The ball was in full swing now, music and dancing surrounding me. I hid in the back corner, behind some curtains. Sesshomaru had been looking for me for the past half hour, but I concealed myself from him among the crowds. I sighed, pressing my back against the cool wall. The hum of talk and the smell of alcohol surrounded me, masking my presence.
I snagged a goblet from a passing waiter, downing the wine in one gulp. The rest of Sesshomaru's guests were getting giddy, I had one glass on wine to steel my nerves. It was ridiculous, the restrictions he put on me. Like I wasn't an adult able of taking care of myself. I sighed, flicking a piece of hair that had come loose away from my face. It was warm in here, sweat was running down my back.
I growled, twisting out of my hiding place and making a beeline for the balcony. The fresh night air washed over my exposed skin, cooling me down. Even fire demons couldn't tolerate the humidity and stickiness that occurred from all those bodies so close together. I sighed, swinging over the railing and standing hanging over open air. The wind blew around me, whipping my hair out of its confines.
"That's a precarious perch princess. Your cousin would be cheated out of an heir if you fell." I almost lost my grip on the railing when he spoke behind me. The northern prince, Zemmor, stood behind me on the balcony. I narrowed my green eyes at him, baring my fangs.
"I wouldn't be in danger of falling if you hadn't scared the shit out of me." He smirked, cocking his head at me. I scowled at him, claws cutting into the granite of the railing.
"You disappeared for a long time princess, your cousin needs you." I scowled, glancing back in at the dancers. Sesshomaru was sitting on his throne, scowling over the heads of the crowd. He could see me now, dark amber eyes narrowed in my direction. I smiled in return, releasing the railing with one had to wave at him. "Come on princess, his patience is wearing thin." I sighed, ignoring his offered hand and swinging over the banister on my own. Zemmor arched a fine white eyebrow at me, seizing my elbow and dragging me into the ball room.
Sesshomaru stood, eying us critically. Zemmor tugged me up the stairs to stand next to my cousin. Silence fell over the room. I furrowed my brow, glancing at Sesshomaru. He smirked at me and dread curled in my gut. Everyone was staring up at us. Zemmor smirked as well, an arm around my waist possessively. "My citizens", Sesshomaru had begun to speak, "The west is in need of an heir, a new ruler." Cheers rose around the room. "As many of you know, I have forgone finding a mate, instead leading the armies of the west. It has fallen on my younger cousin, your princess, to produce our heir." Everyone was staring at me now. They could probably see my panic. "With her future mate, Lord Zemmor of the North."
Cheers had erupted around the room. Zemmor's hand gripped my waist tightly. I could feel my heart droop, panic flaring in my gut. Zemmor's lips brushed my ear. "I told you, I'm the ultimate hunter princess. Now, I have you trapped." I shivered in his grasp. My hand balled in Sesshomaru's sleeve.
"Please", my cousin stared at me with cold, emotionless eyes, "Sesshomaru, please". He snorted, shaking his head. I whined low in the back of my throat.
"The deal is already made Nyka, stop pleading like a helpless pup." He stalked away from me, leaving me with my betrothed. I stood stiff under Zemmor's arm. He paraded me around like some kind of trophy. I glared at most people, stiff and cold. Zemmor brushed his lips against my ear again.
"Relax Nyka, people will sense how tense you are." His hand caressed my hip. "Your lord wants to have this mating done as soon as possible. Tomorrow maybe." I froze, staring up at the northern demon. He smiled down at me. "My mating mark will look beautiful on that tan skin of yours Nyka. The white will stand out well." I snarled at him. Zemmor's grip turned harsh. "Easy princess, we don't want to bruise that pretty skin. Yet at least, it depends on how long this defiance lasts."
I stopped moving, turning wild green eyes to him. "If you ever lay a hand against me, it will be the last thing you do. I would spill your blood in an instant." He snarled this time, fangs bared in my face.
"You need to learn your place bitch. I can do what I please with you and there is nothing you can do to prevent it." He smirked, pulling me close. "This", his eyes flicked up and down my body, "belongs to me now".
An angry snarl ripped out of my throat, echoing around the ball room. Couples stopped dancing, staring at us with wide eyes. Zemmor growled at me in return, his ice green eyes narrowing into deadly slits. His hand tightened around my wrist, pulling me after him as he stalked out of the ball room. The instant we were in the hall, I ripped my hand out of his grip, a feral grin playing on my lips. "You think you can own me little prince?" My voice was a deep growl. "I don't even bow down to my own lord, I will never bow to you."
