Tomoharu's light eyes were drawn to the fireplace. The dancing flames reminded him of Sakuno.

He still could feel the taste of her mouth and the warmth of her body close to his when he embraced her tightly between serious and intimate kisses. It was so painful to distance himself from her after doing just that much. He was an honored man, she was a maiden, they were deeply in love. Waiting after a wedding ceremony and bed her as husband and wife was the proper thing to do.

Tomoharu fell in love at first sight. He was extremely attracted to her beautiful face and the deep scarlet eyes before her gentle and sweet nature also captivated his heart. He learned from by the other lords about the hardships she endured with her stepmother and promised to save her.

He would make Sakuno his and give her happiness.

But, then, war came and he was at the front. It took him all his will to recover of his injuries so he could return to her and made her his wife.

The young human took a deep breath and lowered his head; his lose dark green hair over his face.

He could hear his heart beating filled with hate, from the news of a couple of hours ago.

Her stepmother banged on his door, to tell him she was carrying the child of the demon lord. He was not able to reply anything and locked himself on his room since.

There were no doubts that filthy youkai must had forced himself upon her.

Tomoharu's jaw clenched with the thought of his sweet Sakuno being defiled by that monster.

He was the one who was supposed to have her body. She belonged by his side. Not only the oni had stolen his bride, he had also filled her with his foul seed.

The young human raised his eyes to the fireplace again and his light green eyes were glistering with the flames.

That cursed child had to die and he would put the head of the demon lord in a spike.

Tomoharu promised himself that, this time, he was going to save Sakuno for real and they were finally going to have the life they deserved.

############

The body of the human princess was curled on the bed, while she held her head and covered her ears.

It was the second night of the bloody moon and the painful and hungry roars of the oni king echoed throughout the castle.

She was on the edge of tears seeing Ryoma before he was locked away on the warehouse. There was a thick chain around his neck and both his wrists. Even though, he was able to show her a small smile before Syuusuke took her away and the doors were closed.

His voice pierced her ears and her heart and she felt so useless.

"My lady?" Syuusuke appeared by her door and she turned around and sat down when hearing his voice. He had a gentle but concern look on his face. "I brought your dinner."

"I am not hungry, thank you." She replied, sadly. The fox youkai came closer and put the food on the short table, before sitting by the futon. He held her hand kindly.

"You almost did not eat today and yesterday as well. It is not good for you or for your child. You need to be healthy for both of you."

"How can I eat while Ryoma is like that? While he is suffering like that?"

"I understand your concern, but our lord is strong." The blue eyes looked at her gently. "He is enduring such a thing so he can set an example and the peace between humans and youkais can remain. His hunger will secure a better place for this little one inside of you."

"Is there anything I can do to help him, Syuusuke-san?"

"Unfortunately, there is not, my lady. This is the price Ryoma-sama has to pay for the strength of his bloodline. He still has need for human blood and flesh, even though he has such great self control. If he was able to do it, the effects of the bloody moon would cease shortly. This is the first time since the war ended he will have to go through the whole seven days."

She lowered her head sadly.

"I am his queen but I am so useless."

"What are you saying?" he hugged her gently. "You are here tending to his heir. That is your most important role for now."

The kitsune stayed with his lady, trying to humor her as she ate a little. As soon as he left, Sakuno returned to bed but she was unable to sleep.

The hungry and painful roars of the oni king continued to resonate throughout the night with the red full moon.