Open Your Eyes
Chapter Three

---

"You should be happy I managed to sneak out here again," Kagome told Inuyasha's back as he fed the chickens. She sat on the fence, kicking out her legs and watching as her pink skirts billowed around her. She hated the color pink, but her tutors told her that such a feminine color suited the future queen.

"Hm," Inuyasha said. He wasn't much of a talker, Kagome came to realize in all the times she'd come by to talk to Inuyasha.

It really was a miracle that Kagome could navigate the castle without being caught. It had become a bit of an art for the queen-to-be, really. After the first day when she returned with hay in her hair and dirt on her dress, her main tutor had a huge fit, leading to Kagome's worse punishment yet. After that, she was wary to leave the princess alone and the chaperones rarely left her in peace. She managed to sneak out in her independent studying and when she was to be bathing, however.

"I think I may be in the making of a thief or something," Kagome boasted proudly.

Inuyasha paused and scattered the last remnants of chicken feed to the birds before turning around and leaning against the fence casually. His one seeing eye gazed at her squarely, the milky eye hidden beneath his black hair, and he gave her a rather cold looking smirk.

"You? A thief?" he drawled out slowly, cracking his back while arching his back over the fence behind him. The distinctive pop must have satisfied him because he quickly straightened and fixed Kagome with another one of his odd gazes. "Your irresponsibility is going to get me in trouble one of these days."

"You're not kidnapping me or anything," Kagome said firmly, sniffing and turning her nose upwards. "I come here on my own accord."

"I doubt that Charming will accept that."

"What do you know about the prince?" Kagome said, feeling her annoyance grow. She wondered vaguely why she always came back to the stables when she knew that Inuyasha would only annoy her more. "He's very kind-hearted."

Inuyasha laughed.

"What's so funny?" Kagome said, her eyes narrowing.

"You obviously don't know Hojo well," he said.

Kagome flared up and felt her face turn red. "I'll have you know that I know my husband-to-be quite well, thank you. And you shouldn't address him so informally, you know."

"Sorry, Princess," he drawled. She could tell that he wasn't sincere in his apology.

Kagome dimmed and turned away, staring at the horizon beyond, where she could make out the wavering branches of the enchanted forest. She sighed and crossed her arms over her chest, feeling ashamed of her behavior. She hated being called a princess, so why did she assert the rule on the stable boy? He was the first person to treat her like a human, and not just a princess, since she got here.

"It doesn't matter," she muttered. Inuyasha grunted as he moved back into the stables to deal with the horses. Kagome stood up from the pile of hay she'd been sitting on and followed after him. She lifted up her dress so as not to get them muddy as they crossed over a long expanse of mud. "You know, a gentleman would help a lady in need," Kagome said slowly as she narrowly avoided splashing mud onto her slippers. She treaded carefully. "Instead of moving so quickly ahead."

"Unfortunately for you I'm not much of a gentleman," Inuyasha told her with the tiniest of smirks dancing across his lips. Despite his annoyance and arrogance, Kagome could tell that Inuyasha was not completely against her presence. If he was, he would have done away with her long ago and alerted the guards of her presence.

"Humph," Kagome replied back, once again awing herself at her wonderful comebacks in such situations. Inuyasha went to brushing and feeding the horses while Kagome flopped down into a pile of hay happily. She was growing used to the scent of horses and the feeling of hay beneath where she laid. She could almost venture to say the hay was comfortable.

Inuyasha looked like was about ready to split something in half. Kagome could see the distinct vein pounding at his temple. She watched it in fascination and took in his steady profile as he worked with the horses. He was frowning and his eyes were narrowed, but Kagome couldn't deny that he was handsome.

She sat up a bit straighter and turned her face away, watching the sun in the sky and the wall the clouds lolled in the sky for a moment. She fiddled with her dress, picking at the excessive amount of ruffles and folds in her dress. She almost missed her rags…

"It's rather boring in the castle," Kagome said conversationally.

She saw his hand clenching the brush tighten and his lips thin as he glared at the horse as if it had done him personal harm. Kagome blinked slowly, taking in the sudden tension mounting in the boy's body. Did he not want to talk to her? Why didn't he just say so?

He does say so, Kagome reminded herself.

