Don't own it.

Surprise for everyone at the bottom. Happy Halloween.

Chapter 3

Akito smiled as the two figures in front her growing paler each second, nervous, wondering what she would do with this new found knowledge.

"I am surprised at you, Nao. I thought you were one of the emperor's best friends, and is always a stickler for laws in the land. Who would've guessed that you would break them for the sake of a woman? A woman that belongs to your saviour, no less." She let out a chortled laugh, eyes flashing hope, yet danger.

"What…what do you want? A better position, money, or silk?" Nao offered quietly, hoping that she won't speak. Akito continued in her laughter.

"I'm surprised that you value your life so cheaply. Or this lady's. But then again, we're all just whores," Gesturing her body to the woman that had anger shining out of her eyes, and continued "Yet I am surprised indeed. No, I don't want any of that junk. I want something much greater, something that is worth your life itself. I want the emperor's favour." She spoke in a much more graver tone. Nao paled even more, if that was possible.

"That…that is impossible. He never spares a glance at a woman other than the Rose of Winter. Even as one of his advisors, I can never ask him of that. And to name names…." He tried reasoning with the lady in front of him, eyes showing promise.

"Oh, then what can I do? Exclaim that this lady over here is pregnant. All will rejoice, then someone will say 'But I never knew she slept with the emperor'. Then both of you will have to confess. I guess I can do that, to help you as well." She shrugged her shoulders, and was about to leave, when the clinging woman finally spoke.

"Who will believe you anyways? You're just some nobody, like the rest of us. Speak it then." Akito was amused by this statement, and stayed.

"I'm sure someone will, if we can inspect it. And I know a great deal of methods, along with several thousand maids here. I'm sure someone will believe me." Akito still used her light voice to bargain. She knows what those two will decide, and only plans to play with them.

"So, nothing else? Then have a good day. Although I'm sure that the views from the seven gates are wonderful. Please tell me how the sunset is over there. I will be in greatest debt if you do." Akito spoke in her sweetest voice, and Nao, who had some colour returned to him, immediately trembled.

"The seven gates…." He murmured quietly, insides screaming for help. The seven gates were the torture place for all traitors, especially people that have enjoyed favour before. They would first be tortured with racks, until limbs were half broken. Then they shall be hanged on the gates, where everyone can observe, and were assured a painful death, by having their insides torn out of them, and burnt right in front of them. Yet they were forced to drink down some type of liquid that will prolong their live, and will have to suffer a few days before they can finally rest in peace. It was a most excruciating and humiliated death.

"There is nothing I can do then…" He tried asking Akito weakly. She just shook her head, and stroked his cheek as if the other lady wasn't there.

"You're just hapless fool, that's all. As long as you listen to me, no harm will come. Have faith in me. Once I become powerful, you can have all that you desire, including this little lady here. Is it that bad of a bargain?" She cooed softly at him, and he almost fell for her sweet charms that she had flickered so quickly. But that anger and slyness that she represented a moment ago…She is a true Jezebel, beautiful, yet wicked and manipulative all wrapped into one skin of a woman. A woman however, that was rather desirable.

"Of course." He gulped, wondering if it was that wise of a choice, even if she proved to be exotic and irresistible.

"Good. I hope that it can be done soon. A tongue cannot be silenced forever…." She spoke in a soft tone, in contrast of her high shrill voice before. It was almost mocking him though, her being so submissive. Then as suddenly as she appeared, she disappeared.

'God, please help me. I believe that I just made a contract with the devil.'

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

She walked back slowly, taking time. She wondered what that fool was going to do. Not that she cared; he can get his hands all bloody for she cares, since the cards are all on her side right now. She would use this information indeed to make him her puppet. Who knows, maybe thanks to him, she would manipulate everyone as well? She threw her head back and laughed again, louder, and maids were staring as if she had gone mad. She didn't care though, and just walked on in light confident footsteps that radiated her youth and charm.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On the other side of the harem, inside the Palace of the Virtues, it was a busy place on this day. Everyone was bustling to prepare everything that the Rose of Winter wants, and many more that she didn't. Or they were too busy stuffing gold in their pockets.

Inside the heart of this palace, the Rose of Winter was sitting on a stool, brushing her never ending waterfall. Staring at the mirror at her empty reflection, she wanted to pierce the mirror into billions of shards.

Rin hated looking at herself; she found it to be distasteful. She knows that it's her face that gave everything that she has today, but it was also the cause of all her problems. Her life wasn't like the fairytale that everyone was whispering about, in fact, she finds it to be a totally different story.

