A/N: The past two chapters have been late because I've been sick all week with a bad cold. The only thing that eased my overall bad mood due to my messed up sinuses was Kingdom Hearts II (Especially that part where you fight ALL FREAKING 1000 heartless in Hollow Bastion...Woo!). so, unlike previous chapters, I did not write them in advance.

Well, I'm going to land of no wireless AGAIN for Spring Break, and New York for a day to see Wicked on Broadway. I might not get to update, until Sunday or Monday, when I get back. I know, after this chapter, you'll hate me if it is late, but I can't help it that much that some parts of this country don't have wireless (and we call this the digital age?).

So, I wonder how many death threats I'll get THIS time? Heh heh heh...

Chapter 25: Consequences

The morning sun shone down to the palace, through the window into the princess's bedroom, shining so bright that Kagome had to squint slightly as she sat in the window seat, looking towards the city. Though she was already dressed in her light blue gown, it was still early for some courtiers, so had not put on her full attire that included all her finery. Her black hair hung down her shoulders without an ornament, while her feet were bare underneath her skirts, hidden as she curled them up in the velvet seat.

Though she was not dressed completely for the day, it didn't matter. Her visitor of the morning preferred her simply, remembering a short time not long ago when he had seen her dressed quite the opposite of a courtier.

Now that Inuyasha was back, Kagome wanted to talk to him as soon and as often as possible, to know what to do. Though it was a long shot by the actions she had seen, Lord Naraku could be a demon. And with that frightening prospect, she wanted to feel the safe and comfort of Inuyasha watching over her, the feeling that she had missed for three weeks.

By way of a secret note through Sango, Kagome had arranged for Inuyasha to meet her in her rooms just after Hannah left, for utmost secrecy. After Naraku's attempt at trying to capture Inuyasha and accuse him of treason, they had to be clandestine about his return, for a time.

Though it was a risky thing as a woman to allow a man that you were not married to into your bedroom, it was the only way they could assure no one would overhear. And Kagome knew that Inuyasha was too much of a gentleman (more so than men who actually held the title) to misinterpret the meaning of the gesture.

He had just entered, and she turned to look at him, her eyes softening as he walked into the room. "Thank you for coming, Inuyasha."

Stepping closer, he replied, "You know I'll always come when you call, Kagome."

She couldn't help the small smile that appeared on her face as she looked downward. "That's true…" Curling her knees up to her chest, and glancing back out the window, her eyes gazing a moment upon the large prison and hundreds of wooden houses, she began, "Inuyasha…I wanted to ask you something, something important…You said last night that from what you found out from King Sesshoumaru, Lord Naraku is a demon." Her dark eyes glanced back at the hanyou, curious at the situation. "Is there…any concrete proof of this?"

He wished he could give her a better answer. Sighing, the hanyou replied, "No…at least, nothing that would be convincing. He's calculated this so perfectly that even if we knew the truth, there is nothing we could gather to expose him before court."

Kagome's fingers fidgeted with the betrothal ring, hidden under her large sleeves. The blood red stone dug into her skin, as the tight band seemed to grow tighter with every day. "I see…so its our word against Lord Naraku's…"

"Kagome—"

"No, it's all right. I was just curious, is all…I didn't really expect there to be anything anyway," she replied, though Inuyasha could see through her lie instantly.

"You wanted to see if there was some way out of your marriage," he accused, making her instantly turn away. She didn't respond, but that was answer enough.

In truth, Kagome had wanted a way out. Life with Lord Naraku would be torture. She wouldn't be able to live as a faithful wife to him, even if he wasn't a demon. Not when she felt so much for the man in front of her, who, after the wedding, she would never see again.

I'll die of heartbreak without Inuyasha… she thought, remembering that story from long ago. "Inuyasha, there's something else…about you," she spoke, breaking the small silence that had settled between them.

"What?"

