Disclaimer: I own an Inuyasha plushie, but not the characters itself…
xOx
I stayed in my bedchamber for the remainder of the week. By the following morning Father and the Emperor had heard of my tirade, and they were more than displeased. Father, who had never raised his voice at me, yelled at the top of his lungs, raging around my room. Under other circumstances I would've been terrified and cowering in fear, but that day I sat on my chair and watched him calmly, more amused that he reminded himself so much of me than listening to his words. His words of shame and dishonor were hollow—he knew as well as I did that I did nothing to anger the princes.
Rumor had it that they had chosen their brides.
My sisters took the news to heart. Although only a rumor, we believed it to be true—the Emperor hadn't arranged another meeting. Sango had tried asking Father, who turned her away with a sad look. He had heard the rumors, but whom the princes chose was still a mystery to him. The Emperor, who was usually open with our Father, had locked himself in his royal chambers, refusing to meet anyone, including us.
So here I sit on my mat, staring out the window on the eve of the engagement ceremony. I feel no anxiety or apprehension like my sisters. I am not worried. Yes, my life has been forfeited, taken away from my family and has been given to a complete stranger. I will bear this stranger's children and produce an heir for the sake of our country. I will know no love, and love will not know me.
And yet, I get a sense of satisfaction knowing that my little onslaught had saved me from holy matrimony with the younger prince, Inuyasha.
I am quite positive that the blustery Kimura had chosen one of my other sisters for a bride. What man, in their right mind, would choose a wife that would only feed to his temper? A man desired a passive, obedient wife who would answer his every whim and pamper him, and as he knows, I am not the most docile creature he has laid eyes on.
Perhaps, if I fate would have it, I would find a content life with the elder son. He was noble, the true epitome of a prince. Sesshoumaru is handsome and just, and although a little cold I suspect it is his true nature, like it is his brother's to be so rough around the edges. I find no fault in him, but I cannot say the same for his opinion of me. I would live in his home at ease, with him attending to the country's needs, and I imagine myself in peaceful, solitary bliss—but if my tongue-lashing the other day disgusted him, that future is no longer in my reach.
Or, if Kami was generous, he would bestow me with no husband at all, and I could live and take care of Father with whichever sister remained with us.
I can't help but smile, for the remaining options are not at all distasteful. As long as Inuyasha, prince of the Kimura clan, was out of my life, all will be well.
Life was beginning to look up.
xOx
Miroku watched, slightly worried, as his prince lounged lazily against the wall, half-dressed and flicking a knife. He had an odd, disinterested look about him as his eyes were void of emotion, and yet his mouth was upturned in a malign grin. Inuyasha had barely spoken two words to him since he entered his chambers nearly three hours ago, but the hanyou had not moved from his single spot near the window.
"Inuyasha? Are you sure you're feeling alright?"
"I'm fine," he drawled, watching in fascination as the knife gleamed in the early morning light. It was the same answer he had given his general earlier.
Sighing, Miroku stood from his perch on the window, wincing as his bones groaned. Standing directly in the way of Inuyasha's alluring sunlight, he crossed his arms.
"You're not okay, Inuyasha. You want to tell me what's wrong?"
The hanyou frowned, the glimmer of the knife gone as his comrade stared down at him with bewildered eyes. He gave him a lethargic look as he grunted and stood.
"Nothing's wrong, bouzo. I'm tired, that's all."
"Tired? The great Inuyasha tired?" He watched as he grabbed his abandoned shirt off the mat and shrugged it on. "What, in Kami's holy name, could you have been doing to have you so tired? On the day of your engagement nonetheless!"
The prince growled as the familiar lecherous smirk crept onto Miroku's face. "I didn't get any sleep last night, so stop letting your mind wander."
"Ah, pre-wedding jitters?" Miroku simpered, holding back a laugh. "Come now, Inuyasha, it is not as bad as it may seem. Being with a woman is quite exhilarating—"
"Oh spare me," Inuyasha glared, rolling his eyes. "I wasn't up all night thinking about that."
"So then, I'm guessing you're still plotting how to be named heir over Sesshoumaru."
"Good job. Shall I give you a treat?"
Miroku exhaled slowly. "Do you really think that you can accomplish such a feat? I mean, your brother has seniority over you, plus, he's a full youkai."
"Don't you think that I thought about those things?" Inuyasha plopped down on the mat. "There are other ways to winning Father's heart and the throne."
"You mean…Kagome?"
"Exactly," the hanyou grinned, his eyes narrowing. "That wench could be the key in Father naming me heir over Sesshoumaru."
