MATURE CONTENT WARNING – IF YOU DON'T LIKE THREESOMES THEN PLEASE DON'T READ THIS CHAPTER

DISCLAIMER – I DON'T OWN INUYASHA

I DO OWN MY IDEAS

A/N HOPE YOU LIKED THE TWIST FROM THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER. THOUGHTS ARE DONE IN ITALICS AND SO IS MENTAL CONVERSATIONS. ANOTHER TWIST COMING UP

READ AND REVIEW PLEASE

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

Sesshomaru didn't want to miss out on anything that was coming. Unfortunately time was against them this morning, matters of state did not wait for anyone and hopefully this matter could be explored more later on during the day. It was a sad thought as Sesshomaru was really looking forward to another performance of the previous night.

Minister's Meeting

Lord Sesshomaru was not really looking forward to the meeting, it had become a circus really that he could ill afford to misstep. The records of the purchases and payments were all in disarray and so were the running repairs of the villages closest to the palace. This was going to be a headache to say the least.

"Hiro this Sesshomaru wants a full audit of the ministers and their spending's. This state of affairs cannot continue. Start with Daishin and go through Akio and Gin's affairs after. This Lord Sesshomaru will charge Daishin with abuse of a noble women on the morrow but try and find out as much as you can before then so we can start the proceedings."

Hiro rushed off to do the Lord's bidding.

"Jakan!" Sesshomaru yelled.

"Yes mi-lord, what do you require master?"

"Collect information on all residence of of this Lord's court. And the village. This Sesshomaru wants no surprises."

"Huh?" Jakan exclaimed. "Is there something in particular you wanted to know mi-lord?"

"Finance and family." was all that Sesshomaru would say. With those words he removed himself from the chamber, and went towards his study. "Jakan, fetch Lord Inuyasha and Lady Kagome to my study." with that Jakan was dismissed, to do his master's bidding.

Inuyasha and Kagome

Inuyasha was pleased with the developments that have come about during the brief breakfast meeting with his brother. Kagome was definitely correct when she had said that he should be closer to Sesshomaru. The only thing that worried him at this time was Sesshomaru joining them. He was a man and so was Sesshomaru, and although he had seen into Kagome's inner most desires, he didn't have a clue as to how long they could keep the triad up. It would also mean pain beyond measure if they broke the triad, both for himself and Kagome.

Reluctantly both got dressed for the day, gently touching each other as clothes were place on bodies, covering exposed flesh. Inuyasha knew he was too early in the mating to want to rush, but Kagome had a feeling they were needed elsewhere and lingering was not something that should be encouraged this morning.

What are your thoughts on what was discussed this morn, dearest Kagome? Inuyasha quietly asked.

My thoughts, I think we can save Sesshomaru from a fate worse than a bad mating, and a wilful ungrateful wife. I believe that you want to be strong to protect our growing family. I know Sesshomaru will ask me to bear his heir or he will name you or our child the heir. I don't believe that Sesshomaru will actively hunt for his mate now, as clearly he is seeing that I can foot that bill. I think also that he will sacrifice anything for the bond of family, considering that he has just had a taste for it and wants more.

I agree. I am curious about becoming a full youkai and hope that father is watching down on us, having a good laugh. As much as we have hated, Sesshomaru and I, we now need each other. Ironic isn't it.

Very true my love. Kagome sighed. As long as he understands that he is ruling a nation and that I for one have no desire to rule with him, I will organise his house as he has requested of me, and be seated beside him but I will not be placing myself on a throne.

Agreed my love. Inuyasha held on to Kagome.

A loud knocking interrupted the lovers, as Jakan was yelling at their door for them to go to his Lord Sesshomaru in the study. Before Inuyasha got there he was already gone down the far end of the hallway to carry out his other order of business.

I am curious though Inuyasha as to what gifts Sesshomaru will bring to us when he marks me. Kagome sighed in quiet contemplation as they made their way to Sesshomaru's study and the beginning of another day.

Sesshomaru's Study

Sesshomaru sat behind his desk going through evidence he already had on Daishin when the couple came into the room, Inuyasha had his arm around Kagome's waist. As they approached he stood to welcome them, holding his hand out to Kagome he placed a kiss on the top of her knuckles and then turned her hand over to do the same on her palm. Anyone who watched know this was a very intimate gesture.

