Disclaimer: Sigh… Edward Cullen… if only I could own him *sigh* No I don't own him… or Inuyasha… *sob*
Author's notes: YUSSSSS!!!! OKAY! I'm sorry this took so long, but I had exams, which I don't study for anyway. I just want to say, as a writer, one review can change so much. So I want to thank the 5 most awesome people on this planet at the moment, kagome-hime-sama, Diamond369, Danny Girl 8093, MeiunTenshi and XxBLACK-MAGICxX. I don't think a lot of readers understand the power of a review. I really felt happy when I read the reviews. I believe it can really improve a story just because of how it affects the author. Even I will review more now that I know the wondrous feeling of reviews. So THANK YOU SO MUCH! I give you all a big loving virtual hug. :]
There's a moment at the end of this chapter, and I just want people to try to think of the Phantom and Christine while they sing The Point of No Return… that was what I was listening and singing while I wrote that part. If you haven't seen the Phantom of the Opera, you should, though the movie doesn't have the same intensity as the stage. The singing is also quite dismal compared to the stage version… but it's better than nothing. Gerard Butler was quite good in it though, but I watched the Melbourne stage cast and that was amazing. Anthony Warlow rocks my socks man.
I also want to express my love for EDWARD. Lol Edward from twilight. If some of you haven't read twilight, please please read it! Though it is a bit obsessive… I have a feeling some of you are into that kinda stuff XP I am soooo into it. The movie is coming out and I truly am excited about it. But I have some doubt about the girl who plays bella… no offense, but she seems a bit stiff for a bella. Well, I'm not saying that should be set in stone, but I don't have a good feeling about her. We'll see. :D Love Robert Pattison though… *swoon* very sexy. Hehe ^o^ Okay READ.
Chapter Two: Control
It didn't feel right. Kagome laid spread out on her cloud-like bed, her hair streamed out messily across the bed. Her dark ebony hair contrasted the angel white blanket or her bed. Kagome stared with distant eyes at the ceiling, finally able to think by herself, peacefully. Did she really do the right thing, running away from her home? She only left her family a note of explanation, and even in the note, Kagome only bothered to jot down a few sentences. Only now Kagome thought about the consequences, and she groaned at the thought. Always stubborn. She'll never learn.
"At least now I can die knowing I did something in my life." She muttered to herself. Kagome then shot up from her lying position. "The Rose Garden!" She finally remembered the view she saw before when she was outside the castle.
Kagome ran straight to her monumental bedroom doors, having to use her weight to heave the door open. Obviously the purpose of the doors were to imprison their rich victims. Kagome poked her head out swiftly to check the surrounding servants. They all seemed not to notice her presence, so Kagome stepped out hesitantly. She tried to close the door, but it was even harder to pull, so she turned and jerked it with her weight again. This time, it closed with a loud blast. Kagome just stayed in her position with her eyes wide and fearful. But she didn't hear the silence she expected. Kagome slowly twisted her head around and watched in amazement. Not one head was faced in her direction. They all had completely ignored her. Wow, talk about hard-working.
Kagome took this opportunity to walk briskly down the wide corridor, and tried to muff the sound of her footsteps. She reached the stairway and ran straight down, trying hard not to trip over her own feet. When Kagome reached the bottom, she looked to see another flight of stairs. How high up am I? Kagome again ran down the stairs, a little slower this time. This is my exercise for today. She finally set foot on the bottom floor and looked up slowly, not wanting to see another set of stairs. She didn't. Instead, she saw a large number of servants running feverishly about the castle. Kagome thought about it, realizing that they must be preparing for the masquerade tonight.
Kagome tried to slow her breath as she anxiously glanced around to look for a sign of any kind of garden. She found a window and walked towards it. Kagome peered outside and saw… a lake. Kagome shook her head in defeat. This castle had a way of making you feel like an ant. The lake was beautiful though, Kagome thought. A very small island was plotted in the middle of the lake. It was about as big as her room, receiving shelter from the large Sakura tree that was planted at the centre. The tree was not in bloom but Kagome made a note to herself to try and visit it when it was in bloom.
Kagome peeled herself away from the window and look around the hall again. She saw servants going in and out of several doors, and she could see even more servants inside the doors running around like a fire was lit underneath them. She could feel the heat of the kitchens and she saw the intensity of the servants. They didn't even have enough time to acknowledge her existence. Kagome sauntered amidst the hectic crowd, trying not to get in their way until she reached the other end of the hall. She saw another window, and through that window was her reward. The Rose Garden was elegantly situated outside the castle. Kagome turned around to see what side of the room she was. She was at the back of the room. Kagome turned back and eyed the maze intently.
"Don't move." She said to the Garden. It only took her a second to feel utterly stupid for talking to a garden. On the other side of the window no less.
