Twelve Lords

by Max Jager

  Watching as he slowly let go of her hands, Takara kept her eyes on her Lord as she took Yokiyo's hand and slowly lead her away from him. Once they were away from him, she whispered. "Do not rush My Lady. If you do he will pursue you and he may not be able to stop a second time."

  Before Yokiyo could even nod they flinched when they heard the splintering of wood. Looking back she gasped with wide eyes to see that Kiyoshi had his fist through the wall right where her head was. She couldn't explain it but she could just feel it. Something was wrong with him.

  He was scared, nervous and excited all at the same time. Turning back she nodded as in silence and slowly she and Takara made their way toward his study. But she couldn't help but be worried now. 'What is he going to tell me I wonder? I bet that he is going to make me leave because he kissed me again. Probably blame me and tell me I have to leave so he won't be attracted to a filthy human.' Though she did hope that was wrong as tears started to form in her eyes. He was rude, controlling and a damned arrogant bastard. But she did love him. She loved him and Imae more than anything in the world. More than she thought she could love anyone.

  Reaching his study, she nodded to Takara as she left the room. 'I Hope I am wrong and he doesn't try to send me away. I don't want to leave here actually. I can't leave here. Being ripped away from everyone I care about again would destroy me. Especially knowing that they are still alive and I could see them.' But she didn't know what was going to happen. He did adopt Imae, but would this be different? After all adopting a human as a child is a totally different thing than mating with one and maybe having children with her.

  The Priestess and The Demon Chapter 65

  Standing before the window, Yokiyo knew she was shaking as she watched Imae and Yoite in the garden bellow. She couldn't stop! Waiting on him to get there was proving to be nerve wracking in the least. And the biggest part of her was absolutely terrified that he was going to order her out of the palace after this. She didn't know how she was going to react if that was what he did.

  But could she just leave? No. Nothing could keep her away from here. If for no other reason Imae. She would never abandon that little girl. Knowing what it felt like now thanks to her brother. She loved her like she was her own daughter now and she would never turn away from her.

  But no matter how much she tried to say it wasn't part of it, Kiyoshi was a big part as to why she did not want to leave that palace. She loved him. And before what happened today she hadn't realized it, or how much she really did. 'But when did it happen I wonder? All we do is fight when we are around each other ninety percent of the time. He avoids me the rest. When?'

  Then her eyes go wide as the times he kissed her. Or a few weeks ago. She and Imae were with Yoite when a few of his lower level soldiers thought they could make a name for themselves by killing them. She didn't have any weapons with her, and as Yoite sent a few flying and then locked with another she threw up her barrier as she tried to figure out a way to get Kiyoshi's attention.

  But it was her lapse in focus that allowed the repeated attacks to break her barrier. And just as they were about to get to her, Kiyoshi was there killing the few that got there with ease and then turned to look down at her and Imae with true concern for them in his eyes.

  Trying to stand, Yokiyo didn't know she was wobbly and nearly fell face first but Kiyoshi caught her and carried her to a bench near then where he sat her down and actually asked if she was alright. As she looked up at him, she was shocked when he reached out and ran the back of his fingers so gently down the side of her face, then he was just gone.

  Turning to glance out the door then back out the window she let out a long sigh. "I do wish he would hurry and get here and get this over with.' But then tensed at the sound of the door behind her. Turning around slowly, her cobalt blue eyes met with his iced blue ones. Once again she saw worry and fear flashing through them as he looked at her. Her heart began to race, she couldn't turn her eyes from his. 'OH please don't make me leave here.'

  Closing the door behind him, Kiyoshi walked in, more than a little nervous. There were times when he could relax and get along with her. Remembering now how his blood sent to a boil the second he sensed she was in danger. It was like he was racing to protect his mate. He dismissed it as Imae being with her then. But now he was sure that it was his demon then too. This miko had him wanting to mate, in a courtship for months now simply by being herself. Like a bitch in heat at times. And the way she looked at him now she didn't even realize what happened.

  With a very small smile he walked in the room and looked out the window as he stood next to her. He saw the look in her eyes, she could see the worry in his. And he was sure that she would hear it in his voice as well. But he was going to explain what was going on. And that if she didn't want to do it, she had to leave in the next couple of days or he would be doomed for eternity.

  Turning from the window he looked down at her and sighed as he placed his hand on her lower back and urged her forward toward a table. "Come over and sit. You are going to need to be sitting when I tell you this. Please?"

  Though she wanted to glare at him and yell at him for acting like she would not be able to handle anything he said to her, Yokiyo just nodded and went with him to sit down at the table. Watching as he sat across from her she took a nervous breath. 'Alright what is going on here? He seems to really be scared about something. But scared of what?'

  Once he was sat down, Kiyoshi closed his eyes and looked down at the table as he rested one hand on the table and let the other lay in his lap. "You have got to stay calm and not start fighting with me as I tell you this. Agreed."

  Nodding, Yokiyo was still shaking. "I can agree to that this time."

