Disclaimer: I'm a sad little poor hobo with nothing but a computer and bad grades. So sue me.

Authors Notes: My first story. Scary shit. Please review if you can bring yourself to do it, and if you don't like it , press back. I'm a huge fan of Inuyasha, and I'm a huge fan of Inuyasha/Kagome relationship. I love them together, Inuyasha especially. Please, enjoy my first story, I'm always happy to read reviews and I'm open to CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. I love romance and everything that goes with it, so expect those 'special' moments and DRAMA! LOVE DRAMA!

Your Majesty, I am Yours

Chapter One: Leaving Home

Grey clouds laced the skies everywhere in the Kingdom of Victory, Taisho. An epic war had ended, and a time of peace begun. But peace came with its price. A lost of a great ruler, teacher and warrior had come, and the whole kingdom grieved. Not out of fear of a country with no king, but out of sorrow and sadness of a kingdom with no father. InuTaisho was not only a demon with no evil, but a loving husband to his human wife. They loved, truly and deeply, always being a pillar of strength to each other in their own way. They fought through prejudice and discrimination, and in the end, earned their rightful respect as a devoted couple. His wife was named Izayoi, and she served as Queen to the people of Taisho. She was like a breath of fresh air to the citizens of InuTaisho's country. Many assumed her to be afraid and soft in fear of the demons of the land, but Izayoi proved herself to be a confident and wise Queen, helping her husband with many important problems and troubles of Taisho.

They never hid anything from each other, and they soon were rewarded with a beautiful child. They named the child Inuyasha. InuTaisho brought his son up with pride, teaching him all his skills and sharing the secrets of his life. Izayoi served as the obedience teacher, instructing Inuyasha how to grow to be a gentleman, and teaching him the importance of honor and family. Throughout the years Inuyasha grew to be headstrong and confident, running the palace with intelligence and command. InuTaisho used to joke that his son's Kinglike abilities would soon overthrow his own. They shared a special bond that not many fathers and sons have. It wasn't just love and adoration they had for each other, but also respect and loyalty. Though Inuyasha was young and stubborn at times, InuTaisho saw the leadership that grew in his sons eyes day after day. He used to watch Inuyasha sit on his golden throne and imitate him when nobody was looking. Of course, his father saw and it made him incredibly proud. But even though Inuyasha had so much to prove and show InuTaisho, he wasn't going to be able to.

Now, Izayoi stood by her husband's casket. Her eyes were downcast, her expression calm. She knew that she needed to show strength and courage in this time of darkness. But Izayoi also knew it would not be easy. Her emotions ran amuck inside her, pushing hidden tears to the rims of her eyes. The tears threatened to fall, but Izayoi fought them. Beside her stood Inuyasha, now a tall young man and his face held a hard stern expression which everyone knew to be a shield protecting his hurting soul.

"Oh Inuyasha…" He lowered his head and held it beside his mother's. Inuyasha tilted in affectionately and whispered in Izayoi's ears.

"It'll be okay mum. He's in...in a better place now." Inuyasha fought his trembling voice. His arm was wound tightly around his mother's small shoulders, giving a light squeeze, not only comforting her, but himself also.

The ceremony was beautiful. It was held in the Plains of the Great, a graveyard for the Royals and the Noble. The edges of the sullen plains were adorned with black poisonous wisps which only part for invited guests. The rest of the visitors stood away from the plains, but were close enough to listen and watch. The whole country was dressed in black, showing respect to their beloved king. Not one smile was present on anyone's face. Trees draped the edges of the wisps, illuminating the agony and heartache felt throughout the nation.

The King's casket started to rise slowly from the ground, levitating above a chasm dug before the ceremony. A priest stood at the foot of the grave. Miroku, friend and advisor to the king and Inuyasha, began to recite the Royal Oath.

I shall not be fearful on the battlefield

Never will I run from a weapon struck

Fighting with honor and pride

In the name of my king, InuTaisho

I will always love and cherish the people I still have

And remember those who may leave this world

But Forever I will serve you, Oh faithful King

To the ends of this Earth, wherever that may be

Let me be your right hand and your silver armor

Let me be your sword and the courage of your heart

I will hasten to your side whenever summoned

And fight with valor and loyalty

I bow before you now my King

And I declare

Your Majesty, I am Yours.

