Inuyasha sat there in his brother's study going over messages from the people of the West. Sighing he rubbed his eyes. His brother better love him for this… Taking a deep breath he began to look over things again. One of the smaller villages was asking for aid since the village that supplied theirs was destroyed by the Southern Lord's daughter as she made her way to the citadel. He growled. Pulling his map out from under his papers he found the small village two days away from the citadel and half a day's journey from the main road where the Southern heiress had traveled. He sighed again. He had already sent so much aid to other villages, he knew that they were running thin on supplies to give them. Looking at the map again he saw another village close to them that was not, to his knowledge, destroyed. Decision made, he drew up a letter to the village in need of aide, as well as the one closest to it, to give aide to a smaller village for at least one year, until the village could find suitable land and supplies to grow their own crops and harvest. Smiling he called for two messengers. "You called Inuyasha-sama?"

"Yes, I need one of you to take this message to the village two days away from here named, Hayama. This one I need to go to the village of Samukawa that is almost three and a half days travel. Stay safe and return quickly. You are dismissed."

The messengers bowed and left to do their bidding. Inuyasha sat back, scrubbing his face with his hands. Stretching he stood up to get some feeling back in his legs. He had not been outside the citadel in days. More messages were coming in from the southern borders of the West asking for aide. It was getting close to winter so he needed to send aide, but also he needed to keep in mind his own house and now with a miko to feed as well. He growled. The reason why he was here doing his brother's job was because of her.

He sighed; he being was bitter for no reason. He knew nothing of his new sister in law but he wished his brother had told him about her… Growling he heard the guards announcing that his brother and mate had finally returned home. He smiled; FINALLY, he could get out of this study!

Walking to the front of the citadel with Kaeda following him he waited for his brother to make an appearance. He finally saw the gleaming silver of his brother and also the dark black of a raven's wing. Where had he seen that color hair before?

Sesshomaru smirked as he watched his mate limping slightly. Not only did he give her many ways to engage her tongue but he also found out how much she actually liked getting her bottom smacked. He would have to store that information for later. Since she was still recovering from the mating, he would have to wait to see how…rough… she liked it. Feeling his cock twitch he smirked, he definitely couldn't wait to explore that…

Kagome saw him smirking and she wanted to slap him; but not in front of his people. That would have to wait. Coming closer to the entrance of the citadel she could see an older lady as well as her new brother in law. She only knew it was him because of the gleaming silver hair and the royal silks that he wore. Coming closer saw the older lady smile. "So my Lord Sesshomaru, it seems that we have finally decided to settle down?"

Sesshomaru smirked a small smirk but soon his stoic façade was back in place. "Indeed Kaede. Brother…"

Inuyasha didn't answer his brother because he was looking at Kagome in disbelief. 'It couldn't be!'

Kagome was getting unnerved by him so she cleared her throat. "It's nice to meet you Lord Inuyasha. My name is Kagome…"

He now knew of where he had seen that color hair before. Very subtle differences but almost identical….

That night he sat in his study as Inuyasha and Katsuro went over everything they had done; well mostly Inuyasha. He was so proud of his little brother; he had dealt with problems that he himself was scratching his head at. Maybe he should keep him around so he could help him with the dealings of the West. Two heads were always better than one, after all.

Hearing the last of the reports he nodded his head; very pleased. "Katsuro you are free to go. I will see you and the guards in the morning."

Bowing he let himself out of the study. "Thank you my lord. It's great to have you home…"

Sesshomaru smiled. "It is great to be back…"

Katsuro left and closed the door behind him. Turning to his brother he gestured to the chair across from him. "Inuyasha, have a seat…"

Inuyasha balked. He was never offered to actually sit with his brother in his study… Taking his place in front of his brother he waited.

Sesshomaru looked at all of the maps and reports that littered the desk. Yes, his brother was messy but he got things done. "Inuyasha I want to thank you for all of the hard work you have accomplished these last few weeks I have been away. It shows great responsibility and it tells me you are capable to do more…"

Inuyasha mentally swore. He didn't want any more than what he had to do… That was what his brother was here for; so that he could do whatever he wanted…

Sesshomaru looked at his brother and saw a mental battle going on inside of his head; wondering what he might have been thinking about. "But that is for another day. Take a few days off and report back to me on the third day. We have much to discuss before the council arrives in six days…"

This got Inuyasha's attention. "Why is the council coming here?"

