I'm back! And I am so grateful for all the positive feedback I got even after being on hiatus for so long. I just had to come back and immediately work on another chapter! It's my goal to have this story pass the amount of reviews its predecessor has before reaching the point where that one ended! Thanks so much!
~Special Announcement~ Today's chapter is dedicated to Angel4EverLostInLife, Linwellin Neinna Von Rosen, dark-driex-07, siennahime-sama, kakashixangela, DragonFire Princess, and Infinities Lover!
Disclaimer: I do not own either one of these great manga/anime. Red River belongs to Chie Shinohara and Inuyasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.
Summary: All Kagome has ever wanted was for the Well to reopen so that she could return to her first love, Inuyasha. But the Fates had different plans for when. After she was forced to try to forget her life in the Sengoku Jidai, Kagome rejects Hojo's confession of love to her and ran when he got forceful. Then something happen, she was pulled down into a lake by the Queen of the Hittite's to be sacrifice for a Katashiro.
Before the queen could do she is save by the third prince – Kail Mursili and became his concubine and then the incarnate of Ishtar, Goddess of Beauty and War. Now, she must fight her way back home as well as whatever the Fates throw at her.
As Fate Would Have It
The group of Mitanni soldiers that were posted at the entrance to the small palace crossed their arms over their chests and bowed before a cloaked woman and her entourage. They knew that it was the mother of their prince's second son and first daughter, Princess Nadia. Surely, now that she was here the Prince would withdraw from this city in secret. "Princess Nadia." they greeted. "We're glad that you are alive. Enter, come this way."
As the Princess began to walk forward, a single member of her entourage slipped off. The tall figure wandered around the building for a few minutes until they were stopped by a couple of warriors. They began whistling and sending cat calls when the person neared them.
"That's a very pretty cloth, my sweet. I've never seen that pattern before." one soldier cooed as he reached for the feminine cloak, grinning when the person shied away.
Another held out his hand in a chivalant manner, although the sneering smile on his face betrayed his actions. "You fled the palace, eh, my lovely?" he snickered as he took another step towards the 'woman', getting a bit annoyed when 'she' moved away from him. "thought you'd try your luck with the Hittites?"
"Perhaps, we could run away together? We won't hurt you." the other cooed softly.
Slowly, the cloaked figure stood up to its full height, its shoulders broaden out as a silk like masculine voice echoed, "It's not very gallant to harass a desperate young woman." The pretty floral cloak fell away to reveal Prince Kail grinning menacingly as he drew his sword from its sheath. "But, I'm glad to meet you deserters under these circumstances." Kail pointed his blade directly at the soldiers, watching them freeze with fear. "Now, turn around and guide me to the palace."
The color drained from the two soldiers' faces as they slowly nodded. "A-as you wish." Turning around like Kail had commanded they walked in the general direction of the palace that their King and Crown Prince were residing. They so very much afraid that the leader of the Imperial Army for the Hittites had found a way inside their stronghold. They could only hope that it would not interfere with things.
Kail ignored the two men in front of him, but kept his sword pointed at their backs, as his mind began to drift towards his Ishtar. 'Just three more days. In three more days, Kagome will lose her chance to return to her country. I must do anything to get her away from the Black Prince's grasps.' He snapped in attention back to the soldiers when they stopped in front of a larger palace than the one where Nadia and her entourage were shown to.
"Over there." they pointed hesitantly. "The Black Prince and his father will be inside here. May we go now please?"
"Not just yet." the Hittite Prince said sternly, his eyes gleaming. "First take me to the prince's bedchamber."
The two soldiers gained a frightened look and it was not because of Kail. "Please, no! They'll kill us!" With those words said, the two men, turned on their heels and hauled ass away from the palace.
Kail ordered for them to stop, sighing when they either did not hear him or just plain ignored him as they continued to run. They looked as if something other than him terrified them, but that could not be possible. They were safe within their own fortress. He looked around the entrance, noting that security was very lax. That was very strange for a King to not have more guards posted around the building he was residing him.
Kagome felt tears build up behind her eyelids as Mattiwaza used the hand that was not fondling her left breast to part her legs. "Stop this!" She felt sickened that her body was betraying her as wetness collected between her thighs. "You're only doing this to spite Kail!" The miko's eyes bulged open as her body jolted from a sudden intrusion. "What do you think you are touching! Stop!"
Mattiwaza smirked as he twisted the finger that he had inserted into her slick folds, taking his time in teasing her. "So what if I am?" He added another finger and grinned at the way her body reacted; her back arched beautifully and thrust her generous, milky breasts into the air. The Black Prince nipped at her upper thigh, soothing the bite with his tongue. "I'd love to see the look on his face when he discovers." He did something that he rarely ever did with any of his concubines; Mattiwaza slipped his tongue out and licked up Kagome's slit. "That the woman he loves has lain with me."
Ishtar Incarnate bit her in effort to stop her moans from leaving her throat, but Mattiwaza was not going to allow that as he shoved his fingers deeper into her body and lowered his face between her thighs. "No!" she screamed, pounding at his back with her fists when she felt his tongue roll over her lower lips once more. "Don't touch me!" Kagome felt sickened at this man was touching her so intimately. She was a miko; a being who should remain pure until marriage; the eternal guardian of the Shikon no Tama; and a warrior. And yet, the priestess was helpless against the scent of this aphrodisiac.
"You are pathetic, Lady Kagome."Ankoku's voiced echoed through Kagome's mind. While this was something that the miko youkai should want. If the priestess' purity was tainted, Ankoku would gain control over this body and Kagome would be the voice trapped inside. But this was not the man who was supposed to take it. "You need to go to sleep for a while and let me take care of this little Black Prince. I'll show him real darkness."
Mattiwaza lifted his face from between her thighs. She tasted heavenly. Like nothing he's ever tasted before. "I see why Kail Mursili loves you. You have such a delicious body, Kagome." He continued to thrust his fingers into her core as he trailed his tongue back up her abdomen, to her large breasts, and latched onto the left one. The Black Prince suckled upon the hardened tip, rolled his teeth over it before moving up to the shimmering marking. "I remember you being very sensitive around this area." He lapped at the mark gently, swirling his tongue over it and expected to hear her moans for him to stop. Mattiwaza paused when he heard nothing come from her.
Ankoku stared down at the Prince that was lapping at her marking and moving his fingers within her. Sure, it stirred feelings of desire and lust but, it was not the sweet caress of Prince Kail or Prince Zannanza that she craved. Opening her mouth, she yawned rather loudly. "Are you done? You're starting to bore me."
The Black Prince looked up and his grey orbs met with Ankoku's golden-orange colored eyes. He smirked at the challenging. "Boring you, am I?" he asked with a sly look in his eyes as he thrust his fingers deeper in her slick center. "Because that is not what your body is saying." Mattiwaza narrowed his eyes when the woman beneath him rolled her eyes. "Who are you? You're most certainly aren't Kagome."
"I am Kagome." Ankoku purred, wrapping her arms around the Prince's neck. "But you may call me Ankoku." She smiled at him, her fangs gleaming in the dim lighting. "I am only wet like this because of that aphrodisiac that you lit. Wouldn't you rather have me hot and wet for you because of your own actions." Ankoku purposely let out a low, throaty moan and pressed her hips down to make his fingers sink in deeper. "I promise to make it worth your wild, Prince Mattiwaza."
Mattiwaza smirked down at the beautiful creature beneath him as he lowered his face to kiss her plump red lips. "How do I know that you won't try and attack me once I let you up?"
Ankoku returned his smirk with a very seductive one of her own. "Because I want you. I want to feel your hard cock inside me." She used her long, red claws to rip through the top part of Mattiwaza's robe, purring with pleasure at the sight of his well muscled chest. The miko youkai grazed her fingertips along the firm flesh of his abdomen, going lower until she was dangerously close to his hardening member. "Getting excited, are we?" she said teasingly.
"Woman, you have no idea who you are playing with." The Black Prince growled as he grabbed Ankoku's hand to stop her advances. He was slowly losing interest in this new Kagome. He wanted her to resist him, not openly want him to take her. He wanted to make Kagome go mad with the desire to feel him pounding into her tight little body. He took hold of both of her wrist in one large hand and laid her flat on her back, hovering over her with his fingers still embedded within her womanhood. "I want Kagome back."
Ankoku grinned. "I am Kagome!" she then freed her wrists from the Mitanni Prince's hold and raked her claws down his chest, leaving four thin, bloody marks.
Mattiwaza jumped back from the woman posing at Kagome. He finally noticed the four rips of gold that marred the left side of her face, her right shoulder, and both thighs. He felt blood drip down his chest and watched as Ankoku licked her long nails. "What manner of beast are you?" Just what in the hell was Kagome hiding! Realization finally hit him. 'All those times when Kagome was pissed off, her eyes would turn an amberish color; the same color of this woman's eyes!' "You're the manifestation of Kagome's anger, aren't you?"
"Close." the miko youkai said as she rose to her feet, unashamed of her naked body being revealed for the Black Prince's viewing pleasure. He would be dead soon anyway. She thrust her right hand out and her scythe materialized. Twirling the weapon in an intricate manner, she brandished it out in front of her. "But it is no matter to you."
Ducking underneath her swipe, Mattiwaza grabbed his sword off the wall it was resting on. Unsheathing it, he charged at the woman; hoping that if he could defeat her it would bring Kagome back to herself. The Black Prince hissed in pain when the edge of the demon's blade grazed his stomach and a fire seemed to burn at his flesh. "What the hell?" he doubled over, cringing as it felt like his skin was melting away.
Ankoku brought her blade to her lips and ran her tongue along the sharp edge, licking the blood off of it. "My blade has been dipped in poison that makes anything that it cuts feel as if their flesh is melting from their bones." She walked over and raised her scythe high above her head. "It's time to say goodbye, Mattiwaza."
