Author's Note: I'm updating more frequently. Please do me a favor and through comments I would like to know if I should up this to Mature. A very light mature but mature none the less.

VI.

Hayate-

As long as she was happy, he did not care if he had to run through fire. He thanked whatever spirit or god that was out there for healing Himeno swiftly. The next obstacle was getting through the next three days without making an utter fool of himself.

Zarek had managed to arrange a celebration for Hayate's return along with a banquet in honor of the Prètear.

Hayate watched with a dark grimace marred on his face as his brother kept sending that cool smile in Himeno's direction, naked desire stalking up on her; consuming her till Hayate could only look away in disgust.

The other Leafe Knights expect for Goh had decided to skip this adventure simply because this outing was bound to get out of hand. Though, in the back of each of the Leafe Knights' heads was the most anticipated moment of the union of Hayate and Himeno.

Goh had become someone Hayate could sulk on as the journey progressed.

Having a natural sunny disposition, Goh tried to keep Hayate from seething. His jokes held no affect on the dark flashes of jealousy bubbling in his troubled leader. Goh must have realized how possessive each brother was of the fiery young girl.

Enveloping her hand in a quiet manner, Hayate pointed out the dark blue flowers that had managed to survive the icy touch of bitter winter.

Not to be outdone, Zarek produced a rosebud. His gesture seemed innocent but the glint of malice pointed in Hayate's direction could not be missed by anyone expect Himeno. He used the elegant bloom to stroke Himeno's cheek causing a blush to sweep her face.

"Watch out. Roses are beguiling, each one can mystify a person with their beauty before stabbing them with their thorns," Zarek warned Himeno. Hayate flashed him a dark look.

"Now, Lord Goh will you be returning for the festivities tonight?" Zarek turned his voice sweet as honey and just as smooth. Goh laughed. "I'd better chaperone this little ball of yours, who knows what will happen to my little Himeno."

Himeno rolled her eyes. "Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

Goh looked into her eyes. "Just you."

Zarek coughed dryly into his sleeve. "Forgive me, Lord Goh, but it appears you will be busy tonight. Princess Kimeria of Shadows has been demanding for you since you've ran way," he coughed harder to hide his laughter. "I beg your pardon, I meant to say since you've departed from her side," letting out another cough but everyone could discern the hardly hidden amusement.

"She never gives up. She just can't let go of the Goh," he joked bemused. Zarek joined him.

"Kimeria is still as demanding and bratty as when she was younger?" Hayate questioned.

Zarek rolled his eyes. "If anything, she's gotten worse," he admitted grimly.

Himeno felt a pang of sympathy for Kimeria. "She only wants attention and is coping with the lost of her parents while help ruling a city. You cannot blame her for less than what she has to offer to the kingdom. She needs a friend to look after her," Himeno commented.

Each of the men swerved their head in her direction. Himeno continued, "Kimeria can be a great help to her people. She just needs to learn compassion and the only way to do that is through example. Goh, you'll show her a wonderful time."

VI.

Himeno-

Looking in the mirror once again, Himeno couldn't believe her eyes. This stranger could not possibly be her. She spun around trying to recognize anything that was her.

The tight dark green material clung to her body like a second layer of skin. The one shoulder sleeve was a scrape of thin golden lace while the emerald green silk hugged her chest in a low scoop neck. A skirt of the same emerald green with the gold weaved at the end of the flowing material caressed her creamy thighs. The only thing decorating her freed hair was the elegant yellow flower on the right side of her head.

Goh appeared through the doorway. "You look smashing," he joked. Himeno smiled. "You look dashing as well." She took in his red silk dress shirt with a pair of smoky gray pants tailored to make the owner look slim but manly.

"You think King of the Woodlands will be here?" Himeno fidgeted with her skirt once more. Goh shrugged.

"I'd be more worried about the gossip from the people. Apparently, Kimeria was not kind to you on your first visit. You are the castle's new subject in which to unleash the enemy of words on you. I bid you a most sincere good luck because you are going to need it."

Goh bowed to her before evaporating out of the room. The sweet sound of violins and harps began to drift into the guest room.

A sharp knock on the door alerted Himeno to Hayate. She nearly swooned from one glance in his direction. He wore a dark blue shirt while designs of interwoven white could be seen and his pants were tailored against his legs till she could see the ripple of his muscles as he fidgeted in her presents.

"You look beautiful," he breathed. He offered her his arm, she gratefully snatched it. Hugging his arm against her thundering chest, she tried to calm herself. Hayate abruptly stopped. He looked down at her.

Flashing one of those rare smiles, Himeno's stomach could feel the flirt of the fluttering butterfly wings while her heart shuddered in her chest. "I'm right here and I won't leave your side. I'll protect you," he swore vehemently. As if to seal the promise he brought her hand to his lips, his moist flesh brushed against her knuckles in the most beloved way as if he was worshiping her very core.

