Chapter 4: The Intrigues of Courtly Houses

The hour before dawn came far too early for Izayoi on the day her brother's bride was due to arrive, and she was shooed out of bed and into the baths with little time for soaking. At her brother's request, Mei was determined that she outshine anything less than one of the kami, and so she was chivied into her best and most expensive clothing, then her hair brushed until it shone.

Very little in the way of color was used on her face, as Izayoi herself did not care for it, and truthfully, with her perfect skin it wasn't really needed, nothing more than a little dark kohl lining her eyes and a light brush of color to enhance her lips. Finally, an hour and a half after she was woken she was deemed ready to face the day, and with a rather annoyed huff, she left her rooms to meet her family for breakfast.

She could sense her brother's nervousness and excitement the moment she stepped into the room, and she smiled at him a little absently as she attempted to hide a yawn. Her dreams were still haunted, and because of that, she wasn't sleeping well – at this rate, she'd be making herself ill.

"Just a few more days, Ichirou, and you'll be an old married man," she teased after a moment as she took her seat, before yawning again.

Her father looked at her with concern, easily noting the shadows in her gaze that her teasing tone was attempting to deny.

"My little love, what is the matter? Are you still not sleeping well?" he asked.

She sighed when she realized that they could both see through her attempt to hide her worries and nodded. "No. Every night the dreams come to me. But now isn't the time to speak of these things any further. I've already told you all that I know, and rehashing the same things won't do any good. We must focus on other things, yes, big brother?"

His cheeks warming a little more, Ichirou ducked his head and applied himself to his meal, only nodding at his sister's question. She chuckled, as did her father.

"Come, my son, surely you are not embarrassed? What is the use of such a thing?" Hiraku asked, amused despite himself.

Still not meeting anyone's eyes, the Setsuna heir simply continued on with his meal. After a few bites, he asked, "So... little bit – what are you going to teach her, anyway ?"

Pulled from her own thoughts on just that, she looked up at him and shrugged. "Mostly I will acquaint her with your likes and dislikes and show her around the palace. I will also assign her a maidservant. I assume her rooms are connected to yours?"

Ichirou nodded, but didn't say anything.

"I will also assist her in settling in, then she will learn what her duties will be," she finished. Her brow furrowed. "Though I don't think she will be attending court...?" she trailed of in a questioning voice.

Shaking his head, their father answered that question. "No. While she is not simple, she does not have the head for such things that you do, nor has she been trained in anything but how to please a husband. She is not you, my little love."

Flushing with pleasure at her father's words, Izayoi smiled a little. "Okay, then that's one thing I don't need to teach her about. That's a relief. This won't really take long, maybe a couple of days, really, and most of that will just be learning to navigate this place," she sighed, waving a graceful hand to indicate the palace around them.

"Yes, it is quite the pile, isn't it?" her father agreed, looking around with fondness. This particular palace was their summer palace, and had been part of their family's holdings for generations, and only the ancestral palace that they adjourned to at the end of fall was older. Izayoi had been born here, as had Ichirou, though he, himself, had been born in the Winter palace.

Izayoi sighed and then said, "Of course, once we relocate for the winter, I suppose I'll have to acquaint her with that place, too."

She missed the looks between her father and brother. "I would not worry your head about something several months off. I'm sure that by that time, Ichirou can show her around himself – or her maidservant can," her father opined, and Izayoi tilted her head in that funny way she had at times when her brother nodded.

"I suppose that's true," she replied, before setting her bowl and chopsticks down. "Although I don't know what I'm going to do with her for a week – as I said, it won't take that long for her to be ready."

"Worry about the first few days, my dear, and then we will go from there," her father said, just as a commotion was heard from the main entrance of the palace as a servant came in to announce the arrival of the young woman. "Ah... Shall we go welcome our new family member?"

Both of his children nodded, solemn expressions settling on their faces as befit the occasion, and both fell into line behind him as he swept from the dining room, heading for the main doors.

They arrived at the entrance to the palace just as the young woman was being helped from her carriage, and Izayoi smiled welcomingly at her. She appeared to be her own age, maybe slightly younger, and scared, though she was trying to hide it. I can't blame her, really. I'd feel the same way, and I know I'll have to go through the same things eventually, when I get married off. The men have it easy – they don't have to leave their homes and go live in some new, strange place and learn how to please their wives.

She shivered a little, her smile dimming a bit as she thought about what she did know of what went on between spouses... mostly the fact that it was embarrassing and it hurt. The men got the good end of the deal, there, too, from what she'd heard – they enjoyed it, but for the woman it wasn't much fun at all.

And soon, it really will be me in her place, though who knows what sight I will be stepping from a carriage to see. Or who... she thought, not realizing that her fate was going to be much, much different than what the young woman, Airi, was going to receive.

She listened as her father welcomed the girl, introducing himself, then her, since the girl already knew Ichirou's name. She smiled a little wider at the girl, hoping to ease her, but wasn't expecting her to stare at her with wide eyes, and then look dejected.

"Izayoi-sama," the young woman murmured, bowing a little. "My name is Airi. I am most honored to meet you."

