A Song for the Devil

The Dragon's Gift

I entered the room with my eyes to the ground. There had still been a low hum of conversation until I was at the center, surrounded by warlords on opposite sides of a great conflict.

I bowed to Kenshin. "My lord." Without looking I could feel his smug smile.

"Begin." He clapped for the music to begin.

I did not know where to look as I sang and danced. My movements were weak and strained, my voice was still waking up from weeks without use. My eyes danced quickly from each man, avoiding Kenshin, until I found Nobunaga. His carnelian eyes were full of rage as he watched my strain filled performance. Although my gaze didn't leave the Devil's I could tell that his vassals, Hideyoshi included, were still in shock as they realized who they were watching.

When I spun I briefly took note of Kenshin's face as he stared at Nobunaga in absolute pleasure. When my gaze returned to Nobunaga he was still locked on me as Hideyoshi whispered something to his lord. The rage in his eyes caught the fire behind mine, simply igniting his rage into determination.

I finished my dance. And before the Oda could speak the Dragon spoke. "Rina. Sit by me."

Hidding my fire behind a blank stare I made my way to his side. He leaned over and kissed my ear. "Well done. You may eat with us."

"Thank you my lord." I bowed before sitting next to him. He pulled me by my chin into an aggressive kiss.

"Kenshin. What is this?" Hideyoshi asked with clenched fists.

"Whatever do you mean Toyotomi?" He feigned ignorance, fooling absolutely no one.

"We have been looking for her for months. Why does she look like that?" Hideyoshi was able to maintain more decorum than I expect Nobunaga would if he spoke.

"Doesn't she look beautiful?" He took my face in his hand again, turning it this way and that before tracing his hand down my neck and resting on my chest. I heard Nobunaga hiss as Kenshin continued. "I had this costume made especially for tonight so you can all see her transformation."

Suddenly the room shifted, every man stood with their hands ready to pull out their katana, every man except Kenshin who had already pulled out a knife and had it pressed against my neck. "My fellow lords. SIT DOWN!" His voice rang too loud in my ear as he commanded the room.

"If you wish to keep any of your lands or your head." Nobunaga stayed standing and began to pull his katana out and point it at Kenshin. "I will be leaving with her."

Kenshin laughed like he had beaten his life long rival. "You can have her Oda. After our meal." He smiled, the wicked smile I had grown to know meant that he had more up his sleeve.

He clapped and the food was brought in and served to each man. Nobunaga had returned to his seat and I had returned to my blank and neutral posture.

Kenshin turned to me. "Should I tell them how lovely you sang for me last night?" He asked before taking his first bite. My lack of response was no surprise to him. He suddenly pulled me into his lap, still facing everyone else.

"Kenshin! This is outrageously disrespectful!" Hideyoshi looked ready to lunge at the dragon who was nipping at my neck, inciting absolutely nothing from me.

Kenshin pushed me back towards my spot. As I fell onto the cushion the salacious dress that already made me feel to exposed shifted and revealed the long scar across my back from the whips. I heard a growl come from Nobunaga's direction as I readjusted my attire and sat properly in the cushion.

I ate while the conversation was turned back to politics and peace agreements by one of Kenshin's vassals.

When the meal was finished Nobunaga rose and his men followed. "Thank you for the meal Lord Uesugi. It is time for us to return to Azuchi now." His eyes were dark and fixed on the man who had been keeping me prisoner.

Kenshin took my wrist and lead me out of the room, his men followed, putting distance between us and Nobunaga. As we stood and waited for them to exit Kenshin bent to my ear. "Thank you for the entertainment." His cold words rolled off of my exposed shoulders. As Nobunaga exited the large group of men was led by Kenshin to where the visitors horses were waiting.

Kenshin lead me to Nobunaga who was standing by his horse waiting. Nobunaga extended his hand towards me. Before Kenshin released his grip on my hand to give me back to Nobunaga he smirked and spoke. "You will let me know if she falls pregnant from my time with her. Dragon's should be raised by dragons, not Devils." He placed my hand in Nobunaga's and turned to walk away. Nothing that Dragon had said reached me until this moment.

Nobunaga mounted his horse and quickly pulled me up and held me close as he urged the horse away from my own personal hell.