AN: Guys, I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the responses to the last chapter. Thank you so much for all the kind words! I feel like I set some hefty expectations…especially now that we're moving into a POV change!

Side note: I tried to research marriage customs for this Northern/Southern Court time period, but unfortunately, I could only find information for the Heian period (ending a few hundred years before) and the Edo period (a few hundred years after). But I figure traditions in the Edo period had to start somewhere, so…I just kind of made up my own thing, and I hope it works!

Chapter 7: Karma

I find myself in a strange situation

And I don't know how

What seemed to be an infatuation

Is so different now

I can't get by if we're not together

Ooh, can't you see?

Girl, I want you now and forever

Close to me

I'm longing for the time

I'm longing for the day

Hoping that you will promise to be mine

And never go away

I don't want to live without you

I don't want to live without you

I could never live without you

Live without your love

I asked myself but there's no explanation

For the way I feel

I know I've reached the right destination

And I know it's real

– "I Don't Want to Live Without You" by Foreigner

Flying in Touga's arms was an altogether different experience than flying astride his back in dog demon form. While both exhilarated her—in completely different ways—this flight didn't leave her heart pounding in hope and fear and wonder as it did when Touga "kidnapped" her.

Instead, it sank into her stomach, making her nauseous. She wasn't sure how she had expected the meeting with Touga's wife to go (aside from badly), but it hadn't been that.

For one, the moment Izayoi laid eyes on Inukimi, all her insecurities from the past twenty-hours hours resurged. If she had thought Touga was striking, his wife was a perfect match for him in every physical way. Like yin and yang, dark and light, they balanced each other and yet formed a complete, beautiful whole.

But apparently not a harmonious one.

Izayoi did not blame Inukimi for staring at her like a worm she barely missed stepping on. Demon/human relations aside, Izayoi was all too familiar with the power plays of nobility, and she had just usurped the first wife's position. She hadn't expected a warm welcome. Based on Touga's warning, she had even expected Inukimi to fly into a rage and try to kill her. The moment the demoness mentioned tossing Izayoi off the ledge of the palace, she had tensed, waiting to feel nothing but air against her back.

But Inukimi had just sat there, watching them with a mildly bemused countenance. She hadn't even appeared all that bothered. Her words contradicted her countenance, but Izayoi was in awe of how one could remain so composed. She herself had studied courtly manners all her life, but she didn't believe she could keep a completely straight face if her husband—if Touga—had come to her one day, telling her he took on another lover. It would break her.

But perhaps that was why Touga had left Inukimi. The news didn't appear to break her. Inconvenience her, yes. Shame her, so she claimed. But break her? There had not been one warble in the demoness' voice or tear in her eye.

Even so, guilt weighed on Izayoi. Touga's son had also borne witness to the dissolution of his parents' marriage. He had shown a hint more anger than Inukimi had. But at least he appeared to be an adult. Would he understand his father's decision then?

On top of all that, now, because of her, Touga was homeless. And despite what Inukimi said, they couldn't possibly return to her father's manor. So what were they to do?

But Touga didn't appear to be flying around aimlessly. Rather, he stared ahead as if he had a destination in mind. Sure enough, sometime later, they passed over charred and barren fields, a husk of a village, and a broken manor on a forested hilltop overlooking them.

A battle took place here not long ago, she realized. Touga alit in the manor's courtyard. No guards came to accost or welcome them. Wrapped up in the forest, the grounds were eerily silent, save for the rustle of leaves and the flutter of birds taking wing.

"Where are we?" Izayoi asked as her mate set her down.

"It's a little rundown now, but I thought we might make this our home," Touga answered.

"Our home?" She turned to him in surprise. "But…what about the people who used to live here?"

"They're all dead," Touga replied.

"How do you know?"

Touga appeared to chew over his words for a moment. Finally, he took a deep breath and faced her. "Because it was a casualty in one of my army's battles."

"Oh." Izayoi looked over the property in a new light. "…Then I suppose you can rightfully claim this home as yours." She placed her hand against a column on the engawa. "But we should say a prayer to appease any lingering spirits here. Perhaps even hire an exorcist."

"You need not fear the dead when I am here," Touga answered, placing a hand on the hilt of one of the two swords at his hip. However, he did not explain further. Instead, he stared at her, as if trying to read her mind. Finally, he narrowed his eyes and cocked his head in confusion. "You're not…upset?"

"Why should I be?" The moment the question left her lips, she realized what he was getting at. Her eyes widened in realization. "Oh! Touga, I come from a samurai family. I understand well the implications of battle. Although…."

"Although?" he prompted.

Izayoi looked at the floor. "I know you are a demon, and you do not need to make yourself accountable to me, but…I did notice the remains of the village on our way here. I imagine there were…innocents who suffered. Women and children who did not—could not—fight."

Touga placed a finger under her chin. "Izayoi, look at me." With just the barest hint of pressure, he tilted her face up to meet his. "I swear to you that from the moment I met you, I have not harmed another human being, nor will I ever do so again unless our lives are at stake. I will never again consume human flesh or blood. How could I, when I now know the worth of a human life?"

Izayoi's eyes brimmed with tears. "Oh, my dearest…." She had never used such an intimate term for someone else before, but the word that Touga had used repeatedly in making love to her yesterday slipped easily from her lips.

He stroked her cheek with his thumb. "It brings me such joy to hear you call me that."

Their lips met once more, and as Touga tilted her head to the side to deepen the kiss, his hot palms slid against her neck and down her chest. Talons whined against the silk of her kimono, trekking towards her obi.

Izayoi stopped their descent, pulling away. He blinked at her in bemusement. "Izayoi, what is it?"

She still had so many questions. Before they lost themselves in the heat of the moment again, she had to know her place, or the guilt would overwhelm her.

