Author's Note: I'm back after my three-month break…and due to persistent reviews from readers, I've updated…also, this chapter was inspired by Julie Garwood's "The Prize". Oh, to those who commented on my (ahem) poor grammar, I'm so sorry but I don't have the luxury of time so even if I edit the chapter, some things really get past me as I do it very fast. Also, please give me some allowance because English is not my first language. Thank you…okay, I delayed you long enough…read on…

Thanks for those who reviewed!!!

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CHAPTER 14: The Blasted Woman is Insane!

He didn't know that agreeing to his wife that night would make his life difficult.

Of course, he didn't have any idea what he was getting into. All he wanted was to get laid.

Besides, he didn't believe a word she said. Being the proper wife that he wanted…ha! The woman couldn't even last a day without getting into trouble and losing her temper, how could she become a proper wife to him?

But now, he didn't know where her strength and determination came from because she'd been like that all week. Being the proper wife he thought he wanted when he married her.

She was being so damn compliant and serene; she's turning like one of their servants. And it infuriated the hell out of him.

Before, she had to question everything he asked her to do, even when he asked her to come to him when he wanted to talk to her.

"As you wish, my husband," Botan said and smiled again at Kurama that he frowned.

Well, she should have objected when he told her she can't come to the market day because he can't accompany her there and it might tend to be wild that trouble could always happen.

She should at least have argued that Reilan could go with her. Hell, he wanted her so much to argue with him, he would have give in if she asked that Reilan accompany her.

Instead, she nodded her head and smiled again at him.

"Are you feeling alright?" she said, matching his frown with his.

"Yeah. Why'd you ask?" he asked, suddenly confused.

She smiled again. "You were frowning awhile ago, so I thought you're not feeling good."

He smiled at her weakly and opened his mouth to ask her to stop this insanity at once when Reilan entered the room.

He looked at Kurama and Botan then cleared his throat. He knew there was tension on the part of Kurama ever since his wife got the absurd idea of being the proper wife for him.

Botan smiled brightly at Reilan, "I'll leave the both of you to talk. I know you have some business to discuss."

Before the two youkai could counter what she said, she had already exited the room, shutting the door softly after her.

As soon as she was gone, Kurama sighed and massaged his temples. His head ached from all the smiles he received from his wife. It didn't help that Reilan was looking at him mockingly.

"Was she still smiling?" he asked and Kurama groaned, then nodded at him.

"Well, she sure is determined," he said as he walked towards the table and pour them some whisky.

"The blasted woman is clearly insane!" Kurama complained loudly just as Reilan walked towards him.

He handed one glass to him. "Here. You need this."

Kurama accepted and emptied it in one long gulp. "I swear, Rei, had I known she's going to drive me crazy, I shouldn't have married her."

Reilan looked at his friend and offered a mock sympathy by tapping his shoulder, "It wasn't so bad, really. At least, she's not getting into trouble anymore."

Kurama glared at him, "You can say that, she isn't smiling at you every time she sees you."

"She does, too, you know," Reilan muttered but Kurama clearly heard him.

"See? Aren't you somewhat annoyed?"

"I have no right to be annoyed. She's our mistress."

Kurama snorted in disapproval that Reilan smiled briefly at him. "She can surely drive me to distraction," he said.

The kitsune, taking it the wrong way, glared at him in jealousy. "Don't you dare talk to me about my wife that way."

Reilan blinked at him. "You are jealous?" he asked incredulously and when Kurama continued glaring at him, he smiled again, "Why, I have no idea you were the jealous sort."

"You would, too, if you are married to a beautiful woman like her," he mumbled but his second-in-command heard him still.

"Oh, well, all I'm saying is that I get distracted because her smile is really contagious. Makes me smile, too, whenever she flashes me one of hers."

"Yeah. Well, it hadn't worn out on you yet like what happened to me," Kurama groaned. "Now, every time she smiles at me, I get a different reaction. Instead of returning the favor, I frown instead!"

Kuronue burst into laughter. Truly, Botan was exaggerating in her actions that, sometimes, he hid from her when he cannot bear anymore of her smiles.

But of course, he wouldn't tell that to the kitsune. He loves making him twist in his seat sometimes.

Instead, "Have you tried pricking her temper?" he asked.

He jumped when Kurama suddenly stood up. "Yes, I've done everything. I even made up excuses as to why I can't go with her on the market day so I asked her to stay home. We both know that women love market day, but she only said 'as you wish, my husband'! She didn't even ask if you could accompany her, instead. Stop laughing, this is a very serious matter, Rei. I'm afraid that if she got more serene than that, I have to check if she's still breathing," he ranted and when Reilan still didn't stop laughing, he looked at him darkly that shut him up.