Inuyasha and Kagome sat down at the table that had everything ready for a serving of tea, and Kagome went about making it. Serving her mate first and then Sesshomaru then herself. Once the tea was poured the chef came to the door asking an audience with Kagome. He only wanted to verify the day's meals and with that done he left just as quickly as he came.

Sesshomaru leaned over to Kagome an inhaled her scent, storing it away in future. He nodded at Inuyasha "you have done well brother. Now we must keep her safe. The new moon is coming what do you propose to do with our mate?"

"This Sesshomaru has sent Hiro to go and gather information. Jakan is also doing the same from the families in the village. He should turn up something. Daishin: the way this Lord sees it has already forfeit his lands and estates because of his actions. If we can find sizable transgressions then the other lords will loose their estates as well. I have already written the seizure paperwork for Daishin and his family." Sesshomaru informed them.

"Sesshomaru we have spoken, and Kagome while she is here will sit beside you and organise your house but we do want to return to the quiet life we had already planned out. It would be better for our children that way. They wont see the poison that can be people and hopefully nurture some friendships that would stand the test of wars, famine and disease."

Sesshomaru nodded. "Good planning brother. This lord's child or children should know peace before it has to know wars. That way when its time for peace again he or she will know what to look for and create the needed requirements to obtain their goal."

Before leaving the tea table he grasped Kagome's hand and brought her closer to him. Where he placed a well aimed swift but passionate kiss on her lips, all the while Kagome was shocked, and Inuyasha simply laughed quietly. His brother was an alpha indeed. Breathless and aroused Kagome then turned to Inuyasha and did the same to him. There was no shock or dislike in the action it was merely an action to affirm that the status quo was to remain.

"Mi-lord, Mi-lord, Get out of my way filthy hanyou. Mi-lord ..." Jakan was screaming down the hallway towards the study. He then burst in and stood at the threshold of the room opening and closing his mouth like a beached fish, not really understanding what he was seeing. Before the imp was his Master watching Inuyasha and Kagome kiss, smiling. What the hell, his Lord Sesshomaru was smiling??

Sesshomaru suddenly stood and strode over to his desk, and prepared himself for Jakan's report. Jakan was still shell shocked and he would ask for an explanation but there wasn't one to give, and it was not Sesshomaru's place to do so. Jakan quickly relayed that both Akio and Daishin are living beyond their means and had many markers in the towns tea hoses and brothel. It was well known among the patrons of these establishments that they were rough and abusive as they often ripped the clothes of the workers and took their canes to the women.

The females of the hose were placed in an unobtainable position and also imprisoned in the house, having everything they desired placed before them, no matter the cost. Akio had a marriageable daughter who was rather on the plump side. Daishin had his two sisters in court that happen to be marriageable but doubt has been cast as to their maidenhead and a widower for a father that is lost in sake and has no clue as to the whereabouts of his children.

"The widowed father seemed to be on something more than sake. But I could find no proof in such a short time mi-lord. According to the father he hasn't seen his son for quite some time and does not wish him good health, the father always believed that he was bad to the core and had no respect for the people that had served under him. Daishin's father believed as Daishin does that all people were put here to serve them only and that anyone that didn't serve them then needed to be punished in a most painful way possible." Jakan was secretly proud of the mans beliefs as he himself emanated them himself. But there was only so much disrespect that he could get away with, without drawing attention to himself.

With Jakan's report so far, Sesshomaru leaned back on his chair and allowed the thoughts to penetrate his tired mind. There was more afoot that he originally thought. His own man of town seemed to be in on the plot as well, though Jakan's low tolerance for his own hanyou brother was well known. He looked towards Inuyasha and Kagome to gauge their reaction to the news, only to find that they were staring after the imp in total shock.

"Sesshomaru what did you do to him?" Kagome asked.

Sesshomaru shrugged and was left wondering the same thing.

Dinning Hall

"Where is our brother?" Hana

"I haven't seen him since last night at the high table."Hanako replied

"Hasn't anyone seen him? Did he even come back to the rooms last night or did he find a "willing" whore?" at this comment Inuyasha almost had to be held back for such disrespect and from a noble family.