"Since I am your mate, Touga, does that mean I am officially your wife?" To her, "mating" simply meant the coital exercises of the bedroom. But apparently to demons, it meant something completely different.

Touga sighed. "It's…complicated. Legally, I am still married to Inukimi. But all demons will be able to sense you are my mate as soon as they come near you, and there is an understanding there that we are bound forever as something more than husband and wife on paper. …That said, I do not necessarily want any demon coming near enough to you to sense that bond. Either way, no demon should object."

"But…humans would," Izayoi murmured. "I cannot sense this mating mark, my lord. And as far as the men in my father's and betrothed's employ are concerned, you kidnapped me. They will not believe for a second that I am your lawful wife. They will believe I have been bewitched by you. And should they ever find me…." Her expression fell. "Well, it is a small chance that my betrothed would want me back, damaged goods that I now am, but even so, my father still has legal authority over me, and he could use it."

Touga's brow rose, a cocky smile slipping onto his lips. "Your father is no threat to me."

Izayoi couldn't bring herself to respond to his confidence in kind, and his smirk faltered. "I know that, my lord. And yet…he will not hesitate to come after you and kill you. I know he would not be successful, but I fear the retribution you would have to take. He is, after all, still my father…."

Touga's face twisted. "I see. You still hold some regard for him, even after he sold you off."

Izayoi blinked at him. "Sold…? I always expected an arrange marriage, my lord. My father only did what any other in his station would. Even so, I know he cares for me, as I do for him."

Touga sighed. "I see. So you would not have me kill him."

Izayoi bowed. "This I beg of you, my lord."

Touga nodded, pulling her up. "Then it's settled. We'll just get married on human terms, so that he has no more hold over you."

Afterwards, they spent the rest of that day examining the manor, making sure it wasn't in danger of collapsing and finding the least exposed area in which Izayoi could sleep. But when she woke up the next morning, she found a cadre of demons speaking with her husband in the courtyard.

Izayoi didn't know whether or not to come out of the shadows when Touga turned to her with a smile and beckoned her over. "Come, my dear. Meet some of my most trusted advisors."

He introduced them to her, including a little flea named Miyoga that only made himself known after Izayoi slapped her hand, thinking a mosquito had gotten her.

"'Tis a pleasure to meet milord's mate," Miyoga told her after he had regained his rightful shape. Izayoi was astounded by the fact that she hadn't squished him to death. Demons truly have sturdy constitutions. "Should you ever be in need of information, Izayoi-sama, you need only ask me. And of course, we have all vowed to keep your existence a secret until Touga-sama chooses to reveal your circumstances to his people."

"O-Of course, thank you," Izayoi answered, though her heart deflated a bit. I'm being hidden away like mistress instead of a wife. What happened to demons recognizing us as more than married?

Touga may not have been able to sense her feelings as she could his (a strange sensation she was still adjusting to), but she was starting to wonder if he could read her mind. "It is a temporary measure, my love. With my separation from Inukimi, I fear my enemies will see this as a weakness and come after not just my army but us as well. And if Inukimi pulls her own men out of my army, then…."

Izayoi understood. To a samurai, the size of one's army decided his influence and standing. She had gathered that Touga was akin to the daimyo of this region. No doubt there were others who sought to usurp his place.

"But first," her mate said, taking her hands in his and kissing the backs of them, "we shall be married, as you requested. I have some gifts for you, in that regard."

Touga led her to a nearby room that was still largely intact. "I realize when I took you yesterday that we left behind all your possessions. I will return for them, if you wish, but in the meantime, I hope these will suffice." He slid open the doors to reveal a kimono stand draped in a dazzling white juunihitoe. The outermost layer glimmered with silver and white threads embroidered into chrysanthemums. Beneath it, layers of crimson, rose, gold, spring green, and lilac created an array of color like a field of wildflowers.

"Oh, Touga, it's lovely," Izayoi remarked, fingering the embroidery, almost afraid to touch such an elegant robe. "Wherever did you acquire it on such short notice?"

Touga grinned. "I know some people. I hoped you would wear it for our wedding. Just because it will be small and rushed does not mean you deserve any less than to shine as you should in such a ceremony."

Izayoi turned to him with wide eyes. "Dearest, you didn't have to do this. I would have been happy enough wearing what I have on now, so long as the vows I made were to you."

"Then consider this a prelude to my vows," Touga said, reaching into his sleeve and pulling out a wooden box. He handed it to her, and Izayoi opened it to reveal a wooden comb. Her eyes teared up. Touga's eyes widened in panic. "D-Did I do something wrong? Miyoga told me that human men often present combs to their intendeds."

Izayoi shook her head, dabbing at her eyes. "No, darling. It symbolizes that you wish to be with me until my hair turns white." She smiled. "If that is what you mean, then it is perfect."

A warble of worry fluttered on the bond between them, and Touga reached out with a more solemn expression, taking a lock of her hair and running it through his fingers. He brought the length up to his lips, closed his eyes, and kissed it.

"My love, you have my heart for eternity. I will treasure every day we have together."

Izayoi's vision blurred once more. Of course. How could I forget? He will live long after I die. She closed the distance between them and kissed him chastely. "Then let us celebrate this beginning and not wallow in a future we cannot predict."

"Quite right, my love. And on that note, I have one more gift. The final piece to your ensemble."

Izayoi giggled. "Touga, you're spoiling me."

"I can't help it. I would give you the world, if I could." Instead, he fished into his sleeve and pulled out a pair of shells tied together in a hinge with string. Izayoi opened it to find a pool of rouge inside. "I believe I kissed all the color off you yesterday. Reapply it…and I'll kiss it off you again," he added with a smirk.

Izayoi giggled. "Thank you, dearest."

