Chapter 4
A few days after the reunion, a horde of demons entered the village. Jaken accompanied the group and told Rin and the others that they wished to not be disturbed, and for hours, the demons worked relentlessly under the hot sun.
"Lady Kaede, what do you think they're building?" Rin asked as they walked to the headmaster's home.
Kaede shrugged. "I would think you would have a better idea, child. Did Lord Sesshomaru not inform you of this?" Rin shook her head, and opened her mouth to speak, but Kaede stopped her.
"We will talk about it later on, child. First, we must take care of business with the headmaster and young Taro."
Every other week, the two women met with the headmaster of the village to discuss the status of the villagers. When the war against Naraku was alive, many of the villagers died from miasma, attacks, or fright. To keep count of which villagers had perished, the headmaster ordered Kaede to give him a full report of the people she treated or cremated. Though Rin was not allowed to join their conversations, Taro, the headmaster's only son, kept her company during the visits. As children, they would play, share stories, and explore the village together.
But once Rin had turned fourteen, she was encouraged not to do such things with Taro anymore.
Being seen doing such things with the young man would give the villagers a wrong impression of the young maiden. Kaede did not want them to think Rin and Taro were up to no good.
Walking up the steps of the home, Rin sighed. She missed the simplicity of her younger days when nothing she did was ever questioned. She missed climbing trees with Taro, running around the rice paddies with Taro, annoying Jaken with Taro… she missed Taro.
For two years now, their relationship was strained. The visitations were uncomfortable for the young maiden, but Taro would wave her concern off every time, insisting they would always remain friends.
"Lady Kaede, Princess Rin, please join us," the headmaster greeted them, gesturing to the mats in front of him and his son.
The women bowed before kneeling, and Kaede sat farther away with the headmaster to begin her report of the villagers. Taro sat across from Rin and gave her toothy grin. "It is a pleasure to see you again, princess."
Rin waved his comment off. "I still cannot believe you call me that. To think it was you who created that nickname for me, and now the entire village calls me by it!"
Taro laughed. "It's not my fault you resemble one. Just look at you, in this silky kimono. I've never seen such material in the village. Or such a fine woman."
Rin smiled at him. "If I didn't know any better, I would think you were flirting with me."
Taro didn't respond, deciding to stay silent as Kaede read her report. A few minutes passed, and he cleared his throat rather loudly, gathering Rin's attention.
"Please, accompany me outside to the garden, Princess Rin. I wish to speak to you in private."
The young maiden exchanged a look with the priestess before standing up, and Kaede granted her permission. "Won't be long, I promise!" Rin assured as she walked away with Taro.
Outside, the two could hear the demons working hard in background. Taro gave Rin a raised brow, silently asking her what it was about, but she shook her head, refusing to comment on it. He nodded, and she assumed he wouldn't press questions about the demons anymore.
"Remember when we got lost in Inuyasha's Forest a few years ago?" Taro asked as he sat down by the edge of the walkway. Rin kneeled beside him.
"What I remember most is an angry Inuyasha and the honorable monk scolding at us until we lost hearing."
The two laughed.
"Ah yes, what colorful vocabulary we learned that day."
"What brings this, young master?" Rin asked.
"I'm just missing our youth, is all. Soon, you are to wed. And I, well, I will join the warriors in the north."
Rin gave him a sad look. "I will not wed anytime soon, Taro. But what is this you speak of? War?"
He nodded, a sad smile painted on his face. "Apparently, there are no more wars against demons, but humans continue to wage war amongst themselves. Father has decided to send a number of men from here to aid his friend in the north," Taro sighed, running a hand through his long black hair, "I'm in charge of the men, but I wish not to go."
"Afraid of death, Taro?" Rin questioned, averting her eyes to her lap. Such conversation filled her with sorrow.
"Actually, I'm afraid you'll be married by the time I return."
Rin scowled at him. "What's with you and all the villagers as of late? All you speak of is marriage every time I visit. You know the talk of marriage bores me."
Taro laughed, much to Rin's annoyance. "For some reason, I thought you would understand why," he gave her a shy grin as she blinked innocently, and pointed at his hair. "Anyways, may you braid my hair, princess? Your hands are better than mine at this."
Rin scooted over, reluctantly, and began braiding his long hair.
