The Twin Thrones

Red velvet draped in voluptuous folds over the round wooden table and pooled on the floor. Gourds and melons in autumn colors spilled randomly from three reed woven baskets of green, pale gold and burnt orange. White flowers with large heads and cotton tails cut to different lengths poked out in large bunches between the baskets. Two stools and matching easels were set a couple of feet away. They were in the same sun room they had breakfast in. Fusako said the light was better here and he had to agree.

Kato loved the way the lean muscles in her legs rippled as she leaned over the wooden table and draped the white satin ribbon around the melons and gourds. Large curls were pulled into a tight ponytail on the top her head. She was dressed in a low v-neck gray shirt that was loose and was tucked into a short black skirt that hugged her hips and thighs. Thankfully, she didn't wear any heels, so he was still taller than her.

Fusako turned to him, expectantly. Her dark eyes brightened when he smiled, encouraging her to continue. He had no idea what a “still life” was, but he certainly enjoyed watching her put it together. He heard explain what she was doing, but he was distracted by the soft tilt in her voice and the helm of her skirt each time she leaned over the wooden table.

The hardness of the stool and the heat from the sun distracted him, too. He stretched his arms, still sore from being bed ridden for so many hours. He jerked when he realized Fusako was speaking to him again. He looked up and she was standing in front of him, her small bosom at eye level. He may have been staring.

“Do you like the view?” her voice rumbled low, filled with mirth and her small mounds jiggled lightly as warm laughter followed.

Yep, he had been staring too long. He blinked and looked up. Fusako gave him a sly smile, looking down at her own breasts. Kato felt the blush and cleared his throat.

“I'm sorry, Princess Fusako. I didn't hear what you said,” he said, making a point to keep his eyes on her face as she slowly brought her own eyes up.

She was grinning openly and brought her hand up. He glanced down and saw the golden ribbon she dangled loosely in her hand. She handed him one end of the long ribbon and moved around the table. He started to follow and she shook her head. He stopped directly across from her. The round table separated them.

“Hold your end while I drape the other,” she instructed him and didn't wait to start weaving the golden ribbon between flowers, melons, gourds and woven baskets. She leaned forward and lifted a melon, shoving it to the side. He couldn't help himself. More cleavage was showing. She was bouncing a little as she moved one of the heavy baskets over to her left. Those smooth, pale little orbs of flesh jiggled with laughter again. It was nice.

He met her eyes and refused to blush a second time. Fusako was openly grinning again, and her voice was rich with amusement when she said, “Is this view better, Prince Kato?”

He looked at her for a full minute and burst into laughter. “You know it is.” He was staring and he'd be damned if he'd be embarrassed like some freaking teenager. He laughed harder and she gave him a knowing smile and straightened.

Kato knew she had staged this and met her dark eyes. They weren't the eyes of a fifteen-year old. He shouldn't think of her as a pretty little thing. Hell, she carried herself with more maturity than most of the people he knew. He wanted her to be shy and let him lead. He expected her to be like the women on Radekoun. But she wasn't and would never be.

Fusako was a woman who would kill or be killed in the weeks to come. It sobered him immediately. He couldn't keep the frown from filling his features as he watched her round the table, moving slowly, her hips swaying. She stopped in front of him.

“I shouldn't tease you,” she said, taking the ribbon from him. She let it drop to the floor, dangling from the table to pool behind her with the crushed velvet beneath her feet. She stepped closer to him and stared into his eyes.

They were nearly the same height. She was so close he could see her individual eye lashes and the shimmer of peach on her cheeks and eyelids. The eye contact was intimate. It surprised Kato. He continued to frown. Did she want him to kiss her? He wasn't certain what to do and gasped when she quickly wrapped his arms around his waist and leaned in, inhaling deeply. He felt her breath against his neck, “I'm glad you're okay, Prince Kato.” She smelled sweet like candied fruit.

It was silent. No footsteps were growing closer to drag them apart. His arms dangled loosely at his sides. He lifted them and wrapped them around Fusako's shoulders and then her back.

“Thank you,” he whispered into her cascading hair. He felt her shiver before she moved her face back to look at him.

He wasn't certain it was an invitation, but it felt right. Her eyes were bright, her cheeks lightly heated. He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers. Their eyes closed.

Her lips were soft and warm and opened immediately. He took his time tasting her. She was sweet at first and then he could taste the tea she was so found of. He found himself smiling into their kiss. His hand moved upward along her back and gently kneaded the back of her neck. The backs of his fingers tickled when her tumbled locks entangled his hand. He felt her shudder and moan into his mouth, her tiny hands tightened around his waist.

Kato ran his tongue along hers and expected equal resistance, but there was none. She seemed hesitant and it surprised him greatly. A thought grew in the back of his mind. It excited him and he felt himself harden. She was pressing tightly against him. He slowly drew away, leaving them both breathless. Her eyes were almost black. He could see his small smile and matching heated cheeks reflected in her dark eyes.

Fusako took a couple of steps back and looked over to her left. He followed her gaze. Noberu watched them with no expression on his face.

