Chapter Three
The Great Lords
Kagome and Sango sat in comfortable peace under a newly flowered cherry blossom tree, watching the colorful koi fish swim lazily. Last night was uneventful and today was looking to be much of the same.
Kagome had her feet stretched out in front of her and was leaning back on the palms of her hands. Sango stared into the beautiful pond, sitting elegantly with her legs tucked under her and hands folded neatly in her lap.
Kagome tilted her head to one side to examine Sango, who's face was suspiciously pink.
"What are you thinking about, Sango?"
Sango gave a start. "W-who? I-I wasn't talking about a who..."
"I didn't say 'who', I said 'what'!" An intrigued smile crept onto the princess's face.
Her companion laughed shrilly. "Oh, my mistake."
Kagome leaned in closer. "Well..."
"Well, what?"
"Who are you thinking about!"
"Oh, no one really... I-I just tripped... Today... I tripped today in front of one of the lords. It was embarrassing really. That's all."
"Are you alright?" Kagome's face softened as she inquired, genuinely concerned for her companion.
"Oh yes! Not a scratch!"
There was a pregnant pause, where there was a nice shift in the air. Sango chanced a nervous look at her ward. Kagome didn't notice and continued to swat her feet back and forth, while smiling softly.
'She is so naive. I feel bad for keeping it from her, should I just tell her about me and... well him?' Sango blushed again bashfully before turning serious. 'Or anything of my real-' Sango mentally steeled herself, determined to open up a little more with this precious girl. 'If I share some more of my past, maybe she will remember…'
"Hey Kagome, I think that-"
Sango was abruptly cut off by a mighty gust of wind. Both girls whipped their heads around to the direction of the sudden disturbance. Much to Kagome's horror, it was the wolf-demon lord, Kouga. Kagome and Sango quickly scrambled to his direction on their knees and bowed respectfully. Lord Kouga gave a small bow back from where he stood, all the while keeping his eyes on Kagome.
"Kagome's servant, go busy yourself somewhere else." He motioned with his thumb to get lost.
"Excuse me, my lady, Lord Kouga; I will bother you no more." Sango bowed once more and headed out of the Kagome's "secret garden," a small clearing in the palace forest.
The princess felt the uncomfortable weight of awkwardness at being caught completely off hand. Also, she was a little confused as to what to talk about with him. She had hardly in her whole life had a substantial conversation with a man.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, Lord Kouga?" She sat perfectly still, concentrating on the fish to her right.
"I like you, and I plan to make you my woman." He answered readily, smirking when he say Kagome's cheeks tinge pink.
Kouga knelt beside her and placed a large hand on her fabric covered thigh; Kagome squeaked in surprise. "My feelings for you are real, don't think I am joking." He began to move his hand around, massaging her leg tenderly.
She knew he shouldn't have his hand there; it didn't feel right. Nonetheless, she felt herself grow flushed in every corner of her body. A welcome cool wind blew over her and her loose curls tossed around.
Kouga inhaled Kagome's heavenly scent that was passed to his canine nose off the breeze. He gave a gentle squeeze to her thigh.
"Lord Kouga, I am not certain this is appropriate..." She said finally, feeling more than a little uncomfortable and confused.
"Your scent could drive even the most controlled demon mad. That's why you are going to come with me when I return back to my domain in three days."
"Lord Kouga," Kagome breathed softly. "Why will you not stay through the week, like Lord Sesshomaru?"
"I wont be able to wait that long, Princess." He stood up, taking her by the elbow with him.
He slipped the hand from her elbow to her waist, pulling her in front of him. Her one hand was clutching at the fabric closest to her collar, while the other hung limp at her side. Kouga used his other hand to tilt her chin upward toward the leafy canopy of the surrounding trees, then that hand moved to her slender neck, brushing away a rouge strand of hair. Kagome shivered lightly as one of his clawed fingertips brushed her sensitive flesh.
She felt oddly excited, yet she still couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't right. Some part of her mind registered that she didn't want Kouga to make her feel this way. Before she could will herself to pull away, Kouga did and growled at the surrounding trees.
"It would be wise not to do that again, Kouga." The voice that drifted into the clearing came into view as none other then Lord Sesshomaru.
"I wasn't about to do anything, Lord Sesshomaru." Kouga smirked back at Kagome. "Yet."
