The Prince and the Priestess

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"Fourty-nine days, but it doesn't start until the funeral. The wake will be held this afternoon into tomorrow, and the funeral tomorrow."

[Raja kumarie]

I nod "what is expected during this time?"

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"We will have to have made for you a black kimono, for the wake."

[Raja kumarie]

I nod " I'll send for it. What else will I need for the wake and funital

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"Mother will handle most of the arrangements. But... this is your time to show what you can do. To prove to everyone you belong in the family." No pressure then, right?

[Raja kumarie]

"and how exactly do I do that?"

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"Uhhh....."

[Raja kumarie]

I sigh " do I serve tea? Host people? Cook? What do I do"

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"Don't cook, but if you want to serve the tea that would be lovely."

[Raja kumarie]

'right. I can do that. Anything else? Or just get the kimono and survey tea...Ryuu...there was something I had planned to speak to you about today... I know now's not a good time but..." I look at him softly " it's nothing bad and it can wait if you think it's best"

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"If it's not bad, I'd love to hear it," he says, sounding a little broken. 

[Raja kumarie]

I nod and take a breath "I wanted to wait before telling you to avoid the disappointment of another failed attempt but... I am nearly two months late and all tests show that this child should survive. "

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

Ryuu stands, kissing her soundly as his eyes well up with joy. 

[Raja kumarie]

"if we have a son we should name him for our brother. " I say softly smiling at my lover " once the morning is over we should tell everyone the good news. Still for now let's keep it to ourselves I don't want to distract from the loss our family is going through."

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"Yes. I like that." He kisses her again, then wipes at his eyes, trying to compose himself.