Hello everyone, this is my first fanfic! I love Inuyasha and I'm working on becoming a better writer, so I wanted to try something new and FINALLY make a fanfic. I've wanted to write once I first started writing the anime, like ten years ago. I hope you enjoy!
-V.L.
I'm jolted awake by a dull thud outside my tent. Maybe a bird, maybe an animal, but whatever it is I curse it to hell for awakening me. I squeeze my eyes shut and try to will myself back to sleep.
I shift onto my stomach and try to get comfortable on my poor excuse for a cot, but it's a fruitless errand, as the bedding is hard, thin, and scratchy.
Even with three layers under me I can still feel the cold ground below. My blanket is a little thicker, just barely, so it helps keep the chill away, but only when my feet are pulled up to my chest as the blanket only covers half of my body.
After another few minutes of tossing and turning I throw the blanket off me with a frustrated sigh of surrender and turn over onto my back, tired eyes glaring at the roof of my tent.
I'm surrounded by carts of my mistress's possessions, weapons, items for the horses, and bins of food, all the things we need for our journey.
It's still dark outside, but not pitch black, which means the sun will be making an appearance soon. Three months of getting up at the crack of dawn, sometimes before it, has rendered me unable to sleep in.
I stretch my arms high above my head and push up onto my elbows.
Today is a big day. It's THE day. Today, my mistress will go to Alenia and begin courting the King. I've never seen him, but I've heard he is intelligent, powerful but fair, and very diplomatic. I heard that out of all four sovereigns, whom act as smaller kings ruling each region, his court is the most majestic and luxurious.
Apparently once you go to his court, you never want to leave. I also heard he's rarely seen and very reclusive but he always has his citizen's best interest at heart.
Those things can be inferred just be looking around our kingdom.
We are thriving here, with peace most of the time, and citizens enjoying their lives. Not like in other empires which are experiencing famine, war, and genocide. Here, we are protected.
I rise completely out of my bed, roll my shoulders to try and remove the stiffness, and go to my clothes from yesterday. I begin to slip them and go to wash my face using the basin of water that is near the opening of the tent.
We have been travelling for a week straight on the road to Alenia and today we will finally arrive. Kikyo, of course, has been treated to all the amenities and luxuries someone of her status deserves, with a lovely warm tent, comfortable bedding, and nice food. Her other ladies in waiting also sleep with her, while myself, the outcast of the group, sleeps in the storehouse tent where I have to fight the cold of the night, the heat of the day, the bugs and all manner of the word 'roughing it'.
Technically, I could sleep in there with my mistress since I have the same job as the other four, but, I don't feel like fighting with them about my status and how 'undeserving I am for such luxuries', you know, the typical bull.
All cleaned up, I go ahead and roll up my cot now so that is one less thing I'll have to do later. Since I have not received a rude wake up call, I know that I am the first one up, so it's my responsibility to wake up the other ladies.
I slip a thick covering that is hanging by the door onto my shoulders and exit my tent. The cold morning chill hits me and removes the last traces of sleep from my body. I pull the covering tighter and walk the few feet of the snow-covered ground to my mistress's tent, stepping over sleeping guards on the way.
Immediately when I enter the tent I'm hit with a tinge of jealously. Due the dying fire in the center of the front room, it feels like heaven in here, and all the ladies are sleeping close under full length blankets on top of one large futon. Ugh, it looks so comfy I just want to crawl in with them, but that would be met with a mutiny.
After another moment of lamenting my situation, I wake them up one by one. They don't appreciate the wakeup call of course, but it must be done. If we are all not up, with breakfast waiting, ready to attend to my lady's every need, there will be hell to pay. Hell not from our mistress, but from Tanada, my mistresses' main lady, and our superior.
She is mean, nasty, uncaring and especially has it out for me. There are six of us total, five ladies in waiting and Tanada acting as our overseer.
She has been a lady in waiting practically her whole life, so she has experience we don't and thus has seniority over us.
After waking all the ladies, I head back outside. The sun is finally up, and I am thankful for the warmth it brings.
Two guards, finally awake, are perched at my lady's door, and I smile at them upon my exit. I enter my tent again and grab some firewood, a few pots, and some food and head back outside to the firepit that is in between my tent and my lady's. I lay out the wood and begin to repeatedly strike a flint stone in an attempt to start a fire. As I focus in on my task my mind wanders back home.