  Taking a deep breath and not even looking up, Kiyoshi tapped the table. "I am sure that you more than likely are not aware of this. But you have started something….."

  Hearing the accusation tone of his voice, Yokiyo glared as her temper once again got the better of her. "What I started? What the hell…"

  Holding up a hand to stop her, Kiyoshi looked into her deep blue eyes with a stern look. "I am not saying it is all you. Just calm yourself and I will explain miko."

  "Then at least call me Yokiyo right now."

  Closing his eyes as the growl in her voice made him flinch, Kiyoshi ground his teeth together. 'This really is not the time for that!' "Yokiyo. I really do not want to fight at the moment. This is a matter that truly demands both our attentions. And seriously at that."

  With a glare in her eyes and her arms crossed, Yokiyo just looked at him. She couldn't believe him! Here she was all nervous that he was going to make her leave after he kissed her like that, and all he wants to do is say that she started something and didn't even know it! That in and of itself didn't make a bit of sense to her. Finally after a long moment she let out a disgruntled sigh as she relaxed. 'Damn him. Here I am worried sick and he pulls this crap.' "Alright then. Exactly what is it that you say I have started that I didn't know I did?"

  Keeping his eyes locked with her, Kiyoshi carefully mulled over in his mind what to say. He had to find the right way to say it so that she wouldn't go off and buck up against him. After what just happened, that was the last thing that either of them needed to have happen.

  He still couldn't believe that not only was his demon wanting to claim her, he was actually attracted to her. And if he was honest with himself, before his demon came up. She was a strong willed human that would go up against anyone for any reason. And her training with Umarus and Hachiro has actually made her strong enough she can stand against him when he flies into a rage.

  Smiling as he closed his eyes and looked down, Kiyoshi was fully relaxed. He was confident in this. He refused to fight what was clearly the will of his demon because of race or what others would think. He has seen many times how crazy some go when they fight it. This was his fate, and he wasn't going to fight it in the least. 'And not a being alive would dare to call her weak. She has the personality of a
bitch in heat most of the time, can be sweet and gentle, and is strong. Except for the fact she is a miko, she is my match in every way. I wonder how that is going to play out?'

  Looking back up into her now worried eyes he sighed as he let his shoulders drop. "There is no nice way to put this so to speak. So I will be blunt and to the point. I hadn't noticed it, and I am sure you didn't. But to everyone else in the palace that see our fights and interactions from the outside looking in…." Taking a deep breath, he had his emotionless mask. "They see it as a courtship."

  Her eyes going wide Yokiyo couldn't move! Did they really think that? Just because they fight then get along then fight again? Really! "Wait what? You mean that they think cause we fight most of the time, but get along sometimes that we are in a courtship? What about that would cause them to think that in the first place?"

  Crossing his arms again, Kiyoshi sighed as he looked up at the ceiling. "The gentle way that some have mated recently, including my parents and my father's parents before him are only half of what is done. Typically, especially in the lower level demons the courtship is extremely rough fights for dominance. One wants the other to submit to them totally. So when you show disrespect to me, and I try to make you stop they see that as…."

  Her eyes wide as she looked down at her lap, Yokiyo was starting to shake. "They see it as we are doing that. Fighting to see who can dominate who in a courtship between two dog demons. But I am human. I didn't think that could be part of it when it is a demon and a human together. And I admit I haven't had much interactions with mated pairs or courting pairs either."

  Standing and going to the window, Kiyoshi sighed as he looked up at the moon then turned back to where she sat, her eyes on him as he leaned on the window frame. "I don't know what is or isn't done when a demon courts or mates a human. I haven't had much experience with that. Except for the few half demon children that come with their parents to request my help. I just know that is how it is done in the world of demons."

  As she sat there and stared at him, Yokiyo gasped as the instant that pain and fear flew through his eyes, she felt it, but it wasn't her. It struck her to her very core so strongly it scared her. Dropping her head she wrung her hands together. "So all we have to do is stop fighting right? Then they won't think that anymore?"

  "That is an answer that would be simple enough, and would be for you. However for me it is not that simple I am afraid." Turning and looking back up at the moon he let out a long sigh. You see, a dog demon mates for life. Once the mate is chosen by their inner demon, there is no going back. Being faithful is not a question, there is no one else for them and they strive to keep the other safe and happy. And it would seem that my demon blood has chosen you as someone worthy enough to become my mate. And is trying to lay claim to you."

  Breathing hard, Yokiyo could feel her eyes filling with tears as she looked at him with wide eyes. "So that means that your demon wants to mate with me then right? And if I don't, then you won't be able to ever?"

  "Exactly. Unless you die soon or leave, I will have no hope of mating."

  Dropping her head, Yokiyo felt a pain in her chest that was most certainly hers. When he said that it was like they have been courting for the last five months, now she thinks about it, it did make sense with how they are acting with each other. But now what? What was she going to do about it, could she really leave? Or is the thought really not all that bad."

