The Twin Thrones

Kato was still smiling when Seshimora approached him. The wind was low, perfect for target practice. He enjoyed the warmth of the sun on his face. The man gestured to two targets about fifty or so yards away. He breathed in deeply and smelled something sweet from the South. He felt good.

Seshimora was dressed in loose khaki slacks and a snug short-sleeve shirt of the same color. Kato was relieved Noberu had some of his wardrobe altered and a few items added. Until he wore that ridiculous outfit to dinner with Shinko, he never imagined feeling stupid and vulnerable from having too much chest showing or pants so snug it was impossible to wear them without getting a little hard. This outfit was much darker and loose-fitting like he preferred.

He didn't need to ask about the new clothes. It was the other reason he was late for breakfast with Fusako. He overheard Noberu and Redaku arguing about his wardrobe earlier that morning. Noberu had taken it upon himself to alter Kato's wardrobe without Redaku's input. His mouth gaped when Noberu accused his advisor of pimping Kato out.

The big man had sounded angry. Were they actually talking about clothes now? Maybe Shinko didn't need to convince Kato's guard to let him in last night. Kato had a sinking feeling his father had orchestrated this. The clothing was designed to show him off. Dinner wasn't just about filling their stomachs; it filled Kato's head with stupid notions. No one and certainly no man had ever tried to seduce him before. It was a little flattering.

Redaku was responsible for seeing his things packed and the man did nothing without his father's instruction. Kato stopped questioning how Shinko made it to his room. It did bother him that Noberu allowed it. Wasn't he supposed to be on Kato's side? Although there was a moment when Kato thought his bodyguard might hurt Shinko if he didn't back off. Kato didn't know what to think of that.

Kato did wonder what Shinko's visit bought his father. He wasn't bitter. He liked Shinko, a little bit. Kato stood there for a moment remembering the darkness of the man's eyes, the soft kisses and the weight of Shinko on his stomach and pelvis. He wasn't sure if he regretted letting the man stay.

He should be disappointed in Redaku, but he understood. Kato wasn't his main concern, Radekoun was. Hell, he wasn't even his advisor, he was his father's. Redaku's son would have taken his father's place when King Miyazaki retired, but he died in a freak accident nearly six years ago. Neither Redaku nor his own father could bring themselves to find a replacement. It put Kato at a huge disadvantage.

“I was told you prefer a compound bow.” Seshimora waived something in front of him. Kato turned to him and stared at the man's well-muscled forearm. He followed the well-defined arm up to the man's strong wide face. Kato nodded. He reached out to take the bow when the man grasped his right forearm gently and turned it over. Why were people always touching him? God, was he going to kiss his hand again? Kato was tempted to pull away. He wasn't a fucking girl! What was wrong with this guy?

“Prince Kato, your wrist!” Seshimora set the bow on the table next to them. His other hand grasped Kato's left hand and turned it gently, as if afraid he'd hurt him. Kato looked down at his wrists. Did he have something on them? Seshimora was frowning. “How did this happen?”

The bruises were faint around both wrists but still shocking against his pale skin. They looked worse than they felt. They would darken soon and probably look worse. Kato glared at Noberu. The stupid ass had the nerve to just shrug! Asshole!

It had been frightening. The man easily overpowered him and seemed bored by it. Kato thought the man was going to break his wrists. What kind of bodyguard was he anyway? Letting strangers into his room? Hurting him?

And then when the caveman grabbed his chin, he thought Noberu was going to kiss him. It scared him. He wasn't anything like Shinko. He was relieved and then ashamed when he realized the man was only making a point. Sometimes that ass could just tell him. Did he always have to humiliate Kato?

“They're fine. It's nothing.” His voice was light, warring with the glare he was still throwing the caveman.

“But..you are injured. Perhaps we should have them looked at?” The man stopped moving them, obviously afraid to hurt him more. This genuine concern was almost sweet, but it certainly showed he thought Kato was a wimp. It wasn't flattering. The man needed to stop touching him now.

“Thank you for your concern, but I'm not that delicate,” Kato said trying to sound polite and not annoyed.

Kato pulled his arms away gently. Seshimora released him. He seemed to want to say more. Kato waited. There was no way in hell he was voluntarily going to explain how it happened. He was still glaring at Noberu. The man's face was smooth and gave nothing away. Seshimora's frown deepened even more and now included Noberu. It made Kato nervous.