Miroku bowed his head in remembrance of his King and the rest of the nation followed in suit. A cold wind blew through the Plains, whistling a soft unrecognizable tune. The song caressed the ears of all, especially Izayoi and Inuyasha. The Queens lips began to tremble, and Inuyasha tightened his grip on her. The Kings casket began to lower into the ground, slowly disappearing from sight. It landed softly, and triggered an extra tear in Izayoi's eyes which pushed her over the edge. She couldn't take it anymore. She wanted to reach deep into the earth and pull her beloved back. She fell to her knees and dug her nails in the soft soil. Izayoi's head was lowered in desperation as her violent sobs were heard from afar.

The whole nation could do nothing but watch and understand the pain the Queen felt. She had lost her husband. A friend and a lover. Droplets of tears landed silently on the dirt as Inuyasha kneeled beside her and brought her shaking body back into his. He embraced her with strength and security, placing a large gentle hand on her. Inuyasha soothingly stroked his mother's back, comforting her the best he could. Izayoi wept into his chest and held the fabric of his clothes tightly in her small quivering hands. The pain was just too much for her to keep inside.

The Queen's maid Sango and priest Miroku hesitantly looked at the shovels, then the shaking Queen. But with a look from Inuyasha, they both began to shovel the soil into the grave. Inuyasha possessively held his weeping mother, and continued to stroke her, not wanting her to feel like she was alone. At that moment, Inuyasha vowed on his fathers grave to make his mother happy, by any means possible. Inuyasha knew what he was now expected to do. His golden eyes burned with mixed emotions of fear and sadness. He knew he was the rightful heir to the throne, and he knew that the only cure to this broken Kingdom was hope. Ultimately, that hope would need to be him.

Kagome quickly stuffed all her belongings onto a small square cloth.

"Clothes, food, okay what else…" She hurriedly scrambled through her belongs as she quickly processed in her mind what she needed. Soon, her little green cloth was almost filled to the edges. She tried, with no avail, to tie the corners of the cloth to form a little bag.

"Oh please… fit, fit, FIT!" With a final push of frustration, Kagome stopped and gave in.

"Well there goes one change of clothing… well, it's not like I'm going to a ball…" Kagome looked stared a painting of a young princess on the wall. "But it doesn't mean I want to smell like a pot of body odor…" She chuckled to herself as she threw a set of shirt and skirt away. With the new loss of clothing, the cloth closed easily and Kagome was finally ready to go. She scrambled out of her room, careful not to knock anything over as she escaped. She tip-toed softly past her mother and her brother's room and quickly made her way down the grand stairway.

"Now… the hardest part…" She lifted her head to face the entrance door. "To walk through there… and never turned back."

Kagome walked with determination as she stepped closer and closer to the wooden doors. They stood at least 3 times higher, which meant that it probably was going to make a noise louder than a whisper. Kagome opted for the small marble door that was on the right of the main entrance. This door was used by the servants. She hesitantly pushed the lever down and the door clicked open. A soft breezed graced over Kagome's face and her hair followed the trail left by the wind.

"Here goes nothing…" With her eyes closed, Kagome sharply took one big step out and slammed the door behind her. With a big sigh Kagome exclaimed, "That just destroyed the purpose of being quiet…" Suddenly, she saw a light turn on through a window above her. Kagome swiftly ran and dived behind a nearby bush. Two maids poked their heads of the window, both holding a candle in their hands.

"Did you hear that Natsuki?"

"Yes… maybe a bird flew into the door or something…" answered Natsuki. Man is she dim, thought Kagome. I always knew she wasn't one you should ask for advice. The two inquisitive maids quietly shut their window, but not without one last look. Finally, they were back in their rooms. Kagome waited for the candle lights to go out before moving away from the safety of the bushes. Keeping a sharp eye on the castle, Kagome promptly jogged away from her home, which soon turned into a head on run.

She had done it. Now she was off to the King's castle to find what happened to her father.

"I said enough is enough!"

