Palace of the Virtuous
Inukimi laid her head back, as she willed herself to relax. Hinata was carefully and slowly massaging her legs and feet after His Majesty's call so early in the morning. Inukimi looked absolutely agitated. She was called to have an audience with His Majesty and the Empress Dowager, regarding what, she didn't yet know.
Inukimi's personal attendant Jakotsu briskly walked in, a tense expression on his face.
"Empress, greetings."
"Rise already." Inukimi replied with anticipation laced in her voice.
Jakotsu nodded and stood. "Replying to your inquiry earlier, the dead girl found in the well is Fucha."
Inukimi's eyes narrowed. "How did she end up in the well?"
"I do not know, it was a remote place, people seldom pass by."
Inukimi sighed. "Of course you wouldn't know, Fucha was the servant I appointed to serve Consort Kagura."
Jakotsu looked at Inukimi's face. "Then I will make some inquiries at Fei Kagura-sama's place."
Inukimi nodded and released a breath, but she was still on edge.
"I have one more thing to report."
Inukimi braced herself, what other news could be worse than this? Murder in the Domain at so early in the morning. "Speak."
Jakotsu paused for a second, contemplating if it is alright to say. "Fei Kagura-sama has punished Changzai Yura with a Zhang of Redness."
Inukimi looked to the side, not an ounce of pity can be seen on her face. "Sakasagami habitually overstepped her bounds, leave her be."
Then the demoness's head lowered and waved her head slowly, "But Fucha..was innocent, she died for nothing. She was still a child."
Palace of Wind
Kagura was sitting on a chair atop a platform nonchalantly sipping tea in the formal receiving area when Kanna entered the threshold and curtsied to her.
"Kagura-sama, Jakotsu is here. He said he has some questions for you from the Empress" She said quietly.
Kagura slowly lifted her face to look at Kanna, raising a single delicate eyebrow. "Let him in."
Juromaru who was below, standing to the side, immediately went out to fetch Jakotsu.
Kagura faked a small smile as he entered, it was evident there was worry present in Kagura's face.
Juromaru kneeled in one knee upon presenting himself. "Greetings Fei Kagura-sama."
Kagura straightened her back and sat properly. "You may rise. It's good that you're here. I have something to ask you."
Jakotsu looked into her face. "Yes?"
"What's that Fucha's background that I can't even scold her?" Kagura is not dumb, she knows gossip had been circulating within the servants claiming she is indeed the murderer of Fucha.
Jakotsu smiled, trying to appease Kagura. "She is nothing more than a servant, she has no background."
Kagura laughed quietly. "I'll tell you a joke. Did Fucha make it her mission to antagonize me thinking that she had the Empress's support?"
There was now sweat forming above Jakotsu's brows, his smile faded as it was replaced with an agitated face. "Fucha was newly selected by the Internal Affairs Authority. The Empress only had her for a few days before she came to serve you Fei Kagura-sama. There is no talk of her having the Empress's support." He was the one who was supposed to be interrogating her. Jakotsu clenched his hand into a fist at his incompetence. But it was to be expected, Kagura is a vile demoness, who had started to poison this Domain.
"The other day her clumsiness hurt me while she was brushing my hair. I only scolded her a little bit before she ran out in a noisy, crying flurry. She hasn't returned, even now! Is that how the Empress disciplines her servants?" Kagura banged her hand on her arm rest, clearly mad.
Jakotsu looked her straight in the eye, he was getting irritated at her fake act. "Kagura-sama, Fucha is dead."
Kagura looked to the sides, her eyebrows knit together as if she was asked an unanswerable question and is concentrating very hard to come un with an answer. "Dead? How could she be dead? When did this happen?"
In his head, Jakotsu had already stabbed and killed her for the 5th time since he came here. He spoke up, spite evident in his voice. "She was just retrieved from a well. Her body is badly swollen." He looked at her with angry eyes.
"You are in 1st Class Consort Kagura-sama's presence. How could you speak so freely of such things?" Kanna shouted to him. Jakotsu only stared back at her with the same expression he had in facing Kagura. Kanna backed up from his intense stare.
"No matter." Kagura said weakly. Jakotsu turned his head to face the crimson-eyed demoness again.
Kanna spoke up again, this time avoiding Jakotsu's stare at her and instead directed her eyes at her mistress. "It must have been on the day you scolded her. She ran out crying. Maybe she was not watching her steps, so she must have fallen accidentally into the well." Inside Jakotsu's head was pure rage. Fucha was not so stupid that she would fall in such a small well. The well also had a cover on top of it. He was about to answer when Kagura gasped. She covered her mouth and stared wide-eyed at the ground.
"So, it's my fault then?"
Kanna stepped forward, seeming to regain her confidence. "That can't be, it's fall Fucha's fault for having such a bad temper. How can any servant not get an occasional scolding once in a while, don't you agree, Jakotsu?" Jakotsu pursed her lips, his nostrils flaring. It was one thing, denying anything they have got to do regarding Fucha's dead, but actually blaming the poor dead girl on her own death? These people are pure rotten demons. Jakotsu willed himself to calm down.
