Wow! The initial response I got for this story was a lot more than I was expecting. Almost 30 reviews! People really do seem to like it and that's made me super motivated to continue it! So here's another chapter done for you all ASAP! I'll keep working on my rewrites as well so no worries about that! Anyways, here's the next chapter for you! I do not own the Inuyasha characters! All I own are certain OCs, I.E. Tokuhei, Atsushi, Hatsumi, etc… The rest are owned by Rumiko Takahashi! The plot itself belongs to me, with the exception of some canon mentions and themes!

Morning the next day found Kagome being preened for the morning meal, which Touga would be attending along with herself and her family, and any other nobles in attendance. For that reason her mother had shown up before dawn with several maids in tow, and she'd been pulled from her futon and subjected to much the same treatment as she'd received the day before. It was exhausting, and still somewhat degrading to say the least, that she had to be preened this much in order for her mother and father to find her presentable.

But she was forced to go through with it as she was pushed into the bathing house, scrubbed as if her skin was covered in grime, which it was not thank you very much as she was a very clean female, and then pulled out, forcefully dried and then ushered back to her rooms and forced to kneel in the same position for quite some time while the maids and her mother worked on making her look appealing. It had her wanting to seethe a bit, but she had to hold it in for fear of how her mother would punish her were she to let her feelings known. Her clan did pride themselves on being stoic and emotionless after all…

That was yet another thing that she was not. She was animated, emotive, she wore her heart on her sleeve and let everyone know how she felt about things. It was difficult for her to put on that cold front, if not altogether impossible. Yet another fact that disappointed her parents.

It seemed to be all that she was truly good at in life.

A rather sobering and depressing thought when she contemplated it, but a stern look from her mother had her composing herself quickly.

"I do not know what the Western Lord could possibly be thinking in considering you for a potential mate." Hatsumi started, in a near growl that had her youngest daughter flinching back a bit. "However, you will act proper and dignified! Your father and I will not tolerate you making a fool of yourself as is customary for you. I have no doubts that in the end he will choose Satori, but we do not want you to drive him away with your proclivities!"

Kagome winced and looked away, wisely keeping silent even though the insults were like knives driving into her heart. If she were truly that much of an embarrassment… perhaps it would be best to show the Western Lord the side of her that everyone else disdained.

Surely that would drive him away.

Her time to think and consider such things was cut short, a rough hand harshly pulling her up off the floor so that the maids could shove her into a rich, deep red kimono with gold swirl embroidering. It contrasted beautifully against her pelt, and even her deep sapphire eyes that were lined with a smokey black coloring.

She sighed, causing her ruby red lips to form a small pout. 'At least they've forgone one of those insufferable up-dos…'

Her knee length, thick raven colored hair had instead been brushed through thoroughly, and secured in a simple bun, with jeweled sticks holding it in place. She preferred to have it down if it were at all possible, but apparently until Touga-sama took her sister as a mate and left, that would not be happening any longer.

Hatsumi's voice cut through her musing as she briskly walked to the door, her own silver pelt catching the light filtering in through the open shoji facing the gardens as she came to a stop and looked at her daughter expectantly. "Come Kagome! We will be late if you dally any longer!" And with that she was out the door, without waiting to see if Kagome was following her.

With a sigh, Kagome dusted imaginary dust off of her expensive kimono and then followed after her mother at a brisk pace. It would not do to be late to the morning meal, especially when so much was riding on the alliance that Touga was offering, if her sister could convince him to mate her.

Funny how she never once even considered herself as one who could capture his attention.

She fell into step behind her mother as they rounded the corner to the dining hall, where she could already feel everyone else waiting for their arrival, including Touga. A shiver ran up her spine as she moved through the air which was charged up with his youki, and it made her feel electrified as her own youki rose up in response to it, her beast purring.

The beastial part of her really seemed to like him… This was not going to end well unless she could get it under control.

It was easy enough to do so when they stopped in front of the large double doors leading to the dining hall, which slowly opened with an audible creak, and just like that all attention was on them. Kagome briefly caught several sets of golden eyes staring at her, including her sister who was glaring at her as she hung off of Touga's arm.

