#Oyakata: one's master or boss. Attaching -sama garners extra respect to the title.

Inu no Taishou: Leader of Dogs, Touga's official title.

Koto: a stringed instrument more or less like a zither

Uchikake: A bright and colorful kimono worn elusively by ladies of warrior or noble families. They are crafted from silk and silk brocade and richly embroidered. In colder weather, it would be tied half-open over three more layers of kimono.

Hakama- A divided or undivided skirt, rather like a very wide pair of pants.

--

Chapter Five

Touga stepped to the edge of the veranda, frowning slightly at the lightening sky. Leaning heavily against the waist-high railing, its dark-polished wood creaking beneath his weight, he peered into the rain-battered gardens.

Lush wisteria and fragrant jasmine climbed and tumbled over the garden's exquisite bronze statues of old lords, dead kings, and legendary heroes. A great, ancient willow stretched high, towering over the gardens and castle gates. Beautiful and graceful, its delicate pale-barked branches trimmed in lacy leaves had long shelter the rolling gardens. Under the onslaught of centuries of wind and rain it swayed and bent, but remained forever unbreakable. Sheer, unrivaled tenacity had allowed this simple tree to exist for countless generations.

Older than his father's father, it had witnessed the rise and fall of empires whilst forever remaining unchanged. It would outlive his sovereignty, his stronghold, and even his own lifetime. And yet it seemed so fragile, so utterly incapable of the strength inherent within its slender boughs.

Reconciling ostensible fragility with veritable strength was a task easier considered than accomplished. All creatures, and he was no different, relied heavily on outward appearance. He, for instance, was tall, broad shouldered, and battle hardened. Nothing about his sinewy limbs or his imposing visage could be construed as fragile. Simply, he looked powerful, and thus others were rightfully wary.

However, those same beings, which experienced trepidation at his appearance, would ultimately dismiss the willow. Never considering that it had weathered unimagined hardship, yet still remained strikingly beautiful and chillingly powerful. Its beauty, like the lush blossoms of a thorny rose or the vibrant coils of a sleepy adder, was but a deception.

Touga shook his head at the strange meander his thoughts had taken. Wondering if it was truly the willow or something closer, but just as aloof, which occupied his thoughts. He stared beyond the willow, past the winding wisteria and climbing jasmine, realizing, whilst they had not changed, his life had been forever altered.

Changed not by what had once been considered a perpetual war or the civil unrest that loomed in its aftermath, but by the addition of his stunningly beautiful, terrifyingly powerful, and painfully young bride.

Touga's lips tugged into a wry smile. She had thwarted his delusions of grandeur and toppled him from his self-appointed pedestal. And he, despite his steadfast denial, had enjoyed every moment. While marveling in all she had accomplished, all that she was, despite her fragile youth. She was the leader he longed to become. One to whose people swore allegiance, not from fear, but because she had proven worthy of their loyalty. Had he been a lesser being, he might have resented her with a jealousy unbefitting his station.

But he was no lesser, and thus not ruled by such petty trifles. He, with all his great power, had fought and won the title of Inu no Taisho. But victory would remain elusive until he possessed her utterly. His lips twitched ruefully at the realization that what had been a simple a political accord, had evolved into something that was neither simple nor completely political.

He had thought Amayami lovely at their first meeting. Thought her beautiful, but foolishly dismissed her as powerless. As the days had turned to weeks, however, she contested his every word and action, forcing him to reevaluate all he had believed. She was no shadow of power, just as his strength was not absolute.

In one month she accomplished more than his tutors, advisors, or even peers had in centuries. Challenged him intellectually, while touching him emotionally; awaking instincts and senses he had not known he possessed. She was often cold and silent, but still passionate and candid when the need arose. Speaking only when necessary, acting only when proper, yet, seldom resisting the urge to provoke him. She was infuriating, utterly vexing, and, he valued every word she uttered.

His smile grew, eyes twinkling. That is, when he did not wish to throttle her.

