: No Sesshomaru, it's going to take me ages to get ready. And now I need to finish my bath. I'm going to be so late and it's all your fault!
: This Sesshomaru does not remember you complaining like this at the time.
Kagome's head popped around the door as she made her way to the springs once more.
"Of course I wasn't Sesshomaru. It was amazing, and I know it wasn't all your fault. I just really could have thought of better times than an hour before we must be ready."
As she swept into the bathing room and he heard her slip into the water he sighed and swung his legs over the bed to start preparing himself.
: Kagome, you have plenty of time. The ball starts when we arrive. It is impossible for us to be late. You will be fine, my mate.
Kagome stood in front of the mirror as she took from her wardrobe the long silk dress that she had sent home for from her mother. She had decided that she would show Sesshomaru and a few of the others what elegant dresses they had in the future. She had been careful to have one designed that did not show too much of her creamy white skin, she knew that it was frowned upon much more in this era. Keeping to this she had had her mother order a gorgeous midnight blue silk creation that skimmed the floor once she had her silver tipped small heels on. It had a smooth scoop neck that went across her shoulders, revealing her collar bones but no lower. Loops over her middle fingers brought the sleeves down to classical points over her hands, sleeves that hugged her arms as the rest of the dress did.
However, probably the most remarkable thing about this dress was it shone. It was encrusted with hundreds of crystals, each catching the light and throwing it across the room in dancing patterns. She reached forward and delicately lifted the necklace that Sesshomaru had had made for her.
Reaching around her neck she secured it in place, the largest sapphire and diamond cluster sitting just above the neckline of her dress. She reached for her brush as she smoothed down her hair. Teasing out the last of the knots she summoned her reiki, letting it surround her and warm her, gently drying her hair as she did so.
: See, I can live without electricity!
From the other side of the door that led to Sesshomaru's room she heard a low chuckle.
: Even though only a few days ago you were cursing the lack of this "electricity" as it meant you had no "iron"?
: Shh Sesshomaru, those stones that servants found were an alright replacement.
She applied little makeup to her face, only just a light dusting of silver eyeshadow and deep black mascara. Looking into the mirror once more she decided she was ready, which was lucky as it was just coming to dusk. They wouldn't be too late.
She heard the click of the door as Sesshomaru came into her chambers. She glimpsed his reflection in the glass before her. He was dressed as her usually was, crisp white hakamas and hoari though he had forsaken the spiked armour and swords. His obi was different as well. The long sash was midnight blue that matched Kagome's dress with red spindles threading across it and through the hexagons that also adorned it.
But the best thing that Sesshomaru was wearing at this moment was his. He had stopped in the door way, mouth agape as his mate spun for him, the bottom of her dress swirling across the floor, sending dust motes into the air.
"Well? What do you think?"
Sesshomaru didn't answer immediately, but when he did his voice was thick as he clenched his teeth together.
"This Sesshomaru thinks that if we do not leave right now then we will not be leaving this room for the rest of the evening."
Kagome blushed and giggled.
"That was kind of the look I was going for. We better get going then."
With that she swept past Sesshomaru and out of the shoji door. It took Sesshomaru a few seconds to get himself composed before he also stepped out into the hallway and followed his love. Neither of them noticed the slight shift in the room as they did so, nor did they hear the low purr of delight.
"Very lovely Kagome. You shall be mine yet."
The demons were milling around the great hall when Jaken stepped into view at the top of the stairs. No-one paid any attention to his squawk as he tried to be heard, though they all looked up when a hot blast of fire from his staff of two heads swept across the ceiling.
"The Great Lord Sesshomaru and his.....ah....his mate Lady Kagome."
Mutters could be heard through the crowd at the mention of mate. All stopped though when the couple stepped to the top of the stairs and slowly bowed to their guests. They returned the bow quickly and then the chattering started again as the two slowly made their way down the grand staircase.
Sesshomaru caught snippets of what was said, but paid no attention. All his thoughts were focused on the ebony beauty that walked beside him delicately holding his arm. She was stunning, absorbing, enchanting, powerful and best of all, intelligent, strong and fiery. He had never wished for a subservient mate that stood in the background and needed him for everything. He had dreamed of an educated, independent demoness, but so many of the royals that had been thrown at him were none of those. It was odd that he should find all these qualities in a human miko, though the bizarreness had worn off for him now. It was only natural that Kagome was all these things, for they were the very essence of her. Her loyalty to her friends and family, her kindness to all people, youkai, hanyou and human alike were remarkable, though when accounted to her they were exceptional. To think that she was from the future just made her that much more special. He had won, his father had been so sure that he wouldn't find love, but he had won. The great Sesshomaru had something to protect, and protect her he would, with his life if that was what it took.
