The only characters I own are the ones I invented ^ ^

Before Love Honor

By Animechick262003

Chapter Five

And The Games Begin

It had been two days since Sesshomaru had left for the Eastern lands to retrieve lord Hanta's older daughter Anjera. Now here he sat in the study of the large castle waiting to meet with her. While he had known Yuri ever since she was a small child he had never met Anjera. She had become a bit of a legend in her own right. Her beauty alone had guaranteed her that status by the time she was five. Every Yukai male desired her and every yukai female wanted to be her.

It had been said that she had turned down a many of lords who sought her hand in marriage citing that they lacked the power she desired in a mate. Sesshomaru had already guessed why he had been sent to retrieve the girl. In a year he would be returning to the western lands to resume rule over them.

As ruler of that land he would need a mate as strong in will and ability as himself. Nothing less than the best would suit him. So was his uncle saying that this girl could possibly be his equal? I seriously doubt that. Sesshomaru thought to himself. I have yet to meet anyone who could be considered my equal. Even so the girl was the most sought after. She probably would be the closest he'd come to meeting his equal he thought.

"Lord Sesshomaru I suppose?" A women's voice came cutting into his thoughts. Sesshomaru turned to face the direction from which the voice had come. He let his eyes scan over the female his uncle hoped to pair him with. "Impressive" he thought. "Indeed she was quite beautiful but there was still one other who could compete with her in that area. Sesshomaru gave himself a mental shake why in the hell was he thinking about that wench at a time like this? He thought still he could not deny what was truth. He continued to eye the female. As she walked further into the room.

While she was the older sister of the Yuri, Yuri's beauty paled in comparison to the girl. She was tall with golden hair that tumbled down her back ending its length juts above her ankles. Her face was pale yet delicate. Her eyes were green accentuated by long dark lashes but unlike Yuri's which glowed with life, her eyes were empty and cold.

She is truly beautiful Sesshomaru thought non the less the energy she was giving off was enough to make him shudder. "What a frigid bitch" Sesshomaru thought. She wore a red silk kimono with bright yellow flowers embroidered on it. Her movement was as graceful as that of a swan. To Sesshomaru had he not witnessed her feet touching the ground he would have sworn she floated. Sesshomaru continued to watch the women silently as she walked towards him.

Anjera walked over to Sesshomaru stopping directly in front of him. She let her eyes scan across his handsome face taking in his features. "He is beautiful" she thought as she lift her hand touching his pale face lightly trailing her fingers across the fuscia marks on his cheek. A smile graced her small mouth as she stared into his golden eyes.

"So it is true what they say" she began still caressing the young lord's face

"Nani?" Sesshomaru questioned his face expressionless

"Oh noting, except that the young lord of the Western Lands beauty could rival that of even me. I must admit I am amazed." She said before breaking contact. "Would you like something to drink, Lord Sesshomaru?

"Yes "He responded still watching the female.

Anjera gestured to a servant who was standing just inside the door. The girl bowed slightly before disappearing from sight.

"Please have a seat, Lord Sesshomaru. I think there is something you and I must discuss." She said sending him a seductive smile.

"Really? Sesshomaru responded taking a seat in a black high backed chair that was facing the entrance to the room. Anjera took a seat in a similar chair directly across from him.

"What would you like to discuss?" Sesshomaru questioned coldly.

"Well lord Sesshomaru, I am sure you are intelligent a man enough to know why you were sent here to retrieve me? Will you play coy and act as if you do not know your uncle's and my father's motivation for this?"

Sesshomaru smirked as he watched the girl. This wench could prove dangerous intelligence and beauty.

"How observant of you Anjera" Sesshomaru began "I am aware of their motivation. I have no need of playing coy. They intend to send a bitch to the western lands with me."

"My, forward aren't you? I like that." She said as a smirk lined her lips. "So it is as I thought, you have no desire for this union same as I do not, but it is a matter of honor. You and I are one in the same Lord Sesshomaru. "

"Really?" Sesshomaru retorted coldly.

"Oh, yes. Will you deny you desire power? The union of the Eastern Lands and the Western Lands would guarantee it. I have no need of love Lord Sesshomaru, so I would not expect it from you. I have two desires and those are power and to know that any offspring I bare will be sired from the best. This feat can only be accomplished if I am paired with one of the most powerful of demon Lords."