Savoring last night's painfully brief moment of passion had allowed him to reach an epiphany. A fevered realization, one that grew stronger with each tender kiss and every soft caress. Wholly, conflicting with her bone-deep dignity and his soul-smoldering want. Knowing, despite her strength, aloofness, and confidence, she remained elusively vulnerable. Untouchable, but also needing, perhaps wanting, to be sheltered.

It was a feeling that went beyond base possession or simple ownership. No more than the barest inkling, but it had been enough to stir his soul. He wanted to protect her from everything, including himself. Snorting a laugh, he shook his head and thought himself a fool.

"Oyakata-sama?" a gravelly voice called from behind him

Touga almost sighed, grateful for something to occupy his thoughts other than his most baffling wife. "Kanyane," he drawled as he pushed away from the wooden handrail, straightening to his formidable height.

Kanyane doddered forward, his two headed staff cane ringing against the wooden floor, and stopped short. Watery eyes narrowed as a frown thinned his sallow lips. Impatience wafted from his lord in a near tangible sheen of agitation.

Worriedly Kanyane ground his teeth, a dour look of concentration creeping across his weathered features. A tremor ran through him, growing until his staff tapped against the hardwood floor in an erratic cadence. He muted the sound with a low bow, leaning heavily against his cane as if attempting to absorb even a sliver of the strength inherent to the dark, polished wood.

His lord's impatience was not a pretty thing. In fact, good servants had died, and most of them painfully, aggravating his impetuosity. Kanyane knew well enough that only one matter, a solitary aggravation, could drive his lord to such a state. That distress was nothing more than a half-grown whelp that thought herself male, but had the audacity to call herself a noblewoman.

Oh, he supposed, her bloodline was blue enough. But her manner was common and unbefitting a daiyoukai of her stature. Inwardly, Kanyane sneered. If were only younger, and decidedly more powerful, he would most certainly take her to task.

Regrettably, daiyoukai are born, not made. Although, he was indisputably ancient and learned, his youki remained weak and his bloodline impure. She could kill him with a thought, and had, undoubtedly, entertained the notion.

Although, had he truly been honest with himself, he would have realized that she barely considered him at all. Despite his insistence to the contrary, he found her slight unforgivable. A rage that grew daily, for she seemed determined to undermine all he, through centuries of subtle manipulation, shrew negotiation, and oblique duplicity, had accomplished.

At first, like many others, he had mistakenly believed Amayami-sama little more than a pretty, but insipid placeholder. If it were up to him, she would have kept to her embroidery and koto lessons, disregarding the armistice.

But she had embraced the bicameral sovereignty over the Western Lands, once married. A duality, in which, neither sovereign held greater military, governing, or political sway than the other. Regrettably, most, including Touga-sama, had considered the provision little more than a formality. Gleefully, turning a blind eye to Amayami-sama, and offering little credence to the heir of a conquered enemy. Her place was to please her lord husband, to support him, and to bare him powerful sons.

Infuriatingly uncouth, Amayami rebelled, or more accurately, asserted her authority in territorial matters. Efficient, cold, and utterly detached, she had sent more than one courtier scurrying. Men of the court, long accustomed to wartime self-sufficiency were overwhelmed in face of her unrelenting, ever-presence.

Which coupled with the Inu no Taisho's own diligence, assured that nothing, no matter how trivial, escaped scrutiny. Often, it was her youth and formality, which balanced Touga's maturity and impetuosity. Pity, neither realized how truly alike they were.

Regrettably, her youth, which at times was a great asset, made her an oddity in the court. As did her peculiar mindset. Her judgments were altruistic in nature, but executed with a stern pragmatism. A fact many courtiers could not reconcile.

However, a few, particularly those of lesser, albeit wealthy, houses supported Amayami and the bicameral throne. After generations of brutal war, desperate famine, and squandered lives, she was embraced as the tether to Touga-sama's avaricious imperialism. He could not declare war, invade territory, or deploy troops without her sanction.

