Ch2
Kikyo knocked on the new king's bedroom door as she held the robes over her arm. "Enter." Naraku says to her. Kikyo turned the knob and walked in. "Your Majesty I have your new robes." she says bowing.
"Good, right on time," he said, walking over and picking one up to inspect it.
"I hope it is to your liking, My Lord," she said.
"Where is that wench?" Naraku asked her as he tried the robe on.
"Kagome isn't here, she left the task to me.' she tells him.
"I like it." Naraku tells her as he ties , the robe together he stops inspecting when he hears the noise outside.
"The Prince has returned." the guards yell.
Naraku looked to the door and walked out, leaving Kikyo behind. He rushed out front just in time to see Kagura walk into the hall with the two behind her.
"Your majesty" Kagura said and bowed. Midriko glared at Naraku as she pulled Kohaku close. "Welcome back Midoriko." Naraku says to her as he looks at the prince.
"It is good to be home. My son, the rightful Prince to the throne, Kohaku," she said, presenting her son to the court.
"Prince is the keyword, I am the king, Kagura please show Midoriko to her old room while I talk to Kohaku." he says.
"I am not leaving my son alone with you!, Renkotsu never trusted you and neither do I." she says
"You will by my order. Now, Kagura, escort her. You, and you, as well," Naraku said, motioning to two guards.
The guards nodded and took Midoriko to her room. Kohaku held his head down. "What do you want me to call you ?" he asked Naraku.
"Lord Naraku or King Naraku." Naraku tells him.
Kohaku nodded and said, "Then what is it you want with me, Lord Naraku?"
"Your grandfather asked me to find you so I have, you will be taught the ways of a prince no more of this peasant clothes and dull hair, your skin should be soft and creamy."Naraku tells him.
"Yes, Lord. May I be excused? I would like to tend to my mother," Kohaku said.
"For what that is what we have servants for you no longer need to tend to her. "Naraku tells him as he lifts, Kohaku's face up to look at him, "You look like your father." he says as Kagome walks in.
"Get your damn hands off of him!" she yelled as she walked up to him.
Naraku narrowed his eyes at her. "Did I permit you to speak?" he asked.
"I don't give a damn what you do and do not permit," Kagome hissed, stepping between the two.
"I warned you, Bankotsu take her to the dungeon now!" Naraku orders him. Bankotsu bowed. "Sorry Kagome come on.' he says taking her by the arm.
"No let me go, Renkotsu wouldn't want this!" Kagome screamed.
"How did you know my father? Stop, I permit her to speak as the Prince!" Kohaku said.
Bankotsu sighed as he stopped in his tracks. "Your father was a good man, we loved him very much he was next in line we along with your mother and grandfather awaited the day that he would be king, and when he found out he was going to be a dad he was so happy, he loved you very much." Kagome tells him.
"That is what my mother told me. Lord Naraku, please, let her be my personal seamstress. I will make sure she stays in line and knows her place," Kohaku said, turning to him.
Naraku growled as he looked at Kagome. "Very well but if she steps out of line with me again, I will punish her, now get out of my sight Kagome." Naraku tells her.
"Fine, I will be up later to take your measurements." Kagome tells him and smiles before walking away.
"Thank you." Kohaku says to him.
"Bankotsu take him to bathe after you're done Kohaku you will join me and your mom in the family room for an early dinner." Naraku tells him.
"Yes, My Lord," Kohaku said, lowering his head once more.
"You're dismissed ." Naraku tells him.
Bankotsu took Kohaku upstairs where he was given to the maids to bathe.
An hour later Midoriko was wearing able dress with tiny beads on it she was taken to Naraku's chambers.
"Why am I here?" she hissed as the guard closed the door.
"Come now is that anyway to speak to your new king?"
"Kohaku should be King, not you," Midoriko said.
"Well, he does not wear the blue diamond," Naraku replied, holding up his hand, the gem glinting in the light.
"Renkotsu told me how you were, he called you a snake, no a spider that was looking for his next meal, you had Suikotsu fooled but not my husband." she says
"But he is no longer here, and as far as everyone knows, I now rule. Get used to it," Naraku said.
Midoriko pushed her hair out her face and walked over to the window. what about the alliance with the Lord of the west?" she asked him,
"It will still go on. I will send a messenger explaining what has happened and that I expect the same services he gave to Suikotsu," Naraku said.
"I can't believe they're both gone, Kohaku is all that's left, I should have came back , he would have loved to see his grandson, I robbed my son of his birthright." she cries.
"And now you have learned from your mistake," Naraku said, walking over and standing behind her. Kohaku then walked into the room. "Mother, what's wrong?" he said, rushing to her side.
"Nothing I was just thinking of the things I did that robbed you of so much." Midoriko says and turns to face him. "You look handsome, blue I would never have thought that." she says.
