The world is all gates, all

opportunities, strings of tension

waiting to be struck.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Courtly Conduct

Kurama's POV

"I want to show you something."

The simple statement roused me from fleeting dreams, propelling slow fingers to slip on silk and tighten sashes, moved me to follow him on silent feet. Hiei's coming to my chambers in the night was far from unusual – he still chose to sleep in my room more often than not, despite our years together. Still, in all this time my companion had never exerted his will upon me, save the dreaded day of the dragon tattoo.

Ultimately, this was why I allowed him to lead me into the garden.

Staring at Hiei's back proved an unusual but welcome sight. Custom bound us at all times: though my superior in many ways, Hiei was never allowed to walk by side, to be seen as anything close to an equal. No, he always stared at my back, dutifully one step behind, save when entering a room he believed suspect. A thrilling change, a welcome one–

A small step toward friendship.

The flowers shuffled in their beds, trees stuttering snores rivaling any which could come from a mortal throat. We weaved around rumbling roots and yawning branches, floral throats demanding in sleepy voices to know our business. Hiei did not answer them and I did not either; there wasn't much to say.

I did not know our reason for being here, either.

Hiei entered my garden with practiced ease, silently breaking from the rows of fruit trees. Cold crept up my legs as I waited a few paces away, grass wet with dew soaking through thin boots and trousers. In quick order, he removed his scarf, cloak and shirt, placing each on the ground with care until he stood bare chested before me. Tell-tale dark marks I'd come to know so well dotted his abdomen, alongside scars won through years of service.

Gaze fixed upon his bandaged right arm, he pulled at the white cloth with certainty, never looking my way once. "You can't reveal this to anyone." His voice remained hushed, despite our location and the late hour. "This is for your eyes alone."

My mind raced as he rolled away the wrappings one row at a time, revealing the mark I hadn't seen in years, one he kept hidden from the world. "I don't understand."

Surely he remembered that night long ago in his room, when I first discovered the tattoo–

He would never forget such a thing.

Hiei ignored the comment, staring instead at the mark marring his skin, the scarred palm facing skyward. "I never intended to show this to anyone, but you have the right to know. I want you to know."

Before I could question him further, he furrowed his brow, fingers curling as though he held an invisible ball. For several moments, nothing happened. A soft breeze tugged at our hair, our clothes, sent the flower's call to embrace us. Then, he grunted and I saw the dragon tighten around his arm, coils strangling muscle as if the thing were alive.

For a chilling second, I believed those eyes were living, breathing things. "Hiei–!"

He demanded silence with one look, sweat beading against the cloth at his brow.

Finally, when I feared lasting damage to his arm imminent, a sputtering in his palm, followed by another until flaming tongues of dark fire rested in his hand. I couldn't help but stare as the flame grew to the size of a small goblet, perfectly contained behind cupped fingers. Such a thing shouldn't have been possible – only one race had been capable of controlling flame and they died out long ago – yet here my companion stood, conjuring fire effortlessly.

"You can't tell a soul." He whispered, eyes fixed on the flames. Taking a breath, his head rose to meet my gaze, eyes reflecting the strange light much like gemstones. "Promise me."

The conviction lining his words took my breath and for a moment, I could only stare. Hiei had never asked me to promise him anything, not after the Diviega incident or the countless other times I'd failed him. Were we still children, I doubtlessly would have voiced the questions spinning in my mind, cornered him into to bearing his soul, his darkest secrets. Tales of fire-bearers resurfaced, then, each flowing from the pens of victors. Vicious beings, driven by instinct and a thirst for destruction; creatures who did not belong in this world. Burgeoning with lust, hungry for war; the basest of animals–

Monsters.

However, my companion was none of those things. "I promise."

I never was able to see Hiei that day.

By the time we returned from the tournament grounds, the soothsayers were already hard at work, the healer's quarters barred to even me. I waited patiently for their summons but, when no word came, my steps carried me to the belly of the castle, to the room lit with lamplight where the Merciful Mother waited.

