Hiei felt uncomfortable using the palace's facilities for his lessons. The ring was much larger than his own and it was common for those with idle time to watch from the sidelines even when they hadn't been invited to. Thankfully, most of them knew to keep their mouths shut and not interfere in the lessons.

It seemed that Hiei wasn't the only person who was ill-at-ease in the new venue. Kei was acting rather odd. He was usually brash but he'd become very shy during their last few lessons. He kept his head down and rarely spoke.

Hiei finally had enough. He decided to confront Kei after one of their lessons.

Kei looked anxiously around himself, like a cornered fox searching for an escape route.

"What's going on with you?" Hiei demanded, his arms crossed over his chest. "You're acting strange."

Kei at least didn't do him the disservice of denying Hiei's assertion. He was right and Kei obviously knew that. Instead, he stared down at his boots, scuffed and dusty. The silence was louder than any shout.

"You're not planning on entering the trials, are you?" Hiei asked, a horrible suspicion coalescing in his mind.

Kei bit his lip. His brown hair hid his eyes but Hiei had a feeling that, if he could see them, they would be full of shame.

"Shit," Hiei muttered. "I told you that wasn't a good idea. There are no second chances. If you fail, they won't let you try again. It's best to wait until you have a sure shot."

"I can't wait that long!"

Kei's head rose, brown eyes defiant.

'Why not?" Hiei asked.

"Because…" Kei's voice trailed off.

"Because?" Hiei prompted. He had no intention of letting Kei leave without some kind of explanation.

"Because my father wants me to marry," Kei snapped. He turned away from Hiei, his arms crossed.

Hiei was confused. "Why is that a problem?" he asked. "You can marry and still join the SDF."

Kei scuffed his boot in the dirt. He mumbled something too low for Hiei to hear, his head down.

"What?" Hiei asked, feeling his patience slip like soap through his hands.

"You can, if you're male," Kei snapped, raising his eyes to glare defiantly at Hiei.

It took the black-haired man a few moments to absorb Kei's words and all their implications. And truly understand how monumentally blind he'd been.

"You're a girl," he said.

Kei didn't answer but her cheeks flushed. Now Hiei understood why she'd been so brash with her fellow students. She'd had something to prove.

She'd hid her femininity well, in both manner and dress, her slim form hidden beneath loose clothing. If she were just a little older she might have not been able to get away with it. But it wasn't unusual for a boy to have some feminine characteristics. Kurama, for instance, might look like a girl in the right clothes.

"Why the charade?" Hiei asked. "I would have taught you anyway."

Kei laughed bitterly. "But my parents never would have allowed it," she said. "They want me to marry. Girls with scars don't get wealthy husbands."

Hiei snorted. "If you do get into the SDF then you won't need a rich husband," he pointed out. "They pay very well."

He ought to know as he was currently getting paid that amount, due to his acceptance of Koenma's offer to help prepare the entrants for the trials.

Kei shrugged. "My parents don't see it that way," she said.

Hiei was torn. He had a few choices now. He could tell Kei's parents about what she was up to. They would likely stop her lessons. Perhaps even take her out of the capital or force her into a quick marriage and hope that she dropped her interest in fighting when she got with child.

Or he could allow her to enter the trials. It wouldn't be a sure thing by far but there was a slim chance she might make it. He could help her prepare as he had for the other entrants.

Kei watched him with an apprehensive expression, waiting for his verdict. She knew that he held her future in his hands. He could destroy all her hopes, if he chose to.

It reminded him unsettlingly of the power he held over Kurama. Was it right for anyone to have that kind of power over another?

"If you want to pass the trials, you will have to work as hard as you can," Hiei told her. "I won't go easy on you."

Kei's face lit up with joy. Hiei hastily stepped back, praying that she wouldn't try to hug him like Princess Botan and his sister.

Thankfully, Kei just gave him a bow. "Thank you," she said, upon straightening. "Thank you so much." She was still grinning.

Kei left, leaving Hiei in the ring. But he wasn't alone. The sound of heavy footsteps preceded a large man into the ring. He was dark-skinned with small eyes in a hard face. He was wearing the same uniform as Hiei, the vest stretched tight over massive shoulders.

"They look so young," he grumbled to Hiei.

Hiei stayed silent even as he thought that he wasn't much older.

The man's voice continued, rough like rocks grinding together. "I am glad you're taking that one on. We need more people. I think the requirements are too strict."

"I agree," was all Hiei said. He'd always thought that the SDF's rule of no second chances was ridiculous. Young people were cocky. He certainly had been.

Probably still was, if he were being honest with himself.

The strict rule meant that only a few people ever made it into the SDF. That was unfortunate because the job was such a dangerous one. Those members who died were not easily replaced. The group's numbers were slowly dwindling.

Maybe they would decide to change the rules soon. Hiei hoped so.

Toguro's black eyes regarded Hiei with a frown. "You should be careful," he said solemnly. "Something dark is moving."

He turned and left before Hiei could ask him what he meant by that. It was a very strange statement and uncharacteristic of the large man.

But not uncharacteristic of his wife. Hiei could only surmise that the wrinkled old witch had asked her husband to pass the warning along.