Sesshomaru scowled remembering the plan, wishing he could tell his brother. "They are coming here to with the decision on what to do with the Southern Lands. Lord Haru was called back to the East and was unable to be there for the meetings. They are coming here to also crown Kagome as the Lady of the West…"

Inuyasha snorted at this. Sesshomaru was instantly on him. "Is there something wrong Inuyasha? Do you not approve of my mating?"

Inuyasha saw his brother's eyes tint red and turned his head to the side, baring his neck to his brother in submission. "Sorry to disrespect brother. I am just shocked that you didn't tell me about her while she was here before. I felt left out…"

Sesshomaru's anger receded. Feeling a clinch in his heart for many different reasons. He was still keeping things from his brother. "I am sorry to leave you out my brother. But I did not know I was to mate her until after my beast said so. It was a bit of a shock to myself believe me…"

Inuyasha smiled. A weight seemed to have been lifted off his shoulders. "Thank you for telling me Sesshomaru. I will retire for the evening. There hasn't been any more messages since this morning. I'm sure you would like to retire to your mate…"

Sesshomaru chuckled. He used his ball of light to transport them here and he was tired. "I will retire for the rest of the evening as well. Any messages that come can wait… Katsuro can come find me if there is any emergency…"

That night everyone slept well; Inuyasha, glad that he had the next few days off to relax and enjoy himself. Sesshomaru rested well knowing that his mate was safe in his arms and at home. Kagome rested well knowing she was safe inside her mate's arms, never feeling more loved than what she was at the very moment.

The following morning Kagome woke with a knock at the door. Feeling to her right she felt nothing but cold silk. Sitting up she looked around finding no mate in close proximity. Frowning she gathered the sheets to her, calling to whomever was at her door to enter.

Yuu had entered with a bow. "My Lady Kagome! I'm glad to see you are doing well!"

Kagome groaned at the chipperness of the servant. "It is too early for you to be so damn energetic Yuu!"

Her servant smiled. Going to the armoire in the corner of the room, getting a small robe she came close to her Lady. "Now, now my Lady. You are to get yourself ready and have breakfast in Sesshomaru-sama's study!"

Kagome growled. Accepting the robe she got out of her bed and made her way to hot springs.

He was going over reports when she came in rather loudly. "My Lady! You must be announced and allowed in before barging into the Lord's study!"

Kagome growled. Yuu had only been her servant for a number of days before she left and now she was about to drive her insane! "Yuu, I appreciate all you are doing for me, I really am! But please let me be for a few moments! I can take care of myself!" Yuu smirked but bowed none the less and left her lady to her mate.

"Miko, must you always cause trouble where ever you go?" He asked not looking away from the report he was semi-reading.

Rounding on him she went to him and ripped the report from his hands. "I'll have you know that I was roused this morning by her persistent knocking, washed till my skin was red and then paraded around in his very tight kimono! So yes, I do cause you and everyone else in his house trouble where ever I go Sesshomaru-sama!"

He smiled as he put his hands on her hips. "So are you hungry?"

She huffed and sat down on his desk. "Famished…"

That night he stayed awake, breathing deeply he couldn't smell it. He sighed. Taking her small frame into his arms, breathing more deeply against her skin. His heart broke a little; his seed had not taken root. After emptying load after load of himself into her womb, after days of waiting, it was all in vain. Clutching her still sleeping form to him, he let out an almost inaudible whine of sorrow. But he remembered that in the days that followed the mating, they coupled many times. He smiled into her mating mark, hugging her closer to him, revealing once again at the feel of her body next to his. There was still hope.

Inuyasha slept the entire first day he was given by his brother; no on the second day, he had things to do and someone to see. Making his way to the lower kingdom he hid behind a hooded cloak. Finding the place he was looking for came into view and after so long not coming there, he felt excited but also…dirty? Had his demeanor changed that much in a few weeks? Shaking his head of those thoughts he continued into the establishment.

"Ah yes! My Lord Inuyasha! So great to see you again!"

The young lord paid, the owner and made his way to the back. "I just want her today. No sake…"

The owner was flabbergasted. "A-Are you s-sure my lord? Was it not to your standards last time?"

Inuyasha smiled. "No, no. It was fine last time. I'm just… not in the mood. Just send her in."

All the times he had been there he now realized how run down and nasty this place was. The rice paper walls were torn, stains littered the walls as well as the floors, and trash was everywhere. Had he really stooped that low in his choices? Sighing he almost turned around when he was called back into his usual room; she was already there waiting for him. Now that he was thinking clearly, would she be different too?

Kami he hoped not…