"So you desire me? Tell me Anjera truly, whose idea was it to seek me out?"

"Ah, as bright as ever. It was my idea, Lord Sesshomaru. I couldn't very well wait here for you to come asking for my hand in marriage. You're not exactly a white knight so to speak, so I have come to you. My proposition is a good one. Will you deny it?

Control of two lands, wealth, further restoration of honor to your family's name. You do desire that most don't you? Restoration of honor to your family's name. I mean after what your father pulled with marrying the human wench, taking a bride such as me would be a good move for you. Don't you think?"

"How calculating she is Sesshomaru thought . Too calculating she was up to something."

"You have studied me well Lady Anjera. Indeed your proposition is a good one, but I will have to give it some thought. I will have your answer once we return to the Northern lands. I will announce my decision before you, my uncle and your father. Will that be satisfactory for you?"

"Of course" the girl responded her face as impassive as that of Sesshomaru's

"If you don't mind, I would like to retire to my chamber now. I am rather exhausted." Sesshomaru began as he rose from his seat.

"No, not at all. I will have Kan show you to your room". She said as she signaled to a male yukai who stood watch near the door. Sesshomaru bowed before following the yukai from the room. Anjera stood watching after him as a smirk etched its way onto her face.

"So you will prove troublesome after all Lord Sesshomaru. Itaru said that you would not be easy prey for me. I shall enjoy this."

********

Rin walked behind the Itaru as they ascended the castle steps. It was all Rin could do not to stop and stare at all of the paintings and sculptures that lined the large hallways. The floors were marble and large crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling. Every window was adorned with silk curtains. The castle was even more magnificent on the inside than it had been on the out side. Suddenly Itaru stopped in front of two large black doors. He knocked on the door.

"Come in" a mans voice came

Itaru turned the handle causing the door to open. "Come wench" he growled sending Rin a cold glance.

"What is it Itaru?" a pale yukai with silver hair and blues eyes questioned as he looked up from his desk to the two standing in his study doorway. Rin stared at the Yukai this was becoming stranger by the minute. First Itaru and now this man all having a remarkable resemblance to the yukai from days before. It was obvious he was older yet even he had a beauty about him. His silver hair fell across his shoulders each strand shimmered causing the man to have and almost ethereal look. His blues eyes were beautiful but not and seemed to hold some life unlike the younger yukai that stood before her. Had she not known this man to be a Yukai she would have thought him to be an angel..

"Who is that?" The older yukai questioned gesturing for Itaru to move aside. "A human? The older yukai said letting his eyes scan across Rin. "Why is she here?" The man barked.

"I found her at the gates of the castle father. She says that she has come seeking work."

"Strange" the older yukai began "Why would a human be in these parts of the forest? Why were you out here alone wench?" The older yukai questioned staring at her coldly.

Rin felt her body shiver the way the older yukai glared at her she was sure he could see her thoughts. She swallowed hard as she searched for the right words. "I am an orphan my lord." She began as she tried to steady her voice. "I have no family ties any where. I had traveled sometime on my own when I happened onto this castle. I had hoped that the owner would be in need of my services."

"And orphan you say?" The man questioned looking at her suspiciously

"Yes" Rin responded "My village was wiped out by bandits. I was one of few who managed to escape with our lives."

"Really?" the man snorted "Very well wench. Well Itaru, if you have brought her here I am assuming you have work for her?"

"Yes, I was thinking she could work as a chamber maid and maybe help as a server during the dinners."

"Very well" the older yukai said staring at Rin once more "but there are rules to be followed wench if you desire to work here and keep your life. I am Lord Morihiro other than I there are three young lords that reside here. Two of which are my sons and one is my nephew. You have met Lord Itaru he is the eldest of my two boys. There is my other son Lord Miyohiko and my nephew Lord Sesshomaru. You will meet Miyohiko now it seems the man said as a Medium build yukai with blue hair and blue eyes came through the door.

Rin stared at the yukai and she new immediately why Bikki had fallen in love with him. She was right he did have a warm smile.

"What is going on here?" Miyohiko questioned as he let his eyes scan over Rin.

"It seems this wench has come seeking a job, and your brother has decided to give her work." the older yukai responded.

