Kagome
Lady of the West
By Advi
Chapter 11
Palace in the Clouds
Part Two
Rin was dragged to a small building at the corner of the Common Palace where Lady Ran had thrown her into. The little girl was still sobbing as blood dripped down her face, staining her kimono and leaving a trail on the ground. The lower servants brought her to an empty room and there they finally released the little girl.
"What's this? Why is this child bleeding? She should be taken to the sick halls!" said an inuyoukai male in the room.
Rin looked up and saw that he looked human. However, his ears were pointed and he had a short brown tail behind him. The servants that brought Rin, answered, "We were ordered by Lady Ran to have this girl caned. She was found playing in the Imperial Palace."
"It is a lie!" said Rin tearfully. "Sesshoumaru-sama takes good care of Rin, like a father! Rin came with Sesshoumaru-sama and haha-ue who is Sesshoumaru-sama's female!"
One of the servants raised his hand to hit Rin, but the youkai in the room shouted. "STOP! This child is human. I have never seen her before! I know all the children living on Cloud Palace and I have never seen this child before. She may be telling the truth!"
"But, Keisuke, orders from Lady Ran come directly from O-Mikoto-sama himself. Who here is lying? Lady Ran is of nobility hence all her orders come directly from O-Mikoto-sama or O-Hime-Mikoto-sama. We cannot disobey her," said the servant.
Keisuke, the brown inuyoukai considered his friend's words.
"Lady Ran is lying. Sesshoumaru-sama and Haha-ue have left the palace. Her orders do not come from Sesshoumaru-sama!" Rin cried.
The servant slapped her.
"Insolent child, how dare you refer to the O-Mikoto-sama with such familiarity? He is to be addressed as Sesshoumaru-O-Mikoto-sama or O-Mikoto-sama!" the servant barked.
Weeping, Rin answered, "B, But… Se-Sesshoumaru-sama t, told Rin to c, call h, him Sesshoumaru-sama-a-a-a-a-aaa."
"CHILD, CEASE YOUR WEEPING!" the servant scolded.
Rin wept even harder.
"I don't know about this Seki. I heard rumors that O-Mikoto-sama has adopted a human female child. Perhaps, I should request to speak to O-Hime-Mikoto-sama about this human child," said Keisuke.
"Us? Mere commoners meet the O-Hime-Mikoto-sama? Have you even thought what will happen to you, if it is found that you believed a lying human child, Keisuke? You will be punished severely!" Seki warned his friend.
"What orders from O-Mikoto-sama about this girl's punishment?" Keisuke inquired, massaging his temple.
"Rin is a good girl! Sesshoumaru-sama says so! Rin is not lying!"
"SILENCE!" Keisuke snapped at the little girl.
"Lady Ran informed us that O-Mikoto-sama instructed that the child be caned 20 times," Seki answered.
Keisuke walked up to a wall lined with canes of different lengths and sizes and picked one. Seeing that, Rin backed to a wall, her little heart filled with terror. Keisuke ordered the two youkai's to hold Rin and to pull her kimono top down. Rin tried to run, but the two youkai servants caught her easily, turned her back towards Keisuke and pulled the top of her kimono down.
Keisuke lifted the cane, but right before he brought it down, a boy shouted, "STOP!" Keisuke, the servants and Rin turned to the doorway. There they saw an Inuyoukai boy standing. He was dressed in rich clothes and had dark grey hair.
Keisuke and the servants, bowed to the inuyoukai boy, but left Rin standing. She quickly covered herself up.
"Do not harm that girl. She did not sneak into the Imperial Palace, but was brought in by Sesshoumaru-O-Mikoto-sama and his consort," the boy proclaimed.
Keisuke lifted his head. "Kimihiro-sama, are you telling us that this girl truly is acquainted to O-Mikoto-sama?"
"Yes, Lady Ran is the one lying here," said Kimihiro. "Harm this human child and I am sure my uncle will have your heads, or his consort the miko will not hesitate to purify you."
All three inuyoukai servants gasped, "O-Mikoto-sama has chosen a miko as his wife?"
"Yes," Kimihiro answered, "let the human girl stay here for now. O-Mikoto-sama and his consort have left the castle and I am sure neither of you wants Lady Ran to find out that you disobeyed her."
The three inuyoukais shook their heads.
Kimihiro then turned and left.
Rin gazed at the youkai boy who saved her and wondered who he was.
- - - O - - -
When Sesshoumaru and Kagome returned, O-Hime-Mikoto-sama decided to accompany Kagome, while Sesshoumaru went to change into clothes suitable for palace life. When Kagome saw her room, she was amazed to see that this room was even larger than the room she had been given before. "This is two or even three times larger than the previous room."
"Aa… this room brings back such memories. This used to be my room," said O-Hime-Mikoto-sama melancholically.
"Oh really?" Kagome replied cheerfully.
"Yes, but you do not have to worry, Sesshoumaru was not conceived in this room," O-Hime-Mikoto-sama added plainly. "He was conceived in the grassland below," she added.
Kagome appeared a little uncomfortable. Too much information. "Oh… really… I see," Kagome answered, unsure if she should be happy that such information was passed to her.
"Ara… did I make you uncomfortable?" O-Hime-Mikoto-sama asked.
Kagome held her hands up and shook her head, "Oh no, not really… actually yes, a little."
Her mother in-law laughed. "Kagome-hime… really, I find your honestly so funny!"
"Hime?" Kagome asked.
