A/N: I do not own any characters and/or places from the Inuyasha series. I look forward to reading reviews and ratings! I'd like to see how this story is received and/or if there's anything I could change to make it better. So please please please R&R!
Also please note that larger gaps between paragraphs signal a POV change or time skip. Happy reading :)
Lord Inutaisho stared down at the men kneeling before him. He knew the decision he needed to make, but it was a difficult one to voice.
He was holding his yearly tribute court where all the villages on his land would send representatives with a tribute from their village in payment for his protection and assistance when needed. Usually it would be a portion of their coin earned or crops farmed. A gift for a noble visitor to his court was also acceptable, though extremely rare. The most uncommon gift was a concubine of a higher standing family in the village, usually a daughter of the chieftain. One could not be offered if the male in question had a mate or a marked concubine, but if a noble visitor happened to be visiting his court that was not mated or hadn't given a mark, a concubine could be offered. If Lord Inutaisho accepted the tribute, the visitor, no matter what title they held, would be forced to accept it as they would have to abide by the rule of whose ever court they were in. For this reason, only nobles who did not mind expanding their harem or were mated would travel during the time tributes were being accepted.
Unfortunately, his son Sesshomaru had arrived to take care of business regarding a trade route that ran through both their lands. He had neither taken a mate, nor given his mark to a concubine.
This fact brought Inutaisho to his current predicament. While Sesshomaru was present, he would have to accept any gift offered to him that was accepted by Inutaisho. Almost every village refused to offer a daughter as concubine to him any other time he had been present for fear of him abusing their daughters. This year, however, the chieftain of one of the villages on Inutaisho's land had died. Now the man who had taken over until Inutaisho could appoint a new chief wanted to give the previous chiefs only daughter to Sesshomaru. His claims that the villages winter stores were low made it impossible for Inutaisho to refuse, though he knew his son would hate being forced to accept a human concubine.
That he was willing to sacrifice the woman whose marriage would mean he would have to step back from the title of chieftain made Inutaisho suspicious, but his hands were tied. The decision had to be made, and even if an investigation brought to light any crime on his part a concubine could not be returned. The law stated that any woman given as a concubine could not be given back. This was to protect the women. A concubine was considered a males 'wife' in all but status and name. It was entirely acceptable for these women to lay with their masters. However, if one was returned after losing their purity they would be shunned and possibly stoned.
Inutaisho sighed inwardly and finally answered. "Very well. The tribute offered by your village will be accepted." He motioned a servant forward and softly gave instruction before dismissing the men. As more representatives came forward, the servant took the young woman out of the room and the men who brought her left. It was several more hours before he closed his court for the day. When he had dismissed the last of the men he turned to Sesshomaru and requested his presence in his office.
Kaiya followed servant that led her out of the great hall. She was still shocked and a little confused by what had happened that day. Everything seemed to be happening so quickly in recent weeks. Her father had died only a month before, and things had been changing ever since. One of the men who had always helped her father take care of the village, Koro, had taken over until the Lord appointed a new chief. She herself had no time to morn just trying to survive without help, and stay out of the men's notice. Usually they paid her no mind, but she hadn't wanted to chance anything with her father and only protector gone.
Then this morning Koro had gone to her asking if she would like to travel with them to take that year's tribute to the castle. She had agreed if only to have some distraction from her life for a day. When he had then offered her as the villages tribute she had been too shocked to react, though she would have had no say to begin with. Since he had basically taken over as chief she was forced to obey his decision.
Finally they came to a set of double doors and the servant stopped to push them open. Motioning her inside she looked at Kaiya and said, "Lord Inutaisho wishes you to bath before I take you to Lord Sesshomaru's chambers. Wash yourself, and I will be back with a new kimono for you to wear. There is unscented soap on the shelf. Use that."
Kaiya nodded and slowly stepped inside the small bath. When the doors closed behind her she took a moment to glance around. There was a small pool of water in the back large enough for a person to bathe. There were a few shelves lining one wall that had various jars with soaps and linens to dry with.
She took a deep breath, and then slowly began disrobing. Once she had slipped into the warm water her body automatically began to relax. As the tension left her, her mind began whirling with her situation. Without her father there was nothing for her back in the village, and she would not be allowed back anyway. If she was resistant, she was sure it would only bring difficulty and possibly pain on herself. Her only option was to accept her new fate. It would be difficult to submit to this demon, but she would try her best to hopefully minimize any coming hardship and pain.
Though she was still frightened and nervous for the future thinking everything out had a calming effect on her. She finished her bath and was drying herself when there was a brief knock on the door. The same servant from before pushed the door open just enough to hold a kimono for her through the crack.
"You must hurry, Milady. I'm to take you to Lord Sesshomaru's chamber. He has left the castle for the moment, but you need to be waiting there for his return." Kaiya hurriedly grabbed the simple kimono and slipped it on. When she was finished the woman led her down several hallways until they finally reached another set of doors. "Go inside and await Lord Sesshomaru."
Kaiya nodded hesitantly and slowly slid the door open to step inside.