A blush bloomed in Himeno's cheeks at the contact. The world became silent; a cocoon of intimacy enveloped the couple. Himeno was hungrily searching in Hayate's infinite seas of sight trying to discern if he felt this nearly overwhelming feeling blossoming between them.

"Ahem," Zarek's figure began to come into focus. Himeno stumbled away out of Hayate's grip with a flustered breath.

Himeno humbly bowed her head toward Zarek. "Good evening," she murmured in docile manner. Zarek let out a peal of laughter. "Lady Himeno, we are equals. If you are the lost granddaughter of the Woodlands, as I know you are, you and I are very much the same. People would even question if we were to be betrothed," Zarek hinted with a wiggle of his brow.

Sending him a single questioning glance, Himeno shrugged. Zarek offered his arm to her. As much as Himeno wished to grasp onto Hayate, she did not wish to be rude to Zarek. Taking his arm, she felt Zarek place a soft but possessive hand over top of hers.

"I always keep the things I hold dear near me," he muttered to her. Himeno took a shaky breath as they arrived near the entrance arch, the orchestra was playing a soft five note tune of the violin and violas, the harp mingling a soft caressing note as if setting a soft sensual tone in the room.

The song descended before the crowd broke out in a soft clap. Silence stalked closely behind.

"Now presenting the heir to the Kingdom of Shadows, Prince Zarek of Shadows," the announcer voiced. In a quieter tone, the announcer continued "Who accompanies the Lady Himeno."

Hayate stiffened behind her.

With a flash of annoyance, Himeno straightened herself before gracefully walking out toward the lighted area to be accepted by the people.

The sea of faces glanced up at the bottom of balcony with quizzical glances at Himeno. Some frown while others had tight, polite smile on their faces. Loud murmurs waved through the crowd. Himeno gaze combed through the crowd as if to see a familiar face.

"In his honor, I have the pleasure to present the second eldest son of the Kingdom of Shadows. Prince Hayate of Dark Winds."

As if on cue, a gust of wind wiped through the crowds leaving the guests in awe. Hayate stood beside Himeno; he gripped her hand away from the scrutinizing eyes of the public. He gave her a reassuring squeeze.

"Friends, family, you are honored guests. I hope you will enjoy our festivities over the next three days. We are happy for you to come and celebrate the return of my dear brother, Hayate and Lord Goh. We are especially honored to have the beautiful Prètear joining in our fun."

Zarek sent a glance in Himeno's direction, lingering on her features causing an uncomfortable feeling coursing through her. He smiled gently at her. He turned back to the smirking audience.

"I hope you will help me celebrate and welcome back those who have come back and those who are just arriving." A wolfish grin was on his face before he returned his attention to the crowd. "Tonight, be merry, fall in love, and cherish those around you."

The crowd erupted in a chorus of excitement.

VI.

Hayate-

Thrown into a crowd of people, Hayate could not keep up with the conversations thrown at him. He would exchange causalities before he would glance at her. She would give him an all knowing smile before her eyes would be drawn back to the person who was speaking.

The sound of violins ceased indicating a new set of dancing was about to start. Hayate saw the bob of red silk and a yellow flower. Her back toward him. Outstretching his hands, he claimed the back of her arms.

"Dance with me?" he whispered in her ear. He could hear her intake of a sharp breath. "Yes."

A soft, sensual beat flooded into the room. A piano could be heard along with the strings from the violins. He twirled to face him. Her eyes gazed at him with a shadow of worry and dejection. "Hayate, I cannot dance very well," she sheepishly admitted. "I'm liable to step on your feet."

He smirked. "I'm used to the abuse. But I'll keep in mind when I lead," he promised.

The sizzling tension between them formed. He couldn't deny it as he twisted and turned Himeno's lithe body around the dance floor. He was enamored with her.

He daringly led her thigh to rest on his hip before spinning her away from him. She had such natural grace that it did not matter that she knew not the step but felt the music in her essence.

His hand encircled her small waist before twisting her. Her body was so warm, so powerful against his. He felt their bodies mold together, fitting perfectly before he guided for both of her legs straddle his waist before rotating her dipped upper body in the last falling notes of the song. Sliding her down from him, the last couple moves sculpted her against him.

Spinning them, he forced Himeno's body to twirl away before snapping her right next to him.

Her cheeks were flushed. Her hair glowed amber underneath the chandler's candlelight. Hot breath caressing his face, her pink mouth was opened in a small o. Looking into the depth of those eyes ignited with a fiery passion and awe, he realized what he wanted.

He couldn't deny it. He was being seduced by her enchanting beauty, the music, the dancing. He knew this was wrong on so many occasions but he couldn't think of one of them at that moment.

He scooped down and captured those sweet lips. The squeak of surprised Himeno made was muffled by his mouth. He worshiped her mouth, placing gentle, chaste kisses on her mouth as if he could never get enough of her.