"I'm sorry your life isn't living up to how you'd like it to," Inuyasha said bitterly. Kagome felt guilty. The stable boy slept in the stables. Of course he'd want to be in the castle.

"Sorry," she muttered quietly. He grunted.

They sat in an uncomfortable silence and Kagome stared at the ceiling again, wondering how long ago the stable was built. Light filtered in through the cracks in the beams and the opened doors on each end of the long rows of horses. She felt a gentle breeze waft through the thick, horsy air. She felt the softness of the hay beneath her back. She much preferred this to sitting in her far-too-big bedchamber.

"You're my friend," Kagome announced loudly, and she hoped that she startled the stable boy.

He did, indeed, pause and cast her a curious gaze. "You don't know me."

"You're still my friend," Kagome said proudly. "My only friend around here," she admitted, "except for maybe Miroku, but I only see him occasionally and that's usually when he's teaching me."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "You consider Miroku a friend?"

"Sure," Kagome said, louder than she intended.

He snorted. "He'll be happy to hear it."

"Don't tell him!" she shrilled and frowned, pursing her lips together and puffing out her cheeks. She looked bloated. She didn't care. "He'll take it the wrong way."

"You don't think I'll take it the wrong way?"

"No," she said confidently, "I don't. Because you're not stupid."

"And Miroku is?"

"No, Miroku's optimistic," Kagome said, wishing he wouldn't twist around her words and just accept that she considered him a friend. "And you're not."

"How do you know?" he accused, leaning against the fence and giving her another inquiring stare. Kagome's lips thinned again and she gave him a calculating look before lifting her gaze back upwards towards the ceiling.

"You're kidding, right?" she asked, barely concealed laughter in her voice. "I'm sorry if I insult you, but you do not strike me as an optimistic."

Inuyasha gave a dry chuckle. "You're right. I was just testing you." He paused, and then added, "Princess."

Kagome's frown deepened. "Why does Prince Hojo not call me by name?" she asked the ceiling, then shifted her gaze towards Inuyasha, who returned smoothly to the horses. "I told him to call me Kagome, but he won't."

Inuyasha shrugged. "Why would I know how that guy thinks?"

Kagome sat up and stared at her feet. "You speak of him so familiarly. I thought that you knew him."

"Well, I don't," he snapped out and Kagome stared at his back in shock. Why was he always so touchy about these subjects? One moment they were joking around and the next he was getting all moody. Kagome, of course, did not sound this opinion simply because she knew the boy could very possibly hurt her while out in the stables unattended. Though she doubted that Inuyasha would hurt her or anything, the uneasy idea was still there, hanging over her head.

"Sorry I brought it up, then," she muttered.

"It's against the rules of the castle to call an unwed, royal woman by her first name," Inuyasha said, "Unless there's a title before it. It's just another stupid rule put in place for no particular reason. He won't call you by name until after you're married. And even after that he may choose not to."

"Oh," Kagome said stupidly. She felt foolish for having asked Hojo to do something against the rules. If she'd listen while Miroku was teaching her, Kagome probably would have known the rule. She felt ridiculous now.

"The bells will ring soon, Princess, and your escorts will return for you in the library," Inuyasha said suddenly. Kagome could never understand how Inuyasha could keep track of the time so well. The bells rang every day when morning melted away into afternoon.

She stood up. "I should be going, then," she said unnecessarily. Inuyasha had already turned away. "Thank you for your company."

"My pleasure," he said, though he lacked any warmth in the two words, suggesting to Kagome that, truly, he found no pleasure in her company. She felt more of a fool still after marching away from the stable. Even though he was brash, Inuyasha really was the only company she had, and the idea that he didn't like her was almost unbearable to her.

---

She stood awkwardly outside the Charming brothers' study. She had a meeting with Hojo later in the evening, but she couldn't stand waiting any longer. She'd grown accustomed to sneaking out of the castle during her independent study, and had yet to be caught doing so; she found that it made for a nice two hours of freedom.

Today, however, she couldn't find the courage to go back outside. Typically, Kagome prided herself in her bravery and valor. After all, growing up with her stepmother, of all people, could truly harden a person. Her father, before his untimely death, often chimed that his daughter was the strongest, bravest person he'd ever met. Kagome took that to heart. She loved her father.