"Really?" Miyohiko said staring at Rin suspiciously

"Yes," the older yukai begin once more. "I was in the process of giving her the rules she would need to follow if she values her life. Now you have met both of my sons. Log their face to memory. You are never to have contact with them outside of your normal duties as a maid.

The same applies to Lord Sesshomaru. He has gone to retrieve his fiancé from the Eastern lands. You will meet him and his fiancé when he returns in a day's time. Now if I ever so much as hear of you fraternizing with any of them on a level other than as a servant, I will kill you. Is this understood?"

"Hai" Rin responded She had not thought it upon first glance but Lord Morihiro had turned out to be a rather cruel man.. He would threaten her life over something as small as socializing. The sooner she could get a message to Miyohiko the better. She wanted to get away from this horrible place as soon as possible.

"Well if that is all Itaru have Eiko show her to the servants sleeping quarters." The older yukai said before returning his attentions back to scrolls scattered on his desk.

"Come with me" Itaru barked as he exited through the study door. Rin glanced across her shoulder to find Miyohiko staring at her. She quickly turned her attention back to Itaru. Now she new who the young lord was it would be a matter of getting to him without being seen. After all last thing she needed was to loose her life for talking with him.

"Eiko" Itaru called signaling to an extremely young looking female yukai as they entered into what appeared to be the laundry area. The girl walked over to them she was quite lovely. She wore a pink Kimono. She was slightly tanned with ruby colored eyes. Her hair was settled across her shoulders in two ebony braids.

"What is your name wench?" Itaru said looking at Rin.

"Rin"

"Rin" Itaru repeated as a smile came on his face.

Rin could have crawled beneath a rock at that moment. How it was possible for a person to smile and still give off and eerie vibe was beyond her but the young lord had managed to do just that.

Itaru turned his attention back to the female yukai. Eiko this is Rin she will work with you from this point on around the castle. Explain to her what her duties are and then show her to her sleeping quarters. You know which room I am referring too"

"Hai" The young servant replied bowing slightly as Itaru turned and disappeared back through the castles entrance.

Itaru smiled to himself. Things were most definitely working in his favor. "Orphan looking for work huh? What a clever wench" he thought. At first he had thought her to be the wench whom had conceived Miyohiko's child but her scent was not that of a pregnant female. However he was sure she fit into the equation somewhere it was just a matter of watching and waiting.

********************************************

"Come with me" the female yukai said gesturing for Rin to follow her. Rin obliged following the girl back into the castle . The walked up the brightly lit hallways for what seemed forever before they came to a narrow set of stairs. "This is the back entrance to the upper levels" The girl began as they ascended the stair case. "There are four levels here.

"Our sleeping quarters are located on the fourth level. Below us is you will find the sleeping chambers for the three young lords. Lord Itaru, Lord Miyohiko and Lord Sesshomaru. Lord Morihiro sleeps on the opposite end of the castle and has his own servants that attend to his needs. On the second level are the guest rooms. And then there is the main level."

"There are some things you must remember" the girl said as they reached the fourth floor and turned onto its dimly lit hallway. "You are always to enter through the servant's entrance at the back stairs never through the front for any reason. It could mean death. "

"The young Lords all rise at different times of the morning. Make sure you log those times to memory. Lord Itaru in particular does not like to be disturbed before 6:00 a.m., if he is disturbed before than it could mean death."

"Geesh is there anything that doesn't mean death around here?" Rin mumbled causing the female yukai to glare at her.

"Did you want to say something human?" the girl questioned looking at Rin coldly

"No, not at all" Rin responded forcing a smile.

"Well if you have nothing to say, I will continue" the girl said as she continued down the hallway. "Lord Miyohiko is usually gone before daybreak. As for lord Sesshomaru it is wise to wait until you see his face before entering into his chamber, or you might find yourself with and unusual surprise."

The girl came to a stop in front of the last room on the hall. "This will be your sleeping chamber the girl said as she unlocked the room. She turned the handle and the door gave way. Rin's eyes widened at the scene. There was a huge plush bed in the room adorned with large pillows. Silk curtains hung from the window. In the corner was a small table with a wash basin stationed on it.

"Are you sure this is where I am supposed to be sleeping" Rin questioned looking over to the girl.

"Yes it is" the girl said walking over the window and opening the curtains. "It is the room Lord Itaru has chosen for you."

"Chosen for me?"

"Yes. Do you have a problem with this?"

