Through The Eyes Of An Innocent

Chapter Ten

"And just what do you think you are doing?" Erri asked, ignoring the way Yuka shot her a deadly glare. Next to her, Ayumi gave the eldest of the three girls a sheepish glance, grabbing hold of the tapestry that Yuka had decidedly deposited in her arms.

"Nothing that is of your concern, Erri. Now, if you would, go fetch the Empress, it is almost time for her appearance with court." Yuka nodded, kneeling in front of the giant stonewall, her eyes twisted into that of concentration.

"Yes, yes, regardless, we are all supposed to help her pick out what to wear, and yet, here you are, in her father's chambers, collecting all of his things, and crawling around on the ground like some insane little child. Now, Yuka, please do tell me exactly what you think you are doing," Erri demanded, crossing her arms over her chest, as though to intimidate the youngest of the three.

It had been extremely strange, walking into the room only to see her two sisters pillaging through Lord Higurashi's chambers like they were thieves… rummaging through drawers, digging through pockets and looking underneath beds, for something they apparently haven't found yet. It had taken her a good while to get over her initial shock of her sisters doing something… something so utterly dishonorable that it could get them killed, after all, their Empress had not expressed wishes of allowing them to wander around her father's room, and go through his belongings. In fact, she hadn't given the order for anyone to deal with her father's belongings, let alone go through them herself, so it was quite surprising to see her sisters doing so. And she knew, with the utmost certainty, that she most likely would have simply watched them continue rummaging through Lord Higurashi's belongings, but common sense and fear had overpowered her initial shock.

Yuka merely shot her another irritated glance, running her fingers along soft, plush rug on the ground, acting as though it were the most beautiful thing in existence.

"Erri," Ayumi started, glancing at her older sister, "you really should go and help the Empress get ready… after all, if not a single one of us is there then, well, we all will get into trouble, and I really don't want to do that."

"Yes, well you could get into even more trouble sitting here, going through Lord Higurashi's things! And, not to mention, you'll be in a lot more trouble then you'll be if you aren't available to Lady Kagome when she'll need us most!" Erri hissed, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. On the ground, Yuka let out a disgruntled sigh, moving to stand, despite being in such a constricting dress, and Ayumi looked between her two sisters nervously, knowing for certain that a fight was going to break out among the siblings.

"Look," Yuka started, not feeling in the least bit patient, "if I do tell you what I am doing, which you might think me crazy for, then would you please just go get the Empress ready? It's not as though I don't trust Rin, but she has been acting rather suspicious lately, and with this whole prophecy making everyone even more nervous, I really need to get this done. Besides, you are the only one I truly trust to make Lady Kagome look like an actual Lady. Rin is too much of a tomboy, after all." Yuka finished, her last comment earning a snort from her older sister. Ayumi, herself, was a little skeptical of her eldest sister actually excepting the offer that Yuka had given her, but had wisely decided to stay out of the conversation. She really did dislike getting the way of her two sisters, even though, most of the time, she was always being forced to bring peace between them whenever they really got going, but she knew that Erri would have no choice but to accept it.

They had made a promise not to speak of this to anyone, but now that they had been caught… Ayumi had thought that they would have managed to keep their sister away from them, but of course, when Erri was determined, she always got what she wanted. Which was probably why she was able to find them in the first place. They were sisters, and they had been around each other so much that they knew each other inside and out. The castle was huge, and although they had distracted her, Erri would have gone to where they most frequented anyways, the lower corridors. And, luckily enough for them, that is where Lord Higurashi's chambers were. Ayumi had no doubt that Yuka was probably cursing their luck in her head, all the while wondering why Lord Higurashi would want to have his chambers located in the lower corridors.

It was common knowledge that his office was located on the second floor, along with those of the other nobles, but to have his rooms in the lower corridors… that had been a shock to both of the sisters when they had been informed of it. Not to mention, it made them extremely uncomfortable. Absolutely no one ventured in there, unless given permission, but with their job as advisors, they had to make visits there often. But… Lord Higurashi's chambers were so deep within the lower corridors, that it had made them uncomfortable. Which puzzled Ayumi to no end because, obviously, Erri was not afraid of being so deep within the corridors, if her actions now were any implication.

