Hello Everyone!

Glad to see you have stuck with me so far. I apologize for the late update, I have been having issues with my flash drive.

I had a hard time writing this chapter and I still don't know if I'm happy with it, so I put it to you readers to decide.

Warnings: ooc's and lemons.

I don't own the Finder series or it's handsome gentlemen, I only own the extra characters.

I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 13

Sudou left the warehouse sick to his stomach and shaken to the core. Although he had managed to keep his food down, it had begun turning something fierce when the king began using the nine tails on Hagi. How the man had survived more than two hours of the brutal torture was anybody's guess. Still, Hagi held his tongue regarding any plots against Takaba, and for that, Sudou was relieved.

Yes, the gang's extortion was supposed to lure Takaba out of the castle for the story, but Casper and his gang didn't know that. That had been between himself and Hagi. It was supposed to be a trap that the little nobody didn't escape from, but as always, luck seemed to favor the boy over him.

King Asami seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to the boy's safety, making it difficult for anyone to get near enough to him to do him harm, let alone allow anyone the opportunity to take him out. But together, he and Hagi had come up with a plan to accomplish just that, or so Sudou believed right up until the moment Hagi and Casper were led from the containers.

During the questioning, when the king asked if the extortion had anything to do with trying to lure Takaba out to hurt him, Sudou had stiffened, fearful Hagi would tell the king everything in order to save his own ass. Instead, the drug dealer had tried to convince the king it had nothing to do with the boy and through everything he suffered, Hagi kept to his story.

Sudou was grateful to Hagi for not spilling the plan while he was being, basically, skinned alive. That meant it was still possible to salvage it and still get rid of Takaba like they had wanted.

As he was driven back to Dracaena with his visibly sick counterparts, he began to wonder if it was really worth it though. If he took Takaba out of the picture, would the king return to his bed? There was no guarantee that he would and if it was discovered that he had a hand in Takaba disappearing, his life would be forfeit, with minimal questions asked and a hell of a lot of pain felt.

What was it about the rude little brat that attracted the king so completely?

Sudou couldn't understand why this particular nobody was able to challenge the king's authority, defy the king's word, and argue with the king, at nearly every turn from the moment he was presented, without fear of reprisal and still be the one that gets to have King Asami. Anyone else would have been dead twenty times over for disrespecting the king in such a manner, but not that brat.

Sudou wondered, why wasn't it him? The obedient one. The loyal one. The one that loved his majesty the most.

Unable to make sense of the unlikely couple, Sudou just shook his head, as he laid it on the back seat of the limo. He had been absent-mindedly rubbing the crying girls on their backs, trying to silently soothe them. But thoughts of that boy with his king, were causing his hands to shake in anger and he had to let his hands fall away.

He had brought his two most popular girls with him to this meeting thinking he would allow them to meet their king, not expecting the grizzly scene that had unfolded before their eyes. The girls were traumatized, to say the least, and had been told they wouldn't have to work for a few days in order to, hopefully, get past what they had seen today.

His female guard, Atashi, decided to ride in the back of the limo with him and the two upset prostitutes. She had a way with the women, that looking at the intense bodyguard, you wouldn't know existed without knowing her.

Sudou was thankful to her for this reason, most of all. Sure she had saved him a time or two, but it was this side of her that Sudou saw as invaluable. The girls had a woman that they trusted, that they could talk to and know that any messages that needed to get back to him, would be delivered verbatim. Atashi wasn't embarrassed about discussing feminine issues, either, which allowed him to stay out of them, causing less embarrassment for him. She would get the girls working again, in no time.

Sudou looked to Atashi and when he caught her eye, he gave a small smile and nodded his head in thanks.

Atashi looked at her boss and gave a small nod of acknowledgment. She didn't need his thanks to look after the girls that made him money. She was smart enough to know that happy girls were working girls, and after what they had seen today, they wouldn't be happy for a long time, not without a nudge from her, at least. She knew the boss only had so much patience for the whiny bitches, so she did what she could to make his exposure to them, minimal.

Atashi wondered what her boss would do about the Takaba boy now. She saw him stiffen at the king's mention of what would happen to anyone that hurt the boy. She knew he had a stake in the plan he and Hagi had put in motion to get rid of the boy, a plan that was now up in the air, so to speak. If he decided to go through with it, would she be able to protect him from their powerful king? They needed to talk. Maybe she would finally be able to talk him out of this craziness now that the fuel to his fire was gone.

She was brought out of her thoughts as the car stopped in front of the club.

Sudou said, "See them inside, give them something to calm their nerves, and meet me in my office, Atashi."

"Yes, Sudou. Should I gather the others?"

"No, I would speak to you alone first before we involve anyone else," he exited the limo ahead of Atashi and sauntered into the club as if the last few hours hadn't affected him, putting on a show of confidence when he was feeling anything but.

When he finally reached his office, he told the guard, "I don't want to be disturbed until Atashi comes to meet me. Tell everyone else I will deal with their issues later," and he entered the office and locked the door. He hurried to the couch in the corner, needing to sit before his legs gave out from under him.

His legs shook, his hands trembled, and his heart pounded in his chest. His breathing quickened, as he allowed the weight of what he had witnessed to finally perch upon his shoulders and crush him.

He had only ever heard stories of the king's cruelty and ruthlessness. That wasn't the side he had ever seen of his beloved king because he had always did as he was told. The look of pure enjoyment in his king's eyes as he watched Casper being whipped, and poor Hagi being whipped damn near to death, had left Sudou unsure of how to proceed. To say he was scared of the man was an understatement, he had been horrified and traumatized, as well.

Sudou valued his life. He knew it would be foolish to go against the boy his king would willingly kill for, and enjoy every minute of it. But being back in those arms was an ever-present, driving force behind most of the things that he did, nowadays, and he couldn't easily abandon plans already set in motion. They would just need to be altered to accommodate the new situation. And his fears be damned.

Now that Hagi had been dealt with, he was free to offer asylum to any that ran. There would be those that will want revenge and Sudou figured he could use that to his advantage. He still had a chance to pull this off and Sudou would make sure that he was the one by his king's side as he mourned for his dead lover.

By the time Atashi returned to Sudou's office, he had found his resolve again. He said, as he unlocked the door for her to enter, "We will continue as planned, Atashi. Keep watching for an opening. King Asami will most likely assign him more guards the closer we get to the wedding, so it will have to be sooner rather than later."

Atashi looked concerned as she took a seat on the couch and asked, "Are you sure you want to do this, Sudou? You heard what his majesty said. I don't want to know a punishment worse than what Hagi received. If you go after the boy, he WILL kill you."

"He won't find out, Atashi. Wait a day or two then reach out to those in the Hagi family seeking refuge from whatever the king has planned for them and tell them we will take them in. We'll tell them of the cruelty Hagi suffered and sow the seeds of unrest and revenge. We blame Hagi's death on Takaba's spying and have them go after him for us." The plan, although hastily thought up, seemed simple enough in Sudou's head.

Atashi wasn't convinced. She said, "And when they are caught, they will say it was you that put them up to it, Sudou. If they know what King Asami did to Hagi, they would be fools not to spare themselves a long, drawn out death, and turn on the one that put them in that predicament. They're deserters after all and shouldn't be trusted."

"Exactly. Who do you think his majesty will believe, when I do all I can to try to find the brat? Of course, by the time I do, it will be too late, but I will be there to soothe his majesty's pain away," Sudou said.

Atashi shook her head slowly, as she asked, "Have you gone mad, Sudou? Do you think he completely believed Hagi when he said this wasn't about Takaba? His majesty looked for reactions in all of us when he mentioned Takaba, and if I saw you react, you can bet, so did he. And if he thinks Takaba is in danger, he won't need to bother increasing the boy's guard when he can just keep him inside the palace. Attempting anything now would be risky, too risky, Sudou. It's not worth it."