“Do you practice often?” Kato gestured to the set of bows sitting on the weathered wooden table near them. There were two cylindrical containers with the fletching of arrows that held small tops of white plastic poking out of the top. He picked up one of the two back tension releases and turned it over in his hands.

Seshimora still seemed distracted. He shook his head. “It is not my weapon of choice, but I like to stay familiar.” He picked up a wrist guard. Still frowning, he looked at Kato. “Are you certain you want to continue?”

It's a damn bruise, thought Kato, but he said, “I appreciate your concern, Prince Seshimora. I'm fine.”

Seshimora continued to stare at him. Eventually, he seemed satisfied. He picked up a wrist guard. “If you will lift your left arm, I'll fasten it for you.” Kato nodded. He felt Seshimora's large hand turn his forearm up. The man's hands were extremely wide. His fingers were long and thick and very warm against Kato. Seshimora was gentle. He finished and looked down at Kato. “Is that a good fit?”

Kato nodded. He picked up the much larger wrist guard and waited to help Seshimora. The man smiled warmly and Kato was surprised. His face was dark and deeply lined, but he looked kind when he smiled. The larger man was big and wide and yet quiet and unassuming. Kato realized he was staring. He quickly dropped his eyes to his work. He laid the guard against the inside of Seshimora's left forearm. He moved the fasteners around the man's thick forearm. He could feel the muscles slide under the skin. Kato marveled at the contrast of his pale, fragile hands against Seshimora's tanned, well-defined trunks. He was taking too long. He felt his cheeks warm themselves and refused to look up.

“This feels tight enough,” Kato said under the thick mop of dark hair. It whipped slightly in the wind and he was relieved it hid his features.

“Thank you, Prince Kato.”

“Sure,” Kato said more cheerfully than he felt. He stepped back. “Why don't you go first?”

“If that's what you wish,” Seshimora rumbled above him.

He moved away. Kato followed him. The large man moved to a spot in the grass a few feet away. His left hand was wrapped around the grip. Kato hadn't seen him snatch an arrow or a back tension release. The man stood perpendicular to the target. He brought the bow up straight and set the arrow. He raised the bow the rest of the way and held it firmly. Using the back tension release, he drew the string back in a smooth motion until the top of his right hand was anchored just under his jaw bone. He looked comfortable and at ease. He released smoothly. His bow arm stayed straight. The man had good form. Kato gazed at the target. It looked like he hit the five-point circle, but he was too far away to tell if he got the bullseye. Seshimora led the way back to the table. He placed his bow next to Kato's.

Kato picked up his bow and a back tension release. He turned on his way to the same spot Seshimora stood. He slipped the back tension into his pocket. He set his feet comfortably. “How far?”

“Fifty yards.”

Kato made adjustments to the nine pin sight for the distance. He was accustomed to a scope but learned to shoot with a pin sight first. He pre-drew to get his muscles accustomed. He assumed Seshimora found a bow with a forty-five pounds draw weight. It felt about right. He released. He turned to ask Seshimora for an arrow when the man surprised him with one. He took it, set it and lifted the bow straight. He stopped when his shoulder felt right. He set the back tension release and started to draw back, curling his hand outward until the top of his hand was cradled against the back of his jaw bone. He took a breath and stilled, took aim and released, careful not to punch it. It felt right and he knew he had the bullseye.

“Not bad,” Seshimora murmured. “You have good form and follow through.” Kato grinned. Not bad his ass! This one of the few things he actually excelled at. He could do it in his sleep. It just felt right.

“Eighty percent let off?” Kato asked moving back to the table. He set his bow down. He wasn't complaining. He wasn't a big man. It would be stupid to use a bow that wasn't right for his smaller frame.

“Yes.” Seshimora was frowning again. He looked at Kato strangely. Kato returned the look. He was tempted to look down at himself. He changed before coming down. He didn't think he had crap on himself.

“What?” He felt stupid for asking. He didn't know the guy. Maybe that look was normal on him?

Seshimora shook his head. Kato followed him with his eyes and watched him release another arrow. Kato was never comfortable with silence, but he didn't know what was wrong. They had released more than half of the arrows before Seshimora finally spoke up. “Who taught you?”

