Miko Hime: First Impressions

As soon as the doors opened to the grand hall she could hear the gasps and mocking laughter of the court. Everywhere she looked there were bloodthirsty monsters dressed in Western uniforms and expensive military kimonos. It was obvious by the half eaten food on the banquet tables that she'd arrived just in time for the Western Army to be served dessert. It took every ounce of her willpower to stop shaking and keep her legs moving forward. She was literally walking into a den of hungry lions with no weapon besides her wits to defend herself with. All the hairs on her body were on edge as her instincts to flee went on high alert. She felt like she was being hunted and about to be pounced on at any second. Through the sheer material of her veil she could just make out the reflective sheen to their eyes and the dozens of snouts and beaks filled with razor sharp teeth.

Everywhere she looked there were feathers, colorful scales and fur decorated with spots and stripes. Beasts as tall as trees and as broad as huts blocked her view. Not a demon in sight appeared human let alone friendly. She couldn't recall another time in her life she'd been more terrified. As she moved deeper inside the main chamber the crowds of demons circled closer around her. She had to constantly tell herself why she was there to remain calm. She had no desire to be eaten alive but couldn't back out on her word. Now was not the time to chicken out and ruin the Eastern Kingdom's chance of survival. She refused to give up now. As the Eastern princess it was her duty to protect them; even at the cost of her own life. If men could head into battle with no guarantee of seeing tomorrow than so could she. She would not bring dishonor to the East by her cowardice.

To keep herself from passing out she steadied her racing heart with even breaths. Thankfully by the time she'd arrived at the dais she'd managed to regain some control over her fear. Letting her curiosity get the best of her she sought out her new lord through the curtain of her veil. She frowned when she noticed the dais was empty. Only an empty throne cushion and a empty cup of sake remained. Perhaps he wasn't going to welcome her either? He'd mentioned in his letter that the West hated humans. Why should he lower himself to welcome her to his castle? She was about to ask Jaken what to do next when a deep masculine voice echoed from somewhere behind her. The rich silky quality of his voice caught her completely off guard. She never would have imagined her new master could sound so sinful. Had she not been so surprised and scared shit out of her mind she might have swooned.

"Why, Hime of the East are you wearing a veil?" the deep voice asked. "I thought my letter clearly stated that there would be no wedding today?"

"Ha-Hai... my Lord." Kagome stammered as she quickly lowered herself into a humble bow and tried to steady her nervous breathing. "You are not mistaken."

"Then why do you hide your face from me?" the Western Lord asked as he came up behind her and rubbed one of her veil's beaded tassels between his fingers. "Are the rumors about your beauty false? Are you actually ugly and disfigured? Does the East hope to make me a fool by taking a common woman to my bed instead?"

"Nn-no, my Lord." Kagome quickly answered as she tried not to panic at the sight of his deadly claws. "I assure you, the East would not cheat you out of the deal. Although tonight is not our wedding night, I chose to mark the special occasion of the East joining the West. The veil is also a symbol to show you that I'm untouched by any man. It is my honor as your new courtesan to gift you the pleasure of seeing my face before anyone else."

"I see." the Western Lord said as he took his seat on the dais. "Come, grant me your gift."

"Hai." Kagome nodded as she slowly rose up from her bow and carefully climbed up the steps.

Although she could see where she was going through the veil she was not able to make out the facial features of her new master. She could tell he looked tall, slender build and appeared to be wearing armor but beyond that she was in the dark. This unveiling would be just as much of a surprise to her as it would be for him. The anticipation of soon looking upon the face of her new master had her heart once again fluttering in her chest. Once she was properly sitting in front of him she crossed her hands on her thighs to give him the signal that she was ready. When he slowly pulled back the veil her breath caught in her throat. There, sitting before her was the most perfect male specimen she'd ever seen. He looked nothing like the monster she expected; not at all! He looked like a fallen angel with long silver topknot and alabaster white skin.

The strong line of his jaw, blue demonic markings on his cheeks and heavy arch of his dark brows only further highlighted his masculine features. His eyes... oh his gorgeous golden eyes swirled like a thousand suns. Their inner light was alive with wisdom and experience she'd never in her lifetime be able to obtain. As beautiful as they were however, she could see a darker side to them. They were predatory, cold and calculated. Their wild, animalistic sheen strongly reminded her that he was no normal man, but a demon. Although she knew he was close to 3000 years old, he appeared to be in his late twenties. She was instantly enraptured by her new Lord and wondered if his reputation for being cruel and heartless was withstanding. Little did she know, her new master was equally curious about her. Although his calculated expression didn't change, his inner beast was purring at the prize he'd just won.

