The Twin Thrones

The older man's hair held more gray than it had a few months ago. Redaku twisted nervously watching the long white hallway in both directions. He wore low-riding dark gray pants and a stripped short-sleeve shirt. Both were rumpled as if he had slept in them. He pushed his hair out of his eyes, frowning. He waved a finger at the man standing across from him.

A young Kitsurin guard shook his head, his lips thinning. He pushed Redaku's hand away and turned. He stomped down the hallway and waved his hand with a quick, nearly violent action when Redaku called after him.

Rato was wrong. Attaching a ghost detail to Redaku was one of his better ideas. Installing video all over the kid's rooms and at both entrances was an even better idea. He could keep an eye on the man and claim it was for his own good. It was win, win. How could this backfire on him?

Noberu shifted the video pad in his wide hand. The bottom of the screen blinked the time, five am. He settled back into his arm chair. He looked up into the fresh face of Hanson, one of the youngest on this detail. He had served with Noberu off and on for the past three years. The kid had learned a lot and unlike many before him was actually discrete and loyal.

“This was taken at five. Just this morning?”

“Yes, sir,” Hanson said nodding. “Audio was garbled. We're working on it.” Hanson pointed at the retreating guard, “He's from Shinko's detail.”

This wasn't a surprise. Is this how the two were communicating? He pointed the retreating figure and told Hanson, “I want details on him.” Noberu didn't recognize the young man. He must be a recent addition to the prince's detail. That was strange. Most guards were chosen at the birth of each royal and remained until the death of their charge. Few retired and fewer were replaced.

“Hartman and I are looking into it, Sir.” The man hung back, waiting to be dismissed. “We'll have something to you today.”

“Hanson, find the advisor. I need him in the conference room in fifteen. He already knows King Miyazaki wants to speak to both of us.”

“Yes, sir.” The dark-haired youth turned and made it five steps before he froze. He turned and shuffled his feet nervously. Noberu frowned at him. It only took his eyebrow slowly rising before Hanson fled.

He didn't need to be psychic to know whatever Hanson wanted to tell him, it was about the kid. Noberu wasn't intentionally avoiding Kato. He was just tired of the glares. The silence was annoying. It did bother him that the kid requested Rato now because he knew the kid no longer trusted him.

He tried to apologize. Many. Many. Times. Kato wouldn't listen. He left the room each time Noberu entered. How long could the kid stay mad at him?

Using the free time, Noberu managed to get several uninterrupted workouts. He spent time researching details of Conception. He completed the rotation schedule. He did some thinking. And he came to the realization – his relationship with the kid was wrong, on so many levels. Since he managed to fuck everything up, he didn't need to worry about distancing himself from the kid. It was done with little to no effort on his part. He was still trying to convince himself this was a good thing. The lingering pain in his chest disagreed.

After checking connectivity, Noberu booted the program up. He waited until he was certain the program and equipment were functioning before he punched in his administrative code. He adjusted the background noise created by the equipment and waited.

The advisor passed him to get to his chair and it was difficult to appear indifferent. The man was wearing the same dark gray pants and striped shirt from his early morning meeting. They still looked wrinkled, though it was getting late enough in the day it didn't appear odd now. He watched the man settle into his chair. The older man was trying to ignore him, but Noberu watched the man's left eye twitching and knew he was apprehensive about something.

He sat next to the older man and waited for King Miyazaki to appear. He glanced at the Redaku's rumbled clothing and tired expression and wondered how many early morning meetings he had been having lately. Was this the reason the man wasn't sleeping?

They hadn't talked much. It was entirely possible Redaku was aware he was under surveillance now. If that didn't piss the older man off, learning about Noberu's most recent voyeuristic activities certainly did. The single shouting match he and Redaku had, left him twitching with the need to punch the man repeatedly in the face. It took a great deal of self control to walk away. After that, the older man glowered at him but was silent.

The recent silence was welcome. And lonely.

He missed annoying the kid, missed making him laugh, missed the way the kid would frown, wrinkling his nose and forehead cutely. He regretted embarrassing him. Kato didn't deserve that. He wasn't certain how he was going to handle himself once the kid was actually joined with one of the Kitsurin males. He'd have to deal with it pretty damn soon. For now, he'd just live in denial. Who was he kidding? The kid didn't trust him and wouldn't talk to him again. Sometimes Kato was like a woman. He could hold a grudge far longer than was necessary or sane.

Noberu couldn't help the sigh. Now Redaku was wiping his hands on his knees. The man was tight-lipped and uncomfortable around him. He was obviously pleased Noberu let the kid and Shinko have time together in a relatively controlled environment. Not so happy now that the kid turned bright red every time Noberu was in the room. The kid's reaction wasn't that strange. Hell, a chair could make the kid blush. Redaku just attached some kind of unnecessary significance to it. Hell, it's not like he was marrying the kid.

An image of King Miyazaki appeared on screen. Noberu asked again if the kid should be present. This meeting wasn't planned as the last three were. It was obvious something had happened. King Miyazaki was adamant. He did not want his son at this meeting.