The first of our race, she'd given us all things, including life and the flower's song. With her own hands, she wove Gandara into being shortly after the world began: trees sprouted from her palms, flora flourishing beneath fervent fingertips; her hair taught the wind to sing and she fed the land with her blood, each drop giving rise to streams, rivers, and springs. Animals meant to dwell on land poured forth from her mouth, birds of the air from her nose and fish from her ears, for she loved the sound of the waves. However, we were the fortunate ones, for she birthed us from her deepest parts. The first of our people had the pleasure of knowing her, of seeing her face and loving her–

In return, she asked only that her story be passed on to us.

An etching on the healer's wall preserved this tale, aged wood protruding in the shape of a woman with elongated ears and a tender smile. Trees grew from her hands and images not unlike animals rose from the bark, each demanding attention and reverence. I'd loved this room and its bright potions since childhood, the circular carpet and two stone tables placed just under the Mother so the infirmed could look upon her face, entreating for the cessation of pain even as the soothsayers worked. When finally allowed entrance, however, neither of the tables held my companion–

There wasn't even a trace of blood in the cracked rock.

When pressed, the elderly woman stated Hiei had returned to his chambers and wished to be left alone. Not unusual, given my companion's temperament, but I tasted the lie on her tongue; she refused to look at me. Trying Hiei's room proved futile for no matter how I knocked or pleaded, he refused to answer. I knew he was there – the freshness of his scent attested as much – but I could not work up the nerve to demand entrance. Such was my right as heir of Gandara, yet my hand refused to force the dragon-etched door.

I wouldn't rob him of his sanctuary.

"So, the heir of Hyouga is missing?"

Father's voice drew me from my musings, the scents of warm chamomile and sandalwood smoking in hanging bronze dishes soothing fractured nerves. I straightened in the gilded throne, my seat since birth, second to father's in subtle differences the eye could not easily spy. Scarlet robes hugged both neck and wrists, pinching knees and elbows without pity, yet I allowed no hints of discomfort to surface. Rings glistening on each finger, I forced both hands to relax against the golden arms, conscious of the woven band pressed into my hair. Father rarely asked me to attend court, though it was not everyday that an ally entreated us for aid.

Thankfully, I wasn't alone in this venture. Hiei stood two paces at my back, as he always did on official occasions. He'd surprised me when he appeared outside my door, ready to escort me first to the dining hall then the audience chamber, as though yesterday never happened. The heady moss garments clashed with his eyes brilliantly, two bright poppies emerging victorious from a vine-choked bed. No visible wounds marred his body and, though he remained silent throughout our time together, such was normal for him this time of day.

Though I could not see my companion now, Hokushin never left my peripheral, still as stone behind Yusuke's ornate chair. The Hornless wore the customary attire of his race and rank, loose-fitting cotton trousers and tunic tucked beneath a woolen plaid belted at the waist. Though he was among friends, Hokushin remained at attention, grip on his staff strong and sure, staring ahead unblinkingly. What an impression he and Hiei must have made standing side-by-side, bared teeth of the royal mechanism:

Hopefully, none would feel their bite today.
A barely audible sigh and my attention shifted from Hokushin to the profile of his lord. Yusuke sat with proper posture yet seemed incapable of keeping still, incessant twitching shifting from his jaw to his hand before creeping to his foot. Rings adorned his fingers as well though the stones were inlaid with silver – his personal preference – and far fewer found homes on his skin than mine. Savage crown cemented proudly atop his head, he stifled a yawn by biting his lip, eyes glassy from too much revelry last night. Periwinkle trousers slipped into knee-high boots while a tunic of the same shade hugged both wrists, complimented by a plaid of dandelion blossoms.

"Yes, your Majesty."

The recorder sat in some inconspicuous corner, a nameless face scribbling away all he saw and heard furiously. The various lords remained silent at father's inquiry, ordered from greatest to least in a semicircle along the outer edges of the chamber. I spied Kuwabara among them, though he dared not meet my gaze, shifting in his seat as he watched the our guests come forward.