She glimpsed to either side of herself, looking for a door. She saw two on each end. Great, now she had to make a choice, and with her luck, she'll probably pick the door to hell or something.
Kagome veered to face the window again and closed her eyes. Right…Left… Right… Right! Kagome turned to her right with rapid speed and walked straight ahead with no second thoughts. She clasped her hand on the cold golden doorknob and turned with enough force that she almost broke the poor door.
Kagome stared dumbly with her mouth wide open into the room. It contrasted the hall in so many ways. The hall was a rich golden yellow color, while the new room was a soft white and silver color. The new room held a regal demeanor and had numerous windows on each side. Rogue mellow rays of light shone through, illuminating the window frames on the pale marble floor.
In front of one the windows, standing in perfect stillness, was a man. His mind was obviously somewhere else since he did not notice her intrusion. His handsome face stared outside the window. His eyes were kind and calm and his expression was innocent. His eyes were filled with a pool of topaz, shimmers of light gleaming inside. His mouth was slightly opened, and his slow gentle rhythmic breathing echoed throughout the room. The man's hair was a wondrous silver color, flowing down to his waist. Atop his head were two adorable dog ears that twitched absently while he gazed. Kagome just stood in awe of his attractive features.
He was beautiful.
Suddenly, an ignorant servant carrying a large stack of clattering boxes accidently knocked Kagome inside the room. The loud noise and disrupting gasp erupting from Kagome brought the man out of his angelic trance. Kagome fell to her knees and groaned loudly. The door behind her, no longer supported creaked shut. The sound of the door finally closing made Kagome's head shoot up. She stared intently as Inuyasha stared back. Her eyes were wide in shock, and his slightly wide but not as afraid as Kagome's. Her mouth slowly grew to an 'O' shape. Inuyasha decided to break the silence.
"Who are you?" Kagome immediately closed her mouth. Shouldn't he have asked if she was okay? She really had a knack of running into rude men. Kagome's perfect vision of the man was quickly shattered.
"Kagome Higurashi." Kagome gasped quietly to herself. Why did she so readily tell him her name? But she couldn't resist his velvet voice or his striking eyes.
Inuyasha arched a perfected eyebrow at her. Kagome Higurashi? Relative to Kikyo perhaps? No way could she be her sister. As much as he dreaded her interruption he did notice her natural beauty. Her wide chocolate brown eyes and her small full lips complemented her pale heart-shaped face and black night-like hair. Her hair was in a messy fashion, almost like she had just woken from sleep. It was tied up into a loose bun with a red ribbon wound round. This woman could not be a sister of Kikyo. Her beauty was so organized and… predictable. Always calculated, without error, but always boring. There was nothing natural about it.
"Kagome Higurashi… in connection with Kikyo Higurashi?"
Kagome pulled a face when she heard Kikyo name. Another non-Kikyo gesture. "Unfortunately yes. I am her cousin. God forbid, if I was her sister, I would be walking around with a pineapple constantly up my behind."
Inuyasha fought a smile when he heard her remark. He couldn't agree more.
"Maybe you should watch your words when in the presence of someone important." Inuyasha smirked. He was giving hints to who he was. But Kagome seemed to have woken up on the stupid side of her bed.
"Hah! Kikyo? Important?" She scoffed. "More like self processed importance…" Kagome shifted her weight to her hands while she stood up with care.
"I gather you don't like Kikyo very much." Inuyasha took slow steps towards Kagome's small figure with his arms crossed arrogantly across his chest. Kagome peered warily at him as she dusted her skirt. What really was wrong with her? Why was she a magnet for egotistical narcissistic men? As Inuyasha's tall form soon loomed over her, she instinctively straightened her back and raised her nose.
"Who are you anyway?"
Inuyasha smirked. "Someone you should know by now."
Kagome scowled. "I don't know… you don't seem like someone anyone would want to know."
Inuyasha's smile vanished. "Excuse me?"
Kagome's mood suddenly lightened. She was starting to get to him. "I sorry. I just think you don't have any…" She looked him up and down mockingly. "Class."
Inuyasha glared with venom at the small woman who stood before him. She dare insult him? Granted she didn't know who he was, but she should have noticed his ears! Was she not afraid of him, a demon? Kagome decided to take advantage of his momentary lapse in shock.
"Usually a man who is able to make a woman stop in awe of him would have more flair. You know. Finesse." Kagome giggled softly, pulling her small delicate hand to her mouth. "A man of refinement and style would, for example, help a woman who had fallen in surprise."
Inuyasha remembered to close his gaping mouth. "Keh! I would have helped a woman, if there was a woman present." He accented the 'if'. Inuyasha's face unconsciously moved closer to Kagome's.
