Chapter 26

Maybe things were back to normal? InuYasha could almost picture that being reality, because a large portion of the family was gathered in the courtyard as they tended to do on a nice day. Of course they were all here only because Sesshoumaru wanted to discuss something with all of them, but they could at least try to enjoy the weather and scenery before that couldn't they?

InuYasha was sitting next to Aimee. Neither of them had slept in a while staying up all night to discuss what Aimee had done. InuYasha had told her how he felt and how he'd never blame for what was done to Rin and as long as Rin was still doing okay there was no reason to keep beating herself up about it. Aimee was glad to be forgiven, but last time she was told by someone to stop feeling guilty about a traumatic event it was Luna giving the advice, and that led to a bad situation. Whether or not her and InuYasha were okay, however, was irrelevant as it'd still take some time to spend time with Rin again as she use to without thinking about what she did.

InuYasha kind of got that vibe and looked at Rin over near a bush trying to catch butterflies with her sister, "See she is fine."

"You keep saying that but is it ever fine?" Aimee sighed to him burying her face in her hands.

InuYasha sighed, "I'm sorry but you're supposed to be my strong mate that puts me in my place remember? I need you to do your job Aimee and not get distracted, and also do my part by watching out for you. I let Kikyo just sit in her sadness, and because of it I lost her. I'm not going to lose you to Aimee. I won't allow it. Okay?"

They'd had this conversation already last night over and over again, but InuYasha would eventually wear her out and she'd accept that he was right. Both her and Rin were breathing and where there was life there was hope. She just tried to forget about Luna and that crazy moon power she was allowed to experience and knew she needed to move on.

"Fine hanyou you've finally gotten to me okay? It's a brand new day."

InuYasha gave a chuckle and a gentle lick on her face, "Come on at least laugh with me about what I told you about that horrible dinner."

"About that dragon girl being Sesshoumaru's daughter?"

"Please I don't even think that's the best part. You should have seen how petty him and father were about succession. It doesn't even matter right? Even if I had a son and he was third in line Sesshoumaru's son no matter how much younger would still outrank him, but that asshole just can't even stand the thought about me having an actual heir before him."

"None of what you're telling me surprises me," Aimee gave a bit of a smile.

"This is probably not the time or the place but neither was the shit Sesshoumaru was spewing last night, so how about it Aimee. Want to have a son with me?"

Aimee glared at him, "Not now not ever."

"How about pretending that we're trying just to piss with him? He is in charge right now and is going to lorde over all of us… I need something to get my licks in."

"Fine fine I'll let you have your fun. I'll tell people I'm trying. You know how gossip travels around this place."

Speaking of gossip Sango had also heard about how InuYasha had some sort of a crush on Kyra before he left for the east. She kept looking back and forth from InuYasha, who was seeming to have a tender moment with Aimee, back to Kyra who she was trying to train in archery.

"Dammit," Kyra muttered under her breathe despite never being the kind of girl to curse, but she really thought she'd hit the target this time.

"You're doing well," Sango encouraged her glad Kyra was making some progress in at least attempting some form of combat in this human body, "the more you practice the better you get okay? As long as you're doing this for yourself and your own protection and not to impress anyone."

"Please impress who? Sesshoumaru? Those days are long gone and you know that."

"People know about you and InuYasha."

Kyra blushed, "Uh no he is a mated man I wouldn't do that."

"A mated man who was living with both her and Kikyo for a while."

"Exactly he has enough trouble I don't need involved in it."

"That's not what I heard."

"My Sango I didn't know you were such a gossip monger," Kyra commented.

"Other than helping train you and the girls and just wishing I could have gone east to deal with Naraku I have nothing better to do now do I," Sango sighed realizing it was sad how even she wasn't free from the gossip that spread around this castle.

"Alright alright," Kyra rolled her eyes, "we might have kissed once or twice but I broke it off okay. It's just awkward. He should at least try to form something with Aimee… not only that but he was showing interest in me when Kikyo was living with him."

"Glad you broke it off then. If that's true then InuYasha is kind of a scumbag."

Kyra shook her head, "That's not fair. He is just confused and lonely at times. I get it as odd as it is so I hold no ill will towards him. He'll figure it out. One of these days."

The thing about gossip in Dragonsbane was it wasn't always the women spreading it, as most would assume it probably would be as someone such as Sesshoumaru or his father wouldn't be apart of such things, but the truth was the biggest gossip monger in this home when he was around was Akuma. He felt knowledge was power and didn't understand why everyone didn't want to know everything.

The only positive thing he'd gotten out of last night's dinner conversation was confirmation that the infamous Amara that Inukimi had killed was his sister. Before that he had no connection or any information about his lineage, and it didn't take long to share this information. The person he shared it with was his assumed niece, Blythe. Perhaps it wasn't appropriate for him to be the one to break the news to her, but he didn't see Inutashio or Sesshoumaru making any plans to do so, so he took it upon himself.

"You knew Amara was your mother this whole time?" Akuma asked her as they were both sitting on a bench.

Blythe still didn't know how to process all of this news, but nodded.

"It's why Aletha hated me so much, because I was the only egg my mother produced and I am supposedly so much like her, but at the same time nothing like her. My mom wanted to be a warrior and here I am into frivolous things such as silks and beauty. Part of me also always wondered if Sesshoumaru was my father. I heard the rumors about those two being together and never heard anything about her being with any other male, but if I accepted it that would mean everything everyone always said about me growing up was true. I'd be nothing but an arrogant weakling because I'm actually a dog and not a proud dragon at all."

"Not a dragon at all?" Akuma chuckled, "look at those wings? Only thing you got from your father is his hair and nothing more it seems, and honestly those locks of his is his finest quality so that's alright."

"Don't call him that," Blythe glared. "I have no interest in Sesshoumaru being my father. I've only had one interaction with that man and I hate him, and if everything you told me about that dinner is true he seems horrible."

"In Sesshoumaru's defense he was having an off night. Usually he just says nothing."

"Doesn't matter anyway. Do you think that man would be the type to accept a bastard child? I don't know what I hoped to find in coming here. I just wanted to get away from the rumors and assumptions about me, you know, but it's just more of the same. Instead of dragons there are dogs, and instead of Aletha there is Sesshoumaru. I wish Inutashio had said nothing! I would have been happy just being Kagome's Lady Maid. I don't think they'll let me anymore."