For those who grew wealthy during wartime, such as Kanyane, it could well prove a precursor to disaster. Blessedly, while her fingers seemed to touch upon everything, most of her energy seemed focused on the war-ravaged eastern providence. Undoubtedly, because, at least in her mindset, the territory was still separate and belonged to her father, Takayuki, she had mandated immediate reparations.

Strenuously insisting that if the east was rebuilt and made to flourish, it could only benefit the west, she had impressed many with her insight, but others, like Kanyane, believed her motives were more sinister. Before annexation, Amayami had been heir apparent to conquered territory. For that reason alone, her detractors charged that her steadfast refusal to swear allegiance to the Inu no Taisho was evidence of disloyalty. Others, however, thought her bold, believing that only with equality could allegiances be truly understood.

Amayami's true motives remained unspoken, and were best left to speculation. Either way, it mattered little, for Touga-sama generally agreed with his wife. This, in turn prompted many lesser nobles, little more than sycophants, to approve increased taxation for the strict purpose of reconstruction. All the while, proclaiming that the royal marriage was the cornerstone to unified peace.

It was all so very nauseating.

Worse was how they disgraced themselves before her. To think, highbred youkai of the most prestigious houses whined and simpered at her heels! Fawning over her every word, her every action, like a pack ill-bred mongrels over a bone. Little more than the dogs their youkai forms resembled.

But, Kanyane was not a dog -at least not completely. Inwardly he smirked, smug in his self-defaming humor. Therefore, he was blessedly immune to her dubious charms. In fact he barely, if at all, considered the brat. Other than she was quickly impeding his progress with her asinine proposals. The greatest of which being that compensation must also be extended to the humans of both providences.

It was enough to knock sense back into the throng of simpletons for precious few were affable to the notion, and most were bewildered or derisive. But Amayami had contended, explaining in her soft, resonating voice, that the humans were a valuable resource. One that must be preserved, protected, and developed for the good of the territory. They were, as Amayami had scandalously proclaimed, the legs we stand upon.

Utterly preposterous! Humans were little more than vermin, and to suggest otherwise was absurd. So what if they starved? Who cared if they died? There were thousands elsewhere exactly like them. Most were scandalized by the notion, while others dismissed her as a bleeding heart human lover. Had Amayami been able to read minds, she would have likely killed them on principle. She was not overly sympathetic to humans or to anyone for that matter, and certainly did not tolerate suggestions to the contrary.

If anything, she was decidedly enigmatic, possessing an allure that made her dangerous. Her depthless, entrapping eyes and cold, elegant beauty could sway anyone, including the Inu no Taisho. Perhaps she already had, for it was apparent to any who knew him that Touga was not the same youkai he had been a month ago.

Amayami's scent, lingered on his master's flesh, was all the confirmation he needed that she had employed trickery to sway her husband. Using powers only a woman could, she had ensorcelled her lord husband using foul enchantments and the promise of her feminine charms.

Touga's low, rich voice pulled Kanyane from his thoughts of conspiracy, causing the elderly youkai to jump back, startled.

"Did you need something, Kanyane?" Touga asked dryly, sparing the arbitrator a cool, sidelong glance. "Or do you plan to hover there all morning?"

Kanyane grimaced, finding the mannerism too reminiscent of Amayami's flat stare for comfort. Bile bubbled up, but he swallowed it down. No matter, he reminded himself. He need only to continue to bide his time and keep up the guise of a contented servant. Eventually, all would come to fruition. It always did.

"Touga-sama," he began in his warmest, most congenial tone. "The Northern Council has offered its fondest felicitations upon your victory." Pausing for a moment, he measured his next words, carefully diluting spite with platitude. "And your marriage."

Touga snorted, tiredly shaking his head. Otherwise, he remained unmoved, seeming captivated with the rain-torn, wind-twisted gardens. "I'm sure," he retorted sardonically, his tone touched with bitterness. "Now that the war is over. They feel safe to slither from their holes."