  Forcing himself to stay where he was as he smelled her tears, Kiyoshi sighed as he gazed intently at her. "I am going to leave the choice up to you Yokiyo on your part. A mating with me would be much like a human marriage. However like I said, infidelity would never be a problem. If you were to mate with me, you would never have to worry about as the humans say 'the other woman' at all. You will be involved in everything. From things dealing with the south to what happens with pups. I will always protect you without question. Once a true bond is form if it is, we will seek the other out for comfort and companionship."

  Looking up into his eyes, seeing the fear that leapt into them as she showed her tears, Yokiyo could not deny the pull she felt on her heart. When they were not trying to kill the other, he acted like he cared. And even though she wanted to hate him, she didn't. She wanted to tell him he was insane and it was never going to happen. But she couldn't.

  She did want to give it a try and see if it could work, and yet didn't know about it at the same time. This was a lot to absorb in a short amount of time, and she just needed some time to think about it.

  Like children for one. Any they had if they could would be half demon. She didn't mind, some of the kindest beings she met were half demons. He didn't seem to mind it either. But her children would still be small, barely to her hips when they had to put her in the ground. She wouldn't get to see them grow into adults and have children of their own. If she had any!

  Meeting his eyes she took a deep and yet shaky breath. "Alright. If I say yes and stay, what about our life spans? Our children if we can have any would put me in the greave when they are still little. You would have to spend the rest of eternity without me after that. Are you sure that you are going to be alright with that?"

  "First and foremost….." Kiyoshi then went and dropped to his knees before her, reaching out and running the back of a single finger down her face he sighed. "If I thought for one second I would regret mating a human for any reason, you would have been forced out soon as I realized what was going on. Unlike the rest of not only the demon world, but my pack as well, you are who my demon wants to choose. I pity the fool who says that I am wrong for it. Our pups, half demon as they may be, would cherish the time they got to spend with you." Not being able to help himself he leaned in and gently pressed his lips to hers, then leaned his forehead on hers as he took a deep breath. "And I would never let them forget about you."

  As the tears spilled from her eyes, Yokiyo dropped her head to her hands as she lodged a sob in her throat. The emotions that she saw in his eyes and felt in her heart from him. He cared, he wanted her to stay. How could she not after feeling that at this moment! 'I just don't know how to tell him. I mean there is still a lot to think about but….."

  Kiyoshi was tense as he watched sadness and joy fight in her eyes just before she dropped her head to sob. Standing he took a step and put his hand through the wall, instantly regretting it when she gasped and tensed. Pulling his hand back, there were several small scratches that had drawn blood, he sighed as he looked back at her. Forcing himself not to rush to her as she shook and sobbed to make it stop. "The choice is going to be yours like I said. But I do ask you to not wait too long before you make your choice. I fear if you wait too long I won't ever be able find another." He then left and growled once he was in the hall when she collapsed to the floor in a torrent of sobs. 'Damnit!'

  X

  After taking her time to carefully pick flowers that she knew both her father and Yokiyo liked, Imae now skipped through the halls with Yoite just behind her as she headed toward her father's study. She had silver roses, forget me nots, snap dragons, birds of paradise and several others. She hoped that they would make them both feel better.

  But just as she reached the door she stopped and gasped as her eyes went wide. She could hear Yokiyo crying in her father's study. Shocking Yoite as he started to reach down and scoop her up, Imae dropped the flowers and raced in the room falling to her knees next to Yokiyo as she grabbed her clothes. "Are you alright? Why are you crying?

  Though she did fear the answer. She knew that Yokiyo and her father fought all the time. And they were getting ready to fight when he walked in the hot spring. 'I really hope that she doesn't have to leave. I don't want her too!'

  Standing there and watching as Imae got teary eyed and the miko still kept her eyes on the floor, Yoite was at a loss for what to do right now. His heart did go out to the miko, but he didn't want to say anything. Not knowing what it was that Kiyoshi talked to her about. 'Though I do have to wonder if he told her to leave with th
e way she is acting.'

  As a few silent tears Imae kept her desperate cling to the miko. "Do you have to leave now? Is that why you are crying Yokiyo?"

  Finally calmed down enough, Yokiyo sat up as she startled the little girl and pulled her into her arms and up on her lap. Hugging her she smiled as she let a small laugh. She knew beyond any doubt that she was never leaving that palace. Never. Even though she still thought that he was nothing more than a damned arrogant bastard most of the time, she did love him. And she loved this little girl just as much. She would put him on a trial period, though she knew that she wouldn't leave. She already loved him, a short time of him doting on her would seal the deal.

  After a moment she stood Imae up and then stood up herself and took her hand as her innocent and still crying chocolate eyes looked up into hers. "Imae don't you worry about a thing honey. Everything is going to be just fine and I am not going anywhere. I promise. No one told me that I had to leave." She then let her head fall to the side as she closed her eyes. "What do you say to skipping training tonight and you and I just play in the gardens until it is time to eat tonight? Does that sound like fun?"