"I believe orchids would be a great choice Lady Mother! You truly have an eye for beauty."

"I know. It is a blessing to your wedding and a curse to my purse."

Tinkling laughter surrounded her but Ayodele could not find it in herself to join in. She was sure that if she opened her mouth for anything, she would vomit.

How did she get here?

One day she was laying on the warm riverbank with Sesshomaru, the both of them naked as the day they were born, basking in the sunlight. The next she was sitting in the tea room with his mother and his betrothed planning their… planning their...

A wave of nausea hit her again.

How could she be so foolish?

When Mother requested on the behalf of Sesshomaru that she wear her best kimono, she allowed that disgusting thing called hope blossom in her chest. Maybe Sesshomaru told his mother about the change in their relationship. Maybe he wanted to be more than bedmates. Maybe those dangerous feelings that had been resurfacing are being returned. Maybe, just maybe he planned on making things official.

If she knew that it wouldn't have sent her breakfast spewing on the table in front of her, she would have laughed. What an idiot.

"Ayodele, are you alright?"

Her eyes snapped up from her cup of tea and looked at her adoptive mother. Her eyes were full of concern.

"You seem out of it," a voice chimed in kindly from Mother's left. "I am worried. I hope everything is okay."

Hazel eyes stayed trained on Mother. She refused to look at the woman beside her. If she was forced to look into Etsuko's beautiful face she wasn't sure if she could keep it together.

"I'm fine," she lied effortlessly. "I just have been worn out lately. Protecting my cavern and all that…"

"I told you there was no need to leave the castle Ayodele," the Lady Mother admonished. "You would be more than adequately protected here."

Ayodele allowed herself a smile at her protectiveness. "I know Mother. Once I tire of protecting myself I will come running back to your open arms. For now, I will enjoy this small reprieve."

Hearing the water maiden's request in her words, Lady Mother waved a hand to dismiss her. She stood slowly, still dizzy from the shock. But she still had the wits to bow.

"Lady Mother… Etsuko."

Quietly, she left the two inuyokai behind to do their planning. She wanted no part.

That's it for this week! More of this trash to come! Peace and blessings xxxx