"You slept with her?! Have you lost your mind?" Kiba was close to exploding when he saw them together the next morning. "She's the fucking enemy! Or were your hormones ignoring that fact?"

Tet scowled at him. "Shut up."

Andy looked at Kiba a moment before looking down. She was their enemy after all.. maybe this was a bad idea..

"I am perfectly able to make my own decisions. So stop being all high and mighty. You sure haven't been celibate since Morgane.."

Kiba's face grew stony. "You better shut up right now or so help me…"

Tet got out of bed and into the other's face. "Or what? You'll kill me? Kill your right arm? If so, then do it and be an oath breaker."

Kiba snarled, then spun and left the room.

Tet sighed, sitting down hard and putting his head in his hands. "Aww fuck."

Andy got up and straightened her dress out. "I'm sorry.. I better leave you guys alone before I cause more trouble.." she headed to the door.

He got up and grabbed her hand. "It's not your fault." He looked at her. "I don't regret last night one bit. Do you?"

She was quiet for a moment before shaking her head, "No. It was nice."

He chuckled. "Good. Just ignore Kiba. He's got issues. Is anyone going to miss you?"

She looked thoughtful, "I should probably head to breakfast. I'll have someone send down some food for you guys."

He nodded quietly. "Alright." He kissed her softly. "Be careful. Don't let anyone find out what you learned."

She nodded slowly before leaving the room. She sat through breakfast quietly then headed back to her wing of the castle. She considered checking on the men but decided against it, heading to her room. She sat on her bed trying to process everything from the night before.

Tet sighed as Kiba stayed in his room. Had he made an irreversible mistake? He hadn't even stopped to consider Kiba last night. Had he been so bewitched, so lonely that even his bond with his oldest friend was inconsequential? He growled under his breath and pushed his plate back half full. He was an idiot.

Ryon cocked an eyebrow at him. "Let him adjust. You know Morgane is a sore spot, no matter how he acts after battle. Give him time and space. How's your back?"

"Stiff. A little warm. Nothing to worry about. Have you thought about an escape plan yet?"

Ryon shook his head. "Too many guards. We'd be slaughtered on our own."

Tet scowled. "I figured as much. We'll just have to wait then." He leaned back and instantly regretted it when his back made its displeasure known. He tried to sit back up, but his stomach rebelled and he took a deep breath.

Ryon reached over and checked his temperature. "You're quite warm. Go lay down."

Tet sighed and complied, his eyes closing as soon as he laid his head on the pillow.

Ryon frowned and waited for Andy to appear, hoping everything would be alright.

Eventually Andy pushed herself up and headed down the hall. She entered the living room area quietly looking around for the men.

Ryon came out of the bathroom with a bowl. "Princess." He greeted her quietly as he headed for Tet's room.

"What's wrong with him?"

"I fear your ministrations did not prevent infection. He is running a temperature." Ryon continued into the room, kneeling at the side of the bed and carefully wiping Tet's brow.

Andy left then came back soon after with a doctor. The doctor checked Tet over, recleaning the wound before giving him some medicine.

Kiba paled and stopped in the doorway. "He's sick?"

"He started getting sick from the infection in his wound. I've better cleaned it up and given him medicine that should help." The doctor informed before nodding to Andy and leaving the room.

Andy looked at Tet before looking over at Kiba. She sighed and spoke quietly, "Let me know if he needs anything else." She moved to leave the room.

Kiba blocked her way. "Do you care about him? Or are you just worried about your property?" He spat the word out as if it tasted bad.

"Of course I care about him." She looked down, eyes starting to fill with tears.

Kiba watched her silently for a moment, then nodded. "If you betray him.."

"I'm trying to come up with an escape plan for you guys. Once I get you out of here, you never have to worry about me again, okay?"

"He won't allow that." Kiba watched Tet, an unreadable expression on his face. "Just..don't hurt him, okay?" He stepped out of her way.

Andy headed to her room, the tears finally spilling down her cheeks. She didn't want to hurt anyone. She wanted to prevent people from getting hurt. How could she do that in a position of no power? Thoughts crossed her mind, some ideas for helping them escape. Some wondered how she could take charge. She sobbed into her pillow, unsure what to do. Two days ago she never would have thought she could be this upset or worried, but now..

