Chapter 1
Dearest Sesshomaru,
Your last letter was so interesting, it’s a shame you’re traveling and learning so much about your lands for this reason.
The last battle report was highly interesting, the fact that you captured the enemy in such a basic trap. How did you know that was where they were heading that you could leave the gap in the center? You had such a high risk of failure with this plan; I’m thrilled to see it worked out so well for you.
Not a whole lot has been happening here for me, at least anything beyond the usual. Mother is still on a tirade about me not finding a potential suitor. Father has been hiding away in his study to avoid the fighting. Her lessons are just a battle anymore. She had come home alright, even saying maybe I was too young, but then something happened to make her snap again. I believe it was the invitation to the wedding to one of the younger princesses of the Southern Lands.
I wish I could be on the battlefield and plan out an offensive; that has to be far more interesting than learning about sewing and place settings. Already I’ve started my dowry, a quilt for my potential future husband’s bed, shame there isn’t one to do all this work for.
May your travels be safe, even as you march on the battlefield.
Sincerely always,
Lady Nikki
Princess of the Eastern Lands
Nikki sighed as she closed up the letter and sealed it as she always did. She securely locked away Sesshomaru’s latest letter with the others she had received. They were routinely writing to each other, as he had asked her at the end of the ball and announcement of the rebellion. The only thing that didn’t happen was that she had not informed her parents, and he claimed he had not his, that they were writing. Nikki had expressed her fears in the first letter to him as he asked her what to do, that if her mother found out her wedding would be planned out despite them not even courting.
Sesshomaru had promised Nikki, in the last two letters, a surprise upon the ending of the rebellion. She was curious as to what he was planning, though she had a vague idea, as it was rather odd for them to be writing as they were without them being courting. As she read the latest letter she could see they were closer to beating the rebellious people, though the understanding of why was still not there. As far as Nikki knew, and she understood she may be biased a bit, but the four lords tried their best to do right by their people. Thus it made it very unusual for any form of rebellion.
With a sigh she headed out of her room and to where she knew the runners would be. She handed the runner from Sesshomaru the new letter and smiled as he bowed.
“Please, finish taking your time resting before returning,” she said softly as he bowed again.
“Thank you, my lady,” he said softly, “did the lord give you a letter to send back as well?” Nikki looked at him surprised and shook her head as she thought about it.
“No, but let me go see if father has it ready for you,” she said happily as he smiled and bowed once more. Nikki headed off and found her father in one of his more favorite places, his study.
“Yes, kitten?” he asked her surprised as she walked in. “Not hiding from your mother again, are you?”
“Huh?” she replied surprised. “Oh! No, apparently she’s off punishing one of her maids or something. I was coming to see if you had a return letter for the runner yet.” Her father nodded as he held it up all ready to go.
“It’s ready,” he informed her as she nodded and prepared to grab it and take it to him, “Is he ready to go back already?”
“No, I was giving him a response to a letter from Sesshomaru,” she answered and then looked at him alarmed as she realized what she had said as he chuckled amused. She scratched one of her ears, the sure sign she was suddenly nervous.
“Writing Sesshomaru, huh?” he mused as she sighed and looked away, a slight blush on her cheeks.
“It’s not what you think,” she grumbled as he looked at her curiously, “he just wanted someone to have a conversation with and he has been telling me about the rebellion.” Higashi nodded as he eyed her and thought.
“Yes, his father wrote me about the rebellion as well,” her father informed her gruffly as he sat back and thought, “more specifically he was asking the other lords for assistance with a final hit on the rebels.” Higashi wanted to laugh as his daughter seemed to think about it and nodded, though obviously still quite embarrassed with herself. He knew the prince of the Western Lands was highly interested in his daughter; it was obvious when they were all together for the celebratory ball for Nishi and Izayoi’s daughter, Eri.
“I’m kind of surprised they are writing for help,” she mused as he looked at her curiously. “They did so well on their last attack in a wooded pass.” Her father nodded as he listened, she was one of the few in the castle that would understand what was going on so far. “But I guess they have a plan to finish them off once and for all.”
“I don’t know details, intelligently they didn’t include that in the letter for fear of it falling in the wrong hands. But that’s what it’s starting to look like, I’m sure Nishi is tired of this stupidity.” Higashi said as Nikki nodded in agreement.
“He does have a young pup and mate to return to,” she said in agreement. “So who are you leaving behind to protect me from your mate?” Higashi sighed as he looked at her and sat back as he thought about it.
“None of them,” he answered as she looked at him stunned. “I’m taking your brothers and half the troops, the other half should be more than enough in your capable hands to protect the castle.” Nikki looked away as she sighed and nodded. He knew she worried about being left alone with her mother for any period of time. “There aren’t enough male heirs that are military trained enough, we need the leaders for the various battle groups.”
“I understand,” she replied softly as he nodded.
“I know, kitten, it’s not fair,” he agreed as he looked at her.
“Fair would be to take me with you, to help,” she muttered and looked out the window distressed. “It’s pure torture to leave me here, alone, with mother.” She looked annoyed the more she thought about it.
“I know, and I will discuss it with your mother,” he informed her as he thought about it. “I am giving her specific rules, including no suitors while I’m out of the castle. With a few chores that should keep her heavily occupied, she should leave you alone.”
“Should is the opportune word there,” she replied scornfully. “But you know as well as I do, nothing will stop her if she’s bound and determined. And she is.” Higashi nodded as he thought about it, his mate is truly driving his daughter insane. She held out her hand as he looked at her surprised. “I’ll take it to the runner.” He handed over his response and sighed as he watched her head off into the castle. He figured once she completed her task, she’d go into hiding where no one could find her.
Higashi sighed as he turned and looked into his garden, sending a maid to find his mate to inform her of the final decision. He knew it’d be a battle, Mai was always fighting him anymore, but his oldest friend and ally needed his help to go home. Higashi figured, as he waited in silence and deep thought, if it meant a month or two away from his own mate and daughter, he’d do it if it’d help Nishi and his boys finish what they had started and return home. It’d all be worth it, he knew deep down in his gut it would be.
