Chapter 3
"We must detain this creature." A rough voice whispered. Cold eyes shifted as both demons watched the subject closely.
"What for? We have our orders to patrol." He other called to his partner.
"So? The whole point is to find intruders. It would serve a purpose. Even some entertainment." They both watched the object of their attention exit the clearing in the opposite direction, hopping from rock to rock crossing the river.
"To late, our lands end beyond the river. We must wait another day."
Grinning in a cold voice, "So we shall."
She sensed them. Knew they were there.
Their eyes were burning holes into her back as she strapped her giant weapon in its rightful place. Who or whatever they were had been watching her for some time.
Sango knew one thing about them. They were youkai.
The beings made no sounds, just watching. Not a strike or an attack. She found it odd that nothing happened. Trying to play it cool she calmly made her way to the river and crossed.
Disappearing in the shadows of the forest she broke into a sprint.
The Taijiya hadn't realized that she was in marked territory. 'I should have been more aware.'
Sango ran until reaching her village, feeling safe.
They sat in silence. The young lord stared at the three men who advised his father when he was alive. More than advisors, they watched out for him when he suddenly found himself an orphan. They definitely deserved the credit of keeping the peace when Sesshomaru was a child. Not only in their best interest, the security of the lands meant preserving the people and their way of life.
"Lord Sesshomaru, we understand that a crucial birthday of yours draws near…" brought from his thoughts he directed his attention to the man who spoke, Midori, the oldest of the three. He seldom spoke, merely nodding in agreement most times. When he did speak, it meant the subject up for discussion was imperative. He stroked his long stark white beard, eyeing Sesshomaru for a reaction.
His expression never changed. Merely blinking and taking in the information Sesshomaru pondered the elder demon's inquisition.
"What of it?" he replied flatly.
"What he means to say my lord is that with your approaching birthday come certain…major obligation." Councilman Shino chimed in. "You're father would have informed you in this situation but considering the circumstances…this cannot be."
Shino was the youngest, but acted otherwise. Well out spoken and barely graying like the others, Sesshomaru respected him the most. He was his father's closest friend.
"Only one thing Shino?" He thought aloud. 'Meaning one only a single thing to make them happy.' He thought.
"What would that be?"
"A mate." The three replied simultaneously.
She sighed in disbelief.
After a week of no youkai and visiting villages for work, Sango headed home.
There were no other Taiyja villages in the immediate area. One would have to travel far and wide to find another. Well hidden, Taiyja villages were kept in secret for avoid the attacks of demons who were bold enough to do so.
No one was willing to volunteer themselves let alone their children to help Sango rebuild her village, she knew that much.
Catching up to her only companion, she ran her fingers through the thick fur of her back. It had been days since she saw her feline friend since her short departure, due to the mating season. Sango understood, lacking a low profile in the feline's absence. Kirara would be around from now on.
"I'm glad see that you made it back to me Kirara. Did you have fun?" The large cat began to purr.
Finally mounting the large feline, they took to the skies heading for the empty slayer's village.
"Lord Sesshomaru before you are crowned, you must take a mate to ensure that Western Lands has a proper heir." Councilmen Kane explained. Kane was the most reluctant to talk. The gray slivers mixed within his brown hair shimmered, the only sign he was getting old. His face was still fair, devoid of any aging past thirty.
"This is the only way. Your father and his father before him have honored their duty. This is our timeless tradition." Midori spoke. His green eyes were closed in thought. "This is not an option Lord Sesshomaru. Before the West can be yours to reign, a mate you must marry…"
"And how would a mate be chosen?"
Midori opened his mouth to speak but Shino interjected. "You will have that choice as long as the female is of noble blood. Because of the changing times and the integration of humans and youkai, the stipulation of her being demon is no longer required."
Sesshomaru scoffed. "What for? There are no humans in court."
"True." Shino agreed. "But there are humans who are of royal blood in the farther West of our lands. There have talks with them in your absence. Besides, most Inu females don't meet are meticulous obligations anymore. We are considering all options my lord. Be open to it."
"You're urging to me possibly present a half breed as an heir to these lands?"
Midori laughed gruffly. "Tatske in the North has. His mate is a human woman and has noble status. She has just bore their first half-breed not long ago…"
"The point is that we want you to be fond of her to some extent." Kane stated flatly. "We're just giving you your options. It doesn't mean you it's required of you."
The prince silently pondered his new predicament. He was to take a mate of his choice. Literally.
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