A/N: Crazy times, eh?

I can't believe I was finally able to complete this chapter. To this date it was one of the most challenging chapters to write, and I think you'll see why towards the end.

I'll save you the usual apologies and excuses. In-between writer's block, life happens and it happens very badly and gruesomely sometimes. Oh well, what doesn't kill you make you stronger right?

Thank you for your continued support of this story. It's the fuel I need to continue. I hope you'll share your opinions with me also over this newest installment – after all, I love to hear your thoughts. This journey is coming to an end soon, and sadly we'll have to say goodbye to our ultra sexy lovers.

But not yet!

Chapter 14: Compromise

Yuuki watched as the sun rose outside, the soft light diffusing into her chambers. Next to her, her lover breathed softly, long locks of mahogany covering his eyes as he nuzzled into her neck. She smiled warmly, filtering her fingers through his soft locks as he hummed contentedly. She loved this. She loved sharing a bed with him and sleeping next to him. The feeling of his skin next to hers; his warmth seeping into her pores; the way he'd sometimes sigh her name in his sleep and how he sometimes held her into his chest, making her feel safe and loved.

Always.

It was their word. Their eternal promise to each other. That they would always love each other, and, she glanced briefly down at her stomach, always protect each other. In most cases, it'd been him protecting her, but now it was Yuuki's time to protect him.

And our unborn child.

For the first time in her life, the future seemed so promising. There was just one obstacle in the way.

The King.

She swallowed thickly, remembering their conversation hours earlier.

"The King cannot be removed easily." Her lover had pondered in the dark hours of night as they laid entangled in her sheets, their sweat soaked bodies still after hours of love making.

"One must play the game and play it well to beat him," she replied, turning towards him.

"I'm tired of these palace games," Kaname growled.

"As am I," she soothed, caressing his cheek and jaw.

"We'll run away then," he declared. He entangled his fingers with hers, shifting closer. "For you, I shall forsake my honor and play this vile game with our opponent. He will chase us to the end of the world but he will not catch us."

"Kaname…"

And then she melted into his embrace, yet again. She could never say no to him, nor did she want to say no. She wanted him all the time, every hour that she could have him.

There were many reasons why she loved him. One of those reasons was his ferocity; how he would kill and die for her in a heartbeat. He was a fierce warrior, and a passionate lover who sacrificed everything to be with her. Last night, he had vowed to stand beside her in the hardships that were to come. He'd vowed that he would no longer be afraid; that he would no longer devalue himself and delude himself into thinking he was not worthy of her and their unborn child.

Yuuki glanced once again towards the window, noticing that it had become even brighter outside.

There was something strange about this quiet morning.

It felt like the dawn of a new era. Whatever happened today would forever shift the course of their future. It felt like long-awaited missing pieces would finally fall into place. It felt like…

Yuuki gulped, feeling a wave of nausea well over her. As gently as she could, she disentangled from her sleepy knight, almost shrieking in frustration when he refused to let go of her in his sleep.

She snatched her robe from the floor and sprinted towards her bathroom.

The contents of her stomach came rushing out of her mouth as she heaved into the toilet.

It felt like… just another round of morning sickness.

"Yuuki…" Gentle fingers pried away her hair from her shoulders and neck, holding it up and away from her vomit.

She heaved loudly, her body convulsing as she barfed. Briefly she registered his caressing hand on her back, silently soothing her.

"Ugh…" She groaned when she finished, sitting back on the floor. Kaname retrieved a clean towel from the nearby sink, wiping her mouth as she rested against one of her marble bath tubs.

"Are you all right, my love?" He inquired gently, meeting her tired eyes.

"Yes," she nodded, still faint from her nausea. "Just a common side-effect, heh." She rubbed her belly gently. "Guess I'll have to get used to this, huh?"

"You need more rest," he declared, wasting no time in picking her up into his arms and carrying her towards her bed. She sighed against his shoulder, comforted by his gentle strength.

"I'm sorry that I woke you," she murmured as he laid her down gently. "I tried to be quiet…"

"I can always tell when you leave my side," Kaname replied, tucking her in. Leaning in on his forearms, he inspected her face. "Perhaps it's because I've spent so many years by your side protecting you, but it seems like I've developed a sixth sense when it comes to you. I can always tell if you are next to me even if I'm asleep. I swear you move an inch away from my side during the night and its immediately triggered," he chuckled.

"I'll make sure to always stay by your side, then," she smiled, caressing his cheek. He kissed her hand before pulling away, gathering his shirt and pulling it over his head.

