A/n Hello dear readers! I had quite a few lovely reviews for the last chapter. Thank you so very much for that. I agree that it must have been very awkward for Kenshin to ask that of Sano. Hopefully Kaoru will not find herself in that sort of trouble. I don't know if I can be that mean to her….or can I?
As I did with Loving the Reluctant Alpha, I've a bit of news. This will be the last update on this story until December. November is NanoWrimo and I'm spending October working on the outline. But updates will start right back up again in December.

On to the story!

Chapter 9

Dear Megumi,
I think it's wonderful news that you've made Master Apprentice at the academy. I didn't doubt your abilities for a moment. You rose through the ranks faster than any student and you are a Water fae in a Fire School. I am still terribly thankful that you've wanted to come all the way out here to our little corner in the forest of Aiga Keep. Your abilities will be very welcomed and I personally feel we are awfully lucky to have a healer as skilled as you come here.

Kaoru was so fixed on her letter that she didn't notice the man who stepped up beside her. The feather quill scratched against the parchment but Kaoru was careful not to splatter any ink. The words were neat and flowing, just as she had been trained to do.

"Ah-hem."

Kaoru jumped slightly and carefully took her quill from the paper before looking up. She was surprised to find her Lord Husband and Sano standing beside her. "My Lord." Kaoru gasped, moving to stand from the chair but Kenshin set a hand on her shoulder.

"Kenshin." He corrected.

Kaoru gave him a lopsided smile and a sidelong glance. "I thought I was to call you that in our bedchambers."

The tall Earth fae threw back his head and laughed as he slapped the smaller man on the back.

Kaoru was rewarded with a pink tint that colored her husband's cheeks, but his smile was also playful.

"Yes, but we are in private and Sano is our friend, that he is."

Kaoru glanced at the tall teenager and smiled. "Yes." She agreed. "Have a seat?" She indicated to the two stuffed chairs beside her writing desk. "I don't normally have visitors in my reading room." She admitted.

"You were so focused, you didn't even hear us come in." Kenshin pointed out. His smile turned into a serious line of pressed lips. "That's dangerous, Kaoru."

Kaoru blinked at his sudden change. "I don't expect someone to attack me in my own rooms." She returned. She glanced over at Sano who seemed to be giving her the same look of disapproval.

"There's not even a guard at the door." Kenshin pointed out.

"Everyone's still recovering from the party." Honestly did he think that everyone would be a backstabber just because he showed up? If they were going to attack, wouldn't it have happened by now?

"I'm just worried." Kenshin admitted.

"I know." Kaoru said softly. Her eyes cast downward and she noticed the large folded parchments in his hand. "Were you writing letters too?" She hoped to change the subject. He was, of course, he had said as much that morning, but Kaoru scrambled for anything to change the subject. She didn't like the idea of having enemies in her home. It wasn't bright to close her eyes to the apparent danger, but she could no longer let these stresses pile on her shoulders. She only wanted to tackle one thing at a time. The transfer of power to her husband was enough to occupy her mind for the moment.

"Yes." He looked down at the papers in his hand. "I'm writing to both Kings to let them know of our consummation and my taking over responsibility of the Keep, as well as update them on the load of weapons being produced."

Kaoru nodded. It was something that had slipped her mind. She should have started those letters first. "I apologize that I didn't write them myself. I could have at least kept them updated on the output of the foundries, but to be honest I don't know if the speed is adequate or not."

"I'm Lord now, it will be expected of me, so do not worry, Kaoru." Kenshin reassured. "I'm here because I never had any official wax stamps made. I was wondering if I could use yours."

Kaoru tipped her head. "Really?" She turned toward her desk and started pulling one tiny drawer after another looking for a seal he could use.

"I was a warrior. One didn't normally carry letter material out on the field. I just scribbled my note and my name and that was it." He found writing an official letter a pain in the ass, now he had to write two, even though they practically were identically worded.