Kagome too inched her face closer to his until she could feel his hot breath on her cheeks, but she didn't notice. "Well, maybe you should bask in my womanly glory, however small it is, because it's the closest you'll ever get to one." Her eyes narrowed with added electricity.
"I can't bask in something that's not there can I?"
Both Inuyasha and Kagome heaved in anger with their faces only an inch apart. They remained there for a few moments until their hormones took over. They both gradually realized the close proximity of their faces and quickly retreated, turning their head to hide the red flushing blood rising to their cheeks.
"Ahem, well, um, shouldn't you be leaving to get ready for the ball?" Inuyasha sputtered. He involuntarily spun his head to look at Kagome with puppy eyes. "You are going? Aren't you?" He could hear the earnest in his voice, and quickly recovered to his former tone. "I mean… don't want to leave the women without an extra dance partner."
Kagome shot him a malevolent stare. "I am going by the way, but as a woman."
"Well, cross-dressing is becoming more and more accepted everyday."
Kagome rotated her whole body to face him with her fists tightly clenched. "Beats being a pecker-faced snot." She swiftly spun around again and marched toward the door. She didn't even know what pecker-faced was, but Kagome wasn't about to let him know that.
Inuyasha turned to her retreating body in astounded anger. As she was walking out the door he shouted after her. "Hope you can find a suit big enough!" She slammed the door shut with as much power as she could muster.
Inuyasha then finally released his imprisoned laughter. He couldn't explain it, but that woman seemed to put a smile on his face. She wasn't like any he had ever met. Not one ounce of fear swam in her coffee brown eyes. Maybe if she knew who he was, the future King of Taisho, but Inuyasha had a strange feeling that it wouldn't scare her for long.
The ball that night suddenly held a pleasant taste and Inuyasha was ready to bite into.
"Why are there so many!" Kagome growled angrily as she frantically sifted through her newly found collections of clothing. She never remembered buying so many sets of ball gowns… let alone so many sets of make up. Suddenly Kagome felt an 'I-told-you-so' aura feed off her. An image of a smiling mother entered her mind, and she found all her answers. This was a chance for her mother to force Kagome to wear all the ladylike things she refused to wear at home. Kagome sighed in defeat and continued to search for a suitable dress to wear. It was really actually that man's fault. Kagome threw a pink dress against the wall with extra force in lieu of tearing it up.
How could such an insufferable man exist?! She pelted a pair of candy pink shoes behind her. It hit her door with a loud thud.
"Argh! Damn pink!" Everything to Kagome's eyes was extremely… frilly. No edge was left bare, covered with lace and everything wickedly sweet. She wrinkled her noise in disgust.
While Kagome recklessly dug her way through the mountain of clothing that had fallen out of her closet, she suddenly caught sight of a dark emerald green dress buried underneath the frills and pink lace. Kagome tentatively pulled the dress and held it in the air at arms length. It had a dark green corset top adorned in black lace and satin linings. The skirt of the dress, which was the same color, flared out with a black spider-web over-skirt. Two black lace gloves were tucked neatly into the dress. This dress was perfect, thought Kagome, and she immediately looked around for the pile of masks she threw away earlier. When the pile was located, she quickly chose a simple black mask with straps so she didn't have to hold it up manually. Kagome quickly undressed and tried to put on her gown. But she realized that putting a corset on without any help wasn't an easy task.
"Right… should've known that..." Kagome tried to hold the dress up while stumbling messily over to her dresser. She paused in front of the mirror and stared at herself. Now that man was really going to see her for what she was. A woman. Kagome tilted her body and gave a seductive slant at the mirror. As Kagome was admiring her reflection, Sango walked in. She was dressed in a silver masquerade costume with a black and silver mask that had a fan of grey feathers on one side. Her dress had small puffy sleeves and crystal beaded earrings.
"Kagome! That dress is beautiful! Where did you get it?" Kagome quickly swung around and banged loudly against her dresser in surprise.
"Sango! Could you knock?" Sango completely disregarded Kagome's comment and walked forward to look closer at her dress.
"Where did you get this? It gorgeous!" Sango's voice elevated to almost an octave higher when she said 'gorgeous'. "Did your mother send it to you?"
Kagome proceeded to pull away from Sango's Iron-Fist grip but was to no avail. "Obviously- she- -well she- Let go of me!" Finally Kagome was released from Sango's grasp and was able to turn around to look herself in the mirror. "I thought you were going to be here at 7:30." Kagome peered at the grandfather's clock in the mirror. "It's… um…" She tried to read the reflection correctly. "6:30! You're an hour early." Kagome felt strangely relieved that she read the time right. A soft giggle rumbled from Sango as she advanced to tie up the back of Kagome dress. "Well done genius." She pulled the strings of the first notch and squeezed a little squeak out of Kagome. "It is 6:30." She pulled another notch, so Kagome squeaked again. "And you know why I'm here at 6:30?" She then pulled two notches this time, earning a doubled squeak. "Because…" She swiftly tightened the last notch with, what seemed to Kagome, superhuman strength. Kagome stopped breathing, and she didn't know if it was in subliming terror or because she actually couldn't breathe. Sango looked at Kagome in the mirror. "I'm going to do your make-up, and you're going to be the best looking woman out there."