He lunged at me, growling. I stepped to the side, his claws just catching the edge of my dress. I summoned my fire, letting it wrap around my body in a cocoon. "Do you think you can touch this little prince?" My demon was boiling just under the surface. "I am the fire princess, exiled heir to the east, daughter of Hotaru and Masoru Firebender. This", I gestured to my body, "belongs to no one".
"Nyka", Sesshomaru's sharp bark echoed around the hall, "how dare you"! His amber eyes settled on my face. "You're bringing shame to this family." I stiffened, my eyes flashing orange. The fire swept into a storm around me, heat bursting through the hall. The intricately woven tapestries on the wall singed under the heat of my flames.
"How dare I?" A feral laugh burst from my lips. "How dare you give me away without even asking! I am not a possession to be given and taken." My claws lengthened, biting into the flesh of my hands. "You have no right to do this to me!" Tears threatened to pour down my cheeks, but I fought them back. "All I've ever wanted was my freedom!" Sesshomaru growled, stepping closer to me. I laughed, amping up the heat of my fire until it glowed a dangerous, brilliant blue.
"Are you going to challenge my fire Sesshomaru? Do you think you can walk into this and survive?" I snarled, my eyes flashing orange as my demon took over. Sesshomaru took a step back, glaring at me with cold amber eyes. A smirk flickered over my lips. "That's what I thought."
"Nyka, I will have you thrown into my dungeon if you do not calm yourself and behave a proper lady should. Is that what you want in front of all our guests?" I snorted, he should know I didn't care what the people here thought of me. I already had a reputation for being uncontrollable.
"You don't want to bring shame to your court, my lord, you're the one who doesn't have the guts to do so." I tilted my head up. "Now if you fine gentlemen would excuse me, I'm going to bed." I turned, letting the flames die down around me.
"Nyka", I paused when I heard the northern prince growl my name, "this marriage is happening, whether you want it or not." A smirk played over my lips. He snarled when I didn't respond. "We've already signed a treaty promising you to me."
"Yes my lord, I assumed as much." I turned, a feral grin flashing across my face. "That doesn't mean I'll lay down and take it." I stalked down the hall, back to my room. Chazi was standing next to my bed, waiting to serve me. I didn't allow her time to take of the dress, I ripped it off, growling. The golden heels were kicked into the corner of my room, one of them snapping at the force of my kick. Chazi winced, her yellow eyes on the floor.
"My lady, I heard about your engagement to the eldest northern prince. Our nation grows stronger with this treaty." I scowled at her, biting back my burning response.
"There is no treaty Chazi. There will be nor marriage." I pulled on my trousers, lacing up the leather ties. Chazi frowned while I dressed in my commoners clothing.
"Nyka, what are you doing?" I could see the concern in her eyes. Chazi had been with me since I was young, she could read my feral look. I smirked.
"If you don't want to be blamed for my escape, I suggest you leave the room now Chazi. I will not let them do this to me." She whimpered, taking a step toward the door. Her yellow eyes were wide with shock. Chazi knew me, she knew I would run like all of hell was on my heels. And when Sesshomaru found out I had fled, all of hell would be on my heels. He would hunt me to the end of the world for defying him.
I grabbed my black leather satchel, packing it with warmer clothing, extra undergarments, and canteens for water. I could hunt in the forest for my food, packing any now would be unnecessary weight. My hand flew to my hair, ripping the golden ornaments out of my hair. "Help me cut this if you're just going to stand there Chazi. I can't leave it long like this."
"Nyka...your hair." She looked like she wanted to faint. I pulled a small danger out of my boot and began sawing at the thick strands. "Stop!" Chazi grabbed the knife from my hand. "You're making a horrible mess of this beautiful hair Nyka, let me do it." She sliced my hair off carefully, leaving it falling just above my shoulders. Tears dripped down her face while she cut it off. I sighed.
"Chazi, I'll be fine in the forest, you should know that. I can take care of myself." She dried her tears, fluffing the hair out around my shoulders. I stood, wrapping my breasts with my bindings and pulling on a black long sleeved tunic. I pulled a chest out from under my bed, unlocking it. Inside sat my father's sword, Firesong, and a couple long knives. I sheathed a pair of knives in my tall leather boots, two up my sleeves, and one on my belt. I strapped the sword across my back, sighing. The familiar weight was comforting.
"In the morning Sesshomaru will find me missing Chazi. You tell him that I kicked you out in a fit of rage. You don't know where I'm going, what I have planned. Chazi, if he hurts you, run after me. I'll help you if I can." She nodded, her yellow eyes watery.
"Be careful Nyka, watch your back, and run like hell." She wrapped me in a tight hug, crushing me into her chest. I headed to the balcony off my room, smirking.
