Oh my gosh guys I am so sorry that it took me this long to finally get this posted, but my computer died and I just finally got a new one haha. I know I let you all down saying id get the next one posted within a week and I'm sorry. I hope you guys aren't too mad at me and continue to read for the love story to come!


Kagome felt like her mind was about to explode. She could not believe what her father had just told her. The lord Sesshomaru wanted to marry her! But why? She was a human and he was a demon, and demons rarely married humans.

Kagome was so deep within her own mind that she didn't realize that her father had lead her from the gardens into the house. The sound of a clearing throat very close to Kagome broke the spell.

"Hmm." Sesshomaru watched as Kagome came back to the present. She is so beautiful and would make a wonderful queen of her lands no matter where they might be.

"Are you going to accept Lord Sesshomaru's offer?" Daichi looked at his daughter who was going to be leaving him a lot sooner than he ever thought.

Kagome was quiet for a few seconds and then looked at both men with determination. "I will accept the offer of a courtship, and if the courtship proves to be good then I shall accept the offer of marriage. Not to offend you Lord Sesshomaru but I do not know you and you do not know me, this way it is the best for both of us in case things do not work out as planned." Kagome bowed respectfully. "Now if you will excuse me I must begin to pack for a courtship cannot be successful with the two parties separated and Lord Sesshomaru cannot neglect his duties to swoon me." At that Kagome turned around and started walking towards her room.

Yes she will be a great queen.

And mate. The beast piped up.

"I shall see to it that my men are prepared to carry the extra supplies" Sesshomaru turned around to go give the orders to his men, but the sound of shuffling fabric and running feet caught his attention.

oOo

Kagome ran as gracefully as she could back to where she last saw her father and Sesshomaru. She got to the top of the stair case and saw Sesshomaru leaving. "Lord Sesshomaru!"

Sesshomaru spun around faster than either of them could see. She was actually asking for him. "Yes Kagome?"

A little breathless she mustard up the courage to ask. "I would like to bring my own handmaiden and my choice of a chaperon if that is acceptable." She watched the stoic lord as he rolled this over in his mind.

"I don't see how it would be fine." Sesshomaru turned to leave a second time but looked up at Kagome and couldn't miss the smile that could make a mans heart stop. "We leave at dawn."

Kagome went back to her room to continue packing her trunk to leave for Sesshomaru's castle in the morning. At the very bottom she placed a few of her fighting suits, then some casual kimonos, and two formal kimonos. In a smaller trunk she placed her jewelry and hair pieces in it, along with some soaps and other miscellaneous things. When she was done packing she went to the stables and walked straight to Karumi her favorite horse. She place a saddle on him and took her leave to go tell Sango and Miroku the news.

oOo

Knock knock knock. Sango walked to her door. No one ever came to her door this late. She opened the door to see a flushed Kagome. "Kagome? What is wrong?"

"Lord Sesshomaru has asked for my hand and our courtship starts tomorrow and I asked if I could bring you along with me and with Miroku's agreement he is to be my chaperon and we leave in the morning and I really need you to come with me. I need you both." Kagome didn't take a breath as she talked a million miles an hour.

Sango looked at her best friend. She couldn't believe what her ears had just heard. The lord Sesshomaru wanted to marry her best friend. Sango sat down in the nearest chair.

Kagome waited patiently just inside the door. Miroku walk into the main area to see how was at the door and came upon the scene of Kagome at the door staring at Sango and Sango sitting in a chair staring into space.

"Is there something the matter Kagome?"

Both women looked up in surprise. "Miroku we need to pack. Kagome do you know how long you are to be there?" Kagome face scrunched in thought and then she shook her head. "Alright just pack a lot Miroku. We need to be ready by sunrise."

"As you say my love." Miroku left to their room to start pulling the trunks out and placed all of the little stuff they had.

oOo

Kagome came back to the stables and handed Karumi off to the stable coach. She slowly mad her way back to her house for the last time in only the kami's knew how long.

