Hi Everyone! Thank you all so much for the reviews! To TheDarkestDragon29, you'll find the answer to your question in this story, though my lips are sealed for now. As for Atemu comparing Mana's own opinion to torture, that's just the way he is. He's dark, cruel and doesn't care about other people's feelings (except Yami's).
Also, I will try to give every chapter a warning concerning the contents. This one, however, will not have any torture. It will have (personal opinion) quite possibly the best lemon I have ever written.
That said, please enjoy the chapter!
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Chapter 2
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With the chamber doors closing behind them, a certain peace fell over both men. The shadows nearly purred as they slithered across the floor and covered it with their presence as they appeared to settle down. They curled against slender legs as shoes were discarded, which had Yami smiling as he bend down and stroked them gently. Atemu chuckled softly and released the pale man to turn the lights on some more, before he gazed back at the Neko while leaning against the door frame. Such a beautiful man he was and Atemu purred softly as he watched his kitten play with the shadows for a moment. There was a kind smile on his lips, his crimson eyes warm while his features were set in a happy, playful mood. His beloved was the one and only person not to be afraid of him or the shadows and the tanned man could feel how warmth enveloped him as it always did when he was allowed to bask in the presence of his lover.
Crimson eyes glanced his way as Yami felt the tanned man watching him and he chuckled softly in return. Turning his attention back upon the shadows, he whispered to them softly: "I must see him to bed, good night", were his kind words and in his mind, Atemu could see images of a way the shadows wished his lover the same. A stranger's eyes closed, blood flowed and there were many souls to eat. It was one way to wish someone sweet dreams, concerning it was only them who dreamed of these images and Atemu was glad the pale Neko no longer had any kind of nightmare plaguing him at night.
Pale hands closed around his own tanned ones and Atemu smiled as he gladly received the soft kiss against his lips. "Come", Yami whispered softly as he broke the contact and took his lover into the bedroom where a king-size four poster bed was waiting. The silken sheets were folded back already and Atemu purred softly at the knowledge of Yami setting everything up for a peaceful night while he had still been in the throne room to discuss matters with his brother. Gently, the tanned man embraced his lover from behind and kissed his neck tenderly in loving affection.
"Até, you must rest", Yami whispered and a soft moan escaped him while he tilted his head away so Atemu had more space. The tanned man was undisturbed by the choker he wore and merely kissed his way down softly.
"This is resting", he murmured as his lips touched the white scars his lover carried. They were almost unnoticeable from afar, but up close he could see them clearly. Bite marks and puncture wounds were marring his kitten, yet, Atemu loved to kiss them. The white pieces of skin were sensitive to his touch, something Yami had allowed him over the past few years. His kitten was currently comfortable with him kissing the slender neck and Atemu was forever grateful he could pamper his lover's skin with his lips.
"I see", Yami merely replied with another soft moan falling over his lips as he took a hold of tanned hands and squeezed them softly. They were slowly working on the buttons of his vest and dress shirt, in order to give Atemu more bare skin to kiss and the tanned man smirked as he could lick the back of Yami's neck. His lover trembled in delight and whispered a gasp for air whilst sitting down on the bed when Atemu beckoned him so. The tanned man sat down behind Yami, his hands continuing on the buttons, before he pushed a shoulder bare so he could kiss and lick it with tender affection.
His lover was most beautiful and Atemu took it as his mission to make sure his kitten knew as such. He moaned softly as Yami helped himself out of his upper garments and his tanned hands touched the revealed skin lovingly. The Neko moaned as Atemu's fingers stroked over sensitive spots and circled around a white scar upon his abdomen, before moving towards his belly button. Yami trembled in pleasure as a finger was dipped inside and the coil within his stomach tightened at the movement. Atemu was a tease and he moaned as his lover's second hand stroked along his spine. The other moved from his abdomen towards his sternum and Yami gasped as delicate fingers circled around his nipple.
