Author's Note: Hi everyone! Well, I'm back, and happy to be so! Thanks for being so patient. Alright, on with the story!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho.
That night there was to be a ball to celebrate the coming of the Tyokian soldiers, who were "so gallantly coming to the aid of an ally in need," as King Jaganshi had put it. The main dining hall was festooned with flowers and banners, and packed with massive tables to accommodate the throngs of nobles who were attending. Bards, musicians, and traveling performers were all going to play that night, and there would be hours of dancing, as was the custom.
Two hours before the ball, Yukina, Keiko, and Botan were in the princess's room, talking about what had happened earlier that day.
"So he just rescued you and left?" Botan asked, cheeks flushed with excitement.
"Yes," Yukina replied. "After saying, 'maybe we'll run into each other again.'"
"Well, you will run into him at the ball tonight," Keiko said. "That's a start."
"Yusuke will be there, too," the turquoise-haired beauty teased. "Will you share a dance with him?"
The servant blushed. "Maybe, I don't know, it's not really my place to be at a ball--"
"Nonsense," Botan said firmly. "You are our special guest for tonight."
"Though, Princess Yukina," Keiko started, then stopped, faltering.
"What is it, Keiko?" Yukina inquired. She cocked her head to the side, ruby eyes questioning.
"I heard that Lord Kuwabara will be attending," the brunette blurted out.
Yukina sighed heavily. Lord Kuwabara, the son of a prominent duke, was head over heels in love with the ice maiden. Unfortunately, Yukina had no such feelings for the carrot top, and had politely told him so hundreds of times. But Kuwabara would not listen, and was relentless in his advances towards her. Because of it, he had become sworn enemies with Hiei—not a pretty sight.
"Maybe you can just avoid him," Botan suggested. "I mean, you are the princess, and he's just a noble. Any excuse you give is good enough for the likes of him."
"I know, I just don't want to be rude," Yukina replied. Keiko snorted.
"You could slap him across the face and that still wouldn't amount to how improper he is towards you!" she exclaimed.
Yukina laughed. "Well, we should get ready," she said, effectively changing the subject. "I, for one, don't want to be late!"
The princess chose a beautiful silver gown with netted sleeves and diamonds sewn onto the neck and hemline. She put her hair up under a diamond veil—at celebrations like these, all royal women had to wear some sort of head covering. Once she was satisfied, the girl left her room and met Botan and Keiko at the head of the stairs.
"You ready?" Botan asked.
"Let's do it," Yukina replied.
The three girls went down the stairs and into the cavernous dining hall. Yukina looked around but didn't see Kurama anywhere. She did, however, see Kuwabara. The carrot-topped duke-to-be was downing a large goblet of wine and well on his way to getting very, very drunk.
Yukina bowed her head and hurried to her place at the head table. Botan and Keiko left her to sit at their respective tables, too. The princess smiled at her brother, who was next to her.
"Hello, Yukina," Hiei remarked. "How was your ride today?"
"Wonderful, thank you," Yukina replied. She felt absolutely terrible about lying to her beloved brother, but it was the only way. She quickly averted her gaze to the plate in front of her, doing well to hide a sigh when she saw what was on it.
"Problems, dear?" Queen Hina asked her daughter when she noticed Yukina wasn't eating.
"Oh, no, Mother," Yukina replied. "I'm just not hungry."
In truth, the ice maiden did not like eating meat, which was staring up at her from the crystal plate. She hated thinking about the poor animal whose life was stolen just so humans could enjoy it. Looking for an escape, Yukina was delighted to see that the dancing had begun.
"Come, Brother," she said, standing up. "We need to make our appearances on the floor."
Hiei groaned. He hated dancing, but it was required of them to dance at least once with each of the nobles as a sign of respect. Yukina laughed at her twin's antics and went to the dance floor by herself. She smiled widely when she saw Keiko and Yusuke dancing to the lively number that was being played by a group of minstrels; it made her even happier to see that it wasn't Jin's group that was playing. It wouldn't do if he had been there to recognize her.
Suddenly, Yukina heard someone come up behind her. She turned to see that it was none other than Kuwabara.
"My Lady," he said, words slightly slurred, "I would be honored of you'd dance with me."