"This..your servant dare not comment."
"What do you mean, "I don't dare"? If you won't believe me, then feel free to ask anyone serving at Palace of Wind. Everyone saw her run out by herself. Do you mean Jakotsu-san..that someone pushed her from behind?" From acting like a victim, to being on the offensive. What a vile woman.
"I would never dare to make such an assumption." Jakotsu firmly replied.
"There is nothing you won't dare to do. If you don't believe me, then cross examine every person from my palace." Kagura hissed.
Jakotsu raised his head and put on a big smile with his eyes closed, only to piss her off. He's not scared of her. "Now, Consort Kagura-sama, it has not come to that." He replied, his voice velvety. Kanna and Juromaru now looked back and forth at Kagura and Jakotsu. Their mistress was purely in rage.
Kagura grasped her arm rest, nails raking against the wood. "Let me make one thing clear, you came today by order of the Empress. You asked what you had to ask, I answered, and have witnesses to support my answer. If you want to take anyone into custody, be my guest. Otherwise if you dare to bother me about this matter again, don't expect me to be generous."
Jakotsu's smile disappeared. He looked at Kagura with angry hooded eyes. "Understood. Excuse me, my Lady." He kneeled one last time and went out. To investigate this matter at the moment isn't the right choice, he'll get his chance. He just has to wait. But it was absolutely satisfying seeing Kagura's messed up angry face. Jakotsu chuckled and smirked. She'll get what's coming to her.
Kagura was still shaking in anger as stared at Jakotsu leaving, pointing daggers at him. After confirming he has already gone, Kagura looked at Juromaru who was silent the whole ordeal.
Juromaru nodded, walked to the center and eyed the servants around. "Remember all of you, this is what happened, Fucha ran out of her own free will. She misstepped and fell into a well where she drowned."
All the servants said yes in unison.
The Emperor's Hall
Touga ran a hand over his hair. He had some bad blood with the girl's father but he never had any intention of harming the girl. Such a poor child, still young..now she's crippled. Touga was planning to return Yura Sakasagami to her home village before she lived in the Capital, even though he would strip her of his father's fortune, he will still retain her title. She has no sin over what her father had done. She still has a chance to pick herself up, then this happened. Touga slammed a fist at his table. The table creaked at the sheer force.
"If you end up breaking that, I will tell the Internal Affairs Authority to provide you with the cheapest pine wood table they have. Please son, spare the poor table." Touga turned to his mother with tired eyes and sighed.
"Mother." He sat at his chair, and leaned back, letting himself breath for a few seconds.
"I heard what happened about that Sakasagami girl."
"Kagura was too cruel." Touga stated with an angry tone.
"It's already done. What Fei Kagura did was right. This Domain has rules, and if the ones who live her get too arrogant, they tend to overrule the regulations that was set, even before you were born, and that will cause chaos. That Sakasagami Yura has only been in the Domain for at least 3 days and she dared hit another concubine. She meant to use violence in the Royal City and that needs to be punished. Pay no more heed to her son. I also heard she was attempting to hit the one you like, that Precious Eiko. She could've been really hurt if you weren't there." Sayuri noticed his son's eyes soften as she stated Eiko's name.
"The Empress arrives!" Jaken announced from outside. Touga sensed the faint smell of cigar topped with the strong smell of perfume. Inukimi never tried to hide her vice, Touga never cared about what she does or don't do, but he surely doesn't like the irritating and suffocating odor of smoke. It reminds him of the time he found Izayoi's mansion burning.
Touga raised his eyes to look at Inukimi as she curtsied to him and to his mother.
"You don't have to explain. You have no fault about what happened to Sakasagami." Touga said tiredly to Inukimi. She haven't even sat yet.
Inukimi looked down when she reached her seat across Touga, keeping her mouth shut. Touga noticed her odd behavior and the weird silence. "What is it?"
"Noticing your mood Your Majesty, I don't think this is a good time to tell."
Touga sighed. "Just say it, it couldn't be worse, can it?"
Inukimi looked straight in the eyes of her husband. Those mesmerising warm gold that she wants to get lost in, but never can. Touga never looked at her with love. His eyes were absolutely empty whenever it is directed to her. She knew Touga can never return her feelings, it's not like he didn't try, she knew he did, hard. But it just wasn't meant to be. When Inukimi first saw Touga, she was infatuated. He was a charming and handsome young man. He was just a prince at that time, but he was already commanding a small number of Inu Daiyoukai troops, that was loyal to him. Touga didn't need a large number of soldiers. To Touga, more death means the more it hurts. So he keeps his loyal and competent fighters close to him and trains with them everyday. Seeing him leading those fierce youkai only made Inukimi more determined to marry him. Inukimi was a noble, and her family was one of the Inu Daiyoukai's high-ranked clans, plus the decreasing amount of female Inu youkai, specifically the Great Dog Demons apart from the wolves and kitsune, only secured her position of being Touga's bride. Now, he's in his primes, he is more handsome and powerful than ever. She understands, she will never ever receive his love. But now he has found a girl that he can look at with so much adoration that Inukimi yearns for.
