Author's Note: Hi everyone! As some of you may know, this is a story that I started years ago. I've been stopping and going with it for some time, but I decided to hell with the old copy. Just the other day I started completely from scratch. And here it is! If you've read the old story, you'll see this is the same plot but with shorter, more to-the-point chapters, more of the usual characters, and less of the insignificant ones. This chapter is a short intro, and I promise that the next one has some familiar faces. Read, rate, and enjoy!

"Morning, m'Lady! Wonderful weather we're having, ain't it?"

"Yes, just lovely." Her tone left something to desired; namely, sincerity.

"It's great to see you, m'Lady!"

Again, she satisfied her audience with a droll response. Although they seemed more than pleased by it. Maybe she was the only one who noticed how disinterested she was?

Disinterest was a common theme in the lady's life. Sayera, as she was called, was a piece of moderate royalty, being the daughter of a retired old warlord and a wealthy beauty from the continent. The village she called home was a small one, but there were enough leering eyes to make it seem like a vast metropolis. The mouths that accompanied these eyes plastered a "Lady" in front of her name for no reason she could understand. She never did anything to help anyone. The only thing she ever did right was be born to a man who was as manipulative as he was powerful. And even that wasn't even a good enough reason in her eyes.

Speaking of her eyes, they sure did sparkle. No wonder the villagers never questioned her genuineness. They probably never even heard the words she uttered, but were instead sustained by the unusual brightness of her eyes. They were rather small in shape, but quite long and spaced. They appeared exotic, thanks to her overseas genetics. Many a young man had found themselves lost in them.

Her eyes were complemented by long, dark lashes, framed by bold eyebrows. Her skin was a flushed pale, her nose petite, and her lips were light and plump. The wispy, raven hairs that framed her face were at the moment twisted into a loose braid that stretched from the crown of her head to over her left shoulder. Whether she believed it or not, she was lovely. Aesthetically, at least. Her insides were a bit darker with a dash of impatience for this "regal" life she had set up for her.

She strolled the village square with her father's bodyguards in toe, performing her usual, dreaded ritual of socializing with the villagers. She truly did appreciate them for everything they did for her and her family, but she just didn't want to be there anymore. This village was too small, too cramped, and too willing to love the shell of a woman she was. A lust for adventure was quickly filling her, and her restlessness brought it nearly to its tipping point. It didn't help that today was her twentieth birthday.

Damn this day. She uttered in the privacy of her own mind. It seemed to be the only place one could find privacy when in the village square.

"My dear Lady Sayera. Are you prepared for the festival this evening?"

She knew that voice. Regaining focus, she quickly found the handsome body that housed it. A tall, strong frame, broad shoulders, dark, glistening eyes, and the most charming smile Sayera had ever seen. It was Yukashii: a successful businessman, cunning swordsman, and the village's most eligible bachelor. If her father had anything to say about it, the pair would be wed before sundown that very day.

His question brought her to a halt as she turned to see him striding over to her. With a smile that was almost genuine she replied. "Not quite. I have some errands to run for Mother before I can return to the house. It's a true pleasure to see you, Yukashii." And it really was. Although her interest in the man was minimal, Sayera admired him for his intelligence, humility, and most importantly, his good heart. Her father called himself a man behind swords and war victories, whereas Yukashii was a man of kindness and virtue.

"The pleasure is all mine, m'Lady." He stopped in front of her, standing straight, legs apart, arms behind his back – confident as a warrior. Equally as confident was his gaze. His eyes stared unwaveringly into hers. "I couldn't help but notice you from across the square. Looking as radiant as ever, I see." His voice was playful.

By now, all the villagers in the immediate area were watching the exchange, although they tried no to appear so. Sayera was bothered by both their nosiness and by Yukashii's flirting. But like any actress, she brushed off emotion and dove into the roll she had been assigned.

"And you are as flattering as ever, I see." She added a giggle for effect. "May I ask your business today in the marketplace?"

Yukashii flashed his glimmering smile. "My business is to accompany a lovely lady such as yourself, if I may be permitted to do so."

Although she would've rather been left alone, Sayera felt as though the man's presence would serve as a distraction from the goings-on of the day. At least he's decent company. Unlike the stagnant guards who she was forced to drag around with her.

The remainder of Sayera's morning was spent strolling around the village with Yukashii, finishing the errands she were given. He did most of the talking, but Sayera didn't mind. He was actually quite fascinating, with the places he'd seen and the youkai he'd slain. Maybe she could have been in love with him if she didn't feel like such a hollow woman all the time. Maybe if Yukashii could see who she really was and what she really wanted, he could really help.