“Keep him safe,” her voice echoed throughout the huge space. He could have sworn the caveman's lips thinned for a moment before he gave her a sharp nod. The small smile left Kato's face. Was this pretty little thing reprimanding the caveman? About his safety? He looked over at Noberu and the man's steady gaze made him uncomfortable.

Her small footsteps crossing the room caught his attention. He swiveled back and followed her. She was pulling out supplies from a small box on the floor. She handed him a pencil without looking, dropping it into his hands.

Kato stared at the blank piece of paper.

Whose idea was this again? Oh, yeah that's right. What the hell was he thinking? He didn't know anything about artsy stuff.

He moved slightly and looked over at Fusako's paper. Very faint lines that resembled a grid covered the surface of the sheet. He watched her, confused. She was closing her left eye and squinting while she held out her pencil. Her thumb pressed against the top three fourths of the pencil, the lead pointing up. She continued squinting and moved her thumb along the pencil top. She periodically looked at large sheet of paper and back to her pencil, clutched in her hand.

Kato continued to watch her. He had no idea what she was doing. He looked back at his blank piece of paper and set his pencil on the lip of his easel. This sounded like a good idea when he brought it up. Now, he realized, it just made him look a fool. He liked working with the bow better. Maybe they could do something more physical?

“Princess Fusako?” Kato murmured moving closer to her. He heard her grunt. She was taking this very seriously. “What are you doing? Have you drawn a grid? What are you doing with your pencil?”

Fusako stopped and looked at Kato, standing only a few inches away. “I did some research. It is best to use a grid for appropriate placement of the center of interest.” She used her pencil and pointed to a place on the grid. “Placement off the center of interest is best along these,” she said pointing to three more places on the grid, “quadrants. I'm using the pencil as a guide for measurement for comparison.”

Kato stared at her, with his eyebrow lifted, the perfect imitation of Noberu. “What?”

The delicate beauty gave him a lopsided grin. She wrapped her left hand around his arm and drew him to her. She nestled him against her and breathed against the back of his ear, “Let me show you.” She had to stand on her toes to reach him. He felt himself shiver and remained close to her, touching.

He watched the paper as vague shapes slowly became satin ribbons wrapped around a modest basket, overflowing with melons. Layers of flowers and cotton tails obscured part of the basket. An especially large flower with tight petals appeared to be what Kato thought was the center of interest. For someone who claimed she had little interest in such things, she recreated a small portion of the still life with perfection. He stood apart from her as he looked between the paper and the still life.

Kato stared at Fusako. He remembered her power and precision with her fan dance. He remembered how coy and mysteriously she carried herself. She was perfection. For a moment he was jealous. It seemed to come so easy to her. He had to work for everything. He was sighing before he was aware of it. He blinked, when he realized Fusako was standing in front of him calling his name.

“You lock yourself away in your thoughts, Prince Kato.”

“I do apologize. What were you saying?” Was he really that distracted around her?

“Why such a big sigh?” She tilted her head slightly and pushed the pencil behind her ear.

How do you say you're annoying me, stop being so damn perfect without pissing a chick off? He watched her and chewed on his lip. He finally settled on, “You make it look easy. I didn't even know where to start.”

She brought her hand up slowly and brushed his hair from his eyes. “I am always thorough, learning everything I can before I undertake any task.” She wrapped her fingers gently around a long lock of Kato's hair that refused to move. She twisted it slowly around her slim fingers and gently released it. She met his eyes and said seriously, “Precision and technique signify neither talent nor passion, Kato.”

Kato wasn't certain what to say. He was relieved of having to say anything when she reached behind her ear and handed him her pencil. He took it and looked down at it.

“I'd like to watch you work,” she said with a warm smile.

He led her to his easel and helped her sit on his stool. He moved his easel so she could see it from the side. He was nervous but since he already established he didn't know what the hell was doing, he couldn't look more a fool. He stared at the stuff on the table and then at the blank sheet. He thought about using her suggestions for all of two seconds. He just couldn't work that way.

He picked out a section of the still life. It was kind of mess. He liked it. He picked a place to begin on the sheet and then picked a couple of big shapes and started with those. He knew he sucked so he just let it happen. He wasn't expecting much. It wasn't really pretty. He finished quickly and stepped back.

Her head was cocked to the side and she was frowning. He walked over to her and tried to see what she was seeing. Kato turned to her and waited.p>

“What made you choose this?” she said gesturing to the markings.

Kato turned to look at her and shrugged.

Fusako nodded distracted, and returned to staring at his scribbles, as if trying to find some kind of meaning in them. He wasn't an artist. He wasn't sure why she seemed so intent on studying it.

“It's masculine, imperfect,” Fusako said absently. “Why did you choose this?”

Kato felt himself smile. “I like it. Can't tell you why really. Don't you just like stuff because you do? No real reason.”

For the first time Kato could remember, Fusako looked annoyed. Her frown deepened. “That's just stupid.”