Rui and Karasu bowed to us, though she forced the Tengu to remain upright in his tribute. Cloth colored after virgin snow had replaced her blue robes, lace sleeves allowing all to see the flawless arms within. Though her skirts were not layered as those of Gandaran women, the material hugged her body without becoming obscene, leaving little to the imagination while somehow maintaining an air of refinery. Crystals hung from her hair fashioned in towering loops and twists, not unlike a brood of ensnared snakes. A six-petaled flower shone from the fabric at her chest, candied thread matching her eyes perfectly.

I knew without asking this was the Yukionna family seal.

Karasu remained at her back, somehow radiating respect while not meeting anyone's gaze. He wore his normal close-fitting black, though this tunic hid his wrists and chest, high collar folded down to expose the leather at his throat. The swelling in his face was much improved from yesterday but various greens and blues dusted his left cheek, mended metal glinting beneath the light filtering through the windows. Hands complacent at his sides, he took in all without pretense, hair whispering against the feathers at his back.

Thankfully, he did not glance our way.

Rui stepped forward then, hand over her family crest, staring into father's face unflinchingly. "We have already conducted an investigation within our borders, Lord Yomi." I felt my stomach tighten and Hiei tensed at the lesser title, though father remained unmoved. "It is a most peculiar case, for there are no traces of foul play: nothing amiss in the Princess's quarters, no witnesses of anything suspicious."

Elbow resting on the throne arm, father lifted his hand, splayed fingers glinting gold. "There is the possibility Princess Yukina left of her own accord."

"No, my lady would never do such a thing." She immediately dismissed the notion, shaking her head. "What heir would voluntarily leave their homeland without notice or at least taking a guard?"

A choking sound and Yusuke winced, decidedly embarrassed under Hokushin's glare.

Father graciously ignored the outburst. "You underestimate the will of the young, Lady Rui."

"With all due respect, Lord Yomi, I must disagree." Father raised both brows as she stepped closer, though her man remained rooted in place. "Princess Yukina knows her place is among her people – she has never stepped beyond Hyouga's borders. Also, she has been taught to fear the outside world."

Nodding, father smiled. "It is natural to protect your children, as well as your sovereign."

"The Princess enshrines the treasure of our people, as vital as the Oni's song and Gandara's flowered speech."Her face darkened, though her eyes were for father alone. "You know the value of that gift, King Yomi, what our enemies would do to possess it."

Suddenly, her words took on a gravity they formerly lacked. Perhaps this was due to her giving father the respect due him, or the near-panic seeping into her gaze. Regardless, I found myself moved by her plight, body having risen to my full height without knowing.

Hiei appeared moved too. Though I could not see my companion, I felt heat rising steadily at my back, a sensation which always occurred when he felt strong emotion. A shuffling of leather against wood and I saw his sword pommel from the corner of my eye, calloused fingers curled around silver so tightly they shook. The sight warmed my heart:

My companion was not known for being the most chivalrous man.

Kuwabara leaned forward in his seat on the left wing, hands gripping either knee. Thus far, he'd hung on Rui's every word, forgetting his unease of the strange woman and her servant. Questions danced in his eyes, though concern overrode all else–

Fear for a woman he'd never met.

"So, what do you want from us?"

I felt more than heard Hokushin groan at Yusuke's question, abrasive voice filling the audience chamber for the first time.

Nonplussed at his guardian's displeasure, my cousin shifted so one leg draped over the arm of his throne, copper and shelled ornaments clacking as he propped his cheek atop his fist. "Yeah, your girl's missing and it's a big deal. We get it." Rui's eyes widened as he dug in one ear with his pinkie, frowning before flicking away what he found there. "But you still haven't said what you expect us to do about it."

The Koorime frowned, gaze roving from father to the Oni Prince. "Forgive me, Lord Yusuke, but I thought our desire was clear–"

"Nope, try again."

Karasu inched closer to his mistress at the brusque tone, eyes all at once clear and fixed upon my cousin. Hokushin and Hiei noted this as well for they stiffened, leather soles creaking against the tree roots, hands now fully grasping their weapons. "Lord Yusuke–"

"No, it is fine."Rui waved off Hokushin's scolding, a single glance enough to stop the Tengu in his tracks. Karasu bowed his head to her though his attention remained on Yusuke, the steam lining metal slits the only indication he drew breath. "Have I offended you in some way, my Lord? I believe this is the first time we've spoken to each another."

