A/N: Soooo you know how I said that my next project was "The Quiet Ones"? Well I lied. I've been rereading my favorite authors, Ravyn and Lossehelin's, stories and I just got hit with inspiration to write this little piece instead. I really admire the both of them and love their work SO SO much. This won't be nearly as good as theirs but hopefully it's satisfactory for my level of skill. I first wrote for this story, the prologue, years ago and I've changed a lot and my story may deviate a little from what the prologue says but not a lot at all. I cringe so much whenever I read it but can't bring myself to take it down, rewrite, then repost it (laziness) so I left it as it was. I'll probably go back in and do that another time but for now, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing from Rurouni Kenshin.

Chapter 1: Seek and Find

Her lower back was burning and she could feel her magic shifting uncomfortably under her skin. The sensation was new and unwelcome as her heel-adorned feet led her through the large crowd of people in the ballroom she was occupying. The cool, black silk of her gown did nothing to lessen the intense warmth her mark was suddenly emitting. The posture of her body gave nothing away as her slender, lightly-calloused hands briefly brushed the mark on her lower back. She cursed softly under her breath.

'Of all times to be giving me a hard time.'

She continued her way through the crowd as the urge to go closer to the throne increased. Ever since he had made an appearance, her mark had started to warm suddenly and her body was itching to get close to him. Her intuition gave her a bad feeling and if she were correct, it was time for her to leave. As she turned to scan for subtle exits, a hand grabbed her arm and her head jerked to their direction. Her fierce eyes were met with the appearance of a man just a couple inches taller than her. His soft smile set her at ease as recognition filled her mind.

"Soujiro, you scared the hell out of me." Her voice was low as she glared at him, readjusting the matching black mask adorned on her slim, pale face. Soujiro maintained his ever-present smile.

"Those should be my words, Kaoru-chan. That glare of yours could kill me."

Kaoru rolled her eyes and Soujiro pulled his hand away.

"What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were busy entertaining Shura."

"Ah yes. Well she is quite interesting and charming in her own way. But Misao came over and sent me over to you saying that you were acting strange suddenly."

"And you decide now to treat me like your date to this thing?"

He blinked innocently.

"Better now than never, right?"

There was a yelp as she flicked his forehead forcefully.

"I just need to go home. Yahiko is probably waiting for me anyways."

"Ah," he rubbed his forehead then gently held her hand in his, "let me escort you home then."

She smiled a little and her eyes soften appreciatively. "That's very sweet of y-"

"After one dance."

She glared at him again, yanking her hand away from his in annoyance.

"No thanks. I've had enough for tonight."

He reached for her but missed as she quickly made her escape.

"Hey, wait!"

She took hurried steps to the exit doors and was annoyed when a hand roughly wrapped around her arm once again. Kaoru let out a loud sigh then turned her head to face her 'date.'

"Look Soujiro, I really do need to leave. Yah-"

Her eyes widened as they met fiery, red hair and piercing yellow eyes. All of which did not belong to her light-hearted friend. The grip on her arm tightened a fraction and they both went still amidst the crowd of people. The action did not go unnoticed by several councilmen and nobles alike. Kaoru could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her breathing loud in her ears. Her mark was on fire and her instincts screamed for her to run, despite the completeness his touch brought to her body. She attempted to tug her arm away from his vice-like grip and a growl rumbled from his chest. His voice was low and cut through her like ice as he pulled her close.

"You."

And as her friend Soujiro would say in a situation like this.

'Fuck me.'

Kaoru found herself being dragged into a large garden and had quickly caught her bearings. Her hands pushed at him and resisted his pull, but she had no other choice than to let him guide her to avoid attracting unnecessary attention towards them. When he suddenly halted in his stride, she crashed into him clumsily and glared at him. He was turned away from her so she could not see his face but the image of his piercing eyes sprouted up in her mind and she suppressed a shiver. The fiery red-head did not speak and in the silence, Kaoru took the time to take in her surroundings.

The garden was beautiful with a variety of different, exotic plants. The flowers were diverse in color and she was amazed at how many different ones there were. A white fountain spilled clear water and she couldn't help but admire the detailed engravings on the base. Pale lids and long lashes hid sapphire-blue eyes as Kaoru was reminded of her deceased mother by the vast and elegant garden. She allowed herself to briefly imagine the feeling of her mother's warmth, letting it seep through her bones to warm her against the cold air, and see the soft smile that her mother would give at her only daughter's child-like innocence. The sound of the man's feet shifting brought her back to reality and she was reminded that she had not been brought to admire the charming little garden. That no matter how much she longed to, there was no escape from this fate that had been handed to her. The warmth she had felt immediately left her body, the cold air shocking her like ice water. She opened her eyes and narrowed in on the surprisingly short man in front of her then jerked her arm once more against the man's grip.