"Hmm. I love the feeling of your delicate hands," Taro whispered softly. Rin rolled her eyes, but said nothing. She was still asking herself why Taro was so persistent with the topic of marriage.
It truly bothered her that everyone in the village was so obsessed with her getting married. For a few months now, Taro had also been constantly asking her who she had eyes for. Before, her visits would consist of playful games, but now, it seemed that all he wanted to speak of was marriage.
Perhaps, she wondered, it's because Taro isn't betrothed to anyone either.
Which was a shock, considering the fact that Taro was a handsome young man, without any competition in lands and seas alike. He had long black hair, which he usually kept in a braid, a beauty mark on his cheek, and dark eyes that complimented his tan complexion.
Truly a work of art.
And most women raved about just how handsome he was. Rin could always heard them encouraging their daughters to appear as alluring as possible around him.
It's a pity Taro hasn't wed.
There were pretty girls everywhere, she would always say to him, but he'd laugh it off, telling her he only had eyes for one.
And for some reason, Rin always became a little uncomfortable when he said it, not because of his words, but how his eyes would lock with hers.
"Princess Rin, did you hear me?"
Rin, suddenly alert, asked him to repeat himself.
"I was just asking if Lord Sesshomaru has finally returned."
"Oh yes, young master! Milord arrived a few nights ago, in fact, I shall meet with him tomorrow. I'm so excited!" she gushed cheerfully.
"Though I didn't want to ask, I must confess, I am quite curious," he looked back at her as she tied the end of his braid. "Why is Lord Sesshomaru building a home?"
Rin furrowed her brows. "A home?"
"I walked past it before you and Lady Kaede came. It's definitely a home. Bigger than this actually," he said, pointing about.
Rin shrugged. "I only saw it when Master Jaken arrived noisily at dawn."
"In any case, I'm glad Lord Sesshomaru has returned," Rin shared an enthusiastic smile with him as he continued to speak, "I have some things to discuss with him."
Before Rin could ask, Kaede was calling for her. The visitation was over, and Rin followed Taro to where Kaede and the headmaster stood.
"Will you tell me too, Taro?" Rin asked as he lead them to the gate of his home.
Taro winked. "Maybe someday, princess."
The two women waved him goodbye, walking back to their small hut.
Once they arrived, Rin shared with Kaede Taro's observations.
"Tomorrow, you'll get the confirmation you desire, child. But for now, help this old woman pull the weeds in the garden."
Rin changed into a simple pink kosode and tied a light pink wrap skirt around her waist before joining Kaede outside. While they worked, Rin's mind wandered to Hisashi. Yesterday, she scolded him for ripping Yumi's kosode. She recalled his sad expression, and the how his golden eyes filled with tears.
She would visit to apologize and kiss him good night, she decided. She couldn't get his golden eyes out of her head.
Hmm, golden eyes…
Her mind wondered to Sesshomaru. Ever since the reunion, Rin knew that the dynamic in their relationship had now been altered. She couldn't stop herself from thinking that his words were indirectly, or rather directly, reflecting his feelings.
"After tonight, there's no mistake it's you they speak of."
Sesshomaru had always been a reserved man, and such words were never said to her. Of course, she took into account of the fact that he had always seen her as a child, never a woman.
But a few nights ago, after two long years, years that nature took to mold her mind and body, Sesshomaru had noticed her.
But how much he noticed was something she couldn't comprehend. If he thought she was simply just a beautiful woman, then he could join the rest of the men in the village.
But if he had feelings for her…
Rin bit her lip, feeling foolish. She decided she was coming to conclusions too quickly, and would wait to see what the future held for them.
Regardless, my future lies with him.
— — —
Midday the following day, Rin spread out the blanket under the sakura tree, and waited for her lord to appear. When she had awoken that morning, she noticed that the demons were no longer in the village, and had already completed their work.
Taro was right; it was a home. The home stuck out in the village as it was grand and luxurious, built precisely for a noble family. Noting that there were no such people here, she wondered who exactly it was for.
But she knew.
It was meant for her. And Kaede, of course.
As she took out her teapot and cups, Sesshomaru appeared and greeted her.
Kneeling, Rin bowed deeply. "It's so great to see you again, milord."
Sesshomaru sat down gracefully, and Rin began pouring him tea.
"Thank you, Rin," he said as she passed it to him, and took a sip. "Have you fared well?"