“You will not tell him,” King Miyazaki said firmly. He ran a hand through his thick hair and followed the gesture by kneading his full bottom lip between his teeth. Noberu knew it was a nervous gesture and settled back into his chair, fully expecting the worst. “In his condition, it may do harm.”

“Of course, Father King,” the adviser murmured, looking over at Noberu through slits. Noberu arched a brow but said nothing.

King Miyazaki looked over at Noberu and was rewarded by a quick nod. Noberu thought keeping a lot from the kid was probably a mistake, but stress was unhealthy for the kid and could prolong healing. He wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that.

“A suicide bomber managed to get into the promotional ceremony for Counsel Member Botan,” he said holding his hand up to quiet Redaku as the man's mouth fell open. “Another detonated himself twenty minutes later,” said King Miyazaki in a gravely voice, tired and old. He seemed to want to say more, maybe less.

King Miyazaki was impeccably dressed in a loose-fitting tan shirt and tan slacks. His hair hung loose around his shoulders. He seemed in perfect health for someone who survived a bomb. Noberu watched the man continue to chew his lower lip again while Redaku took in several long loud breaths.

“My God....how are you?” Redaku said inching forward in his seat, gripping the table. He gave a shuddering breath and his voice came out high and thready, “Who died? Who was injured? Do you know who is responsible? Is the Prince safe? Is this connected to the men at the Prince's Anointment Ceremony?” Honestly, the older man didn't seem to even take a breath. He would have continued talking had King Miyazaki not shaken his head and urged Redaku to be silent with another wave of his hand.

“I'm fine. I wouldn't have been had I not been delayed for the ceremony. My seating along with a few other members were changed minutes before the ceremony. Several counsel members were killed. I'll send a report when one is available. Botan was completely untouched, not even scratch or a smudge,” his voice was flat and made it clear what he thought of that. He continued in a dry voice, “There isn't much left of the two bombers. What has been recovered of their remains is being searched. No one is taking responsibility.”

“I can't believe anyone was able to smuggle in explosives. Security can't be that lax,” Redaku said, frowning. “Was this an assassination attempt?” King Miyazaki shrugged. “Why would the second bomber wait so long? Is it possible this is just a diversion for something much bigger?”

King Miyazaki looked tired, seeming to age several years in minutes. He closed his eyes, rubbing them briefly. He didn't open them right away and shook his head briefly. “It's too early to speculate.” He brought his open eyes up and stared at Noberu.

It was impossible for explosives to be brought in without help. Each counsel member and the King had a security detail. A separate detail would work the event, the building, and locals would work every place nearby. Years of doing similar work made it clear to Noberu this was an inside job. The most likely candidates for assassination were Botan, Miyazaki and Miyazaki's counselor. The last minute change in seating made Miyazaki the most likely candidate. It was troubling that the first bomb was detonated when the target wasn't on site. Either assassination wasn't their goal or this was intimidation at its best.

There were only two reasons that Noberu could see the second bomber delaying detonation. The primary target was missed and unlikely to be available again or first responders and members of each security detail were the target. The second bomber did the most damage. This would rob King Miyazaki of resources and devastate many more.

A lot of mistakes were being made. The situation was becoming more unstable every day. Noberu could feel an uncomfortable warmth filling his body as his blood pressure was rising. He took a few deep breaths and tried to relax.

“Several of my guards along with my chief of security were killed by the second bomber,” King Miyazaki said with a grimace.

The uneasiness seemed to drain from Redaku's body. He sighed, a slight shiver started at his shoulders and moved down is back. “I'm sorry, my friend,” Redaku murmured softly. King Miyazaki nodded absently still staring at Noberu.

“They have been with you for many years,” Noberu said. It wasn't a question.

“Mr. Yamatsu, my chief of security, was chosen by my father. He's been with me since my Anointment Ceremony. He took over as my chief seven years ago,” he smiled and his eyes had a far away look before he continued in a gruff voice, “said he was too old to do much else.”

“He was a good man,” Redaku said firmly.

King Miyazaki nodded absently. He shook himself and sat straighter, his face becoming serious again. “My oldest friend,” Miyazaki's voice shook with pain, “you could very well be next.”

“That has always been true,” the older man nodded in understanding and then smiled, “Nothing will happen. I'm far too stubborn.” Miyazaki arched a brow and frowned. The older man continued smiling. “I'll be careful.”

Right. Because pimping out another world's prince and influencing a power struggle on another world are not only sane things to do but carry absolutely no consequence if you're caught. The man was a nightmare. He'd met few people this reckless. Noberu shook his head, wanting to say something but didn't want to argue with Redaku anymore.

“Redaku,” Miyazaki groaned. He was still frowning. “You'll get your own security detail. I'll make the arrangements,” Miyazaki said in a stronger voice and cleared his throat. He must have expected an argument. He looked over at Noberu and said, “I expect your current security to remain until they're replaced.”