He stepped back. "Do you need help getting ready?"

Izayoi's spirits dipped in that moment. "Oh. Yes, I suppose I do." It was impossible for her to put on so many layers by herself.

"What is wrong?"

"Only…Kimiko, my lady's maid, must be sick with worry over me. She has been with me since I was a child, and I consider her like a dear older sister. I never told her about you though, so she must be wondering if you really did kidnap me to eat me."

Touga hummed in consideration. "If we brought her here, would she be able to bear it, staying in the same home as a demon?"

Izayoi sucked in a breath of hope. "Oh, yes, she would do anything for me! And I'm sure once she sees what a wonderful man you are, she won't be frightened at all. But…is there really a way to bring her here without arousing my father's suspicion?"

Touga smirked. "My dear, I'm a demon. Don't I specialize in ensnaring and kidnapping women?" Izayoi burst out laughing. "Wait here. I will fetch her."

"What, right now?" Izayoi asked.

Touga smiled at her. "You wish her to witness your wedding, don't you?"

Izayoi blinked away her tears. "I would love that."

Touga nodded. "Of course. Then it is no trouble to bring her. Wait here. I'll be back as soon as I locate her. My men will keep you safe." With a quick kiss, he left her.

And he was as good as his word. That very afternoon, Touga returned bearing Izayoi's palanquin, with her trunk placed atop it. When he set down the palanquin, he held out his hand, and a trembling one reached out from inside and took it.

"Kimiko!" Izayoi gasped with glee as her maid emerged from behind the bamboo curtain.

"My lady!" her maid cried out, running to her and bursting into tears as they embraced. "T-Thank the gods you are safe! I-I was s-so worried!"

"Forgive me, Kimiko," Izayoi replied, her own eyes misty. She smiled over her maid's shoulder at Touga, who nodded and left to put away her trunk and give them some privacy. "I never wished to make you worry, but everything happened so quickly."

Kimiko pulled away, sniffing. "So it is true then what this demon says? You…are to marry him? Of your own free will?"

Izayoi took her maid's hands and squeezed them. "Yes. Do you remember that morning I returned from the forest after being out all night?"

"How could I forget? You came back with a damp kimono full of mysterious, half-washed stains. I was out of my mind with worry!" Kimiko answered.

"That was the night I met him. I have been seeing him ever since."

"Truly? So you planned to elope with him?"

Izayoi shook her head. "No. Though I love Touga, I had pledged to marry as my father wished."

"But why? What could your father and betrothed have done in the face of a demon?"

Izayoi glanced away from her, guilt creeping back into her heart. "The truth is…my lord Touga is already married."

"Oh! To another human or to a demon?"

"A demon."

"I see. Unless she is as benevolent as Touga-dono, I suspect it was not safe for you."

Bless Kimiko for her quick understanding. A lifetime of servitude to a samurai household had no doubt made sure of that.

"Then what changed?" Kimiko asked.

Izayoi showed her the bite mark on her neck and proceeded to tell her all about demon mating customs. She then explained how she and Touga planned to get married on human terms.

"Oh! Then we must get you ready!" Kimiko exclaimed.

Izayoi squeezed her hands. "Before that, Kimiko…. I know you likely came with Touga to make sure of my welfare, but if you do not feel comfortable serving me in a household of demons—and a dilapidated household at that—know that I will understand. I will ask my lord to take you where you wish so you may start a life anew, should you choose."

Kimiko blinked at her. "But my lady…where would I go? For nigh on two decades now, my place has only ever been at your side. I wouldn't know what to do with myself. I have no relatives, my lady; you are my only family. Besides, I vowed to serve you in the house of your husband, and whether he is human or demon, I plan to do so."

"Oh, bless you, Kimiko!" Izayoi gasped, hugging her once more.

With Kimiko's help, Izayoi was dressed and made up in no time. Kimiko held Izayoi's train for her as she walked back to the courtyard. Her face was already growing dewy from the warm, afternoon sun, the mask of makeup on her face, and the layers of kimono she had donned. When she arrived, she froze at the entrance, seeing an unfamiliar figure standing by her palanquin. Strangely, he wore the formal katiginu vestment of a samurai but the wide-brimmed, straw hat of a traveler, which obscured his head.

"And who might you be, sir?" Izayoi asked. "Another acquaintance of my lord's?"

The figure turned around and tilted his back. "I suppose I should be pleased with my disguise, but I'm rather hurt, my love. Though it has only been a day, you cannot recognize your mate from behind?"

"Oh!" Izayoi cried out, hurrying forward and peering under the hat. "My lord, what have you done to your face?" She reached out and brushed her thumb over Touga's cheek, coming away with a brown smear on her fair skin.

"An extra precaution. I have many demonic abilities, but masking my appearance is not one of them. With my complexion, mud was my only avenue for covering my markings," Touga said. "Nothing can be done about my eyes, but as long as the priest does not object to my wearing a hat, then all will be well."

Izayoi thought about telling him that he might draw more attention because of the hat paired with such formal garb, but she couldn't bring herself to. The hats that go with that outfit wouldn't cover his ears or hair. Indeed, it appeared that Touga had tied up his hair, so his silver tresses were nowhere to be seen under the brim. Two of his men had also disguised themselves as best they could in human garb.

Kimiko then helped Izayoi into her palanquin, and Touga's retainers carried her between them. They processed for a couple hours to the nearest inhabited town that held a Shinto shrine.

Izayoi was so worried about the priests finding out about Touga and his men that she could hardly concentrate on the ceremony. But in just a few moments, the rite was performed, and at Touga's request, the priest wrote down a record of their marriage, which he, Izayoi, and their witnesses signed. Though it was an unusual request, Izayoi was thankful for it. With that record, should the worst ever come to pass and her father found her, he would not legally be able to take her back.