"I don't want you to leave just yet," she declared as she watched him button his sleeves.

He paused, garnet eyes watching her bundled-up form in the bed. The Queen wasn't aware of her habit of pouting whenever he had to leave her side, apparently.

Too cute for her own good. He couldn't help but smile at her antics, sitting down next to her and leaning over.

"You know I despise leaving you even if it's just to stand outside your door. But soon, my love, we will not have to face such gruesome separation all the time."

She sat up, launching her arms around his shoulders as she peered into his eyes.

"I remember not long ago when you made your way into my room while I was ill. In my feverish state I told you that you were meant to be King…" Her fingers traced the outline of his lips. "My King. Do you remember?"

"I do," he breathed against her lips, enticed by her amorous gaze.

"You know what we must do now, don't you?"

"I do," he swore, determination shining brightly in his eyes.

She marveled at the intensity of his gaze. "I love you, Kaname," she whispered, filtering her fingers through his hair. "More than you will ever know."

Their lips melted together in a fiery kiss.

"You are an embarrassment to me, boy."

"You are no son of mine."

"Such filth…"

It had happened again.

He'd woken up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, gasping for air. Haunting images and words claimed his consciousness, diluting the boundaries between reality and his nightmares. It felt like he was losing his mind gradually; his nights became increasingly restless, and as a result, his Highness struggled with bouts of fatigue and depression.

"Get it together," Isaya ordered sternly. "They are arriving."

Who? Why? In his fogged mind Rido could not discern any logical answers. The council room swayed, the walls billowing in and out as if they were made of liquid. He shook his head, trying to clear the constant confusion that haunted him daily.

He grabbed the teacup next to him, swallowing the dark green liquid, wincing from the bitterness.

"Joousama Yuuki is arriving," the guard announced, stepping aside to reveal his wife and her pet entering through the grand doors.

His councilmen rose and bowed. Royal decorum required him to rise also to greet his Queen, but one look at his despicable brother next to her made him refuse to do so.

To hell with both of them.

Ousama Rido sat in the throne seat at the end of the table, with his unofficial right hand, Isaya Shouto next to him. On his left sat Ichijou Asato, head of the council.

Yuuki bowed in return to the councilmen before taking her seat. Kaname remained slightly behind her to her left, not accepting a seat.

"Joousama Yuuki," Isaya greeted sweetly, his eyes briefly turning to Kaname. "And… your valiant knight. Have you had enough time to consider our… proposal?"

Yuuki scanned the room, noticing the absence of the regular councilmen. This was a secretive matter, after all. The less people that knew of their arrangement, the better for the crown.

"I have," she spoke softly, seemingly undaunted by the prospect. Her bloodred silk kimono shimmered in the soft candlelight. The top of her luscious mahogany hair was pinned up, while the rest of her hair flowed smoothly down her shoulders and back. Her face was painted to be paler than her skin tone, her lips blood red and her lashes the blackest of black.

The queen was an undeniable beauty, no man could deny such a truth. It was imperative that such beauty as hers was protected from vile rumors and speculation. Having the queen mate with the illegitimate heir to the throne was unheard of…

And sadly, it was the very matter they were here to discuss today. Since its inception in her life, Yuuki had wondered how she'd reacted to such a proposal had she not been having a royal affair with Kaname to begin with. Despite his gentle demeanor, she knew she would've felt repulsed by the notion of being pawned off to her husband's half-brother like a broodmare. But that was in a world in which she wasn't in love with Kaname.

And such a world did not exist.

"I appreciate the secrecy surrounding this proposal," Yuuki commented, her eyes meeting the quiet member on Rido's left.

"Of course, Joousama," the green-eyed elder man spoke, bowing slightly. "Isaya-sama's proposal is controversial and unorthodox at most, and we, the council, understand that it is not an easy decision to make, Your Highness. We have limited the amount of people aware of this meeting for the safety of your reputation as well as the monarchy's."

"As noted before, your consideration is very much appreciated, Ichijou." The Queen replied, noticing how her husband's hateful stare had never wavered from her lover behind her.

"In the interest of the monarchy's welfare, as well as my darling King's future, I have decided to accept your proposal," Yuuki announced, her face devoid of emotion.

"Excellent," Isaya's eyes shimmered with glee. "You have surely made the right choice, your highness."

Yuuki said nothing in return, not a single muscle on her face moving.

"Joousama," Asato said, noticing the Queen's apathy. "To ensure conception occurs, and that it is of royal blood, the few members of the council request to be present during the ceremony."