"I'm…worried about you, Inuyasha." Her voice was soft, as she looked away, her eyes filled with sadness and regret. "You just came back…and already Lord Naraku has tried to arrest you once…what if he does it again?"

Trying to convince her, he assured, "Kagome, I'll be fine."

"No!" She jumped up from her seat, and turned around sharply; so sharply that her long black hair whipped out behind her. "No, no you won't be all right! Now that you're back, Lord Naraku will stop at nothing to—"

"Kagome," the hanyou cut her off with one, firm look. "I'm in no danger. Do you wonder why Naraku tried to arrest me in the dead of night, instead of in broad daylight, when he could have had the world see his triumph?"

The princess remained silent. No, she hadn't thought of that…But, still, why would that matter? If Lord Naraku wanted to arrest Inuyasha, then wouldn't he just—

"He did it that way, because he doesn't want to risk you turning against him," Inuyasha explained softly. "Naraku knew you would be upset and turn against him if he did anything to me. Since he needs to marry you, he won't risk upsetting you now. He wanted to make it look like I never came back; that I deserted you or got killed on the way, not taken prisoner by him. Now that you know I'm back, even if I go out there now, he can't do a thing against me, not without risking making you angry." Pausing for a moment, Inuyasha added. "I can use this to my advantage, to see if I can collect any more evidence to prove he really is a demon, without having the risk of him being able to do anything about it."

"I see…" Turning back towards the window, bathed in light that did nothing to lift her spirits, Kagome closed her eyes for a moment, trying not to touch the betrothal ring hidden by her long sleeves once again. "It doesn't really matter," she sighed. "Though you say Lord Naraku will do nothing against you, I don't trust him that much. Don't put yourself in unnecessary danger, Inuyasha. The wedding is in two days. I can handle Lord Naraku until then. After that…"

The knight could hear the pain in her voice, and unable to stand it any longer, Inuyasha stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her against him, in a comforting gesture. "Kagome…it doesn't matter what happens now. I won't desert my promise…I won't leave you when you need me. So, I'll always be with you, no matter what we face…I can't leave you, Kagome…I care for you too much."

Just hearing his voice and feeling his actions made the princess's fragile heart begin to beat faster, once again. Her hand gently fell over his, as she turned back, their gazes meeting. I'll always be with you… his words repeated in her mind. Always…? Even after the wedding?

Though she did not want to dishonor her family, ever since she had learned Naraku was a demon, Kagome had been rethinking this whole situation. About what was right…and what was right for her happiness. In the eyes of the law, she was Lord Naraku's, a sin to be touched by another man. But in the eyes of her heart, she would always only be Inuyasha's…making the very act of being Naraku's wife a sin against her feelings. If Naraku was indeed a demon wanting the Shikon no Tama, did that mean he did not care about her body at all? Was that object, so coveted by other men, null when considered Naraku merely needed her for an object of power?

What I want is Inuyasha…that is all…Is it wrong to want him this way when now, everything is different? Does it matter if the greatest sin of all is committed when surely Lord Naraku has committed greater sins? Do sins even matter? Does anything matter but these feelings I feel right now, in my heart?

Their gaze was one of parted lovers, reunited. Inuyasha had been gone for three weeks, and now more than ever, Kagome's body was yearning for his touch like never before. He seemed to be even handsomer than when he left…his amber eyes sparkling with love for her, and silver hair and dog ears only adding to his overall flawless appearance. His arms only pulled her closer against his warm body, their eyes and faces coming together…to let loose once and for all and to be as they were in the Midlands…never to be parted.

The sound of a door opening and a gasp caused them to freeze, and then to suddenly let go as if they were holding fire. There was no disappointment in the loss of the moment…fear replaced all feelings in Kagome's heart. Someone knows…she thought, turning towards the doorway in horror. Someone found out…someone knows our secret…the secret will be out…and Inuyasha will—!

