Greyson adjusted his uniform, pulling the infuriating collar away from a tender point on his neck. The small pain only added to the irritation of his current predicament, attending a gathering of nobles for someone’s birthday or something. He scanned the noble party and the countless attending patrons, all members of Ne’arath’s aristocracy; most of which far outranked him and his current station. He had been commanded to attend by his patron, Lord Yami. Something he hated, but admittedly couldn’t refuse.

  “Lord Lytro~” A gaudy voice pulled him from his silent observation, and Greyson turned to see a lavishly clad Dae man, saunter over to him, flanked by two finely dressed ladies. “My, it is good to see you here. Your father would be so proud of what you’ve managed to accomplish. Despite your family’s shortcomings, you have truly proven all of us wrong.”

  Greyson wasn’t sure if he should be offended or appreciative of the man’s comments. He just nodded, and smiled before responding. “I’m glad you approve… Lord…?”

  “By the spirits! I forgot, they said you were having memory issues. I am Lord Beal, of house Roki. Your father was a retainer of ours for nearly a decade.” Beal raised his eyebrows, leaning in as if it would magically jar Greyson’s memory.

  Greyson groaned internally, doing his best to maintain his smile. “I’m sorry, that I didn’t remember you immediately, Lord Beal. But there is something familiar about you.”

  “AH!” Beal laughed, turning between the two ladies on either arm. “I knew it! House Roki isn’t an easy house to forget!” He suddenly leaned in again, his tone turning conspiratorial. “Are the other rumors true? Did you inherit some of the demon’s powers when you killed them?”

  “I—” Greyson was about to respond, but was promptly cut off again.

  “Dreadful creatures, I’ve heard all manner of things about the wicked monsters. They say they are immortal~”

  Greyson inhaled sharply to cut in again. “They aren’t immortal, Lord Beal. I killed several myself. And no, I didn’t inherit any of their powers. Everything I’ve gained is from the grace of the spirits.”

  Beal’s upper lip began to quiver animatedly. “You… are a perfect specimen of our people… And you are far too valuable to be in the clutches of house Kamakura. Lord Yami will waste your talents on foolish nonsense! You deserve to be living in the palace, with the royal family~ and all that comes with it. Not running around, fighting in the dirt like a common warrior. If you ever decide to make that move, you need only send for me. I will happily be your patron, if you desire to bring your house back into the imperial fold.”

  “I… appreciate the offer, Lord Beal.” Greyson winced, trying to be as polite as possible. But before he declined, he thought about it. Why wouldn’t he make a jump like that? It would certainly improve his station, and bring his status up with it. He was about to continue, before a curse reached his ears. Greyson glanced over Beals shoulder, and saw a finely dressed Dae, tugging on the arm of a familiar, violet skinned Dae woman. Is that Lady Genmei? He thought, as the man again pulled her along, far too aggressively to be normal.

  Greyson caught a glimpse of her pained expression, as she spun, apparently reluctantly following the Dae man. Who the fuck is that? His eyes narrowed at the man, and he was about to move before he realized that he felt slightly defensive of the woman. The thought confused him, and he pondered it for a moment before Lord Beal’s words brought him back.

  “Are you well, Lord Lytro?” Beal asked, his face getting uncomfortably close as he inspected him.

  “I’m fine, Lord Beal.” Greyson dipped to the side, breaking from the conversation. “Thank you for your kind words, and give me some time to think about your offer!” He didn’t take the time to listen to the pompous lord’s response, he was focused on someone else. The back of the Dae noble who was still pulling Genmei toward a more secluded area. As he got closer, he again paused at the random protective feeling he was experiencing. He shook his head, and adjusted his course to a servant who held glasses of wine and other refreshments. He swiftly grabbed one of the glasses, downing the entire contents in a single gulp, then grabbed another one.

  These people are too much to deal with alone, he thought. Regretting that Ashley and Dorian were unable to join him. He continued to scan the faces from his new place, and his eyes fell on another familiar face. The skinny attendant, Lady Sazumi, who followed Genmei around everywhere. She was in the middle of sipping some wine, leaning against one of the large stone pillars at the edge of the ballroom, near where the man had pulled Genmei. Her eyes met his, and they brightened immediately. She began waving at him excitedly, then, much to Greyson’s dismay, she began moving toward him.