A coarse bellow was echoed down a King's hallway as the Prince stood up from his throne. "No one is to delay the coronation just because I have no wife!"

"But sir…it is the law of Taisho. No king is King without a Queen. Unless the Queen is deceased after the wedding or the mother of the prince has passed on… no new king can claim the throne without a wife."

Inuyasha stared with ferocity down onto his whimpering advisers. All of the men kneeled in utter fear of the young prince as they recited the laws of Taisho. "Please sir… understand that these laws have been in our country since the rule of your great-great-grandfather. Even your father followed—."

Big mistake.

What followed was a bit of a blur to the advisors, but the result was every one of his advisers being thrown out of the throne room, piled on each other and all of them groaning in pain and discomfort. Never mention the late King in front of the prince. That lesson was learnt the hard way by the advisors.

Inuyasha was left alone in his throne room, steaming away like a kettle boiling water. The one man with enough stupidity and bravery to enter the room now was right outside the door. He chuckled lightly at the pile of wounded advisers as they tried to regain stature and poise, all of them giving fake laughs to the passing servants. Miroku opened the door slowly and stepped in before closing the door behind him.

"I take it you didn't like the news the advisers had for you." Miroku walked towards his old friend and continued; "Now if you ask me, I think you everything capable of running this country as well, if not better, than your ancestors, but the law is the law. You must have a wife… unless your mother steps down voluntarily.

Inuyasha lifted his head and looked out the window on his right. Sun rays glossed the marble floor of the room as the trees outside the castle waved tenderly in the faint wind. Inuyasha slowly rose and faced his friend. "I would never ask my mother to step down from the throne." His voice was calm and composed, contrary to his bellowing tone a few minutes before. "She's done too good of a job to stop now."

"And you don't feel ready to follow in her suit? Don't joke with me Inuyasha, for I know you better than most in this castle." A glint appeared in Miroku's eyes. "You have been waiting for this moment ever since you popped out of your mother's uterus."

Only Miroku could get away with referring to Inuyasha's mother in that manner without getting beheaded. But it didn't mean his head didn't suffer. Inuyasha quickly slapped him over the head before walking past him without a word. He then stopped halfway and turned with a relaxed expression. "I know." Inuyasha continued to walk towards the door. "But no matter what, I don't want to marry a woman I cannot respect. To be honest, I want to be in your position, engaged to marry the woman of my life. You're a lucky bastard you know. No other woman would tolerate you like her."

Miroku's eyes softened at the turnabout of the prince's mood. He was happy with his engagement, Miroku knew that he wanted the best for his friend, but was it love, or the throne? He decided to have one more joust. "Well my friend? What say you? Shall the dashing Prince Inuyasha take a beautiful bride? Or, will he remain a prince until his mother steps down?

Once again, Inuyasha stopped, just in front of the door, but didn't turn his head. "Keh. " With that, he opened the door and disappeared from the priest's sight.

Miroku softly laughed to himself. The prince's choice of words never seemed to disappoint him. "I guess I should round up the ladies."

Muddy shoes splattered through puddles of water as the sun shone brightly in the sky. Kagome Higurashi walked through the end of the forest and came to the edge where the castle was able to be seen. Kagome released a heavy sigh as she finally saw her destination.

"Finally…" She puffed as she lent on a nearby tree for support. "I can see you." Kagome looked onto the castle with bright eyes and a grateful smile. It was truly a sight to behold. But Kagome had no time to take in its beauty. She still needed to pass through the Taisho central city before reaching the castle gates. The reason for Kagome to come to the castle is a small one. To find her father. Mr. Higurashi had been missing for almost a year now. He left his family and joined the King's campaign of protecting the country's southern gate. He was a respected General of the Royal Army, and a right hand advisor to the King during battle. He was expected to return with the dead king's body, but was no where to be found. He was considered dead 2 days after search parties were sent out. But no body was found. Kagome's whole family had made peace with it. All but herself. She insisted on meeting with the prince to demand a new search party to be sent out, but her mother would hear nothing of it. Her brother Souta was also upset by Kagome's persistence. One night, he just stormed up to Kagome and told her to pay respect to her father, but Kagome did no such thing. So, recently before Kagome ran away, their relationship had been estranged.