"Maybe not to you, Atashi, but it is to me. If I wait any longer it will be too late. That boy doesn't deserve to stand at King Asami's side. Three and a half years ago he was nothing, a nobody, and now he is held in his majesty's highest regard. That should have been me, Atashi. I loved his majesty first."

"I'm sorry, my friend, but you were never going to be his queen. You know that and still choose to ignore the facts in front of you. His majesty has chosen another and you, for all your loyalty and obedience, need to accept it. The plan is over, moving forward with it is suicide. You are a smart man, Sudou, you must see reason. Please give this up, I don't want to watch you being beaten to death as I hang next to you."

Sudou was stunned by Atashi's words. Although it wasn't visible, Sudou realized the scene today had affected the unshakable Atashi. He knew he couldn't ignore her fears, they were his fears, as well. Hadn't he considered forgetting about the plan?

But no, if he didn't try, he would never have what he wanted. "I still intend to move forward with this Atashi, can I trust you to help me?"

Atashi looked at her boss and friend and said the only thing she could, "I am yours to command, Sudou. Whatever happens, happens to us both. If this is really what you want, I will begin seeking out those wishing to leave the Hagi family and bring them into yours. But, be careful, Sudou, we are about to engage in a very dangerous game."

"Yes, Atashi, but when we pull this off, it will have been worth it."

"You mean, IF we pull this off."

"If we continue to act loyal, his majesty won't suspect us, Atashi. This will work, trust me."

"And if it doesn't, we will never see the light of day again, Sudou. I can't protect you from King Asami."

"Understood. Contact Sakazaki and find out if anyone has reached out to him from Hagi's family. Find out where he sent them if they did. Make sure we aren't in the king's crosshairs, Atashi, I don't want to be found out before I've had a chance to see Takaba dead. Keep an eye on his movements, we grab him when the opportunity presents itself. We can't hope to come up with a story so soon after the last one that would get the boy's interest and risk him leaving the safety of the palace, so we will have to strike when we see an opening. We can finalize the plan once we have the necessary resources."

"Yes, Sudou," Atashi said. "Will that be all for now?"

"Yes, you may go."

Atashi nodded to Sudou before she turned to leave his office. She was glad, for once, that she had no family to miss her or mourn her. She had a bad feeling that her life wouldn't exist much longer. Despite what Sudou believed, she had a sickening premonition that things were not going to go as smoothly or easily as he had planned.

Knowing this, though, she still made the decision to stand beside Sudou until the end, what ever that end may be.

xxxxx

Nobutaka and Hiyamo went straight to Sion. After what they had just seen, they needed a drink. Hell, they needed several drinks.

Their sons and some of the others, not used to seeing this side of King Asami, left the warehouse for whatever comforts they could find to take their minds off of what they had seen, while the veterans landed at Sion's bar, trying to drown out the what they had seen with as much alcohol as possible.

The two family heads were seated in a back booth, working on their fourth shots of Tequila. They knew they would feel like shit in the morning, they couldn't drink like they used to, but they also knew they needed to get the image of Hagi at the end, out of their heads. They were surprised he had held on for so long, neither if them had thought he had it in him, and they had a grudging, new-found respect for the dead drug dealer.

Hiyamo was already feeling the effects of the alcohol, as it loosened his tongue. He voiced the question that had been on his mind since the king asked about a plot against Takaba. "Hey Taka, you think his majesty knew something?"

Nobutaka looked at his long-time friend and asked, "What are you talking about? Knew something about what?"

"Hagi didn't tell you?" Hiyamo asked, as he looked around him to see who was near.

Nobutaka looked at Hiyamo suspiciously, as he said, "Tell me what? If King Asami finds out you knew something about that, it's gonna be your ass. You know that, right? When did you talk to Hagi?"

"A few days ago when he felt the noose tightening," Hiyamo said. "He told me this was about the Takaba boy and Sudou."

Upon hearing that, Nobutaka also looked around them, quickly, before turning back to Hiyamo, lowering his voice, and saying, "Are you mad? His majesty has ears everywhere. If you knew that, why didn't you say anything when he asked?"

Hiyamo snorted and said, "That would have been mad, Taka. Besides after what that lightweight saw, do you honestly think he would do something so stupid as to go after Takaba? His majesty made it crystal clear, the boy is untouchable."

"This is Sudou we're talking about, Hiyamo. He's had a thing for his majesty since they first met. He hates Takaba. If he is targeting Takaba, you have to say something. If you don't and King Asami finds out, you and your family will suffer the same fate as Hagi's."

"Well now, you know too. You can tell him. Then try not to get shot," Hiyamo said, as he broke out in laughter.

"This isn't funny. You've seen what happens to people that go after that kid. His majesty has a shoot first policy when it comes to his beloved. You're right, King Asami may just shot the messenger, but I'd rather get shot, then suffer a death worse that Hagi's. What we will both get, if something happens to the boy that we could have prevented by telling his majesty what you know."

Hiyamo simply shook his head, downed the shot in front of him, and poured another.

Nobutaka continued, "We'd be in the king's good graces if we prevent the boy from getting hurt, Hiyamo. Not to mention, our loyalty is to King Asami and very soon, by extension, Takaba Akihito."

"Like I said, you go right ahead, but I'm keeping my mouth shut."

"And when his majesty asks me where I heard the info from and I say you, what do you think he's going to do to you for not telling him first, hn?"

Hiyamo said, "You wouldn't, Taka."

"I would. I'd have to. You were the one that told me. When he asks where I got the information from, I wouldn't lie to his majesty, Hiyamo, not with my family's life at stake."

Hiyamo didn't need to ponder for long. He knew, as well, as Nobutaka, what happened when you were less than forthcoming with vital information for the crown. Realizing he really had no choice, he sulked, "Aw, fuck, man. That fucking Hagi set me up. He told me, knowing I'd tell you and you'd convince me to tell King Asami." He held up his shot glass in salute to their dead associate and said, "Well played, miserable bastard," and he downed the shot.

Nobutaka said, "The question isn't why he told you, Hiyamo, but why he didn't tell his majesty before he died about the threat to Takaba from Sudou? His majesty might've shown a bit of mercy."

"Or not. The why, that's easy. He hopes Sudou is still lovesick enough to continue with whatever plan they had cooked up. Remember, he hated Takaba too."

Nobutaka said, "And you're okay with that? That boy didn't choose to be here and Sudou should have known he'd never be more than what he was." Nobutaka was surprised how easily he stood up for the charismatic boy, as he continued, "It wasn't Takaba's fault Hagi had sloppy men working under him. It's also not Takaba's fault Hagi forgot King Asami wasn't a forgiving man when his orders weren't followed. We were to remain in the shadows, always. They deserved to get their pictures taken by that little hellion."

"Let's not forget all the other things he's uncovered with that camera of his, that he considers 'wrong' with the kingdom. He's changed things up and made us have to step up our game to keep his majesty's underworld hidden from the decent citizens of the kingdom." Hiyamo found himself admiring the boy for his tenacity at getting under his majesty's skin and surviving the fallout. But he still wasn't willing to be the messenger of bad tidings and threats against the boy the king held dear.

Nobutaka said, "Sudou can't succeed in this. The king will kill everyone while he's looking for answers should anything happen to the kid. The boy is a nuisance, nothing more. He doesn't deserve to be targeted. He isn't spying for the king, he's protecting the king, his interests, and his people." Until this moment, the weapons dealer hadn't realized what the boy was doing, but looking back, it had been there from the start. Takaba would protect the king without ulterior motives. He wouldn't be able to be brought or swayed to act against his king. It would devastate the kingdom to lose a citizen so loyal. He said, more to himself than Hiyamo, "The fallout from Takaba turning up dead, would be catastrophic."

"What are you suggesting, Taka?" Hiyamo asked his closest friend.

Nobutaka pulled out his phone, hit a few buttons, and waited for the person to pick up the other end.

"Gen. Kirishima."

Nobutaka took a deep breath, then said, "We need to talk to you, General. Can you meet me and Hiyamo at Sion?"

Kirishima asked, "What is this about, Nobutaka?"