He should heed it, he knew. The witch Genkai had predicted his mother's illness. She was highly respected and trusted by the king and his family. Hiei just wished that she hadn't been so vague. He'd sensed no dark force.

Unless the old woman was referring to him. Hiei suppressed a shiver. He was aware that some nobles thought that his and his sister's red eyes were signs of demonic possession. But Genkai had never acted in a hostile manner to him or his sister. Surely she would not be that cruel.

Hiei left the ring, his mind set on having a shower and washing the dust off his hands. He wondered if Kurama would be in his rooms. The redhead sure was spending a lot of time in the library lately. Hiei had been considering limiting his time there but was reluctant as Kurama seemed to enjoy it so much.

Though Hiei was a little jealous of the relationship forming between Kurama and his guards. The black-haired Yusuke and the orange-haired idiot were treating him like a childhood friend. Kurama was at ease in their presence, in a way that he was not around Hiei.

But it was good that Kurama was getting along with them, wasn't it? He shouldn't feel bitter about it. He should be happy for Kurama.

Kurama was in his sitting room when Hiei entered. He was alone, Hiei was happy to see. He was seated on the sofa with a book in his hand, dressed in plain slacks and a loose shirt.

Finding those clothes had been very difficult. Some of the servants hadn't been willing to give him clothes for a slave but Hiei had persisted and finally found a maid who let him take some of the clothes that the nobles had discarded.

Kurama's green eyes appeared above his book as Hiei approached him. Hiei noted the title of the book.

"Are you reading fairy tales?" he asked in disbelief.

Kurama's expression indicated that he thought it was rather obvious. He waved the book at Hiei.

Yes, he was.

"I asked you to research the wardings," Hiei grumbled.

Kurama nodded, then waved the book again.

Hiei shook his head, not seeing the connection. But, presumably, the redhead knew what he was doing. Better him than Hiei. Hiei hated reading.

He went into the bedroom and prepared for his bath, leaving Kurama to his reading. If he wanted to waste his time with fairy tales, well it wasn't going to cost Hiei anything.

-0-

Kei dutifully attended the extra lessons Hiei had been holding for other SDF hopefuls. He knew that only about half of the dozen students actually had a hope of passing but he did his best with them.

Princess Botan's lessons had stopped since Hiei had moved into the palace. There was no way to hold them without her parents finding out.

The progress of the house rebuilding was slow. Seb was having trouble sourcing some of the materials. Hiei wasn't too concerned about that. There were good points to being in the palace, like being able to see his sister much more often.

Yukina had taken on Hiei's suggestion and apprenticed to one of the palace's healers. Hiei was stunned to learn that it was Toguro's wife, Genkai. He was skeptical of the old woman's methods but Yukina would hear no criticism of her.

Kuwabara and Yusuke had assured Hiei that Kurama had no further encounters with Karasu, though they had noticed the black-haired man watching Kurama.

"I really don't like that guy," Kuwabara said with a shiver as he and Yusuke left the library with Kurama. "He's creepy."

"Yeah," Yusuke agreed. "He's up to something."

Kurama was very pleased that the two men were suspicious of Karasu but he doubted that much would come of it. Yusuke and Kuwabara didn't realise that Karasu had already done much harm. He was in an excellent position. His sister was the king of Barasono's wife and his nephew stood to inherit the throne. What more could the man want?

Well, maybe Reikai as well. If Karasu married Princess Botan then he would eventually be king. Kurama's blood boiled with anger. It was so unfair that Karasu led such a charmed life. That he was now reaping the rewards of his awful deeds.

"Y'know, I think I'm gonna enter those SDF trials," Yusuke said as they approached Hiei's rooms.

"What?" Kuwabara asked, dumbfounded. "Why?"

"I'm getting kind of bored," Yusuke admitted. "Plus, I've seen those guys practicing and I reckon I can take them."

"No, you can't," Kuwabara protested.

"Yes, I can," Yusuke said with confidence. "Just watch me."

Kurama sincerely hoped that he got to see the trials. He was very interested in seeing how Yusuke did. Also, he knew that Kei would be competing. He wanted to support the young woman as best he could. Hiei was not optimistic about her chances but Kurama hoped that she would do well. He felt that she deserved that.

Yusuke and Kuwabara left Kurama in Hiei's rooms to wile away his time with his books. Kurama had yet to find a way to communicate anything he discovered with Hiei. It was a problem that was becoming distracting. What good was his research if he could not put it to use?

The revelation that it was his own energy binding him had caused Kurama to try to circumvent the wards in ways that he hadn't ever considered before. He'd tried meditation and even attempted to project his consciousness out of his own body. That had, unsurprisingly, only resulted in giving himself a headache. It had been a fanciful idea to begin with and Kurama was well aware of that. But he was willing to try anything.

Hiei stomped into the room shortly before dinner, dirty and grumpy. Kurama paid him no attention and continued to read his book. Hiei always left his lessons this way. Kurama had learned that it was best to let him bathe. He would be much more agreeable after that.

"History, now?" Hiei asked with a frown.

