Royal Dangers
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A Foe's Return
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Soft moans radiated in the forsaken room. The issuer hung, suspended by thick chains. Her back was marked carefully, but cruelly, with a steady hand that knew no mercy. Kagura drifted in and out of consciousness, poisoned by the very man who gave her life, as miserable as it was. She wished he would just kill her already, instead of prolonging her half-existence without her heart.
Her flesh, however, still signaled its pain as her lesson was taught. Her master would not easily forget her betrayal, even if he had known of her intentions all along. It was not the first time; many times she found herself in the same situation, suffering the bane of his wrath for her misdeeds.
Something shifted in the corner, and it took all of the wind sorceress's energy to glance in the direction of the person she loathed the most.
A dark smile crossed his face. Leaning his head against the wall, the man chuckled, the sound low and ominous in the near-empty room. "Pathetic." He winced, a spark of pain rushing through the nerves of his abdomen. Naraku put a hand over his bare stomach, brushing against the wounded flesh that had been given to him by that despicable demon prince. How he managed to defeat me... a mere pup. He knew perfectly well how he had been overcome—his rush of anticipation for the girl. He had lost his head, eager for what she unwillingly offered, and in his haste he did not consider the already proven prowess of the Western Lord.
And yet, he was alive. The hanyou could scarcely believe his fortune, but he did not question the matter, knowing the demonic blood that flowed inside him was responsible. He had managed to evade death, laugh in its face and rise before the demons of hell could drag him down. Already, Naraku's flesh was healing, just as any youkai's. And soon, he thought wickedly, I shall finish what I started.
Sensing the woman's glares, he gazed coolly at the prisoner. "Have you learned your lesson yet, Kagura?" The woman did not answer, but merely narrowed her fine eyebrows, her red-hazel eyes displaying her hatred. "I see you have not. But I will not waste any more time on you." She watched as he rose to his feet fluidly. She could not believe his miraculous survival, or the sudden recovery from such grievous wounds. Damn! She had counted on Sesshoumaru finishing him off.
As she continued to glare at him, Naraku slid into a black top, folding the ends properly to cover the almost non-existent wound. "I have business to attend to. We shall finish this when I return." He paused beside the door, looking back over his shoulder. "If things do not go well, perhaps I will simply kill you this time." His dark eyes fastened themselves on her unclothed body; he had removed her beautiful kimono before punishing her, with the words that he did not wish to ruin something so beautiful merely because its wearer had disobeyed. "Or perhaps my touch is a more fitting punishment."
Kagura only glared, her manicured nails biting into her palms. "Go to hell," she spat, licking the blood off her lip from his earlier attack on her person. Naraku's smirk grew larger.
"Hell cannot touch me." He turned back to the door. "Do not wait for me."
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Sesshoumaru shifted patiently through the sheaf of papers set before him, passing the approved letters to his brother. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Kagome reading her book, curled up silently in an armed chair as her eyes scanned its contents. Since her capture on castle grounds that day, her brothers had increased all security measures, including the location of their dear sister. Now, she was to be in the presence of one of the four princes at all times—a rule that was easily accepted, as the demon lord was usually her escort.
He forced himself to tear his eyes from her comfortable form back to the treaty papers. The majority of the morning had been the same, with each prince murmuring in favor or disagreement of certain passages, making corrections and changes. The work was slow, but Sesshoumaru had a hunch the final drafting would be conceived that night, at the rate they all worked.
The thought brought a shadow of a smile to his face. His remaining attention would then be open to pursue… other interests. The Western Lord once more gazed at the small form of the princess as she idly turned a page, her face aglow as she read. She had drawn her hair back in a long braid, the bound ebony tresses lying over her soft, green-clad shoulder. The dress was the same from before, he noted, from the day so long ago in the forest.
"What bullsh—" Sesshoumaru turned his attention to Inuyasha, who had humorous disbelief written on his face. The words had only reached his sensitive ears, it seemed, and the older demon cast a warning look at his half-brother. Rolling his eyes, the hanyou returned to work, muttering under his breath about some passage that had apparently procured his amusement.
Peering over the edge of her book, Kagome glanced at the pairs of brothers. So serious… She was happy the treaty was almost settled, and would be even more so when her freedom to move about would be returned. Hojo's paranoia was sound, she realized, but even so, she was not one to willingly stay so confined. Sighing inwardly, she nestled further into the soft chair and returned to her chapter. She had convinced the two parties to continue work in the library, so she could be more comfortable in their presence. At least there, she had the ability to move around and read to her heart's content; the meeting hall would drive any person mad without something to do.
