"Solemn Vow" (MaiKai) - Chapter 2
MaiKai arranged marriage AU! Kai is a duke and Mai's father has her married off to him for financial reasons.
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After two long days of adjusting to her new life in House Satou, Mai had made a very important discovery: her favorite room was the piano room.
With looming bookshelves on the left and right walls and a beautiful white grand piano against the other, House Satou’s piano room was her dream come true. The flower arrangements decorating the shelves full of sheet music, holding the reddest of roses and the purest of white lilies, made the room’s atmosphere even more comforting. Also, while she may have been slightly biased, she felt that the soft velvet piano bench was the most comfortable surface in the entire estate, second only to her bed.
Mai had learned to play the piano at a very young age. Her father had her begin learning to play when she was just barely three years old, and she had steadily improved ever since. Seventeen years and lots of harsh discipline later, the young noblewoman was revered as one of the greatest musicians in the kingdom. She held her unofficial title with pride, as it was one of the only reasons why the people even knew of her existence.
The moment when Kai assured her that she had unlimited access to her beloved piano room was the happiest she had felt in months. Not only was the piano always there for her to play, but the selection of books on the shelves almost rivaled that of the estate’s library. Out of every room in the extravagant house, to Mai, this one felt the most familiar. Even if she was having her life sold over to a duke for the sake of her House’s finances, she was still herself: Lady Mai Tsurugi, master of the ivory keys.
Today, on the third day of the rest of her life, Mai was surprised to find that another person had beaten her to her new favorite room. Her suspicions were already high since the door was already open, and her heart sank as they were confirmed. Sitting at the piano was none other than her fiance, Kai Satou. Before she could silently walk away, Kai turned to face her.
“They told me I would find you here,” he stated simply. “Sure enough, I only had to wait a little while.”
Mai pursed her lips, forcing herself to make eye contact with Kai. “You waited for me?”
“Well,” he sighed. “I would rather wait in here than stand outside your bedroom door. I’m not some kind of pervert.”
Mai barely suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. He wouldn’t feel the need to clarify unless he had something to hide. “I appreciate it,” she fibbed, slowly entering the room.
Kai kept his gaze locked on his betrothed as she approached him, then turned back to face the piano. “Isn’t this a lovely instrument?” he admired, gently brushing his fingers over the keys. “It’s a family heirloom. I never got very good at playing it though. Not nearly as good as you, at least.”
Mai’s eyes slightly narrowed. “How did you know that?”
“The whole kingdom knows how great of a pianist you are, milady,” he explained. “And I have been listening to you play for the past couple of days.”
Her face grew red with embarrassment. “Is that so?” she stammered.
He nodded slowly. “I must admit, as much as I’ve heard of your great musicianship, hearing you play in person has made me quite jealous. As much as I’ve tried to learn the piano, I simply lack natural talent.”
A tiny smile creeped onto Mai’s face. “I don’t believe in natural talent. With enough practice and hard work, anyone can master any instrument.”
As much as he tried, Kai couldn’t suppress a small smile of his own. “That’s a very positive viewpoint,” he complimented. With a heavy sigh, his gaze traveled away from the keys and up to the wall above the piano. His eyes landed on the only thing Mai disliked about the piano room.
The Satou family portrait was a beautiful piece of art, there was no doubt about that. With intricate brushstrokes and exquisite detail, the painting of Duke Gashu, Duchess Kagami, and the young Lord Kai was incredibly realistic and equally as striking. Because of that, whenever Mai looked at the large painting, she couldn’t help but feel as if all three figures in the painting were watching her. Somehow, she felt that she was being judged by all three figures at the same time, especially Kai. It added a solemn, yet balancing air to the comforting atmosphere of the room.
“It’s strange,” Kai mused. “I never thought my life would move along so quickly. Since the death of my father, everything has gone by so fast. I’m only twenty-five years old, and I’ve already inherited the House.”
Mai was surprised at the sudden change in Kai’s tone. Although his voice always maintained its monotonous tone, it was still easy to sense the change in his demeanor.
“Yes,” she replied simply. “If I remember correctly, you are the youngest man to ever hold the title of Duke Satou.”
“Correct.” He let out a heavy sigh. “My father’s death was… most unfortunate. But the past is in the past.”
Mai’s face cringed slightly with confusion. “You have very strong composure. His passing was only last year.”
“Well, when you’re the heir to your House, you aren’t given much time to grieve the passing of your predecessor.”
Mai resisted the urge to scoff. Was that a jab at her own status?
“No matter,” Kai said with a tiny smile. “Are you excited for the wedding?”
Mai’s breath caught in her throat. “Yes, of course.”
Kai’s smile grew ever so slightly. “Great. Now for your honest answer.”
She flinched, recoiling with shock. She wanted to be offended at such a comment, but unfortunately, he was absolutely correct in assuming she was lying.
“It’s okay,” Kai said with a sigh. “I can’t expect you to be bursting with joy while you’re being married off to a stranger. I think you’re very brave for accepting my proposal.”
As if she had any choice in the matter.
“The rehearsal is tomorrow. I’ll leave you to your business. Thank you for the chat, Lady Mai.”
All Mai could do as her fiance walked away was clench her fists. Kai was perceptive. Too perceptive. And it angered Mai beyond belief.