Yusuke snorted, irritation uninhibited, though his words remained somewhat slurred. "What do you know about treaties, lady?"

Rui quickly tucked her puzzlement away, calm facade firmly in place as she answered. "Forgive me, but I do not understand your question. Are you referring to the general nature of treaties? Or their purpose? Or–"

"It wasn't an essay question!" He sighed, digging in his plaid for his pipe and snuff bag, neither of which he was supposed to have judging by Hokushin's expression. Several lords muttered amongst themselves as Yusuke packed and lit his pipe, though he paid them no mind: after all, father said nothing of his nephew's behavior, even as sweet smoke filled the air.

Horns catching the sunlight streaming from overhead, Yusuke took a deep drag before exhaling, perfume curling around his nostrils. "Last I checked, Tourrin is Hyouga's ally, too – we signed a treaty with your kingdom years before Gandara." Another drag and he settled back, raising his chin. "If you're so worried about your princess, why would you come here before seeing us? Tourrin is closer to Hyouga geographically, and I'm sure your Ice Queen knows no one equals us in terms of strength."

If there were a formidable crack in the surrounding wood, I'd no doubt Hokushin would dragged Yusuke into it and beaten him senseless. Though the Hornless remained stoic as ever, I could sense his embarrassment – the discoloration at his neck proved as much. Hiei fared much better in hiding his mirth for his composure did not change whatsoever, a glint in his eye the only thing hinting at amusement.

However, Kuwabara could not quite maintain control over himself. What began as slack-jawed wonder soon devolved into soft chortles, hand covering his mouth in a vain attempt to smother the snickering at my cousin's antics. The other lords glared at him but for once Kuwabara appeared ignorant of their ire, lost in the pleasures due his age.

A welcome sight amidst the tension here.

Rui bowed, loose strands of hair playing against her cheeks. "Forgive me, my Lord; we meant no offense to your house or kingdom." Cherry slits appeared through all that blue, glinting like a freshly cut wound. "During our last contact, Lord Raizen was unwell, so much so that his response was penned by another hand." She straightened though her chin dipped low, gazing at him still through her bangs. "Perhaps her Majesty did not wish to send your father after a princess not yet of age due to his . . . condition."

All at once the room stilled, the air sapped away as if by a roaring flame. The lords froze with a tenacity peculiar to our race, to whom centuries meant nothing. Kuwabara's eyes widened to the point I feared lasting damage though he remained silent, caught in the act of inhaling. Father, too, held his peace, hands lax upon the arms of his throne, head turned toward our closest ally. As with most things, I followed his example.

Hiei came into view first. From his lax stance and bored expression, he appeared to all the world utterly unmoved by the assembly. However, I noted his rolling jaw, how his eyes never left the Koorime. Hands resting atop either pommel, grip loose but sure–

I felt the anger in those hands.

Hokushin did not fare so well in hiding his emotions. Muscles taut, he grew abnormally still for an Oni, somehow curling in upon himself while remaining perfectly upright. Heat creeping to encase his entire head, fingers tightened around his staff, his glare darkening even as a low growl crept from his chest. Blood lust shown in those eyes, seeped from his pores, a tangible thing I could taste on my tongue. The hard line of his mouth, furrowed brow unearthing both wrinkles and scars:

I'd never seen Hokushin surrender to emotion so easily.

Yusuke, however, remained calm. Shoulders resting against the back of his seat, he took another drag before exhaling lilac smoke, the image of stoicism as he fingered the patterned plaid at his raised knee. "That's no excuse, you could have asked to see me or one of my brothers. Still doesn't explain why you haven't talked to me here, either. As heir apparent and representative of Tourrin, anything I say is legally binding for the Crown. You know that, right?"

For a moment, Rui remained silent. Though her face remained a pleasant mask, I could see the gears of her mind at work, eagerly searching for a way to turn the tides in her favor.