The monk shook his head sadly. "A woman's heart is fickle, Inuyasha. It can't be bent so easily, especially the heart of the Blue Lark of Japan. You have seen for your own eyes that she is particularly headstrong."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," the hanyou dismissed, waving a hand, "but she also has a power over men. Don't you see the way Tanaka-san and her father dote on her? Any other father would have had her tongue cut off at the slightest lashing, but she remains unharmed after that scene days ago."
Miroku stared hard at the prince, as if he could see the wheels in his head turning. "You plan to have her charm your father."
"In a sense, yes."
"Inuyasha," he began slowly, "to seduce your father when he is Emperor is treason!"
He watched as the hanyou turned beet red. "I'm not going to have her seduce him!" He sputtered, mustering a half-hearted glare.
"Then what are you going to have her do?"
"I'm not quite sure yet," he grunted, tying his hamaka in place. "That's where the whole 'not getting any sleep last night' thing comes in."
Relieved that he wasn't plotting his future wife to soil herself for the sake of a crown, Miroku strode over to the hanyou's side and set a hand on his shoulder. "I would be careful if I were you. If the rumors are true, she could end up following in her grandmother's footsteps. In the end, Kagome might be the one who has authority over you."
"Keh," Inuyasha snorted. "I'm not going to have some saucy wench push me around." Grabbing the Tessaiga, he made for the door. "C'mon, bouzo. I want some fresh air before the ceremony."
Miroku inclined, following the Kimura prince out. Rolling eyes at his huffing friend, he smiled a cheeky grin.
"Saucy wench, no. Higurashi Kagome…maybe."
xOx
"Now isn't this more pleasant than your dreary bedchambers?"
Kagome rolled her eyes in response to Kikyou. It had been earlier that day when her sisters barged into her room, determined to drag her outside, willing or not willing. 'It was their last day of freedom' they declared, 'and all of them deserved to enjoy the last moments of single life.' She had screamed, she had struggled, she had bit, but to no avail—in the end, the blue-eyed beauty lost. Now here she was, strolling in the marketplace with her sisters, passing the many stalls filled with goods and produce.
"It's been awhile since this place had so much life," Sango noted, running her finger along the surface of an apple.
"Now with the threat of war gone, there is no reason for the people to fear the Kimuras," Kikyou laughed, watching a group of children play a game of tag nearby.
"Oh look, Kagome! Combs!"
Kagome grunted as her youngest sister dragged her in the direction of a specific stall, the sleeves of her kimono billowing as they wove in and out of the crowds.
"Rin! Rin, slow down!"
"Oh look, how beautiful!"
The dark-haired women halted in front of a rather plain-looking stall, with a single woman standing behind a wooden board that served as a table. Kagome wondered what drew Rin to this stall out of all the others when something blue caught her eye.
Indeed, the stall was full of beautiful combs of all colors imaginable—from red, to pink, to dark shades of purple to the lightest orange. Each had its own intricate design, each unique and different from the rest.
But it was one that took Kagome's breath away. It was a deep blue with black lining, and along the edges were cherry blossoms carved in silver. With such fascination she reached out and touched the teeth of the comb, wondering at its beauty.
"Does my lady see something she likes?"
Startled, Kagome drew her hand away abruptly. She gazed up at the shopkeeper, her deep brown eyes warm and inviting. Glancing around, she realized her sisters were busy examining combs to their own liking and was paying no attention to her.
"My lady?" The shopkeeper smiled, picking up the comb with her brown hand and holding it out to her. "Would you like to hold it?"
Hesitatingly Kagome plucked the comb from the outstretched hand. It was surprisingly light and appeared to be made of a light metal. Turning it over she realized the comb was identical on both sides as she touched the silver cherry blossoms.
She had never allowed herself such luxury. She had always said that combs and rouge were frivolous things, and held no importance in life. Her sisters, although not vain, had their share of fine jewelry and combs, while she settled for subtler, plain treasures. Never had she wanted such a trinket as the one she held in her hand at that moment.
"It is the color of your eyes, my lady," the woman coaxed. "Most befitting for a woman of your beauty."
"Well, well, who do we have here?"
Kagome's trance was broken by the familiar voice of General Tomoe Miroku. Thankful that she was slightly hidden behind her sisters, she peered around Sango's lithe figure, her eyes landing on the man with violet eyes and his hanyou prince.
"Kimura-sama, Tomoe-sama" Kikyou bowed, smiling. "What a pleasure."
"Please, just Miroku, if you will," he smiled, nudging his companion in the ribs. Returning the gesture with a glare, the prince grunted. "Just Inuyasha."
