Ch 3

As the day of my intolerable wedding approached, I was able to appease my shire into letting me venture outside the palace grounds in my true dog form to enjoy my last few days of supposed freedom before I was tied down in marriage and work at the palace. I should have known long ago my father's true intentions were to keep me grounded at home under control for his own schemes.

Inukimi, wasn't becoming better by the day, if anything she became more difficult to live with. The servants, both demon and human, had grown to dislike her and gave me glances of pity daily throughout the castle. I came to the conclusion that I shouldn't feel surprised that my father chose a bride that had a few of his own personal traits. I couldn't bring myself to play the game of delusions she requested me to partake in.

"...Its simple Tashio-san, we can still be friends?"

I growled a warning at her before she laid a claw on my chest, "Only this one's mate will this one be allowed to be openly affectionate."

The inu-female threw back her head and gave that annoyed laughter again, causing me to once again tense.

"Grow up, milord, the days of our shire's shire are over! We don't need mates in order to please and pleasure one another."

I snarled in disgust at the audacity, "I will not turn my back on my clan's traditions and nature!"

"Then just give me what I want! And I'll let you keep as many concubines a night as you please! Honorable males my foot."

I felt close to snapping my jaws at the selfish bitch for insinuating that I needed female assistance for pleasure, an insult to our family traditions yet again!

"In our family, an Alpha leader has NEVER needed other females to rut, he and his mate breed for life."

It was true, my own shire still went to my mother's chambers despite all the years of selfishness and greed. If there was only one redeeming quality that I could find from my father it was the gentleness and respect he continued to give to my mother. I was tempted to label him a hypocrite to pushing Lady Inukimi on me.

I continued talking to try and make the insufferable female understand what she was agreeing to marrying me, "...All clans and demons have their traditions that we ourselves cannot deny because it helps us to connect and control our inner demon. When one finds a mate to breed with it is not for benefits, it is to protect and care for someone you love-"

"You've been spending too much time with humans again, they are the only weak race that can afford affection because it is cheap! Who needs affection when you can have power and strength to rule!"

I glared at the bitch's haughtiness,"Forgive my radical words than, Lady, but it takes more to lead than just strength and power!"

She waved me off in dismissal as she turned her back to me to search for her maid, "You are too cruel for a future husband! Oh, how I suffer for my family's land! Leeleeee! My salts, NOW!"

I was enjoying the night air blowing past my fur when I felt the prickling sensation near my neck, I trasformed back into my humanoid form and formed a cloud to carry me under my feet. I tapped the head of the flea sucking on my blood,

"Good evening Myoga, has my father sent you to spy on me again?"

The little flea demon vassal stopped his drinking to rest in the palm of my hand, "Master! How can you even suggest something like that! It was only once for your protection!"

I chuckled knowingly at my most trusted servant, "Just don't tell him I'm enjoying myself Myoga."

"Of course, milord, but personally, I don't blame you in the slightest! With all due respect sire, this lady doesn't seem to be your 'type' of female."

I shack my head at Myoga's comments with a favored smirk I hardly show anyone, "And pray tell, what would be considered, my 'type'?"

The flea jumped to rest on my shoulder as I gazed up at the full moon's beauty, Myoga sat and pondered out loud.

"Well...lets see now...she would have to be a lady of fine breeding, you being a future lord demands it, she must also be one of exquisite beauty that would outshine even the brightest of stars...and she must have a grace that would put even a swan demon to shame! Hhhhhmmmm...she also must have a warm personality as well, otherwise the moments in private would be dull indeed..."

I snorted in agreement, "Indeed."

"Oh! And her eyes need to be important as well..."

I raised an eyebrow, "Why the eyes Myoga?"

"Well, sire, from my experience, women love to reveal much of their personality through their eyes and faces, but of course many noble ladies have a tenancy to make straight faces for proper decorum. So, she must be one with innocent and joyful eyes that shine like dark stones when reflected by the moonlight."

I fought to chuckle darkly at his description, "Tell me something my friend, does this female actually exist?"

The flea sighed sadly, "Regrettably my lord, no such demoness exists, and even if she did she might not even be a dog demon, or even your one true mate for that matter!"

I smiled sadly at the thought of what terrible fate would await me should I find my true mate, and still be tied down to Inukimi when it happened. Haven't done enough to earn even that much happiness, my only personal happiness in my long and lonely life? I was busy with my duties, and I did visit with my mother and vassals when time would allow it, but to actually have a companion to be open and honest with and love seemed like another dream that could never happen to the likes of me.

"Myoga," I didn't look at him as I spoke, hiding my face in my long bangs.

"Yes sire?"

"I wonder what would happen if this dream beauty you spoke of is real, but not a Inu demoness?"

"Uuummmm, what makes you say that my lord?"

I sighed, "I don't know Myoga, I part of me wishes that were true, while another part of me wants to forget about finding a mate and try and live as much as I can before things become worse."

"What is this? Never give up my lord! Surly there is someone out there for you! All dog demons have found one, I never head of any alpha or beta leader who didn't!"

"Did they ever settle down with other demons besides dogs, half demons,maybe...humans?"

"My lord! Not out loud! Suppose someone else was listening! Why ask that?"

I rubbed a gloved hand down my face, wishing I could wash away my problems at the same time, "Myoga, I'm to be married in a fortnight, my father wants me to mate with Lady Inukimi against my will and inner beast, and suppose what might happen if my mate does show up one day? And I've grown tired of these political games, the secrets, the lies, and the tarnishing of our honorable traditions! Its unforgivable!"

"M-master, maybe we could find you a companion even while your married?"

"I refuse to take a concubine Myoga, its not in my nature."

"No sire, a companion, a friend? A geisha perhaps?"

I chuckled shacking my head, "Tempting as that is Myoga, I'd hate myself the next day."

"You and your honor and morals, its no wonder you make a good master."

I lightly tapped the flea on the head, "Come, we are near the demon slying village, let us stop to visit our allies for their well wishes yes?"