"What were you thinking?" King Hiko seethed.

"Excuse me?" Prince Kenshin replied, indifferently.

King Hiko stood up from his throne. His tall, masculine figure towered over his son. His long black hair was tied back very loosely and the threateningly powerful firm muscles of his body were barely visible beneath his large white cloak.

His son could not look anymore different. Prince Kenshin's fiery red hair was long and tied up, very unlike his father's. Prince Kenshin also had a small almost feminine frame. He was much shorter but his body was just as fit and muscle-toned as his father.

This was accounted for the swordsmanship lessons King Hiko had taught him since he was a child. Kenshin wasn't just made into a prince but a warrior as well. In wars and battles involving their kingdom, Aremeiji, he and his father King Hiko fought. Their swordsmanship, Hiten Mitsurugi, was practically undefeatable. Kenshin became so skilled on the battlefield, warriors began calling him Battousai. His style and reputation became legend, however, Kenshin never wanted to be infamously known for killing.

"It was foolish of you to do what you did!" Hiko said wrathfully.

Kenshin inwardly shivered. Hiko was truly a frightening sight when he was angry and right now he was livid.

"Did what?" he asked cautiously, trying not to provoke his father.

Hiko scowled. "Last. Night." He said through gritted teeth.

Kenshin thought back to the previous night. Ah yes, last night he was with that nobleman's daughter. What was her name?

"Shani-san wasn't present today in court." Hiko mentioned fuming.

'Yes that was her name! Shani…mmm…she was not bad at all, not bad.'

"Her father claimed she was ill to excuse for her absence. Since she was 'ill' her father couldn't discuss construction details for the new bridge!" Hiko raged. "Now, Kenshin, you wouldn't have anything to do with Shani-san's 'illness' would you?" Hiko asked suspiciously.

'Don't act like you don't have a clue already old man.' Kenshin thought grudgingly. He knew if he said yes Hiko wouldn't be happy but he also knew if Hiko thought he was lying it'd be worse. Deciding he picked the lesser of the two evils. Besides what's the worse he could do?

"I might have but I assure you, she wasn't sick then." He answered half warily, half smugly.

"Baka-deshi!" Hiko bellowed.

Mentally rolling his eyes Kenshin prepared himself for the coming lecture as he mouthed the words Hiko was about to say.

"How many times do I have to tell you? Never fraternize or even socialize with the women who are involved, directly or indirectly, with royal business!" Hiko scolded.

Kenshin was attempted to ask if any other women not involved were fair game but wisely, he crushed down the temptation.

"Sorry, sir." Kenshin apologized obediently. Hiko was the only individual capable of intimidating him and who could force him to apologize.

"Don't do it again." Hiko glared and with a wave of his hand issued him away. "You're dismissed."

With that said, Kenshin stalked out of the throne room. He really needed a drink.

Sanosuke Sagara stood guard near the far end of the rear palace doors. He chewed on a dry fishbone lazily as he leaned against the palace stone wall. It was an easy job being royal family considering the royal family really didn't need protection. King Hiko and Prince Kenshin were the most highly skilled swordsmen the entire world knew.

Anyone who did manage to slip pass defense never lived anyway. An assassination on the royal family was a death wish itself. It was impossible.

The guards would only have to worry when the prince would marry. Sano laughed. Kenshin wasn't going to marry, especially not after Tomoe.

Tomoe had been Kenshin's wife, princess of Aremeiji, for a year before she was killed. Sano hadn't witnessed it but he heard the story first-hand from Kenshin. Tomoe had thrown herself in front of Kenshin to save him from a deathblow by an assassin. Before she died, she apologized and told Kenshin to read her diary.

Her diary revealed she initially married Kenshin to help assassinate him because he had killed her fiancé during war. However, it also revealed she fell in love with him and contacted the assassin's to call off Kenshin's assassination. Unfortunately the group did not comply and in their attempt to kill the prince they murdered, who took the sword blow, instead.