But her fears began to fade slightly as she saw the person who had opened the door. It was merely Hannah, whose green eyes were wide as she stared at her mistress and her knight, both with shocked and fearful looks on their faces. More than anything, guilt had flooded the princess's face, and the only reason she would have guilt in this position would be because…

Trying to regain her composure, Hannah spoke, "My—My Lady…Lord Naraku has sent for you…He spoke of…he wanted to dine with you this afternoon…in his private rooms you see…and…"

Turning away so she would not have to look at her maid, Kagome replied, "I see…tell Lord Naraku I shall be there," Turning back to Inuyasha, she began, "Sir Inuyasha—"

"I should probably tell the wolf I'm back," he muttered, heading towards the doorway without even looking back at her, for fear of making the situation worse. "I didn't get a chance to last night…" He was out of the door a second later, no doubt trying to get as far away as possible without being spotted for fear of what would happen if anyone caught him leaving the princess's chambers this early in the morning.

With him gone, one thing still remained…something important. Looking back at her servant, Kagome tried to give an explanation, "Hannah…"

But Hannah merely gave a bright smile, that seemed to light up her already slightly rosy cheeks. "Don't worry My Lady…I understand. You do not need to explain."

The princess blushed slightly. So now someone else knew of her and Inuyasha's little secret. But unlike Lady Sango and Lord Miroku, Hannah was not someone Kagome instantly knew would rather die than betray her. "But, Hannah, please, no one must ever—"

"My Lady, when I first became your maid, I was sworn to silence on all secrets you told me not to speak of." Hannah spoke, her voice more serious this time. "Since than, I have kept to my promise…after all, no one has said anything about the time you ruined your petticoat falling into that pile of horse slop in the stables, have they?"

"Hannah!" Kagome reprimanded, but after a moment, she laughed with her, but still was at unease. The secret was safe with Hannah, but for how much longer would she be able to keep it safe from the world, until everything fell apart?

Hours later, Kagome was true to her word as she dined with Lord Naraku in his rooms, the couple hardly speaking as servants came in and filled their dishes with food. Though Naraku seemed at ease, dining with his soon-to-be wife, Kagome was alert for any change in his actions. He seemed all too comfortable in this situation, like what he had wanted was assured. When he spoke, he acted like a perfect gentleman, but it could not fool her.

After several minutes of silence, he spoke to her. "I hope you are not finding this week too stressful, Your Highness," he sounded like a concerned fiancé, but it was too concerned for Lord Naraku's behavior.

"I am fine, in fact, I am feeling better than ever, now that the long wait until the wedding is over," she spoke, as her eyes narrowed slightly, calculating. "But, actually, Lord Naraku, there was something I was hoping to ask you."

He blinked for a moment. Her sudden action took him by surprise. "What is it?"

"A servant told me they overheard you say something to an unseen figure the other day," she began, watching every inch of his face for a reaction. "She said you happened to mention something called 'The Shikon no Tama'—" Aha! His eyes widened for an instant. "So, I'm wondering, what exactly do you know about this 'Shikon no Tama', Lord Naraku?"

Maroon eyes narrowed back at her, matching her gaze. "Why do you need to ask, Your Highness? Are you sure the servants were not lying to you? I make a point to trust none of them, who will sing anything for a pretty penny."

"I heard of this from a good soul I would entrust my very life to." Even though the story she told was a lie, Inuyasha had been the one to warn her of Lord Naraku's actions, so it wasn't completely false.

Deciding on a new tactic, he shrugged, "It is not as great of a secret as you think, Your Highness. I happen to know of the Shikon no Tama through my very own listening and paying off of servants, too."

Her mind raced, and a trap was envisioned. "But, Lord Naraku, the Shikon no Tama is a closely guarded secret. Not even my little brother Souta knows of its existence, and certainly no servants know if it. I can't imagine how one such as you could have learned of it unless there is a traitor in our midst."

There was no longer a sweet tone to Naraku's speech. "Then I suggest you look through the old King's Council thoroughly, Your Highness. I assume they all know of the existence of the jewel, correct?"

