Chapter Two
I stood in front of the full length mirror, my hand resting against the small bulge in my belly. I frowned slightly. I had only been pregnant three months and I was already starting to show. Kurama was suddenly behind me, wrapping his arms around me, placing a teasing kiss upon my bare neck. "You really should get dressed love," he murmured in my ear. . "…or I might be even more tempted to make you late for your appointment with Genkai than I already am,"
I turned my head to catch the teasing lips of my mate with my own. Kurama smiled as he broke the kiss, his eyes flickering to the image of my unclothed body in the mirror. His eyes lingered over the reflection for a moment then blinked in surprise. "Don't take this the wrong way Darkfire, but aren't you starting to show?" Kurama asked softly. I had hoped he wouldn't notice just yet. I wanted to discuss the matter with Genkai first. I nodded. I intend to discuss the matter with Genkai," I assured my mate. Kurama released me from his embrace. "I suppose I should just be happy you're keeping enough food down to gain weight," he said. "…and yet you can't help but worry," I remarked as I began to dress. Kurama nodded.
There was a knock at the door and Kurama left the bathroom, closing the door behind him so I could have some privacy. I emerged from the bathroom a moment later, fully dressed and joined my mate at his desk where Sachi had laid out a small platter of food for a light breakfast. Before I could react Kurama scooped me up in his arms and set me in his lap. I was surprisingly comfortable settled on Kurama's lap, though even after being together for so long I still wasn't quite used to the fox cuddling me like this. Truth be told I was beginning to enjoy it. I knew that by the time the baby arrived he would be spoiling me rotten.
We ate breakfast in companionable silence. I even allowed Kurama to feed me a few pieces of fruit, what possessed him to want to do so, I didn't know. Just as we finished our meal there was a soft knock on the door. "Enter," Kurama called. Toya opened the door. "Lady Genkai to see the Soverign, Sire," he informed us. Kurama nodded and the guard moved aside to let the old woman in. I vacated my comfortable spot on Kurama's lap and sat down on the bed. "Good Morning Genkai," Kurama greeted as she entered. "Good morning," Genkai replied. "I trust you are both well," Kurama nodded. "Good," she remarked. Kurama then stood, knowing that Genkai would want to examine me in private. "I'll be in the library if you need me," he said to us, then quickly left the room.
I laid down on the bed and removed my shirt so that Genkai could examine me. It looks like you've been eating better," she observed. "The foods I suggested and the ginger tea must be helping," " It's all I can keep down," I responded. Genkai smirked. "Looks like you've been keeping down quite a bit," she teased, her eyes drifting down to the slight bulge in my belly. I blushed and shifted my eyes away from her face. "I'm glad to see it though," she said.
The old woman closed her eyes in concentration as she laid her hands upon me. I watched her face as she examined me. Genkai raised her eyebrow and I watched her more intently, hoping it wasn't a bad sign. "Is the baby alright?" I asked once I was sure she was finished with her examination. "Your babies are fine Hiei," Genkai said as she opened her eyes.
My eyes widened, almost certain that I had heard her wrong. "Babies?" I questioned. Genkai nodded. "Three to be exact," she answered. "I believe that explains why you're showing a little early," My mind reeled with the news. Three children. I couldn't fathom the fox's reaction. I just hoped that my mate would take the news well.
"You're going to have to be more careful not to strain yourself from now on and rest more often," she said. "Hiei, in order for you to carry these children safely to term, you will have to take care of yourself very well from now on," Genkai said solemnly, "Especially in the months ahead, those children within you are growing swiftly and will take a lot out of you," I sighed as I slowly sat up. "I fear they are already taking their toll," I responded. "I've been sleeping more than usual and the nausea has gotten worse," "How much worse?" Genkai asked. "It's a bit stronger than it was last week, but still manageable," I answered. Genkai gave a slight nod. "If it gets any worse let me know," she instructed. I nodded in agreement. "When will it go away?" I asked. Genkai smiled, her eyes shining with amusement. "In a few more weeks it should start to subside," she assured me. I could hardly wait. Morning sickness was beginning to be the bane of my existence.
"Do you want me to let Kurama know we're through here?" she asked. "He's probably climbing the walls by now," I nodded. I knew Kurama was probably wearing the plush antique rug in the library out with his pacing. Ever since my pregnancy had been discovered the fox had fussed over me to no end. I had no doubt that Kurama would spoil me rotten in the coming months and probably after the babies were born.