After the long day that she had had Kagome undressed from her and went straight to her bed and fell asleep.

oOo

Sesshomaru was on the balcony the lead from his room. He looked at the gardens in this village and thought to himself that they could rival the gardens at his palace. The gardens seemed to shimmer as the moonlight glowed over them. Sesshomaru tilted his head to the side. He could hear the faint sound of soft delicate whimpering. Sesshomaru swiftly walked out of his room to investigate. He was surprised to end up in front of Kagome's door. The sounds of her distress only getting louder. Sesshomaru cracked the door open and looked in. What he saw almost made his heart break. Kagome curled up in a ball shaking with tears silently falling down her face. Sesshomaru walked over to her bed and tried to wake her. "Kagome wake up it is just a dream. Kagome." At that she reached out and grabbed ahold of his haori. Sesshomaru chuckled on the inside. He grabbed her small dainty hand softly and pulled gently as to not wake her, but her hold was stronger than he expected. Afraid that he would wake her if he pulled any harder he simply set down at the edge of her bed. At his closeness Kagome's whimpering and distress ceased and a peaceful calm settled over her.

Sesshomaru looked in curiosity. Well since I am stuck here, looking down with a small smile, might as well make myself and my capturer comfortable. Sesshomaru slide over till he was right next to the captivating female, he leaned up against the mountain of pillows and closed his eyes.

oOo

The sun was starting to come through the lilac drapes, the birds were beginning to sing but Kagome was so warm cuddled up in her pillows that she didn't want to get up. As her mind began to come out of the land of sleep Kagome began to realize that her pillows weren't as soft as the usually were, and the warmth she was feeling seemed to radiate off of her pillows. She slowly began to open her eyes. Once she opened her eyes all she could see was white. She sat up her hand sliding down something that definitely wasn't her pillow. Golden eyes meet with a clash of ocean blue. "What are you doing in here get out!"

"Last night you were having a nightmare. I was awake and came in here to wake you to rid you of the bad dream but you grabbed ahold of me and wouldn't let go." Sesshomaru waved his hand over his haori to show the wrinkles from Kagome holding on all night long,

At this Kagome blushed and dropped her head. She began to blush even harder as she realized Sesshomaru was in her room on her bed not even two feet from her and she was only in her sleeping wear. She was not dressed for anyone to be in her room let alone the lord that wanted to marry her. Kagome quickly pulled the blankets up around her chin. "Lord Sesshomaru if you would leave my chambers so I could get dressed for the day I would greatly appreciate it." After a short pause Kagome remembered her manners, "Please."

Sesshomaru looked at her and his beast almost roared out of control. He got up and flew out of the door into the room that he was supposed to stay in. Her look of pure innocence and the way her hair was slightly wild framing her face was almost too much to keep his beast in control. As well as the scent of her swirling around him drowning out every other scent. Sesshomaru slowed his breathing as red rimmed eyes settled back to liquid gold. I must get my men ready for our departure. With that Sesshomaru walked out of the large estate to find his men.

oOo

"Sango you won't imagine what happened to me this morning." When Sango didn't say anything Kagome continued, "I woke up with Lord Sesshomaru in my bed!" Sango's eyes grew wide and before she could open her mouth Kagome corrected her thoughts. "No it wasn't like that. Apparently I was having a nightmare and Lord Sesshomaru came in to wake me but I grabbed ahold of him and wouldn't let go."

Sango let out a sigh of relief. "Oh Kagome you made my heart jump out of my chest, don't scare me like that ever again. Now let's get the rest of your stuff packed to we can leave." With that both women focused on getting the last of Kagome's belonging packed. Once they were done Kagome called for some of her servants to come carry her belonging out.

oOo

Sesshomaru could still smell Kagome's scent lingering around his person. Sweet cherry blossoms and early morning dew. If Sesshomaru weren't around all of his men he would have smiled. Hear noise just inside of the doors to the estate Sesshomaru turned to make his way back to the doors.

"I will write as often as I can mother I promise." Kagome smiled hugging her mother who was on the verge of tears. Turning to her father she put on a brave face. He would be the hardest to say goodbye to for she was daddy's little girl. She hugged her father and struggled to hold back her tears. She didn't want to leave the comfort of her home and her family, oh how she would miss them. "I love you mother and father. Akatsuki, Souta, I will miss you both." She hugged both her brothers and turned to leave not daring to look back, for if she did she didn't know if she would have the strength to leave.

Sesshomaru's heart was touched at how much love he felt between everyone in this little family. He could only hope that one day he would be loved as much as every person in this family was. He watched as Kagome held her head high as she walked towards him. "Kagome." Sesshomaru bowed his head.

"Lord Sesshomaru." Kagome bowed deeper than he had. "Are you ready to leave Lord Sesshomaru?"

"If you are ready to leave Kagome." At the nod of her head Sesshomaru helped her mount her horse and mounted his horse. Sango and Miroku quick to follow behind their mistress. "The journey will take a weeks and a half time to reach my castle, once we have made it to my castle you will stay there with me for at least a month to test our courtship unless you do something dishonorable and you should return home before then."