Just as Ankoku was about to behead the Mitanni Prince one of the advisors rushed inside. The miko youkai cursed and swiftly lifted the Black Prince up and crawled under his body. She then took his left hand and pressed it against her breast; giving the illusion that he was still molesting her. Ankoku then remembered that he was still groaning in pain from her poison. Growling, she used her index finger to slice open her palm and pressed the bleeding wound against the slice in Mattiwaza's stomach. His groans immediately stopped as he grip on her breast tightened. "Don't think that this is over, Black Prince." Ankoku hissed.
"I did not count on it, Ankoku." he growled back before shoving his fingers inside her cunt roughly causing the miko youkai to gasp out. Smirking, Mattiwaza finally found her weakness. This side of Kagome likes it rough. He scowled when his advisor called out his name once more. "What is it!" he barked, never taking his eyes off of Ankoku. "I told you to not disturb us!" Mattiwaza punctuated each word with a hard thrust of his fingers, drawing out small screams of pleasure from the beautiful creature beneath him.
The advisor bowed apologetically, a blush settling over his cheeks at what his prince was doing to Ishtar. "Yes, but our guards are-" Before he could finish his sentence, a sword impaled through his throat and blood sprayed out, a few drops hitting the couple alerting them to the threat that was upon them.
"Prince Mattiwaza," the general growled as he slowly pulled his blade out of the advisor's neck and kicked him to the ground. "Making love to a woman while your soldiers and people starve to death." he chuckled as he watched the Prince withdrew his fingers from the woman's body. "Lucky devil."
Mattiwaza rose to his feet, towering over the soldiers that were revolting against him. "You are officers of the palace guard." he noted the expensive armor they wore. "Is this a mutiny? You must be joking?"
The general grinned evilly as he raised his left hand, signalling his followers. "I haven't much of a sense of humor." he growled as his soldiers rushed inside the Prince's bedchamber and tossed the mutilated body of King Tushratta on the carpeted floor, his blood staining the rug.
"Father!" The Black Prince said, anger stirring inside him and unkowingly filling Ankoku with power. "You've killed your king?"
Ankoku smiled as darkness filled the room, causing her powers to grow. 'Such beautiful darkness. I can feel my powers growing stronger.' She raised her head, feinting shyness as she reached for Mattiwaza's cloak to cover her bare body. The miko youkai slowly let her scythe return to her hand, being careful to not alert the men in front of her. 'This is not a battle that Kagome can handle. So remain asleep for just a bit longer. I'll finish this quickly.' "So, you are betraying Prince Mattiwaza."
Mattiwaza glanced over at Ankoku and noticed her blade in her hands and vaguely wondered why she had not attacked him yet. He had showed her his back, making him vulnerable to her attacks. Scoffing, he turned back to the revolting soldiers. "That's the nature of dogs. They always huddle around whoever offers the best scraps." he narrowed his piercing grey eyes at the small group. The Black Prince then shifted his eyes over to his sword that he had dropped over by the incense pot.
The general followed the Mitanni Prince's gaze, his eyes landing on the jeweled sheath as well. "Don't let him get to his sword!" he barked out to his followers. He quickly pull his own blade out and ran over to where Mattiwaza was. The general saw that the Prince had dove for his weapon and was about to grab it, so he used his sword to tip up the corner of the rug and sent both the small incense pot and Mattiwaza's sword flying. The general cursed when the Mitanni Prince growled at him and grabbed his wrist in a tight hold.
Ankoku lazily watched the altercation between the prince and his general. She turned her head when a soldier asked if she was Mattiwaza's woman and she would have to die as well. Rolling her golden-orange eyes, the miko youkai brought her scythe down upon the weakling's body and sliced in cleanly in half from his shoulder to his hip. She turned to smile at the Mitanni Prince when he called her name. "Yes, Prince Mattiwaza?" Without even looking, Ankoku thrust her blade into the stomach of another soldier, twisting it before pulling it out along with the man's entrails. Another scent drifted up to her sensitive nose and she turned and pointed her blade at the newcomer's throat. "Hello, Nadia."
"Nadia?" Mattiwaza said as he quickly went to grab his sword. Pulling the gleaming blade from its protective casing, he blocked a soldier's strike with the sheath and stabbed him through the neck with his weapon. His eyes strayed back to Ankoku, who still had her scythe at Nadia's neck and smiling quite pleasantly. "Kagome, release Nadia." he said as he struck down another revolting warrior.
"Kagome is sleeping at the moment." Ankoku mocked before she ran her claws down the face of a soldier that tried to attack her unprotected back, shredding the soft tissue of his eyes before driving her hand into his chest. She slid her venomous golden-orange eyes to Nadia's frightened green orbs. "Tell me why I shouldn't kill you for what you tried to do to my mistress back at the seraglio." Without batting an eye, the miko demoness retracted her hand that had the soldier's still beating heart clutched in her palm.
Nadia was at a loss for words. She knew that the girl was powerful, but not evil. This was not the same girl that she tried to have killed so many months ago. "I only did what I did because I love His Highness. I felt threatened by your presence."
Pressing her blade lightly against Nadia's throat, Ankoku gave Mattiwaza a look that said for him to remain where he was or she will slit the Babylonian Princess' throat. "You love Mattiwaza? Would you give your life for him?"
The blonde started to nod, but remembered that Ankoku had her weapon pressed against her flesh. "Yes, I would gladly give my life to Prince Mattiwaza."
A smile tilted Ankoku's full red lips. "Then go to him." she moved her scythe away from Nadia's neck. Perhaps, Kagome's compassion was starting to rub off and Ankoku. Usually she would have slain the woman before she could reach Mattiwaza. "Black Prince, formally known as Prince Mattiwaza, you have a woman who loves you and only you. She will give her life for you. She has stood by you for all these years, but you refused to see what you had in her."
The Black Prince opened his arms for Nadia when she rushed to him. He gazed into her lovely green eyes, eyes that mesmerized him the moment he first looked into them. She turned a small smile up at him as she placed a delicate hand on his chest.
"Your Highness, you're not hurt, are you?" her voice was sincere as she scanned him for any signs of injury. "Let's leave this palace. Your people have betrayed you. You must only think of your own life now." Her eyes were filled with fear for Mattiwaza's life as she tightened her hand around his skin of his chest. "Let's go to Babylonia, my homeland. I can guarantee your safety there." she smiled sadly when he gave her a confused look. "You're still thinking of your sister." Nadia sighed. "Will you never truly forget Princess Tatukia?"
Mattiwaza looked away from Nadia, a forlorn look entering his grey eyes. 'My sister...'
"Tatukia!" a younger Mattiwaza called out as he ran behind the grand carriage holding his beloved sister. "Tatukia!"
"Matti." a beautiful woman with glistening black hair and beautiful glowing ebony eyes called back sadly as she could do nothing to stop the inevitable. She was leaving her brother and lover forever.
Mattiwaza stopped just before he reached the carriage, his voice filled with despair and anger. "Tatukia, you don't have to go to Egypt!" he turned to his father and gave him a disgusted look, his grey eyes narrowed. "Father! You shouldn't have traded my sister for gold!"
"Quiet, Mattiwaza." King Tushratta said, "Why can't you be happy for your sister on her wedding day?"
The young prince growled at his father, his eyes narrowing even further with his rage. "Have you lost your honor, Father." Pain ripped through his face when his father struck him with the thin whip. Blood dripped down his face from the wound, some of it getting into his eye and burning.
"Silence!"
Tatukia witnessed the scarring of her brother and tears sprang from her eyes. "Matti!" she screamed out before grabbing her right earring. The princess pulled the gleaming black jewel off and tossed it to her lover. "Matti, please, keep this!"
Mattiwaza caught the earring and held it to his chest. "Tatukia!"
"Matti, I love you." she smiled through her tears. "May the gods watch over you!"
Without looking up from the ground, Mattiwaza drew in a slow breath and exhaled before his voice echoed through the room. "Nadia," he said with slight hesitation, "You would stay with me even if I lost my country and my status."
"Yes," the Babylonian Princess admitted. She loved the Mitanni Prince for who he was not what he was. She did not care about his status as a Prince or the power he had from owning a powerful country. Nadia only wished to be with Mattiwaza. "I would follow you anywhere."
The Black Prince nodded, his eyes shifting from the ground to look into the glowing golden eyes of Kagome's inner demon, "Kagome, no, Ankoku if I am to escape from here I cannot take two women with me. So, I release you." he then reached up and snapped the string that held the obsidian jewel around his forehead. "I know you are more than capable of taking care of yourself, but take this." Mattiwaza tossed the gem to the miko youkai, who caught it with one hand. "And tell Kail Mursili that I'll be watching how he rules over the orient."
Ankoku smiled a sultry smile as she brought the dark jewel to her lips. "Will do, Mattiwaza." She reached over to the altar and picked up the dress that Kagome was wearing before all this transpired and covered her naked body with it. Walking slowly out of the palace, she took note of the many burning buildings around her and relished in the darkness that filled her with power. 'The end for the Mitanni Kingdom is upon us.' She frowned when two guards stepped in front of her and blocked her path. Ankoku contemplated about slaughtering them before she saw that they were not part of the mutiny. She dangled the string that held the jewel Mattiwaza gave her before their eyes and allowed the dark blue of Kagome's eyes to seep into her irises.
The guards quickly realized the the gem belonged to their prince and looked at the deep depths of her dark blue eyes. Knowing that only Ishtar had eyes as dark as the night sky, they asked for her forgiveness. They also warned her to be careful, being that the soldiers who started the revolt would not recognize her face so easily.
