Chapter 6

Kagome slowly regained consciousness, the first thing to come to her attention was pain. Her head was pounding, her cheek throbbed, and it felt as if every one of her muscles were protesting their ill use last night; the second thing was the heavy cold thing around her neck. She bolted up, one hand flying to the unaccustomed weight on her neck, the other gingerly touching her cheek. She looked around herself, she didn't expect what she saw. She had left the manor, without his permission, he had been forced to stay up all night following after her, then carrying her back when she'd passed out earlier. She'd expected to find herself in a dungeon, awaiting whatever punishment Kikyo had told her about, the one that left a woman a walking doll. Instead, she was in a large room, the walls had silk decorated fans, were painted red, the furnishing was all beautifully carved wood, there was a separate smaller room for bathing and getting herself prettied up. There was an open wardrobe beside the four-poster bed she was sitting on, inside there were a breathtaking selection of brightly colored silk kimono.

These were rooms fit for a princess, the only thing marring the beauty of the room was the thick golden chain running from one of the posts on the bed, to the cold thing at her neck. She stood, stifling a groan as her body protested, and walked slowly to the wardrobe, she looked into the mirror and groaned when her suspicions were confirmed, she was wearing a matching gold collar chaining her to the bed. She had enough slack to move around the room but that was it. She didn't know what to think; here she was, chained up like a pet dog, a bruise running from her eye down to just above her chin from the slaps she'd received last night, yet she was in the most beautiful room she had ever been in. What was Sesshoumaru doing with her? He put her in here like she was someone important, yet chained her up, so he was obviously angry about her little trip last night. Since she didn't have enough information to form a conclusion yet she decided she might as well go about her morning routine until he showed up, or someone else did, to explain her newest life change.

The first thing she did was change into a fresh kimono, the one she was wearing was beyond saving unfortunately, Sesshoumaru's "fit" and her little "trip" had efficiently ruined it. Instead she slipped into a royal blue decorated with golden water patterns, sheer stockings completed her clothing. She wandered over to the make-up desk and attempted to reduce how noticeable the bruise was. It took every trick Sango had taught her but she managed to make it seem smaller but there was no way she was going to hide it. She slowly worked all the tangles out of her hair, spreading some of the scented oil into it when she was finished, rubbing a little into her skin for good measure she walked back into the main room and sat back on the bed idly running her fingers over the collar, looking without much hope for some way to get it off.

She was awoken about a half-hour later, not even remembering falling asleep, by a young girl she'd never seen before. This girl did not have the same dejected look as the other slave girls, nor was she dressed in the scratchy wool that the others wore. She had a orange and cream patterned silk kimono on, and her hair was styled up on one side. Kagome smiled at the little girl sitting up on the bed, waiting for whatever message the child had been sent with. "Hi! I'm Rin. Daddy Sesshoumaru told me that you are going to be my new caretaker." She smiled brightly fishing around in her pouch for a minuet before looking up at Kagome again "He also said that I was to give you this but we were not to leave this room until he returned. And he said to tell you that if you leave the room I am supposed to run and tell him no matter where he is or what he's doing." She took a deep breath since she'd said that whole thing in such a rush, then held out a key. Kagome was shocked when Rin said she was going to be her caretaker, so she had been taken from the ladies in his entourage, to become the little one's nanny. Well at least it was more interesting then sitting silently behind him looking pretty. Although she wasn't sure how she would handle a little demon's temper tantrum. The crescent on the girls forehead was enough to prove that she was a demon. She was also surprised that Rin called him 'daddy', she hadnt know Sesshoumaru had any children, and this little girl looked so much like a human it was hard to believe she was not. Sesshoumaru's threat was not surprising in the least, he didn't seem to think that anyone would listen to him unless he threatened them.