"Welcome, Airi-sama! I am sure you are weary from your journey and glad to feel solid ground under your feet again; from what I understand it has been several days, has it not?" she asked, waving several servants over to assist in carrying the girl's belongings to her new rooms.

"Hai," the girl said, softly, not quite meeting her eyes as though she were timid. She bowed to her soon to be father in law and husband. "Hiraku-sama, Ichirou-sama," she said softly.

Oh, Ichirou did say she was rather quiet. "Well, let's get you settled in, first," she said, bowing to her father and brother. "Father, may I see her to her rooms, now?" she asked politely.

He nodded, watching his daughter chivy the obviously overwhelmed girl into following her through the halls of the rambling structure. Izayoi will have her settled in no time... He clapped his son on his back as they turned to head back inside. "Shy, isn't she? She barely even looked at you, and she was blushing the whole time," he teased.

Ichirou shook his head at his father, a bit of a blush covering his face, as well. All the smirks and knowing looks... it's really embarrassing. And I can only imagine it's worse for her. I can only be thankful kami didn't make me a girl, he thought with an inward sigh. "Hai, she seems to be, father. But can you blame her?" he asked rhetorically.

Hiraku glanced at his son, chuckling. "Hm. I suppose not." Then his features straightened again, and his eyes narrowed. "Come. I think we should seek out Kenji and speak with him. I have several questions."

Ichirou nodded, not saying anything as his thoughts lingered on his bride for a few moments and then turned to deeper matters.

There was much of importance happening soon, and all of it required clear thinking and a lot of patience.

His wedding was definitely not the most important of those things, and he knew it.

~oOo~

Sliding the doors to Airi's new rooms open and escorting her inside, Izayoi directed the servants to settle their burdens down and moved towards the doors facing the gardens, sliding them open to let in a bit of the breeze.

Gesturing for Airi to sit down on the provided cushions near the doors into the gardens, she allowed the girl to look her fill at the rooms that were now hers, and waited for her to say something.

Finally... "The rooms are very beautiful, Izayoi-sama," she said as she met her gaze. A shrewd light in her eyes for the briefest of moments, the girl said, "You are a miko." It was a bald statement, definitely not a question, and Izayoi was surprised.

"Not quite," she said slowly, a frown creasing her brow. "I have reiki, but, due to my position, I will never take up the robes of a priestess on a permanent basis. But how did you know?" she asked.

"I have no reiki of my own, but I do have a latent sensitivity to auras, if I am close enough to the source," she responded to the question. "Yours is... very strong... and controlled."

"I've had three years of training to make it so," she replied. "In fact, I just returned home from the shrine I studied at a few days ago." She smiled pleasantly, then sighed, and indicated the room around them. "I don't know how much you've been told, but this is our summer palace. We return to our ancestral home just before the winter snows set in, and stay there until the spring rains have passed. These are your rooms while we are in residence here, and that door," she indicated the shoji on the left side of the room, "leads to Ichirou's rooms." She grinned inwardly as the girl blushed again.

Airi looked like she was going to say something, and then she hesitated, her expression turning uncertain. After a moment, she blurted, "I've heard that your family is different... is it true that your father makes you endure court with him?"

Izayoi nodded placidly. "It is no hardship. I find it interesting, and, most likely because of my training, I am used to dealing with the problems of others."

"Will I... be expected to do the same?" she asked, the look in her eyes stating what she thought of that idea. It wasn't a happy look...

"No. As I said, it's mostly because of my miko training. Oftimes, the miko is the de facto head of a village, and rules right alongside the elders."

The girl looked relieved, and then her voice lowered, and she asked, "I've also heard that your father... well... consorts with youkai. Is that true, then, too?"

At that, Izayoi began to look a little stern. "There is no 'consorting' about it. Yes, my father has several youkai allies, and you will be expected to treat them with respect. Very shortly, as a matter of fact, his highest ally, the Western Lord, the Inu no Taisho himself, will be arriving for an extended visit."

"B-but... aren't you afraid?" she whispered, eyes wide.

"Why would I be?" Izayoi asked. After a moment, she sighed and said, "Listen. Lower youkai are indeed pretty mindless and dangerous. But higher youkai are different. They are just like humans in one fundamental way – evil is a choice, not a state of being. I've seen some pretty evil humans... and known some very great youkai. My adviser on youkai court protocol, for one. His name is Kenji, and he's a kitsune. I am very fond of him – he's a great friend. So... if you wish to have a peaceful life here in this house, you will have to get over your unreasoning fear of youkai."

Airi looked a bit dubious as she asked, "Your father is allied with one so high? Even I have heard of Touga-sama." She tittered a little. "I've heard that he's more handsome than any other being, and that he can make a woman swoon just by glancing at her."

Izayoi looked taken aback. "Where did you hear such things?" she asked, curious. She had never heard tell of what he looked like, come to think of it.

"I had a friend, and she said that once when she was traveling her carriage was attacked by bandits within the boundaries of his lands. He came and drove them off, she said, then returned to make sure she reached her destination safely," she replied.

"Oh. Well... I do not know what the Lord looks like, but he is a most honorable youkai, and as I said, you will show all due respect to any youkai you see in this house. Right now, there are two – my adviser, Kenji, and father's, whose name is Hikaru. He is a fire elemental, and a bit on the formal side – he is unused to ningen courts, as this is his first appointment to one." Izayoi looked up as several female servants entered the room, and then nodded at Airi. "You may choose one of these women to be your maidservant."