He couldn't help himself. He started laughing. He wasn't making fun of her, but by the way her body stiffened he knew that's what she thought. Small tears gathered at the corners of his eyes. He really needed to stop laughing.

Fusako stood and backed away from him. “Wait,” Kato said, wiping the tears from the corner of his eyes. “I'm not making fun of you. Really. I can't tell you why I liked that,” he said, pointing to the portion of the still life he chose. “Over that,” he said, pointing to another section “Or that,” he said pointing to Fusako's drawing. She followed his hand and turned to him with a speculative look.

“Some things deny logic,” he said, shrugging again. He stepped closer to her and was relieved she didn't turn and flee the room. He reached up and lightly touched one of her dark loose curls. “Do you understand?”

Fusako's warm smile turned kind of naughty, curling obscenely at the corners. She wrapped her hands around his neck and drew him to her. “I think I do,” she murmured, lightly kissing his warm lips. She leaned in closer, pushing her breasts against his chest until he gasped. She moved her head into the crook of his neck and felt her warm breath against him, “I know something we'd both like.”

He was disappointed but not surprised when footsteps drew closer to move them apart. He probably shouldn't have pulled her shirt loose. He was pretty certain running his hands along her body under her clothing was a bad idea, not that either of them objected. They probably would have been left alone had he not moved his hand between her legs, but her skirt was so short and he knew they'd both like that.

She was drawing in ragged breaths when they were finally wrenched apart. One look at her lidded eyes and flushed cheeks pretty much confirmed she liked it too. There were a lot of things they could like together.

It was obvious both of them had spent their lives under the watchful eyes of others. Neither had the decency to feel or look embarrassed. Kato didn't care that six men stood around them watching him feel Fusako up. But he wasn't fool enough to think he could or would want to have sex in front of their guard. He tried to quiet his breathing. He heard Fusako curse her guard. He moved around Noberu a little and met her eyes. She wanted him. It felt pretty damn good.

He didn't mind Noberu dragging him off this time. Tomorrow looked much brighter, if he could just figure out a way to get her alone.

Shinko found a way to see him alone. Maybe there was more the man could teach him?

____________________________________________________________________

Kato fidgeted next to Redaku, his eyes moving slowly from the faces of the remaining Kitsurin siblings, to their father, and back again. He wouldn't be this nervous if someone had bothered to tell him why this meeting was moved up.

A light knock at the door startled him. He was pretty certain everyone who was expected to be here was here, so who the hell could that be? He had to work to keep his surprise from showing when counsel members, Botan and Sarutai, entered and sat down at Redaku's right. He assumed this meeting was called because of the poisoning, but now he wasn't so certain.

Pressing his hands flat against the table in front of him, he frowned when a faint steamy outline appeared around both hands. Maybe he was more nervous than he wanted to admit? He put his hands in his lap and glanced at Noberu. It was annoying how at ease the man always seemed to be.

He took a deep breath when the image of his father appeared on the massive screen to his left. His father was an imposing figure. Miyazaki's clothing was immaculate. The man was tall and slender. His dark hair, threaded with silver, was pulled back severely into a pony tail. His face was smooth and expressionless.

Since Kato was ten, it became obvious he would not take after his father. Kato merely looked into a mirror to see a somewhat more masculine version of his mother.

His father's warm smile greeted him, but it didn't reach his eyes. Since his mother's death, Kato thought his father had grown distant. Kato wondered if he was merely a huge disappointment or if it simply caused his father too much pain to see his dead wife each time he looked at Kato.

King Yoshi cleared his throat, "I am pleased that all of you were able to clear your schedules to be present today." He introduced everyone and each person nodded when addressed. He turned to face King Miyazaki and spoke clearly but not harshly, "Some concerns have been raised and it would be beneficial for all to discuss them now."

No one said anything. King Yoshi gestured to Counsel Member Sarutai. He was a wide man with thick forearms. It was a little satisfying to Kato that the man was only a few inches taller than himself. Honestly, he wasn't petty. He was just tired of being the smallest guy at every gathering. Sarutai was standing when King Yoshi waived him back to his seat. He sat and leaned forward, resting his hands in front of him comfortably.

"Radekoun is unstable. With the attempt made on Prince Seshimora, it is clear to the Kitsurin Counsel, Ascension will merely take weeks and not months," Sarutai said too calmly. None of the Kitsurin siblings reacted, not so much as a twitch or a frown.

Kato stared. The whole planet was insane. No one seemed concerned about Seshimora at all. It made him sick. He didn't care for the man personally, but he didn't want anything bad to happen to him either. He was distracted and nearly missed the next comment entirely.

"That is why we demand not only should Prince Kato's procedure take place tonight but that the fastest method to ensure a viable pregnancy be used."

Kato's jaw dropped. He started to open his mouth when Redaku actually pinched his arm hard. It was his fucking body! Didn't he have a right to make a least one decision in his life? His glare slipped at the dark look on the advisor's face.