"One of Fei Kagura's servants, Fucha, was found inexplicably dead in a well. Precious Eiko chanced upon the event and saw the body." Inukimi silently said. The Empress also noticed how Touga's face softened at the mention of that girl's name. Just anyone wouldn't notice that change in his face, but Inukimi saw it, as clear as day.
"Inexplicably? What did Kagura say?" Touga questioned. Touga worried for Eiko. It was still her 4th day at the palace, seeing things like that isn't good, plus that incident with Sakasagami might've gotten to her too. I'll visit her tonight. Touga thought.
"She said it was an accident, but Jakotsu thinks that there is something amiss."
Touga sighed. If it wasn't for his worrying about Eiko, he could've already wrecked the damn table he was leaning on. "Our servants are from loyal clans and families that have served us since our ruling. Reward her family nicely, I will also cater to her funeral preparations. She would want to be buried near her family..I will let Jashu arrange the transportation of her body."
Inukimi and Sayuri nodded.
Touga knitted his eyebrows together. "Kagura.." He stated angrily. He was still clueless whether Kagura had a hand at this. They will have to investigate carefully.
"I'll look into this case carefully."
"Yes." Inukimi nodded. "And about Changzai Yura, she muttered she wanted to return home. She didn't say anything more."
"I'll get on with it. I need air. I'll be off now mother, Inukimi. Be careful on your way out." Touga's back was straight as he briskly sauntered off with Jashu even though the weight on his shoulders were heavier than before.
Sayuri and Inukimi looked at each other and sighed.
Palace of Moon Fragments
Eiko stared blankly at the light stone covered ground of her palace, Fuyumi beside her. She was supposed to practice with Shippo, but she called it off. She felt tired and numb even though she slept early last night and woke up late, but she didn't sleep until she heard birds chirping and a stream of sunlight peaking outside the curtains of her room. She felt tense the whole night, as if someone might break in and choke her to death. A servant was murdered here in this domain, how much more she, the Emperor's concubine. Jealousy and hate runs strong in this place.
Atsuko picked an Osmanthus blossom, drew it near to her small nose, and flashed a bright smile, "It smells so good Young Mistress!" Atsuko shouted as she neared the blossom to Eiko's nostrils. Eiko didn't move an inch. Atsuko looked questioningly at Fuyumi, her smile fading. Fuyumi just waved her head slowly to the side.
"Young mistress had a fright yesterday that she didn't have an appetite for dinner. At least eat something this morning?" Fuyumi asked Eiko.
"I-I'm afraid..that I will have to live with similar horrors like what happened yesterday from now on." Eiko said, avoiding Fuyumi and Atsuko's faces. She was trying to be strong.
"Why?" Fuyumi asked. She didn't know what happened yesterday after than incident with Changzai Yura, she didn't want to push Eiko so she asked Tsukishina, but even she doesn't know. Eiko is finally talking after a few hours of silence since yesterday, asking her now may be a good idea.
"Changzai Yura picked a fight with us, I have evidently made many enemies. Consort Kagura-sama is forceful, her methods are cruel. Being surrounded by enemies, I fear for not only my own safety, but yours as well, and Shippo's and everyone here in the Palace of Moon fragements. Once I make one single wrong move, I fear that my loved ones will have to suffer for it."
Fuyumi's face became nervous. "What should we do?"
Eiko turned her eyes to the side. "I don't know yet."
Atsuko stooped to look at Eiko with a smile. "Young Mistress, do you remember when you taught me how to make Osmanthus candy at home?"
Atsuko raised the Osmanthus flower. "These osmanthus are blooming beautifully, how about I make osmathus candies with them? What do you say?" Atsuko was very persistent when she wants to, more so now, it's not good for Eiko to starve, she intends to get a little food in Eiko's system, even though it's just for now.
Eiko gave her a faint small smile. "Your culinary skills are impeccable, I will eat some if you make any." Eiko decided to agree, for their peace of mind, and hers, even if it's only for a short while.
Atsuko nodded excitedly. "Okay! I will get on it! Next time, we're making it together." A skip was present in her step as she walked happily.
Eiko studied the Osmanthus trees around the palace, as Atsuko walked away. Hayato and Yuuto was a few feet from where she sat, standing guard, when Eiko noticed Pei, her head lowered to the large pot of an Osmanthus free from the far right side of the palace. She looked to be curiously looking at its soil. Eiko stood and walked to her, Hayato and Yuuto tailing her, also curious at what Pei was looking at.
"Pei-chan, what are you looking at that's so interesting?" Eiko asked the maid as she neared the suspicious Osmanthus tree.
Pei pointed down at the earth inside the big pot. Eiko lowered her head to peer at the soil, Yuuto and Hayato sneaking a peak of the dirt from behind her. "Look Young Mistress, the ants are moving in a weird pattern."