There was a knock at her door.

She wiped her eyes quickly before opening the door.

A soldier stood there waiting. He bowed when he saw her. "Princess, your father wishes to speak to you."

Andy nodded and headed from her room toward the throne room.

Her father smiled as she came in. "Andaka, I request one of your slaves for use in the arena tonight."

Andy frowned, "Will I get them back?"

"If he wins."

Andy sighed, "They are all still healing from injuries. It'd be far from a fair fight."

The King waved his hand dismissively. "That will excite the crowd even more."

"Alright. I'll figure out who to send," she bowed.

"Very good. You may go." The King turned away to speak to an aide.

Andy slowly made her way back, tears filling her eyes once more. She wanted to tell her father no, but she'd never done that before. She had no idea what the consequences would be. She entered the living room slowly, unsure how to bring up the subject.

"Princess." Ryon bowed with a small smile. "I appreciate you bringing the doctor. Tet's temperature has diminished significantly. I do believe we caught it in time." He brushed a lock of hair out of his eyes.

"That's good," she nodded quietly as she looked down at the floor.

"Is something wrong?"

She nodded again, "My father wants one of you to fight in the arena tonight.."

Ryon nodded in understanding. "We expected this and drew lots in the camp. I was chosen." He bowed again to her. "I would like to ask a favor."

"Of course."

"If perhaps you ever discover a boy by the name of Yamae, I would ask that you take care of him."

Andy gave him a small smile, "I will. You better win tonight though, so you can find him yourself some day."

He gave her a disbelieving look. "You are naive, aren't you?"

She sighed and hung her head.

He gave a quiet chuckle. "You are so innocent. A breath of fresh air. I think I would have enjoyed staying with you."

She gave him another small smile but stayed quiet.

"This may seem forward.." He crossed to her side, gently pressing his lips to hers.

Her eyes went wide with surprise for a moment before she kissed him back.

He drew back with a quiet laugh.

She smiled softly.

"I always wanted a beautiful woman to kiss me like that. I shall treasure the memory." He straightened as there was a knock at the door.

Andy went and answered it.

The soldier from before stood there, flanked by two more holding chains. "Princess. Have you decided?"

She nodded, looking back at Ryon.

He stood quietly as the soldiers entered and chained his hands. Giving her a gentle smile, he marched out of the room without looking back.

Andy stuck her head into Tet's room to check on him before going back to the living room area and pacing, praying that somehow Ryon would come back.

Kiba emerged from his room, stopping as he saw her anxiety. "What's happened? Is it Tet?"

She shook her head, "They took Ryon for the arena."

The color drained from Kiba's face and he barely made it to the couch before his knees buckled. "I didn't think it would actually happen.." He looked up at her. "You do know we'll all end up there, right? Your father sees us as expendable."

She hung her head, "I wish I could stop it."

"Assassination is always a option." He said dryly as Tet appeared.

The warrior was not as flushed as he had been, although he still moved slowly. "No, it's not. Are you trying to get her killed?"

"They took Ryon! You're next!" Kiba stood angrily. "If I could get close, I'd do it." He paused, then looked at Andy. "Could you get me close?"

Andy frowned, "I don't know.. It'd probably be easier to escape than that.."

Kiba kicked at the couch as Tet moved to Andy's side. "Then what are we waiting for?"

Andy raised an eyebrow, "You want to escape right now?"

"I'm not like him." Kiba jerked a thumb toward Tet. "I won't just forget about what happened. I intend to fight until I die if that's what it takes to get rid of your gods forsaken killers."

Tet's voice was deathly cold. "You dare infer I've forgotten the slaughter of my family? You may be my right arm, but there comes a time that a warrior must defend his honor even against his oath. Retract your words or there will be blood spilled here and now."

Kiba didn't blink. "You have gone soft. You have slept with the enemy and tarnished your family's name. I stand by my words."

Andy watched quietly, unsure what to do to stop them.