  He forced a smile as she approached. “Lady Sazumi, it’s wonderful to see you here.”

  Sazumi curtsied to him, lifting her dress a bit as she did. She smiled broadly at him, before returning his greeting. “I am so happy to see you here as well, Lord Lytro. You’re all that is on everyone’s lips tonight. Between your bold statement during the last council meeting. Your firm training of the noble recruits, and of course, your accomplishments against the demons. You’re a rising star it would seem.”

  “I’m just… a warrior, Sazumi. Nothing special.”

  Sazumi giggled, her face suddenly blushing with a bright blue. “I think you’re far more than that. You carry yourself in a way the ladies of the court are not used to. It’s hard to describe, but many of us see it. Even Lady Genmei is impressed. She hides it well, but I know her better than she knows herself.”

  Greyson glanced at the entrance to the area where the man had pulled Genmei, and again an uneasiness gnawed at him. Sazumi must have noticed it, because she sighed, and shook her head. “I don’t envy her right now. My cousin can be a tough person, and infuriating even in the best of times. But, all of that pales in comparison to her lifelong sentence of being married to that… Prince Kazama.”

  “Kazama?” Greyson turned again toward the entrance, his eyes narrowing. “Is he a—”

  “He is not a gentle soul, Lord Lytro.” Sazumi shrugged, “but my uncle, Lord Yami went through great lengths to ensure they were betrothed.”

  “He’s… what? the emperor’s son?”

  Sazumi shook her head. “He’s, his nephew.”

  “He’s related to Beal, then?” Greyson asked, curious.

  “Yes.” Sazumi smiled, looking impressed. “I’m surprised you know him. He’s Kazama’s brother. The two are nothing alike though. Prince Beal likes to call himself a Lord, while Kazama wears the ‘prince’ title like a badge of honor.”

  Greyson smirked at the snide tone coming from Sazumi, who was always so timid and proper when she spoke. “You’re a lot more… forward than usual, Sazumi. I like this version of you.”

  “Oh?” Sazumi smiled, lifting her half empty glass of wine. “This usually does the trick. It warms me up and gets me nice and comfortable.”

  Greyson was about to respond, but his heightened hearing picked up a pained grunt coming from within the entrance where Genmei had been dragged. His head snapped toward it, and he gritted his teeth. It’s none of your damn business, he thought. Just let it go. Then he heard the distinct sound of a slap, and his body moved on its own.

  “Lord Lytro?” Sazumi called after him, but he was already in motion.

  Greyson strode through the entrance into a hallway with three rooms on either side. He followed the sounds of a hushed argument from the first room on the right. He pressed his hand on the stone door and it slid open, revealing Lady Genmei standing in a defensive posture, and the Dae man, holding his swelling cheek. The two turned to face him, wide-eyed and startled, and Greyson took a moment to assess the situation.

  “You there!” The man, Prince Kazama presumably, shouted. “This, beast struck me! I demand you arrest her at once! I am—”

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  Greyson lifted his hand up, silencing the prince with a sharp gust of wind. “Lady Genmei, are you alright?” He asked her, with a bit more concern than he intended in his voice.

  Genmei seemed a bit taken aback, but eventually nodded after several seconds of hesitation. “I-Im alright, Lord Lytro. Th—” She glanced at the prince, then back to Greyson. “I will see myself out.”

  “Wait!” The prince protested, his voice cracking with indignation. “How dare you just leave after committing this crime! My father will hear of this, Genmei! Your house will suffer for what you’ve done! I promise you! And you!” He turned rage filled eyes to Greyson. “You will suffer for this as well! I am—”

  Greyson promptly left and slid the door closed after Genmei, cutting the ramblings of the furious prince off. He held his arm out to her as he moved, and gestured insistently that she take it. Without hesitation, Genmei took it, and the two moved into the crowd of the party.

  “Let’s get out of here.” Greyson insisted, picking up the pace. Genmei followed him without complaint, only tightening her grip on his arm in response. Sazumi made eye-contact with him as he passed her, and she quickly finished the wine she was holding, and followed them. They left the party, which was being held at some grand estate, owned by a noble he didn’t care to remember the name of. They made their way outside, to their parked stone carriages and without preamble, they left.