Aiko was standing with Lady Misaki of the Northern Lands and winked at Kagome as she passed her who smiled in return. The priestess found it relieving to know that she would at least have some people to talk to throughout the night. Of course there was Sango and Miroku who stood at the end of the hall, slightly out of place in the room of high demons but they were smiling at their friend. Inuyasha also stood tensely with them, his eyes darting around at the royalty and nobility of the demons around him, though every now and again they would dart down to make sure that Miroku was keeping his hands to himself in the room of beautiful demonesses.
Sesshomaru and Kagome made their way to the end of the hall and turned together. The taiyoukai gave his mates hand a small squeeze before moving away to address the demon court and their friends and family.
"This Sesshomaru would like to thank all of you for attending the twenty sixth Court Ball. I know that many of you have come great distances to be here and for that I am grateful as it is rare in these times of war and suffering to be standing in a room with so many friends and allies. I hope you enjoy the evening as much as I am intending to do so with my new mate."
The demons around them cheered before turning back to their conversations. Sesshomaru moved off to talk to some of the other Lords of the Lands and Kagome followed him quietly.
Lord Daichi, Aiko's mate, stood talking with Lord Takihiro of the East and Lord Isamu of the North. The two new mates met with the group and the males turned to slap Sesshomaru on the back.
"Congratulations my friend. I never thought I would see the day when there was a permanent guest in your bed!" Lord Daichi gave a sneaky wink to Kagome.
"You I'm sure are one lucky lady!"
Kagome blushed at the forthrightness of him. The other Lords laughed and in turn offered their congratulations. Sesshomaru sneaked a look at the still pink miko by his side, when he suddenly felt her aura shift from embarrassment to curiosity.
: Just how many previous 'un-permanent' guests have there been in your bed?
Sesshomaru inwardly winced. He had hoped that she wouldn't pick up on that.
: This Sesshomaru is over 800 years old Kagome, there may have been a few over the years, though none looked as delectable under my silks than you do.
Kagome raised an eyebrow and smirked.
: Flattery won't win you this one Sesshomaru. I never thought I would see the day I was mated to a demon, let alone a man-whore of one!
: Are you calling this Sesshomaru free with his affections miko?
: Hm, I maybe, though I can assure you Sesshomaru, I have never seen such a person one look 'as delectable' as you do.
With that she grinned at him and said her goodbyes to the other Lords and swept off to talk to Aiko and Misaki. She found them soon enough, standing in the centre of the room staring at the ceiling, pointing at objects every now and again.
"Ah, I see that you too are more observant than Sesshomaru or the others are."
The two demonesses turned to her as she spoke, and it was Aiko that replied as she grinned at the young miko.
"Kagome, sorry....Lady Kagome, one; we are Ladies of the Court, it is our job to notice things that our mates do not, and then decide whether we tell them or leave them in the dark for a while, and two; I have a feeling that Sesshomaru may be a little preoccupied at the moment with having a new mate!"
Kagome feigned shock.
"He does?! Where is she? We should have words!"
The three of them laughed rather loudly, gaining a few glances from the surrounding people.
"Oh Kagome. But seriously now, I think you have some explaining to do!"
Kagome glanced between the two.
"About what?"
"Well for a start, the dress, it is amazing but it's like nothing I have ever seen before."
Kagome thought for a minute, trying to gauge how to answer. She couldn't really tell them that it was from the future, she knew that with so many around that could over hear it would spread throughout the court in time and then the well would not be safe. She may put her family in danger, and she would no longer we able to visit them.
"It is a style from my birth place. It is one of the more formal we have."
The two eyed her suspiciously.
They were demonesses and could sense that she was holding something back.
"And where exactly is that?"
Kagome sighed.
"A long, long way away."
Seeing their curiosity was not sated and Misaki open her mouth to further question her she held up a hand.
"I am very sorry, but that is all I can tell you. I must protect my family and friends from danger, and to do that I can't tell you exactly where I am from. I apologise."
Hearing the seriousness of her tone the two got the message, Kagome's birth place was not up for discussion at this present time.
"Ok, we understand. The second thing is what are those things!"