Tet's jaw spasmed, then he was attacking the other man. Kiba retaliated just as suddenly and they crashed to the floor. There was the glint of metal, then Kiba lay still. Tet clenched his hands as he scrambled back, his face rigid.

Andy went to Kiba's side and began to check him over.

One of the lunch knives was embedded in the warrior's lower side, blood beginning to pool around him. He was unconscious.

Andy quickly ran to find a doctor.

The doctor entered and began cleaning Kiba up, stitching the wound shut and bandaging it. Andy watched quietly, unsure what to say.

Tet watched silently, unshed tears visible in his eyes. He headed for his room, slamming it behind him.

Andy sat on a couch, staring at Kiba who was now on another couch. Her mind went to Ryon and hoped he was doing alright, though she knew the chances were slim.

Several hours passed, then there was a knock at the door.

Andy stood and headed to the door, opening it and looking out.

Ryon was being held up by two guards who immediately saluted. "The King ordered us to bring the prisoner back here."

Andy nodded and helped get him onto a couch before checking him over for injuries.

He had severe bruising on his ribs, along with what appeared to be slashes from a whip on his torso. He was semi conscious, his eyes questioning as he saw Kiba.

She went and got the kit and started cleaning him up. She spoke softly, "Tet and Kiba got into a fight. He should be alright."

"They fought? Each other?" Ryon's voice was worried.

"Yeah.."

He closed his eyes sadly. "They broke their oaths.."

She sighed, finishing cleaning him up. "I wish I could just release you guys."

"That would be welcome, but the rift is deeper than that. You are, how do you say, the last straw?" Ryon winced as he shifted position.

"I never meant to cause any problems.."

Ryon's eyes strayed to the wall as he began to speak. "When our village was attacked, Tet was living with Kiba and his fiancee Morgane. A soldier pushed his way in and tried to assault her. Tet fought back and was hurt while she was killed. Kiba blames Tet for surviving when she didn't. The anger has festered because of their status as each other's right arms."

Andy nodded slowly, "That must be hard for both of them."

"They were raised to be each other's protectors. Them fighting is unnatural." Ryon sighed. "I have to make them see reason. We can not be fighting each other when we are in such a precarious position here."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Kiba hasn't talked about that night since. Maybe you can get him to." Ryon's eyes were closing as his wounds took their toll.

Andy kissed his cheek, "Just rest. I'll try to take care of them."

He gave her a tired smile, finally succumbing to unconsciousness.

Andy took a deep breath as she moved away, glancing over at Kiba. She sat down, wishing there was a magical way to fix everything.

Tet's door opened and he headed for the front, his eyes blazing. He was armed with several table knives.

"Where are you going?" Andy asked softly.

"I am going to kill as many soldiers as I can before they take me down."

"You shouldn't do that. Are you trying to get killed?"

"I deserve to. I raised my hand against my right arm." He stopped, his hands clenching around the knives. "I should have died with Morgane. Kiba wouldn't hate me now."

"Do you think he wants you dead?"

"He had the knife. I took it away and nearly killed him. What do you think?" He shook his head. "I could be a distraction. Help them escape."

"I think you two care a lot about each other. You shouldn't let anything come between you, but even though you have, I think it can be mended." She sighed, "And I told you, I'll come up with the escape plan. I've already come up with a few possible ideas."

He turned to face her. "Do you have a version of right arm here? Do you understand what it entails?"

"Not exactly."

"In our culture, if someone is your right arm it means that you put their safety and happiness above your own. You fight beside them no matter the reason. You never raise your hand in anger against them. Their well being means more than anything, including your life. You swear a sacred oath." He stared at Kiba's unconscious form, his jaw tight. "We were orphans. Neither of us remember our parents. We met and were trained together from the age of six summers. We have been together ever since. Now.."

"Everyone who gets that close to someone is bound to fight eventually," she said softly. "You guys need to figure a way to calmly discuss your problems instead of burying them until they explode." She looked over at Kiba, "I don't think someone who cares that much about you can suddenly hate you. I think he's just trying to show he cares, just isn't doing it right."

"I didn't protect his happiness. She died because I was too weak. He changed after that night." Tet was shaking, tears streaming down his cheeks. "I should have died instead of her."