The other hand continued to move up and tilted his head just a little more so Atemu could kiss his neck again. Yami took the liberty of grasping the hand that moved towards his ears and gently took the fingers in his mouth to suckle on them. As he did, Atemu moved closer against his frame, his heavy breath against the pale neck while he continued to kiss it. Rose-red eyes watched Yami suckle on his fingers, his muscles tightening at the sight and he moaned as his lips released his kitten's neck. Dark crimson eyes watched him in return, with Yami's skilful tongue lapping away excess saliva which clung to tanned fingers as Atemu retrieved his hand.
Softly, yet eagerly they kissed and Yami turned in Atemu's embrace to settle himself on his lover's lap. The tanned man moaned softly in approval while pale hands caressed his frame through his clothes. Pushing his tongue passed Yami's lips, Atemu gently mapped out his kitten's mouth, his hands running along the bare skin to settle upon the lower back. The black tail curled in delight and as Atemu could feel pale fingers undoing his clothes, he stroked the playful appendage. It was mesmerizing to see it curl in pleasure, before it twitched away from his fingers to avoid touch. The tail was sensitive after all and Atemu knew his lover didn't want things to end too soon. He couldn't help but try, however, while Yami kissed his skin softly.
A pleasured trembled passed the tanned man's spine as Yami licked and nibbled on his ear whilst pale hands helped him out of his clothes, before they caressed the skin upon his well-defined chest lovingly. For a small moment, those fingers played with the golden chain around his neck as well as the golden ring, which was invisible to everyone but his lover. Then, Yami pushed against the tanned man and Atemu laid down, allowing his Neko to kiss his collarbone and down towards his nipple. They always took their time in kissing and pleasing the other, it was their moment of being with one another, a moment of contact behind closed doors. Aside from that, Yami loved to please his lover with teasing licks of his rough tongue and his ears easily caught the soft moan as he closed his lips around the tanned nub and sucked gently.
Slowly, as Atemu's hands stroked his backside eagerly and cupped the cheeks in both hands, Yami moved towards the second hardened nipple to give it the same treatment. He swirled his tongue around the skin, gave it soft and delicate suckles before he released it to leave Atemu longing for more. Afterwards, the pale man moved down, to kiss the sternum and muscles of his lover's abdomen. He stroked the curves, especially the one which made Atemu twitch with a breathless moan.
Gasping for air, the tanned man could feel Yami kiss down and the coil tightened as that tongue dipped down into his belly button several times. With regret Atemu released his lover who stepped off the bed, only to sit up himself and watch how Yami slowly undressed himself completely. Pale fingers worked on the button of the Neko's trousers slowly, which was situated upon Yami's back so it would leave a gap for his slender tail, before Yami slid the trousers from his legs slowly. Discarding his undergarment at the same time, Atemu's rose-red eyes were able to take in the aroused state his lover presented him with. He smirked as he rose and pulled his kitten against himself to kiss the pale lips firmly with love. Yami was his and he had pleased the pale man, but he was not yet done. Getting rid of his own garments and letting pale hands stroke the offered flesh, they kissed again eagerly.
"Lie down", Yami whispered and Atemu gave a soft growl in objection, before he was turned and felt Yami press up against his back. Then there were those soft lips upon his skin and Atemu closed his eyes in bliss. They made him forget the pain, as they touched upon pale long scars marring his tanned back. They were as sensitive to touch as Yami's own scars and he moaned as his lover treated them to hot, open-mouthed kisses. He gasped for air as he trembled, his knees turning to jelly and he leaned against the frame of their bed to anchor himself.
Each long mark, no matter if they crossed or not, was kissed with tenderness, the tip of Yami's tongue lapping at some of them which made the tanned man twitch in response. His muscles tightened and he tensed as Yami knelt down behind him and kissed his way towards his outer thigh. Pre-cum leaked from his flesh as his hot blood coursed through his veins and Atemu trembled as he felt pale hands stroke the inside of his legs. Slowly, Yami moved and dark rose-red eyes watched how the rough tongue licked away the offered semen to which Atemu moaned long and loud.
The shaft was kissed gently and thumbs teased the surrounding skin as Yami pleased the tanned penis with his lips and tongue. At a rather slow lick, from the base towards the tip he could feel Atemu tensing and he smirked, before covering the head with his lips to give a soft suck. A tanned hand fisted his hair as Atemu groaned, holding his hips back from pushing too far into the warm cavern because he had to be careful of the fangs. Yami sucked the tip again, his fingers teasing the hard flesh and Atemu groaned as he came. His hips bucked slightly, yet his kitten moved in synch with the jolt as he drank as much as he could.