"Ara, Kagome, that is your proper title as it will be from tonight," said O-Hime-Mikoto-sama. "Oujo-sama is not a proper title for you. You are a Hime-sama. I, of course will retain my title of High Princess. Rin, your daughter will thus be called Rin-Oujo-sama from tomorrow. But, you shall be called Kagome-hime-sama, and now, I think it is time you dress your station. What you are currently wearing is perfectly fine when you are traveling, but now that you are home in the palace, you must dress according to your station."
"Oh, but I am afraid that I have not brought my finer kimono's with me," Kagome replied. Honestly, Sesshoumaru should have warned me earlier we were coming here. I would have packed my furisode kimonos!
"Never the matter for we have many fine Kimono's in this palace," said O-Hime-Mikoto-sama kindly. Aaaa… I always wanted a daughter! Now I have my wish and I am going to dress her up in so many kimonos. Perhaps, I shall try to convince Sesshoumaru to stay another day.
There was a knock on the door and Lady Ran entered the room. "Kagome-Oujo-sama, is this room to your liking?"
"It does not matter if it is to her liking," O-Hime-Mikoto-sama answered on behalf of Kagome, "more importantly if it is to O-Mikoto-sama's liking. But, since I approve of it… he shall as well."
Lady Ran bowed her head.
"Lady Ran, I shan't have any use of you for today. Please, have Lady Ayumi and her servants come to this room with sets of kimono, uchikake, tabi, obi and obi makuras."
Lady Ran paled in anger to the High Princess's orders. However, she bowed her head likewise and obeyed O-Hime-Mikoto-sama's orders.
But, before Lady Ran could leave the room, Kagome called out to her, "Lady Ran, where is my musume, Rin?"
"Ah, I thought she would be lonely in the Imperial Palace, so I took her to the Common Palace to play with the children there." Lady Ran answered, with a kind look on her face.
O-Hime-Mikoto-sama narrowed her eyes at Lady Ran.
"Oh really, thank you. But please, could you have her back in the Imperial Palace by dinner time?" Kagome asked.
"Oh, of course, Oujo-sama," Lady Ran replied.
"Correction, Lady Ran it is Kagome-Hime-sama," said O-Hime-Mikoto-sama coldly.
Lady Ran's eyes widened, "Hime?"
"What is the matter, Lady Ran, did you not receive orders of tonight's event? Sesshoumaru is to introduce Kagome-Hime to the court. Why did you think I have dismissed you? You are the eldest daughter of a noble-youkai. Do you not have to prepare yourself for tonight's ceremony? Surely, you are not to accompany your parents dressed as such?" asked the High Princess in a sarcastic tone of voice.
"No… of course not, O-Hime-Mikoto-sama," Lady Ran answered with care. "I, Ran take my leave." She then walked out of the room.
"That seemed a little… harsh," said Kagome, softly to her mother in-law.
"Harsh?" O-Hime-Mikoto-sama inquired subtly. "No, I was not, but Kagome-hime, with the palace help there are times when you must be firm. If you are not, a manipulative person like Lady Ran will gain power over you and you will end up serving her instead."
Kagome considered her mother in-laws words. "I understand, O-Hime-"
"Stop," said the High Princess all of a sudden, "when we are together like this please do not refer to me by my title, please call me Okaa-sama."
"Yes, okaa-sama," said Kagome, smilingly.
"Please, Kagome, tell me of your previous relationship with Inuyasha," said O-Hime-Mikoto-sama.
Kagome was surprised. "You wish to hear about that?"
"Yes, I am very interested in your relationship with Inu no Taisho's other son. You do not have to tell me how you met. Please, begin just before you became mates," said her mother in-law. Kagome took a deep breath and began to recount how much she was in love with Inuyasha and how they mated. She also told her mother in-law how she finally left him and when she confronted Inuyasha after finding out she was pregnant and how she came to be with Sesshoumaru. Kagome also told her about Kikyou and her involvement.
After Kagome told her mother in-law everything, she looked away, her head aching. She did not feel the urge to cry, but her heart still ached greatly.
"O-Hime-Mikoto-sama," said a maid, who looked slightly older than the High Princess. "I, Ayumi and the rest of the servants have brought what you have requested. The O-Mikoto-sama is on his way. Does O-Hime-Mikoto-sama wish to grant him entrance?" Ayumi asked.
O-Hime-Mikoto-sama stood. "No, not until I have dressed Kagome-hime up. Ayumi, please inform my son he is not allowed to enter the Harem until I have dressed Kagome-hime."
"At once, O-Hime-sama," Ayumi replied and left, while 6 maids entered the room carrying numerous boxes filled with clothes.
"Now, Kagome," said O-Hime-Mikoto-sama with a big smile on her face, "shall we find you a proper kimono."
Kagome suddenly felt nervous. Why do I have a sudden feeling that I am about to be fed to sharks?
- - - O - - -
Sesshoumaru, dressed in flowing royal robes, strode towards the Harem, only to find one of his mother's trusted maids kneeling at the entrance of the building. "Why are you blocking my way, Ayumi?"
She gazed up at her young lord, dressed in a maroon outer robe over a dark blue hakama. He appeared very distinguished and very handsome in such clothes. "My deepest apologies O-Mikoto-sama, but your mother prohibited your entry into the Harem till Kagome-Hime-sama is dressed."
The debonair Taiyoukai gazed questioningly at the maid. Was not Kagome already dressed when I left? "Ayumi, inform my mother not to take her time, I wish to see my consort before the end of the day."
"I shall relay your message at once, O-Mikoto-sama," said Ayumi. She bowed, stood and re-entered the harem.
