OMG! So I've been held captive by the homework monster and haven't had time to submit any new chapters for this fanfic. Hope this chapter will make up for the agonizing wait I've put you through. Please rate and review! Thanks!


Chapter Four: Romeo

The winding staircase leading up to her bedroom is lit solely by one torch. Door closed tight as a drum, princess Kagome lays sprawled out across her bedspread. A fire is roaring in the fireplace emitting a soft yellow glow out onto the balcony. Although her sister Kikyou had told her a million times to keep the doors to the balcony closed Kagome refused. Being held a prisoner in her own home was torture enough, could she not at least view the world from afar? A small knock raps on the bedchamber's door before a shapely woman wearing maids attire appears before her mistress. Bowing her head slightly, the young maiden walks over to the bedside and kneels.

"Lady Kagome, shall I dress you in your evening attire?" The maiden asks her brown eyes meeting Kagome's.

"I suppose so. Sango, can I talk to you about a rather personal matter?" Kagome questions rising off the bed and steeping onto the warm tile floor around her.

"If my lady permits it then yes of course." Sango smiles walking over to the large wardrobe in the corner of the room.

"It's about this marriage. Why must I marry someone I'm not in love with?" Kagome sighs looking to her feet.

"I suppose it's because we need unity and strength. I know I am only a servant, so correct me if I've spoken out of turn, but I believe you must marry him so peace and serenity will be brought to the people." Sango replies unzipping the light green dress Kagome is wearing.

"Couldn't I bring them peace and serenity by marrying someone I'm actually in love with?" Kagome frowns reaching back to pull her hair off to the side.

"Power is also important, my lady. Your sister wants to ensure that the castle your mother and father worked to hard to protect from the demons stays standing. One way to ensure this is to marry someone with power and wealth." Sango says untying the corset tied tightly around Kagome's middle.

"I still don't see why I can't be with someone I feel fit's the bill. I know Kikyou wants what's best for the kingdom, but does she truly want what's best for me?" Kagome breathes steeping into the white nightgown.

"Lady Kikyou is hard to understand at times, but I wouldn't doubt for a second that she cares for you. Marriage at sixteen in the law, and I know that in the end you'll do what's best for your country." Sango beams tying the sash in the back of the nightgown.

"I only wish there was some other way. Sango, what if we held a grand ball to celebrate my becoming of age?" Kagome questions suddenly perking up.

"The choice is not mine to make, my lady. It's best you take it up with Lady Kikyou. A ball does sound like a wonderful idea though." Sango replies tucking Kagome into the sheets of her bed.

"A ball. I could invite the society to join us! Fancy ball gowns, elegant music, and cute eligible bachelors." Kagome squeals throwing her head back into the fluff.

"You'd look gorgeous, your majesty." Sango blushes holding her cheek.

"You think so?" Kagome asks eyes sparkling in the light of the dying embers.

"I know it, Lady Kagome." Sango smiles winking.

"I'll talk with my sister in the morning. Sango, will you go with me?" Kagome questions reaching for her hand.

"If that is what you wish." Sango whispers patting Kagome's hand softly.

"Thank-you, Sango. You are the best friend a princess could ever ask for." Kagome yawns drifting off to sleep.

"And you are the best master a peasant like myself could ask for. Thank-you for your kind heart, Kagome-sama." Sango murmurs exiting the bedchamber.

Alone in the darkness, dying embers her only light, Kagome falls deep into dream.

The Dream

Kagome is in the courts garden. A large fountain with an angel spreading it's wings is standing in the middle of the water. Roses like the ones she picked for Kikyou when she was young surround her in pinks, reds, yellows, and oranges. There is no moon up above her head, but the stars continue to shine brightly. Inside the castle she can hear guests laughing and conversing. They are all celebrating her becoming sixteen; the legal age to be wed. White and green ball gown pooling around her, Kagome dips her fingertips into the cool water of the fountain. It is only when she sees another reflection besides her own in the water's depths that fear grips her heart. Turning around to face the reflection, she sees a face unknown to her. It's the face of a boy who looks about sixteen. He has long black hair tied back into a formal ponytail, big violet eyes that twinkle in the starlight, and is wearing brown and green formal attire.

"You must be, Lady Kagome." The boy infers taking a step closer to her.

"I've never seen you before? Commoner or noble?" Kagome asks wearily.

"Noble. You are turning sixteen today are you not?" The boy questions kneeling beside her tiny frame.

"Yes. The legal age to rule my father's kingdom." Kagome replies rolling her eyes.

"What a coincidence. It must be we've met by chance, for today I turn sixteen and will inherit my father's crown." The boy laughs heartily.

"You must be joking. Why are you here at my kingdom, when you should be celebrating at your own?" Kagome wonders puzzled.

"You see my celebration means nothing to me. I do not wish to become ruler of a castle or inherit wealth and power. What I wish for is simple, to let my life be lived according to me." The boy replies simply.

"You share a desire similar to myself. I do not wish to live a life according to others. I wish to have it be lived the way I want it to. Above all I do not wish to marry someone just for wealth and power. I want to have the freedom to marry who ever I choose and not have it be decided for me." Kagome cries rather frustrated.

"You wish to escape the chains that hold your entireties captive." The boy murmurs looking into her mocha orbs.

"Yes. That's all I've ever wanted." Kagome whispers breath colliding with a light wind.

"The wind is calling for me. I must leave you princess. Fare thee well for now at least." The boy smiles getting up off the roses.

"Waite! Must you leave? At least tell me your name." Kagome pleads rising with him.

"For now you can just call me Romeo." The boy sighs vanishing into thin air.

"Romeo." Kagome breathes as a red rose falls into the palm of her hand.

Morning's light was brutal on the princess. Arising off her pillow to face the dawn, she finds a red rose beside her head.


That's chapter four! I hope you all liked it. Please Rate and Review! Thanks!