Glancing back and forth between her two sisters, Ayumi fidgeted, the silence getting to her, causing the hair on her arms to stand up on end (not that anyone could see it, they did, after all, have to wear long sleeves… revealing any part of their body, apart from their faces, was not considered lady like… although the Empress got away with it more than usual, Ayumi noted absently).

"Erri…" Yuka started quietly, the look on her face showing her impatience, and within that instant, Erri's shoulders slumped, and she let out a loud sigh, tugging on her bangs angrily.

"Fine, fine, fine. I will only cover for you once and only once. But after that, you will need to get back to your duties. You two have been slacking ever since Lady Kagome's announcement and…" Erri blinked suddenly, comprehension dawning on her face as she glanced back and forth between the two girls, looking extremely and utterly shocked. "You two… you aren't, are you?"

Ayumi gasped, the tapestry in her hands falling to the ground abruptly as her hands flew to her mouth, her eyes unnaturally wide. Yuka stood still, her hands trembling, her eyes narrowing, as though she couldn't believe the audacity her elder sister to suggest such a thing, and her hands were curling into fists at her side.

"I don't know who you think I am, Erri, but I would never cause Lady Kagome the grief that… that monster did. Now, if you would please leave, I have things that need to be finished. The door is over there."

"Oh, Yuka," Erri said, shaking her head sadly, "I didn't mean it like that. What I meant is that… you guys aren't trying to figure out who did, are you? Because, if you are, I'd be more than willing to help you and –"

"Erri, please, I have things I need to do. I will catch you up on everything later," Yuka said curtly, once again crouched on the floor, her fingers running along the thick wood of the bedpost. Erri, knowing that this argument was probably lost (and feeling extremely annoyed and put out because of it) merely nodded her agreement, her arms crossed over her chest sullenly.

"Just… just at least tell me who sent you in here. I know that you two wouldn't come in here without getting an order from someone. It's not like you two are thieves after all."

Ayumi looked at her youngest sister, uncertain and most definitely afraid of the fight that would, most definitely break out this time, however, Yuka remained silent for a long moment, her fingers stilling on the wood. Erri bounced on the balls of her feet, as though excited about what was going to happen, her hands twisting into her sash that reminded the middle sister oddly of Lady Higurashi.

"You aren't going to leave until I tell you, are you?" Yuka asked, tugging on the sheet to his bed.

"No, not at all," Erri answered, smiling excitedly, "So, who sent you?"

"You have to promise that you won't tell a soul, Erri, I mean swear to me, on our father's sacrifice that you won't tell a soul."

Ayumi gave a strangled cough, her fingers digging into the thick red tapestry that was once covering the floor, and both sisters' were aware that she was uncomfortable with Erri having to make that promise. But, Erri undoubtedly knew that if Yuka was making her swear on something so… so sacred that it was extremely important, and she couldn't tell a soul.

"I swear," she started quietly, her eyes on the ground as grief swelled within her, "on my father's sacrifice, that I won't tell a single soul about what was discussed, and will most likely be discussed in and outside of this room, or the actions that have occurred."

"The person, or rather, persons that have sent us are Governess Kaede, and Lord Miroku."

Erri forgot how to breathe.

Kagome fidgeted, her fingers digging into the belt of her dress.

She had been waiting for this moment all day – waiting for the day when she would finally be made to stand in front of the entire court next to her husband – waiting to be finally accepted as Empress and actually do something that an Empress would be expected to do and… well, she had expected something more. Not to simply sit in a chair and listen to people drone on and on about things that bored her to no end. Part of her wished that she had a piece of paper and some ink and quill, that way, she could at least keep herself busy like she had during the chamber meeting but… no. Instead, she was being forced to sit up straight, and actually pretend that she cared about everything that Naraku's advisors, and father, decided to speak about.

