Avenging Neko hasn't been up to writing, and I feel bad for making you wait so I did this one on my own, and I apologize now if it's not the same quality you came to be use to in this story line...

Chapter Twenty two:

~Three day skip~

Youmaru stood at his fathers side as the Eastern prince arrived at the western castle. If all went well between the two of them they would both be going to the eastern castle, to live. While Youmaru wasn't to fond of it, it was his duty. To prevent war between the kingdoms.

When Lyken approached them, Youmaru gave a slight bow, out of respect for the other male, before he stood fully again, keeping his gaze on the ground before him. It wasn't his place. Lord Garou already made it obvious his son was to be the alpha of the relationship since Youmaru all ready had a pup.

The next few days had flown by. Lyken seemed civil enough, so Youmaru accepted to go to the East with them. To keep peace between their land for his fathers sake. He did not want to be the reason the West had to deal with a war against the East.

Youmaru remained silent as their fathers spoke, about this or that. Youmaru wasn't really listening. He was concentrated on keeping the blank mask up on his face. He didn't want to upset anyone by looking upset. Of course, who wouldn't look upset when he was to leave his pup. Kuronue would be raising her on his own for awhile. The lord promised to send for her once they were settled together in their new home. Youmaru had a sinking feeling hearing those words, for some reason it made him feel as if the other was lying. But he had no reason to not trust the other lord, right?

When they finally parted ways, Youmaru looked up to his father who wore the same mask he did. He gave his father a bow before he turned, ready to travel with Lord Garou and his son Lyken to the Eastern lands. Where he would stay at their castle. If they got along well enough during the 'courtship' phase, they were to be wed in a months time.

Youmaru took a breath and sighed but he followed, glancing over to the garden as they passed his lips pulled to a thin line seeing Kuronue standing there with their daughter Kaoru. She didn't call out though, Kuronue keeping her from doing so. Youmaru forced his gaze away, it hurt to see the sad look on her face. He'd see her soon enough...

~Scene Change/Time Skip~

Youko stood silently beside his mate at the entrance of their home, watching the shut gate even after the Eastern party left through it. He sighed softly. He wasn't happy about this, but he knew his mate wasn't either. He looked up to the stone face of his mate watching the gate. He slowly moved his hand to rest it against his arm. "Come dear..." He stated softly having to tug a bit more to get his mate to turn and start heading inside. Neither of them were happy about it, but they hadn't had a choice.

Youmaru had gone willingly after all, there was nothing they could do.

~Scene Change/Time Skip~

Kuronue ushered his daughter to bed, it was getting late after all. He frowned, watching her as she looked to the window... "Papa, when will momma be home?"

Kuronue smiled letting hand smooth her hair, "Soon baby, now get some sleep, we'll play in the morning after breakfast.". She smiled at him and snuggled into the covers for some sleep.

Kuronue watched her for awhile before finally going to his own bed. He wondered vaguely if he had only asked Youmaru to be his mate if he would still be going to the East with that wolf...

But it was to late now. He doubted telling him now would help matters, so he would just keep his mouth shut, and just hope things would work out for the best. If not for him at least for Youmaru and their daughter. Kaoru needed her mother, even though she was older...

~Time Skip/Scene Change~

Youmaru was silent as he was shown to Lyken's room. He was to sleep here right off the bat? Really, you'd think they'd want to be proper about the whole courtship time period. But no. Lord Garou said he'd sleep in the same bed as his son, and do as he said if he didn't want a war between the East and West to take place. Youmaru only gave a faint nod and followed the young prince into his bed chambers.

He had fought a bit at first, but soon as the threat of a war was put into his face once more, he gave up on fighting. He didn't want to be the reason his father would have a war on his hands against the East. He didn't want to fail his father. This was the only thing he had to do for the West, he would bare this task without complaint if he could manage it.

The night went by fast, and Youmaru was sitting up on the bed watching out the window. He would of stood instead but his boy hurt to much to rise to his feet. He moved a hand wiping away the stubborn tears as Lyken slept on the mattress behind him.

Lyken was nothing like Kuronue. It made the hybrid miss the bat terribly. Made him wish to be at home, with his daughter, asleep next to the bat even if there would be nothing more to them other than just being together for their daughter. It pained him to admit to even himself he loved that cheeky bat. But Kuronue never wanted anything more, and now here he was, the betrothed to another lord's son. All to keep peace for his father and his land.

Despite the ache Youmaru slowly rose to his feet and slowly stepped over to the window, pulling the sleeping yukata closer to his thin frame. He felt cold despite being on the inside of the castle. It was colder here than it was at his home, but he dare not complain. He had to be perfect for Lyken. Had to keep the peace.

Sad golden eyes looked out to the field. There was no garden here. A sight he use to have looking out his window. Never again would he probably see his mothers beautiful garden. Never see any of his sisters, or even his younger brother. If the Lord Garou kept his promise to let him see his daughter that would be at least something. But deep in his heart he felt he wouldn't be able to.

Why would the Lord allow him to see a child that was not his son's after all. He was to be Lyken's mate, he shouldn't have another males child in his life.

Youmaru took a slow deep breath and slowly turned back to the room. Sadly looking to the bed where the black wolf lay, his back to the side Youmaru had been left to sleep on. He slowly stepped back over, and laid down, his back to the wolf. His body ached, but his heart ached even more. He let his eyes close in an attempt to fall asleep. He needed rest if he was to survive another round like that with the wolf. Lyken was not gentle in any sense.

-End Chapter twenty two-

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