"We prefer to speak in person, Gen. Kirishima. It's worth you coming down, I promise."

"And am I informing his majesty of this little chat?"

"We leave that to your discretion after you hear what we have to say."

The general sighed into the phone, and said, "Fine, give me half an hour," and he disconnected the call.

Hiyamo looked at his friend as if he had grown an extra head. "Are you out of your mind? You do know the general can kill us just as easily as his majesty if we tell him. I don't want to be a part of this, remember? Why would you say I wanted to talk to him too?"

"Kirishima won't shoot us, we don't pose any threat to Takaba. And like I said before, be up front, Hiyamo. Either way this goes, you are in this since Hagi told you. Coming from me alone is hearsay. I know what you told me and you know what Hagi told you. Get over it, it's done. Let's go wait for Kirishima at the bar." Nobutaka rose and waited for Hiyamo to follow.

Hiyamo got up from his seat, reluctantly. He looked at his partner in crime and said, "If I get shot, Taka, I will never forgive you."

"Yes you will, if you survive," Nobutaka chuckled.

"Not funny, you demented fuck."

Nobutaka continued to chuckle as they made their way to the bar.

xxxxx

Kirishima thought about telling King Asami of his impending meeting with the arms dealer and the loan shark, but not knowing what this meeting was about, decided to tell Suoh instead. He walked to the guard's door and knocked.

The general was met with an exhausted, "Come in at your own risk, Kirishima."

Kirishima opened the door slightly and peeked in to verify the bulky guard was dressed, before he entered the room. He said, "I have a meeting with Nobutaka and Hiyamo."

Suoh asked, "What do they want? You want me to go with you?"

"Don't know and no need, the meeting is at Sion. There are guards there if they decide to step out of line. Be cautious if members of their family show up while I'm away."

"Got it," Suoh said, as he turned back to what he was doing before the general entered. Though, when he didn't hear the man leave, he turned and said, "If that's all, Kirishima, I want to get out of these clothes and take a soak. I need a moment to process the shitty day we just had. Who knew that coward of a man had it in him?"

"I didn't, not by the way he acted when he was caught, throwing around a knife. Maybe Nobutaka and Hiyamo plan to shed some light on the subject or maybe they want to discuss something else entirely," and he turned and left Suoh to his thoughts.

Kirishima arrived at Sion twenty-eight minutes after the call came in asking for the meeting. He saw the men in question at the bar and walked over to them. He looked at both men and asked, "So what is this about, gentlemen? I'd think I would be the last person either of you would want to see given today's events."

Hiyamo nearly agreed, but Nobutaka said, "And, did I not feel this was something worth sharing, we wouldn't have. We should talk in one of the private meeting rooms, General Kirishima."

Kirishima wasn't sure where this was headed, but he looked at both men over his glasses before he pushed them up on his nose. He nodded his head and waited for them to lead the way. When they were settled in the meeting room, Kirishima said, "So talk. What is this 'something worth sharing'. It's been a long day."

Nobutaka looked at Hiyamo, who shook his head, forcing the arms dealer to tell what he knew. He turned back towards Kirishima and said, "I think Sudou is planning to do something to Takaba." He paid close attention to the general's reaction, hoping to prevent getting shot.

Kirishima asked, "What makes you think that, Nobutaka?"

Nobutaka looked to Hiyamo once more, trying to encourage him to speak up, but the man still decided to sit quietly. When he turned back to look at Kirishima, he thought he saw irritation on his face at having to wait for his answers.

It was confirmed when Kirishima said, icily, "My patience is wearing thin, gentlemen. Either tell me what you know or you can tell his majesty whatever it is you think Sudou is planning." He glared at both men, before he barked, "Hiyamo, talk, now."

Hiyamo, knowing it was unwise to further provoke the general, said, "Hagi called me a few days ago, said there had been a plan in motion to get rid of the Takaba kid for good."

Kirishima asked, "How?"

"He didn't give details."

Kirishima made to reach for his gun, as he eyed both men and asked, suspiciously, "Why didn't you speak up earlier when his majesty asked Hagi if this was a plot against Takaba?" He paused and looked at Hiyamo over the top of his glasses, before he continued, "Answer carefully, Hiyamo."

Hiyamo sobered immediately, as he threw an accusing look towards his so-called friend, Nobutaka. He put up his hands in surrender and said, "I didn't take is seriously until I was telling Taka here and he thought there might be something to it. I mean, Sudou wouldn't go against the king's orders and anger him purposely." When he noticed the general's hand didn't move away from his gun, he continued, "And I didn't want to end up strung up next to Hagi in front of my sons."

Kirishima glared at Hiyamo and said, "You didn't take it seriously? Was that your decision to make, Hiyamo? You were ordered to report any threats to Takaba's life immediately. Or, maybe, you want to see Takaba gone as well?" He pulled out his gun and aimed it at Hiyamo. "Is Nobutaka the only one loyal among you?"

Hiyamo grew nervous seeing the gun aimed at his forehead, he didn't need the general thinking that he wanted the boy hurt or worse. He said, quickly, "Now hold on, General. I'm loyal. I wouldn't go against his majesty and I wouldn't hurt Takaba, I swear. I made a mistake in judgment, that's all this was. There's no need to question my loyalty, General Kirishima, I'm not foolish enough to betray his majesty. Not when I know that my family would also pay for my treachery. I don't have a death wish. So, let's not be hasty, here."

"I am never hasty, Hiyamo," Kirishima said as he put his gun back in it's holster. He told them, "Get up, you can tell your story to his majesty. If he decides to spare you, then so be it. Nobutaka you should come to since it was your call that summoned me here."

Hiyamo stood and wondered if he should tell his sons goodbye, as he followed the general out the room. He considered running, but knew he risked getting shot in the back by the general if he did, not to mention, running would make him look guilty. Damn that Hagi for putting him in this mess to begin with. He gave a regretful look to Nobutaka, as they followed Gen. Kirishima from the club.

Nobutaka was worried for his friend. He hadn't meant to get the man killed by calling the general, he only wanted to pass the warning on to the king. Seeing that look on Hiyamo's face only made him feel guilty for involving him, but even if he had been able to keep Hiyamo out of it initially, he would have been pulled in at some point. The now dead Hagi had confided in him and his majesty would want to know that.

As both men climbed into the backseat of Kirishima's car, they wondered what the next few hours would hold in store for them.

xxxxx

Upon returning to the castle, Kirishima pulled up to the main entrance and exited the car. He entered the castle, followed by Hiyamo and Nobutaka, and went directly to the throne room. Kirishima told them to wait there and he left them.

Kirishima went to the king's bed chamber, and seeing Kimimora sitting on the floor, playing solitaire, asked, "Is his majesty busy, Kimimora?"

Kimimora looked up and seeing the general, began to stand, as he said, shyly, "Um, yes general, he is. It might be better to send him a text."

Kirishima, remembering the comment about the boy having a doctor's appointment and his majesty taking pleasure in getting the reason out of him, knew it wouldn't be until morning before his majesty came out of his room, said, "You might be right Kimimora. If you gain access tonight, let his majesty know I was here," and he turned on his heels and left the valet with a puzzled look on his face.

Kirishima pulled out his phone and sent a short message to King Asami, 'Your majesty, H and T have something on S. Will keep them here', he hit send and put the phone away. Knowing the king's methods for getting the boy to talk, Kirishima didn't expect a return message for hours.

Kirishima walked to the throne room and said, "His majesty will see you later. Until then you will stay in the palace. Have you eaten?"

Both men looked at each other and then to the general, confused. Hiyamo asked, "Didn't you tell him why we were here?"

Kirishima pushed his glasses up his nose and said, "I haven't seen him, Hiyamo. He is otherwise occupied and wished to not be disturbed. Needless to say, what you have to tell him can wait, as I'm sure Takaba is in no danger from Sudou where he is currently. Now, if you want to eat, come with me because I missed dinner thanks to you two."

Hiyamo, glad for any delay to his life possibly ending, relaxed a little and realized he was indeed a bit hungry, followed after the general.