At times like this, Kagome did panic in the hands of her exterminator friend.
"What a stud!" A cocky Miroku marches into Inuyasha's room as the prince put his shirt on. "I didn't know the prince could dress up as the prince! Now isn't that dandy…" Inuyasha rolled his eyes as he buttoned up his shirt. "Mean while, I get to dress up as one of the three musketeers. Look at my hat! And my wig! God…" Miroku held his head down in defeat. "I look like a poodle."
Inuyasha chuckled at his friend's surprisingly negative opinion. "You look like an engaged poodle. That's all that matter's, correct?"
"Yeah, well, it is still pleasant to look like a handsome man. What is the point of being one of the three musketeers if there's only one?" Miroku gestured at his costume. "Are you telling me you don't want any of this?"
Inuyasha raised his sculpted eyebrows and held both hands in front of his chest defensively. "Okay, let's not get into this. I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings here." Inuyasha curled one of Miroku's white wig strands delicately around his finger. He gave Miroku a skeptical look, but he only shrugged in response.
"What? Some woman like it!" Miroku waved Inuyasha's hand away. "It doesn't matter anyway, now that I have my precious Sango safely in my hands. Now only I can touch her!
Inuyasha took cautious steps around his friend and his bizarre moment back to the mirror.
"You still look like a poodle though."
Miroku's eager eyes darted to Inuyasha's back then his whole body slumped downwards.
"Damn it all…"
Inuyasha could only shrug. He finished with his buttons and ties then walked past his friend, patting him on the back. "Don't kill yourself over it." Inuyasha picked his black mask off his desk. "At least you actually get to hide your identity. No one will know who you are. To them, you are just a handsome, and very secure, man poodle." He put the mask over his eyes. "Even if I where this thing, everyone will still know I'm the prince."
"Man poodle? You better not tell anyone else that. That kind of name will stick you know."
Inuyasha chuckled and adjusted his black mask. "Well, I would rather be a man poodle than a lame prince. How can I dress in the same disguise every year and not earn at least one bad remark?"
Miroku walked over to Inuyasha and but his own mask on. "That's because you are a god. You're perfect in this Kingdom. You have no need to hide who you are." A small smile crept onto his face. "You are the higher being. Everyone else is inferior." Inuyasha could sense the sudden change in atmosphere. It was as if tonight was one of the most important nights.
Miroku's cheerful disposition suddenly changed to a somber and serious expression. "Everybody looks up to you. You are an unreachable character that all in this Kingdom can only dream to be. You are the one who can solve everything. You are the one who has no doubt or fear." Inuyasha shifted uneasily at the pressure ensuing from Miroku's face, wanting to turn away, but being held by an invisible force that didn't allow him to break eye contact. "That is the role of the King. That is who you have to be."
Inuyasha didn't have time to recover from his friend's sudden change in temper, for as quickly as Miroku changed from playful to serious; he returned to his usual merry self. "Now, shall we go? Everyone is waiting for your grand entrance." He glanced at Inuyasha's golden clock sitting still on the wall behind him. "7:15. I think I'll go and double-check everything, just to make sure that tonight will run smoothly." Miroku gave a mischievous wink. "Don't be late now." He quickly exited the room, leaving a surprised Inuyasha, staring listlessly into nowhere.
To be the higher being. To be perfect. The thoughts of his monumental responsibilities as a King scared him like no other. No monster, no demon could instill in him the fear that his job as a king could. He wasn't perfect. He wasn't different from anybody else. He was born the same as his people were. He was a young man, seeking a satisfying completion in his life. Many others did not know what they would become in the future, but Inuyasha knew. He had known since the moment he was granted life on this earth. He was going to be the ruler of the Kingdom of Taisho. He was going to carry the weight of a country's burden on his shoulders. He would make the decisions that could either lead his country to their ultimate ruin, or to their glorious victory. One mistake and the blame would have to be taken by him alone. He was no more than a character to his people. He was a symbolic individual that the people could either praise or condemn. Everything done would be by his hand. Would be by his decision. By his word. But all these duties and commitments did not have to be fulfilled alone. There was another supporting role. Another character that served to not only the people of the Kingdom, but also their King. Someone who could dwell deep into the God's mind. Someone who could influence the King like no other. His right arm. His partner in life.
