The Prince and the Priestess

[Raja kumarie]

I envelope him in my arms stroking his hair

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

Ryuu sobs quietly in his wife's arms, finally able to put down the stoicism his father demands and just grieve. 

[Raja kumarie]

His grief hits me like a wall and I too can't help but cry for him. After a while his grip losens and I sit on our bed pulling him into my lap. I stroke his hair and back and sing gently the prayers for rest. When I finish and he stills I kids the top of his head 'i love you " I whisper

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"daisuki," he replies, which translates roughly to " giant like [you]" but is often used instead of the more traditional verb for "love" that she used, "aishiteru", literally meaning " am loving [you]". 

[Raja kumarie]

It takes time but finally he settles. I gently sit him up and dry his face

"My love, I know you're grieving but I must ask... What now? What happens to us now that you are the heir?"

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"I..." His face twists oddly. "I suppose I am, aren't I? Gods and spirits. I will have to... I will have to learn quite a lot very quickly. I may not have time for you for a while."

[Raja kumarie]

"that . ..  that's not what I'm worried about" I say softly " time away to learn new things is expected but... You said your salf that as heir you wouldn't be allowed to marry me...will they make you take a second wife?"

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

He stiffens, voice strangled. "They may try... my father may want... to annul the marriage. We haven't reproduced, yet, and... he could claim..."

[Raja kumarie]

Promise me if they ask you to take another bride you let me pick her for you." I say starting to cry" I want you to be happy and if I impead that then I shall return to my temple but only once one who can love you as I do is found"

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"No," he says firmly, perhaps the only time she's heard him use the word directly. "No. I will not let them... I won't let you go. I can't do this without you, Raja."

[Raja kumarie]

It is my turn now to cling to him crying holding the man I have only learned today in the face of loss that I have fallen in love with.  "I won't go anywhere love I will stay by you always. On my life I swear it!" I say pulling back from him and wiping my eyes

"As we are to do this together how then my heart shall we proceed? As you must learn new things so to must I. That is clear, but Ryuu how do I support you?"

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"I... I know you've been struggling... with being... with being yasashii." The word is... well it literally means something like 'gentle' or 'nice', but the philosophy behind it is that women should be quiet, softspoken, pulling strings from behind the shadows rather than grasping for power. "But... it's life or death, now. I can't afford dishonor, not anymore."

[Raja kumarie]

Ii nod gently " silence has never been my strong point... Perhaps that's why my mother sent me to the temple and not the palace to study. In the temple we are as free as any and it has been an adjustment....I can't promise perfection but I will always do my best.....even if it is my Hindi best" I tease bibing my head with a small smile  "I will be demur in public and will keep my time outside the house limited as I can't give up riding forever but we will both be disguised as to not be recognized. I'll even get more robes to wear and set lotus blossom to use her contacts for finding other noble wives to connect with..... I may also require an assistant to help with editing my letters....."
  My mind is racing. Quite isnt my strong point but planning certainly is. I will need to grow new relationships and so will Ryuu and we will need to be in step with one another to be safe. There is much to do

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

Ryuu plants a kiss on her cheek. "Thank you, my wife. I know it will be difficult for us both, but I believe we can do this."

[Raja kumarie]

"yes you are right there's much to do but still my husband there must be time to mourn how long is your morning.