Kohaku blushed slightly and looked down at his blue robes. "Honestly it is strange to feel the rich fabric on my skin," he said, forgetting Naraku was there.
Naraku cleared his throat . "While my chambers is always open to you both, you will knock." Naraku tells them as Bankotsu runs in. "Your majesty The lord of the West Son is here I tried to tell him that King Suikstou has passed."
"Show him in," Naraku said, adjusting his robes.
Bankstou bowed and walked out the room. "I warn you Midriko not to interfere." Naraku tells her and walks out his room and down the stairs to the throne room where Lord Sesshoumaru was showed in. "Lord Sesshoumaru I was getting ready to send a messenger."
"Obviously there is no need. Now, has Suikotsu really passed?" Sesshoumaru asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Yes this morning as you can see I am still trying to get things in order, the servants some are not obedient and I have found Renkstou's heir." Naraku tells him.
"Then why is he not being appointed King? He is the rightful heir, not you," Sesshoumaru said.
"Lord Suikotsu appointed me King before he died." Naraku said showing him the ring. "I intend to keep peace with you, I have new rules I need to write so if this is the reason you came please leave." Naraku tells him as Kohaku walks into the throne room.
"Is that him? He looks like his father," Sesshoumaru said, looking at him.
"Yes it's him, Kohaku this is Lord Sesshoumaru, he's a dog demon, did your mother teach you about demons?" Naraku asks him.
Kohaku shook his head. "No, My Lord, only that they live for a long time," he said.
"Hello Kohaku, I knew your father very well, I was the one that introduced him to your mother."Sesshoumaru says walking over to him.
Kohaku's eyes widened. "What was he like, was he stern what was my grandfather like, why are you so tall was my dad tall?" Kohaku asked Sesshoumaru without taking a breath.
Sesshoumaru chuckled and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Calm yourself. One at a time. Come, I will join you for dinner, if Naraku permits it?" he said, turning to look at him.
"Seeing as you came all the way from your palace please join us, by the way I heard your father remarried and had a hanyou." Naraku says to him as he stands up and walks over to Kohaku. "Tell your mother that Lord Sesshoumaru will be joining us." Naraku says to him.
Kohaku nodded and left the room. "Yes, he did. The infant's name is Inuyasha," Sesshoumaru said as they walked towards Naraku's chambers.
"How cute, I am thinking what to do about Kohaku far as a mate." Naraku tells him.
"You're not looking at him for yourself are you?" Sesshoumaru asked.
"I don't know, it be fitting his grandfather would approve. "Naraku tells him.
"You do not even know what Kohaku prefers," Sesshoumaru said.
"Not yet. I plan to have him around more," Naraku said.
"Renkstou told me how you wanted him and he avoided your advances and had to marry in order to get you to back off." Sesshoumaru says to him.
"Renkotsu was a handsome man and also had power. It was a shame he married that woman," Naraku said.
"It amazes me you let her in here." Sesshoumaru tells him.
"I had no choice he wouldn't leave his mother." Naraku tells him.
Sesshoumaru stopped when he saw Kagome. "Who is that beauty?" Sesshoumaru asks.
"That is Kagome. She is but a seamstress, and a thorn in my side, though I have granted Kohaku's wish that she be his personal seamstress," Naraku said.
"She is beautiful." Sesshoumaru says and walks over to Kagome. 'My dear lady please join me for dinner so that we can discuss your future as my mate." he says
Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru like he was crazy. "Who do you think you're to just walk up to me and tell me I am going to be your future mate, I don't even know your name." Kagome tells him
"My name is Lord Sesshoumaru. I am King of the Western Lands," Sesshoumaru said
. "That's a start. My name is Kagome, I am Prince Kohaku's seamstress. Now, though I know your name, you are still arrogant. Excuse me," she said, turning and walking away.
Midoriko laughed as she walked in hearing the conversation. "Lord Sesshoumaru don't you know how to woo a woman, Kagome isn't like others you can't just win her over by tell her you're the Lord of the western lands." she says to him.
Sesshoumaru turned around to face her. "Midoriko, hello I just don't , no woman has ever been so blunt with me, Naraku I demand you hand her over to me." Sesshoumaru tells him.
"That is not up to me, Sesshoumaru. Like she said, she is Kohaku's seamstress. You must speak with him," Naraku said, smirking.
"But you're the king you out rank him!" Sesshoumaru yells at him getting flustered.
"You will not use my son to get her, if you really want to win Kagome over stop being so arrogant!" Midoriko scolds him.
"How dare you, woman," Sesshoumaru growled. Kohaku walked over hearing the conversation. "What on earth is going on here?" he asked.
"Hello dear, nothing just a demon in not liking the word no, and you will respect me Lord Sesshoumaru, I am still a princess." she says.