He was also staring at her, though with no disdain in his gaze, as was clear in everyone else's. She wasn't quite sure what to make of it, but she was unable to contemplate it much further as she was ushered into her spot, which was conveniently as far from the male in question as was possible to get and still be at the same table.

Clearly her parents were trying to ensure that Touga got as little time to be around her as possible, without going against him. She of course, knew what they were doing and only sighed under her breath and looked away from the male to focus on the meal being settled in front of her.

After everyone's platters were settled in front of them, her father took the first bite which signified the meal being started, and then everyone else followed suit and began eating as well.

"So Touga-sama, how are you enjoying your accommodations?" Atsushi asked once everyone else had begun eating.

"They are quite comfortable Atsushi. You certainly have spared no expense in ensuring that I am comfortable." Touga responded amiably. He currently had his arm being held in a death grip by the older of the two females he'd come here to inquire about, and he was amused by her antics to say the least. She was certainly vivacious, and had no qualms about letting him know she was quite interested in him.

The other daughter on the other hand… Well she did not appear to be giving him a second glance, and that was intriguing to him.

"Of course! One does not take one of the Cardinal Lords into their home and offer anything less than the very best of everything."

Kagome sighed as her father preened, slanting a pointed look at Satori at the tail end of his last comment. It was just another thing that made her doubt herself, but she resigned herself to getting used to it. Truthfully it wasn't something that she foresaw changing ever, especially not in the near future. She would just stay out of the way, and do her best not to draw the Western Lord's attention.

That shouldn't be hard to do right?

Touga cringed internally at how forward the male was being. As an attractive, powerful male himself, he was used to having females being forward with him, and even the occasional male who swung that way. Satori herself was certainly acting part and parcel with how most females did around him, but it was surprising just how direct her parents were being as well. They weren't even trying to hide what they wanted to happen, despite what he'd told them the day before.

Now the seating arrangements made perfect sense to him, though he'd had suspicions already when he realized that the youngest daughter, Kagome, was seated as far away from him as possible, while Satori was given the spot beside him. They were trying to push him and Satori together, while preventing him from having time with Kagome where they could. He was not pleased with that whatsoever, as he'd made his intentions quite clear.

Regardless, he remained composed and friendly on the surface for appearances. "You have certainly provided the best of everything." He replied as he took a bite of his boar, and sipped at the small cup of sake he'd been provided with.

"I am glad that you agree Touga-sama." Her father chuckled as he took another bite out of his own meal, though his expression quickly became contemplative. "So what are your plans for after the meal? Do you intend to get to know my Satori better?"

Gold eyes glanced down at the female hanging off his arm, who met his gaze boldly with her own, then they drifted over to the other female sitting silently at the other end of the table. His mind was made up rather quickly. "No, I think I would like to spend some time with Kagome after the meal. I have not yet gotten the chance to speak to her."

'And I have already spent more than enough time with Satori for the moment.' He thought somberly. The female was beautiful, but cold and he wasn't sure if he liked the way she was so haughty and arrogant.

Everyone at the table stiffened and all conversation died down. It was so silent, that you would easily be able to hear a feather hitting the floor if such a thing did occur.

None were more surprised than Kagome was as she swung dark blue eyes up to lock with liquid gold ones. Her own were wide, and truth be there was obvious disbelief in her gaze as she stared back at the large male as if she couldn't comprehend what he had said.

However none at the table could argue with him, because he was the Western Lord, and what he wanted he could more definitely have. Even if most at the table did not look pleased with this most recent development, their eyes narrowing, but none more than Satori, who swiftly glared at Kagome as if she'd done something wrong.

For her part Kagome wasn't sure whether to be flattered or fearful, so she just bowed in acquiesce to the powerful male. "As you wish milord."

"Very good. I believe we will take a walk in the gardens once we are finished here." Touga replied as he watched her, and contemplated the differences in the two females.

Satori was definitely arrogant and cold, though she was also very beautiful and cultured as well.

While on the other hand, Kagome, while equally beautiful in his eyes, was very subdued and almost seemed submissive to all around her. Though he could not say for certain, as he had not yet gotten to spend any time with just her. Perhaps she could open up given enough time spent in his presence.

He sincerely hoped so.