Kagome picked this time to run away because she knew someone who resided in the castle. Though they were not the best of friends, Kagome was counting on her charity to get herself into the castle and join the King's court. She also knew another, her dear friend Sango, but she wasn't sure if she was in the castle at all. Sango was the daughter of the King's weapons advisor. They knew each other because their fathers would hold many meetings to organize for upcoming battles. Sango was always like an older sister to Kagome, protecting her wherever they went.

Kagome walked past The Wall of Names, recently made in honor of the warriors who died in the war. She glanced up and down the walls, looking for names she could recognize, but was abruptly interrupted by a collision. Kagome fell to the ground as the person she bumped into stood like a statue. A low growl emitted from the stranger.

"You watch out where you're going!" The sun burned behind him so his whole front body was engulfed in black. Kagome struggled to stand up, silently cursing at the rude man. When she finally got onto her feet, bright blue eyes bore into her own. This man was obviously a demon, with a bushy tail and fangs. His black hair was tied up in a high ponytail and he stood with arrogance, his hands held firmly on his waist. Kagome held no fear of demons, though her mother did warn her that a little fear was advisable. But Kagome was always a stubborn daughter.

"I'm sorry sir, but if you were watching where you were going, you would have known to move, so we are both in the wrong here. Good day." She tried to make a quick exit but a strong hand suddenly caught her arm.

"Hey now, it's not like a young lady, who is wearing peasant clothing, to answer back to the Prince of the Wolf Tribe." A cheeky smile spread across his face. "I like a girl with a little spunk. What's your name?"

Kagome's eyes widened as the man's smile grew bigger. She looked up to face him. "Your… Kouga? Prince Kouga?" Suddenly, Kagome felt her cheeks redden. She just spoke back to a royal! Well, in all honesty, she was correct, but it still wasn't going to save her the embarrassment. Kagome knew what was to come next. Some form of blackmail… great.

"So… name?" Kagome slowly lifted her head. This man was treating her like a piece of meat! To hell with blackmail! Kagome tried to think of something smart to say.

"I… reserve the right to not tell you" Okay not the best reply… but better than nothing.

"Well it seems you know owe me an apology, seeing as you rudely exclaimed back to me. You also owe me a future acquaintance." Kouga gave her a sly look. "Don't you want to know what it's like to date a prince? And a damn good-looking one at that." Kagome's eyes widened even more in shock. This mans ego was bigger than the sun.

"Your not getting a hint of an apology. Maybe a slap on the face will suffice." Kagome instantly changed from a somewhat fearful demeanor to a confident woman.

Kouga laughed heartily and answered. "You sure are a feisty one. I have never met a woman who looked me straight in the eye and told me I was wrong, let alone threaten me. I need some excitement in my life, and I think you might be it." Kouga considered himself a god. Kagome knew his type. She's met plenty of them back home. When Kagome's mother forced her to attend balls with her, she was always approached by unsuspecting, arrogant snobs who had no respect for women. They would simply demand a dance from her with their nose held high in the air. Of course Kagome had none of that, and would quickly reply with a simple 'no'. Those gentlemen would be troubled for days.

She sniggered to herself at the recollection, and Kouga realized that she wasn't paying attention to him. Why was she not listening? I'm a prince! He decided to reclaim her attention with a elegant cough. His father used to always do that when he wanted an advisors attention. It didn't work, so Kouga tried a more physical approach. He reached out and glided his hand down her arm. What a way to show whose the man. She instantly shifted backwards away from Kouga. Kagome's eyes darted towards to Kouga, with a glint of annoyance. He flinched at her daunting appearance. Such confidence? Who was this woman? I have always mastered the art of flattering woman. Why was she not responding?

"My name is of no significance, because you will not have a further acquaintance with me. Now if you touch my arm again, I will scream at the top of my lungs and everyone will think you're attacking a small fragile human girl. Either that, or I will injure your reproductive organs with great power." Kagome flashed a defiant smile towards him. "Do not touch me if you would like to produce heirs in the future. I bid you farewell Prince Kouga." She gave a small bow and walked of. That was fun. She made a mental note to herself to be more aggressive towards men. As Kagome walked off and carried her bag, she could feel a flustered prince watch her from behind. He probably still didn't know what had hit him. Hopefully she didn't run into him again.