  Greyson let out a sigh of relief as he glanced behind them, through the window, at the estate. He turned back to face Genmei and Sazumi, who sat across from him. Genmei’s expression was very troubled, and she looked deep in thought. There was a long while of silence as they moved, and still she remained quite, until her eyes flicked to his for a second, then she sighed.

  “Lord Lytro…” She started, her tone grave. “You have unnecessarily involved yourself in a very complicated situation.”

  “A situation that you couldn’t avoid, apparently.” Greyson replied, his eyes boring into hers.

  “Regardless.” She huffed, “I can handle it on my own. And would have preferred to have done so without you complicating the situation.”

  “What did he do to you?” Greyson asked, his voice low and dangerous.

  She looked at him in bewilderment, then sneered. “That is none of your business.”

  “Lady Genmei.” Sazumi chimed in, her voice soft. “Lord Lytro was only trying to help. He’s—”

  “Silence, Sazumi.” Genmei snapped, “I didn’t ask for your input. Or his help for that matter.”

  “What would that prince have done to you, huh?” Greyson crossed his arms. “I get it, you’re a strong warrior in your own right. Your father wouldn’t shut up about it when we first met. But that little prick was trying to make you do something that you couldn’t abide by. Something so bad that you literally smacked his ass upside his head, and… what? What the hell were you going to do after?”

  “First of all…” She held up her finger, pointing it at him. “What in all the spirit’s names is a ‘prick’? Second, you… are MOSTLY right about what took place. I am a lady of house Kamakura… not some prostitute. My… body reacted on its own. He was far more… ‘insistent’ than I believed he would be.”

  “I thought so.”

  “It was still a very stupid idea to barge in there, Lytro.”

  “What the hell was I supposed to do?” Greyson scoffed, “I thought he was forcing himself on you, or hurting you or something. I don’t know… damn.”

  Genmei raised an eyebrow, then shared a glance with Sazumi. “Are you alright? You’re speaking a bit… odd.”

  Greyson cursed inwardly; apparently, he was letting some of his human lingo out without even noticing. He took a moment to compose himself, and pushed past it. “Listen, Genmei. I don’t care about your fiancé, or anything he has to say about it. I arrived because my patron was in need of my assistance, and I escorted her out and back to her estate to ensure that her dignity and honor was preserved. I have done so, and can take my leave as soon as we stop.”

  “No.” Genmei shrugged. “Though… it was a bit foolish. I… um. I appreciate the intent behind it. It was a very~ noble gesture. And so, I thank you.”

  Greyson’s eyes shifted around the cabin, trying to shake off the awkward feeling he was now being plagued with. “It was, uh… no problem.” He finally grumbled.

  “It was quite heroic, I think.” Sazumi whispered softly, her face burning blue. Genmei just rolled her eyes, turning her focus to the streets of Ne’arath as they passed her window.

  Greyson took the silence to rebuke his poor decision-making skills. Regardless of whether or not that limp-dick prince was any danger to him, he still brought unneeded attention to himself. What the hell were you thinking!? He fumed, then looked at Genmei, who was still staring out her window. He studied her profile for a moment, looking at the shape of her nose, then the line of her jaw and her neck. He shook his head, and turned his attention out his own window. THAT is not a road you want to go down, pal. He chastised himself. Dae are the enemy, he started to repeat internally. Dae are the ENEMEY. He closed his eyes, and breathed slowly. When he opened them, his vision flicked to her again, and he froze as he saw her bright pink eyes staring right back at him.

  She held his gaze for several seconds, each one passing as an eternity. He felt a heat rise in his chest that he hadn’t felt since before he left his home. His mind screamed at him to look away, to banish the heretical thoughts that threatened to enter his mind before they even manifested; but he couldn’t. Finally, she blinked at him, her face stoic and unreadable, then as easily as it came, she turned again to look out her window. Greyson was silent for the rest of the trip; as was she, and her cousin. His mind was numb when they finally reached their destination, the Kamakura estate.

  Genmei stepped out, stopping for a moment before turning to him. “Thank you again for tonight… I hope you rest well. Whatever complication may come of it… We will solve it together. Good night.” She stepped out of the carriage, and within a moment, she was gone.