Her sapphire gaze lingered on the printed words, a smile curling on her lips as she heard the men murmur among themselves. Sota had an intense look upon his face as he appeared to read Inuyasha's illegible scrawl, and Kagome had to contain a laugh. The rough half-breed had been very entertaining to watch as he went over the many pages of the treaty, scoffing at some passages, agreeing with a soft "Feh" at others, and protesting loudly at others. Sesshoumaru had responded with sharp glances or a slight shake of the head, Kagome noticed, when the younger heir had gotten out of hand.
Smiling, she rested her chin on the back of her hand, trying to focus on her book. The words blurred before her eyes, and before she could stop herself, a yawn escaped from her rosy lips. To the side, she noticed Sesshoumaru's ear twitch, and he spared a glance in her direction. Kagome tried to smile at him, but another yawn fell instead, much to his amusement.
Glancing up, Hojo too noticed his sister's sudden tiredness. "Kagome, perhaps you should retire. We shall be up for quite some time." He smiled gently at her soft claims to not be sleepy in the least. "Even so, you must get your rest. Have Kikyou accompany you."
Seeing there was no changing his mind, Kagome sighed, slightly relieved. After a quick glance at Sesshoumaru, she curtsied and left with her teacher. The daiyoukai watched her leave, his golden eyes following her every step. It was not until Hojo murmured that his section was complete that he returned his focus to the last page in his hand. He too had finished.
The Chief Prince smiled warmly, happy with the progress. "We are almost finished. Just another hour or so, and the treaty will be complete and may be signed."
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Kagome slid deeper into the water. Instead of immediately readying herself for bed, she had elected to visit the royal baths, in hopes of the soothing water clearing her laden heart. Sitting in the liquid, the princess let her thoughts drift, absently running her fingers through her long, midnight tresses, now falling in waves after being released from her careful braid.
"You love him."
Surprised, she blinked and gazed around at her tutor. "What?"
Kikyou smiled down at the younger woman, the brown of her eyes soft. "You truly love Sesshoumaru, do you not?" She did not wait for an answer from the pink-faced teenager, but motioned for her to exit the bath. Kagome did so, wrapping herself in a thick towel, still unsure of how to respond. As she tried to form an answer, her friend laughed. "I can read you like an open book, Kagome. There is no need to skirt around the issue with me."
She nodded, closing her unsure mouth. Kikyou's eyes twinkled as she picked up a brush, summoning her friend to come closer. When she was kneeled, Kikyou ran the brush through the wet locks, disentangling the water's previous touch. "When… when did you know…" Kagome murmured quietly, forcing away her blush. "When did you realize…"
"When he first arrived at the castle with his brother." The princess gazed back, startled. She knew for so long? She voiced this thought, and the teacher laughed again. "Yes. But I was only speculating, then. You both convinced any lingering doubts that day in the gardens, after he had rescued you from that horrid man."
Nodding, Kagome looked forward once more, and her friend resumed brushing. "I do love him," she admitted quietly, a hint of rosy color falling in her cheeks. Kikyou nodded, rubbing the young woman's shoulder reassuringly.
"And he loves you. I can tell from the way he looks at you." She did not add the way he kissed her, but Kagome kept the thought silent. Finally, the older woman placed the brush down and helped her to her feet.
After donning her nightgown of eggshell blue, the princess turned back to her teacher. "Kikyou…" She hesitated, unsure how she should continue. Her friend waited patiently, and Kagome took a deep breath. The past few days had been wonderful, with the treaty progressing so nicely, and the frequent escorts with Sesshoumaru… The princess felt a blush on her cheeks as she thought of the daiyoukai.
She blinked out of her daze. "What will happen when the treaty is complete?" she finally asked, her deep blue pools rose to meet the chocolate ones of her friend. Kikyou gazed silently for a moment, reading the deeper question within the first.
"When the treaty is complete, I suppose the Western lords will stay a few days more, and then return to their own lands." She said the last part quietly, watching carefully for the princess's reaction. When she remained quiet, Kikyou continued. "He cannot stay forever, Kagome. He has responsibilities to tend to in his own land. He has been away far too long as it is. You must remember, he too is a prince, and as such he must preserve and protect his home."
The princess nodded slowly, thinking about the demon in question. He was a powerful creature, always so serious, and yet… when he was with her, he loosened up. He allowed his stoic demeanor to slide away in her presence, and though he still remained secretive, it only drew her closer to him. Kagome brushed her fingers over her mouth, smiling. Their latest tryst was in the library, arriving early for the meeting so they could spend a little more time together. The taste of his lips on hers lingered even so.
But how long will this last? The question haunted her. For every day they were together, the thought grew inside her mind. The treaty would be finalized that night, she knew. So how long did that leave her? She had known what Kikyou said was true; the youkai lords would leave, and she would be left alone. Kagome felt her happiness fade slightly, her smile turning down into a frown. "What will I do without him?" She had grown accustomed to the mysterious demon, expected him to appear to her like he so often did, just when she needed him most. He will forget me.