Unfortunately, he was unaware of just how much ire his refusal had inspired in Satori. As she was facing away from him, he could not see her the way her perfect features twisted up in rage. Rage that was directed at her younger sister, who did not notice it either as she was trying to avoid Touga's gaze by keeping her head bowed.

'I will not allow this… Mark my words my foolish little sister… you will pay for this.' She promised darkly, her thoughts swirling with notions of vengeance and pain she wanted to inflict on her sibling.

Nothing Satori wanted ever got away from her…

And she would not let that start now…

After the morning meal ended, Touga had stood and stood and offered Kagome an arm, which she hesitantly took and was then pulled to her feet and led out of the dining hall and towards where the smell of fresh flowers was originating from.

The entire time the little female's heart was racing, and she couldn't resist stealing glances at Touga's face as they walked quietly down the hall towards the open shoji that connected to the immaculate gardens lining the estate.

She almost couldn't believe… scratch that, she could not believe that he actually wanted to talk to her. It was so strange…

"So Kagome," Touga glanced down at the little female on his arm and gifted her with a devastatingly potent smile. "tell me something about yourself. What do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?"

Deep blue pools glanced up at him in surprise, her heart thumping erratically in her chest. From the amused look on Touga's face he clearly heard it, and that made her want to bristle and growl at him. Luckily she refrained and took a deep breath to compose herself before answering. "Well… I enjoy working in the gardens when I have the chance. I find working with the flowers and getting my hands a little dirty on occasion is nice."

As soon as she said that she snapped her mouth shut and panicked internally. Had she really just openly admitted to… to getting dirty in such a blase manner?

"Is that not what the servants are for?" He asked, chuckling a bit as the female blushed almost as deep a shade of red as the kimono she wore. It was cute he decided, and it made her look more endearing.

A sigh escaped her as she looked up at him sheepishly. "Yes however, I like to help the servants when I can." She admitted slowly, part of her acknowledging that this could very well ruin any chance she might have with the male. He could very well not want a female who lowered herself to doing the servants work. But then again, was she not trying to push him away so as not to anger her family? If so why not continue? "They are quite humble, and I enjoy spending time with them, and they enjoy my company as well. It is much more relaxing than keeping company with the arrogant nobles who come to visit."

"I see." Touga drawled slightly as they stepped out into the warm morning air, and made their way down the steps and into the garden.

Kagome was most certainly surprising him, and it was not in a bad way. He was surprised to hear that an inu female from a noble clan was… lacking in arrogance, and from what he could deduce, had a gentle heart as well. For most others would not even give the servants a second glance, let alone deign to speak to them unless it was absolutely necessary.

For her part, Kagome wasn't quite sure what to make of his comment. It hadn't been dripping with disdain as she'd assumed it would be after she'd admitted something like that. She'd been scolded by her parents enough over the subject to know that they did not approve, nor like her activities.

The sad thing was that it wasn't even the worst of the things she was doing without their consent.

A few moments went by with the two just enjoying the sweet scent of the carefully selected flowers and plants dotting the garden as they walked through them in silence. Kagome grew nervous and glanced up at the male escorting her, only to jump a bit when his gaze caught her own. He was staring at her so intently that it made her want to fidget on the spot as all sorts of thoughts ran wild through her mind, and none of them were the sort that were reassuring.

While he'd been watching her, many different emotions had flashed through her eyes. Shock, disbelief, doubt, and then a flash of sadness, and then all of them were gone as she turned and looked away. Her raven hair shifted in the breeze, a strong swell of her delicate scent hitting his nose and prompting him to inhale deeply.

It was sweet like wild flowers, and possessed a pure undertone, like plants that had been bathed during a long rain. He nearly shuddered when he breathed it in, and his beast rumbled in response to such a deliciously pleasing scent. Unlike her sister, he could tell that her scent was purely her own and not covered by perfumes or overly fragrant cleansing materials.

It made him appreciate her that much more. He detested the harsh smells that accompanied such things. "You have a lovely scent." He complimented her, still breathing it in with his eyes closed so he could truly savor it.