She was also certain that her husband was aware of the fact that she didn't want to be there, and, judging by the dark looks that he was giving her from time to time, she wasn't doing a great job of concealing her boredom either. All the same, she would have to sleep with him again, that night, which she wasn't exactly looking forward to, because now that he had finally become comfortable with staying in her room, despite hating staying with her, she realized that he wasn't exactly the nicest person to sleep with.

For one, he was always kicking, hitting, or pulling her hair whenever she slept. At first, she thought that he was doing it on purpose, but then she had discovered that he was actually asleep when he was doing it, she couldn't help but get a shiver down her spine. It was obvious that he was extremely violent when he was awake, but the fact that he was also violent in his dreams was more than a little disconcerting. The first time she had felt his fingers digging harshly into her scalp, she had given a small yelp of pain, before rolling away from him, frightened that she had done something wrong. But then, when she had found out he was merely sleeping… she found that she could not bring herself to sleep any longer.

He didn't speak in his sleep, but the slightly maniacal look on his face as he did sleep, one that reminded her so painfully of her own dark and bloody dreams, where flame surrounded her and melted off her skin… where his beautiful, yet deadly, ruby encrusted sword plunged through her chest, causing her to scream and writhe and cry in pain, frightened her more than anything. She had begun to dread the night… dread her time being with him, and now – now that he was once again growing tired of being near her, she was being more thankful for the small moments of free time that she was actually allowed. Especially after her announcement was made.

He had been furious when she had returned to her chambers, but his anger had been so cold and calculated… his movements slow, deadly, and he had asked her one, simple, yet terrifying question that had caused her to take many steps away from him, towards her door because… because her heart had never beat as fast, and her hands had never become as slick and wet as they did in that moment.

Do you value your life?

Her body had ached afterwards… her tears had burned, and her throat had done raw, but there was nothing to be done – nothing that could be done to keep her from being so brutally punished… her sides still hurt and she was almost certain that her throat still bore the bruises that his fingers had left when he pressed into her neck. She had apologized… she always apologized, but she was uncertain about how much more she could take. Naraku… he always made sure to hurt her where no one could see it… her chest, her ribs, her lower neck… always where others wouldn't be able to see it, wouldn't dare to look.

She simply couldn't understand what she was doing wrong. She had allowed emotions to get in the way but – smiling softly, she pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, unsure of what exactly she could do to get him to stop. She had promised not to make him look bad, and, if she was being honest, she hadn't. All she had really done was say that a Noble had been murdered – she hadn't even stopped to see what the people's reaction was. But, honestly, she didn't care. So many people were telling her to move on – to stop being weak, and for the first time she found that she simply couldn't.

Because his death was still burning within her, and as much as she wanted to forget, she realized that she couldn't. Because someone had murdered him – had done so to break her, to cause her pain for simply being who she was, and they had succeeded. Knowing that she had fallen victim to their plan merely caused her anger to burn even more. Caused her to want to swallow up her grief, and just allow herself to be angry, if even for a moment.

But there were other things to worry about. Miroku had told her so. There was someone needed to be named Lord of the Western Territories, and even if she still was feeling grief and anger over her father's death, she simply couldn't allow others to suffer, despite her own suffering. They didn't deserve it.

Shifting in her chair, she glanced at her husband, hoping upon hope that he didn't see her abrupt change in moods, or the fact that she had allowed herself to get lost in her own thoughts.

"Empress Yokoshima?"

Starting, she took her eyes off of her husband, noticing the way that everyone was watching her, with something akin to disdain, and she blushed slightly, hating the way she had allowed herself to be caught staring at – at him.

"Yes?"

"Well," the man started, "have you named anyone to take control of the Western Territories?"

Kagome shook her head, her eyes closing slightly. "No, but I do have someone in mind, someone who is educated and well versed in the politics of our land, not to mention, I trust him a lot."

"You trust him?" Naraku asked from next to her, his voice only low enough for her to hear.

"Yes, I trust him a lot. More than I will ever trust you and…" Kagome trailed off, her eyes going unnaturally wide before she whirled away from him, her hand pressed to her mouth.