"Why yes, milord. But I'm afraid my mind has been racing since your departure a few nights ago."
Sesshomaru held her gaze. "I assume you wonder why I sent Jaken and the horde, correct?"
Rin nodded.
"They are building you a home. After hearing and seeing your development, I've decided that you are far more suited for village life than anything else."
Rin smiled at him, a little confused. "Uh, what do you mean, milord?" She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear nervously.
"You are to stay in the village. You shall grow old here, be safe here."
Rin's heart stopped.
"Lord Sesshomaru…" Her voice quivered, but not from sadness.
From anger.
Many years ago, Kaede and Sesshomaru spoke about Rin's upbringing, and decided she would make her choice — to stay at the village or to follow Sesshomaru— when the time arrived.
However, it now seemed as if Sesshomaru had made the decision for her.
"Look at you," he said softly, eyes averting to the river. "You are a young woman now. You deserve to live a comfortable life, not plagued by demons. Your life is too fragile for the lifestyle I have."
Rin felt a few tears escaping her eyes. "Why would you take my voice from me, my lord?" Sesshomaru suddenly turned to look at her. "It was supposed to be the only decision I've ever made, and you… you took it from me!" she yelled as the dog demon flinched.
"I am doing it to protect—"
"Bullshit!" Hot tears ran down Rin's face as she sobbed uncontrollably. "You told me I would choose! You fuc-"
"Realize who you are speaking to, Rin," Sesshomaru interrupted coldly. His golden eyes glared at her, and she averted her cinnamon eyes, suddenly frightened.
There had been a handful of times where Rin would anger Sesshomaru, but never did he use that tone with her.
She covered her face with her sleeves, not wanting to see his face any longer. "Leave, Lord Sesshomaru."
She heard him sigh, and his armor clinking a bit as he stood.
"Leave, and don't come back!" she spat, livid.
Sesshomaru's tone grew angrier. "As you wish."
By the time Rin uncovered her face, he was long gone.
— — —
Rin held Kenji, Miroku and Sango's three-week old son in her arms as she walked around the couple's hut. Looking down at his content expression, she envied his carefree life.
"How lucky are you to not have any troubles."
A month had passed by, and Sesshomaru had not returned to the village.
There had not been time to sulk about as Sango fell into labor shortly after Sesshomaru's departure. Rin had been so preoccupied with Sango for the past month, she didn't ever think about the dog demon. But she was glad for it. Rin had been Sango's midwife, and was happy that under the guidance of Kaede, she delivered the baby boy safely. Sango was also grateful, and requested Rin's helping hand throughout the weeks as she recovered from childbirth.
Sango constantly complimented her on how she carried domestic life. Rin was an excellent cook, seamstress, and babysitter. The children loved her, and she loved them back dearly.
It was when Sango praised her though that she thought of Sesshomaru.
Maybe Lord Sesshomaru was right, maybe village life does suit me better.
It annoyed her to agree with him. Rin would have never developed the skills she had if she was constantly on the road with him.
But Rin wanted that life. She longed to be with him as she had when she was a child. She wished to travel and explore the country, but now, she had to conform with being at the village.
Kenji began to cry, apparently from hunger, so Rin walked outside to grab Sango's attention. The demon slayer thanked her, and asked her to return tomorrow to help her wash some clothing.
Rin happily said yes, and kissed the twins and Komori before she left. "Be good to mama," she told the twins as they nodded. She turned to the new big brother. "Komori, you are in charge of the hut while your father's away. Being the man of the house has many responsibilities, got it?"
Komori huffed. "Father already told me before he left with Lord Inuyasha. Please return tomorrow?" he pleaded, giving her the puppy eyes she loved.
"Anything for you," she kissed his cheek again and exchanged a hug with Sango before exiting the hut.
Rin walked down the path that lead to own home, humming a happy tune. A rabbit popped out of the bushes, starling her, and quickly ran opposite of the trail she was walking.
"Hmm, I could definitely go for some rabbit stew tonight."
She picked up her pace hoping to catch the rabbit, running rather clumsily past many homes, but before she knew it, Rin arrived at the place she loathed the most.
The home Sesshomaru built for her was standing tall in the clearance, with not a soul in sight. She frowned, unhappy to arrive there.
There was no denying it; the home was gorgeous. It resembled many of the castles she had seen when she traveled with Sesshomaru long ago. Originally, she planned to move in, but her bitterness towards Sesshomaru always stopped her.
