Ryoma took a cup of tea in a long sip. He was sitting with Ryu and Shuichirou along with other five human lords. He finished his drink and the golden eyes narrowed towards the humans.

"So let me see if I understood correctly." He said, seriously. "Your people invaded my capital, hurt my subordinates and burnt my house and you want to offer me financial compensation for all those crimes? Do you really think golden coins are going to fix things?"

"How are you sure humans were the one who did it?" another human, tall and thin, asked.

"Are you doubting our lord?" Ryuu said, with a deep frown on his face. The tengu opened his wings and he looked like a falcon ready to attack.

The tengu warrior was very tall and with a strong build. Intimidating someone was not a hard task.

"Not…not at all." The human was very afraid.

"I was there." Shuichirou said, seriously. "I was the one who took my friends from inside the flames."

"What about your wife?" another human asked. "Is she safe?"

"Fortunately, she is. If she was hurt, your cities would be the ones burning now."

A golden aurea was around Ryoma's body and his face was transformed. His horns were bigger and his fangs sharper, his eyes were completely taken by a dangerous glare.

"Let me clear, my lords. If something happens to my wife, by human hands, this peace treaty is over."

The humans were terrified.

"Starting today, I will command all the lords of the youkai cities to kill trespassing humans."

"You cannot do such a thing!" one of the humans banged on the table and Ryoma roared, standing up.

"Do not dear to tell me what to do! You do not even control your people. I always obeyed all that you asked for me. I married a human, I made a child, I maintained peace. And how do humans thank me for my efforts? Burning my house and attacking my family."

He controlled his powers and his features were soft again.

"I want you to investigate who did such a thing. I want the culprits in front of me, so I can eat them. I will tear their arms apart slowly and painfully."

He stood up.

"Do not forget, my lords. Humans were our preys for a long time. It would not take me much to lift this peace treaty if any of your kin try to hurt us again."

The human lords looked at each other, before Ryoma, Ryuu and Shuichirou left the room.

#########

There were many humans around the castle entrance, on a circle, waiting to see the oni king.

Ryoma was in a terrible mood. Only looking at the people made some humans frindge and avert their eyes.

Suddenly, a familiar face appeared from the crownd and the demon lord stopped near his carriage.

"Tomoharu-san."

Shuichirou stopped, surprised and Ryuu looked at the human coming close to his lord with a suspicious expression. They were a few steps behind Ryoma.

"Who is that, Shuichirou-san?" he asked, discreetely.

"Sakuno-sama ex-fiancé." The tengu was extremely surprised with the response.

"Ryoma-sama." It was the first time they were face to face with each other. "I am sorry for disturbing you, but, I heard about the attack on your castle. How is Sakuno?"

"Fortunately, she was not in the castle at the time. She is fine. Our child as well."

"Is it possible for me to see her? Please."

"It is not." Ryoma answered, politely. "My wife is safely guard by powerful youkai. I know you worry about her, but I can guarantee you she is safe."

"I see."

"Thank you for your concern, Tomoharu-san."

"Could you tell Sakuno I send my regards?"

"Of course."

"Thank you, Ryoma-sama." Tomoharu made a small reverence before the demon lord, the tengu and the human entered the carriage to leave the city.

His green eyes accompanied the carriage, burning in silent rage.

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

Sakuno looked at the naked trees. Syuusuke had opened the back shoji of her chambers a little after lunch, so she could have some fresh air. She was wearing a heavy kimono over her white yukata, since the temperature was getting colder at each day.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, enjoying the smell of the wind on that ending afternoon.

Two weeks had passed by terribly slowly. Time seemed to drag while she was on bed rest. Syuusuke would come and make her company, his sisters as well. Kaguya would come to talk and check on her health from time to time. All of them were doing their best to make her feel comfortable, but it was really hard for the princess to remain still for so long.

She caressed her 5-month belly. Her baby had still not start moving. Kaguya told her it was different for every pregnancy and she and the baby were fine, but after everything she went through, the young human just wanted a normal milestone.

The princess looked at the letters on her bedside table and smiled to herself. Her husband would write frequently. Ryoma wouldn't tell her much about the situation with the humans, but he would always ask about her health and their child. His letters were filled with sweetness and care and he complained about the distance between them.

"Are you waiting for your father, Ai?" she asked, gently. "I want him here too, but, you could move just a little, so my heart could be more at ease."

There was still no movement and Sakuno chuckled to herself.

"You are probably strong willed, just like Ryoma. I wonder if you will get more of his traits. You probably will, right? Since your father is such a powerful being."

Her smile had a hint of sadness.

"I am sorry, Ai. I am just a mere human. I still have to ask your father how is that going to affect you. But, I promise you, I will love you and take care of you as fierce as a mighty youkai. So, do not worry, okay? I will make it up for you."