I almost dreaded telling my mate that we weren't just having one child but three. The fox would worry even more now. I sighed and stretched. Nevertheless It couldn't be helped. Besides, I figured it wouldn't be so bad letting Kurama pamper me for the next six months as he'd already begun doing. Truth be told I was starting to enjoy it.
It seemed Genkai had only been gone a moment when Kurama entered the room, the tip of his tail twitching in nervousness. "I'm fine Fox," I assured him before he could say a word. Kurama's face betrayed the relief he felt. The silver haired king reached out and gently caressed the small swell of my belly. "What did Genkai tell you?" he asked. "Apparently, we're far more compatible than we first thought," I murmured, soothed by his soft caresses. Kurama blinked at me in confusion. "What do you mean?" He asked "I'm carrying more than one child," I answered. Kurama's hand stopped as his golden eyes widened in surprise. "Twins?" he queried. "Triplets," I informed him.
Kurama gaped at me in undisguised shock and plopped down in the nearest chair. Afraid Kurama would pass out, I called for Genkai. She quickly entered the room followed by Yukina. The old woman took one look at the silver haired king and a bemused expression crossed her features. "I take it you've told him the good news?" she inquired as Yukina hurried to ensure that he was all right.
"Genkai, won't Hiei be in even more danger since he's carrying three babies instead of one?" Kurama asked. The old woman gently placed her hand upon his shoulder. "I will not lie to you Kurama, Hiei's pregnancy is as risky as any woman's carrying more than one child," she answered. "Be assured that Yukina and I will monitor Hiei very closely to ensure everything goes well," "Thank you," Kurama said softly as he slowly rose to his feet to sit beside me on our massive bed.
"When will we be able to sense them?" I asked. "Not for another month or two yet I imagine," Genkai answered. "I suppose this means we're going to have to look at more cribs," I said to my mate, my tone less than enthusiastic at the prospect of spending a day looking at crib after crib. Kurama chuckled. "I think two more like the one we picked out should do," he suggested. I nodded in agreement. "We're going to need to employ more help in getting the nursery ready," Yukina said softly. "Keiko and Shizuru are trustworthy enough I think," Kurama suggested, looking to me for approval. "Yes, they're not gossips, we won't have to worry about everyone in the kingdom finding out by nightfall," I agreed. After making a few more plans for the babies' arrival Yukina and Genkai left, leaving me and the fox alone. I knew by the look in Kurama's eyes he was going to broach the subject that had been the cause of arguments on more than one occasion and I dreaded what was coming.
"Hiei, why all the secrecy about this?" he asked softly. "Fox, you know how I feel on the subject," I responded. "Yes," Kurama sighed. "You wish to keep it from everyone until they need to know," "I understand not announcing it to the kingdom, but why not tell our friends?" he continued "I feel guilty for keeping this from them for so long," "Must we discuss this now?" I asked, clearly not wanting another argument to begin. Kurama frowned. "Hiei, if it were up to you we wouldn't discuss this at all," he replied. "I'm not asking we announce this to the whole kingdom, just that we tell our friends, our family," I just wasn't ready to face that yet. I didn't want to face the looks I was sure he would get once those closest to us knew that I could bear children and was carrying three already. I did not want to face the torrent of questions I knew would come.
We sat beside each other on our large bed and for a while neither of us said a word. For once it wasn't the comfortable silence between us that we were used to. I braced myself for an argument I hoped would never come. I knew there was no chance my mate would drop the subject, and I would have to choose my words carefully to avoid another fight. That was the last thing I wanted."You're embarrassed about this aren't you?" Kurama asked softly. "Is that why you're so reluctant to share the news?" "Perhaps, but it's their reaction to the news I dread most, " I admitted at last "The questions and odd looks," "Just be patient with me a little while longer," I murmured softly.
Kurama gently kissed my cheek. "I suppose I let my excitement get the best of me," he responded, his tone semi questioning. A soft smile spread across my lips. "I can't blame you for that," he said. "I want to tell them all too, believe it or not, but I dread the attention it will bring. I'm not used to it," Kurama gently took my hands in his. "I will be with you," he murmured. "…and if it gets too much, I'll find a way for us to conveniently excuse ourselves," Relief flooded through me in great waves. With Kurama to help explain things and get me away should things prove too much, perhaps it wouldn't be so bad.