- - - O - - -
Waiting outside the Harem, Sesshoumaru began to reflect his situation with Kagome, and what his mother had said. In one way, the Taiyoukai was angry with himself. Why did Ofukuro's words have such an impact on my thoughts? I am not usually so concerned with the welfare of others. However, I could not help but consider Kagome's future. After all, she and I have chosen to walk down a long road together.
A father… yes, it is what I am to be in a number of months…
A father has more responsibility than just providing his young with clothes, food and shelter. He is also to provide himself to his child in a role of a guardian, a mentor, a teacher. And this is my role to this child for the rest of his or her life. I cannot wash my hands of this duty the moment the child reaches adulthood.
Nor should I do the same to its mother…
This task I have undertaken is far greater than I have anticipated. Truly, am I worthy of it? I hope I am… perhaps I am considering too much? Yes, I should allow this responsibility to come to me a day at a time. I shall live a day at a time and think about tomorrow and leave the greater future to its self.
Once Sesshoumaru was satisfied with his thoughts, he gazed into the harem, his eyes narrowed. How long does it take seven maids and my mother to dress one human? The Taiyoukai huffed. Apparently he had to make an appearance to hurry the females in their work. He took a step towards the entrance of the Harem, but stopped.
He smelled Kagome's scent approaching the entrance. With bated breath, he waited for her appearance. He hoped his mother had not gone overboard and decked Kagome to look like a maiko, a Geisha apprentice.
When Sesshoumaru saw her, his breath hitched in his chest. His mother did a most wonderful job in dressing Kagome. Her beautiful black hair hung loosely down her front, while she wore a red kimono on the inside and an orange Uchikake outer robe over the kimono. She wore it around her shoulders and the robe was so long that it trailed on the floor. They gave Kagome a dark brown obi that was tied in a bow on her front.
Kagome stood there silently, a slight blush coloring her cheeks.
"You look beautiful," said Sesshoumaru.
She gazed at Sesshoumaru and could not help blushing at the handsome Taiyoukai. He was dressed in a kimono which front resembled Inuyasha's Fire-Rat robe. It was called a Kariginu, an ancient kimono for men. It was maroon in color, and its sleeves were long and trimmed with gold embroidery. His hakama, which was purple in color, was unlike the hakama's he usually wore that were gathered at his feet. This hakama was left to hang freely at his feet and resembled a long pleated skirt. The front of his Kariginu, however, hung down to his knees. Over his Kariginu, he tied a gold and blue brocade obi. Truly, Sesshoumaru looked more like a Chinese noble than a Japanese one, thought Kagome.
"You look very handsome in… um… as well," said Kagome, forgetting how to speak. Shyly, she walked up to Sesshoumaru's side and they walked off towards The Lake of Serenity.
Ayumi, stood next to her mistress and asked, "O-Hime-sama, did you achieve the desired outcome?"
O-Hime-Mikoto-sama smiled, "Very much so… if this keeps up I will soon have my very own little hanyou grandchild to spoil!"
The maids gazed stunned at the High Princess. They never knew any youkai who wanted a half-breed child before.
- - - O - - -
"I can't believe how large the grounds are here," said Kagome, gazing at the land around her.
"The Imperial Palace has the largest ground among all the divisions of the Cloud Palace. The second largest being the Palace Of Administration," Sesshoumaru explained.
Kagome gasped when she saw that they were coming towards a lake situated by the side of the palace gardens. The Imperial palace had many trees, most of them sakuras that were oddly in bloom during autumn. But, around the lake were many conifer trees and beautiful large green trees. The couple stepped down from the wooden walkway and walked towards the lake. A large gazebo stood by the lakeside and it seemed that Sesshoumaru was leading her towards the beautiful red structure.
"I can't believe there is a lake in this palace of the clouds, and that a beautiful red and gold pagoda stands in the middle of this lake," said Kagome.
"Youkai ingenuity," Sesshoumaru answered impishly.
Kagome rolled her eyes. Youkai showoff!
The Taiyoukai wrapped his large hand over Kagome's smaller one and led her to the gazebo. It was a quaint, octagon shaped building, and in it were two curved benches and two small tables. Kagome thought they were going to sit down in the gazebo, but unfortunately for her, he led her out of the small building. They walked onto a short walkway built on the lake and made their way towards an arched bridge.
When the couple stood on the apex of the arch, they gazed at the lakeside and the palace grounds. "I did not realize there was a small island on this lake," said Kagome.
"There are three islands, the smallest you see over there, the pagoda sits on the largest and another rests on the other side of the lake," said Sesshoumaru.
"Wow," Kagome replied softly, "this place truly is magnificent. You must have had such a magnificent time growing up in such a beautiful place," said Kagome, sweetly.
However, Sesshoumaru's expression darkened. "This palace may possess scenes of beauty, but, that is all it has." He stopped and walked down the bridge and back to the gazebo.
Kagome watched the Taiyoukai walk away. Life here must have been very hard on Sesshoumaru. She hitched her Uchikake robe up and ran after Sesshoumaru. The Taiyoukai heard her coming and turned, "A princess must not run in her uchikake robe."
"I am sorry that I stirred bad memories, I am so sorry," said Kagome, reaching his side.
Sesshoumaru stared at her. "It does not matter, you should not worry about such trivial matters," he replied. The Taiyoukai then led her from the lake and walked towards the Imperial Gate. When they got to the gate, Sesshoumaru called out, "Open the doors!" The soldiers, keeping guard at the gate, pulled the gate open for their lord. With his head held high and his back straight, Sesshoumaru strode out of the gate, with Kagome doing her best to walk gracefully with the long and flowing robe. Once they passed the Imperial Gate, the guards closed the door and watched their Lord walk away with the human female he brought.