Kenshin was never the same afterwards. He took a vow to give up on unnecessary killing in Tomoe's name. His attitude took a different turn though as he became a womanizer. He was still a great prince, always supporting and listening to the people. Kenshin was a friendly, amiable handsome guy. Some women were attracted to more than just his title. Sano himself couldn't really be one to call Kenshin names considering he was no better with women. Though if you asked him he was less in the wrong, Kenshin was the prince! Sano was just a guard, he didn't need to set an example, not that Kenshin was public about any affairs.

The sound of footsteps nearby awoke and immediately alerted Sano.

"It's just me, Sano." Kenshin said as he appeared before Sano.

Relaxing Sano sighed relieved. "Hey Kenshin what brings you down here?" Sano asked suspiciously.

Smirking Kenshin answered. "I was just going to go out for a drink and I wondered if my best drinking buddy wanted to join me."

Sano grinned. "Naturally he wants to come." Sano answered, spitting out the fishbone.

"Let's go." Kenshin said hastily as he turned and began walking.

Before long the two were already in town. The sun had set hours ago and many were in for the night. Kenshin and Sano chatted quietly and idly as they approached the bar.

"Shani-san? I can't believe you Kenshin!" Sano exclaimed. "Your father must've been furious!"

"As usual." Kenshin replied smirking. "It was definitely worth it."

"I bet." Sano grinned. "Shani-san is quite the beauty."

They finally reached the bar which unlike the rest of the kingdom was very awake and alive. Music boomed and voices echoed loudly within. The place was an average sized building with only about twenty tables and a long bar. Inside the place was lit by candles and torches and gave off an easy-going atmosphere. Tonight wasn't too busy as it usually was over crowded and swarmed. Kenshin eyed the singer, a thin brunette with a stylish red gown and a pretty face. Recognizing her as a past affair he took a seat with Sano at the bar. Her voice drifted through the place it was good but not extravagant. Settling into his seat Kenshin already felt comfortable. At places like these he was treated normally and not confronted with stiff faces and intimidated company. It wasn't a commotion for him to just walk casually in here like any ordinary person.

The bartender reached their seats moments later.

"What can I get for you gentlemen?" he asked professionally.

"Sake for both of us." Sano answered.

"Very well." The bartender replied before leaving to retrieve their drinks.

Two hours and several drinks later Sano and Prince Kenshin were having their fifteenth drink of the evening. Kenshin felt his head buzzing crazily as he wobbled on his chair. Sano wasn't doing any better with his body leaning over to one side as he held the bar counter for support.

A young woman standing by the bar corner caught Kenshin's attention. She had a slender figure but just the right curves. Only her back was visible as she was facing away. She had long black hair tied back in a high ponytail and she wore a long black coat with boots. Her fashion style was unmistakably confused. The thing that intrigued him most was he didn't recognize her at all. When he was right behind her he tapped her on the shoulder. She immediately turned around.

When he first glimpsed her he had to mentally slap himself and do a retake. She had a lovely face, round, smooth-looking with the most kissable, pink lips but her eyes were the most striking of all her features. She had the brightest, bluest sparkling eyes he had ever seen. She looked perfect. He was momentarily stunned by her. How had he never managed to notice her before tonight?

"Excuse me, your majesty?" she asked looking at him bafflingly.

Regaining his cool and recovering Kenshin smiled suavely. He had already decided this woman was going to spend the night with him.

"Hello, miss." Kenshin said smoothly as he took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "I couldn't help but notice your beauty from across the room." He flattered, his eyes sparkling.

Her eyes flashed with unusual annoyance before they regained calm blue again. She smiled awkwardly. It was not his usual response. Brushing off the awkwardness with a shrug he leaned against the bar counter seductively. Again he was taken aback by her response as she gave him a skeptical look before she crossed her arms.

'Perhaps she is just shy.' Kenshin thought.

His hand slipped on the counter and he fumbled forward but caught himself. His head spun dizzily, probably due to the alcohol. She laughed. He looked up to catch her smiling and her eyes twinkling with genuine delight. Her laughter was different than the usual laughter he heard from women. It usually sounded matured, devious, and inconspicuously seductive. Her laughter was childish, silly, and lively; it sounded like the bubbling of water, it was just pure and natural delight.

