Shards of Time: The Feud Between Brothers

"It's fine." I said. I often wonder why it's so hard for me to get along with Nobunaga when I can get along pretty well with his father.

"Why did you do that?" He asked. I looked at him and raised my eyebrow.

"Do I need a reason to save someone's life?" I told him. He looked at me like I was crazy.

"You'd risk your life for a man who tried to conquer your father's land?" He asked.

"None of that matters now. This marriage is the symbol of the peace our fathers agreed on." I explained. He was about to explain when we heard an explosion. They've started the ambush. A few minutes passed and we heard the signal for us to come out. Nobuhide and the others came to us.

"We've captured the boy. Let us go back." Nobuhide said. Everyone agreed and we went on our way. Ieyasu was unconscious. He was on one of the soldiers' horse. He's so young. I think he's 10 or 11 years old now. But he'll be the one to lead the Tokugawa Shogunate in a few years. I didn't realize I was staring at Ieyasu until Nobunaga grabbed my attention.

"Why are you looking at him?" He asked. I turned my head to him and shook my head.

"It's nothing." I said. I set my eyes on the road. Aside from being arrogant, Nobunaga is ill-tempered and impulsive. But even so, he was one of the people who managed to unite most of Japan. Maybe his attitude has something to do with his upbringing. I remember reading something about his mother favoring his brother because his brother was better-behaved than him.

"Nō?" I snapped out of my trance when I heard my name. It was Nobuhide who was calling me.

"Yes father?" I asked.

"Come here, I have something to ask." He said, I was about to catch up to him when Nobunaga pulled my arm.

"Father, we cannot let the incident that happened earlier to happen again. If you have anything to say to her, you can ask her in my presence." Nobunaga said. Since when is he so concern about me? Nobuhide sighed.

"Very well, I can ask you when we get home." Nobuhide said. I nodded and went back to Nobunaga's side. I looked at him and his expression was unreadable.

We arrived back at Owari as the sun was setting. When I dismounted my horse, I was about to enter the castle when I heard Nobuhide's orders about Ieyasu.

"Take him to Mansho-ji Temple." Nobuhide said. After hearing this, I went inside the castle. Sato greeted me in the entrance.

"Welcome back milady. Are you hungry? I can prepare food for you." She said. I shook my head and whispered in her ear.

"Meet me in my old room; I have something to ask of you." After telling her, I went up to the Tenshu to change clothes. As I was changing, Nobunaga busted through the door. I wasn't completely dressed yet and he came in the room like no one's business. Although, I'm behind a paper divider, it doesn't hide the fact that Nobunaga is crafty when it comes to teasing me. Granted, this is his room too but he should at least knock, right?

"What are you doing?" He asked. I tried to quickly put on my kimono but I was having a hard time.

"I'm changing. Don't come here." I said, flustered. I could just picture Nobunaga's sly smile right now.

"Is that so?" He said. Uh-oh this doesn't bode well for me. I saw his shadow behind the paper divider. In a second, he whipped the paper divider out of the way. I quickly pulled up part of the kimono to cover my upper body.

"What are yo---?" I couldn't finish what I was saying. He lifted me off my feet and carried me to the bed. He placed me down and he pinned me between his arms.

"Don't even think about it." I said. He looked into my eyes. He was serious; there was no hint of playfulness in his eyes. His eyes are so beautiful. I could get lose in them if I wanted to. I unconsciously held his face. Nobunaga inched closer until I felt his breath on my face. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. I came back to my senses and pushed Nobunaga.

"Come in." I said. Sato came in and bowed at the both of us.

"Milady, let me help you change." She said. I nodded and I went up to her. I looked at Nobunaga and he was already out of the room. What was that all about? We almost kissed.

"Milady, are you okay? Your face is red. Shall I call the doctor?" She asked. I shook my head.

"I'm fine Sato." I reassured her. But why am I blushing? After helping me get dressed, Sato and I went to my old room.

"Sato, I need you to keep this a secret between the two of us." I said. She looked at me and nodded.

"Get me a shinobi shozoku." Her eyes widened.

"But Milady…" Before she could finish her sentence, I cut her off.

"Also pack some food and water. Keep it a secret. Do not let anyone know. Okay?" I said. She nodded. I went to the corner of the room and raised one of the wooden planks on the floor.

"This is where you'll put it." I instructed her. She nodded and we left the room quietly. I plan to visit Ieyasu at Mansho-ji Temple. I'll try to push him in the right direction.

I went downstairs to the dining area. It was time for dinner and we usually eat together as a family. Apart from Nobunaga's uncles, I haven't really met his siblings. I knew he had 2 sisters and at least 6 brothers. 7 if you count his illegitimate older brother who is said to be Nobuhide's 1st born.

When I arrived, Nobuhide and Nobunaga weren't the only ones sitting by the table. There was a stranger next to them. When they saw me, Nobuhide stood up and walked up to me.

"Nō, this is my son Oda Nobuyuki." Nobuhide said. Nobuyuki stood up and went up to me. He bowed before me.