"Ah, well," Kanyane began, before leaning forward and covering his mouth with one liver-spotted hand. His voice dropping to a low, secretive, ever-helpful whisper, he gently explained the obvious. "My lord, they are snake youkai."

Only to be taken aback by an abrupt snort, followed by a low rumble. It was a strange, raspy, almost growl reverberation, which Kanyane could not place, but still seemed vaguely familiar. Most peculiarly, the sound grew deeper with the passing seconds. Stupefied, he watched as a tremor ran through the mighty daiyoukai before him. Mortified at the sight of his lord's high ponytail bobbing time with his quaking shoulders, Kanyane cautiously inquired, "My Lord?" His tone more bewildered than fearful.

Touga waved Kanyane off dismissively, his still pock marked face, glowing crimson. "Indeed," he choked, finally. Chuckling under his breath, his eyes shone with barely contained mirth. "I see," he rasped, quelling a bit of rebellious laughter with a cough.

Kanyane's jaw dropped and clicked shut, as he wondered exactly what was so funny. Feeling like the butt of a joke, he eyed Touga warily, delivering the remainder of the message in measured tones.

"They also expressed" -he paused, ready to throw his hands up in defeat over Touga's inelegant snorts -"uh concern over current policy."

Touga sobered immediately. Laughter died as his expression darkened into familiar arrogance. "What concern?"

Kanyane smiled sinisterly, recognizing golden opportunity. His lord's marriage was hardly stable, and few seeds of discontent could only aid in its further unbalance.

"Well, it's just hearsay," he replied coyly, mock reluctance and apology heavy within his tone. Then, he continued in a tone that brooked no argument. "Nothing to concern yourself with, Oyakata-sama."

Touga turned brusquely, his gold eyes boring into the elderly retainer, watching as the lesser youkai blanched beneath his scouring gaze. "Out with it."

Kanyane made a raspy, ah, sound and nodded a bow. "Well, my lord," he stuttered, bowing once more. He played a dangerous game, one that could turn on him in a moment. But, he was confidant, knowing which buttons to push, which nerves to grate, and which strings to pluck. He frowned, pausing just long enough to rile Touga. "Rumor, completely unsubstantiated. In fact, I'm certain-"

Noting Touga's impatient throat clearing and narrowing of his eyes, Kanyane realized his tactic had obviously worked splendidly. He tilted his head humbly, nodding apologetically. "Ah, well," he began, playing his role to the hilt. "They feel Amayami-sama undermines your authority."

A low chuckle, which strengthened into a fit of laughter, erupted from his master. For a moment, Kanyane feared he had made a grave error, his mind wheeling in attempt to salvage the situation. Silence, at least for the moment, seemed his best course of action. Touga also grew silent, his lips curling back, over his teeth, in snarl. "Do they?" he answered in mock surprise, allowing his wounded pride to speak for him.

Kanyane breathed, gathering his calculated wits and his practiced diplomacy. "My humble apologies my lord" -he bowed "-It was not my place to speak of such matters."

Touga offered a dismissive wave before smugly folding his arms over his broad chest. "Tell me, Kanyane. Do you remember my campaigns in the Marshlands?" he asked thoughtfully, almost innocently.

Dumbly, Kanyane bobbed his head, until he, at last, found his voice. "Of course, my lord!" he proclaimed exuberantly. Then quietly continued, reverence heavy in his voice. "It was you that first began to expand the territory. A feat, not even your lord father could accomplish…"

"Yes," Touga drawled, cutting off Kanyane spiel as he turned. Peering into the garden, he allowed his eyes to focused on the ancient willow, and leaned nonchalantly against the waist-high rail. "Do you know how I truly conquered them?" he asked solemnly, as the light fled his eyes.

Not waiting for Kanyane to reply, he completed his thought. "I gave them what they wanted" -he smiled cruelly, his eyes gleaming with secret knowledge- "until they began to offer me what I wanted."

As if on cue, the wind gusted, sailing through his white clothes and silver hair. He watched, in almost-fascination, as the wind buffeted and shook the willow, striping the lacy leaves from its delicate branches.

