The Corporate Catch
By: Sandreline
Hello everyone! Welcome to Chapter 14 – with over 100 reviews on Dokuga, and over 160 on Fanfiction!
I cannot begin to express how grateful I am to all of you for your support – so, since my sister's wedding is in four days and I would not be able to update otherwise, here is a nice chapter to show my gratitude!
Enjoy!
Chapter 14: Budding Relations
Dinner had been a wonderful and surprisingly comfortable affair. After the bill had been paid for, Sesshomaru led Kagome south on Mincing Lane. The demon Lord was fine with watching Kagome's eyes race this way and that as she took in the sights of England. He proceeded to turn them east once they reached Great Tower Street, and Tower Hill came into view.
Kagome's blue eyes widened as she gave a soft gasp, her excitement beginning to buzz as she let the silver-haired male lead her past the hill to the infamous Tower of London. Turning her attention to his golden gaze, she whispered out, "Really?"
Sesshomaru let the barest of smirks tug the corner of his lips in a smirk as he nodded, quite pleased with her excitement over the prospect he offered her. "Indeed."
The very impressive stone structure loomed over them as they made their way to the entrance, and Sesshomaru's smooth baritone voice kept her at rapt attention. "William the Conqueror established thirty-six castles between the years 1066 and 1087. Work on the White Tower, which gives this location its name, began in 1087. It is the earliest stone keep in England, and the strongest structure of any castle."
Kagome looked over every stone they passed as they made their entrance to the site. Sesshomaru continued. "It is made up of three enclosures. The innermost consists of the White Tower, which is the earliest phase of the building. The Inner ward was built during the reign of Richard Lionhart in 1189-1199. The one we currently are walking through is the Outer Ward, and it encompasses the entire castle, added under the rule of Edward the first."
The entire enclosure covered twelve acres, with green grass fields and patriotic flags waving in the breeze. "Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked. "Do they Western Lands have a castle?"
The dog demon turned to her with eyes that portrayed interest. He could not help but feel pride at the fact that not only was she interested in learning about his lands, but in the magnificence of his lineage. "There is a traditional stone castle in the heart of my territory that was constructed during the reign of this one's grandsire." He informed her, and Kagome once again felt his regal voice wrap around her. "There is also the Floating Palace, which belongs to this one's Lady Mother."
The priestess' attention was removed from her surroundings to the demon at this. "Floating Palace?" She asked. She knew better than to broach the subject of his mother; InuYasha warned that it always placed him in a bad mood, and InuYasha had suffered the broken bones to prove it.
Her answer was a simple nod before he diverted the subject back to the Tower of London. "The palace, that was also a prison, not only contained a royal menagerie, but lined displays of armor from England's past. The Crown Jewels have been held on display here since 1669."
"Here?" Kagome asked as he continued to lead her. Her eyes gazed at the turrets of the buildings that stood in the courtyard, which were lined off by benches that allowed tourists to sit and rest. Everything from the building to the walkways was made of white stone, which had remained intact over the centuries. Only the inner courtyard held trees, but Kagome could easily see the comforts that would have made a royal desire to reside here.
He nodded. "This was not just meant to be a palace, but a fortress. They are very safe here." He decided to not mention that they were almost stolen once before, and instead continued with more information. "King Henry VIII commissioned lodgings of comfort and enjoyment for his second wife, Anne Boleyn. However, when he broke from Rome in 1536, the Tower was used to house religious and political prisoners. They included Sir Thomas Moore, the Bishop Fisher of Rochester, and later two of Henry's wives; all four were executed. In fact, Anne Boleyn is buried in the Chapel of St. Peter here on the grounds." The setting sun was causing the White Tower to take on an orange glow, and the shadows from the trees and tall walls to cover the ground.
"You impress me."
The demon turned his attention to the priestess beside him, her blue eyes observing their historical surroundings. "This Sesshomaru is nothing but impressive."