Sesshomaru entered his chambers through the balcony. It was well past dark and no light shinned inside, though with his demon eyes it was easy to see. His eyes tracked around the room and fell on the lone figure curled up on some cushions in the corner. He moved to stand above her as he contemplated her future.
This was not a development he had ever contemplated. He had made sure that rumors of his hate for humans spread so any family would refuse to think about sending their daughters to him. It was obvious the men that had given her as tribute had no care as to what became of her. His father had already spoken to him about her care, but to be honest he didn't even care enough to mistreat her as his father assumed. Contrary to the rumors he spread, he didn't so much hate humans as he was indifferent to them. His only concern was doing his duty to those under his protection. Other than that he couldn't have cared less.
This situation, however, would mean he had to treat her differently. It would now be his duty to ensure she was taken care of. He would always do his duty no matter how much he wished he could just give it to another. He would not allow others to look down on him for leaving her care to another as he saw with some of the lower lords.
This decision he had already come to himself, though, and was not what troubled his mind as he stood over her. What he took the most exception to was his fathers' suggestion to formally mark her.
To mark a concubine was in essence claiming her by leaving a trickle of his own power in a bite mark at the base of her neck. It was the same type of mark as a mating mark, but the power exchange was significantly less. With a human, the power would manifest into an almost living tattoo. The design was varied with each demon bloodline as well as the individual, so his mark would be similar but also very different from his fathers. The mark would protect her from other males, as well as ensure she stayed loyal to her master.
If that was all there was to it, Sesshomaru would not be so reluctant. However the main reason for marking a concubine was if a demon wished to have children off her. The mark gradually changed her bodies' hormones to be more receptive to a males' heat cycle; the only time where a male could impregnate a female. The mark also ensured that her body could withstand the strain of carrying the infant by strengthening her womb. With out this mark or a mating mark, the mother would die in childbirth if not sooner.
Sesshomaru would not even consider it if his father had not made a very valid point. Now that he had to accept this woman as a tribute, others might be more open to sending their daughters to Sesshomaru in the future. This situation was exactly what he wished to avoid with the rumors, but it would all be for naught when they realized he would do his duty to take care of her.
The woman moaned softly in her sleep and shifted under his gaze. He watched her for only another moment before turning to his own bed. He would give her the mark if only to avoid having others sent to him. It would be his responsibility to ensure he did not take her when he came into his heat.
His business with his father would be concluded in their meeting the next morning. After that they would leave for his castle. He would wait to mark her until after they arrived.
Kaiya woke to a gentle shaking. She looked up groggily to see the same servant from the night before above her. "My Lady, you must get ready now. Lord Sesshomaru wishes to leave as soon as he finishes his meeting with his father." She said.
Kaiya sat up and rubbed her eyes as the servant stood to the side with another simple kimono. She helped Kaiya slip it onto her shoulders then led her out of the room where a guard informed them that Lord Sesshomaru was already awaiting her outside. Kaiya shyly returned the servants bow before following the guard down some hallways to the courtyard where she finally saw Lord Sesshomaru standing next to a large two headed dragon. Her eyes widened as she stopped abruptly causing the guard who had stepped behind her to draw up short or risk running into her. She blinked as she took in the huge beast.
Sesshomaru turned to look at her as the guard nudged her forward. Kaiya lowered her head and walked forward slowly, stopping just in front of her.
"Do you have any belongings?" he asked. When she shook her head he gripped her arm and pushed her up to sit sideways in the dragons' saddle. She sat stiffly, nervous to be on such a strange beast. Sesshomaru slid up gracefully behind her and wrapped his arms around her to grasp the reigns and guide the dragon up into the air.
Kaiya squeezed her eyes shut and unconsciously pressed back hard against Sesshomaru's chest. Normally such close contact would frighten her, but at that moment she was focused more on the dragon and shrinking land beneath them.
"What is your name?"
Kaiya jumped at the suddenness of his voice above her, but refused to open her eyes as she responded. "Kai…ya…my…lord." She struggled softly to force out. Years ago she and her mother were attacked by demons. Her mother was killed and a demon was crushing her throat by the time her father arrived. It healed, but she still had difficulty speaking. Her soft reply seemed to be enough though as she heard a soft "Hn," before he fell silent for the rest of day.
Sesshomaru signaled a halt about an hour after sunset. The woman was drooping with exhaustion in his arms and her stomach had not stopped growling since that afternoon. Surprisingly she had not offered a word of complaint. She sat quietly before him, sometimes tensing at a sudden movement or gust of wind. Traveling this way would take them another day to reach his lands, and he knew they had to stop for the night so she could eat and rest.
After Ah-Un landed Sesshomaru had one of the soldiers find food for her. The other two soldiers scattered into the surrounding trees to keep watch. When Sesshomaru turned back she had already slid from the saddle and was tiredly looking around. Sesshomaru turned away, and sat at the base of a tree, using the trunk to lean against. He closed his eyes until Sai returned with a skinned rabbit. Sai started a fire several feet in front of Sesshomaru and put the meat on a stick to cook before disappearing with the others into the trees. Sesshomaru watched her only long enough to make sure she ate then closed his eyes.