Eiko studied the ants carefully. She squatted to the ground like a child and followed the ants with her eyes. "The ants are avoiding the tree root, as if they are afraid." She commented. She picked up a twig inside the pot and began stabbing the soil with it. After a few stabs, she felt a hard rigid object buried in the soil that was not to deep from the surface.
Pei shrugged. "Well, I think the ants are just stupid, taking the long way."
Eiko turned behind, looking at Yuuto. "Yuuto-kun, can you dig this spot that all the ants are avoiding." Eiko asked, drawing an imaginary circle around the spot with her twig.
"Aye-o!" Yuuto's retractable claws sprung out and his tail began wagging as he dropped and began digging. Eiko, Hayato and Pei stood to the side to avoid getting hit by flying dirt.
Yuuto's ministrations stopped as he hit the hard object. He pushed his hand deeper grabbing hold of the object. "What is this? Miss there seems to be what felt like a jar here."
"Let's have a look." Shippo, Sou, Fuyumi, and Atsuko came running as they heard the commotion.
Yuuto nodded. He grabbed the jar firmly and was slowly pulling with his right hand and used his left hand to dig. Eiko grabbed a small shovel she found near another osmanthus tree, positioned himself at Yuuto's right side and began helping him dig. As soon as the jar was near the surface, Yuuto gave a pull, and a dirt covered small jar sprung out. The Inu Youkai suddenly covered their noses and mouth, groaning loudly when the strong irritating small filled their nostrils, causing them to form tears on their eyes.
Yuuto held the jar as far as he can from his face. "This jar is very weird! It has such a strong fragrance that's making me sick!" Eiko can smell the faint scent it is emitting.
"Palace of moon fragments have been home to a few concubines before..maybe a rare strong incense or perfume is inside that jar." Shippo informed.
"Why not open it up and see?" Fuyumi asked behind Eiko.
"Ugh." Yuuto held a his breath while the other Youkai braced themselves and now covered their noses and mouth with two of their hands. Yuuto began removing a little of the dirt that is covering the lid and forcefully pulled it open.
"Let me see." Fuyumi pushed her hand to the hole and grabbed hold of a small object. Pulling it back up again, she opened her palm to reveal a tiny thing, the same size as her fist, covered in two layers of paper that was maybe white before and now is brown. The servant unwrapped the two papers and that was the moment when everyone now, even the humans backed a few steps away from the thing, because of its irritating and putrid smell. The strange thing was shaped circular, it looked to be rotten and old, it has several tiny hairs surrounding it and is colored dark brown.
"It stinks!" The servants complained, the girls waving their hands in the air to draw away the bad air.
Eiko realized what they dug up was. Her eyes widened from the realization. But to avoid unnecessary gossip she kept it to herself. "It's nothing but some cheap spices. Fuyumi, cover it up." Fuyumi wrapped the rotten thing with the paper once again.
Eiko eyed each of her servants. "You are all to keep your mouths shut about what we dug up today. We don't need any idle gossip."
They all nodded their head. "Yes, yes."
"Atsuko, don't make the Osmanthus candy any more, I'll eat my breakfast now instead." Atsuko smiled and nodded.
Eiko waved her hand. "You can all go now. Go back to your duties or rest." The servants bowed and walked away. Eiko walked inside with Fuyumi while Atsuko and Yuuto cleaned up the dirt. Fuyumi hid the strange thing inside her sleeves. When Eiko sat at the lounge of her bedroom she took a dip breath and clutched her stomach.
"Miss, why do you look so pale?" Fuyumi sat beside Eiko and comforted her.
Eiko sighed. "I feel very unsettled. Fuyumi, go find Doctor Hojo, ask him to come see me. Remember it has to be Doctor Hojo." Fuyumi had a questioning looked in her eyes but nodded nonetheless and walked quickly outside.
Eiko hugged herself tightly in a fetal position, trying to stop herself from shaking.
Royal Clinic
Fuyumi saw various physicians, human and youkai alike going in and out of the large infirmary wearing the same white and red clothes, bringing with them their supply case, which was a medium sized box that holds their paraphernalia.
Fuyumi stood by the door and studied the big place, which looked more spacious in the inside. Everyone in here were walking and running, some of the nurses have their hands full with different medical supplies, others are doing rounds checking the patients. In the left side, was the treatment area where there were numerous single-sized beds, the occupied ones were closed of by curtains. On the center, was where the physicians mostly spend their time, this was where their tables and chairs were positioned, and on the right side was a couple of long table with small ceramic pots and jars, and herbs that was spread neatly on it that was most probably going to be used as medicine. At the far right side was the closed off large supply room housing medical archives, herbs, books, pre-mixed medicines and instruments.
Hojo sat in his own chair and table at the back and dragged a weight stick across the large very large scroll he opened to flatten it. It was all about various herbs that can be used as medicine for kidney problems, that he wants to review on, when Fuyumi came running to him.