Her pride, it seemed, was perhaps greater than his.
Rin turned and walked back to her hut. She had been so happy, but after seeing the home, she was upset, and just wanted to walk her feelings away.
Arriving at the hut, she informed Kaede that she would go on a little walk in the forest, and took off in direction of the bridge.
Rin focused on the scenery around her, taking note that the sun would soon disappear. She caught her reflection on the river when she passed by, and pouted at her appearance.
Though Sesshomaru would not return, Jaken would still stop by to give her presents. She wore a pretty yellow kosode with a green flower printed skirt, all made of silk. Silk was apparently Sesshomaru's favorite, and he made sure it was the only thing she wore. It surprised her that he still wanted to spoil her after the words she said.
Rin ran a hand through her hair, and approached the clearance where the sakura tree was. The setting always made her heart hurt, and looking around, she walked the opposite direction, choosing to take a new path.
While she walked, she thought about all the events that occurred since she told Sesshomaru to leave.
A week after Sango had given birth, Miroku and Inuyasha were unfortunately called to kill a dangerous demon. The village was about five days away by foot, and they left their wives and children under Taro's care. Although he only needed to do handiwork around their homes, Taro would end up staying at Sango's throughout the day, claiming he was there "in case Sango needed extra help." He fooled no one.
Obviously Taro was there for Rin.
Some days after she banished Sesshomaru, Taro had found Rin sobbing wildly. She insisted it was because she missed her deceased family, but he knew better.
Since that day, he became increasingly kind to her.
Taro would arrive at Sango's every midday with flowers in hand. He'd present them to Rin, always a deep blush burning on his handsome face, stuttering a bit after she thanked him with a giggle. And he'd also walk her home every night because he declared that the peaceful village was suddenly unsafe. She'd roll her eyes, but allowed him to do as he pleased.
Today, however, Taro was at Kagome's, making sure that little Hisashi wasn't slashing everything in sight. It was because of this that she could finally unload her feelings from her heart, allowing herself to feel resentment and anger as she walked deeper and deeper into the forest.
The young maiden noticed the twinkling of water in front of her, and promptly took a seat on a boulder. She dripped her feet into the creek, loving the cool sensation.
Of course, Taro wasn't only acting nicer because he caught her crying. He would soon leave to the north, and return once the war settled down. It saddened her to know her friend would leave, but it was a part of life for a man of his age.
Rin sighed and let her mind wander to Sesshomaru for now.
She missed him so much.
Though she wouldn't admit it out loud, Rin knew she acted rather childish to Sesshomaru the last she saw him. Instead of thanking him for the home, she lashed out. He had barely taken a sip of tea when Rin was already kicking him out of the village.
Well, he did deny me of my one wish.
But even so, there was no reason for her to act as she did. In retrospect, she realized that he made a good point to her.
Rin was too fragile to accompany him in his travels. She had already perished twice, and kami, if there happened to be a third time, Sesshomaru just might go mad.
Sesshomaru had given her multiple chances of life, beautiful clothing and gifts, and even a home made for an aristocrat. The fact weighed down on her conscience. Rin acted like an ungrateful child. But she also stood her ground, knowing that her lord had no right in choosing her destiny for her.
"Milord, how I wish I could take back my actions of that day," she sighed again, and began to wash her feet in the creek.
Once satisfied, she put her sandals on to head back home.
Rin hadn't realized how dark it became, and there was little visibility in the forest.
Walking, she bit her lip, feeling foolish for venturing off so deep in the forest. Nothing seemed to look familiar as she took a turn, hoping to find something she recognized. Another turn. Nothing.
She cussed herself softly, wishing she hadn't been so deep in thought in such an unfamiliar part of the woods.
Suddenly, she heard a twig snap in the silent forest.
Rin stopped dead in her tracks.
She closed her eyes, hoping whatever made the noise would not do it again. Rin's cinnamon eyes flickered about, and she continued walking, hoping it was just her imagination playing with her. Again, however, something or someone, stepped on another twig, this time much closer to her.
Rin bolted, hoping to get away from whatever was following her.
"I can't see anything!" she hissed. As she ran, she didn't see the multiple roots on the ground, and tripped horribly over some. She bumped her head on the ground, and laid perfectly still, clenching her teeth so that she wouldn't scream. A shot of pain ran up her leg, and she heard the twig-snapping creature approach her closer.