"No" Rin responded but deep down Rin couldn't help but feel she should have a problem with this. Why would someone like him put her in such a nice room?

"Now we rise at 4.a.m. each morning so it would be rise to get to bed as early as you can once your work has been completed. I'll leave you to settle once you are finished, return to the area where you saw me doing laundry there is still more to be washed and I will need your help" The girl said as she left from the room closing the door behind he

Rin walked over to the plush bedding falling on it. "This is so soft" She said as she pressed her face into the pillow. She laid there a moment staring at the ceiling. Here she was in this beautiful place . She had never stayed anywhere so luxurious. Rin suddenly found herself thinking back to her brother's letter. She wondered what the home Daijiro had chosen for both she and her mother had looked like.

Probably not as elegant as the castle but she was sure it would have been nice. Rin felt as tear roll down her cheek. It had been a while since she had given any thought as to the events that had taken place. Usually because she wound up in an uncontrollable sob. " Where are you Daijiro? What has become of you?" Rin questioned in a low voice. "Okassan when this is over I will continue to look for Daijiro I promise"

Rin let her mind wonder back to the Yukai and how they held a striking resemblance to the yukai that had saved on three days earlier. Is it possible that the third young lord is indeed the mysterious yukai from earlier? No that can't be it would be too much of a coincidence. Fate would not deal a hand such as this. Rin thought or at least she hoped it would not because if it indeed turned out that he was the third young lord that would mean he was already spoken for.

"Why do I care if he is or isn't." Rin shouted as she bolted upright on the side f the bed. "After all he is a yukai and I am a human. Not to mention what a rude son of a bitch he is. And besides it was obvious he didn't like me. I mean he ran away from me for goodness sake.

Who are you kidding you want to see him again. No that would be bad if we saw each other. I mean I pelted him with mud. He's probably still angry over that where ever he is ." Rin said as she rose off of the bed and headed for the door. "I just hope that the other Young Lord is not as cold as Itaru . One of him is creepy enough."

************

Sesshomaru walked onto his bedroom terrace. He had eaten dinner with Lady Anjera earlier that evening. She had tried to keep his attention but as always after a period of time he found himself bored. It was as if he couldn't help himself the entire evening his thoughts had returned to the wench from three days earlier. Where was she? What was she doing? He wanted to be angry with himself for having thought of her as much as he did but somehow whenever she came to mind he was over come with a relaxing feeling.

There was and innocence about her no hidden agenda's. Not like the females he was use to finding himself surrounded by. Hell like the female that he found himself with now. So Lady Anjera wanted to be his mate? No matter how desirable Sesshomaru knew himself to be, he could not fathom a wench such as herself wanting him or any other yukai. No she was not one to be tamed.

"There is something amidst" Sesshomaru thought. Although his father had been weak when it came to humans, he had been a strong thinker. The one thing he had taught Sesshomaru was if it seemed simple it was because it was more complex than one could imagine. At that moment her coming to him was too simple. "What is she up too?" Sesshomaru thought as he stared out into the night. Surely she doesn't want me simply to sire pups and she is not the sort for sharing power.

"So my clever wench what is this game you play?"he thought narrowing his eyes in concentration. There was only one way too answer any question he thought and that was to add up what is presented but he didn't have the full presentation, not yet anyway. I will play this game with you Anjera and once I know your hand if you are indeed planning something treacherous. You will regret crossing my path

*********************

Rin walked down the dark corridor headed for her room. She had not thought that there was that much work to be done. Every joint in her body ached. After finishing what seemed like a ton of laundry. She was shuffled off to the kitchen where she managed to make quite a few of the yukai females angry with her after she nearly burned the evening meal. She was sure they already hated her simply because she was human and her inability to cook didn't help.

Rin turned the handle on the door to her room. She blinked once trying to adjust her sight to the darkness. Suddenly she found herself being snatched into the room her body making contact with a warm form directly behind her . She heard the door slam. She stood stunned as a clawed hand covered her mouth. Her breathing increased as tears began to well up. "Damn it" she thought she knew it had to be too good to be true. Itaru giving her such a nice room, of course he would expect something in return.

"I am going to take my hand away from your mouth, but first you must promise not to scream? If you make a sound I will cut you down where you stand. Is this understood?" A mans voice said

Rin nodded her head in compliance and was released from the intruders grasp. Rin spun around quickly to face the male who had come to her chamber in the middle of the night.