After having a small lunch in the village—for Izayoi's and Kimiko's sakes—they returned to the manor, where Touga's men were already at work rebuilding it. However, they left upon the couple's return, ribbing Touga with not-so-subtle innuendos about his wedding night.

The next day, Touga pitched in on the reconstruction, and Izayoi and Kimiko helped where they could. With demon strength and labor, the manor was ready in a matter of days. Touga's men departed for his army, promising to bring back news on whether or not Inukimi was pulling out her forces.

Touga, Izayoi, and Kimiko were left alone in their new home. At first, Izayoi loved being able to spend so much quality time with her new husband and getting to know him. But soon, a sense of loneliness and discomfort took over.

"Don't you have a province to run?" Izayoi asked him one day at breakfast. He would don his human disguise and fly to a market to bring back food every few days, but she didn't know how much money he had left and how much longer they could subsist on their own in this way. None of them were farmers. She knew more about how to manage peasants than how to do their work, aside from collecting herbs and making poultices.

And, if she were being truly honest, she was beginning to want for other company.

Touga's face took on an uncertain expression as he sipped his tea—a new habit he had formed to spend time with her as she ate meals. "Not really. Inukimi was always the one in charge of governmental affairs. I just expanded and protected our territory."

"Is it safe for you to be away from your army for so long?" she asked. Touga had reported that Inukimi had not pulled her forces out yet, but Izayoi still worried. Being from a samurai family, she knew the importance of keeping one's armies intact, and that required constant leadership. "What if your men are wiped out by your enemies while you're away?"

Touga waved off her questions. "My dear, do not worry about such things. It is not the first time I have taken a break from my war efforts. I assure you, my army is enjoying the downtime. If I do not sense an enemy first, my men will inform me if a new foe appears."

"But what if—" Izayoi bit down on the words, realizing just what she was about to say.

"What if what?"

"Never mind."

"Tell me," Touga cajoled.

Izayoi bit her lip. "What if…the enemy comes from within?"

Touga sat up straighter. "What do you mean?"

She looked up at her husband, and part of her hated herself for even suggesting this. But she would rather Touga be prepared for every possibility than be caught by surprise.

And he might still be blinded by whatever feelings remain….

"Do you think Inukimi would try to take over your army with her own?"

Touga pondered that for a moment and then shook his head. "No. She never cared about the army like I did. She prefers one-on-one battles; conquering territory means little to her."

"Not even…to hurt you?"

Touga's expression shuttered as his shoulders sank. "You make a fair point. However, knowing her, I doubt she would make such an obvious fuss. To pull back her men or make them turn against me would mean making known our…situation. And for her, having it known that her husband consorted with a human would be the most shameful thing of all. She would do anything to hide that scandal."

Izayoi lowered her chopsticks to her bowl. "So…what does that mean for us? Are we just going to…live in secret for the rest of my life?"

Touga's eyes flashed over to her on the words "my life." "I'm…not sure," he said.

That was also something they had not gotten around to discussing yet. She did not know how long she might live, but knowing how long Touga already had, she knew she would just be a moment in his long life.

I wonder if he'll go back to her once I'm gone….

Well, if she really was just a momentary existence in Touga's and Inukimi's lives, perhaps the latter would forgive her for taking advantage of what few years she had available to her.

"If we cannot live openly amongst demons, I had hoped we might try amongst humans," Izayoi added.

Touga's gaze softened. "You long for companionship."

Izayoi kept her gaze on the table, her hands cupped around her bowl of rice. "Humans are not meant to live alone. I know I'm not alone—not really. But—"

"You crave a social life. That is understandable." Touga rubbed his chin in thought. "I suppose we could play lord and lady and try to build a village or two on our land."

"Would you be fine with that?" Izayoi asked. "You would have to remain in disguise."

Touga smirked at her. "We'll see about that. You would be amazed at just how many humans are willing to live in the presence of a god."

"A god?" Izayoi didn't know what to think of the amused twinkle in her husband's eye, but something told her her life with Touga would not be boring in the least.

Nanboku Chou Period, Koukoku Era 7th year/Jouwa Era 3rd Year (1347 CE)

As soon as Kimiko set down Izayoi's breakfast in front of her, the charred odor of smoked fish made Izayoi gag.

Oh no, she thought, jumping up from the table and running outside.

"My lady?" Kimiko asked.

"Izayoi?" Touga cried out, hurrying after her.

Izayoi barely made it to the edge of the engawa before she started retching. Nothing came up but bile, as she hadn't eaten since dinner last night, but just dry heaving exhausted her to the point that she collapsed onto her knees. The cool spring air kissed her flushed face, a welcome balm.

Touga held her voluminous hair away from her face and rubbed her back. She hated being like this in front of him: ill and weak and human. Touga never seemed to suffer from natural illnesses. Wounds, yes—he had come home many a time covered in them, despite claiming that his warmongering days were over—but never sickness.

"Are you unwell, my lady?" Kimiko asked from the doorway.

Touga's fingers—normally so hot on her body—now felt cool as they pressed against her forehead. "Hmm, you're a little warm, but that might just be from the exertion just now," Touga murmured. "We'll wait a moment more to assess your temperature."

"There…there's no need," she gasped. She had felt fine moments ago. And she had been counting, as best she could. She knew exactly what this was.

But while that knowledge should have filled her with joy, instead, it only brought anxiety.

I can't go through this again. Dear gods, please…please let this one take.

Touga dismissed Kimiko with a wave, and she left without a word, sliding the doors to the engawa shut. His hand slid up Izayoi's back to caress her neck. "No, I suppose there's not," he said in a gentle voice.

She took another deep breath to settle her stomach before peeking up at him. "Y-you knew?"

His smile barely lifted the corners of his lips. "I scented the change in you a few days ago, but…."