But despite her father's unwavering belief in his daughter's courage, Kagome couldn't find the strength to return to the stables and face more of Inuyasha tolerating her. She liked him, despite his flaws. He was the only person who talked to her like she was a person and not a princess. But, at the same time, Kagome couldn't stand the idea that he didn't like her in return.

Hence, she'd gone off in the opposite direction, sadly staying within the walls of the castle, and searched for her future husband. She'd come upon his study, where she could pick up the trailing voices of her husband and her future brother-in-law. She stood awkwardly outside of the door, wondering if she should knock.

"We're running out of time," Naraku snapped out loudly before Kagome's knuckles could hit against the wooden door before her. She froze and stared at the door in shock. She'd never heard Naraku lose his temper, and, in that moment, he sounded extremely peeved and worried. She could almost imagine a worried Naraku on the other side of the door, pacing and casting nervous glances out the window with such a voice in his throat.

"I know that very well," Hojo returned calmly. Kagome leaned in closer, pressing her ear against the wall so she could better hear it.

"How long are we going to keep that woman in this castle, anyway?" Naraku questioned. "We only have until the eighteenth year before we lose our chance. Do you know what it will mean if we manage to harness the prophecy?"

Prophecy? Kagome questioned silently, her lips pursing together in thought. What about a prophecy?

"I am not as stupid as you evidently believe me to be, brother," Hojo returned smoothly and Kagome nodded her head. Yes, her husband-to-be was calm and knew what he was doing. Naraku should show his elder brother more respect. "Do you not think I've thought of this?"

"We're running out of time! When does the eighteenth year begin?" Naraku demanded.

Hojo sighed, exasperated. "On the Lady Kagome's birthday. You know that quite well. She's the key."

Key? Kagome reeled backwards, feeling nervous. A prophecy… Now her birthday… What was going on? Her birthday was not for several months from now, and yet they were talking about it like it were the start of the end of the world. Maybe they're discussing the wedding.

But even Kagome was not that foolish. The way they spoke… Kagome was growing very nervous.

"The King's Prophecy will be fulfilled," Hojo reassured. "The future is set in stone and the necessary actions have already been set into motion. The woman has no idea. Her destiny was foreordained. It cannot be undone."

Kagome swallowed thickly, her entire body quacking with the magnitude of the two Charming boys' words. What was going on? How was she involved in this prophecy?

"We must wait," Hojo said tightly, evidently Naraku was making some kind of hushed rebuttal. "If we do it too soon, then we will lose everything."

"What of the others?"

"There are no others!" Hojo hissed tightly and Kagome's blue eyes narrowed in concentration. "She is the only one that can possibly work. The prophecy calls fro the most beautiful. If she is dead…"

"Then she will not be the most beautiful in her world," Naraku snapped back. "The prophecy says 'the most beautiful woman of her world.' If she is dead, then she is the most beautiful of a much different world."

"I do not want another. The prophecy has been set in motion. She is the one that we need," Hojo said loudly, leaving no room for disapproval in his regal voice. "Princess Kagome is the key to our Kingdom and we cannot accept anything less."

"Of course," Naraku said with a sigh of resignation. Kagome could detect the malice and hatred in his breathed words.

She heard footsteps and knew they were approaching the doors. Her heart leapt into her throat and she turned tail and ran faster than she ever had in her life. Her skirts billowed around her and she did not trip. She must have been getting used to the dresses, for she hadn't tripped since her visit to the stables with Inuyasha.

Kagome retreated to the library three stories down and did not halt until she was certain no one was following her and her lungs were not about to explode. She fell to her knees and panted, greedily drawing in air to her weary, tired lungs.

"What was that about?" she whispered, fear in her voice.

---

"Inuyasha!" Kagome burst out, narrowly missing a hit to the head as the said boy spun around, a pitchfork in his hand that nearly slapped her across the face. She ducked and squawked in bewilderment.

He caught her wrist and pulled her upright before she could fall backwards onto her back. She sighed and hesitantly took her hand away, dusting off her pale blue dress and giving the stable boy a mystified look. He snorted and returned to where he was currently shoveling hay.

"I didn't think you were coming today," Inuyasha said lightly, his lips tight.