"Mm." Kaoru muttered as she pulled a pewter seal from the drawer. "I'll have one made for you right away. Right now, you can use mine, we have the same initial so it will work." She held the small bit of metal out.

Kenshin took the seal and turned it over to see the image. It was of the Keep, a large rock formation jutting up from the hills. In the center of it was a capital K. for Kaoru...it would work for Kenshin. "I never thought about ever having my own seal." Kenshin admitted. He watched as Kaoru moved a small oil lamp that she had burning. Carefully she removed a leaf shaped metal boat from the rack holding it over the flame of the lamp. She set it on her desk over a few scraps of parchment then dug around in another drawer and pulled and identical metal leaf from it and set it over the flame.

"I'm sure you'll want red." Kaoru said softly as she returned the same little drawer and held up a thick square of blood red wax. She smiled at him as she slipped it onto the leaf boat to start melting.

"Because I'm a Fire." Kenshin mused with a half grin.

"Because of your hair." Kaoru admitted.

Again Sano laughed and Kenshin couldn't help but feel amused by the woman. "What else does my wife think I should use for my official seal?" He was curious what she thought of him. Again the fascinating play of emotions flashed across her sea blue eyes as she thought.

"Well, the symbol for Aiga Keep for one." Kaoru took the seal from Kenshin's hand and held it up so she could trace the raised bit of metal that formed the jutting rock structure. "Then perhaps a "K" Like mine, or maybe two crossed swords. You are a warrior." She glanced up at the cross shaped scar on his face, unsure of what he would think.

"Two crossed swords." Kenshin repeated softly. "I like that idea." He was rewarded with a view of a blush making it's way across her cheeks. Just a light coloring of the cheeks, but even so, he could feel the heat of her body change.

"I'll get one make for you right away." She promised.

Seeing as the subject seemed over yet the wax was still too thick to pour, Kenshin scrambled for something else to talk about. "So, what are you writing?" He indicated to her half finished letter. Her penmanship was full of long flowing loops and delicate lines, much like that of Air folk, Far different than his harsh slashing handwriting. "If you don't mine sharing." He added.

"Oh!" Kaoru turned back to her letter. "I made a friend named Megumi Takani. She's a student at a healing school in Corurin of the Fire lands. She's excelling over her peers, because she's one of the only Water fae in the school. She was discovered in the Fire lands wandering alone and hurt, she was only a child and she has no memory of her past due to the knock she took to the head."

Kenshin frowned. How would a Water child who was wounded, wander so far away from her own lands? Was she with family who were traveling, perhaps taking the Nether Expanse to get to the Air territories. "Did they ever find any family?"

"No, she was exceptionally lucky that the peace treaty between Water and Fire had been signed only weeks before. I don't know what would have happened to her if she was considered trespassing." Kaoru mused. "They searched but never found anyone alive or dead."

Interesting. "How did you two come to write one another?" Kenshin wondered.

"She wrote my father asking for samples of the water here at the Keep. Traveling healers had started to spread the word about the powers of our Keep not long after the treaty. She was working on information needed for her work. Father had just started to become ill so I had taken over much of the work for the Keep. I shipped a letter along with many bottles of the water." Kaoru's eyes became distant and almost stormy as she recalled the days that the Healers realized there was little they could do for her father other than make him comfortable.

"We wrote often over the past two years and each time I send her more of the water, which she is ever grateful for. It seems to keep much of it's healing qualities although Megumi tells me she can't be sure until she comes here to study it."

"I know Corurin's Silveroak Acadamy." Kenshin glanced over to Sano who seemed to be distracted by the many books. "Healers from there are top quality, I'm certain that as a Water she exceeds everyone."

"Oh, yes, in fact in this last letter she just told me that she was named one of the master apprentices, so it will be a while before she can come visit."

Surprise flashed across Kenshin's face. "A Master Healer? Any place would be extremely lucky to have her."