"Who knows. There have been worst reveals in this household. I mean your grandmother on your father's side killed your mother and my sister, and somehow despite knowing this I still miss my crazy bitch queen. She was fun."

"You have an odd outlook on life, so much so I'd fear ever calling you my uncle."

"Please don't it will make me seem old though I guess I hatched way before you, so it's okay."

"Still not calling you that. Nor will I ever call him father. I don't care about his acceptance, but what about Kagome? Think she hates me? She probably never thought in her wildest dreams that someone else would dare let Sesshoumaru get them pregnant. I think I should just make my leave. This place has nothing for me."

"You can't go to any dragon clan being the way that you are so I don't know where you think you can go," Akuma sighed staring at Kagome who was sitting on a patch of grass playing with Reimei, "and don't worry about Kagome. She'd never hate you. You're just another member of this family who didn't ask to be a part of this family."

Kagome, of course, wasn't really playing with Reimei. Reimei wasn't the playing type. She was more the type to just stare at everything with her huge eyes and make sounds as though she was attempting to talk. It wouldn't be long before her first words as this little pup of hers was growing quite fast.

She ruffled her daughter's black hair and sighed, "So Reimei you got an older sister how do you feel about that."

"Faaa faaa," was Reimei's response just giving Kagome a bored look.

"What's that Reimei?" Kagome gave her a smile as they engaged in fake talk, "your daddy will obviously never have a son because everyone in this generation of Inu's are having daughters consistently? I agree."

"Faaaaa fluuu!" Reimei barked back reaching for her mother's lips.

"And you should just be Sesshoumaru's heir and bring in the reign of an all female demon ruling class, and that's alright because all the men around us are complete idiots that spend their time arguing about stupid things and are either not dealing with their real problems or expressing their problems at the wrong time and place? Yes Reimei I agree."

"Luuuuu," Reimei cooed as she got free and began to crawl away on the grass so she could stare at more things.

"Yeah you don't care," Kagome closed her eyes, "you're still cute though so I'll forgive you, but what happens next? Blythe I hired you to make my life easier and you did everything but that, but then again how long have I known Sesshoumaru and he waits until you show up in his life to even breathe a word about Amara? Here I am the idiot who actually thought it wasn't so bad that we became mates after I already denied him, because it meant that we would get everything right this time around."

Yeah she was talking to a baby and then talking to herself? So what? Who was going to judge her? No one in this damn court yard had any right to be judging her.

"This little dysfunctional family of mine," she actually laughed to herself looking at all of them and then immediately rolling her eyes when Sesshoumaru came into the courtyard.

When most people would talk about their significant others they talked about how the other one would make them laugh, but in this relationship Sesshoumaru always deserved an eye roll and a half.

Oh Sesshoumaru saw Kagome's reaction to him, and she'd pay for that later, but for right now it was time for some family business. He was well aware that since Akuma was at last night's dinner gossip was already spreading to every corner of Dragonsbane about how he completely cracked and lost total control of himself last night and ended it with an outburst against his father before receiving some embarrassing news. Well he'd prove them wrong by addressing them all calm and composed and willing to move past all of this and move on to new business.

"Father left before the sunrise to kill his enemy," he was even being respectful enough to just not say 'Amethyst's father', "and has left me in charge of the estate so I am here to inform all of you on how I expect this place to function."

Aimee really wasn't offended by Inutashio's mission. She only met her father the one time, and if he was a part of that crazy moon cult the world was better without him.

"As I've stated previously just because you have station in this family doesn't mean you can live a life of luxury without contributing," Sesshoumaru continued, "the girls will all continue their training under Sango as will Reimei when she becomes of age. InuYasha and Akuma will meet with me tomorrow to discuss their findings as we form a plan to once and for all avenge our family against Naraku. The three of us will work together and get it done and then I will truly accept that we are in times of peace."

"So you want us all to keep doing what we were already doing anyway?" InuYasha dared to ask.

Sesshoumaru glared at him, "Yes, but we will be on schedule. Everyone will train daily no exceptions. You, I, Aimee, Akuma, and Sango will all spar as we did when I was training to go against Kovu so none of us lack in skill no exceptions."

"Like a mini tournament every day," Akuma chuckled his eyes showing excitement though when he listed those who needed to keep their strength up he noticed Sesshoumaru left out a name.

The dragon's silver eyes drifted towards Kagome who also picked up on it. Now was the perfect time for her to really engage in training especially now that Akuma was back. Sure last time her and Akuma practiced he tried to throw her down ravine, but she'd grown stronger since then and was interested to seeing how things went. Oh well. Did she need Sesshoumaru's permission to train with them? No.

Sesshoumaru actually did like Akuma's idea. Perhaps constant competition and measuring of skill between all of them would keep them focused on matters more important than gossip and family drama.

"Also," Sesshoumaru was ready to finish this, "there was once a time where I would have attempted to deny such things, but just looking at her I can tell it's true. Blythe is my daughter and therefore will also play her part. If she chooses to assist Kagome similar to the way Rin assists me that is her choice. She will be treated the same as the rest."

Nice sentiment, but that didn't mean Blythe disliked Sesshoumaru any less, but at least she wasn't being banished, because like Akuma said she didn't have many options.

"I'll be expecting results from all of you later," Sesshoumaru said walking away from all of them though he did slow down a little to wait for Rin to follow him as they had some work to do.

The second Sesshoumaru left, of course, the members of the family went back to their gossip and complaining about if a Sesshoumaru ruled estate would be more of the same or become unbearable. Kagome, on the other hand, believed Sesshoumaru at his word last night when he said no matter what his feelings were he'd act in this family's interest. Sesshoumaru ruling was not her issue at the moment, but that would not stop her from engaging in any back talk.

"Sango," Kagome looked around for an ally, "wanna walk with me? I have to get Reimei down for a nap and check in on the office."

"Alright," Sango responded though they didn't mention the real reason they often left the court yard together, which was so Miroku didn't try any funny business on Sango if they ran into him.

That relationship was hard to read for Kagome. Sango either liked Miroku and just was embarrassed to admit so often talked down about their chef despite always engaging into conversation with him, or Miroku was a problem and was harassing any available human woman he could. That would need to be investigated.

"So I see your mate isn't big on speeches," Sango began once Kagome picked up her daughter and they made their way through the servant's quarters since it was the fastest route to Kagome's destination.