His Queen.
"You know Sango, with the amount of make-up you put on me, if I crack a smile the layer of make-up will split!" Kagome exited the room with a bellow. Sango had just finished Kagome's make-up, and it wasn't really much. Just a lot compared to what Kagome was used to wearing, which was effectively none.
"Calm down Kagome! A didn't put anything on you! It's hardly anything!" Kagome swirled around and glared fiercely at her current enemy.
"My face feels like plastic!" Though it was more than usual, Kagome knew herself that she was blowing it completely out of proportion. Kagome was just about to rant more to Sango when an exclamation interrupted her.
"Don't worry Miss Higurashi, you look beautiful! My, Sango you are good!" A low male voice was heard behind Kagome, and with a look just as penetrating as her anger, she slowly turned around and came to see a strange man dressed like a Popsicle stick in a feathery hat which was the size of a hippo.
"Who. Are. You." Miroku flinched under the power and toxicity of Kagome's menacing scowl, but was saved by the voice of his beloved. Sango walked past Kagome and gave Miroku a soft kiss. Kagome's eyes instantly widened in understanding. Sango turned around and stood arm in arm with Miroku.
"Kagome, I would like you to meet Miroku, my fiancée."
Silence ensued for the next few moments as Kagome stood still like a statue.
Nothing could have prepared the two lovers for what came next. Or what didn't come next. Kagome stared in disbelief as the couple wore brilliant smiles on their faces. Her best friend, a demon exterminator, born from a long line of demon hunters, was in love and engaged to a man who looked like he was born from a pile of frills? It took a very secure man, and silly man, to wear his extravagant costume that was endorsed with everything her mother would have dreamed of. Suddenly her world seemed to stop. But Kagome didn't react like she usually did. No scream or shriek was emitted from her mouth. No acts of angry violence on breakable objects were executed. Just… shock.
Miroku and Sango stood and smiled for what seemed to be hours, until Kagome finally regain her composure. She dusted imaginary lint of her dress and recollected her self. She held her head low until she suddenly looked up. A bitterly sweet smile was adorned on her face with sickly sweetness seeping through each and every one of her teeth.
"I am happy for you two." With that she took a step forward and held her hand out. Sango and Miroku stepped in time with her, only backwards. They still had their strained smiles on their faces in fear as Kagome continued. "Now take me to the Golden Ballroom. I do expect to arrive on time." Miroku, unable to perceive the fake smile for what it was, happily took her hand and led her and Sango away. "I do hope they have alcohol at the party."
Now Miroku understood.
The three began to walk with Miroku cheerfully leading the way. Because Miroku was in the middle, Sango couldn't see her friend's expressions, rendering her unable to whisper to her. Surprisingly, Kagome broke the uncomfortable silence with a question.
"So, tell me Miroku, how is life treating you? What is it like to be the luckiest man in the world?" Married to a demon exterminator.
"Thank you for inquiring Miss Higurashi! My life is almost perfect indeed. It could only be made perfect when Sango and I say the words 'I do'" Miroku seemed immortal to his sugar-coated words, while Kagome cringed at the sweetness of his sickly talk. She could only choke out.
"How… nice." Kagome quickly turned away from Miroku to gag. Really Sango? Though Miroku did not notice her response, Sango predicted it and rolled her eyes.
"So! How about you Miss Higurashi?" Miroku piped up. "Seen any suitors that might interest you?"
Kagome glanced at Miroku then turned ahead to see the approaching entrance of the ball. "Um…" She began to space out as she thought of her encounter with the rude man. She didn't even get his name! How was she to find him? Kagome then started to think about what she saw before his mouth opened. His silvery hair, his cute little ears, and his entrancing topaz eyes.
Miroku and Sango both bent forward to stare at Kagome in wonder. The both looked at each other then shrugged. Miroku didn't know what he did, but it seemed Miss Higurashi's mind was occupied elsewhere. Kagome continued to ponder as they finally reached Golden room. The massive French doors were open and warm air radiated from the opening. Kagome broke from her trance to gaze at the wonder she saw.
"Welcome ladies, to the Golden Room." Kagome didn't even hear Miroku properly as she stared in awe of the room. As they walked through the doors, it felt like a portal to a fantasy world. Many character in their magnificent costumes dance around in a trance. Kagome's head tipped from side to side as she tried to absorb the dream she had entered. Sango and Miroku looked at each other with a strange passionate look and started to break away as they ventured off to a side door.
"Ah… Kagome! Miroku and I are going to check on dinner! Will you be alright? We'll come and find you when dinner starts!" Sango said as she walked away.
Kagome began to object but they had disappeared.