He found himself smiling. Approaching her again she quickly wiped away her smile, regaining her composure as she had laughed at his expense. He wasn't humiliated though. He turned to her and started talking.

"So what is a lady like you doing here at this time of night?" he asked playfully but he couldn't deny he was curious.

She smirked. She actually smirked at him! "I could ask the same of you, your majesty."

His eyes widened. Did she just speak to him insolently? Who did she think she was?

"Regardless of what I am doing here…" he mumbled. "I just wanted to talk."

She nodded indifferently, but he took it as a sign to continue.

Kenshin thought of how to impress her. "Have you ever heard of Hiten Mitsurugi?" he asked. Her head shot up. 'Hook.' "It's my swords style. I train everyday it's why I'm so fit." He said flexing subtly. She stared at him in utter fascination, so he continued. After a while she joined in speaking of swordsmanship, sword blades and, basic combat. It was a good hour they chatted.

The alcohol started to make him slur a little and she gave him a weird, maybe disapproving look. His head was buzzing again. The drinks were slowly catching up to him and he started to become audacious and bold with her. His eyes began smolder as they roved over her lustfully, he thought of her beneath him…

Caught in the moment and a sudden daze pressured by the uninhibited drive of the alcohol he abruptly grabbed her by the shoulder to pull her in for a kiss. Before his lips made contact with her lips he felt her hand first.

He stared open mouthed and wide-eyed at her. The sting of her slap on the side of his face still stung painfully. No one had ever rejected him before. Contempt was written all over her face. His eyes blurred as the alcohol took effect of his vision. Through blurry eyes he saw her frown. She raised her hand again.

"Forgive me, prince.", was the last thing he heard before a pain shot through his neck and the world went black.

When Kenshin woke up his head felt groggy and heavy. His body felt like lead and it took a tremendous amount of will power for him to get up.

Quickly washing his face and rinsing his mouth he erased all evidence of last night. He thought back to last night, his memory almost failing him. Then he remembered! Some black-haired, blue-eyed woman had slapped him! Then what? He couldn't remember. Did he pass out? Or did he come back in a drunken stupor? He hoped Hiko didn't find out whatever the case.

Dressing quickly he raced down to the throne room. Before walking through the doors he smoothed out any wrinkles in his robe. He looked at his reflection in the brass plated door. His fiery red hair was tied neatly back in a high ponytail, he was dressed in his usual black robe with red hems. Aremeiji's insignia- a flaming sword- in gold was emblazoned on the left breast. He pushed open the doors confidently.

As soon as he walked inside, Hiko's eyes were on him. His eyes, which Kenshin had expected to be contemptuous, were full of suspicion instead. Perhaps Hiko had not found out about last night. Holding onto that hope Kenshin walked to his throne beside the king's throne. Kenshin noticed Sano at the other doors for his morning position; he looked wiped from last night and gave Kenshin a wary stare.

"Where were you last night?" Hiko asked at his side.

"I was home." Kenshin lied.

Hiko gave him a skeptical look. "Very well I'll find out for myself."

Kenshin silently gulped.

"All positions are called down." Hiko bellowed.

The shuffling of feet was heard for only a few moments before an assembly of guards reported. They were the elite group hired by Hiko to watch over the palace at certain positions. Kenshin had the distinct feeling Hiko hired them not to protect him but spy on him.

"East Position." Hiko called.

A man stepped forward. Kenshin eyed him. He was tall, dressed in a white trench coat and had short black hair with bangs that covered half his face.

"Your report Shinomori-san?" Hiko asked.

The man lifted his head revealing a pair of apathetic, serious ice-blue eyes. Kenshin narrowed his eyes; this guy had the eyes of a warrior.

"I didn't see anything last night. However, I did leave my post once, to check a disturbance I heard at 1400 this morning but North position confirmed nothing occurred." He replied monotonously.