"I doubt it completely. There is nothing willing when it comes to his face." Both women giggled and then went back to respective conversations, none really concerned as to the whereabouts of their missing sibling.

"Wench, fetch me my brother's sake," Hana yelled at a hanyou servant.

"Your brother has no sake, Mi-Lady." the servant replied quietly. "Your brother has been caught."

With that Hana rushed across the room and threw the servant up against the wall, "My brother has sake now get it or I will have you turned out."

The servant turned and fled. She left her serving tray just outside the hall, and ran straight to the chef. When she arrived in the kitchen, she explained the incident to the chef, who then in turn grabbed the servant and rushed to Lord Sesshomaru study and was once again explaining it to the lord.

Kagome was listening in to the recount. "Inuyasha and I will take care of this problem. I believe that Lady Hana is the sister of Daishin."

Inuyasha stood and helped Kagome to stand as well, and they were off, with the chef and servant in tow. This day is turning out to be interesting my mate. Kagome whispered inside Inuyasha's head. This brought a smile to his lips, and with that he directed to her to another hidden alcove where he proceeded to kiss her senseless. It wasn't long before they resumed their journey to the dinning hall.

Hana was still causing an uproar in the dinning hall, and as no one else knew that her brother's stash had been removed, she was also demanding various things from her brother's pantry, saying that she had a right to them. Hanako was desperately trying to keep her sister calm and quiet as to not draw attention.

When Kagome and Inuyasha reached the dinning hall, the sight that greeted them was one of amusement to the couple as an enraged Hana was yelling for the servants and to be served as befitting the lady of the West.

Kagome and Inuyasha both new that as of this morning that title went to Kagome alone. But were unwilling to mention that to the maddened Hana they simply decided to observe the proceedings before making themselves known. It would seem that Hana, although seemingly quiet and reserved, was one difficult person to actually get along with.

Kagome stepped forward, shadowed by Inuyasha and she drew the attention of Hana. With a simple greeting that she gave anyone, she then informed Hana that her brother was in fact in the prison below, and that he has been stealing from the Lord.

"Both these crimes, are punishable and because of multiple transgressions there is no hope that he would ever see the light of day for a long time to come yet."

"Who the hell do you think you are pathetic miko that needs to hang on to a hanyou to be someone. Or even hang onto the Lord of the West. You are nothing more than a glorified human that has nothing to offer the world of youkai." Hanako replied for her sister. "You are nothing more than a servant here… here to serve our great Lord Sesshomaru."

How warped could they really be? "Incorrect youkai. I am here to oversee your lord and master's house, to return it to the way it should be. And see to the punishment that is owed to those how oppose the Lord Sesshomaru in his own house." Inuyasha stood behind her, and Sesshomaru silently crept in behind the wall of tapestries until the correct moment where he would back up Kagome in her statements of fact.

Do not delve into their mindset and patterns of thinking dearest, just realise that derangement must run in the family. Remember what Sesshomaru said to us earlier. Inuyasha instilled in her mind. We really need to get Sesshomaru into the bond sooner than later my love, he needs to be kept informed, and the easiest way is to make sure he hears things like this first hand through us. Not fifth hand from court gossip.

This time I agree with you Inuyasha there has to be something more that can be done. I believe that life is about to become very hazardous to people around here. Why cant people just accept what they cannot change and deal with the changes that they can work with? Kagome mentally shook her head and tried to find away to let the lunatic that is Daishin's sister know without casting her out of court, that she was no longer at the top of the food chain, without giving away her own rise to power.

Some just prefer to keep the old ways, youkai really don't like all that much change. They have always thought themselves superior to anyone else in strength but they there are a few of a bad lot. Just like everything else. Inuyasha replied.

Sesshomaru stepped out from his hiding place totally bewildered and very honoured that this miko was his and his brother's. Coming close to the couple he nodded at his brother and then took Kagome's hand to kiss her palm once again. It was clear to everyone that there was something more to be seen but indications were not forthcoming. Still holding Kagome's hand Sesshomaru approached the woman who was making such a scene in his great hall.