Yukina wanted nothing more than to decline, but it wasn't her place as a hostess. With a fake smile she nodded, taking Kuwabara's offered hand. They stepped onto the dance floor, the other partners respectfully giving them room. The carrot top spun Yukina around the area, all the while making comments about how beautiful she looked.
"You know, Princess," he suddenly said, stopping momentarily in the middle of the dance, "I'm nearing the age when I'm fit to be married."
"Is that so?" Yukina asked, dread growing in her heart. Kuwabara nodded.
"And I would be blessed to have you as my bride," he continued. "So how about it? Shall I ask your father for your hand?"
Yukina opened and closed her mouth several times in shock. Luckily, a soft voice cut in and saved her from answering.
"Excuse me, but could I please steal the Princess for a dance?"
Yukina turned to see Kurama standing there, looking positively handsome in a white tunic, black pants, and sapphire cloak. He half-smiled in that odd way of his, waiting politely.
Grudgingly Kuwabara obliged, letting go of Yukina's small hand and stepping away. Kurama bowed and began dancing with Yukina, whose heart was beating so fast she was sure it would leap from her chest.
"Thank you," she said.
"You seem to be saying that a lot lately," Kurama remarked, but not unkindly.
"And with good reason," Yukina replied. "First you saved me from those bandits, and now from…him."
"I take it you weren't too pleased with Lord Kuwabara's proposal."
Yukina blushed. "Honestly, no. I just don't feel that way about him." Yukina looked up to meet Kurama's emerald gaze and blushed deeper. "Listen to me, prattling on like a kitchen maid. I shouldn't concern you with the petty drama."
Kurama laughed, a lovely sound Yukina wished fervently to hear again. There's no such thing as love at first sight, she thought firmly. There's no such thing as love at first sight.
"On the contrary," the kitsune replied, "I find it all very intriguing."
Sadly, the dance ended. Yukina regretfully let go of Kurama's hand. "Thank you for the dance," she said quietly. Kurama looked at her for a moment, seeming to want to ask something.
"Would you like to accompany me out to the courtyard?" he finally asked. Yukina smiled, her heart fluttering happily.
"I would love to," she smiled. Kurama smiled back and led her outside.
Several other couples and groups were out there, taking a break from the festivities inside. Yukina and Kurama retreated to one side of the yard, away from the others.
They stood there for a few minutes, the silence growing increasingly awkward. Yukina struggled with herself, finally deciding to come out with it.
"I know this sounds foolish," she began, "but ever since you came I've wanted to know you better."
Kurama looked at her, surprised. "That's not foolish at all," he said, "because I was about to say the same thing."
Now it was Yukina's turn to look surprised. He wants to know me? She thought in amazement. I had no idea he even truly noticed me…
When Yukina didn't answer him, the redhead looked down hastily. "I'm sorry," he said quickly, "I didn't mean to speak out of turn."
"Oh, it's not that," Yukina reassured him. "You just…surprised me, that's all."
The princess smiled, leaning back against the stone wall behind her. She had had a very stressful day, and it was catching up to her. Kurama seemed to notice this. "You should go get some rest," he said. "You look tired."
"I am," Yukina admitted, "but I don't want to leave just yet." She hesitated, then, steeling her resolve, slipped the necklace she was wearing off. It was a heruseki gem, one she had cried herself, on an elegant silver chain. Blushing, she placed the necklace in Kurama's hand.
The kitsune gazed down at the light blue, perfect stone with awe. "I can't accept this," he finally said. "It's too valuable for someone like me to carry around." He made as if to give it back. "But I am touched by the offer."
Yukina shook her head, pushing Kurama's hand back. "I want you to have it," she said. "As a token of my friendship."
Kurama smiled, sliding the necklace around his own neck. The shimmering stone settled at the base of his throat. "I am blessed to have a companion such as you."
"As am I," Yukina replied. Though, will I be satisfied with just companionship? The thought came suddenly. Or do I want to be something more?
"Meet me tomorrow," Kurama said. "At the stables, after breakfast. We can go riding."
"I would love to," Yukina said. Regretfully, she added, "But now I should be getting back."
"A wise choice," Kurama said. He held out his arm. "May I escort you back?"
Yukina nodded, threading her own arm through his. The pair walked back inside, talking pleasantly.
Neither noticed the pair of cold ruby eyes following their every move.
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: Well, how'd you like it? I hope you did. Please review and tell me what you think. Ok, thanks!