The older man snorted. Noberu glared at the man knowing where this was going. The man knew he was being shadowed. He hadn't liked or trusted Noberu from the beginning. They disagreed on too much. Why should this be any different?

“They'll arrive early tomorrow. In the meantime, you should let Mr. Haitatsu provide security for you.” Redaku shrugged. “I would feel better,” Miyazaki added with pinched lips and a deeper frown.

“Fine. When will Prince Kato's detail arrive?”

“Oh, God!” Miyazaki roared banging both hands against the table in front of him. “We are not arguing about this anymore. Kato has to remain there. The UP must be his guardians. Stop it.” Miyazaki's eyes darkened to a deep gray. His face was pinched and his cheeks were red now. “Stop,” he gritted through clenched teeth.

“Sure,” Redaku said sarcastically and then continued, “They've done a wonderful job so far.”

It was an effort not to flinch. Noberu didn't realize he needed to protect the kid from Redaku's manipulations, but that door was already opened. He didn't know every toxin on this planet. He wasn't prepared for the kid to become collateral damage by some messy and poor attempt on Seshimora. He did learn from his mistakes. His own crew would arrive soon and he could free a few people up that were loyal to Redaku or Miyazaki to watch him and they could report what he was doing to his oldest friend. Then he could wash his hands of the man.

“Really?” Miyazaki hissed. “They don't have a pile of bodies.” Redaku flinched. “You've made your opinion clear. I'm making mine clear. Worlds must be convinced both planets trust in the UP. Without their help...” Miyazaki closed his eyes. “I don't like it, but this is necessary.”

“Fine,” Redaku began, “I'm not certain Mr. Haitatsu is the person for this job.”

Both Noberu and King Miyazaki turned narrowed eyes to Redaku. The man didn't fidget or fumble with his hands, but he was still gripping the table tightly, his knuckles turning white. “Old friend, we have been through this,” King Miyazaki said tiredly. “He won't harm Kato.”

“Fine. I don't like it, but I do agree now. He won't hurt Kato. I just think,” Redaku actually started to turn pink, his cheeks, forehead and then to his neck. “I think Mr. Haitatsu's judgment might be compromised,” the older man quickly added, “When it comes to Prince Kato,” when Noberu's lips thinned and he moved toward the older man.

“Redaku,” King Miyazaki said in warning.

Noberu knew where Redaku was going with this one. Damn fool needed to mind his own business. He glared at the older man, wanting more than anything to wrap his wide hands around the pale throat and just squeeze until he felt better.

“They act like lovers,” Redaku said quietly facing neither his oldest friend nor Noberu.

“You're being ridiculous,” Noberu said as calmly as he could, shaking his head again, vowing to ignore all of Redaku's requests from now on. He let Shinko, against his better judgment, have some unsupervised time with the kid because Redaku begged and the kid whined about being old enough to expect some privacy. He relented and this is how he is repaid? More accusations? Noberu watched the man squirm, his face growing cold.

King Miyazaki turned his attention to Noberu and Redaku, a frown deepening lines in his face that weren't there two months ago. “Mr. Haitatsu, is this something I should be concerned about?”

“No,” Noberu said shortly. He smoothed his features and turned to look at King Miyazaki. “I won't do anything to jeopardize this assignment. Your son will bear several children for the Twin Thrones.” It wasn't actually an agreement to leave the kid alone, but it was an understanding that Noberu wouldn't let anything interfere with the kid's pregnancy. Under the circumstances, it was the best they would get. King Miyazaki was chewing on his lower lip again, studying Noberu.

The silence in the room was uncomfortable. Now he missed the background noise of the equipment. Redaku's fingers made a squeaking sound as he pulled his hands away from the table. He eased himself backward, his breathing slowed. Noberu was certain the man would continue, but he surprised him and remained silent. The older man just looked tired

King Miyazaki nodded to himself, as if making a decision. “I haven't received Kato's latest medical report. I requested another medical exam. When will it be available?”

“Later this evening, Father King. His physician increased the amount of hormones Prince Kato is being given. He seems to be handling it well. He didn't say how much longer before Prince Kato can carry young,” said Redaku was calm now.

They were able to talk about more mundane things a few more minutes before King Miyazaki was called away. He seemed relieved to leave. Apparently the strain between Noberu and Redaku was upsetting to him even an entire planet away.

Noberu logged out of the system, quickly shut the equipment off and followed Redaku. He only brought one additional person with him. He waived him off and watched the man disappear into the gym. He caught up with Redaku quickly and clenched and unclenched his right hand, trying to distract himself.

The walked in silence following the long white corridor. Noberu glanced at the wrinkled appearance, the stiff figure trying and failing to not glance back at him. They passed the light of a chandelier. One step into shadow and then another before Redaku increased his speed. His gait seemed awkward. Noberu felt his hands tighten again. He couldn't hold it any longer.

