The sight of Mei-Ling crumpled on the floor at her feet, begging for punishment, left Kagome feeling uneasy. Just a moment ago, the young girl was fine, romanticizing on the ideals of favoritism in the palace and her engagement with Sesshomaru, and the next, she was an unsightly mess of tears.
And yet, Kagome couldn't blame her. None of this was her fault. Actually, now that she thought about it, this situation stemmed from her slip of the tongue. After all, she had coerced the engagement to save herself, but she didn't expect Sesshomaru to take it literally.
Another sigh escaped her. Now it made sense. She could only imagine what kind of chaos would ensue out of all of this. All the more reason to escape this place and find a means to return home. But before all of that, she needed to set the record straight with Sesshomaru.
"Mei-Ling, I won't punish you. You've done nothing wrong," Kagome said, bending down and offering her a hand.
"I d-don't deserve your sympathy, my lady! It was wrong of me to assume you and his highness were engaged! I-I believed the rumors!"
Great. Rumors have already spread. But it's not Mei-Ling's fault! As soon as I see Sesshomaru, I'll give him a piece of my mind! No way am I marrying him!
The servant girl sniffled but kept her eyes closed as she awaited her punishment, but when nothing happened, she opened her amethyst eyes and blinked at Kagome. "M-my lady?"
Snapping out of her thoughts, Kagome reached for Mei-Ling's hand and pulled the young girl to her feet. As she did, the woman's eyes fell downcast, her shoulders tight and her head bent forward. How awful. Was this the fate of all servants in this place? Did Mei-Ling truly believe she'd harm her?
"Enough of that. First off, it's not your fault that gossip spread. It's my mine." Before Mei-Ling could protest, Kagome continued, "I… sort of forced it upon Sesshomaru the other day. In my resolve, I was selfish and didn't consider the consequences. You could… consider that our first encounter."
Mei-Ling's eyes widened, and she covered her mouth. "I-I understand, my lady…"
"So, that's the truth. I don't want to hear you ask for punishment again. Do you understand me?"
"Y-yes, my lady… T-thank you… You're… very kind."