"Lady Yokoshima?" The man asked, prompting her on, but Kagome just couldn't find the words to comment. Her tongue felt heavy, her mouth dry, and she could feel the bile rising in the back of her throat, burning and stinging and causing tears to form in her blue eyes. Her body trembled, her fingers clenching and digging into the skin around her mouth, and all she could think about was how she wanted to get away, how she wanted to be anywhere but there next to him and how she wished that, even if he had lost everything, that she had had the courage to say no.

"I'm afraid," Naraku replied in a cold, pleased voice, "that she will not be able to answer your question at this point in time. You all are dismissed."

"But my Lord-"

"Now." He spoke, his voice low and thick, and she could see his fingers dancing along the hilt of his blade, and she could feel his eyes burning into the side of her face, just waiting for when they were gone so that he could strike. She could hear them, everyone, filing out, giving the two royals disgruntled looks at being so easily dismissed, and for a moment, Kagome wished that they wouldn't leave. That, despite their lord's orders, they would stay, openly defying him because… because she was about to be hurt and she didn't want to be.

The room was deathly silent, as the two sat still, his fingers gliding over the silver of his blade, his eyes trained on her as she trembled and cried and wished that she hadn't been so completely ignorant as to let her mouth run away with her. But, even now, she knew that she wasn't a lady, let alone, one that should allow herself to be walked on and… and she was so used to being disobedient, even now, she couldn't break that habit.

"You amuse me to no end, Kagome," Naraku said slowly, rising from his seat, his hair cascading down his shoulders elegantly. "You are extremely precious to those around you, and it would be a shame to lose you. And yet," he paused, his dark eyes glued to her crying form once again as a small, wicked smirk danced across his face, "you would look beautiful, nothing more than a lifeless, crying porcelain doll. I can break you easily, Kagome, I can make you suffer as no other person has every suffered before."

"Please," Kagome whispered, pulling her hands away from her mouth, "I-I didn't mean –"

"Do you value your life?"

Kagome's heart clenched, and her body began to shake with unsuppressed sobs as he asked her that question… the question that he always asked her before he was ready to hurt her. He always told her – he always told her that he could make her suffer – that he could, and would break her. That he would cause her to wish for her own death but… but whenever he asked her that simple question, she could feel her barriers breaking, her heart clench and her throat tighten.

Because – because she was going to die.

She dreamt about it, whenever he was near. She dreamt about his saber, piercing through her flesh, hot and raw and bleeding and just looking at him caused her to tremble and bile to rise in her throat. She saw it in his eyes, whenever his hands connected with her sides, whenever she cried out in pain – even as he slept – she saw the desire to destroy her so completely in his eyes… and she didn't understand.

Because she heard his words, no matter what she did, haunting her, terrorizing her, and she wanted nothing more than to get out.

You will die with me.

Her knees connected with the ground, fire burning through her body, and he lifted her, his fingers digging into her flesh.

"I could kill you this very instant," he whispered, pressing her into the sharp, cold steel of her throne, hearing the small tears of fabric against the sharp metal. "After all, it is your duty is it not? To die for me? To spill your blood for me?"

"No," Kagome whimpered, her nails digging into the flesh of his arms, "I – I am not my father."

Naraku's eyes flashed then, and almost immediately, Kagome could feel the cold sting of his hand across her face, again and again and again, and she could do nothing but remain still, allowing his hand to strike her, allowing herself to taste her own blood in her mouth because if she didn't then – then he would only hurt her more, and her body still ached from the last time he hurt her… from the last time she allowed herself to struggle.

Moments passed as blinding pain assaulted her, as she continued to taste her own blood, wanting nothing more then to have the disgusting metallic taste die on her tongue, as the tears burned down her face, as she watched his anger slowly boil into nothing before he left her there, ignoring the stinging cuts that she had left on his flesh due to her pain. Moments passed, and she was by herself, sobbing, wishing for someone – anyone – to come to her and to wipe her tears away, for someone to give her some way out of this marriage that she had grown to hate so completely but there was no one and –

She could only rely on herself.

"Lady Kagome?"

Looking up, Kagome's eyes widened as she saw her advisors standing in front of her, each with dark, yet surprised looks in their eyes. And almost as soon as they saw her face, as they saw how listless and gray her eyes had become, their arms were wrapped around her, squeezing her tightly, and they were all whispering incoherent apologies to her, their eyes filled with unshed tears as well.