"No way," Kaname interrupted, revulsion clear in his voice. "Absolutely no way."

"You think you have a say, knight?" Rido sneered immediately, as if he'd only just woken up to the conversation unfolding in front of him.

"I have stood by long enough," Kaname stated. "Degrading the Queen in such a manner is unheard of. Asking her to comply with such a vile arrangement is one thing but humiliating her innocence in the presence of several men is absolutely abhorrent." He hissed.

Isaya spoke gently. "I'm afraid we cannot comply with your wi-"

"You want royal blood, no?" Yuuki countered listlessly, sounding as if she was bored with the conversation. "Then you must abide by his wishes," she tilted her head towards Kaname. "He is the key to your problem, not I." Her cinnamon eyes burned with intensity.

Tension filled the air as a silence settled upon the rooms' occupants.

"You are lucky I trust my protector as much, Yuuki continued. "He has proven to me over the years that he will protect me no matter the threat. This will surely come in handy considering…" The Queen lowered her eyes slightly, sinking slightly in her seat. "It is no secret to all of you that, despite the official claims of infertility, my… innocence is still not lost after so many years of marriage."

Kaname bit his tongue to stifle his laugh.

Doe-eyed Queen of mine, I whisked that innocence away many years ago… How innocent can you claim to be, taunting them like this?

Rido coughed in his seat, visibly uncomfortable with her admission.

"I… trust my knight to be gentle in handling my innocence," Yuuki said hopefully, her voice so sweet and angelic it barely resembled her usual regal tone. "I'm told it… hurts quite a bit at first." She offered a short-lived smile.

How easily you play this game. Kaname barely stifled his wicked grin at her sweet lies. Woman, I adore your cunningness equally as much as I adore your loving nature.

"That being said," Yuuki returned to her usual stoic demeanor. "My husband shall be granted permission to enter my quarters. This I am fine with. He shall be able to confirm the moment of conception himself to the rest of the council."

Had it been up to Kaname, he'd grab her right now and claim her on the table in front of everyone, if only just to show them how innocent their Queen truly was. If they wanted to watch, they could watch – he'd make sure they'd understand why the Queen chose him as her lover and no one else. As a matter of fact, the thought secretly excited him more than he anticipated; he was tired of hiding away and demeaning himself in front of the King and his court. The greedy beast inside of him screamed for dominance.

Rido swayed in his seat, mulling over his answer.

"Please, have some tea, Ousama," the Queen urged calmly, gesturing towards the teacup next to him. "I heard you've been overwhelmed lately. Please take care of your health." She smiled sweetly. "I made sure the palace personnel placed extra care for your wellbeing upon selecting herbs for your daily tea."

A veiled threat, made all the more deadly by its vagueness.

"How wonderful," Rido dryly replied as he sampled the tea, mindful of the beads of sweat that poured down his temples. Everything was so cloudy in his mind lately, he couldn't think. The presence of Isaya and Asato next to him weighed him down heavily. It felt as he was being constantly watched.

Isaya cleared his throat, looking over at Asato. "Well, if the council accepts the Queen's terms, then-"

"I accept your terms on behalf of the council," Asato declared, his eyes revealing nothing of his true thoughts on the matter. "It shall be done as you wish."

"Very well then," Yuuki nodded, getting up to leave. "I suppose you would want this matter to conclude as soon as possible. I'm," her eyes flickered briefly over to Kaname, "or, I suppose, we are ready when you are. If that is all, I shall take my leave. This matter has tired me."

"Tomorrow night," Rido yelled just as she'd turned to leave. "It shall happen then," he grinned sardonically.

Yuuki regarded him coolly before nodding. "Very well then."

Then, the Queen and her Knight, left the room.

"That sick bastard," Kaname grit his teeth as he leaned next to the balcony door frame.

"He won't be able to handle it," Yuuki said as she gazed upon the palace gardens. "You know very well that he won't."

"Even so, the fact that they wanted to have several members of the council be in there and watch us is just…" He trailed off.

"I know," Yuuki replied. "It was the best bargain I could get, allowing only him to enter. And besides, it'll break him."

"How do you know?" Kaname wondered.

Yuuki turned around and leaned against the balcony, facing him as she crossed her arms. Kaname couldn't help but marvel at the sight of the setting sun's orange light caressing her petite frame. Her hair shone almost red in the setting sun, bringing out the slight crimson in her eyes. It was also the first time he truly noticed her bump. Of course, he'd seen it before, but since she wasn't wearing additional layers to conceal her pregnancy, it was more visible than usual. She was small considering the few months along she was already. Soon, her bump would grow to the point where it'd be difficult to conceal it.