Kaiya sat close to the fire and stared into the dancing flames tiredly. She was exhausted even though all she had done was sit on the flying dragon. She didn't realize she had begun to nod off until she jerked awake to the smell of burning meat. She quickly pulled the stick away and waited for it to cool. After a few moments she took a tentative bite and sighed with relief at finally eating something. She finished her simple meal quickly, and then curled up as close to the fire as she dared. The heat wasn't much for such a small fire, but it was sufficient in warming her enough to fall asleep until it went out about two hours later.
Her own shivers woke her and she sat up, glancing around groggily as she hugged herself. Sesshomaru hadn't moved from his place against the tree. Kaiya sat huddled into herself trying to conserve what little heat she could. In another half hour all her heat was gone and her muscles were stiff with cold. Finally she sucked up her courage and stood to walk over to Sesshomaru. When she stood in front of him she paused, not knowing what to do. She jumped when his eyes opened and stared at her.
She didn't need to say anything for Sesshomaru to know what she wanted. She was shivering violently and her eyes were shinning with unshed tears. When he opened his eyes she lowered her heard in hesitation.
"Lay here." He ordered, raising his right arm to indicate where. She raised her face at his words and hurriedly kneeled next to him, laying her head on his thigh and facing away from him. Sesshomaru stared down at her in slight surprise as she shivered and cuddled closer to his leg. He had meant for her to lay next to him, not on him, but he supposed it made no difference. He unwound his tail from his shoulder and allowed it to wrap around and under her body to keep her warm. Her eyes blinked open sleepily and she smiled slightly as the warmth slowly sank into her body and lulled her to sleep.
When Kaiya next woke, they were already in the air and his tail was still wrapped around her. She shifted in the warm cocoon and closed her eyes again, still feeling sleepy. Suddenly her safe haven was interrupted by Sesshomaru retaking possession of his tail. She gasped softly as she was once again left victim to the cool winds. "We arrive soon."
Kaiya looked back at him, but he continued to stare ahead. When she glanced around she noticed to low position of the sun, surprised it was so late. She could see his castle not too far away. It was nestled into a small mountain with a forest surrounding it in the front and sides. She could see it had at least two stories and from what she could tell it was just as large as his fathers' castle.
They approached the walls that surrounded the outside yard. There were several guards roaming the property as well as outside the walls. From some of their coloring she could tell they too were demons.
They passed over the walls and began to descend into a small courtyard. There was a servant waiting there who took the reigns for the dragon after they landed. Sesshomaru surprised her by turning back to help her down. After that small consideration, he seemed to ignore her, turning to walk into his home without bothering to check if she followed behind him. She had to run to keep up with his long strides and listened as he gave orders to some soldiers that stood waiting for him. It seemed like he was making preparations to leave again immediately. After speaking to the soldiers for a moment he continued on further into the castle and up to the second floor.
When they reached a pair of doors, he pushed one open and waited for her to catch up and enter before addressing her. "You will stay in here until I return." With that, he strode out and shut the door behind him.
Kaiya stood blinking at the door for several long moments, then breathed a sigh of relief that she was being left alone. She wanted some more time to herself to come to terms with her new surroundings before trying to face him. Though he had been almost kind to her the night before, she knew not to expect it. Her life would be decided by what he desired.
She heaved a sigh, disheartened by her negative thoughts. She glanced around at the large, spacious chamber. The bed was set in the corner farthest from the door and seemed big enough to fit ten grown men. When she sat on the mattress, it softly enveloped her, and the many furs and pillows seemed welcoming.
Across the room were shelves with various small chests and statues. The beautiful pieces drew her inexorably across the room. She was just reaching to examine one when the door opened suddenly. She spun around, a gasp catching painfully in her throat and sending her into a coughing fit that brought tears to her eyes.
"How dare you enter Lord Sesshomaru's chambers!" A middle aged woman hissed from the doorway. "What do you think you're doing? Stealing?!" She fairly flew across the floor and snagged Kaiya's arm in a painful grip. "Come with me."
Kaiya tried to voice the explanation on her tongue, but the sudden cough had made her throat too sore for her meager voice to come out. All she could manage was to shake her head at the woman and try to get her to stop.
"Guards!" the woman yelled. Kaiya flinched away from her as two guardsmen appeared within moments. The halls were almost barren of life except one or two servants they passed who were cleaning. Their eyes followed the scene that was progressing with avid interest.
"This servant girl was trying to steal from the masters' quarters. Give her 20 lashes, and then take her to the kitchens. She can work there away from any valuables." The woman ordered coldly.
Kaiya's eyes widened in horror and she began struggling in earnest. The guards didn't even seem to notice as they dragged her down the stairs and outside to one of the side buildings. The room they entered had a dirt floor with chains attached to one wall. Tears welled up in her eyes as they forced her kimono down her arms to let it hang at her waist, and then secured her wrists into the cuffs above her head.
At the first sting of the whip, her eyes squeezed shut and she inhaled sharply through her nose. At the fifth, her mouth opened in a silent scream. By the tenth her eyes fluttered close in a dead faint.