Sesshoumaru growled once more and said, "I will have her."
"Well then win her. Learn from your father, he is very charming," Midoriko said.
"Who does he want, mother?" Kohaku murmured.
"Your seamstress, Kagome," Midoriko replied, smiling.
"Ah Kagome she's very sweet, Lord Sesshoumaru, I am sure if you're polite she will come around.' Kohaku says to him.
Sesshoumaru huffed."Fine when is dinner?" he asked Naraku.
"In a bit I leave you with Midoriko, Kohaku please come with me." Naraku says to him.
Kohaku nodded and looked at his mother. "You'll be alright?" he asked.
"Yes. Lord Sesshoumaru and I are old friends through your father. Go on," Midoriko said, watching Naraku warily as he waited for the boy. Kohaku nodded and kissed her cheek before following the King from the room.
"So how are you?" Sesshoumaru asked her as they walked in to the tea room and sat down.
"I am doing okay my father in law is dead and Naraku is King I dread what his new rules will be." she tells him.
"As do most of the people, I'm sure. I was disturbed to hear of Suikotsu's death. I hope he passed swiftly," Sesshoumaru said.
"I do too but why pick Naraku as the King, but it's my fault too, I kept Kohaku from his family now he has to be taught the ways of a prince."
"He seems like a quick learner, I am sure he will do fine," Sesshoumaru said.
"I hope so. He's so fragile, though," Midoriko said, sighing.
Sesshoumaru placed his hand over hers. "He is Renkstou's son he will be fine." Sesshoumaru tells her .
"I know." she said . Kagome knocked on the door before coming in.
"Excuse me Princess Midriko dinner is almost ready would you like me to help you change?" Kagome asked ignoring Sesshoumaru.
"Would you mind Kagome? I can never get the ties in the back. Please excuse us, Sesshoumaru. I'll see you in the dining hall," Midoriko said, standing and following the girl out as Sesshoumaru stared after Kagome with lust in his eyes.
"Kohaku your lessons start tomorrow after breakfast I will check in on you from time to time as well as quiz you."Naraku tells him.
"Did my father and grandfather have to do this too?" he asked.
"Of course unless you want out of being a future king?" Naraku asks him.
Kohaku shook his head. "No, I don't want to give that up," he said.
"Good, then lessons tomorrow," Naraku said.
"Will I have any say on anything?" Kohaku asks him
"In time why is there something that you don't like?" Naraku asked him.
"Well how about a school for the children in the village so they don't all have to grow up to be farmers and merchants." Kohaku says to him.
"And what else would they grow up to be?" Naraku asked.
"They could be scribes or tailors, seamstresses, make better lives for themselves," Kohaku said.
"I will think about it why don't you get ready I have to finish up these documents." Naraku says to him.
"Okay see you at dinner." Kohaku tells him and walks out the study.
When dinner was ready Naraku walked to the dining hall and handed Kagura the new rules. "After dinner have all the villagers gathered in the courtyard ." he tells her.
She nodded and said, "Yes, Your Majesty." She then left to get things arranged as the others walked into the room, changed and freshened up.
"Please have a seat." Naraku says to them as the maids bring in the roasted lamb, wine, roasted potatoes, water, bread dessert.
"It smells so good." Kohaku says as he sits down as do the others "Kagome sit down." Kohaku says to her.
"I am sorry my prince but servants aren't allowed to sit with the family." she says.
"Oh I see." Kohaku says to her.
"If you were my mate you could sit here." Sesshoumaru says as he looks out the corner of his eye.
Kagome glared at him. "I am not going to be your mate. Get the thought out of your head. Lord Kohaku, may I be dismissed?" she asked.
"Of course. If there's anything you need don't hesitate to come get me," Kohaku said, smiling. "Thank you," she said, curtsying before leaving the room.
"After dinner is finished I have a few announcements to make to the villagers." Naraku says to them as he starts filling his plate. "What type of rules?" Midriko asked. "New rules that will be followed this is a new era." Naraku tells her.
"Until Kohaku becomes King," Midoriko said.
"Which will not be for a long time," Naraku replied.
"Kohaku take it from me, running a kingdom isn't fun, you have to collect taxes and those that don't pay you have to put in jail, then you have to deal with women throwing their selves at you, meeting other kings and queens." Sesshoumaru says to him.
"Maybe for you. You are handsome compared to me," Kohaku said, shrugging.
"You have a low self esteem, you're cute, you haven't showed him paintings of Renkstou yet?" Sesshoumaru asks her. "No haven't had the chance yet." Midriko says.
"Kohaku, Sesshoumaru is a man whore his looks only go so far." Naraku says as he wipes his mouth with the napkin.
Sesshoumaru looked at him. "I have not lain with as many as you, and at least I was protected so as to not have any illegitimate children," he said haughtily.