Finally, she bowed her head, eyes tracing the bark at her feet. "Forgive me, Lord Yusuke. Until the time of the late king, Tourrin handled diplomatic matters . . . differently than Hyouga and Gandara. I was uncertain if a regent or representative would suffice."

That much was true. Tales of the savagery of Tourrin's court peppered my childhood, ample motivation to grow into a good king, one who maintained peace without the use of violence.

However, I did not miss Rui's implication that the Oni were nothing more than blood-thirsty brutes.

My cousin didn't either though he let whatever retort rose on his tongue die, lungs drinking from his pipe one last time. "Apology accepted, don't worry about it. However," He leaned forward, gaze darkening to match the wood beneath his feet. "Insult my King or country again, and I'll rip that tongue out of your pretty head."

Rui gasped and Karasu stepped before her but Yusuke was done with the affair, dumping the ashes from his pipe before slipping it back into his plaid. "So, what kind of help do you need, resources or man power?"

And just like that, the collective tension fled. Kuwabara allowed himself a regulated breath and Hokushin's muscles unfurled, allowing him to stand proudly next to his prince. Hiei allowed his hands to fall from his blades but held them at the ready, fingers poised like spiders against his thighs.

Rui, however, did not respond, safely hidden behind the girth of her servant.

"Now, now, there is no need for hostility among friends." Father chided, smiling at the Tengu. "What does her Majesty desire, Lady Rui?"

Mention of Queen Hina seemed to rouse Rui from her stupor for she stiffened, moving around Karasu to step closer to the dais. "Ones who know these lands well, but can keep a secret. I cannot stress the gravity of the situation enough – we must find Princess Yukina as quickly as possible."

Another shimmer of heat swept across my skin at that name though it vanished quickly, allowing mossy coolness in once more.

"So a squadron won't do."

"No." She shook her head. "A scouting party will suffice, men who will not draw unnecessary attention to themselves or the mission. Four, at most."

Father pondered over the number, doubtless already running over names in his mind. I could imagine who he would pick for such a task: Suzaku, Yana or any other of his personal guard, men who could be trusted completely.

However, before he could voice his thoughts, Yusuke spoke. "I'll do it."

I don't know who appeared more surprised, Rui or Hokushin. However, the Hornless spoke first, tripping over his own tongue. "Lord Yusuke, you can't be–"

"I'm dead serious."

His bearing proved as much, for though he picked at an invisible thread in his trousers, his voice remained utterly smooth, not unlike the crystal surface of a pool. When he finally raised his head to gaze upon his mentor, a familiar fire kindled in his eyes, one born of experience and a confidence bordering upon arrogance. "I'm the best warrior we've got here, and no one's better at reconnaissance. The other guys are strong but whoever has the Princess is the real deal: they took her from her own country, one that's supposed to be impenetrable. I've gotta do it."

"No," Hokushin shook his head, panic seeping into his voice. "You can't, Lord Yusuke! As heir apparent–"

"I'm not irreplaceable. The old man can always make more sons – he's threatened me with that enough times." He laughed, a smirk curling his lips. "That won't work on me, Hokushin."

His guardian swallowed, trying and failing to regain his composure. "Then I will look for her Highness."

"Nah, that won't work either." Yusuke waved the declaration away, scratching at his chest.

Red flooded Hokushin's cheeks and he stepped toward his leader, stopping when only sparse inches separated them. "Lord Yusuke–!"

"Look," My cousin sighed, rising to stand before him. As always, their height difference did not phase him: after all, Yusuke was used to staring up at his own kind. "I need you and your men to go back home, just in case something stupid happens. It's the Hornless's job to protect the Crown, anyway. I'll pick someone to go with me, so there's no need to perform Ligean Fola."

Ligean Fola – a ceremonial battle royale unique to the Oni. Much like the thunder dance, this gruesome tradition existed with protecting the Crown in mind, reserved for whenever the Hornless could not accompany either the King or Prince in their travels. Only Tourrin's best were worthy of protecting their ruler, and what better way to decide such a thing than combat?

Yusuke's proposal to bypass Ligean Fola was unheard of, a staunch break from tradition yet one entirely necessary at the moment.