Kagome walked through the busy city. Small stands and signs were put everywhere, advertising their goods. Kagome could smell all the food being cooked for various customers… and she was hungry. But of course being a silly forgetful young woman, Kagome failed to bring money. Way to go Kagome. She mentally kicked herself as she struggled to march pass the tempting stalls. Young children played amongst the crowd, and some even took a little sample of the food. Kgome smiled as they ran past her, filling the air with their innocent laughter.

Kagome continued to follow the road until she came to the end of the road. A brown dirt path was all she had now. She walked up the hill and finally, as she reached the top, Kagome saw the castle. It was monumental with small ponds dotted around the gates. A lake was to the right of the castle, and behind, Kagome could see little bits of the famous Rose Maze Garden. She froze still at the beauty of the building. The gates didn't disappoint, standing at least 30 feet from the ground. Two guards stood at either side of the open gate. They didn't seem to bother anybody… until Kagome tried to waltz through the gates.

"Eh you! What do you think your doing? Not just anyone can enter the castle!" One of the guards walked forward with his sword in hand. "What business do you have here?"

Kagome, frightened by the guards, suddenly blurted out the only connection to the castle that could help her. Even though this connection wouldn't give a care in the world for her safety.

"My cousin Kikyo invited me here."

"Madam Kikyo? Hah!" snorted the guard. "Why would Madam Kikyo have a cousin who's a peasant? Leave now stupid girl. And take your silly jokes with ya'h."

"Do you all call her madam here? My that's dull." Kagome screwed here eyebrows together. "She's no madam… more like an ice queen if you ask me." It may seem presumptuous, but she wasn't far from the truth. Ever since young, she and Kikyo have been compared in every aspect of their lives. In beauty, skills and even manner. Kagome was lively and careless, always voicing her opinions when they came to mind. Kikyo was more reserved and stoic. Never once did she raise her voice towards others. She preferred the method of offending her enemies with personal and acute pain. Kikyo was invited to the castle 3 weeks ago. She had acquaintance with one of the high lords, Lord Naraku. Kagome didn't know much of this strange lord, but she did suspect an unusual connection between him and her cousin.

"I think you will find that not just any filth from the country can enter this castle. This is royalty here!" The guard waved his hand to exaggerate. "ROYALTY!" This Neanderthal started to snort at his own amusement. "You, miss, are not royalty. No you… are dirt."

Through burning eyes, Kagome glared at the guard. She couldn't keep it in any longer. She knew she had to say it in order to get into the castle. Truth is, Kagome had been trying to keep her real identity secret. What would the country do if they found out one of the richest daughters in all of Taisho ran away from home? But this thick guard had finally broken through her. First the egotistical Prince, and now a short and stout idiot. Kagome was not in a good mood.

"My name is Kagome Higurashi, and if you do not let me past this instant…" Kagome squinted her eyes with deadly feeling at the guard. "You will not like the outcome."

The guard was taken aback by the sudden spark of confidence that Kagome obtained. Before Kagome could go through with her threat, an old friend appeared before her.

"Am I dreaming, or is that really you?" Kagome tilted her head to see the one person she longed to meet in the castle.

"Sango!" Kagome ran and flung her arms around her. "Oh how have you been?" Kagome put her at arms length and admired the changes in her friend. "You have gotten skinnier… and more beautiful." Sango blushed and chuckled at her friend.

"You always say that every time you see me! And you! Return to your post. I'm going to have a word with you afterwards." The flustered guard quickly ran back to his position, muttering a prayer as he went along. Poor guy. Sango looked back and smiled warmly at Kagome. "Your mother sent a letter to inform me that we should be expecting you." Her eyes widened in astonishment.

"My mother? But I ran away! How could she know I was coming here?"

"Obviously you're not very good at the running away business. It goes to show how much your mother knows you. Anyway, we have prepared a room for you, and your mother has sent your clothing to us. So you have no need for the pathetic looking sack you have on your back."