The young woman looked the servants over carefully, and finally chose a middle-aged woman by the name of Akatsuki. Izayoi was a bit surprised at her choice, thinking she would choose someone closer to her age. Did I just see that cunning look in her eyes again? she wondered. This girl is more than she seems... "The rest of you may return to whatever duties you have," she said after a moment, dismissing the rest of the women.

Once they were gone, she looked at the remaining servant, and said, "This is Airi. She is to be Ichirou's bride. You will be her maidservant from now on. I think," she said, glancing around the room at the trunks and baskets of Airi's belongings, "that you might want to begin straightening things out in here and get your new mistress unpacked."

"Yes, Izayoi-sama," Akatsuki replied, bowing and moving to discharge her assigned task.

"Her name is Akatsuki, and I think you've made a good choice. She will serve you well," Izayoi said, dismissing that part of things from her mind, and going over what she still needed to see to.

She closed her eyes for a second, and then stood gracefully, motioning for the girl to follow her. "I will take you on a bit of a tour so that you can begin to familiarize yourself with the palace." She pointed out the doors still standing open into the garden. "The wing we are in is the family wing, and it surrounds the garden you see through the doors. That garden is only accessible from this wing, and is strictly for family or honored guests." When the young woman nodded, Izayoi led her from the room.

She glanced at the girl over her shoulder, and found her looking around with obvious curiosity. "The summer palace can be rather confusing until you figure it out. Fortunately, the Winter palace is not as confusing. For now, I'll just show you the important places, and let you get used to them, first."

Amused a little at how Airi, who'd moved up beside her, was craning her neck to see everything there was to see, Izayoi tried hard to keep the laugh that was struggling to get out, in. She didn't want to offend the girl... and despite her status as an adult, she seemed more child in that moment than anything else.

"If you do not mind me asking, Airi-sama, how old are you?" she finally asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

"I just turned fourteen summers," the girl answered somewhat absently, continuing to look around at their surroundings with awe. "Your family must be very wealthy, to have two palaces," she said after a moment. "And ones of such rich appointment."

Izayoi shrugged. "I suppose so," she said. "It doesn't much matter to me. I would have been content to become a miko and serve out my days at the shrine I trained at – or even a village in need of a miko."

That got the girl's attention, and she stared at Izayoi wide-eyed. "You would have chosen a life of hardship over the ease of a hime's life?" she asked, astounded. "You would give all this up?"

"If that had been my fate, yes. But, unfortunately, it's not," she said, with no little regret.

"How old are you, Izayoi-sama?" Airi asked then, and Izayoi answered easily.

"I have just turned fifteen summers," she said, drawing the girl's attention to their first stop. "This is the informal dining room – we use it for breakfast most mornings unless there is a reason not to. When Touga-sama arrives, we will be dining formally at all meals, but for now, this is where you will come in the mornings. Do not worry about getting lost, your maidservant will escort you around until you figure out where everything is."

Airi looked around and nodded, then asked, "Why have you not already been married?"

Shrugging, Izayoi left the informal dining room and escorted the girl down another long hallway. She is awfully curious, isn't she? "My father will arrange such when he feels it is time," she said coolly, some sixth sense warning her about the girl. She's not completely trustworthy...

She sighed inwardly as she continued escorting Airi around. It's not as if there isn't already enough intrigue swirling around here...

We really didn't need any more.

~oOo~

Hiraku led Ichirou once more to his private study after having a servant go track Kenji down, and the two males settled comfortably on the pillows scattered across the room to await the youkai's arrival.

"What do you think of all of this business with this Shikon no Tama happening now, at this particular time?" he asked his son, wanting to see what he would say.

Ichirou blinked at the question, then frowned, obviously thinking about it. After a few minutes of silence, he said, "I think there's more here than meets the eye. With the way Kenji reacted, I'd say that there's a lot more to this whole thing than we have even begun to guess. And I'd bet it has something to do with the real reason that Touga-sama wanted Izayoi as a wife."

The older man nodded, well pleased with his son's clear sight. "Indeed." While there was more than one reason for the Western Lord to take Izayoi as a wife, what his son said was true – there was, indeed, one major reason – and none of them knew what it was. "She is an asset to him in some way... some way that we do not understand yet. Perhaps when he arrives, he will be more forthcoming about such things."

Ichirou looked doubtful, but simply nodded as he could hear someone approaching and did not want to give anything away.

Sure enough, within a few seconds, there was a sharp rap on the wooden frame of the door, and when his father called out to enter, Kenji stepped in with a low bow as the servant behind him slid the door shut once more.

"You wished to speak with me, Hiraku-sama?" he asked.

"Please, sit," he said, indicating one of the pillows nearby. He waited for Kenji to do so, then spoke. "Izayoi told me some of what you spoke about. I am concerned, I will not lie. Does Touga-sama know of these recent events?"

Kenji nodded. "Hai. It is my duty to inform him, especially of anything to do with that accursed jewel. I also informed him of something else – Izayoi-sama's concern of Takemaru. He needed to be aware of possible problems from that direction before his visit."