  Sazumi followed her, only waving at him, and smiling shyly before letting out a weak, “Night…”

  The driver opened a small hole in the stone, before asking him. “I’ve been ordered to take you home, sir.”

  “Yeah… thanks.” Greyson sighed, placing his head in his hands. You’ve been spending too much time with them, he thought. You need to get a serious dose of reality.

  ~

  Genmei slumped in her favorite chair in her study. The night had been far more eventful than she anticipated. And even though the situation with the prince had gotten well out of hand, and she had most likely destroyed decades of political manipulation and planning on her father’s part. She felt… nothing about it. Instead, her mind raced at the memory of Lytro’s burning eyes. Staring into her soul like embers from Salamander, the great spirit of fire itself. He breathed heavily, blinking away the image before taking a long drink of her wine. She had never been looked at in such a way before. He looked… hungry.

  Genmei could barely sleep that night, the stress of the evening twisting in her guts like a dagger. She was already awake when the booming voice of her father echoed through the halls of their estate. She groaned, dreading the fight that was sure to come. She rose and bathed, taking a bit longer than she usually did, before meeting her father in his personal study. He was practically burning with rage still when she entered.

  “Seven years…” He growled, his pink eyes blazing. “SEVEN YEARS! I spent, maneuvering our house into the position it is currently in. Amassed a fortune in the process, and built our family name enough to challenge even the strongest houses in the empire!” He breathed heavily, his fists clenching until his knuckles were pale. “Just for my only daughter. My Heir! To throw it all away! By attacking her betrothed, with the help of our greatest asset! the emperor’s nephew for spirit’s sake!”

  “Father—”

  “Silence! You imbecile!” Yami roared, “The prince is calling to have you, and Lord Lytro arrested and tried for treason.”

  “What was I to do, father!?” Genmei finally snapped, her irritation and rage at the impotent little prince’s lies. “He tried to force himself upon me. Tried to use his power and position to have his way with me like a common trollop! Tried to soil not just our family’s honor, but my honor as the heir of this house! Lord Lytro merely entered the room to ensure that I was not being set upon!”

  Yami’s expression changed at her words, one from rage-filled, to downright murderous. “He… tried to…”

  “Yes.” She huffed. “And I defended myself, and my honor. I apologize for any trouble it caused you, father. But I will not be treated like a harlot from his time at the Libreos. I am the heir of house Kamakura, and whether a prince or an emperor… I demand respect!”

  Yami stood up straight, and took a very, very long breath. He lifted his head, and moved from behind his desk to embrace her. “You have the heart of a great spirit, Genmei. And I am as foolish and rash as a Cro’kan. This wrong against our house will NOT be tolerated. By a prince, or any other fool who thinks they can make a mockery of our house.”

  “Lord Lytro…” Genmei continued. “He was only trying to help me. Though I did not need it, he came to defend me against the prince.”

  “I will remedy this, Genmei.” Yami pulled away, striding back to his desk. “The little bastard told me that you struck him because he had been requesting more and more of your time. I checked with our staff, and they confirmed that the two of you had been spending more and more time together, much to your dislike. You didn’t exactly hide how you felt about it, dear. When the Prince made this accusation, he did so appropriately.”

  Genmei scowled. “He’s a lying little Garrank too…”

  “I apologize for getting so angry, dear…” Yami’s words scraped out of his throat like gravel. “With so much careful planning… for it all to be swept away by a…”

  There was a sudden knock at the door, and Yami turned an annoyed glare at it. “Come back later!”

  “Lord Yami! There is urgent news from the Eastern governors!”

  Genmei and Yami shared a glance, and suddenly all thought of the incident was gone, replaced by the prospect of glory.

  The messenger dashed in, handed Yami a scroll, and promptly left, as quickly as he entered.

  Yami unfurled the scroll, and his eyes immediately set to scanning the contents. Genmei watched him intently, and a tightness formed in her chest as his expression changed from one of complete focus, to one of complete surprise.

  “What is it!?” she asked, impatiently.

  “Governor Bisheno’s forces engaged a party heading West…” He replied, his voice low. “It consisted of demons and barbarians from Vohnavix. Our intelligence was correct Genmei! We know where they are now!” He is eyes shot to hers. “Mobilize Lytro and the warriors. We MUST intercept them before they reach Eleutheros!”