Kagome already knowing all of this information just shook her head as her mind went back to her loving family.

oOo

The pack of travelers consisting of just Sesshomaru, Kagome, Sango, Miroku, and only the most trusted of Sesshomaru's soldiers traveled on until the sun was high in the sky stopping for the humans to eat lunch and take a small break from the constant horseback riding. Once Kagome, Sango, and Miroku finished their small lunch they began to ride once again. Kagome and Sango made small talk as they rode next to each other. Sesshomaru lead the way in the front of the pack followed by the two women then Miroku and lastly Sesshomaru's men.

Just before the sun was about to set the pack stopped to make camp for the night. Kagome's tent was put up by Sesshomaru's men where Kagome and Sango would be resting for the night. The monk sitting just outside keeping watch over the two women. Sesshomaru sitting up against a tree across from the tent, and his men forming a loose circle around the camp grounds.

The night went uneventfully by. Kagome and Sango woke early to eat a reasonable breakfast followed by Sesshomaru's men breaking down the tent in record time. The group began to travel just as the sun broke the horizon. This became the routine for the next few days.

"Sango can you believe we still have three more days of this." Kagome said to Sango as both women let out a loud huff of air.

Miroku chuckled at the two. "Yes but we are three day closer to not having to travel any more ladies."

"That is true Miro.." Kagome stopped dead in her tracks.

Sesshomaru noticing stopped as well.

"Everyone stop." The sense of urgency in her voice made everyone stop short. Kagome looked around. "There's something wrong here." At that everyone began to look around. "Listen there are no animals. Not even a sound. And the feeling of something terribly wrong hangs over the air." Kagome felt something pulse at her hip. She drew the dagger her parents had given her for her birthday over a week ago to see that the swirls within the blade were glowing a bright purple. "Oh no. Prepare for an attack." A fraction of a second later youkai burst out of the forest headed for Kagome and Sango. Kagome was the first to strike as she threw another dagger into the head of one of the approaching demons that had gotten within arm's reach of her. Sesshomaru's men quickly stopped all of the youkai from making within five feet of Kagome. Sesshomaru himself taking out youkai two at a time.

How dear they try to attack what is mine! His beast roared to life protected what he had claimed. Sesshomaru and his men made quick work of the attackers. Leaving one alive to be interrogated. Sesshomaru dug his claws into the arm of the bear youkai. "Why did you attack this Sesshomaru?" When the demon refused to talk Sesshomaru used his poison on the demon watching as the poison streamed out of his fingertips. The demon screamed in pain. "I won't ask again why did you attack this Sesshomaru." Sesshomaru practically roared at the demon.

"The girl… We were told to get the girl." The demon whispered.

"Who sent you?" Sesshomaru growled his yes beginning to bleed red slightly.

Fearing another round of Sesshomaru's poison the demon responded immediately. "Naraku."

That greedy heir to the eastern lands, what made him think that he could defeat this Sesshomaru just by himself let alone while transporting the future queen of the western lands and his soon to be mate. Did I really just say that?

Master agrees that she will be our mate! Sesshomaru's beast said happily.

She has to agree to it first. Sesshomaru forced his beast to settle down.

While Sesshomaru was within himself the bear youkai gathered up as much strength as he could and broke free of Sesshomaru's men's grasp. Sesshomaru not missing this quickly shot out his poison whip and beheaded the bear. As soon as the bear had died there was no reason to stand around anymore. The pack quickly mounted their horses and took off.

"Why did this Naraku want me?" Kagome brought her horse up to Sesshomaru's and asked the lord.

"I am not quite sure my dear Kagome but do not worry for as long as you are under my protection no one will hurt you."

Kagome finding comfort in his word remained quiet but still next to Sesshomaru.

"If we go faster we could cut a about a half a day's travel time." Sesshomaru said looking over at Kagome.

"Well why didn't you say anything earlier, let's go." And with that Kagome commanded her horse to go faster.

Sesshomaru slightly stunned at her answer took a second to command his horse to do the same thing. The whole group took on a faster pace. Nearly sunset the group stopped just as usual. While waiting for Sesshomaru's men to put up her tent Kagome and Sango sat on a fallen tree log. Unbeknown to the two women a figure came up behind them.