"I see," Hiraku said, looking thoughtful. "Tell me, what do you think of Takemaru?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"My lady is right – he is a danger. In what way remains to be seen. I have learned of some odd things of the man's past, and I have a question," he said, looking at the Lord of the province to gauge his willingness to answer. When Hiraku nodded, he continued. "Are you absolutely certain he is a son of Setsuna?"

Ichirou sat forward at that question, interest in his eyes. It is a good question – I've not looked the like of him, though I had nothing to take to father to convince him. I like the look of him even less now, after our two spars.

"As certain as I can be. He is a lesser son, true, but still, a son. Why do you ask?" Hiraku questioned.

"From what I was told, he is very secretive about his family, and it's worth a man's life to ask him of his past. There has to be a reason he hides such things. Perhaps you should delve deeper into his past to find out what he could be hiding," Kenji said. "It may be sincerely innocent, and he is just an intensely private man, but it could be something else entirely."

"I will take that into consideration," Hiraku finally said, a troubled look on his face. "It seems that every day something more comes to our attention. Plots within plots. I begin to long for the days when things were still simple," he sighed.

Ichirou cocked a brow at his father while Kenji chuckled. "I have heard Touga-sama say the same many times. But for those in your position, things are never really simple." He turned to look at Ichirou. "Ichirou-sama – I've heard that your bride has arrived. When is the wedding to be held?"

"In a week," he said. "That was to give Izayoi time to instruct her in her duties," he replied.

Hiraku spoke up, then. "Perhaps we will move the wedding forward by a few days – Izayoi says she doesn't need a week, and there is no point in delaying things. The more settled you and your bride are by the time Touga-sama arrives, the better it will be."

Ichirou looked at him blankly for a moment, and then bowed his head. "If you feel that is best, father," he said quietly, not really caring that the usual wedding proprieties were to be forfeited. He had not cared to have a huge wedding, in any case.

"I do." He considered his son for a moment, then closed his eyes. "Have you sparred with the good Captain yet?" he asked.

"Yes, a bit," Ichirou returned. "He is... closed, is all I can say. He looks at you, weighing everything, yet gives nothing away himself. He is a skilled and dangerous warrior, as well. If he chose to cause trouble, there is no doubt he could."

"Hm." The lord of Setsuna kept his eyes closed as he considered the problem Takemaru seemed to be becoming. Fitting all the pieces he had so far into their places in his mind, he thought about the picture that was beginning to take shape, and nodded. "Hayate will be taking his place as the Captain's assistant soon – we will see what he can dig up. Once we know more, we can decide what to do."

Eyes still closed, he asked, "Tell me, Kenji – what is the real reason Touga-sama needs my daughter?"

Completely caught off-guard at that question coming out of left field, the kitsune male floundered for a few seconds – and that was all Hiraku needed. "I see. That will be all, Kenji. You are dismissed."

Ichirou stared at his father as the kitsune left and shook his head. "What did that accomplish but let them know that we suspect something?"

"It verified our suspicions. There is a reason beyond sealing our alliance that Touga-sama wants Izayoi. I do not believe it is anything reprehensible – but I do believe it ties in to this Shikon no Tama somehow."

Frowning, Ichirou brushed a lock of hair away from his eyes and stared at his father dubiously. "How did you gather that? Kenji didn't even answer you – and you had your eyes closed!"

The older man chuckled, finally opening his eyes. "He did answer, Ichirou. He was very startled at my question and didn't know how to answer. If there had been no ulterior motive in Touga taking Izayoi as a wife, there would have been no hesitation in him answering in the negative. Remember that, son. Sometimes, what people don't say is more important than what they do say."

Sighing, Ichirou nodded at his father. How am I ever supposed to step into his shoes once he's gone? He's far too clever for me to ever lead as well as he has.

Hiraku smirked knowingly at his son. "Do not worry, Ichirou. It comes with experience – one day, you will lead just as well as I have."

With that, he dismissed his son and sat back and waited for his next guest.

These were certainly interesting days.

~oOo~

The next days passed quickly, and before he knew it, Ichirou found himself wed, and, the following morning, the subject of a whole slew of knowing looks and teasing remarks. It was highly unsettling, and he could do little more than ignore it all and pray that the Western Lord's visit would get everyone's mind's off he and his new wife.

Within a very few days his prayers became reality as the palace began to gear up in preparation for the arrival of the Lord, and people began to get very anxious around the place – not the least of which was his little sister.

Izayoi was beginning to panic. All in all, though she had wanted to meet such a high personage, with that now about to happen, she couldn't help but be nervous, especially as her dreams were taking such a toll on her. She wasn't having them every night, thank the kami, but enough that they were definitely not going to be forgotten, that was for certain.

There was just so much that she was going to have to be prepared for, not the least of which was her role in court matters, which was still so new to her. She had, after all, just taken part in her first formal court the last week, and had been a little surprised at how much different it was to informal court. From her training with Kenji, it was much more like what youkai court was, and so she paid a great deal of attention to the details while her father dealt with all the issues with her brother's input. She had even been consulted on an issue dealing with a disagreement between two village miko.

