Chapter II: My Lords...

The ball continued well into the night and Botan was ready to retire for the night. Her feet were sore, her body was aching and her head felt like it was about to explode any minute. It was no surprise. She had danced with almost half of the men at the ball. She didn't mind at all because it kept her away from her betrothed. She hadn't seen much of him tonight. She was really glad about that. She just hoped that she could through the night without seeing him. In fact if she didn't see him for the rest of her life, she would be happy. But she knew that wasn't possible. She couldn't avoid Karasu forever.

She quietly made her way through the crowd, trying to find her parents. She needed to excuse herself before she leaves for her private chambers. She spotted her father and brother in the corner, talking two gentlemen. She immediately recognized as her father's generals. They turned and bowed when they saw her approaching.

"Evening, my lady." The two gentlemen said.

"Evening, my lords."

"My daughter, I trusted that you had a great time tonight." The king said.

"Yes, father. The ball was lovely."

"Would you like to join us for a drink, my dear sister?"

"I most appreciate the offer but I'm very tired and I wish to retire for the night."

"Of course, my dear."

"Have you seen Mother?"

"Mother had already gone to her chambers." Her brother said.

"Oh!"

"Come, I shall accompany you to your room." Prince Koenma offered.

""thank you for the offer, but that won't be necessary. I'm sure you gentlemen have much important matter to discuss."

"As you wish."

"Good night, my lords. Now if you excuse me, I shall take my leave."

She bowed and left. She made her way to the door quickly, hoping to escape without notice. But once again, fate worked against her.

"Lady Botan…"

She visibly cringed. She really wanted to pretend that she didn't hear him but her father's word kept ringing in her ears. "It's important not being rude to him during his stay." She took a deep breath and turn to face him.

"Yes, my lord." She forced herself to say.

"Would you do me the honor of this dance?" she said.

"I'm afraid not. I very tired and I just want to go to bed."

"Oh! Perhaps the lady would allow me to walk her to her chamber."

"Oh! I wouldn't want to leave the party. I'm sure some other ladies would love to dance with you."

"But the lady of my choice won't dance with me especially after avoiding for the whole night."

"I'm sorry if you felt this way but I was very busy." She lied.

"I'm sure you were."

"Would you please excuse me? I really need to go."

"I'll let you go at one condition?"

"And what's that?"

"You gave me a goodnight kiss."

"Not on your life…I mean I can't. A lady must not publicly display her affection."

"But when you become my wife, I will insist on such."

"Then until then let us keep our affection to ourselves. Good night, my lord."

She only got two steps away before he caught her arm and pulled her to him.

"Why do we keep playing this cat and mouse game?" he said.

"I have not the slightest idea of what you're referring to."

"Oh, you do. You made it your mission in life to avoid me. And why is that, my love. Why do you dislike me so much?"

"You want the truth."

"I would prefer it."

"Well, let's put it this way, my lord. You're a cheating, manipulative, lying bastard."

"How dare you speak to me like that? You'll show me respect, you little brat."

"I thought you wanted the truth. It hurts doesn't it? The truth always hurt. Now you know how I feel knowing that I have to be married to you and spend the rest of my life with you. All of people, it had to be you. Why couldn't it be Youko Kurama? At least he's honest about his true self."

Karasu snapped at the mention of Youko's name.

"Don't you ever compare me to that thief." He said between gritted teeth.

Botan knew she was walking on thin ice but once she started she couldn't stop herself. She knew that Karasu had never really loved her. He just saw as a trophy. A challenge. Something to be conquered. And the fact that she didn't fall at his feet, like women usually do when the saw him, made him even more determined to marry her. He wanted to prove to her that she was just like every other women. Simple minded and weak. And God knows she wasn't weak or simple minded. She saw his true colors and she wasn't about to fall into his trap not if she could help it.

He took her chin in his hand and forced her to look at him.

"Know this, Lady Botan of Rekai, you will be mine and when that moment came I'll show to your place."

"Until then, keep your hands off me."

She then turned on her heels and left. "Oh, the nerve of that man. Who the hell does it think he is?" She thought. Oh! If she had her powers, she would have fried him by now. When she got to her room, her nanny, Kitana, was waiting for her.

"Oh! Mistress, you're back already?"

"Yes, nanny. I'm very tired and I didn't wish to spend another second in Karasu's presence."

"Oh! My poor mistress. Come and let's get you ready for bed."