"He was full of speeches last night so this one was just fine comparison to be honest," Kagome noted not knowing there was an eavesdropper in their midst, "maybe it was just an excuse to publicly accept Blythe as his daughter, and if that's the case there's nothing wrong with it."

"I agree, but something is bothering you," Sango could tell as Kagome gave Reimei a kiss on her crescent moon marked forehead that caused so much trouble before dropping her off at the nursery with her nanny.

"Maybe it's just the fact that I'm not allowed in your little training club. I have been doing well on my own, but I feel like he purposely left me to get at me. Why me? What have I done?"

"You know what they say, sometimes the ones it's easier to lash out at are the ones you love. So is the honeymoon phase over between you two? Is that what you're getting at."

"No we'll be fine eventually. If he were to just act normal and respectful and not be a thorn in my side I'd probably get bored."

"You know maybe you have forgotten what it's like to be human," Sango laughed at some of the things Kagome said when it came to her serious relationship with Sesshoumaru, "I remember a time when all a woman wanted was a man with a stable job that could support a family, but apparently once you become demon you want a man that continuously pisses you off to spice up the love life? Or am I just making assumptions."

"You stated that pretty plainly, but maybe. My only issue is either he left me out of the training schedule because he wanted to be petty towards me, because he is mad that I got into his personal business, or because of this whole succession thing being brought up and a promise I kind of got forced into making he plans on turning me into a constant breeding factory popping out babies. I was literally sitting next to him when he declared that he would have a son no matter what."

"Giving him a son is kind of what you signed up for when you agreed to mate a noble demon," Sango reminded Kagome.

"I know, but kind of sucks the romance out everything when Reimei wasn't part of the plan, and actually was a bit of trickery on his part, and the children after that would be part of his competition with his brother for succession. Why can't something just be natural and not forced for once?"

Sango should have minded her business, but honestly the odd relationship of Kagome and Sesshoumaru was kind of fascinating to her, "So what if Reimei wasn't part of the plan. You were all a glow and totally forgiving and in love with Sesshoumaru when she was born, and I'm sure it'd be the same situation with your future children. I admit it must be demeaning to have a man talk about his future heirs to others when he isn't the one that has to give birth to them, but I doubt it's not as horrible as you're making this out to be. He isn't going to chain you to the bed and leave you trapped there until you give him a son while the rest of us train if that's what you are thinking."

"Please don't say that around him and give him ideas," Kagome remembering that Sango was kind of Sesshoumaru companion before her so she wouldn't automatically be on Kagome's side when it came to her conspiracy theories.

"Or is Blythe the problem. She would have been a child born out love and passion while Reimei and the others that will come after her is just something expected of you? If that's what you want to hear then you have a pretty low opinion of yourself. He loves you Kagome and if you don't want to have another baby with him right now because you'd rather focus on training your body and mind then just tell him. You seem to have a talent for making him understand your point of view."

Maybe Kagome needed to talk to Sango more every time she had doubts about Sesshoumaru's intentions, because she had a good way of just forcing everyone to think clearly. Kagome just needed to have a talk with him. It was as simple as that. Hell now would be the best time, because clearly as displayed from yesterday's dinner Sesshoumaru was oddly in a talkative mood as of late.

While they were talking Kagome made her way to her office where she picked up some correspondence that she'd need to get delivered to the right people they were addressed for. She couldn't help but notice there was a letter addressed specifically to her. That was kind of odd. Letters that she filtered through were either news that the writer hoped would get to Inutashio or something simply addressed to the castle as a whole dealing with financials or how the land was being handled.

Kagome didn't think about that right now though as she simply let out laugh while leaning against the wall.

"What is it?" Sango asked wondering if Kagome had finally snapped and gone mad for a brief second.

"Nothing," Kagome smiled, "all I know is I love him. I love Sesshoumaru. I hate the way he acts and the way he talks. I hate his stupid butler Jaken and the stupid demon arms he tries to wear when he misses his limb, but yet I love him. Is something wrong with me Sango?"

"Not at all," Sango smiled wondering if maybe the position of Lady of Dragonsbane was cursed and they all turned crazy, "if love were something that made you sane and clear headed it wouldn't be love at all now would it? I think you have a lousy taste when it comes to men, but to each their own."

Kagome just smiled, "Thanks for talking with me Sango. If Sesshoumaru even tries that 'it's my duty to give him to give him a heir as quickly as possible' speech with me I'll just remind myself that I love him before reminding him that I'm the one who asked him to be my mate. I will call the shots not him… unless of course he does a good job convincing me otherwise."

Miroku smirked to himself as he'd been able to catch most of the conversation between Sango and Kagome while keeping to himself behind every corner in this castle with paper thin walls. Sure the stone on the outside was impressive, but the woodwork on the inside was nothing amazing. Kagome should have known when it came to the art of castle gossip servants had the advantage, because they could freely hear everything without ever being noticed by the upper class.

Of course, his dear Sango wasn't really part of the upper-class but she was always with them, so she might as well have been considered part of the family by this point. Miroku wasn't stalking them for any malicious reason. He just wanted proof that to throw in Sango's face later during one of their future heated arguments he could foresee that women indeed spent most of their free time thinking and talking about men the same way men did about women. Speaking of picking on women Miroku smiled when Blythe passed him in the servant's hall, on her way to her room to debate whether or not she'd be staying there or getting an upgrade since she was royalty now no doubt.

"So I guess I have to call you my Lady now?" Miroku did a semi half bow towards her, "I knew a creature as beautiful as you wasn't a servant. It's all true then isn't it? You're a princess living in a castle."

Blythe enjoyed the time she'd spent flirting with Miroku, but she wasn't in the mood to play with him as her cheeks turned red and she glared at him, "Do not call me that!"

"But I am but a servant your grace," he smiled, "I couldn't call you any less."

"You can't serve if you have no head," came a cold voice behind Miroku.

It was a voice Miroku rarely heard and really had no interest in hearing. Especially when he was caught harassing Blythe. Sesshoumaru was standing right behind him, and unlike the chef the taiyoukai didn't make jokes. His father wasn't here so there was no one to protect these humans other than Kagome, and Kagome most likely wouldn't have any empathy for this rumored great pervert of Dragonsbane.