It all served as a reminder as to why he was agreeing to this plan. They were running out of time, and…

For you also, we need to act quickly, he thought, wishing his unborn child could hear him.

"Because it's his Achilles heel. It's the one thing he could never do; touching a woman, being the man your father wanted him to be. And seeing you," her voice turned sultry as she took a step closer, "on top of me, doing what you've done to me millions of times before, will push him right over the edge. It'll remind him of everything he is not, and that will break him."

He pulled her close, gazing into her eyes.

"Who would've known that my fair Queen was so cunning? Am I wrong for having no objections to your schemes?"

She pursed her lips in a satisfied smile, trailing one finger up his chest. "I am only cunning when I need to be. And when it comes to this, to you, to our family, I will do anything in my power to ensure our safety. The same way I know you wouldn't hesitate to do the same."

"Our family," Kaname murmured, his eyes twinkling with emotion as his right hand rubbed the side of her belly. "Such a beautiful word. Something I've dreamed of my whole life."

"You are going to get everything you deserve, Kaname," she declared, standing up on her tippy toes. "You are going to get back everything he took from you. I will make sure of that."

"I know, Yuuki, I know," he whispered, seizing her lips with his own. He delighted in the spark of emotion that ignited from their kiss. Dear gods how much he loved this woman who so openly trusted him and believed in him. Her desire to better his life moved him beyond words.

"I love you," he said as they released each other.

"I love you, too," she smiled sweetly, bumping her forehead into his as she gazed into his eyes.

"This is the beginning of the rest of our lives, Kaname," she swore as they turned towards the sunset.

"The council appreciates your co-operation, Knight Kuran."

Kaname turned towards the vaguely familiar voice from where he was leaning on the balcony.

The green eyes of Asato Ichijou met his. The elder man regarded him calmly, curiosity evident from the way his lips pursed ever so slightly. He was trying to read Kaname.

Not one to be easily perturbed, Kaname lowered his head in a respectful bow. "Ichijou-sama."

The green of his eyes seemed to sparkle. "No need to be so formal. I suspect soon it will be I bowing my head in respect towards you."

Kaname stiffened slightly, his eyes never leaving the elder man as he formulated his response.

"I'm not sure I understand," he said airily, "I'm just a knight of the royal court. I know nothing of politics."

Better to feign ignorance. Yuuki had taught him so.

The right side of Asato's mouth quirked up.

"Heh, somehow I believe you know more than you are willing to let on. Smart move," he said, stepping next to Kaname as he regarded the royal gardens.

Kaname said nothing in response as he watched the man's profile.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Asato's eyes sparkled as he studied the red roses that had been planted alongside the garden. "Our Monarchy which has survived so long; such an epic dynasty, spanning generation upon generation… For so long it has prevailed, through war and famine, and here we are today, yet to be broken. We keep building and building, our country flourishing as we progress towards a better future. Surely, something as precious as our Monarchy – the very foundation of this country – should be protected at all costs."

He turned towards Kaname then, an unreadable expression on his face.

"Surely," Kaname replied.

Asato smiled somberly. "Yes. You would surely know, having devoted your life to protecting our most precious King and Queen. Even… saving the Queen's life, almost at the cost of your own. Such selflessness is surely astounding."

Kaname swallowed, willing himself to not show his confusion over Asato's flattery. "I do only what my duty requires of me, nothing more."

Asato smiled then, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly. At once, the stern demeanor that was synonymous with Asato Ichijou vanished as the older man seemed to unwind.

"You are just like him."

"What?"

Asato chuckled. "Selfless. Steadfast. Determined." He paused. "Benevolent. Loyal. And, somehow, you've inherited his obsession with duty. Although…" He paused. "You might've also inherited his hypocritical relationship with the term."

Kaname tensed at once at the implication, his hand reaching for his sword instinctively.

Asato held his hand up in peaceful surrender. "Do not be offended, Knight Kuran. I am not your enemy."

"How can I trust you?"

"Trust the faith your late father had in me," Asato sobered, looking into Kaname's eyes. "I was his most trusted right hand. What he knew, I knew. What he saw, I saw. Whatever he needed, I made sure to bring to him, and together we steered this country towards a peaceful time of prosperity. Now," his eyes darkened, "his offspring is on the track of ruining his legacy, trampling over the very foundation of this country and everything we've built upon it."

He inhaled and exhaled, putting a hand on Kaname's right shoulder.