"Listen well people," his voice was raised slightly so that all the attendees could hear him. "My brother's wife has consented to be the new Lady of the West as it will be more than likely my brother's children will be named my heirs. The lady of the west will have access to anything she desires in the pursuit of making things right in this palace. Nothing is to be denied to her when she asks. This is my ruling and just so the nobles know I don't need to consult anyone in the naming of the Lady or where I will look for my heirs." With that he kept Kagome's hand and headed to the raised dais where he seated his sister in law and waited for his brother to take his place before he seated himself. Inuyasha made sure that Kagome was within touching distance for fear something will happen should she not be.

Hana and Hanako looked at the lord as if he had grown another head. "Surely you don't believe that the pathetic miko is worthy of a full blooded youkai title?"

"This Sesshomaru doesn't understand why two less noble women would stand against a woman that has saved the nations and brought peace," Lord Sesshomaru was deceptively lazing in his chair to lull them into a security that was flawed and would trigger both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru within a heartbeat. Both men have never been known to tolerate people that think they are more than what they have achieved.

A gong rang out signalling that the meal was being served in the next hall, Sesshomaru and Inuyasha flanked Kagome in escorting her to the meal, making sure that Hana and Hanako are made to wait. Kagome was seated next to Sesshomaru and Inuyasha took the seat that Daishin usually used. The changes were not unnoticed from many parts of the room. This seating arrangement defined a definite shift of power. Covert glances were passed around the room, there was something in the air that needed to be settled. Why would their lord – a pure blooded youkai – make a human the lady when there were so many pure blooded females to be had? There were some serious questions that needed to be answered and soon.

A quiet nod indicated that the group would meet at the usual time. Several of the attendees sat back, and passed on the message to those who they did know everyone that belonged to the group would find out the usual way or not be informed at all, depending on the need.

After the meal was served, eaten and general conversation had re-started. Lord Sesshomaru excused himself to return to the matters of state. He was expecting a detailed report from Jakan and Hiro, there were many more things that were now not adding up, things like swords and armour, being paid for but not received. An inspection of the barracks is planned for the next day. Sesshomaru made sure that there would be no warning to give. Surprise was now the element needed to keep people on their toes, and not reverting to what is written in the ledgers and parchments. Another option was to take total inventory of what the castle holds and then hold the people responsible that are to see to such dealings, if the numbers are lacking.

Decisions. Decisions.

Humble Abode Hidden In The Forest

Men that were loyal to the purist movements in the area, and a few high placed women were sequestrated in a small dwelling. All raising their voices with the new developments and changes of conditions.

"This is out of hand." Futoshi the master at arms declared.

"Everything is now being overseen," another piped up.

"How dare that whore." Hana seethed "How dare she!"

"Sister calm yourself." Hanako stated quietly. It wasn't really heard over the din that already existed in the small space. Too many bodies packed into a small space was stifling at best. Suffocating at worse.

"A plan needs to be devised to get Daishin out of prison even if he has to be guarded all the time. Has there been any word regarding his position and his next movement?" the master at arms turned to the sisters.

"He wants the whore, he still wants to rule though. How he is going to get there remains in his mind. He doesn't always see fit to enlighten us. We are mere women." Hana stated as a matter of factually.

"He is desperately trying to gather more supporters, he is not really in a position to make the first move." Hanako quietly added.

"We need to move without his direction then, something needs to be done." Akio's representative stated. "We can no longer wait for his whim."

"We move at dusk. We need to take out Lord Sesshomaru and then his brother. The brother is a hanyou but a talented fighter. We can not afford to leave them unchecked and unwatched. Keep the whore locked away from them, do we have someone in their chambers, someone that we can use now and kill later?"

"The human child can be kept away and held for good behaviour. But not sure we have people there as they have people only loyal to Sesshomaru serving them and protecting them." Futoshi said. "I'm sure I can persuade Mao to do our bidding."

Murmurs of agreement filled the room. "And if she doesn't?"

"Then we can make her. I am sure of it. Hana brew that poison that you were going to use on Lord Sesshomaru to make him see things our way, we will administer it in his tea this evening. There is one of us on the inside in the kitchens." the second in command Hisao stated and it seemed that everyone was in agreement with the plans moving forward. Tonight was going to be the night when the great Lord Sesshomaru was shown he wasn't so great after all. He was just like any other pure blooded youkai. Superior in his downfall.

With the decision set the meeting broke up and everyone dispersed to take care of their individual tasks that they had been assigned.