Chapter Eighty: Day Two.
Christina's Arc: Bend or Break
I waited on the sofa as Antwon stretched himself upon the floor like a slain fool. The sun had made its appearance, marking the end of our stay at his premarital home. Donte woke him up early to get a head start on finishing his hair, so when I woke, he was already gone.
Yua sat next to me, hugging a throw pillow and her katana. She stayed with me because she had to, but I know that she wanted nothing more than to be with her husband and daughter.
I brushed my hand through my hair.
I'll give her a few days off with pay once we return.
Antwon's stepmother emerged from the hallway. She looked tired, yet satisfied. She stepped before me and bowed.
"Thank you for all you've done for us, Your Majesty."
But I hadn't done anything…
"You're—
A pillow was thrown, smacking her on the side of her head.
"Stop embarrassing me, Yuriko," Antwon's father said. We made eye contact for a moment, then he looked down and continued with Antwon's hair.
I blinked, not sure what I had done.
Yua leaned over, brushing against my shoulder. "They had sex last night. She's thanking you for helping her get laid," she said, then returned to hugging her comfort objects.
I sighed.
If only it were that easy for me, then I wouldn't need twenty-four days, and I could stay here without opposition.
Yuriko stood. "Can I get you anything?"
I shook my head. She smiled and walked away.
I hate it… I hate that I do like it, that I haven't had to remind them that I'm higher than they'll ever be. I hate that I laughed modestly.
Sakura appeared. She walked toward me, bowed, then sat down next to me. "Good morning, Christina. Did you sleep well?"
I nodded.
I hate how friendly they are…I'm taking their son. He's mine, so why don't they hate me? They should have poisoned my food, or attacked us in our sleep, or even held me ransom.
"You're all done, Antwon."
I'm supposed to be feared. My face, my likeness, should strike terror and dread in the land itself.
"Ms. Tetsusen, are you okay?"
I'll burn my wrath across this land because it's all I can do.
"Ms. Tetsusen!" Yua screamed.
I blinked.
"Why are you screaming, Yua?" I asked. My breathing was steady; I didn't sense danger.
"Please, sheath my blade…"
"What?"
I looked around, confused. I don't remember standing. Yua reached over, taking hold of her blade, which I released without struggle. Antwon, Sakura, Yuriko, and Donte all stared, faces dripping with trepidation.
The sound of a sheathed blade cried its refrain.
"Well, your hair is done, and so is our stay. Pack what you want to bring home, Antwon."
Antwon stood up, eyes locked on me.
I stepped toward Antwon, and he stepped back. I could press the issue, but I'm not in a position to do so. But he would not remain here.
"Antwon, you cannot stay here, so don't get any inane ideas. Once again, and I do hate to repeat myself, make ready because we are going home." I looked at Yua, and she held up a bag with our dirty clothing. "Good, go check the car to ensure no one tampered with it."
She hesitated. "Are you sure that you want me to leave you alone?"
I thought about how much pain I was in after Sakura hit me, but evading her was easy; dodging all of them might be challenging.
"Are you truly worried about me, Yua?"
She frowned, saying more than words could ever say. "I'm not worried about you; I'm more concerned for them, but that's not my job."
Sakura stood.
"I'll go with you to check your car…Yua," Sakura said.
They walked out together, and Antwon went to his room to pack. I didn't bother following him because we were on the third floor. I couldn't stop him from jumping, but I don't think he would.
"Christina," Mr. Carter said with wet eyes, "It was nice having you over; I'm sorry if I offended you." He bowed his head, and the sound of tears touching the wooden floor could be heard.
"Don't bow, Mr. Carter. We're family." But his whimpers drowned out any instruction or comfort I gave him.
I started down the hall to retrieve Antwon, but he was headed in my direction, holding a few small bags. I tried to smile, but couldn't.
"Let me help you, Antwon."
"You've helped. Trust me," he said as he walked past me.
My jaw tightened, my fists clenched, and my blood boiled. I turned, wanting to wring his neck for his insolence.
