Chapter 52 Kaichou
Sesshoumaru was obviously intrigued by the young female youkai but he was no fool and did not single her out for any special attention, once he had escorted her up the steps to the entrance of the Palace. She bowed graciously to him and didn't try to cling to or impress him further but he allowed his eyes to follow her as she went to her rooms admiring the swing of her hips which, once again was not obviously emphasized but was definately alluring.
More guests arrived over the course of the next two days and the noise level at the Palace grew alarmingly and Sesshoumaru often retreated to the privacy of his office. It was true that since the arrival of Inuyasha and his growing family the deathly hush that used to haunt his halls had well and truly disappeared to be replaced by family noise which to his surprise Sesshoumaru found pleasing; but this new sound level was too much for all the time.
The next week was a happy one for everyone, dinners and dancing, picnics in the snow with roaring bonfires to keep warm. New friendships made and quite a few tentative matches made. There was a lot of laughter and during the week the Palace was explored thoroughly with games of hide and seek for the children and even some of the not so young found new ways of playing the children's game.
During this time it became obvious that Lord Sesshoumaru had indeed found someone to take his interest, he had carried on observing the youkai from a distance at first and found himself delighted in her. Her name was Kaichou and she was a Kitsune although somewhere in her not so distant ancestory there was Inuyoukai as well. She was under the patronage of the Eastern Lord, a younger relation of his and she was visiting her relatives for the first time and this invitation had been a definate bonus. There was not too much social life where she came from and she was not used to high living.
Sesshoumaru danced with her and others at the ball, but kept returning to her and always made sure that she was catered for with food and drink. Strangely for him, she was not at all how he would have imagined his 'type' would be but she certainly had something. Kaichou was not tall and willowy; she was perhaps no taller than many human females but she was superbly curvacious and was naturally charming. Above all she was honest which was something that Sesshoumaru valued and would be essential in his mate. He did not want to have to deal with household or political intrigue in the bedroom.
Kaichou did not have the normal reddish hair of the kitsune however. Perhaps due to the fact that she had Inu in her, her hair was very long and almost white; but it did not shine with the silvery blue highlights that Sesshoumaru and his brother had; her's were a shiny red gold. Her eyes too, were not amber or green but a deep chestnut which sparkled with gold highlights.
She made friends easily, drawing people to her and she was very witty but not cruel; her mimicry was clever, she soon had Seshoumaru off pat and instead of feeling he had to remain aloof as if he did not care that he was being made fun of, he could tell there was nothing malicious and he too found himself smiling. By the end of the week he was taking walks in the private gardens with Kaichou and found that she could be sensible and serious in her talk and although she had been sheltered and lived far away, she was far from stupid.
For Inuyasha and Kagome the delights of the ongoing party mood was tempered by the routine needs of family life with young children. As the family suite was with the other Royal rooms, they were far enough away from all the festivities that they didn't have to take notice of anything unless they wished to join in. Of course they had indulged themselves, Kagome especially enjoyed a good party and once she could persuade her shy hanyou to dance with her she was in her element.
The small pups were mainly kept away from everyone as too much excitement was not good for them and Inumaru would become quickly frustrated if he could not communicate properly. Besides, this was really Sesshoumaru's occasion and he was entitled to some times without the rest of his family watching his every move. They did attend as usual the family evening dinners and by the last day of the official week, Kaichou had been invited along with her aunt who was chaperoning the girl to join them all at these meals.
Now everyone was aware of how smitten Sesshoumaru was with the girl and the feeling was obviously mutual. It was at this meal that Sesshoumaru announced that Kaichou had been asked to stay for a further undisclosed amount of time as Sesshoumaru's guest. She blushed prettily and was endearing, her youth was refreshing and it was nice to be able to get to know the girl properly and away from the bustle of the other guests.
Kaichou was a good musician and singer and although modest, she did not demur and make them all beg thereby puffing up her own importance, she was pleased and bounced out happily as she left to get her lute.
"Kaichou is a delight Sesshoumaru." Offered Kagome.
"Feh! Sessh how did you attract a nice little thing like that then?" Inuyasha folded his arms and grinned at his brother who was nothing if not calm, cool and collected.
"She certainly has pleasing qualities and an impeccable pedigree."
"She seems to fit your bill then Sessh?"
"It is a little too early to make such a life changing decision, Inuyasha, but I have to say, she is so far the only one I have even considered."
"Apart from Kagura you mean?"
"I will conceed Kagura, she might have been a possibility, but she is obviously in the past."
"Sorry Sessh, I was out of line, I should remember that the past is best left alone." Inuyasha had become aware of a potential threat from Kagome's aura that might mean he would be denied the pleasure of her company later if he didn't stop his train of thought. Sesshoumaru too could read the signs and he smirked.
"Agreed Little Brother."
