Lord Takeda was taking the morning meal in his private rooms, when a bout of joyful laughter from the outside caught his attention. He walked to the screen door and looked out. He saw Haru play-fighting with one of Mariko's women. She must have been pretending to be a monster; he could hear her emitting scary grunts, which in turn caused the boy to laugh even more.

Takeda smiled to himself. He was very proud of his son. Haru was growing so fast.

Then his attention was caught by the woman. He couldn't see clearly her features, but there was something familiar about her. Something in her movements and her silhouette...

With a start he realised it was Lottie. His son and the mother of his unborn child played together as if they were a family. He smiled, already imagining a happy future for them. Once again he marvelled at the twists of fate.

At that moment Anna broke the engagement, threw her bokken and started running away, as fast as her tight kimono allowed her. Haru caught up with her and executed a perfect cut, which appeared to finish the monster, who fell to the ground and kicked its legs in mortal convulsions. Anna must have also been making funny faces, because Haru bent in half, unable to catch his breath from laughing so hard.

All present applauded the young samurai who had saved the defenceless women from imminent danger, while the brave warrior himself raised his wooden sword in a gesture of victory and run towards the lake.

Resting on her elbow, Anna shouted a warning to be careful. He ran ahead, waving his sword in the air. Anna sat up and shouted a little louder, but he only turned his head, still in full run.

Suddenly he tripped and with an exclamation of shock fell, rolling on the bank of the lake and over the edge.

With a big splash he fell in...

Even before he hit the water, Anna sprung to her feet and ran towards the lake, jumping in after the boy.

Observing the whole scene from his room, Lord Takeda reacted instantly, his instincts compelling him to immediate action as he also ran to the rescue.

By the time he reached the lake, the women had gathered on the bank, shouting in fright. He pushed them roughly aside and looked down, but there was no sign of his son. He was about to dive in, when the surface broke and Anna appeared, hugging Haru with one arm, while trying to swim to safety with the other. The boy was coughing and spitting, but seemed otherwise unharmed.

Alarmed by all the commotion, the guards also came running and a few jumped in to help. Anna passed the boy to them, but then she disappeared under the water again. Her heavy kimono was dragging her down. One of the guards reached for her and pulled her up, supporting her and helping her to safety.

The Lord grabbed his son and hugged him to his chest with relief. Haru was a little scared, but also excited by his dangerous adventure. He was then promptly handed to the servants, who run inside to prepare a hot bath and new clothes to prevent him from catching a cold.

Lord Takeda turned to Anna, who had just been helped out of the water. He looked at her for a long time, as his face clearly displayed the wide range of emotions he experienced almost simultaneously: fear, gratitude, anger, love, worry... But after a moment he bowed low to her. Following his example, everyone present bowed in the expression of gratitude and respect.

"My Lady." He spoke with a voice brimming with emotions. "Once again, you performed a great service for me, this time rescuing my son. Please, accept my deepest thanks. I will never forget this."

"My Lord." She fell to her knees and bowed in turn, embarrassed by his show of respect. "I only did  what any of your servants would have done in my place. I am happy I could be of service."

Takeda smiled to her with gratitude and helped her to rise. He saw that she had visibly paled and ordered immediately that she be taken to her rooms and helped into new clothes.

He turned away and gazed at the lake that had almost claimed the life of his son. But hearing a commotion behind he spun around and saw that Anna hadn't managed to walk far before she swooned and fell down in a faint. The Lord scooped her up and cradling her in his arms, walked briskly to his rooms, where she came round after a few moments.

"My Lord..."

"Do not say anything." He stopped her. "You need to take off these wet clothes and get warm."

"That's another kimono I have ruined." She smiled with sadness. "I think it is not my destiny to wear them."

He helped her to unravel the obi and peel off the wet kimono. His brows furrowed, when he noticed the dressing stained with fresh blood. He covered her with a blanket and started drying her hair.

"My Lord..." She tried to protest.

"Lottie, you have done something that is worth for me infinitely more than all of my possessions! Let me serve you this time."

A moment later there was a quiet voice outside announcing the arrival of the Lord's physician.

Mushiso came in and knelt next to Anna. He cleaned the wound again and put on a fresh dressing.

After his departure Lord Takeda continued with his service. But soon his moves became slow and sensuous, as he was once again dazzled by her body. "You are so beautiful..." He whispered, kissing her neck.

Her body reacted instantaneously, sending shivers up and down her spine.

He embraced her, hugging her close to his chest. "I've missed you so much."

He kissed her again and she kissed him back. Once more they gave in to the overwhelming desire, making love with passion and tenderness...

*

Anna was lying, wrapped tightly in his arms, enjoying his touch and the warmth of his body.

"I love you now even more, if that is at all possible." Hikaru whispered in her ear. "We are destined to be together. Please, stay with me and let me care for you until the end of our days."

"Hikaru..." She turned to face him and with a smile stroked his cheek. "You know it's too dangerous. Your enemies will not stop after the recent attempt on my life. And I cannot allow that someone else may get hurt because of me."

"The only thing that divides us is politics." He sighed, gently stroking her naked arm. "But let us not spoil this moment by talking about it. Now I want to enjoy your company." He kissed her passionately.

"My Lord," She feigned outrage. "Who do you take me for?!"

"The most beautiful woman in the world." He replied without hesitation. "The bravest woman I know." He smiled mischievously. "The woman I love..."

She rested on her bent elbow and looked into his eyes. "Never before have I felt as happy as I feel now, with you. Even if I can't stay here, I will always treasure this moment, my love."

It was the first time she freely admitted her love for him. He had known that she had feelings for him, but now, hearing it from her own lips, he felt truly happy. He just needed to convince her to stay.

In a short while he rose and gave orders for a new kimono to be brought for Anna and some food served for them both.

"You interrupted my breakfast." He smiled. "Besides, you need to eat to gain strength. Don't expect me to carry you every time you swoon!" He laughed, with this mischievous grin she loved so much.

With the meal a short note was delivered for the Lord. "My sister wishes to see me immediately." His brows furrowed in a sign of displeasure. "Please, promise me, you will still be here, when I return."

"I will, My Lord." She smiled.

He kissed her one more time and left.