"You guys – it's – it's okay. I'll be fine," she whispered, clinging to all three girls.

"No," Yuka responded, holding onto her tightly, "no. He's never going to touch you again. He's going to pay for hurting you like this. I swear on my father's grave that he is going to pay."

The ink was cold as it spilled onto his already filthy clothes, and for a moment, Inuyasha could only remain silent, his ears pressed flat against his skull, his eyes narrowed, and his fingers twitching from time to time before letting out the loudest and longest string of curses that could, and probably would, put his entire family to shame.

He was irritated… well; it would be safer to say that he was more than irritated. He was murderous. His clothes, which had been fresh and nice and clean that morning, were now covered with ink stains, water stains, and bloodstains and it angered him, more than was probably necessary. It also didn't help that his so-called master was quietly chuckling to himself, finding Inuyasha's predicament amusing.

"Keh," Inuyasha muttered, snapping his quill in half, and, once again, stabbing himself in the palm with it. He watched disinterestedly, as the blood trickled from his palm and onto his clothes, mixing in with the water stains, and ink stains, causing a chill to go up his spin as it seeped through the fabric of his clothes and trickled on his skin. Oh yes, he really felt like killing someone right now.

"Forgive me for asking this," Miroku started, twirling his quill around in his hands, "but those in the Southern Lands are educated, aren't they?"

"What the hell do you think we are? Stupid?" Inuyasha retorted, glaring at the inkbottle in his lap.

"Of course not," Miroku responded, waving his hand dismissively as he flipped through his texts, "what I meant to ask is if you are educated. For someone as high in status as you are one would think-"

"Do you want to die?" Inuyasha asked, cracking his knuckles threateningly.

"Not precisely," Miroku responded with a rakish grin, "but of course, no one wishes to be murdered by a raving, ink covered half-demon who happens to take a sadistic sort of pleasure in stabbing his own hands." Miroku glanced at Inuyasha momentarily, cocking his head to the side as though asking him a silent question before flipping through his texts once again.

Silence reigned between the two men, as Miroku continued to write, glancing at his text from time to time, actually managing not to knock over the bottle of ink that was sitting extremely close to the end of the desk. But, of course, unlike Inuyasha, Miroku knew how to work around having his inkbottle not only close to the edge of the desk, but his writing hand, and Inuyasha felt inclined to kick his desk, if only to make him feel like an idiot as well. It was just as well, he would have to start using the ink that Miroku was using, seeing as to how he had no more on hand, and if he wasn't careful enough then maybe, just maybe he could manage to knock it over onto the nobles' nice clean clothes which were not covered in ink and…

"Are you always so angry?" Miroku asked, screwing the top back onto the inkbottle as he realized Inuyasha was staring at it with a strange glint in his eyes. Inuyasha grunted, somewhat disappointed in the fact that his extremely petty revenge could not be upheld and slouched in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest defensively.

"It's none of your business," Inuyasha responded gruffly, watching Miroku carefully. It had been the same yesterday, and the day before that, and, really, the entire routine was beginning to get on his nerves. Miroku would call him to his chambers, have him write, or at least attempt to do his studies with him, all the while distracting him by asking him extremely personal questions, especially when his concentration at his highest. There were times when he would falter, and accidentally give out information that didn't need to be said, but in the end, it wasn't extremely important. Not only that, Miroku was a little more than friendly. He seemed to find it extremely appropriate to tease the half-demon, and Inuyasha hated to admit it, but even after two days, he was beginning to enjoy being in the other boy's presence.

Today though – today Inuyasha had been a little more than distracted. He was sure Miroku was able to pick up on his behavior, if the ink and the blood was any indication, and as much as he hated to admit it, the other boy was beginning to get to know his moods fairly easily. Which was probably why he wasn't asking extremely personal questions either. But, if Inuyasha was correct, he was also aware that there was something that was bothering Miroku as well. He had been rather silent, only taking the time to glance at him once or twice, but mainly keeping his eyes on his text. And, although Inuyasha knew that he wasn't the most observant person in the world, he knew that Miroku wasn't exactly getting much done either. Inuyasha couldn't help but wonder if he was usually more studious than he was being that day.