"The fact that you tried to protect her is what should matter. Do you think he'd rather lose his best friend or fiancee? I don't think he would have wanted to lose either. I'm sure some part of him is happy you survived."

Tet raised distressed eyes to her. "You really think so?"

"Of course I do, idiot." Kiba's voice was pained. "I almost lost everyone that night. When you survived, my heart did too. I just thought you were trying to forget with her." He motioned at Andy. "But if she makes you happy, I will protect her."

Andy was quiet for a moment before finally asking Kiba, "Why do you hate me so much? It's not like I caused any of the bad things to happen."

"You're the daughter of the enemy. It's your position I hate, not you. You have shown kindness and mercy to us when you didn't have to." He turned red and his voice went inaudible.

Andy nodded, "I understand. I'd probably hate me too in your position." She looked up at Tet, "See? He still cares about you."

Tet chuckled low in his throat, then grinned as Kiba suddenly got up and planted a hard kiss on Andy's lips.

Caught up in the moment, she kissed back before pulling away with a surprised look on her face, never expecting that from Kiba.

He turned red as Tet laughed. "She's not my property, so don't get embarrassed. It's her choice."

Kiba was about to respond when the building shook violently. Both men stared at each other seconds before the door was blown off its hinges.

Andy stood in shock, confused as to what was happening.

Rebel soldiers swarmed in, aiming swords at her throat.

Both Tet and Kiba growled and attacked in unison. "Run, Andy!" They fought like men possessed, dropping several men before they were aware.

Andy went into the hall, running to try to get away. Soon, though, she found herself surrounded by more soldiers. They grabbed her, tying her wrists behind her back. She decided it was better to not fight back, knowing she couldn't take out that many soldiers.

They dragged her back into the room where both Kiba and Tet were kneeling on the floor.

"We're rebels, you idiots!" Kiba's outburst was responded to by a hard blow to the face, dropping him unconscious.

"You're in the enemy's castle, dressed like them. You've obviously betrayed us. You're going to die along with her."

Tet snarled, receiving a punch to the stomach for his trouble.

"They're my slaves," Andy spoke up. "They really are from the rebel side."

"Honestly, I don't give a damn. Our orders were to kill everyone here. So they die as well." The leader of the rebel squad motioned for the one behind Tet to cut his throat.

Tet swallowed hard, his eyes locked on her as his head was pulled back and a knife approached.

Andy closed her eyes, praying something would save them. She tried to come up with any ideas, her mind filled with panic. "Trade me." She spoke. "Ransom us. For money for supplies or even a peace treaty."

Everyone paused, the leader looking thoughtful. "You have a point. You are valuable. They aren't." He motioned for the other man to continue.

The knife was sinking in when the man suddenly jerked, a bloodstain blossoming on his chest.

Tet fell one way as the man fell another, then the leader's head exploded as a large contingent of the King's troops rushed in.

Andy stared in shock, never having seen someone killed in front of her.

"Are you alright, Princess?" A soldier was cutting her bonds, staring at her worriedly.

She nodded slowly before standing and looking down at Tet and Kiba.

Kiba was beginning to rouse, his face becoming panicked as he realized there was a pool of blood spreading around his best friend. He tried to staunch the semi deep neck wound. "Somebody help me!"

Andy sent one of the soldiers to get a doctor before kneeling beside Tet. She had grabbed a bandage from the kit and pressed it hard on the wound.

Soon, a doctor arrived and Tet was moved to a couch before getting stitches.

Andy watched quietly, unsure what else to do.

The doctor finished and stood, his face grave. "He has lost a lot of blood. He may not survive the night."

"Can't you give him more blood?" Andy asked quietly.

"I can see if we have enough." The doctor left the room.

Andy paced, trying to process what all had happened and praying Tet would survive.

Kiba clenched his hand around one of Tet's and bowed his head silently.

Ten minutes later, the doctor returned with transfusion equipment and set it up. "This is a serious wound. Even with this, the shock may be fatal." He made sure the blood was flowing, then left the room, the soldiers following behind.

Andy went back to pacing, stopping every once and a while to check on Tet before continuing again.