"Well, what can you say?" Kurama demanded.

"You finally get what you wanted, right? A proper wife," Reilan kidded and fought hard not to smile.

Kurama controlled himself not to blast his friend onto the next dimension. "Damn you, Reilan. You should have been the one I sent to get the information about the sword of Adankar. At least, Kuronue would have offered me a sound solution to this problem."

"I doubt if Kuronue would have agreed to stay here. I believe he's quite allergic to your wife's sister," Reilan said.

"Huh? Why'd you think so?"

"He frowned every time he sees Yukina, and he also tried his damndest to avoid her."

"Really? I never noticed that on Kuron."

"That's because you've been busy noticing your wife," Reilan retorted that Kurama glared at him, as if say, 'Shut up, you've said too much already!'

"Right," Reilan said brightly, getting the message of his friend, "I'll go ahead, kitsune," Reilan said and after receiving one last glare from his friend, he exited the hall.

She sighed in relief as she massaged her jaw once more when she realized that she was now alone. Truth be told, she really had no idea for how long she would be able to pull this thing through.

She isn't exactly the most obedient person in the world, so turning into one was quite difficult, if not impossible for her. There were times when she wanted to scream just because her husband is being impossible – again.

Just like today.

She had nearly lost her smile when he told her she can't go to the market day. But the desire to please him came to her that she kept her smile intact.

"Neesan," Yukina interrupted her thoughts when she burst into her chamber.

"What is it?"

"Did you know that Lord Kurama assigned me to be the healer's assistant? It was really wonderful, I really learned a lot," Yukina gushed that Botan suddenly stopped massaging her jaw.

"Really?" she asked in disbelief. Well, she didn't expect such act of goodness from him, even making sure her sister fit in the estate so easily.

"Yeah," Yukina said, then in a lower voice, "Uh, do you know when Kuronue would return?"

"No. Why?"

Yukina blushed. "Uh, nothing. Do you think he would be pleased that I have a new job now? He seemed to be the type who's hard to please. He's frowning all the time."

Botan looked at her, not really getting the message her sister wanted to convey. "Well, I must admit that Reilan is easier to get along with than Kuron, but he's not really frowning all the time. He even smiled at me a few times."

"How come he's frowning every time I see him?"

Botan had to chuckle. "Yuki, you threw up all over the man. What do you expect him to do whenever he sees you? Smile?" she asked, then, "Do you like him?"

Yukina blushed furiously. "I bet he looks more handsome when he's smiling," she muttered and frowned when her sister laughed.

"Get away from me, you cheating bastard!" Naomi spat, eyes wild with fury as she walked fast to leave Olic behind.

"But, Naomi, listen, let's talk about it," he pleaded as he grasped her hand.

She jerked free from it. "What's there to talk about? My sister saw you with that…that bitch from Kakar's estate."

Impatience getting the better of him, he grasped her shoulders and pushed her against the wall. "Look, she was wrong, alright? She saw the wrong –"

"Are you saying that my sister is a liar?" she asked and narrowed her eyes at her lover. "Let go of me, you bastard!"

"I told you –"

"Konnichiwa!" Botan greeted them brightly, oblivious to their fight.

"Milady!" the two stammered and blushed furiously for having been caught fighting.

"Were you two fighting?" Botan asked curiously. It was none of her business, true, but as the lady of the keep, she should manage it and make sure her people get along fine.

"No, milady," Naomi denied and looked away from Olic.

Olic, on the other hand, had another plan, "She accused me of cheating on her, milady."

"Well, you did, you bastard!" Naomi said hotly, then turned to Botan, "I apologize for using such foul language."

Botan smiled. "That's alright. But I don't think fighting is good for married couples. Especially if you're expecting a child," she said and glanced at Olic.

Naomi looked incredulous, as Olic's eyes widened. He cleared his throat, "Are you carrying my child?"

"No."

He looked uncertain. "Are you sure?"

She narrowed her eyes at him, irritated. "Yes, I'm sure. So you don't have to worry about your kid knowing what a womanizer his daddy is."

"Naomi –"

"I apologize, milady," Naomi said and bowed, purposely ignoring Olic, "Do you need something?"

"I was just wondering if you've seen my husband," she said politely and looked at Olic sympathetically because his lover is not paying any attention to him.

"I think milord was with Lord Reilan a while ago. Would you like me to look for his lordship?" she asked her mistress, who shook her head in return.

"That won't be necessary. I'll go look for him. You sort this out with Olic, alright? Remember, arguments are not good for married couples," Botan said, and after one last smile, she went on her way.

"Naomi –"

"Look, Olic, I don't have time for this nonsense, alright? I've got work to do," Naomi interrupted him and started for the kitchen, Olic tailing closely behind her.