'If it wasn't for that night, my stupidity…then none of it would've happened. I would've been alright, and united Haru. Instead, my face got myself into all this trouble…' She would always scold herself, and to insert the sharp pains that had almost dulled from her heart. She would never forget her mission, or rather quest, that she was forced to do.

She didn't want any of the finery that was laid before her. Nor everyone worshipping her like some goddess. All she wants was to be with Haru. Yet god won't grant her that one wish that she had implored him with. Instead, she was stuffed with all this as her punishment. She must use this to influence the emperor's decisions, to rescue Haru, and possibly, herself.

Yet the emperor was a dead person that only cared about the emptiness that reflects her face. She can keep silent, and he still is delighted with her. In fact, he doesn't want her chattering, he wants her silence and her beauty, and her gift of not rendering also excites him. All in all, she was just a dummy, a shell of herself.

Black eyes looked behind her, where her maid was. Emiko was giving suggestion of what colour she should wear that night, persuading her to a conclusion.

"I believe that red looks good on you, Your Highness. Or that azure long gown that one of the ministers just gave you for your birthday, that one is the grandest thing I've ever seen. Or white. Yes, Your Highness, that white dress with the silver threads, it maybe a simple gown, but it brings out the colour of your hair and eyes, your most attractive features." Rin was barely listening, but then Emiko continued chatting about how good she would look in white.

"Uh huh…" At some point she gave a response to her maid, as she continued thinking about her mistake.

'I shouldn't have gone out; I should've listened to him. I want my freedom so badly that I'm paying for it right now, in an iron cage that I've never seen before. How ironic, what a fool I was. In fact, it I hadn't argued---------'

"Your Highness, I found it. Here it is. You can start changing now." Rin stopped her actions, turned around, and gave a long blank stare. The maid just stood there, her hands still clutching onto the gown that she had talked about earlier.

"You know Emiko, knowing how to manipulate your master is not a talent, but to do it unnoticeably will allow you to live longer. How much did those fools bribe you with?" The mistress spoke as in a lazy short sentence, although the emotion that was flaming in her eyes told a quite different story.

Emiko dropped down to her knees right away, clinging onto her mistress' night gown. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, I will never do it again. I'm sorry. It's just that----"

"It's just that after the incident where I sent Lady Kiyo away everyone thought that I was jealous of her, that she looked better in blue then I did. So they think that they should pay a large sum of money to you, that they can get the right information." She finished the sentence for her.

"Yes…" The maid whispered, her head looking at the ground in shame.

"Keep the money. And tell them that I will wear grey. Go now." Rose of Winter spoke a crisp command, and waved her maid away. Emiko was glad to get away from the royal presence, and did her task.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A girl walked. She didn't know where she was going, nor was she familiar with what areas she would go, and ones that should be best left undetected. She just followed her instincts, letting her feet choose a path for her, lifting the burden from her shoulders for awhile.

She felt so tired, so overwhelmed. She couldn't keep up with that fake smile that everyone likes, she couldn't keep up with that light voice, and she couldn't keep up with anything at all. She just wants to leave for some reason. It seems like that the harem is like a maze more than a magical journey that she thought she was embarked.

'I want to quit. But that would be disappointing Saki, and mom. I couldn't do that to mom, when I promised her. And mom always told me to 'Never give up halfway'. What should I do? How can I get rid of the 'evil', gain the emperor's favour, and still mingle with all the ladies? I can't give up though. I just can't. You can do it, Tohru Honda. Believe in yourself.'

Not knowing where she was, a body came in contact with her. Tripping, like the klutz that she was, Tohru found herself cushioned by a young man with bright shocking orange hair. She hastily got up, whole face in flames. The gentleman wasn't flattered.

"What are you doing here? Get out; it's no place for a lady." He growled, showing sharp teeth, just like a feline.

"I'm…sorry…I got lost. How…how do you….how do you get back?" The poor girl was startled by this unpleasant contact, shivering.

"Dammit. Eh, you lazy bum. Yeah you, get over here." His back was to her, talking roughly to a rather charming man.

One came over, with blonde hair and blue eyes. He looked like a little kid.

"Yes, Kyo, what do you want?" He sang in a thin voice. Tohru was wondering why he was working at such a place.

"Take the damn woman to where she belongs." The mysterious stranger, who was known as Kyo, at least according to the friendly child, jerked a finger at the lost Tohru.

"EH? Who are you, you're so pretty. Hi, I'm Momiji." The blonde lunged forward, fastening himself onto Tohru. Surprised by this imitated closeness, she jumped.

"You idiot. She's a court lady, and you scare all her wits. What are you, 3, moron?" The orange head screeched at Momiji.