Kikyo is from the house Hanada. They are the ruling family of their village and the five villages surrounding it, including mine. Kikyo has spent much time at the different courts, being of nobble blood, so she is well prepared for what awaits at the end of this journey.
Her beauty, grace, and character is known far and wide, so it was only right that the King would want to take her as his wife. I'm not sure of their relationship, as the only time Kikyo talks to me is to make sure I'm doing what I'm told, but I have heard that almost every man that meets her desires her for a wife, so I'm sure the King won't be any different.
When the call went out that Kikyo needed another lady in waiting, as one had gotten married and moved to another village, I literally ran at the opportunity. The money was much needed. Many young ladies came at the call, 30 in total, as the money is good, but I beat out the competition due to my aptitude with a bow, my healing abilities, and my likeness to Kikyo, which Taneda said "may come in handy in a dangerous situation." So I would be bait if it came down to it, great.
Working for Kikyo has given me a glimpse into her beyond the rumors. Beyond her well- known beauty and her grace and class, she is cold, commanding and calculating. Everything a Queen needs to be. Sometimes, and I would never admit it to anyone, not that anyone talks to me here, I wonder if she is really even interested in King, or only in the crown and the power and wealth that comes with it. I wonder why I even care. I get paid regardless and soon, very soon, this will no longer my problem.
Although Kikyo's family rules our village, they report to our Sovern, Lord Kouga, who rules the Eastern region. He is a strong boastful demon with an affinity for making the young ladies fall in love with him.
Kikyo has spent a lot of time at his court of Walfnia, in this last year I've been employed, but I was always back home, or unneeded, so I've never met him. I've heard some of the other ladies speak highly about his charm and good looks. Secretly, I would like to meet him, or, at least glimpse him.
I've lived in the East my whole life and I yearn to explore what else is out there. What are other people like, what types of food do they eat, are they friendly? Above all, I want to learn about different healing techniques, for both humans and demons.
Visiting Alenia will truly be my first time at court. I'm both nervous and excited. I have no idea what to expect and I hope my unfamiliarity with the ways of the upper-class does not cause me any embarrassment.
Once Kikyo is crowned Queen, my job will be over. I suppose if she wants to keep me she could ask, but I will politely refuse as I have another goal in mind, the Midlands. That is what I am ultimately saving for.
The Midlands are a perfectly harmonious place, or so I've heard. Don't get me wrong, most places within the Kings empire are peaceful, but it still can be fragmented. Most demons live either in court, or in very close proximity, and most humans live on the outskirts. Demons, being stronger and living longer have an easier time amassing wealth, so they can keep up with the lifestyle that the court affords.
The Midlands, aptly named for their location and atmosphere, are where demos and human mix. There isn't the excess and luxury that is present in the court, but more like a peaceful place with hard workers, an abundance of resources, and nice people. I have always dreamed of visiting there since I was little.
A rustle has me turning my head towards Kikyo's tent to see Tanada starting at me, assessing the situation to see if I am doing my job. Seeing me right on time with my tasks, she gives me a nasty and abruptly turns around and goes back into the tent. I smile as I turn back to the now growing fire. Tanada missed her chance to yell at me. Today will be a good day.
Even though we are all Kikyo's ladies, we couldn't be more different. All the rest of the ladies are from the same village as Kikyo, and are from well off noble families. Which meant they were more refined, more vein, and 'into' the things that happened at court. They are spoiled and worried about their looks. It also meant they were wealthy, so none of them really did this for the money. They did it so they could be near Kikyo and benefit from her status and nobility, and from her future. Getting into her good graces now meant that later, when she was Queen, they would be in a powerful place.
All that translated to all this work was beneath them, and too good for me. They did the easy stuff, help Kikyo get dressed, do her hair, help her bathe, and I do all the hard work, tend to the horses, clean up, move heavy stuff.
I on the other hand come from way less of a social standing. I was just a regular villager, I couldn't even attend balls. We had money to support ourselves and we weren't starving, but we couldn't afford a nice horse, or nice clothing. I did need the money, and because of that I basically did everyone's work. If I didn't I would get in trouble and since Tanada hated me I know she would get me fired. I could tell Kikyo, but then the rest of the ladies would make my job even more miserable and I'm not sure she would even believe me.
So I worked twice as hard, with half the credit, day in and day out with only a few breaks.
After the pan I set on the fire was heated, I begin mixing together breakfast for the camp which consisted of dried fish, milk oats, and tea. With that cooking I entered my tent again to pick out Lady Kikyo's ensemble for the day.