So he didn't see her stiffen and look up at him in surprise. His eyes were closed, and his expression was peaceful as he inhaled deeply through his nose, as if he were truly enjoying her scent as he'd said. It had her lifting her hands to her burning cheeks, and took the words right out of her mouth. She literally could not speak.

No male had ever said something like that to her before. She wasn't used to being… complimented…

When no response came, Touga opened his eyes and looked down at Kagome curiously. She was cupping her cheeks and would not meet his gaze, which had his chest rumbling as he chuckled. "Have you never been told such a thing before? I admit, if that is so I cannot comprehend the notion that no other has been pleased by your scent before."

She sobered a bit at that and sighed. "No… no one has ever said such a thing to me. I suppose it might be uncomfortable or awkward for a female to do so, and since I have spent little time around males besides my father and the palace guards… well… I suppose it is to be expected." She finished quietly.

In truth, there were males that often came around to visit from other clans, or even distant relatives from their own clan, but none had even spared her a second glance. She'd just gotten used to living in her sister's shadow so much because everyone flocked to her, and Kagome herself was forgotten.

No, she'd never been complimented by a male. Nor did she ever think she would.

This was a first for her, and a welcome, yet nerve-racking one.

For she did not want to allow herself to think that she, the plain and unsightly daughter, could even have a chance with such a perfect male. Surely when the inevitable came and he chose her sister, such a thing would end up crushing her.

No, she could not allow this to happen.

A small voice in the back of her mind whispered, 'Why not?'

Surely if there were a chance she should take it, just to get away from the hell she was living in. Right?

'But it will not happen! Even entertaining the idea is ridiculous!' She argued with that little part of herself that was tempted to try, just to see what would happen. It was tempting her to see where this would go. But she wasn't inclined to try. Satori and their parents would skin her alive if she even thought about it!

The male in question broke into her query with an innocent seeming, "Truly? They must have no sense of smell to speak of." He commented as if he was talking about the weather, and not turning the little female's world upside down. Not that he was aware of it.

Kagome spluttered rather unbecomingly, then forcefully composed herself. "Surely you jest, though your humor is quite different than that of most that I have been exposed to."

At that Touga glanced down at her sharply, noting the way she seemed as if she were unable to believe that he spoke the truth. "I assure you, I would not jest with you over such a thing. If I say it, it is because it is true Kagome. Let not the cruel misconceptions of others affect how you see yourself, for it will only render you unable to see you for who you truly are." He responded once he'd composed himself and could speak calmly.

It was not hard for him to figure out that she had such a low opinion of herself because of her parents, and her sibling. They literally oozed disdain every time they gazed upon her, and it even seeped into their scent and tainted it with its' putrid odor. Just thinking about it made his nose scrunch up in disgust.

He was not so inclined to embrace their prejudiced views, as he was raised by his mother to have more tact and a broader way of seeing things. She's taught him not to judge others due to their station or species, or even appearances. Now especially, he was glad that she had raised him as she had, because he could see things as they truly were and not be guided by such trivial misconceptions about others.

She stiffened when he'd made such a bold comment, and she wondered how he could just… know what she was thinking. She'd doubted herself because of everything that had been said to her, and because in truth she was afraid of the repercussions if he did choose her. As unlikely a probability as that was.

Pace slowing, she came to a stop and looked down at the ground, unable to actually look at him. "Why do you say such things…?"

"I merely say what I truly feel." He answered, having figured out immediately what she was really asking. She truly did not believe the things he said to her, which frustrated him for many reasons. One being that he always spoke the truth as he saw it, and had no reason to lie or lead someone on. Secondly, it showed how little self worth this female had, and it was not hard to figure out why it was so.

Female inus were to be treasured, for they were so rare and none should be mistreated, as this one so clearly was. He'd only met her a day ago and he was not pleased with how her pack treated her.

'He merely speaks… what he truly feels…?' Kagome turned those words over in her head, but she wasn't sure how to feel about the implications. Surely if she even gave the thoughts pause and let them take hold in her mind, it would only end up hurting her…

Luckily for her, a familiar aura had her breathing a sigh of relief as Tokuhei rounded a bush and approached them, bowing at the waist to them both once he was close enough. "Kagome-sama, your father requests your presence in his study. I am also to inform Touga-sama that Satori-sama extends the invitation for you to keep company with her in her sitting room milord." He bowed once more in deference to the much stronger male, then straightened and stepped aside so his lady could precede him back to the shiro.

