I was intending on jumping to a time skip of one year, hence the conclusion of the previous chapter, but opted out for six months instead. Next chapter, Rin will be out of school!
Sayumi trekked the halls of her kingdom that was in no way grand or ornate like the halls of her fiancé's shiro. Her father had stopped paying attention to ornamentations long ago, getting ill-tempered at just the sight of any tapestry that looked too happy or bright, and making servants dispose of them.
Quickly, her thoughts returned to Lord Sesshomaru and the news his mother had just delivered. Her letter in her salmon obi. She knew for certain how her father was going to react to the news that the lord has postponed, once again, their engagement announcement and that he wished to speak with both of them. Although his mother had assured her that it was nothing to worry about, this information he wished to "discuss" sounded like unwelcome news. Maybe this stalling was now an official cancellation. Sayumi's stomach tightened when she knocked the bulged and thick doors of her father's study, which was located in the upper towers. Emperor Mototane spent most of his days and nights there, accompanied only by his advisor Atsuya.
Atsuya was at the door rapidly, wearing the same attire Sayumi had seen him in for a decade. His black hood was so low over his face that it covered his nose and his cloak embraced him in more black velvet with trim of silver that it was impossible to see what he wore underneath. Sayumi wondered how the cheerful Atsuya, who once was such good friends with her mother, had turned so distant and brooding.
"Princess," He said tranquilly as he stood aside for her to enter.
She stepped into the awfully cold study and immediately spotted her father at his desk, his room dark with only an oil lamp to light what he read.
"Sire," Sayumi greeted standing before him. He looked up from his document with a slight smile. "Why is it so dark and cold in here? I have told you to open the windows. A little sunlight will do you no harm," she said going towards the large shoji windows behind him ready to bring some warmth into the stifling study, but Atsuya clasped her hand before she even touched the latch. His touch had startled her, she hadn't noticed him trailing behind her. His cold touch sent hot shivers through her spine. The swirl of fingers around her exposed wrist felt…scaly. She turned to face him then…afraid that it wouldn't be Atsuya under that cloak.
"Princess," he said tenderly. "The emperor wishes it this way."
That voice definitely belonged to the man that had practically helped raise her. She felt silly in her suspicions and faced her father once more.
"If this is how father prefers it, that is just fine." She quickly changed the subject. "I'll get to the point. I am here because I have some news from Castle West."
Her father's immediately sprung from his tall seat in attention. By now, Sayumi was used to it. It seemed that the only way she could have her father's full attention was when she brought up the West. Her father had become more than obsessed with getting her married to strengthen their territory and influence. She felt like he loved his chance at power more than the happiness of his only surviving child. He was so much different from the grieving widow she remembered.
Emperor Mototane's eyes darkened in alarm.
"What is it?" he croaks out as if he hadn't used his voice in ages.
"Lord Sesshomaru has postponed the engagement formality once again. He says he wishes to speak with us in person."
His bushy white brows form a tall V on his forehead and he stood up from his desk completely angered. "He is not planning on taking away our agreement, does he?!"
"He would be unwise to do so, Emperor," Atsuya remarked motioning him to sit back down.
Sayumi didn't say a word. He got like this every time Lord Sesshomaru deferred things. This time, though, he had done so quicker than other times…he had only waited six months. She held on to the hope that once she married, her father would return to the way he was and Atsuya would return too.
"I am sending you to Castle West after our proposed two-year wait. You'll stay there until he mates you whether he enacts the arrangement again or not." Sayumi's mouth parted to protest, but he silenced her with his flat hand slicing the air. "Finish any pending affairs you have."
Sayumi bowed having no choice in the matter. She held her disdain close to her heart and secret behind her smile. Her father was so desperate to give her away to a husband that didn't love her. Would that truly bring him peace? There was so much fury when he spoke of Lord Sesshomaru that she wondered if he had forgotten that it was the dragon daiyoukai that had killed their family. She sometimes couldn't help but feel that her father had died along with her mother and sisters those many years ago.
"Where are you going, son? I said I need to speak with you." Lady Chiyoko attempted to sound nonchalant and diplomatic considering how she had just been reprimanded for spying in front of their servants.
Lord Sesshomaru walked away from his messy desk, Suenori and Kaage, trailing behind him with stacks of paper. He was going to his last and largest territory of Kiba and then he would sit down and calculate with his men. He had a long day ahead of him and didn't want to be bothered by dull affairs. He passed by his mother ignoring her words. She stiffened at the heavier authority he now emanated since his return. Something about him had changed and she had no idea why. He threw a narrowed glance at Miho who stood behind her mistress. She had a light gash under her eyes that was already healing.
"The next time your servant pries into my affairs, she will lose her tongue."