The leaves fluttered to the ground like scraps of wounded silk. He frowned. It was a sight far too symbolic for his liking. Closing his eyes, although the image was still branded on his mind, he continued. "Eventually, they gave me anything, until I had everything. I always get what I want, Kanyane" -slowly he reopened his eyes- "one way, or another."

His tone was musing, almost absentminded, and all too damning. Yet, it revealed nothing of his true desires, hiding his intense longing for the fundamental simplicities inherent to all creatures. Peace, family, and companionship. Refusing to believe, even for a moment, such yearnings could be selfish.

Had Touga listened to his father, who had been content with a tiny plot of land, or his advisors, who had counseled prudence over action, he might have made wiser judgments. But, he had made a habit of not hearing what displeased him. Unfortunately, that also included his conscience.

He had slaughtered mercilessly, committed countless atrocities, justifying all for the greater good. Never once had he felt a shred of guilt or doubt. Not until he married Amayami. His lips twitched into a smile as what felt to be a great sigh grew in his chest. Remorse was beneath him; he was powerful, fearless, and without regret. Yet, when thought of her, he could think of nothing, but what he had stolen from her.

She was one of the most powerful youkai he had ever met, hindered only by youth and lack of experience. Properly guided and fate willing, she could well surpass him many times over. However, at times, he almost thought her older, if not wiser, than he already. Leaving him wondering, if she had ever truly been allowed to be child.

That was the root of the current conflict within him. Part of him wanted to protect her innocence and what remained of her childhood. It fought the ever-strengthening want within him to plunder her innocence. Demanding to become her husband, not only by law, but also in practice.

"Kanyane," he barked, breaking the long, thoughtful silence. He turned to face the elderly arbiter, who respectfully bowed and averted his gaze. "Have Natsu cancel my appointments. I'm leaving for the week."

The old youkai frowned. "But, Oyakata-sama, the envoy from the Northern Territory is due to arrive any moment" -he gazed at his lord imploringly- "surely you don't mean to leave Amayami-sama alone for such an important matter?"

"Of course not," Touga retorted as he causally hopped over the waist high, wooden handrail. "She's coming with me."

Recovering from his shock, Kanyane stalked to the edge of the veranda, all frailty forgotten in his disdain. He glowered as Touga disappeared through the gate leading to his private section of the castle. His clawed fingers glided idly over the carved female head adorning his staff. It would be reckless, but it seemed he might have to play his hand a bit earlier than he intended.

---

Locating his wife within the confines of his own castle proved to be more ridiculously difficult than it ought to have been. Realizing the early hour, he had first thought to check her bedchamber, but found it empty. Undaunted, he next checked their private dinning room, also finding the small, but well appointed room devoid of her presence.

Leaning against the doorframe, he frowned at her place at the low standing table, noting that her plate, napkin, chopsticks, and even her teacup were still arranged and untouched. Undoubtedly, she had skipped breakfast, yet again. He also knew, if he allowed, she would skip her noon and evening meals as well.

Even then, at best, she would only pick at her meal or take tiny sips of her tea. Allowing her to dine in solitude made little difference, save that she tended to forego eating altogether. Almost worriedly, he realized her appetite seemed only to wane the longer she remained within his stronghold.

Perhaps, she needed a holiday and time away from her duties at the castle, he thought as he strolled down the long, winding halls. He barely containing the urge to glance in random doorways, or most unseemly of all, ask a passing servant if he had seen her. Instead, he offered a barely perceptible nod, allowing the servant to continue uninterrupted.

He descended a flight of stairs, made a left turn, and nearly walked into a throng of vassals. Deftly he sidestepped, curious, but unwilling to draw attention to himself. His gaze swept the crowd, recognizing several minor nobles, bodyguards, and envoys from adjacent territories.

His mood sank as he scanned the crowd. Sneaking away for the week would be more difficult that he first believed. Reason nagged at him, as did obligation. He knew that it was absolutely irresponsible to leave at such a time.

