They travelled slowly, but finally, after another day, they reached Lord Takeda's residence.
It was impressive.
Seen from the ridge they had just crested, it resembled a town in itself, with many buildings, gardens and broad avenues. Anna was astonished by the sheer scale and size of it. How many people lived there and served the Lord?
The entire complex backed onto an unassailable mountain and the sole access point was blocked by the fast flowing river. Only one stone bridge spanned both banks. It was beautiful and picturesque, but narrow and, along with the river, it served as an excellent defensive position.
Seeing the Lord and his retinue approaching, everybody backed off the road and fell to their knees. Anna felt countless eyes resting on her. Was it simple curiosity or hostility, she didn't know.
As they passed across the bridge, her gaze fell on the hills surrounding the residence. A small temple was erected at the summit. There was a narrow path winding its way up the hill which disappeared at the end among the browns and greens of the vegetation. The sun was setting slowly behind the mountains, turning the sky to a crimson red that added to the unearthly aspect of the temple.
The entering retinue was welcomed in the courtyard by the entire population of the residence. Everybody was here to greet the returning Lord.
Anna was barely able to sit straight in the saddle. She felt dizzy, but desperately tried to stay upright. And then the world started to swirl in front of her eyes. With the rest of her strength she tried to dismount, but she felt she was falling into a deep and dark nothingness... Her face turned deathly pale...
One of the servants noticed it and shouted in warning. Those standing nearest rushed to stop her falling and she was gently lowered from the horse.
But before they managed to lay her down, Lord Takeda appeared at her side. He lifted her into his arms and walked briskly inside, giving orders for rooms to be prepared immediately for his guest.
Mushiso followed. Once in the Lord's private apartments, Takeda delicately laid Anna on a futon and stepped back, giving his physician the space to examine the unconscious woman. But he was very worried and couldn't stop pacing in his anxiety.
"What's wrong?!" He demanded from Mushiso and the doctor decided that he couldn't hide Anna's state any longer. But to save his face, he spent a long time examining her.
"Is she all right?" The Lord wasn't even trying to hide his concern.
"My Lord." Mushiso bowed. "Lady Ana is young and strong. The loss of blood weakened her and could cause the fainting. Perhaps the long journey was not advised in her state..." He left the sentence unfinished.
"You assured me that her wound was not dangerous." The Lord's eyebrows furrowed in anger, but his voice remained deadly quiet. "You said she only needed rest."
"My Lord, I only meant that Ana-San is in... a delicate state." He stressed the last words.
"What are you..." Lord Takeda stopped short, finally understanding a discreet diagnosis. His face took an expression of complete and utter astonishment.
He sent the doctor away with a wave of his hand, not even looking at him. He sat down, but immediately leaped back up again. Suddenly, his world took on an entire different aspect.
He came close to Anna's prone body and knelt next to her. He stroked her cheek with tenderness. He felt overwhelmed with the strength of his feelings for her. Only with great self-control was he able to stop himself embracing her and holding in his arms.
But why didn't she tell him?!
Unexpectedly, a new thought floated to the front of his mind. Her recent behaviour indicated that she didn't wish to remain with him. He recalled how she had insisted on returning to Edo with all possible haste.
Perhaps...
Then an image of Kazuki's smiling face flashed through his mind. He also recalled how concerned Lottie had been about his injuries.
No!
He would never believe that she had given herself to another. Never! He was sure that her feelings towards him were as strong as his feelings for her.
He smiled to himself, exceedingly happy. She carried his child. His heart swelled with pride and joy. He would be a father again...
Then he heard a quiet voice from behind the screen door. He rose and opened it quietly. Kneeling outside was his sister.
"My Lord." She bowed with deference. "I am happy that you return safely." Her gaze fell on the unconscious woman.
"Mariko." He beckoned her inside. "This is Ana-San. She saved my life, risking her own. And even now my enemies pursued her, almost succeeding in killing her. When she is better, I ask you to keep her company as you would with an honoured guest."
"As you wish, My Lord." Mariko bowed.
"Can you stay with her now? I have to oversee the interrogation of prisoners."
"Of course."
Lord Takeda left and his place at Anna's side was taken by Mariko.