Raising the pitch of her normally throaty, seductive voice to match the soft, yet hard tone of Kagome's voice, Ankoku said, "Understood. You two be careful as well." She turned on her heel and exited the gates of the palace, her scythe already materialized in her hand. Five times since she left the gates, Ankoku had brutally slaughtered revolting soldiers who were out for her blood. Her dress had many blood stains on it and her hair was a ruffled mess of tangles, but Ankoku felt overfilled with the power of darkness. If this kept up, she wouldn't need for Kagome's body to be tainted before she wed to take control. A chuckle rose from her chest at the thought of finally being free when two strong hands wrapped around her waist and she yanked against a hard chest. Before she could say anything, warm lips closed over her own.
"Kagome." a sweet familiar tenor voice echoed through her ears.
Ankoku cursed as she felt Kagome stir at the sound of her Prince's voice, "Kail," and tried to break free. But when the Hittite Prince realized that it was not Kagome he was holding, he opened his aura and trapped her in it. "Release me!" she hissed.
Kail smirked, his amber eyes twinkling as he placed a single finger over her lips. "Not until my Koibito come back." He leaned forward to whisper in her ear. "Kagome, I'm here now."
With those softly whispered words, all darkness left Ankoku's body as warmth filled her. Kagome was coming back. Golden-orange eyes flickered to dark blue, her hair darkened to a wavy raven, and the golden marking faded from her body. Soon her eyes focused and Kagome moaned softly as a pounding headache began to throb. "Ngh...Kail?" Before she could get another word out, the Prince swooped in for another kiss.
Kail kissed his Princess slowly, relishing in her sweet taste. "Kagome..." he murmured against her lips. "It is really you?" He trailed his mouth from her lips to her cheek, kissing it delicately. "I looked for you everywhere." Slowly, his hands encompassed her face, lifting it until he could gain access to her graceful neck. Kail ran his tongue softly down the pale flesh. "How I longed to see your face, my Koibito."
'Koibito?' Kagome felt her eyes get hot with tears as she whispered her Prince's name softly. She curled her fingers into his silky mane and pulled him into another kiss. "I've miss you as well, Koishii." The miko knew in her heart that Kail was the one she loved for this time she kissed him. Just as she was about to deepen the kiss, warning bells went off in the back of her mind.
"Die, Hittite dog!" a Mitanni soldier yelled.
Kagome sighed as she quickly grabbed Kail by his tunic and swung him around and out of the path of the attacker. Her eyes narrowed venomously as her voice deepened to a growl. "Can't you see that we're busy. Come back later." She gasped when Kail pulled her back against his chest and dropped his mouth to the junction of her neck and shoulder, his hands palming at her breasts. "Kail..." she said breathlessly.
"You bitch!" the soldier said, his face red with embarrassment and anger.
The miko growled low in her chest, quickly snatching Kail's sword from its sheath. With one quick movement, Kagome brought the iron-enforced blade across the man's chest. She was thoroughly annoyed that he was interrupting her time with Kail. After placing the blade back into its holder, she smiled sweetly up at her prince. "Perhaps, we should celebrate at a later time."
Kail nodded and swept Kagome up into his arms, walking out of the alley he was hiding in. "I had heard what happened." he said, shifting his grip on Kagome so that he was holding her comfortably against his chest with one arm. "I seized a Royal Guardsman and he told me everything. Tushratta was murdered by his own men." Kail closed his eyes at her confused look. Ankoku must have been in control when the King was slaughtered. "Well, he deserved what he got. A king should be just as well as strong. When he put his personal ambition above the welfare of his people. He forfeits his right to rule." He turned a corner after making sure that the coast was clear. "I opened the city gates and let the Hittite Soldiers in a short while ago. This battle won't last long." his eyes darkened with hatred. "Did the Black Prince flee?"
Ankoku grumbled a yes from within Kagome's mind and told her where he was going. "Yes." Kagome said. "He was going to Babylonia with Nadia." She looked Kail deeply into his eyes. "Are you going after him?" A dark red blush crept up her face when she felt her Prince sneak his hand underneath her dress, caressing her bare bottom since she was not wearing her under wrappings. Anger filled her body as her holy energy made her eyes glow silver. "What the hell are you doing, hentai!" she lashed out and slapped Kail hard against his face. "This is time for you to try to cope a feel on me, Prince Kail no hentai!"
"Ouch." Kail hissed as he felt the shock of her miko powers against his flesh, burning him slightly. A deep chuckle filled the air as he gazed into her livid blue eyes. "I remember this pain and those eyes. The rumor of the Black Prince taking you as his concubine must be false, no one could touch a hellcat like you without feeling your wrath." He rubbed the red burn slightly with the back of his hand before his eyes took on a dangerous gleam. "If he had lain with you, nothing would have stopped me from hunting him down. But since he did not, I've no further interest in a man who abandoned his country." Kail sighed as sadness gripped his heart in its painful embrace. "The important thing now, is for us to hurry. You must leave for your homeland within three days' time."
Kagome looked away, her heart constricting painfully in her chest. Just as she admitted that she was in love with Kail, she was going to be ripped away from him. 'I always known that my reunion with Kail meant that it would be time for me to return home.' She closed her eyes and concentrated on closing off her heart, wanting to nothing more to leave her feelings for the handsome young prince behind her. 'I have to go back. My family must miss me dearly. I have to go back to Inuyasha and my friends in the Sengoku Jidai.'
Fate bit her lip as she stood in front of the mirror, watching it fade from the woman that she's been challenging. Kagome was going to win unless she could come up with something. But what? Just what could she do to make Kagome stay in Hattusa until she realized that she was needed there. Sure, Fate was letting Kagome take control of her own destiny, but her red string of fate was tied to Prince Kail.
"Lady Fate, Lord Sesshoumaru is awaiting your call for him." Akihiko's voice broke her concentration.
That was it! Sesshoumaru was a mentor and brother to the young miko. Perhaps he could persuade her to remain where she is. But first she would have to use someone to cause her to miss her chance at going back home. Touching the cool surface of her enchanted mirror, Fate answered the daiyoukai's call.
"Princess Kagome!" the voices of her handmaids exclaimed as they rushed over to her and pulled her into a tight embrace. "You're alive! Thank the Gods!" Tears welled up in their eyes the moment they saw their mistress being placed down by the third Hittite Prince. They were so very glad that she was okay and unharmed.
Kagome smiled softly at her friends, returning the hug with a deep one of her own. "I made you worry and for that I appologize." She grabbed each of them by the hand and gave them a squeeze. This would be her last time with them. Kagome would miss each of the dearly. She was saddened that she would not be able to say goodbye to sweet Tito when she made it back to Hattusa, but Kail said that there would be no time.
Kail called for his personal servant with a lift of his hand. "Kikkuri, bring horses for Kagome and myself. We will also need extras so that we can switch along the way." His heart felt heavy in his chest as he said that next sentence. "I must have Kagome back in Hattusa while the Morning Star is still in the sky."
Hadi turned sad green eyes on the miko. "Princess, are you really going back to your country?"
"Yes, Hadi-san." Kagome nodded softly. "My family must be very worried about me. I've been gone for nearly a year" The miko knew that her family in Japan probably thought that she managed to finally get the well to open up and that she was already in the Sengoku Jidai. She sighed. 'Hopefully once I get back home Ankoku will disappear for good.'
"No such luck, Lady Kagome. Without Kail around, the next time I take control may be the time I rule over this body."Was Ankoku's snarky retort, though none of her previous malic could be heard.
Kagome laughed mirthfully. "We shall see, Ankoku. My ki is steadily growing."
Ilbani grabbed Kikkuri by the arm and leaned in closer to whisper. "May I speak with you?" Without giving the younger man time to answer, he pulled him off to the side to a more secluded area.
"Where are you taking me? I have to get ready to go with Prince Kail." Kikkuri tried to dig his feet into the ground, but taller scribe proved to be quite strong.
"Where is that priest who accompanied the army?" Ilbani asked a passing soldier.
The soldier paused in his steps and bowed before the Prince's foster brother. "I saw Priest Shalma at the tent of the Gods."
Kikkuri eyes widened to reveal a sliver of the russet-brown color of his irises. "Ilbani, what do you want with Urhi?!" his voice rose in octave as his face flushed red with anger. "Someone had sold Princess Kagome to the Mitanni when the battle was over. I'll produce evidence that it was him!" His eyes caught sight of the queen's attendant's long golden hair and hissed out Urhi's name in a deadly tone.
Ilbani quickly placed his hand over Kikkuri's mouth and dug his nails into the young man's arm. "Pretend you don't know he's there." Placing a pleasant smile on his face after removing his hand, the Imperial Scribe said loudly, "I'm so pleased that we made it in time! Now we can return Princess Kagome to her homeland." he rolled his eyes when Kikkuri looked at him like he lost his mind. "Aren't you pleased, too?. " Ilbani looked out the corner of his grey eyes to make sure that Shalma was still listening to their 'conversation.' "Why, if the city had held out for a few more days, Princess Kagome would have had to remain here with us for another year."
Shalma listened to the conversation between the two men before he swiftly turned on his heel and walked away at a brisk pace.
"Ilbani!" Kikkuri exclaimed. "If you let Urhi know that won't he..."
"Find a way to keep Princess Kagome here?" The Imperial Clerk finished the servant's sentence with a cool look. "Yes, I'm sure he will."
Kikkuri said, "Then we should stop him now," and tried to move around the other brunettes, but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder.
Ilbani narrowed his eyes into a chilling gaze. "Kikkuri, we need Princess Kagome to stay with us."
"That would be nice." the younger man agreed. "But..." he trailed off as he watched the retreating form of the priest.
"It's time Urhi worked for us instead of against us." the taller brunette said.