The key that Rin held out pushed all this from her mind in a second, she grabbed it hugging the little girl before rushing over to the wardrobe mirror. Once the collar was unlocked she set it on a small table beside the bed, even though she would have loved to throw it out the window, she knew she'd most likely be wearing it again. She settled down on the floor with Rin, who had brought a bag-full of things to do. It was midmorning when they were interrupted by a young woman, obviously a serving woman not a pleasure slave like Kagome or her friends. The woman held out a hand for Rin, who ran to her, then turned to face Kagome "Rin needs to get to her lessons, she will be brought back here afterwards." Kagome nodded and the woman left the room, Kikyo walked in as the other woman left. Kagome bowed to the older woman, remembering the cold way she was treated last time they had been together. She was surprised by the small smile on Kikyo's face, "Stand up Kagome. Don't you remember what I said before, I don't intend to treat you like trash. I must apologize for the way I treated you last night, I was angry with Inu-Yasha not you." Kagome stood up, watching as Kikyo walked toward the bed, she picked up the metal collar and turned toward Kagome again. "I'm sorry Kagome, but the master said when you are not with him or Rin you are to be restrained. I don't know what you did to anger him, but it is his wish." Kagome took a deep breath before nodding, moving her hair out of the way as Kikyo fastened the collar to her neck. She took the key from the desk and slipped it into her pouch.

"Don't worry Kagome, he is not a foolish man, he will reconsider this treatment as soon as he comes to speak with you, he should be here as soon as he finishes his business." Kikyo patted Kagome's arm, trying to comfort her, before leaving to see to the many duties she had as Inu-Yasha's mistress. Kagome sat on the bed, not sure what to do until Rin, or Sesshoumaru, came back. She contented herself with replaying the memories of her happy times at home. The days when her father was still carefree, not weighed down by the debt that Kagome was even now working to repay. She wondered if her behavior had added more time to her sentence here? She still hoped to be able to leave some day, even though that hope was rapidly dwindling. Sesshoumaru looked at her with a hungry desire. She now knew what that look that had troubled her before was, he desired her, and as long as he continued she was trapped. It was about an hour after Kikyo left that she heard someone coming down the hallway. The footsteps were not light enough to be one of the women, nor were they loud enough to be a soldier, and she had yet to see a male slave anywhere but outside, so that only left Sesshoumaru. She stood up, quickly checking her reflection in the mirror before kneeling down on a cushion near her table. As the door slid open she bowed down, once again in control of herself, she would be the good little slave. She knew now that any rebellion would be met with his aggressive advance, and she did not want to be forced by him, neither did she want to have her miko side take control of her again. So, she would try her best to hold her temper from here on out.

Sesshoumaru strode purposefully into the room, his gaze immediately falling on the woman bowing in a corner. He walked over to her reaching down to unfasten her collar, he admired her self-control. She did not flinch when he stood over her, nor did she try to avoid his touch when he removed her collar. Setting it aside he went to sit in a chair a little away from her. He had meant to sweep in, frighten her a little, then give her his decision. But now he reconsidered that particular plan of action. He could smell the determination in her, and he knew from yesterday what rough treatment did to her, he did not intend to allow her to escape him again. It was not an experience he enjoyed, being overpowered by the small little human kneeling across the room, but there was something he found exhilarating about it, the fact that such a small weak looking female could control him even partially was intriguing. Besides he was growing fond of the little creature, she had stood up to him, and she was powerful. She was not your average weak female, those were the one's he detested, she was a strong and willful creature, he just had to figure out how to bend that will to his, without breaking it. He pulled himself out of his brooding, realizing that she still had not moved an inch since he entered the room, she was probably starting to worry. "Come here."