I choose a lovely emerald dress, accented in a few small diamonds, with matching green shoes. My hand lingered on the soft fabric. Without meaning to I held the dress up to the face and inhaled the fresh scent of clean. I would never wear something like this, and that was okay. I was content just to dream. This dress has a corset that tied in the back, loose sleeves, a V-neck collar, and a tight fitted skirt that was slightly darker than the top half of the dress. This is the latest fashion, according the gossip I've overheard, and Kikyo will want to make sure that she not only fits in with the style of the court, but outdoes them in every manner.
After gathering her dress, I head towards my mistresses tent. I stop and stir the oats and turn the fish, and enter Kikyo's tent to assist in her getting ready.
"Kagome!" I hold back my sigh. I hadn't even made It through the threshold and I'm getting orders.
"Get the lady's bath things ready", Tanada barks at me without even waiting for me to acknowledge her greeting.
"But", I am about to interject that Kikyo JUST took a bath last night, but the fiery look Tanada gives me has me immediately shutting my mouth.
I once again head back to my tent to gather her things. I gather up a whicker basket, which I'm proud to say I made myself, and gather up some scented soaps, a lotion, a scented oil, a small rough towel, and a hair brush. I also grab a bamboo tray with handles, for Kikyo's breakfast.
With my items collected I enter Kikyo's tent again and go further in to the middle room. I see my mistress sitting down reading a book while Tanada stares at me unpleasantly. I give my mistress a formal bow, which she doesn't acknowledge, and hand Tanada the hair brush, which she snatches from my hand and begins combing my lady's hair.
Kikyo was breathtakingly beautiful, just like the rumors. She was tall, thin, with flawless skin, and long waist length silk hair that fell in a thick current behind her.
The hairbrush I collected was really unnecessary, even if she never brushed it, it would still be perfectly straight. Her skin was pale, and clashed perfectly against her dark hair. She looked to be all the queen that she would soon be.
She was poised, graceful, and dainty, but she was also cold and closed off. I had been serving her for a whole three months and I still knew nothing about her.
I grab the tray and head back outside to collect breakfast. I only gather enough for Kikyo. I may cook for everyone else but I sure as hell won't serve them. I sit the tray of food on the small wood box beside Kikyo and with another bow I head back outside.
The other ladies and the guards have already helped themselves, and upon further inspection I see they have eaten everything. The other ladies don't even acknowledge the fact that they, once again, have left me without food. At least the guards look at me somewhat guiltily. I give them a small smile to let them know that this was okay. I was use to this treatment. This is temporary, I repeat over and over in my mind. That mantra is the only thing that will get me through all this.
With all the food eaten, the other ladies follow Kikyo out to the hot springs, leaving me with the dishes. After getting those cleaned up, stubbing out the fire, I work with the guards to pack everything up into the carriages. Kikyo's bath was quick, as we didn't want to be late for our meeting, and she is dressed at the hot springs so there wasn't much more that needed to be done.
After everything was packed, Kikyo and all the other ladies boarded the first carriage, while I boarded the second carriage with all the possessions. I was squished and pressed for room, but I didn't really mind. It gave me a chance to just look out at the scenery and just take everything in. With a crack of the reins, we took off, finally on our way to Alenia.
What can go wrong, will go wrong. They should really make that a law because it is definitely true. Of course, not even an hour outside of the gates of Alenia, one of carriage's tires cracks. The carriage I'm in, of course.
Thankfully, due to Kikyos' punctuality, we left very early that morning, so even with this slip up, we still had time to make it to the palace before the feast began. The sun was still high in the sky and I could see the giant wall surrounding the kingdom up ahead, so we're weren't that far off.
With both carriages stopped I approach my mistress's carriage and knocked on the door. An angry Tanada opens the window covering glaring at me.
"What?", she asks me, her face angry at the intrusion, like I had someone caused the wheel to break.
Ignoring her, I speak directly to Kikyo. "Mistress, I have an idea. Since only one carriage is broke, and it'll take a little while for it to get fixed, you can continue to the palace and I can wait with the second carriage."
Tanada opens her mouth to disagree with my plan, but she doesn't, because it's a good idea. That same indignant look is on her face. She hates when I'm right.
Kikyo gives a small reserved smile and nods her head in agreeance. "Ok. We will continue on and Kagome will catch up with us when you can." I nod in acceptance and give one final bow. Tanada seems pleased with this idea, happy to get rid of me.
