Yuki was spared that night, the anger of the Rus sending him into a flurry of activity. Calling for his maids to dress him, he drew himself up to full height and began to plot. The competition might be still in progress, but he could tip it into his favor. He didn't notice as Yuki withdrew, taking with her the clothing he had begun to remove from her before the urgent messenger had interupted. She was of no consequence to him at this stage of the game. He needed to be sure that the princess was his, to ensure that he could retire happily and get to making a family. He tired of life within the courts and yearned for a home all his own. In short, he needed the princess as his wife so he could have his own kingdom at home, and he needed her now. A good and gentle convert for crissemdom, he wa
