Sorry for such a late update! This month was so hectic and I was itching to write so bad! This part is short, tomorrow I'll update the rest because I am still tweaking it. I have some juicy scenes for you guys I am so excited! It's incredible how much love this story has gotten. I've recieved pms asking if I was abandoning. Again, never! I am so close to the end to give up now. :)

Rin was on her way back home and she felt nervous and giddy as if she was going to a different place entirely. Of course, her giddiness and nerves were well hidden under a peaceful face decorated with pink lip rogue. Her large eyes that added to her youthful appearance were delicately painted at the corners, but that flush of color wasn't enough to hide the excited gleam that flickered in her eyes. She shivered involuntarily wondering if her own excitement was getting the best of her. Regardless of that, her posture remained poised and controlled just as she had been taught. Rin returned to Castle West as Lady Rin, dressed in a deep red kimono embroidered with gold.

Her heart raced so fast that she could hear it in her ears every time she imagined seeing Lord Sesshomaru. His confession was still so fresh in her thoughts that it was as if he had stood in front of her just yesterday…all wet and incredibly regal. She could still hear his voice with its masculine deepness as he revealed his love to her. He looked vulnerable at being exposed, at saying the words she never imagined would come out of his mouth. Words he never imagined would come out of his mouth. She was nervous about what he wanted to ask her. His letters revealed little and her mind raced with assumptions.

What I wish to say to you is too important to tell you by letter, Rin. Patience.

She had waited so long to hear his feelings that patience was the last thing she felt.

Before those words would've been enough for her to throw all caution to the wind, but so many things had changed now. She wasn't the naïve and hopelessly in love Rin she had been. She was worried and scared of what their conversation would bring and the things it would change. His confession meant one thing: It was now Rin that had to make a choice. What she hadn't expected was for Lord Sesshomaru to end his engagement. She was afraid to assume that his termination and confession were related. She was aware of her place in this world of titles and aware of this kingdom that so depended on their lord. His confession didn't mean she would stay by his side. She knew that. He knew that. His kingdom, her home, was and would continue to be of the most importance to her…but his words had made her incredibly happy. He loved her!

Her carriage came to a stop in front of the shiro and her pulse quickened when the footman slid the door and guided her out. She turned her head slightly upwards and glanced at the row of maids that waited for her at the start of the stone stairs that led to the wide doors were sentinels and footmen stood. She felt proud at seeing the humans faces she saw in the line of maids. Rin stepped down with assistance and smiled towards Yuna that bowed to her and rushed with a shade umbrella that lifted with frilly tendrils. She swiftly covered her lady's head that was adorned with jeweled hair pins.

"Welcome home, Lady Rin," Yuna whispered excitedly as she walked beside her. Rin bowed her head diplomatically and then turned to wrap her arms around her friend. For the first time, Rin truly felt home.

As soon as Rin entered the main entrance and walked the familiar halls, she noticed that maids were busy cleaning and polishing ornamentation. Footmen lugged huge decanters of sake towards the great hall that was ready for the mass of nobles her presentation to society would bring. She also noticed the high increase of guards in the castle. Her lips puckered amusedly when she heard Jaken spitting orders down the entertainment room from the hall.

"Do you wish to rest, Lady Rin? You have a busy week coming up." Yuna had a wide smile she couldn't hide. Rin looked stunning. Her robes fell behind her like a waterfall of red and gold. It shocked her to think that this was the same Rin who had arrived at the Water Kingdom.

"No," Rin said turning on her feet to face her. "I would very much like to meet Shina"

Shina was the human Yuna had told her about in letters. She would be her assistant, her bridge between her and the humans that resided in the villages.

Yuna held the shade umbrella tightly in her hand wishing to throw the nagging thing so she could have her hands free for Rin. She was about to lead the way when she heard Jaken, Suenori, and Kaage walking their direction. Their chatter stopped as if someone had simultaneously slapped them.

"Rin!" Jaken yelled running towards her and then he stopped on his track as Rin smiled warmly. Affection flickered her brown eyes as she swished the fan from the inside of her sleeves on purpose. She didn't plan on using the thing as a regular part of her wardrobe. "Rin," he breathed, feeling like a proud father.

Suenori and Kaage flushed a bit when she acknowledged their name with a beautiful smile. Rin had always been a beautiful girl, but she looked different than before. There was an air of confidence that permeated from her that made her look like aristocrat she was sent to school to be. Even so, Rin hadn't changed because she swiftly dropped to her knees in her heavy garment and stretched her arms for the small demon that was more than a father to her. Jaken jumped into her embrace as she laughed when his eyes water because of "dust." Her kusarigama blades that she can now shrink to the most minuscule of proportions poke lightly in her obi as she releases her embrace.

"I am so happy to see you are doing well, Master Jaken. How is A-un?"

Jaken composed himself and Rin rose on her feet once again with the assistance of Yuna.

"He is well, Lady Rin."

"And my lord?"

"He is not here as of yet. He should be arriving in a few days with Inuyasha and the others." Jaken frowned determinedly and clasped his staff until his knuckles went white. "I'll make sure your presentation is a success. Leave it to me." Jaken bowed. The first time that he had curtsied her as a noble.

"Thank you, Master Jaken," she responded returning the curtsy.