Kato set his feet. He stopped and turned. “What?” That was bothering him? That was stupid.

“You have good form. It's very natural. I have heard you are a good hunter. You prefer the bow?”

Kato released another arrow. He might be annoyed, but he didn't let it bother his aim or form. He didn't need to think about it anymore, just feel it. He returned to the wooden table and set his bow down. Kato wasn't certain what question to answer first. Somehow the compliment felt backhanded.

“My father's father taught me. I liked it at first because I got to spend time with my grandfather,” Kato said quietly. “I found as I got older I enjoyed the hunt. I prefer the bow over firearms because it's better sport.”

Seshimora nodded to himself. “Have you taken many...?”

“Deer, antelope, an occasional turkey? Yes. I've hit my limit every year until this year. I haven't had the time.”

“Your grandfather taught you to kill?” Seshimora wasn't even looking at him. He was gazing at the targets. Kato was beginning to understand that comment Noberu gave him two hours ago about saying what you mean. The man was giving him a headache.

“Nobody can teach you to kill,” Kato said, frowning at the targets himself now. “You either can or you can't. I didn't know I could until I did.” Kato turned to meet Seshimora's eyes. He was surprised to find the man staring at him strangely again.

“You're an unusual creature, Prince Kato.” Seshimora said seriously.

Kato pursed his lips. He glanced over at Noberu. As usual, the man's face betrayed nothing. Kato wasn't certain who was harder to understand. Seshimora had a kind smile and kind eyes. He didn't think he'd ever have to worry about the man trying to molest him. He wasn't anything like Shinko, but there was something appealing about him.

“I get the feeling that's supposed to be a compliment,” he said watching the man's eyes brighten. “You're a strange man, Prince Seshimora.” It probably wasn't the right thing to say, but it needed saying. He wasn't certain what reaction he'd get.

“When I was six or seven, I convinced my father to let me go on a routine hunt. Most of my family have experienced it. I thought I was old enough,” he said chuckling. “They were hunting a small omnivore, a pest that kills small fowl and spreads disease. They cornered a large family. They took down the adults quickly and left the young. The knife was too big for me. I cornered one. I was clumsy and made a mess of its innards, slipping in the bile and excrement. The smell was awful. I smelled awful.” He stopped seeing Kato's grin.

“It was a long walk back?”

Seshimora looked at him sharply. “Very. It taught me something useful.”

“Vomit is worse no matter how bad you already smell.”

“Among other things,” Seshimora laughed. “So you had a similar experience?”

“No,” barked Kato. “I'm not a little girl.” Kato laughed harder when Seshimora blinked. “It sounds awful,” Kato giggled at the look at the big man's face. “Truly,” he managed to get out before he started hiccuping. When he was finally able to talk his voice was light. “If we ever go hunting, you stay downwind.”

Seshimora chuckled ruefully. He pointed to the targets. “Let's just see how good you really are, laughing boy.” He trailed Kato to the targets. His eyes widened when Kato let out a whoop. All of Kato's arrows were tightly packed on the bullseye. They didn't need a tie breaker: two of Seshimora's arrows were in the four-point circle.

Kato fingered the fletching of one of his arrows. He looked way the hell up and gave Seshimora the cheekiest grin he could. “I am this,” he said flicking an arrow, the faint vibration sent all of the quivers moving, “good.”

Seshimora gave him a patient smile. He pulled one of the arrows out. “Perhaps there is something you can teach me after all,” he said more to himself, turning the arrow over in his hands.

Kato was pretty certain he meant something else by that. He'd ask but then the big man might actually tell him. He was relieved the guy had a sense of humor. He wasn't pushing his luck. Kato started to reach for an arrow. “Wanna try again?”

Seshimora shook his head. “I think you've embarrassed me enough,” he said through a smile. “I took the liberty of arranging a light snack this afternoon. There is a large patio off of the main kitchen. I think you'll like it.” Kato nodded. “You'll have the rest of the afternoon to yourself. Evening meal will be with all three of us.”

Kato smiled weakly. He still hadn't decided how to act around Shinko. Now he'd have an audience. Wonderful, no pressure. Shinko didn't seem to get embarrassed. The man delighted in every one of Kato's blushes. It wasn't a competition. Kato didn't think he'd ever gone a day without some embarrassment.

