A/N I don't own Vampire Knight nor do I make any profit from it

Chapter 12 - Frank Discussions

"So," Sara said conversationally, "What was that on the terrace?"

Kaname turned to her as he sipped his tea, "What do you mean, Sara?"

"Well, you were kissing Hikari last night? I thought you weren't attracted to her," Sara clarified, "You've done nothing but ignore her since you were married to her! Now, you were practically eating her face off," Kaname glared at her but Sara giggled, "Forgive me, Kaname, but that's what it looked like."

"Is it wrong for a husband to kiss his wife," Kaname asked conversationally. Sara shook her head.

"No," Sara said, "But you don't love her and now the whole court knows of your affair with Lady Hanaka. Everyone is going to get confused of where your true affections lie."

"It's none of their business," Kaname replied curtly.

"Well, some would beg to differ," Sara replied. Kaname eyed her for a moment.

"So, what about you and Ichijo," Kaname asked.

"What about Takuma and I," Sara replied. Kaname raised an eyebrow and Sara sighed with irritation, "Well, if you must know, we're just fine. I am in love Takuma. Unlike you, I cherish my chastity before marriage as does Takuma. We have nothing to prove to the Royal Court."

"I have nothing to prove," Kaname replied.

"That's not what your advisors say," Sara said as she sipped her tea delicately, "I know they push you into having a mistress to prove your sexual prowess. Do you love the Lady Hanaka or is she just a conquest?"

"I love her," Kaname answered simply, "I have done so for all my life. It has nothing to do with my advisors."

"Kaname, I think it is time for you to grow up," Sara said fiercely, "You have a wife and very sweet and beautiful one at that. You treat her terribly. Hikari isn't just a piece of meat."

Kaname glared at her, "I can't help who my heart belongs to."

"No, but you're required to put such selfish thoughts behind you," Sara said icily, "Hikari is a wonderful girl. I don't understand how you don't see that."

"I do see that," Kaname replied, "I just cannot be expected to fall in love with someone because they have forced me to. I don't want any harm to come to Hikari but I cannot love her."

"I feel for her," Sara said, "You haven't consummated the marriage yet have you? Forgive me for my bluntness, but you do realise that this is grounds for annulment."

"What are you getting at, Sara," Kaname replied, "Don't you think I have tried to consummate the marriage? I need an heir from her yet she will not give in to me."

"And you wonder why," Sara said, rolling her sapphire eyes, "Kaname, why don't you just end the marriage?"

"Don't you think an annulment hasn't been in question? The only reason I am king is because I married Hikari. My parents stepped down once they made sure I was married so that I could produce an heir. Hikari, on the hand, married me so that her family could be financially stable. In the end, we were never in it for love. We didn't even know each other three months ago."

"True," Sara said, "But if the Kitamura family needed financial help, my family would have helped Hikari and Lord Eisuke. If you separated from Hikari, I would help her. The Awayuki family is on par financially with the Kuran family and there wouldn't have had to be an awkward marriage involved. True, there would have had to have been terms but no marriage. There's no pureblood males left alive in our family since my father."

Kaname eyed her for a few moments, "You're too kind, Sara."

"No, just considerate and generous," Sara replied.

"Same thing," Kaname replied bluntly. Sara placed her tea cup on the table and sighed irritably, "I will have Hikari in the very near future. Besides, if I annul the marriage, think of the implications. Hikari's good name would be ruined."

"But I can tell that she, too, is attracted to someone else," Sara said, "I'm not saying who but I am sure you have sensed it."

Kaname scoffed, "My wife seems to be attracted to a certain someone in my court, yes, I am aware."

Sara was about to say something else when Takuma and Hanabusa approached them. Sara smiled at her fiancé, "Hey, you two, what are you two talking about," Takuma said in a cheery voice. Sara stood up and wrapped her arms around him.

"Oh, nothing important," she said sweetly as Takuma kissed her lightly on the forehead. Hanabusa sat down and eyed Kaname out of the corner of his eye. The night before, he had seen them on the terrace together in a passionate embrace. Hikari had been very beautiful that night and he had wanted to dance with her. However, Kaname had dominated her every move that night, keeping her close to his side.

Hanabusa knew that he had no right to complain. He was longing for a woman who was already married. He was so drawn in by every aspect of her being. She was graceful, kind and beautiful. He was stunned by her when he first laid eyes on the young pureblood. Hikari had quickly taken over his entire thinking, unable to take his mind off her.

"Thank you for hosting the masquerade ball, Aidou," Kaname said politely, "It was quite enjoyable. My wife enjoyed it too."

"Yes, so I saw, Lord Kaname," Hanabusa said. Kaname eyed him as he sipped his tea, "Pray, where is the Lady Hanaka? Why did she not attend last night?"

"Family affairs," Kaname replied, "She will be back tonight."

"Ah, I see," Hanabusa said in a lacklustre response, "Where is Lady Hikari?"

"My wife is still asleep," Kaname replied, "I instructed her maid to let her sleep in a little while longer. Have you come to see her?"

"Well, I was merely asking after her," Hanabusa replied, "She is my friend too."

Kaname stared at him blankly before turning to Takuma, "When are you getting married to Sara, Ichijo? Have you set a date?"

Takuma straightened and gasped slightly but smiled, "We have not yet set a date. We need more time to be close to one another before we commit to each other fully."

"That's right," Sara said, "We're taking things slowly. Anyway, I hope Hikari comes down soon. I would love to see her after last night. We didn't get much opportunity to talk."

"Perhaps you will get your turn, Sara," Kaname said, "That's if she wakes up any time soon."

Hikari woke up with the sun shining on her young face. The memory of the night before came rushing back to her and she placed a hand over her eyes. Why had she given in to him so soon? She wanted Kaname to work for her affection and night before had been a mistake. She may as well have given her virginity to him.

Swinging her legs out of bed, she stood up and walked over to the window. She saw Sara, Hanabusa and Takuma having tea with Kaname on their outside tea table. She looked back at her clock and noticed that it was almost 12 o'clock in the afternoon. Why didn't Hana wake her up? She thought with a displeased expression.

After taking a bath and dressing in light summer dress and a pair white court shoes, she made her way down to the gardens. She made her way over to the group which sat around the elegant garden table and smiled immediately when Hanabusa noticed her.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Hikari said cheerfully, "Forgive me for my tardiness."

"You're quite forgiven, Hikari," Sara said kindly, "We all need our sleep from time to time."

"Indeed," Hikari said as she met Hanabusa's gaze. Blushing she looked away, "Good afternoon, husband," she said curtly, "I trust you are well."

"I am very well, thank you, wife," Kaname replied stiffly. Hikari nodded and sat down next to him, "Are you well, Hikari?"

"Yes, indeed," Hikari said before pouring herself a cup of tea.

Yes, I know… it's a short chapter but I am still quite ill. At least this is something to tide you over until next time. Please Review!