As positive as always, Rin continued to beam as she asked Suenori about his well-being and that of Shiori's and Tsukuyomaru's out of habit. She knew they were well since they wrote to her and communicated often. Yuna handed the shade umbrella to Kaage as she respectfully intercepted.

"Let's dress you more comfortably, so we can meet Shina, Lady Rin. She's at the human villages right now."

Rin nodded bidding farewell and allowing the men to attend to their duties.

When Rin arrived at her bedroom with Yuna by her side, she was taken aback by Mika and Mikazuki at the entrance of her chamber. They immediately lowered their teal-heads to the lady.

"We apologize for not being at the front to receive you, my lady. We wanted to make sure you had a warm bath prepared and some food as well," Mikazuki informed before both girls rose their heads to face her.

They had apprehension on their face that they hid under welcoming faces. They were worried that the two years away had changed Rin and that she would realize just how much power she had over them. Friends. She had said. How much of that would still hold true?

Their worry didn't last long because Rin, being Rin, gave them a smile that showed off her teeth and hugged them both with arms outstretched.

"I was worried when I didn't see you girls. I thought you decided to tend to another lady instead."

Her affection caught them both off guard and they stumbled on the words they wanted to say.

"I will take good care of you both," Rin continued as she walked past them into her room.

It wasn't until the sister maids redressed Rin in a coral pink kimono that she noticed Mika's face was still in an apprehensive stupor. Mika accommodated Rin's yellow under kimono, tugging lightly, while Mikazuki smoothed out the outer. Rin made direct eye contact with the demon because of the squared stool in which she stood.

"What's wrong, Mika? Are you not happy about serving me?"

Mika bit down her lip with her fang and then said, "It is not that, my lady." She paused looking down at her sister before turning back to Rin. "Lady Chiyoko wants to marry me off! You have to help me."

Miho guided Rin into a silent throne room. Rin walked the velvet carpet towards the Lady that seemed out of it. She reclined against the back of her throne, her face looking up at the carved ceiling that gathered up like the top of a tent.

"Afternoon, Lady Chiyoko," Rin greeted, making herself known.

Lady Chiyoko responded by turning to face her. Her eyes looked dull for a second and then they returned to their fiery golden.

"Rin," she said and corrected herself quickly. "Lady Rin. Welcome back home. How may I help you?"

"I wish to speak to you concerning one of my handmaidens."

"Oh," she said disinterestedly, not moving from her sitting position. Rin noticed she looked pale as if she had been sick or deprived of sunlight.

"I was informed that you want to marry Mika off?"

"I did not say I would marry her off to the hog demon. All I said was that she should consider his courting proposal. He is a lord and he has the resources to take her away from servitude."

"Mika does not wish to court him. Please be aware that my servants are my charges. I will take care of any personal matters. Don't mate them without my permission."

Those were one of the many helpful things she learned when she was at school. She learned the rules and the rights of being a lady of the West.

Lady Chiyoko took out her fan with less grace as was her custom. She began to fan herself pointing an offended chin up in the air.

"Here I thought I was doing the girl a favor."

"I do appreciate it," Rin said politely. "I must go now. I am going to attend to some matters." She curtsied, "It was nice seeing you, my lady."

Rin turned towards the exit, the coral tails of her kimono dragging gracefully behind her. Lady Chiyoko didn't say a word in response until she saw her close to the doors.

"I am sure you're rejoicing about the turns of events concerning my son."

She knew what she was talking about and the distaste in her words was apparent. Rin turned to face her expecting to find fury etched in her elegant features and there was, but there was also something else entirely there. There was pain. Fear.

"I am rejoicing, but I wasn't lying when I said I'd take care of my kingdom. I do not know why he has canceled his engagement-"

"You don't know?" Lady Chiyoko interrupted coldly. "Are you really that naïve? He canceled it because of you."

Rin's heart skipped a beat but maintained her composure. Because of her? Sure, she had thought about it. Did he see how miserable it made her see them together?

"Even so," Rin continued politely despite that her words had shaken her to a slight degree. "It doesn't change the fact that the security of his kingdom and people are by far the most important. What he decides to do with his personal life is none of our business. I trust him as a ruler and so should you. I know he wouldn't place us in a position of risk. Excuse me."

Rin curtsied again and left, leaving his mother frowning after her. Miho entered the throne room once again taking her place beside her lady. It hurt her to see her so miserable. Lady Chiyoko stared at the crumple of letters Emperor Mototane had sent her, telling her that Sayumi was heading to the West and others asking her to convince her son to marry Sayumi the moment she arrived. She had no idea what the future of this kingdom held. All she wanted was a sense of peace for the first time in her home. A peace that wasn't too solid after the events of the past…but her son had terminated his engagement, his treaty of peace, and had ordered her not to breathe a word to anyone. He had promised to explain himself to her before he made the proper termination to Emperor Mototane himself.

The time in solitude, a year and a half ago, in which her son had sentenced her had almost driven her crazy. With nothing to do and no one to speak, she began to think of him. The man she loved so long ago.

What are you just standing around for? Take my trunks to the carriage, bat-demon.

His boisterous laugh. His pale amethyst eyes that watched her so carefully.

That's not my duty. I am your new bodyguard, Lady Chiyoko.

Thank you so much for your comment guest reviewer Your Fan! Reviews always make me excited and help me think out of the box when writing. So all your thoughts are always appreciated. If I do reach a dead end I will keep you in mind. Thanks again :)