Chapter 8

Later that evening, they got dressed and went to the dining hall. Kagome wore a lilac and white lily print kimono with silver printed obi and silver hair combs holding her swept up hair with loose curls. Mikazuki wore a sky blue kimono with white obi. Rin wore an orange multi floral print kimono with bright orange obi and her hair was pulled up in an elaborate updo with golden hair sticks.

Sesshomaru, Jaken and Haruka, his army captain, were awaiting their arrival while they drank sake and discussed pending matters.

Arriving at the hall, Kagome was in awe. There was a huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling that illuminated the entire room. On one side were glass french style doors that led to the garden. Red and gold drapes and cushions filled the spaces, fresh cut flowers and a solid round mahogany table with marble floors.

Rin sat on the demon lord left and Kagome on his right with her son next to her then Haruka and Jaken.

"Miko, have you settled in comfortably?"

"Yes we did, it's such a beautiful room. Thank you for the lovely clothes. Rin picked this one for me. She has an amazing eye for detail." She blushed noticing the fixated look he had on her.

"Miko, this is Captain Haruka. He is the youngest Inu demon to lead my tactical unit. Haruka has risen thru ranks by his own merit and strength."

"Bowing to each other "please to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you shikon miko." Giving a wide smile.

"Thank you very much." Feeling her cheeks heat.

"Lady Rin, it's a pleasure to see you once more. That color kimono suits you." Haruka blushed.

"Thank you Haruka-san." Not making eye contact.

The maids finally came in and served dinner. An assortment of meats, vegetables and rice was served. Mikazuki's eyes lit up with the grand feast before him.

"Mikazuki, come to this Sesshomaru."

Everyone's eyes including the servants turned looking at Sesshomaru in surprise.

Feeling everyone watching him, the little pup hid his face in his mama lap.

"Mikazuki it's alright. Sesshomaru-sama is calling for you so you can have dinner next to him. Do not worry about everyone looking. They are happy you are lucky to share this meal with the lord." Kagome coaxes him to get up.

Sesshomaru gave a snarl and everyone resumed their duties.

"Remember your manners, my son. It's not polite to keep the lord waiting."

A maid placed a cushion between the lord and miko. The pup got up nervously and stood before the lord. He gave a bow and waited to be acknowledged then took his seat. He sat straight up until his food was served. Once Sesshomaru began to eat, then everyone joined in. Mikazuki did his best to feed himself but made a little mess. As Kagome was going to clean it, the demon lord did it instead. Both Jaken and Haruka were shocked watching their lord with this pup. Never in their lives have they seen him do this. He never even did it for Rin.

"Lady Rin how are your studies?" Haruka trying to make conversation.

"They are going well. I have been learning quite a lot especially with Lady Kagome's guidance." as she looked at her plate.

Kagome got the feeling that Haruka likes Rin. Was he the reason the lord wanted Rin back home? He may be a good suitor for Rin. Handsome and young. He has many accomplishments. He has long wavy black hair and black eyes with the fairest skin. When he smiled, there were little dimples in his cheeks but looking closely he had a thin long jagged scar from the bottom of his left eye down his cheek. He seemed to be a strong inuyokai.

Snapping out of her thoughts, there was a loud thud!

Jaken fell asleep into his food. Rin let out a chuckle "poor Jaken! He must have been tired!" poking him to wake up.

"Waaahaa!" The little Imp screamed out causing the pup to get scared.

Noticing the scared pup "Jaken. Go to bed. You shall receive punishment for bad table manners and...scaring the pup." Drinking his sake.

"Bbbbut mi lord! I'm just tired from getting…" stuttered the sleepy Imp.

"Jaken."

"Yes mi lord." Bowing and sleepily leaving.

"Zuki it's ok. Jaken is a funny weirdo!" Rin giggled to calm the pup.

The rest of the evening went smoothly. The pup started falling asleep and Sesshomaru wrapped his mokomoko around him and he fell asleep on Kagome's lap.

"Haruka accompany Rin on a walk in the garden before she retires." He commanded.

"Yes my lord. Lady Rin shall we?" as he gave her his hand which she hesitantly took.

"Good night my lord, Lady Kagome" with a small bow.

"Miko something is on your mind." Looking at her as he drank the rest of his sake.

"You amaze me Sesshomaru. I do have something on my mind...but I need to get my sleeping son to bed first, if you don't mind."

Without a thought, the demon lord picked up the sleeping pup and offered his hand to the miko and led them to her bed chamber. "We can speak on the balcony so you won't have to leave him alone."

The demon lord and miko sat on the balcony overlooking the garden. A cool breeze blew and Sesshomaru smelled sweet roses coming from Kagome. She loses her hair and smiled at the air kissing her skin.

Feeling that she's being looked at and a slight redness brushed across her cheeks "thank you for everything. Your palace is quite beautiful. I'm sure Mikazuki would love to be outdoors tomorrow."

"That's not what's been on your mind but you're welcome. The pup will accompany this one to the dojo tomorrow, so you can help Rin and Jaken for the ceremony in 3 days. You will have a role as her mother figure when she is presented. Jaken will inform you of your duties."

"Umm ok. What! I will have duties as her mother figure!" Placing a hand on her chest.

"Is there a problem? Rin would want this."

"No problem at all. I see Rin as my own daughter. I'd do anything for her...speaking of...I want to discuss her potential suitors. Did you have Haruka in mind for her?"

"Yes why not. He's proven himself and has expressed interest in Rin."

"Did you ask Rin what she thinks of this?"

"There is no need. She will fulfill whatever I tell her."

"Even if it is not what she wants or makes her happy?"

"Just say what is on your mind, miko."

"Rin loves you as her father figure and would do anything for you but she does not want this. She wants to continue her medical studies and she is in love with another."

"Why didn't she tell me this?"

"Because you never asked her. Instead you just gave orders as you always do and not listen or understand her feelings."

They remained quiet until the pup wimpered in his sleep. Kagome was going to him when Sesshomaru placed his hand on her shoulder to stop her. He instead went to him and pulled him close to nuzzle him comfortably back to sleep.

Kagome felt her heart swell seeing the sight before her. She saw an intimate side of the evil,stoic demon lord.

When he returned to the balcony "you are capable of understanding feelings. Look at what you just did for my son." Reaching to touch his hand "talk to Rin, please."

The emotionless demon lord accepted the miko hand into his and held it feeling her warmth seeping into him. He gave a kiss on her hand causing her to blush "this one will take your advice and speak with Rin. You need rest miko." Leaving the room "sleep well."

Kagome's emotions were muddled up once more with what just happened. It felt like a complete emotional overload! She felt his soft lips on her hand wondering what he would feel and taste like if they kissed. With those thoughts, she changed for bed and snuggled in with her pup falling asleep.