Kikyou drew the disheartened girl into her arms, hugging her close. "That is for you to decide." With a final squeeze, she pulled away and smoothed back an unruly lock of the princess's hair. "Come, you must get some sleep. It will do you good." The two women walked slowly down the corridor, and Kagome dismissed the teacher upon reaching her room. With the final murmurs of good night, she slipped into her bedroom and shut the door.
After hearing the footsteps ebb away outside, Kagome moved forward, her hands reaching for the lamp on her small mirrored table. The oil lit easily, and soon the room was bathed in a soft glow.
"You seem upset."
Kagome gasped, glancing up. In the mirror, a dark shadow was reflected right behind her. She whirled around, her eyes widening as her mind confirmed the intruder's identity. "You!"
Naraku was leaning against her wall, amusement showing in his red eyes. "Are you so surprised? Really, Princess, I expected more from you." He chuckled as she ran for the door, using his magic to lock it. Kagome tried to pull the heavy portal open with no success, and finally she turned, regarding him cautiously. Fear flickered across her pretty features, accented against her paling skin.
Matching his gaze as calmly as she could, she took a shaky breath. "What are you doing here? I thought—" Kagome stopped as she saw him shaking his head, a smile spreading on his shadowed features.
"You thought I was dead. You forget, I have demon blood in my veins." He pushed away from the wall and moved closer, chuckling as she stumbled backwards. "The pup's sword did damage, true, but the strike did not finish me as it should have. I suppose I should feel lucky, especially now." He stepped closer, and Kagome pressed back against the door, feeling the wooden surface hard against her back.
Clearing her throat, she tried to remain calm. "Why now?" She was desperately thinking of ways to distract him from whatever purpose that was taking place in his twisted mind. "Why did you come here?" The young woman wished she could step back further, but with the door at her back and the table to her left, there was no where to go.
Naraku grinned, stopping before her. "Your guard has been lowered. Think about it, Princess. You believed me to be finished. A dead person offers no threat, so what should they protect you from?" He reached up and hooked his fingers under her chin, brushing his thumb over her trembling lip. She slapped him away, and he issued another wicked chuckle. "You have still not learned to submit, I see."
Kagome felt her heart beat rapidly in her chest. The hanyou before her was eyeing her curiously, and she forced herself not to react to his uncomfortable stare. Stall him. She thought wildly, trying to slip to the side. Naraku only moved closer, cutting off her escape. Frantic, she said the first threat that came to her mind. "If you touch me again, I will scream." To her horror, his grin widened, his evil eyes flashing.
"That is exactly what I want." Before she could react, he seized her wrist and yanked her away from the door, covering her mouth with his free hand. "But," he cautioned, as if speaking to a young child, "You cannot just invite any one to our little party. Call your brothers." Kagome stopped her struggle against him, surprise lighting in her sapphire eyes. My brothers? Why… The round orbs widened, remembering Sesshoumaru's startling piece of information a few days back. He wants us out of the way… he wants the kingdom for himself. She shook her head fiercely, trying to push him away.
"You do not seem to understand me, Kagome. You will call your brothers, or you will die now." He added pressure to her mouth, making his prisoner whimper. "I would prefer not killing you, my pet, but I will if you do not cooperate." The man stroked her hair as she renewed her struggles, fighting to pry away his hand. "Call the young Princes. I am anxious to meet them."
Kagome did not know what to do. She could not do as he ordered; she would not willingly lure Hojo and Sota into danger. Yet she would die if she did not act quickly. She tried to kick him, but her bare feet did little more than make her captor laugh. Slowly, she ceased her frantic movements, nodding in what she thought was a submissive gesture. Naraku smirked, red gazing at her teary face as he lowered his hand. "You are wise." Once her mouth was free, he tilted her chin back to meet his cold gaze, drawing her close with his arm around her slim waist. "Now, little one, call them."
She drew a shaky breath, thinking as quickly as she could. Kagome slipped out of his reach, feigning innocence. "What will you do to my brothers?" The evil man only looked at her, eyes narrowing. "What do you want from them?" She persisted, looking as scared as possible. She knew exactly what he planned, but she had to distract him. Sooner or later, the Western heir should sense the wicked presence that had entered her room, and she could only hope he would discover this before it was too late.
Before he could answer, a swift knocking interrupted them both. She almost let out a sigh of relief, but the words that followed the interruption set her blood cold. "Kagome, are you all right?" The princess recognized her teacher's voice, and she gasped, unable to look away from Naraku's growing smirk. She frantically shook her head, pleading silently as she read the malicious intent in his dark eyes. "I heard a noise, are you well?" The man started toward the door, and Kagome reacted immediately.