Though Kato and Redaku were silent, nearly everyone else had something to say about the matter. No one could be heard clearly until Counsel Member Botan's voice seemed to lash at the air and all other noise ceased.

"Counsel Member Sarutai, your concerns are noted but unnecessary." Botan's voice was no longer harsh nor loud. He stood briefly to get everyone's attention. He was a tall, thin man. His face was narrow and his eyes set a little too far apart for him to ever be considered attractive. His thin lips eased into a thin smile. He sat.

"The announcement of my promotion within Radekoun counsel will be noted in a couple of days. There is no civil unrest. There is no power struggle. Merely a changing of the guard,” Botan said smugly, smiling at King Yoshi and the other counsel member. “A task force has been created to look into the unfortunate death of former Counsel Member Hitoruson.” The man didn't even bother to appear sincere. “We are confident the guilty will be identified and dealt with accordingly."

"Of course," murmured King Miyazaki and, surprisingly, King Yoshi.

King Yoshi cleared his throat, his face impassive, "Counsel Member Sarutai does bring up a necessary subject though. It is believed Ascension will be complete within weeks. I am certain we have all received communication from interested parties about opening trade negotiations after a confirmed pregnancy and not after the birth of the first child of the twin thrones."

Kato couldn't stop frowning. Now what did they want?

"That does appear to be the case. I am confident Advisor Redaku can take my place at the negotiation table and talks can begin shortly: However, I will not allow my son's health to be jeopardized," King Miyazaki said firmly. He didn't even bother looking over at Kato.

"Of course not," Sarutai said lightly, waving his wide hand briefly in the air, as if to dismiss the matter. "Prince Kato is precious to us all. Without him – there would be no children to unite the twin thrones. We are all interested in Prince Kato’s health. In fact, we have compiled some video showing-”

“It’s my,” was all Kato could manage before Redaku panicked and grabbed Kato's wrist and squeezed it, dragging Kato to the back of his seat. Kato hissed in pain and brought everyone’s attention to them both. He glared at Redaku until the man released his wrist.

"Prince Kato, it appears you have something to share with us," King Yoshi said with a grin. He settled back into his chair comfortably, apparently ready for some entertainment. Kato's temper was already well known within the Kitsurin Palace. King Miyazaki gave Kato a warning with a look which he promptly ignored.

Kato was proud of himself, he managed not to blush or start cursing immediately. He drew himself up. “I am comfortable with the procedure being completed tonight,” he said though his voice did quiver a little. He cleared his throat.

He was really wasn't fine with it, but it was better than the weird growing pit of nervousness that was larger each morning he woke. If he didn't get it over with soon, fear would swallow him.

After King Yoshi made a fool of Kato during their first meeting, Kato had given the procedure a lot of thought. From his education, he knew of several cultures on different planets where male body modification was a necessity when females of the same species were no longer fertile and could not carry to term.

Shortly after talks started regarding the wormhole, he had a regular check up three months early. He thought it was odd that so many samples of his blood and tissue were taken but what was the point in questioning his medical team? They did what his father instructed them to. Obviously, his father thought of everything. Whatever was needed to alter him was grown months ago. Everyone had probably been ready for the procedure for weeks now, except him.

Kato met the eyes of everyone present, lingering on Shinko's the longest. The long lean legs of the dark-haired were crossed in front of him. He caressed the smooth black material of his pants. Kato watched him cautiously. Shinko's sly smile caused words to stick in his throat. No, he hadn't forgotten Shinko had a procedure in mind for him. He jerked his eyes away immediately. He was thankful the man kept quiet.

Clearing his throat again, Kato took a deep breath and pushed forward. "But it's my body and I'll decide what happens to it. You will all just have to be surprised," he grunted out, not caring about the angry and offended looks he was receiving around the room. He glanced at his father and was surprised to see a speculative look on the man's face.

"My son has made up his mind. There will be no changing it," said King Miyazaki and then added more softly, "He is stubborn like his mother." Kato looked sharply at his father. His father never compared the two of them out loud. Kato wasn't sure what to make of it.

”I can respect that,” King Yoshi said lightly. “However, I do not appreciate interference in Ascension,” he said, his voice had grown harsh. Kato's eyes widened when he realized the man was talking to him.

King Yoshi continued to glare at Kato. Kato shifted uncomfortably and searched his mind for something to explain the big man's ire. He could find nothing. He could see the man's large, well-defined muscles tense under his snug, well tailored shirt. He and Seshimora shared a lot: They were both scary. King Yoshi frowned. “You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?”

Kato shook his head.

Sarutai groaned, “Prince Kato, surely you've seen the feed all of the stations have been showing the past couple of days? Here and on Radekoun.”

Kato shook his head again. “I've been kind of indisposed,” he murmured, watching the eyes of everyone around him. His father's face was expressionless. Botan looked smug. The three Kitsurin Royalty did not react any way. Big surprise. He looked over to Sarutai again. The man was shaking his head. Kato was starting to get a little worried.

What the hell happened?

Sarutai cleared his throat. “Your affair with Prince Shinko is well known.”