“What the hell was that?” Noberu said, grabbing Redaku's bicep and squeezing. The older man tried to pull his arm free and continue walking. Noberu gripped him harder, pulling him, turning him around until the man faced him. Redaku brought his free arm up and pushed Noberu. Noberu simply gripped that wrist, twisting it awkwardly away from their bodies until Redaku grimaced. “What was that about?” He demanded again, growling this time.

Redaku met his angry eyes. His lips thinned, but he refused to say anything. Noberu shook his head in disgust. He released Redaku, pushing the man with enough force to cause him to stumble. “If you have a problem with me, you talk to me first,” Noberu demanded in a quiet voice. “I'm tired of this shit.”

“Really? Then quit. Prince Kato doesn't want you around anymore. You've made a fool of him. He's a man, not child to be manipulated.” Redaku smoothed his wrinkled sleeves. He straighten his lapels.

Noberu just stared at him.

“You're not wanted,” Redaku hissed.

Noberu cocked his head to the side considering the older man. He expected an attack, but not this. This seemed almost desperate. Was getting rid of him that important or was it more important to get rid of the UP's influence? “What is your game here?” He hadn't meant to say that.

The older man blinked, loosing steam suddenly. He brought his arms down, not certain what to do with them. “I don't know what you're talking about.” He didn't sound very convincing.

Noberu studied the man until he started to fidget. He shook his head. What the hell was wrong with him? “What have you done?”

“What?” The man actually managed to sound indignant. “Nothing.” Noberu cleared his throat and Redaku quickly amended, “Nothing that you don't already know.”

And then it hit him. What if the man wasn't working alone. What if there was more of an agenda that just protecting someone he loved? King Miyazaki seemed quite surprised with Redaku's manipulation, putting the kid in a potentially dangerous situation. He had to give this more thought. There were several reasons to want Shinko in power. Most of them benefited someone like Botan than Miyazaki and that made little sense.

Noberu decided to try a different tactic. “You've lied to the kid too many times. He won't just do something because you tell him to.”

“I'm not the one he's ignoring,” Redaku tossed out with a smug expression.

Chuckling and putting more confidence into his stance and words Noberu managed, “He'll forgive me for embarrassing him. Will he forgive a lifetime of lies,” he asked as his voice grew colder. <​p>

“I want you gone,” Redaku managed through gritted teeth.

“No.”

Redaku clenched his fists. He knew better than to take on Noberu. He wasn't a complete fool, but he seemed to struggle. He drew himself up, trying to look bigger than he was. “I know you have people following me.” Noberu shrugged. “It fucking stops now.”

“No.”

“No?” Redaku breathed. “I mean it. It stops. Or else.”

“King Miyazaki made it clear-” Noberu started patiently as if talking to a small, not-so-bright-child.

“I don't care,” Redaku interrupted angrily. He poked a finger into Noberu's firm chest, “It,” another poke much harder this time, “stops.” Noberu pushed the man's hand away. “I don't want or need your help,” the older man spit out. He got into Noberu's face. “I will have people I trust tomorrow. The spying stops.”

“This is stupid,” Noberu said shaking his head. “Why are you so damn stubborn about this?” Redaku set his jaw but didn't back away. “You're a damn fool,” Noberu spit out finally when Redaku wouldn't back off. Noberu pushed the man again.

This time Redaku did not stumble. He set his legs like he set his jaw. “I'll tell King Yoshi you're encouraging Shinko's sexual advances towards Kato. That you've kept Kato from Seshimora.”

Noberu felt the roughness of a five o'clock shadow before the jarring solidness of bone. He barely felt the teeth against his knuckles. Redaku's bleary eyes were staring up him, blood staining his lips. They were already beginning to swell. Noberu stared at the man, both too shocked to breathe. Noberu backed away, but his eyes followed the small drops of crimson as they fell and lightly splattered the pristine surface of the white floor. He wouldn't apologize. He wanted to do a lot more than paint the man's face red. He wanted to decorate the walls.

Staring into Redaku's wide eyes, Noberu said in a even voice, “Threaten me again and I'll gut you.” He knew he didn't need to add that but he wanted to say it. The man hadn't learned a damn thing. Vague threats meant nothing to someone so stubborn. Redaku licked the blood from his bottom lip, eyes still wide.

He watched the man get painfully to his feet and stagger off to their rooms. He didn't particularly care for the man, but he had to admit the man had talent. He couldn't remember the last time he forgot himself and actually struck someone without even being aware of it. He turned and followed the corridor back to the communication room and wondered if the kid would miss the older man for long.

____________________________________________________________________

Kato was pissed. He endured his injections and the weakness and nauseous that always followed. He endured the prodding and stupid questions. He kept his thoughts to himself when he got another lecture about knowing his limits and asking for help. He didn't want to control himself when Redaku announced Kato would spend a couple of hours with Fusako before dinner, but he did.

He wanted to lie down. He felt like crap and just needed to be left alone. No, that wasn't it, not really. He wanted a fucking apology. He deserved one. Noberu had acted like an ass. The man really did take pleasure in embarrassing him. This time he took it too damn far.