"Kyo…I'm sorry, it's just that…" Tears started bubbling from his large clear eyes. The confused Tohru, waved her arms frantically trying to get the two's attentions.

"Oh no, it wasn't that bad. It's alright, don't cry. Please don't. And I'm not some court lady, I just came. It's okay. And I'm not worth all that trouble, I'm sorry for bothering you two, I can just walk back on my own. Really, you don't have to worry about me. " Any words of comfort that came to her head tumbled out quickly, leaving both males staring at her quizzically. The little boy broke the silence again.

"See Kyo, she wasn't mad at me. So what's your name?" His innocence made her heart melt.

"Oh…I'm Tohru Honda." She stammered, happy at someone who was so kind to her for herself, and not for advantage.

"Tohru, you're so pretty. I bet that Kyo got all mad at me just because he thinks so too, and wants to keep you all for himself. Am I right, Kyo?" He spoke still spoke in a childish tone, but mocking as well.

"No… you little pest. Just do your job." He growled, and walked away. He didn't care about this Tohru Honda, or her brown hair, or her blue eyes, or her porcelain skin, or her…

"So Tohru, want me to tell you about the harem? I've been here for more than 7 years now…."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Akito was sitting by the window, much more relaxed then before. Now that she has discovered such an advantage, everything would be hers. All can be achieved easily, and in time. She felt had never felt such peace enter before.

"Lady Akito, there is page to see you." A maid came and interrupted her silence. She had the most horrid attitude, which normally would've earned her a beating, but Akito knew that the visitor was important. She would just let it go.

"Of course. Tell him that I shall receive him in the southern parlour. I trust that there is no one there right now." The dark hair lady spoke in the laziest tone.

"Yes. I shall tell him." The maid spoke grudgingly.

Few minutes later, Akito entered the place that she had requested. She raised an eyebrow, sending a message that said 'Who are you, who sent you, and why are you here?' The page seems to return her questions with a response that clearly indicates 'Wait till the pesky maid leaves.'

"Excuse me, would you fetch us some tea? Thank you very much." Akito demanded in an elegant manner, waving the maid away. The lower class lady had no choice but to bow down to her mistress' wishes.

"Now that there is no one here, can you please answer my questions?" The lady retorted.

"Of course. The Secretary of State sent me here, saying that you want to arrange a meeting with him. He tells me that I should do all that you command, bowing before your every whim. He has also said that you are expected to attend the banquet tonight, and should know your place." The page recited, even though not understanding a thing that he was supposed to say.

"Then tell him that I am glad that he is such a quick learner, and I do thank him for extending such a kind invitation. As for my whims, I would only wish to know what colour is the Rose of Winter is wearing right now. Report back, and tell your master that I will find him tonight, and we can arrange the terms."

"Very well, Lady Akito. I shall deliver the message. Your request though, I will have someone respond you later. Good day, my lady." He spoke with a charming gesture, bowed slightly, and proceeds to leave.

"Good day."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sometime later, very close to when all the ladies are suppose to be arriving at the banquet, did someone strange slip in the Palace of Tranquil. If anyone had taken the time to observe something other than their pretty reflections, they should find a maid that looked unfamiliar, and that it wasn't even a woman. It was a man disguised as a woman that was disguised as a maid. Either way, this intruder stealthily moved about, with a box in his hand. He picked a random room, and entered. It was mere seconds before he slipped out, with the box gone. Then the maid himself evaporated.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone at below was chattering, all commenting on each other's choice of dress, all waiting nervously for the emperor to come, so that he can shower his good graces, allowing the banquet to truly begin.

At least that was what almost everyone was doing. Rin was perched high, with a throne that was silver, at the right of the emperor's, and slightly lower as well. She was staring at the crowd like a doll.

Hundreds had already came and showered comments at her, and she was bored. There was nothing to do but to smile, and grit her teeth once those empty head fools were gone.

'Oh well, it's not like I enjoy anything within the harem anyways. Might as well get over with it.' She thought.

Another lady came in, another name announced, and no one paid attention, since this lady had no title, until someone noticed her attire. Then a gasp could be heard, followed by muffled silence, and the spread of a rumour.

"Is she really wearing grey?"

"Who is she, thinking that she can get away with such an act?"

"Is she stupid enough not to know what was the fate of the last lady that had dared such a thing?"

Akito didn't care a single word that they had said. It was just a colour, a clothing, nothing more. What was so special about that? She just made her way towards the center, to greet the Rose of Winter.