"Doctor Hojo! I'm glad you're here." Fuyumi curtsied to the young Imperial Physician. "My mistress does not feel well, can you please check on her?"
Hojo's eyes widened and he quickly stood. "Is she all right?"
"I don't know yet, she insisted on asking you to take a look. Please hurry."
"Yes." Hojo was about to run off when he remembered he forgot something, he waved his head to the sides looking for his supply case when he saw it under his table and quickly walked off with Fuyumi.
Palace of Moon Fragments
Eiko placed her hand at a small pillow atop the tea table and looked at the thin white folded cloth Hojo put on her wrist as he studied her pulse. After examining her pulse, Hojo returned the white cloth to his supply case and looked seriously at his first love.
"Young Mistress, you seem to have had a very serious fright?"
Eiko looked down. "I saw something I shouldn't have seen."
Hojo looked at her strongly. "Then you have to find a way to forget about what you saw."
Eiko looked weakly and blankly at Hojo, her eyes glazed and pink. She can't believe her friend would just say that like it's so easy. She knows she was being cowardly, but she keeps overthinking. She feels suffocated in this Domain, even in her own home, she doesn't feel safe.
One of Eiko's tears escaped her eyes as she spoke, "That day..what you said at the shrine, do you still stand by your promise?"
"Of course, I will forever place you above everything else."
Eiko shut her eyes tightly and turned her eyes sadly to the side. "Forever..is easily said, but not so easily done."
Hojo shifted to the side to stare at Eiko. "I know I don't have many merits, but I always do my best to keep my word. I will forever remember the debt owed to the Kikume family by my father. Young Mistress, command me as you will!"
Eiko narrowed her eyes, her lips quivered as her will crumbled, and she came crashing down, crying and releasing her pent up feelings. "I don't want to serve the Emperor in bed." Fuyumi and Atsuko looked at each other with eyes wide. Hojo stooped breathing for a second and stared at Eiko.
The Emperor had nothing to do with it. He was handsome, and strong and perfect, the sun incarnate. His promise of protecting her wasn't a fluke. But she fears her own weakness. He can't protect them all, Kagome, Kikyo, her family outside the domain and inside. Even his own beloved Izayoi died. The Emperor already has his hands full managing his empire, Eiko doesn't want to bother him anymore and add to his problems and making herself a burden just because of the competition in the Harem. That's why she made it her first priority to remain as anonymous as possible. But Touga..his face flashed in Eiko's mind and she clutched her heart. She can't help but be infatuated with him. His voice, eyes, the way he looks at her, his gentle touches. But she willed herself to rip Touga's image in his brain, she would always choose her family above everything else.
"I don't want that to happen either, but you are in the Harem already, sooner or later you will have to accompany His Majesty in bed." Hojo said quietly, his mouth shaking in anger. He turned his head away and avoided her eyes as he continued.
"It would be advisable, for the sake of your future, that you do so as early as possible."
Eiko's tears only multiplied. "I can't help but be afraid, if I serve him right now..." Eiko looked at Fuyumi and continued.
"Doctor Hojo, I have something to show you."
Fuyumi fetched inside her sleeve to grab the thing they dug up earlier and handed it to Hojo. Hojo's eyes widened the second he saw it.
"It's deer musk, isn't it?" Eiko questioned.
Hojo once again looked at Eiko. Deer musk is a substance obtained from a male deer's gland situated in its rectal area. It is used as a perfume fixative, cardiac, mental and neurological medicine and can be mixed with incense. It has a very strong scent but it also has abortive and infertility capabilities.
"Why do you have this Young Mistress?"
Eiko remembered the trees at the back garden of her palace. "The Cherry-Apple trees. Flowers and fruits have not bloomed this spring. We dug that from a tree today by chance. But who knows how many things like that are buried under the trees everywhere in the Palace. Shippo said that the previous Emperor's concubine who used to live here had an unexpected miscarriage, I suppose the real cause is that, or something like it. She must have eaten food made with the blooms and fruits of the trees around here, and as time went by, the concentration of the musk had accumulated inside her body, which cost her baby's life..It's apparent how much scheming goes around in this harem. That concubine most likely doesn't know, just what caused her downfall."
"It's fortunate that you discovered this early, otherwise all the ladies here would have suffered the consequences. I know I don't have the privilege of being your companion for life, but if I can protect and keep you safe here, then it is another way to honor my promise to you."
Eiko looked at her childhood friend. "Is my condition serious?"
"Fear is the reason for your high temperature, you must first calm your nerves. If treated with care, you can recover in half a month. But..if you would like to be extra cautious with your recovery, then I will prescribe you with something that will allow you more time to make a recovery." Eiko didn't want to serve the Emperor, this might be an excuse for her to avoid going out the palace and be with the Emperor. This was it. But still, there was the guilt that was poking Eiko's heart for lying to the Emperor.
Hojo continued, "This kernel of musk is the strongest component of musk. It would be best for the Young Mistress to have no contact with it. I will take it instead, and use it for other positive purposes, so that atonement can be found for the life it took."
