DISCLAIMER: I own nothing except Shinju. He's mine. You can't have him. *licks*
Desire
"My Lord?"
"Hmm."
"It seems Lord InuYasha's faction has appeared at the front gate to the shiro. He's requesting your presence. He is rather insistent, sire."
"InuYasha is a fool to come looking for a battle in my domain."
"He requests an audience with the head of the house, sire. I think he knows not that he has come to your lands."
"How can he not know he is within my borders?"
"Perhaps the blood has dulled his sense of smell."
"Blood?"
"He is rather covered in it."
"His own?"
"No, a woman. The miko he travels with has been injured. I've had her taken to one of the rooms."
"What?"
"Lord InuYasha was insistent that she receive the care of the healers."
"And you allowed it."
"It didn't help that she was bleeding all over the floor, sire. It was making the guards… fidgety."
"Always the sensible one."
"I do my best, My Lord."
"Very well, have him brought to me. And have one of the healers keep a close watch on the miko until she is recovered."
"As you command, sire."
"Shinju?"
"Yes, My Lord?"
"I will expect you to apologize to me for this."
"In my usual fashion, sire?"
"Of course."
"Now?"
"Tonight."
"As you wish, My Lord."
"I do wish."
"If only your enemies knew, sire, that your greatest desire is known only to me."
"My enemies would understand if they were allowed sample such a desire. However, that desire I reserve for myself."
"And her ladyship."
"Of course."
"Well, I am pleased that you keep me about for such a desire."
"I am pleased that you are pleased by my desires."
"So tonight then."
"Yes, tonight."
"The usual?"
"Perhaps a bit more than usual."
"As you wish, My Lord Sesshomaru."
As his master departed, Shinju stared thoughtfully out at the courtyard. His lord had powerful desires. The desire to rule, to kill, to protect his lands. But he had one desire which seemed to outweigh them all. He'd said it when the two were still young. Damn him for ever giving his friend his homemade dumplings. He thought to what the other male had said. More than usual? Sesshomaru usual asked for two dozen. And Rin would find out, Her Ladyship always did. Sly little girl. And she would need a dozen of her own. He'd best make five dozen. Or six. Or just an even ten. He wearily collapsed in a nearby chair. Damn, he'd need extra ingredients for that many dumplings.
He sighed, "Off to the market then."