Kaoru flushed slightly. "I was going to wait a year or so before sending a request that she come here. I'm sure there are much better places to go than to this little rock, but perhaps she'll like it when she comes to visit and will want to stay."

And Kaoru could have a friend. Kenshin said silently to himself. "Perhaps." Was all he said as he took up the melted wax. It was honey-like as he dripped a coin size amount on each envelope and set the seal on them. He took up both letters and blew on the wax to solidify it. "You have pigeons I hope?" Kenshin glanced back up to his wife.

Kaoru nodded. "They are kept near the church."

Kenshin gave his wife a bow. "See you at meal time, My Lady." he then turned on his heal and left.

Kaoru blinked and looked over at Sano who suddenly came forward and took a seat in the padded chair next to the writing desk.

Kaoru leaned forward. "Is everything alright? Kenshin suddenly seemed distracted." Was the sudden responsibilities of the Keep weighing on him as it had on her?

"He's fine." Sano waved her worries away. "He has a lot to do, there's a lot on his mind right now, Missy." his long arm reached across the desk and he tapped a finger on her half finished letter. "Better get back on that before the caravans leave."

Kaoru took up her quill. "Are you going to sit here with me, Sano?" she arched her eyebrow. Would she ever get used to having her own man to watch over her all the time?

"I am, unless you have something for me to do."

The man looked slightly hung over, tired, but his grin was ever the same. Kaoru gave him a smile "If you don't mind, could you go to the Healers and ask them for a case of the water in bottles to be prepared? I always send some with my Letter to Megumi, I don't want to miss the caravan, as you said."

"Sure thing, Missy."

And with that the tall teenager crawled out of the chair and made his way out of the room. As soon as the door came to a close, Kaoru felt like a weight that had settled over her chest was lifted. Those men were powerful, she was unused to such power constantly around her.

… . . …

Misao leaned from one foot to the other as she twisted her fingers together behind her. Before her the great large wooden doors of the Lord's study loomed over her head. Lord Himura and summoned her and Misao didn't know how she should feel about it. She did talk boldly to him the day before and she was living under his roof now. Was she in any sort of trouble?

Even so, what did it matter? She only told the truth. Misao squared her shoulders. She wasn't going to let a Fire intimidate her. She said nothing but the truth. She raised a fist and banged on the door.

"Come in." Came a voice from the inside.

Misao took a breath and entered the room, shutting the door behind her with a bit more force than she had intended. The large wooden door rang from the force, but Misao straightened her back and turned to face the new Lord.

He looked like a half grown kid sitting in such a large chair at such a large desk. Misao wanted to peek to see if his feet even touched the floor. But she fought back the urge. "You sent for me, My Lord." She was happy that her voice was flat and even.

Lavender eyes glanced up from a roll of parchment and he gave the girl a smile before indicating to the chair on the other side of the desk. Misao was unsure if she should trust those friendly eyes but she silently walked around the War Table and sat in the chair. The new Lord regarded her for a moment. She gazed back, refusing to look away or fidget under his stare.

"I wanted to thank you for the frank words yesterday. I needed to be told off, that I did." He finally stated.

Misao didn't blink. "You're welcome." she stated flatly.

He grinned. But then cleared his throat and leaned forward. "Tell me about yourself, Lady Misao."

"Why?"

"You're family now." he returned.

Misao sighed, she didn't want to like this man. She knew better to let her guard down simply because he was being nice. It wasn't an odd request, she was in fact family to him now. It would be odd if he wasn't curious about her. At the moment it didn't seem as though he was upset at her harsh words before. "I'm Kaoru's cousin, distantly related on her mother's side. My family died when I was very young and I was sent here to live with Kaoru and my Uncle, as they were my closest relatives. My family were not important, we didn't have a House to rule over...I am nobody." She said simply, with a shrug of her shoulders.

His head tipped to the side, causing crimson bangs to fall across his eyes and he combed his fingers through them to pull them out of them. "You don't have any other family?"