"Inuyasha," Miroku started slowly, placing his quill in the spine of his text and closing it gently, "I do believe I know more about you than is really necessary, correct?" At Inuyasha's petulant nod, Miroku nodded, his eyes going dark. "Normally, others would have been willing to give away the fact that you are not supposed to be here. My father is already quite suspicious of everything that is going on, you do realize, and by keeping you with me at all times, he does believe that I am doing my job and making sure that you are not a spy."

"Is that so?" Inuyasha asked, his ears perking up slightly. He could tell, just from the tone of Miroku's voice that there was something important that he was building up to, something that he wanted him to know, regardless of whether or not he was a threat to their nation, to their leader, to their empress.

"Yes," Miroku responded, tapping his fingers against his chin in thought, "and, even though you haven't answered the more personal questions that I have asked you, I know that you are a threat, I just haven't pinpointed who, exactly, you are a threat to."

"And if I'm such a threat, why the hell are you telling me all of this?" Inuyasha leaned back in his chair, his arms folded across his chest, the expression on his face guarded, as if he were afraid of what Miroku was about to tell him, but anxious about the information as well.

"Because," Miroku started, folding the parchment that was stacked in front of him, "you are a threat that I openly welcome. I am already aware that you are from the South, and I am already aware that the North and the South might go to war. After all, my Emperor is quite ruthless and isn't exactly happy with just the Northern Lands. The Eastern Lands are falling weak, as we are both aware, and it would be a great victory to anyone who could obtain it. The Lord of the Western Lands doesn't exactly care about expansion, and it is known that his country, and yours, have been allies for a long while, due to their heritage, and if the South were to gain control of the Eastern Lands, they would have more influence throughout our Lands."

"That's pretty much our goal, yeah," Inuyasha said with a shrug, still slightly confused about why Miroku would welcome him, knowing that, not only was he a spy, but if he were able to get away, then he would return to his homelands with so much information, the Northern Lands would be crushed if war were to occur. It was a slightly pleasing thought, seeing as to how his home country would be able to control much of the Lands that everyone, whether they liked it or not, was currently apart of.

"But, whether or not the South takes control of the Eastern Lands depends entirely on two people," Miroku said, his dark eyes scanning the room around them carefully. Whenever Miroku did take the time to question his 'servant' he always chose one of the most desolated areas in the castle. Apparently, there was a part of the castle that Inuyasha had not been made aware of, a place that, when he asked other servants about it, caused them to take in sharp hisses of breath and look at him suspiciously. He never knew that simply asking about a castle could get such a cold reaction, which surprised him because they did live in the castle but… he couldn't help but think that they were being completely idiotic as well. But, truthfully, it wasn't his problem. If the Northerners wanted to act like idiots, he would allow them to. After all, he was only there for two reasons.

"Yeah? And who might that be?" Inuyasha asked after a moment of silence, not caring that he had allowed himself to get swept away with his thoughts.

"You, for starters, and Lord Yokoshima. Ultimately, it is up to him on whether or not we do go to war-"

"You know what, I really don't give a damn. I was sent here because it was rumored that your leader was supposed to get married. Not to mention, we heard rumors of something else that you worship, called a Djinni, and our leader wanted to know if it was true. Do those things really have mystical powers, or whatever the hell they do, and if so what the fuck are they? You already answered my first question, even though I don't know why you would, knowing that I'm an enemy. The second thing we came here for, is to find out whether your Emperor wanted the Eastern Lands or not… my people are already preparing for a fucking war, you know?"

Miroku nodded, his face grim, and already, he was beginning to pace back and forth across the room, which was something that Inuyasha couldn't help but find extremely odd. Remaining in his seat, Inuyasha remembered that he actually had been ready to tell him something, which Miroku must have found important. But, more so, if he knew that he was an enemy, why was he giving out so much information? He had stated that Inuyasha was a welcome threat, one that he wouldn't stop, but it was apparent that his father didn't see him as such. What confused Inuyasha even more was the fact that, if Miroku was welcoming him, then he must have felt some ill will towards someone. And, if allowing him to leave was the only thing that ensured a war, and the downfall of the Northern Lands, then why the hell was he allowing it?