"The garden's here are lovely," said Kagome admiring the flowers.
"Yes, but beware of the maze," said Sesshoumaru gazing at the tall hedges on the other side. "It is charmed so that even youkais get lost when they enter it."
Kagome turned and widen her eyes at the Taiyoukai. "Even youkais get lost inside there?"
"Yes, Ofukuro thought it would be interesting, so she bewitched the maze," Sesshoumaru answered.
Kagome paled. I have a really scary person as my mother in-law… I better not do anything to anger her. Who knows what she'll do to me!
Pulling Kagome away from the gardens, Sesshoumaru showed her to the Grand Audience Hall, where she would be presented to the other lords and nobles of the clan. The building was large, but Kagome noticed that the compound of the inner palace was the smallest she had been in.
"Are you wondering why there are two high walls flanking the Grand Audience Hall and the gardens?" Sesshoumaru asked.
"Yes," Kagome answered.
Sesshoumaru smiled. "On the left lies the Hall of Blood, where a youkai banquet takes place. On the left are the First kitchen and the First Servants Quarters."
"Oh, even the servant's quarters are located on the grounds of the Cloud Palace?" Kagome, asked interestedly.
"Yes, the First Servants Quarter district holds 45 houses."
Kagome gaped at the right wall and said, "There are 45 houses over there!"
"Why should you act so surprised my lady? The Hall of Blood is even larger for it has to accommodate myself and the higher ranked members of my family in our true forms," said Sesshoumaru, monotonously.
Kagome stared at him. "I thought this was the smallest part of the palace. I am most wrong."
Sesshoumaru gazed nonchalantly at Kagome and replied, "Yes, you are most. The part of the palace with the smallest grounds is the Mansions of Nobles."
Kagome narrowed her eyes at him. Smart Alec!
After that, Sesshoumaru led her to the Palace of Administration. There he showed her the Ministry of Defense which is also the General's home and the Soldiers quarters that held 26 barracks and a large dojo. Then, he took her to the Royal Library, The Administrative House, The Treasury and the House of Lords. There he showed her his large office that was situated on the ground floor.
When the couple came out of the House of Lords, an officer came up to him and invited the Taiyoukai to watch the soldiers training in the courtyard of the Outer Palace. Interested, Sesshoumaru accepted the officer's invitation and ordered him to prepare two places to sit on the verandah of the Hall of the Sovereign. The officer took off at once to carry out his orders, while Sesshoumaru and Kagome continued to walk around the Palace of Administration.
- - - O - - -
Lady Ran marched home furiously. "How dare that bitch speak to me like that!" the noble-lady grumbled, as she crossed the Common Palace to get to her residence in the Mansion of Nobles. Lady Ran; however, stopped and turned around. She smirked as she watched maids and servants loyal to her carrying buckets of water mixed with vinegar. She ordered them to clean Rin's blood away with vinegar, so Sesshoumaru could not smell the child's blood. She also asked some maids to bath Rin in vinegar.
"I'm sure that child shall suffer much when the vinegar touches the wounds I gave her," said Lady Ran, with a smile as she imagined Rin crying.
"I will be O-Hime-sama and no one, not even a miko or that bitch O-Hime-Mikoto-sama will stop me."
Lady Ran, however, did not enter the Mansions of Nobles, but turned and walked into the Second Servants Quarters. There she headed to a small house right at the back of the second district. She walked up to the small house that resembled a shack and knocked on its door.
"Kazusa, I hope you're there!" said the noble inuyoukai female, coldly.
The door opened and a beautiful woman, with long wavy brown hair came out of this small house. "Lady Ran, what can I, this lowly Kazusa do for you?"
Lady Ran smiled maliciously, "I need you to make something for me, Kazusa."
Kazusa returned the smile and stepped aside to allow the beautiful noblewoman into her home. Once the door was closed, Kazusa sashayed to the noblewoman and running her fingers under Lady Ran's chin, asked, "Well, lovely lady, whom do you need poisoned?" Lady Ran knocked Kazusa's hand away. "I need two potions, one a subjugating potion to control Sesshoumaru. The second, a poison to kill a human. I need to reclaim my rightful place as my cousin's consort from her. How dare she take what is mine to begin with!"
Kasuza raised her eyebrows. "My, that is a lot."
"It matters not, I will pay whatever price you ask," Lady Ran replied coldly.
Kazusa smiled. "Then you shall pay half the price now, Ran-chan."
Lady Ran twisted her lips in annoyance.
Kazusa held up a small vial with a grin on her face. With the other hand, she parted the top of her kimono. "The main ingredient I need for the potion to subjugate Sesshoumaru-O-Mikoto are… your love juices… take off your clothes… my lady Ran."
Lady Ran began to undress herself in front of the smiling inuyoukai witch.
Half an hour later, Lady Ran emerged from Kazusa's shack looking flushed, her long pink hair down. "Kazusa, make sure the first is ready before dusk," said Ran, as she walked away.
Kazusa came and stood at her doorway, her kimono held loosely in her hands. "Certainly, Ran-sama, certainly," replied the witch, her long wavy hair now in a mess.
Lady Ran, walked out of the Second Servants Quarters quickly. She hated being in such a lower quarter of the palace where only commoners resided. She walked into the Mansion of Nobles and right into her younger, half brother, Lord Kyuro.
"Ran?" asked the tall and handsome, silver-haired Inuyoukai. He caught her smell and scowled at her. "Been with that witch lover of yours again? You should stop your actions with that filthy whore. If O-Hime-Mikoto-sama finds out, the both of you will be banished from Cloud Palace." He side stepped his half-sister and walked past.