"I apologize for my brash behavior Lord Sesshoumaru-

Sesshoumaru had no interest in watching a human squirm over how to find the right words to dig himself out of this hole, and honestly had bigger fish to fry at the moment. Now that Sesshoumaru had climbed out of the emotional pit he'd been in ever since Luna's defeat he was back to excelling at provoking fear in those beneath him while he took charge of this family. He was sure he was being mocked after last night's outburst and his need to bark orders today, but he didn't care what anyone thought. Not anymore.

"Just leave my sight and never bother her again," Sesshoumaru walked past the monk, "I don't care about your flings with the rest of the female staff as long as you know your place and do your job, but if I ever hear your name in the same sentence as any of the females I am close to it will be the end of you."

Miroku quickly took his leave as Blythe just tried to burn holes into Sesshoumaru with her silver eyes. She had no time to confront this man.

Sesshoumaru grabbed Blythe's arm before she could even think of turning and walking away from him, "I believe you were there when I made it clear I am Lord of this estate. You will not insult me by giving me a silent treatment."

"You're not my Lord you are nothing to me!" Blythe hissed.

Blythe must have actually thought better of Sesshoumaru than would have been first assumed, because she didn't expect what came next. It was quick, but it made an impact as Sesshoumaru smacked her across the face.

Blythe was quiet for a moment but growled as her wings expanded in anger, "You fucking hit me? You don't hit a lady."

Sesshoumaru growled back at her, "Are you a Lady? Because I thought from the way you act you're nothing but a girl with an attitude problem. Other than when I try to test Kagome's skills I'd never harm her, but when it comes to you… not even just you. If Reimei were to act this way at your age she'd get slapped to."

"Did your father slap you when you acted like a child in front of him!?"

"My anger is justified. Yours is not. You know your status now, and I'm sure you didn't get the news from me because that 'uncle' of yours never keeps his mouth shut. You are my child and as such you are to no longer to disrespect me and you will definitely not be socializing with humans such as the chef that attempted to publicly mock you."

"Why do you care what I do and why should I care about your little half assed speech about me being treated like any other child in this little family of yours! You didn't even know we were related until last night and now you want to come into my life and tell me how to live it. It doesn't work that way. You didn't raise me. I don't know you, and I'm not going to play by your silly rules."

"I didn't come into your life you came into mine," Sesshoumaru noted almost regretting his actions when he saw the red mark form on Blythe's pale face, but then again every time she spoke in that tone his regret would fade, "you even said in front of me in front of my mate yesterday about the rumors dragons spread about me. You knew this whole time didn't you, but yet you still came here. You were looking for something and you found it and if it's not what you wanted that's your problem. Whether you like it or not you're my responsibility now, and since everyone knows about your mother and you I won't have you acting below your station. You will act like a proper youkai Lady and contribute to this family like the rest. I don't expect you to be Kagome's Lady Maid, but if helping her with your silly talents as you call them makes her life easier than that is fine, but you will also train. You're a dragon aren't you? I know your mother was no weakling and your skills, if harnessed, correctly could be lethal to our enemies."

"What skills? I don't fight. I made that clear to Kagome and I'll make it clear to you. I want to paint this world with beauty not with blood."

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. Out of all the things he'd been through, with the kind of mother that raised him, and with the disgusting villains he'd been against what she just said was probably one of the most idiotic illogical things he'd ever heard.

"This world you live in and this castle you currently occupy is built on blood. There was no beauty in the world when your mother was killed for no reason, and there is no beauty in it now. You will fight and you will become useful. What was that desire of yours again? To become a demon fashion designer? We only wear silks to show status and nothing more after they are created by low paid lesser beings. There is no future for you there. Or did you perhaps hope to come to demon court and find yourself a kind caring gentle soul of a demon to mate you and help you make all your dreams come true? Your status as a bastard has made your prospects lower than they were before, and honestly the only visitors we've had of late that are notable are tiger demons that mate with their sisters and cousins so you best take the options and the plans I have laid out for you."

Blythe looked disgusted by his words. How could someone as kind and understanding as Kagome be with this creature? Hell how did her mother become attracted to this man?

"I think I'll just go home!" Blythe declared, "if I want to be berated all day long and called weak and forced to train when I just plain don't like fighting and have no interest in it I might as well go back to the dragons. Nothing will be different except I'll be free from you!"

"Did you not look at your own credentials you came here with? They don't want you. Aletha was proud of her daughter, why would she want a carbon copy that is a disappointment in every way possible that has silver hair reminding her of the dogs she despises? So that route is closed to you, and where else would you go? There are no other dragon hordes as my father and mother crushed them, and a girl as pretty as you that can't defend herself would probably be raped or killed by lesser demons. This place is your home now and you will do as I say. Now go pack up your things and find a better room fitting your status. A room in InuYasha's wing will suit you well and if you defy me or do anything unbecoming I will personally destroy all those pretty silks and trinkets you collect. Now go."

He was probably being too hard on her, but as he said before Reimei wasn't going to have it any better. Only thing interfering with the parenting of Reimei and his future children would be their soft hearted mother, so he might as well take advantage of his motherless bastard and make her an example. Though in his opinion the way he was acting was nothing in comparison to how his mother treated him, so these pups should all be thankful.

"Another wing perhaps? Not one too close to InuYasha?"

Sesshoumaru rose an eyebrow, "Oh? So you are going to do what I told you to. Then perhaps compromise is in order, and since I did have feelings towards your mother perhaps you don't deserve the same wing as all the other bastards."

The area of Dragonsbane InuYasha inhabited really was the wing of bastards. InuYasha, Amethyst, and InuYasha's children. Well Rin was an exception, but then again Rin was already enough of an odd ball not displaying any demon traits at all.

"It's not that," Blythe noted softening her silver eyes, "It's just I'm a light sleeper and I don't want InuYasha and his mate keeping me up all night. I overheard them in the courtyard and they said they are going to try for a pup."

If this Sesshoumaru wanted to play games Blythe was going to play her games. She heard everything InuYasha said about how he wanted to spread rumors that he and Aimee were going to try and have a male heir just to get under Sesshoumaru's skin, and Blythe decided to be the tool in that game.

Sure enough Sesshoumaru let out a growl of disgust and finally left her alone to give her a moment to reflect on what just happened. Did that man honestly attempt to be a parent towards her?

Sesshoumaru was finally tired of this day though he planned to retire quite satisfied with himself. He was in charge now and whether or not his rule was accepted all would obey him. He had everyone's interest in mind and one day this family would see that, but he still had one more person to tackle and that was his mate.