But I didn't want to get your hopes up. She knew those were the words he left unsaid.

Hot tears suddenly pulsed out of Izayoi's eyes; she turned and buried her face in her husband's chest. "Touga, I'm s-so scared." She hiccupped. "I don't…I can't lose another one of our children. I just can't."

"Shh, don't fret now," Touga soothed, stroking her head. "What have I told you before? Worrying before anything happens only invites misfortune. Instead, we should give thanks that we have been given another chance, shouldn't we?" Izayoi squeezed him tighter. "I will bring in the finest physicians to oversee you. We'll take it easy, starting now. And whatever comes our way, we will face it together."

The words were meant to be reassuring, but even Izayoi could hear in his voice how he was trying not to get his hopes up.

Touga had told her from the start of their marriage not to pay any attention to the words of the wise women from her youth who said she would never be able to bear a child. "Without knowing a man, how could you know?" he asked her when she tried to defend their expertise.

Besides, she was now married to a demon—and who could have believed that would come to pass? So surely miracles could too. Maybe because Touga was a demon, he might counteract whatever was wrong with her.

But as the years dragged on with no conception in sight—despite more than enough sex to preclude it—she started to believe the old warnings. And it drove her to depression.

Touga reiterated over and over not to worry herself over it. "You don't need to feel obligated to give me a child," he said. She knew he was trying to counteract a lifetime of teachings that had been forced into her head.

She also knew he already had a son and didn't need another.

But it wasn't obligation pushing her desire for a child. It was her own selfishness. He left Inukimi, but the proof of their union still exists in Sesshoumaru. I want the same for us. I want him to have a memory of me when I'm gone. I want to have a child that looks like him to raise and adore. I want, I want, I want….

The more she despaired, the more she wondered if this was some karmic retribution. She knew the first Noble Truth of Buddhism: Desire is the cause of suffering. Yet she couldn't stop wanting.

So she should have known she'd have to pay for her sins.

After years of trying and despairing, finally, she conceived. Yet no sooner had Touga sniffed out her pregnancy—leading them to rejoice and celebrate—than she lost the baby.

A few years and two more miscarriages later, she had all but abandoned hope that she would ever deliver a healthy child.

If she hadn't had proof of her womb being faulty before she married Touga, she would have thought she'd been cursed. After all, there was one demoness out there who would have the motive.

But to Izayoi's surprise, Inukimi had not shown her face once since she and Touga left her palace that fateful day. And if she had any good karma left, she would never have to see Inukimi again.

As the next few weeks progressed, Izayoi didn't know whether to be annoyed, flattered, or flustered.

Touga was so overbearing…but it was so cute.

She had agreed to resting more and staying confined to the house so as not to overtax herself. She counted week by week, her hope growing as she passed the milestones marking her previous losses and what she feared as inevitable didn't occur. It wasn't until she was halfway through her pregnancy that she finally dared to believe she might carry the baby to term.

By then though, she was dying to go outside. It had been easier to stay indoors when there was still a nip in the air, but now that the summer sun shone in all its glory, Izayoi wanted to bask in it and take walks through the forest just like she used to.

But Touga wouldn't have it.

"No. We don't want to risk anything happening to you or the babe," he told her when she mused aloud about going down to the town market.

"I'll take Kimiko with me," Izayoi answered.

"That's not the point, Izayoi. Even that much of a walk could leave you strained."

"Then I'll take the palanquin."

"No."

Izayoi sighed. "You won't be satisfied unless you can come with me, is that it?"

He didn't answer, but he didn't have to. In the years since they had taken over the manor, Touga spread word that demons would not come near this area. Humans started flocking back to the deserted villages, and Touga and Izayoi became the de facto lord and lady of these lands. Initially, they tried to hide the fact that Touga was a demon. He rarely went out to mingle with the humans, and those who came to visit saw him only from behind a screen. But it only fueled rumors that the local lord who had suddenly appeared and rebuilt the fallen manor in mere days was something other.

Of course, that played right into Touga's plan.

It was inevitable that such a secret should get out. Touga himself dealt with any demon who strayed into his territory, and not every attack happened in the dark of night. When villagers witnessed him in action, he made sure they spread the word that the lived in the presence of a god and his human bride. The people showered him and Izayoi with gifts and offerings. To work for Touga-sama and his beloved wife was considered a great honor, but only the most trusted of individuals were asked to work at the manor.

But that sort of notoriety brought with it great attention, and Izayoi, though she received plenty of honors herself, was less likely to turn heads in the market, especially if she dressed down and wore her veil.

Izayoi sighed. "I may be a sheltered princess, but I'm not that sheltered. I've walked around plenty on my own—as you well know. If I didn't have the courage to go into the forest at night by myself, we never would have met, my love."

"That's precisely why I'm worried," he countered. "That night, you were about to be a snake demon's dinner—and you had no idea." He gave a gusty sigh, scratching his head and bouncing his leg as he often did when he got antsy. "If you still smelled human, I might worry less—you could mask yourself amongst the townspeople, at least. But now you not only carry my mark—you reek of half-demon. Demons will come from miles around just to sink their fangs into you."

Izayoi blinked at him in shock. "But that hasn't happened yet—" Her words cut off at the solemn stare he gave her, and Izayoi clutched her hands over her heart. "Darling…is that where you run off to during the night? To fight off…demons?"

With the babe starting to kick up a fuss in her belly, she often woke at night and would find Touga's side of the futon inexplicably empty.

He nodded.

"I don't understand. Why? Don't they sense you here?"