Raion reared up on his hind legs when an unfamiliar solider took hold of his reins. Where was his mistress? Kagome was the only person allowed to mount and ride him. He would not allow anyone else to and that would never change. He only calmed down when he heard the sweet voice his his mistress asking him to stay calm. He snorted in the soldier's face and lifted his head arrogantly.
Zannanza chuckled softly at the sight before walking over to where Kail and Kagome were standing. "Brother..." he paused when his older brother placed his hand on Zannanza's shoulder and told him that he would be in control since Kail was returning to Hattusa. With a saddened gleam in his bright hazel eyes, Zannanza turned to the woman he's come to adore. "Kagome, you won't be there when I get back."
The priestess smiled sadly before walking forward. Spreading her arms, she hugged the tall fourth prince. "No, I won't. I suppose this is goodbye, Zannanza-sama." Kagome snuggled a bit deeper into his embrace, allowing Ankoku to enjoy her final moments with the Prince.
The Prince was a bit shocked that Kagome openly embraced him in front of his brother and leaned back a bit to gauge the color of her eyes. Zannanza saw that her usually radiant blue eyes were tinged with the beautiful golden color of her inner demon. He then wrapped his arms around her slender waist and placed his face into her shoulder, breathing her sweet scent. "Take care, Ankoku." he whispered, vaguely remembering the name of the demoness that hid within the miko's body.
Ankoku gasped, her face heating up as she relinquished control back to Kagome. Kail walked over and announced that it was time for them to depart. The miko nodded as she removed herself from Zannanza's arms, her face still red from Ankoku's blush. She smiled a thanks when Kail helped up on Raion before mounting his own peach-colored stallion. As they began to ride back to Hattusa, Kagome's mind was jumbled up with her mixed feelings.
'I'm finally going back home. Mama, Jii-chan, and Souta are all waiting on me. Once I'm back, I can resume my task of getting the well to open and Kail can start looking for a suitable woman to be his Queen.' She frowned at the thought as a streak of pain bloomed in her chest, making her eyes mist over with fresh tears. 'I...I...I should be glad that I won't be here to see Kail get married. I have to give up on Kail and remember my love for Inuyasha, but I have to leave now. I can go back to Japan, open the well, and resume my life with my first love.'
Kail suddenly pulled on the reins to his horse, making it come to an abrupt hault. His topaz eyes widened at the sight before him. It was a thick cloud of black smoke rising up over the horizon. He urged his entourage to hurry to where the clouds were wafting from and dread slid down his spine at what he found burning.
The makeshift bridge that the Hittites built to cross over the river had caught fire.
"No." Kagome whispered. She watched as Kail began making demands to let them cross, but she knew that it was impossible. The bridge was already impassable. Her eyes drifted over to the rafts that were built in case something happened and saw that they had caught fire as well. Kagome slowly felt her resolve beginning to break when the soldier said that it would take seven days for them to go to the nearest forest and back for more wood. "No..." her voice was soft as tears began to sting at her eyes. She had just closed off her heart. She was ready to go back. "I can't go home...?" she tuned out their conversation. It was something out Urhi setting fire to the bridge. "I'll have to wait another year..." Kagome felt her tears spill down her cheeks as her resolve finally broke. 'Why? I had just closed off my heart. I was ready to go. It'll be too painful for me to stay with Kail anymore.'
Tears falling down her face, Kagome dropped to her knees and tilted her head back to let out an anguished scream. "Why? Mama, Jii-chan, Souta! I wanted to go home! I wanted to see Inuyasha, Sango-chan, Miroku-sama, and Shippou-chan! Why did this happen to me! Why do the Fates curse me so!"
Kail bit his lip as he balled his hands into tight fists. His heart was twisting painfully in his chest as he watched the woman he'd come to love call out the name of her first love. He almost had her back home to him. How would he be able to let her go if she were to stay by his side for another year? Would he want to let Kagome go?
In the wake of the war, the Mitanni Kingdom disappeared from the Mesopotamia. The western half of its territory was taken by the Hittites. The eastern half was eventually absorbed by the Assyrians. The Hittite Kingdom is now one of the only two supporters in the Middle East. The other is Egypt. Egypt thrives along the Nile and is the most powerful state in the old orient. Egypt was currently in its 18th Dynasty. Its capital city was called "The City of a Hundred Gates."
A young woman with chin-length black hair and goldish-black eyes knelt over a bed ladened with a white gauze-like sheet. "Pharaoh!" she called out in a broken voice. "Please wake up, Pharaoh!" Tears began to pool in her eyes when a servant groveled on the ground, lamenting the death of the young King. "No!" the woman denied. "He was doing well just this morning!" she turned back to the man lying unmoving on the bed. "Pharaoh! Tutankhamen, please open your eyes!"
"Calm down, Ankhesenamen." a delicate voice echoed across the room.
"Your Majesty, Queen Nefertiti!"
Ankhesenamen turned to gaze at her mother, a single tear dripping down her face. While all she wanted to do was to run to Nefertiti and be comforted, the young princess knew better. Her mother was a cold woman who cared only for her own power and control. "Mother, the King has been poisoned by those who resented his efforts to root out corruption."
Nefertiti sliced her cold black eyes over to her daughter. "Hold your tongue, Ankhesenamen." she said coldly, her face devoid of any emotion. "The King died without an heir. Now, to avoid civil war, you must marry either a member of the Royal Family or a powerful aristocrat."
"No, Mother, I won't!" the young princess exclaimed, surprising her mother slightly. "I won't marry any of our subjects! I refuse to marry an Egyptian!" Tears fell down her face as her golden-black eyes bore into her mother's calm ones. "I'll not share the bed of one who might have had a hand in my husband's murder!"
It was not long before the tremors caused by the death of this young Egyptian King were felt in the Hittite Empire.
Kagome twirled around, the flowing white skirt she wore fluttering with the movement. She danced around her room and picked up a sheer blue shawl and draped it in the crevices of her elbows, the bracelets around her wrists jangling together. "Well?" she asked with expancanty in her dark eyes. "How do I look?"
The priestess wore a bright blue top that clung to her generous chest, ending just below her breasts to show her toned stomach. Her flowing white skirt had a slit up to her upper hips, a golden belt that circled her slender waist and had small blue gems embedded in it. A golden garter circled around her right thigh. The anklets had small bells on them that made a melodious chime whenever she moved. The large headdress of the Goddess sat comfortably on her head and displayed proudly from her throat was the onyx gem Mattiwaza gifted Ankoku with when he released them.
"Since today is the victory celebration, I decided that I should dress the role of a Goddess." Kagome smiled, although it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I've been away from Hattusa for a long time, I fear the people may have forgotten their Ishtar."
Tito smiled brightly at the miko as he brought in a tray of fruit. He offered the produce to the princess, grinning when she accepted an apple slice and gave him a sweet smile. "You look absolutely beautiful, Kagome-sama!"
Shalla walked over to the young woman, the circlet charm of the Warrior Goddess of War and Beauty in her hands. "Princess, please hold still for a moment. I will put the circlet in place." When the priestess stood still, the younger twin easily attached the emblem to Kagome's headdress. The Warrior Goddess symbol hung proudly from the miko's forehead for all to see.
Kail peeked his head into the room before sliding the curtain aside. "Kagome?" he called for the priestess, his eyes easily landing on her lovely form. "When you are ready, we'll go to the temple." His heart was beating painfully in his chest as he had to resist the urge to pull Kagome into his arms when she looked at him and asked his opinion of her outfit. "It's beautiful on you." Kail breathed, his eyes lidded.
Kagome waited until Shalla was finished brushing her long midnight-colored hair and Ryui with her makeup before moving over to the door. "Then we should go." she reached out to touch his arm, but stopped just a few inches from Kail's body. Smiling, she said, "The feast is in your honor, Prince Kail. We mustn't be late."
Hadi and the twins noticed the unusual behaviour of Ishtar Incarnate. She was smiling a bit too much and acting way too happy. Then there was the fact that she willingly allowed them to pamper and dress her up without so much as a fuss. Another thing is that Kagome would always keep the small iron dagger the Hatti sibling's father gave her on her. But instead of having the blade hidden against her thigh, she opted for a golden garter that had lace dangling from it.
The blond sighed as he watched the princess walk out of the room. "This happiness is all an act. Her smile did not reach her eyes."
Tito saw the frown marring the prince's face, not liking that neither of his kind guardians were happy. He vaguely remembered something that Kagome had told him when they were conversing a few days ago. Grinning he approached Kail and said, "Kail-sama, y'know today is Kagome-sama's day of birth. This marks her eighteenth year."
"Is that so?" Kail hummed.
With her fake smile plastered on her face, Kagome kept her tears at bay. She had no other choice but to act like this. She had missed her chance at going back home. Now, when she had just closed her heart off to her deep feelings for Kail, she was forced to remain here for another year. Kagome had come to terms that the Hittite Prince would always be beyond her reach. The least she could do was put on a happy face and fake it.
"Lady Kagome..." Ankoku's voice echoed from within her mind. "Stop with the self pity. You're eighteen years old today! This is should be a day of celebration!"
"How can I? This day both reminds me of Inuyasha and Kail!" Kagome argued, pinching the bridge of her nose. She had no desire to fight with the dark embodiment at the moment. Because in mere minutes, the priestess would have to drape herself against Kail as the Goddess Ishtar and his concubine. "Ankoku, I'm asking nicely for you to drop this conversation."
Ankoku's voice purred, "I'll only drop it if you give me some alone time with Zannanza."
Kagome sighed and rolled her eyes as she blocked off the dark embodiment of the Shikon no Tama. Ever since Zannanza spoke Ankoku's name nearly a week ago, the corrupted one has been badgering her more about him. It seemed that Ankoku has set her sights on the young prince and was constantly badgering Kagome to let her out whenever she spotted Zannanza. "I'm done with you."
