Thicker Than Water // PART 02
tags // haruchiyo sanzu x f!reader, historical!au, dark content (incest), smut, manipulation, implied grooming, morally grey characters, oral f!receiving, somnophilia, toxic relationships, inspired by the tv series El Cid, scheming, fight for a throne, period-typical sexism, takeomi akashi, senju akashi, manjiro โmikeyโ sano, minor mickey x senju, yuzuha shiba, ken โdrakenโ ryuguji, yasuhiro muto, ran haitani, emma sano
note // new characters are introduced,ย y/n works to overcome her newest obstacle, haruchiyo shows his true colors, and pieces start falling into place
At the best of times, it had been a joke between you and your father where he would list off names of eligible noblemen and you would either laugh or scrunch up your nose in disgust. Your reactions had always brought a smile to his face, and if heโd had enough to drink, would draw out that booming laughter you had loved so much.
At the worst of times, it had been used as a threat by your father whenever you overstepped your bounds and criticized his decisions or challenged your brother, Takeomi. It had been during those heated encounters that youโd been reminded of your complicated relationship with your father.
As youโd realized from the moment you stepped foot into his solar, Takeomi wasnโt your father. His naming of Ran Haitani as your betrothed was neither a joke nor a threatโIt was a promise. One that made your blood run cold as you struggled to come up with an excuse. You reached for the chalice of watered-down wine and took a tentative sip while you crafted your response.
โWhile Iโm not opposed to marriage, Your Majesty, Iโm afraid Haruchiyo still needs me.โ
Takeomiโs head tilted slightly and his mouth curled into a smirk. โOh, is that so?โ
โYes, he hasnโt fully assimilated into life here at court. Iโm sure youโre also aware of his occasionalโฆ episodes.โ You replied, setting down the brass cup, โand you and I both know only I can calm him down when he gets that way.โ
Taking a large bite of bread, Takeomi chewed while his eyes bore into you, amusement dripping from them. You did your best to appear unaffected, but the topic of your marriage had completely disarmed you.
โI think you overestimate yourself, little sister.โ Takeomi countered, swirling the wine in his cup. โAs far as I know, you had that control over him, but thatโs not the case anymore.โ
He interrupted you by slamming his cup on the table. Droplets of wine spilled on his hand before trickling onto the table. You flinched at his sudden outburst, and the unspoken words died on your tongue when you saw the grave expression on his face.
โYou will marry Haitani as soon as he sets a date and do your duty as a princess of this kingdom. I will deal with our little brother.
Takeomi left no room for argument as he glowered at you. It was the same face youโd seen many times in your youth whenever you bested your older brother and one you had always responded to with a triumphant smirk.
Unfortunately, the days when you could openly defy your older brother ended when the Archbishop placed the crown on his head, so you donned the most pleasant smile you could muster.
ย โAs you wish, Your Majesty.โ