Seal of Love. Book 2

Chapter 6. Loss of Illusions. Two weeks later, a marriage ceremony took place at Fujiwara no Tametoki's estate: Murasaki and Keiko became spouses. As is customary in such cases, they spent three nights together, after which, following the capital’s fashion, a specially invited Buddhist monk officially declared them husband and wife.
Murasaki, as expected by the courtesan Hitoromi, who was experienced in love affairs, did not open up fully to Keiko. Murasaki expected something more from the three wedding nights... However, she herself did not know what exactly she wanted. In vain did Keiko, trained by a specially hired courtesan, strive to prove himself as a gentle and sensitive lover. He found himself disappointed by his wife's indifference and coldness.
Murasaki kept her promise and became an obedient wife for Keiko. He could well be proud of her beauty and education, but the young man lacked the main thing: satisfying his ardent passion. Murasaki couldn’t give him this, and maybe she didn’t want to.
Ayako, whose wedding took place almost immediately after Murasaki’s, showed herself completely differently. On the very first night spent with Michisada, Ayako brought down so much passion on him that the young man ‘ascended to the paradise gardens’ several times in a row. However, Michisada himself was a passionate lover.
At the end of the wedding celebrations, Keiko and Murasaki moved to Heian, to a house on the Second Line, bought for the newlyweds jointly by the Fujiwara family, and then Tametoki, with a sense of accomplishment, set off to take the position of governor of Awaji Province.
No sooner had Ayako and Murasaki exchanged a couple of letters than Michisada received an appointment to Izumi Province as governor. Ayako’s father contributed to this, especially since the Masamune clan owned a fair part of Izumi Province. In short, shortly after her wedding, Ayako went to Murasaki on a farewell visit.