Kagome was proud of the way she was able to remain completely still as he removed her collar and walked about the room. He ordered her to come to him and she had the absurd image of a dog crawling to heel at his feet. Of course she was not going to do that but it still brought a little smile to her face. Rising gracefully she walked over to him, managing to do so without the slightest tremor. She kneeled at his feet, head lowered so her chin almost touched her chest. She was looking up at him from below lowered lashes, so he couldn't see her, or so she thought. The barest of smiles crossed his face as he looked at her. He started to run his fingers through her hair, she didn't move an inch. This was a silent war for Kagome, she did not intend to yield to him, yet she must not make it appear that she was fighting his authority. A complicated war, where a misstep could be dangerous. He grabbed her chin, she expected his grip to be painful but it was surprisingly gentle, he tilted her head up, forcing her to look at him. She looked up at him eye-to-eye, he grinned before tilting her head to the side, then he frowned. She didn't even blink as he reached for a towel beside them, gently wiping all the makeup she had painstakingly applied this morning from the bruised side of her face. Then he gently ran his fingers across it, as if he were trying to make sure it was actually there.

"I'm sorry about this, I did not mean to hurt you Kagome, sometimes my inner demon is more aggressive then I'd wish." Her jaw dropped and she pulled free of his hand to stare up at him, wide eyed. If there was anything she had expected to hear it was not this! He actually smiled at the shock on her face. Then he continued to give her the next biggest shock of her young life. "I have decided you are going to be my mate. I have arranged a human ceremony for you it will take place in three days time. I shall escort you to collect your family this afternoon." Kagome simply stared at him for several long moments, absorbing his words. She slowly stood up, walking away from him to the big window on the other side of the room. Sesshoumaru left her in peace to come to terms with this newest turn in life in her own time. After about five minutes she turned back to face him. A mischievous gleam in her eyes "I assume I have no say in this matter"

"None."

She nodded tossing her hair back from her face, he was once again stricken by her beauty, the sunshine gleaming in her raven hair. He would give her the human ceremony he knew she wanted, then he'd make her his the way demons throughout the world did. Before she got the chance to continue he went on, he wanted her clear on a few points. "As the lady of the West, you will have certain criteria that you must live by. You will continue to be obedient to me, disobedience in public will never be tolerated, however, if you disagree with me in private I will not stop you as long as you do not physically fight with me." He waited for her nod before continuing, regretting the wary look in her eyes, but he had to tell her this. "You will help Kikyo manage the women on the estate. They must not be allowed to get out of hand. She will teach you about those duties. You must attend all formal occasions with me. I will give you a full day to yourself every week where you may do whatever you please, if you want to leave the estate I must be with you." Again he paused for her to nod. "However, if you displease me those days will be taken from you; I will allow you more freedom after we are mated, but I must be able to trust you. If you betray that trust you will spend a long time winning it back." Finished he waited to see if there was anything she wished to add.

"I have a few requests." Kagome started out tentatively, waiting for his nod "I do not expect to be treated as inferior, at least in private." He nodded, accepting that. She pointed to the collar and chain she'd been attached to before "I never want to be put on that again, I am not a dog Sesshoumaru." He blinked at the use of his name, but decided it was acceptable since she was going to be his mate in a few days. "I will not promise to never put you on it again, if I feel you cannot be trusted to stay on the grounds then I will have no other choice. For your own safety." She sighed accepting that, at least it meant she wouldn't be put on it if she didn't run away. "I assume I am going to act as Rin's mother?" He nodded, "Then I want free rein to raise her, and any other children, as I see fit. I don't want them hurt if they misbehave as all children do." he nodded to that as well, her conditions were not unreasonable. "Then I shall try my best to be what you expect in a wife." Her eyes brightened as she remember something he'd said before "When do we leave for my family's house?"

He was surprised that she only wanted those few things, it seemed she was quite easy to please. Within seconds the serious look on her face melted into something close to childish joy. He actually surprised a laugh from him, he didn't remember the last time he had laughed. She was good for him, in private, with her, he could allow his cold exterior to dissipate. He did not need to be the lord that strikes fear into the hearts of his people with her, she had already faced his rage without quailing. "I will have everything prepared within the hour, the woman Sango will be sent here to help you prepare." With that he left as quickly as he'd come.