The gesture was so familiar, Kaname ignored the pang of grief that exploded in his chest as he remembered his father doing the same years ago.

"I am not your enemy," Asato repeated, his voice soft and his gaze earnest.

"If you are not my enemy, then what are you?" Kaname shrugged his hand off his shoulder as he straightened. "Forgive my hesitation, but trust is not something I easily indulge myself in. All I've ever had in this palace are enemies. Even before I ever even knew of my true heritage. Year after year, having bled for this country; watched my comrades perish and sacrificing the last of my sanity, never have I ever had a friend in the palace, only enemies. I ask not how, but why should I trust you?"

Asato smiled again, the action unnerving to Kaname. In all his years serving at the palace, he'd never seen the man smile not even once. Everything about Asato Ichijou was stern and unforgiving; cool and collected, much the opposite of his grandson Takuma, whom Kaname considered to be his comrade in life and war. The man had never approached Kaname in such a way – in any way – and now he was acting out of character, vaguely offering his obscure support in a veiled attempt at extracting information from Kaname.

He meant what he said. He would not trust easily. He hadn't just learned this valuable lesson on his own, but also from his lover, whose life had been poisoned by the dark side of palace politics since the day she arrived.

"You are clever, just like your father. Brave, too. You've failed to see your own potential all these years, Kaname, viewing yourself as only a soldier and a tool to be disposed of. However, I believe due to recent changes in your life, you've now begun to see the full power of your heritage and potential. It would not be too far of a stretch to believe you have a fine head for palace politics as well, though you claim to be oblivious to its ways. Perhaps your beloved Queen has taught you well, indeed."

Kaname stiffened immediately at the mention of her, his muscles tightening all over his body.

"Do-"

"Ah, there it is," Asato grinned, "I've seen that look before in another man's eyes. You wish to protect her. You would die for her if needed to. Given the opportunity, you would run away from the palace and whisk her away forever."

He couldn't deny it. Even if he had become better at hiding his emotions and true intentions in the palace behind a stoic mask, on this particular matter, he could never lie or deny the truth. When it came to her, and the secret love he harbored for her so passionately, he could not bring himself to ever deny it. He knew every word of Asato's to be painfully true. And thus, he could not deny their validity.

When Kaname failed to respond, Asato glanced back towards the gardens again, lost in old memories.

"Such was the look in your father's eyes whenever the matter of your mother was brought up. One mention of her name and the King was gone, replaced by the man who wore the crown with great reluctance. He would die for her and… ultimately he did, though it was too late." A wistful look crossed his features.

"You… knew about them?" Kaname said hoarsely, the account of his father's unwavering love for his mother from another's perspective stirring something in him he'd thought long gone.

"I was his right hand," Asato repeated from before, his eyes twinkling as he finally looked back at him. "Who do you think helped procure that little house you grew up in? Who do you think helped hide you two away so you would be safe from scrutiny? Upon her untimely death, who made sure you were kept close enough to your father's side to be safe, but to avoid suspicion and attempts on your life?"

Kaname had no choice but to believe in him. The way the man before him had shed his protective layers, leaving behind the mask of Asato Ichijou, Royal Advisor and Head of the Royal Council, revealed the old friend who had stood by his father's side once at war and in the palace. His wisdom; his words; this man knew more about Kaname's life than he himself did, apparently.

And he believed in him.

"History repeats itself," Asato said vaguely, recognizing the acceptance in Kaname's gaze. "However, the tragic endings we know does not necessarily need to be repeated. They can be altered. The past and the present can be strung together into a beautiful future of prosperity. You would die for your queen. You would run away with her if you could, but you know that the kingdom would haunt you until the last breath left your lungs. Perhaps you never wanted the throne, but you knew your father longed for you to have it. That knowledge alone would tear you apart. The monarchy," Asato took a step forward, "needs its precious Queen sorely. But it also needs a competent King to function properly."

Kaname considered his next words, wavering between which course of action he should follow. Asato was essentially stretching out a hand. But should Kaname take it? After all, this could all be just another ploy of yet another power-hungry player in the palace. This could be a trap set by his devilish brother to get him to admit to treason.

But this could also be destiny blessing him with one of the most powerful tools in the palace. One last vestige of his father's greatness and legacy in the form of Asato Ichijou.

An unlikely ally in the trials that were to come.

"I agree," he said quietly.

Asato's eyes widened ever so slightly in surprise.

Kaname had accepted his outstretched hand. For better or for worse.