"You" Rin exclaimed as half shocked half relieved expression came on her face.

Rin let her eye scan over the handsome blue haired yukai who leaned against her chamber door.

Miyohiko glared at Rin a worried expression on his face "Why do you have her scent ?" He barked waking in closer to Rin. "Where is she? I she alright? If you have done anything too her I swear I will..."

"Whoa .. hey I think you have the wrong idea" Rin said throwing her hands in front of her trying to place some distance between her and the obviously freaked out yukai . "Bikki is just fine. She sent me here. Now if you don't mind, could yah back it up a little?"

Miyohiko sighed a breath of relief. " Suman" he began as he ran his hands through his hair. It's just I have really been worried about her and when I caught her scent on you I panicked." The yukai said as he fell into a slumped heap in a chair in the corner of the room.

"Suman. I hadn't meant to frighten you but this has been a strenuous couple of days. I've been worried sick about her."

"Bikki is fine but she is very worried about you Miyohiko. She says you were suppose to meet her two days ago and you didn't show up."

"It couldn't be helped" Miyohiko said as he looked up at Rin "I couldn't come to her it was too dangerous. It seems my brother has wanted to follow me around all of a sudden these past few days. I can't take the risk of us being found out not just yet. If anything happened to her because of me I couldn't forgive myself."

"What is your name?' Miyohiko questioned suddenly realizing he'd been babbling on to a complete stranger.

"Rin"

"So you're Rin? Bikki speaks of you often" Miyohiko said smiling at Rin warmly. "She thinks highly of you . I see why? You are brave coming to a place such as this. She has told you the penalty for and offense such as ours"

"Hai" Rin responded she could remember all too well what it could mean for the two lovers. When Bikki had first told her the consequences for their falling in love Rin was out raged. How absurd that they would be punished for feelings that they held little control over. After meeting Miyohiko's father earlier she was sure that there would be no hesitancy on the part of the older yukai to deal with wayward son or Bikki and if that meant killing his own son so be it.

"Than you realize that for helping us it could cost you your life?" Miyohiko began once more

"Hai" Rin responded taking a seat on the edge of the her bed

"The fact you could die doesn't bother you?"

"It would be and honorable death. So no I do not fear it."

Miyohiko stared at the human wench in front of him. She was younger than he and yet so brave. A petite girl with a very big heart. She was most definitely brave for a human but than she has had to be brave for along time Miyohiko thought thinking back to what Bikki had told him of Rin's past. He smiled at her. Rin smiled in response

"How is she handling the pregnancy?" Miyohiko questioned

"As well as can be expected but I think she will feel much better when she sees you again. She's needs to be reassured she's not alone that's all."

"Of course she's not alone. I love her. Do you know what this is doing to me not being with during this time?"

"Gomen-nasai"

"No don't apologize" Miyohiko began as he rose from the chair and moved towards the door. "I'll need to see her soon. She shouldn't be worrying in her condition. I had hoped to wait until Lord Sesshomaru returned from the Eastern lands before going to her but I can't have her worrying over me.

Tomorrow night after everyone has turned in I will come for you. Together we will return to your village. She needs to know that I am ok and that our plans to leave this place remains the same. Arigato Rin for doing this for us." He said smiling at Rin warmly. "I should leave now someone sees me here. Tomorrow night." Miyohiko said once more before leaving the room.

"Hai" Rin responded she couldn't help but feel sorry for the two lovers. It was as if they had committed some great offense when all they were trying to do was love one another. Rin sighed and began to undress. She had a long day as well as a long night ahead of her she would need to get as much rest as possible. She slipped into her night clothing before climbing onto the plush bedding. It didn't take the exhausted girl long to drift off.

Neither Miyohiko nor Rin had noticed the small ear shaped demon that clung to the ceiling in the room. Itaru sat in a chair sipping on saki as the fire place roared. "So my suspicions were correct" he said as a smirk lined his mouth.

"You are making this too easy little brother. Too easy"

******************. Whew another chapter completed. What ya think? Let me know? You can email me at animechick262003@yahoo.com or depending on where you're viewing this sign the guess book. As always thanks to all of the wonderful people who have taken time and reviewed. *BIG HUGS* you guys are really inspiring so keep the reviews coming. ^ ^