This was too much for Yukina to handle. After seeing Hiei appear through the wall, or "secret door", as the King's Captain keeps calling it, she wondered how she'd ever look at him the same. His entire body was covered in blood, but the crimson color was nothing compared to his eyes. They were a vicious color, as if his every desire had been filled and he had nothing left. He was completely satisfied, and Yukina knew why. She'd seen that look plenty of times—it meant he was victorious. And he was, as he explained later. The Princess' condition frightened her. Hiei cradled the poor girl, who had blood pouring from her stomach. It dripped down her tattered dress, staining it along the way. Instantly, Yukina knew Hiei did not hurt the Princess, and, in fact, had saved her. He was too confident in the spotlight to have done that to such a powerful figure.

Hiei barely noticed the whispers surrounding him as he headed towards the King. He passed by Yukina and the rest of them, ignoring them completely. His rescued victim moaned quietly as the two passed. Yukina couldn't help but admire Hiei and the confidence that leaked off of him. He would be blamed, she knew that already. But his strength would allow him to ignore the accusations; in fact she was sure he would snicker at their ignorance. Yukina could always predict what he'd do next. She wasn't sure why, maybe it was just intuition.

After spending years in Ningenkai, Yukina trusted her emotions and intuition more and more. Keiko always joked about "woman's intuition", but Yukina wondered if she was even technically a woman. Sure, she looked like a human girl, but she was just another demon, born and raised in Makai. Kuwabara said she was a woman, and a beautiful one at that, but Yukina couldn't help but wonder if he was in denial. After all, how could a human love a demon? She was part of a vicious world, but she couldn't be blamed. Her years trapped in the prison had brought out a softer side. She became empathetic, and when she escaped, the world seemed much more beautiful. Especially Ningenkai. There were no malicious smiles, planted on demons faces after a murderous rampage—only real smiles from real happiness.

"Hiei," she had heard Kurama whisper next to her.

Yukina glanced up at the sickly red-head. He used to be deadly and intimidating, but recently, he had grown weaker. His once emerald eyes lost their spark, and they began to fade. The pale green next to his ghostly complexion created a haunted effect that frightened Yukina. She wanted to wrap her arms around him and tell him it would be okay. Maybe if she gave him hope, he would find it himself and heal.

The Queen started bawling as soon as she saw her daughter. Pain shot through Yukina's heart. Is that what her mother looked like when her brother was thrown over the edge? The woman bent over her daughter's body, begging her to wake up. The King's large hand appeared on her shoulder and he whispered something in her ear. Voices continued to buzz through the room as demons peered to see what was going on. Their sorrow had become the demon's entertainment. Yukina pitied the parents, wishing they would leave. Instead, they gawked at their dying daughter, as if waiting for some miracle.

General Lotus, a tall, horned demon with black eyes, gracefully swept the Princess from Hiei's arms. The General frightened Yukina. His eyes were piercing, and his concerned look seemed forced. It wouldn't surprise her if he was actually indifferent to the whole situation, but putting up an act for the King's sake. He was too gentle. It didn't make much sense, to dislike someone because they were too caring, but something in Yukina's gut told her not to trust him.

"Let's go," Yusuke grabbed Keiko's arm and lead her towards the scene. The group paraded across the room. Yukina clutched onto Kuwabara's arm. He was so comforting and so loyal. She rested her cheek on him as he ran his hand through her hair once. How loving he always was! Even through these panicking moments, somehow he always cheered her up. His face reflected his true understanding and caring, unlike that General. He was actually concerned for the Princess' well being—and probably Hiei's, too.

By the time they reached Hiei, General Lotus was heading towards the door. Silently, everyone followed. The Princess' blood dripped to the floor, splashing a path for them. Yukina avoided the droplets, careful not to ruin the new dress Kuwabara had bought her. He told her, two days before they left, that he wanted to spoil her rotten. Although the sentiment was nice, the words were a bit vulgar. He had laughed when she told him that sounded revolting.