I smile at my genius. This served two purposes, and one was selfishly for my benefit alone. I could get a moment to myself to explore the forest and hold off going inside the castle for as long as possible. Although I was excited, I was nervous. Would the courtiers treat me like the other ladies in waiting? Like I was less than because I wasn't noble. Because I didn't have an excess of money?
I quickly run back to the cottage and gather some of Kikyo's suitcases, the ones that have her items she would need right away. Just in case I couldn't get there till morning she would still have everything she needs.
Even though me and Kikyo aren't friends and we don't talk and she doesn't ask me anything about my life, I still want her to be happy. I want her to impress the King and exceed. I want the him to like her and I want her to be the Queen she is, not to get anything from her in the future, but I want everyone I encounter to be happy. My mother tells me that's the goodness in me, always having a soft spot for everyone.
After I deliver the rest of Kikyo's bags I bid her farewell, and good luck, promising her that I will catch up soon. I watch her carriage drive away. Once it's out of my line of sight, I take off in a run.
.
I head to the opposite direction of the kingdom and head in the direction of a giant tree I saw on the ride earlier. As weird as it sounds I felt drawn to it. Like I just had to see it. Like I needed to be in its presence.
Ten minutes later, I arrive, out of breath, and standing in front of an immobile giant. It's taller than any tree I've ever seen. Standing proud and ancient. It calls to me. Its roots are wide and sturdy, coming up out of the ground like they are protecting their master from any threats. In a trance I walk forward until the tips of my hands are touching its barks. It feels so…..alive. I suddenly get an urge I can't ignore, and I step back from the colossus of a tree and look up. I can't even see the top, but soon, I will.
I ditch my shoes and strip off all the layers of my kimono till I'm just left with my white under dress, my Nagajuban and begin my ascent. I can move much freer this way, and I feel amazing. I remember doing this when I was younger. Running around my village with my little brother, getting into any trouble that we could find. In those moments, I never thought I would have to grow up.
I continue climbing and as I finally make my way to the halfway point, I make the mistake of looking down.
I'm not afraid of heights, and even though I'm only half way up I'm still super high off the ground. It's too late to stop now. I have to keep going. I finally make it to the as close to the top as I'm brave enough to venture, and look out into the distance in the direction I came from.
There. The kingdom of Alenia was in my vision. Even from such a distance it was lovely. The sun was starting to go down and lanterns were being lit so I could only see the glittering of lights from the kingdom. I couldn't wait to see the inside.
I just sit back against the tree, both hands holding a branch tight and just breathing everything in. I smile at my realization. I'm somewhere else, in a new place, about to meet new people. I feel so…..energetic! I carefully sit down and lean against the tree, gazing at this new place, with new possibilities. I wonder what this place will bring me.
I haven't been gone too probably just an hour, but I think it's time to head back. The guards driving that carriage are nice enough, so I know they won't leave without me but I'd rather not make the walk back to the carriage at night, and in another hour or so it would be pitch black.
I reach for a branch behind me to begin my descent, only to be met by a figure in the shadows leaning casually against the same branch I was attempting to reach for. I'm so surprised that I miss the branch I tried to grab and wobble backwards, off the branch and towards the ground.
This is it. I have to be what, 100 feet up, at least? This will surely kill me. My mother also said my curiosity was going to be my end, damn her for being right. I'm falling, and I'm so scared I can't even scream. I feel the wind whooshing past me, and I close my eyes in anticipation of the impact.
After a minute of not feeling all my bones break, I open my eyes in confusion, only to be met by two golden eyes.
I do the first thing that comes to my mind. I scream, only to be roughly dropped to the ground.
"Hey!" I yell at the retreating figure and rub my abused backside. With the sun coming down I have to strain my eyes to see the figure, but it continues walking, in the shadow of the trees.
"Hey!" I once again yell and this time he, or she, finally stops walking.
"Why did you drop me like that, that was rude!" I demand of my savior.
With it's back still turned It tilts its head towards me. "You're loud."
His voice. His. It was a him. His voice was really deep and really smooth.
I stood up, rubbing my sore behind, and marched right up to him determined to give him a piece of my mind.
"Well, If you hadn't scared me I wouldn't have fallen and you wouldn't have had to save my life." My thinking is rational and sound.
Without even turning around he mumbles a "Whatever wench", and keeps on walking.