"I'm like dust in the wind Chazi, they won't find me." I grabbed the long curtains and stepped up onto the railing. "Good luck Chazi." I let myself fall, the night air rushing past me. Halfway down the palace wall I dug my claws into the wall. Sparks flew from my nails grinding into the stone. I hissed in pain, my fingertips bleeding. The second my feet hit the ground, I was running. I stopped at the stable, saddling a beautiful mare. Her hooves sent sparks flying when we hit the stone road. The mare was fast, blazing toward the forest. I spurred her on, adrenaline pumping from my escape.
The night cloaked us as we ran, wrapping us in shadows. Trees whispered overhead, shining silver in the moonlight. I threw my arms out, laughing with joy. Freedom felt good, it felt wild. He couldn't track me here, couldn't keep up with me when I was this free.
I grabbed the mare's rein again, disappearing into the dark of the night. We rode through the forest and over the boarder again. We cut back over to the main road. Her hooves sent sparks flying into the night, leaving a trail burning behind us. I hunched in the saddle, pushing the mare faster. The first village we rode through still owed their allegiance to my cousin, we didn't even slow down through there.
We ran like hell was already on our heels, not slowing down until dawns light touched the eastern horizon. I pulled the mare back into a trot, pushing the hood of my cloak off my head. I sighed, running the fingers of one hand through my short hair. Sunlight touched my skin, making my shine like fire. I growled, tugging the edges of the cloak closer.
I were still too close to the boarder to be drawing attention to myself. My shining skin and hair would draw people's attention. I pulled the hood back up, shadowing my face. I could hear voices ahead, most likely a village. I was still warily though, Sesshomaru still help a lot of sway in these parts. Challenging his rule would be dangerous, a lapse in judgment.
I swung off the beautiful mare, this was as far as she would go with me. I unsaddled and unbridled her, turning her loose. From here, I would go on foot until I found somewhere safe. I shouldered my bag, pulling my hood low over my face. The forest was still dark, masking me as I slunk through the trees.
A river slowed near the edge of the forest, women from the village were gathering water. I paused, watching them from the shadows of the forest. They seemed so peaceful here, so relaxed. There was none of the tension that filled the royal palace. I smiled, edging back into the forest and moving on.
Soon, the sun was beating down on me, I was sweating through my heavy cloak. I growled in frustration, ripping off the hood of my cloak. My hair was plastered to my head, heavy with sweat. It was gross. I ripped off a strip of my cloak, binding my hair back tightly. The air was heavy, humid, the way it felt before a powerful storm. There were black clouds boiling on the horizon, threatening to down pour on the land.
I glanced up, scenting the breeze. I would have to find shelter soon if I didn't want to be soaked through. It would wash the sweat off though. I sighed, my feet ached already, and the heavy air was giving me a migraine. I sighed, dragging my tired body through the thickest part of the forest, clambering over fallen trees and pushing through thorny thickets.
The thorns grabbed at my skin, drawing blood. I frowned, demon blood had a strong smell, it might draw Sesshomaru and Zemmor closer to me. I couldn't afford to draw the hunt closer to me already. I slipped under a fallen tree, sighing, this forest was never ending. The shadow of the storm was already falling over me, dark rumbles of thunder echoing through the trees. I let out another irritated growl, staring up at the rain heavy sky. At least the rain would wash my scent away.
I picked up my pace, bolting through the forest, looking for shelter. I picked up the scent of rotting wood and rusted metal. I turned to my left, scanning the trees. There was a half fallen down cabin, hidden among the trees. I scouted around it, scenting the air. There was no demon scent around me, or human. No one had been here for a long time. I slipped over to the cabin, pushing the door aside. In was dark, scented strongly of old urine and rotting wood. I wrinkled my nose, trying to block it out. It would do to last out the storm.
I slipped inside, drawing scent through my nose. The stale scent of humans and fear was inside. This cabin had likely been used to conduct illegal business. Maybe even human trafficking. I could smell females, and fear. It made me sad, to think of them huddled in this piss scented cabin waiting to learn what their future held, what kind of master they would have to serve.
I understood their fear, fear of being signed off to someone who didn't love them someone who just wanted them for their body and children. I could understand that kind of fear. I laughed lightly, spreading my cloak in the corner, sitting down. Thunder cracked right overhead, making me jump. I hated storms, always had, since thunder demons killed my parents in an ambush. They put me on edge, made me shaky and nervous.
I settled down, resting my head on my pack. I needed to sleep through the storm, get my rest I had missed while I was running. I let my eyes drift shut, darkness closing in around me.