Kagome then faced the crowd. She then realized that they were all staring at her. She could then feel the distressing feeling of being the centre of attention with people she had no connection with. Kagome slowly walked down the staircase trying to keep her smile as genuine as possible. She could hear remarks like 'who is she?' and 'wear did she get that dress?' being whispered among the crowd.
Kagome then caught sight of the one man she did not want to see. He wasn't very well hidden because of his tail and his cocky grin. Kagome's stomach plummeted in fear. Prince Kouga stood in the middle of a circle of young desperate maidens. He was doing his usual flirting when he saw her on the top of the stairway. He, like everybody else, stood still and engulfed the sight of Kagome in her emerald dress. He then feverishly asking around, as if desiring her name.
Kagome continued to walk down the stairway, looking away from Prince Kouga. She then took time to admire the ballroom. It certainly lived up to its name of being golden, with the walls painted a very soft golden, not too metallic, grasping a more light yellow color. Four wide wall mirrors stood at each end of the ballroom, placed at least 6 feet from each other. A colossal majestic chandelier hanged from the ceiling with dazzling diamonds suspended from its ends. A band was located on a stage next to two very splendid looking thrones. In it sat two obviously very important people. One she knew was the Queen, who wasn't wearing a mask. She had on a blue Victorian dress and a sparkling crown. The man on the other throne was what truly intrigued her. He was dressed in a simply suit and tie, and wore a very plain black mask. He had long silvery locks that were neatly kept, and, from what Kagome could see, was very handsome. He sat with a very regal stance and held a dominant demeanor, not allowing any sense of vulnerability to be derived from him. The man was also gazing at with a smug grin on his face. A brainwave suddenly hit her. It cannot be him! Kagome reached the marble dance floor in shock, and the whole crowd continued with the evening. Kagome wearily walked around the crowd not breaking eye contact with the man, seeking an edge or a breathing hole. She muttered several apologies to people she bumped into until she came head to head with the most anal person in the room.
"I can recognize that patronizing voice from a mile away, Miss Higurashi." There stood the uptight self-confessed Queen of the world. Kikyo was dressed in a beautiful black dress. It was covered with black lace and her gloves were of the same design. Kikyo wore a silver mask with black feathers at both ends. She did look beautiful, but she opened her mouth, and all hell broke loose.
"Please refrain from causing a disturbance here Miss Higurashi, for you are not in your world anymore." Kagome didn't even merit a look from Kikyo as she swiftly walked past her. What is up her butt? Kagome was left alone once again in a sea of dancers, and at a loss of what to do. Suddenly, she was blessed with another visitor, but this time, he didn't know who she was. Inuyasha tensely gripped his armrest as he saw Prince Kouga trap Kagome. Why was he so annoyed by the wolf?
"My sweet princess, are you alright?" Prince Kouga swung her around so that she was on her back leaning on his arm. His face was dangerously close to Kagome's, but she was holding onto him for dear life, unable to slap him away. This almost made Inuyasha clench his armrest into dust.
"I-I am. Thank you." Kagome tried to free herself from his grip, but he held her strong and still. "Please… let me go."
Kouga flashed a grin and pulled her up into the normal standing position. He then forced her to dance the waltz with him, living up to his overbearing ego.
"So, Miss Higurashi," Kagome flinched at her name exiting his mouth. "You are new here? I have been told that you are the cousin of Miss Kikyo Higurashi?"
"Uh, yes… sir… Prince… Kouga." She pulled a disbelieving look at her own stupidity.
"Ah, how interesting. Why do you come now? I do not believe you were with the group of suitors that came in competition for the hand of that mutt of a King. I would remember you, such a beautiful woman. It would be a crime not to."
Kagome looked up in disgust. "Did you just call the King a 'mutt'?"
Kouga looked down at Kagome with a cocky smirk. "Did I say King? I meant Prince. He is no King yet."
"He will be one day. He will be the most powerful King in the land."
"Power is in the eye of the beholder miss, and my eyes do not see him fit to be called 'powerful'."
Kagome looked back down and decided not to push any further. She knew nothing about this man and didn't want to get into a heated argument with him. She spared a weary eye at the man sitting upon the throne. Why did she defend him so readily?
They continued to dance, and Kagome noticed that he was a very skilled dancer. The steps that he executed, and brought her along with, were extremely intricate and precise. Kagome was all of a sudden thankful for the dance lessons her mother forced her through.
Kouga seemed to enjoy being the centre of attention, having the most mysterious girl in the room in his arms. He tried to pull Kagome closer to him, but her body instantly refused and pulled away. Kouga quickly retrieved her with a smooth spin, which resulted in him bringing her body even closer than before. He was obviously well practiced.
Damn Him.