Everyone else had the sense not to enter Shinko's stupid harem tent except Noberu. Not only did the guy not announce himself, he just fucking stood there. He fucking stood there and watched! Who the hell does that?

Kato really tried not being embarrassed, but how could he not be? It was obviously a private moment. Why did Noberu keep doing this to him? It was so fucked up!

It was just supposed to be fishing. Fishing. He never meant for anything else to happen. He told the man no, at least once. Why did Shinko have to keep pushing? How could Kato be expected to keep saying no to someone who looked at him like that? He wasn't looking forward to talking to King Yoshi. His father must be so proud of him.

He knew Noberu was disappointed in him, but it wasn't fair. What was he supposed to do, beat the man up or something? Shinko pushed and pushed and Kato couldn't help it. He wasn't an immovable object. He had feelings and needs and dammit, why was it okay for Shinko to have sex with anyone and everyone but not okay for Kato now? Just because of Ascension? Hell, even on his own planet, it wasn't a big deal until marriage, for men anyway. He was a man and he wasn't married yet.

The more Kato thought about it, the more he wanted to kill something small, fluffy and cute. It wasn't fucking fair! He drew in a ragged breath through his nose, making far too much noise.

He heard her clear her throat again and ignored her. He squeezed more burnt sienna onto his palette and hissed when he realized he had squeezed far too much. Kato set the palette down and put the top back on, twisting it harshly, his movements short and jerky. He flipped the tube down, forcing several more off of the small table. He didn't bother picking them up.

Fusako sighed.

She really needed to stop doing that. He didn't ask to be here. The only thing reason Kato agreed to do anything else today was because that asshole, Noberu, wasn't here. He didn't care what he was doing and why, he was just glad he didn't have to look at the man. Rato was easier to be around. The guy wasn't as demanding, didn't make an ass of himself and most importantly – kept his opinions to himself.

She was sighing again. Kato grabbed a brush and started pushing a huge blob of burnt sienna around on his canvas. Who's fucking idea is this anyway? Kato thought irrationally. She already knows she's better at this than I am.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Fusako asked quietly. She stopped painting and was watching him carefully now.

“I'm fine. I don't need to talk about anything,” Kato grumbled, pushing a blob of raw umber into the canvas and mixing the colors directly on the canvas.

Fusako frowned. She looked down at their feet and back at Kato again. “Why are you using your canvas to mix paint and painting the floor beneath our feet?” She used her brush, pointing it at Kato's feet.

“What?”

Kato looked down and was shocked to see blobs of autumn colors and far too much red splattered around his feet. Apparently he wasn't content to just drop blobs of color, he also stepped down from his stool many times and his shoes dragged the color, pushing it and blending it into a magnificent mess.

“I'm sorry,” Fusako said miserably, her voice just above a whisper. Kato looked at her sharply.

“For what?” Kato asked absently, looking at his pant legs, streaked with a muddy brown, and sighed.

The small dark-haired female went stiff. Kato dropped his feet back to the stool and watched her. “You know,” she murmured, setting her palette and brush on the table behind them. Her eyes were like dark pools, catching the light around them, reflecting the warm colors. “I let him get to me. I lost my composure – I am sorry it was at your expense, Prince Kato.” She looked off, twining her fingers nervously in her lap. “Your sister,” she murmured so low, he wasn't certain he heard her right.

Now Kato was glad she picked this room. He thought it was stupid when she first dragged him in here. The small room was off the biggest library he'd ever seen. She didn't tell him what they would be doing.

The room was round, with only one opening into and out of it. There were several sections of this palace that housed several tall towers. He assumed they were merely leftover remnants of the original architecture and once had been used to house stairs. Apparently, some of them were used for different reasons.

This tower, on this floor, was a circular space of sleek seamless windows, obviously updated after it was built. The floor was a polished gray stone, sleek and stark. The space contained only two large leather arm chairs facing the windows and a low table of dark wood between them. There was poor lighting above, though nothing was really needed during the day with all of the natural light flooding the room.

Their easels and stools were positioned in front, closest to the windows. They used the low table to set their supplies on. The were supposed to be painting the natural landscape of well-manicured lawns, a small lake and the lush green rolling hills far off in the distance. The view was picturesque if Kato could be bothered to actually look at it. Their room was small and cozy, guards were only set at the opening of the room. They had the space to themselves and no one could really hear their conversation, if it was low.

“Do you mean Counsel Member Botan?” Kato saw her sharp nod. She still wouldn't look at him. “He does that to everyone,” he said shrugging. “ It's okay, really. I understand how it feels to be judged just because...of who you are.” I'm guilty of that too, thought Kato now with regret. She glanced at him. “It did hurt to hear, but it didn't make it any less true.” Kato went back to studying the warm colors against the stark gray at his feet.

“You seemed so upset,” Fusako's voice wavered, uncertain, “I just thought...” She looked over at Kato, studying him again. “Why are you so upset then?”