Ryon began to stir, his eyes growing worried as he took in the scene. "What happened?"

"The rebels happened. They didn't even care that they're one of them, they just deemed them useless. Tet got his throat cut into."

"They deemed him a traitor." Kiba's voice was tight. "We're outcasts now. We can forget escape unless we want to die by their hand."

"Can't you go back to your squad? Won't they believe you?"

"We're all that survived the battle that got us captured. And I was already under suspicion." Ryon pushed himself to sit up with a dejected face.

Andy nodded in understanding. "I'm sorry you guys can't go back."

"We didn't really have anything to go back to, honestly." Kiba shrugged. "No parents, our village is gone. Ryon and I have brothers somewhere possibly still alive, but that's all. At least here, there's you."

Andy sighed, "So? You aren't fully free here. At least out there you'd have your freedom."

"Freedom is in the mind." Ryon smiled. "We are free as long as our minds are."

Several soldiers appeared, dragging two beaten men behind them. "Princess, your father wishes to know if you want these rebels as slaves."

Andy nodded, "Alright. I'll take care of them."

The men looked up as the soldiers shoved them forward and both Kiba and Ryon gasped.

Andy looked at the two, "Do you know them?"

Kiba and Ryon rushed forward as both prisoners collapsed to the floor. "They're our brothers.."

Ryon cradled a young man, his eyes wet. "This is Yamae."

Kiba was doing the same. "Ryusei..he survived.."

Andy got the medical kit and started cleaning them up.

Tet let out a soft moan, one hand going to the bandage.

Andy noticed and went over to him, speaking gently, "Just relax. You're going to be alright." She kissed his forehead before looking back at the other men.

His eyes fluttered open. "Safe?" His voice was scratchy, his eyes dulled by pain.

"Yeah. We're all safe," she said softly.

"I thought..I've never been so scared.." He gazed at her quietly.

"It's my fault. I am sworn to protect you." Kiba's voice was low and filled with self loathing. "I failed."

"You weren't even conscious," Andy said gently. "What matters now is we are all alive."

Kiba stared down at his brother, his jaw spasming. "Will they be alright?"

Tet's eyes went wide as he recognized the unconscious men. "How?" He tried to sit up, but didn't have the strength.

"They should be fine," Andy assured before going over to them. "Let's get them up on couches. All of you guys need to rest."

Ryon and Kiba nodded, quickly getting the younger men settled.

Kiba went to Tet, putting a hand on his chest to keep him still. "Stay put. You have stitches in your neck and needed a transfusion."

Tet sighed and nodded, his eyes closing slowly.

"Do we need a watch?" Ryon stared at the hole where the door had been. "Little worried about visitors now."

"I'll keep an eye on things for now," Andy answered. "Just get some rest."

They finally nodded, retiring to their rooms silently.

Andy sat down, thinking about what had happened. She thought being the good side the rebels wouldn't have been so bad.. but now she was unsure. Of course none of it mattered now if she wasn't in charge to deal with them. She was sure her father upped the number of guards around the castle so they wouldn't have intruders again. Unless the guards came after the men.. She shook her head, how could her father handle running a whole kingdom when she could barely handle caring for a few men? She stared at the ones on the couches quietly, her mind still racing.

"Are you really the Princess?" One of them was staring at her in confusion.

"Yeah," she gave a nod.

"Why aren't we dead?" He sat up slowly, his eyes going wide as he recognized Tet. "He's alive.."

"You aren't dead because you are technically my slaves now. You also aren't dead because I helped patch you up." She looked over at Tet for a moment before looking back, "Kiba and Ryon are here too."

"My brother is here? I was positive he was dead. He was forced to go on the mission to prove his loyalty.." He ran a hand through his hair in embarrassment. "Forgive me. My name is Yamae."

"You can call me Andy," she gave him a small smile. "He's just in the other room resting."

He gave a small bow, then looked over at the other man. "He's okay, right? The guards beat him when they found his mark."

"Mark?" She raised an eyebrow. "And he should be alright."

He rose from the couch, moving to the man's side and lifting his shirt to reveal an intricate birthmark. "He was touched by the gods at birth."