Sesshoumaru's mind had almost made dangerous assumptions about how tonight would go, but was surprised to come to his bedroom and find Kagome just lounging in his bed wearing a yukata as though everything was normal when he thought he'd have to search the castle for her and drag her to where she belonged, and she seemed oddly happy. He thought she'd at least be worried about how the family dynamic would be changed now that Blythe was in the picture, but she never really brought up the subject after it was revealed.

"Lay down," Kagome told him when he entered, "I know you haven't slept for at least a couple nights. Some sleep will do you good."

"I know what's best for me and I know what's best for you Kagome," Sesshoumaru was going to assert his dominance to this whole family and she wasn't going to be immune from it either, "I'll sleep when matters are settled."

"Matters are settled everyone will do their duty," Kagome mused letting him know their bedroom wasn't a battle field…. Well it kind of was, but their battles were supposed to be fun, "I just don't appreciate being left out of your little training schedule you were trying to set."

Really? That was what her problem was? This woman, Sesshoumaru just simply shook his head in response.

"Why must you analyze everything I say Kagome? Every word I say you try to rip apart and find something wrong with. I prefer to mate you and have pups with you in your demon form and you make it out like I would never love you as human. I see InuYasha as a constant source of dysfunction, which he is, and you think I hate him when I honestly try to just ignore him until he proves useful to us. I don't want you battling with Akuma, because every time you've trained with him you've been purposely put in high risk danger a woman of your status shouldn't be in because he is so curious about how your powers work. Train as much as you want I don't care. Just not with Akuma."

What Sesshoumaru said didn't bother Kagome. It was just more of what Sango told her earlier. No wonder Sesshoumaru and Sango got along so well.

"I wouldn't have to constantly analyze your words if you made them clear Sesshoumaru," Kagome simply put her arms behind her head and looked up at the ceiling, "fine if it makes you happy I won't train with Akuma. I really wanted to, because I think it will make me stronger and he always has some good insight, but if it's such a big deal to you…"

He was proving his dominance, but he still could be a man of compromise, "When I think you are strong enough to handle it you can, but not now. You fight strongest when you go all out and when you are like that you make sloppy mistakes. I'm still disappointed in how you just let your weapon sit on the floor when you went against Luna. That decision could have been a simple mistake that cost you your life. I have some insight to."

"I know," Kagome sighed, "I know Sesshoumaru. I need to work on it. I know how this world works now, I understand my status in it, but it just feels like all eyes are on me and I'm afraid of getting talked down to by you. I don't want that anymore."

"I wasn't talking down to you I just left you out of the conversation in entirely."

"Which was worse somehow," she said sitting up, "but you're right I know it's a silly thing to get upset by. It's nothing in comparison to what you've been going through, and I'm sorry. It use to be me you know? When I became demon, became part of this family, and when the war happened I felt like I had to hold the world on my shoulders to struggle every day with my decisions, and now we're here with you taking on all the burdens of everything and everyone as well as yourself and I haven't been as understanding as I should've been. Everyone has their own way of healing, and I should have just left you to go about what you needed to do instead of judging you or telling you what to do… I'm sorry."

Great. More talk about his feelings. It was fine. He was fine. What did he have to do to prove that to everyone? Telling his father what he thought about him had done more for him than anything else, and left him feeling completely immune to the constant judgement anyone dared to try and cast on someone such as himself.

"Don't apologize," he told her laying his swords against the wardrobe, "you at least cared. That's more than my father and mother have ever done, and now Kagome I tire of it. I said my peace last night and I will leave the past where it belongs now. I spoke up for her… I will care for her daughter. It's done now."

"Amara you mean?" Kagome asked turning to look at him, "yes you spoke up for her, but most importantly yourself."

"Speaking of which," his eyes glared at her dangerously, "the letter."

Kagome crossed her arms, "Not apologizing for that. You went out of your way to hide something from me, so I investigated. You're my mate I had a right to know."

"Do I go through your things?" Sesshoumaru asked with a dangerous tone.

"No, but that's because you know I don't have anything scandalous to hide," Kagome thought about it, "if you want you can read this strange letter I got today."

"If it was sent to you it's most likely some mundane official text I can't be bothered with right now Kagome," he said brushing it off not wanting to inquire about some 'strange letter' she received because the point he was trying to make was they didn't need to share everything, "and it wasn't scandalous. Mother took Amara out of my charge and she was writing to me to ask for help and I couldn't do anything, because my father would have stopped me. Amara knew that was going to be the case when she wrote that letter. It's was her way of saying good-bye."

Kagome frowned, "Did you get to say good-bye back?"

Sesshoumaru shook her head, "No. I wouldn't dare, because I knew my mother would read it and use it to torture me for the rest of her days. I went the route of sending her a better book."

The letter from Amara was a bittersweet object now that Kagome knew it was a good-bye. When she first read it she was instantly endeared to this Amara woman, finding her funny and clever. She loved the last line about how no matter what his decision was on whether or not he loved her he could at least send her a better book.

"Was it better than a dry read about stone laying?"

"It probably was, or she'd be haunting me right now. Or maybe she is in the form of Blythe. That girl was in your charge for one day and I don't know how you dealt with it. Her attitude pains me."

"She's just young and is also going through a lot," Kagome explained, "you weren't too cruel to her were you?"

"Didn't treat her any differently than I treat Rin or will one day treat Reimei," Sesshoumaru smirked satisfied with himself.

"That scares me."

"Don't worry about it Kagome. You're not her mother. Her mother would have approved of what I did. I told her it's okay for her to keep assisting you, however, if that's what she wants to do. You won't apologize for going through my things, and I won't apologize for that. Putting you in another situation where you have an awkward relationship with a servant."

"I'm use to it by now," Kagome replied, "but she doesn't have to if she doesn't want to and I'm not going to treat her like a servant. I'm going to treat her like your daughter, who unlike me really likes to play dress-up and mess with pretty things."

"And the second she disobeys me I will make dress-up and pretty thing time end until she gets back in line," Sesshoumaru warned, "and you won't interfere understand?"

"I don't need to interfere. She can handle herself. I don't need to be a part of all your battles. I imagine I'm going to have my own with Reimei in the future."