Nobutaka was only momentarily glad for the delay. He worried this would give Sudou more time to move his plans forward against Takaba. He kept these worries to himself, though, and followed after the pair to fill his belly.

xxxxx

King Asami awoke at 3 a.m. with the urge to go to the bathroom. He gave a sleepy smile to the boy still tucked in his embrace, as he slowly extricated himself.

Akihito shifted to his stomach, mumbling something in his sleep, but didn't wake up.

Asami sat on the edge of the bed and noticed his phone blinking in the darkness. He picked it up and read the message, 'Your majesty, H and T have something on S. Will keep them here'. Asami took note of the time the message was received, smiled at the memory of what he had been doing at the time to have missed the text, and finally sent a reply, 'Meet in the throne room, half hour. Bring H and T', he hit send, got up, and went into the bathroom.

He used the bathroom, washed his hands, splashed water on his face, and ran his wet hands through his hair. He put on a pair of pajamas and his house robe that went to his feet, a birthday gift from Akihito. He took his gun from his holster and put it in the pocket of the robe, then walked over to the bed and kissed Akihito lightly on his head, before he pulled the bed curtain closed and left the room.

He locked both bed chamber doors and walked down to the throne room. He opened the doors and took his place on the throne to await Kirishima, Hiyamo, and Nobutaka.

When they arrived, Gen. Kirishima, though in his pajamas, wore his shoulder holster and looked alert. Hiyamo and Nobutaka looked like they had been woken prematurely from sleep and dressed quickly, their hair still in disarray, and their eyes barely open.

King Asami looked from his general to the men standing between them and said, "Is this inconvenient for you gentlemen?"

Hearing the king's voice did wonders on bringing the men out of their stupor, as they began straightening themselves up. Nobutaka, coming to his senses first said, "No, your majesty, no inconvenience. I, we, didn't expect to be awakened until morning."

King Asami simply nodded his head to Nobutaka, before asking, "Kirishima, explain your message earlier."

Kirishima stepped forward and answered, "Yes, your majesty. I was called to Sion to meet with Nobutaka and Hiyamo. Upon arriving we adjourned to one of the private meeting rooms where I was told that Sudou was planning to do something to Takaba."

Asami's golden eyes darkened as he asked, "Which of you had this information."

Hiyamo spoke up immediately, "I did, your majesty."

"How?" Asami's voice grew colder with each question, his glare more deadly, as he stared down Hiyamo.

Hiyamo swallowed the knot in his throat and continued, "Hagi told me a few days ago, your majesty."

"And I am just hearing about it now? Were you waiting to see if something happened to Akihito, Hiyamo?" Asami pulled the gun from his pocket and held it on his knee.

Hiyamo bowed low and said, "I was not, your majesty. I have nothing against Takaba and would prefer he not be hurt. I didn't think Sudou would actually go against your command." He heard the gun being cocked and jumped. He squeezed his eyes shut and waited for the pain of the bullet going through his flesh, when he heard Nobutaka speaking.

"Your majesty, please don't shoot him. I had him bring it to your attention as soon as he told me about it. Takaba is still okay, right? We should still have time to stop whatever Sudou is planning. If the two were in it together, Hagi's death had to put a crimp in whatever they had initially planned."

Asami said, "He is okay for now, but had I known of this threat, I would not have let him leave the castle today. You put his life at risk because you didn't think Sudou had it in him. I don't put anything past that jealous little peon. Kirishima, I want him brought in and questioned."

Kirishima said, "But your majesty, won't he just deny the charges. Hagi is dead and gave no indication that there was a plot against Takaba."

"If you are suggesting I use the boy as bait, Kirishima, I will shoot you."

Kirishima tried to clarify his position, before he became a casualty, "I wouldn't dare, your majesty. I'm just saying, if we catch him in the act of attempting to take Takaba, we could get all those working for him to accomplish his goal, as well. Takaba will be well protected, I assure you, your majesty."

"You are still using him as bait, Kirishima," Asami growled, as he now pointed his gun at Kirishima.

Kirishima said, hastily, "He is going to want to leave the castle anyway, your majesty. Why not use it to our advantage and capture those targeting him? You know he would agree to do this?"

"I don't care what Akihito would agree to do, this isn't his decision to make. If it were up to him, he'd make himself a target every damn day. If anything happened to him, there'd be hell to pay." Asami set his gun down on the table beside him and said, "I want someone sent in to infiltrate Club Dracaena. Find out what Sudou is up to before he has a chance to go after Akihito. Kirishima, you are to go out with him whenever he leaves the castle..."

"But what about your safety, your majesty?"

"Suoh will look after me it that makes you feel better. But if I am going to allow Akihito out of my sight, as you say he's going to want to leave the castle, then he is going to be in your care. And know that if he is so much as scratched, Kirishima, I will take it out on you. Our wedding is in two weeks, I prefer my bride not look like he was beat up and restrained. He better not slip away from you, either, or I will be looking for a new general, Kirishima. As for you, Hiyamo, you need to find a way to prove your loyalty to me. Nobutaka saved you for now, but if I find out you are working with Sudou, I won't hesitate to take you out for good. Since you vouched for him, he is now your responsibility, Nobutaka. You will also pay if he chooses to betray me. I will find out from the remaining members of the Hagi family if they know anything about this plan of Sudou's."

The three men, knowing failure was not an option, bowed to their king and answered, "As you command, your majesty."

Asami said, "Good, now get out."

The men bowed out of the room and breathed a sigh of relief that they had all survived the night.

The king sat alone for a moment, contemplating Sudou's demise, when he realized he would rather be holding his lover instead. He rose and exited the throne room, returning to his bed chamber.

When he reached his bed, he found Akihito balled up under the covers, sleeping soundly. The moment he sat on the bed though, the boy stirred.

Akihito asked, sleepily, "Where did you go, Asami?"

Asami ruffled the boy's hair and said, "None of your concern, little kitten, go back to sleep."

Akihito protested, lazily, to the nickname, but settled into Asami's arms as he laid down next to him. He was asleep again in seconds.

Asami held Akihito close and thought, 'I won't let anything happen to you, Akihito, I swear', and he lightly kissed the boy's head, before settling himself to go back to sleep. He would get what answers he could, soon enough. He closed his eyes and breathed in Akihito's scent, allowing it to lull him back to sleep.

xxxxx

The remaining members of the Hagi family arrived at the castle the next day as ordered. They consisted of Hagi's three sons, his second in command, and ten others. None of them expected to leave the castle alive, but they did what had been commanded of them in the hopes that this didn't turn out to be a 'worst case scenario'. By now they had heard what had happened to their boss, and although angered, they were afraid what would happen if they did not obey and present themselves as ordered.

Kirishima led them to the throne room, where the king had set up a screen and was watching the end product of Kirishima's editing skills. The group walked in on the scene where Casper got his wish and his life ended, the angle of the camera showing Hagi's reaction perfectly.

King Asami tuned with a satisfied grin on his face. He looked over those now present and asked, "Where are the rest of you?"

Hagi's second spoke up, "They have fled, your majesty," as his eyes stayed riveted to the screen. He saw the first strike of the nine-tails on Hagi's back and winced, before turning his attention to the king, and at last seeing the smirk on his face.

Hagi's second son asked, "Why? What did my father do to deserve such treatment, your majesty? He was loyal to you!"

King Asami looked at the boy and said, "So, in extorting money from my subjects, he was being loyal? Is that what he told you?"

The boy looked shocked, "My father would never..."

"Would you like proof. He admits to it himself." The king picked up the remote and hit rewind. He stopped it on when he was walking back to his chair. He hit play and let them hear Hagi digging his own grave. The family listened and cringed when the king hit Hagi the first time with the cat o'nine tails and after the second crack, King Asami paused the recording. He asked, "Now, who among you knew what your boss was up to?" Asami looked for knowledge or complacency on the faces of those gathered and seeing none asked, "What the hell was going on in your family? None of you knew your boss was extorting money from my citizens, or are those that knew the ones that ran away? Do you also know nothing about a plot with Sudou to hurt Takaba?"