Touga bristled as the small female bowed and then turned and walked away from him, with her guard trailing along behind her. He'd wanted to spend more time talking, and getting to know her. However, it did not appear that he would get the chance this day.

'No matter. I will simply spend some time with her tomorrow as well.' He promised as he made his way back inside the palace, and headed towards the youki of the eldest daughter.

It only took him a few moments to arrive at her sitting room and knock on the thin rice paper shoji, then waited for the female to beckon him to enter.

"Enter Touga-sama." Satori's light, airy voice called to him, almost like the soft movement of silk fluttering in a gentle breeze.

Once bid to enter, he slowly slid open the shoji door and bowed politely to the beautiful female sitting within, before he entered fully and slid the shoji shut behind him. He strode over to the cushion closest to the female and then settled himself onto it, while she gestured for a servant to pour them some sake.

"So how was your… walk?" Satori asked, her expression neutral as she picked up her cup and sipped at its' contents.

"It was enjoyable. I learned quite a bit about your sister." Touga answered, his tone equally neutral so as to give nothing much away about the encounter.

He very much wanted to keep his encounters with both females strictly between he and them, so that nothing untoward was brought about as a result of jealousy. Not that there was not enough of that as it was.

As he watched the beautiful female's reaction to his words, her finely sculpted features tightened in a barely noticeable scowl, but he was easily able to pick up on it even though she was hiding it very well. "It must have been horribly degrading having to speak to her of all females. I must commend you however for deigning to speak to her when most others would not want to be bothered by such an unsightly female." She turned up her nose and snorted in disgust as if the very thought of doing so herself was enough to make her ill.

Lips pulling down in a slight frown, Touga stared at the female intently though he said nothing in response as he sipped at his sake.

"Why is it that you would even give her the time of day when you could have me?" Satori purred, her eyes bright and alight with interest, and barely veiled arousal. It permeated the small room, soft and delicate in its intensity, yet still strong.

It told him a lot about this female, one thing being that she was not innocent. While that did not bother him, her attitude certainly did, and he had no bones about letting her know. "I came here to get to know both you and your sister, so I would very much appreciate having the opportunity to do that, not listen to you bad mouth your own flesh and blood for personal gain." He snorted, completely ignoring her scent though it was calling to him as any aroused female's would.

Liquid gold eyes widened in shock, the emotion showing clearly on Satori's features as she drew back away from Touga. No male had ever spoken to her in such a way, and most definitely not when she was showing interest in a dalliance with them. She didn't know how to respond to it, and she had to forcefully school her features back into her cold mask. "Very well then. I will not bad mouth her as you put it." She humphed, and then turned back to sip at her sake.

"I did not mean for my tone to be biting, but I did not come here to involve myself or take sides in a family dispute. I came here to find a mate Satori, be it you or your sister." He deadpanned and sipped at his own sake, finishing it off and then calmly sitting the cup down.

This female was ill tempered, but he wanted to give both a fair chance even if things with her had gotten off on the wrong foot. Perhaps she had some redeeming qualities somewhere inside her, at least he would sincerely hope so. "Would you care for a change of topic milady? I find that I would like to hear about you, your hobbies or even some of the goings on that you find of interest in your home?" It was quite a task to make his tone of voice seem interested and not agitated as it had been prior, but due to the fact that he was genuinely wanting to know more of her, it was doable.

Bright, magenta lined gold eyes slid over to rest upon him. This subject was one that she could work with, though she was seething inside at his earlier demands, she could not under any circumstances afford to mess this up.

So she plastered on a rather convincing smile and nodded at him amiably. "Of course Touga-sama. Let us see…"

He listened with avid interest as the female started talking about herself, her likes, and some of the things going on that she found amusement in.

It was more enjoyable to him than the squabbling he'd been subjected to so far…

Much better…

I figured this was a good place to cut it off! Since I didn't want to subject you all to Satori's self centered crap! R&R and let me know how you liked it! Hopefully you guys like this chapter as much as the first one! I'm working on some twists and turns as well!