A loud crack of thunder woke me, making me bolt upright. My heart was beating dangerously fast in my chest, putting me on edge. Footsteps, almost silent, but they were there masked under the sound of rain pouring down. I could scent demon, ever so faintly, creeping around the edges of the building. I slid upright, into a crouch, pulling one of the knives out of my sleeve.
The demon outside froze, scenting the air for me. I smirked, slipping soundlessly toward a window. Rain pelted against the old metal roof, making it sound louder than it actually was. I glanced out the window, watching for any sudden movement. There was a figure, outlined in the darkness, standing at the edge of the trees. The demon was too small to be Sesshomaru or Zemmor, but he could still be a threat.
I lifted myself onto the window sill, crouched on the sill, still. The figure froze, twitching slightly. He had seen me move. I gripped my knife tightly, wound tighter that a spring. He moved to bolt, I sprung, snarling. A wild squeal escaped the demon and he struggled wildly in my grasp. I growled, pressing my knife to his throat. "Who are you and what are you doing here?"
He froze, I couldn't make out his face in the dark, but I could smell his fear. "P..please, I'm cold and hungry. I thought this place was abandoned, I didn't know. Please!" I relaxed my grip on him. It was barely more than a child, young. I sighed, sheathing my knife again.
"Alright, I have food for you. But after that, you have to go back to your parents." I didn't release the kit, dragging him into the cabin with me. I set about piling as much dry wood together on the dirt floor as I could, summoning my fire and lighting the wood. The kit squinted in the sudden light, his violet eyes narrowed. He was a young panther demon, scrawny and dirty. His dark eyes flicked over to me, looking for danger.
I frowned. "How long have you been on your own kit?" He started down at his little, balled fists, I arched an eyebrow at him, opening my pack and pulling out a bag of dried meat. "Eat, but then, tell me your story kit. I don't often give charity to strangers." He snatched the bag of meat from me, tearing into it with his fangs. I laughed lightly, watching the little kit eat. He was ravenous. "What is your name kit?"
He glanced up, watching me. "Razan, and before you ask, my parents were killed by demon hunters. My tribe kicked me out for being weak. I don't have anywhere to go, or anyone to go to." His bright violet eyes were big, hopeful. I sighed, running my fingers through my hair.
"I'm on the run kit, I can't give you a home like you're hoping for." He glanced down again, biting his lower lip. I closed my eyes, trying to block out the pathetic sight the kit made. "But if you can keep up, you can stay with me." His eyes shot up to my face, a grin moving over his lips.
"Really?" His excitement filled the air. I chewed my own lower lip, cursing the gods for dumping this kit on me.
"Only if you can keep up. I can't be slowed down by a child." He nodded eagerly, grinning. I sighed, sitting down in the corner. This would probably come back to bite me in the ass, but I couldn't leave him out here on his own. The storm was reaching its peak, thunder cracking overhead viciously.
Razan was skinny, which was normal for panther demons, be he was almost painfully skinny. He had black hair, violet eyes, and tanned skin. Cute, furry ears perched on the top of his head, which was normally a sign of a half demon. I frowned. "Razan, were both your parents demons?"
He stopped eating, glancing up at me. His violet eyes flashed with anger. "No…my mother was human. Why does it matter?" He sneered at me. "I can leave if you don't want to be around a dirty hanyo."
"No Razan, its fine. I just wondered if you were a full demon or not, your ears give it away." He snorted, starting to eat again. I smirked, the kit had balls. That had to count for something. I shifted so I was facing the door, scenting the air again. Dawn was just a few hours away and the storm still raged on.
I frowned, eyeing the dark clouds boiling overhead. Traveling in this mess would be irritating, but I needed to keep moving. Razan looked outside as well, his purple eyes narrowed. "Pretty bad storm, it might last all day."
"We need to move anyway." I stood up, pulling my cloak on and shouldering my pack. "Do you have a cloak kit?" He shook his head and I sighed heavily. "The next village we come to I will go in a purchase you one. We need to be careful though, there are dangerous people hunting me."
Razan stared up at me with wide, curious eyes. "Why?" I bit my lower lip, my ear twitching slightly.
"That is none of your concern kit." He nodded slowly, staring at me. I brushed off my cloak, flicking off rotten woods debris. "Come on, you can ride on my shoulder out of the rain." He clambered up me like I was a tree and wiggled down under the water proof fabric. I rolled my eyes on last time before shoving the door open and stepping into the downpour.
Hey guys, thank you for reading and PurpleRawn, thank you for the wonderful review. That's all for now guys. Lots of love from your adoring author, DRBCL.