That got a reaction from Hagi's first born, as he said, "Father told me he was only helping Sudou, because he was being blackmailed."

"Oh?" said Asami. "What else did he tell you."

"Father said Sudou was crazy and that his fantasies about you and him overruled his judgment."

"Is that all?"

"Yes, your majesty. He didn't want to talk about the subject further. He said all I needed to know was that he was helping Sudou against his will."

King Asami said, "And yet, when I asked him, he said nothing. Denied it, even. That to me doesn't sound like someone being blackmailed, but someone trying to protect their partner. Hagi knew he was dead anyway, why not admit to the plot and tell of the blackmail? After all, it was your father that spoke out the most against Takaba being my spy and how much he detested the boy. Whose to say going after Takaba wasn't his plan and he just used Sudou's emotions to his advantage?"

This time Hagi's second stepped up to defend his boss, "Boss Hagi may have disliked that boy, but he would never willingly plot to hurt him. He knew the consequences of doing something so foolish. If he was working with Sudou, it was only to get evidence to bring him down."

King Asami glared at them all. He said, "None of you even knew he was stealing money from my subjects, why would he have told you the truth about plotting with Sudou to hurt Takaba? You should be angry he didn't trust you enough with the truth of what he was doing instead of defending the dead bastard. It's his fault the rest of you are in this mess. Those that knew apparently ran off and left you all holding the bag. I suggest you find out exactly what is in that bag you're holding, before the weight of it pulls you down, as well, and you end up like him." Asami motioned to the image of Hagi on the screen behind him, before he continued, "If you wish to continue being allowed to do business in my kingdom, you will find out how deep your dead boss' treachery goes. I want all accounting and bank statements delivered to the castle. The family's accounts will be frozen pending a review of the books. Anything found on a plot against Takaba will be brought to my attention immediately. Hunt down your deserters and present them for questioning. Do so, and all those that came as ordered and their families will be spared. Fail me and the Hagi family will be no more and will only be remembered as traitors to the kingdom."

Those gathered looked to the second in command and Hagi's first born son for answers. They had come with no knowledge of what their boss had been doing, even those he should have trusted with the truth, knew nothing. They were out of their depth and feared for their lives and the lives of their families.

Hagi's eldest son, unable to un-hear the words spoken by his father, sealing all their fates, said, "We will do as ordered, your majesty. I will personally bring you any evidence that will either prove or disprove my father's willing involvement in any plot against Takaba. We will prove our loyalty to crown and kingdom, your majesty."

"That was the right answer, Hikaru. You are boss, for now. Prove yourself and the title will be yours permanently." King Asami took a disk from the table and handed it to Hikaru. He said, "This is what happens when you go against me. Watch it, learn from it, and don't make the same mistakes your father did. Do as you are told, and you will survive this betrayal, stronger than you were before. Now you have work to do, go do it, you're dismissed."

Kirishima opened the doors and watched as the fourteen gathered Hagi family members filed out of the throne room, relief on their faces at leaving not only alive, but with a way to redeem themselves.

The king's eyes followed Hagi Hikaru from the throne room. He noticed the young man straighten his back as he left the room. Asami knew he was determined to clear his father's name, but would accept whatever truth that he uncovered, be it good or bad.

When only Kirishima and Asami remained in the throne room, Kirishima asked, "Should I have them watched, your majesty."

Asami replied, "No, General. I trust Hagi Hikaru to do as commanded. Let them work towards proving themselves again. Is there someone still watching Sudou?"

"Yes, your majesty. When he finally left the club last night, he went straight home. He has not left for the day, yet."

"Make sure they keep an eye on him. Find out what Akihito needs to do today and plan accordingly, Kirishima. Remember what I said this morning, you are responsible if anything happens to him."

"Understood, your majesty."

"I'm going to see what he's doing now, as he has been quite quiet so far today. Have you sent someone to infiltrate Club Dracaena?"

"Yes, your majesty."

"Good, then check in with them and see if they were able to find anything out yet. I want this handled and done before Akihito finds out anything is wrong. And definitely before the wedding, Kirishima. Clear?"

"As you wish, your majesty, it will be done," and Kirishima bowed before leaving the throne room to check in with the man he sent to watch Sudou and the woman he sent to Dracaena.

xxxxx

Kirishima left the throne room, pulled out his phone, and checked his messages.

He had received word from Hiro, that Sudou was on the move, and from Hiromi, that several members of the Hagi family were currently in Club Dracaena seeking refuge.

Kirishima figured the family members weren't likely going anywhere, so long as they didn't feel threatened, so he decided to call Hiro first.

When the guard answered, Kirishima asked, "Where is Sudou now?"

Hiro answered, "He just arrived at the club, Gen. Kirishima. He paid a visit to Sakazaki's place after he left home. He was there about an hour."

"I'll send someone to question Sakazaki. Let me know when Sudou moves again, Hiro."

Hiro said, "Yes, General."

Kirishima continued, "Hiro, I will be personally guarding Takaba for the foreseeable future, a fact, I'm sure. neither of us will enjoy. This situation needs to be handled quickly. Report anything suspicious, no matter how seemingly insignificant, understood?"

Hiro replied, "Yes, General, understood. I think we need someone to follow the female guard Sudou keeps. She arrived separate from Sudou, and she has already left the club without him once today."

"Is she still away."

"No. She was gone for about forty-five minutes and returned twenty minutes ago."

"I'll send someone over. Call if she leaves again before they arrive."

"Yes, General."

"Stay alert, Hiro. Takaba's life might depend on it."

"General, do you really think Sudou would do something to Takaba?"

"It doesn't matter what I think. Until it is proven otherwise, Sudou is to be watched and Takaba protected. Report in later, Hiro."

"Yes, General."

Kirishima disconnected the call.

The general was not looking forward to his next call. Though a professional at what she did, she had standards. Kirishima knew she wouldn't appreciate being sent to gather intel at Dracaena, a club a few steps down from Sion in every way.

He dialed her number and heard it ring twice before his ear was assaulted by the angry woman.

"Kei, you asshole. You knew I wouldn't have agreed to this if I knew it was Dracaena. Bunch of low-class, wannabe pricks, and the customers aren't much better. You owe me big time for this, Kei."

"Why can't you just give me your report, Hiromi? I get it, now back to business."

"Fine. I confirmed a half dozen of Hagi's men showed up around noon and sat at the bar until Sudou arrived. They didn't say much, but they knew the king would be after them for not showing up for the meeting today and were hoping to get protection from Sudou. When Sudou arrived, he took them into his office. When his female guard arrived, she went into the office, as well. She left and was gone approximately forty-five minutes. When she returned, she went back into the office. There, my report. Sudou had better be planning something or when this is over, I'm going to feel the need to want to shoot something."

"Words like that could get you killed, Hiromi."

"Kei, I will kill myself if these sleaze balls keep touching my ass and trying to kiss me on the mouth. Blehg. Hurry up and get me out of here, Kei, I mean it," and Hiromi disconnected the call.

Kirishima looked at his phone in disbelief, confirming the spoiled little spy had hung up on him. He wondered why the best always had quirks, as he took the information he had just learned and added it to the files marked 'Sudou Plot' and 'Hagi Family Deserters'.

He sent Hiromi a text, saying, 'Find out which members of the Hagi family are there and report back'.

Moments later, he received a reply, 'Whatever you say, General'.

Kirishima put his phone away and checked the calendar for Takaba's schedule over the next few days.

xxxxx

King Asami left the throne room and went to his bed chambers to check on Akihito. When he entered, Akihito was sitting on the couch, dressed for the day, reading through more of the pamphlets he had gotten from the doctor yesterday. He watched the boy, looking deep in thought, for a few minutes before he cleared his throat to alert Akihito that he had come into the room.