My mouth drops at his rude remark.
I pick up my pace and continue to follow him. "Hey, jerk face, my name isn't wench!" I'm hot on his heels, jogging now to try and keep up with his pace.
He stops, and with my pace I run right into him and fall back onto my butt, again.
"Your right. It's not wench. That's too nice. Get lost bitch!" He emphasizes my new nickname and then jumps up into the tree.
My mouth is doing a perfect impression of a goldfish. How dare him? No, he will not speak to me that way. I'm a lady.
Before I know it very unladylike insults are flying out of my mouth towards the uncouth buffoon.
"You." "Rude." "Pig." Each word is accented with a rock thrown in his direction. It's night so I'm sure I'm not hitting him but still, it drives my point home.
The distinct sound of laugher follows directly after, but I just continue to throw rocks.
"You jackass", I stop throwing rocks to think of a new tactic. I'm all out of ways to annoy him.
"You douche bag! How dare you? You're an asshole. I hope you choke on a rock!" Silence followed the tense moment, and I strained my ears to listen for any movement. For any sign of him.
"You throw like a girl."
I let out a squeal of shock. The voice behind me is close, so close that startles me and I turn around abruptly to see him standing behind, arms crossed, standing in the shadows. But I could of sworn he was above me.
I never even heard him move. How did get down from the tree that quick. And how was he directly behind me just one second ago and now so far away? Demon, my mind answers , that would explain a lot.
"Get lost." He says slightly loudly since was kind of far away. Those two words are final, and leave no room for discussion from me.
I also cross my arms, mimicking his pose. "You're not the boss of me." I yell, but I try to be cool and calm.
"Actually, I am." I cock my head to the side at that. What does he mean by that?
I open my mouth to ask what the hell that means, but I remember why I was climbing down from that tree to begin with. The carriage. It must be fixed now.
I look up at the sun to see almost completely out of my vision. I only had like twenty more minutes of daybreak.
With an undignified "Crap", I turned around and take off running as fast as possible towards the direction of the carriage. It's probably only ten or so minutes away, so as long as I don't get distracted by another annoying mysterious stranger then I'll make it.
Ten minutes of my fast pace has me panting hard as I slow to a walk as the carriage enters my line of sight. The driver is just finishing up with the repair of the wheel so I am right on time. I hop into the carriage and continue to look out the window, trying to catch my breath, and slow my raging heart. It must be pounding so hard because of the run, nothing else would explain it.
Although my body is on the way to Alenia, my mind is still stuck in the opposite direction it, with the strange man, no, the demon, that saved my life, He set my blood on fire, and not in the good way.
Alenia was gorgeous. Even at night it was everything I dreamed of. It was everything I had heard about. White and gold pillars flanked the entrance and the front was surrounded my a clear river with two giant fountains flanking it.
There were lanterns lit everywhere, like I saw from the tree, and they were even more gorgeous in person. Flags adorned with the royal seal, a giant white dog in front of a red sea with gold trim, were everywhere, flying high and strong.
The doors leading to the inside of the palace were a bight cherry wood, and were flanked by white marble columns that were usually seen more in France, not in Japan.
We entered and I was even more impressed.
It was clean and sparkly and beautiful. It was a fairy tale castle means for a princess, meant for someone like Kikyo. It took my breath away. I turned in a circle as I took in the sights and sounds. People were in a wide array of colors and lovely fabrics.
Different booths and market shops were on every corner and a large fountain with a statue of a dog, the same as on the crest, sat in the middle. Children played and courtiers talked and walked quickly around. Only a few minutes inside and I could already see how someone could get caught up in this world. His world.
Since Kikyo and the other ladies had already been escorted in, but there was no royal welcome for me, but just being here was enough.
I stepped out of the carriage and let my eyes get their feel of a world I had never seen before. Seeing all the royals for the first time stirred up a lot of good new feelings, but also a negative one. I felt self-conscious for the first time in my life about my attire. I pulled the top of my dress down self-consciously. It was brown and plain and sans jewels. And most of their hair was long and flowing, haven been treated with oils and potions to make it shiny and soft. My hair was in a messy bun on top of my head with renegade curls constantly trying to escape their bonds. I felt like a mess.
"Ms. Kagome" The formal greeting coupled with hearing my name surprised me, causing me to whip around towards the sound of my name, but there wasn't anyone standing there.
"Down here!"