Kagome had half a mind to tease him about such a statement but she had more pressing matters to attend to. She couldn't trust anyone else in the castle to confide in. For all she knew, they were part of the prophecy as well. But, she could trust Inuyasha. He obviously hated the castle and loathed being the stable boy, so he would not betray her trust.

"Do you know of the King's Prophecy?" Kagome wheezed out, still out of breath from her own marathon around the castle and out to the stables.

Inuyasha froze and he nearly dropped the pitchfork he held. That told Kagome loud and clear that he knew of the prophecy she'd asked about, and that he, at least, knew what it entailed. He gave her a hesitant, calculating look, his one milky eye seeming to stare off into the distance while the other one stared right at her.

"How do you know of the prophecy?" he whispered.

Kagome blinked and swallowed thickly as his golden eyes stared at her and black hair spilled over his shoulders. She fidgeted and clasped her hands together.

"I heard Princes Naraku and Hojo talking about it… and me…" she added, tentatively. Inuyasha continued to stare at her in shock. She bit her lip. "Do you know of it? What is it?"

She didn't want to think that Hojo and Naraku were doing something to endanger her, but, judging from the two princes' talk and Inuyasha's reaction, she had to assume the worst. Did the prophecy mean that she was going to be in danger? Naraku said that she could die. Perhaps Hojo and Naraku were trying to think of a way to save her. Naraku sounded worried and Hojo seemed to be barely restraining his fearful voice (from what she could tell, at least).

No, Hojo and Naraku were trying to protect her. She knew it. Obviously a cruel witch had cast some kind of strange spell on her without her realizing it and the two princes were trying to discover a way to save her. After all, she was going to be part of their family, and, having a dead princess right after an engagement would not be good for the monarchy.

But, that didn't explain Inuyasha's expression. Unless he, too, was worried about her. Surely he didn't want to see her dead, also. That settled it, then, Inuyasha was definitely her friend.

"Those idiots," Inuyasha brought her out from her daydream. She looked at him in confusion. "Speaking of the prophecy so openly. Anyone could overhear. Someone did overhear."

Kagome frowned. "What is the prophecy?"

Inuyasha turned to her, stabbing the pitchfork into the pile of hay. He gave her another calculating look before stalking forward and grasping her hand. She squawked again and tried to yank her hand away, but his grip was firm. She could feel the calluses on his hand.

He turned her hand palm-side upwards and ran his thumb over her own calluses she'd developed from years of work in her old home. She continued to try and take her hand back away from him. He could not see her dirty, worker's hands. Her hands were not that of a princess and truly incriminated her. Anyone with half a brain could see that she was no ordinary princess. And she knew that Inuyasha had a fully functional brain.

He studied her hands and then looked up at her, staring into her blue eyes. He seemed to be peeling away every layer of her soul, leaving her raw, naked, and exposed. She continued to struggle, but he simply gripped harder. He pressed her against the wall and she felt her heart leap into her throat.

"What are you doing?" she whispered as his free hand pressed against her shoulder and prevented her from leaving the wall. She struggled as best she could, but he disallowed her movement.

Finally, he dropped her hand and pressed his hand against her other shoulder. She pressed her worker-worn hands against his chest and pushed with all her might but he wouldn't budge. He smirked at her and Kagome felt as if ice water had been thrown over her head.

"What country did you say you were from again," he whispered icily, "Princess?"

He knew. There was no way he couldn't have known. Inuyasha, in all his infinite wisdom, probably knew she wasn't a princess ever since her almost slip-up the other day. There was no way she could have hidden it form him.

"Get off me," Kagome commanded, her entire body shaking. She wouldn't answer him. He could know, but he'd never get her to admit it.

"Have you risen from the ashes, yet?" he murmured, his golden eyes unreadable.

"What are you talking about?" Kagome screeched and struggled against him, trying to kick him in the groin. He seemed to be expecting such a move from her, for he quickly moved out of the way of her tiny feet while still pressing her firmly against the wall.

"Not until you tell me."

"I don't know what you're trying to do," Kagome cried out, "but I want you to stop! I don't know anything about the prophecy. That's why I came to you! Please, let me go!"