"Long live Prince Kail and Ishtar!" the massive crowd of Hittites cried out in joyous voices. "Long live his Majesty King Suppiluliumas!"
The tarbana gazed down at his son with fatherly love shining in his deep oaken eyes. He smiled when his third son approached him with his lovely concubine not too far behind. "Kail, I praise your conduct of the war. Everyone of us know that we owe our victory over the Mitanni to you. I foresee no large-scale wars in our near future. So, have a nice rest." He slid his eyes over to his son's princess with a smile lighting up his eyes. "Kagome, you truly demonstrated the attributes of Ishtar, Goddess of War, in the campaign. Allow me to express my gratitude for your contribution as well." The emperor nodded his head when Kagome gave him a small smile and bowed. Turning to face the crowd, Suppiluliumas said in a loud voice, "After the celebration, we shall hold a state funeral. When we're done here, I want everyone to proceed to the second temple."
'So, even back in ancient times like this one holds collective funerals for those who perished in war. I had heard that the Gal Meshedi, Prince Zudia, had been killed in the war.' Kagome glanced over at the Prince Kail, trying to gauge his reactions about his beloved uncle being killed by a stray arrow. She vaguely overheard two of the elders speaking to one another about Kail possibly becoming the next Gal Meshedi before Nakia silenced then with a nasty look. 'It's not surprising that Kail would be the next Gal Meshedi, everyone thinks he'll be emperor.' She sighed and lowered her head so that her bangs fell over her eyes. 'Kail is becoming even further beyond my reach.'
The celebration and state funeral went by smoothly with the exception of Queen Nakia giving Kail and Kagome evil looks. But Kagome readily returned each glare with one of her. Thin sparks of electricity had formed each time the two women met eyes, but in the end it was Kagome who was forced to look away when someone called for her attention to ask for her blessings. Once everything had settled down for the day, Kagome, Kail and the others decided it was time to retire for the night.
Kikkuri had a pleasant smile on his face as he walked backwards, "Did you see that?" he mused, "Queen Nakia looked like she swallowed a bug. No doubt she's seething to see Prince Kail and Princess Kagome receiving such honors."
Kail glanced down at the young woman walking next to him, the urge to gather her into his arms overcoming him. He reached out and wrapped his arm around her slender waist, pulling her close to his body. The Prince held back a sigh of pleasure at the feeling of her soft body pressed so tightly against his. His voice came out huskier than what he planned as he said, "Let's return to the palace, Kagome."
The lithe priestess gasped, her body freezing up before melting in his embrace. Kagome took a few seconds to revel in the warmth of her prince before she casually shrugged out of his hold. "Kikkuri-san, I'll go ahead and get the horses ready." she was gone before Kikkuri come even begin to reject her offer.
Ilbani smirked at his foster brother, chuckling softly. "Why, Prince Kail, remember that you must be gentle with a woman."
Kail glared at the brunette. What was that supposed to mean? "I don't need your advice in those matters!" he snapped half-heartedly as he turned his gaze back on the retreating form of the Princess.
Zannanza laughed as he tossed his arm around his older brother's shoulders in a manly embrace. "Well, problems between men and women needn't be settle by the light of day. A night alone together will do much to settle things right." Although Zannanza has come to accept that Kagome would never become his, a part of him still longed for her. But another part wanted the demon inside the priestess.
A blush tinted Kail's face a pale pink as he covered his face with his hand. "If only it was that easy. Kagome is so different than the women I've courted in the past."
"Brother?" The fourth prince said with a question in his tone. He gazed up at his sibling with curiosity shining in his hazel eyes. "Surely, I misunderstood, but are you saying that you haven't lain with Kagome yet?" He brushed off his brother's murderous glare with a light laugh. "No, that can't be true." Zannanza felt his eyes widen when Kail looked away with a faint blush on his face. He placed his hand against his brother's forehead, testing his tempature. "Brother, are you feeling alright?"
It was unheard of a woman being in Prince Kail's presence for over a year and he has not made love to her. So unheard of that Ilbani and Kikkuri were worried for his health, running to prepare a curative bath and fetch the physician.
Kail balled his hands into tight fists as he raised the tone of his voice. "There is nothing wrong with my health!" An anger mark appeared on the third Prince's forehead as he glare at each of his most trusted men. "Kagome is going to leave this land soon. I just don't want to cause her unhappiness by indulging in my desires."
"Ho?" Ilbani arched a fine blondish-brown brow as he gazed at his foster brother. "Your Highness, don't you believe that you can make her happy." He turned his bright grey eyes on the Prince and fixated a frown on his lips, "You told me once that you would love only one woman in your life. Was that a lie? If you really care for Princess Kagome, then you should keep her by your side, love her, and make her so happy that she'll forget her own country."
Amber eyes went wide as Kail stared at Ilbani. 'Love her and make her so happy that she'll forget her own country?' A vision of him and Kagome naked flashed in his mind, their bodies moving in that seductive dance of lovers. He could almost taste the sweetness of her on his tongue, hear her beautiful voice, and feel her sweaty skin. 'Can I really do that?'
Nakia was absolutely furious. Not only did Kail come back safely, the Dragon's Eye was lost in the chaos of the war! Why was this happening! Why did things not go the way she planned. If only Kail had not saved the little wench the first day she brought Kagome here, her son would have been named the Crown Prince. "Dammit all!" she cursed loudly, swinging her staff and knocking things over.
Urhi bowed, his long golden hair brushing against the floor. "I am very sorry. I failed you, my Queen."
"Don't sulk, Urhi." the Queen said as she walked over to her advisor and lifted his chin with her finger. She gazed into his bright sky-blue eyes and offered him a slight smile. "You succeeded in preventing the girl from returning to her homeland. Because of you, I can still sacrifice her and rid myself of the other princes." Nakia moved away from Urhi, walking over to the door. "My son will yet sit on the throne!" She snapped the wooden staff in her hands in two pieces.
A horse carrying a brown-skinned man wearing a cloth headdress rode fast across the terrain. He was carrying a very important message from his Queen to the city of Hattusa. As he approached the main gate, he was forced to stop when the guards pointed their spears at him.
"Hold!" one bellowed, his eyes narrowed. "Who are you!"
The other glared at the rider. "Drop your weapons of you wish to enter the city!"
"Please!" the Egyptian pleaded, his voice frantic. "Let me pass. Tell his Majesty King Suppiluliumas that I come with an urgent message from Egypt!"
Kagome smiled sweetly at Tito when he offered to refill her wine glass and took a piece of honey pickled jujubes. She moaned at the sweet tangy flavor that flowed over her tongue. "I thank you all for this celebration." the priestess gave Tito a knowing look. "Just how did you know it was my birthday?"
The second Ishtar Incarnate made it to her handmaids' room and before she could change out of fancy outfit, the Hatti siblings blindfolded her and carried her out to the garden area. They had set up an elaborate ceremony in honor of her eighteenth year.
"Oh, Tito told us." Hadi said, pouring more wine into Zannanza's cup.
Kagome shifted her eyes over to Kail, her body heating up at the sight of him sipping at his wine and a single drop slid down his chin. Taking in a deep breath, the priestess willed her heated blood to cool down before she spoke. "Prince Kail, I have a favor to ask of you?"
Kail smiled. This was the first in a long while that Kagome has spoken to him directly, first time he was able to gaze into her beautiful dark blue eyes. "Yes? What is it, Kagome?" He cursed under his breath when she looked away after hearing the husky tone of his voice. Kail was not trying to sound so seductive when speaking to her, but he could not help the desires of his body.
Ishtar Incarnate blushed and looked away from the Prince's piercing gaze. "Can we sleep in separate chambers from now on?" Placing a fake smile on her face as she ignored Ankoku's enraged cry of "What?" Kagome rubbed the back of her head sheepishly, "I know that I can be a terrible sleeper, tossing and kicking. Besides, there are plenty of empty rooms in the palace." She refused to look back up at Kail, fearing that if she were to gaze upon his handsome face it would make her take back her words.
"What the hell, Lady Kagome!" Ankoku cursed, her visual image appearing within Kagome's mind. She placed her hands on her hips, her golden-orange eyes narrowed. "What the hell do you mean that you want to sleep in separate bed chambers? We've been sharing a bed with Kail since we came here. Why change that now?" The dark embodiment slid her tongue along her full upper lip. "Are you afraid that I will take over and have my wicked way with my sweet little Prince. Just because I want Zannanza more doesn't mean Kail isn't still on my list."
"That's not the reason, Ankoku." Kagome sighed sadly. "I just can't share a bed with Prince Kail, but that would be too much for me now. I'd just closed my heart to him when I found that I would be here for another year."
Kail tried to capture her eyes with his, but when he realized that she was not going to look back at him, he sighed. "Very well." the Prince said with a heavy heart. "Take any room you like."
"No! We won't have that!"
Kagome looked over at her handmaids and their younger brother, seeing that they had their hands on their hips and eyes narrowed. "Tito-kun? Girls?" she said, tilting her head to the side.
Hadi pointed at her younger sibling and finally at herself. "My sister's and I are the only handmaids in this palace and Tito is the only servant. Kikkuri does not count because he is Prince Kail's personal servant." Her dark green eyes narrowed even further. "We already have too much to do. We can't possibly clean another bedchamber."
Kail sighed and rolled his eyes. "Then I'll hire more servants."
"No, you mustn't!" Ilbani voiced, pausing his playing of the sitar in his lap. "It's far too dangerous to bring in anyone we don't know."
"He's right, my Prince." Kikkuri said as he brought in a fresh tray of Kagome's favorite dried fruits and set them down in front of her. "Queen Nakia still wants to get her hands on Princess Kagome's blood. It would be too risky to let her sleep alone." he added with a slight smile.