Breathing hard as his high coursed through him, Atemu continued to watch his lover wipe his lips from spilled semen, only to kiss the soft-growing flesh. Trembling still, the tanned man pulled his lover off the floor to kiss him eagerly. The demon could taste his cum upon Yami's tongue, but he could care less as he felt a certain peace and excitement fall over him. Descending upon the bed, he settled himself between Yami's legs and raised one to kiss the inside of the pale knee.
"My beautiful, my Kitten, my love", Atemu whispered, each word accentuated by a new kiss. Yami purred softly, his crimson eyes half-lidded as he still swept his tongue across his lips. "May I?", he asked, gently retrieving a bottle of lubricant from underneath a pillow. They always kept it there, filled to the brim for their time alone. Yami's purr upped in volume and he nodded.
"Please. Own me", his kitten answered and Atemu purred in response. Opening the bottle, he smirked as he lubed his hands and fingers, warming the liquid before he tenderly stroked the pale penis. His kitten never objected, though occasionally, Atemu still liked to ask for permission.
"Warm enough?", he asked, because he didn't want to bring his lover in discomfort. Yami merely jolted and moaned, pre-cum leaking from his flesh as the coil tightened. It was already tight after pleasing Atemu in order to hear his lovely moans, but to have his lover touch him was a whole different sensation. He nodded and purred when the tanned man spread his legs apart a little more so he could slowly push a finger into the willing body. The other hand spread some more lube between the cheeks, before going back to the pale flesh.
He loved to hear his lover's moan or the soft cries while Yami desperately clung to him and Atemu chuckled softly. Sharp nails dug into his skin as he added a second finger, but as long as there was no pain present upon Yami's face, there was no need to be alarmed. There hadn't been pain in a long time and Atemu purred as he stretched his lover's entrance to accommodate him for when he would thrust into his lover and please him to a blissful end.
"Até...!", Yami ground out, his body trembling while Atemu pushed into him and stroked his flesh at the same time. Atemu merely chuckled, giving the pale penis a soft squeeze before running his thumb across the slit.
"Come for me", he said, his voice that authoritative tone and Yami mewled as his muscles tensed. Another thrust of three fingers into his willing entrance made him cry out and his hips bucked as he let go. Trembling while still clinging to Atemu, Yami gasped for breath and moaned because his lover continued to prepare him. His body was always sensitive after his release, with his muscles far more relaxed and he moaned in pleasure as the tanned demon pushed his grown flesh deep into him.
Coming down from his high, Yami wound his trembling legs around Atemu's waist so he could cling to the tanned man to tell him to please move and take him. Atemu peppered his face with soft kisses, however, which created a purring response from the pale man because it was an appreciated gesture of affection. The pleasuring tingles grew, however, as soon as Atemu pulled his hips back and thrust back into Yami. At the movement, moans filled the bedroom and the pale Neko gasped for breath as he nodded for Atemu to please, please continue. To take him, to own him and to pounce into him because he needed the other man.
Dark rose-red eyes watched the nod, before Atemu steadied himself a little more and gave another firm thrust. His kitten, his Neko, his lover gave a soft cry and tried to move his hips in synch with the demon's thrusts. He wanted this man, he needed this man, he loved this man and Atemu growled softly in pleasure as Yami cried out again and again and again. Their rhythm fastened as he grasped the pale hips and tilted them slightly, gaining a pleased scream from the pale man as he could plunge his flesh deeper into the willing body beneath him. He moaned as the muscles twitched at the intrusion, clenching around his shaft while he claimed his lover as he should. Their coils grew tense while Atemu continued his steady movements of taking Yami, his moans deepening and growing in volume as he gasped for breath. His kitten clung to him and screamed, his body tense with his second orgasm and Atemu gave a groaned growl in response as his hips locked tight against Yami's body.
