Sesshoumaru was eating the food before him dutifully but didnt pay too much attention to it. Instead, he was thinking of the multitude of ways he could kill Naraku for even thinking of claiming what was his, and watching Kagome. Said princess, leaned over slightly and was daintily eating, though her appearance looked calm and at ease, Sesshoumaru could tell that was not the case.
Her eyes were glazed and distant, and her scent was faintly afraid, though she did a good job of hiding it. Her hand-that Sesshoumaru still had hold of-was slightly clammy. He could even vaguely hear her heartbeat, and it was faster than normal.
Sesshoumaru began making small circles on the back of her hand with his thumb, trying to soothe her nerves.
Kagome was dragged out of her thoughts, well actually worries of all the ways Naraku could possibly harm Sesshoumaru, when she felt small circles being traced on her hand. She looked up and met Sesshoumarus gaze, giving a small grateful smile.
By the look in his eyes Kagome knew, that he knew, what she had been thinking. She could have sighed, sadly or in an exasperated way she wasnt sure, but refrained as her father stood to speak.
"I thank you for coming today, as today Lord Naraku, and Lord Sesshoumaru will have a duel. The winner has my blessing to court Princess Kagome.
"Now, my Lords, I must go over the rules with you. You both have one hour to prepare, and then must meet in the courtyard where our soldiers train. Because of both of you having demon blood flowing through your veins, no weapons will be necessary, or allowed.
"The victor does not have to kill their opponent to win, merely make them submit. Though, if one of you must die, well, that is fair.
"Now that you both know the rules do either of you wish to forfeit?"
The King looked at the two lords, when Sesshoumaru stood.
"This Sesshoumaru will fight for the Princess's hand," He then sat down, and glanced at Kagome. Her eyes were shining with happiness, and fear. Not for herself of course, but for Sesshoumaru. Then, Naraku stood.
"I will not forfeit," was all he said. Then he too took his seat. Though he did receive a glare from Sesshoumaru.
The King was beaming, Very well. After breakfast, you may both have your hour of preparation.
Naraku left first, but Sesshoumaru opted to stay until Kagome was done, and escorted her to her room.
"Sesshoumaru," Kagome began.
"I know Kagome. You are worried. Though thoughtful, it is unnecessary," he gave a small laugh as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, "My princess. I will be fine. Was it not I that saved you at our last battle?"
Kagome blushed but said, "That may be so, and I know you can take care of yourself. I just wish Naraku would go away."
"He will go away. Once I am through with him."
Sesshoumaru then leaned in and placed a kiss on Kagomes forehead, "Try and stay busy. I'll see you soon." He then started to walk off.
"Alright, but Sesshoumaru, before you go," Kagome trailed off and Sesshoumaru turned back around and was slightly surprised when he felt Kagomes lips press against his own. Not that he fought it though. Instead he wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her closer to him, then reluctantly set her back on her feet and broke away.
"I expect to finish that when I beat Naraku," Sesshoumaru murmured in her ear, then walked off to prepare. All the more eager to finish Naraku off once and for all.
Kagome, slightly dazed, entered her bedroom. Ming wasn't there, though Kagome wasnt all that surprised considering it was still breakfast time for the servants. She brushed out her hair and absentmindedly fantasized about a certain demon lord. Hoping the fight would end soon so she could finish that kiss. She gave a sigh and smoothed out her gown again as she stood.
It was time to find Kikyo and tell her everything that happened. She deserved to know.
Sesshoumaru made his way to one of the dojos the king had offered for him to meditate in, when he ran into his brethren.
"Sesshoumaru! Wait up!" called out who could only be his annoying half-brother.
Resisting the urge to speed up and act like he hadnt heard him, he asked, "What is it Inuyasha. This Sesshoumaru is busy."
"Oh lay off the whole third person crap will you? I was just about to tell you-wait a second," Inuyasha then sniffed at the air, "You reek of Kagome!"
Then with a glare from Sesshoumaru he amended, "Not in a bad way. Gosh, calm down. But the smell," he gave another sniff, "its coming mostly from your mouth! What were you doing? His brother asked with a devious glint in his eyes."
"That is none of your concern little brother. Now what were you going to tell this Sesshoumaru?"
"Oh right, Father wanted to let you know," Inuyasha then leaned in and whispered something to Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru gave a nod before saying, "You'll have to thank Father for this Sesshoumaru, for preparations must be made for the duel."
Inuyasha nodded in understand and gave a mock bow, "Yes captain." Then speed off before Sesshoumaru could knock him upside the head.
Sesshoumaru entered the dojo, and sat; his aura calming and his mind clearing. With the new information father had provided for him, finishing off Naraku would be all that much easier.