Spotting Amayami in the crowd reminded him of his other, more personal responsibility. With hurried steps he strode forward and was stopped when husky voice called behind him.

"Touga-sama."

Touga rolled his eyes and breathed before turning around. "Akako."

Akako was deer youkai of a minor house and powerful enough to be considered breeding stock. She had been a gift from a conquered house, and most troublesome since his marriage.

Skirts swishing, she slinked forward, and bowed lowly. "Milord," she said, her voice low and seductive. "How are you this fine morning?"

Twinges of annoyance pricked at the back of his skull. Her kind were known for their docility, but Akako was as ruthless as viper. Any fool could understand what his forced ally had intended for her.

He met her steady gaze, frowning as her kimono slipped off one shoulder to reveal a creamy curve of breast. "Fine," he answered, casting a preoccupied glance over his shoulder.

Akako followed his gaze, a frown marring her sharp features. His eyes were on the Lady. Together they watched as Amayami smiled uneasily and excused herself with a bow.

Akako's scowled as Touga made to go after her, moving with quickened steps.

She can't have you! You're mine! she wanted to snarl, but held her tongue. There was etiquette to consider and she would not disgrace herself. Despite her wishes to the contrary, Amayami-sama was Lady wife. At least for now.

"M-my lord!" she gasped, flinging herself into Touga's path. She needed to stall him, to do something that would keep him from that whelp.

"Ming Li told me you came to our chambers last night," she said coyly, and then fake pouted. "Why did you not come to me?"

He regarded her coldly, growing annoyance clouding his features. "What I do, when I do it, is none of your concern."

The concubine blanched, obviously taken aback. "I did not mean to imply-"

"My Lord?" interrupted a soft feminine voice.

Grateful for the timely rescue, Touga whirled around. "Yes, Aiko?"

Hana smirked at the seething concubine, who twitched in annoyance, and bowed lowly. "Amayami-sama has asked that you join her in the gardens."

Touga looked at Aiko blankly, watching as the girl blushed under his scrutiny. A child, he thought to himself. No older Amayami.

"Thank you, Aiko," he said mildly and offered her an appreciative smile. "You may go."

Aiko bowed low, her black hair swinging down to the floor as Touga strode past her. Not bothering to spare the concubine a parting word.

As he circled the edge of the room, avoiding the myriad of vassals and sycophants, he could feel her eyes upon him and knew she was seething. She had always been jealous, even of the other concubines.

He slipped out the double doors, into the garden, wishing he could simply dismiss her, but her attached could well prove unbreakable.

Still, if he could not dismiss her from his house, he would dismiss her from his thoughts. And did so as he walked down a wood-paved path in search of his wife.

Rounding the corner, he suppressed a snicker as he spotted her in the rapidly closing distance. She had hiked her many-layered kimono up over her knees, its gossamer trains overflowing in her small arms, as she glared at the huge puddle rippling innocently at her feet. She looked absolutely ridiculous, and yet, utterly adorable.

After a moment, perhaps sensing his presence, she stepped away and dropped her hems, allowing them to flutter back in place. She breathed deeply, and then, stiffened reflexively as he stepped up behind her. His hands slid down her arms, circling her narrow waist. Pulling her close, he buried his nose in her springy, jasmine-scented hair.

"Touga," she addressed as he nuzzled her cheek, her tone heavy with protest.

His answer was a soft, whimsical, 'hmm', as he pressed a soft kiss to the space behind her ear, seeming to care little that his actions were improper or that they troubled her. His lips hovered just above where the dual stripes adorning her cheek began. "You're angry with me," he whispered, noting how cold and unresponsive she remained in his arms.

Amayami, 'hmphed,' as she slipped out of his grasp and moved out of arm's reach.

Touga inhaled a frustrated breath and crossed his arms over his broad chest. "All right, out with it. What did I do?"

