Thank you to my lovely beta, Stella!

"My lord! My men have reported that the prince and his captor will be apprehended tonight." The captain reported, bowing towards his lord and lady.

"Very good. Have them brought straight to me once they have arrived."

"Very well, my lord." The captain bowed once more towards Takeo, and then again towards Amaya.

As the captain left the chamber, Takeo sighed deeply and rubbed his temples.

"What is it, my love?" Amaya asked, her hand stroking the cheek of her mate.

"I'm concerned about this girl. Why hasn't Sesshomaru left her and returned home?" His brow worried as his eyes closed, leaning his head back into his throne.

"It is as Myoga said. She has saved his life. Surely he must feel he owes her some loyalty." Amaya calmed her mate, running her clawed fingers into his hair.

"Yes, I suppose you are right. However," He stood up and began to pace in the room, his hands on his hips. "I'm worried he might grow an attachment to this… miko."

"Do not be absurd, Takeo. You know as well as I our son's distaste for humans."

An emotion flickered in her mate's eyes… one she didn't quite understand. Was it… disappointment?

"He will marry Toran, as planned." Amaya spoke, standing in all her grace as she walked towards her mate. He sighed once more, looking away from her.

"Are we doing the right thing? He is not very fond of this arrangement."

"He may not be fond of it yet, but he will grow to love Toran. Just as I have grown to love you." She smiled, embracing her mate and wrapping her arms around his body.

Takeo frowned, unaware to Amaya, but likewise wrapped his arms around her, laying his head on top of hers.

"Yes… love."