The Princess And The Pauper
Kagome Higurashi is the daughter of royalty, and to claim the throne once she finds a husband. Slightly frustrated and impatient, her mother finds a husband for her, the famous Prince Kouga. They welcome him into the Higurashi Palace with open arms, at least the Queen does. Feeling overwhelmed with Kouga's thirst for meat and similar food, she hires a strong man-maid named InuYasha. Kagome and InuYasha find themselves plunging into the dark, confusing and unknown waters of love...Yet will it really end up as 'happily ever after?' Of course it will!...With many twist, turns, and villains!
A.N. I liked my summary! xD I liked the last few sentences. . Well, the Prince And The Pauper is one of my favorite stories, so I wanted to make an InuYasha story out of it. I thought of Kikyo and Kagome, with their similar appearance, but I really wanted to make one that is InuXKag. I'll make the Kikyo and Kagome one soon, though! . Anyways, enjoy!
Chapter One
"Queen Higurashi!" a deep voice announced the royal woman, her dark hair braided and piled at the top of her head into a bun. The sparkling crown circled the bun. She walked gracefully, as a Queen should, with her head high and a smile playing on her lips. Her tight fitting deep red dress trailing along the floor. The gold hem was dark, yes, but the two colors made a dashing couple. The short sleeves hugged her shoulders, as the dress embraced each curve of the woman's slender figure. The Queen's dark eyes sparkled with dignity, pride, and a gentleness no one could hold but...
"Princess Higurashi!" Yes, the second daughter of the Higurashi family. Her own hair, black as the midnight sky, hanging loosely down her modest white dress. A silver circlet adorned her hair that was brushed so often it shone. Her dress stopped at the ankles to show her white shoes, resembling what we call today ballet flats. The dress was perfect for the sweet daughter. She waved at her friends, her short, bell-like sleeve falling slightly to reveal her armpits. She received a warning look from her mother. The daughter gracefully smiled back, nodded, and began to walk once more.
"Prince Higurashi!" The youngest and only son of the family, at the tender age of 18, appeared, looking formal and handsome. The girls stared hungrily as he walked down the aisle, his hair, dark as his mother's and sister's, growing much too fast. They curved slightly at the nape of his neck. His thoughtful eyes scanned the crowd, and smiled when he found the person he had been looking for. He began to walk more confidently and proudly. His black jacket, loosely placed on his shoulders, barely hid the casual white T shirt underneath. His black pants were loose as well, not even close to hiding his shiny black shoes. He took a step and stopped next to his sister, who stood next to her mother.
Queen Higurashi stepped up to a stage, and began to speak loudly in her clear and powerful voice.
"Welcome, and thank you for coming to the Summer Festival," she started. The crowd began to clap, and the cheers immediately died as she raised her hand for silence.
"I apologize immensely to you, for the absence of my first daughter, Kikyo Higurashi. She is away on a journey, and is currently studying the fine arts that a princess ought to know. I bring news of my eldest daughter. She is currently succeeding in all but the manner of sincerity. Therefore, she may not become a Queen. This may sadden you, but do not worry, my beloved people! My second daughter, Kagome Higurashi," the Queen motioned to the young woman, who stepped up on the stage beside her mother, and curtsied to show her gratitude for such an honor, "Kagome Higurashi may take the throne if Kikyo Higurashi does not receive the permit to become Queen."
"Now, let us leave these dark thoughts behind, and begin the Summer Festival!" The Queen cried, unable to keep the joy out of her voice.
The movement began so suddenly Kagome jumped. "Daughter, you are to expect this every year. Observe and learn, my daughter," the Queen's voice was firm, yet her eyes sparkled with a kindness reserved for her youngest daughter.
"Now off you go! I am sure you are bored with me, your old mother. Go and have fun! Enjoy the Summer Festival!" The mother shooed them away, and stepped of the stage herself to talk to the citizens she adored.
"Well, Mother has spoken. Let us go, sister," Souta held out an arm. Kagome giggled at her brother's silliness, and wrapped her hand around on the spot directly above his elbow. They walked off the stage.
"I must leave you, sister. Have fun," Souta bowed, and walked off.
Kagome grinned. Her brother was so polite when he wanted to be. Which isn't very often, she thought. She giggled once more.
"What amuses you so, Princess Higurashi?" A soothing voice interrupted her giggling.
"Oh!" Kagome turned quickly to look at the owner of this voice. Her fair cheeks turned a shade of pink when she saw a handsome man standing before her.
His hair, the color of her own, was pulled back into a ponytail. A piece of the sky must have fallen and landed underneath those dark eyelashes. His eyes were peaceful and beautiful.
"Have I disturbed you, Princess?" The man asked, his eyes full of concern. "No, no. I am afraid you have surprised me, I admit," Kagome let out a short laugh. The man smiled. "I am afraid I do not know your name," Kagome added.
"My name is Kouga. I am Prince of the North, and I was invited to the Summer Festival as a Prince. But I would enjoy it very much if you simply called me Kouga," the man, Kouga, bowed, taking Kagome's small hand into his, and laid his lips on the back of her palm. He straightened his back slowly, letting go of her hand in the process.
Kagome's cheeks darkened. She'd never had someone do that before!
"Would you like to dance?" Kouga held out a hand. "Yes, I would," Kagome placed her hand in his, and they walked, side to side, onto the center of the big room, and they began to do the waltz.
"I must say, that dress fits you well," Kouga commented. Kagome let out a carefree laugh. "Why, you flatter me, Kouga. But I must say that this is not one of my best. I have many more that fit me better," Kagome said as she took a step back. "I would like to see you in them, then," Kouga spun her around. Kagome let out another laugh. "I bet you would," she said in mid-spin.
"May we get off the dance floor? I am getting quite dizzy," Kagome stated after a few minutes. Kouga chuckled. "Me too," he led her off the dance floor and pushed back the chair reserved for the Princess. "Where do you sit?" Kagome turned halfway in her seat to look up at Kouga. "Right here," Kouga said as he sat in the seat to her left. Kagome smiled. "I am glad I have someone to talk with," she sat up properly in her seat. Kouga smiled at her, and they dove into conversation.
"How do you like it in Higurashi Palace?"
"It's a bit too big for my taste, but it's fine."
Kagome laughed.
"Oh, really? Well, I hope you will enjoy your room then."
"I do too."
"Kouga, what's it like in the North?"
"Why, it's quite beautiful! We've got mountains dusted with snow, and..."
Kouga began to describe the beauty of nature in his homeland, and Kagome listened to his words carefully, trying to imagine such a wonderful haven.
"May I have your attention?" The Queen's voice interrupted Kouga's own.
The people instantly quieted down as they took their seats.
The Queen smiled.
"Thank you. I am sorry to say the Festival is over for today. But I am happy to announce the Summer Fair is tomorrow. Do not make haste to bring your children! They will enjoy it as much as you will, I assure you! I bid you a sorrowful goodbye, which will be followed with a joyful hello tomorrow afternoon."
The Queen finished and everyone began to retreat to their rooms. "Your mother has quite a way with speeches," Kouga commented as the two walked to their rooms, which were in the Royal Hallway. "Yes, it's been a talent of hers," Kagome began to search for her room. "What is your talent, might I ask?" Kouga searched for his room as well. "Ah! Here is my room!" Kagome completely ignored the man's question, though Kouga brushed her ignorance off his shoulder.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" Kagome looked over her shoulder. Kouga smiled. "Tomorrow," he nodded. Kagome smiled, and went into her room.
Kouga stared at her closed door longingly.