"True, I suppose. But why talk when it would be known that it would lead back to them if the secret is let out, and risk their heads?"

"How should I know, Your Highness?" Lord Naraku's voice turned harsh and annoyed as he stared down the princess, both engaged in a quick battle of wit. "I cannot tell you how all men think, as you cannot, either."

Through gritted teeth, she muttered, "Yes, what a pity, indeed."

The game was up, Naraku decided. "Now, may I ask, what all these questions pertain to, Your Highness?"

"Merely to separate truth from lies. It seems however, this servant was telling the truth, so I should pay her well, shouldn't I?" Never was she going to let on to her true motive by word of mouth, though she had a feeling Naraku had already discovered it. But what did it matter if he knew she did not trust him; she had to marry him, didn't she?

"Ah, a matter of trust?" Lord Naraku questioned, his maroon eyes narrowing even further into a sharp glare. "Then, I have a question for you, Your Highness. Do you trust me?"

Kagome did not even pause for a moment as she replied, "I cannot trust someone I have known for so little time, can I? That would be foolish. Besides…I have heard different accounts of you, Lord Naraku. So, you cannot blame me if I am quite puzzled and wish to know your true character before I grant you my trust, can you?"

"Oh, no, of course not," though now, he said that in a sarcastic mutter. "However, Your Highness, if you want honesty, here is the truth—My feelings for you have not changed. I still want you as a bride."

Kagome's hands, folded in her lap, grabbed fistfuls of her violet gown as she answered, "It does not matter if you or I want it or not. I am bound by an unbreakable betrothal. I must marry you whether I like it or not. However, Lord Naraku…perhaps it is just my wedding jitters, but I believe a marriage made between us would never work out as you ideal it to." She stood up from her seat, not glancing back at her betrothed as she bid him good day, and walked out, intending on finding Inuyasha and relaying new information to him at once.

Naraku, however, kept his narrowing eyes on her as she left, feeling as if she was the victor. So, he thought, calculating plans. It seems that Inuyasha is back, and his influence is already on her…I wont let you get away with this, you little harlot!

With no one in the room, he spoke to the thin air. "Kagura."

She appeared at once through the open window, floating on her feather. "You called?" she muttered, rolling her red eyes.

"The time has come to dispose of Inuyasha…once and for all."

The sun was setting in the west, shining down through the high windows of the palace as both princess and knight walked side by side, through the empty halls. Kagome had taken to dining in her room ever since Inuyasha left, for some privacy. And so, they could walk and talk like this during dinner, without the fear of being disturbed. All thoughts of Kagome's marriage and their hands-off in public situation was forgotten, just at the sheer joy of being together again after what had seemed to be so long.

Together, they talked, and laughed, and smiled…with Kagome's marriage near, they allowed themselves these small moments before they would become no more. "You should have seen the wolf when he heard I was back," Inuyasha grinned. "He looked ready to gut me…seems he liked having to watch after you when I wasn't around."

"Oh, be quiet!" Kagome growled slightly, giving him a very un-princess like punch in the arm, which he yelled back in protest over. "I assure you, Sir Kouga was an absolute gentleman…not even trying to woo me like a lovesick puppy, unlike someone else I know."

The hanyou's eyebrows rose as he sputtered, "H-Hey! Wait, I never—" But after a second, he realized she was laughing. He gave a small growl and began to chase her down the hall as she ran away, for a moment, forgetting all propriety and their current situation. It was like they had been in the Midlands, carefree, and happy…for a time.

When he finally caught up to her, surrounded by nameless faces in the Hall of Portraits, they were both laughing, lost in a small struggle. But as Kagome playfully fought him she tripped over a step, and with a gasp, stumbled…right into Inuyasha's arms.

Like this morning, she was pressed up against his strong, lean body, as he held her softly, making it impossible not to look back up at him, once more. All playfulness was lost in his voice as he asked, "Are you all right?"