I smirked, pleased at my mate's suggestion. "Did I ever tell you I love the way that clever mind of yours works?" I teased. "No, but you have mentioned that about certain other parts of me," Kurama replied suggestively, making my cheeks heat up in a blush. "Hentai," I murmured. Kurama chuckled and kissed my lips. "Can I help it if you bring it out in me?" he teased. He leaned in for another kiss but a knock at the door interrupted us. Kurama sighed. "Enter," he called. Sachi entered and bowed. " The Tribal Council awaits you in the council room Sire," she informed us.
From the way he clenched his jaw, I knew he was holding back a curse. "Thank you Sachi, I'll be down shortly," he responded. Sachi bowed once more and quickly left the room. As soon as she was gone, Kurama turned to me. " Why don't you join me this time love?" he asked, his eyes pleading. I gave a slight nod. For once, I felt well enough to join my mate in one of his council meetings and my poor mate looked as though he looked as though he could use my company.
Each of the leaders of the twelve tribes of yoko that lived in the forest surrounding the palace had come to discuss matters with Kurama that concerned their tribe or at times, all twelve tribes. They had only been here a week and already they were beginning to get on Kurama's nerves.
I gave him a quick kiss. " They'll only be here a few more days Fox," I reminded him as I got off the bed. "You'll be rid of them soon enough," Kurama sighed. "Now I know why my father only had these meetings as seldom as possible," he groaned as he got off the bed and headed for the door. I followed him down to the throne room without a word. I gently squeezed his hand as we descended the stairs reminding him that I was with him.
The twelve tribal leaders were already seated at the large table when we arrived. They stood as we entered and did not sit until Kurama had sat down in his chair. After a round of greetings, pleasantries, and introductions the meeting officially began. Before long I realized why my mate detested these meetings. Most of the council spent their time arguing over trivial matters like children and one vixen spent the time eyeing my mate like he was her next meal. My poor mate looked miserable. The argument heated up and the participants raised their voices, trying to be heard above the others. Though my hearing wasn't nearly as sensitive as Kurama's it was beginning to hurt my ears, and I was sure it was wreaking havoc on my mate's ears. "Enough!" Kurama cried, silencing everyone in the room. "Since you cannot agree upon the matter, Let's discuss it at a later time," he suggested. "Preferably when you all can come to some sort of compromise," "Are there any other matters that we need to discuss?" he asked, I could see a shimmer of hope in his eyes and I guessed he was hoping the answer would be no.
A few of the leaders began to shift uncomfortably and I knew that whatever was said next, he wasn't going to like it. "Sire, there is one matter that the council would like to discuss with you," Kurama's gaze shifted to the speaker and he wasn't surprised that it was Torin, the most outspoken of the group. "What is it you wish to discuss?" Kurama asked, careful not to let his growing apprehension show. "Well Sire, it's about the matter of Your Majesty's heir," Torin answered. "Since his Highness the Soverign is male and therefore incapable of producing an heir, we propose that you take a concubine Your Majesty,"
That was the last thing I expected to hear, and judging by the surprise I felt coming from my mate he hadn't expected that either. Somehow, we kept our faces from showing the surprise we felt, and so Torin continued to speak. "Of all the candidates we believe Lady Leiko is the best choice," he said indicating the vixen sitting next to him. (She had been the one eyeing my mate during the entire meeting.)
Anger and outrage poured from my mate's side of our bond. It only served to fuel my own anger. " As his mate I must object to this proposal," I said. Kurama glanced at me, his eyes gleaming with pride and gratitude." I agree with my mate that I should not take a concubine," Kurama said. "…but Your Highness…" Torin began. I motioned for silence, and turned my fiery gaze directly upon him. "I have already began preparations for acquiring an heir for my mate," I said. "So a concubine will not be necessary," The council fell silent, stunned. "It is not your place to suggest such a thing in the first place," I continued. "I am his mate and it is my responsibility to ensure that he has an heir, not yours," "Do I make myself clear?" I questioned, looking each council member in the eye. "Yes, Your Highness," they murmured.