I look down at the cute voice trying to get my attention. It was a small fox kitsune with emerald eyes and a cute little tail with a matching green bow. He was soooo cute!
I bent down to his eye level! "Hi, I'm Shippou. I'm here to escort you to the dining hall for the feast!", he smiled up at me. He was dressed in a cute green ensemble with white pants, no shoes. He was adorable.
Feast? Wow. I like this place already. I loved to eat and since I didn't get breakfast nor lunch I was ravenous. Shippou reached out his hand to me, but I bent down to pick him up instead. Shippou gives me directions to the great hall, and as follow the path he leads me on, I take in all the different new things. I feel so out of place here, I feel so…. plain.
But that melancholy thought leaves just as soon as it comes. I didn't think the court could get any better but as I go deeper I see so much more to offer. My eyes are moving around too quickly for me to take everything in. There are even more stalls, with people selling clothing and jewelry and spices, and dancers and people doing magic tricks. Everyone was happy and lively here. I don't realize I have stopped walking until Shippou tugs on my shirt, pointing in the direction we need to keep walking towards.
Once I finally make it to the great hall, I am surprised by the sheer number of people here. At least 200! The roof to the great hall is glass, so we have a clear view of the stars and everyone is seated at long tables. The dining hall is white with red curtains, a common theme here, and the tables are filled with breads and cheese. My mouth is already watering. The people here seem to be a step up from the courtiers I saw outside. They all have smug looks on their faces, they all seem very self important, and most of them are demons.
Kikyo, as the King's guest, is seated at the right hand of the table, the seat reserved for the King still empty. I see the rest of the hand maidens at the same table as Kikyo, but sitting further down at the end as their station merits. I head in that direction, but Tanada's angry glare stops me. She points all the way to the back of the room, to a table that was mostly empty and away from all the cheer and festivities.
Welp, I guess that's where I'll be tonight. I am not complaining, as long as I get to eat. Besides, I would feel out of place sitting with all the other courtiers, whose facial expressions clearly said they thought they were better than everyone else, they certainly thought they were better than me.
Just as I sat down trumpets sounded and the giant doors leading to the great hall open. Out stepped many royal guards clothes in black with armor leading with who I presume to the be the King. I couldn't see anything!
I was far too curious for my own good, as indicated by the tree incident so I needed to see him. If he really was as reclusive as they say this could be my only chance. I seriously considered standing on top of the chair but wisely thought against it.
Every stood up and formed two long lines flanking the entrance, all trying to get a glimpse of the king. I tried to look over and under but nobody would budge, so I moved towards the front of the line of courtiers where it was a bit thinner.
Finally, the sea of people parted, and he, the King, finally walked into my. I felt my eyes widen and my heart stop.
Oh my God. He was…..gorgeous. I mean, like drop dead gorgeous. Like the most beautiful man I had ever seen in my life gorgeous. Actually, that word was too lenient. He was a god. He had long silver hair tied back in a long braid, and tan skin. He was very tall, I had to look up at him to look into his eyes as he passed me, and he had broad shoulders which I could still clearly see through his long sleeve clothes. He was dressed in white and red kimino with a gold belt adorning, and boots to match. I literally felt like I couldn't breath.
I saw his nose twitch and then instantly his eyes were on me, like he could hear my thoughts. My eyes were wide and unbelieving, and I was probably drooling.
My eyes followed his every move as he walked, and as he passed me, his eyes caught mine and I felt like it was just the two of us in the room. As he passed me his nose twitched and eyes lit up, like he had just gotten a joke that I didn't get, and a cocky smirk stretched across his face
After his long procession to the front ended, he took his place at the front of the long banquet table and sat down beside Kikyo. My eyes never left his, and I realized he was still staring at me. In that moment my skin felt charged, his eyes felt like they were boring a hole through me. What was this feeling? Was I just scared that he was judging me unfairly? Nervous that I had made eye contact with the most powerful person on this continent? Or was it - .
"Kagome!" Shippou voices shakes me from my trance and I look down into his worried eyes. He's standing right beside me, his eyes quickly looking around us. I follow his eyes to see the entirety of the dining room staring at me. Everyone had returned to their seats except me. I turned beat red and made the short journey back to my seat. Oh my gosh.
The king was seated, which meat everyone should also be seated. I had already failed my first test. I sigh. I had a feeling this was going to be a long night.
Comment and tell me what you think!
Thanks for reading!
V.L.