Both women had been surprised to see her even in the room, let alone when she had been asked her opinion by her Lord Father. But when she had flared her aura lightly, just enough for them to take note of her reiki, they had subsided, accepting her decision with good grace when her father had left the matter up to her.

Surprisingly, the members of her father's court took her participation in stride with equanimity, her decision having been undeniably correct in that matter. However, what came next precipitated a quiet uproar that had her father smiling cynically.

Takemaru had once more come before the court, this time in formal court – it was easy to understand that he was hoping that doing so would force the Lord to give in to his demands.

He bowed before his Lord perfectly correctly, though there was something almost insolent about his manner.

When he stood, though, his face was perfectly still and controlled, even his eyes guarded and dark.

"My Lord. Have you given my request for a bodyguard detail for the Hime-sama consideration as you said you would?" he asked calmly – as if he wasn't openly questioning his Lord.

The cynical expression in Hiraku's eyes only deepened, and his smile widened, though it was an openly predatory smile. It took the Captain aback, never having surprised such a look on his Lord's face before.

"Ah, the inestimable Captain Takemaru of the House of Setsuna. So devoted to his duty – and especially to my daughter," he stated coolly, the merest hint of irony within his voice. He turned to look at Izayoi, and asked, "What do you think, my dear?"

Izayoi bowed her head to her father, then looked over at the surprised Captain. "I would remind the Captain once again that I have no need of a bodyguard detail. I am a much more dangerous opponent to a youkai than any of his guards could be," she responded, just as coolly as her father. "And it seems to me that his devotion is most... one-sided, father, would you not say? Where is his concern for you and Ichirou, who do not have the protection of reiki as I do?"

Kenji and Hikaru exchanged knowing glances. The girl was sharp and clear-sighted – and not easily fooled or intimidated. She would do well in the youkai courts – she was proving herself every time she opened her mouth.

Hiraku's amusement showed clearly at the Captain's discomfiture. "Well, Captain? My daughter brings up a good point. What is your answer, then?"

"My Lord," he began, thinking quickly, "despite the knowledge that the Hime-sama is powerful in her own right indeed being within mind, it is still difficult to believe. She is delicate appearing and I only wish to see to the safety of the honorable Hime of our house. As for yourself and Ichirou-sama, I did not offer extra guard because I know you are both skilled warriors in your own rights."

He thinks quickly on his feet, Izayoi thought... but not quickly enough.

When her father once more turned to her, she spoke again. "Ah, but Captain – had you not considered, then, that even a skilled warrior could be overcome if enough enemies were thrown at him?" she asked archly. "And even more so, since the enemy, in your mind-" she emphasized pointedly, "-is youkai, and therefore naturally more powerful than a human – in most cases, at any rate?"

The stillness that fell in the court as they all listened with fascination to the verbal spar between the Captain of the Guard and the Hime-sama was absolute – who was this young woman who could hold her own with men in their own domains?

Takemaru was left floundering in her wake and with no other recourse but to bow to her as the winner of this little skirmish. Inside, though, he burned with powerful and conflicting thoughts and feelings.

She is skilled and powerful – but she should not speak so to a male! And yet, this only makes me want her more... Damn her hold on my mind!

"I had not considered that, my Lady," he said after a moment as he bowed to her. "You are correct, however. My Lord? Should I assign guards to you and my Lord Ichirou?"

Hiraku was silent for a moment, his eyes now blank as he considered his vassal, leaving everyone wondering what his decision would be, and then he spoke, his voice crisp and cold.

"No. The Inu-no-Taisho is an honorable ally, and it is dishonorable to be so craven as to suspect him of duplicity and assassination, especially with no evidence of such. And there is this," a flicker of laughter gleamed in his eyes for a moment, "Touga-sama is not known for doing things that will not benefit him in one way or another. Tell me, then... what benefit would it be to him to slaughter his ningen allies? Of what possible benefit could our deaths be to him?" He paused for a moment, considering the man before him, and then motioned to a rather nondescript man to come forward. "Hayate, this is Captain Takemaru. You will be his assistant from now on. Anything he requires, you will assist him with. And you are to make sure that from now on, if the good Captain has a need to speak to me at any time, day or night, he is to be allowed access to me. Is that clear?"

Hayate bowed but said nothing, and took up position three steps behind his new master.

Angry at the Lord's dismissal of his request and with the appointment of a new flunky, but with nothing left to say, Takemaru bowed and turned on his heel with military crispness and strode from the room followed by Hayate, leaving it humming with intrigue. Izayoi's pointed observation about his seemingly overzealous concern for her safety as opposed to his lack of concern for his Lord and the Heir to the House left many people beginning to wonder about the good Captain.

Just what was his angle?

That was the last thing on the agenda for court that day, and with relief, Izayoi took her father's arm as he led his retinue from the room, headed for the dining room – lunch was a welcome reprieve from duty this day.

When they arrived, he led the group into the room, Airi quietly taking her position just behind her new husband's shoulder as they all took their positions at the table. She kept her head down, but Izayoi was quick to note that she listened to everything. She sighed inwardly.

"So, my daughter. What think you truly of the Captain's most prurient concern for your welfare?" he asked casually as he picked up his sake and took a small sip, allowing everyone to begin their own meals.