They arrived in a chamber, where the brick walls had turned a sickly green from the moss. The Princess was sprawled out on a table, and Hiei was told to sit down. Yukina, along with the rest of them, watched from the corner. The comfortable, confident Hiei that had walked out of the secret door was suddenly gone. Yukina overlooked his indifferent face, staring straight into his eyes. He was full of rage; she could see it burning in his crimson orbs. The thrill of murder was no longer itching at his skull, and now he was stuck with a dying Princess and the blame.

"What happened?" the King demanded.

"I saved her," was all Hiei said.

The King and General Lotus pestered him, trying to get the true story. Yusuke even got involved, yelling at Hiei not to be an idiot and tell the truth. It was too loud, there was so much screaming. Even lovely Kuwabara began to demand Hiei to speak. Kurama just shook his head, smirking. Yukina and Kurama both knew it would take more than that to talk. Even if it meant saving his name, Hiei would never give it so easily. It was a game to him. He knew the truth and no one else did. That was his advantage, and he wanted to hang onto it.

"I'm going to go outside," Yukina whispered to Kuwabara. Her head begun to ache from all the noise. It was too much for her to handle.

"Please exit the room," General Lotus pointed out the door. "If you want, you may go upstairs with the rest of the guests. Or you can stand in the hallway—whatever is your preference, I don't care. This is none of your concern."

"None of our concern?" Yusuke almost laughed. "Hiei is our friend, and I can promise you he would never do this. He might be a jerk, but he isn't stupid enough to attempt such a crime. Believe me, I'll be his character witness!"

Idiot—always saying whatever first came to his head. Hiei knew exactly what he was doing, and he would remain in control of the situation. He didn't need Yusuke's help, he didn't need anyone's help. If and when Itoshi woke up, she would vouch for him. Until then, he wanted to test how far he could push this General. He was a strange demon, and Hiei immediately sensed anger. Anger was easy to recognize—after all, Hiei knew it so well. If he could figure out what made this General tick, he might actually entertain himself in this boring castle.

"Character witness?" General Lotus cackled.

The King smiled at Yusuke, placing his arm on his shoulder. "Listen, son, your friend will be just fine. I just want to figure out what happened to my daughter, and why someone would want to do this. I'm sure that you understand. Please, you must come with me and tell me all about Ningenkai. I've never been and I always wanted to go."

Yusuke glanced back at Hiei, hesitating before he followed the King out the door. It was just Hiei, General Lotus, the Queen and Princess Itoshi. General Lotus asked again what happened, but Hiei barely heard. The Princess' stomach was no longer bleeding. The Queen was whispering in the unconscious girl's ear, shaking her softly. Was she attempting to wake her up? Hiei kept his eyes on the two as General Lotus demanded an answer once again.

"Mo-mom?" Itoshi coughed, blood spurting from her mouth. The Queen hushed her, murmuring something else in her ear.

As if scripted, the room fell silent. General Lotus no longer pestered him, and instead watched the Princess. With shaking hands, Itoshi touched the gaping wound on her stomach. Curiosity inched up Hiei's spine as her fingers made contact with her skin. Suddenly, she let out a piercing scream. Her back arched, but her fingers never left her stomach. Her anguish was alluring. Yet, strangely, Hiei almost felt sorry for her. Sympathy, he assumed. He had only recently learned how to be sympathetic, thanks to his sister. While watching her cry, there was no doubt in his mind he actually felt sorry for her. Pathetic.

Her moans began to fade. Her stomach was closing itself up! The hole was no longer there, and only a small scar was left. Hiei watched that disappear as well. This spoiled Princess could heal her own wounds, although apparently the process was torture. His mind wandered back to the scars covering her legs. She sat up, panting. The concealed skin her dress once hid was exposed. Hiei glanced at her stomach, his eyes followed the tears down her hips and the tip of her thigh.

"Oh, Hiei," she gasped, clutching her dress. "Are you okay?"

"Hn," he replied, avoiding her eye contact.

"Can you leave us alone, please?" she asked, directing her question mainly at Lotus. For one instant, Hiei noticed hatred flash across the General's eyes. But, he obediently listened and exited the room. Itoshi's mother was a bit more hesitant, but after a quick exchange, she left. They were alone—again.