"You sure about that?, and I haven't been with anyone since the one I loved died.' Naraku says as he looks at Midoriko. "I am sorry your love died?" Kohaku asks him. "Yes it's been almost 15 years." Naraku tells him.
"What was she like?" he asked. Sesshoumaru laughed at that.
"Kohaku, he is not interested in women," Sesshoumaru stated, sipping his wine.
"Oh, what's it like with a man?" Kohaku asked Naraku . Making Midoriko choke on her wine and Sesshoumaru spit his onto the white table cloth.
Naraku cleared his throat and said, "Why, are you not interested in females, Kohaku?"
"I don't know but it's nice to know I have options right?" Kohaku asked him.
"Yes that is true." Naraku says to him.
"Kohaku you can't have heirs with a male." Midoriko says to him,
"Unless his partner is a demon, Midoriko," Naraku said, smiling slyly.
"Well there are no demons around his age so that is out of the question." Midoriko hisses.
"He could always..." Sesshoumaru was interrupted of what he was going to say when Midoriko kicked him on his leg.
He quickly took a breath of air to stifle his discomfort, and narrowed his eyes at her. "I could always what?" Kohaku asked. "Nothing, dear. Eat your dinner, you need the strength," Midoriko said.
When dinner was over the maids came and cleaned the table off. Naraku stood up. "Come Kohaku it's time to introduce you to your subjects and to announce the rules." he says. Kohaku stood and followed him out. "What the hell was that you're supposed to be Renkstou's friend!" Midriko hissed at Sesshoumaru.
"I was his friend! Why did you kick me?" Sesshoumaru replied.
"You're encouraging him to like males not that I care but that leaves the door open for Naraku to make a move!" Midriko tells him.
"That wasn't my intention!" Sesshoumaru said. "Whether it's your intention or not, don't do it!" she hissed.
"Okay I'll shut up, I don't need you angry at me." Sesshoumaru tells her as they get up to here the announcement.
"Everyone please be quite his majesty has an announcement to make." Bankstou says as the guards stand near the villagers.
The villagers looked up to see Naraku and Kohaku step out, but they did not know who Kohaku was.
"My dear loyal subjects as we mourn the passing of Our beloved King, we enter a new Era where I will take you on a journey, first I will announce that this boy is our long lost Prince Kohaku." he says pushing Kohaku forward.
Kohaku blushed as the villagers applauded and muttered to each other. "If he is the Prince, then how come you are King?" one brave villager called, and old man that was an Elder of one of the surrounding villages.
"King Suikotsu appointed me King on his dying bed any more questions if not the rules need to be announced." Naraku tells them.
The villagers shook their heads no. "Good." Naraku tells them and nods to Kagura. "These are the rules that his majesty the King Naraku has approved.". There will be a tax increase for merchants and farmers, there will be no more than 3 children allowed in each family." she says
The villagers gasped and murmured to each other and Kohaku looked at Naraku. "No more than three children? I can see from here that some families have more than that. What will happen to the other children?" Kohaku asked.
Naraku ignored him as Kagura went back to reading. "Those with more than 3 children , the others will be sent off to work in the royal mines or sold off as pets to the lords and ladies of other lands and kingdoms." Kagura announces.
Kohaku's eyes widened and the villagers started yelling in rage. "Lord Naraku, please, reconsider!" Kohaku said so only Naraku would hear, looking up at him.
"Kohaku don't make a scene we will discuss this afterwards."Naraku tells him as he looks at him. Kagura went back to reading 'There will be a school built so the children of the village can be taught, Those that can pay their taxes will be sold off as well." Kagura says and rolls the scroll back up.
"This is an outrage! Sell our children? Sell your own villagers? You won't have anyone left here Naraku!" the villagers cried.
"Send them away." Naraku says to Bankstou and brings Kohaku back inside ignoring the villagers rants and threats. "Leave before we arrest you!" Bankstou warns them.
"Why would you do such a thing? Please, reconsider!" Kohaku said as he followed Naraku down the corridor.
"Do what Kohaku you can't always be kind hearted when you're the king things have to be done, on the bright side you're getting your school.' Naraku says to him.
"While children are being sold? That is a cruel contradiction," Kohaku stated.
"These children will get better homes and education and will be working it's for the best be glad that you were found before these rules were made." Naraku tells him as Midoriko and Sesshoumaru walk up t them. "How can you do that?!" She yelled.
"It was necessary. I was just explaining the benefits to your son," Naraku said as Kohaku went to his mother's side.
"Suikotsu would never do this he would find other ways." she says to Naraku.
"I am not him dear, I have to brief the guards we're done here." Naraku tells her.
"I feel sorry for you. You have no heart, tearing families apart," Kohaku said, shaking his head before leaving the room.