Eiko nodded weakly, "Thank you so much Hojo-nii. Atsuko, see Doctor Hojo out." Hojo nodded with a frown and gave a last bow to Eiko, and silently walked out with Atsuko.
Palace of the Virtuous
Doctor Hojo asked for an audience to the Empress to inform her of Eiko's condition so that she will be excused for tonight. Tonight will finally be the time when Touga can flip the new concubines' name boards.
"Guiren Eiko has fallen sick? She was fine yesterday." The Empress was sipping tea in her living area, Hojo standing in front of her.
"Concubine Precious Eiko is under an evil influence which combined with stress from a serious shock has induced flu symptoms." Hojo half-lied. Sure, Eiko is under stress, but she doesn't have the flu. Her body is in severe stress which may cause her immune system to weaken because of her overthinking and anxiety, plus she haven't also slept properly last night and eaten properly, doesn't mean she already has a contagious disease. But this is what Eiko wanted, to let the Empress know she is sick enough to serve the Emperor.
"A shock?"
"Yes, she has suffered excessive fright. Right now she has a fever and is suffering from a delirium." This might be too much Hojo thought, but the Empress must be convinced.
Inukimi knitted her eyebrows together, looking concerned. "If that's the case then Lady Ayame living in the Eastern Hall should move away from Palace of Moon Fragments for the time being to avoid the disease." Inukimi annonced for Hojo and her handmaiden Hinata to hear. Most Youkai are resistant to human diseases but Inukimi thought of this as a chance to finally separate Ayame and Eiko, to prevent them from being too close.
"Yes, it is a dangerous season right now. Precious Eiko's illness is caused by both internal and external factors, I fear that Lady Ayame will be infected as well." Hojo nodded, it's good to have Eiko be alone in her palace, so if she ever gets tired of playing sick in bed, she can always go out and walk around.
Inukimi nodded looking straight ahead, her face blank, but still held that impenetrable regal and confident expression. "Since you're the one who diagnosed Concubine Eiko, and since she probably won't make a full recovery for quite a while, why don't you continue tending to her illness."
"I will do my best." Hojo bowed to the demoness and walked away, ushered by Jakotsu to the gates.
Emperor's Hall - Early Evening
Touga's eyes quickly scanned the paper he was currenly reading, the last one before he could finally visit Eiko. Touga cared less about sleeping with her tonight, he knows she's nervous, but he will not do it with her, it's not a proper time, and even if she refused, she won't say it outright, since it is a rule that a concubine is never allowed to refuse. Caring for her well being is his top priority for tonight and the reason why he will be visiting her. When he made sure that there are no mistaken entries in the contents of the paper, he reached for the brush on the ink grinder and signed at the very bottom. He quickly stood and arranged his clothes when he caught his mother's scent and sighed.
"The Empress Dowager and Empress arrives." Of course they'd be in here. Touga thought. Sayuri would want to know who would be the potential mother of a new pup soon in the Domain, and even though it is not obvious when you look at her, Touga noticed there was a slight skip in her step as she sauntered to him, Inukimi tailing from behind, an air of regality as always. Touga bowed and welcomed his mother, while Inukimi curtsied to her husband. Sayuri sat on a foamed chair, Touga across from her, and Inukimi in the middle. Jashu poured new cups of tea for them.
"Starting today the new concubines will be available to serve His Majesty." Inukimi stated.
"Or do you still plan to visit Fei Kagura's place?" Sayuri questioned. For an unknown reason, she didn't like that cunning demoness.
"I was planning to visit another." Touga answered.
"Oh, who might the lucky lady be? Please flip her name board Your Majesty." Inukimi waved her hand to signal Jashu and Jaken to enter with the now two wooden trays. Sayuri smiled. It has been 3 months since Touga's last visit to the harem.
The two imps kneeled in front of Touga, raising their trays. Touga roamed his eyes to the written names but Eiko's weren't there.
"Where is Precious Eiko's name board?" Touga asked firmly.
"To reply to your inquiry, this afternoon, the Royal Clinic sent someone to report that Concubine Precious Eiko has had a serious shock which triggered the flu. She needs to rest to make a recovery." Touga was silent for a few seconds. It was more serious than he thought. The shock she received from knowing fighting with Yura, plus seeing a dead body in a well really took a toll on her. Touga is now more motivated to see her. Seeing Touga's fallen face, which was quite a rarity, Inukimi became stunned.
Sayuri interrupted his thinking, "But Lingering Kagome and Promise Kikyo are still healthy son."
Touga stood and fixed his clothes. "I'm going to Eiko." He walked briskly out.
"Touga!" Sayuri shouted and sighed. It seems he had developed feelings for the girl this early on. She thought it was just a simple short-time infatuation..She has seen this before, this was how Touga acted when he first met Izayoi. Sayuri can only look with worried eyes as she watched his son go.
Jashu sighed as he saw in a split second Touga dashing out of the gates of his palace. "Your Majesty! Wait for meeeee!" He was certain there is only one place he's going to, and it's a far run before he catches up to the Daiyoukai.