"Good now with that out of the way," Sesshoumaru smirked as he finally lay down next to his mate, and it took no time before his hand was already wondering down Kagome's yukata to squeeze at her mound.

Kagome turned away from him, though it was a regretful move as she was missing his touch.

"Sesshoumaru…"

"You made a promise and I made a declaration Kagome."

"Really Sesshoumaru must you analyze every word I say?" she taunted.

He instantly looked annoyed, "Do you honestly think I will allow my bastard to have a heir before me? I was told they are going to be trying for a pup, and it would disgust me if Amethyst of all women was the only one in this rock who was trying when you already agreed."

"You know it doesn't matter," she told him, "InuYasha having an actual heir would only matter if you died before we had a son. This little game of who can have a son first you devised in your head is stupid."

"Dying before I have a son is becoming more and more of an actual fear and I'd like it very much for you to not contribute to that. You know this is part of your duties Kagome. You are ripe for the picking now, and you can't use training as an excuse. You balanced it all quite well when you were carrying Reimei and these matters need to be dealt with when we are at a time of peace."

He made logical arguments, but she still wanted to hold off.

"Yes I did carry Reimei. I carried her while my body got heavy, while you and I were getting threatened by Kovu, and I had to deliver her and go through a lot of pain. It's work Sesshoumaru. I know it's the work I signed up for, and I will fulfill my promise, but I just need a bit more time. Let us enjoy Reimei and Blythe for the time being then on to the next one. I just don't want to be your breeding mount alright?"

Sesshoumaru paused, "Is that what you think you are? Is that how you believe I think of you? If I wanted that I would have taken any bitch that knows what an honor it is to deliver an heir. Kagome why must you vilify me so?"

What she said probably was quite cruel. She knew her relationship with Sesshoumaru and their feelings towards each other was much more than that, and if even Sango warned her that jumping to conclusions such as that wasn't very kind of her.

"Speechless hm?" Sesshoumaru in a swift motion with only one hand flipped Kagome so she was on her stomach as he crawled on top of her back and played with her fluffy ear, "I know the real reason you say such cruel things about your Lord Kagome… it's because that's what you want isn't it? To be tied to my bed for my taking at any time."

Was Sesshoumaru pissed that InuYasha was an actual heir and above Reimei in succession while attempting to have a son of his own? Yes he was quite livid, but the part in all this Kagome was missing out on was he just wanted to touch her again and have her. It had been a long time, and he wanted his mate fully.

"Sesshoumaru," Kagome whispered, but she wasn't stopping him.

Both Kagome and Sesshoumaru had come to the same realization. Baby making aside they hadn't mated in a long time and she missed him being on top of her like this. Telling her who she belonged to it, which was of course an action she only allowed in the bedroom.

With that whisper he knew he had her permission. Fine. He would table the discussion about the heir, and quite honestly he might be in a win win scenario with this. If she allowed him to impregnate her he'd have another child on the way to inherit his legacy, if she didn't… well that just meant her body would be in fine form to enjoy over and over again until she was ready.

"If my pet doesn't want to have my child this night that's fine," he chuckled giving her ear a lick enjoying the squirm she gave him as he slowy began to cut her body free from the silks she was wearing, "but your body is still mine and I will have it."

"It's yours," Kagome said as she engaged with him playing the role of the submissive bitch just like they liked it, "always has been always will be my master."

Once he had her free of the yukata his claws traveled down her legs feeling for the target: her nice little moist fleshy bundle of nerves that he began to rub circles around it with his thumb, of course being cautious of his claws. This motion instantly got those beautiful moans out of his mate as she had gone so long without being touched in such a way.

Kagome hissed in pleasure trying not to be so loud as he went from massaging her clit in the perfect motion to use another finger to enter her, "Will you mount me tonight master?"

"Only if you want me to breed you," Sesshoumaru chuckled removing his touch as he turned her on to her back, "and if not I will look into your eyes."

She gave him a smile, but he tried to end that by roughly grabbing her chin.

"Before, however, I look into your eyes as I claim what is mine you will claim my cock in your mouth and you will swallow all that I give you. One way or another I want to sleep tonight knowing my seed is somehow in your belly my little whore."

"And everyone thinks I can't get lower than taking my dinner alone in my room on a tray," Kagome joked as she sat up and went to untie Sesshoumaru's pants to free his throbbing frustrated member.

She pressed his lips to the tip of his cock and began to lick every fold to give him the most amount of pleasure, beaded drips of pre-cum combined with her saliva to give a nice glisten coming out the side of her mouth.

Sesshoumaru groaned as he put his hand on the back of her head trying to force her to stop teasing him and take his whole length down her throat as he got further erect, "Yes bitch take your meal. Milk it from me like the slut you are."

This talk would never be something they'd ever use against each other in any other setting. Kagome knew that. This was their private fun, and their private fun alone. No one would ever know about their secret roles they played when their bodies became one.

She could feel Sesshoumaru try to buck, but she wasn't going to be submissive enough to truly dominate her mouth. It was getting hard to breathe with all of Sesshoumaru's breeding equipment shoved right against her nose as his whole length took up her mouth, but she'd been through worse. She would let him get a few thrusts in before taking control herself bobbing her head up and down his cock at her own pace before another switch. This lovely rhythm continued Sesshoumaru gave the biggest smile he'd had in a long time as she could feel his warm seed slowly worm its way down the rest of her unoccupied throat.

"Swallow it all bitch," Sesshoumaru commanded with a chuckle, "every last drop and make sure I'm nice and clean."

Kagome obeyed using her tongue to collect any excess seed from him as she swallowed it. Of course she hated the taste, but if obeying her master continued their fun for the night she'd accept.

Sesshoumaru stiffened in her mouth as he moaned from her little chore of getting his cock nice and glistened before he unsheathed it from her face throbbing and ready to go at her again.

"On my back?" Kagome asked him with a hoarse and dry voice after she took her dinner for the night.

"My bitch knows her place," Sesshoumaru smiled giving her a nod as she laid back in bed leaning her torso up against the pillows.

He went back to where they had been previously as he used his hand to stroke her clit, but used his mouth this time to go for those beautiful soft breasts. His tongue flicked at her nipples until they began to stiffen, and once they did his teeth nibbled at them a smile forming around them as he heard her moan for him.

Now that her body was prepared for him he leaned back and rubbed the tip of his cock against her slick folds hitting every nerve he wanted to hit as he watched that beautiful mate of his squirm in anticipation before slowly began to enter her.