He'd been told she was lovely but nothing could have prepared him for the remarkable beauty kneeling before him. Hands down Kagome was the most enchanting female he'd seen in his near three millennia. Knowing she had the bravery to write to him and travel here on her own only further ensnared him. It was obvious by her innocent charm that she was young but no less a woman of honorable character. He respected that she had the backbone to write to him and believed in justice for her people. It was obvious by her letter that she was educated and was an intelligent tactician. These facts made him curious to learn more about her. She met all the criteria for being chosen as his empress. The only thing holding her back was her humanity. If she were a demon he would have readily adjusted the new peace contract and taken her to his bed as his second mate.

With her being human she'd never have the spiritual powers needed to tie her soul together with his or be blessed by the court to live by his side for all eternity. Without the extended lifeline he'd be lucky to have her for another forty to fifty years at the most. It was a sad fact of life but one he knew of when he'd decided to take the princess under his care. Although he had no problems with human's specifically he did find their short life spans annoying. He was constantly having to redo trade agreements and alliances because of it. His union with the Eastern Hime would be no different. Princess Ayumi would live in his castle, serve him as a Lord and die later on from either disease or old age. That is if someone didn't take her out first. He hoped that wouldn't be the case; especially since his beast wouldn't shut up in his head about claiming her as his bitch. Being this close to her person he was practically drowning in her sweet intoxicating scent.

Never in his life had he smelled something so pure, so sweet and full of life before. Scent above all other senses helped lead demons to finding their lovers and life mates. He'd known as soon as she'd walked through the doors that she was special. As soon as her scent hit his nose his body to his dismay instantly reacted. He'd initially been shocked a human could make him respond so strongly. Normally humans smelled of sweet and dirt and often lived near animals. He found their lacked in intelligence and poor hygiene undesirable. Princess Ayumi on the other hand smelled pure like roses and held the hint of a spring rain shower. He could only assume she smelled this way because of her station as princess. She'd easily have access to bathing and beauty supplies at the castle. With no labor job to make her dirty and easy access to supplies she could easily avoid smelling like a pig stye. Whatever she did, he like the results.

He was intoxicated by her smell like a bear was to honey. He frowned when he noticed she was wearing a veil. Thinking she might be using dark magic to seduce him to her cause he instantly went in to investigate. Fortunately for him this little onna wasn't using any magic spell or wicked trick to ensnare him. Her pure, untainted scent was all natural and he was very eager to taint it with his own. As soon as the introductions were over with he'd be mounting this woman-child like the conquering dog he was. He inwardly moaned knowing she'd soon be passionately writhing under him, above him... around him. Not even with his mate or 300+ concubine aroused him like this. She would be his to taint, his to touch, to bite, to taste, to make scream his name for all to hear. She would be his! Anyone who had a problem with him having a human pet would be melted into goo. It was his right as Lord to take any female gifted to him into his bed.

The Eastern Hime was now property of the West and he vowed to enjoy her splendors. As he looked into her curious wide eyes he gingerly cupped her chin in his palm. He made sure to inspect every angle of her face for any blemishes. To his delight he found none. In all his years he'd never seen eyes so grey. Their slate grey depths went on forever like the evening sky and sparkled like stars in the heavens. He loved how her thick eyelashes framed their rounded doe shape and dusted beautifully against her rosy cheeks. Her skin, although not as pale as his own was exquisitely soft. As he ran his thumb over her plump lower lip he marveled at its firmness. It made him want to nip it with his fangs and suckle it until it was swollen and red. He made a promise to himself that as soon as she was in his chambers he would do just that. He had a feeling she'd be a lot of fun to break in. It has been centuries since he'd last taken a virgin into his bed.

Very rarely did demons stay virgins for long. His own mate slept with other males before being arranged to mate with him. He looked forward to the experience of shedding her barrier and savoring in her virgins blood. Once her body recovered he'd train her how he liked his women in bed. Without any previous experience to learn bad habits she'd be perfect for him. Well, all except for her humanity. He wouldn't be able to be quite as rough with her as he was with his demon lovers. Besides her lack in demon skill and short life span there was one other flaw he noticed. It wasn't something he could see with his naked eye. Only with his trained senses was he able to spot it. Normally he wouldn't care that his concubine had a flaw but her's gave him enough concern to want to look into it. As much as he desired this woman he would not be tricked by the East's schemes. If there was something wrong with her health he needed to know about it.

He would not be made a fool.

[End of Chapter 9]

Authors Note:

Hey friends! I hope you all are enjoying the story so far! I just wanted to say thank you for following along and leaving reviews. It fills my heart with happiness to know others are enjoying this story as much as I am. Don't worry, more chapters to come soon!

-TG1