What? I didn't even let him in my room. He let himself in. Kato thought, his mouth hanging open. He closed his mouth with effort. He was really glad he didn't say that aloud. How did they know anyway? He glared at Shinko. The fucking pervert told everyone they were together. He was going to kill him!

Shinko chuckled, earning him another glare. “I don't kiss and tell, beautiful.”

“Shinko,” King Yoshi said reproachfully. He watched as his son's grin grew when Kato started blushing. Wonderful, now everyone was going to know something happened. Kato wanted to bury his face in his hands. His eyes dropped into his lap. It took him a few minutes to control the burning in his face. He glanced up and met King Yoshi's eyes. The man was staring, giving him a flat look. Why couldn't the earth swallow him now?

“Your obvious infatuation with Prince Shinko is now well known. The public could be swayed by your choices, Prince Kato. Have I not told you, I will not tolerate interference in the rights of Ascension?” King Yoshi was frowning and, frankly, an angry King Yoshi was intimidating.

Kato opened his mouth to say something and stopped. What the hell was he supposed to do to make it better? He didn't realize failing to order the man out of his room was interfering in anything except his sleep. He regretted it. Did that count? This was quite possibly the most embarrassing moment he'd ever had. He looked to his father and then to Redaku for some help.

Kato was totally shocked when Seshimora spoke up. “I really doubt Prince Kato meant any harm. Most do not turn away Shinko's advances.” Kato turned to Seshimora. His stomach was starting to hurt. “I'm certain if it was known that Kato enjoyed the company of all three of the Kitsurin Royalty, it would nullify any harm he unintentionally caused.”

King Yoshi was rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “I supposed that would help,” he still sounded like he was thinking though.

“I am not a whore,” Kato said heatedly. Fucking hell! He wasn't going to have sexual relations with all three of them just to fix something he never intended to happen in the first place.

“No one is calling you a whore, Prince Kato,” Seshimora said sadly. He shifted in his chair, giving his father a pointed look.

King Yoshi and Botan grunted. Kato swiveled to look at one and then the other. He was daring them to speak. Why wasn't his father or advisor saying anything? And then he felt fear. If they knew that Redaku set it up, would they hurt or kill him? He was mad at the man, but he didn't want anything to happen to him. Maybe denying it would raise more questions?

“Father is that necessary?” Shinko murmured. He smiled warmly at Kato, “As Prince Kato has said, it's his body – he can do what likes with it.” His smile deepened and warmed his eyes. Kato groaned. Pervert. “Let's just let that be a surprise, too,” he said as his voice slowly grew husky, rich and low. His knight in shining armor was definitely leering now.

“This isn't getting us anywhere,” King Miyazaki said, sighing. He looked disappointed. “My son will bear young with the person who takes the Kitsurin Throne. He is not required to serve in any other capacity,” he said through a frown.

“This is not settled,” King Yoshi said firmly. He glared at Kato.

Kato glared back. The man didn't honestly expect him to have sex with all three of them just to make him happy, did he? His glare dropped when he realized that is exactly what he expected. He turned to look at Shinko, Fusako and then Seshimora. There was no way in hell he was doing anything to make anyone else happy. He returned his gaze to King Yoshi and shook his head.

“I still don't think I did anything wrong. I will not whore myself out just to make you happy.”

It wasn't a smart thing to say. He would be living here in this palace, on this planet, off and on for most of his life now. The last thing he wanted to do was to piss off his future father-in-law, but he wouldn't allow his life to be completely governed by anyone. He held himself perfectly still and waited.

“Father,” Fusako said lightly. She had to repeat herself before she got his attention. “Would you be satisfied if Prince Kato spends time with each of us equally? Some time could certainly be televised. It might clear up any,” she said looking over at Shinko sourly, “misconceptions that many may have.”

King Yoshi turned his glare at his daughter. She seemed unaffected by it and was continuing to give Shinko a sour look. She turned her attention back to her father.

“Yes, daughter, I think that would suffice, since he seems to spend most of his days with you and his nights with Shinko,” his voice was unpleasant. Fusako shrugged, appearing to be unaffected. Shinko merely chuckled.

Kato watched the exchange and felt his stomach tighten. Unless Kato was crazy, Seshimora had to be the angry man's favorite. Why else would he be this pissed off?

Oh crap, he thought, why does he have to love the scary one the most?

His gaze traveled to Seshimora. The man's face seemed apologetic. Seshimora was watching him so intently, Kato had to look away. The big guy seemed shocked he found Kato pretty. Kato remembered the big man's tears, but it did nothing to calm the fears he had since that day on the patio.

"If that's settled, let's move on," said Botan, glaring at Kato as if the entire thing was his fault. "Gentleman, Princess Fusako," he said, nodding to Fusako and she inclined her head. "As you are all aware, Radekoun has never had a female on the throne and we will not accept one on the twin thrones."

Kato was surprised when Fusako spoke.