"Watch yourself, Kyuro. I shall be O-Hime of Cloud Palace one day. You had better show me some respect," Lady Ran spoke huffily.
"Not if you chose to pleasure yourself with another female and a witch," Lord Kyuro replied.
"Humph, what I do is necessary to achieve my goals or would you prefer to bow to a human, Kyuro?" Lady Ran asked coldly.
Lord Kyuro stopped in his tracks. "Human?"
"You have not heard have you, Kyuro-chan? O-Mikoto-sama has chosen a human female as his consort. He is not even his usual self. That human has made his mind poor. Smart woman, I wonder what tricks she played on our poor Mikoto to become his consort. Does he not loath humans?" She then laughed and walked away.
Lord Kyuro appeared troubled. "Sesshoumaru-sama detests humans… not in a million years will he take one as consort… unless my sister is correct. She has bewitched him!" He then ran off in search of his cousin, Sesshoumaru.
- - - O - - -
Lord Kyuro finally found his cousin and his human consort in the Outer Palace, watching soldiers practice their martial arts skills. At that moment, two soldiers were sparing using nunchaku. He noticed that Sesshoumaru and his consort's attentions were paid fully towards the sparing soldiers. This is my chance. If he is charmed, he will not know what to do to defend this human witch. My cousin, have no fear I shall free you of her spell by killing the miserable wench!
"They are both very good," Kagome commented.
"No," Sesshoumaru replied.
His lovely consort gazed at him, "Eh?"
Sesshoumaru was about to answer when he smelled his cousin nearby. He also smelt that he was moving fast. "Kagome, bow down," said Sesshoumaru, suddenly.
Kagome, did as she was told unquestioningly.
Within the blink of an eye, Enshiga came out of Sesshoumaru right hand, and he swung the sword downwards up to parry his cousin Kyuro's sword. The clashing of swords was so loud that the dueling soldiers stopped their match. The other soldiers and officers turned to the Court of Sovereign, where their Lord and Lady sat and saw the attacking noble.
Kagome gasped, while an officer shouted, "O-Mikoto-sama is being attacked!"
Sesshoumaru pushed Kyuro away, sending his cousin flying into the courtyard. Soldiers with lances surrounded Kyuro and pointed the tips of their blades at his neck. Sesshoumaru stood and walked elegantly down the steps of the hall. "KYURO, why did you try to attack my consort?"
All who saw Sesshoumaru, shivered. His eyes had turned red and his aura was glowing in a bloody red around his body.
Kagome saw that Kyuro had silver hair like Sesshoumaru and that it was tied in a high ponytail on his head. But, unlike the Taiyoukai, he did not sport a tail. No one saw Sesshoumaru move, but he disappeared from the steps and was swiftly standing in front of his cousin, Enshiga's blade at Kyuro's throat. The soldiers that surrounded the noble jumped away and stood at a safe distance from the incensed Taiyoukai.
"I, I am going to free you from that witch's spell!"
Kagome stood up and watched the scene in front of her with concern. She also wondered why Kyuro had called her a witch when she was a miko.
"Witch's spell?" Sesshoumaru inquired, his red aura fading back into his body and his eyes returning to their golden hue. Sesshoumaru pressed the tip of the sword down onto his cousin's neck. "Do you think me so weak that I would fall victim to a human spell?" Sesshoumaru asked, his voice echoed over the courtyard that had become silent.
Kyuro kept his silence.
"Your actions tell me that you think this Sesshoumaru is indeed weak!"
Kyuro finally answered. "How else could anyone judge your actions of taking a human mate? She must have done something to you Sesshoumaru, don't you see? She has bewitched you! You must come to your senses my cousin! You are making a grave mistake taking a human witch as your mate!"
Sesshoumaru began to laugh.
Kagome knew it was Kyuro's end and so did the soldiers who watched their O-Mikoto-sama.
"Kyuro, you fool. Kagome is my consort, but she is not my mate! She was my brother's mate whom he abandoned. I am taking responsibility for his actions. Kagome also makes a good mother for my human charge, Rin. Or, do you know of any youkai female who will shower a human child with affection?"
Kyuro felt like a fool at that moment. He wished his cousin would kill him for having believed his half-sister's words.
"Kill me, Sesshoumaru-sama… I am indeed a fool for having listened to my sister's words." said Kyuro defeatedly.
Sesshoumaru turned to Kagome and asked, "Kagome-Hime, do want his head?"
Kagome stood at the steps of the Hall of the Sovereign and shook her head, "No, thank you O-Mikoto-sama. I doubt his head will make a pretty adornment in my bedchambers."
The soldiers burst out in laughter. Even Sesshoumaru chuckled.
The Taiyoukai held Enshiga away and said, "Today, because of the merciful miko, your life is spared." Sesshoumaru turned around and walked back to Kagome.
Kyuro picked him self up and walked away, embarrassed.
- - - O - - -
Evening came, and as Kagome emerged from the baths, a maid led her back to her room. "Hime-sama, O-Hime-Mikoto-sama has chosen the kimono and uchikake you are to wear for the ceremony and is waiting is your chamber."
"Thank you. Um… excuse me... er…" said Kagome, not knowing the maid's name.
"Nami," the maid replied.
"Nami-san, have you seen my musume? She is a small human girl about ten years of age? Part of her hair is tied to the side?"
"No, Hime-sama, I have not come across a human child."