Palace of Moon Fragments
Bankotsu and Sou were standing guard outside the gates of Eiko's palace when they see Touga alone walking towards them in a fast pace. They quickly kneeled in one leg and lowered their head. They were quite excited for their Young Mistress having thought that she was the first woman to be chosen by the Emperor to serve him.
"Rise." Touga smiled at them as he passed.
As he entered, Bankotsu and Sou grinned at each other and did a high-five.
Shippo stood by the doors of Eiko's palace when he caught scent of the Emperor. He quickly straightened his back, as he saw Touga nearing him.
Shippo kneeled. "Your Majesty."
Touga smiled and put a hand on his shoulder. "Rise Shippo. How's your father?"
Shippo frowned as he stood. "Still in bad shape." His father had just been transported from one of the borders near Ryukotsusei's territory. His father was part of a group that has been ambushed when they were scouting the woods in between the borders and the Dragon demon's lands. Touga frowned.
"I placed him in the care of my best doctors. After he gets better, I'll let him stay in the Domain for a while. You have to help me with that, since you know how your father can't keep himself still."
Shippo smiled a bit. "Yes Your Majesty, I will make sure he gets plenty of rest."
Touga patted his head, "Good son. Thank you for watching Eiko all this time." Shippo stared wide-eyed at the Daiyoukai's face when he mentioned Eiko's name and smiled.
"It's my pleasure! The Young Mistress have been very good to us and is always letting us have too much rest. Thank you for trusting me to serve her. But she is not feeling well at the moment Your Majesty.."
"I'm only planning to see her for a short while and return to my place. I heard about what happened. I won't be able to sleep if I'm not able to see her."
Shippo nodded. "Thank you for your concern to our Young Mistress, Your Majesty."
Touga smiled. "You don't need to announce me. Is she sleeping?"
"I think so, she stayed inside the whole day."
Touga nodded and went in. Fuyumi and Atsuko who were standing outside the sliding doors of Eiko's bedchamber silently gasped and immediately drop to a kneel. Touga put a finger to his lips. They both nodded. Touga walked to them, Fuyumi received him and gave a low bow.
"Young Mistress is not feeling well Your Majesty. We already informed the Internal Affairs Authority that she can't serve you right now." Fuyumi informed, avoiding his eyes.
"It's alright. I..just want to see her. I'm not planning on staying long. I won't disturb her sleep." Touga smiled at the two maids which granted him blushing cheeks. Both the maids nodded and opened the shoji doors, making sure they won't make a sound. As Touga set aside the sheer curtains hanged at the entrance of the room, once again, Touga's nose was hit by Eiko's light and refreshing smell. She seemed to have just taken a bath. Touga willed his purring beast inside him to calm down. Her warm honey scent was mixed with the scent of rose petals and a hint of citrus which made his tired body slowly regenerate energy. He slowly walked to her bed that was situated at the end of the room by the wall. He carefully sat near her. She was sleeping peacefully. Her hands and arms spread up near her head and face. She was wearing a long sleeved pink nightwear that was a bit see through. Her blanket only covered the lower half her body, so he willed himself not to look at her breasts which was a bit obvious because of her night clothes. Her black brown hair was spread throughout her pillow in beautiful waves. He can't see her face, it was positioned away from him, and is turned to the wall. The steady rising and falling of her chest was even. Touga desired to touch her face, he wanted to turn it to face him, and he wanted to look at it just once for today. Touga stretched his hand to her face and lightly touched the soft skin of her cheek against the pillow. Her face was smaller than his hand, he admired how her face fit perfectly against his palm and how intensely it made him feel. Her skin was warmer than normal. He frowned as he remembered her fever. He slowly lifted his hand to straighten Eiko's face and positioned it properly so that she won't feel a strained neck the next day. But after moving her face, his hand can't seem to let go just yet. He brushed the stray hairs that were on her face and smiled as he admired her features.
Eiko felt gentle touches on her face that was tickling her and felt comforting at the same time. She was doubting whether it was a dream or not, but it felt naturally real. She fluttered her sleepy eyes open. Touga looked at her as she opened her sleepy eyes.
"Eiko." Touga gently called her name.
Eiko was still a bit dizzy from the medicine Hojo prescribed to her. As her blurry view slowly adjusted and focused to the man above her she realized it was the Emperor. Why is he here? Did he choose me for tonight? Was my lie found out? Eiko gasped and unintentionally hit Touga's hand away from her face with the back of her hand. She stared at him with nervous eyes and in a second realized what she has done.
"I'm so sorry Your Majesty!" Touga's heart ached when he saw how nervous Eiko looked. She thought she was going to be forced to bed with him. Was that how low she sees herself to him? Was that how low she sees him? Forcing her to be lay with him even though he knows she was sick?
Touga's voice was low. "Guiren Eiko, calm down." Eiko's notice didn't escape the formal tone of Touga's voice as he addressed her.