They both twitched, with Yami purring softly as hot semen burned inside of him while he listened to Atemu gasping for breath. The tanned man kissed his brow softly, the touch that of fond gratitude. His lover understood him after all, was not afraid of him and wished to be with him like they were at the moment. Locked in a blissful state, while he was still buried deep within Yami's willing body.
It was beautiful to see his kitten recover from his orgasm as his gleaming crimson eyes were warm with love and treasured affection. A pale hand unclenched itself from Atemu's arm to cup the tanned face and pull it down in a searing kiss. The demon moaned softly as the languid kiss meant everything to him. Their tongues touched softly and after the kiss broke, the tanned man rubbed his nose against Yami's which made his lover purr some more. Pale fingers played with the golden ring around his neck for a moment, while he gave another kiss, smiling down upon his lover lovingly.
A whine escaped the Neko, however, as Atemu pulled his flesh from within him. The demon cleaned them both gently with one end of the sheets, before he turned it around and helped Yami snuggle up to him. The pillows were soft and comfortable as he laid down, while the feeling of Yami against his frame was warm and wanted. Pale hands continued to stroke his chest softly, while Yami's warm lips occasionally kissed his skin fondly.
"Rest, Kitten", he whispered and purred softly as pale fingers stroked his sternum. Yami mewed softly, his cat-ears moving in his hair and Atemu was tempted to stroke them. There was enough lubricant left after all and if his Neko continued his own soft treatment, they would definitely need it. A soft moan was his second response and Yami nuzzled him under his ear in submissive tenderness.
"This is resting", were Yami's next words and Atemu chuckled as his own words were used against him. Yet, he felt himself at peace, his shadows curling around the room and hanging from the walls like tapestries. They always witnessed their joining and approved of it greatly. They loved Yami as much as he did, although they showed it differently. There would often be a trade of gifts between both his lover and the shadows as Yami's second nature often tempted him to catch and kill animals so the shadows could eat them. It would not be the first time if Atemu would wake up tomorrow morning with a dead bird in their bedroom while the shadows and Yami played outside in their private garden to see what else they could catch. The tanned demon couldn't help himself as he chuckled softly at the memory, before he focused on his lover again at a soft worried mew.
When Atemu's attention was upon him, Yami rose slightly to gaze in the warm rose-red eyes. "Até... Why did you accept the challenge? Why did you indulge in the insane aggravation? What if you get hurt?", the pale man asked softly and Atemu rose his eyebrow.
"Because I can. Do you not believe I could win?", he asked in return, but that received him another submissive nuzzle. Gently, he pulled Yami against him some more, though his kitten decided that lying on top of him would convey his feelings better. Wrapping both arms around Yami, Atemu sighed softly when there was a soft mournful sound.
"You can win the fight, Até. I know you can, but I also don't want to see you get hurt. What happens if you do? You are my world, my lover, my everything. If you get hurt, all of that will shatter and I won't know what to do", Yami admitted and softly, Atemu stroked the bare back in soothing circles.
"There is little reason for you to fear me getting hurt, Kitten. I will return to your side, unharmed and in good health. Will you watch me gain my victory?", Atemu asked and Yami hummed softly in response.
"Of course I will. There's no hair on my head willing to miss you decapitating someone who deserves it", Yami promised and Atemu smiled as he felt relieved at his lover's answer. He purred softly as Yami tried to comfort him, though it really should be the other way around. He should have known his lover would not take well to him battling someone without his shadow magic, but he was confident he could take Tamil and make him pay for what he had done. Rallying people against Atemu's reign, plundering villages to gain his resources... a crime which the tanned man could not forgive. He was a harsh man and that meant his word was law. He may never ascend the throne, but the land he owned was his which meant no Lord could try to steal it and get away with doing so.
"Kitten?", he whispered and Yami hummed softly in his half-sleep. "My sincere apologies for calling you my 'pet' twice today". Yami shifted slightly, his sleepy eyes locking with rose-red, before the Neko leaned down for a soft kiss. Atemu purred softly in response and smiled as Yami broke their kiss gently.
"No need to apologise, Até", he whispered, because he knew why the word had been said, though the tanned man pursed his lips in disagreement.