She paused, looking thoughtfully over at him as she considered his words. What is he playing at? He already knows how I feel about the 'good' Captain. Slowly, she said, "Captain Takemaru has his reasons for what he does. None here can tell what those are. But I will deal with the Captain with caution, for myself, father. He has yet to prove himself to me, or indeed, any other here."

Ichirou smiled at her. "Very well spoken, my dear sister. You are, of course, quite correct. He has not yet proven himself. Perhaps he will... and perhaps he will not. But for now," he picked up his chopsticks and dug in, "lunch calls!"

Everyone laughed at that, while Izayoi took note of Airi's quiet thoughtfulness. She pays very close attention to everything being said... despite her stated desire to not have to participate in Formal Court, I have the feeling she will be quite involved in the court intrigues.

Her attention was once more drawn to her Lord Father as he spoke up again.

"Tonight's dinner will be the last informal meal we will partake in for some time to come, since the Western Lord arrives tomorrow morning sometime." He turned to Hikaru. "What time might we expect our most honorable ally?"

Hikaru cocked a brow and then thought for a moment, his blue-flame locks almost dancing around him. "Perhaps mid-morning, my Lord. Normally, if he were traveling with more of an escort, he would arrive later, having to travel slower, but since he has changed his plans and is coming alone, he will most likely travel by orb and reach here much more quickly."

Hiraku looked fascinated. "Orb?" he questioned.

"Ah... yes, my Lord. Touga-sama has the power to fold himself into an energy form and travel much quicker than any other method would allow."

"Is this a common form of transport, then, for youkai?"

"Oh, no, Lord Hiraku. Most youkai do not have that ability. In fact, besides elementals, Touga-sama and his heir, Sesshoumaru-sama, along with Kenji here, are the only other youkai I am aware of that can travel so."

At that, Izayoi's attention was caught. "Heir? But I was under the impression that Touga-sama did not have a wife," she said, confused. "Is he widowed, then?"

At that, Kenji spoke up. "No, my Lady. But with youkai it is different. We are too long lived to wish to be tied down to someone we cannot tolerate merely for heirs or political aspirations. It is not unheard of for there to be a contracted mating for the sole purpose of begetting an heir of acceptable – or even exceptional – power, but with no ties between the couple involved besides the infant itself. This is how Touga-sama gained his own heir."

"Hmm. That is different," she said slowly, obviously uncertain of how to take that piece of information. "And his heir... Sesshoumaru-sama? What is he like?"

Kenji laughed a bit cynically at that. "Ah... now that is a good question, Izayoi-sama. Sesshoumaru-sama... he is certainly all that is powerful – Touga-sama chose his mother well, for he will be a most strong Lord once it is his time to take over the mantle of Lordship. But," he said slowly, "I pray that will not be for some centuries yet – he is short-sighted in many ways, and does not understand his Lord Father's decision to seek alliances with ningens. He has no liking for them – to him, those without personal power are unnecessary. He needs experience and time to temper his power with maturity and wisdom."

Izayoi nodded, seemingly unconcerned with that information. "It seems so. That is a very short-sighted position to take – especially as ningens are not going to go away just because he wishes us to. After all, we are much more prolific than youkai, ne? There are far more of us than there are of you. It evens the balance of power somewhat... and then there are those like me," she stated serenely as she continued with her meal.

Chuckles erupted around the table.

"That is very true, my Lady," Kenji admitted cheerfully. "I would actually love to see Sesshoumaru-sama confronted with you. That would be a clash to see – a clash of titans, to be sure!"

After that, the mood became jovial and good cheer followed through the rest of the meal, though Izayoi was left with much to think on, the advent of the Western Lord on the morrow taking up most of her attention and setting her into a state of inner turmoil that she could not quell.

Why am I so nervous about this visit that I cannot regain my equilibrium? What is this visit of his really for? Surely, for just a meeting between allies, such a lengthy stay would not be necessary. I was quite taken aback when Kenji let it slip that he would be spending the entire summer here, with only occasional quick trips back to his palace if needed for urgent matters.

What is father really playing at?

~oOo~

The rest of the day went by in a concentrated blur to Izayoi, the only thing sticking out in her mind being the utter exhaustion that seemed determine to overwhelm her. Finally, in desperation, in late afternoon she went to her father and pleaded for the chance to go into the practice yards and work on her archery. She had not had the chance since the day after her arrival home, and the practice of her skills had never failed to soothe her.

Something she needed most desperately now.

Her father considered her thoughtfully for some time, then agreed. "But you will take Kenji with you, and Ichirou-" he turned to his son, "-you will also attend your sister. The practice yards are not really meant for females..." he trailed off.

"Thank you, father," she said with some relief. She looked over at her brother with a tight smile. "I will go change and gather my bow and quiver, and then meet you in the hall leading to the yards."

Concerned, Ichirou just nodded, watching her leave the room, her back much more tense than normal. "I worry for her, father," he finally sighed. "Despite her high intelligence and mature demeanor, she is still so young. Merely fifteen. And so much is about to be asked of her."