"Miroku and Inuyasha," Rin tried, the names rolling off her tongue. "Much easier."
"I agree," the general chuckled. Glancing around, he frowned, his nose slightly crinkling. "Just the three of you? Where is the fourth?"
"Kagome? Oh, she's here." Kagome froze as her sisters parted, leaving her in plain view of the two men. Hastily thrusting the comb back into the woman's hand, she stood rigid. "Hello," she managed a contemptuous tone.
"Hello." Inuyasha raised an eyebrow, his golden eyes watching her carefully. They stood staring at each other for a few awkward moments. "So, I noticed you've kept to your chambers."
Her eyes flew open in surprise, before narrowing in suspicion. "I didn't think it was in your nature to be concerned, Inuyasha."
"Keh, I wasn't concerned Kagome," he smirked, replaying the sarcastic tone with her own name. "One can't help but observe the lack of tantrums that usually grace the city."
She was piqued by his cheekiness, her eyes gleaming with rage. Inuyasha smiled smugly, his golden orbs twinkling with amusement. He could feel the unceasing fire that burned within her threaten to burn him as the others looked on with agitated glances. He was getting under her venerable skin, and he enjoyed it.
Kagome glared at him with clenched teeth, his brilliant irises lighting with delight. The way his chest puffed in pride and his eyebrows rose in pure rapture—he wanted this reaction from her. For what reasons, she had no idea. All she knew was that he gloated in her misery.
'Well, I won't grant him such satisfaction.'
In a blink of an eye her scowl was transformed into a dazzling smile, her stormy blue-gray eyes substituted with the twinkling night sky. The frown that marred her lovely features was gone, replaced with an alluring countenance that only she could possess. As her lids flickered her defiant gaze disappeared, and in its place a more demure, feminine gaze remained.
Inuyasha couldn't help but swallow air as he watched Kagome's metamorphosis from a livid vixen to a composed maiden of her station. She had been beautiful as a fiery harpy, but now, as she peered at him from beneath her thick, dark lashes she lighted a fire within him, full of desire and impulse. He stared, mouth slightly gaping, as she shyly smiled at him.
"It is not my intention to vex anyone with my temper," she spoke with a reserved tone, "especially you, Inuyasha."
The prince stifled a groan as he felt the blood rush to his nether region. The sound of her voice saying his name in such a delicate manner stirred the lustful beast within, reminding him that he hadn't been with a woman in years. The way her eyes glowed brilliantly, her soft voice, her cherry lips—it was enough for him to go insane.
Miroku's cough sent his fantasy crashing. Summoning the last threads of control he had before he took her right there and now, he articulated the only word his mind could produce.
"Keh."
His response elicited a girlish laugh from Kagome, whose turn came to gaze at him with an amused expression. "Come, sisters, Father will be expecting us soon."
The other three ladies, who each had tickled looks upon their faces, smiled, bowing respectfully to the two men, and turned to leave. Kagome, who lingered a few moments more, flashed them a delicate smile before bowing with as much grace as her sisters. "Till we meet again at sundown, Inuyasha." Turning to the other man, she winked. "Miroku."
The dark-haired man didn't miss the impish grin she flashed before turning and joining her awaiting sisters. Watching the colors of green, yellow, purple, and pink of their kimonos disappear into the crowd Miroku gave a chortle.
"A fine piece of work that Kagome is."
Inuyasha let out a huff of frustration, as his mind was once again clear of Kagome's unsuspecting magnetism. His ardor replaced with disorientation, he turned his garbled eyes to his general. "What the hell just happened?"
"I believe, my dear prince," Miroku responded gleefully, "that you had been taken in by Kagome's womanly wiles."
The hanyou grated his fangs in annoyance, clearly irked. He had no idea that she was capable of such trickery—hell, he had only known her to be angry and vengeful, not flirtatious and smiles. The way she stared at him with her smoky eyes had sent all thoughts of reason away and forced every single one of his senses to her.
Miroku shook his head as he watched his friend battle with his inner emotions. "I warned you. Kagome isn't the kind of woman that will bend to your will easily."
"She just…caught me unawares," Inuyasha retorted weakly.
"Yes, unawares," Miroku laughed. "You were seduced by her, admit it. It would perfectly normal for you to do so, for any man would fall to her whims. Even I felt drawn as she gazed at me with those alluring—"
"Shut up, bouzo," he growled. The impudent bitch proved that she could keep him on his toes. Despite her bouts of irritability she knew the power she had over men, enticing and conforming them to her fickle nature. Any other man faced with such a situation would submit to her illusive character, but to Inuyasha it was only another challenge.