"Just because the public...", he started, before discarding the idea. He had no intention to ruin their good moment with his rant and anger about the public not accepting Neko's as living beings with emotions of their own. Sighing softly, he enjoyed the feeling of Yami on top of him as the nearly sleeping Neko was a comfort to his mind. "Still, an apology is in order. I know how much the word makes your blood boil and I said it at times I could not comfort you", Atemu continued and Yami purred as he kissed the tanned chest languidly.
"You comforted me just now as you claimed me as yours. Now, rest, Até. There is much to be done. Mana needs to be shown around tomorrow and even though Ishizu will be appointed as her main carer to teach her the rules in your home, it does not mean I can slack off at all. You have to get yourself ready for the upcoming fight and I have to steal my nerves, so rest, beloved", Yami whispered and Atemu yawned as he got comfortable with his Neko still on top of him.
"Yes, my love, my Yami, my kitten, my pet", Atemu whispered and he chuckled at the faint growl as he teased the pale man. Murmuring softly, Yami ignored the statement as much as possible, before his breathing evened out slowly. The shadows curled around the bed, reacting to both men falling asleep and they followed them into their own sweet dreams of torment and bloodlust.
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Sitting up straight, Mana gasped as she woke from her slumber. Staring around herself, the brunette took in the sight of the small bedroom and the morning sun trying its best to shine through the curtains. Had she really fallen asleep? After all that had happened yesterday? Had she really felt that comfortable? Or had she simply been too tired after Ishizu had shown her to a room, which was in a long hallway with several doors. Everyone else at the table, aside from Seto and Kisara, had also taken up a room in the corridor after wishing each other sweet dreams.
The young girl couldn't believe she had fallen asleep, considering her thoughts had plagued her for a long time to come. There was fear that all of this was a dream and that, the moment she would wake, she would be an outcast again. Mana sighed softly as she curled her knees against her chest. The dress she had worn yesterday lay upon a chaise lounge so it wouldn't wrinkle, the jewellery next to it upon a small side table. There were beautiful plants in her room, the colours of her walls warm and cosy while her bed was soft and inviting. She had never been bathed in such abundance before and it was scary.
What was to be expected from her? What did the Lord truly want? Was he to scare her again or simply maim her and leave her body for his magic? She knew who he was, the rumours couldn't have been more true and yet, she had dined with the Shadow Prince. He was the seventh child of their demonic ruler, an elder who still sat upon the throne to this day. Each of his children had been given a piece of land as they had come of age, some warring with each other to grow. It was true Lord Atemu was rather neutral regarding such fights, though he had left one of his brothers barely alive for even trying him once.
She knew the prince was a harsh man, his punishments severe for upsetting his carefully laid out rules. Yet, Mana had travelled between lands and many villages as an outcast. As she had arrived at the gates of Sihnon, there had been wealth and smiles. Perhaps not everyone had been happy, nobody ever was which had let to Lord Tamil trying to overthrow her new host. He had not succeeded, obviously, as Lord Atemu's shadow magic and army had conquered everything. Now, all the land that was once from the intruder was now in hands of someone else's. That's how it always went and Mana sighed softly as she realised she could be send back to one of those villages and then sold to the highest bidder. Lord Atemu would sometimes sell his land, always saying he doesn't need so much as long as others didn't touch what was his unless it was no longer in his possession.
She had seen it before, how a village was sold before it had even realised it belonged to a new demon's domain and not always to the best candidate. Lord Atemu may be cruel and had a wicked sense of what was right or wrong, but at least he didn't ask for human sacrifices. His white-haired brother did and Mana had fled that village as soon as she had been able to.
Soft knockings on her door alerted her and Mana tensed as fear gripped her heart. Had he come at last? His words had not comforted her in the least. If he could decide between beheading or skewering her, the tanned man could always decide to take her as his wife still. Then, there was the clear sound of the Neko's bell and slowly, with the blankets wrapped around her frame, Mana urged herself to get up and open the door. Crimson eyes stared at her in curiosity, before Yami tried to hand her a new set of clothes.
"Is she awake?", was the soft question through the corridor and Mana tensed as she didn't know what to do. When Ishizu stepped in her line of sight, she almost felt like crying again because the older woman would be able to help her. Yami turned to Ishizu, inclining his head slightly.