The head of the council composed himself quickly. "The time is ripe for change," he said. "You know this as well as I do. You asked earlier if I am not your enemy, then what am I then to you. I'll tell you this much; a new era is upon us – what fool would I be to stand in the way of it?"

He bowed his head graciously.

"So long, Knight Kuran."

He paused by the hallway entrance, turning over his shoulder.

"And long live the King."

Day turned into night.

The conception ceremony loomed closer and closer as the King paced in his quarters.

"I can handle this," he said loudly to no one but himself.

Of course he could handle this. He was the King. The Emperor. The heir of the monarchy.

He'd seen worse things in his lifetime than his wife sleeping with another man. Surely. Besides, he didn't even love his wife. She was just a means to an end – a nuisance in his life, but a necessary one, nonetheless. After this night was over, she would be with child. A child of royal blood, which he would claim as his own, securing his future and legacy. He would be remembered in history as the powerful and revered Ousama Rido Kuran, who brought glory to their country. His descendants would honor his legacy year after year in awe.

Furthermore, this child would solve yet another problem of his. His final act of revenge on his father would be exacted as he killed his vile half-brother, forever erasing the stench of that wench from the palace and the betrayal and weakness of his father.

His mother's memory would be redeemed, and she could finally rest in peace. It was all working out in his favor.

So why was he feeling so uncomfortable?

He shook his head, grabbing the glass of sake before tilting his head back and emptying the liquid into his mouth.

It burned down his throat deliciously, filling his chest with warmth.

Yes, he could do this.

The walk to the designated chambers for the ceremony was short. Select council members and servants bowed in greeting before him as he passed them.

One servant stepped forward, bowing deeply.

"Ousama, they are awaiting your arrival. The ceremony is ready to commence."

"Good," he replied, gesturing for the servant to open the door for him. As per his delicate wife's request, only he would be allowed to witness the intercourse between Joousama Yuuki and Knight Kaname Kuran.

No matter. He'd enjoy their humiliation fully.

The King entered the room in which his wife and half-brother were waiting. They sat on the bed, a mere meter between them as they eyed him expectantly. Kaname was shirtless, dressed only in loose black pants that gathered at his waist. His face was cleanly shaven and smooth, free of the earlier stubble that had darkened his jaw.

Rido paused slightly upon his form, fascinated by Kaname's muscular and impressive frame. Did he desire his brother? No. But he could not deny the magnificence of his brother's physique.

He turned towards his petite wife. Yuuki's hair was loose, auburn curls cascading down her back beautifully in soft waves. The soft candlelight of the room softened her features, free of makeup. Her skin, lathered in the finest essential oil by her maids earlier, was radiant and smooth. A white silk nightgown adorned her body, the soft valley of her breasts visible. He could faintly recognize the scent of her perfume.

Impressively, her wife showed no signs of fear of uncertainty, her stance calm as she awaited his orders. Next to her, Kaname was still as stone, his face betraying nothing.

Well then. This would be interesting.

"You may begin," Rido said, his eyes never leaving theirs.

A sudden quiet filled the room.

Anticipation filled the air as neither occupant of the room moved, tension building as the expectation of what was to come heightened.

Releasing a frustrated huff, Yuuki grabbed the ends of her silken nightdress and pulled it over head, revealing her nude frame. Kaname stiffened next to her, but he had no time to process her actions before she grabbed him and kissed him.

He eased into her kiss gradually, his tongue battling with hers, still uncomfortable with his half-brother's eyes on him.

"Remember why," Yuuki whispered in-between kisses, disguised by the sounds of their lips clashing together.

Yes.

Why was he feeling so anxious again? Hadn't he dreamed of showing off his claim on Yuuki to the world before? What better way to do so right in front of his heinous half-brother and her husband?

It would be revenge. Revenge for every time Rido had hit her; every time he had humiliated her and denied her rights in the palace. Every time he had directed his anger towards her, and Kaname had been left outside unable to anything about it. Revenge for every undeserved bruise on her body. He'd show Rido. He'd show him how to worship a Queen. He'd show him who was the strongest brother.

He'd no longer bow down in shame over his heritage. No longer feel shame over falling in love with the Queen despite the code of chivalry denying him the right to do so.

More so than anything, this was all for their unborn child. The child who would soon arrive in the world. Their beloved child, whom the heavens had blessed them with against all odds in their secret union. Their child that would absolve him of all guilt; who would serve as the tangible proof of the love that was between the Queen and her Knight.

For the child's safety. For their family's safety. That's why he was doing this.

Kaname growled, and with new resolve he pushed her onto the bed, attacking her lips as he hovered above her. He could feel Yuuki's satisfaction as she spread her legs wider for him, already wet with arousal. This was revenge for her as well – he could feel it.