"Yes," her voice was softer as she began to get lost in her eyes, and, like in the Midlands, rebel. It didn't matter if they were in the palace now, not when her heart was screaming that this was so right. "Now…"

I don't care if it's a sin…not now…she thought, intent upon meeting his lips as they came closer in each other's arms. It's all that I've ever wanted…all that I've ever truly needed…who could blame me when all I've ever truly asked for in life is him?

"Inuyasha…" she whispered, her lips just inches from his own. It was so hard to get the words she was trying to express out, but somehow, her mouth began to speak."I just…I know now…without a doubt…that I…Inuyasha, I—"

Footsteps. No, the sound of running. Many people were running this way. Kagome and Inuyasha barely had any time to turn and jump out of each other's arms, hearts racing in fear and horror as guards surrounded the hallway. "There he is!" One shouted, drawing their weapons as they advanced, circling the princess and the night.

Oh God…they found out…we've been found out…They must know! Though her heart was racing so fast, she managed to ask, "What is the meaning of this?"

"A warrant for arrest," One guardsman said, making a small gasp come unanticipated from Kagome's lips, until he continued, "for that of the knight, Sir Inuyasha."

"What?" she demanded, so certain it was because someone had seen them, and already reported them for adultery. "Why? On what charges?" Oh God, Inuyasha, I'm so sorry my carelessness caused this…forgive me, for being so weak and hurting you, Inuyasha!

All her thoughts and assumptions were thrown into the wind as the guard answered, "The charge is treason…Conspiring to kill and harm the princess for his own personal gain."

"What?" It was now Inuyasha that shouted, not noticing the stare of Kagome. "Bastard! How could you think—"

Though her fears of being caught in adultery were over, her fear for Inuyasha increased. "What are you talking about? That's absurd! He is my knight protector, he would never hurt me."

Their loud voices had drawn a crowd, since dinner had been let out early that night, and before Kagome knew it, people were filling up the small hallway she and Inuyasha had been alone in moments ago, eager to see what was going on. "We have heard word from an informative source, Your Highness. This hanyou became your knight protector only to achieve this post and kill you…and to take a 'great treasure' from you as well."

The Shikon no Tama…she thought at once. But…only Lord Naraku and the King's Council know about that… The swords that had once encircled her had now moved around Inuyasha, who was snarling and growling at the human men surrounding him. "Who gave you this testimony?" she ordered, her voice rising in anger.

The guard replied, "A woman whom he had allegedly bragged his plan to after too much drink."

"Damn you, you can't prove anything!" Inuyasha roared, attempting to push aside the human men surrounding him—Until Lord Naraku walked on the scene. By the triumphant look in his eyes, both Inuyasha and Kagome knew this was his trap.

"Lord Naraku!" Kagome commanded, her eyes glaring in fierce hate. "Tell these guards to release him at once."

Sighing as if it pained him to say so, though both hanyou and princess knew better, Naraku replied, "I am afraid I cannot do that, Your Highness."

"That is a royal order!" she snapped, her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides in anger. "Release him at once!"

"I assure you, Your Highness, I would…were he not a threat to public safety," The lord walked over towards the snarling hanyou, unable to keep the grin from his face as he faced his rival for Kagome. "After all, how could we ever have thought you were safe with a mad hanyou like this…not only after your life, but also plotting to steal your honor as well—"

"You bastard!" Inuyasha roared, violently punching aside the worthless human guards surrounding him, intent at getting to Naraku and ripping him to pieces for daring to suggest he would do that to Kagome. Screams filled the hallway from terrified women as his claws were inches from Naraku's face…but not close enough to hit the mark.

At once, a cloud of smoke erupted in front of him. One of the guards had thrown demon repelling pellets right in his face, and Inuyasha was instantly affected by it. He fell down on all fours, coughing as his silver hair fell to cover his face. Only Kagome cried his name, running towards the hanyou to comfort him, before she was pulled back.