"Do you still plan on using her for the throne, even when she has you on the tip of your manhood?"
"What do you think?" He snapped, glaring. The prince was about to retort another unseemly response when his eyes landed on a particular stall.
"Two can play at this game," he muttered, striding over and startling the woman who was busy rearranging her merchandise. "Oi, woman."
The middle-aged matron squeaked in surprise as she came face to face with the golden eyes of her future prince. Jerkily curtsying she lowered her eyes. "Milord."
"What was that wench looking at before we came?"
The shopkeeper blinked at him blankly as she tried to register his words. Her mouth began to flap incomprehensibly as his eyes narrowed in impatience, a low growl emanating from his chest.
By now Miroku had gotten the jest of Inuyasha's intentions and moved to save the woman from his terrible wrath. "He means Kagome, my lady. What was the lady Kagome looking at before we came upon her and her sisters?"
Relieved to have a human ask her so nicely she nodded, quickly searching for the particular comb the blue-eyed beauty had been admiring earlier. A few moments later she produced an ornate blue comb, adorned with silver impressions of cherry blossoms along the edges.
Inuyasha took it from her, examining it in his clawed hands. After a few moments he seemed satisfied and extracted a few coins from a hidden pocket inside his haori. "This should be enough."
Miroku watched, bewildered, as the woman took the delicate comb and began to wrap it in a fine piece of cloth. "And what, may I ask, are you planning to do with that?"
Inuyasha gruffly thanked the woman as he took the parcel, giving her an extra coin for her silence. Safely tucking it into his haori, he grinned maliciously at his companion. "I'm getting even, of course."
"Getting even? Are you planning to comb her hair until she's bald?"
"Of course not," he scoffed. A mad glint entered his eye as he smirked impishly.
"The game of seduction isn't one-sided, bouzo."
xOx
Kagome sat properly on the mat, bored. Surrounded by her sisters she sat in her best kimono, a blue creation with the pattern of cherry blossom petals. Her yellow obi was wrapped around her tighter than usual as she longed to tug it off. Sneaking a glance at Sango, she quietly glowered as she saw her peaceful and content expression.
As expected, the Emperor and Kimuras arrived at their house shortly after sundown, accompanied by the two generals. It was time to announce the princes' engagement to two of the Higurashi daughters, but their father and the Emperor seemed to be dragging the occasion longer than expected.
As the third round of tea was being served Kagome caught the eye of Inuyasha, who was looking as bored as she was. She gave him a blank stare as he looked away embarrassed. Inwardly she crowed, knowing that she had won the little spat they had earlier in the marketplace. She had caught him glancing at her on several occasions since they arrived, but she paid no attention to him.
Kagome felt no despair or delight as she sat, staring at her cup as the servant served her more tea. Unlike her sisters the impending engagement ceremony held no uncertainty for her—now that the threat of marriage with Inuyasha less than unlikely, she only had to wait to hear if she was to be married to Sesshoumaru. If he chose one of her sisters above her, she would be able to remain her Father's household and once again resume her peaceful life.
Her thoughts were broken as the Emperor suddenly cleared his throat and began to speak. He seemed paler than usual, and his fine clothing didn't hide his thinning body. He was, Kagome sadly thought, only a shadow of his former self.
"Today is a day of celebration," he began slowly, choosing his words carefully, "for today is the day that our country will be assured peace for many more years to come. This period of tranquility can only be attributed by the generosity of these women that sit before us, who, in magnanimity, has consented in serving the remainder of their lives for a greater cause. And, it is to these benevolent women, that I must ask for forgiveness."
He paused and stared straight at Kagome and her sisters, who gazed at him blankly. "I am ashamed," he continued sadly, "for I have not been forthright with you, who I consider my own flesh and blood."
Tanaka Nori gave them a remorseful look before turning away. "I know that only two of you expect to be given away tonight, but it is in fact, all four that will be married—two to the princes, and two to the generals."
Kagome felt her blood run cold as Kikyou gasped. Sango's eyes widened as Rin gaped openly. All at once they turned to their father, who too refused to meet their eye after a repentant glance.
"Do not blame your father, my children," the Emperor continued, "for he himself did not know he would lose all of you in single swoop. The blame is my own, and I shall carry it with me to my grave. I ask for your forgiveness, though I deserve none." With a last guilty glimpse, he fell silent.
The room seemed to grow warm as smell of tea began to nauseate the women. Kagome willed herself to breath slower—she was deeply pained and sorrowed to know that she would not be returning to her father. Gazing at the men they would call their husbands, she could only pray to Kami that her life would not end in heartache as she felt now.