She was watching their guest with great curiosity. She had never before seen Gai-Jin... But now she felt vaguely disappointed. The woman in front of her did not look any different from Mariko herself. Only her eyes betrayed her origins. But Mariko was forced to admit that Ana-San was beautiful. It was easy to see why her brother was enchanted.
Just then Anna sighed and opened her eyes. For a moment she looked around, not realising where she was, but then her eyes fell on Mariko.
The woman by her side was dressed in a beautiful and high quality kimono and had delicate, almost chiselled features. Her hair was styled in a carefully arranged coiffure and her whole bearing betrayed culture and sophistication. Anna quickly understood that it was no maid, who had been looking after her. "Who are you, My Lady?" Her voice was a bit hoarse.
"I am Takeda Mariko." The hostess bowed slightly.
With some effort Anna rose, then knelt and bowed low. "My Lady, I am honoured."
"Ana-San, you saved the life of my Lord and brother. It is I who am honoured to meet you and to thank you personally." It was her turn to bow. "Can I do anything for you? Would you like something to eat? Tea perhaps? A bath? My Lord ordered rooms for you. Would you like to go there?"
Anna still felt weak and dizzy. All she wanted was to lay down and sleep. "I will be grateful if you directed me there, My Lady." She managed. "I don't feel very well..." She went pale again.
"Perhaps you need a doctor?" Mariko wasn't sure what to do, but was ready to call for help.
"That is not necessary, My Lady. I just need to rest..." Anna's voice trailed away.
"As you wish."
They got up and seeing that Anna was swaying on her feet, Mariko supported her with an arm around the waist. She summoned the servants and escorted their guest to the rooms, assigned to her by Lord Takeda.
Anna wasn't paying any attention to where they were going. With all her strength and determination to stay upright she was just putting one foot in front of the other. When they finally arrived, she thanked the hostess for her kindness and asked politely to be left alone.
As soon as the door closed, she literally collapsed on the futon, completely exhausted.
*
She must have fallen asleep, because, when she opened her eyes again, she found Lord Takeda sitting next to her. She tried to rise, but he stopped her gently.
"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked after a while, though without any rebuke.
"How..." She checked herself, understanding straight away what he had asked about.
"It is the opinion of my physician. But when I think about it, it seems quite evident." He smiled, but that smile vanished, when he continued. "Is that why you wanted to leave immediately? You wished to conceal it from me?"
Anna closed her eyes for a moment and sighed deeply. She had always known that this conversation was going to be difficult.
She got up slowly and sat, facing him. She felt a little better now and some colour had returned to her face. "My Lord..."
"Lottie, why didn't you tell me?" He repeated, looking at her with sadness.
"How could I shame you so?!" She exclaimed, averting her eyes.
"Shame me?" He repeated with disbelief and shock. "How can you say that?"
"How else could you call a relationship with Gai-Jin?"
"Is that what you really think?" There was pain on his face. "That I am ashamed?"
"You are a Lord!" She said with conviction. "You must protect your reputation!"
"My beautiful Lottie," He whispered, both saddened and touched by her words. "I love you." He said simply.
She looked at him with wide open eyes and an expression of disbelief.
"I didn't realise until I was forced to part from you in Kanagawa, but I had loved you since the moment you saved my life, risking your own." He spoke with strength. "Each day without you was torture. And now you are carrying my child..."
"Nobody can know about it!" She cut him off. "I must leave for Edo immediately, before it is obvious."
"It is already obvious." He smiled again. "You have morning sickness."
"We can explain it as a result of my injury..."
"No!" He stopped her. "I am not going to deny this child!" He stated with dignity. "I can't wed you, but know that you will never feel any want and our child will be officially recognised."
"A half-breed?" She agonised. "What life will await the mixed child?"
"Nobody will dare to criticise..."
"I will not allow our child to grow up in shame!" Her independent nature was coming to the fore once again.
"Lottie, you will never have to leave my lands. But believe that I will do anything to make you happy and to ensure that our child grows healthy and loved."
Her eyes filled with tears. "You can't promise that." She sobbed. "You have a duty to your Lord and to your family."
"I will always support the Emperor, but I want to be happy... with you."
She couldn't stop her tears.
Hikaru embraced her and let her cry. He knew she needed to release all the worry she must have been suppressing since she found out she was pregnant. Then he kissed her gently.
"You must rest now, my love. We will talk tomorrow. I have so much to tell you..."