Touga's eyes dropped to the ground. "I fear it's because they sense me." He swallowed. "I never realized until now just how many enemies I've made. I suppose a lifetime of waging war will do that." He tried to laugh it off like a joke, but torment twisted his expression. "Now I wish I hadn't been so obsessed with fighting and finding the strongest opponents. If I had known this would happen—that we would end up together—" he said, taking her hands in his, "—I would have stopped everything. Now my enemies come to my doorstep sensing weakness. A human mate and a half-demon child."

Izayoi's heart seized, and immediately Touga pulled her into his arms.

"Do not fear, Izayoi. Nothing will happen to you so long as I am around." He gave a short laugh. "Inukimi married me for a reason: I am the strongest demon alive. No one can best me."

Izayoi held him tighter. I pray that is the case.

So she agreed to Touga's terms to stay at home—even though she grew to hate the walls of their house.

But at least he let her walk the outside perimeter under the shade of the forest, as long as she stayed within eyesight or earshot of him. She couldn't stand being so cooped up. As much as walking became a burden the heavier with child she grew, her legs screamed for some activity. They ached when she walked, but Kimiko assured her that she had to walk at least a little every day to keep her strength up.

"You will need every ounce of strength for when the babe is born," her maidservant reminded her over and over. So Izayoi took what freedom she could.

One day, she and Kimiko noticed a lone ronin plodding along the road below the manor's hilltop. He appeared to be making his way towards the estate.

"Go inside, my lady, and I'll see what he wants," Kimiko said.

Izayoi did as she was bade. Touga met her just inside the gate, a stony look on his face.

"Dearest, what is the matter?" she asked.

"It's him."

"Who?"

Kimiko came scuttling back. "My lady, it's Takemaru!"

Izayoi sucked in a breath. "Takemaru…of Setsuna?" She couldn't help it—her heart lifted at the name. Takemaru had always been a dear friend to her as she grew up. Although Touga's protection allowed for the local villages to be rebuilt, she had not led an active social life as a noblewoman. It was not as if she and her lord could host gatherings, what with him being a demon. They had gotten a reputation as recluses, though the townspeople themselves were satisfied enough as long as they were protected from war bands and demons.

"Send him away," Touga snapped.

"But my love, he's a friend. Surely he's been as worried about me as Kimiko was. Why, you even stole Kimiko away from under his nose. My father must have punished him terribly…. I should at least put his mind at ease. Remember how well Kimiko took the news?" Izayoi asked, placing a coaxing hand on his arm.

Touga appeared not to even listen to her. His sharp eyes bored into the maidservant. "Go."

Kimiko scampered away with her orders. "Touga!" Izayoi fussed.

Suddenly, her back was against the wall. He hadn't slammed her into it, but it was the roughest he had handled her since she got pregnant. "Touga, what are you—?"

"The difference is that he is male," Touga growled. "I will not allow any other males around you—especially that one." He pressed his lips to her neck and sucked on it in a way that made her already weak knees quiver.

What is this? He's acting so…possessive. She hadn't ever seen Touga like this. "Darling, whatever is the matter with you?"

His lips moved against her sensitive flesh, his breath ghosting across the saliva on her neck and sending goosebumps down her spine. "What's the matter with me? I'll tell you what's the matter with me. You are pregnant with my pup. Your scent of impending motherhood intoxicates me. I have been dying to get you underneath me for months, but I have restrained myself for your sake and the babe's." His claws dug into the round flesh of her backside, and she sucked in a breath. Her nipples tightened, and her core fluttered with need.

These had been some very long months indeed without his body inside hers.

"Takemaru-dono, wait—you can't go in there!" Kimiko's voice carried through the gate, and suddenly, Touga snapped up straight, putting himself in front of his mate.

"Princess Izayoi!" Takemaru cried out, running into the courtyard. He froze when he saw them, his hand automatically reaching for his sword.

"Takemaru, stop!" Izayoi called, pushing around her husband. "There's no need for swords here."

Takemaru's eyes widened as they took in her form. She wasn't huge yet, but even beneath her robes, her rounded belly was visible. His eyes flicked up to her neck, and Izayoi suddenly felt self-conscious. Her mating mark was hidden, but had a bruise already formed from Touga's harsh kiss?

The samurai's flinty eyes flew to Touga's. "What have you done to her, demon?"

"Nothing I didn't want," Izayoi answered.

Takemaru flinched in shock. Then he shook his head. "No, no. Clearly, this beast has bewitched you."

"Hardly!" Izayoi answered. "He offered me the very life I desired. Or would you have rather I withered away in an aged lord's harem?" Takemaru's fists clenched, and he had the grace to look ashamed. Izayoi's features softened, and she stepped forward to comfort him, but Touga held her back. The hand on her shoulder was an unforgiving shackle.

He would allow her these words but no more.

"Takemaru, I appreciate your concern for me—especially after so many years. But as you can see, I am well. I am happy. Rest assured I want for nothing."

Takemaru said nothing. He just stared at her and the demon at her back. She couldn't tell if he was convinced or not.

"Are you well?"

"There has been a hole in my heart since the moment I lost you."

Izayoi winced. She had walked right into that one. "And…my father? Do you have news of him?"

"I have not been in your father's employ for some seven years now. He released me from his service, for obvious reasons."

"Takemaru…I'm so sorry. I never meant for you to pay the price for my decision." If he had become a ronin, then his options for employment were few. So many turned to banditry and other lives of crime. Don't tell me…. "Are you alone?"

Takemaru shook his head. "There are others like me, my lady. We have formed a mercenary band."

Izayoi let out the breath she had been holding. Becoming a mercenary was the best life he could have as a ronin. Thank the gods for small mercies. "I am pleased to hear it."

Touga's face darkened, however. He stepped forward, his hand still on his wife's shoulder. "There. You have seen and spoken with her now. Go on your own feet before I decide to toss you over the gate."

"Touga!" Izayoi hissed.