"Naomi, please just give me one chance to explain. Milady said it's not good for married couples to quarrel," he pleaded.

She looked at her lover in irritation, "The problem is, we're not married! So give me my peace of mind and leave me alone."

"I'll marry you, Naomi, if only to prove that you're the only woman for me," Olic said and held her hands in his.

She yanked her hands free. "I'm not foolish enough to accept. Now, please leave me alone and don't ever show yourself at me again."

Then, she turned around, walked inside the kitchen, and slammed the door shut.

His eyes were dark and his strides were long and purposeful. And though he was obviously covered with a few days dirt, to her, he still looked handsome.

She hid behind the plants as he approached, bearing in mind what her sister had said. It would be worth it to see him smile even if it's not intended for her.

He stopped behind his friend and Reilan, sensing him, turned around. Kuronue smirked at him and handed him a piece of parchment.

Reilan unrolled it and read the contents, before smirking at Kuronue. "You did a good job, Kuron," he complimented.

"I know," he said and smiled. And lord, she suddenly forgot how to breathe. So, her sister was right, Kuronue is capable of smiling, and he looks more handsome when he does.

"You seem awfully happy for someone who just came back. What's the deal?" Reilan inquired.

But Kuronue only smiled knowingly as he adjusted his belt, and a little of his skin near the neck was suddenly exposed.

"Oh, what's that? A bite mark?" Reilan teased when he saw the red mark on his friend's normally pale skin.

He shrugged nonchalantly, but Reilan isn't through teasing yet, "I'd say you're pretty lucky to find a woman on that dangerous mission. Was she good?"

This time, Kuronue smirked at his friend, "I've had better, but she's quite good."

Reilan chuckled, drowning the gasp of Yukina. All the while, she thought Kuronue was quite aloof with women to have that kind of escapades, but clearly, she was wrong.

Kuronue was every bit as a womanizer as Lord Kurama and Reilan, she thought sadly. She crept out of her hiding place and decided to go to the healer to lend a hand.

"Well, I better get going, I need to take a bath. A good swim in the lake will do me good," he said as he nodded at Reilan and went on his way.

When he was done and finished dressing, he found a letter in his pocket and, curious as to how it got there, didn't notice Yukina coming from his right.

They collided in each other, and Yukina, being the petite girl she was, was sent sprawling on the ground.

Kuronue cursed loudly, then, "Yukina?"

Yukina blushed at the mention of her name, because, truth be told, she didn't know he knew her name. She got up suddenly and bowed her head, embarrassed. "I apologize, sire."

"It's alright," he said, and cleared his throat, "What are you doing here?"

Yukina looked up, surprised. This was the first time he talked to her, "Uh, I was, uh, heading home from my job."

"You have a job?"

"Yes, sire," she said, "Lord Kurama assigned me to be an assistant of the healer."

"A healer, huh?" he said.

"Hai."

"Well, let's see," Kuronue said as he unbuttoned his shirt, exposing his muscled chest, not noticing that Yukina blushed furiously.

What does he think he's doing? She asked herself in panic.

"Put your hands here," Kuronue said, pointing at his chest.

Yukina obliged and she was delighted at the feel of his soft skin. She didn't know a man this rough and dangerous can have a very soft skin.

A minute passed when he gently removed her hands. "You have the touch, I admit. Train hard and use your full potential."

She blushed at the compliment. So, he was just finding out if she's really capable of healing. And now, he had even given her a small advice. "Hai. Thank you."

"Well, I better go," he said as he buttoned back his shirt.

Yukina, watching him, noticed the rolled parchment in his pocket. "Sire, what is that?"

"Huh?" Kuronue asked, confused and suddenly remembered the parchment when he saw Yukina looking at his pocket.

Reilan saw Kuronue walking fast and looking grim, with Yukina tailing behind, panting heavily; and had to shake his head. What did the little woman do now? She seemed to anger Kuronue with everything she did.

Truth be told, it would be nice if the two would end up together. It would surely drive Kuron crazy, he mused and fought the urge to laugh at the ridiculous image that flashed in his mind.

Then, he saw Yukina stopped walking and said something to Kuronue, who stopped and looked at her. He replied then continued walking, Yukina still following behind, until they spotted him.

The unusual couple approached him and with a smirk, Reilan greeted his friend, "So, you got over your allergy from our mistress's sister?"

Yukina blushed, understanding at once what he meant, for Kuronue, before leaving the estate, had constantly avoided her as if she was the plague.

But Kuronue didn't pay any attention to his teasing. Instead, handing him the parchment, he said, "We have a problem."

Author's Note: Okay, so there's another storm coming…what's going to happen now? Don't forget to review…

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