After heading through the throngs of woman, evading their stares, she finally made it. She just spoke in a nice clear voice, curtsying, and doing all things that a lady of the court was expected to do. She also said the usual stuff, about Rose of Winter's health, and her beauty, and all the other stuff that anyone with a brain would be annoyed with.

Rin stared down, a wry smile painted on her face. 'Interesting.' Then she spoke in a loud voice, so that all can here.

"Good day to you too, Lady Akito. Lovely grey dress that you are wearing, it compliments your figure." Everyone was baffled by this statement. Did Rin really not care, or it was just another façade?

Akito thanked her, and slipped away. She knew what the lady just did. 'Let her then. She won't be humiliating me by the next banquet.'

Rin watched the figure went away, delighted with such a change. She heard her maid complained about the disrespect, and that Rin 'ought to send her away.'

"Don't you notice, you fool, that she was trying to make a statement to me, and to everyone tonight. Everyone isn't willing to wear the same colour, fearing my wrath. They rather submit themselves totally to my wishes, to live a peaceful life. But this lady, she takes it very differently. She is not only trying to say that she can be my equal; she is saying that she will surpass me. Very interesting indeed."

"Then more the reason to send her out."

"You don't know a thing, my dear."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A brown hair girl, clad in a simple pale azure dress, was wandering around. She had no idea how grand this event was, especially having only entering the harem for a few weeks. She does remember though, that she has to pay respects to certain people, and that her whole career right now, was owed to one woman. Currently, Tohru is trying to find her saviour that she feels that she is forever indebt to.

After going in circles, she was hopelessly lost. Inquiring others won't do either, since she couldn't quite remember the name. At that moment, she was too jumbled up to do anything but shiver at the goddess' presence.

She was lucky though, hearing and seeing dozens of people all clustering at the same area, all about this favourite. If she hadn't forgotten, that lady was the most powerful lady of all.

Slowly travelling among sweaty bodies, she finally got to the throne, where her hunches were correct. That heavenly woman was there. Threading carefully, she got in front, and spoke all the usual things.

"Good evening, Your Highness. I am Tohru from the Honda family at the Kanoto Province." Tohru spoke in a humbled way.

"Rise." A bored bland tone was the response.

Tohru was once again, overwhelmed by the beauty that the woman possessed in front of her, and said the first thing that came to her mind.

"You're beautiful."

"Of course. You may go enjoy yourself now." Tohru's intentions were rebuffed, and she went away, head looking down.

Yet Emiko, who just came back from an errand, found this exchange to be most amusing. 'Someone would pay money just to see what happened, or to experience on their own.'

The maid wasn't sure, but she believed that her eyes told her that the Rose of Winter had a ghost of the tiniest smile on her face that flickered for just a second.

'She will be favoured.'

Author's Notes: AHahaha...haven't updated forever. Sorry about that.

I tried putting some type of Rin in here, did it turn out alright? I highly doubt it, but I was watching TV series frantically, trying to capture her personality. (the series that I took the story from, surprisingly, had a character that was very simillar to Rin)

Nothing much happened. Just kinda scattered plots right now. I think from now on, I'll just concentrate the story on one character at a time, and give more details. It'll be way easier than having broken scenes that you keep have to refer back to.

One funny thing though: Never planned on having Momiji. In fact, I was just going to stick some random OC, but then I did blonde and blue eyes (which I don't think Momiji has...oops), and it made me think about the rabbit. Which is good too, since I realize that I need some excuse for Tohru/Kyo to develop a relationship. I mean, she's from the harem, she can't excatly drop in anytime she wants and say hi.

Final note: Too modern speech. Sorry, but I talk like this, you talk like this, all of us do. If you do want more olden days, well, sorry.

Blurb

I realize that I might not be able to update often, and that the story is starting off slowly. It has to, since I need to introduce the players slowly, before we can start all the backstabbing action. So, as a reward, I plan to put some mini-scenes for you loyal readers, so that you can get more of a taste what a harem is like. For the first one, it'll be here. The rest will be at my profile, under the blurbs section. Just check once in a while, I'll keep rotating. First one is interaction Rin/Tohru.

Start scene

"Tohru...come over. Come now."

"But...did...what"

"Yes, I did. Don't worry about it."

"Why though, you know that Hiro is Akito's puppet. He will give the notebook to her. You've lost a chance in ruling the empire..."

"So? Didn't you say I can only use it once?"

"Still, I'm not worth it. Why didn't you keep ..."

"Tohru, rt doesn't matter. I'd rather have you by my side, then rule the emperor. It would be a worthless victory you aren't there with me."

"Rin...Rin..."

"It's alright."

End scene