The Hatti sisters bowed to their mistress and said in their most sincere voices. "Please sleep with Prince Kail."
A blush rose in the Princess's cheeks at the older women's choice of words. It was like they wanted her to have sex with Kail! "What the hell is going on here!" Kagome cursed, her face bright red.
Tito smiled sadly at the priestess, his jade green eyes sparkling. "We just want you to stay with us forever, Kagome-sama."
Kagome could not help but to think of her surrogate son whenever Tito smiled at her like that. Just as she was about to stand and gather the sweet child in her arm in a motherly embrace, Ilbani and Kikkuri beat her. The two men guided the Hatti siblings out of the room, announcing their departure. With narrowed blue eyes, she yelled, "Just what are you, guys, up to?"
Zannanza suddenly sat up from his relaxed position on his side. "Oh that's right. I almost forgot. Brother..." he stood and approached his older sibling. Once he was close enough, the younger blond prince leaned in and kissed Kail on the cheek. He swiftly moved back when Kail reacted rather violently, swinging his fists and yelling while choking on the grape he'd just eaten. Zannanza laughed loudly at his brother, nearly doubling over. "A while ago, Kagome asked me to deliver a message to you. Now that I have fulfilled my promise, I bid you good night."
Ishtar Incarnate giggled before she moved over to Kail. "Wasn't that sweet of Zannanza-sama, Prince Kail?" she teased as she patted his back gently as Kail continued to cough in an over exaggerated manner. "Wait a second..." Kagome paused, finally letting the younger prince's words sink in. "Zannanza-sama, that was not me! And that was months ago!" 'I was getting ready to say goodbye to Kail.'
Kail glared at Kagome for her teasing before he wiped his cheek with the back of his hand. "You little..."
"Even so, give the rest of the message to Brother yourself." He sent her a smirk over his shoulder. "Good night!"
"Prince Zannanza!" Kagome hissed out his royal name, showing that she was angry at him. She glanced down at Kail, her hands hovering over his back. 'The rest of the message? What do you think he meant, Ankoku?"
Ankoku stirred restlessly. This was the first time that the priestess as asked for her opinion and it shocked the miko demoness. "You're asking me?" she asked in confusion. At her hostess' nod, she said, "Well, when I kissed Zannanza, I put my feelings of lust for Kail and him in it. So perhaps, the rest of the message is to tell Kail that you love him..."
'Tell Kail that I love him...' Kagome repeated as she stole another glance down at the beautiful young man sitting so close to her. She gasped when Kail locked eyes with her. 'If he tells me to stay forever I may just... No, Kagome stop. You're only causing more pain.' Averting her gaze from the prince's molten golden orbs, Kagome said, "Prince Kail, I can do my own cleaning. So, I'll find another room." The priestess rose to her feet about to walk past the prince when he suddenly blocked her path and trapped her within the cage of his arms. "Prince Kail...?"
Kail gazed down at the beautiful woman before him, feeling enchanted by her dark blue eyes that were looking up at him curiously. Could he really make Kagome so happy that she would forget her home and her first love? His eyes took on a lustful gleam as he lifted his hand to softly caress the side of her face. Yes. Kail could do it. Kagome is the only woman that he would love in this life. Kagome was destined to meet him and become his Queen. He wrapped his free hand around her waist and pulled her flush against his body. Kail slid his hand down her face, the length of her neck, to her bountiful chest. He smirked when she jolted against his touch before squeezing her clothed breast.
Kagome could not breathe. Kail was touching her so intimately. Touching her like she's been craving him to do for the past couple of months. She arched her back, pressing her breast more firmly in her his hand. Ishtar Incarnate felt wetness begin to dampened her center. Just as she was about to fall into Kail's seductive hold, just about to jump up and wrap one of her long legs around his waist to grind against the firm flesh she felt poking at her stomach...
Kikkuri's voice echoed through the palace. "Prince Kail! I have a message for you!"
Kail hissed at his personal servant/best friend through his teeth. Why was he interrupting after all that coaxing earlier? The Prince had just had Kagome willing to be in his seductive embrace. He narrowed his eyes when Kikkuri bowed low to the ground in apology.
"I'm terribly sorry, but," the chestnut-haired man said with urgency in his voice, "His Majesty summons you to his palace immediately. Kikkuri paused for the prince's reply before telling Kail the true reason why the Tarbana wishes to see his son. A marriage proposal. An emissary from Egypt brought an offer of marriage from the Princess of Egypt.
"What?" Kail said as he moved away from his princess to follow after his servant.
Kagome dropped to her knees, Kail's warmth quickly fading from her body and leaving her feeling cold. 'Kail is going to get married?' Her heart constricted painfully in her chest as fresh tears began to collect in her eyes. Her Prince was going to marry and Egyptian Princess. The miko knew that he was not hers and that she was going to have to leave him some day, but...'I can't breath. This pain...It's suffocating me!' "Why? Why's this happening to me! Why couldn't I go home before Kail was to marry someone!"
All of the six Princes were called to the Emperor's palace as well as the senate. They all wondered if Egypt really did send a proposal of marriage to them or could it be a trick. Kagome stood next to Kail, not wanting to stay at his palace by herself and so that she could spend her last few precious moments with her beloved prince.
"Brother Kail." a sweet voice said as a young boy of fourteen. He had short chin-length golden hair and brilliant sky-blue eyes. He rushed over to them and hugged Kail tightly before smiling up at Kail with admiration in his eyes. "Congratulations on your victory over the Mitanni. I'm glad you've returned home safely."
Kail placed his hand on the boy's head and ruffled his hair slightly. "Thank you, Juda. It's good to see you." He turned so that Kagome was visible to the younger prince and pointed towards her. Juda, this is Kagome, Ishtar Incarnate. Kagome, this is my youngest brother, Prince Juda Hasupasrupi."
Juda stared up at the beauty that was the reincarnation of the Warrior Goddess before a slight blush tinted his cheeks and he quickly bowed. "I've looked forward to meeting you, Istar."
Kagome smiled down at the child. He was so cute and polite. But he looked vaguely similar to someone that she hated the most. "Please, call me Kagome, Prince Juda." 'So, this is Kail's youngest brother, Nakia's son. This sweet little boy is the reason why she want to kill the other princes.' "You're such a handsome young man. I'm sure all the little princess just swoon over you." she grinned when the young Prince's face turned a brighter shade of red before turning to talk animately with Kail.
"Be careful, Kagome." Zannanza's voice said from behind her, making Ankoku stir restlessly. "He is still his mother's son." He turned to look at the young woman next to her, noting that her eyes had a hint of the beautiful golden color around her irises. "Brother is quite fond of him, so we must keep a close eye on him."
Kail smiled down his little brother, his eyes sparkling happily as he chatted, "Juda, do you still spend your time with the astronomers, gazing at the stars."
Juda grinned up at his older sibling and nodded. "Yes! Astronomy seems to be the only way in which I can help you become King."
Ilbani crossed his arms over his chest when he heard the youngest prince speak those words. "None of the will matter if Prince Kail goes to Egypt." he huffed, rolling his grey eyes. "One person will be very pleased about it though."
"What?" The youngest son said with a tilt on the head, confusion easily heard in his tone. "Brother Kail is going to Egypt? When was it decided?"
Kagome placed her hands on her knees, so that she was more level with Prince Juda and gave him a sad smile. "The messenger said that the Egyptians wanted Prince Kail to marry their Queen. Perhaps they heard of all his many feats..."
Juda cut her off with a shake of his head, golden hair flying with the movements. "That's not what the message said Egyptians sent an offer of marriage, but I was told they simply asked for one of the six princes." his blue eyes gleamed as he remembered what his servant had told him about the letter. "No name was mentioned."
Nakia sat up straighter on her throne, her lips pulled up in a sneaky smile that she hid behind her fan. "Prince Kail is the only acceptable candidate." Her cat-like green eyes gleamed as she stared directly at the aforementioned prince and his concubine. "He who marries the Egyptian Queen will be the next King of Egypt. Kail is the clear choice."
Static filled the room as Kagome glared daggers at the Queen. She could not believe that a sweet child, like Juda, was mothered by such an evil woman. This vile woman was most likely the one who started the rumor that the Egyptians specifically asked for Prince Kail. But even without Kail's protection, Kagome was more than enough to take down Nakia's plans to use her blood. Not to mention that Ankoku would gladly take over and shred the Queen to pieces with her claws.
The Emperor stamped his staff on the ground, making a loud noise that silence everyone. Once he had all attention on him, Suppiluliumas said, "I haven't decided to send any of my sons to Egypt yet. This is a most unusual proposal." His eyes glowed with curiosity as he tried to reason with himself about the message. "Egypt has long been our enemy. There is no precedent for a Hittite Prince to marry a widowed Egyptian Queen."
"Widowed Queen." Kail inquired, stepping forward from his position. "If they want someone to marry their Queen, then that means that King Tutankhamen is dead."
"It would seen so." The Tarbana said, lifting his hand for the chief secretary to enter with the message aloud to his sons. "Think all of you should hear Queen Ankhesenamen's message.
"Great Emperor Suppiluliumas,
My husband, King Tutankhamen has gone to the field of peace without leaving an heir. It is said that your Majesty has many sons. I ask that you grant me one of them to be my husband. The Prince who weds me will become King of Egypt, and the son I bear him will create a bind between our countries."
Nakia spoke up once more, her fan still hiding her victorious smile, "Your Majesty, this offer is too good to pass up. Such a marriage would assure peace throughout the region."
Kagome placed a hand over her painfully beating heart, holding back the tears that threatened to fall. It was true. The marriage would prevent war with Egypt and Kail's vision of peace would be realized. Kail would surely go to Egypt to gain that dream and to protect his family.