Miho breathed a fearful inhale. She believed she was completely hidden from his view that when that dagger of light attacked her, all she did was scream for her mistress. Lady Chiyoko ran to her rescue and exposed them both.
"I want the mess you have made of my study rectified when I return, understood?"
The snake-demon responded swiftly and stared at the scattered paper and scrolls she had dispersed when she fell from the ceiling as a snake and landed right on his desk in her humanoid form.
With her ungodly son gone, Lady Chiyoko sat on a tall chair fuming, watching Miho clean up. His senses were back and more honed than before. She had waited months to give Sayumi the news of the lord's plan because she wanted to find out what was going on first before acting…but she didn't know anything. She was entirely confused about what he was doing with his lands and his future. She was scared that the stupidity of his father would emerge in him and that he would throw away honor and customs for a measly human woman. At least Izayoi was born a noble. For many years, she believed her son had inherited most of her qualities…but he was, no doubt, his father's son too.
She glimpsed at the ink and quill toppled on the floor next to a blank legally-binding page that had his crest in place. She got an idea as she stared at the yellowish parchment paper, perhaps it would be her most foolish and desperate idea yet. She told herself once again that she was doing all this for her kingdom. She remembered with terror and agony as Ryukotsusei and his men attacked them while her husband died elsewhere. The bitter memory as the demon forced himself on her still made her skin crawl. The face of the man she had given up to marry Inu No Taisho had given his life to free her…his face so ever-present in her thoughts. To the end, he had served the man that had left his kingdom weak and had taken away the woman he once loved…
She had the power to accept and officiate offers of marriage, too. It was a despairing attempt, sure, but she was going to try one last time to get rid of the human girl that had caused her this apprehension.
Rin seated out in the courtyard eating a pear that came from a rounded plate at the bamboo table at her side. The porcelain plate of a floral design was a beauty and filled with colorful fruit that was cushioned by wisteria petals. She knew whose gift this was from…The purple petals always his signature, making her memories return to the warmth and caresses she had felt at his side in the Wisteria Island. She sighed pleasantly as the rain began pattering lightly on the roofed pergola. She finished her pear and wiped the sweet juices from her mouth with the napkin on her lap. She reached for a citrus next when her maid rushed from the lodging towards the courtyard pavilion. She had an umbrella in hand and was wearing a conical hat of her own.
"You have a visitor, my lady," she announced slipping her hat back to the nape of her neck.
The maid assisted Rin off her seat and was led to the visitor's pavilion. She believed that it might be Shiori this time because Yuna had left not too long ago. She wasn't entirely sure, but she didn't place too much attention as she was lead down the halls. When she slid the bamboo printed doors, she was shocked to find Lady Chiyoko waiting for her instead.
Her first instinct was to believe that something was wrong. She waited until the doors closed and sat across from her on the floor table. The maids brought them tea in wooden cups and they stared at each other in silence. Once they were alone, their conversation started casually, concerning her schooling and her well-being, but as she began commenting on the upcoming engagement formality Rin knew there was something specific she wanted to tell her. Rin fingered the stitched pattern of a goldfish on her royal blue kimono and listened. She really needed to work on her fidgeting.
"The preparations for the engagement will start after your return and your presentation to the estate is over. We are all very excited, but the nobles of the Northern Mountains still have some trepidation about your presence and close relationship to Lord Sesshomaru. Silly, of course, but understandable considering the war they went through."
"They still fear that I will somehow ruin their plans?" She shook her head unbelievingly. "It is not my intention to do such thing. I thought I had made myself clear that I will not put anyone in harm's way for my sake."
"That is what I told them as well," Chiyoko said agreeing as she dug through the lapels of her pink kimono and took out a folded document. "What's best is to hush those rumors once and for all. I know that you have been proposed to by General Tsukuyomaru and I wanted to ask you to make the final decision. Sign this contract in which you affirm that after your return you will marry the Demon General Tsukuyomaru."
She slid the document in front of her with the tips of both clawed hands as Rin's gaze dropped to it.
"Lord Sesshomaru will announce his engagement when you return and you can announce yours too. Two birds with one stone."
"Did Tsukuyomaru agreed to this too?" Rin asked eyeing the document. The ink looked fresh.
"Of course, but my son doesn't know. Rin once you sign this you will calm a lot of apprehensive people and you can finally try to find happiness with someone else. Isn't this what is best for you and your kingdom? Or do you still hold on to the foolish hope that Lord Sesshomaru will choose you over his duty?"
I will be able to be forthright, Rin.
Rin continued looking at the document officiating the engagement between her and Tsukuyomaru. Tsukuyomaru's part was signed and only hers remained empty.
"Sign it, Rin. End it all here."
