The night sky's stars shone brightly overhead as Runa walked arm in arm with Lord Yoshida. They exchanged childhood stories, all of which Runa kept to the truth about. Though she was in the south under false pretenses and would never come to be his bride, she saw no reason to lie about her upbringing. Yoshida seemed fascinated that the great Dog General had taken her in without ever questioning where she came from. To this, Runa shrugged. Toga's reasons were his own, and something she had never been privy too. In her mind, his gentle soul and kind heart was reason enough. Eventually the pair came by a small pond with a stone bench a few feet away from the water's edge. Yoshida motioned for Runa to sit down to which she obliged.
"Tell me, Runa, what is the true nature of your relationship with Lord Sesshomaru?" the snake demon asked, staring the woman down. Runa could feel his eyes searching her features. She couldn't understand the reptile's concern over what her relationship with Sesshomaru may or may not be. Clearly he was willing to give her away for an alliance of their houses, which is all that should matter.
"What do you mean? We grew up together. Similar to siblings.." she paused, realizing most siblings don't end up engaged at some point. "Though perhaps playmates may be a better term," she finished, swatting a strand of hair from her face.
Yoshida patted her hand gently, "Of course, yes, yes. That makes sense. I just don't want him to cancel our marriage in some kind of jealous rage," he laughed, before turning to face her fully. His expression darkened. "I've heard many rumors about your.. playmate.. and his ruthlessness. But I can be even more ruthless. I will not hesitate to destroy the dog demon clan."
A shiver sped down Runa's spine, the threat clear. Before she could respond however, Yoshida waved his hand as if waving the tension in the air away too. "Apologies, my dear, enough of such talk. I was considering a piece of engagement jewelry. Tell me what you prefer. Gold? Silver? Diamonds?" he questioned.
Runa's eye brightened, her heart picking up pace in excitement. The idiot just presented her with the perfect opportunity to suss out where he may be keeping the necklace. "Rubies," she answered quickly, nearly too quickly. Taking a deep breath, she started again, a nervous laugh escaping her throat. "I really love rubies.. they match the eyes of my true form," she offered in explanation.
Yoshida gave a light chuckle, slipping his arm around his future bride's shoulders. "You shall have anything you want with me, my darling. You will never want. I will anticipate all of your needs before you even anticipate them yourself," he said, his arm falling slowly to sit around her waist instead.
Runa repressed another shiver. Everything about this guy felt gross. He was creepy, fake, and obnoxious. His words were completely over the top. Immensely glad she would not actually be marrying the slimy bastard, she smiled at him with a nod. "I look forward to our time together, Yoshida. I truly do. However, I believe I should be getting some beauty sleep, or you won't have a very pretty bride," she said, beginning to stand from the stone bench.
"I doubt you could ever be any less beautiful than you are," he replied, standing as well. "Come, I will escort you back to the guest wing."
As they walked towards the guest wing, Yoshida chatted about various pieces of art they passed. Runa tuned him out, not particularly caring about his great, great grandfather's breast plate displayed on the wall in such a tacky manner. Once they arrived in the hall where her room was located, Yoshida gave a bow, sneaking a kiss onto her delicate hand. Runa closed her eyes in disgust, but Yoshida misinterpreted the action as pleasure.
"Soon my dear," he cooed, patting her hand as he stood straight. He winked at her suggestively before bidding her goodnight and strolling away.
"Bleh," Runa snorted, her face twisting. Shaking off her revulsion, she started to pull the door open to her shared room with Sesshomaru. The door only made it open a few inches when Runa froze, her heart thumping rapidly in her chest.
On the bed lay Sesshomaru, shirtless, while Mika hovered over him. Neither seemed to notice her there. Mika's back was turned away from the door, her body blocking Sesshomaru's face completely. The sound of labored breath reached her ears and the smell of arousal overtaking her sensitive nose. Taking the opportunity to escape and hope she wasn't noticed, Runa slid the door back as quietly as she could. Her feet carried her to Niko's door, but how long she stood in the hallway before knocking, she wasn't sure. Her chest felt as if an immense pressure was upon it. Her heart continued to thunder, her eyes staring straight without blinking. Where was this feeling coming from? Why would she care if Sesshomaru chose to bed her maid? It was none of her business. Yet, her heart hammered all the same, a pit settling into her stomach. Her eyes finally managed to come into focus, just in time to find Niko's face in front of hers, his mouth moving and head cocked to the side.
"...na... Runa? What's going on?" he asked, glancing down each side of the empty hallway.
Runa gently brushed past him, stepping into his room and waiting for him to shut the door. Once he did, he turned to her once more, concern etched in his features. "What happened? Did Yoshida do something to you?" he asked, stepping towards her, anger flitting across his features.
"I.. No.. No, nothing like that. I think I may have helped us move a step closer to finding what we came for actually," she replied. She watched Niko relax. She sighed, studying his face. His eyes were such a bright blue, a kindness held within their depths. He had been worried about her. Before she knew what she was doing, she had closed the small gap between them, and found her arms circling around the water demon's neck. Niko's expression immediately changed to shock, but he seemed to easily shrug it off. His arms found her waist, holding gently to it as his blue eyes found her emerald orbs.
Shortly after, his lips found hers, pressing gently as his hold on her waist tightened.