A/N: This is a complete re-imagining from the story I took down a long time ago, called "Wanted". The main idea of the story is still here, but this will be what I had always wanted it to be. This idea has been in my mind for a long time now, and after getting down the skeleton of the story, I can finally write it. I've already written the next two chapters, so I am praying to be able to update with some semblance of regularity. I am still in college though, so no promises. Read on!

Disclaimer: Ruruoni Kenshin doesn't belong to me

Prologue: The contract

"You asked me to meet with you to discuss a marriage contract?" Hiko huffed annoyingly, not for the first time in his life. It was not an uncommon thing for Hiko Seijuro to be annoyed, but this? This took the cake. When he had been considering what this sudden and urgent meeting could be about, he was certainly not thinking of marriage. Especially not since—

"Hiko, it is a very important matter to me." Koshijiro gave him a serious look. Hiko frowned. He was serious then. "One that I cannot leave to chance, in the event that something were to happen to me and my wife."

Hiko narrowed his eyes. "Is there something threatening the crown?" He would be damned if there was. Koshijiro was a comrade in arms, one of the very few men in the world that Hiko trusted. It wasn't easy to find men to trust as a King of his own kingdom.

The monarch in front of him shook his head, sighing. "No, this is more for my peace of mind." He pressed his lips and cast his eyes to the papers he had settled in front of him. "Kaoru is still very young, but the future is always uncertain. In any case, this would only be a provisional contract."

The large man raised an eyebrow. "Provisional?"

"Yes, provisional." Koshijiro picked up the papers in front of him. "In the event that Kaoru survives my wife and I, and has not married, she would marry your son, Kenshin."

"And what makes you think I would agree to this?" Hiko kept a neutral face, but couldn't contain the raised eyebrow.

Koshijiro bristled and gave him that look-the look he wore when protecting what was his. "She is my daughter, a princess, set to inherit all that I have. It would unite two kingdoms seamlessly, and in the event of war, my kingdom's assets would be a great advantage. You know that it would be a great advantage to your people." He placed the papers in front of Hiko. "And it is only in these circumstances that the marriage would occur. Otherwise, it will be like it was never made at all."

Hiko had to admit, the papers were well thought out and Koshijiro had valid points. Not that he was going to refuse in the first place, but he always liked to push his friend a little. Besides, he'd seen the young girl-very promising, in both beauty and skill with the sword. Her ki was also remarkably bright and strong. True, she was only seven, but how else could it be, with parents like hers. Either way, Hiko had an eye for these things. Even if the circumstances never occurred, he'd find a way to encourage Kenshin towards her. Maybe he'd have the chance of happiness Hiko himself denied.

"These are good terms, Koshijiro." Hiko placed the papers down. "I accept them."

Hiko smirked as his friend visibly sighed. The tension that had been the room seem to dissipate as the friends regarded each other

"Good. I was hoping this would go well." Koshijiro smiled at his friend and once rival. "How is Kenshin, by the way? Did the situation you spoke of in your last letter reach a favorable conclusion?"

Hiko scoffed. "Of course it did. Kenshin is my son and my heir. No one will protest that. He proved himself very well." If he'd been any less dignified, he would have puffed out his chest, but settled with only praising his hard-headed, but very loved son. Of course, he'd never say it to the brat in his face, but Hiko knew that Kenshin knew he was proud. He wasn't really good with words when it came to love and affection. Hmm, maybe that had been his downfall in the end.

The raven-haired man snapped him out of his thoughts. "I'm glad. I can't believe anyone would go against your edicts, but there is always the one."

"Not anymore." Hiko bit out and stood up. "Well if that was it, I'll sign the papers and be out. I have important things to do.

"Would you like to stay for dinner? Katsumi and Kaoru would love to see you. Kenshin would be welcome as well." Koshijiro pushed the papers to Hiko and gave him something to sign with.

Hiko shook his head, the offer was tempting, very tempting, but he couldn't accept. Even after all these years, things still hadn't changed and honestly, he didn't care. "Kenshin still has more training to do." He grunted. "He may have mastered Hiten Mitsurugi, but he still has a ways to go when it comes to running a kingdom. I will not have an idiot as my heir."

His friend chuckled. "Don't be too hard on the boy, Hiko. He is still learning." He bowed politely and bid his farewell to his old friend. "We wish you could stay longer."

"Who doesn't?" Hiko strode out of the King's study without another word to the other monarch. He didn't miss the laugh that roared at his comment and Hiko couldn't help the smug grin on his face, even in the face a defeat he had conceded to years ago. With his idiot son, there was still a lot of work to do, but this meeting had only served to make him hopeful, that one day, Kenshin would rule as a true monarch should and be happy. Call him a sentimental fool, but he hoped in his heart that Kenshin would have more luck than he and also rule with a beloved queen by his side.

He'd make sure of that.

A/N: Well, I hoped you like it. Not very long, but this is what sets the stage. I hope y'all are ready for a good ride! I'm excited. Tell me what you think, please. :)

~Daichi