Kagome's heart started to race, "Lady Ran said she took my musume to the Common Palace to play with the children there. I am worried. She said she'll have her back by dinner. Nami-san, could you please go to the Common Palace and find my daughter?"
"Yes, of course my lady," Nami replied respectfully. She bowed and then headed towards the entrance. Kagome walked with ease, as she headed to her room, knowing she'll see her little musume when she returned from the ceremony.
However; when Nami stepped out of the harem, she grinned menacingly. "If my Lady Ran's plans are a success, you will never see that human child again." Confidently, the maid made her way out of the Imperial Palace and towards the First Servant Quarters.
"Nami, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be dressing the new Hime?" asked Miyu, a maid who worked in the First Kitchen.
"Oh, I have been dismissed, as I am no longer needed," Nami answered proudly.
Miyu, a lower inuyoukai who had jet black hair, human hands, a black tail but paws instead of feet, narrowed her eyes at the younger female. "Not needed? Then you better come with me! We have much to do and less hands and time to do it in."
"But…" Nami protested.
"No, buts!" Miyu snapped.
With a scowl on her face, Nami followed Miyu into the kitchen.
- - - O - - -
The Inner Palace, which was usually the least active part of the Cloud Palace, came alive that night. Courtiers and Nobles filled the small plaza at the entrance of the Grand Audience Hall. Chatter filled the Inner Palace, while servants and maids ran about, getting everything ready for the ceremony and banquet.
Nobles, who were chatting at the entrance became silent and turned, when an elderly male Inuyoukai came to the doors and a gong rang loudly. "O-MIKOTO-SAMA IS ABOUT TO ENTER THE GRAND AUDIENCE HALL, ALL NOBLES GATHER!" Silently, and dutifully, the nobles filed into the hall and took their places according to their rank and station.
Another gong rang. A tall and gallant Inuyoukai, dressed in armor and military regalia walked into the room and stood at the right of the throne. A high ranking servant then announced loudly, "O-Mikoto of the Seibu no Kyutei, Taiyoukai Sesshoumaru!"
Sesshoumaru walked into the Grand Audience Hall through a side door, and the moment he stepped into the hall, all those present, knelt down and bowed their heads down to the highly polished floor. Dressed in robes that any Emperor would kill to own, Sesshoumaru gracefully walked to his throne in a beautiful purple and gold brocade robe. His sleeves were so long that they swept the floor though the Taiyoukai was over six feet in height. The front of his robes hung down to past his knees and beads were sewn to the hem of his robe, weighing it down. His hakama was made in a soft and lustrous red silk that trailed behind him on the floor. The kimono that he wore inside was that of black and gold brocade. It was; however, visible only at the collar.
Part of Sesshoumaru's hair was put up and secured in a black and gold headdress. Two long pins were stuck in his hair to keep the headdress in place. On the end of each pin hung a strip of white cloth that had a Prussian blue crescent moon embroidered on it.
The moment Sesshoumaru sat on the throne, all those in the hall stood up once again.
"This Sesshoumaru has gathered his nobles today in order to introduce his consort," said the Taiyoukai regally.
"She is not my true consort, but one who shall serve me till the end of her short life for she is human. Till the day this Sesshoumaru is able to locate the mate suitable to him, this human, a miko, shall be this Sesshoumaru's consort. I now present my consort, Higurashi Kagome."
A gong rang out.
"I command my mother to bring my consort in."
The doors of the Hall opened and O-Hime-Mikoto-sama stood resplendent in a beautiful pink and silver brocade uchikake and black kimono, with pink sakura's on it.
Sesshoumaru stood, as all the nobles bowed to her.
As O-Hime-Mikoto-sama walked towards her son, each noble she passed who was bowed, stood straight.
When she stood in front of her son, O-Hime-Mikoto-sama announced loudly, "My son, I approve of your consort and bring her to you. HIME HIGURASHI KAGOME, PRESENT YOURSELF!" The High Princess then climbed up to the dais where the throne was and stood next to General Isezaki, the inuyoukai in military regalia who had entered before Sesshoumaru.
A gong sounded three times before the doors opened again.
There stood a petite, but, gorgeous female. Dressed in a red kimono and a red and gold brocade uchikake, her raven hair was placed up by the help of many golden pins. Her lips were painted red and so were her eyelids. Slowly this raven haired beauty stepped into the hall. Some of the younger males that eyed this fair human female began to lust for her.
Though she was human, she was very beautiful.
As gracefully as she could, with her head held high, Kagome walked up to the throne where Sesshoumaru waited in his handsome and lordly robes.
He looks more like an Emperor than a lord. Sesshoumaru is so handsome in those clothes. Kagome mused, as she gazed at her Taiyoukai husband.
When she stood in front of him, Sesshoumaru proclaimed, "My Lords, Ladies and nobles, I present my consort, who shall from this day be given the title of Hime Higurashi Kagome."
All the nobles in the hall, including O-Hime-Mikoto-sama and General Isezaki, bowed to Kagome. Meanwhile, Sesshoumaru stretched his hand out to her. Kagome reached out and gently took his hand. Carefully, she climbed up the steps to the throne. Then, Sesshoumaru surprised Kagome by bending down and giving her a peck on the cheek.
Kagome instantly blushed.
"Just placing my claim on you," Sesshoumaru whispered before he straightened up.
Sesshoumaru sat down on his throne, while Kagome stood on his left. Standing high on the dias, Kagome noticed a number of courtiers and noblewomen glaring daggers at her. I think I'm going to get that a lot from now on. She also noticed a few noblemen giving her dirty looks as well. Get used to it Kagome, you're after all a human who somehow managed to become the consort of the powerful Sesshoumaru… oh I am so going to be hated.