Andy nodded slowly unsure what else to say. After a few minutes she asked, "Are you hungry? I can get them to make you some food?"

"That would be most appreciated."

Andy went and talked to one of the servants who soon came back with a large platter of food and placed it on the small table in front of him.

He gave her a nod of thanks and began to eat.

A few minutes later, the other man opened his eyes. He grew alarmed as he saw Andy, his body beginning to tremble.

"Everything is alright," she said softly. "Do you want some food?"

He exchanged glances with Yamae, then nodded slowly.

Andy went and got him some before sitting back down. "I'm Andy. It's nice to meet you."

"Ryusei. Is this our execution meal?" He asked quietly, his eyes locked on the floor.

She gave a small chuckle, "No. You'll have plenty more meals after this one. Technically, you are now one of my slaves, but I don't really like the idea of owning people.."

Yamae gave her a smile. "I don't mind being owned by a beautiful woman. Ryusei, get your skinny butt over here. I can't eat all of this alone."

Andy chuckled again before sighing. She glanced over at Tet to check on him before looking back again. "I'd release you guys if I could. Though they're considered traitors now and say they have nowhere to go anyway."

Yamae paused. "Is that where Tet got that injury? Our side did that?"

Ryusei kept eating, but his eyes strayed to Tet, his expression upset.

Andy nodded in response, "Yeah, the rebels did that."

Seconds later, Ryusei moved to Tet's side. Placing one hand on the injury, he closed his eyes. A warm gold light began to emanate from it. After a minute, the glow ceased as Ryusei toppled to the floor out cold.

Andy rushed to his side to check him over before moving him back to a couch.

Yamae shook his head ruefully. "He'll be fine. Although he shouldn't have used his gift in his current condition." He finished the food, sitting back quietly.

Andy looked between them, "So what can he do?"

"He can heal injuries. Don't know what else. It wears him out, though usually not this fast. Being gods touched isn't easy. Our village was afraid of him. Called him a witch for years."

"That must have been rough."

"We protected him. Afterwards, the rebels appreciated his ability. Are our brothers alright?"

Andy sighed, "They'll be fine. Kiba kind of got stabbed and Ryon had to fight in the arena. But I've had doctors in taking care of them."

Yamae gave her a thoughtful look. "You're different from most royalty."

"Is that bad?"

He gave her a small smile. "No. Just surprising. This isn't the first time I've been a slave. It is the first time I've been treated like a person."

"That must have been hard," She sighed, "I can't imagine what that would be like."

"Be glad." He fell silent, his eyes staring at the ceiling.

Tet's eyes opened and he stared at Yamae.

"Do I have three heads now?" Yamae asked dryly.

Tet chuckled. "Thought you two were dead. I'm really glad you aren't. Kiba won't be such a pain anymore..I hope."

Andy chuckled, "That would be interesting to see."

Tet gave a laugh. "Yeah. Though it's very unlikely. Always assumed he was born contrary." He slowly pushed himself to sit up.

"How are you feeling?" Andy wondered aloud.

"Weak. But at least I'm alive. I was sure I was a dead man."

"I'm glad you're okay."

He shot her a smile. "Not as much as I am you weren't hurt."

"I was trying to get them to ransom all of us to try to save you guys. At least the guards arrived when they did."

"Never been happy for their arrival before. But in that situation.." He gingerly touched the bandage, his eyes going to the unconscious Ryusei. "He shouldn't have healed me. He's not strong enough."

Yamae snorted. "Since when does he listen? Or care?"

Andy quietly watched Ryusei for a few moments before looking back at the others. She yawned and glanced at the time, "It's been a long day." She looked at Yamae, "Do you and Ryusei want rooms or would you rather sleep on the couch?"

"Maybe later. Too worn out to move honestly." He gave her a quick smile. "I'm quite the lucky guy."

She gave a small chuckle in response.

"Go get some sleep. We'll be fine." Tet's eyes were soft as he looked at her.

She nodded and stood, "Good night. Let me know if you need anything."

Tet grinned and nodded.

Andy headed to bed, exhausted from the day's events.