"I would like to speak to Kagome alone." The two women looked up at Sesshomaru with a little jump then looked at each other. Sango bowed her head and walked over to her husband. Just as Sango was out of range to hear Sesshomaru began. "How did you know we were going to be ambushed?"

Kagome's face paled for a moment Oh no he is going to find out. "The dagger that was given to me by my parents warns the carrier of a demon that means to cause harm."

"But you said something was wrong before you pulled your dagger out." Sesshomaru eyes closed a fraction warning her to not tell him the truth.

"I just felt on the inside that something wasn't right." Kagome wasn't completely lying to her lord. As a miko she had a heightened sense of her surroundings. When she felt the lack of animal presence and the feeling of dread that came over her she immediately responded to it. But humans even if they weren't gifted with holy powers could still sense things such as that.

Sesshomaru stared at the woman in front of him. There is something very different about this girl. I will find out what before too long. With that Sesshomaru left her alone to go back to talking with her hand maiden.

oOo

The group had traveled farther then Sesshomaru would have thought. Traveling at the speed they had the day before and not taking a break for Kagome and her companions to eat lunch the group made it to the castle of the western land a few hours before sunset.

The lord was greeted by his subjects waiting outside within the gates. All were stunned when they saw that their lord had brought a woman back with him and even more stunned that she was a human.

"Take these to the chambers next to mine," Sesshomaru said while pointing at Kagome's things, "and these to the chambers near the end of the wing. Sango, Miroku you will follow them to your room and give you a tour of the grounds. Kagome you will come with me." With that Sesshomaru turned and headed down one of the long empty hallways. Sesshomaru knew exactly where his mother was waiting for him at. She had insisted that she stayed while he had to go to Edo. And there was no doubt that she didn't feel his aura when he had gotten close enough to his castle. Sesshomaru opened the door to his study but stayed in the door way. "Hello mother."

"Oh my dear Sesshomaru I was worried when it took you so long to come back," she paused for a moment and then smiled, "unless it was because you found a lovely demoness at the little village."

"Actually this Sesshomaru found a suitable female to become my mate and queen all she must do is accept."

"Oh Sesshomaru I am so happy when do I get to meet this wonderful youkai that has stolen your heart." Her Smile disgusted Sesshomaru in how forced it looked. He stepped to the side.

oOo

I wonder where he is taking me. He hasn't said a word since we got here. Kagome was so absorbed in her thoughts that she bumped into Sesshomaru's muscular back. He stood completely still as if Kagome didn't just run straight into him. The sound of Sesshomaru's voice broke through her thoughts. "Hello mother." Oh kamis did he really just say mother, I am not dressed properly to meet the former queen of the western lands. Should I leave? Oh no I can't leave! Oh Sesshomaru you are going to pay for this! At that last thought she saw Sesshomaru move and the beautiful woman standing in front of her face drop.

"A word Sesshomaru." Kagome could tell by the different in her tone of voice that she wasn't happy.

"I'll leave it is an honor to meet you." And with that Kagome bowed her head turned around and walked hearing distance away. She threw the hood of her cloak up and instantly she was gone to everyone senses.

"A HUMAN! You plan to make her your queen and mate with a HUMAN! How dare you Sesshomaru! She will never be accepted by the council."

"Why mother?" Sesshomaru's tone was calm and smooth. Kagome felt a little better coming with the lord since he was sticking up for her.

"Because she is human. She will not be strong enough to rule over all of our people Sesshomaru. She will crack under the pressure of ruling over all of the youkai, half-demons, and even the humans. Lords and Ladies don't mate with humans if they want a strong hold over their lands." Sesshomaru's mother's voice got quieter the more she talked. But the message was clear.

If I do decide to marry lord Sesshomaru I will prove her wrong. "Sorry mother but she is the one that I have chosen and the council will have to accept that." With that Sesshomaru left closing the door behind himself. Sesshomaru rounded the corner in the direction that he had sensed Kagome go in and straight into her knocking her and himself over. Once they had fallen Kagome's hood fell off and Sesshomaru's senses were hit with her now reappearing aura.

"I.. I.. I'm sorry lord Sesshomaru I didn't mean to.." The look Sesshomaru was giving her cut her off dead in her tracks. He didn't look mad at her more like stunned. "Lord Sesshomaru is everything ok I am very sorry that I wasn't watching where I was going."

Sesshomaru looked at her, stunned at the power he had just felt. So pure, so powerful. "You are a miko Kagome. Why did you not tell this Sesshomaru?"