Kagome waited until he was outside before slumping down on the bed, shaking. It had taken every bit of self control to keep herself from flipping out. His mate! She was going to be the mate to a monster! Yet, he had been very nice to her just now, he was throwing her a wedding party, even though demons did not do things this way, and he was taking her to get her family, so they could be there. It wasn't much worse then an arranged marriage. If she was lucky he would not require more intimate contact then what was required to produce heirs. She was given more freedom, she didn't have to worry about being treated so badly anymore, unless she angered him, which didn't seem hard to do. She just wasn't sure what to think! Groaning she buried her face in her hands, taking deep calming breaths. It wouldn't bee so bad, it couldn't bee that bad.

"Oh Kagome-sama. What a pitiful picture you make." Kagome looked up as Sango walked into the room, laughing they ran to hug each other like friends who had not seen each other in years, although it had only been a few days. "Oh Sango! I've missed you." Sango pulled away looking her over, tisking over the bruise on her face. "I heard that you'd left the manor last night, I was so frightened! I thought you would be taken to the dungeons and I'd never see you again. Then he announced to the manor, just moments ago, that you were going to be his mate. I could not believe my ears, you have the best luck." Kagome sighed smiling weakly "I'm not sure what to think of it Sango. But enough of that, he's taking me to get my family! I need your help to make this" She touched her cheek wincing slightly "disappear, my mother's heart would break if she thought I was being abused."

Sango smiled, grabbing her hand pulling her toward the dressing room. "Do not worry Kagome-sama, I have talents you have yet to see!" She set to work on Kagome, first she applied more cosmetics then Kagome knew and the result was amazing, Sango managed to make the bruise completely invisible! It took about fifteen minutes just for that. Then she fixed her hair, it had been mussed up a bit when Sesshoumaru played with it. That finished they went through her wardrobe picking out the loveliest one she owned. There was a cream colored under layer, that draped down to just above the floor, it would make her seem to glide as she walked. Then another, about six inches shorter then the first, in a dark purple with silver embroidery in such a complicated design it was impossible to tell what it was supposed to be, but it was gorgeous. A cream obi tied intricately behind her, the tails of the bow hanging down to her ankles, completed her outfit. As a final touch Sango took a beautifully carved ivory comb from a case on the makeup table, she pushed a portion of Kagome's hair up away from her face, twisting it and slipping the comb in to hold it on place. In the end Kagome was shocked at how different she looked, she was a high-class lady, instead of a poor little farm girl. The whole process took three-quarters of the hour Sesshoumaru had given her. Sango smiled over her shoulder "You are beautiful milady. Sesshoumaru-sama has given me to you as a wedding gift by the way, I'm now your ladies maid." Kagome gasped clasping her friends arms wishing she could embrace her but that would muss up all that Sango had worked so hard to do. "I'm grateful to have you with me Sango, really. Hurry, it's your turn to get prettied up, I cant have my maid disgracing me by being untidy." She fought the smile that threatened to come up after her last words. Sango put on a false meek expressing, bowing before giggling and changing into one of Kagome's plainest Kimono. She was ready in minutes, and went to stand beside Kagome. "A maid must not outshine her lady." Was all she said to Kagome's pointed glance at the plainness of her outfit. A knock at the door interrupted any response Kagome was going to make. Sango rushed to open it, bowing as Sesshoumaru strode into the room.

Kagome lowered her head respectfully before raising it to meet his eyes, a perfect show of respect from a wife to a husband. He looked her over, pleased with how beautifully the woman Sango had made her. He offered his arm to her, which she placed one hand delicately upon, allowing him to lead her from the room this way. They must show the people of the manor that their leaders were strong together, so that they would not think to curry favor with one or the other, hoping to use any animosity between the couple to their advantage. Sesshoumaru was proud of her, she was performing her role perfectly. She acted as if she had grown up amidst the manners and courtesies demanded by the court. The paused at a door farther down the hall and he knocked once before entering. Inside the little Rin dashed from a side room spinning in front of them once before smiling brightly "Do you like my new kimono Daddy? Kagome-sama?" she was wearing a red silk kimono with a pink obi tied in a big bow behind her. Sesshoumaru nodded at the child, indulging her; Kagome released his arm to reach for the little child's hand, Rin took it without hesitation looking up at her with trusting eyes "You look beautiful Rin-chan, that color suits you. Now, would you like to call me Mother? Or Momma, instead of Kagome." The child brightened nodding vigorously. Sesshoumaru smiled once more offering an arm for his mate. She took it again, without letting go of Rin's hand, so that when they continued down the hall they were walking side-by-side like a real family.