Life with these three was getting complicated.

____________________________________________________________________

The patio wasn't just large, it was enormous. Stones of different earth tones were arranged in an intricate pattern of circles. The surface was surprisingly even though. The South end of the patio ended in a circular, two-foot tall wall. Beyond it held a water feature. Kato could see a large fountain in the middle and two smaller ones flanking it. The entire East side was covered with tall hedges in a broken pattern. It looked like it might be a maize. Kato couldn't tell without getting closer. The tall hedges seemed to block much of the wind. He took a deep breath. The mild smell of chlorine was coming off the faint spray of the three fountains.

He followed Seshimora to a black, wrought iron table and two over-sized chairs with gray cushions. Kato tried to sit down before Seshimora pulled his chair out. He grudgingly thanked Seshimora as he helped him in into his chair. He reminded himself the man was just polite. His voice may have seemed more like a growl. Seshimora took it in stride.

“It's nice,” Kato said, waving his hand to include the patio and the fountains. “What do you usually use it for?”

Seshimora settled into his chair. “Family gatherings. As a child, I enjoyed searching the maize for mushrooms. My guard hated it, they lost me several times,” he smiled fondly at a stout older man with gray-haired temples standing near Noberu. The man didn't acknowledge him.

“Did you say mushrooms?” Did they have some kind of holiday or celebration involving mushrooms? Seemed downright weird.

“I like them grilled.”

Kato couldn't tell if the big man was kidding. The older man near Noberu cleared his throat. Kato glanced at him. Was he missing something? He turned to Seshimora and his eyes widened. Was the big man blushing? With his darker skin, it wasn't as obvious, but there was a faint redness to his cheeks. It was weird. And then Kato had a thought. He turned to the guard again. He recognized the guy from his first night there.

“What did you say to me yesterday? Ah, yes. 'It is unwise to ignore concerns of your guard,'” said Kato speaking in a low monotone, trying to mimic Seshimora. “Sound familiar?” Kato watched as a slow smile spread across Seshimora's wide face.

“Good advise,” Seshimora said lightly and glanced over at the same guard. “They were good mushrooms.” The stout guard huffed loudly.

“You are a strange man, Prince Seshimora,” Kato observed with a wrinkled forehead.

“Thank you.”

Kato heard commotion behind them. A small group of men and women appeared carrying dishes, water glasses, a decanter, small jars and platters. Kato sat back and let them set the table and lay the meal out. Water was poured for each of them. Seshimora thanked them quietly. Several acknowledged him with a nod and a smile. Kato merely smiled.

Kato recognized the first dish, small chunks of the fruit from breakfast but without the bloody coating. One plate held dark, nut-encrusted rolls and thick slices of bread. A large platter held slices of two different kinds of cheese and thinly-sliced meat. Two small jars, one with a creamy white dressing and the other a dark, grainy mustard were set next to Kato. A wide, flat platter held thin, long green and yellow vegetables.

“I requested something simple. I hope you enjoy it.”

Kato nodded. He wasn't that hungry, but he could be polite. Seshimora helped Kato make a sandwich and added a small helping of vegetables. Kato asked for fruit. They sat in silence and started their meal.

The fruit was sweet and crunchy without the candy coating. Kato popped a few more pieces into his mouth distracted. He peeked over at Seshimora and found the man staring at him again. Kato frowned. “You're staring again.” It was getting on his nerves.

Seshimora pursed his lips but didn't stop. “I have never found myself attracted to another man...but you really are...pretty,” Seshimora sounded confused.

Kato's eyes widened. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?” Was the man trying to embarrass him? Was he serious? What the hell was he thinking?

The big man winced. “I shouldn't have said that, but you are pretty.”

Seshimora seemed sincere. Kato shrugged, “Um...thanks?” What do you say to that? Kato thought he should say something more, but his mind was blank for a moment. “You're really big.”

Seshimora chuckled, “I take after my father.” Kato nodded. The man was the very image of his father. He carried himself with the same calm demeanor. They certainly shared the same sense of humor. “Many of my siblings resemble him.”

“How many siblings do you – I mean,” Kato stumbled over the words. He really needed to think before he spoke. “Did you had?” Kato realized too late where this might go but he had already asked the question. Kato watched as Seshimora smoothed his features. He'd have to have someone teach him that.