Lord Sesshomaru returned along with the heavy rain. It had gotten late and his assembly with his Minister of Kiba had elongated. Tomorrow he planned to assess the resources and monetary impact of all his territories on Castle West.
He walked towards his chamber with his eyes closed, enjoying the silence he so much enjoyed. The moment he caught the scents of Tsukuyomaru and half-demon Yuna his jaw clenched. They both stood by his doors hushing in their conversation when they saw him.
"I didn't expect a welcoming party," he said coldly stopping in front of them and glancing from one to the other.
"I saw Lady Chiyoko going towards Rin's school as I returned from my visit, my lord," Yuna announced speedily. She didn't trust that lady after everything Rin had told her and she didn't want to waste any time.
Lord Sesshomaru frowned and narrowed his eyes in thought.
"I am afraid that she may force Rin to sign a marriage contract," Tsukuyomaru admitted. He hated himself for being so honest, but he didn't want Rin by force. "She wanted me to sign it and legally bind Rin as my intended," he explained when Lord Sesshomaru's scowl became even deeper.
He had refused to sign of course causing her to berate him as she tended to do when things didn't go her way.
"Hn," he responded shortly turning on his feet and heading back the direction in which he had arrived. His gait was peaceful and his hair flowed behind him revealing his short-kimono adorned with black and gold.
His mother was getting quite desperate to think that a paper would be enough to take Rin away from him. He was the Lord of the West! Measly contracts like those could be broken by him with little effort.
Rin laughed and assured the girls she would return to finish their game of Uta-garuta, playing cards, after she changed her sake soaked Yukata. Miharu was a messy drunk and in her excitement of winning a round, she spilled her drink all over Rin's lap. The girls were rowdy and giggly and were enjoying the little bit of freedom that didn't come often.
"Just give me a second, ladies," she said with a laugh, walking up the stairs. "I'll change quickly."
"Hurry back so we can destroy these wenches!" Miharu shouted drunkenly, hiccupping and taking her sake cup to her lips. Hana, a bird-demon, snatched it away from her as Miharu pouted trying to get her drink back.
"Enough for tonight, Miharu," Hana ordered gently.
Rin shivered involuntarily as she entered her room. The audible sounds of rain soothed her as she began to tug on her thin obi, but she froze when saw the figure emerge from the wide opened windows. Her breathing intensified as Lord Sesshomaru walked inside and stood in the middle of her room dripping wet. He pinned her with those golden eyes she had sworn had no control over her anymore.
"My lord," she whispered breathlessly without her control. There were surprise and recognition on her face.
"Rin." He responded with her name. Uttered in that deep voice that she so loved.
When her shock dissipated she walked towards him slowly as if she was afraid what would happen once she had closed their distance.
"My lord, what are you doing here?" she asked softly. "You are going to get me thrown out."
Aware of the fact, she walked back to the door of her room and turned the latch, bolting it shut. She turned towards the alcove where her dresser was and rummaged until she found a drying cloth. With it in hand, she went to him once more.
"That's not my intention," he said while taking the cloth from her hand. His fingers lingered on her wrist and she froze at his touch, but his touch left as quick as it came. The brief meeting of skin leaving her wanting more. He wiped himself down from the rain. "Did you sign the contract?"
Rin's eyes widened slightly in understanding. "Ahh, so that's why you're here."
She took the towel from his hold and squatted to dry the puddle by his leathered booted feet. He stepped aside and watched the length of her hair curl over her stonewashed blue yukata. She smelled of camellia oil and sake. How he craved to touch her again.
"My plan was to see you after you returned."
Rin stood up and threw the wet cloth to the side. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked up at him. She hated how much she enjoyed seeing that handsome villainous face of his. How she craved for him to touch her.
"But you came to let me know that even if I did sign that contract it wouldn't matter because as your ward, only you can decide who I can or can't marry."
The dryness in her voice made his temples throb.
He grabbed her by the forearms shaking her in surprise. He pulled her closer his face just inches from her. "Damn it, woman. Why do you insist on making things so difficult for me? Do you enjoy mocking me?" Rin jolted at his fierce hold, her lips parted as if he had taken the wind out of her. "I came because I was worried about you. I don't know what my scheming mother might be planning." His grip relaxed, his hand falling naturally at her hips. "She will get much more desperate once I announce that I am not planning on mating Sayumi."
It took a while for those words to settle in her mind, but when they did Rin gasped.
"What?" she stammered confusedly.
She jumped and pushed herself against him when she heard a knock at the door.
"Rinn!" Miharu's drunken voice sounded through the doors. "Are you almost done?! The girls want to play without us!"
Rin looked up at Lord Sesshomaru, her wide eyes begging his silence.