The evening ended pleasantly with Inuyasha and Kagome leaving Sesshoumaru to escort Kaichou and her aunt to the guest wing. On the way back to his own quarters he went to say goodnight to Rin. Knocking on her door he got no response yet he could hear the girl inside, he knocked again and when he got no response he slid the door open calling to the girl making sure that she was not going to be taken unawares if she was getting changed. She wasn't, she was already in her bed looking very pale.
"Rin? Are you ill again? You left the dinner early tonight; I was concerned."
"I'm sorry My Lord, I am tired that is all."
"Tired Rin, that is unlike you, You are normally full of life and now you are too pale. I know you have been invaluable in the help you have given everyone this week, have you overstreched yourself."
"Most likely Sire."
"You shall stay close to me tomorrow Rin and I will make sure that you do nothing but relax. How does that sound?"
"You are too kind My Lord." Rin was close to tears but she did not want him to know that and she was saved by the approach of Jaken who came straight in with a cup of tea for her.
"Jaken, you knew that Rin was overdoing things this week and you did not think to inform me."
"Don't blame Jaken please My Lord. It is not his fault."
"I did not know that she had passed out Sire, Rin was foolish and told no one that she was faint."
"She passed out?"
"Yes Sire." The green imp answered, he was cross that he hadn't known and felt guilty knowing all that Rin was going through.
"I shall ask if Kagome can come to you Rin and bring your healer." With that Sesshoumaru left, seriously displeased. What was Rin hiding, had she some debilitating human illness?
Was she really that ill; was he going to lose her? That thought was unbearable. Within ten minutes Kagome was by her side and rocking her, holding her tightly as the distraught girl wept out her distress; she was almost incoherent with grief.
All Kagome could do was hold her, there was nothing to say that could make Rin feel better. Youkai did not take long to start their courtships and were always serious about it. There was no way that Sesshoumaru was not serious over Kaichou, it radiated off him to those who knew him well and Rin knew her Lord very well. He would choose this youkai girl as his life's mate. What was worse, Rin liked her too and could easily have made her a friend. The healer came and checked Rin over but there was no need, she too knew the root cause of Rin's trouble and gave her a herbal concoction to make the girl sleep.
The healer was human and would stay the night with Rin as her Lord commanded and Kagome went back to her mate after giving instructions that should Rin want her, she was to be called. Inuyasha took Kagome in his arms and let her cry against him. He could understand her upset and he was sorry for Rin as well but there was nothing he could do. His brother was free to make his own choices and without being biassed, Kaichou seemed a good match.
The next day Sesshoumaru made enquiries and found out that Rin had been tireless in her efforts to make sure that Sesshoumaru's hospitality didn't fail and that everything was perfect. This, he concluded was one of the reasons that Rin had been tired and pale and he berated himself for not noticing and realising that the girl had thrown herself into the job he'd given her even at the cost of her own health. Sometimes he forgot that her stamina as a human was not the same as a youkai's.
True to his word he kept Rin with him all day making sure she had a holiday. His intentions were the best but unfortunately because he was ignorant of her feelings it put more strain on her as he also took Kaichou with them hoping that maybe the girls could become friends. Kagome couldn't help because Rin wouldn't let her; her Lord had requested that she spend the time with him and that was enough. She had always done as he asked and as far as she was concerned she always would.
When she tried to forget the situation, Rin found that Kaichou was a fun person to be with even to the point of suggesting practical jokes to play on Sesshoumaru, her kitsune nature was fun and reminded Rin of Shippou. But forgetting was not easy, especially when she saw Sesshoumaru smile at the other girl; a smile that Rin recognised and that had been reserved only for her before. However the final straw for Rin was when he cut one of Rin's special Winter Roses that he'd had planted especially for her after she had lamented that there were no pretty flowers in the winter.
Sesshoumaru carefully adorned Kaichou's hair with the Rose and lifted her hand to kiss her fingers, Rin knew that she had been forgotton and left the pair to themselves so as not to intrude on their private moment. She was not sure how she had got back to her room; she did not remember anything, her mind kept replaying the pretty little scene she had witnessed. This time Jaken was waiting for her, sympathy and worry on his face, he knew Rin could not keep on living like this and he had been trying to think of something to help her while inwardly rejoicing at the youkai girl his master had chosen.
He had already suggested that perhaps she could go with Inuyasha and Kagome to stay with Kaede the next time they went to Kagome's home. It would give her a break from having to watch her lord when he courted another. Kaede could always use some help with her medicinal preparations especially as the miko was getting very elderly now. Rin jumped at the chance, she would go with them and spend a month with Kaede and come back with them on the next journey, the break would do her good and she would be useful.
It was soon the time to go. Inuyasha had his gifts ready and Ah-Un was waiting with the chariot. He went to find Sesshoumaru to say goodbye as always but his brother was not in his study; in fact he was in the yard already with his arm around Kaichou ready to wave them off. Shippou was with them as Kaichou had taken a shine to the lad as he reminded her of the litters of cubs that roamed her home den. Shiori was not yet willing to leave Kagome and Rin and so was going to stay with Rin and Kaede for the weekend.