Outside was a finer carriage then the one that had brought her here what seemed forever ago. Sesshoumaru helped her and Rin up before he climbed in after them, Sango climbed up beside the driver, maids did not ride inside unless their mistress's were alone. The driver started the horses at a steady canter, they would reach Kagome's family home in about an hour. Sesshoumaru spent the ride watching Kagome play cats cradle and other female games to pass the time. She would be a good mother to his future pups. She was already more fond of Rin then the girls own mother had been. His first mate had been a cold and distant woman. Keeping to her rooms and avoiding him as much as possible. This wife would be different, she was warm and had a ready laugh. Yet he expected she was going to be a much bigger handful then his first wife had been.

The carriage slowed and he glanced out the window seeing a medium sized estate with a little shrine in the back, it appeared the woman had been telling the truth about her family. As the carriage stopped an old man came to the open doorway, staring at them. Foolish old man. Kagome's maid opened the carriage, bowing them into the courtyard. Sesshoumaru climbed down enjoying the look of horror on the old man's face. He reached up helping Kagome down. She tried to rush past him but he held her arm, not tightly but it was enough to rein in her impatience. The old man looked as if he would have a heart attack when he saw his granddaughter, then he rushed into the house yelling for his daughter and someone named Souta. Sure that Kagome would wait for him he reached up lifting Rin down, she had trouble getting out of a carriage on her own.

He held out his arm for the woman to take, which she did, then started walking toward the house. Rin reached up holding her new mother's hand, she was shy around people who didn't live on her father's estate. Those people she knew wouldn't do anything to her, she didn't know anything about these people. Kagome squeezed the little one's hand, looking down at her whispering reassurances. By the time they reached the door Rin was back to her normal cheery self. Kagome's grandfather had just re-entered the doorway when they came up to it. He bowed, scowling, at Sesshoumaru before embracing Kagome warmly, tears in his eyes. He had never thought he would see her again. She herself was a little teary, she'd shared his fear of never seeing them again. He backed up as Kagome's mother and little brother each embraced her, her mother crying, Souta squeezing her as if he thought if he held on tight enough she'd stay this time. Laughing Kagome detangled herself from her family, half-turning to look at Sesshoumaru, reaching for Rin's hand.

"I have not brought Kagome here to stay, we are here to inform you that I have chosen her to be my wife. You are invited to attend the wedding. Prepare for travel, do not waist any of our time packing clothing my manor can provide whatever you need. You have only an hour to prepare." Kagome looked up at him, intending to give him a piece of her mind when they were alone. He really had no people skills. Sighing she smiled gently pushing Rin to stand in front of her, "Mother, Grandmother, Souta, this is Rin. She is Lord Sesshoumaru's daughter and will be my step-daughter once we are married." Her family relaxed, turning slightly hostile eyes from Sesshoumaru to look warmly at the little girl. Kagome nudged her gently and she half-bowed "Pleasure to meet you all." Back on easier ground Kagome's mother took charge like she usually did, clapping her hands to get the other's attention. "Souta, go make sure there is enough food for the cat for a while. Father, go lock up the shrine, hurry now we need to be ready quickly." They left to do as she'd bid and she turned back to Sesshoumaru, bowing to him "We will not require the hour milord. I am grateful to you for allowing us to attend her wedding. Might I borrow the ladies for a few moments?" He nodded and she grabbed Kagome with one hand, little Rin with the other, hustling them inside.