"I am almost done, okay?" she assured over her shoulder trying to steady her shaking voice.
"I can help you dress!" Miharu remarked happily
She didn't answer this time. She was too shocked at what the man in front of her had told her. She whispered harshly at him, "What do you mean you're not mating the princess?"
"It means," he began in that profound affirmative voice of his.
Rin turned to the door anxiously. She got on her toes and slapped two fingers over his lips, "Whisper."
He grabbed her wrist and took it to his lips before he said, "I am not mating because I am annulling my agreement."
That was hardly an explanation at all. Part of her rejoiced and part of her was afraid of what that meant.
"What about your kingdom," she countered. She broke away from him thinking about the warning Lady Chiyoko had given her since her arrival. Lord Sesshomaru didn't appear as distressed as Rin did at the news. He took her hand and placed it flat on his armor less chest trying to comfort her.
"Don't worry about that, Rin. I am the ruler of the West and as such I will protect my lands and all my subjects from harm. Do not fear. I am working on a way to appease the North."
He sounded so confident and resolute that Rin couldn't help but believe him. Rin shot on her toes again when the latch moved fervently.
"Rin?! Don't fall asleep!" Miharu said again.
"You have to go," she susurrated urgently even though she desperately wanted to know how all this came to be.
She felt silly for feeling hope once again. She wrapped her hand around his wrist and led him back to where he came from. The loud rain helped in concealing his deep voice or else, she was sure, Miharu would've noticed something already. Or maybe she was just too drunk to care.
He halted midway and Rin turned to face him again. Her mouth moving to tell him that it was not the time or place for them to speak, but the flaming look in his eyes muted the words.
"Rin," he paused and it took a while before he spoke. He would take longer if it wasn't for the cat-demon on the other side. He hid how tense she made him feel. He never imagined he would be standing in front of her after just a few months. He had been thankful for the years he had to understand and accept his emotions, but here he was, the woman he cared for so close to his reach.
"Rin. I love you." He frowned when he said those foreign words, evaluating their weight on his tongue. His words had an impact on Rin, her eyes widening and her legs buckling as if she couldn't handle her weight. "I have broken our trust and there is no way for me to renew it than to be patient and show you that I will never intend to deceive you again. Forgive my faults and allow me to restore that trust and show you that I want no more secrets between us."
Rin cupped her mouth with her palms, her eyes gleaming and paralyzed in astonishment.
"Rin, you are my one true mate. You being a human doesn't change that."
Rin collapsed to the floor, unwilling tears filling her eyes and collapsing down her cheeks. Who was this man standing before her? This wasn't Lord Sesshomaru, was it? Was this a dream? He repeated those words in that deep voice again. His eyes never leaving her or hesitating.
"As much as I treasure you, I know that I must give you time to process this information. You don't have to tell me anything now. Take time to reflect on your own emotions as you finish your schooling here. I will take care of the North, do not worry, Rin. Do not be scared. No harm will come to the West or to you. That is my promise to you and to them. When you return, there is something I wish to ask you."
He was no longer avoiding his issues or burying them in deception out of fear or repetitions of mistakes. He was resolving everything one by one no matter how difficult as a true ruler. He finally felt some matter of peace. The doors finally stopped stirring, leaving only he, Rin, and the rain outside.
He took a step towards her and extended his hand, palm up, to her. She took it and he lifted her from the ground and drew her into his strong embrace, soothing the shivers that racked her body. He wiped the tears with his thumbs and leaned into her, their bodies molding into each other. His lips parted with a soft longing sigh and covered hers in a kiss that was gentle and loving like the words that had just come out of his mouth.
Lady Chiyoko sat up on her bed, her hair free from its binding and falling in long tendrils on her bed. When her doors unbolted she knew it wasn't Miho returning from the kitchens so soon. She gulped thickly as she saw Lord Sesshomaru's boots first through the fabric that canopied around her bed. He stopped at the foot of her bed and tore the document void of Rin's signature and Tsukuyomaru's false one. Lord Sesshomaru had decided on the arrangement he wished to make with the North to free himself from his mating. All he needed was to set it in stone.
"Mother. I hate to interrupt you so late at night." He didn't sound apologetic despite his words. He threw the remnants of paper over her covered feet as she glared at the torn document and then at him. "Before you open your mouth to speak, as my advisor and my mother, I am here to tell you that I am not delaying my engagement formality, but terminating it. I am not mating the Northern Princess." He turned to walk away, but then stopped and a mean smile twitched his lips. "Oh, and mother, you are punished to six months of solitude in the upper towers for defying my orders and officiating legal documents with counterfeit signatures."
Lord Sesshomaru left this time, leaving the doors opened for footmen to gather her things and help Lady Chiyoko to her new room.