Disclaimer: I don't own it. I only own my thoughts…most of the time.
Authoress' Note: I'm so excited how much people are enjoying this story. So it really makes writing it that much better. I love you all! So enjoy this chapter!
Set Me Free
Chapter Ten
Kagome and her party arrived at Hojo's castle around noon the next morning after riding throughout the whole night. A guard helped Kagome off of her horse and called for a stable boy to come and take her to the stables. She stood on the steps of the castle, watching everyone unload the carriage; she wanted to be sure that everything was in order before she went to change and meet Hojo again. The last of the boxes were unloaded from the carriage and one of the castle's servants directed her escorts where to take her things.
Sango and Miroku walked up the steps to join Kagome, followed by an upset looking Inuyasha. She watched the carriage and the remaining horses being taken away before turning to one of the servants and asking him to take her to her chambers.
Walking into the castle, Kagome was awe struck. Everything was huge and carved and elegant, nothing at all like the castle in the central kingdom. The only place that she could even imagine stacking up to Hojo's castle was the castle that united all four kingdoms. She looked over to her slaves and was relieved to see them as awe-struck as she was.
They were led down a maze of hallways and up a flight of stairs and they arrived in front of a large set of blue stained glass doors. The servant opened the doors to the chambers, bowed and walked away. Kagome took a deep breath and walked over the threshold.
She walked into the living area of her chambers and was impressed at the amount of effort Hojo had put into making her chambers perfect. Everything was decorated in Higurashi blue and white and was as if Hojo had seen her chambers at home and transported them to the east. There were two small bedrooms and one master bedroom within the chambers and the servants had placed the boxes of belongings in front of the respective doors.
She turned to her slaves, "I'm going to go get cleaned up and changed so I can go meet with Prince Hojo. Sango, I'm going to need you to help me."
"Of course Miss Kagome" Sango said.
Kagome looked to Miroku and Inuyasha, "you can bring the boxes into yours and Sango's rooms. When I leave to meet with Prince Hojo I would like it if you would move my belongings into my room and Sango; I would like you to unpack my things for me while I am away as well. After you are done with all of that you three are free to do what you wish."
"Yes Miss Kagome" they all answered in unison. Miroku and Inuyasha began carrying boxes into the bedrooms and Sango followed Kagome into the master suite.
"Look at all of this stuff!" Kagome exclaimed, looking at all of the gowns that were in the wardrobe of her bedroom; all of them custom made for her.
Sango approached Kagome and looked at the gowns over her shoulder. She reached her hand out and touched the fabrics; silks, satins, velvets and brocade – all the best materials available. Sango couldn't help but feel that Prince Hojo must have feelings for Kagome outside of an arranged marriage.
"You're very fortunate Miss Kagome" she said "To have someone care this much about your happiness."
Kagome nodded, "You're right Sango, as usual. Now…which one should I pick?"
"Well perhaps you should appear before him wearing the colors of his family" Sango suggested; pulling a white and hunter green gown out of the wardrobe.
"Oh Sango, that's a wonderful idea!"
Kagome slipped out of her riding habit and changed her petticoats before stepping into the green dress. She pulled it on all the way and turned to let Sango lace it up. She took her riding hat off and sat down at the vanity and Sango brushed her hair out. She repined it up into a half updo.
"That looks perfect Sango; you're just as good as Yura was. Thank you so much."
"Of course Miss Kagome. I'm glad I can help you."
Kagome stood up and slipped on a pair of white satin slippers. "Well, wish me luck" she said with a smile.
"You don't need luck Miss Kagome. But good luck anyway. I'll begin to unpack your belongings when Miroku and Inuyasha bring your boxes in."
"Thank you for everything Sango. I'll be back later tonight."
Kagome left her room and passed Miroku and Inuyasha in the living room without talking to them. She walked out of her chambers and immediately found a servant.
"Excuse me" she said, tapping the man on the shoulder.
"Yes? What do you need Lady Kagome?"
"Where is Prince Hojo right now? I would like an audience with him if that is possible."
"Yes of course Lady Kagome. He is in the royal audience chamber; if you follow me I'll take you to see him."
"That would be wonderful, thank you."
Kagome followed the man throughout the elaborate halls of the castle. As she walked she began to realize that it would take her a long time to figure out where everything was. She never liked needing an escort to get around, but she resigned herself in that moment to the fact she would need one for a little while. After about a five minute walk they arrived in front of a set of large wooden doors.
"This is the royal audience chamber Milady. The doors are closed right now because there is someone in audience with the prince. When they are finished and come out, you are free to go inside. I will stay here and announce your arrival if you so desire."
"I would appreciate that very much, if you do not have anything else to do."
The old man looked at Kagome and smiled, "No milady, I have nothing to do that is more important than making your life here more enjoyable and the transition from the central kingdom to the east a pleasant one."
Kagome smiled as wide as she could muster, "thank you so much sir. I appreciate it more than you could no. I'm very pleased to find that the people here want to help me feel at home. It makes leaving my home a lot easier for me."
"We are certainly glad to be of service to you. If you are happy here than Price Hojo will be happy, and that is our main goal. So we are glad to do all we can to make you happy."
The large doors were pushed open as the man who had been talking with the prince exited the audience chamber. He nodded in respect to Kagome, not knowing who she is but still realizing she was nobility. When he had left, the man who had guided Kagome to the audience chamber held the door open and smiled at Kagome.
"I will go announce you and then you may have your audience with Prince Hojo. I hope that you enjoy yourself here milady."
"Thank you sir."
The man walked into the chamber and Kagome could hear him talking.
"Your majesty. Lady Kagome of the Central Kingdom has arrived and is waiting outside the chamber to speak with you."
"Oh yes, you may show her in. Thank you very much Hiro."
Hiro walked out of the audience chamber and held the door open for Kagome to walk in.
"Thank you again"
"It is my pleasure milady. If you need anything else, no matter what, you may find me and I will do my best to help you."
Kagome walked into the audience chamber and was in awe of how gorgeous it was. It resembled cathedrals that Kagome had seen in the central kingdoms. At the end of the room she saw Prince Hojo sitting on his throne. She walked across the vast room; the only sound was her feet shuffling across the parquet flooring. As she got closer to the throne, Prince Hojo rose and began to walk towards her. They met near the middle of the room and they stood in front of one another in silence.
He looked at her up and down and smiled, "You're wearing my family's colors" he said and Kagome could hear the happiness in his voice.
She looked down at her dress and smiled, "yes. I thought it would be appropriate. Do you like it?"
"Of course, I'm honored that you would wear my colors over your own. Thank you."
"It was Sango's idea. She's usually the one with the good ideas."
"Sango?"
"Oh, one of my slaves. And thank you for making sure that my chambers had extra bedrooms for them; it means the world to me."
"Anything to make you happy here. Is there anything that you need?"
"No, not right now. I was just wondering what time dinner would be tonight. And if we would be making any plans for our…" she took a deep breath, "wedding."
"Dinner tonight will be at six o'clock and we can discuss plans for the wedding tonight. Until then you may do as you wish in the castle." He took her hands in his own and kissed her cheek, "I hope you will like it here Kagome"
Kagome forced a smile, "Me too"
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Authoress' Note: I hope you liked it! Please review!