Work Text:
The grand hall of the Shishitouren castle sparkled with crystal chandeliers, their light casting a warm glow over the gathered guests. The air was thick with anticipation, and the scent of blooming jasmine mingled with the aroma of roasted meats. At the center of it all stood Sakura Harku, the youngest son of the baron family, his heart thumping wildly in his chest.
He fidgeted with the collar of his ornate tunic, feeling the weight of the world—his family’s legacy as fierce fighters, his stepmother’s disdain, and the impending union with Togame Jo.
“do not embarrass us ” whispered his stepmother, Yuki, nudging him in the ribs. “I know, I know,” Sakura muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
“you must say your vow. After that you know what u must do” Yuki replied, her brown eyes sparkling with disdain .
Sakura nodded, though doubt still gnawed at him. He glanced at the dais, where Togame stood, tall and imposing. The duke was a statue of confidence, his broad shoulders set and his dark hair falling just over his intense gaze. Despite his strength, there was an unsettling chill about him, a wall that kept the world at bay.
As the ceremony commenced, Sakura caught Togame’s eyes. The duke’s expression was unreadable, but something flickered there—curiosity? Apprehension? It sent a shiver down Sakura’s spine.
‘Is it too late to run?’ he thought to himself , then as if in response.
“You’re already engaged, and today is your wedding day. think of it as a repayment to us , be grateful he even took a freak like you otherwise i would of sold you “,“grateful.. huh ! Your sending me to where I might be killed, by my own family,” he said, arms crossed tightly against his chest.
she humphed and left him in the altar while The priest began the formalities, his voice echoing in the vast chamber. “We are gathered here to witness the union of Duke Togame Jo and Baron Sakura Harku. Do you, Togame, take this man to be your lawfully wedded wife ?”
“I do,” Togame replied, his voice deep and steady, yet there was a flicker of something softer that Sakura clung to.
“And do you, Sakura, take Togame to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
Sakura’s heart raced. “I do,” he breathed, though his voice quivered.
The crowd erupted in applause, but the sound was drowned out by the thundering of his heart. Togame stepped forward, his large hand enveloping Sakura’s smaller one, and for a moment, the world faded away.
“Congratulations,” Togame said, his tone surprisingly warm, catching Sakura off guard. Because why,why are you treating so sweetly with your word and eyes,he averted his eyes that could not look into thoes grean forest eyes.
“Thank you,” Sakura replied, feeling a blush creep into his cheeks. “I…I hope I can be a good husband errr wife?.”
“You will be,” Togame assured him chuckling a bit ,but his eyes betrayed a hint of doubt.
As the celebrations continued, the tension in Sakura’s chest eased slightly. They danced together, and with every careful step, Sakura felt something shift. Togame was not just a cold warrior; there was a kindness beneath the surface, a glimmer of hope that ignited a spark within Sakura. Yet, amid the laughter and music.
His stepmother’s harsh words echoed in his mind, urging him to spend the night with the duke or risk being cast aside like a discarded pawn. The weight of those expectations hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the warmth building between them.
Sakura, lost in thought, felt the joyous atmosphere dim. The reality of their situation loomed over her, suffocating her newfound hope. Just then, a large shadow enveloped her, pulling her from her reverie. It was Togame, his gaze piercing yet soft.
“Is everything okay?” he asked, concern etched across his features. He shook his head and give a small smile saying everything is alright and they should greet the guests, as the night progressed it began to become less busy as the nobles started to excuse themselves as one by one they left.As the last guest left sakura exhausted like he fought in a battle lean back slightly only for a warm body prevent him from falling back he twisted his head around only to met with those green forest eyes asking if he was alright and sakura thought back to those words his stepmother said to him thinking ‘ah. I have to let him bed me’ feeling a sense of dread coming to him.
As the moonlight filtered through the delicate curtains of their chamber, Sakura stood at the edge of their lavish bed, anxiety twisting in his stomach. Togama, tall and resolute, stepped closer, his presence both comforting and intimidating.
“Do you regret our vows?” Togama asked, his voice low, almost a growl.
Sakura shook his head, biting his lip. “No, it’s just… I’ve never been treated like this before. I don’t know how to be a Duchess. I don’t want to be just a trophy.”
Togama’s brow furrowed, his gaze piercing. “You’re not a trophy. You are my equal, my partner. I won’t let anyone treat you otherwise.”
Sakura’s heart raced as he recalled the nobles’ indifference that afternoon, their eyes sliding over him, dismissing him as mere decoration. “But they see me as—”
“Stop,” Togama interrupted, his voice firm. “They don’t matter. It’s you and me now.” He reached out, brushing a thumb across Sakura’s cheek, igniting warmth beneath his skin. “I’m here to protect you, to cherish you.”
Sakura’s breath hitched, and he felt the flutter of hope. “You mean that?”
“Every word,” Togama said, stepping closer, their bodies inches apart now. “I want you to feel safe with me.”
Just then, a loud knock startled them. “Your Highness, the nobles are waiting for your presence!” a voice called from outside.
“Let them wait,” Togama growled, turning his back to the door. “This moment is ours.”
Sakura’s pulse quickened. “But what if they—”
“They will learn,” Togama said, determination etched on his face. “That you are my Duchess, and I will not allow anyone to diminish your worth.”
With newfound courage, Sakura nodded. “Okay. Together then?”
“Together,” Togama affirmed, leaning down to capture Sakura’s lips in a fierce kiss. The world outside faded, leaving only the warmth of their embrace, where love began to drown out the echoes of their pasts.
As they melted into each other, the door remained closed, and for the first time, Sakura felt truly seen.