"Yes, good morning to you as well. Shall I help Mana with her new outfit?", Ishizu asked and the brunette wished she could read the Neko before her. Or that he would simply speak up, though that was probably less likely to happen than her learning his body language. The Neko nodded, handed the clothes to Ishizu and then leaned against the wall. Mana let the other woman in, before slowly closing the door as the pale man had apparently decided to wait. Ishizu smiled as she laid the clothes upon the dresser, a beautiful mirror hanging above it and reflecting her image perfectly.
"Good morning, Mana", Ishizu said and the brunette took a deep breath. She had completely forgotten to greet the other woman because of her lingering thoughts, and a small smile made it upon her lips.
"Good morning, Ishizu. You do not know how happy I am to see you", she said and Ishizu embraced her gently.
"I am very pleased to see you again as well, though we must hurry. Today will be your first day and there is much to teach you", the black-haired woman said, before she unfolded the new set of clothes and presented them towards Mana. She pointed at a room divider and the brunette girl disappeared behind it as was asked. Confusion shone in her dark-blue eyes however.
"Teach?", she asked as she lifted the dark-blue trousers and inspected them. They were of perfect quality and Mana trembled as she fit them on. Could she even wear these kind of clothes? Compared to Ishizu's off-white gown, they were so vibrant and far more expensive than anything else she had ever had.
"Yes, teach, Mana. We rise at a time so we may enjoy breakfast at eight in the morning. Shizuka will make us something to eat and afterwards, we will set out to our tasks. As the medicine woman, I will go to my office and make medication for those who are in need. As another example, Anzu will head to her rooms and oversee the makings of new clothes which are sold upon the market. As you see, everyone has their own tasks and Yami will see which one will fit you the most", Ishizu explained and Mana dared to look passed the divider to see the older woman folding her dress. She was amazed to feel so much more at peace when the other woman was near her, but it also felt good, because for a moment it didn't feel as if she would be assessed. It didn't feel as if she could lose her life this very moment. Ishizu was able to calm her mind and therefore Mana felt she could rationalise what was happening.
"I am to stay here?", she asked and Ishizu nodded while handing the girl the top garments of her new outfit. The trousers were a little loose, but perhaps that was because the young girl needed to eat and gain weight, something Ishizu was sure Shizuka would gladly help with.
"Yes, Mana. If you so wish, you could always leave, but that would upset Yami greatly. He wishes to take care of you and make sure you are well. He will find you something to do and give purpose to your life, but if you don't want it, you could always tell him so", Ishizu said and Mana frowned as she looped the brown leather belt around her waist. If what the older woman said was true, then not the Lord but the Neko wished for her to stay. Would that mean she was bound to him? But... wasn't the Neko a servant himself? What was the meaning of this?
"What does he want from me?", she asked as she stepped from behind the room divider and showed her new outfit to the older woman. Ishizu gave her a pair of brown leather boots to complete her look, which consisted of dark blue trousers and a long soft pink tunic. The sleeves were fitting to her arms, though the tunic itself was a little too baggy. Only the belt showed a little of her waistline and Ishizu nodded at her appearance. Gently, she ushered the young girl behind the simple vanity, so she could brush the brown hair to tame it ever so slightly.
"Yami doesn't want anything", she said and Mana frowned a little more at those words. Ishizu sighed softly as she tried to find a way to elaborate on her answer. "All he wants is for you to do as he says. You will learn to read his body language as he does not speak. We believe he can't, even though he knows the language. Don't worry, everything he does will become clear to you over time. All he wants is to make sure you are happy", Ishizu said and Mana sighed softly.
"But... and I know the Lord said my magic couldn't harm others, but it can. What if I hurt you or anyone else? I don't want that", Mana said, her voice defeated as she knew she would be cast out once more. Nobody wanted her, she was like a lethal weapon ready to set off any minute. Ishizu squeezed her shoulder gently and smiled.
"This house is protected, your magic can't hurt us, don't worry", were the older woman's words and Mana sighed softly. "You will live with us and learn to find your place. But, one thing of caution", she continued and the young girl stared at her mentor.