Akihito jumped slightly, being pulled from his thoughts, and turned to look up at the king. He took in Asami's casual stance at the door, leaning with his arms crossed over his chest, and a smile dancing on his lips, and asked, "What are you so happy about? Don't just stand there watching me, it's creepy, you know?"

"I am amazed you are behaving so well today. You haven't asked to leave the castle."

"I don't have anywhere to go today. The wedding plans are set in stone, all the deliveries have been scheduled, and according to Kirishima, the guest list is filling up nicely. If there is something I've forgotten, I haven't realized it yet, so I figured I'd take it easy and give the men ordered to follow me around a break today."

"Well, that was very thoughtful of you. General Kirishima will be joining your watch detail until the wedding."

"What? Why?" Akihito asked surprised. The general only followed Asami around.

"For your protection, Akihito. You can't escape Kirishima as easily as you escape the other guards."

"So if I behave, then four-eyes won't have to keep watch over me?" Akihito asked.

"That doesn't matter. He goes where you go, end of discussion." Changing the subject, a veiled warning that Asami wouldn't discuss the matter any further, said, "I see you're still looking over the papers from the doctor."

"I want to be ready when the time comes, Asami. This is a big decision, not to be taken lightly. I want to know everything I can before we do this. I want to know what can go wrong before it does."

"And what can go wrong? The doctors wouldn't let anything happen to you, Akihito," Asami said, as he walked into the room and closed the door. He took the pamphlet Akihito was reading and skimmed over it. It was outlining the possible complications with the procedure. As he got to the bottom, he read that the main cause of death was blood loss during the delivery surgery. The procedure called for them to collect and store three pints of his blood before the surgery to insure the type match and hopefully increase his chances for survival. He looked at Akihito and asked, "You would risk this to give me an heir."

Akihito hadn't read to the bottom yet, so he got on his knees on the couch to see what Asami had read. After scanning down the page, he noticed where Asami was pointing. He looked up from the paper and said, "I would. To be the one to carry your child, instead of some surrogate that could change their mind, yes, without question. I want to do this Asami, for us. This will be our child."

"And if you die giving birth to our child, then what?"

"You can't think like that, Asami. You have to stay positive. I'm strong enough to do this."

"I have no doubt that you are, but if something goes wrong, will they be competent enough to save you?"

"I have to believe that they will be and so do you. This is the only way we have children and you have an heir. I won't accept anything else, Asami. So, you need to get over it, quickly. In one month's time, I expect to be carrying your child."

"Well, if you're adamant about this, I guess I have no other choice but to grant my queen his request," Asami said with a smirk.

Akihito looked up at him and said, "Not your queen, bastard," and he stuck his tongue out at Asami.

Before Akihito could put his tongue back in his mouth, though, Asami lowered his head and took said tongue between his teeth, before he put his mouth over Akihito's to devour it and his tongue.

When Asami released his mouth, he said, "Yes, kitten, whatever you say."

Akihito glared at him, not fond of that nickname either. He asked, "Why is it so hard for you to just call me by my name, bastard?"

Asami chuckled and said, "I could ask you the same thing. You have your pet names and I have mine."

Akihito looked puzzled for a minute before he realized what Asami meant. He said, "You know, I wouldn't consider 'bastard' as a pet name."

"But you are not me, are you, little kitten?" Asami smirked again, before he pushed Akihito down on the couch.

Akihito said, "Hey, is that how you plan to treat me when I am carrying your child?"

Asami came around the back of the couch and pounced on Akihito. He nipped at the boy's lips, as he said, "Akihito, when you are carrying my child, I will treat you as fragile glass. But until then, I will be rough with you, because I know how you like it rough," and he took his mouth in a heated kiss. He nibbled and bit at his lips until Akihito moaned into his mouth.

Asami nibbled at his chin, his ear, the space below his ear, and the hollow of his neck, before he came up to meet Akihito's burning, hazel eyes. Asami rose from the couch, lifting Akihito, and said, "We should continue this in the bed, kitten."

Akihito eyed Asami, before giving him a seductive smile and answering, "You're right, bastard, we should," and Akihito bit into Asami's neck, before he licked him were his teeth had been, as the man carried him into the room.

When the king reached the bed, he dumped Akihito, unceremoniously, onto the middle of it, before climbing in next to him. They busied their hands by quickly removing their clothes. When Akihito stood on the bed to remove his pants, Asami caught his leg, and sunk his teeth in the meaty part of Akihito's thigh, before taking his tongue and licking where he had bit, as Akihito had done. Though in the course of Asami biting and licking Akihito's leg, he had reached up with his other hand and was fondling the boy's cock.

Akihito moaned and looked down at the man at his feet.

It was moments before Asami realized the boy was staring down at him. When he looked up and locked eyes with Akihito, he saw the longing in the boy's eyes, the need to feel the king's strong hands all over his lithe body, and Asami broke. All his resolve to go slow, be gentle, went out the window with that one electrified look. Asami grabbed the boy's hand and pulled him down onto his lap to straddle him.

Akihito felt himself being yanked down and for once he didn't care. When he was inches from Asami's lips, he claimed them as his own. He let his tongue explore Asami mouth and do battle with Asami's tongue. He drew away, nibbling at Asami's bottom lip, before jamming his tongue in the king's mouth again. He wrapped one arm around his neck to rub the man's back and shoulder, while he fisted the other hand in Asami's hair. He ran Asami's hair through his fingers, and twisted it in knots as the kiss continued. Deep. Sensuous. Possessive. And hungry, oh so hungry.

Asami enjoyed the kiss, immensely, as he wondered what had gotten into the boy. Not that it was pressing on his mind or anything. A start like this promised more forwardness to come. Whatever the change was, he was willing to just go with it.

Oxygen scarce, they finally broke the kiss and Asami noticed Akihito had the nerve to have a light blush on his cheeks. But accompanying that blush, were eyes that said, 'Tonight, I devour you', and Asami unable to resist the challenge in his boy's eyes, moved closer and whispered in his ear, "Bring it on, kitten."

And Akihito rose to the challenge.

Akihito got up from the bed, pushed the button to open the secret panel in the door, and walked inside. He came back with handcuffs on a chain and nipple clamps. He had put on the straps that allowed his arms to be attached behind his back, or the hook over the bed with the handcuffs and chain, and his ankles attached to his thighs.

Asami gave him a lecherous smile and said, "It's been a while since I've seen that one on you, Akihito. I must know, what brought this on?"

Akihito walked over to the bed, metal fastenings hitting him softly as he moved. When he was in front of Asami, he clamped the nipple clamps to Asami's nipples, and smiling at the exquisite pain this act caused Asami, he said, "Because you are mine and as your, dare I use your twisted term of endearment, queen, I claim the right to enjoy you as I see fit." Then he came closer and said into Asami's ear, "I was turned on that you were actually worried I might die while having your child, so just enjoy it," and he nibbled at Asami's ear and nuzzled his neck, before he pushed Asami back onto the bed.

Asami lay back and closed his eyes, as he felt the boy inch his way up his body with his tongue. When Akihito reached his cock, he licked at it and around it, teasingly, but he didn't take it in his mouth. He continued his journey upwards, reaching the rippled plains of his abs and chest. He licked the creases between each defined muscle group in his abs and along his oblique's, before Akihito moved to his nipple and gently pulled at the clamp with his teeth, sending a ripple down Asami's spine and straight to his groin.

Akihito felt a surge of power as he made Asami writhe under him. He bit down slightly on the clamp and felt Asami shudder as he let the metal teeth scape the king's nipple as he slowly pulled it off. He ran his tongue slowly over the abused nub, before he bit his teeth down in the same spot the metal teeth had bit into it and when Asami, finally let out a low moan, Akihito released it and lavished it with soft kisses. He removed the clamp from the other nipple and repeated the process of licking, biting, and kissing.

When Akihito was done 'exploring', Asami's body was taut as a bowstring and his cock was hard as a rock. With Akihito still straddling him, he moved up onto the bed at the boy's behest.