"It is an honor to meet you Lady Nō." He said. Something doesn't feel right with him. I bowed to him too.

"As am I to meet you too." I said. He led me to the table. He placed his hand on my lower back which was too comfortable for him considering we've just met. We ate dinner in silence. Afterwards, I excused myself to go back to the Tenshu. Before I could leave, Nobunaga grabbed my arm and pulled me outside the dining area.

"It seems my brother has taken a liking to you." He said. I raised my eyebrow.

'What are you talking about?" I asked. He looked at me like I was stupid.

"Don't forget; you are mine." He said. Before I could react, he stole a kiss before going back inside. I felt my face getting hot. Nobunaga, you sly fox. Stealing a kiss from; how barbaric. Yet why do I feel like my head's about to explode? I should probably stop thinking about it.

I saw the three of them going to the audience chamber. It should take a while before Nobunaga comes back to the Tenshu. I went to my old room and checked the secret compartment. Sato had put the clothes and food I requested. I changed immediately and hid my kimono inside the compartment. I left through the window and set out to Mansho-ji Temple.

When I arrived at Mansho-ji Temple, it was guarded from the outside. I snuck in through the window and saw Ieyasu lying on the bed. They didn't have guards on the inside. I dropped down quietly in front of him. He jumped when he saw me. I shushed him before he got a chance to scream.

"Don't be afraid." I told him. I took off my mask before introducing myself.

"I am Lady Nō of Mino Province. I am the wife of Oda Nobunaga and daughter-in-law of Oda Nobuhide." I said quietly. He looked at me with a worried expression.

"I'm not here to hurt you. Neither will Nobuhide. Do you know why we took you away?" I asked. He nodded slowly.

"It's because of my father." He said calmly. I nodded. Suddenly, I heard his stomach growl.

"They didn't give you any food or water?" I asked. He looked down and nodded. I pulled out the food Sato prepared and the jug of water. I handed it to him.

"Here, eat quickly so you don't starve. We can talk while you eat." I said. He nodded and accepted the food. He started to eat. Poor kid.

"What is your name?" I asked him. He looked up at me.

"Matsudaira Takechiyo." He said. That's right; he didn't change his name yet.

"I am Nōhime but you can call me Nō." I said. He looked at me and smiled.

"I can't stay for too long. But I'll be back. Don't tell anyone I was here." He nodded and I left out the window. I hurried back to the castle. I went through the window, changed my clothes and went back to the Tenshu. When I got there, Nobunaga was on the balcony. I quietly slipped in the room without him noticing.

"Where have you been?" He said. I went to the balcony and faced him.

"I was walking around the castle. I felt bored here." I lied. I was about to head back inside when he wrapped his arms around me. He pulled me close to him and whispered in my ear.

"Why don't we finish what we were doing a while ago?" He said teasingly. I felt my face getting hot again. Oh no! Why am I blushing?

"Remember our agreement. You are not allowed to touch me." I said. He spun me around to face him. He had a menacing smile on his face.

"Then I won't but you can. I order you to kiss me." He said. My eyes widened. Why does it feel like this already happened?

"W-what?" He found a loophole in our agreement.

"You seemed to enjoy the kiss we shared last night." He said mockingly. Kiss? I don't remember kissing him last night. Wait… I can't remember anything after drinking the wine last night. He must've taken advantage of that. I tried to push him away but his grip on me was tight.

"What did you do to me last night?" I asked. He looked at me smirked.

"I didn't do anything to you. It was you that kissed me." He said. I don't want to believe him but I think that's what happened last night. I'm never drinking again.

"Well, do you disagree? If so, we can break our agreement." He said. I shook my head.

"No, I'll do it. But only a quick one. And you can't move." I said. He nodded and he closed his eyes. I pulled him down and felt the familiar warmth of his lips. His warmth felt comforting; I realized that I was craving for it. Why do I feel this way? He deepened the kiss and I was enchanted. I responded to his advances. Suddenly, like a switch, I snapped out of it and broke the kiss.

"That's enough. I'm going to bed." I said. He had a cocky smile on his face. I left the balcony and went to the bed. I covered myself with the blanket and closed my eyes. I felt him lying next to me. I was still for a few minutes. He didn't do anything. I thought he was trying something. I pushed the covers off of me and turned to look at him. He was on his side. He must've fallen asleep.

I looked up at the ceiling. It won't be long when the Oda clan will start to fight for power. I wonder what the real Nōhime did during that time. I knew she was smart and resourceful. I wonder if she ever loved Nobunaga. As the thought crossed my mind, I turned to look at Nobunaga.

If only I could tell you all these things. I'm afraid if I do; I'll disrupt the balance and change history. As for now, let me guide you to the right path. I cannot do much but I'll find a way for you to listen. Don't worry, I won't betray you. You have my word.

I felt tired after thinking too much. I closed my eyes and fell asleep. When I woke up, I was in Nobunaga's arms. I was so startled that I screamed and backed away but as I was doing so, I fell off the bed.