This was it. Misao thought. "I have distant family near the Water Kingdom. I've never met them, but Kaoru's father told me of them."

"You never wanted to see them?"

Misao lowered her eyes, though she refused to drop her shoulders. "Are you planing on sending me away to my family, My Lord?"

"Oro!?" Himura shot back against the chair in his surprised and then waved his hands in front of him. "No, No. I do not wish to remove you if you want to stay. I was only curious as to why you stayed here all this time?"

Misao blinked at the way he flustered about. "Really?"

"Yes, Yes. In fact I want you to stay, you are a good friend to Kaoru and actually I was hoping you would work for me."

Her large eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, 'work for you'? At this Kenshin cleared his throat and leaned in again. Misao couldn't help but lean in slightly as well.

"I know from my sources that Kaoru has had some difficulty running the Keep due to some unruly members. My best fist fighter pledged himself to protect Kaoru and be at her side as much as possible. But I want another source of information, this is where you come in. I hear you are friends with many of the guards."

"I train to fight with them, I'm not bedding them." Misao snapped.

"….Yes, I didn't think you were." He clearly looked uncomfortable. "Seems you and Kaoru are accomplished ladies."

"Water females tend to not like violence and such, but being out here, we knew we couldn't afford the luxury of bedding men and dote over babies while needle pointing."

"That's good" he said seriously, pressing his hands together. "I want you to spy on the people of this Keep and find out who is causing all this trouble for Kaoru, that I do. I hear you are quite the nimble one when it comes to navigating this Keep unseen."

Misao turned her head slightly and yet kept her ever narrow eyes on him.

"You would work with my right hand man. Aoshi Shinomori." Kenshin added.

At this Misao jerked back against the chair and then surged to her feet and slammed her hands on the desk.

"Aoshi Shinomori, the Hybrid metal worker? He's your right hand?"What did he mean she would be working with him?

Kenshin blinked in surprise at her actions. "Yes, he is an informer who is spying on the workers. I'm planing of pairing you up with him. If you do not wish to then I understand it is dangerous work to put a Lady in, but you must swear never to reveal-"

"I'll do it!"

Again his head tipped sideways at the sudden rise of passion. "I'm not used to these surges in emotion in you Water folk, that I am not." When all she could do was open and then close her mouth silently, Kenshin continued. "It's all for my Wife's safety, and the stability in this Keep. I require discipline and solid ranks, if anyone is a weak link, I wish to cut them out and forge a stronger chain."

Goodness, Misao sat back in the chair with a plop and clutched her hands together in her lap. "I'll do it for Kaoru, I understand your need for loyalty in your own home, but I couldn't care less about your chain. If you had been here before, you could have worked on it from the start and not try and chip away the rust that's developed in your absence."

Kenshin sighed, it seemed he would have to work harder to win Misao over. She didn't seem as forgiving as Kaoru. "I will introduce you to Aoshi later tonight, after the evening meal. If that is fine with you."

"Yes, that's fine. Just send for me." Misao jumped back out of her seat which caused Kenshin to bolt up to his feet to bow as she turned to leave.

"Thank you for the help, my Lady Misao."

The girl paused in mid step and turned to look over her shoulder. "None of that. Call me Misao." She said with a smile.

… . . …

Kaoru rushed through the maze of hallways and stairwells with her letter in hand. Hopefully the caravan was still waiting after having such a late start due to sleeping in from the party. If not then she would have to wait next week to send off her letter to Megumi. She could send it by pigeon, but she always liked to send the healer water with her letter. The young woman was so genius in her writings to Kaoru. She was certain that the healer would go far, where ever it was she decided to go.

She had just reached the landing to a stair way when a hand reached out and grabbed her at the wrist. Kaoru jerked out of her thoughts as she was whirled around. The hand at her wrist vanished and an arm wrapped around her waist. When the world stopped turning Kaoru found herself face to face with blazing red eyes.

"My Lady, it's so nice to see you." A honey smooth voice drawled. "The festivities last night were quite gracious."