"No, don't!" Kouga, holding a hand over his nose, yelled in her ear as he held her back, next to Sango and Miroku staring in horror. "There's nothing you can do!"

"No, Kouga, let me go!" Kagome didn't care how it looked in front of all these people as the guards hauled Inuyasha up, restraining him by his arms held behind his back as he could not move. But as she tried to get free and run towards him, Kouga's grip on her arm only increased. He wasn't going to risk her getting hurt as well.

Inuyasha glanced up at Naraku's face, as he stood over him, maroon eyes glittering maliciously. "Did you think you could ever have the princess as your own, hanyou?"

The hanyou coughed a moment, still affected from the stink pellets before replying, "Keh, no more than you could have her, Naraku."

Naraku grinned, "I thought you'd say something like that. But, you must understand something, knight. She is mine. And, in a day from now, the world will know it. You should have known there was no hope for you, hanyou."

"Maybe," Inuyasha's voice was deeper as he growled, "But even if you have Kagome, all of her, there is something, a part of her that you will never be able to touch. Something that you could never have…because she's already given it away. And because of that…" His voice turned into a feral snarl. "If you harm her, I will kill you!"

The guards kicked Inuyasha's chest, and he cried out in pain. Kagome could stand it no longer as through sheer desperation, she wrenched herself free of Kouga's grasp to run to Inuyasha's side, causing gasps from the crowd. "Please, stop, release him!" Her voice was no longer commanding, merely pleading as she practically held him against the grips of the guards. "I don't care if he is guilty of treason, just let him go!"

"There is nothing you can do, Your Highness," It was Naraku this time who spoke, his back to the crowd so no one could see the smile of sheer victory on his face as he let them know who had won this battle, once and for all. "You are not of age, and a woman, so you can do nothing for this traitor."

"I will be of age by the time of our wedding, Lord Naraku!" Kagome shouted back, blinking away tears forming in her eyes for Inuyasha beside her. "That is in but a day!"

"Ah, but it is a day too late," he grinned. "By the time you are of age, he shall be where a traitor belongs…in Hell."

The guards began dragging Inuyasha off towards the prison, as Kagome attempted to hang on for as long as she could. "No, please, stop! Please! Inuyasha!" Before she could go any further with them, Sango, Miroku, and Kouga ran to her side. The crowds began to dissipate as the princess fell to her hands and knees, tears leaking out of her eyes in utter despair.

Inuyasha…they've arrested Inuyasha…they're going to kill Inuyasha! And…I can't stop it! I'm so sorry Inuyasha…it's all my fault! If I hadn't angered Naraku…then…

Attempting to preserve at bit of her friend's reputation, Sango knelt down. "Kagome…get up, please…we need to get you to your rooms…"

But she was long gone as tears leaked freely down Kagome's cheeks, as she began loosing herself to all the emotions she had bottled up for too long…Sadness…despair…anger…and now deep hatred…

Naraku was still there. Deciding it was best for his appearance, he approached Kagome as she still lay on the floor, lost in tears. "You might want to get up, Your Highness…People are beginning to stare."

She turned, her eyes looking at him fiercely with anger and hatred burning deeply. You…you bastard! You were the one that did this to Inuyasha! Naraku's face as a stoic mask, as he knelt down to offer a hand to her, such the opposite of the face she had seen minutes before.

Everything happened at once…all images of Inuyasha clouded her mind as hatred like nothing else bubbled over in the princess's heart. "You bastard!" she screamed, striking him hard across the face…the betrothal ring he had given her drawing a long line of blood across his cheek.

People gasped as they watched what had happened, seeing the seething princess stand up quickly, and run back to her rooms, accompanied by her friends. Though the courtiers were concerned about the blood dripping down Lord Naraku's cheek, he stood there, perfectly content…Inuyasha was to die and Kagome was in despair, and from it, filled with deep hatred for him.

The consequences had been paid. His revenge was complete. And now, his plan could not fail.