There was too much red on the floor. He wasn't really certain when he even grabbed the tube of color. He looked out ahead and for the first time saw. The manicured lawn and shaved shrubs went on for miles, stopping at a small lake. The water was choppy, the strong wind bending tall shrugs and thin trees. Different shades of green covered lush rolling hills, moving in a fluid, orchestrated movement as if underwater. The afternoon was fading slowing into evening. It was beautiful.

“You don't have to tell me. I apologize for prying.” Fusako picked up her brush and pressed, drawing the brush in short abrupt strokes. She seemed calm, but her hand was gripping the brush so tightly her knuckles were white.

He followed her arm up to her shoulder, taking note that she wore layers of black. Her legs were covered in black tights, her skirt passed her knees, tapering ever tighter to her body. She had on comfortable soft black leather shoes. Her hair was down, straight with nearly blue highlights, hiding part of her face. He didn't realize it until then, but she always wore muted or dark colors. With her dark hair, dark eyes and pale complexion, she seemed out of place everywhere. He wondered if she picked this room because she felt more at home among the volumes of books in the immense library behind them.

“It's embarrassing,” Kato breathed.

Fusako's shoulders seemed to loosen and she huffed quietly. “If it is embarrassing it must involve Prince Shinko.” Kato blinked. Did she already know? “You are a great temptation for him. If you continue to deny you are attracted to him.” She smiled looking over at him. The smile reached her eyes. “He will try harder. He will keep applying pressure until he rubs you the right way,” she said laughing when Kato's cheeks tinged pink, “You know what I mean.”

He couldn't help himself, he cringed. “It wasn't just about him,” he whispered. He picked up his brush and started pushing the paint around again, not really looking at it.

Fusako made a quiet sound in the back of her throat, watching him through slanted eyes. She cleared her throat this time. He expected her to make fun of him again, instead she was just watching him carefully. “Not just him?” She breathed, her eyes narrowing. She looked away and started rubbing her chin as if thought. “I have a suggestion.”

Kato frowned. He wasn't really looking for help, but he was curious. She had a devious mind. She already proved that to him and Shinko was her brother. Okay, he was interested. “Sure,” he said not having to force to himself to sound cheerful.

“You could turn the tables on him,” she murmured, still rubbing her chin in thought. She turned to him. “Shinko,” she said, leaning towards Kato. “Turn the tables on him. Pursue him. Say flattering things to him. I doubt he has ever been seduced. Make him uncomfortable,” she laughed. “It could be a lot of fun,” she said through lips that were curled, snarling. Her dark eyes glittered and she murmured as an afterthought. “Get pictures, too.”

He had to think about it. He didn't know if he had that kind of courage, bravado, whatever. It was one thing to pursue a woman like that, but a man? A man like Shinko? He'd have to give it more thought. It would either be funny as hell or he'd never live it down. Kato set the paint brush on the edge of the easel, thinking. Wait. Pictures?

“I don't think there is anything I could do to make him uncomfortable,” Kato said pushing his entire rear further back on the stool until he was comfortable. He turned to her and gave her a self-depreciating half smile, “Let's be honest. The man cannot be shamed.” His eyes moved to his lap and he straightened the smooth, loose fabric of his gray sleeve. It was another nervous habit he developed since he arrived at the palace.

She laughed. It was feminine and light. She set her paint brush down and leaned even closer until her lips rested against his ear. “Let's make him jealous then,” warm breath tickled the fine hairs on his neck and he shivered.

Turning his head to face her, he dragged his lips against hers and felt her shudder. Smiling he breathed against her warm parted lips, “Taking your own advise?” Her eyes opened wide, her mouth quivered. She sat back and stared at him. “This,” he said moving his arms and gesturing with his hands, “Is not a contest.” He had to try to keep anger from filing his voice. He wasn't fooling himself, he was still attracted to her. He thought she was everything he wanted in a woman, but he was wrong. He didn't know what he wanted. “I am not a prize,” Kato murmured sadly now. Was everything a game to her? Maybe it was him. He didn't want to play along anymore. He wasn't comfortable here or anywhere on this damn planet.

Fusako stared at him, silent and still. He could hear heavy footsteps echoing in the room behind them. Her sharp voice surprised him. She sounded angry. “You deny that you're attracted to me?”

He kept silent.

Her lips twisted and she shoved her stool away. The sound of it failing was unnaturally loud and Kato followed the stool, watching it finally resting a few feet from her tiny feet. There was swift movement out of the corner of his eye. He briefly saw a few heads pop into the opening, scan the room quickly and pop out again. When he turned his attention back, she stood in front of him. She grabbed his chin tightly and drew it up. He let her.

“I felt just how interested you were, when your hand was crawling up between my legs,” she hissed, blowing her hair into his face.

“I never said I wasn't,” he murmured mildly. It was kind of nice not being the angry one, not letting it make a fool of himself. He gently removed her small fingers from his chin. She was pretty strong for such a little thing. “You could try being honest.”