Crap.
Suddenly, a fawn jumped out, and Rin couldn't help but scream. It jumped away, more frightened than she was.
Rin let out a deep sigh of relief and placed her hands on the tree she fell by to get some footing. Standing up, a horrible pain sent the young maiden falling to her feet again, and she took a moment to examine her ankle.
Sprained as hell.
"Just my luck too," Rin rolled her eyes. "I'll just crawl home."
Pulling herself up, she felt the pain growing uncomfortably, but decided to ignore it as she gained momentum.
She didn't make that much progress when she miscalculated her hand placement, and the soft ground beneath her gave way.
Rin screamed in pain as she tumbled, and stopped when she hit the hard ground. "Someone… p-please…", she croaked, her entire body feeling the effect of the fall. Her eyes fluttered about as she fought to keep consciousness.
Rin gave in to the darkness, closing her eyes.
She could have sworn the last thing she saw was white hair.
— — —
Rin was slowly coming back, feeling stiff everywhere. By the smells around her, she determined that someone had heard her plead and found her.
"Do you think she'll be alright?" Instantly, she recognized Yumi's voice. Her heart fluttered happily.
"Definitely. She just bumped her head with the fall. Her ankle should heal soon. I made sure to put extra herbs on it while I focused my healing powers on it." Lady Kagome.
"I was supposed to be the man of the house and take care of her." Komori. "I failed papa!" he whined.
"Hush! Kenji and Aiko are sleeping!" Sango hissed.
Rin began to open her eyes slowly, catching Yumi and Yoko's worried faces first. "Look mama, Princess Rin is awake!" Yoko exclaimed.
Sango and Kagome drew closer to her, patting her down as she tried to sit up. "Stay down, Rin. You still can't walk on your ankle," Kagome told her.
"How did I get here, Lady Kagome?"
"Hisashi smelled your blood and ran into the forest. Luckily, he didn't get far, because you know, he's so small, but his uncle appeared. They both found you, unconscious."
Rin stopped listening to Kagome as soon as she heard "his uncle."
"L-Lord Sesshomaru? Is he here?" she stuttered, so shocked.
Sango nodded towards the door. "He's outside. We'll leave you two alone. Lady Kaede will be returning within a few hours. She's delivering a child tonight."
The two women gathered their children and left the hut. For the first time, Rin realized that she was in her hut, but that it was suddenly much cleaner than before. There were no towers of boxes anywhere and it puzzled her.
What could have happened to them?
The sound of clinking armor distracted her from her thoughts, and Sesshomaru lifted the bamboo mat to enter. She turned right on time to catch his golden stare, and she took in his beautiful presence.
I'll never get used to him, she gazed at him dreamily.
"Princess Rin!"
Rin became startled, focused on the little boy clinging onto her lord's fur. Hisashi's golden eyes were overflowing with tears. "I thought you were dead!"
She smiled sweetly at him. "Hisashi no, I was just…"
"Taking a respite," Sesshomaru finished.
"R-Right," she nodded. "It's so dark outside and I wanted to sleep!"
Hisashi sniffed, and Sesshomaru patted his back as he sat down in front of Rin. The toddler took the opportunity to lay by her, and hugged her tightly.
"He seems to enjoy your company," Sesshomaru said amused, observing the scene.
"Oh yes, milord. My sweet boy and I are attached to the hip," Rin giggled. Hisashi gave her a soft squeeze.
"The result being that the boy can sense you when you are in danger. He captured your scent and ran after you."
"And you found him?" Rin questioned.
"Actually, I found you first," Rin gave him a funny look, "but the pup had also caught my scent, and alerted me at once that you were hurt."
Rin smiled, and looked at the toddler beside her. He had fallen asleep next her. "Poor little guy must be tired."
"And you as well. My business here is done."
Sesshomaru began shifting to stand up, but Rin clutched his arm. "No, milord, please stay!" Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. "I-I'm sorry, Lord Sesshomaru. For what I said to you. It was wrong of me to tell you to leave," she looked down, biting her lip. "Please forgive me, milord."
Although he said nothing, Sesshomaru shifted back into his sitting position. He turned his face towards the wall. "I'm sorry as well, Rin."