"To show respect for Queen Ankhesenamen, we should send a Prince mother by one of your Majesty's lawful wives." Nakia proposed, "Prince Arnuwanda, son of the late Queen Tadukhipa, is not eligible to go as he is the Crown Prince. My son, Juda, is only fourteen years old. Prince Kail, son of the Emperor's second lawful wife, Hinti, will be twenty-two this year. He is the perfect match for a nineteen year old Egyptian Queen."
Suppiluliumas gazed at his wife for a long moment. He understood why she was so excited about this proposal, but why was she so adamant about sending Kail to Egypt? "Wait." he said loudly. "This proposal sounds a bit too good to be true. Perhaps the Egyptians are indeed sincere, but I would like to know their motives." The Tarbana announced, "I will send my secretary to investigate. When we have his report, we can consider this further.
Nakia tossed her head back and laughed loudly, unable to contain her excitement. This emissary from Egypt was the perfect plan to rid herself one Kail once and for all. She almost wanted to start twirling around in dance at the sheer happiness she was feeling. "What an excellent opportunity this is!" she said, her eyes bright with glee. "I could not have conceived a better means of ridding myself of Kail!"
The Queen grabbed Urhi by the hand and had him spin her in a circle.
"Once Kail has gone to Egypt, Kagome's powerful blood will be mine! And my son, Juda will become King!" Nakia released her advisor's hand and dance around her water basin and swirled her hands around the surface. "Prince Kail must be sent to Egypt. Do you understand me, Urhi?"
Urhi smirked as he crossed his fist over his chest. "Yes, my Queen."
Kagome's once bright blue eyes were dulled as she drug her feet. She lowered her head so that her long bangs cast shadows over her face. 'Kail really would be perfect for Queen Ankhesenamen.' She though glumly. 'Will the Emperor send him to Egypt if the offer is genuine?' Kagome placed her right hand over her left breast, the mark of the Shikon hot against her skin as her heart twisted in her chest. 'This pain is only growing with every moment I'm next to him.'
Zannanza paused, his hand over his eyes as he gazed out to the horizon and spotted the first slivers of daylight peeking. "The sun will be up soon." he summarized. "I should get some sleep before it gets too hot."
The priestess froze, her eyes coming up to look at Kail. She locked gazes with the prince for a few seconds before she looked away with a blush lighting up her cheeks. Kagome gasped when she heard Kail call for Hadi to prepare one of the empty room in the eastern wing for her. Ishtar Incarnate felt her heart twist even more painfully in her chest.
"You may have your own bedchamber, Kagome. Sleep well. Good night." Kail said before he walked away, his hands in tight fists as he fought the urge to gather her in his arms and finish what they started a few hours ago.
Kagome suddenly felt abandoned. Why did she feel like this. She was the one who asked for separate rooms. The miko knew that Kail would have to marry sooner or later to uptake the throne properly. But... "Oh, Ankoku, I never thought Kail would have to go so far away. Egypt is 15 to 16 days away even by chariot."
"Lady Kagome, are you upset over Kail's possible marriage?" The dark embodiment asked carefully.
"I don't care if Kail gets married or who will becomes his wife! I'd still be able to see him if he stays in Hattusa with his bride, but I can't stand the thought of him living me and going to Egypt!" Kagome cried, her eyes brimming with tears that she'd been fighting back. 'I don't want him to go, Ankoku. I love him."
Ankoku said nothing as she and Kagome were settled in a cold room in the eastern wing. The bed felt like ice and the thick blanks did nothing to warm her. It was there that the priestess finally let her tears fall for the first time since she arrived back in Hattusa. Kagome cried, cried until she could no longer produce tears. She laid there until Hadi came back into her room and announce that it was time to get ready for the day.
"I have a message for His Majesty!" An advisor announced from his position on the ground in front of the Emperor. "Our secretary, Ziti, whom you sent to Thebes has return accompanied by an Egyptian Emissary."
The Egyptian knelt before Suppiluliumas, his hands flat against the ground as he spoke. "I am Hani." he introduced. "I am an aide to Her Majesty, Queen Ankhesenmen. Your Majesty, please believe the words of my Queen." He looked over at the secretary he accompanied, "As you will read in her second letter, it is her Majesty's sincerest wish that she marries one of your princes and that he becomes the King of Egypt."
The secretary moved closer to the Emperor, presenting the papyri that had the Egyptian Queen's elegant handwriting inscribed on it. Suppiluliumas eyes scanned over the words carefully, his lips pulled down into a tight frown. The young Queen was certainly very sincere about wanting to marry one of his sons.
Leaning back into his throne, the Tarbana finally said, "Very well. Your Queen may have one of my sons."
Nakia sat up straighter with a pleased smile on her face. "Your Majesty, I applaud your courageous decision." she cut her acid green eyes over to her most hated step-son. "Let us send Prince Kail."
When Tito heard Kagome's sharp intake of breath and saw her eyes flicker between blue and gold, he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Kagome-sama, please do not worry." he said with a soft smile. "His Majesty doesn't want to send Kail-sama to Egypt."
As if on cue with the youngest Hatti sibling, the Emperor shook his head, "No. I shall find a fair mething of choosing which one of my sons shall go." he closed his eyes and sighed deeply. "Regardless of who his mother was."
"Your Majesty," a soft tenor voice said, "By your leave, I have a suggestion." When Urhi had everyone's attention, he bowed his head towards the Emperor, a single tendril of his long golden locks falling over his shoulder. "Could we not hold a chariot race? Such races are very popular, and the people regard them as true tests of courage. The Egyptians would surely respect the winner of such a competition."
Nakia smiled secretly at her most trusted advisor, "That's an excellent idea." she then turned to the senate. "I'm sure the senators will agree."
"Of course" they answered immediately. "It's been too long since we had a good chariot race!"
The Tarbana sighed as his eyes gleamed sadly. He really did not want to send any of his sons into enemy territory or being so far away. "If the senate approves..." he began with a heavy heart. "We can hold the race this very afternoon."
Ilbani cursed lowly under his breath. "Damn that Queen. This is one of her schemes." he narrowed his eyes at Nakia, watching her attendant slink up into his position behind her. "Now Prince Kail is sure to be sent to Egypt!" The Imperial Clerk turned his pale grey eyes down at the petite woman beside him when she questioned him. "Prince Kail is the best charioteer in the land. None of the other Princes stand a chance against him."
Kikkuri sighed when Kagome asked about Zannanza. "Prince Zannanza is Prince Kail's equal with a sword, a bow, and as a general, but when it comes to racing; Prince Kail is far his superior."
Urhi lowered his voice to a whisper once he was behind his Queen at an appropriate distance. "None of the Princes wants to go live among the Egyptians, even as their King." He chuckled softly. "Prince Kail's honor will not allow him to lose the race on purpose and force of of this brothers to go to Egypt."
Kail walked out of the throne room, his lips glued in a thin line. Why was this happening? He had sworn that he would only love Kagome for the rest of his life. He swore that he would make her happy. So, why was fate cursing him? Why was the world turned against him and the woman that he loves? Kail slammed his fist against a nearby wall, ignoring the pain that vibrated down his arm. "Damn it!" he cursed loudly.
Kagome was torn. She wanted to run and comfort her prince, but the part of her that was still closed told her not to. "Kail..." she whispered, gazing at her grieving prince with sad eyes. Ishtar Incarnate hated the fact that he was upset and that there was nothing she could do about it to help.
Unknown to the couple, the blonde sixth Prince, Juda Hasupasrupi was watching what transpired. He wanted nothing more than the happiness of his brothers and it seemed like Kail was deeply in love with Ishtar. His bright sky-colored eyes gleamed sorrowfully before they flashed with mischievousness.
Juda walked away from his station over to Kagome, who was silently observing the remaining princes ready their chariots for the upcoming race. "Ishtar," he said sweetly. "May I speak with you?"
Kagome smiled down at the boy, but her eyes reflected her pain. "Of course you can, Prince Juda." she walked with him over to a more shaded part of the stadium before leaning against a wall casually. "What is it you want to speak to me about?"
The sixth prince fidgeted before he held out his hand, a tiny beige pouch resting in the center of his palm. "Will you put his powder in a cup of wine and give it to Brother Kail for me?" He pushed the little bag into Kagome's hands as he hushed her. "Please don't fret. It's just a mild sedative. It will only make him a bit groggy."
Ishtar Incarnate looked down at the pouch in her hands the back up to the youngest Prince. "Why, Juda-kun?" she accidently called the boy familiarly. Kagome couldn't help it, Juda was just so darn cute!
A blush tinted the young boy's face when the beautiful woman in front of him called him by only his name with no royal title. "I'm going to Egypt." he said proudly. "Our country needs Brother Kail." His light blue eyes scanned the area, judging it safe to continue speaking. "I know that Egypt is our enemy and I would be lying if I said that I'm not afraid to there. But i'll be alright. It's better for everyone that way." Before Kagome could say anything else, the youngest son ran off to finish getting ready for the race.
"Wait, Juda-kun!" Kagome sighed as she looked down at the sedative in her palms. 'Should...Should I give this to Kail?'
Ankoku shrugged her shoulders at Kagome's thought. "We both don't want Kail to go to Egypt. But, Lady Kagome, you know that this isn't right."
"Don't worry, Kagome." a silk-like tenor voice said, making Ankoku purr and push for control. "Put it into Brother's drink."
"Zannanza." Ankoku purred as she took control. She ignored Kagome's threats to never trust her again as she draped her arms around her prince's neck. "I've missed you."
The fourth prince smiled down at the miko demoness. "I missed you as well, Ankoku. But you and Kagome need to do as Juda asked." Zannanza said seriously, his hazel eyes glinting. "Juda has made the decision to go to Egypt of his own will."
