will adhere to those traditions or his … position as prince will be forfeit. I hope you understand.”

  “I do, indeed. And allow me to tell you, that nothing is more important to me than the position of Prince Ichirou. I hope you understand.” Bertie had never meant anything as much as his thinly veiled confession to Takeshi.

  Of all the emotions he’d imagined the powerful courtier may have let slip from behind his mask, fear wasn’t the one Bertie expected. But even as it registered in Bertie’s mind, Takeshi was already shutting it down and hurrying from the room.

  “Blimey, Bertie. You really shocked him there. I hope you didn’t go too far.”

  “No.” Bertie shook his head. “In fact, I think the opposite. Takeshi was afraid. Something I said unsettled him so much his façade cracked. Keitaro, we’ll wait in the garden while you get Cherry Blossom. I would like to keep Takeshi unsettled.”

  “I’ll be right back, Bertie-san.” Keitaro bowed, and as he hurried from the throne room, Bertie led his friends out into the garden, and down to Ichirou’s pond.

  That Cherry Blossom, or rather, Natsu, crept up on them through the gardens without anyone spotting him, helped reassure Bertie that Ichirou’s friends were every bit as loyal and resourceful as he could have hoped for.

  “I’ll keep low.” Natsu whispered as Bertie and his friends feigned sudden interest in the pool. “Follow me and look as if all you’re doing is taking a stroll. Takeshi may have his men watching from the palace balconies trying to see where you go. I’m afraid it’s going to be a bit of a convoluted walk.”

  As he set off, with Tom and Hayate chatting beside him, all Bertie wanted was to see Ichirou. And if I have an hour’s walk ahead of me, I don’t care in the least.

  The walk was far less than that. Natsu led them into more dense areas of the garden, before finally rising to his feet and heading toward what looked like a natural archway created by two cherry blossom trees.

  As they approached, Bertie watched as Natsu chanted, the trees rustled, and then Natsu indicated for them to proceed.

  “Hurry, please. The portal opens only briefly.”

  With Bertie leading the way, they ran through the archway, and into a totally different part of the garden. Spotting Ichirou sitting on the grass, leaning into Makoto’s legs, his head resting in the captain’s lap, Bertie didn’t stop until he dropped to his knees before the prince.

  “Ichirou. Are you all right?” he asked.

  “Bertie-chan.” Ichirou opened his eyes slowly and smiled.

  “You look much better.” Bertie wasn’t just saying it. Ichirou did look better. The pallor had receded, a little color blooming on the prince’s cheeks.

  “I feel better here. Makoto says the bruises on my throat have grown less vivid. I feel safe, stronger, more able to think for myself.” He held out his hands. “Thank you for coming to me.”

  “I would never
abandon you. Never.” Bertie clasped Ichirou’s hands and held tight. A frisson tingled his fingers and his medallion suddenly felt heavy. A sudden notion sprang to Bertie’s mind Although Bertie was certain that the prince would have talismans of protection of his own, an irresistible urge made him undo the necklace. He caught the medallion just as it slipped from his neck.

  “Wear it, please.” Bertie held it out to Ichirou.

  “Bertie, such a talisman is very powerful.” The prince’s eyes widened as he gazed at the medallion. “It should remain with the person for which it was intended.”

  “My mother never felt it was truly hers and passed it to me. I-I feel it should be worn by you. If you don’t feel comfortable with it on, I’ll take it back. Otherwise, even if you return it to me when I go back to England, at least wear it while I’m here. Please.”

  If Ichirou had asked him what was so important to Bertie that he took the medallion, he couldn’t have put it into words. All Bertie knew was just how important it was to him.

  “If he isn’t happy, I will give him back. But you must put him in place.” Ichirou leaned forward slightly, whispering the words as if afraid someone may hear.

  “Turn around, Ichi-chan.” Bertie waited until Ichirou knelt in place, then carefully settled the talisman around the prince’s slender neck, fastening it securely.

  When Ichirou turned to face him, the medallion lay just out of sight, and Ichirou laid his fingertips against it and nodded.

  “He approves. I will wear it and think of you.” Ichirou closed the last of the distance between them, pecking a soft kiss to Bertie’s cheek.

  “I have to go back to the palace.” Makoto rose to his feet.

  “We can’t stay here too long.” Natsu went to Makoto’s side, gazing up at the warrior. “It’s only meant to be a place of seclusion, to hide in for a short time. Apart from which, Takeshi will have the palace in uproar if the prince doesn’t return.”

  “I wish I could just float away, leave my cares behind.” Ichirou’s sigh was soul deep, but as the prince looked up at the sky, Bertie had a sudden idea.