He seemed to believe her words because he stepped away from her, releasing her shoulders. Kagome sunk to the ground, ducking her head and pressing her hands against her face, feeling so extremely ashamed of herself. She couldn't protect herself when she needed to most. She was so weak. Her courage escaped her.

"You will be unharmed for the time being," Inuyasha reassured with a wave of his hand. He touched her crown and Kagome stiffened as she felt an indescribable warmth flow through her. But she quickly banished that thought. "You should return to the castle, Princess."

Kagome sniffled and stood up defiantly, ignoring the stable boy as best she could. She folded her arms across her chest and gave him the darkest glare she could muster. She hoped that she was striking at least some fear into him. Maybe even some caution, not necessarily fear.

"They'll see that I've been out here. My dress will probably be all dirty," she said, but didn't dare look down because she had to keep her chin up and look defiant.

"Your dress will remain clean," he told her with such confidence that she had to believe him. He waved his hand in a tiny dismissing manner and Kagome knew that he was telling her to go.

"What makes you think I won't report you for attacking me?" Kagome said darkly, knowing that she wouldn't do such a thing. Even if he'd scared her and even if she felt ashamed, he was still her friend.

He grinned at her cheekily. "We're friends," he spoke, as if reading her mind. "You wouldn't do that."

---

Kagome thought that, after meeting her Prince Charming at a ball, she would harbor a soft spot for it and always find magic and happiness in the dance hall. But, Kagome was bored. And it broke her heart to think that she couldn't find that one magical moment again as she had the night she met her future husband.

Kagome knew the ball would be coming. Everyone knew. They planned it the very day after Kagome came to the castle as Hojo's betrothed. The king wanted to celebrate his eldest son's marriage and his future daughter. Kagome, when she first heard the news, was extremely excited to think that she had a chance to talk and dance with Hojo.

But she hadn't even spoken to Hojo. Instead, she was standing next to the two, regal thrones as the King and Queen sat beside one another. On the King's left stood Prince Hojo, Naraku, and his three other younger brothers, Hiten, Manten, and Musou. Kagome stood on the Queen's right, just after her future sisters, Kanna and Kagura.

She stood awkwardly, feeling out of place. Before her, lords and ladies danced with one another in the name of the royal family. Kagome longed to be out there, having fun and enjoying the company of others. Instead, she had to stand and watch for what felt like an eternity.

Do they even really know me? She thought miserably as the vassals danced and laughed. Do they even care about me for more than just Prince Hojo's betrothed?

Kagome also couldn't find herself enjoying the ball because of the uneasiness she felt around the royal family. Ever since Inuyasha's reaction to the prophecy in the stables, she kept turning it over and over in her head, trying to think of how the prophecy affected her and what it meant. How did Inuyasha know if it? Why hadn't she heard it? When did it happen? When does it happen?

Questions plagued Kagome's confused and muddied mind and she couldn't find a solid answer to build a foundation of truth from. She was in the dark, blindly searching for a clue that she knew she'd never find in the infinite expanse of darkness.

She shifted awkwardly and watched as Hiten glanced at her before smirking and looking away. Did Hiten know of the prophecy? Did the entire royal family know of the prophecy? Why was she the one in the dark? What was happening?

"It's time, My Lady," a young squire said, dipping into a deep bow. Kagome started in surprise and glanced at her future parents. The King nodded and Kagome curtseyed.

"Forgive me," Kagome said quietly, mustering up all her Princess Laws and trying to be diplomatic in her endeavor for a question. "But what is it time for?"

"Why, My Lady," the boy marveled, "The Prince Hojo and yourself are to announce your engagement officially and you are to demonstrate your beauty to the crowd."

"Oh," Kagome said stupidly and allowed the young boy to guide her towards the platform where she can Hojo would stand and speak. Hojo climbed the steps on the opposite end and met her there.

The walk seemed to be taking forever. She became dimly aware that, as she walked, someone was walking up beside and guiding her along instead, taking her hand and shooing the smaller boy away.

She glanced over and her eyes widened. "Inuyasha? What are you doing?"

"Escorting you," he said simply.

"I know that," she said frigidly and sniffed defiantly. "I meant what are you doing here? I don't think they allow stable boy sin here. Besides, you smell like horses and chickens."