Kagome shifted uneasily in his arms as they performed more flamboyant dance moves. Kouga brought her full-circle on the dance floor then back to the middle, smiling and grinning at the admiring crowd. The audience had created a space for them to dance, much to Kagome's embarrassment, but she continued to follow him. She looked tentatively at the man she was dancing with. He was beaming. He really did love the attention. Kagome was abruptly brought to a stop as Kouga spun and stooped her until she was leaning backwards from him, her neck bare. The music ended and Kouga brought his lips to her exposed neck, leaving a light kiss. Kagome's head shot up in shock as Kouga grinned again, his pompous pride gleaming through. Kagome was pulled up and she bowed in suit of her partner. He reached out to clasp her hand and they both turned to face their clapping audience. Lucky they were clapping, as Inuyasha's protective growl emitted from his throat. The Queen peered at her son in surprise.
"Dear? Are you okay?" Izayoi eyebrow crinkled elegantly in worry.
Inuyasha continued to eye the pair as he answered. "Yes mother. I'm fine." He then realized he was sitting on the edge of his seat throughout the whole dance. "I'm just… hungry." Yeah, hungry to rip that wolf to pieces.
"Well, shall we call for dinner then?" Izayoi glanced back to the still bowing pair. "We've had enough dancing for now."
The Queen stood and pulled a beautiful smile. "Now that was a wonderful performance, but let us stop for dinner! Please exit to the dining rooms next door. And please, may I request the lovely couple at my table?" Izayoi wasn't blind, and she knew her son very well.
Inuyasha eye's widened in shock and looked at his mother. He then quickly looked back. Kagome was peering at him in shock as well. They both locked eyes for a moment before Kouga brought her out of her trance. Inuyasha followed her figure as she exited the room. Izayoi held out her hand to her alarmed son.
"Shall we?" Inuyasha blindly held out his arm for Izayoi to clasp as they left their thrones. This really was going to be the most interesting dinner of his life.
When Izayoi and Inuyasha arrived at the dining room, most of the residents had already sat down. Around fifty people were seated. Most of them were friends of Izayoi, but a lot of them were woman wanting to be the future brides of Inuyasha. They reached their table and sat down. The Queen sat at the end of the table and Inuyasha was at her right. Inuyasha saw Kikyo and her minions sitting at the opposite end of the table. He looked up and saw Kagome and Kouga walking towards them. Izayoi instantly stood and reached out to Kagome.
"My dear what is you name?" She greeted her with a friendly smile as Kagome sat down.
"Uh Kagome Higurashi." Kagome sat down opposite Inuyasha and carefully avoided eye contact. "I'm a friend of Sango."
"Ah yes Sango! She recently got engaged to my son's advisor! How wonderful!"
"Ah yes. They seem very happy." Kagome sat down and adjusted comfortably. Kouga sat down with his chin up next to her.
"Hello, Your majesty. I simply must compliment you on your decorations. They are absolutely splendid! Such vibrant colors and creativity! I am truly astounded!"
Both Inuyasha and Kagome rolled their eyes and the same time. Talk about kiss up. Their eyes found each other and they looked intently at each other through their masks. Kouga continued complimenting the Queen until dinner arrived. As they were eating dinner, Inuyasha and Kagome kept their head down and found amazing interest in their foods. Only the Queen was able to grasp their attention.
"Miss Higurashi?" Kagome looked up, and Inuyasha naturally followed, as if her every move was to be mimicked by him. "Where did you learn to dance like that?"
"Oh, it wasn't me at all! It was mostly Prince Kouga Madam. I simply followed."
"No no no! Miss Higurashi do not be so modest! She really was magnificent wasn't she?" Kouga exclaimed with excitement. "She has a fantastic sense of style and skill, I was most amiably astonished!"
Kagome looked at Inuyasha and waited for his remark… but none came. He once again found something interesting in food. She pursed her lips and continued to eat. She and the Queen conversed easily throughout the dinner. Inuyasha remained silent for the whole dinner making angry glares at Kouga. Kouga returned them in favor.
When dinner was finished, the whole dinner party except their table left the room to dance again. A fervent song began to play and sang through the doors. Kouga stood and was about to ask Kagome to another dance, to her dread. But Inuyasha abruptly stood and eyed Kagome from his height. The noise of the chair scraping along the ground caught Kagome's attention, her eyes almost eager.
"Miss Higurashi, may I have the this dance?" Kagome stared in shock as Inuyasha's faced remained determined. Kouga casted him an angry glare and Izayoi just looked absolutely delighted. The whole dinner table came to a halt as they watched the drama unfurling in front of them. Kikyo almost swallowed her spoon in the process.
Kagome eyed Inuyasha with scrutiny, but the part of her she didn't know was there made her decision for her.