"When I take the throne, Counsel Member Botan, how will Radekoun work with this female?" Fusako's voice was bland though her face was stripped of all expression. She calmly smoothed the loose sleeve of her creme-colored shirt without taking her eyes from Botan's.

Botan gave Fusako a bleak look and rolled his lips up in a parody of a smile. When he spoke his voice was smooth. "I am certain our two counsels can work together until one male sits upon the twin throne."

Fusako smiled, slowly showing too many teeth. "Indeed.” Her eyes flickered briefly to King Miyazaki. “That's more than a decade or two away. How unfortunate for you, the Kitsurin counsel will not be as involved. You will be dealing with me." She left the challenge in the air.

Kato often wanted the small beauty to act like every female he'd ever known, excluding his mother, until now. He understood what it felt like to be underestimated because of his appearance. He found himself grinning. Besides, he never cared for Botan. The man always had to be the center of interest.

Botan's lips thinned and his nostrils flared, but he remained silent. Seshimora merely raised his eyebrow and watched the man’s face. Shinko sat with one leg crossed at the knee, a small knowing smile never wavering. Kato shifted uncomfortable. It made Kato uncomfortable when Shinko seemed too sure of something.

It was Kato's father who finally acquiesced. "Of course, it is in everyone's best interest to act fairly and honorably with whomever takes the Kitsurin throne," King Miyazaki said smoothly. His lips twitched on one side.

Kato frowned. He knew where this was going.

"Radekoun will not accept a female on the Twin Throne," Botan said stubbornly, setting his jaw. He continued to glare. He really wasn't an attractive man.

King Miyazaki sighed into the silence, a soft caress into the cooling room. "I'm afraid Counsel Member Botan is correct. The people of Radekoun are not ready for a female to take the throne. The Twin Throne as well. It will lead to civil unrest," he said and sounded truly sad.

"And if a female is accidentally born, will you murder her as you murdered your first born?" Fusako sat stiffly, her face unreadable.

King Miyazaki was silent. He merely stared at her, as if seeing the diminutive beauty for the first time.

Kato eyes opened wider. Had he heard right? He was born second? That was ridiculous! He knew Fusako was intelligent, but he didn't realize she was delusion, too. He waited for his father to deny it and turned shocked eyes when the silence continued.

Fusako's voice shook with passion. "You consider us barbaric? Only the strong survive to serve the people of Kitsurin. Two thousand years my ancestors have held this throne. What people can say that anywhere?" Her face was cold and perfect as she spit out, "If prejudice excludes the best from Ascension, we will all suffer.” She pointed at King Miyazaki and punctuated her words by popping her hand forward with a jerk, “You will make us weak.”

King Miyazaki's features were cold and he stilled like a marble statue, alien and perfect. He remained silent.

Botan snickered, breaking the silence abruptly. He turned to King Yoshi and barked, "Control your daughter!"

King Yoshi turned slowly, with deliberate exaggeration to meet the man’s eyes. "My daughter has survived a brother and a sister in combat, both of whom were far larger and older than she. Princess Fusako has earned the right to speak," King Yoshi said coldly. His eyes traveled from King Miyazaki, to Botan, and then to Kato.

Kato couldn't listen to the bickering anymore. His father's silence confirmed something he'd never even suspected. It all made sense now. His parents never had any more children. Daughters were expected for political reasons. They weakened their house by choosing not to. He felt himself quiver when he realized he had been protected and coddled like a girl because, being second born, he should have been a girl.

He looked miserably at his father's expressionless face. His father murdered his older sister. Had his mother known? Had she watched? He couldn't see her helping but there was much he didn't know about his family.

He turned his head and watched Fusako's face. She controlled her features but her eyes were blackness. How long had she known? What else did she know that she wasn't willing to share until the moment was just right – so it really hurt more.

He could feel tears gathering on his lashes and closed his eyes, trying to squash them before they were noticed. He dismissed Fusako because she was female. He was no different than any Radekoun male and for the first time in his life that shamed him. Only Noberu had taken her seriously. The caveman, who breathed violence and was one of the biggest bullies he had ever known, saw past the pretty, delicate female and took stock of the steel beneath the bone.

He wouldn't underestimate Fusako ever again. She was never the delicate beauty he longed for. She had more in common with her father and Seshimora than Kato ever would.

He had an older sister once. He didn’t have to be alone. He could have had someone to share his childhood with. He barked a painful laugh when he thought back to the painful conversation he had with Seshimora about his siblings. Seshimora had killed his own brother to prevent civil war. His father had killed his sister for something far less noble, tradition. All first born offspring were male. She was born first and didn't have penis. The medical team missed something important. He wondered how long they let her live.

Kato shook his head as he stood. At least Kitsurin royalty would not be harmed until the age of ten, when they entered the Right of Ascension. Apparently, his people killed children after they took their first breath.

Kato’s legs trembled, but he couldn't remain there any longer. He didn't care what they argued about or why. He pushed the chair back, unaware that the room had grown silent.

Noberu was immediately by his side and offered his arm. He took it and didn’t care what it looked like. Right now, they could all go fuck themselves!