She moaned sweetly as he kissed down her neck, seeking out her breasts. They were already becoming more luscious due to her pregnancy, and he delighted in their enhanced fullness.

"Mmh, yes… Kaname," Yuuki moaned in that forbidden tone. The tone he'd only ever heard in the privacy of her chambers.

Yuuki turned her head towards her husband, her cinnamon eyes narrowing in delight upon his pale-white complexion.

Rido eerily quiet and stiff, his eyes wide and locked upon Kaname's bobbing head on her breasts.

"What's the matter, Ousama?" Yuuki said breathily. "I hope we're not – mmh, Kaname – making you too uncomfortable."

Rido clenched the armrests of his chair as his heart pounded wildly in his chest. He could barely hear his wife as his pulse pounded in his ears.

"See the way he's making me feel," Yuuki moaned. "You could never do this, could you?"

Rido watched as Kaname slipped a hand between her legs; he watched the muscles of his forearms move and contract as he pumped his fingers in and out of his wife. The movement mesmerized him; the thought of what his brother's fingers were doing within his wife's womb was making him break out in cold sweat.

He eyed Kaname's form; his half-brother was more man than he. Where Rido was slender and delicate, Kaname was all man and muscle. Scars littered his chest and back, remnants of the many battles he'd fought with his sword and won.

Battles Rido had never fought, because he'd sat on his throne, protected at all times.

Kaname was the perfect soldier; the perfect leader that his father had tried to mold Rido into being. He was everything Rido was not, and the very act being performed in front of him only solidified the fact in his mind. His half-brother was fucking his wife and he let him do so.

"Father was right about you, wasn't he?"

Kaname's voice made his blood run cold.

His half-brother raised himself slightly, eyeing his brother as his fingers continued thrusting into Yuuki.

"You could never touch a woman like this," Kaname smirked as Yuuki writhed below him.

The tip of his tongue traced her stomach, up between her breasts and along her neck as Yuuki arched off the bed.

Rido couldn't deny that she looked absolutely magnificent; her skin flushed and her hair wild as her body glistened with sweat, lost in the throes of passion as she clenched her eyes shut.

But he could never do such a thing, he could never…

"You weren't man enough," Kaname gloated. "You weren't enough for him."

At once, Rido was on his feet, his hands clenched at his sides as he panted.

"Father couldn't stand your weakness," Kaname continued, unphased by Rido's reaction. "He gave you one task and you failed. He couldn't trust you with anything else, but he had no choice but to trust in you bringing him an heir and you failed. And now here I am, doing your work. Taking what is yours by name." His left hand trailed down Yuuki's body, over her stiff nipple and down her flat stomach. "Tch.."

"Kaname, I'm – ughn," The Queen gasped as her body began jerking.

"Not yet, Jouusama," Kaname whispered, eyes never leaving Rido's as he withdrew his hand.

Kaname discarded his pants in one quick movement. Now fully naked, he looked magnificent; his hardened body slick with sweat, the veins of his arms pumping blood to surface of his pale skin. His scars looked more like the intricate work of an artist on a canvas, telling story after story as they slashed over his muscular frame.

"And now I must do what you couldn't do." Kaname turned his head towards Yuuki, his eyes softening ever so slightly as his left hand cradled the side of her face, his fingers close to her mouth.

His wife was the picture of feminine beauty; her skin flushed, her soft curves on display as she widened her legs even more for Kaname. Her chest rose and fell in anticipation as her eyes remained locked on Kaname's. Her tongue darted out of her pink lips, circling Kaname's finger as she coaxed it into her mouth.

Kaname shuddered from the action, his eyes smouldering with heat – the thought of his brother watching completely forgotten.

Yuuki released his finger with a pop, her eyes narrowing into slits as she raised her chin slightly.

"Take me."

Rido watched in bewilderment as Kaname obliged, as he adjusted himself to her glistening mound.

And then he was thrusting into Yuuki; his hard body rocking as every sinewy muscle moved and glistened against hers. Yuuki's head trashed against the pillows, her eyes closed in satisfaction as she moaned his name over and over. Kaname grunted in delight, releasing a low moan as her nails scraped down his back.

Rido could do nothing but stare as the walls closed in on him.

The sounds.

Of her. Of him.

"Ah… oh… Kaname…"

The slap of skin on skin.

The scent of sex clouding the room.

It was too much.