Sesshoumaru gave the high ranking servant a nod of his head. The servant, who had a booming voice, announced, "This ceremony is over. The high ranked nobles are to adjourn to the Hall Of Blood. We thank those of lower rank for attending." The nobles began to file out of the hall. Sesshoumaru stood and turned to Kagome, "I shall see you and Rin after the banquet."
Kagome nodded her head. "Have a good time, Sesshoumaru-sama."
The tall inuyoukai dressed in military regalia, came and stood next to Sesshoumaru. Kagome looked at this inuyoukai and was surprised to see such a tall person in feudal Japan, as he was a head taller than Sesshoumaru.
He bowed to Kagome. "I am Lord Isezaki, General of the Cloud Palace army."
Kagome returned his bow and replied, "It is an honor to meet you, General."
"Please, call me Isezaki-kou," said the General courteously. He bowed again and left to escort O-Hime-Mikoto-sama to the Hall of Blood. Kagome turned and walked to the side door that Sesshoumaru had used earlier and left the hall. When she got to the back of the hall, she found her mother in-law's two child-like servants waiting for her.
"Kagome-Hime!" they called when they saw her. "Nushi-sama told us we can play with Rin! Oh… and that we are to escort you to your chambers. Can we play with Rin after dinner?" asked both girls together.
Kagome chuckled, "Yes, you may… um what are your names?"
The one with long ponytails said, "I'm Tsuki!" while the one with short hair said, "I'm Hoshi!"
"Well, Tsuki, Hoshi, let's return to the Imperial Palace. If you are both good, I'll read you a story with Rin." The two girls jumped and then skipped down the walkway with a chuckling Kagome following them.
In the gardens near the Hall of Blood, stood Lady Ran, gazing with envy and hatred at the new Miko Princess. "Nami, you are certain that the poison I gave you was added into that Hime's food?"
The maid nodded her head, "Yes, my lady."
"Good," said Lady Ran with a smile. "If everything goes according to plan, tomorrow, we shall have a funeral and another ceremony to announce Sesshoumaru-sama's new consort and mate. But, to be assured that my plan works, Nami, return to the Imperial Palace and make sure that whore eats her dinner."
Nami bowed and left her true mistress's side.
Lady Ran began to transform into her true form. With an evil gleam in her eyes she stared at the Harem in the Imperial Palace. I shall be Sesshoumaru's mate by any means possible. Even if I have to bed females, lowly inuyoukais or even all the soldiers in the garrison, if it assists me to my ultimate goal, then, so be it. But, once I am Lady of the Lands, I will have all these idiots killed. No one will ever know.
- - - O - - -
When Sesshoumaru entered the Hall of Blood in his true form, he saw all his uncles, aunts and cousins waiting for him to start the dinner. On a large stone table laid a large youkai bird and around it were live bulls and goats. Sesshoumaru barked, "Males, slaughter the livestock!' The other males yipped, that they understood and waited for Sesshoumaru to begin.
Sesshoumaru jumped onto the large youkai bird and pulled a mouthful of feathers from its front before he tore its chest apart and removed its stomach. Holding the stomach in his mouth, Sesshoumaru moved away from the bird and took the stomach to servant and placed it down gently. The other males behind him performed their duty and killed the bulls and goats. Sesshoumaru jumped back onto the bird and began to devour its insides. Once the males finished killing off the bulls and goats, Sesshoumaru stepped away from the youkai bird and motioned that the other males could have their go at the bird.
Sesshoumaru then took one dead bull and carried it to his mother.
He placed the dead bull in front of her and gave her a little yip that she was allowed to eat. However, the other females had to wait until the males were done before they were allowed to eat.
His mother held the bull's body down with a paw and ripped its head off and ate it. Sesshoumaru looked on as the males continued to feast on the youkai bird. But the Taiyoukai did not get to watch the males feast in peace. He smelt a female in season approaching him. This irked Sesshoumaru. He thought that now he had a consort, females of his pack would stop trying to mate with him. He turned and saw that Lady Ran was approaching.
Sesshoumaru growled, warning the female to back away.
Lady Ran stopped and gave a little bark, 'Sesshoumaru O-Mikoto, please allow this Ran to be seated near to you.'
Sesshoumaru bared his fangs at her, 'This Sesshoumaru allows only his pack members near his person. Return to your place, female!'
Lady Ran hung her head down and retreated backwards to the other females. When she sat with the other females once more, one teased her. 'Really, Ran, did you think Sesshoumaru-O-Mikoto would allow you, in season, to approach him right after he introduced his consort?'
However, Lady Ran retorted cruelly, 'How dare you address me with such familiarity! Your rank is lower than mine. You have no right to even speak to me!'
The female who spoke to Lady Ran, stood and raised her hackles. 'You are not Lady of the West yet, Ran, watch your manners! Your rank maybe higher than mine, but I am older than you are!'
'Humph! Do you think age matters? Power and position are all that matters here, or have you forgotten we reside in a palace, and not just any palace, a celestial palace! Unlike other youkai, we do not share the surface we tread with filthy humans!' Lady Ran retorted frostily.
'Why, Ran, did you not notice? Our new hime is human!' the other female replied venomously.
'I do not need to be told of that fact!' Lady Ran snarled.
The commotion these two females made was so loud, that it caught the attention of Sesshoumaru and his mother, and the other males. O-Hime-Mikoto-sama got to her feet, annoyed, and strode to the squabbling females. 'Lady Ran, despite your pedigree and rank, you seem apt at causing ruckuses at every banquet you attend.'
