Chapter 3
It had been a lazy three day walk to the city that sat in the shadow of the Western Palace. The Citadel was a bustling hub of merchants and travelers, mixing with the nobility that needed a break from the castle life. High white walls surrounded the entire city, making it a safe haven for any loyal to the House of the Moon. The guards at the entrance, however, moved to stop the young demoness from entering.
"State your business, traveler, or be gone from this place."
Kimiko sighed and pushed back the hood of her traveling cloak, revealing her features. She trained her golden eyes into frozen ambers and pierced the offending guards with her gaze. "I am here to visit with my Aunt Mizuki, Lady of the Western Lands and the House of the Moon. I demand entrance into the city."
The guards looked astonished and didn't move until Kimiko let her youki flare slightly. It seemed to trigger their brains into function again.
"Truly, my lady, we apologize for our attitude. Please forgive these humble and loyal servants of your family!"
Kmiko smiled softly. "You are forgiven this transgression, for it was with the intent to protect this city and I am sure your ancestors sing your praises for it." It was a decidedly old, but still very regal, way to ensure the guards would not turn against the House of the Moon and still allow her entry. This needed to be done quietly.
"Please send a messenger to Lady Mizaki that Kimiko of the Central Lands is here to visit her and will arrive at the castle after partaking of the city's finery." Yet another tactic to ensure the loyalty of the people.
"At once, Lady Kimiko!"
Kimiko turned at the first intersection she came to and followed the path until she came to the local bath house. Well aware that her travels had made her look worse for wear, she spent a couple of hours being fussed over by the old handmaids and left not only cleaned and refreshed, but with a fine new kimono to replace her soiled and slightly damaged furisode. The purple kimono had silver cranes that flashed in the sunlight and caused attention from the male population.
Always remember, my daughter, to mingle with the people and let them see you as a strong demoness who they can look to in times of trouble. A ruler can only rule with the consent of the people.
"Stop, thief!"
Kimiko turned with an expression of bored interest. A young water demon was running with what was obviously goods stolen from the local food vendor. Sighing, Kimiko leapt into the air and landing in front of the boy with a predator's grace and quickly but carefully grabbed the boy by his shirt.
"You know stealing is wrong, yet you do it anyway. Why?"
"I-I don't have any money and I have to feed me and my sister somehow. I tried to ask to work in exchange for the food, but the vendor denied me. He said I would be a liability and a nuisance! I only want what's good for Kiori.."
The vendor pushed through the small crowd that had formed and tried to wrench the boy from Kimiko's grasp. Kimiko raised her hand to stop him. "I have the boy, there is no need for you to take hold of him also."
"You have him?! He STOLE from me! I demand his hands as payment!"
"Silence, vendor! You have no right to demand anything!"
The crowd parted and all present bowed to the Lady of the West. The old demoness smiled at Kimiko approvingly. "Lady Kimiko will judge this boys fate. It was her claw that captured him."
Kimiko nodded and fixed the vendor with a steely glare. "This boy shall work for you to repay his debt and upon full compensation, it will be your choice to dismiss him or not. No harm shall come to him under your care or I shall personally seek answers as to why. Do you understand me?"
The vendor looked ready to hit Kimiko, but the sight of the Western Lady and the guards Kimiko had befriended checked his temper. "As you wish, Lady Kimiko."
The vendor turned to leave, but Mizuki's soft voice stopped him. "You are also to see to the needs of your new apprentice and his sister, however temporary his apprenticeship is."
"…As you wish, my Lady."
The water demon, now released from Kimiko's hold, bowed very low to her and Mizuki. " How can I ever repay this kindness, my Lady? Not only have you spared my life, but ensured that my sister will not go hungry."
At Mizuki's small nod, Kimiko stepped forward and placed a delicate claw on the boys head. "Grow strong and help protect the West, child. The House of the Moon has shown you kindness and protection this day. Do not forget it in times of trouble and need. Go, fetch your sister and settle in with the food vendor. If he abuses you or your sister, or denies your basic needs, come and ask our kindness and protection again."
Mizuki nodded in agreement. "One who would abuse children is not welcome in my Citadel."
The boy bowed again and ran off down an alley. Mizuki turned to study Kimiko for the first time. Gold met gold as nearly identical eyes swept each other. Smiling, Mizuki gestured to the palace ahead.
"If we do not wish to be late for dinner, we'd best get moving. You can tell me the happenings in my brother's lands over food and refreshment, my child." And maybe I'll be able to remember exactly which of his many children you are.
The next morning over her breakfast, Mizuki mulled over Kimiko and her reason for coming to the Western Palace.
"My father sent me to you in in hopes you could further my education in the court. He is also of the opinion that with Lord Sesshomaru absent so much, you could use the help managing the West. My own absence in the Central Lands is of no consequence, considering how many brothers and sisters I have."
"Yes, I am ashamed to admit it, but I cannot immediately place you. It must be very confusing for my brother and his mate to have such a large brood. How many do you number now?"
"Last time I counted, there were 35 pups born to the Lord and Lady of the Central Lands, with twins on the way."
"Twins! Heavens…When will he let your poor mother rest?"
"I suspect not for many centuries, Aunt Mizuki."
Easy laughter had followed after, and it was plain that Kimiko must have been her father's star pupil. Her manners were impeccable, as was her posture and delicacy. Mizuki surmised that she must have only met this pup once or twice and the rest of the time she would have been with her tutors. She could read and write very well, which was rare even among the court and showed her father's faith in her to marry well.
"Send for Lady Kimiko and have her await my presence in the library." A ruler cannot afford to sleep in.
Several minutes had passed before Mizuki became agitated. Where was her niece? Huffing, she strode down the corridor towards the family wing. The maid she sent to wake Kimiko turned a corner ahead of her and bowed. "My Lady, Lady Kimiko is not in her rooms."
Mizuki frowned. Where else would a young princess be this early in the morning? Catching the young inu's scent, she followed it down the hall and out onto the castle grounds. To her immense surprise, it lead directly to the dojo. Opening it, she saw Kimiko doing basic flips and dodges. Amused, she continued to watch the little demonstration until Kimiko noticed her.
"Aunt Mizuki, do you have need of me?"
Amused gold swept her body, taking note of what the training exercises had done to her state of dress. "Bathe quickly and find some proper attire. When you are finished, meet me in the library. It is time to begin your lessons in the courtly duties of a lady."