"Because I didn't want to become someone's wife to be used as a threat to my people. I want to be able to walk among my people without them showing fear. And with you being my only suitor and the power you hold and the people you look over, I was afraid if I told you, you would use me as a weapon. And I swear to the kamis above if you plan on using me as a weapon I will never marry you, even if you are my lord."

"My dear Kagome you intrigue me so." Sesshomaru just watched as her facial expression changed from very serious to curiously confused. "I believe we should get up now." Kagome looked down and practically jumped up. Sesshomaru chuckled on the inside and Kagome saw a slight small smile reach the lords face. Sesshomaru gracefully stood up. "We shall go on a tour of my castle, so that you are never to get lost and should you ever be in trouble you know how to get around."

"Let's get to it then." Kagome said cheerfully with a small smile thankful for the change in subject.

oOo

Sesshomaru spent the next few hours escorting Kagome around the castle. She was showed her room, and knowing that Sesshomaru's room was the one right next to hers, where Sango and Miroku's room was, where Sesshomaru's study was, where the dining hall was, and other odds and ends within the castle. Once they had finished walking around not only the inside of the castle but the outside of the castle it was almost time for dinner. Sesshomaru lead the way back into the castle and through the hallways to the dining hall. Kagome was pleasantly surprised when she saw Sango and Miroku already sitting down waiting for the meal to be served. Sesshomaru and Kagome sat down and immediately the food was served. Kagome and Sango made small talk and soon dinner was over. The group made their way towards the western wing of the castle.

"Will you be needing me tonight Kagome?" Sango asked as she and Miroku stopped in front of their door.

"No I should be fine thank you Sango enjoy the rest of your night." Kagome smiled at Sango and hugged her goodnight. Sesshomaru and Kagome continued to walk down the hallway. "Do you ever take off your armor Lord Sesshomaru?"

Sesshomaru looked down at the small female walking next to him. "Yes. Normally I do not wear it unless I am travelling or fighting an enemy. But today I did not have the chance to take it off since I escorted you around the castle." He watched as a slight blush rose up on Kagome's face and did not miss the small smile that graced her lips.

The walked on in silence until they reached the end of the hall and the doors to their rooms. Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru. "Goodnight lord Sesshomaru." Kagome bowed her head and went to open her door.

"Kagome if you should need anything there is a door that connects your chambers to mine. All you need is to knock and I will answer."

"Thank you lord Sesshomaru. Goodnight." And with that Kagome walked in her door and closed it behind her. She pressed her back up against the door.

Sesshomaru whispered to the space where Kagome was just standing. "Goodnight."

Kagome smiled as she heard Sesshomaru whisper goodnight. Then she looked up into her room. Yes Sesshomaru had showed her which room was hers but he didn't show her the inside of her room. It was very beautiful. The room was decorated in cream with accents of aqua. The bed was larger than the bed she had at home and the pillows looked fluffier too. There were three other doors. Two to her right and one to her left. I am going to assume that, that is the door that leads to Sesshomaru's room since on the other side of that wall is Sesshomaru's room, Kagome thought to herself. I wonder what the other two doors are. Curiosity over taking Kagome she went to the closest door and opened it. Kagome eyes peered into what was her wardrobe. All of her clothes were hung up and her trunks tucked into the corner. She closed the door and walked to the other door. She passed a vanity that she could see had her jewelry stored within it. Kagome opened the other door and was shocked. I have my own hot spring! Oh this is wonderful. Kagome walked over to the edge and peered into the crystal clear water. Kagome noticed that all of her soaps were lined up on the edge of the hot springs. Without a second thought Kagome striped her clothes off and jumped into the awaiting water.

oOo

Sesshomaru heard the sound of splashing water. I see she found her way around. Sesshomaru simply took his haori and juban off and laid down in his bed closing his eyes, knowing that he wasn't going to sleep but wanted to be near in case Kagome needed him. He could hear Kagome moving around and the gentle splashing of water. He could hear as she got out of the water and then began to dry off. The only thing that kept his mind from going wild was that could hear her humming a tune. She sounded happy and comfortable. He smiled at that thought of her comfortable within his arms. Oh how he couldn't wait till she agreed to be his.

oOo

Kagome got out of her hot springs and walked into her wardrobe. She picked out a simple white sleeping gown that went to the floor and covered her shoulders. Kagome went around blowing out all of the candles and laid in her new bed. Before she could even think of a certain male with golden eyes in the next room she had drifted away into a peaceful sleep.


Stay tuned to what happens next.