Lady Ran turned and bared her fangs at the High Princess.
A slight distance away, Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at Lady Ran. If she attacked his mother, he was going to rip her throat out. He turned away from the females when he smelt General Isezaki coming towards him.
The General was holding a goat's leg in his mouth and placed it down at Sesshoumaru's feet. 'O-Mikoto-sama, I hope you accept this offering and my congratulations on acquiring a consort.' said the General. He then looked up and saw the High Princess confronting the arguing females.
'Lady Ran again?' the General inquired.
Sesshoumaru shut his eyes, 'There is no need to inquire.'
General Isezaki shook his head and then walked towards O-Hime-Mikoto-sama to lend her his support. Sesshoumaru also wanted to be by his mother's side; however, as the banquet master, he could not turn away from his duty. The head of the clan was the master of the banquet, and it is he who commands who may eat and who may not. Sesshoumaru thought the males had enough to eat and gave a loud bark, commanding them to stop.
The minor lords then lined in front of Sesshoumaru to present him with meat and congratulations. But, before Sesshoumaru could accept their gifts, he gave the females his consent to eat. The females approached what was left and began to eat, however, when Lady Ran made to follow the other females, O-Hime-Mikoto-sama snarled at her. 'Where do you think you are going?'
Lady Ran turned and answered, 'To eat of course.'
O-Hime-Mikoto-sama narrowed her gaze, 'Did you think I would release you without punishment? Lady Ran and Lady Sumire, I order you to leave the banquet. I will not tolerate my nobles behaving in such an unruly manner. You are to be excluded from tonight's celebrating, that is your punishment."
Lady Sumire returned to her humanoid form, bowed and left the Hall of Blood obediently, while Lady Ran raised her heckles at O-Hime-Mikoto-sama. General Isezaki came to the High Princess's side and asked, 'Do you dare challenge the command of the Mikoto Hime?'
Lady Ran transformed into her human form and knelt before the High Princess. "O-Hime-Mikoto-sama, my utmost apologies for allowing the uglier side of my usually tranquil temper to exhibit itself. I graciously accept my punishment." She then stood and walked calmly out of the hall.
- - - O - - -
When Kagome walked into her chambers, she saw that her dinner and Rin's had already been brought, but the room was devoid of her little musume. "Rin?" she called out. Hoshi and Tsuki walked into the room and darted around calling out Rin's name, but no answer came.
Where is she…? Rin… what has Lady Ran done to you? Kagome reflected, worriedly.
"Hoshi, Tsuki, please take me to the Common Palace… Rin is somewhere there," said Kagome, her heart racing as she feared the fate of her daughter. Hoshi and Tsuki came to Kagome and looking as worried as she was, they replied, "At once, hime-sama!"
But, suddenly, someone pushed Kagome and she fell towards Hoshi and Tsuki. They caught Kagome and saw a maid they recognized as part of Lady Ran's staff. "Nami, what are you doing? You must never touch a hime-sama!" said Hoshi scandalized, while Tsuki said, "Do not push Kagome-hime, she is expecting!"
"Kagome-hime must not leave her room until she has eaten her dinner. This is an order from O-Mikoto-sama," Nami answered. Hatred was laced in her voice.
Kagome stood and turned. That is not Sesshoumaru's order. He would never order something like that. She narrowed her eyes at the maid and then glanced at the food. Something is not right here.
Kagome turned her attention at the maid and demanded, "Where is my musume?"
"Playing with her friends," Nami answered, "Now eat, you must eat for your baby. Let children play and enjoy their selves. Your musume will return when she is tired and hungry."
"No!" Kagome answered sternly, "I will not wait for her to return tired and hungry! Get out of my way Nami, I am going to find my daughter!"
"Tsk, tsk, how unmannered, a hime-sama loosing her temper. Hime-sama, if you do not wish to anger anyone, Eat. Your. Dinner!"
"Why are you threatening me to eat my dinner?" Kagome asked, her anger flaring dangerously.
Suddenly, Nami held up Kagome's bow.
"That's my bow, where did you get that?" the miko asked.
Smiling evilly, Nami snapped Kagome's bow in half and threw it at the new Princess's feet.
"A miko is powerless without her bow and arrows. Now miko-sama, what, oh, what will you do, unarmed, in a palace filled with youkai?" Nami asked, flashing a smug smile at the princess. "Now, eat!"
Hoshi and Tsuki hugged Kagome, afraid of the treacherous inuyoukai maid, who stood in front of them. Kagome meanwhile narrowed her eyes at the maid. Palace life isn't as glamorous as it is on TV. Rin… haha-ue is coming… please be safe.
To be continued….
Unfortunately, this is the end of another chapter and another cliffy!
Oh my, what will happen to Kagome and will she ever rescue Rin? Will Lady Ran succeed in her plans? Will she be able to bewitch our favorite Taiyoukai? Find out in the next exciting chapter of Kagome, Lady of the West.
A big THANK YOU! goes out to Cindygirl for proofing this chapter. Thank you ever so much Cindy!
Now an announcement to all my readers.
After the next chapter, I will be taking another from writing this story to concentrate on my novel, but I shall be back in December. As a result, my next chapter will be my last until then. However, I will only be posting one chapter in December. Well, it is Christmas and in my house I do all the baking. My mom died long ago from Cancer and when Christmas comes, I bake all the cakes, cookies, tarts, pies and you name it.
After all, what is Christmas without the scent of baking cakes and cookies coming from the kitchen?
So, unfortunately, I will not have much time to write in December, but I promise that I will give you one chapter that month.
Till the next chapter.
Advi.
