"Lord Taishou is in a meeting, Kagome-sama," the butler informed apologetically.

"Do I look like I care?" Kagome hissed belligerently.

"I have informed him of your arrival."

"Just tell me where the hell he is," her voice echoed loudly in the corridor.

A door opened; Sesshoumaru's head popped out. On seeing Kagome he withdrew, only to emerge a moment later, closing the heavy wooden door after him.

"Sesshoumaru…I…"

"Not here."

He took her by the arm and led her into an ante-room, taking care to close the door and bolt it. Kagome wrapped her arms around him.

"Your mother had come to our house. But jii-chan – he said-"

"I know what he said."

Kagome was surprised.

"You know? B-but he means well darling, please don't take it too seriously-"

"I have already informed him that we have accepted his kind offer."

It was as if someone had taken a cudgel to Kagome's head. Breaking their embrace she faced him squarely: "You've done what?"

Sesshoumaru focussed his attention on a spec of dust beside a flower vase.

"Inuyasha will make you very happy."

Kagome shook her head: "I don't care. I love you-"

"It is in the best interest of all concerned that we do not mention these things from now on."

"Let me talk to Inuyasha. He can't agree to this."

"Talk to him all you want – after the wedding."

"You don't have to sacrifice your happiness for your brother's career! We can run away-"

Sesshoumaru laughed softly.

"Run away? From whom? My mother? My younger brother? Do you think they are the ones opposing our union?"

"No, you are opposing our union," she said in a hushed whisper: "With you by my side I could've fought with the entire world, Sesshoumaru. But if you won't be there for me, then what am I fighting for? I didn't know the money was that important to you."

"It is not about the money...you won't understand."

"Try me."

Lord Taishou let out a heavy sigh.

"I was barely six when Father died, but I still remember what it meant to have power and influence – things that were snatched so wrongfully from us. With Father's death, suddenly we had become the untouchables. Mother would not get a job, our businesses started to suffer as a result of unjust government sanctions against us. You see this house, Kagome? The entire property had to be mortgaged; we had to even tolerate house guests. We had to dismiss most of the old staff so Mother had to do everything around the house. I have seen how she paid off the debts, rebuilt our social position, gave us a proper education."

He turned his back to her, his face tinged with emotion.

"For twenty-five years we have waited for our time, waited to regain what rightfully belonged to us. Now at last we see a sliver of hope. Inuyasha has the potential to change the face of politics in this country. Already he connects with the people. He can put an end to Ryuukossei's regime of crime and corruption and give this country the chance for a better future – a future that our father had envisaged. But potential alone cannot win the race. We need the financial backing for it."

Kagome was listening, mesmerized. Was he the same shy senior she had met in college eight years ago? Where was this fire hiding all this time?

"Most of our corporate houses are bleeding from Ryuukossei's demands. They can't support us to the extent that we require. The help that your grandfather is offering will become the lifeline for our project. And now that we are standing so close to victory, to upstage Ryuukossei and restore the Taishou family honour, I can't let my affair ruin it for all of us."

Kagome flinched at the way Sesshoumaru said 'affair'. As if it was a crime, a disgrace.

"What about my feelings in all this, Sesshoumaru? After all I'm also a party to your…affair."

"Like I said, Inuyasha will make a fine husband for you. You shall be well taken care of."

"And what if I refuse?"

Sesshoumaru knelt beside the chair on which Kagome was sitting.

"If you refuse, your grandfather will marry you off to Naraku. With him and his allies supporting Ryuukossei, our family could well be finished for good. Kagome, I beg of you. If you have ever loved me, please marry Inuyasha."

Beg? That one word did it. Never in eight long years had Kagome seen the proud scion of the noble house of Taishou beg anyone for anything. She nodded her head, knowing she was signing her own death warrant.

"I'll marry Inuyasha."

"Is that a promise?"

"Yes, I promise you."

There was nothing more to say. Kagome got up from her chair. Sesshoumaru also rose from his position.

"I should get back to the meeting. Mother would like it if you saw her once before you left."

Again Kagome found herself lost in the maze of corridors as she followed the cat-footed butler into the house. He showed her into Lady Taishou's bedroom. The owner of the room was at her window. Kagome could see that she was crying because her nose was red. For a brief moment her face revealed her pain before she slipped on her frigid mask.

"I presume you have already met my son."

Kagome nodded. Lady Taishou came forward and peered into Kagome's face.

"Princesses are always sacrificed in the game of kings. I hoped that you would be spared, at least."

"Then you were hoping for a darned miracle."

The lady frowned: "Are you alright, my dear?"

Kagome laughed bitterly: "I have survived two betrayals and yet I'm alive. So yes, I think I'll be just fine."

With that, she walked out of the Taishou mansion. The rain was driving down like a million daggers but she didn't care. She didn't even bother to get inside her car, deciding to walk her way back home. Her tears had stopped some time back. Now it was only the water that lashed out at her.

"After prolonged heartache, Kagome Higurashi died today."

She was writing her own obituary.