Her lips stretched in an amused smile. "Don't let it go to your head," She teased. "I was only complimenting that you are so sophisticated and knowledgeable. What conversations we have had that were pleasant, I have really enjoyed. Heaven forbid I try to have a mature conversation with InuYasha."
"The half-breed is still a pup in many ways."
"Don't call him that." Kagome's voice was still warm, but he knew she was serious. "You and your brother may have your issues, but he is still one of my best friends." Her blue eyes turned to meet his gold ones, and for a moment she was lost in them. The orange rays from the setting sun made his orbs all the more alluring. Her words died on her tongue as she became enthralled in his gaze, feeling herself slowly pulled closer to him… or was he coming towards her?
Loud gongs sounded nearby, causing Kagome to jump. Big Ben was more than happy to loudly announce the hour, seemingly pleased to have ruined the moment. Kagome's eyes widened as she realized that yes, she had been having a moment with Lord Sesshomaru. It was a moment that was very close to becoming a kiss.
With a bright blush, she pulled back and stood. "My personal tour is not over just yet." Kagome told him with a smile. "You can tell me more about the Tower as you show me around the inside! I have never been in a castle before."
Sesshomaru stood calmly, though he could not deny the increased pace of his blood. He outwardly remained just as he always was; dignified and cool. However, he did offer his arm to Kagome, and with a blush she gently took it. "As you wish," He informed her, watching with entertainment as the red coloring spread further at his words.
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Kagome turned over in her bed, one eye popping open to glance at the blurry vision of the alarm clock on the night stand. With a groan she pushed herself up, her rear end up in the air in a rather undignified manner; however, she was far from caring, given that the sun was not even up yet. She blinked, and this time the red digits came clearly into view.
Five am.
Instantly, she was wide awake. Anger coursed through her veins as she growled, rising up from her bed. The continuous yet annoyingly stoic knocking could only be made by one being. Grabbing her silk robe, she wrapped it around herself, growling the whole way to the door to her hotel suite. With great force, she threw it open. "Sesshomaru!"
Sesshomaru chose to not mention that her robe was not tied closed, and he had a rather marvelous view of her sexy negligée that flattered her form rather well. Instead, he chose an answer that would prevent his purification. "We have work."
"It is five in the morning - on a Sunday!" She snapped.
"And we have a fraud to investigate as quickly as possible." He answered.
For a moment, the priestess' body was outlined in a rose pink light and the air before him felt charged with power. It was a bit of a turn on for the demon to watch this human female flare her power in such a way, especially since she kept her powers locked up tight, due to its massive strength. Before Sesshomaru's demon could rise to the challenge, it had vanished. He watched as he was gifted with a bright and innocent smile, right before the door slammed shut in his face with a resounding bang.
The aristocratic assassin growled in his throat, clearly frustrated with the human's defiance to his orders. Furthermore, he clearly felt the barrier that he had placed up at the door to prevent his entry.
Very well. He would play this game.
And he would win, as he always does.
Taking his entry via the hallway window, the demon lord summoned his cloud. Taking his landing on her balcony, he moved to the glass doors. It was unlocked, of course. "Careless," He muttered as he allowed himself entry.
He could smell the satisfaction of the priestess as what she believed was a victory in her defiance of his order. However, he would rectify that. After all, he had created this scenario for a reason.
With a blast of his demon energy, the door to the bedroom flew open and went flying across the room. Kagome stood at the entryway to the bathroom, her eyes wide in disbelief before they flashed in anger. "You are so paying for that!"
"This Sesshomaru believed that he already was?"
Her dumbfounded face was of great amusement to the demon lord, and he actually slowed a smirk to stretch his lips. "You have fifteen minutes before we depart. Prepare yourself, unless you wish to venture to the office in that."
The demon turned to exit, intent on waiting for her in the living room of the suite. He did not have to look back to know that her face was glowing a bright red, and she was clutching her robe tightly shut.
He was not aware that his smirk had turned into a smile.
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So how was that? Thank you all so very much for your continued praise and support – this chapter is dedicated to all of you in my gratitude!
~Sandreline