"Ouch!" I said while rubbing my lower back. My back was still a little sore from the fall yesterday.

"Do you loathe me that much?" I heard Nobunaga speak. I seemed to have offended him. I didn't mean it. I was just surprised.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen. You just surprised me; that's all." I said as I stood up. Nobunaga also got up from the bed and walked up to me. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close to him. I looked up and our eyes met.

"You fell on your horse yesterday as well. Do you need me to call someone to massage your back?" He asked. Wow! He suddenly became nice. Maybe he woke up in a good mood. I was so surprised by his kindness that I didn't answer. A smirk formed on his lips.

"Or would you like me to do it?" He teased. There's the Nobunaga I know. I thought he disappeared. I scoffed and pushed him away from me.

"No thank you. I'll just have Sato give me a massage later. Or would you prefer a man to do it." I teased. You're not the only one who knows how to tease. His face went sour. He wrapped his arms around my waist again and pulled me even closer.

"No other man is allowed to touch you." He said. I could tell he was serious. I let out a giggle.

"Okay, I understand." I said. His face was stern but he looked like he was softening up a bit. I held his hand and pulled him downstairs.

"Let's go. I'm hungry." I said. I was unconsciously holding his hand the entire walk from the Tenshu to the dining area. When we arrived, Nobuhide and Nobuyuki were already there. They looked at the both of us. Their eyes went from our face to our hands. When I realized we were still holding hands, I immediately let go and sat down. Nobunaga sat down beside me and we started to eat.

After breakfast, we had tea. I wanted to ask Nobuhide if he ordered his men to take care of Ieyasu. When I saw an opening, I immediately jumped to ask.

"Father, if you mind me asking, how is the boy?" I asked. All of their eyes darted towards me.

"Well, he's in Mansho-ji Temple. I have already sent my message to Hirotada. If his reply is what you predicted then we will keep the boy here. I won't kill him."  He explained. I breathe a sigh of relief. Nobuhide must've noticed my anxiety.

"Is there something you want to discuss with me, Nō?" He asked. I wanted to tell him to take care of Ieyasu. Giving him food and water; but I don't want to raise Nobunaga's suspicion of me. I might as well take the risk.

"I wanted to know if your men are giving the boy some food and water. He's still so young." I said. Nobunaga and Nobuyuki looked at me with a raised eyebrow. Nobuhide smiled.

"I assure you, they will take care of the boy. Come with me to the audience chamber. I have something to ask." He requested. I nodded and followed him to the audience chamber. When we entered, he closed the door behind us. He sat on the dais and I sat in front of him.

"Nō, this boy, why do you care so much?" He asked. I sighed before answering.

"He will become one of Nobunaga's retainers in the future. A few years after Nobunaga's death, this boy will pave way to the Tokugawa Shogunate of Japan. He's someone important." I explained. He rubbed his beard and contemplated.

"I'll make sure the boy is taken care of. Nō, I believe I will not be here for long. My illness has started to weaken my body." He said. My chest tightened.

When Nō and Nobuhide left the dining area, Nobunaga and Nobuyuki were silent. Nobunaga felt that his wife and father were hiding something from him. He decided to confront Nō later today. He stood up and was about to leave when Nobuyuki spoke.

"That wife of yours must be keeping secrets from you. You should watch out for her." Nobuyuki said. Nobunaga loathe his brother. He became angry from his statement. He turned back to face him.

"You should mind your own business." Nobunaga spouted. Anger was clear in his eyes. Nobuyuki smirked but stayed down. He knew not to make the first move. He knew Nobunaga would try to hit him first.

"Your wife sparks my curiosity. I might just have my way with her." Nobuyuki said. Not being able to hold back his anger, Nobunaga charged Nobuyuki and held him by his collar.

"How dare you?!" Nobunaga shouted. Just then, Nō entered the room and stood between the two brothers.

"Stop that." She said. When Nobunaga heard her voice, he let his brother go; Nō held his hand to calm him down.

"That's enough Nobuyuki. I'm your brother's wife. Please show some respect." Nō firmly stated. Nobunaga was surprised to see this side of Nō. Nobuyuki didn't speak but he scoffed at Nō before leaving the room. Nō turned to Nobunaga with a worried expression.

"Are you okay?" She asked. Nobunaga became confused by Nō's sudden change of personality. He didn't answer but he grabbed her arm and pulled her back up to the Tenshu. Nō was confused but she was silent. When they arrived at the Tenshu, Nobunaga pushed her on the bed and he pinned her between his arms.

"Nobunaga, what's going on?" Nō asked. Nobunaga looked into her eyes; trying to search for an answer to a question he's been asking himself.

"Since when did you start to care for me?" Nobunaga asked. Nō looked at him with a confused expression.

"I've always cared. I may not show it but everything I've been doing ever since we were married was for you." Nō couldn't hold her tongue; when she realized what she had said, she covered her mouth with her hands.