Chapter Two

The structure of the Palace around us gleamed in the light of the moon, now cleared of the rain clouds. Tonight was the night of the crescent moon. I could feel Rumi slow my horse down and then completely stop her.

Taking the chance before she could ' escort me like a proper lady' I swung my leg around to one side and slipped off. In doing so I made sure that my dress layers were even once more, and that the hood of my cloak stayed up. The kimono I wore seemed to have many layers this time around. The bottom still dragging, along the wet stones.

"Lady Rin, it is good that you have a new Kimono ready to change into, and a your sleeping garments ready. I still don't know why you insisted on riding in your dress?" Giggling quietly I patted my horses head, hearing her snort softly, as if she was waving Rumi's nagging off as well.

"Rumi, how many time have I told you to just call me Rin. I was practically adopted into that family, I have no rights to that title, it will be replaced and I will still feel as though it is too precious to hold." Rumi did not reply, but noticing Kohaku dismounting his horse now, I took that as my chance to follow him as his pace was slow.

Standing in the courtyard, Kohaku headed toward a smaller entrance, flanked with two guards. Waving Rumi toward me, we headed behind him through the entrance towards the main home making sure to bow slightly for thanks towards the guards who seemed to a type of Aquatic Demon, scale like armour covering their bodies In the colours of teals and purples.

In front of the main house, of their domain, maidens lined up on our right in two rows, bent at the waist for our arrival. Peaking from under my hood, I could see some of the ladies, who were were what I assumed a feline demon, curiously looking, trying to get a glimpse of me. I was the talk of the town right now. A human to be wedded into the royal family that ruled the demon world. Their monarchy. The dog Demons had ruled for generations, for they were loyal, disciplined, and obedient. Maybe that is why I was trained to be obedient this whole time. Had my future been decided before I had even know?

"Lady Rin?" Distracted, I snapped my head toward Kohaku who was giving me a curious look with a smile on his lips. Nodding I smiled back gingerly.

"Coming" Gathering my kimono in my arms , quickly I caught up- not wanting to be left behind in this unknown territory. We ended up going down a long hall, filled with shoji. Intricate designed carved onto the sliding doors. Stopping at the end, Kohaku slid open a shoji filled with lilies painted on canvas.

" You will be staying here until the Prince has had your room settled closer to his. Right now it is under construction for you Lady Rin. I hope that you can enjoy this room until that one is completed for you. This chamber is secure, and you will be safe here." Kohaku announced as I step through the door, fascinated with the décor, and regal appearance of the chamber.

"I will let you retire for the night, if you need anything do not hesitate to ask your ladies that will line your hall. They will be here for protection. Although you are in the Royal palace, it is full of demons – Lord Inu no Taisho was very clear on what he wanted for you to feel comfortable. " With that he bowed slightly toward me, I doing the same to him and he left, sliding the shoji shut.

Listening to Rumi ramble about how rude he was for not saying good evening, she then went about the way they had piled my trunks in the corner, and that they were lucky that my kimonos and nightwear sat on the top or to the side.

Pre-occupied, I let her fumble with my clothing, and walked over to the window that held the shutters open. Sitting on the ledge, I couldn't help but lean on the open sill and admire the calmness of the night, and the way the rain drops sat around the courtyard in the moonlight.

The crescent moon was so bright for not even being half of the moon, but considering that this was the symbol of the Dog Demon Clan, it fit the night perfectly. Like a welcoming moon to me. Catching something in the corner of my eye, all I had to do was turn my head and my breath caught in my throat.

A man. Caught in the light of the moon, there he sat leaned against a post. Probably the most beautiful man I had ever seen. His hakama and haori a matching navy blue with a silver pattern along the edges. His posture so regal. Long hair sweeping the ground, silver strands that suddenly made me want to run my hands through them. His haori was open revealing a muscled chest, that was pronounced even in the dark.

His jaw very structured, and along both sides of his face, jagged magenta stripes adorned there. But his eyes were that of melted honey, but were cold as ice that were…staring at me?

Coming out of my trance, I quickly hit the ground on my knees and whispered over to Rumi.

"Rumi, please can you shut the shutters, please and thanks. Onigaishimasu." I pleaded. What if that man thought of me as a scandalous girl. Spying on people in the middle of the night. Oh man, what did I do?

Doing as I asked Rumi shook her head as she looked down at me kneeling on the tatami mats.

" Come Rin, I will help you change into your night wear." Nodding, I stood on my feet, staring at the closed shutters. All I could think about now were the eyes that stared piercing my own.

TO BE CONTINUED.

HI GUYS. This is the second update! Hopefully I can gain a following on this story – Im actually really excited for it, especially as I am learning in a Japan class right now. Enjoy!

Freedomwriter2010