[AN: Hey guys, update lmao I'm working on the next chapter now, and I hit a bump in the road... I think I figured out how to fix it, but I had to change Kagome's age in the process. As of now, she's sixteen, and Sesshomaru's seventeen. I really should have planned these things out before I started writing, but here we are.]

The first thing Kagome noticed about the Western Palace was its plainness. Nothing caught her eye as she was led through the halls, no splash of color, nothing to experience. She felt a deep dread settling in the pit of her stomach. How would she survive here? The two guards leading her down the hall, escorts from her father, seemed unapproachable. Their faces were mostly covered, but their scowls were clear. She held her tongue, keeping her head high with a calm expression across her features. She was never the best at hiding her emotions, the 'mask' used by nobles and leaders, but it seemed crucial that she have it now, more than ever. Today was the day she was to meet her betrothed. Her future.

The throne room's door came into view, looming over her like a beast. As the guards by the door pushed it open, she couldn't help but let her eyes wander around the great room. The ceiling was high, at least fifty feet, with a delicately painted mural spanning the length of it. Tall columns lined the walk to the throne, another hundred feet in front of her. Other murals, decorating the walls, seemed to show the conquests of the West with words written in a language she couldn't understand. Large marble statues seemed to emerge from the walls like they were breaking free from the rest of the stone.

She followed her guards through the room, only drawing her eyes from the magnificent room when she reached the royal family. She bowed low, feeling a small amount of pride as they all did the same. Her eyes went first to the Western Lord- for he was the only one who could have been the Inu no Taisho. He towered over her, but when she finally met his eyes she found a warm topaz gaze. He had an indigo marking across each cheek, and they moved as he smiled at her. She smiled back before shifting her attention to the shorter woman beside him. She had smaller markings gracing her prominent cheekbones, the same light violet as the crescent moon on her forehead. She seemed a tad more stern, but just as welcoming.

Their children were practically carbon copies, all silver-haired and golden-eyed, each with a crescent moon on their forehead and markings across their cheekbones. Her eyes were drawn to the tallest of the boys first. He was clearly the eldest of the boys as well, as neither of the other two even reached his elbow, which meant that this had to be Sesshomaru. Her intended. She had to admit, he was breathtaking, but he seemed even sterner than his mother.

The girl on his left had to be Maeda, the eldest. She towered over most of the room and was only an inch shorter than her father. She had her mother's markings, and long hair tied back in twin braids, falling over her shoulders and reaching her waist. While the older two worked stayed composed, the other three gazed at her curiously. She offered them each a smile, all of which were returned. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad here after all.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the court," the Inu no Taisho began, "Behold, Lady Kagome, daughter of the Higurashi clan and betrothed to my son!"

There was quiet applause, and Kagome felt her face flame as she turned to face the court members, who had moved in from where they had been standing, near the walls. She felt her blush fade too quickly as they all bowed, in sync, and she bit her lip hard as the realization dawned that she was no longer Kagome Higurashi, but Kagome of the House of Moon. This wasn't what she had wanted, but it was her duty, for her sake and her family's.

The nobles rose, and she turned at the hand on her shoulder. The Western Lady had come to her side, and she raised her voice just slightly to say, "The court is dismissed."

Kagome waited until the last of the nobles had gone before she turned to the Western Family. She felt she ought to say something, but her lips felt like they'd been glued together. She knew her voice would tremble if she spoke.

"Follow me," the Western Lady said soothingly, reminding Kagome painfully of her mother, "We can talk in more... comfortable conditions."

They moved to a door behind the thrones, and Kagome followed the silver-haired group down a series of winding halls until they reached what appeared to be an informal dining room. The table was too long, and they all gathered at one end.

"Now, Kagome. I'm sure this has been a long day. We'll keep this conversation brief."

Kagome nodded, still feeling small and oh-so-scared.

"You know my husband and I, of course. I believe we met briefly during the arrangements for your betrothal?"

Another nod.

"This young one is our eldest, Maeda." The older girl gave her a small smile, which Kagome tentatively returned. Lady Irasue watched the interaction silently, before gesturing to Sesshomaru. "Sesshomaru, our second eldest, and your intended." He offered her a curt nod, which she returned readily. Theirs wouldn't be a love match, that was certain. "Akita, our third." This boy couldn't have been more than ten. He gave her a large smile, and she couldn't help her own smile now. "Iwashita," she said, gesturing to another boy on Akita's right. His round face also broke into a grin. She nearly laughed, for he was missing both of his front teeth. "And our youngest, Hasebe." This child was a small girl, sitting at her mother's side and clinging to her arm. She had barely outgrown her toddler stage, a dimpled smile always on her face, her too-big eyes shining bright.

She nodded again, her jaw starting to hurt from clamping down so hard on her lip.

"Your father has told me you have sixteen turns, is that correct?"

"Yes," she said, managing not to choke on her tongue.

"Only a year younger than Sessho!" Iwashita commented, still looking at her.

Lady Irasue looked at Kagome, seeming to sense her mood. Finally, she said lightly, "I think we all ought to get to sleep. I will page your personal guard, Kagome."

She nodded, silent again as the other children filed out. The Western Lord did as well, leaving her alone with Lady Irasue.

"I want to speak with you, Kagome, if you would let me."

She nodded, clenching her shaking hands into fists in her lap.

"How are you feeling now, dear?"

Kagome considered lying, but she decided to just tell her. "I'm scared. That I won't be good enough. Or that people won't like me. And Sesshomaru seems lovely, but I'm just... terrified I'll end up spending my life in a loveless marriage, like my parents."

Irasue smiled at her. "I know it changes nothing, but your fears are irrational. You'll make a fine princess with the proper training. And I'll share a secret of the Inuyokai. Whether he loves you romantically or not, an Inu cares for and loves each member of his pack in their own way."

Kagome felt the beginnings of a smile cross her face, though her stomach was still tied in knots. There was a knock on the door, and a moment later a tall, dark haired man walked in. He looked about sixteen, pale and lanky, with dark hair and indigo eyes.

"Lady Kagome, Lady Irasue," he said, bowing.

"Rise, Miroku. You will be responsible for Lady Kagome's safety from here on. Do not fail me." He nodded.

"Dismissed."

Kagome rose to follow him, exchanging a small smile with Irasue on her way out.