“Four brothers and two sisters,” Seshimora said plainly.

“Oh, I'm an only child,” Kato admitted. He would have liked to have a sister or two. His parents has stopped after his birth. “I always thought it would have been nice to have someone to share my childhood with. I guess it's not so great in your situation.”

“It is neither good nor bad. It just is.” Seshimora finished his sandwich and leaned back sipping water. He watched Kato in silence.

Kato wanted to ask about Takimore's death. It seemed of the remaining siblings, Seshimora was closest to him. He didn't even know when Takimore's funeral would take place. Noberu suggested he just ask, but he couldn't bring himself to.

“I saw pictures of you and Takimore on the video screen in the sitting room,” Kato said quietly urging Seshimora to say something. “You were presenting him an award.” Seshimora nodded. “You were close. I'm sorry.”

“It's fine.”

Kato didn't buy it. The man was probably like most men. He'd have to have something cut off without painkillers to shed a tear. Kato didn't let himself feel anything when his mother passed. It felt too much like weakness.

“It's okay to grieve, Prince Seshimora,” Kato said pushing his meal away from himself. He turned to the man.

“It's fine,” said Seshimora. His features were smooth with practice.

Kato was silent. He couldn't make the man tell him anything, admit anything, feel anything. He found himself falling back on something that was comfortable. Anger. “Did you feel nothing for Takimore?” He even sounded angry.

“He was my brother,” Seshimora whispered.

Kato groaned in exasperation. Of course he was his brother. Was Seshimora purposely a pedantic ass? Hell, he may even be more annoying than Noberu.

Seshimora took a breath and seemed to consider his words carefully. “When Takimore was seven, he sought my help. A hatchling had fallen from it's nest. He did not know it's mother would not accept it after he touched it. He could not stand to let it die,” Seshimora said fondly, “and he could not bring himself to kill it.”

What? Kato wrinkled his forehead. “Are you doing this on purpose?”

“I do not understand.”

Kato shook his head. He suddenly felt very tired and closed his eyes. “Never mind.” Kato understood the sadness he felt for these people. He had been raised to consider family a source of strength. He was beginning to pity these people. This was a poor shade of what they could have.

Seshimora frowned and cleared his throat to get Kato's attention. “Prince Kato, you appear fatigued. Perhaps, you should lie down.”

Kato shook his head again. Seshimora continued to frown. The silence stretched and became uncomfortable.

“I took him under my wing. I taught Takimore…everything he knew, but I could not teach him to kill. He was a gentle soul.”

“It sounds like Takimore was a good man,” Kato said watching Seshimora carefully. The man didn't even twitch. “You loved him.”

Seshimora sighed. His eyes became distant. “He was weak.”

Kato blinked.

Those same words were spoken by King Yoshi. He was surprised at King Yoshi's lack of emotion. He understood the significance now. Takimore was a man who could not bring himself to kill, even to save himself. He certainly could not bring himself to kill someone he loved no matter the personal cost. A small flutter started in his stomach and became a painful thrumming in his veins. He didn't want to hear the rest.

Seshimora's voice was low and tired, “Takimore could not take the throne. It would have plunged Kitsurin into civil war. My duty was clear.” Seshimora's voice was raw, gravely. “He understood. He forgave me before...”

Kato stared in horror. Why won't he stop talking? Please stop talking!

“But you loved him,” Kato's voice was breaking. Fucking hell! He had to be wrong. Seshimora could not have done this.

“He was weak.”

“You cold bastard.” He hissed, like steam rising from hot coals. His face was wet tears.

Seshimora nodded, as if in agreement. “My presence protected Takimore for many years. My father allowed me this,” breathed Seshimora, “one comfort.”

“It's wrong. It's all wrong.” This was kindness? What the hell! They were fucking crazy! Kato wanted to leave. He tried to turn away but Seshimora's eyes were too raw. Fucking hell! Seshimora loved Takimore and murdered him.

“You are a gentle soul,” breathed Seshimora.

Kato shook his head. He had taken life. Why was Seshimora comparing him to Takimore? He understood the necessity of the kill. Nature demanded it to keep balance, but this was different. This was wrong.

