Her Heart's Winter Thaw
By Dragonessclaw
Disclaimer: I make no money off of this story. The characters are the work of the wonderful Rumiko Takahashi, only the story is mine.
Chapter 37 Visiting the South
That week was pretty regular. Shippo was floating on cloud nine the last she had seen him. Nyla had consented to starting the courtship. Kagome of course wasn't surprised. Nyla was fiercely independent if Shippo hadn't asked her soon Kagome was sure the girl would have brought it up herself.
Kagome was walking through the market place. She had sent three messengers, one to each section to get permission to visit each of the other three Lords lands on the island. Right now she was in the south. She picked that one first to make sure to visit the Southern Lady and see how her new cub was doing.
Lady Amara was a tiger demoness. She had the most exotic eyes and bronze complexion. The cub was so cute but though Lady Amara was nice and all she wouldn't let Kagome get but so close.
Kagome didn't know what to think about that and decided to ask about it later. That was when she ran into Hinomura, Kyo and he offered to give her tour of the southern area. Once they left and were a good distance away Kagome asked about the cub and Kyo explained that no one but the Lord, the Lady, and the nursemaid were allowed to hold the cub until it was much older. Kyo explained about how territorial tiger demons were and how protective they were of their young. That was good to know because Kagome had kind of taken it personally.
As he was showing her around and keeping her entertained Kagome asked about how he was doing and if he had found that special someone yet. He laughed and said he hadn't but if the rumors she had been hearing were correct it wouldn't be long. He had nigen and demons alike vying for his attention as she heard it. He of course, was taking full advantage of it getting meals and gifts.
Next Kagome would be going to visit the East. She would save North for last since she heard that the Northern Lord and Lady were much like their ambassador. Kagome still didn't trust Okamoto, Teruna though the woman had given her no cause. It was just a gut feeling but Kagome had learned long ago to trust those.
She also wanted to go East first because she looked forward to seeing Ambsador Wada Hiraku. He turned out to be quite funny like an old grandpa with many stories. Actually he reminded Kagome a lot of gramps just without all the yelling of "Demon Begone" and the ofudas all over the place. Kagome also had some sketches for the commissioning of some new night wear. First she would have to return to the West.
As Lady of the West there were many things that demanded her attention. Kagome actually thought about Jaken for the first time in years. No wonder the faithful retainer was always trying to get Sesshomaru to return to the castle. Kagome couldn't be gone for more than a week without coming back to piles of requests or maintenance and food troubles with the staff. There were also droves of people both nigen and demon alike requesting an audience with her. How Sesshomaru stayed away so long traveling before when she had first met him Kagome would never know.
Sesshomaru had already informed Kagome that he would be away for a few days to handle some business so Kagome returned home dreading the amount of paperwork that awaited her. After three hours and only one half of the way done Kagome decided to take a break. Kagome walked to her rooms and sent for Leila. It would be nice to sit down and take a break from everything. Also her feet were killing her. It was nice sightseeing and of course Kyo's company had been fun but it had been a very long day. Hinomura, Kyo had asked if she would prefer to ride or fly but noooo she had to walk. The island didn't really seem that big and that was just one part. At least that's what she had thought until she started walking.
Leila came in as Kagome was getting out of her bath. It was so good to see her. Kagome gave her the gift she had purchased for her, jewel encrusted hair clips, and the two fell into easy conversation as Leila helped Kagome put her things away.
Everything was fine but Kagome got the feeling that there was something wrong. It was nothing that she could pin down but Leila just seemed like she was in a rush. She didn't move any faster and was as attentive as ever but something was off. Kagome dismissed it as her own paranoia; she had been a little off lately.
She decided to go to bed and attempt to sleep. Kagome was tired but kept tossing and turning. It just didn't feel right without Sesshomaru there. The bed felt empty and cold. She missed his warmth and his arms around her. After an hour of much of the same Kagome finally asked for a cup of sake.
It came within minutes. Even when Sesshomaru was not there the staff still moved as if they took too longs their heads would be rolling across the floor.
As she took a sip Kagome thought over all the new things she had learned and all the beautiful sights. The sake ran down warming her throat and spreading out to her chest relaxing her as it went down. Before she knew it the cup was empty and Kagome felt like she could finally sleep. Her last thoughts were of Leila and how weird she had been. Little did she know that the answer would come to her a few days later.
Here it is guys I hope you like it.