His apology took her off guard, and she blushed. "My intention was not to hurt you, but to protect you," he continued.
"I understand that now my lord. But please," she said looking back up to meet his eyes. "Don't leave me again."
His eyes locked with hers. "And you, don't enter that forest without my knowing."
She agreed, sighing. She closed her eyes, and notice the clean hut again. "By the way, milord, do you know what happened to all my boxes? I promise I didn't throw them out."
"I placed them in your new home." Rin cocked a brow. "You will reside there after tonight. I do not find this hut suitable anymore."
"But I cannot leave Lady Kaede!" she whined.
"Then take the priestess with you. The home is large enough," Sesshomaru assured her.
Feeling uncomfortable in her positon, Rin tried to sit up. Her muscles felt sore, and she almost fell back, but Sesshomaru caught her.
"Enough with the clumsiness, Rin. Get some rest."
She shook her head. "Don't leave milord, please."
"Fret not. I will depart in the morning after I make sure you have moved into your new home," he turned his head again, apparently hearing something she couldn't. Rin swore she saw the ghost of a smile on his face. "I shall take the pup back to Inuyasha's wife. Rest. I will return," he scooped Hisashi gently into his arms, and proceeded to head to the door.
Rin watched him as he left, so happy that he returned.
— — —
As promised, Sesshomaru was still there when she woke up. Wordlessly, he convinced her to let him carry her, and they made their way towards her new home.
"I'm quite excited, milord. I haven't entered it, to be honest."
"Hmm."
She looked up at him, enjoying the way his strong arms carried her. Looking back down, something shined right in her eye.
Turning back to search for it, Rin gasped when she saw tiny rubies embedded in his kosode. Sesshomaru was wearing the kosode she made for him. It made her blush wildly. Looking back up, she caught Sesshomaru's warm eyes staring back at her.
"The kosode was very well done," he complimented.
Dumbfounded, she decided not to say anything for a while. Sesshomaru started walking up a few steps, and she looked around to find herself right in front of the main door. The demon lord opened the door, and Rin took in the beautiful sight of the main room.
Demons, she figured, were better builders than humans.
The main room was large and open, and a cooking area was off to the back wall. There was a long hallway that Rin assumed lead to the rooms, and Sesshomaru began walking towards it, and made a left after passing a couple of door. This part of the home was uncovered, exposed to nature, and Rin made a mental note to plant flowers along the walkway.
After a few more steps, Sesshomaru opened a door. There, all of Rin's boxes were neatly placed according to size. She smiled to herself, taking note that Sesshomaru was an organized man.
"Thank you so much, Lord Sesshomaru," she whispered in awe.
"You're welcome. Bath and change into some new clothing. I wish to return in a few days and find you in better condition."
Rin smiled sheepishly. "Well, alright. Will we meet at our usual spot?" she asked, hopeful.
"No, I will come here instead."
Sesshomaru bid her farewell, and left the home at once.
Sitting on the floor, Rin took in the beauty of room. The wooden floors were polished nicely, and the walls were all colored a light green. The room had no window, and she decided it would be her changing room.
Standing up, she walked slowly to open the closest box, and breathed with relief as she pulled out a silky green kosode and pink wrap skirt. Rin didn't want to be overly dressed up in her home. Carefully walking towards the door, she peeked outside, wondering where she could find a bathing tub.
Rin crossed the open walkway, and opened a heavy door.
Much to her amazement, it was a private bath. She clapped her hands as soon as she saw that it was filled with a few towels hanging near it.
Lord Sesshomaru is so thoughtful.
She loved this home.
She loved Lord Sesshomaru.
— — —
Kaede loved the home as much as Rin did, and the women decided to use the old hut as a working area. No longer would they have to tend sick patients in their home. They shared happy grins all throughout day, thanking Sesshomaru out loud for such a glorious home.
— — —
A day before she was to meet Sesshomaru, Rin heard a knock on her door. Luckily, she was in the main room, arranging some furniture that Jaken delivered the night before. Her ankle felt good as new, and she skipped happily to open the door slowly. The cool breeze greeted her first, and she pulled the door more to see who it was.
Taro was standing right before her, decked out in armor. Rin's smile quickly faded away. She knew eventually the day would come, but for it too be so soon?
It broke her heart.
"Princess," Taro kneeled before her, "I come to say goodbye to the royalty of this village."