"Now that the matter has been resolved, are there any other matters that need to be discussed?" Kurama asked. "No, Sire," Torin answered. "All other matters have been resolved," The sliver haired king nodded. I could feel his relief through our bond. "Before we adjourn Sire, I do have one question," Lady Leiko said, her eyes locking on to mine. "Just how does His Highness the Sovereign intend on finding your heir?" I resisted the urge to narrow my eyes at the vixen. I didn't trust her at all. "If all goes well, I shall have my heir by our next meeting or soon thereafter," Kurama answered. "Is there anything else?" Kurama asked. The council all shook their heads. "Then this meeting is adjourned," he said.
The council slowly filed out of the throne room. The moment they were gone Kurama sighed in relief. Truth be told, I was just as glad as he that it was over. Kurama bowed his head, gently massaging his temples. Anger radiated off him in waves and I couldn't help but think if the council could feel it as I did, they would be running back to their homes with their tails between their legs.
I rose from my seat and stood before him. I brushed aside his hands and gently massaged his aching head. He sighed and leaned into my touch. "We still have time to spar before the midday meal," I suggested. "It might make you feel better," I felt him nod in agreement and released him from my hold. He remained silent as we ascended the stairs to our quarters, waiting until we had closed the doors behind ourselves before venting his anger.
"Fools," Kurama growled under his breath. "I should unleash my death tree and rid myself of the whole lot of them," " I can't believe they had the audacity to suggest that I take a concubine," "I wouldn't be surprised if it was Leiko who suggested it," I responded. "Did you notice the way she was ogling you during the meeting," Kurama frowned. "Yes, unfortunately I think she has taken a liking to me," I scowled.
"Kurama?" I called softly. "Hmm, What is it Love?" he responded. I took a deep breath, my hand unconsciously resting upon the small swell of my belly. "Kurama, if I did not possess the ability to produce an heir for you, would you have agreed to the council's suggestion?" I asked. Kurama's eyes widened in shock. "Of course not," he replied. "If I gave in to the council's desire, the vow of fidelity I made to you would have been for nothing," The fox's golden eyes clouded with sadness. "My father broke those vows every chance he got," he said softly. " My mother tried her best not to show how hurt she was, but no matter how hard she tried to hide it, I could see the pain in her eyes," he continued. "I do not wish to cause you that pain," "I would rather give up my kingdom then to bed another for the sole purpose of producing a child," Kurama murmured softly, then gently kissed my lips. "So set aside your fears my love, I am still as much yours as I was when you freed me from Karasu's spell and have no intention of giving myself to anyone else," "Good, because I have no intention of sharing you with anyone else," I murmured. "If anyone dares to try taking you from me I can't ensure that they'll live a long life," Kurama grinned at his mate. "I should have known you were the jealous type," he said, then stretched, trying to rid himself of the tension in his muscles his now abated anger had caused.
"Lie on your stomach," I commanded gently, motioning toward the bed. Kurama obeyed. I began to massage the back of my mate's neck moving downward working the tension out of his neck and shoulders and began massaging his upper back moving down to his lower back. Kurama sighed in delight, a soft moan escaping his lips. I smiled. "Feels good?" he asked softly. "mmmmm…..yes," Kurama murmured. "…but I do feel a bit guilty, shouldn't I be the one rubbing your back?" "I'll get my turn once I'm through with you," I assured him. "For now just enjoy it," "Yes dear," Kurama teased. I just rolled my eyes, glad my mate was back in a good mood.
"I was thinking about what you said earlier," I said softly. "As much as I dread the questions I know will come, it's time those closest to us know we're expecting," Kurama's golden eyes widened in surprise. A soft smile graced his lips. "When shall we tell them?" he asked. "Tonight, at dinner," I answered. "No one but friends and family," "Agreed," Kurama murmured softly.
The silver haired king waited until I had finished massaging him before sitting up and pulling me into his strong arms for a quick, loving kiss. I responded then gently pushed the fox away. "I believe you said something about rubbing my back," I hinted. Kurama chuckled and knelt behind his me. Slowly his large strong hands kneaded the tense muscles of my lower back. I sighed mentally with relief and leaned into my mate's touch. Kurama continued upward massaging my back, neck and shoulders. "Shall we go spar now?" Kurama asked once he had finished his massage. Kurama's hands upon my body had felt like heaven and I wanted more. Still, I had been looking forward to our sparring session and we both needed the distraction from earlier events. "I suppose we should," I answered. "We've spent too much time up here as it is," Kurama nodded in agreement and we quickly changed into lighter attire suitable for training, then grabbed our swords and headed toward the ballroom.