"We all have a dark past, Mana, some darker than others. Don't ask about it, but let it be. Most of us heal in this place and some are still recovering. Let Yami guide you through your day and you will find that living here is not as horrendous as people made you believe", Ishizu said and Mana nodded. She had wondered, of course, but knew not to pry in other people's private matters. Slowly, she rose from her seat behind the vanity and allowed for Ishizu to guide her towards the door of the bedroom. "Nobody will hurt you here, Mana, nobody", the older woman promised and the young girl felt a small smile curl her lips as she believed those words. Yes, she would try to avoid the Shadow Prince as much as possible, but she would also do her best. If there were people here willing to keep her, then perhaps this was to be her faith.
Yami was still waiting for them in the hallway, his crimson gaze looking at Mana and he tilted his head slightly. Ishizu smiled kindly as she looked at Mana. "Do you like your new clothes?", she asked and Mana blushed as she completely forgot her manners. Not that they had ever been taught to her, but forgetting the decency to thank the Neko was truly embarrassing.
"Yes, I do! Thank you", she said and a tiny smile curled pale lips. Mana studied his face, before he turned away and beckoned for both women to follow him. Yesterday, in the throne room he had seemed almost bored with the happenings around him, though there was a certain warmth to his eyes right now which surprised her. Yet, she also knew he was close to the royal, which meant she had to watch her every step lest she would really be beheaded.
"Shizuka will have made us a lovely breakfast. Tomorrow morning, we will expect from you to rise and join us for our meal yourself, though Yami might still come and fetch you because we don't want you to get lost. After we shared the dining room, I will leave you in his capable hands", Ishizu explained and Mana nodded slowly.
"What will be expected of me?", she asked, though to no one in particular because she wasn't sure if Ishizu knew or if Yami would answer her in a way she understood. Crimson eyes turned to her and a pale finger pointed at her clothes. Mana had the decency to blush. Clothes first, apparently, though she was glad he had spoken so clearly to her. If his pointing and silence could be considered speaking at all.
The dining room was filled with people and showed the three of them were late. Their Lord was not amongst them, but Yami settled Mana at the table before he sat down in his own seat from yesterday evening. Pleasantries were exchanged and Mana smiled as she was lured in a conversation about her clothes by Anzu, who promised to oversee the making of the young girl's wardrobe while also making sure her current clothes would fit her better.
Yami merely stared at the gathering of people, his silence unheard as the women talked. Other servants had gathered as well at the main table, from maids to waiters and waitresses. Shizuka served him a plate filled with toast, strawberries and chocolate sprinkles, before walking to Mana with toast, bread rolls and croissants.
"What do you want to eat, Mana?", she asked and the young girl was reminded of the creepy answer from last night. She swallowed, because could she really request for a warm bread roll while she hadn't had that in a long time? If nobody would hurt her, could she find the courage to ask?
"Can I have the bread roll?", she whispered ever so softly and Shizuka nodded, picking out a warm one from her small pile.
"Anything else?", she asked, her look nearly commanding for Mana to choose something else as well. "It's all right, there is plenty. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and you can use the added weight. Bacon, cheese, eggs, chocolate sprinkles? Apple, banana, anything?", Shizuka asked again and Mana nibbled her lips.
"Eggs would be nice and I'd love an apple, please?", she asked, hoping she didn't sound too greedy, but Shizuka smiled and nodded, before vanishing behind a door. The auburn-haired woman came back with a hot pan filled with baked eggs and held out a red apple after serving Mana with what she wanted. Mai received another egg as well, though purple eyes merely glanced at it and then back up at Shizuka.
"Proteins, Mai", the younger woman said teasingly and her voice was cheery, before she disappeared again. The tall blonde woman merely rose an eyebrow, before sighing softly and lifted the egg upon a piece of toast. Mana smiled though she wasn't sure why and how she knew what it was she felt, but the antics around her made her realise she had sat down within a family. There was teasing, talking and good-hearted well wishing as some left to get to work. All while the pale Neko watched them all with a small smile upon his lips.
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Thank you all for reading this chapter and if you have the time, please leave a review. It will be most appreciated. See you all again in chapter 3!