As Misaki spoke she pointed at the large black boxes positioned around the room that had spindly tendrils coming away from them, all seeming to lead behind a large silk hanging off the left hand side of the stage where the demoness that had been hired in was currently singing.
Kagome's eyes glinted with excitement.
"That, my friends, is a surprise, though one that will soon be revealed."
They were about to question her further when a small ball of fur hurtled into Kagome's arms. She glanced to see Shippo's large green eyes smiling up at her.
"Shippo! What are you doing here? I thought we agreed you to were remain with Rin in the royal wing."
After the announcements Jaken had retreated to watch over the children with Kilala
Suddenly a small hurricane hit Kagome running and wrapped its arms around her legs. The small raven haired girl looked up at the miko, a large grin on her face.
"We were, but we thought Jaken would get annoying, so Rin and Shippo decided that we would come and watch from the higher balconies quietly, but then we heard that you and Sesshomaru were mated, and Rin wanted to come and see her new mummy!"
Kagome chuckled.
"Well, while I don't totally agree with you sneaking away from Jaken it is lovely to see you. Now, if you are very good, and behave we will go and see Sesshomaru, see if he will let you stay down here with us. But if you do you must promise you will mind what you say and stay close to Miroku and Sango. Okay?"
Both of the children nodded enthusiastically, Kilala who was now perched on Kagome's shoulder mewed her agreement.
"Excuse me Aiko and Misaki, I will be back in a minute."
"It is fine Kagome. It is our turn to sing for now any way."
The miko gently guided Rin away from the two ladies and towards the group of males that were still talking, Shippo sitting on her hip with Kilala on her shoulder. She strode up behind her mate and placed a hand on his arm.
"Sesshomaru, may I speak with you a minute."
He quickly excused himself and turned to her, eyes widening in surprise when he saw who accompanied her.
"Rin, this Sesshomaru believes that you were told you should remain in your rooms with the kit and neko for the evening."
Rin looked embarrassed but that didn't stop her from talking.
"We were going to milord, but Rin and Shippo didn't want to stay with Jaken so we sneaked in and heard that Kagome is Rin's new mummy and that Lord Sesshomaru is Shippo's new daddy and we wanted to come and see you."
She spoke very quickly and beamed up at the demon who had indeed become her father figure over the last few years.
Kagome giggled.
"I was thinking Sesshomaru that they could stay. Miroku and Sango would watch over them and they have promised that they will be on their best behaviour. It couldn't do any harm really could it?"
Sesshomaru looked down at the two human females that had sneaked their way past his defences and into his heart and realised that there was no way he could say no to two pairs of eyes like that. They were mirror images, both staring at him with wide eyes and smiles on their face.
"Hn. Very well. But any disturbance or comments from the other Lords and they must return to their rooms."
Rin cheered and grabbed Shippo's hand as she raced off to find the slayer and the monk. Kilala gave Kagome's cheek a quick lick in thanks before bounding off after the two.
Smiling after them Kagome turned to catch Sesshomaru staring at her.
: What?
: This Sesshomaru was merely contemplating how his luck has turned in his favour for once.
Kagomee blushed and reached up to press a chaste kiss to his lips, her hand resting lightly on his cheek after as she gazed into his eyes. A shout came from the other side of the room, from the stage area. The two broke apart and glanced towards Lady Aiko who was waving her over.
"I believe it is the new Lady's, Lady Kagome's, turn to entertain the room. Please Kagome, won't you pry yourself away from the gorgeously handsome taiyoukai next to you and sing for us?"
Kagome turned panicky eyes to Sesshomaru. He chuckled low.
"Go on my love, it is you turn."
The miko gulped as she turned away, allowing nervousness to seep into her aura. If this was to work then her mate had to believe that she was dreading this.
As she stepped onto the stage she glanced around to see that everyone had halted their conversations and had turned to listen to her. She cleared her throat delicately and then spoke.
"I'm sure many of you have realised that I...uh....I am not the most confident or comfortable at public speaking, and so you can probably all imagine how terrified I am of singing to you all."
That earned her good-hearted laughs throughout the room. Seeing so many smiling faces her confidence picked up a little and she stood a little taller.
"So I have found a solution. Many of you will not understand this but I assure you it is nothing sinister. This is my song for you, merely using a little bit of...um....magic, from my own village."
With that she turned and reached for a small box just off the side of the stage. It was time for her second surprise of the evening to be unveiled.