Had I genuinely allowed my desires to cloud my judgment?
I followed him out of the house and down the stairs. I watched him the way I'd watch him in school; the way I'd watch him sleep, but he didn't speak.
When we made it to the car, Yua and Sakura were talking about something that made them both smile. Sakura reached for Antwon, but he ignored her, placing himself in the back seat. The look on her face brought me joy, and then rage.
Sakura bowed as I approached.
"Safe travels, your grace," Sakura said, bowing her head.
I wanted to hit her, not because she pissed me off, because she did, but because I couldn't hit him. Yua opened my door. The panic in her eyes was enough to alert me to the growing danger, but what threat?
I didn't acknowledge Sakura; I simply walked around her and got into my car.
***
The car ride to the border of Yamanashi felt longer than it ever had. Antwon and I sat on opposite sides of the car, looking out of the window. He hugged one of the bags he brought without making a sound or even sighing. But I wanted him to be close to me the way he was last night.
I looked toward Yua. I reached for her while she was driving, and she glanced back at me, eyes filled with panic.
Had Trish called?
I picked at my fingernails…like some insecure beast, waiting for slaughter.
I leaned towards him. "Antwon," I said in a whisper. He didn't respond. I sat back in my seat and gazed out the window, still picking.
"So, Mr. Carter. Your family seems nice…You know, I hope that one day, your family can meet mine, so we can bond," Yua said.
…
He's upset, Yua.
"What's your last name again, Yua?"
"Oh, it's Kurogane."
…
"I've met your family; I think I'm good," Antwon said.
"Oh, you met my Mom. She—"
"I know what she is."
"Geez, I'm sorry I said anything."
…
"When did you meet Subaki, Antwon?"
"Why?"
Why can't anyone just comply?
"Because Subaki never moves unless ordered by Trish, so if you ran into her, it was by design." I waited, and Yua looked back in the rearview mirror, but only in glances.
"Antwon—"
"When I tried to leave the room…she was waiting for me."
Tried to leave the room? It's not as if he was condemned to it.
"You say that as if you were supposed to stay there for the rest of your life. You could have left the room anytime you wanted."
He gently tapped his head against the window.
"Whatever."
"But why was my Mom waiting for you?"
He sighed. "To bring me to Christina's mother."
Why the fuck did she summon him? I told her to leave him the hell alone, that I would ask him about… Fucking stupid woman.
"W-what did she want?" Yua asked.
I looked at her, and she shook her head.
…
"What did she want, Antwon?"
He looked at me for the first time on the ride home. His eyes were a dull green before finding the space between us. I unbuckled my seatbelt and slid beside him. He didn't flinch. But I didn't touch him.
"It doesn't matter, Christina."
"It matters to me, Antwon."
…
"May I… May we…" I picked at my fingernails and sighed.
"If you're going to do that, then go back to your side of the car."
Impudent.
I started to move when Antwon grabbed my leg. I could only imagine the warmth of his hand through Sakura's sweatpants. His eyes stayed focused on his hand as if he were afraid…of me, who swore to protect him.
"I thought that…you were having a good time. But I guess not. I won't make that mistake again; I won't bring you here—"
I covered his mouth with my hand and kissed the back of it. Technically, I didn't break the contract, but it wasn't satisfying.
His eyes met mine, searching for answers.
"I…don't want you to stop. I want to keep trying; just give me some time, and maybe a few more guards…"
I moved my hand from his mouth. I knew that one small gesture wouldn't alter his current mood, but the surprise on his face was a nice change. He leaned his head against the window, now with wide green eyes, but he still held me close.
I looked toward Yua, who smiled. But I couldn't help but wonder what was going through Antwon's head.
***
Antwon's thoughts…
I didn't get enough sleep to deal with this. She's fine, and then she's holding swords, and then she's grumpy…Maybe she's hungry and sucks at saying it… Whatever. I can't tell her about what her mom did; then she'll get angry again…Sakura, you'd better win.