Oh yes. The amazing feelings he felt putting everyone in their place both last night and today couldn't even compare to this. Everyone had been assuming what Sesshoumaru needed to do to feel whole again, but he found a cure for what ailed him, and that was being inside this woman. Owning her completely. Nothing felt better.

"Mine all mine," he growled as he couldn't control himself and gave her a rough thrust one after another to make her moan… he'd continue to make his rhythms faster and faster forcing her beautiful tits to bounce with every motion until she cried out his name.

She knew what he wanted and she wasn't going to give it to him so soon, so she just continued to cry out in pleasure hoping, but kind of not caring if anyone could hear them. Sesshoumaru inside of her… being part of her… the raw mixture of pleasure and pain with every thrust was making her think her body could turn to ash if this kept up.

"Take me," she cried to him, "again and again make me feel nothing else."

"I'll fuck you until you're nothing," Sesshoumaru growled giving a large thrust forcing every part of him inside her wanting to see his cock under her skin beneath her belly, "you beautiful fucking bitch be mine!"

"Ses-

"Say it," he commanded.

"Ses-sesshoumaru!"

He smirked completely satisfied as he gave her a few more slow, but yet full length thrusts as his cock throbbed in agony ready to release.

"Do you want my seed Kagome? Last chance to completely please your master fully."

"No my master," Kagome moaned, "not inside of me. Not this time please."

"Making demands of your master instead of saying yes," Sesshoumaru chuckled he gave her nipple a hard squeeze with his claws before pulling out and rubbing his fully erect on the brink climax against her face and her lips before eventually exploding his seed all over her chest. Getting those beautiful tits of hers soaked in his essence as he groaned in complete pleasure before going back to tormenting her.

"Then you will be degraded and forced to serve my cock each and every night until you will allow my seed into your belly to grow," he moaned kissing her stomach since it was free of his juices before giving her clit a lick, "only then will you deserve a break from me."

Out of the few compromises Sesshoumaru had attempted to make with anyone this one would work. She wouldn't be forced to give him children at his command for the moment, and in exchange they could just enjoy each other as two mates should be.

"If those are my master's terms," Kagome panted her chest heaving up and and down as she took deep breathes, "though it'd get boring if every night was the same now wasn't it?"

"Oh?" Sesshoumaru rose an eyebrow enjoying the relationship they had in bed at the moment, but he wouldn't be opposed to many opportunities to try new things.

For a moment there he thought they were all just going to be drowned in a wave of dysfunction by the current state of the family and everyone's feelings towards each other and his own emotions, but none of that mattered. Not when he'd just been promised many nights of many new pleasurable things. The outlook seemed bright.

Kagome felt the same. The first time the two of them were together wasn't as much fun for she had no experience and needed to be trained by him and there was also the shame in them coming together in secret before being officially mated, and then there was the night of the breeding ceremony, which resulted in a fight because she found out he forced her into pregnancy, but this a night where no trust was broken and only pleasure could be found might have been a good change of pace.

Once the heat of passion died down and Kagome went to clean his seed off Sesshoumaru needed to cool down so tying his pants back up but leaving behind his haori he left the room and made his way on to the cool Sky Bridge to lean against the edge and look down at the lands, his lands, his children's lands to get his inner beast to relax and just enjoy the aftermath of his pleasure.

It was a perfect moment for him, but of course it had to be ruined by one of his bastard siblings. This time it was Amethyst and not InuYasha who'd also come to relax and watch the night sky. He really didn't want any company, but it was the principal of the matter. He was here first, so he wasn't budging.

Just ignoring her was working perfectly for him for a moment, but she had to give a sigh and ruin the wonderful silence.

"I'm about to become an orphan."

"Your father is in a vile cult and a rapist the world is better without him," Sesshoumaru simply said feeling no sympathy, "and thanks to Luna you've been through worse than having a father you don't even know hunted down and killed."

"You have a horrible way of putting things sometimes," Aimee leaned against the side of the railing, but decided to look at the hallway instead of the nice landscape, "but I forgive you. You call me a bastard. Treat me the same as your brother-

"You are the same as my brother. You're a bastard half sibling, but at least I knew about InuYasha. You're more like Blythe. A family member I didn't know that I now have to care for because you intruded into my life."

"I'm not like InuYasha though and you know that," Aimee said plainly, "because I'm the only one that understands and vice versa. You're not the only one that holds scars from our mother Sesshoumaru. You at least got to go off on your own or live here away from her. She raised me my whole life. Dragonsbane was my salvation… when I got here I was just a shell of myself serving Inukimi doing everything to keep her happy as I was afraid of what she'd do to me if she snapped and went crazy."

Sesshoumaru had recalled that Aimee was a completely different person. It was why he was one of the last people to find out she was Inukimi's daughter, because when they first met she acted like nothing more than a broken down play thing forced to serve as Lady's Maid to that bitch.

"You can carry your scars," Sesshoumaru told her, "I think I finally found my cure from her."

Of course he was only saying that, because he'd just had an experience that had him feeling better than he had in a long time.

"There is no cure she is always with us," Aimee told him, "when I found out she was gone I said good, and told myself I shouldn't have no regrets about my last conversation with her. Telling her to stay away from me, but now every time someone says something I keep thinking about what her snarky insane reply would be. Why should I even care? I know it wasn't her fault, but I didn't get to see the real her ever so I shouldn't mourn her."

"We heard the real her when she begged us not to take away her medio stone and warned us about Luna, but we didn't listen. Perhaps you should mourn as punishment for your guilt Aimee. I don't need to mourn her anymore. The real her begged me to end her, and I did what I had to do and she wouldn't want me to have regrets. There is nothing more to say on it. Our mother is gone now. She isn't coming back. Tensagia can still use the power of medio, but every portal it opens is a completely new one. None can be used by her, and it won't be long until she is truly dead and turns to dust."

"I know that Sesshoumaru," Aimee said, "but it doesn't take away this feeling of fear and dread she left me with, and that I know she left you with. I just want you to know that I understand. I will probably understand more than Kagome ever will, and I'm always here for you to talk to."

Sesshoumaru wouldn't give her the heartfelt response to that, which she was probably desperately looking for, but he gave her a nod. It was all true. Amethyst was the only one that would ever understand the sick twisted game that was both their mother's cruelty and love.