Unbidden images entered his mind; images he'd thought he'd long forgotten and stored away in the darkness. Voices of the past he thought he'd quieted forever. The room started spinning, the image of Kaname taking Yuuki blurring.

You were never good enough.

Rido grabbed his head.

Just like your mother. Weak!

The beading of his robes rattled as he shook his head.

Come here, Rido… I'll make the pain go away.

"No," he whispered, completely frozen.

Yuuki's cries grew louder and louder.

You are nothing to me, boy. You are a disgrace.

"No," Rido sobbed, overwhelmed by emotion.

Follow me, sweet one. He will never hurt you as long as I am here.

"Not you, not you again, no…"

No one will save you now. You're mine.

"NOO!"

His own scream woke him up from his trance, as he came back to his surroundings. His wife and his brother seemed to pay him no attention as they continued to fuck in front of him like crazed animals. He felt his face, wet with tears as the dizziness began to overtake him.

He glanced up again, only to catch the smouldering eyes of his brother as he pounded into Yuuki with renewed vigour. Kaname smirked, never breaking eye contact as he watched Rido disintegrate in front of him.

He had the upper hand now. Kaname knew it. Rido knew it.

He couldn't watch anymore. He couldn't do it anymore, it was too much, it…

The King ran out of the room, the door slamming shut behind him.

Yuuki whined as she reached her climax beneath her lover, her body arching off the bed, oblivious to what had just transpired in the room. "Kaname!"

"Wife," Kaname growled as he withdrew from her, barely giving her time to comprehend what was happening before he flipped her around and entered her from behind.

"If anyone else wants to watch us, be my guest!" He roared, slamming into her.

"Oh," Yuuki moaned.

Yuuki struggled to keep up with his pace, her arms weak against the mattress as she felt another release build up within her. Her lover was ferocious, lost in euphoria as his hands dug into her hips, more than likely leaving behind bruises.

She loved it.

Seeing Kaname let go was the most beautiful and erotic sight she knew of. And the way he was assaulting her with pleasure right now, she wouldn't mind if the rest of the court entered the room to watch them go at it. She didn't mind if they saw her in such a position, trapped beneath his possessive and ferocious hold.

Let them watch. Let them know the truth. I love him, I love him, I love him.

"You're mine," he snarled, mahogany locks clinging to his shoulders and neck.

She couldn't do anything but moan weakly in response, her eyes filling with tears due to the intense pleasure. She felt his pace pick up, his movement becoming erratic as he neared his release.

"Yuuki," her name left his throat in a guttural moan that send shivers down her spine.

The pleasure intensified for her, and before she knew it, she was screaming, stars exploding behind her closed eyes as she felt him release inside of her, hips slamming into her forcefully as he cursed.

The lovers collapsed against the bed; all life drained out of their bodies as they panted in the afterglow.

The room grew quiet, the candles flickering softly as they lit up the darkened room. There was no need for words; in fact, Yuuki wasn't sure if she could form any coherent sentences following what had just happened. Her mind reeled from the pleasure; sure, she hadn't exactly looked forward to having sex with Kaname while Rido watched, but she knew it was the only way for their grand plan to succeed. It was more of a chore than anything.

She hadn't expected to enjoy it.

And she certainly hadn't expected Kaname to unravel like that either.

Rido had played his part perfectly; running off scared like he usually would. She'd thought perhaps they would stop and resume their activities later in her personal chambers, but something in Kaname had snapped, a mysterious force spurring him on.

She had no choice but to follow along with him and his... enthusiasm.

And what a gloriously pleasurable outcome it had produced.

Yuuki briefly wondered if there was any chance she'd gotten pregnant again due to his sheer enthusiasm.

The feeling of wet kisses on her neck startled her.

His dark brown curls fluttered over her skin as he lowered his kisses from her neck to her breast, his tongue flicking over her nipple. Instantly, despite her fatigue, her breath grew labored.

She felt him pull her towards him and up; instinctively her legs straddled him.

"A-again?" Yuuki whispered, her eyes widening upon seeing him hard and ready for her. "After… that?"

That being the most mind-blowing sexual experience of her life.

How could he be ready again so fast?

Kaname's eyes were nearly glowing with lust and desire, his grin devilish and full of sin as he licked his lips.

Something had changed in him tonight, she realized. Forever. Her gentle lover was gone, and in his stead a King had risen.

He sat up quickly, his abs flexing deliciously as he did so; eyes filled with hunger as he lowered her onto his length. He grin grew even more wicked as she released a breathy moan.

"This is just the beginning, my love."

Yuuki did not get much sleep the rest of the night.