“Your father has protected you as I protected Takimore,” Seshimora leaned forward invading Kato's personal space. He raised his hand as if to caress Kato. Kato was acutely aware of Noberu materializing next to him. Seshimora dropped his hand. “My Sweet Takimore sacrificed all for a chance at peace,” he breathed. “What will you sacrifice, Prince Kato?”

Kato stared.

Tears threatened Seshimora's eyes. He had never seen eyes like that. Pain was etched into every deep line wrinkling the man's wide eyes. Is this what guilt looked like? Kato knew he had nothing to do with Takimore's death. He didn't even know the man, but Takimore may have lived longer had Kato not become involved. He felt a sliver of the guilt Seshimora would always carry.

Seshimora's presence protected Takimore from all threats except Seshimora himself. The man taught Takimore to be the man he became and because of that Seshimora's duty demanded he destroy Takimore. The man's strength became his greatest weakness because Takimore would not kill.

He nearly laughed. His grandfather never criticized him because he was a terrible student and didn't have talent or patience for any martial arts. His grandfather understood that strength did not lie in weapons of war but in the hearts of those who wielded them. Hadn't Noberu demonstrated that he could not win a battle based on brute strength? Until this moment, he thought his grandfather gave him a diversion from his studies, his responsibilities, and his father. But his grandfather was the person responsible for the man he was today and Kato hated him just a little.

Sacrifice. Duty. They left a foul taste now. He didn't know what he'd have to sacrifice in the years to come, but he knew the answer to Seshimora's question. His stomach clenched when he saw understanding in Seshimora's eyes and still could not look away. He was afraid he'd learn how much pain and guilt a man could hold.

Kato took one agonizingly ragged breath after another. He couldn't clear his vision. He felt Noberu's strong arms around him, lifting him, taking him away without a word. And for once, Kato let himself feel weak and welcomed the strong, warm arms that wrapped him in comforting silence.

____________________________________________________________________

“He will be broken,” Noberu observed quietly, watching the kid finally fall into a drug-induced sleep. It had been difficult listening to the kid's incoherent muttering. The sobbing wasn't any better. He had never heard sounds like that. How could anyone sob as if his heart was actually being clawed with each jagged inhale? He shuddered remembering. He should always listen to his instincts. He knew he should have removed Kato as soon as he realized Seshimora was going to confess.

Seshimora surprised him. He thought the man was too compassionate to harm his lamb. Of course, this lamb would have slit his own throat to save Seshimora pain. He had not heard the details of Takimore's death. Did this lamb harm itself for Seshimora or did Seshimora slit his throat while the sudden rush of red soaked into the old bones of this palace to puddle at the big man's feet to join the blood of two thousand years? Regret would eat Seshimora alive. What would it leave?

Redaku looked sharply at him. His eyes narrowed. “It's none of your business,” he said, anger coloring his voice. He turned his attention back to the kid and his eyes softened. “He's stronger than he looks,” he murmured.

“He can still be broken. Can't you see it?” Noberu's normally calm voice was low and growling. Now he was getting pissed off. He shook his head. It probably wasn't worth the effort, but the kid had to be able function. He did not know how to put him back together.

Did the kid truly understand Seshimora's sacrifice? The man or woman who took the Radekoun throne had to have the support of the court and stakeholders. Kind and compassionate Takimore was not that man. Those traits made a wonderful wife but not a ruler.

Redaku tucked the loose blankets under the kid's chin. Kato moved his head to the side and groaned, his eyelids fluttering erratically. His cheeks were pink. Some of his unruly locks were plastered to his smooth forehead. Tears were gathered on the edge of his thick lashes. He still looked like he was crying. Redaku wiped some of the wetness away with the sheet.

Kato had been sheltered by his father. His mother had been blind to his faults. Being the only male born to take the thrown, as was custom, he had been cherished. For reasons unknown, he was an only child. It was common for each generation to birth at least one female.

He knew Kato had a childhood common among all royalty regardless of race, age or planet of origin – one of loneliness. There were two people who Kato was closest to. He lost his mother a few years ago by an unknown disorder diagnosed far too late. The kid's eyes were strained and darkened in video footage from his mother's memorial and burial. He held himself with dignity. He did not allow his pain to color her memory. He quietly and without complaint was witnessing the slow decline of his grandfather for the past two years. All of Kato's off-color and witty comments about his grandfather's antics were full of love and laughter. He clearly missed the man who taught him to be the person he was today.