Hiraku had also watched his beloved daughter leave the room, and was also just as concerned... though not for the same reasons. He had faith in her. "I understand, Ichirou, your feelings on the matter. I can see the toll this is taking on her already, and she doesn't even know the half of it yet. But... I believe in her. She resembles a delicate, easily crumpled flower, ne? But she is deceptive, my son. For this flower was forged with steel. She is much, much stronger than either you or I. Just you wait and see."

Ichirou stared at his father for a moment, then nodded, and making his excuses, headed for his rendezvous with his sister.

I hope you are right, father. She is strong, I know this...

But is she strong enough to bear the fate we have placed upon her slender shoulders?

Can she support the hopes of all of Setsuna and not crumble beneath them?

Shaking his head, he sighed and continued on to his sister's side. I know not the answers, but I will stand by her and help her as best I may. I would not see her fall.

Izayoi hurried to her rooms, not noticing the concerned gazes of her father or brother, simply intent on getting out of her formal layers for a little while and allowing herself to relax in more familiar surroundings. While the palace's practice yards were not really what she was familiar with, still, they were not much different than the shrine's had been, and so it allowed her to pretend for a little while.

She was not surprised to find both Kenji and her brother awaiting her when she arrived in the back hall leading to the yards, and with a smile that was still tight with strain, though perhaps a slight bit looser than before due to the physical comfort she found in her miko robes, she followed them outside and towards the archery range.

They arrived to find Takemaru training some of his guards, and with a curt brusqueness that wasn't usually evident in Ichirou, he gave orders that they were all to clear themselves of the range so that Izayoi might use them.

Within moments, the men had all fallen back, and Izayoi thanked her brother quietly before smoothly drawing her bow and nocking an arrow, her finger the guide to her target as she settled into a trance-like state where nothing else could bother her.

She took no note of the oddly silent area as all those around, not the least of which was Takemaru, watched her with bated breath. Even her brother wanted to see how she performed when under duress. The only one not concerned was Kenji, as he was already aware of how she performed under any circumstances – even battle.

While her Lord Father and brother might have had fits if they'd known that she had participated in several battles against youkai opponents and even once helped repel a bandit attack, as well, as Touga-sama's bride she would be expected to participate in them – with youkai, it wasn't just the males that fought to defend their lands and homes from attack, it was also the females. The only time they did not join in battle was if heavy with child.

And if the dragon of the North did, indeed, attack the West as Touga-sama felt sure he would at some point, then Izayoi-sama would even more be needed. She would be the one thing that damn backstabbing dragon could not counter – there was no other miko alive with her power – or dark miko, either. She was a weapon that would be able to decimate the North... and Kenji actually hoped the honorless bastard did attack – then they could simply get it all over with and have done with the whole situation.

All this went through his mind in an instant as he watched Izayoi inhale and hold her breath, and then release the arrow in a deadly arc towards the first target. He had no need to watch it impact – there was no doubt in his mind it would hit dead-center.

It did... but there was one that wanted to see if the Hime could repeat such a feat with another arrow to the same target.

"That was a beautiful shot, Izayoi-sama," Takemaru began, ignoring the irritated look Ichirou shot him, "but... could you truly repeat that shot into the same target?"

Also annoyed, Izayoi turned her head to look at him over her shoulder. "I can do better than that, Captain," she said coolly, a slight chill to her voice that all could hear.

Turning back to face the target, she raised her bow once more and sighted along it, and with barely a moment to lock on her target, she fired, and turned back to face him, waiting patiently for her arrow to hit and the Captain to see how foolish he was to question her abilities. The astonishment didn't take long to appear.

With a rather demure, but satisfied smile, she turned back to the targets and continued on with her practice, ignoring the Captain thereafter.

Kenji wanted to laugh aloud at the look on the Captain's face as Izayoi's second arrow not only repeated the bullseye the first had attained, but actually split her first arrow straight down its shaft to sink into the exact same spot.

Now you might think twice before questioning the Lady's skill, Captain, he thought gleefully.

Ichirou appeared to be thinking along the same lines, though he made his comment out loud. "I wager you will not question my sister's skill with her weapon again, Takemaru," he said rather pointedly, and the officer held his tongue, simply continuing to watch the woman shoot every target impeccably, no trace of her earlier tension visible as she fluidly drew and released repeatedly.

It was quite apparent to all watching that she had the stamina necessary to fight a good long battle against marauding youkai – or even ningen intent on death and destruction. Not one of Takemaru's guards, or any of the army's archers could compare – not even Takemaru himself, who prided himself on his mastery of a variety of weapons, would be able to best her and that realization did not settle well with the officer.

He was not used to being beat out by anyone – let alone a young woman.

It made him wonder, if, in the end, he would ever be able to conquer his heart's desire. It was at least certain that she would not go down without a fight...

And he suspected that he would not make it through that fight without being brought to death's door himself.

~oOo~

Touga stared out his study window into the dark of the night with pensive eyes.

Come morning, he would be meeting his future bride.

It was an unsettling thing, even for one of his years and stature. After all, he had never been married, had, indeed, avoided that state most assiduously. And yet... he found that, though he was a bit nervous over finally meeting the beautiful Hime for himself for the first time, he couldn't really regret the fact that he was about to give over his freedom to a woman.

