Author Fangirling: Hyo! This was a very impulsive story on my part. There are hints that Houki and Nuriko (or Kourin, as he'll go by in this story) were friends back in their harem days, and I really wanted to dive into it. This is my first time writing Houki, and I really enjoyed her. The entire story, as opposed to Relegates, is told from Houki's POV, but it'll delve into both characters. Enjoy!

"Ahh, well if it isn't Lady Houki," a more than familiar face greeted me as we passed. Lady Kourin wasn't the type to give the silent treatment, but it was easy to tell when she didn't like you for some reason or another.

I nodded. "How are you, Lady Kourin?"

"Wonderful. And yourself? Are you holding up okay?"

"I'm just fine, thank you."

Most of our conversations consisted of only formalities. The harem members had formed cliques by this time, and Lady Kourin was very popular among the other women. Under the guise of concern, none of them could hear the contempt in her voice. Why did she come here, I wonder? Just for the title and power of being the queen?

I doubted that she was strong enough to support a man with the most stressful position in the entire country, much less raise the heirs to the throne. I had worked to forget all my attachments so I could be emotionally prepared for these tasks, should I be chosen. The government took me into the harem for my beauty, but that wouldn't get me anything else in life.

Maybe Lady Kourin felt threatened by me because we had the same face. Similar beauty can get us both to one place, but she might be afraid that I have more to offer than she does. By scaring me off, she might have thought, she'd not have to worry about loosing out to my other attributes.

Unfortunately for her, I not only have a strong body, but a strong will. Her petty teasing won't be enough to make me cry and return home. I feel sorry for her, if anything, that she has such low self confidence that she may not be able to offer more than her pretty face.

More pitiful, though, was that expression she had when she first saw me. Perhaps there was more to Lady Kourin than met the eye.

I often took my baths very late at night when most of the other harem members had gone to sleep. It gave me a quiet time and place to relax, and I could usually be alone. Tonight, however, someone else walked in hoping to have that same privacy.

"Oh. Sorry, I didn't know anyone would be in here," Lady Kourin frowned, not bothering to keep up her complete lady-like act when no one else was around.

"I don't mind," I shrugged. "You're welcome to take your bath whenever you want."

"I'll wait until you're done," she looked away with a small pout. The bath was certainly big enough for several people to use at one time, so space was not as much as an issue as company.

I probably should have held my tongue, but with only the two of us around, I let a snide comment slip. "Are you that disgusted by me that you have to leave?"

"Disgusted?" her tone changed drastically. "How could I be disgusted by someone who looks just me?"

"I can think of a few reasons," I turned my nose the other way. "But if that's how you feel, then you should have no problem with me."

"I'll take my bath whenever I feel like it and I feel like taking it later!" she raised her voice. Perhaps the poor doll was feeling intimidated? I should have quit while I was ahead, but I kept going.

"You don't have to be so snide with me, Lady Kourin. After all, it's not as if we're here in a game. We're all just supposed to be available to the emperor when he chooses. Seeing as he hasn't even come by to see us yet, we may as well relax."

"Relax? Did you just tell me to relax? I'm already relaxed! Can't you see how relaxed I am?"

Lady Kourin looked anything but relaxed. Her shoulders started tensing up and an irked expression spread across her face.

"Whenever I see you, something does seem to be bothering you," I continued, feigning the same concern she had before. "Could that be me?"

"Stop acting so cocky! Just because you get a little pampered now doesn't make you a princess who can get whatever she wants!" she shook her finger at me, and it seemed as though she only resisted choking me because she didn't want to get her dress wet. If she wanted to attack me, though, I wasn't afraid of her. She had probably been pampered all her life and never had to exert herself, so I would easily be able to defend myself. Once again, I should have stopped provoking her.

"The water is just fine, Lady Kourin. Won't you join me?"

Her only verbal response was an annoyed growl. Physically, she responded by picking up the nearest table and throwing it into the bath to shut my mouth. I was utterly stunned that she was able to throw it with such ease, and in my silence, she left, griping under her breath on the way out. I made a mental note to be more careful around her when she's angry-and seeing the attitude I gave her tonight, that would probably be more often.