-2-
"Stand up straight Sesshomaru." The queen hissed at the boy by her side. "And close that book."
He gave her a cold stare but slowly closed the book, hiding it behind his back as the carriage and guards approached the main palace. When it passed the gates, a large fanfare sounded and the royal guards stood to attention in complete unison.
The carriage slowly pulled to a stop in front of the steps and the footmen opened the door. After a moment, a young figure stood in the doorway then delicately stepped down, using the door to steady herself. The little girl stood and looked up at the palace and the two royals at the top of the staircase.
As she climbed the steps, the young Sesshomaru looked down at her. She had her head down, her long hair to her shoulders was as black as the dress she was wearing.
When she got to the top, she stood and gave a small curtsy. The queen looked at her and nodded back. "Princess Rin… I am so glad you could finally come and stay with us." She gave a sigh and shook her head slightly. "I'm so sorry about your parents."
The girl looked up at her, tears in her eyes.
The queen looked at her then to the side, pushing the silver haired boy by her side forward slightly. "This is my son, Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru…"
Sesshomaru gave her a look of disgust as he stepped forward then bowed at the waist. "Welcome."
The princess looked at him then nodded in return.
The queen sighed at the girl. Her parents had died two years before and a child who had been lively and talkative suddenly became mute and still. "Shall we go inside? You must be hungry after your long journey. Sesshomaru, will you escort her?"
The prince stepped over and held out his hand to take the princess's but she kept still, her head lowered. After a moment, as she just stood there, he grew annoyed and reached out, grabbing her hand and almost pulled her to walk.
Behind them, the queen sighed and rubbed her head. This is going to be a long winter.