Kagome quickly took another step back from Kouga and bowed. "Good afternoon, Lord Sesshomaru."
Lord Sesshomaru gave no notice of Kagome but spoke directly to Kouga. "Go feed your pack. They are drawing closer to the main gate, and are upsetting much of the domain's samurai."
Kouga sighed before turning to Kagome once more. "You're still going to be my woman, Princess." In another strong gust of wind, he was gone.
Lord Sesshomaru took an intimidating step toward Kagome. "Come, Lady Kagome."
Kagome obeyed Lord Sesshomaru and stood, bravely as she could, in front of his tall, intimidating form. Sesshomaru reached out a graceful hand and pushed some of her hair behind her shoulder. She blushed thinking he might try what Kouga had; after all the gesture was incredibly intimate.
"Tell me, Lady Kagome. Why did you not push him away?" It sounded more like a command than a question.
Yikes, why didn't I, indeed! Kagome flushed for the millionth time and began stammering. "I-I was about t-to, Lord Sesshomaru. Y-You arrived first, however."
He nodded slightly. "Did you like his ministrations?"
She knew her mouth was hanging open at an inappropriate angle, but she couldn't close it. 'The nerve he has! He has to be kidding!' Her disbelief turned to horror as she realized he wasn't the type to kid. She dropped her head to avoid looking directly at him. 'This is mortifying!'
"I… It felt… good, Lord Sesshomaru but not right." She admitted meekly.
Wordlessly, Lord Sesshomaru turned his back to her. "Tomorrow, around noon, come to my chambers and join me and my half-brother for lunch."
"Yes, my lord." Kagome agreed automatically, taken a little off guard by the change in topic.
When she finally looked up, Sesshomaru was gone, leaving her alone in the clearing. Kagome collapsed into the spongy grass. 'What just happened? Will it always be this exhausting talking to the lords?'
It wasn't until later that night that Sango found herself in the heated company of her best friend. They were sitting together in the hot springs in a very tense and awkward silence. Finally, Sango built up her courage.
'I can handle a ferocious demon any day, but a pissed off Kagome…' She shivered, and chanced a look at the brooding princess.
Kagome noticed Sango's stare and glared at her.
"Kagome, is something the matter?" Sango asked nervously.
"I am going to go crazy! That man has got to go!" Kagome said, throwing her hands up in the air.
"Who? You mean one of the lords?"
"Not one of the Lords, but the brother lord."
"Oh! You mean, Inuyasha?" Sango silently cheered; 'That's it Inuyasha! Get her really thinking about you…' "What did he do?"
"Well, he told me to go and take a bath! The nerve, everyone else seems to like how I smell but no, he sees me, gets mad, and tells me I stink!"
"What were you doing before you saw him?"
Kagome flushed. "I was spending time with Lord Kouga and Lord Sesshomaru."
"Perhaps you should tell me exactly what happened between you and Inuyasha."
Kagome sighed and began to retell the little battle just like it happened.
Kagome had stayed in the clearing a little after Lord Sesshomaru left in order to think. After she decided she wasn't anymore sure how she felt than before, she called it quits and headed off to find Sango. When she arrived at chamber door, she heard a few muttered cuss words and the shoji door to Inuyasha's room slid open quickly. Inuyasha came running into the hall, nose in the air. He turned his amber eyes toward her and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Just where have you been?"
Kagome was so appalled by his abrupt entrance, she forgot her manners, and didn't bow. "I was having a peaceful time outside."
"Peaceful my ass. Where did he touch you?"
Kagome's shock was replaced with a boiling anger. "I don't have to tell you anything!" She flicked her hair and began to open her door, fully intent on ending this irritating conversation.
Before she even had her door open a crack, she felt the hair on the back of her neck being blown by short gusts. She whirled around and pointed a finger at him; the other was positioned on her hip.
"Don't you dare sniff me!"
"Go take a bath." The brother lord said quietly, his golden eyes dark and serious.
"Excuse me?" She huffed out as a pretty blush stained her cheeks.
"You heard me, woman. You smell bad; go take a bath."
Kagome glared darkly and attempted to slap him, hard. "Let me go!" She hissed when he stayed her hand.
"Oi, what was all that about?"