Chewing her lower lip made her appear younger. He watched until her lower lip grew red and swollen, shocking against her pale skin. “You are angry with me,” she said, almost too quietly to be heard even this close.

“You have paint on your little feet,” Kato said brushing her hair from his face. He watched her look down and stared at her feet, too. “Maybe a little angry,” he admitted to her feet.

She sighed still staring at her soft black shoes, now her right foot had a smudge of red on the tip. “I guess I could try being honest,” she murmured, unsure. He looked into the darkness of her eyes until she nodded. “It's completely contrary. Maybe...you first.”

“Okay, but you have to tell me something about yourself that you wouldn't want anyone else to know,” he said moving her long hair from her face, pushing it behind her ear. “It sounds stupid, but if you're afraid of others finding out your secrets, I know you won't tell mine,” he said when she frowned. She nodded.

She smiled, showing too many teeth, “Mutual blackmail?” He nodded. Barking a laugh, “I knew I liked you. You first. What is bothering you?”

Kato had to think about it. He didn't want to say anything that led her to believe he'd done anything with Noberu. He'd been given the opportunity to come to Kitsurin to spend time with the royal family before conception. He could have easily have been denied access until after Ascension was decided. He wasn't entirely certain about all of the obligations he had towards the Kitsurin family.

“I'm pissed at my chief bodyguard. He walked in on me and Shinko this morning,” Kato said, a faint flush painted his cheeks. He decided he didn't really need to elaborate. Fusako was smart. “And just stood there, watching. The ass actually had the gall to be angry with me.”

A smirk, of course. “Maybe he's just concerned about your virgin vulnerability.”

“You are too much like Prince Shinko,” Kato grunted out, standing. He gently pushed Fusako back. She watched him stand, still smirking. “I am not having this conversation with you.”

She grabbed his shoulders and held on. They were facing each other now, inches away. Her eyes were unusually dark, irises growing larger in the fading natural light. She was an unusual creature, draped in black, her hair so dark it was nearly blue in this light. The faint outline of her face and neck blurred and glowed unnaturally.

“I'm not sure I like this game,” Kato murmured liking how her lips curled at the edges. Just the right shade of red.

“You looked really happy holding your fish, Prince Kato. I'm sure it had nothing to do with my brother's hands all over that pretty rear of yours.” She finished leaning her head back as if in thought. Her eyes tilted to the side, watching for a reaction.

Kato stared at her blankly. She released his shoulders. Oh, the photos Shinko had taken before Kato could protest. Of course, he showed them to her. “Your damn brother said he doesn't kiss and tell,” Kato groused.

“Just to me,” she laughed, petting his cheek. He pulled away with a frown. “We're very competitive and you are a prize,” she murmured seriously. “He added those pictures to the family album.”

Kato frowned. Well, he didn't need to be worried about that. Who else would see Shinko grabbing his ass while he sported a huge grin? Just family. He started to relax until Fusako opened her mouth, enjoying his embarrassment far too much.

“They've been downloaded into the family archives. You can view them in all the sitting rooms and studies throughout the palace. You have one in your own sitting room. They're quite gaudy. Father loves them,” she said through a sigh.

Kato groaned. Would that become public? He started to panic but remembered the huge photo on the wall in his sitting room only showed two dimensional images. It wasn't that bad. He really needed to stop overreacting.

“The best image is in the Kitsurin historical vaults. You remember the rooms my father showed you?” Kato shook his head. “He's very proud of the family swords from the Kitsurin civil war.”

Kato did remember his first day on this planet. How could forget? He shrugged. The man drove him crazy showing him stupid things, making a fool of Kato. “The halo pad was being updated. You probably passed it? A large black octagon on the floor?” Kato shrugged again. He didn't remember it, but he was preoccupied, too annoyed and angry to pay attention to little details. “It shows three dimensional images from the family archives.”

Wonderful.

“I told you what was wrong and shared something that is embarrassing as hell. Your turn,” Kato said sourly, crossing his arms across his chest. He wasn't pouting.

“Okay, but take your shoes off and have a seat in one of the leather chairs,” Fusako said directing him to the windows and chairs. “Let's not track your masterpiece everywhere,” she added lightly. She stepped back and carefully took her shoes off without waiting for a reply. Her feet were silent as she started to leave the room. She stopped by the door, “I've got to get something from the library. I'll be right back,” and turned while Kato just stared after her.

He grumbled but carefully walked to the edge of his mess. He took his shoes off, balancing on one foot and then the other. The chairs were very low. He lowered himself into one, gripped the arm rests and squeezed, liking the feel of soft leather. Everything was made of synthetics. It must have cost a fortune to find this matching pair. Heavy footsteps echoed farther away.

The sun was still golden, setting closer to the edge of the horizon. He would have preferred to be outside, watching the setting sun. The wind must have died down, neither shrubs nor trees danced any longer. He liked how the sun's golden light made the greens richer and painted the tree line with gold. He looked down when he felt something in his lap.