Kaoru seized. "Sir, please remove your arm." She remembered this man. He was tall, with slicked black hair pulled into the sever knot at the top of his head like most Fire men. He was one of the ones that liked to start trouble.

His wide smile didn't fade, if anything it grew as his arm slithered away. "No offense, My Lady."

Kaoru fought the urge to smooth her Kimono with her hands. "No matter. The party wasn't my idea anyway, I believe it just happened." She eyed him carefully. His Ki was much like that of her Husband's. Strong, and just under the surface. While Kenshin's was an overwhelming force, his was sharp...piercing. She was surprised she didn't notice it before. She must have been distracted from being rushed.

"I'm glad to see that Red Banner, My Lady."

Blue eyes narrowed. "Oh?" She didn't like his tone. Too syrupy.

"Yes, it's nice to see that you remained loyal to the Fire Clan."

Kaoru swallowed, her temper rising. "Sir?" Kaoru was not a spoiled snobby lady, but this man was being far too bold for even her.

He waved a dismissive hand. "Oh now, now, I know you are only loyal to your husband."

"Sir, I'm loyal to this Keep and everyone in it. Always have been. You didn't need to Red Banner to prove that."

"Ah, yes, of course." He smile slowly started to fade. "Although, do you believe your husband will be just a loyal as you are to this Keep?"

Like a cup filled to the brim, that last drop cause a stream to spill over. "Are you questioning the loyalty of the Lord?" Kaoru snapped. She wanted to sound angry but she admitted the very same thoughts had been running through her mind.

"Not his, but more so yours My lady, see when things turn in ways you won't like, will you still stand by his side?"

Kaoru knew she shouldn't give him the satisfaction of lashing out. It was obvious he was testing her, but Kaoru's temper had already spilled and against her better judgment her hand lashed out to slap him. But the man saw her movements and was quick to catch her wrist before the blow could connect. His touch sent a feeling of white hot pain down her arm. But he hardly had a chance to tighten his grip when a larger hand clamped around his wrist. Kaoru was instantly freed as the tall man had his arm twisted and he was shoved away.

"Sano!" Kaoru gasped as the young teen loomed over her. In one arm he had her case of water. The glass bottles clinking in their wooden case as he moved.

"Shishio." Sano narrowed his eyes as he edged himself in between Kaoru and the man. "You've got balls to lay hands on the Lady of the Keep. Why aren't you down in the furnaces?"

Shishio shrugged, both hands out and open in a helpless gesture. "Forges are running cold today after the party last night. We start up again in the morning, I thought I would take this day off to have a look around. You know me, who are you?"

"Best get your ass out of these halls, this side of the Keep is not open for workers." Sano said, ignoring his question.

"You're bold Earth." Shishio said with a sneer.

"And you're stupid." Sano retorted. "Don't think we don't know that you like to stir the pot around here. I wouldn't stir too hard or your gonna spill and burn yourself."

Red eyes grew wide and for a moment the Fire pulled himself up to his full height, and even though he wasn't as tall as Sano, he was intimidating. But the fighter didn't back down and the Fire seemed to realized his was about to over step his bounds. With pressed lips he bobbed his head to Kaoru. "My lady." And with that he vanished down the stairs.

"What the Hell just happened?" Kaoru gasped as Sano reached out with his free hand and drew Kaoru to his side as they continued down the same stairs.

"Nothing you need to worry about, Missy."

"That didn't look like nothing."

The Earth man narrowed his eyes at the Fire's retreating back."Come on, we should get this water to the caravan." Sano hurried and Kaoru had to rush to keep up with his long legs.

A/n Oh dear Shishio seems to be causing a spot of trouble for Kaoru yet again. Planting those seeds of doubt. I'm thankful Sano is there with her now. I think they will have a nice friendship, do you?

And Hahaha! Misao jumped all over that offer to work with Aoshi. I don't blame her. Thank you for reading and reviews are loved!