"Unhand me you barbarian."

"You would be wise to watch your tongue in my presence."

His words were clipped but he let go of her. She knew that she was crossing into dangerous territory by being alone with him and antagonizing him more, especially with no weapon to defend herself, but her strong-headed personality would never allow any man to push her around. Her chin was lifted high and she stubbornly stood her ground.

"Who are you to me? I have no reason to show you any respect after grabbing then bringing me here without my consent. I could report you to security and have you arrested for harassing me."

He chuckled darkly and he turned to face her, his half-lidded eyes staring at her with a false sense of amusement.

"That would be quite hard to do since they work under my hire but it entertains me to watch you try. By all means, continue on woman."

'Shit.' Her stomach rolled uncomfortably from her nervousness but she managed to maintain her calm façade. 'For me to have gotten into this situation. Who would've thought. I knew I should have just stayed home.'

"Tell me woman. Where is it?"

"Where is what?"

His eyes flared with temper and she could see the slightest glimpse of curious interest in them. "Don't make me repeat myself. Show it to me."

Kaoru knew exactly what he wanted to see, even now it burned hotly on her skin with an ache to be touched. But she had absolutely no intention of cooperating with the dangerous man who made it clear that he did not like her.

"There is nothing to show a barbarian like you."

She wasn't sure what happened next but she felt the pain of stone against skin and her body was pinned down against the water fountain they had been standing by. Her face pressed uncomfortably into the hard surface and she was left breathless.

"I will ask you once more and if you do not comply, I will find it through my own means."

She attempted to jerk away from him but he only twisted her arms in an iron-clad grip, causing a grunt of pain to escape her. Her shoulder ached painfully and her brows furrowed at the discomfort. Despite position she found herself in, her chin titled stubbornly and she refused to show him any signs of submission.

"I have no reason to do anything for you."

"I am the King." His voice was fierce and ignited a deep anger in her chest.

"You are the King of creatures that come from the Underworld. You don't rule over me!"

The harsh tone of her voice echoed in the desolate garden and there was a silence when the sound faded into the night. Time seemed to stop and the quietness stretched out, the harmonizing songs of the birds and grasshoppers an anxiously, loud melody. She waited for the harsh retaliation of his hands but was startled when instead, a low and rather pleasing sound filled the air. She could feel the vibrations of his body against her back as a chuckle rumbled through his chest. Her eyes darted to his figure as she felt calloused hands release her and was surprised to see him with his head titled back in mirth, his arms crossed over his chest. He looked back at her, his eyes a softer amber and his lips quirked in an amused half-grin.

"You're much more interesting than I thought you to be. I'm impressed."

The confused dark-haired woman sat on the edge of the fountain and stared at him untrustingly. He took light steps towards her and leaned into her body, his hands outside of her own and his face coming in close till their noses grazed one another. Kaoru refused to back away and faced him stubbornly. Molten gold was met by sharp blue as their eyes kept each other's attention. The dark raven hair of her bangs mingled with the blood, red strands of his and she felt an anticipation race down her stomach from the feeling of his breathe against her lips and chin. The red head king stared at her through lowered lashes, admiring the pretty features of the woman in front of him. His voice lowered an octave but came out smooth like velvet.

"What's your name little bird?"

Kaoru didn't know why but she couldn't stop herself from responding. "Kaoru of the Kamiya clan."

"Kamiya, hm? Interesting. Well," his voice purred, "my Kaoru, I shall look forward to seeing you again."

He stood up straight and distanced himself from her, turning away from the now dumbstruck woman. The man began to walk away but Kaoru's voice cut through the air and stopped him.

"Wait!"

The man stopped but didn't turn back to look at her. Kaoru stood up and took a cautious step towards the mysterious man but kept her expression firm, her voice steady but showing her curiosity.

"You have my name but I have yet to receive yours. I know you by your title as Lord Battousai and King but I want to know your name. Your real name."

She couldn't see his face but felt the amusement radiate from him in waves, could imagine his smile.

"Kenshin…... Kenshin Himura."

And there it is guys! Please review and let me know what you thought!