"Good job Shinomori." Hiko praised, Shinomori-san bowed. "North position you said?"

"Yes sir."

"You are dismissed." Hiko said waving his hand and the man disappeared.

"North position." Hiko called loudly.

A guard stepped forward from the crowd. "Yes sir?"

Kenshin's head turned wildly. That voice sounded so familiar.

There at the foot of the stairs below the throne was the woman from last night! She kneeled before his father, dressed in a battle robe complete with a custom modified breast plate and sheathed sword strapped at her side. Kenshin heard Sano cough across the room, an equally disbelieving look on his face. So he also recognized her from last night, it was the same woman!

"What is your report for last night?" Hiko asked.

"There was nothing suspicious." She answered monotonously.

"What of the prince, Kamiya-san?" Hiko asked looking at his son.

Kamiya-san looked at Kenshin too. They locked eyes for a second.

"I saw nothing of the prince last night." She replied turning to the king.

"You're positive?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very well Kamiya-san report back to duty. All else follow."

With a nod and a bow, she left the room. The rest disassembled as well and were gone just as quickly as they came. Kenshin stared after her. He turned to his father.

"Who was that?" he asked curiously.

Hiko frowned. "Don't even think about it."

"What?" Kenshin asked, confused.

Hiko smirked before replying. "She won't give you the time of day, boy."

"Who is she?" Kenshin repeated, annoyed.

"She is the North position knight of the castle." Hiko answered.

"She fights?" Kenshin asked bewildered.

"Yes, now do not disturb Kamiya-san. It'll only hurt that massive ego of yours." Hiko warned. "Now, back to business. Bring in the court members." Hiko called.

That day court went by slow or at least for Kenshin it did. Shani-san had shown up today. She was obviously disappointed with Kenshin since she frowned at him the whole time. Perhaps she was expecting him to have followed up on the previous night. Kenshin brushed it off; it's not like that hadn't happened before with a woman.

As soon as court was dismissed, he rushed to the palace's northern wing. After an hour he finally found who he was looking for. Standing post at the palace's north gate was Kamiya-san.

"I don't believe you mentioned anything about being a guard at the place last night." Kenshin said coolly. He was ticked she hadn't said anything.

She didn't even look at him. "I'm surprised you remember anything from last night." She replied back just as coolly.

He felt like she slapped him all over again. "Excuse me?"

"You were so drunk I thought you were going to crawl back to the palace." She replied insultingly.

'The nerve!' "Why! I-"

"In fact I believe I had to carry you back myself. And don't expect me to cover for you again." She said icily glaring at him. "I also haven't forgotten last night either. I was only there to watch you and nothing else."

So she was still upset. Kenshin cooled his anger so he could attempt to sway her. Something about this girl and her blatant defiance really turned him on and made him want her more.

"Look I think we got on the wrong foot. Let's just pretend last night never happened." He said holding out his hand.

"Agreed." She said aridly, never shaking his hand.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"I don't believe you've earned that." She answered still ignoring his handshake.

He stretched his hand further to her.

She glared. "Listen, your majesty, with all due respect, my job is to protect you and that's it. I know your reputation and unless you're in mortal danger I want nothing to do with you." she said callously, as she strode right by him.

When he turned around she was gone. Why does that girl aggravate and intrigue me so? He wondered curiously.

He heard a chuckle and looked to his side to see Hiko, leaning against the wall, a smug expression on his face.

"I told you, baka, she'll only hurt that big ego of yours."

Clenching his fist in humiliation and anger, he stomped away. Somehow, someway I'm going to woo you, Kamiya-san, and soon enough, just like every other woman, you will be at my feet and in my bed begging for my attention.

Author's notes: Another story that came to my head so I had to write it! So tell me what you thought in a review please! I'm curious for this idea of mine! I wrote this at like 12 so if I made errors tell me and I will fix them! I will update later this week for my other stories if anyone cares. Also I will be OOC at some point for some characters because of plot later on. Until next time, Happy Writing!