He had a sister to mourn.

Steadying himself with Noberu's strength, he left the room and ignored his father's cold and insistent demands that Kato return to his seat.

Some things never changed, but he would have to if he wanted to survive his new life.

____________________________________________________________________

Noberu was surprised the kid allowed him to help him leave the room. He was clearly unstable on his feet. The kid he knew two months ago would have died than accept help and look weak. This kid didn't give a fuck what others thought of him now. Honestly, he wasn't certain that would make his job easier or harder.

It took only a few minutes before they reached the kid’s bedroom. He helped him to the bed. He looked down into the pale face. He stiffened when thin arms wrapped themselves around his waist and he could feel wetness gathering on his shirt where Kato’s face was pressed against him. Didn’t they do this before? He sighed. Really, he wasn’t good at offering comfort.

He looked over to two of his men and waived them out. He heard the door click. Sighing again, he sat down on the bed. Kato squeezed tighter. He pulled the youth into his lap and loosened Kato’s arms. He wrapped his own around the quivering youth and rubbed small circles against the kid’s back. Noberu could hear him sobbing now.

“My sister,” Kato breathed, sounding broken and small.

Noberu pulled him tighter, nearly smothering him. He leaned down a little and rested his head against the kid’s hair. “I’m sorry,” he said, because he had to say something.

”You were right,” Kato spoke into his shirt. He gripped Noberu's shirt in his small hands. He used it to wipe more of his tears away. “I thought less of her because she's female,” he whispered, ashamed. “She did best me,” he drew in a sobbing breath. “She's younger than me,” the kid choked out and raised reddened eyes and a ruddy complexion up to meet Noberu's eyes. “How could she know something I've never even suspected?”

Noberu didn't bother to loosen the kid's hands. They clutched at him too tightly, as if Noberu was his only lifeline. He moved Kato's damp curls from his face calmly. He met his eyes and said in the most compassionate voice he could muster, “You love your parents.”

The kid jerked, pulling his hands on Noberu's shirt roughly. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

He didn't need to stare at the kid long before the grip was loosened. He wrapped his arms around the kid a little tighter. “I think you've suspected for a while. You love and respect them. Who would want to change that?” He felt the kid stiffen in his arms. He expected him to fight to get out of his arms and wasn't disappointed.

The kid continued struggling but he didn't cry out for help. He didn't expect him to. Noberu didn't really understand it, but somehow his presence frightened and calmed the kid. Noberu tightened his grip even more. “Stop it, squirt,” he grunted, feeling Kato's tight bottom bouncing against his groin. He was pretty certain the kid would not appreciate feeling the hardness growing between Noberu's legs.

“Then fucking let go of me,” the kid hissed in a voice that had the edge of panic in it.

Noberu couldn't let the kid go. He wasn't thinking straight. The kid was never concerned about his own safety. He didn't trust him to just blow off steam without putting himself into harm's way. He moved one arm and positioned it behind Kato's head. He didn't understand why, but it sent Kato into a full panic.

Kato was pinching and scratching at his chest. Noberu was utterly shocked when the kid leaned in and actually bit him. He fucking bit him! It hurt more than it should have. He looked down. His pristine white shirt was red just below his left nipple. In his shock, he loosened his grip and Kato nearly left his lap.

He couldn't let the kid get to the bathroom. He didn't trust him not to hurt himself now. The kid had a lot of guilt. He should have kept his mouth shut. He really wasn't good at giving comfort.

Noberu gripped Kato's arm, just above the elbow. They were both standing now. He dragging Kato back to him and forced him into his lap. Kato was straddling him. He trapped the kids arms between them. Kato was shaking. He was trying to free his arms and twisted his head away.

“Stop it,” Noberu growled. If the kid didn't stop, he might end up hurting him again. The last lesson ended with bruises all along the kid's wrists. He didn't particularly enjoy explaining that to the kid's father. He would enjoy this even less. “Stop fighting me,” he said, shaking the kid.

Kato wasn't listening to him. He was sobbing again and it really pissed Noberu off. He ran his right hand along the back of Kato's neck, reaching up through his hair, careful to keep the kid immobilized. He gripped Kato's hair and pulled his head back, baring the kid's throat. He shook him once more.

Kato gasped and his body went limp. “I didn't know,” he breathed. “I really didn't know.” His face was wet again.

This is why he bit him? Noberu closed his eyes for a moment. The more time he spent with the kid, the less he felt like he understood him. “Are you going to keep still?”

He could see the tendons in Kato's neck convulse when he breathed out a quiet, “Yes.”

The kid was still trembling. He could feel the muscles in the kid's inner thighs quivering against his wide hips. He slowly loosened his arm from Kato's shoulder and back. He kept his hand threaded through the kid's hair but allowed it to come forward a little. He felt the kid twitch a little and decided not to release his hair after all. Kato drew in a ragged breath. He met Noberu's eyes.

Noberu touched the kid's nose lightly with his free hand. “No more biting,” he said tapping the little pert nose once.