There were many distractions that morning, Shippou was being tickled by Kaichou and he suddenly leapt from her arms and off into the woods surrounding the gardens. She gave a giggle and bowing quickly to them all she gave chase watched by a smiling indulgent Sesshoumaru who it was obvious wished to follow.
"Go on Sessh, go on and we'll see you later. O.K?"
"Well, see you soon then Little Brother, Goodbye Kagome, Rin and children." He had gone before the chariot was lifted off the ground; with Inuyasha, silent and thoughtful instead of exuberant as he normally was and Rin was also silent and still. She did not look back once, neither did she speak for the whole journey. Kagome was concerned for them both; the cause of Rin's despair was more obvious, but Inuyasha's not so.
His own self esteem was not high even after all this time; without even realising it he sought approval still, even from her. He needed touches and smiles and especially reassurance that he was loved even when they were at their most intimate. He required signs of love from his children, feeling hurt if they laughed at something he did wrong when they knew better. Not that they would know this, he was much too brash still using it to cover his insecurity with the ease that years of practice had given him.
But Inuyasha also still held Sesshoumaru in high regard, his whole life had been interconnected with his older sibling in one way or another and he had spent most of it trying to live up to his brother as his ideal even when Sesshoumaru held him in derision. It had been very important to him when he realised that Sesshoumaru had genuinely wanted to establish a true brotherly relationship with him, not just acknowledging him as a Lord of the West but with an unbreakable emotional bond.
It had taken a lot of working out to reach the point they were at now and for Inuyasha the fact that his brother needed him as well had been a precious jewel. Today however, Sesshoumaru had not felt that same need to be reassured that his brother would return to him and Inuyasha was feeling a sense of loss. However it did not take long to reach Kaede's hut and to be made at home. Kaede did not need to have things explained to her, rumours travelled surprisingly fast and the news of the Western Lord and the Youkai maiden had already reached her.
Rin hugged the older woman and soon she and Shiori who was also aware of how things stood had settled in and were playing with Sango's children. But before the family left for the well, Rin took Inuyasha aside and said:
"It seems you were mistaken my lord. I am not his heart at all, I have been so easily replaced."
"Rin, you have not been replaced as his heart, he loves you dearly." 'It is me who will be replaced, not you.' he carried on in his mind.
"He loves me... but not in the way I wish to be loved." Rin sighed and kissed Inuyasha's cheek. "I know he did not say goodbye to you properly either." Inuyasha was stunned as Rin's mouth twisted in an ugly rueful smile. "I know all about him Inuyasha, I know how hard he wept when he thought that you hated him, how much he needed you and missed you everytime you were gone. I was always at his side, around so much so that he could forget that I was there. We are both redundant now are we not?" Rin shook her head and patted his shoulder in farewell.
They went through the well to their noisy and welcome reception on the other side and Inuyasha put his offerings in the tree. This time however he did not immediately leave it's welcome familiarity. His own scent was surprisingly strong considering that he had not been here for a while and it seemed a bit different, not enough to alarm him but he had other things to think about than the vagaries of his scent.
He wasn't sure how long he sat there thinking about the changes that were soon to happen in all their lives. When he had mated Kagome things seemed so straightforward in comparison. When Sesshoumaru mated things would affect so many, change would be inevitable. Inuyasha did not realise he had drifted off to sleep but he must have done, because it sounded like his own voice was talking to him softly and hardly audible.
"Stop fretting about things you can't alter. Take care of your family, they are the precious ones; make the most of them because you never know what is around the corner." Inuyasha came around to the scent of his tears but his face was dry when he felt his cheeks. This mystery was not given time to sort itself out because the scent of his brother was strong above him.
"You are troubled Inuyasha Pup?" Warm arms came around the younger brother and he leaned in, needing the embrace but surprising Sesshoumaru by the intensity of that need. What had happened? "Inuyasha?"
"You don't need me anymore Sessh, you didn't let me say goodbye and I don't know what to say or do for Rin."
"I was distracted wasn't I when you left, is that the time you mean? With Shippou and Kaichou?" Sesshoumaru saw the hurt look on his brother's face. "I'm so sorry Inuyasha. I didn't know that you felt I didn't care."
"Did you never realise how Rin feels...felt for you?"
"Not at the time, I did not or I would have handled things better. I had no idea that she was in such pain over me, to my regret. But do not worry about her, Rin will find happiness despite my neglect of her feelings. Now you need to get inside, I have to go; there is someone I have to sort out urgently." Used to being obeyed Sesshoumaru gently dropped his brother to the ground and raced off following a direction that he had had to follow before. On finding the person he sought Sesshoumaru became exasperated.
"You are a fool to keep tormenting yourself, it would be so much better if you would keep away." The harshness that sounded in Sesshoumaru's words were born from his concern and the knowledge that his words would not be heeded.
TBC