“It's a book,” he said turning it over in his hands. Actual books were uncommon. They were bulky and unnecessary. Making them was nearly a lost art. Most used portable devices and stored all knowledge electronically.

He was familiar with books though. His mother loved books, enjoyed the smell and feel of them. She often disappeared into her modest library for days. His father put a lot of time, effort and money into finding as many as he could after his mother became ill.

Kato ran his hand along the edge of the book, smiling gently, remembering her heated face when she told him about one of her favorite books. It was a romance. Something silly, nonsensical about a young girl following a destiny. She said it gave her hope. She died shortly after she finished reading that last book. He never could bring himself to read any of her books. He did sit in her chair in her library for hours, looking fondly at something that brought her so much joy.

“It's the last book I've written,” she said watching as Kato looked in his lap, turning the volume over in his small hands. Fusako perched on the edge of the leather chair, rocking a little. She grinned, “You asked me once what I do for fun. This,” She said gesturing to the book, “Is it. This book is thirteen in a series and has nothing to do with warfare, Kitsurin politics or tactics.” She smiled indulgently, caressing the book's spine. “It's published in my own name and not available anywhere except on your planet.” She pointed at the cover of the book.

Only on Radekoun? Why?

Kato returned his attention back to the book cover and read the title, “Kuuri's Last Sacrifice?” A teenage girl stood, poised to attack or defend against a much larger male opponent. Her dark hair streamed away from her face, a faint glow lighted her eyes and cheeks. At first glance, he thought this might be some kind of action-adventure but her clothing was all wrong. She was draped in too many silks and too much damn pink. He didn't know what to say at first and then he remembered he was the one who suggested honesty. He turned to Fusako and gestured to the picture on the front cover, “Sorry but it kind of looks like a romance.”

Fusako laughed, life lit her features, her cheeks pinked up a little. “It is. The series follows the life of a young girl,” she said smiling fondly at the book. She pressed her hand against the spine again. She smiled up to Kato and surprisingly, dimples appeared. “Not many know about these books. I've taken some pains to disguise it on Kitsurin. My father would not approve. I probably should have used another name but,” she said quietly giving him a lop-sided grin, “Your planet's poor concept of females made it quite easy to market and sell.” She drew her hand away and stopped bouncing on the edge of her seat. “It is a romance, easily dismissed,” she said quietly, almost sadly.

The room had darkened. Long shadows distorted the space. The windows to the wonderful tapestry to the world outdoors slowly became a massive dark mirror, a horizontal ribbon capturing the images inside the small space. Fusako sighed drawing her arms around herself and easing herself back into her leather chair.

He didn't know what to say. The people on his planet never treated females as equals. And then he realized something she probably knew the minute the wormhole was confirmed viable and stable – she would never be accepted by any Radekoun. Even if she were to Ascend, she wouldn't be accepted. She would weaken her planet – just like Takimore.

Kato felt sick. How could she be so calm? It made him angry. She was smart, confident and capable of any challenge but this. He now understood why she regretted her anger during that awful meeting. It was her undoing. She could have used the opportunity to best his father and the counsel member, question themselves, but she failed. She reinforced their belief women could not even rule their own hearts and minds.

“They won't accept you,” Kato murmured. He had a talent for stating the obvious tonight and grimaced. He watched Fusako out of the corner out of his eyes. Her head nodded once sharply. She stared at nothing. “I am sorry for what it's worth.”

Her sigh was deep and long. She raised doe eyes up to him and smiled sadly, “Thank you.”

They sat in silence, the occasional sound of leather interrupting the uneasiness between the two. “How will your people view you now that you can bear young as a female?”

Kato jerked and stared at her. He did think about it but did not dwell on it. He knew he wouldn't be taken seriously. Most likely his father would not step down and the responsibility would be directly passed to the child of the Twin Thrones. It didn't matter. He'd be too busy having babies.

“You already know the answer to that,” Kato said tiredly.

“It is a gift,” she murmured, her voice muffled, pained. He didn't look at her. Redaku said the same, but Kato wasn't certain it was true. He didn't really have a choice, how could that be a gift?

He heard her draw in a shuddering breath and turned to watch her. “One that I will never know,” her voice was full of tears. She was looking forward, facing the windows. Her long hair fell forward, loose and he couldn't even see her profile. He looked up into the windows and saw a young girl, tears threatening to fall. “I don't know if I'm strong enough,” she sobbed and trembled.

It took his breath away. He felt like a bastard, taking so many things for granted. He had a image of her suddenly. A small figure, draped in black – now splattered with red, falling backward into darkness. Her dark eyes fading.

She said the same, days ago, and at the time he thought that is exactly what she meant. She wanted the chance to give birth to children but he now understood that isn't what she meant. His chin started to tremble. There wasn't a damn thing he could say to bring her comfort.

He held his hand out and she took it immediately. His hand wasn't much bigger than hers. He could feel her trembling and he tightened his hand slightly. Her cool fingers started to warm. They sat watching tears roll down their pale cheeks while the warmth of joined hands and easy silence did little to ease their pain.