He smiled. "You’re welcome. Now, get some rest. We'll go into a detailed explanation of everything for the court in front of the Emperor.”
I nodded and he helped me lay back down. He stared down at me and I saw the kindness and joy that twinkled in his eyes.
"Get some rest. I'll let your mother know you're sleeping." Hotaka brushed a strand of hair out my face and lowered his head to place a soft kiss on my forehead.
"Sleep well, Crimson," he hummed and my eyes slowly closed.
There was so much I needed to know but for now, sleep was my priority. He helped pull the sheet to cover most of my lower half before making his way to the door.
"Hotaka?" He stopped and turned in my direction.
"Yes, Crimson?"
"Can I call you Father? It will take some time to get used to, but I would like that," I admitted, looking away. I snuck a glance and watched as his astonished look morphed into a wide serene smile.
"Of course. Anytime, Crimson," he reassured me, still smiling.
To think the truth had been revealed and all we needed to do was tell the Emperor and his son. I smiled and watched him open the door. Urufu walked into the room and jumped onto the bed. I grinned, pulling my hand out from under the blanket and pet her gently.
Hotaka took one last look at me and Urufu who was cuddled up next to me and smiled.
"Night, Crimson," he whispered.
My consciousness began to fade so I didn’t catch his expression, but I would have bet he had the biggest and most proud smile on his face.
I'd finally found the truth about my family. I wasn't an Arashi but a Jiyuna. Now it was time for everything to be revealed before the Emperor and the Council, and free Mom from her sham of a marriage. Once that was settled, we'd head to the Empire of Homatomashi and see the Emperor in person in regards to Storm's case and N.R.O.
I guess the saying was real. The truth will always set you free.
"You sure you're ready?” Yoshi asked as we stood in front of the doors leading to the conference room.
"I'll be fine. I feel a little burst of energy thanks to the drugged pudding. I just want to get this over with," I confessed nervously.
Yoshi nodded and pulled me into a hug. "We'll be right there if you need us. Don’t hesitate to sit down if you get tired from standing.”
"Yes, doctor," I joked.
He grinned before tilting me with his hand and lowering his lips to mine. I relaxed, enjoying his taste and warmth.
We pulled away and stared into each other's eyes. "We'll get through this. The Emperor will support our claims and help us. The moment I'm fully recovered, we'll head off to the Empire and begin tracking down the other crystals, work toward avenging Storm, and bring peace to the land of Nokamato and harmony throughout Homatomashi," I declared with conviction.
Yoshi smiled at me with a look of determination. "And you'll never lose confidence in me, no matter what?"
"I'll never lose confidence in any of you. We'll get stronger and reach our goals together," I promised.
He smirked and gave me a quick kiss before we pulled away and faced the large red doors, putting our game faces on. Yoshi held the door for me and directed me inside to my seat which was placed with Aki on my right and Yoshi on my left. Malachi, Haru, Itsuki, and Quil sat opposite of us. Mother and Hotaka were standing at the end of the table in traditional attire and the Council leaders were lined up against the wall.
Security guards stood at the door and the large screen flicked on as the meeting went into session. When the man appeared on the screen I tilted my head in confusion, thinking I was seeing double. Wait... huh?
"We shall conduct this conference regarding the attack that occurred four days ago at the Arashi residence. My son was at the scene and witnessed the onslaught, offering his assistance. I would like for him to come to the front.”
I noticed the Council members look at Hotaka, but he remained where he was with a blank expression on his face.
I was ready to voice my confusion, but then the chair next to me slid back. My jaw went slack as I watched the Emperor’s son walk to the front of the long table and face all of us; half of us looked completely shocked and the others emoted knowledgeable smiles. The Council looked absolutely clueless, including my now-trembling ‘Father.’
"The conference is about to begin. Be prepared to answer any questions that I or my father, the Emperor of Homatomashi, have. Remember to be truthful or there will be consequences."
Yoshimitsu?
TO BE CONTINUED.
Coming Soon
Reflections of You - Sneak Peek
Reflections of You
Blurb
What do you do when your mother signs you up for the prestigious Brighten Academy of Magic? You pack up your things, grab your familiar, and pray this doesn’t go horribly wrong.
With a sweet Mother like mine, whose mind is slowly deteriorating thanks to her Alzheimer’s, it’s my role to make her happy. After my older brother’s death, I vowed to make her smile and do whatever she asked.
So when she pulls some strings and somehow gets me a golden ticket into the all-male school, Brighten Magic Academy, there’s no way I can refuse.
Now here I am, stuck in a dorm house with six sexy males - all far too attractive for their own good and with magic that can make you fall to your knees in submission and awe.
But I can survive this ordeal, because I’m a boy. Well, between you and me, I’m actually a girl using magic, pretending to be a guy, so you can see my dilemma.
What’s the worst that can happen? I guess you're about to find out.
Reflections of You
Prologue
"Happy Birthday to YOU! Happy birthday to YOU! Happy BIRTHDAY dear BROTHER! Happy birthday to YOUUUU!!!" I sang, clapping my hands together.
"Jewel, You don't need to add so much emphasis when you’re singing," Brother laughed, lifting me up in his arms. I giggled hysterically as he twirled me around before giving me a kiss on the cheek.
"Gabriel, you’re making her hyper." Mother turned to stare at us. I giggled even harder and Gabriel sighed. "That or she found the hidden stash of Sour Patch Kids," he considered, giving me a look.
I gave him a wide grin and placed my little hands on his cheeks. "They were delicious," I whispered and giggled again as I squirmed in his hold.
Mother and Gabriel sighed. "It doesn't matter what spell I put on the cabinet. She still miraculously finds a way to unlock it. She takes after her father in that way," Mother mumbled, crossing her arms.
"Mom! Brother’s going to be late for school!' I shouted, throwing my hands in the air. Gabriel gave me another kiss on the cheek before setting me down. I started running around the table as fast as I could.
"She's so going to crash into something," Gabriel pointed out.
"Let her burn off the sugar rush," Mother dismissed, but she sounded amused. I paused for a moment to watch Gabriel hug Mother.
"Happy birthday, my dear son. May you have many more happy years ahead of you," Mother smiled fondly.
"Thank you, Mom," he replied.
I ran up to them and hugged Brother’s leg. "More years. More years! Mom? Can we give him the thingy?!" I asked eagerly.
"Thingy?" Gabriel asked curiously. Mother shook her head with a wide smile.
"Your sister isn't good at keeping secrets,” she pointed out.
I giggled. "You said you would give it to him before school," I defended.
"That I did," Mother acknowledged, walking from the kitchen to the living room. Brother picked me up and followed her. I wrapped my arms around his neck, giggling quietly in excitement. I was looking forward to see him open his gift. He'd love it!
Mother returned with a bright blue box with a red ribbon wrapped around it. She presented it to Gabriel who lowered me to the ground to accept his gift.