She shook her head, curls bouncing slightly against her shoulders as she peered skyward for a moment. "Nothing," she replied finally. Returning her gaze to him, she smiled pleasantly. "You have most splendidly met all my expectations."

He leveled his gaze at her, suppressing the urge to sigh tiredly. "Why don't I feel as though you're complimenting me?"

Smirking she turned and casually hopped over the mud puddle. "You are wise, Inu no Taishou," she mocked. Not bothering to see if he followed, she stalked down the garden path.

Wearily, Touga clasped a hand over his face, feeling the rough, still healing wounds. And wondered, if he truly wished to spend a full week alone with her. But he knew, without a doubt, he did, even if it meant suffering through the lashings of her tongue and resisting the urge to strangle her.

"We're not done," he nearly bellowed. He scowled at her back as she continued to walk, obviously ignoring him. Speeded by indignation and a longer stride, he caught up to her in moments.

Reaching out, he snagged her elbow, and none too gently, hauled her around to face him. He glared at her, holding her fast with both arms for good measure.

She returned his glare with a withering one of her own, but remained silent.

"Now," he growled, his nostrils flaring as he spoke. "You will listen--"

Without warning, she crushed her lips against his. Silencing his words with a fervent, all-consuming kiss. His hands slid from her arms to circle around her back. Pulling her closer, one hand stroked the small of her back encouragingly. After a moment, she pulled away slightly, her pale cheeks flushed as she gasped swallow breaths of air. Then, she averted her gaze and, despite his protest, pulled herself from his arms.

She stared at him for a moment, a strange expression coloring her features, and turned, dismissing him. More baffled than angry, Touga, stood silently, attempting to understand what exactly had just happened. "Amayami," he began gently, almost warmly.

Only to be cut off by a flat. "Leave me."

Touga's gaze softened as his heart suddenly leapt for her. There was no real anger in her words, only confusion and tiny shred of fear. Against his better judgment, and despite that it was not normally something he would have done, he stepped behind her, and pressed his forehead against the back of her shoulder. "What's wrong?" he asked gently, reaching slowly for her hand.

Surprisingly, she took his offered hand and squeezed it gently. She swallowed, her voice coming out no louder than a whisper. "Just go."

"All right," he answered, smiling against her shoulder blade. Ignoring her shock, her disbelief, and most of all her protests, he wrapped his arm around her middle. Nonchalantly, he lifted her from the ground as if he meant to carry her. "Fine."

"Put me down!" she declared, slapping at him for good measure. When he remained unrelenting, she sagged in his arms, unwilling to resort to violence. "Touga," she commanded, but her tone was nearly pleading. He merely paused to duck as he dragged her through a low doorway. "I have a meeting in half an hour," she added.

His only reply was a gruff snort as he shoved their joint chamber door open. The sight of which, caused Amayami to stiffen to the point that she suddenly became difficult to carry.

Seeming unperturbed, or to at least not notice, he lowered her carefully to the floor. "There is a benefit to lordship you have clearly overlooked," he explained as he moved to her wardrobe.

"And that is?" Amayami asked suspiciously, watching curiously, if not a bit of confusion as he rifled through her clothes.

Unceremoniously, he tossed a kosode, followed by a hakama in her direction, both of which she deftly caught.

"As everyone meets at our discretion," he waved dismissively as he shooed her behind her dressing screen. "schedules are utterly meaningless for us."

Amayami uttered an exasperated sigh, all of her earlier anxiety quickly evaporating. "Touga--"

He cupped her chin, pressing his lips lightly against hers. "I admire your dedication, Amayami, but you'll soon come to realize the more you supervise your subjects they less they will accomplish."

Her look was not a friendly one. "You mean, you don't care how they follow your commands so long as they accomplish their tasks."

Touga frowned, but let the comment go. "Be young for once, 'Maya-chan."

Perhaps it was the diminutive of her name, or his affectionate, teasing tone. Each word rolled from his tongue in soft, warm syllables, and was mirrored with the tenderness of his golden hued irises. Causing her to blush, in spite of herself, and to forget he was the monster who uprooted her existence.