The demoness snuggled deeper into Zannanza's light embrace, relishing in his warmth. If only this body was hers, then she would gladly take the fourth prince as well as the third prince as her mates. "You don't mind sending Juda to Egypt. He is still a child."
Zannanza ran his fingers through Ankoku's long midnight blue hair and gazed into her beautiful golden-orange eyes. "In this country, a boy of fourteen is considered a man. Would you prefer that Brother went?"
Ankoku narrowed her eyes. "Of course not. I desire him as well as I desire you." She reached up to lay a drugging kiss on his lips but was stopped by his gentle finger. The miko demoness gazed questionably at the Prince before sighing when he pointed at the forgotten pouch resting innocently on the ground. After stealing a quick kiss from Zannanza, Ankoku relinquished control back to Kagome.
"Sorry about her, Zannanza-sama." Kagome bowed before rubbing her head sheepishly. "Apparently she wants you and Prince Kail." At the fourth Prince's shrug, the priestess followed his instructions and poured a cup full of Kail's favorite red wine. She then poured the power into the liquid and gave it a quick stir with her finger. "Prince Kail." she called out as she walked over to the handsome young prince. "Here's your favorite wine. I assumed you to be thirsty after being out in the sun." 'This is still wrong...'
Kail smiled down at the miko, taking the cup from her delicate hands. "Thank you, Kagome." His voice still came out huskier than what he meant to, but Kail could not help the desires of his body. Lifting the bronzed cup to his lips, he swallowed the sweet-tasting liquid and welcomed the slight sting as his went down his throat. He gave the cup back to Kagome and walked over to his chariot, mounting it.
"The second Prince, Rois Telipinu. The third Prince, Kail Mursili II. The fourth Prince, Zannanza Hattusili. The fifth Prince, Mali Piyasili. The sixth Prince, Juda Hasupasrupi." the announcer called out, his hand pointing at the flag that sat at the end of the track. "Is everyone ready? The first one to capture the King's Flag after going once around the track will be the winner. Ready? Go!"
And they were off. Prince Kail, being the more capable racer, easily took the lead and out a good distance between him and the rest of his brothers. He snapped the reins, ordering his horses to gallop faster. Just as he finished the first lap, a intense wave of dizziness struck him. Kail released one of the reins to touch his forehead. Why did he feel so weak all of a sudden?
Juda grinned proudly as he overtook his older brother. "Brother Kail!" he said gleefully. "I'm going to win!"
Nakia was more than furious when she saw her son take the lead. "Juda!" she yelled. "What are you doing?! Why are you taking the lead?!" Her eyes were venomous at best as she glared at the dizzy prince struggling to hold onto his reins. "Damn! What is Kail's game?"
The sixth prince stretched out his hand, reaching for the golden flag that was just ahead of him. "I win!" he cheered. Just as his fingers brushed against the handle, someone snatched it out of his reach. Juda's sky-blue eyes widened when he saw Zannanza smoothly race by him. "Brother Zannanza?!"
Zannanza flashed his youngest brother a brilliant smile. "Nice move, Juda! But you're too young to rule Egypt." He held the flag against his chest. "I'll give you the throne in five years, but I'll go to Egypt for now." He turned at the sound of his name being called and saw that it was Kail. Lifting the King's Flag proudly in the air, Zannanza boasted, "Brother, I shall be King of Egypt!"
Kail jumped off his chariot when he pulled his stallions to a stop and ran over to his most trusted brother. He placed his hand on Zannanza's shoulder to get his attention. "Do you realize you'll be going to the house of our enemy's Royal Family alone, Zannanza?! There's a rumor that King Tutankhamen was murdered." he closed his eyes and balled his hands into fists. "How can I send you into such a viper's nest?"
"Brother..." Zannanza said slowly. "That's exact what I'd say to you. I can't let you go to Egypt."
The third Prince of the Hittite's eyes widened as he remembered the sudden wave of dizziness that made him feel weak. "Zannanza, what did you do to me?"
Kagome rushed over to the two brothers, her face streaked with guilt. "It wasn't Zannanza-sama. I was the one who put a sedative into the wine I gave you." She bowed her head so that her bangs hid her eyes. "I did not wish for you to be sent to Egypt..."
Juda ran over to his siblings, his hands grabbing Kail's tunic as his sky-colored eyes brimmed with tears. "That's not true, Brother Kail! I asked her to do it. I want to go to Egypt!"
Zannanza smiled softly as he placed his hand on Juda's shoulder and the other over Kagome's mouth. His hazel eyes sparkled as he gave them a soft look before turning to gaze up at his sire. "Father, please send me to Egypt." he implored. "I believe that we should accept the Egyptians offer of marriage to secure peace between our countries. With a Hittite Prince ruling Egypt, war would be impossible." The fourth prince sighed as he continued his speech. "I know that I'm not eligible to be King here, but I will do my best to be accepted by the Egyptians. Besides, I am the only prince who has no woman. If I go to Egypt, no one will miss me."
Ankoku struggled from within Kagome. That foolish prince was saying that she would not miss him. The dark embodiment felt an attachment to Zannanza that she did not feel with Kail. It was more than just lust that Ankoku felt for the fourth Prince. But it was not love either. It was a simple deep attraction. "You fool, Zannanza! I will miss you! Kail as well as Lady Kagome!"
The emperor bowed his head, his eyes closed. He truly did not want to send Zannanza to Egypt. He and Kail were his more favored sons and his top generals. Suppiluliumas really and truly did not want give any of his children to Egypt, but... "Very well. In that case, in response to the Egyptian Queen's request, I will send my fourth son Prince Zannanza Hattusili." He gazed down at his beloved child sadly. "You must prepare to go at once. An au pois day will be chosen for your departure to ensure your safe journey."
Kagome watched with sad, guilty eyes as Zannanza was ushered away by the large crowd of senators to prepare him for his departure. She whispered his name softly and took a step towards the group of people surrounding the young Prince when Ilbani's voice stopped her.
"You mustn't regret putting the drug in Prince Kail's wine." the brunette said, his hands folded in the sleeves of his robe as he walked closer to the Princess, "Becoming the King of an enemy country is no easy task. A King may achieve peace, if he does not fall prey to assassins. Prince Zannanza is equal to the task, Prince Juda is not. This is the best outcome we could as for." Ilbani tried to reassure the priestess.
Kagome closed her eyes as she nodded her head, but even the Imperial Clerk's words did not ease the guilt in her chest for doing what she did. The miko should have just allowed Kail to go to Egypt, but she was being selfish and wanted her Prince to remain where she could be with him. Sighing, Kagome turned and began to walk back to her new room.
Nakia rose to her feet and angrily left the stadium in brisk hasre. This was not supposed to happen. Why did her own child want to go to Egypt when she was going through all this trouble so that he would rule over this land! She would have this!
"Things did not work out as we had hoped." Urhi said from behind the tawananna.
The Queen scowled, her lip pulled down into a frown. "They certainly did not. If Zannanza become King of Egypt and Kail succeeds his father, the relationship between the two powers will be strengthened." Her nails dug into her palm when she balled her hands in tight fists. "That would leave no room for Juda to become King."
Urhi crossed his hand over his chest, awaiting his Queen's orders. "What is your wish, my Queen?"
"Kill him." Nakia said softly, shadows covering her eyes.
"What?"
A dark, sinister look over shadowed her beauty, making her look even more evil than usual. "Kill Zannanza."
I will not have the evil, conniving woman kill my beloved Prince Zannanza! I have far too many plans for him! This is where the two stories, Where the Sky and Red River Meet and As Fate Would Have It, begin to differ from each other a little bit. Zannanza's fate will be slightly different, but will still aid the original "Anatolia Story" plotline!
Until next time!
~Kirei Ai Tenshi
~Special Thanks~
Angel4EverLostILife: You asked for more and I delivered!
Linwellin Neinna Von Rosen: Here's the next update. Hope I didn't keep you waiting long!
dark-driex-07: I love you as well! Thanks so much for the sweet review! I saw it and just had to get to working on the next chapter!
siennahime-sama: I hope this update wasn't a very long wait!
kakashixangela: As you have learned Ankoku stopped Mattiwaza's advances and she has accepted her feelings for Kail.
DragonFire Princess: Did I shock you that much! Hope you enjoyed this update as well.
Infinities Lover: That makes me happy to know that you enjoy both of my fanfics! Here's an update for you!
fallingyuki: It was my plan to differentiate from the manga little by little until it was my own plotline with things from the manga thrown in. I look forward to more reviews from you!
crazykenz: No wall blasting but he did get a taste of Ankoku's poison for daring to touch Kagome.
ApolloArea13: Here's that update you've been patiently waiting for! Hope you enjoyed it just as much as the last!
Porcalein: Sorry, but I did another cliffhanger! I just love putting my readers through suspense~!
alice (I used google translate so, sorry if it's wrong): Merci! Je suis heureux que vous appréciez mon histoire!
Guest: Thanks for the excellent ideas. You may just see them being used in my story. Leave a name next time so I can credit you for them.
dragonlily22: I will! Believe me most of my stories are still in the making!
tapionwarrior: Aww! Thank you. But I doubt my story is better than Chie-sama's beautiful manga!
kanamelover101: I can't kill off Mattiwaza because he is still needed later on in the story, but he did receive some nasty wounds and a fright from Ankoku!
Pixiecropse: I can't help it! I love having my readers in suspense for the next chapter!
Guest: I'm sorry, but "My Queen" is currently on Hiatus and undergoing reconstrution. It will probably not be updated until I've finished one of my top three fics (One Jewel, Two Souls; The Sacred Alchemist; As Fate Would Have It)
Kiku: Trust me, I do ship Kail/Kagome/Zannanza. But I have other plans for my beloved fourth prince! Just keep reading to find out what they are!