Unlike most ningen, youkai took marriage seriously. Once wed, you were faithful. Youkai tended to be jealous and possessive creatures, and it would not do to entice the rage jealousy could bring on from one's husband or wife if caught cheating... and even worse, the problems with the offended spouse's family.

That was why so few youkai actually wed. Most of the time, a wedding was only for love, as youkai would not tie themselves down for less. And love, in the youkai world, was a rare thing...

He would have three months to woo and wed his chosen female... and he found that he was actually looking forward to the attempt. The more he learned of the Hime Izayoi, the more fascinated he became... and of course, her face and form did not hurt or hinder that budding attraction. She was fiesty, fiery, intelligent, and powerful, all things designed to draw his attention.

And to top it all off, danger surrounded her.

For the youkai, that was a siren's call... for youkai were not really like ningen in the desire for ultimate peace. The thrill of the hunt, of battle, of intrigue would always beckon to one of youkai blood. Yes, he enjoyed peace – at times, it was nice to have time to just relax and even youkai needed rest. But the danger would always call a youkai back to itself...

They would always respond, too, falling willingly back under its spell.

Izayoi, just being who and what she was would always be a catalyst, that was clear from events that were already shaping around her. So while there might be times of peace and contentment with her, there would also always be dangerous currents and intrigues surrounding her.

A woman who was a perfect match for one of youkai blood.

He grinned, then, at that. He could hardly wait to see what his uptight heir and only son would do when faced with the spitfire he had come to know through Kenji's letters. He would not miss that first meeting for anything in the world, and fully planned to instigate such a meeting – after he already had her wedded and bedded.

Brought back to his current surroundings by a knock at the door, he caught the scent of someone he'd been just dying to talk to, and calling for them to enter, turned back to face the person now bowing before him.

"Arata... I wondered why it had taken you so long to respond to my summons... but with the scent coming from you, I need no explanations," he said quietly. "What did you find in the court of the Eastern Lord?"

Arata snorted at that, wanting to laugh. "Court? If by that, you mean a smelly, dank cave and even more primitive manners, then I would say that I found little to my liking – or little of significance. The only useful information I found was that the young heir, Kouga, has had a very bad run-in with dragons... and his entire clan has formed an intense hatred for the dragon clan, now desiring nothing more than their entire eradication as a species. Doubtless, if you were to go to war with the North, the East would fight with you, just for the chance."

"Hm." Touga thought about that. "Would their assistance be of any value?"

"Yes. Though they are not skilled warriors such as your own army boasts, they are quite fierce in battle and there are many of them. They would make good infantrymen," he replied calmly.

It was silent for a few minutes as Touga filed all that away, and then he nodded for his friend and vassal to take a seat as he himself also did. Once comfortable, he poured them both out some sake and got around to the real reason for his recall from the Eastern Lord's home.

"I have a... problem, here in the fortress, that I need for you to... distract, as it were."

With a cruel smirk, Arata flicked his auburn tresses over his shoulder, his emerald eyes gleaming with glee. "Would it have to do with the stink of dragon here in a place one would never expect to find one?" he asked knowingly.

Touga chuckled. "As sharp as ever, Arata. Yes. Ryukotsussei's daughter, Takako, was sent here by her father to... seduce me into a marriage alliance. I am sure I do not have to say what would happen to me once we were wed – there would be some scheme to kill me and Sesshoumaru, thus taking over the West. I want you to seduce her. She makes her way through the courtiers always looking for information – but she would love to get her claws into one who was close to me. Play on that. Entice her... and then find out what you can from her. Take no risks, though – the main thing I need you to do is keep her attention off of me and what I am doing for the next three months."

Elegant features tightening into a dangerous smile, Arata nodded. "A challenge. I will enjoy this, I believe," he said, his eyes flashing red for a moment. "And even more so when I bring the bitch to her knees." His voice was supremely confident in his abilities, and he had reason to be. There was no one that could match Arata when it came to seduction. As much as Takako played at the game, she was a child compared to the male now smiling so easily in front of Touga.

The Western Lord nodded, pleased. "Very good, then, my friend – I leave her in your more than capable hands," he laughed. He had no doubts his friend would shortly be having the woman spilling her guts just to keep his attention on her.

The friends spent a few hours speaking amiably of all the news, and then Touga took himself off to his chambers, ready for his rest.

Tomorrow would be a long, though interesting, day.

He was glad of the fact that Sesshoumaru was out leading the border patrols – he didn't really feel like having another argument with his cold heir over what he was planning. He sighed. When he'd chosen Satori as the bearer of his heir, he'd been assured of power in his son. But... unfortunately, the boy had also inherited her cold nature – and incredibly, was even colder than she was.

He could only hope that someday, something would happen to warm his son's heart – or he would never be a fit ruler for the West.

Touga would never leave his lands in the hands of anyone unfit to handle them... and that could present a very big problem later with his heir, for if the boy was deemed unfit in the end, Touga would have no recourse but to find another heir.

If he had to disinherit his own son to protect his lands and those who he was responsible for, he would do it.

Sesshoumaru's place as heir was most certainly not locked in stone, and the boy would do well to realize that.

~oOo~

Edited 8/11/13