Unfortunately Leiko, spotted my mate as we made our way down the hall and quickly approached. Her face lit up upon spotting Kurama and I inwardly groaned. I looked up at my mate, he didn't look too happy to see her either. "I'm glad I ran into you Sire," she said. "I wanted to speak with you," Kurama raised an elegant silver eyebrow in question. "About what?" he asked, "I wish you would reconsider the council's suggestion," she answered. Kurama shook his head. "My decision stands as is," he responded. Lady Leiko nodded. "If you should change your mind Sire, I shall be more than happy to be your maidservant," she said, her tone suggestive. I gave the vixen a cold glare, daring her to flirt with my mate again. She met my gaze and held it challengingly for a moment, but backed down upon seeing the promise of a very unpleasant death in my eyes. I would have raised my energy as well to back up my threat if not for the fact that Yukina, Genkai and Kurama had all but forbidden me to use my powers now that I was with child. Nevertheless she got the message and hurried in the opposite direction. I continued to glare at her back until she was out of sight.
"I see that whore Leiko is still chasing after you," I commented as we continued on our way. Kurama's eyes twinkled with mischievously. "Are you jealous Darkfire?" I scoffed at his question. "Of course not," I replied. "Is there a reason I should be?" I asked as we entered the ballroom. Kurama chuckled. "No," he answered, then leaned close to his me" I belong to you," he murmured softly in my ear, his warm breath caressing my neck. I found myself watching my mate predatorily as he walked away from me. His natural grace added to the air of sensuality that hung about him like a shroud, making him even more desirable. I could feel the beginnings of desire stirring up within me and hoped that he would be up for a different sort of "play" after our sparring match.
He turned to face me and drew his sword, his eyes still mirroring his amusement. We circled each other, waiting for the other to strike. I surprised him by attacking first, something I rarely did. Since my pregnancy had slowed my speed some it was no surprise that he managed to block my attack. Even with my loss of speed I was still faster than most and still able to use my speed to my advantage, wearing my handsome mate down until I managed to knock him on his well formed backside. Kurama swore and released his sword, acknowledging my victory as I smirked and tapped the blade against his shoulder, signaling my win. His face was flushed, his long sliver hair spilling over his shoulders onto his chest in disarray. He looked so sexy like that I couldn't resist straddling his waist and leaning closer. "Not bad Fox," I said. "Yes, but still not good enough to beat you," Kurama replied as I set aside my sword and leaned closer. My smirk widened. "Not yet," I responded as I leaned in and captured the silver haired king's lips in a searing kiss
He moaned softly into the kiss and responded in kind. Each kiss we exchanged became more passionate and fiery. By the time we broke away for air we were both hot and bothered. "We should go get cleaned up," I said suggestively. Kurama smiled seductively. "I take it you have more in mind than a quick bath," he responded. "I take it you have the rest of the day free," I queried. "Yes," he replied "However, I see you have something planned for me," "Then we should get going then shouldn't we?" I murmured huskily. He put his arms around me and amazingly he got to his feet with me in his arms. I wrapped my legs around his waist and showered his neck with teasing kisses nips and licks. Kurama moaned my name softly. He touched one of the panels on the wall and it opened to reveal a staircase. We ascended the staircase and to my surprise and pleasure the passageway led into our bedroom.
Kurama backed toward the bed, sitting down when the back of his knees touched the bed. I pushed him gently so that he was lying down. I brushed my hips against him, showing him my need and earning another pleasured moan that was like music to my ears. I untied his tunic, revealing his finely chiseled chest. My fox had a body like a god and I was itching to explore every inch of it. I leaned forward and flicked my tongue over his right nipple, tasting the slight salty taste of his smooth silky skin. I teased the sensitive flesh with my tongue, lips, and teeth until it was a hardened nub, then gave it's twin the same treatment. Afterward I trailed kisses down his chest and abdomen, adding teasing nips and licks here and there until I reached the beltline of his pants. He gently grasped my arm, stopping me before I could undo his pants. I crawled up toward his head, brushing myself against him as I went. He held me in his arms and kissed me passionately as he scooted us up in the bed. As soon as we broke away for air he flipped us over so that he was on top. "I don't know what's gotten into you Darkfire," he murmured huskily. "…but I'm starting to like it," The feral look in his eyes sent a shiver down my spine, exciting me further.