Eiko was about to stand and kneel to greet the Emperor when Touga pulled her down. "There's no need for you to greet me formally. I came here to find out how you're doing. I heard you were not feeling well."
Eiko avoided his eyes. That guilty feeling washing over her bones once again. She nodded, "I'm sorry I'm not able to serve His Majesty for tonight."
"You don't need to worry about that. That's not the reason why I came here." Touga smiled reassuring her. He grabbed her cold hand. "I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep. I'll go now." Touga avoided her eyes when he quickly stood to go out. The heat he was emitting disappearing immediately which made her feel empty. His weight on her bed gone made the vacant space next to her bigger. Eiko wanted to say something, to make him stay. She realised the moment he reassured her and told her to calm down, her heart unknowingly started beating slower, her mind and head became clear. She realised he made her feel safe and secure being here.
"Please.." Touga stopped in his tracks as he heard Eiko whisper. Her weak voice pulling at his heart. This woman is going to be the death of him. He turned around willingly, because as always, ever since he saw her, he had been whipped. Surrendering and giving her his leash, he walked back to her bed. Ahh, this woman will ruin me.
Touga looked seriously at her when he sat again at her bed. "Stay." It was that one word that made Touga weak in the knees and had him bowing to her every whim. He doesn't know why and he will never know why. Was it because of the way she looks at her, sure when she first looked at him she was nervous, but never scared. She sees him, the real him.
She moved against the wall so Touga can sit properly on her bed. She sat up as well. She craved to touch him, to be enveloped in his heat once again. The weather these days are getting cold.
"Are you going to sleep here?" Eiko asked, looking at him with gentle eyes.
"If you want me to."
"I did beg you to stay."
Touga chuckled. "You did. Are you feeling cold?" He seemed to read her. Touga spread his arms in front of him. Eiko didn't think twice. Crawling to him, he hugged her against his chest. She was finally letting him touch her. She rested her head on his neck, and sniffed his smell. Touga chuckled at what she did. It was cute and she wasn't particularly subtle about it either. He thought. Touga wrapped his arms around her waist and let her straddle him, her legs wrapped around his waist. It felt nice just having her like this. Simple, yet it means a lot for the both of them. Eiko thought about his presence, he is hers tonight and hers only. Another Concubine can be warming his bed tomorrow, but for tonight she is his, and he is hers. What they did and didn't do will stay with them.
Touga planted a kiss on the side of Eiko's head. Eiko raised his head to look at his eyes. She decided that for tonight, she will forget she is his concubine, but regard herself as his wife. The most powerful being's wife. She looked at his beautiful golden eyes, his pointed nose, his high cheekbones, the blue marks that looked absolutely sexy, and his lips. Oh right, she didn't find out whether he had fangs under there.
Eiko brushed her nose to his, Touga's eyes softened as her gesture. Snaking his right hand to rest at the back of her neck, he angled her face to him, and bought their lips together. This was it, after months of waiting for her to return. Touga knew he shouldn't be too hard but it was too damn hard. Eiko moaned. Touga moved his lips fervently with hers. The feel of his lips were intoxicating, the way its movements dominated her. His kiss was her cure and her ruin. With this kiss, they were able to say to each other their desires and feelings without words spoken. Touga grabbed her waist as he held her down, while her hands clenched the front of his clothes. She tasted of peppermint tea, Touga noted. After a few kisses, they slowed down and released each other's lips to breathe for air. Eiko was pink all over. Her cheeks, ears and swollen lips. Touga grinned and licked his lower lip. Oh..fangs.
Heat once again flooded inside Eiko. She was breathing hard and was a trembling mess. "Touga.." Once Touga's ears heard the sensual way Eiko uttered his name. He came diving to her in a split second. She whispered his name with so much desperation. He caught her soft swollen lips again. His weight causing her to fall back on the bed. He dodn't letting their lips separate. Cradling her face, he entered his tongue into her mouth, flicking its roof. Eiko shuddered. Touga swore, breathing hard. He let go of her lips to place hard kisses on her neck. He was positioned in between Eiko's legs. This was dangerous. He knew Eiko was still hesitating and nervous, it really is not the right time. He raised himself to look at her. She was trying to calm her ragged breathing, her irises looked darker, her eyes hooded, looking straight at him. Touga gave her a smile and kissed her nose. Eiko giggled. He moved to her forehead and planted a kiss there as well, and lastly he once again joined their lips together for a chaste goodnight kiss. Letting her know, he wanted her, but they can't do it tonight.
Touga moved to her left side and pulled her back to him, cocooning her with his heat. He tangled his legs with her, their bodies a perfect fit for each other. "Thank you for tonight Eiko. Good night." Eiko thought there was no way she could sleep.
"Sleep." He said again. He might as well commanded me to breathe underwater. She thought.
Touga began stroking gently and luxuriously the sides of her body, her arms, legs, waist and lastly her flat stomach, not to arouse but to soothe. And Eiko found sleep and rest faster than she thought.