Kagome smiled sheepishly as she lowered her bag to hide it from her. "Well, Sango won't you tell me how you've been?"

"I'll walk you to your room. We have so much to talk about."

"YOU'RE ENGAGED?! TO WHO?!" Kagome squealed in delight as Sango tried to calm her friend down.

"Shush Kagome! Do not forget you are in the Royal castle." Kagome quickly slapped her hand on to her mouth and peered both ways in embarrassment.

"Sorry… but really! Tell me who this lucky man is!"

"Okay… but promise me you won't shout again." Kagome nodded feverishly, wanting desperately to know the answer. "I'm engaged to Miroku."

Kagome forgot what the word promise meant.

"WHAAT?!" This time, Sango slapped her hand onto Kagome's mouth.

"Quiet Kagome! Sheesh, it's no big deal."

"But this is the guy who couldn't stop feeling your butt! First you slap him in disgust, and now you marry him?! I think you need to work out your dating processes."

"No Kagome… It's more than that. Remember the Autumn ball last year at Hojo's mansion?" Kagome looked upwards before nodding in remembrance. Sango continued. "Well… Miroku took me outside to the garden…"

"So that's why you weren't in the ballroom! You left me alone with Hojo you know!"

"Yes, yes I'm sorry. But anyway, he just started looking out into the garden. He didn't talk until a few moments later. I was so confused during those few moments. But then he spoke, and he told me that he was thinking about the future, and me."

"My God that's corny…" Sango glanced at Kagome with annoyance. Kagome cleared her throat. "Ahem… continue."

"Well, he said that in this future he saw, it had me in it, and he told me that it wasn't something that could be easily erased. He said that he needed to have someone he could trust at all times by his side. Then he turned around, and I swear he looked like a God under the moonlight. He looked at me so intensely, as if he was going to say something really romantic. He told me his heart was, and I quote, mine to keep, and asked for mine in return." Kagome squealed again, but in a softer tone.

"And you said yes?"

"Of course! Do you know how happy I was? I couldn't stop smiling the whole time I was with him. He took me on a romantic walk in the moonlight, and not once did he touch my butt! We started courting, and just 2 weeks ago, he asked me to marry him!"

Kagome laughed as they reached her room. "Well Sango, I've never seen you blush so much in such a short period of time. I'm happy for you. Even though he is a pervert, he's a good pervert. That sounds strange… but you know what I mean. Congratulations!" She hugged her friend and turned to open her door. She walked into a large bedroom. The King-sized bed was adorned with baby pink drapes which were attached to the ceiling. A wooden wardrobe stood opposite her bed on the left, and the sun shone brightly through the balcony window. Kagome could see the Roze Maze outside, and she reminded herself to explore it sometime during her stay. This room was more that Kagome expected for a surprise visit.

Kagome stopped daydreaming when Sango tapped her on her shoulder. "You should get ready soon. Your maids will be here in a few minutes, and I need to go and get dolled up for the ball."

"Ball? I'm invited to a ball? I've just arrived."

"It's in the King's ballroom, and it not just any ballroom. It's the Golden room Kagome, the one that was designed by the King before he left for the war. I'm sure the Prince and Queen won't mind you there. I'll be surprised if they even notice you there. Over 100 people are going! Anyway, just be ready by 7 o'clock. I'll be here to pick you up. You can finally have a decent conversation with Miroku too."

Sango walked towards the door but suddenly turned to look at Kagome again. "Oh! And it's a masquerade, so bring a mask. You have 25 to choose from in your dresser." Sango closed the door behind her, leaving Kagome alone in her room. She walked over to her colossal bed and fell back onto it with a soft thud as the perfectly made up bed sheets wrinkled. Kagome looked at her wardrobe and thought to her self. How was she going to find out about her father? Should she ask the Prince? That was the reason why she came. Would the Prince actually know anything about her father?

All she knew for certain was that she had no idea which of the 25 masks she was going to choose to wear to the ball.

AN: Don't worry. Next chapter, Inuyasha and Kagome romance. back soon.