Malice was on the table. She could smell it… and it reeked. Someone obviously wasn’t fond of their match making. It was a hard smell to miss. She was indeed a woman but she was a powerful one. She had suffered and she had fought for this moment. This life is a life she deserved. Mishiko would let no one take that away from her.<br/><br/>Just the thought of being ripped away again almost made her shake with anger. She had warned her lovely Lord that she had seen death. She had fought and killed his enemies, been injured by them and taunted while she looked for him.<br/><br/>She had grown stronger. Learned to live at death’s door constantly on the verge of death. She wielded a hilt-less katana that kept her bloody and weak. And still she fought. She had grown stronger in her abilities and many things had changed in her mind. She wasn’t running… not without Chikage by her side.<br/><br/>And yet someone at the dinner table did not agree with her triumphs. However, it was no matter. The only person at this table who rivaled her by any stretch of the imagination was her lover. No one else was a threat to her.<br/><br/>And if they made themselves apparent… Kami save them from her wrath.<br/><br/>For she did not take kindly to people who lacked loyalty… Demons or not.<br/><br/>Listening to the girls giggle amongst themselves she felt proud to be their future Queen. They were all lovely and she was beginning to see them all as individuals. Valuable assets indeed.<br/><br/>“I would hate to do anything too fancy.” She commented.<br/><br/>Going quiet once more she ate pleasantly. Chikage flirted with the girls and Mishiko was unphased.<br/><br/>Then… the malice reared its ugly head. In the shape of Kyo.<br/><br/>His comment did not go unnoticed by her.<br/><br/>“Please do not assume my nature. In fact if history serves me well I do not know you that well Kyo-sama. If you know anything about marriage you would know that infidelity… is not a … petty matter.” Glancing at her lover she continued. It was about time she showed a backbone.<br/><br/>“I know of Lord Chikage’s past. I wouldn't take that so lightly. Even now I can smell your hatred for me across the table.” Looking him in the eyes she held nothing but power in them. Not as a threat but as a fact.<br/><br/>“You are invaluable to Lord Chikage and to my understanding… you have served him for years. Loyal and strong to a fault. It is interesting how I have never shown you anything but respect and gratitude yet you return the favor with idle threats and low blows. It is my understanding that our Lord would trust you with his very life. I respect that... and I trust you will continue to serve this house well. However, realize that it is my aim to do the very same. I will protect our Lord and I will do so with my life. I will also love our Lord… and I pledge my life and so much more to him.”<br/><br/>She was fit to be his Lady. She was fit to be the mother of his children. She was fit to carry on his legacy.<br/><br/>She had fought for Chikage’s love and acceptance. She had earned it. She would not be slighted in her new home.<br/><br/>“If you need time to see that I am an asset… from a warrior’s perspective I understand. However, do not judge me so quickly. That is pure ignorance and is beneath you as fellow warrior that I respect.”<br/><br/>Kyo didn’t have to like it… but he needed to make that choice on solid evidence of what he knew of her. Not fleeting events or a pass here or there.<br/><br/>She hadn’t shown him anything but respect and this was his return? Having suddenly had enough of the food before her she excused herself quietly. “Excuse me my Lord. I suddenly feel very tired. Dinner was delicious ladies… thank you for your hard work today. I must excuse myself, Goodnight.”<br/><br/>With a very courteous bow on her knees, she rose gracefully smoothing out her kimono… she left quietly.<br/><br/>She would not make a fuss at her Lord’s dinner table. But she would not be threatened in her new home. She would stand up for herself. That is what Queens did. She was in the right to speak out like she had.<br/><br/>Going through the halls she walked quietly as she found the back entrance and began walking outside. The sun had set and it was now dark. Mishiko simply walked around her Lord’s grounds of his home. Being mindful but also lost in thought, Mishiko was much wiser these days. And she knew a storm was coming and it had nothing to do with this house or the drama within its walls. She walked to clear her head. Not making any attempts to hide her presence to her lover. She knew he could find her if he needed her. HE always seemed to find her… it was a natural talent of his.<br/><br/>She just hoped that her honesty had not disappointed him.<br/><br/>But even so… she couldn't stand the fact that Kyo-sama assumed things of her.