"I am young," she stated, a bit too defensively, more embarrassed than pride-pricked. "Your lackeys remind me everyday."

He smirked as he tweaked her nose playfully. Trying, in vain, to ignore the faint, half-flush dying along the hollow of her throat. Lightening to almost nothingness as it slipped beneath silk brocade of her uchikake. "They're our lackeys," he finally corrected, clearing his throat. Wondering if she had even an inkling how she affected him.

"Truly," she countered dryly, her brow inching up her forehead as she tapped her chin. "Then, I shall replace the lot of them with toad youkai." Taking Touga's silence for disbelief or confusion, she explained. "Toad youkai are renown for their loyalty. In fact once one swears an oath--"

He kissed her suddenly. Drawing her bottom lip into his mouth before delicately taking its plump softness between his teeth as he gently pushed her against the wall. Amayami made a soft sound in her throat, eyes fluttering shut as her fists balled at her sides. She grew utterly still as he began pressing hot, licking kisses down the length of her throat. Pausing, he shifted, placing his hands on the wall, only to find her glaring at him.

Before he could utter a word, she snapped, almost accusingly, "Why do you keep doing that?"

He shook his head in confusion and disbelief, bewildered as why she was suddenly so angry again. Throwing caution to the wind, he kissed her again, lips nibbling at the tender spot below her ear. As he slid his hips against hers, pinning her completely against wall. Running his tongue along the shell of her ear, he whispered unapologetically, "I want you."

Amayami's expression darkened, her claws flexing as she gathered the last threads of her unraveling composure. "As you routinely want four other women," she began with deadly calm, "I hardly find that flattering.

If Touga were even a shade less disciplined, he would have sighed in defeat. Instead, he simply felt vaguely disappointed. It seemed all their conversations invariably circled back to his concubines.

Suddenly, although not inexplicably, her temper flared.

"I know you're stronger," she hissed, dangerously, her white-blue eyes darkening in indignant fury. "You do not have to continue proving it to me!"

His expression dimmed, the fading and scabby wounds on his cheeks crinkling as his eyes narrowed in confusion. Then he laughed, a dark, bitter bray that, despite her rage, sent a chill down her spine. "Oh, if only that were true, dear Amayami," he answered on the tail end of a chuckle. If only. He slid his hands down the wall to rest on her thin, delicate shoulders as he lifted his head to whisper in her ear. "But it's not, and I'm not."

He released her suddenly, the ends of his ornate pelt hitting her as he turned. "Change clothes and pack," he ordered, refusing to look at her. "We're leaving."

Leaving her still pressed against the wall, he vanished into his bedchambers. Amayami breathed deeply, hugging herself for something other than just cold. Unsure of what he had meant, but almost certain she had misinterpreted his actions.

Frighteningly, he wanted her, desired her in ways no one had dared confess. Worse, as he had been pressed against her, she could feel exactly what he wanted. Wide-eyed, heart racing, she stared for a moment at his bedchamber door.

Slowly, she peeled herself from the wall she had been thoughtlessly shoved against. More than anything, she detested being cornered, dominated with no avenues of escape. Part of her wanted to elucidate that facet of her personality to Touga. However, a larger part of her rather he realize everything on his own. Perhaps, for no other reason, than she was uncertain how to explain without appearing weak. A prospect she could not abide.

Numbly she began to pack, feeling more forlorn than she had in days. She attempted to calm, to think of nothing, especially not her husband. In her heart, she knew that what he truly yearned for was merely another victory. It was a merciless and overwhelming need, which attacked her resolve, until nearly coaxing a willing surrender.

She knew it would be far easier to simply submit and grant him what he wanted. Offering him what was his in law and right would simplify matters, but would utterly contrast with her very nature. She would deny him victory, for she was not a conquest that could be won.

Smiling slightly, she closed her pain stricken eyes, stealing herself against an aching and ever-growing pang of loneliness. Wishing, not for the first time, she could just go home.