The kid was a pain. He whined too much. He was too emotional. But Noberu suffered the little fits of anger from this delicate beauty with patience. Sometimes he suppressed a good laugh at the kid's expense. Noberu knew as he held Kato as he shook and his very heart streamed from his eyes and clawed to get out of his mouth: Kato would do his duty.

Noberu took a deep breath to steady himself. This was only their second day on Radekoun. Two fucking days! Two days and the kid was reduced to a sobbing mess. He could still remember Kato trembling against him as his tears dampened Noberu's shirt. He allowed his warmth to encircle the small, trembling figure and rested his chin against the kid's head. He understood Miyazaki's desire to protect his son.

He watched Redaku smoothing the blankets around the prince – for the sixth time. Kato may not be the only one broken before the first child of the twin thrones was born. He heard Redaku sigh, “Yes. I see it.” The older man brushed a strand of lhair from Kato's face.

Noberu narrowed his eyes. Something about Redaku's composure bothered him. “You want to break him.” It wasn't a question.

Redaku turned sharply to face him. He straightened and drew his hand away from the young prince. “He's a willful child,” Redaku murmured.

Noberu could feel his face thinning out. He knew how intimidating he could be. He wanted to hurt someone right now. “Miyazaki doesn't want Kato to take the throne,” Noberu said shaking his head. It made sense. If not for Kato's grandfather's influence, the boy would have learned nothing but what a classroom could teach him. Miyazaki would not retire. He would wait until a grandchild was ready to take the throne. He would throw his grandchildren to the wolves but his son he would make a bride, protected and pregnant. “Miyazaki is a bastard. You know he's wrong. His son is not weak. Kato can make a difference, if you let him.”

Redaku wouldn't meet his eyes.

“Son of a bitch. What did Shinko pay Miyazaki to fuck the kid?” Noberu bit off each word, spitting them into Redaku's face. The man flinched with each word. His face became splotchy. He jerked away and went to the other side of the room. He made it to a table and matching chairs but he didn't sit down.

He had no doubt Shinko would protect the kid. He would cherish him, but he would not respect him. Kato would bear his children and share his bed. He didn't think Kato would be content with simply being a wife.

Breathing heavily, Redaku managed to get out, “It wasn't like that.” His back was facing Noberu now. Noberu covered the distance quickly and grabbed the man's shoulder. He jerked him around roughly. He wrapped his large hands around the man's shoulders, keeping him in place. He could feel the muscles in his jaw twitching. He ground his teeth to keep from hurting the man.

“You waited until I wasn't there. Your men let a man you don't know anything about into the kid's room without protection. You son of a b-.”

Redaku cut him off. “You don't understand. Kato had a choice. It doesn't mean...”

“I damn well know what a rocking bed means! Don't think I'm stupid. You make a decision like that again, it will be your last.” Noberu punctuated his words by roughly pushing the older man into a chair. Redaku stumbled and then fell heavily, staring open-mouthed.

When he found his voice, it was angry, “You sanctimonious ass! We both know you'll do whatever your precious UP wants. You're their bitch.” The man settled back into the chair. His lips were thinned and splotchy coloring moved down his face and throat. He was obviously not accustomed to this kind of confrontation.

Noberu composed himself, as if he hadn't just threatened the man and smiled, showing too many teeth. He could concede a point. “You're right,” he admitted softly. As Redaku started to look smug, he knelt in front of the man and stopped when they were eye level. “But I only take the jobs I believe in. I always do what I know is right.”

Noberu gently moved several stray hairs from Redaku's face. He gave the man credit, he held himself still and didn't waiver. He met the man's eyes. He showed him something he rarely showed anyone. He let it fill him – the place deep inside himself where he buried every right choice he had ever made. A cold place of white light and deafening stillness. He let it fill his eyes. This man would understand. Noberu needed him to understand. “Do not become a liability, Redaku.” He drew a long strand of hair up and tucked it behind the man's ear. “Then the boy will only have me to guide and console him,” he said in a quiet sigh. He saw fear fill Redaku's eyes and felt nothing. This man's strength could easily be turned against him. If it kept him in check, let him think Noberu capable of anything.

It was true, wasn't it?