Sesshomaru and the Songstress: Passion From Within

Chapter Thirty-Five: Lady Mother's Sorrow

"My lady…it has arrived…" A servant said, bowing at Rumana's feet. Taking a deep breath, Rumana waved them to come forward. It had been years since she had seen her father's magnificent sword, and her parent's were killed the last time it was used. It held so many memories…so much sorrow.

Laying the wooden box at her feet, she carefully opened the latches. Aunt Cho had carefully prepared the sword for her; she could she that it had been polished to its former glory. Standing from her seat, Rumana unsheathed the massive weapon. It was light as a feather in her delicate hands, with just the right weight in the handle and blade. Placing the sword back into the box, Rumana ordered it locked up in her room. The servants obeyed.

Lady Mother sat in the guest room, her mind clouded in thought. Today was the day that her husband Inutaisho had lost his life…all to protect his human lover. Crossing her arms in pain, she tried hard to forget his betrayal. Technically, he had owed her nothing. Inutaisho had made her Queen Mother of the Western Lands…a legendary ruler. He had only done what most husband's did…got a mistress. It wouldn't have been so difficult to deal with if he had not had a child with her…a son none the less. Lady Mother knew that his passion for his human love was strong, so strong that he gave up a life with his true wife and child to protect a human that would die anyway. When she received the news, she did not cry. She barely reacted. I mean, if his life was so meaningless as to throw it away for a human, then why shed tears?

But this time…this year…the tears came. Sitting alone in her room, she quietly sobbed. She had never been loved, she had never been treasured like this human whore had been. An icy façade was hard to retain…especially since Sesshomaru had made so many revelations in his own life. He had learned tolerance by not only Rumana, but by his father's example. If Inutaisho had not cared so deeply for his human mistress, then Sessshomaru may have never been inspired to take his relationship with Rumana any further. The irony of the situation ate away at her heart…and she hung her head in sorrow.

"Lady Mother…are you alright?"

Abruptly turning around, Lady Mother jumped at the surprise voice. It was Lord Atsuko.

"Yes Lord Atsuko! For goodness sakes, don't you men ever knock? How utterly rude to barge into my room! Your manners should have you whipped and lashed!"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

"Well, what did you come in here for?"

"Lord Koji's sword arrived today from Rumana's village. She will need to learn how to use it properly, and I plan to start training her immediately. Also, Sesshomaru asked me to send word to you of today's anniversary."

"Oh really?"

"Yes. The servants are setting up a small memorial ceremony for your late husband, out of respect for you. Today was they day that he -"

"…the day he died for his whore. Yes, I know."

"Lady Mother…Inutaisho had his faults, but he did love you dearly. I knew him for many years, and I don't think he ever meant to cause you grief."

"He succeeded. He granted me a wonderful son and that is the most I could ever ask for. His love was few and far between at the end, but I knew why. But that is ancient history…isn't it?"

"Yes. The old days are gone."

"But we must move on, yes?" Lady Mother said, extending her hand out to Atsuko. Tenderly, he kissed the top of her fingers.

"Come milady. The service is starting downstairs."

Lady Mother gingerly walked beside Lord Atsuko, arm to arm. Perhaps the world was not so cold after all…