Aiko made faces at herself in the mirror, watching the maid hurry around behind her. Today was the day that her sister was to meet the wolf prince, her future husband. As upset as Kikiyo was, Aiko understood the necessity. She had been ready and willing to take the place of her sister. Kikiyo hadn't let her, and deep down, Aiko felt relief. Her father hadn't mentioned a single good thing about this prince, except he was exactly that: a prince. At least Kikiyo would be able to continue living a lavish life. Plus, they would both be able to become queens one day. 

Aiko gave herself one long look in the mirror. Unlike her sister, she was the spitting image of her father. She had his platinum blonde hair and gray eyes. Her sister was darker, more like the darkness she commanded. Their father joked that they were Night and Day, forever together but always separate. Niko gently dismissed the maid and left the room, moving down the hallway to Kikiyo's room. She knocked once and then opened the door. 

"Let's go, Kikiyo," she said with a gentle smile.

****

Ichiro smiled up at Kai as the car came to a stop and the man opened the door for him. He stepped out and pulled on his clothes, smoothing himself out. 

"Kai, I am doing what I need to do to avoid a war," Ichiro answered, leading the way into the tall building. "Women are women. It doesn't matter what species she is, she can't resist me." He glanced back at the man who had been his best friend since birth. He smiled widely under his long blonde hair, laughing out loud to himself. "And let's hope it is fun, because that's the only thing I've got to look forward to in this stupid arrangement."