"That okay with you, Uncle? Both our kingdoms sending two guys?" Yusuke called, rolling his neck to stare at father. "I think that's fair, since we're allies and all."

I didn't miss the challenge in his question.

Rather than appear offended, however, father smiled, creases at his eyes deepening with silent mirth. "Of course, Prince Yusuke. We would have it no other way."

My cousin nodded, turning back to his guardian. When Hokushin appeared less than convinced, Yusuke murmured a word in their strange tongue, raising his arm. Immediately, the Hornless dipped down, allowing his lord to place a hand on his head. Yusuke's pinkie and thumb found ready homes at Hokushin's temples, scarred knuckles flexing with the effort of gripping the great skull.

"I'm trusting you to keep the old man safe; you're the only one I can trust with this." Thick hair whispering against his plaid, Yusuke's eyes softened momentarily, as if they were the only two in the room. "Coisant dúinn uile."

Hokushin stiffened at the whisper before closing his eyes, a deep rumble rising in his chest.

For a breath, silence overtook the space, all eyes fixed upon the Tourrites. Even Rui and Karasu watched on, though the latter did so with obvious detachment. No, the Tengu did his best to keep all of us in his line of sight, ready to act upon the slightest threat to his mistress.

He would not be caught off-guard again.

Once Yusuke's hand fell away and he and Hokushin returned to their respective places, father turned his attention back to our guests. "We will need time to consider our representatives. Whomever is sent must be chosen with great care, worthy of such a quest."

Several voiced their approval, Rui nodding in understanding as well. However, before she could speak, I cleared my throat. "Father, if I may?"

Father turned toward me with a raised brow, for I did not usually speak in court. "What is it, son?"

Unwilling to show weakness or any form of uncertainty, I met his unseeing gaze directly, rousing confidence I did not quite feel. "I wish to act as Gandara's representative."

Muted mutterings along with strange looks filled the room, underlain by the trees' chiding. Father's brows rose at the request, so much so that his lids threatened to open and, just for a moment, he appeared as he did in the portrait gracing the dining hall – a youthful, whole man. "And why is that?"

Logic threatened to flee at the sight of his evergreen robes, the gold twining his hair; the great throne and crown, each passed down our family line for hundreds of years, both of which would someday be mine. The rings adorning his fingers, the scepter at his side: all dictated authority I'd known since childhood, sovereignty I'd never questioned or dared challenge–

Until now.

"All my life, I've been instructed in the ways of other lands: their culture, topography and politics, though I've never ventured past Gandara's borders. When you were my age, father, you traveled to both Tourrin and Ysbryd multiple times."

Father tucked his chin, brow furrowing ever so slightly. "We were at war, Kurama. The situation now is entirely different."

"Different but no less meaningful." I pressed, willing him to understand. "Yusuke's father, your brother, is suspect; our alliance is threatened over mere conjecture. Since Princess Yukina's disappearance is the cause of this, would it not be prudent to search for her ourselves?"

At the mention of King Raizen, father's face darkened further. Though grandfather's liaison with

a Tourrite Princess was well known, my Uncle's mixed blood never settled well amongst the Gandaran nobles. Due to this, the brothers were raised in their respective countries, despite being born three months apart. Father had always been protective of his younger brother and visited him often, traveling to Tourrin in the summer while Uncle came here in the winter. A unique bond, formed against all odds–

One he would do anything to protect.

"Also, let us not overlook Prince Yusuke, my cousin, is seeing to this personally." Gesturing toward the Oni, I crossed my legs, chin resting on the back of my hand. "Surely we cannot withhold our best while our ally sends its finest?"

For a moment, father maintained his silence, still as the wood in which we were housed. Then, when I'd feared the cause lost, he smiled – a slow, sure motion. "Well spoken, my son."

I hid a smile behind my hand but Yusuke grinned outright, nose wrinkling and fangs peeking over his bottom lip.

We were allotted little time to celebrate, however, for father spoke once more. "Tell us, son, have you thought of whom will accompany you on this quest?"