Takemaru scowled. "No matter how much they masquerade as humans, my lady, demons are demons down to their cores. This one is showing his true colors."

"No, he's just being a little territorial," she grumbled.

Takemaru huffed, but he straightened nonetheless. "Very well. I will leave. But mark my words, demon—you cannot keep me away forever."

"We'll see about that," Touga answered as Takemaru walked back out the gate. They watched the ronin go until he disappeared from sight.

With the onset of winter, Izayoi was nearing the end of her term. The babe sat low in her belly now, and everything of hers hurt. She couldn't wait for this torment of bedrest to end.

She just wanted to meet her precious boy. She hadn't believed Touga at first when he told her it was a son, writing it off as wishful thinking. But when he explained to her that he could scent the differences between males and females, she stopped doubting him.

Touga was sitting with her one day, reading aloud The Tale of Genji to stave off her boredom. Suddenly, he straightened, his head whipping around to stare at the wall as if he could see through it.

"What is it, my love?" Izayoi asked.

He set the book down and quickly donned his armor. "A demon approaches."

"A powerful one?" she asked.

Touga's jaw tightened. "His name is Ryuukotsusei. We have…crossed paths before. He is a powerful foe."

Izayou's heart thudded, and Touga looked over at her, relaxing his expression. He came over and kissed her. "Relax, my love. I will lead him away from here."

She clutched onto him and kissed him again. "Stay safe, my dearest."

"I will," he answered. "Because I have two very important people to protect." He rubbed his hand over her distended belly. "You stay put until I return, you hear, son?"

"How long will you be gone?" Izayoi asked.

"For as long as it takes to eliminate this threat," Touga answered with a grave look. "Whether that is hours or days."

Izayoi kissed him again. Touga slowly pried himself away and then left, heading straight out the doors onto the engawa and leaping into the air.

Only a few seconds later, a roar like thunder shook the house. Somewhere in the estate, Kimiko screamed. Izayoi pushed herself to her feet and waddled over to the engawa. She looked up into the sky and gasped.

The heavens had gone dark, storm clouds blanketing them as far as she could see. Lightning flashed, and in its glare, the silhouettes of a massive dragon and a giant dog grappled with each other.

Rage boiled through her bond with Touga—along with sharp slices of agony. Had Touga been injured? Izayoi's heart quaked with fear, and suddenly her hair stood on end.

A fork of lightning struck a tree in the courtyard, making it explode. Debris flew everywhere, tearing through paper doors. Izayoi screamed and shielded her face and belly, shards of bark nicking her as the force and shock of the blast sent her stumbling back. She fell onto her rear, crying out in pain as the child jostled against her hips and bladder.

Wetness spread from between her legs, and Izayoi panicked until she saw that the fluid wasn't red. Had she soiled herself?

"Kimiko!" she screamed. The maid came running for her and helped her to her feet.

The scent of smoke cut through the air, and an unnatural heat blew in along with the frigid wind. When Izayoi straightened, she found the tree in the yard in flames; pockets in the snow sizzled with wisps of smoke from where scattered pieces lay. A dry, frigid wind blew, making the flames dance closer to the roof of the manor.

"Water!" Izayoi cried out. "Get water!" The snow around the tree had already melted, turning the earth to mud.

Suddenly, spikes of pain pierced her belly, and she doubled over, moaning.

"My lady?" Kimiko asked, running over to her. "What's wrong?"

"Just…another phantom contraction, I think." Izayoi placed her hand over her stomach. She had been having some light contractions lately, but every time they sent for the midwife, she explained that these "phantom contractions" often happened before the actual labor. Was this another case?

Kimiko looked at her soiled clothes. "My lady, are you sure this was not your water breaking?"

"My…what?" Izayoi asked, her brain fogged with pain.

"I'll get the midwife and more help from the village to put out the fire. Come stay outside the gate, my lady. It isn't safe for you here." Kimiko threw some heavy robes on her and led her out of the manor, where Izayoi collapsed onto the snowy ground, not caring that the wet soaked through her robes. Her heart pounded, sending heat thrumming through her body. Sweat beaded her forehead despite how the chill raised goosebumps on her arms and made her shiver.

"Stay here. I'll return posthaste!" Kimiko took off running down the hill.

Izayoi lay in the snow, trying to get into a more comfortable position. She watched in a daze as the demons fighting in the sky passed over the area like a stormfront, heading north and taking the darkness with them. Several minutes later, another contraction ripped through her, causing her to cry out.

Oh gods. I think this is it.

All these months, she had never expected her son's birth to happen like this. She knew there would be pain—an unimaginable amount of it—but for this all to happen while her mate was gone and for her to lie outside in the snow while her home risked burning?

The gods are truly punishing me. I coveted a demon's husband. I dared to ask for a child when my body could not bear it. Oh gods, am I going to die?

The pain—both hers and her mate's—only grew as she lay there for who knew how long. Minutes? Hours? Where was Kimiko? She knew the midwife was elderly and it would take time for the old woman to make her way up the hill from the village, but couldn't she hurry?

As she thought that, the ground trembled beneath her, and she blinked her eyes open. Has Touga returned?

Her heart quickened in anticipation. At least if she had her mate by her side, she might be able to bear this pain….

A shadow crossed over her, blocking out the sun. Izayoi struggled to make out the features, but the silhouette didn't seem to be Touga's….

"Princess, how it grieves me to see you so."

Izayoi blinked in confusion. It…it can't be. Take…maru?

"Men, put out the fire!" Takemaru cried out, and the crunch and squelch of dozens of feet rumbled through the muddy snow, armor clanking as they passed. He bent down and lifted Izayoi into his arms. "Fear not, my princess. I will set things right."

"Takemaru, is it…really you?" She wondered if the pain of labor was making her hallucinate. "Wha…what are you doing here?"

