This is so much better than the life I had before. Being entangled in Nobunaga's arms was every woman's dream. With my line of work, it was best not to become too involved, but he's the Nobunaga Oda. How could I say no? It's been worth it. That's not to say that it's just because he knows his way around a woman's body, either. It's comfortable here.

"Miki," Nobunaga called softly, urging me to turn over in his arms in order to look up at him. That oh so sexy smirk growing on his lips, he asked, "Why is it that I am so intrigued by you? There's some mystery about you, reason enough for me to keep my distance as a man of great power. Yet, every time you're near, I want you to be close to me."

Is that warlord code for you're dangerous, but extremely attractive at the same time. "You're glossing over the fact that I'm good at my job and you have to pay quite a lot to keep me around," I replied. If that element is taken out, then we would just be lovers.

Nobunaga chuckled and propped himself up on his elbow. "That is true. I don't suppose that you would like me to pay for this, too?" His tone remained light, but there was an edge in it, like the tip of a blade. Another one of those tests, to see if I am trying to seduce him for power.

I smacked his chest with the back of my hand. "Do I look like I cheap prostitute?" It's a little offensive, but I understand where he is coming from. "It's not like the only thing I'm getting out of this is good sex. I get a comfortable bed in a heavily guarded castle for the night. That's one less time I have to stay in an inn." Those weren't horrible, but they paled in comparison to the beauty of this castle and the man who was lord over it.

"You don't have a home then?"

I shrugged my shoulders, laying back down on my back to stare at the details engraved in the ceiling. "I move around too much," I replied. My stays in Azuchi were short lived. Nobunaga wanted results, and to do that, I had to go find my own information. Unlike his many vassals and allies, there wasn't a vast network for me to use. "Besides, making a home in future enemy territory is not a good investment. Hideyoshi had a point, earlier. Someday, I may not work for you but against you."

Nobunaga pulled my hand up to kiss it. "Unless I pay enough to make you stay. I will unite Japan and be the ruler. It would be smart to keep your loyalty with this clan," he said.

"My loyalty is to myself. I do what's best for me," I answered. That's how I survive. Believing in someone else to keep me safe and give me the life I deserve would end in my demise.

"I can understand that." Nobunaga slid his arm around my waist, pulling me close. Lifting my chin with his finger, he had a wry smile on his face. "However, you will stay here because it is what I desire. Your price will never be too much." Placing a soft kiss on my lips, he chuckled at the confused expression on my face.

He can't possibly know that. With no retort, I turned over again, unable to look at him without my cheeks feeling hot. He just wants what I can give him. That's all anyone wants. Nobunaga rested his chin on my head, still not letting me go. We stayed in silence until we fell asleep. My dreams were haunted by my past, like usual.

Too soon, the morning came. Hideyoshi entered the room with a report already. He's so loud. In my time here, I knew that Nobunaga always woke before me, and was already working at this hour, but at least he's quiet. Pulling the covers up over my head, I groaned. "Not so loud, Hideyoshi. I'm still sleepy."

"You shouldn't be here to begin with. Get dressed, Miki," Hideyoshi chastised.

He wasn't alone this morning. Masamune laughed at me, saying, "Good morning, Miki. Seems someone had a nice night." He's a huge flirt. That's why I told Katria to choose him to work under. Personality wise, she would have been better off with someone like Ieyasu. It's much more entertaining to watch her deal with this warlord.

"I was having a good morning too until mother showed up," I said. He's such a buzzkill. It's clear he cares about his lord, but to the point that he would hurt anyone or himself to keep Nobunaga alive and well. It's a bit much.

"Miki!" That's his warning tone. He used it a lot when Mitsuhide is around.

Nobunaga waved his hand dismissively as I peeked out from under the covers. "Leave her be, Hideyoshi. She also has work to do." Day Nobunaga and Night Nobunaga were like two completely different people. While he could dote on me during daylight hours, most of the time it was 'go to work, Miki.' Or 'what results do you have, Miki'. Then at night, it was a complete 180.

Taking the full futon cover with me, I disappeared behind the paper divider to get my kimono back on. Their conversation changed to the tasks at hand. Typical things, like how the town is doing, how trade is going, and some talk of a skirmish rising. It wasn't until Masamune began to talk that I became interested.

"Katria and I will be departing at midday to do our own investigating," he said, excitement laced in his tone.

My eyes grew wide. "Wait!" Now fully dressed, I retrieved my swords and shoes. "Seriously?" I burst out laughing. She's going to be in a foul mood. The thing she hates most is working with others. It's easy for her to complete missions for Masamune, however, her stipulation has always been that she does it alone. "She agreed to that?"

The three warlords all stared. To them, Katria and I have a past but it's unknown to what caliber. "Katria will do what is required of her," Masamune replied. Oh, right. Sometimes it's hard to remember that this one is a little bipolar.

I put my hand on my hip and smiled brightly. "Oh, I know. Want a piece of advice?" I asked, not waiting for him to answer. "Kat is much more fun when she's drunk." With that, I turned on my heel. Everything already in motion to get a rile out of her. Giving a small wave, I said, "I'll be back in a few days. Don't miss me too much, Hideyoshi."

Practically skipping down the hallway, I hummed to myself. This is a good day. I've gotten to harass Hideyoshi two days in a row, and Katria will be in the perfect state to annoy as well. I'll have to seek her out before heading off to a town near Honno-ji to start gathering information. It should only take a day or so on horseback to get there.

"You're in a good mood," Katria was waiting by the castle gates, like usual. She wouldn't enter the grounds unless absolutely necessary.

I grinned at her. "I'm in a great mood!" I answered, continuing past her and then stopping dramatically to turn back towards her. "Oh, I hear you're going to be spending some quality time with Masamune. Let me know if you need some advice—" Narrowly stepping back out of the path of her sword, I laughed. That's the second time someone has tried that in two days.

"Unlike you, I don't make a habit of sleeping with the man I work for," Katria said, eyes narrowed at me. She's adorable. Straightening up, she sighed. "How much longer until this is over, Miki?"

It was my turn to be irritated with her. "Never. I'm never going back," I replied. Things here are difficult, sure, but it pales in comparison to the torture and suffering that we had endured, and would still be enduring, if we returned to our home. "Right, I forgot. You have a death wish. Kat, enjoy being a favorite vassal of the Masamune Date. It's not like life has been kind to us before."

"What part of being in a war riddled country is appealing to you?" Katria asked, squeezing the hilt of her sword.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Using a sword is fun, and the clothes are beautiful. I can make more money here with just a few days work than having to work my ass off to get one decent meal. It's not so bad. You're just a pessimist." There was no way that I would be returning to our home unless someone was dragging my dead body. This is where I belonged. This is what I enjoyed.

Katria refused to talk to me anymore. I took that as a good time to go ahead and set off. My gorgeous horse waited in the stables for me. Nobunaga must have ordered it to be readied. The saddle and reigns were all ready for me. Feeding her a carrot, I turned my head when someone cleared their throat behind me.

Hideyoshi had a scowl on his face. "Miki don't come back."

Huh?