Inuyasha was a little bit more than suspicious but… Miroku didn't seem the type to be deceitful. Of course, he couldn't just believe the other boy, after all, he was the enemy, and he could be trying to bait him, whether it be through deceit or manipulation, but so far, he hadn't had any trouble with anyone in the castle. None of the guards had detained him and… frowning, Inuyasha flattened his ears against his skull, baring his fangs slightly. He knew that he shouldn't trust Miroku, but he did and he couldn't help it. If Miroku did have some hidden agenda, Inuyasha would be sure to learn of it, and when he did, he would rip him apart, limb from limb. But for now – now there was no choice but to trust him and to listen to everything that was said, after all, even if the information was faulty, he still needed to get his own, and it would help him in the end.

Miroku was the general's son, of course, and wherever Miroku went, Inuyasha would be forced to follow. All he had to do was manipulate Miroku into letting him see the way the warriors trained, that way, he could find their weaknesses. Because, knowing his brother, even if he didn't make it out of this castle alive, there was going to be a war, whether the Northern Lands wanted it or not.

"You said I was a threat, right?" Inuyasha asked, a wicked glint in his eyes.

Miroku paused in his pacing, looking towards the half-demon curiously, before giving him a brisk nod, somewhat disoriented from the thousands of thoughts dancing around in his head. "But a welcome one."

"So let me get this straight, you think I'm threat, and yet you welcome me, knowing that if I leave here, there will be a full scale war going on, and the chance that your country will get crushed. Do you want to die?" Inuyasha asked, repeating his earlier question, but meaning it in an entirely different way as his fangs poked into his bottom lip, regarding Inuyasha with suspicion.

"No one wishes to die," Miroku answered, perching himself next to the small window within the room, "I do however, wish for someone to die, and for justice to be served. If you leave, and our secrets get out, there is the chance that the death will be possible. At this moment, I cannot go and get the revenge that is needed, or wanted, because I am being watched as well, along with many other of the nobles, because of Lord Higurashi's death. If I am being watched, then I can't kill, now can I? But death during war… it is inevitable. You are here for the downfall of this country, I want this country to fall."

"You don't want the fucking country to fall," Inuyasha said, understanding dawning on his face, "you want its leader to."

Miroku smiled grimly.

"I am afraid for her," Ayumi whispered, pressing her fingers into her temples, ignoring the slightly startled look that her sister's gave her for speaking. It had been startling, to hear her soft, quiet voice in the deafening silence, but they knew that someone had wanted to say something, to get their feelings out in the open, and it was all right that she had been one the say it. "I'm afraid that if we don't work fast enough, she will get hurt more than is needed."

"She's been getting hurt though, ever since she was forced into marrying him," Erri said quietly, her fingers gripping the fabric of her dress tightly, "I thought that it was just rumors… that they didn't mean anything, but they did. I suppose I should have listened to the rumors a bit more closely."

Yuka glanced at her sister sympathetically, knowing the grief and guilt she was feeling at having left her Empress alone. Gently, she placed a hand atop Erri's hand, and squeezed it tightly, just allowing her to know that she was there, and she always would be.

"Yeah, but now – now there is going to be someone to protect her, and she can't get hurt any longer, right?" Ayumi asked, glancing at her two sisters nervously.

"We're just women Ayumi," Erri said despondently, feeling oddly subdued, "we can't do anything against him. He's a man and we – we just advise the Empress. How are we supposed to protect her?"

"My God Erri," Yuka said, pulling away from her older sister, "you are so depressing sometimes. Yes, we are just women, but that bastard is going to pay for putting his hands on her. Trust me on this, all right? And then, Lady Kagome is going to be free of him, and she won't have to worry about getting hurt any longer."