He smirked at her and Kagome gave a small humph as he guided her slowly towards the platform. The lords and ladies were still dancing and did not know of the movement of princess towards the prince.

"I just came to check on you," Inuyasha said smoothly, expertly ignoring her jab at his personal hygiene.

"Well, I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" he asked. "You seemed to be on edge all evening. I would have thought you'd love balls since you met your true love there," he jabbed. "Why such a long face?"

"Well, I haven't gotten to dance all evening. My dancing tutor says that I'm a disgrace to the art of dance," she said with a sniff. "Obviously Prince Hojo didn't care when I met him. But, really, I've just been very nervous in this castle ever since… I heard about the prophecy." Why was she telling him this? She knew the answer: because she trusted him.

"Dance with me, then," he said instantly and tugged her away from the path towards the platform. Kagome barely managed to suppress her squeak of surprise as Inuyasha twirled her around.

"You don't strike me as the type to want to dance," Kagome said hotly as Inuyasha looked off in the opposite direction towards the royal family. Hojo seemed peeved as he watched Kagome's escort guide her away. The King sat up a bit straighter.

"I hate dancing," he told her, "but I still have more I need to talk to you about and our time together was growing short."

"Huh," Kagome said with a huff. "You could have just said something nice like 'I do it because I know you want to, Kagome.'"

"Ha," he laughed.

Kagome frowned. "What is it that you want?"

"I'm just wondering how, besides your nervousness, you're doing in this castle?" he questioned.

Kagome sighed. "Evidently I'm bored, as you can probably tell. You're the most exciting thing I've seen in a month, I must admit. That's why I keep coming out to the stables. But I just wish something would happen. I thought that when I became a—I mean, when I came to this castle from my own, I would find more excitement, but it's just as boring as ever. Though now I have much less to do so it seems even more unbearable."

She almost wished she could be doing chores. At least that would pass the time for her.

"Then allow me to relieve you of such a burden," he told her smoothly.

Kagome became increasingly aware that he'd stopped dancing with her and he was gripping her hands tightly between his much larger one. She narrowed her eyes. "What are you talking about?"

He turned away from her and, with his free hand, ducked his hand into his long, billowing coat. Kagome's eyes widened as he withdrew a long, sharp sword. She gasped as he twisted her around and pressed the blade to her throat.

Suddenly, the entire world burst into startling focus but the sound disappeared. The orchestra stopped playing and the dancing couples backed away from the stable boy and princess quickly, their eyes wide and their mouths dropped open in shock. Hojo seemed extremely scandalized and the royal family all stood to their feet.

Kagome was too terrified to speak and didn't bother trying to pull away from him. The fear of the sharp blade against her long neck silenced any attempt of escape.

"Inuyasha!" Hojo shouted and Kagome was only dimly surprised that the prince knew the stable boy's name. "What are you doing here?"

"You're an idiot, Hojo," Inuyasha laughed, tilting his head to the side and fixing his one seeing-eye on the befuddled prince. "I've been under your nose all these years and you've been too stupid to even notice me? Who do you think took care of your horses all these years?"

"How did you get in here?" the King roared and it was the first time Kagome ever heard him speak. She gaped at both Inuyasha and the king. "I banished you!"

"Well, I came back," Inuyasha laughed. "You should know that no walls can hold me."

"Release the princess!" Hojo demanded. "You dirty her with your filthy bandit hands."

Bandit! Suddenly the world seemed like a far darker and dangerous place than it had been before. She was in the arms of a bandit. He was only pretending to be a stable boy.

Inuyasha laughed harder still. "No, I think I'll hold on to her for a while."

He released her hands but before Kagome could even fathom means of escape, he'd wrapped his arm around her waist and was slowly walking backwards towards the balcony doors leading to the outside world. Kagome was safe here. Why wasn't anyone saving her?

His hand, positioned near his pocket despite his hold on her waist, slipped inside and grasped something. He pulled it out and Kagome could see he held a fist full of what looked like black powder.

"You should have been watching your key more closely," he laughed, "now I possess it."

With that, he opened his palm and blew the black dust away from him. It seemed to waver in the air for half a second before it fell toward the earth.

"Don't close your eyes," he commanded and suddenly the world enveloped into darkness as the black dust touched down onto the palace floor.