Akihito secured the clamps at his ankles and thighs. He took the lube and squeezed it over Asami's cock and watched it travel down the length of him. He threw the bottle to the end of the bed as he coated Asami's cock with the lube, slowly rubbing the palm of his hand over the tip, then wrapping his fingers around it and pumping slowly, from tip to base.

Asami's breath was growing ragged. He was at his wits end when Akihito finally impaled himself on Asami's cock. A lesser man would have come the moment he felt himself sheathed in that warmth, but Asami was determined to hold on to some control in all this. He placed his hands on Akihito's hips and began thrusting upwards only to be stopped a few thrusts in, as Akihito put his feet over Asami's thighs, pinning them under his shins.

When Asami stopped moving, Akihito put his feet back under him on the bed and began slowly riding Asami's dick. He had his hands on the mattress under his legs to use as leverage to push himself up and allow him to come down slowly. He rode like this until they were both quaking and quivering, before Asami growled, low, "Enough."

Asami put his hands on Akihito's waist and lifted him off. He secured the boy's wrists behind his back, then laid him down on his arms. He pushed Akihito's knees forward, lifting his ass, and Asami plunged deep into the hole he felt so good being inside of. His thrusts were quick and powerful, rocking Akihito's body.

Akihito, moaned and writhed under the assault of Asami's cock being rammed into him. Asami was right, he did like it rough. "AAHH! HAH...HAH...A-SAH-AH-MI, MORE!"

Asami unhooked Akihito's ankles and turned him over on his knees and slammed into him.

Akihito let out a silent scream, before he began to move his body to meet Asami's thrusts.

Asami held Akihito by his bound wrists as he continued thrusting into the boy, rubbing his cock across Akihito's feel good spot.

"AH...UNF...UNF...HAH...OH, A-ASAMI, I'M, I'M..."

Asami grabbed Akihito's cock and stroked him to completion.

Akihito's body jerked, as he came forcefully, with a loud, "AAAAAHHHH! YES...HAH, YES!"

Hearing that beautiful voice was all Asami needed to shoot his own load in his boy's tight ass, growling his satisfaction as he did so.

Asami unhooked Akihito's wrists, allowing him to move them and regain feeling in his shoulders, before he collapsed down on his boy, supporting himself on his elbows, still semi-hard, buried in Akihito's, now slippery, hole. He whispered, "You can claim your rights anytime you like, my queen," and he bit him softly on his ear, before slipping out of Akihito. He rolled on his back and pulled Akihito to him.

Akihito mumbled a lazy, "Whatever," before he felt warm lips brush his forehead.

Asami felt a wave of protectiveness surge through his body and he, instinctively, tightened his grip on Akihito. He didn't loosen his hold until he felt his kitten struggling to breathe in his tight embrace.

Akihito pushed at Asami's side, then turned his nose, so he wouldn't be suffocated again. He settled back down, closing his eyes again.

And Asami thought for the second time that day, 'I will not let anyone hurt you'. He lay next to Akihito, listening to his steady breathing and enjoying his warmth, thinking of ways to make Sudou suffer, before he finally allowed him to die. Once he had proof, Sudou was finished.

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King Fei Long's POV (chap. 11 extra)

King Fei Long sat on the couch in his sitting room, going over the daily reports when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out to see the caller id say 'Akihito'. He answered cheerfully, "Well what a surprise, Akihito. I hadn't expected to hear from you so soon. So what did the mean king say?"

King Asami's voice came over the line, saying, "The mean king says no," and the line went dead.

Fei Long stared at the silent phone for a moment before he let out a soft chuckle. He could almost imagine how that conversation went. Poor Akihito.

He had expected Asami to say no to Akihito's request to invite him and his general to their wedding. No doubt, the untrusting man thought he was up to no good talking to his precious ward. Though, personally, he thought it about time the man had proposed to the boy already.

Not that he was one to talk. He and Yoh had been together since their visit to Asami's kingdom nearly three years ago, and it was probably high time that he had done the same, but he had his reasons.

Fei Long was tempted to crash the ceremony just to see Asami's reaction. He laughed, outright, as he tried to picture what the king would look like if he showed up anyway to support Akihito. It would most likely be a scary sight indeed. Then he pictured the sour king's reaction to Akihito even asking if they could be invited to the wedding and he broke out in hysterics, as he thought again, 'Oh, poor, poor Akihito. He must really love you to have not put a bullet in your head for the mere thought alone.'

Yoh leaned into the bedroom and asked, "Is everything alright, your highness?"

Fei Long, still chuckling, said, "Everything is fine, my general. Tell me, how would you feel about crashing Akihito's wedding?"

Yoh eyed him suspiciously, as he answered, "You mean, King Asami's wedding, and I wouldn't like it one bit."

"You can be a real spoil sport sometimes, Yoh, but you don't get to spoil my fun this time. We were technically invited by the other party in the wedding." He paused for a moment, making his decision, then said, "Have Tao rearrange my schedule for those days that Akihito invited us to stay. I want to see this with my own eyes," Fei Long said. "The boy who softened the heart of that stone-hearted king," actual invitation or not, it was something Fei Long knew he just had to bear witness to.

Yoh cautioned, "Your highness, it is not wise to poke a bear."

Fei Long replied, "Ah, but it is fun. Besides, I need to check that Akihito is as healthy and as happy as he says he is."

"Isn't his word enough, Fei?"

"You only call me 'Fei' when you're worried, Yoh. What's to worry about with you at my side? How much trouble could I possible cause by going to their wedding?"

"Of course, I'm worried. It is a miracle we got out of King Asami's country unscathed three years ago. And knowing your twisted sense of humor, you could cause a lot of trouble in a short amount of time whether I am beside you or not with a few well placed words towards Akihito. It's been said, that where the boy is concerned, Asami would do anything to keep him safe."

"I have heard as much. Which is all the more reason to see proof for myself," Fei Long said as he stood from the couch and walked to the door where Yoh stood. He grabbed his chin and looked him in his eyes. when he said, "Why are you really worried? Do you think I am still interested in Akihito? Or maybe you still think I mean to somehow ensnare Asami?" Fei Long kissed a trail down Yoh's jaw bone as he spoke.

Yoh felt himself reacting to the king as he trailed kisses alone his jaw line, as he answered, "You are free to chase whomever you choose, your highness."

Fei Long stopped his kisses and stared Yoh in his eyes as he asked, "And you would be okay with that, my general?"

"No, I would not, but I would not stop you. I have never stopped you." Yoh turned to caress Fei Long's face, as he continued, "Though it would break my heart to see you with another at this point, I would let you go if it made you happy."

Fei Long placed his hand over the general's, as he said, "You would let me go, huh? Really? I thought I was king and you were my general. Leaving would be of my choosing, not at your consent." Fei Long added with a dark smile, "You should pay for that remark, Yoh."

Yoh simply replied, "If that is your wish, your highness," before giving Fei Long a dark smile of his own.

Fei Long pulled Yoh into the room and slammed the door. He pushed Yoh back against the door and locked it, before he took the general's mouth in a dominating kiss. Despite the playfulness of the moment, Fei Long truly disliked the fact that Yoh would just step aside willingly, if he decided he wanted someone else. He wanted the general to say he would fight for him, that he wouldn't let him go. He didn't want to be let go of, and he wouldn't contemplate marriage if the man he loved, that claimed to love him, wasn't willing to fight to keep him.

Yoh's lips were bruised by the time the kiss ended. It had went from something pleasant to something hurtful. He looked into his king's beautiful, dark eyes, and asked, "Are you angry with me again, your highness?"

Fei Long couldn't deny that in that short space of time, he had allowed his anger over their situation to ruin the mood that was being set. Whenever this subject came up, it always led to an argument, and he didn't want to argue right now. He answered, "No more than usual, when you say the wrong things. We're going to bed now," and Fei Long grabbed Yoh's arm and pulled him towards the bed.