Kurama nodded. His current book was on a subject that had always interested him but little material was available. It was about the mysterious kingdom of Aleric that bordered Tourin and Barasono. The country had shut it's borders two decades ago and given no reason for the change in policy. Any foreigner who tried to cross the border never returned. The commonly held belief was that they were killed.

Barasono never had much to do with Aleric, even when it's borders were open as the terrain between the two countries had always been very treacherous. Tourin, however, had quite a close relationship with Aleric, up until the closure. Kurama had often wondered if some disagreement between the countries had precipitated the radical change.

Hiei scoffed and left Kurama alone. While he was bathing, a maid entered with their dinner. She skirted shyly around Kurama, setting it on the table, then left without acknowledging him. Kurama sighed. It would be nice to be treated like something more than furniture by the palace's staff. Kei was the only maid who actually talked to him and he never saw her anymore. He assumed that she was busy training with Hiei.

At least Kuwabara and Yusuke were good to him. They had taken to fooling around in the library while Kurama read. He found their antics both distracting and amusing.

At least he could be confident that Karasu would not harass him while Yusuke and Kuwabara were near. They had made their dislike of the envoy very clear, with looks if not words. Karasu had picked up on it and stayed at a distance.

But lately Kurama had noticed a disturbing shift in the way that Karasu looked at him. It was as if Kurama had personally offended him in some way. There was a kind of dark malevolence in his violet eyes.

Kurama fingered the collar at his neck, frowning at the page he was reading, though his mind wasn't on the book. Why was Karasu continuing to focus on him? In his current position, he was no threat. Karasu knew his wardings better than any except those who had actually placed them on Kurama. He had to be confident that they would hold. If he wasn't, he never would have sold Kurama to those slave traders in the first place. He would have kept Kurama close to him.

But, of course, for Karasu that would have been very difficult. He couldn't take Kurama back to Barasono with him as he would be instantly recognised. Yet, he had to make an appearance at the court every so often or questions would be raised. Extended trips like the one that he was on now were unusual. This was something of a special case, due to the contracts currently being negotiated between Barasono and Reikai.

"Put that down, Kurama."

Hiei's voice interrupted Kurama's thoughts. He obediently set the book aside and joined Hiei at the table. The lord's hair was still damp from his bath and he hadn't bothered putting a shirt on. Kurama tried to keep his gaze from straying to Hiei's very toned tanned chest.

"I've decided not to take the contract with Barasono," Hiei informed Kurama. Rather bluntly, Kurama thought. He raised one eyebrow in question.

"Seb lost some valuable documents in the fire," Hiei said. "He's still sorting things out. I think it's not a good idea to take on new contracts right now. We're having enough trouble with the ones we already have."

Kurama felt lighter at the news. He was incredibly relieved that he wouldn't have to worry about walking into Hiei's rooms and finding Karasu sitting there. He wanted to distance himself from his enemy as much as possible.

That explained Karasu's behaviour towards him lately. He was not happy with Hiei's decision. Perhaps he even thought that Kurama had some hand in it.

It was true that Kurama would have advised Hiei not to take the contract if he could have. He might even have sabotaged the negotiations. But he had not been able to do any of that. Hiei's decision had been based purely on business reasons.

"You must be happy about that," Hiei said. "You don't seem to like him much."

Kurama nodded as he chewed.

"He doesn't like you much either," Hiei observed.

Kurama gave no response to that. Hiei's eyes were unusually intense and Kurama wasn't certain why he was pointing that out. Did Hiei know something about their past?

Kurama pushed the thought away. No. He'd just noticed Karasu's demeanour towards him. That was all. It was too much to hope that Hiei would figure out who he was.

"Well, don't worry about him," Hiei said. "He can't do anything to you."

Yes, he could, Kurama thought sourly. Karasu still had the power to manipulate his wards. He hadn't yet, not in any substantial way. But he could.

Kurama's appetite fled as unpleasant memories flooded his mind. He left the table and went into the bedroom, needing to be alone. He heard Hiei's footsteps behind him.

"Kurama?"

Kurama ignored him and buried himself beneath the bedcovers, pulling the blanket up over his head.

"Kurama." Hiei sounded testy now but Kurama refused to move.

"All right, fine," Hiei muttered. Kurama heard the door shut as Hiei returned to the sitting room. Kurama let out a relieved breath.

-0-

Hiei stared down at the remains of their dinner with a frown. What had he said that had upset Kurama now? He should have been happy that Karasu wouldn't have any excuse to be near him now. Hiei was certainly relieved that he wouldn't have to deal with him anymore.

Kurama's moods were an ongoing source of irritation for Hiei. He wished that he could make sense of them but the strangest things seemed to set the redhead off.

Hiei wondered if the slave was really more trouble than he was worth as he finished off their dinner.

Hiei had to wrestle some of the blanket away from Kurama, who was still curled up beneath it when Hiei went to bed. He ignored the dirty look Kurama gave him as he fixed the blanket over both of them. Kurama put his back to Hiei and settled again as Hiei made himself comfortable.

At least he didn't appear to have been crying, Hiei thought. That was good. He'd try not to bring up Karasu again around Kurama.