"Yes." Such a thing needed no thought though I did not say as much, gesturing behind me. "I would have Hiei travel with me."

For a moment, Rui's face contorted into a gruesome scowl before she dipped her head, feigning a cough into a long sleeve. When she rose, her expression was serene as ever.

Thankfully, I cared nothing of her disapproval.

"No!" Suzaku broke free of his place at father's right, propelling himself before us. I cannot say who this surprised more, father or I, though the knight quickly corrected himself, dropping to one knee. "My King, but you musn't allow this!"

Father's smile thinned as he turned toward his guard, voice calm, serene. "What objection have you to our son's choice, Suzaku?"

He deepened his bow, scarlet-tipped bangs brushing one knee. "Please forgive my impudence, your Majesty, but I fear the Prince's decision stems from personal comfort rather than prudence." I felt a placid mask slip into place as I listened, knowing better than to interrupt. "The boy has never left the capital, not since his arrival many winters ago – he knows nothing more of the surrounding lands than his Highness."

The boy. A thoughtful shortening of Hiei's true station, one I had not heard voiced in quite some time. Oh, I heard the servant's talk, the rumors circulating the castle, securing a place in the aged wood of the orchards. Everyone wondered why my companion remained when he'd long since fulfilled his role. In their eyes, he was a child's play-thing, the child now nearly a man.

"Hiei has saved the Prince's life many times – there are few in Gandara more skilled with a sword than he. Also," Father somehow rose higher on his throne, adding to his already impressive height. "He hails from afar, and traveled many days to come to our kingdom. Though he was but a child then, we have no doubt he remembers the journey."

At some point during this discourse, Hiei came to my side, only a hairsbreadth taller than I given my seated position. Puffed shoulder sleeves nearly brushing my own, he watched the discourse with apparent disinterest, though I saw the rigid set of his legs, the scarcely-drawn breaths; the milky pallor of his tanned hands, fists trembling slightly from clenching:

He wanted this as badly as I.

"As King Yomi said, Hiei's protected me from countless assailants – there is no one I trust more with my life."

Suzaku glanced between father and I but, sensing the battle lost, dipped his head before retreating to his place.

My attention drifted to Kuwabara then. The only one among the lords not lost to the latest scandal, he sat with straight-backed attention still, stray curls slipping from the wax to lay across his forehead. Catching my eye, a small smile tugged his lips, though I noted the melancholy in his gaze. Those too-stiff shoulders, dancing fingers digging into both palms; carefully measured breaths, the tightness of his jaw–

He wanted nothing more than to accompany us.

The knowledge pained me though I could not let such show, not in this hall of witnesses.

Rui approached the dais again though now she her focus remained upon my cousin, her bow courteous and deeper than necessary. "On behalf of her Highness Queen Hina, I thank you both for your hospitality and aide. However, Lord Yusuke, I can allow one day for you to decide who shall accompany you–"

"Nah, don't worry about that." The Oni Prince waved the comment and the accompanying formalities away, hand traveling to the great braids atop his head. "I already have someone in mind."

Surprise flickered across her face though I expected as much, for Yusuke remained forever scheming, always plotting his next adventure. Though who would he choose? Hokushin was out of the question. Perhaps Enki, victor of the tournament, or some relative tucked within the folds of his escort. Regardless, the man would be the best in his eyes:

Nothing Yusuke did as a diplomat was without merit.

"Oh?" Father tipped his head, gilded fronds slipping over one shoulder. "Do tell, Prince Yusuke. Who will accompany the Prince of Tourrin?"

My cousin grinned, a gesture full of teeth as knowing fingers raked against k k his scalp. "Kazuma Kuwabara."

A/N: Whew, it's been a while but I'm here! This and the previous chapter were originally one, though they fit better into the story as separate entities. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter filled with politics, cultural tidbits and character background. The fun is just getting started!

Thank those of you who followed, favorited and reviewed. I read all of your feedback and every thought means so much.

So the search party is assembled and ready to go. What will happen on their quest to save Princess Yukina, and where will they start looking? All that and more next chapter!

Ligean fola – blood letting

Coisant dúinn uile – protect us all