"Kikyou, don't come in—" she started loudly, but Naraku returned his hand to her lips, drawing her to his chest.
Shooting her a look, he spoke, imitating the princess's higher voice. "I was just startled by something outside. Would you get my brothers for me, please? I have something urgent to tell them." Kagome squirmed in his hold, trying desperately to free her arms so she could pry aside his hand and warn her friend. Naraku merely squeezed until she whimpered silently. Outside the door, Kikyou seemed surprised.
"Hojo and Sota are still in the library with the Western Lords. I do not think I should interrupt them…" She shuffled behind the door, obviously unsure what to do.
Kagome's impersonator continued smoothly, the lilt of his now-feminine voice matching hers perfectly. "Please, Kikyou. I remembered something very important that they will want to hear." The princess felt tears fall down her cheeks as she fought the steel-grip of her attacker. "It will only take a moment."
This seemed to convince the teacher, for she started to retreat. "But Kikyou," Naraku murmured quietly, still imitating his captive's soft voice. "Only my brothers. I do not want Lord Sesshoumaru here when I talk."
Beyond the door, Kikyou paused, confused. Not Sesshoumaru? The request seemed oddly misplaced, especially when she remembered Kagome had always chosen Sesshoumaru for her escort when the choice was given. And after their conversation in the baths… What could she have to say that he could not hear? Nonetheless, she nodded. "Yes, Princess. One moment." The young teacher was sure she heard a groan beyond the heavy door, but she would follow her lady's request.
Once her footsteps faded down the corridor, Naraku loosened his hold on Kagome a second time. "I should have expected such an act of defiance from you," he growled in his own dark voice.
Kagome stumbled away, trembling uncontrollably now. "Such mistakes will cost you your life." With a growl, the man raised his hand and smacked her solidly, sending her to the floor with enough force to knock her breath away. She gasped painfully, failing to push herself off the ground. He seized her hair and dragged her to her knees, ignoring the cry of pain that issued from her lips.
"I survived last time. I will not allow my plans to fail again." He threw her across the room, satisfied as her head hit the bed frame with a thud. Kagome could not hold back the tears and they flowed freely, all while she gasped for the breath to scream for help. Naraku seemed to read her mind. Grasping her arm, he picked her up once more. "After your brothers are out of my way, I will put you in your place, have no doubt."
Just as the air returned to her lungs, he encircled her slender throat with his large hand, chuckling darkly as she struggled to pull free. Kagome gasped and clawed at him, her cries becoming choked. "Re…lease me!" She managed to whimper, beating against him. In her mind she was shouting for Sesshoumaru, pleading for his help, yet her voice failed her as spots flew before her eyes.
Naraku smirked as she ceased her fighting, her eyes half-lidded as she tried to stay awake. "You are mine, Princess. You and your kingdom are now in my possession, and there is nothing that little pup can do."
Kagome finally fell limp in his arms, still partly conscious. All her strength had evaporated, and now she wondered if he was correct. Can Sesshoumaru not sense his presence in the castle? Eyes wavering, she let the darkness fall over her, aware of the deep sound of laughter that echoed in her head.
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Star: So sorry, you all have waited so long, and then it's such a crappy, short chapter... I apologize! The muses have not been working with me! *tears*
Sesshoumaru: Do not create excuses, girl, fix the problem.
Star: *glares* Thanks, you really know how to cheer a person up.
Sesshoumaru: *doesn't care*
Kagome: Maybe you just need to rest. You were up really late last night.
Star: Yeah, only to try to make another chapter. Not that there's any point, since no one reviews. *very sad* People, I need reviews! It's like... heroine! It's addicting, it keeps me going... in fact, it makes me really care about the story. And I still will, even if none of you care enough to leave a tiny little comment. It's just, I spend a lot of time typing and deleting passages that float in my head, and I finally post what I consider a pretty good piece, and only a few actually seem to care enough to say anything. And, you know, it's not like I demand a review every single chapter you read... just a quick little, 'hey, I liked this' or 'perhaps this could happen'... really, I take any comments (Except flames... needless slashing on a story is neither appreciated nor helpful.) I will accept constructive criticism, but only if it is really that... constructive.
Kagome: Wow... Star is scary when she's annoyed.
Sesshoumaru: Hn.
Star: *deep breath* I do not mean to scare away any readers... I'd just like a smidgeon of appreciation now and then. But anyway... Please enjoy this chapter, I apologize if it is a little choppy. And the cliche I keep inserting, with the dear princess blacking out, again. Send a review, make me happy, but please no flames... if I ranted so much about a lack of regular reviews, how do you think I'll react to a box full of ugly little fires? Trust me, it won't be pleasant. Your skin will be like a sausage over the fire too long-split and ugly and... well, just do not flame me. K?