"Yes, your highness." Kagome stood and pulled her hand away from Kouga with haste and stepped out away from the table. Inuyasha walked around his mother and took her soft hands. He held her hand gently with his large hand and led her to the dance floor. For the first time, Inuyasha could smell her scent. A supple floral aroma was smelt and it sent a thrill through his veins. Inuyasha strained to keep his breathing under control.
The crowd looked around with dumbfounded eyes and made way for the pair. Kagome smiled sheepishly as she was led to the centre. Another passionate tune began to play, and Kagome and Inuyasha gracefully took hands and began their dance. Inuyasha held her firmly but tenderly in his arms as they floated around the room.
"So, I see you didn't take my advice about the suit." Kagome shot him a glare as he laughed playfully at her. When did he laugh playfully? With a human woman no less.
"I think this dress suits me better, don't you?" The released one of the hands as Kagome spun out and back into his arms again. They held each other closer.
"I must, since you proved me wrong. Maybe you really are a woman."
"Don't gush." After her sarcastic statement, she bent backwards as Inuyasha supported her weight and brought her back up again. They now grasped each with more power and were closer still as they continued to dance.
Kagome began to feel a little flushed as they execute more steps on the dance floor. Though Inuyasha was taller, he too felt the heat. Their heads twirled to face each other sharply. Their faces were once again only an inch apart, like their meeting before. Kagome could only just utter breathlessly at the nearness of their faces. Neither of them wanted to pull away.
"I… didn't know you could dance." Inuyasha's mesmerizing eyes bore into Kagome's as he spoke.
"I am a prince you know. It's like walking for me." Inuyasha released for only a second to spin her around and back into his powerful arms. Kagome gasped quietly at the strength of his arms. He was so strong, so mighty, so handsome. Inuyasha didn't notice her curious eyes and continued. "You on the other hand, I am surprised at. Where did you learn to dance?"
"Huh?" Kagome suddenly noticed the difference between this new man and the one she met before. It was like he was the calm focused demon that was watching out the window in stillness that couldn't be broken. She was confused. "What happened to the rude version of you?"
Inuyasha blinked twice at the change of subject before smirking, amused at her naïve question. "Rude version? Was I rude? Or simply truthful?"
Kagome's eyes narrowed. "Ah, there you are."
Inuyasha laughed softly, and Kagome couldn't help but relish in the sound. The velvet music that escaped his mouth when he laughed. It was so different to the sharpness of his usual voice. The voice he used to make himself feel protected. She couldn't help but smile.
They continued to dance, and soon, their laughing eyes turned fiery and passionate. Their dance took a more erotic turn as they began to end their dance. They moved in completeness and harmony to the emotive and passion filled music. As the music began to slow, their uneven breaths became louder. With a final dip, Kagome found herself in the same position Kouga had her in. But this was different. She wasn't uncomfortable, or at all noticing the audience around them. Inuyasha held their position still in a lustful trance. How did this woman make him feel so desirous for her? When did her sweet seduction take over his every fiber of his being?
His nose was so close to the hollow at the bottom of her neck he only needed to move closer one more inch and he could place his hot lips on her neck. For some reason, Inuyasha felt aroused by that notion, but fought it. Kagome continued to breathe heavily as they stayed still. She raised her head and met his eyes. She saw something in them that she had never seen before. But in the reflection of his intense and golden eyes she saw her own, and she could see she also had that same something in her eyes. Her arm was tightly wound around his neck as Inuyasha lifted her to a standing position. Never breaking their passionately euphoric gaze, Inuyasha took two steps back and held her arm out. He bowed and kissed her small femininely poised hands. The contact of his lips sent a ecstasy of electrical current scorching from her hands to the rest of her body. Inuyasha's gaze entranced hers until he walked backwards into the crowd. Why didn't he look as disconcerted as she felt?
Kagome followed in example and walked backwards, still not breaking their gaze. They finally turned away from each other, but Kagome still felt as impassioned as before. When did their light conversation turn so intense? Kagome pushed through the crowd and hurried to the exit. She pushed past a surprised Sango, only pleading her with her eyes. She felt truly confounded.
Inuyasha walked back to his throne and sat with his mother, though he did not look at her. He may have more composure with his expressions, but he felt as heated as Kagome. Izayoi knew exactly what was going on, and sat with a small triumphant smile on her face.
As Kagome walked briskly back to her room, she couldn't make sense of anything around her. The only feeling she could recognize was confusion.
What was happening? Her mind screamed as she walked to her room. She pushed her heavy door open and leant backwards on it with a breathless sigh. What was happening?
Kagome couldn't explain what was going on. Why did her heart race at such speeds? What did Inuyasha do that made her feel so… out of control?
Was she in control to begin with?
AN: I'm not sure if Kikyo's going to be a big character… I need to decide that soon though… Back soon! Hope you liked this chapter its extra long ^^.