There was a knock at the door. I glared at it, ready to kill whoever dared to interrupt us. Kurama sighed and moved to lay beside me. "Enter," Kurama called. Sachi entered the room, bowing respectfully before us. " Forgive my interruption Your Majesties," she said softly "I only wish to inform you that the midday meal will be served in the dining hall momentarily, " Kurama nodded. "The Soverign and I will eat in our room today, but do not bring our meal for another hour or so," he responded. "Please inform the princess, Lords Yusuke and Kuwabara, and Ladies Genkai, Shizuru and Keiko that we wish them to join us for dinner tonight in our library," "Yes Sire," the servant girl replied. "I'll see to it that everything is arranged, " "Is there anything in particular you wish to have served Your Highness?" she asked. Kurama looked to me. "Is there anything in particular you want Love?" he inquired. I shook my head. The only thing I wanted at the moment was for Sachi to leave and Kurama to finish what we started. "Whatever was already on the menu for tonight is fine," he answered. "Thank you Sachi," Kurama said. "That will be all," The servant girl bowed once more then quickly left the room.
Kurama rose from the bed and padded toward the bathroom. He glanced over his shoulder in silent invitation then entered the adjoining room. I quickly followed after him. My mate had already turned on the water and the tub was quickly filling with warm water. I shut the door behind myself and removed my top. Kurama was watching me with hunger in his golden eyes as I slowly undid my pants and slid them tantalizingly down my hips. He removed his pants as I approached him and it was evident that he was just as excited as I. He knelt at the side of the bathtub to turn off the water and I caressed his well formed rear. He leaned into my touch, wrapping his tail about my waist and brushing himself against me. He turned to face me, his long sliver hair spilling over his back and hanging down on either side of his face. "Take me," he murmured huskily. I blinked at him in surprise. "Are you sure?" I asked.
Kurama snatched a bottle of oil from the counter and held it out to me. "Yes," he replied, his voice heavy with desire. "I was your first, now be mine," I took the little bottle from him and he braced himself against the bathtub. I used my memories of what Kurama had done to guide me in preparing my mate for our joining. Before long we were joined as one in the eternal dance of love and lust. Love, lust and desire burned like an inferno within us as we each sought to bring each other to a higher level of pleasure until we reached the crescendo of the dance, both of us reaching the peak of our pleasure in unison and crashing back to earth.
I lay beside my mate spent and exhausted. The stone tiles covering the bathroom floor were chilly, causing me to shiver. Kurama pulled me to him, securing me in his arms before standing with me in his arms and stepping into the tub. The warm water felt good and l leaned into my mate's embrace, content to rest myself against his chest and let him bathe me. He kissed my lips lovingly in a gesture of silent thanks. "I should have persuaded you to do that sooner," he murmured. "You sound as though you enjoyed it," I responded. "Didn't you?" Kurama asked. "Of course," I replied. "It was a bit odd to be on top for once," Kurama smiled. " That feeling should fade once you've taken me a few more times,"
That idea appealed to me greatly. In fact, by the time he finished bathing me I was ready and willing to take him up on that offer. I gently nipped at the soft skin over the king's Adam's apple, letting my teeth barely graze over it before planting a gentle kiss there. Kurama let out a soft moan. Besides his tail and belly, his throat was another of my mate's weak spots. If I did things just right, I could probably get him to do anything. I turned so that I was sitting sideways in his lap, glad that we possessed such and oversized tub. I took the washcloth from him and slowly began to wash his chest with slow teasing strokes.
"Don't tell me you're ready for another round already," he gasped as my caresses became more sensual. "Fine, I won't tell you," I responded. "You're quite the ravenous one today Darkfire," Kurama murmured. "I hope you don't wear me out sating your desire," I smirked. "I'll try not to," I responded. Kurama smiled and kissed me lovingly. His eyes twinkled with mischief and I knew that if either of us would be worn out it would be me.
AN: a big thank you to all who reviewed. I responded to them all, in my live journal.