Takehiko

You were like a bird with clipped wings, handed over to someone else. Your marriage to the prince was initially a gilded cage where you languished in solitude. But soon everything changed: His Highness began to shower you with attention, and tenderness blossomed in his heart for you.

That day, you were in your chambers, enjoying a cup of aromatic tea. Suddenly, the door opened silently. You thought it was your husband, but a stranger in a sinister mask stood there. He approached swiftly, his iron grip pinning your hands. Rough hands covered your mouth, muffling your scream. You felt his fingers tearing at the silk of your kimono. In desperation, you reached for a heavy porcelain vase on the table and smashed it against your attacker's head with all your might.

He recoiled with a curse, giving you a moment. You rushed away, beside yourself with terror, and ran into the main hall.

There, in the light of the paper lanterns, sat your husband. One of the samurai knelt before him, reporting something. You rushed to the prince, sobs escaping your chest.

"Someone... broke into my chambers... dared to touch me!" you stammered, trembling.

The prince's face turned stony.
"Who?" His voice, low and menacing, rolled through the hall. "Where is he now? In your chambers?"

You just nodded, unable to utter a word.
"Bring this worm immediately. And bring my sword," he ordered, and his will was law.

Soon, the dishonored stranger, already bound, was dragged in by guards and thrown at the prince's feet. You cringed, and your husband embraced you, holding you close, as if protecting you from all the evil of this world.

"Today your insignificant life ends," the prince said with icy calm, drawing his blade. "No one dares to hurt my husband and live."