Rin smirked, pulling him in for a hug as he stood back up. "Oh young master Taro, I pray kami favors you and your men. Return to the village in one piece."
He wrapped his arms tightly around her, as Rin laid her head on his chest. "It's a damn shame I didn't get to speak to Lord Sesshomaru before I left. So I'll just tell you instead. The untraditional way."
"Hmm?" Rin pulled back a bit to take a good look at him.
"Become my bride once I return, Rin."
Rin felt the air around them become colder.
Though she loved Taro, she was not in love with him.
"T-Taro… where did this come from?"
He loosened his arms a bit, but still held her. "I've loved you since I met you, Princess Rin. There's not a day I don't think of you."
Rin was taken back, a little surprised. She had suspected that Taro had feelings for her, but for the sake of their friendship, she ignored his little comments.
"I cannot, Taro."
Taro's dark eyes suddenly sared coldly at her. He loosened his grip completely, running his hand through his ponytail and walked back to his horse.
"Damnit, Rin. What guy will ever have you?" he said, frustrated. Rin noticed he was mad enough that he didn't call her princess.
But Rin answered his question in her head. Lord Sesshomaru.
She realized it before, but now it was a confirmation. She was in love with her demon lord. Even when he provided her with nothing but protection, she loved him. And though Taro was an amazing man, she could not love him.
"I'm sorry, young master. I- "
"Save it," Taro climbed his horse, "I should have known anyways. I've been a damn fool."
He sighed sadly, and Rin walked towards him.
"I wish you a safe travel, young master."
He looked down at her.
"I swear on my life, Princess Rin, I will have you one day. You'll be my bride, I promise."
For the first time in her life, Rin found no comfort in his gaze. His dark eyes looked like ominous orbs, seeming to foreshadow something unfavorable for her.
"Farewell, my impossible love," he whispered. Taro took a good look at her before turning around, and departing at last.
— — —
Sesshomaru's visit consisted of making a long list of items Rin and Kaede needed for their new home. The dog demon and young maiden walked into every room, writing down the two had found themselves alone in the home, as Kaede was herb picking.
Sesshomaru and Rin were enjoying each other's company dearly and he began to inform her that they would travel to a market in a few days. Rin was overly excited for the sole reason that she and Sesshomaru would travel alone for the first time.
She gazed at him lovingly as he explained that there would be someone she needed to meet at the market, and to dress accordingly.
After a while of talking about the market, Rin began to prepare a light meal for herself, and some tea for him.
"The headmaster's son has left for war, I've heard."
Rin placed the pot over the burning firewood. "My, milord sure loves village gossip!" she teased.
Sesshomaru folded his arms. "Hmph."
"But yes, Taro left yesterday actually, my lord. His departure made me… uneasy. I only hope he returns alive. But enough of the sad talk!" Rin poured him some tea, to which he thanked her for.
They shared tea together, and spoke of the market once more. Sesshomaru had finished his tea, but by the way his hand was gesturing the cup made Rin assume he wanted more. She refilled his cup, and he nodded a 'thank you' to her as he continued to talk about the merchants. He lazily placed his elbow on the table and held his chin as he spoke.
Rin couldn't help but picture them sitting here, as husband and wife one day.
The sudden idea made her blush unexpectedly, and Sesshomaru took notice. He smirked at her, and took a drink of his tea.
"Rin, I shall be leaving now."
She pouted at the demon lord as he stood up. "So in two days, we shall purchase much needed items of this home."
"Yes. Be ready in the early morning," Sesshomaru gestured her to come closer, and Rin, blushing as always, compiled.
Instead of embracing her as he done before, he stood tall in front of her, and cupped her chin. Rin felt so small next to him, and quivered as he forced her chin upwards to stare at her with those beautiful golden eyes.
"Don't you dare accept Taro's request," he snarled, eyes suddenly cold and making Rin shiver, frightened by the tone in his voice.
"Yes, milord."
As he left, she pondered to herself how he could have found out. She did not tell Inuyasha or Kagome, or anyone really.
Closing the main door, she pressed back against it, and came to the conclusion that Lord Sesshomaru was watching her.
.o0o.
AN: Took a while to write this chapter because I wanted to include important developments to my fic. Thanks to all the readers, all people who favorite, and follow my work. You guys are beyond amazing.
Stay tune for market day!