Itoshi hoped down from the table, wiping her bloody hands on her dress. Hiei couldn't help but admire her. Wrapped in tattered clothes, covered in her own blood—she looked incredible. Hiei ignored his desires, focusing on her irritating characteristics. He wanted her, but not yet. It was too soon, and he knew that the moment he had her, she would bore him. Three more weeks and he would never see her face again, so why not play with her until then?

"Thank you, Hiei," she murmured, taking a step closer towards him. Calmly, he stood from his chair. He could see passion lurking in her eyes. Only a few hours ago, she despised him. Yet, as soon as he rescued her, she was infatuated. Women were so simple, so naïve. Their emotions controlled them completely. He didn't reply; he didn't need to. He knew she would continue speaking, thanking him and groveling at his feet.

"I don't know how bu—but you heard me. How did you hear me calling for you when I didn't even speak?"

It was a good question, he gave her credit. The mystery barely crossed his mind. His jagan gave him the ability to invade other's minds, but no one had been able to get inside his head and speak to him without his consent. So how had this weak, odd Princess done it? She was full of surprises, but they barely shocked Hiei. He had no reason to be so impressed, no matter how beautiful she was.

"I don't know," he reluctantly answered.

"You risked your life for me."

"Listen, woman, I did no such thing. That demon was pathetically weak."

The Princess chuckled, placing her hand upon her chest. Her breathing had relaxed, but her chest still heaved up and down. "Is that why when I woke up, you were trapped in his clutch?"

Anger shot through his body, firing in a hiss. It was a mistake, and he wished she wouldn't discuss it. Foolish mistakes were not in his nature—and he never received help. But, unfortunately, the weak woman had saved him, as well. He turned from her and headed for the door. A hand rested on his arm, touching his Black Dragon tattoo.

Immediately, he grabbed Itoshi's wrist, turning to face her. He bent her arm behind her head, leaning close until their noses almost made contact. "Don't touch me," he hissed. Her eyes gazed up at him, those golden orbs filled with indifference. He had not bent her arm to hurt her, but she had taken this attack too calmly, as if she expected it. But she was not that clever.

"Why not?"

She was taunting him. Hiei realized he continued underestimating her. She manipulated the situation to get what she wanted, and in this case, she got it. Itoshi smiled too sweetly as Hiei let her arm go. Yes, she had him completely under control. He had no clue yet, either. After he let her arm go, he made it clear that he wanted to stay put. He lingered for only a moment, but that moment told her so much. She was winning.

"You don't have to leave," she muttered.

Although she had made the mistake of snapping, revealing anger that rested in the crevices of her heart, she would not let it happen again. Her anger captivated him, but it was not worth the risk of losing the veil she placed over everyone's head. To her subjects, her parents and the demons in the ballroom, she was nothing more than a naïve, innocent Princess who wanted to get married. Yes, they only saw what she wanted them to see. Hiei, however, saw much more. And yet he still underestimated her. There had to be something she could do to entice him and get him to fall for her. He had a morbid point of view—there must be some way she could play with that.

"Why would I want to stay?"

He was doing the same thing she was—tantalizing her, playing her. This was just a game to him, and she would be a prize. However, she would never let him win. At first, she decided, she would lead him on, thinking he was winning, but then she would turn it around and take complete control. He'd never know what hit him.

"I would like you to. I know I acted coldly towards you, but I would like to make up for it. Would you please be my escort for tomorrow's brunch? It will be me and my family's way of thanking you. We can tell your heroic story—together."

He eyed her skeptically, recognizing her act. Maybe she was being too nice. There was one thing she was certain of, he would not be easy to manipulate. After practicing on servants and her family her entire life, she had gotten quite good at it. But he wasn't like any of them. There was something so complex about him, something she recognized in herself. If they played each other's game, who would win in the end? Would losing really be that terrible?

"Hn," was all he said.

"I'm just going to assume that's a yes. Make sure you dress nicely," she chuckled. Before she scurried out of the room, she planted a quick kiss on his cheek. Yes, that would leave him thinking, positively or negatively, about her all night. And that's all she wanted.

The next chapter will mainly involve Kurama and Keiko. Hope you enjoyed this one!