"Right, Yuka," Erri said with a wave of her hand, "how exactly do you expect to do that? We are just women; we were never taught how to fight, or to defend ourselves. We were raised to look pretty and –"

"Remember when I was in Lord Higurashi's bed chambers earlier?" Yuka interrupted, crossing her arms over her chest, suddenly forgetting that she was only sad and remorseful a moment ago. Erri nodded, and almost at once, Ayumi walked to the door and glanced down the hall, checking to see if anyone had passed, and then, as if satisfied with her reconnaissance, she shut the door quietly, turning towards her sisters, almost eagerly.

"Yes, well, Lord Miroku and Governess Kaede were the ones that sent me and Ayumi there. They were going to send you there with us as well, but when we had run into him, it was only Ayumi and I, and I thought it would be best if at least one of us were there, taking care of her. That way, it wouldn't raise suspicion. Lord Miroku and Lady Kaede agreed that it would be best, and they said that we could fill you in on the details and… well… basically, they have a plan. I don't know exactly where the hostilities arose, but they are there, and those two most definitely want to go through with it."

Erri blinked, surprised at what they were telling her before shrugging her shoulders, still a little confused. "Right, so, what does that have to do with you pillaging through Lord Higurashi's chambers?"

Yuka huffed, tugging on her bangs as she paced back and forth across the room. "I was not pillaging, besides, it makes me sound like some sort of thief. I was searching. Apparently, they believe that there is something that Lord Higurashi found that could have Emperor Yokoshima taken off of the throne, and given to someone else. They don't know what it is exactly, but they do believe that is the reason for his death. And, of course, both of them are extremely fond of Lady Kagome…"

"Wait," Erri said holding out a hand, "you don't mean to tell me that they plan to overthrow the Emperor, do you?"

Ayumi giggled, shaking her head slowly, and Yuka let out an exasperated sigh pressing her fingers against her temples. "God Erri, you are so slow sometimes. No, they aren't trying to overthrow him. But, think about it. Lord Higurashi finds something that could have the Yokoshima's taken off of the throne, which, of course, they have dominated for the past fifty years. The Yokoshima's want to stay in power… power is very important. So when a certain Yokoshima finds out that it is possible he won't be granted the throne –"

"He kills the person that can take over the throne," Erri responded, her eyes wide.

"Exactly."

"Oh my goodness," Erri whispered, staring at her sister's in shock. She absolutely couldn't believe a single word that she was hearing. At first, she didn't want to be inclined to believe them. She heard what they were saying, but when Yuka pieced everything together… she simply couldn't believe it.

"So when they do find this information… whatever it is, then what happens?"

"Well," Ayumi said, fidgeting slightly, "even the Emperor isn't above the laws of the land. And, well, when Lady Kagome finds out the truth then… she is even holier than he is, and if she wishes for it, so be it."

"But her duties," Erri said, shaking her head sadly, "even if she does find out the truth, she will still be forced to die for him, or with him, because she can't break off a marriage, only through death."

"Which," Yuka said as she sat down next to her sister, turning to stare out the window, "is why he has a back-up plan."

"And what exactly is this back-up plan?" Erri asked, looking back and forth between Yuka and Ayumi. Ayumi merely smiled softly, watching her sisters as they conversed, willing just to stand by the door, and wait to hear if someone was walking down the hall, or could hear their conversation.

If anyone were to learn that they were planning on deceiving their Emperor… that they were planning on committing a crime, on account of their Empress, who was hurting, and being hurt, despite her beautiful, innocent nature, it was possible that they would be executed, and absolutely no one in this room wanted to risk that. They had already lost so much, as many of the other people in the castle had, and if they were to lose each other… it was dangerous, but Ayumi was willing to risk it. All they needed to do was be tight-lipped about it, and everything would be all right. It didn't matter if they got caught after it was all said and done, conspiring to have the Emperor killed because, in the end, Lady Kagome wouldn't be killed, and that was all that mattered.

"Right," Erri said, looking back and forth between her sister, and in that instance, Ayumi knew that her thoughts were running along the same track that hers had been, "So, what exactly is this back-up plan?"

Yuka turned to her sister, a small genuine smile on her face.

"Inuyasha."