'All will be well…marriage to Miroku or Onigumo won't be so bad...I hope…'
Kimura Inutaisho, who respectfully remained mute during the entire ordeal, allowed a few minutes to pass for the ladies to compose themselves before taking his turn to speak. Gruffly coughing, he bid the ladies an amiable greeting.
"My men are men of honor," he began. "They will not humiliate or degrade you in any way, shape, or form. They acknowledge that these marriages are out of altruism, and they have swore to me and Tanaka-san that they would protect that unselfishness you have shown with their life."
Having stunned the women with his impressive words, he proceeded with focal function of the night. Inutaisho pulled a single piece of parchment out of his haori, his golden eyes gleaming.
"On this document rests the names of my men and sons, along with those of the Higurashi women they wish to wed," he spoke calmly. Directing his steady gaze to the women, he softened his tone. "I know that this is a perplexing time for you, but I ask that you take it with as much grace as you can gather."
As he proceeded to unfold the parchment, Kagome momentarily closed her eyes, praying to Kami for strength to expect the unexpected. She would live a life of happiness, she thought, despite the circumstances.
'I will be happy, I will be happy as long Inuyasha…'
The younger golden-eyed prince eyed his intended carefully, watching her blanch to an unhealthy color. Glancing at the others, he realized that all the Higurashi daughters looked ill and tired. He had never realized what kind of emotional damage they had to endure during this tribulation, and for the first time since he set eyes on them, he felt a pang of compassion.
"My eldest son, Kimura Sesshoumaru, wishes to wed Higurashi Rin, the youngest daughter of Higurashi Kenji."
Kagome's eyes flew open in surprise. Never in all her years has she heard of the eldest son choosing the youngest daughter of a family as a bride. Her gaze traveled down to her younger sister, who sat dumbstruck at her side. Kikyou and Sango were both astounded as well, as they watched Rin rise to meet the awaiting Sesshoumaru. They watched their naïve sister walk across the room with such decorum that it made them catch their own breath. Sesshoumaru bowed respectfully to Rin who returned the gesture, and they both kneeled together, sitting side by side as Inutaisho continued.
The blue-eyed young woman couldn't help the tears that sprang to her eyes as she stared at her youngest sister. Rin seemed calm enough, yet alienated and seeming very alone. Against Sesshoumaru's tall figure she seemed small and insignificant, like a child.
"My younger son, Kimura Inuyasha, wishes to wed Higurashi Kagome, the third daughter of Higurashi Kenji."
Kagome felt the room still as her heart stopped. She heard her name…but that was impossible! Inuyasha didn't pick her…he couldn't pick her! It seemed inconceivable for him to do so, but as she looked up she saw Kenji's melancholy eyes fixated on her.
'Kimura Inuyasha…wishes to wed…me…oh Kami, no!'
She barely registered the words as she repeated them in her head when Sango nudged her to stand. The obi around her waist suddenly felt significantly tighter as she struggled to her feet, her movements clumsy and jerked.
'No…it can't be…'
Kagome willed herself forward as she felt the Emperor's gaze on her. With slow, deliberate steps she made her way across the room the same way Rin did, though with less grace. She kept her fixed look on the floor, her eyes wide and unseeing. She felt numb and betrayed, walking mechanically across the room as she had been taught earlier in the event she would be chosen as a bride. As flash of red finally coming into view, she reluctantly lifted her gaze, all hope of a happy and gratified life gone as she stared into the heat of his gaze.
'Oh Kami…no…'
His eyes were smoldering, glinting in the dim candlelight. She saw a hidden, unbidden emotion as he stared at her, his golden eyes sending shivers down her spine. Their locked gazes lingered for a few moments before he broke it, bowing respectfully. Willing herself to bow as well, she loosened herself and arched her back, feeling the room spin as she did so. As she lifted her eyes once more the ocean clashed with the sun, and all breath left her body, the room darkening.
'Curse you, Inuyasha…'
The look of surprise on her intended's face and his golden eyes were the last things she saw before Kagome fainted promptly into his arms.
xOx
AN: So the cat's finally out of the bag. For all of those who are wondering, this story does have mature content, so be warned.
I decided to update a little sooner…cause I will soon be going back up to college and I won't be sure how long it will take me to write another chapter…but I will update!
Don't you just love the sexual tension between these two? Thank you to InuGoddess715, stevenghost, and Nitchu Mikata for reviewing!
Hope you're enjoying the story! Please Review!