The girl turned her face away from him, haughtily. "For not keeping your nose to yourself, buddy!"
He was about to spit out something witty when Kagome pulled out of his grasp and abruptly walked into her room; slamming her shoji to prove her foul disposition.
"Smelly wench." He growled.
He heard her gasp from the other side of the thin barrier.
Sango tried not to fall into a fit of giggles. 'That sure sounds like Inuyasha's foul mouth.'
The defeated princess sighed again and sunk down lower in the hot water. "Isn't he just awful? It's obvious he doesn't like me."
"Kagome, perhaps he does like you. He simply might not be good at expressing himself." 'I'm allowed to steer her in the right direction, aren't I?'
"If he does then why would he have called me that?"
"Don't worry about it too much, okay?"
Kagome suddenly smiled brightly. "You're right. It's not like I have to marry him. He isn't even one or my options!"
Sango nodded, 'Damn! That's not exactly what I meant!' "Why don't I wash your hair while you tell me about your day with the lords."
Kagome told Sango of the afternoon, though she was very careful to leave out all the intimate details. However, Sango didn't seem to be happy that Kouga was being so possessive and definitely didn't like how he said he was leaving early. Even though Kagome tried to remind her that it was all apart of the plan; she had certainly made a good impression on Kouga.
"I'm glad you got to talk with both lords today. Its best to get to know them as much as you can. We haven't got much time."
Kagome nodded, then seemed to remember something; a dark look entered her normally bright blue eyes. "I agree, but maybe next time you shouldn't be so willing to leave me!"
"I was asked to leave!" The companion hurriedly reminded the other.
"Mhm and just what were you doing all that time I was suffering alone?" Kagome quirked an eyebrow.
"Uh... I..." Sango's face erupted in red, "I-I was..."
"There is that blush again! Sango, what's gotten into you lately?" Kagome glared at her suspiciously.
"Promise not to tell?" Sango said, praying to all the kami out there she sounded convincing.
Kagome took the bait. "Of course!"
"I have been learning to cook with old Kaede. It's a secret fetish of mine." Sango sighed dramatically. 'I guess there goes my determination to start being a little more forthcoming with her…'
"Oh," Kagome giggled, "That's what all those shy looks were about? Gosh, I thought you were seeing a boy or something!"
Sango almost lost her footing on the slippery, stone bottom. "Oh, how silly of you!" She tried to laugh.
"Can you wash my back, please?" And that was the end of that.
"Of course, Kagome." Sango started at the task at hand, once again feeling guilty at keeping so much from her best friend.
'If only you knew. Things will be so much easier when you find out. Until then forgive me for not telling you sooner…'
Sango finished washing Kagome and together they slipped into their bathing yukata. They arrived at Kagome's shoji when Inuyasha began to stroll toward them. Sango glared at him and his ears drooped a little. Kagome tried her best to pretend he wasn't there.
"Oi, Princess!" He said rather louder than necessary.
Kagome prayed that Sango would just hurry up and open the door. But of course, she had no such luck. He stopped next to her and tapped her shoulder. She rolled her eyes and forced herself to face him.
"Yes?" She said barely able to contain the amount of annoyance in her voice.
"Pack it up, Sango. I want to talk to the princess. Alone."
Sango hesitated but nodded and went inside Kagome's chambers.
"Well? What can't you say in front of Sango?" Kagome's anger flared up again; this time because once again, Sango had abandoned her.
"You bathed. You don't smell so bad now. Just thought I should tell ya."
"Is that your idea of an apology?" She pursed her lips.
"Keh." He snorted, folding his arms in the red sleeves of his haori.
Kagome's eyebrow twitched. "Jerk!" And she stomped into her room.
"Wench!"
Sango had just laid down when there was a knock on the shoji to Kagome's chambers. Sango silently groaned but got up all the same to answer the door. She slid it open and Kagome stirred awake when she heard her mother's voice talking to Sango.
"Mama? What's up?"
Lady Higurashi came in and knelt beside her daughter, stroking her hair. "Kagome, dear, I don't know how to evade Lord Naraku any longer. He sent a letter saying his patience is coming to an end."
In the soft candle glow, Lady Higurashi looked so much older than her years. She had dark, sagging bags under her once bright and lively eyes, and had thin lines gathering at her lips.