"Oh Kagome, I am so happy to see you again. And I'm very happy to meet you Rin." She walked over to the chest where she'd been keeping the items she'd been making for Kagome's dowry. "I don't know if you still want to, with all the beautiful silks that your soon to be husband can provide you, but I finished your wedding dress." She pulled a delicate red kimono from the chest, shaking it out for Kagome's examination. It was silk, if a simpler cut then what she wore now, and it had been painstakingly embroidered by her mother in gold dyed thread. It was silk so she thought Sesshoumaru would not protest to her wearing it, and it meant so much to her that her mother had made it for her. She smiled hugging her mother before taking the beautiful garment from her. "I'd love to wear it mother, I just have to make sure my husband approves." It annoyed her that she had to say that but it was true, he was a high class man and she could not embarrass him by wearing something that would be looked as cheapness on his part. Fortunately, her mother understood. "Marriage is a hard road Kagome, you will have to learn his ways as much as your own, once you've done that you two will be able to live harmoniously." Kagome nodded, looking down at her feet, her mother didn't understand. She was not sure it was possible to reason with Sesshoumaru, it was his way or nothing. But there was no reason to tell her that. Instead she smiled picking Rin, who had been hiding behind her skirts the whole time, up into her arms. "Right now I've got my hands full with planning this wedding and taking care of this little one. Is everyone ready to go?" She walked toward the door, her mother following.

Once outside she went to stand at her place beside her soon to be husband, still holding Rin, Sango stood three paces behind her patently waiting. Her mother stood a little off and was soon joined by Kagome's grandfather and her little brother. Sesshoumaru reached for Kagome's arm once the boy appeared "Let us go now that you are all ready." He led his bride back to the carriage, helping her, then Rin in as he had before. He climbed up and sat beside Kagome as her family climbed into the seat opposite. There was a few awkward moments as the carriage headed back to the Lord's manor. Kagome soon broke the silence chattering with her mother, who inquired about her life at the manor. Kagome told her a carefully edited version before asking what had gone on with them while she was away. The hour passed quickly for Kagome, who wished she could spend more time with her mother, but it seemed to take far too long for Sesshoumaru, leaving him in a bad temper. He climbed down reaching for Kagome and Rin, once they were down a short little demon ran out to them. He was the strangest looking thing Kagome had ever seen. He bowed constantly as he spoke "Welcome back Lord Sesshoumaru, is there anything I can do for you?" Sesshoumaru glanced back to see Kagome's family standing clustered at the bottom of the steps, waiting. "Take Kagome's family to the guest rooms, see that they are settled. We shall come to them as soon as possible." The little toad-like demon bowed several more times before scurrying off shouting for the rooms to be prepared and for the guests to follow him.

"Sesshoumaru, please, I had wanted to spend some more time with my mother." Kagome started but was cut off with an impatient "No." Fuming she opened her mouth ready to start arguing with him, intending to tell him just what a jughead he was being when he suddenly grabbed her from behind, pulling her up against his body. She hadn't even seen him move! He lowered his head so his lips were against her ear "Do not argue with me in public woman. You have duties you must see to if you want this wedding to occur on time." She gasped as she was pulled up against him, holding herself rigid as he whispered in her ear. Slowly she nodded acceptance, turning her head slightly to look up at him. "I want to wear the dress my mother made for me, do you mind?" She held it up for him to examine and he nodded "It will do well enough." At that point Kikyo had appeared in the courtyard, bowing to her lord and then another, smaller bow to her future lady. Sesshoumaru gave Kagome a gentle push in the other woman's direction. "Kikyo will help you make the preparations. Take Rin with you, she has no lessons this afternoon." Then he strode off, leaving the women alone. Kikyo smiled at the younger woman, winking "I told you everything would be alright didn't I" Kagome gasped, trying to get words out but failing several times. "You knew what he was going to say this morning didn't you!" Kikyo just laughed waving for Kagome and Rin to follow her back inside, they had a lot of work to do if the wedding was going to take place in just a few short days.

Once again sorry for the long wait, I had a lot of trouble with this chapter lol. Please R&R