"Also don't listen to the stupid gossip in this castle okay?" Aimee smiled at him, "I told InuYasha I'd play pretend with the idea that we would try for a pup. We aren't trying anything and never will. There is no grand plan to have an heir before you."

Sesshoumaru did give a smile. He was mad at the notion InuYasha was attempting to start a true legacy of his own, but part of him knew it couldn't be true. Everyone was trying to pick on him hmm? Obviously everyone had way too much free time on their hands and that was something he would try to end.

"Nice sentiment, but I don't care about your wants. You will give him an heir."

Amethyst was dumbfounded by that response. Why would he ever say such a thing? InuYasha told her how angry he got about the whole succession thing.

"I wouldn't touch him with a-

"You will, because if InuYasha attempts to even touch another woman instead of honoring his mate he will be exiled and I will be done with him. Our family will be strong and if that means going from a pack of a few dogs to fostering a whole generation of rebellious arrogant pups that are too much like their parents then so be it. You will give InuYasha a pup every five years or so understand?"

"Is this an actual order," Aimee just couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Did you honestly think I wasn't catching onto what you have been doing in my own walls sister? You're the one that enlisted Sango to train the girls, and you were quick to take over as mother figure for both of them. You're trying to make yourself a little female army to strengthen your name in these halls, and I'm asking you to grow your forces just with your own children for once. I'm in charge and those are your orders. You have five years, and it's best to get it done quickly, so you can have some time before you're called on to serve again. Kagome will be given the same orders. She wishes to delay to the progression of our family, and I will allow it for now, but she will do her duties in the time frame the Lord of this house expects from her."

The Sesshoumaru that was actually ordering them to breed was not the Sesshoumaru from yesterday or even the Sesshoumaru from earlier today. What happened to him?

The castle lord chuckled as he made his way elsewhere to find some privacy, "We're in a time of peace now sister. It's time to stop causing dysfunction in order to find things we'll never find when we should be enjoying we have in front of us. It's time for everyone to heal now."

Good thing Kagome was just wearing whatever yukata she could find and not the one Sesshoumaru had given her as a gift, because he'd completely destroyed it. She wouldn't dare have a maid come and discover this mess that their mating had left behind, and it'd be too much to expect Sesshoumaru to help her fix up this room.

Once she had cleaned up and gotten rid of all the evidence of her and her mate's union her thoughts couldn't help but travel to the conversation her and her mate had about Amara's letter. No. Kagome still wouldn't apologize for invading his privacy, but the issue was she was hiding a letter of her own.

Well… she was trying not to hide it. She invited Sesshoumaru to inquire about the strange letter she received and he didn't take the bait. She knew he wouldn't, because his pride was on the line in that debate. She took the letter and simply put it on the vanity with a sigh.

There. She would leave it there, so he could be free to pick it up at any time and read it, and then she wouldn't be hiding anything. She didn't want to be a hypocrite on this issue, but at the same time she was afraid of what he would say and do if he read that letter. Was this honestly going to be a problem?

She took another glance at it.

To the most beautiful woman in Dragonsbane,

Sesshoumaru will try kill me if he finds this, and that's fine with me, because I want a rematch anyway. Could you imagine? The first time we fought it was to avenge my family from you, and now I almost want to fight for you.

You put me a pitiful situation Kagome. Why did you have Sesshoumaru bring me back to life. If I'd killed him I would have been head of my ambush and a hero to my people, and if I would have died I would have still brought glory to my brother and his reign, but I have nothing now. Nothing but constant thoughts about you. Thoughts about the mercy you showed me and how beautiful you are.

I wonder if my ambush would forgive me if I returned with the Lady of Dragonsbane as my mate? If I were to fight Sesshoumaru to the death. Winner gets to keep you forever. Kagome I promise my words are not the ramblings of a mad man alright? I thought long and hard before writing my feelings to paper, and I am fine with what I have to say. I love you, and I want you, and I don't care if your mate knows.

Please don't worry your pretty head. I'm not ready to issue an official challenge yet. You seemed so sick with worry last time my challenge was made and I don't want to do that to you again so soon, but eventually you will be mine or I will die trying to get you.

Signed,

Kovu the lone tiger

"You fool," Kagome said to herself still struggling on what to do.

She didn't want to take that letter serious at all, which was why it wasn't on her mind during her fun with Sesshoumaru. The few interactions she had with Kovu he struck her as a demon that was just under a plot of pressure to live up to certain ideals his crazy culture had set up for him, and having come to Dragonsbane and seeing that there could be mercy and empathy found in unlikely places probably had that poor cub so confused.

She felt sorry for him yes, but would never have any love for him. There was only one man she loved, and that man would probably indeed kill him if this letter was read.

They had so much on their plate right now did they really need this drama? She didn't want to tell Sesshoumaru, but at the same time she preached so much about honesty and had no regrets about reading Amara's letter she couldn't go and keep this a secret.

"Please don't turn into a problem," Kagome put the letter in the drawer of the vanity only somewhat hiding it.

She needed some sleep and she'd think about it later, and hopefully wherever that idiot Kovu was he'd do some maturing and realize this was just infatuation and he needed to leave their family alone.

Author's Note: So I received some criticism about the last chapter and let me tell you I very much enjoyed it, because what I got from it is Sesshoumaru is actually being understood, and that is something I struggled with so much with in writing the last chapter, because I feel like I was walking a tightrope in this situation. Sesshoumaru needed to be an asshole and just lay venom into everyone so he could say his peace and move on, but at the same time I feared he'd be interpreted as whiney or non-changing when that poor pup is going through some things, and there is always the issue with Kag/Sess fics where if I let Kagome be fine with Sesshoumaru's actions a bit too much then it'd be like she is being a doormat and letting him have his way. I'm just doing the best I can with the story I'm trying to tell and I'm fine with where we are at. Kag and Sess's relationship can't be perfect. If it was why is this story still going? Also I might have failed in communicating that Kagome and Inupapa weren't upset about Sesshoumaru unburdening himself Kagome was mad about being how petty the succession talk was and Inutashio didn't believe InuYasha should have been in Sess's line of firey hate that night.

I'm not going to pretend to understand, however, why we are so caught up on this dog demon egg thing? They aren't humans, they aren't animals, they are youkai who in this world different clans different types of demons have different way of doing things and we'll find out more about dragons eventually.