"Alright."

"Would you like me to get you anything while you undress, my lady?"

"A glass of water would be mostly appreciated."

"Of course, I shall fetch it for you."

The nanny left to get her glass of water. Botan took the moment to get undress and into her sleeping clothes. She then sat in front of her mirror and wait for her nanny to come back. The latter was back seconds later. Botan drank a little bit of it and put the rest on her dresser. The nanny went behind her and started taking out the jewelry in her hair. She started with the crown, then the pins and other accessories. Free of the accessories, her head felt much lighter and her hair was free to tumble down her waist. Her hair was very long. It was all the way down to her derriere. She sat still while Kitana massaged her scalped and brushed her hair till it shone.

"Time for bed, mistress."

"Yes."

Kitana turned down the bed and Botan got in. She was tucked in comfortably. Most of the candles were put out and the windows were safely closed.

"Good night, mistress."

"Oh nanny?"

"Yes Mistress?"

"Have you seen Shadow?"

"Yes, I'll get him for you. I'm surprised that he hasn't come looking for you."

Shadow was Botan's pet. He's a white tiger. She had received him as a present form her father on her sixteenth birthday. Shadow was her best friend. He was the only one that truly understood her. Don't get wrong, she loved her family but sometime they were just too preoccupied for her. So Shadow was her comfort and sole companion during those times. He usually went everywhere with her but for some reason she hadn't seen him all day. Kitana returned minutes later, with Shadow on her heels. As soon as he saw her, he leap into bed and started liking her face. She giggled.

"Oh! You nasty tiger. Get off the bed this instant." Kitana reprimanded.

"Oh nanny, let him be."

Shadow crouched down and lowered his head on her lap. Botan petted him and scratched behind his ears. He purred.

"Nanny, may I ask you a question."

"Of course, my lady."

"Have you ever seen Youko Kurama?"

Botan had never met Youko Kurama before. She had rumors about him but she had never seen him face to face. While growing up she often wondered why he never attended the grand balls her father gave. She was sure he had received an invitation but he never showed up. Come to think of it his allies, Princes Yusuke and Hiei, never come either.

"No, my lady. I've never met him."

"But I have." Said a voice she immediately recognized as her mother's.

"Mother…"

"Your majesty." Kitana bowed and then left the room.

"Hello, my darling."

"I thought you've gone to bed."

Lady Ayame gracefully entered the room. She was wearing her silk robes and her hair was down.

"I wasn't very tired. I just wanted to get away from all this commotion."

"Oh!"

"So why are you asking about lord Kurama?"

"I was just kind of curious. Since I never seen I couldn't help wondering what he looks like."

"Well, my dear child, he's the most beautiful man you'll ever see. He has long sliver tresses that just beg to be touch. Those golden eyes that seems to see through your very soul. He also has a great body. He's really strong and fast. He has to be since he's a thief but something about is very appealing and dangerous. The only odd thing about him is the fact that he smelled like roses."

"Roses? Isn't that a bit feminine for a man?"

"Well yes but it seems to suit him somehow."

"Mother, when I mention Youko Kurama's name to lord Karasu, he seems to be angry. Why?"

"Well, you're not going to believe this but they are cousins."

"Cousins?"

"Yes. Lords Kurama and Karasu's mothers were twin sisters. Their grandfather had only two daughters and no sons. It was decided that his inheritor would the first boy that was born. But those two were born on the same day and time. It was difficult to choose between them. So they had a contest. Whoever won would be the crowned prince. And lord Kurama won."

"Wow, I never knew that." She said.

"Not too many people talks about it."

"But mother, why does lord Kurama never attended our balls."

"Because your father is Karasu's ally. You would never find Kurama and Karasu in the same with both of them alive. Those two are sworn enemies."

"They hate each other that much."

"It would appear so. If you don't have anymore question s for me, I shall return to my quarters."

"Good night mother."

"Good night, my darling daughter."

Lady Ayame exited the room and Botan put out the candles on her night table. She then settled down to get some sleep. And that night she dreamed about meeting the infamous Youko Kurama.

Author's notes: I'm so so so so so sorry I took so long to update but I was so busy getting ready for college and moving in that I hadn't any time to work on my stories. But now that I am finally getting the hang of being a college student, I think I might update more often but I'm not promising an Youko Kurama and his buddies would definitely make an appearance in the next chapter.