Kato frowned. Noberu moved his hand and Kato stared at the red stain on his shirt. The kid brought own his hand to his mouth. His eyes widened when he saw red. “Oh my God,” he gasped. He looked at Noberu, his eyes still wide. “I've never....”

Gripping the kid's hair between his fingers, he drew the kid's face closer to his own as he leaned into it. “No more biting,” he repeated firmly. He felt the kid's head jerk as the kid nodded sharply twice.

Noberu sighed. He was going to regret it, but he couldn't leave it at this. “You are not guilty for the crimes of your parents,” he said quietly into the kid's face. He released the back of Kato's head. The kid lowered his eyes.“You do not value women because they are women,” he said gently, gripping Kato's chin and brought it up a little. Kato's eyes followed. “Only you can decide what kind of man you will be, Kato.”

Kato sniffed and lowered his eyes again.

“Neither your father nor your grandfather can decide that for you,” Noberu said firmly and gripped Kato's chin a little more firmly. He felt the kid nod his head again in understanding. He released his chin.

The silence was broken when Kato murmured, “I'm sorry I bit you.” He wouldn't meet Noberu's eyes.

Noberu chuckled. He wiped the remaining tears from the kid's face. Gods, he was beautiful. He felt his groin stir. He really needed to get Kato out of his lap now. He smiled and said with ease, “I didn't know you liked it so rough, squirt.”

He was surprised when Kato didn't immediately react. He was still sitting in his lap. His hands resting between them. He cocked his head to the side a little and murmured, “You sound just like Prince Shinko.”

Noberu couldn't stop the frown or the growl. He really didn't like that man. He didn't want to be reminded that Shinko got to taste something he never would. “Get off,” he growled.

The kid crossed his arms in front of him and shook his head. “You stop pissing me off and I'll do the same,” he added with his own growl.

Noberu looked at the kid nervously. He only wanted him out of his lap because his cock was growing. He wanted to save the kid more embarrassment. He was still frowning and staring at Kato. He started to push him off. He knew it was a mistake the minute his hands wrapped around Kato's shoulders and he pushed him backward a little. His dick jumped to life and he knew Kato felt it bob the minute the kid's eyes grew large. He stopped moving. Fuck, what was he supposed to do now?

Kato's breath hitched. He leaned forward and wrapped his thin arms around Noberu's neck. Noberu froze in shock. He felt tiny hands kneading the back his thick neck. He felt Kato's warm lips press against his own. He tasted blood. His own blood. He felt Kato groan into his mouth. Noberu wanted this badly.

He should have pulled away when he felt Kato’s warm lips against his own, but he was so warm and moist.

He should have stopped his tongue from opening Kato’s moist cavern and exploring his sweetness. He couldn't help but breathe in the scent of the youth.

He really should have kept his hands around Kato’s shoulders instead of wrapping one around Kato’s head and the other kneading the kid’s ass.

He was pretty certain he should have pulled away when his dick was throbbing, poking the kid's pert bottom, as he gripped Kato in his lap, forcing him back and forth. It was heaven when he felt the kid's legs tighten around his hips. Oh gods, he had to stop soon.

He should have done a lot of things. Instead he enjoyed being this close to Kato. He enjoyed the taste of his mouth, the feel of his weight against his aching lap and the scent of the kid. He savored Kato a little longer before he broke away.

Kato was panting. Noberu couldn't see his eyes only the thick fringe of dark lashes. He loved the warm flush filling Kato's lovely cheeks. Noberu wiped the remaining tears from Kato’s cheeks. They were so warm. “We can't do this,” Noberu gasped, struggling to control his own breathing. If the kid pushed, he didn't think he could say no now.

The kid took a shuddering breath and wiggled his small bottom deliciously. He took another breath and looked up. Noberu felt thin arms and legs tighten around him. Noberu thought he heard Kato murmur, “Hold me,” and so he did.

Noberu held Kato long enough for the kid’s breathing to become steady and his body to relax and droop. He was still hard with need. He needed a cold shower and a beer. He took in a shuddering breath. He was so screwed. How did he let this happen?

Noberu gently stood, careful to lift the kid without waking him. The kid's arms and feet dangled loosely at sides. Noberu set him on the bed and straightened the kid’s limbs. He checked his forehead and cheeks. He stood and ran a trembling hand through own dark hair. How in the hell was he going to do his job now? He stood for few minutes and watched the kid's smooth features and wild hair.

Crossing the room, he returned to his chair across from the kid. He had to wait until his cock went limp. It was much easier since he wasn't hold Kato any longer. He settled in and drew his right leg over his left knee and waited.

He'd worry about what lay between them another day. Soon he would make arrangements for the security detail for the kid’s procedure. He would wake the kid in a couple hours. Right now Noberu could allow him some measure of peace, and hopefully sweet dreams of a sister Kato found and lost in a moment of a teenage girl’s anger.

---

Author's Notes: This is the Prince For Peace. Got to the forum at http://www2.adult-fanfiction.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=16179 for notes. Thank you for your patience.