"She came to ask ye if one of the lords have captured ye eye yet, child." Kaede spoke from somewhere in the shadows.
Kagome hadn't notice her presence until now. "It's only been a day. I hardly know either of them."
Lady Higurashi sighed but smiled all the same. "Sweetie, forget I came in here tonight. Take your time, alright?"
"But mama, if you-"
"Goodnight, dear." Lady Higurashi kissed her forehead and left.
Sango let them out and went to Kagome's side. "Have you any idea which one you prefer?"
Kagome shook her head. "But hopefully I will soon." She leaned back on her futon and turned away from Sango, who blew out the candle and lovingly fingered Kagome's hair until she was sound asleep.
Instead of returning to her own futon, Sango crept silently out the shoji. She had just made it out of the door and past Inuyasha's room when someone spoke behind her.
"Don't bother, Sango. I heard all of it myself. I'll tell the bastard in the morning."
She faced Inuyasha, suddenly overwhelmed. 'There is just so much he doesn't know and Kagome… How will this work out? Sesshomaru seems so sure but…' "I know whoever Kagome chooses will keep her safe but I just don't want her to marry for duty. I have someone to love and I am so thankful, but to watch your best friend marry not for love but to save her people...it hurts. Naraku will pay for more than just Kohaku."
Inuyasha stood uncomfortably as Sango covered her face in her hands and began weeping. He had never seen the strong, demon slayer like this, ever. Uncharacteristically, Inuyasha put a hesitant arm around the woman. She held him tightly and cried harder.
'Somebody to love…' He mused as he glance over his shoulder down the hall.
Kagome excused herself from lunch late the next afternoon and decided overall it was worth it to have joined the brothers. If anything, just for the look Inuyasha gave her when she arrived.
She was so busy in own musings of lunch that she ran into the sturdy chest of the other visiting lord.
"How's my woman?"
"Oh, hello Lord Kouga, I am sorry for bumping into you. I just finished having lunch with Lord Sesshomaru and was deep in thought." She bowed slightly from her standing position.
Kouga leaned forward and sniffed her. "No wonder you reek."
"Lord Kouga! That isn't nice to say at all!" Kagome forced herself to scold only lightly. 'This scenting thing is really starting to eat on my last nerve!'
"You no what is nice, Princess?" Kouga asked, suggestively raising an eyebrow.
Instantly, Kagome was overcome with the same conflicting emotions from yesterday; his nearness was frightening and exciting her at the same time.
Kagome managed to shake her head.
"You joining me for a moonlit walk tomorrow evening. What'cha say, Princess?" He breathed into her ear.
Kagome smiled through a heavy blush. "That does sound nice, Lord Kouga. I would love to."
"That's great. Well, I've got to run; I smell mutt-face coming. See ya!" Quickly, he scooped up her hands in his and kissed each one.
Before she could reply he was gone.
"Oi! You let him touch you, again!" Inuyasha complained running up to her. "You better be on your way to-"
Kagome spun around fast, cutting him off. "Forget it! I'm already on my way."
'Kouga makes me all hot and bothered. And for some reason, it makes me feel kind of dirty.' She frowned.
Sango was really getting tired of bathing ten times a day. It seemed every time Kagome saw a lord she needed to bathe. It was mostly Inuyasha's fault, and Sango desperately wanted to talk to him about it.
As she slid into the water, Sango spied another blush on Kagome's cheeks, as the young girl swirled the surrounding water around and around with a delicate little finger. The girl finally looked up at Sango hopelessly.
"Sango, I'm tainted."
The demon slayer inhaled a little too quickly and began choking. "What do you mean? Surely, one of the lords hasn't taken you to his bed-"
"Oh no, no, no! What I mean is, whenever Lord Kouga sees me, I get weird, tainted desires." She grimaced under her heavy blush and chanced a look at Sango.
"Oh, you choose Kouga then?" Sango couldn't help the little bit of disappointment in her voice.
Kagome shook her head. "No, I don't choose him. What I mean is, when he is around me.. I just don't know. But at the same time I feel like it isn't right..."
Sango silently said a pray. "Kagome, what you are feeling is completely... natural. Every girl feels like that sometimes." Her face was just as red as Kagome's.
Through an unspoken agreement the girls decided to drop the conversation.