Yoh wasn't an idiot, he knew what he'd said to anger his king. He also knew he was about to pay for said misdeed in a matter of minutes. No matter how he looked at it, he wasn't worthy to stand at the king's side, despite what his king believed. He was a king that needed a proper queen, not some battle-worn underling. He needed someone like Akihito, someone that would bring out the softer side of him.

Yoh knew he couldn't be selfish, even if that was the one thing he wanted to be most of all. Yoh looked up as he realized Fei Long had been staring at him.

Fei Long could see the general's thoughts clearly. He had voiced said thoughts enough times that Fei Long felt he could regurgitate them word for word. Fei Long said, sternly, "Be selfish! Why is that so hard for you to do? You would rather see me with someone else than have me all to yourself? I suggest you take what I give you, willingly, or I will force it on you until you submit, Yoh. What I want, is you. I would fight to keep you. You should be of like mind, my general." Fei Long turned and walked to the bed and sat down. He looked his general up and down before he said, "Now strip."

Yoh stood, unmoving. He hadn't expected the king to voice the thoughts in his own mind and respond the way he did. Fei Long was not one to openly voice his feelings so plainly. He wondered if Akihito's impending marriage was causing his king to be so honest about what he wants.

Fei Long brought him out of his thoughts, with a slightly peeved, "I'm waiting."

Yoh focused back on the king, who was quickly losing patience with him and unbuttoned his suit jacket and vest. He removed both and draped them on the back of the desk chair. He unbuckled his belt and pulled it off. He unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, pulled his dress shirt up to reveal his well-toned abs, and slipped his other hand under his waist band for a sultry pose, while staring at Fei Long with lust-filled eyes, hoping to remove some of the anger he saw there.

It had the desired effect, as the smile on King Fei Long's face, became lighter as he crooked his index finger in a 'come here' gesture and watched with smoldering eyes as Yoh moved closer to the bed, feeling himself up as he did. When he was within arms reach, Fei Long grabbed him by his shirt and yanked him into his arms, kissing him deeply, before destroying the dress shirt by ripping it open.

As the kiss continued, growing more urgent, two pairs of arms moved in tandem to disrobe the other, in a hurry to put flesh to flesh.

The kiss was broken long enough for them to move up onto the big bed. Once there, the king took control. He pushed Yoh to the bed and said, "I should punish you for your earlier comments, but as I am feeling generous, with Akihito's wedding approaching, I will endeavor to be gentle." Fei Long kissed Yoh slowly until the general moaned into his mouth.

When Yoh's mouth was released, he said, "I am at your command, my king. Do with me what you will."

Fei Long excepted Yoh's invitation without hesitation. He took his mouth once more in a slow, sensuous kiss, his tongue slowly lapping at his general's tongue, swirling, tasting every corner of his mouth until the general moaned deep in his throat. His hands explored Yoh's tight frame causing him to moan more.

Yoh let his fingers play in his king's long, silky hair as Fei Long bent to bite on one of his nipples. Yoh hissed as he felt his highness' teeth bite down hard on the nipple, before he felt his hot tongue lick the pain away. Only to feel the teeth, once again sink painfully into his flesh. Yoh had the thought, so he is still angry, before he felt the tongue again, licking away the pain.

Fei Long was gentle when he took the other nipple in his mouth, sucking and licking it in turn. Though he still bruised the first, as he pinched it between his thumb and forefinger.

Yoh felt pleasure and pain in the same instant and it was invigorating. He felt himself dripping onto his stomach, with the sensations his king was causing. He moaned and writhed under his king's ministrations. He wanted to feel Fei Long inside him and he resorted to begging, "Please, Fei, don't tease me any longer."

Fei Long rubbed his member in the pre-cum on Yoh's stomach as he grabbed the lube from the bedside table. He used the lube to coat the remainder of his shaft and then he positioned himself to enter his general. He used two fingers to guide himself in as he nibbled at Yoh's neck. With the tip in, he removed his fingers and thrust into the general to the base of his shaft and remained still.

Yoh groaned with the pain as his king lay, unmoving. Once he had adjusted to Fei Long's mass inside of him, he began to move his hips to signal it was alright for him to move.

Once Fei Long felt Yoh begin to move under him, he took over, thrusting deep into his general.

"Ah...ah...mmmm, Fei...Fei...faster," Yoh moaned, as Fei Long grinded slowly into him.

Fei Long whispered, "As punishment for your thoughts earlier, Yoh, we will move at a leisurely pace. We have all night, after all. I will teach you selfishness, so that you may get that silly notion out of you head that I deserve someone better that you. I will make it so that you couldn't let me go even if you tried."

Fei Long continued to thrust his hips, slowly, in and out as he spoke, driving Yoh mad. His mind had gone blank some time ago, he heard his king speaking, but he wasn't comprehending the words. He only felt the burning need growing, painfully, as his king continued to thrust, torturously slow in and out of him. He tried to move his hips to make Fei Long move faster, but that only caused him to slow his motions more. Yoh finally screamed in frustration, "Wh-what do you demand of me, my king? I-I will do it if it will make you move faster. Please Fei, please move faster. Hah...ah...ah."

"Say you would fight for me, to keep me at your side," Fei Long said, in a lustful voice, in Yoh's ear. "Say, you want only me and for me to want only you." He nibbled at his ear as he continued his slow thrusts, as he continued to speak meaningful words in his general's ears, "Say you will not have me with any other but you, and I may decide to oblige you. Otherwise, I am quite enjoying this slow pace. The look in your eyes, on your tortured face, is beautiful."

Yoh missed most of what Fei Long said, lost in his king's sultry voice in his ear. He forced his mouth to speak the only words he knew his king wanted to hear, "You are mine alone, my king. You are mine and I am yours."

Fei Long smiled, "Close enough," as he began pumping his hips faster. Pounding now, relentlessly, in and out.

"AAAHHH...YES! YES!...FEI...OOOHHH...UNH, UNH, UNH!"

Fei Long was nearing his limit. He took Yoh's hand and placed it around his dick, placing his hand over Yoh's, he began pumping his hand in time to his thrusts.

Yoh panted, "Ah, cum-ing, my...king...AAAAHHHH!"

As at the same moment, Fei Long emptied himself into his general and groaned deep in his throat. When he pulled out, he said, "I will hold you to what you said, my general," and he kissed him lightly on his lips.

Yoh panted, "Of course you will, my king. Otherwise you would not have taken such pleasure in getting me to say it. You are mine and no one else can have you, Fei."

"Good." He climbed out of bed and walked to the bathroom to clean himself. When he returned, he had a hot hand towel that he handed to Yoh, and said, "Get cleaned up." He climbed back into bed and said, "Good night, Yoh. Tomorrow we will discuss ways of getting to Akihito's wedding without being killed in the process."

Yoh knew he wasn't going to be able to talk Fei Long out of going to the wedding, but still determined to try, he said, "Yes, your highness," before he added a bit sarcastically, "I will see if General Kirishima will be wiling to put his life on the line to sneak us in."

"Good," Fei Long answered, sleepily.

"Of course I was joking, your highness. I'm sure the general feels the same as his king."

"Then we will have to enlist Akihito's help."

"And get him killed on his wedding day?"

"You are not talking me out of this, Yoh. I will be at that wedding. Now stop being diagreeable and go to sleep."

Knowing it was pointless to continue, Yoh said, "As you wish, your highness," and he snuggled in next to Fei Long and soon drifted off to sleep.

A/N: Thank you for reading. I hope it was okay, I know a lot went on in an attempt to push the story along and I just hope it wasn't to long and drawn out.

I would really like to know what you thought of it, so if you have the time and feel so inclined, please review.

I want to THANK my followers, fans, faves, viewers, and browsers. I also want to thank Finderlov for lighting a fire under my ass to get this chapter done, and my bestest, Jeniecesica, who let me bounce some ideas off her and finally told me to just post the damn chapter (I was messing up her addiction and keeping her from her fix).

Thanks for sticking with me and my vision of our favorite, handsome boys.

TTFN

PS. I realized I forgot to give a hearty THANKS to my wonderful reviewers. THANK YOU guests and subscribers!