"Once I saw you alive, I could not in good conscience withhold such information from your father, who has grieved your loss these many years. He hired me to set you free."

Izayoi frowned, her mind so fogged, she could hardly grasp a thought. Even so, what he said made no sense. "But I…am not imprisoned."

"Does not your demon lover keep you bound to your home? I saw for myself how he would not let you go."

"No, that's not—" Another contraction overtook her, and Izayoi sucked in a breath, groaning in pain.

With so many hands, Takemaru's men put out the fire in no time. As they did, Kimiko came back with the midwife and more help, and when it was safe to reenter the house, they led Takemaru to the bedroom, where he laid Izayoi on her futon. The midwife then shooed the man out and checked Izayoi's progress. Declaring that there were still many hours to go, she hung a curtain around her futon as they waited.

Later, Izayoi would have no memory of time passing before the birth. Her head lolled back and forth as she waited, pain twisting her belly into knots a hundred times worse than any cramps she had suffered during her rare blood flows. The hours dragged on like unbearable, hot summer days, though the fire in the brazier reminded her that it was, in fact, winter. But her body still sweat as if she were engulfed in the sun.

She prayed every moment that the midwife would finally tell her it was time to push, only to be let down again. She prayed for Touga's return, staring at the moon out her window and hoping to see his shadow cross it. Strangely, it seemed to grow smaller with each passing hour. Had the pain addled her brain? Was she going to die? She prayed that was not the case, but if it was her karma to die for the sins she committed, she prayed that at least her innocent son would be spared.

And she prayed for mercy.

Dear gods…if I do not make it…if my son must live without his mother…please open Inukimi's heart to him. Let her take him in as her own.

For she had no doubt that Touga would return to his demon wife as soon as she was deceased, but she knew full well how the children of mere concubines were treated by the first wives of lords. And though she was Touga's mate—an even stronger tie than a first wife, supposedly—it would mean nothing if she were dead and unable to defend her son.

Please give her compassion.

Outside, the midwife's voice rose. "I implore you not to enter, Lord Takemaru. The lady is in labor."

"She will birth a child fathered by a demon. There is no need for decorum," Takemaru answered.

"The birthing room is forbidden to men! Lord Takemaru!" Then the old woman's voice was silenced.

Why would he come? For some unknown reason, fear gripped her heart then—a cold foreboding.

The shadow of death.

"My dearest," Izayoi gasped, staring into the moon being engulfed in shadow. Come back to me. You have to come back to me.

But she had to find a way to get Takemaru to leave. If Touga returned when they were here, as she was giving birth to his pup, she feared what he might do to the man and his army in his possessive rage.

A shadow stood outside the sliding doors to her room. Was it the midwife? She couldn't really tell through the curtain.

"Who is it?" Izayoi asked.

"It is I, Takemaru of Setsuna," he said as he entered.

"Takemaru?" What happened to the midwife? And where is Kimiko? Why didn't someone stop him?

Even so, she did not want to be alone. Not now, when she was in so much pain. And his voice still held traces of affection. Perhaps all was not lost. Perhaps her fear had gotten the best of her amidst all this pain.

"Oh, thank goodness you have arrived," she said, thankful she was between contractions and could think straight. "You must gather the men standing guard outside and leave the grounds at once. My husband will return soon, and he will be in a rage if so many men are around me. Please do as I say. I fear there is no one who is strong enough to challenge him."

Takemaru knelt outside the sheer curtain around her. She could not quite make out his expression past the gauzy fabric, but his shoulders hunched as if in defeat. Did that mean he would accept her request?

"My lady, I have long felt a deep connection with you, as I'm sure you are aware. Even though I realized full well that your heart has been captured by a demon."

Captured…? The word sent a flicker of alarm through her.

Then Takemaru raised his polearm and stabbed her.

Izayoi screamed as her side exploded in a fresh wave of agony, and her womb contracted at the same time.

Why? Why, why, why, why, why?

Why me?

"My feelings for you will never change, my lady," Takemaru said as he stood. "And now, I have set you free, as I promised your father I would." Without looking back at her, he left.

Izayoi moaned, reaching for the moon barely visible in the sky. Sweat shone on her brow.

Touga, please. Help... I…need you.

Hot blood gush out of her wound, and she moaned.

I cannot die like this. Not before…my son….

She didn't know where the midwife was. Had Takemaru killed her too? And Kimiko? Where was everyone?

It didn't matter. If it was the last thing she did, she would give birth to her son. She would not leave Touga alone.

So she pushed. Even as the energy leeched out of her, she reached deep down into herself for extra strength. As her nether lips stretched, she looked down to see the child's head crowning.

It was an awe-inspiring sight. She couldn't even describe the emotions that welled up as she saw this miracle happening.

But then darkness crept along the edge of her vision.

She shook her head in panic and pushed harder.

Almost there, almost there, almost there….

When a high-pitched cry filled the air, Izayoi gave one last push and reached down to grab the infant, dragging him the rest of the way out of her. He wriggled in her hold, slipping through her fingers with all the blood covering him.

Her arms trembled as she struggled to wrap him in the cloth nearby that the midwife had left behind.

I just…need…to see…his face, she thought as her eyelids fluttered and her vision blinked in and out.

She wiped his face free of blood as he screamed and writhed.

Little silver dog ears perched on a crown of white, wispy hair, but otherwise, he appeared quite human.

He's perfect. My perfect…little…boy.

"I love you," Izayoi whispered, pulling her son close and kissing his head.

Relieved, she finally gave into the darkness.

AN: I know this chapter covered a lot in a short span of time, but hopefully it satisfied any curiosity you had about Touga and Izayoi's married life. The ending should have looked familiar. Stay tuned for more familiar scenes next chapter!