I disclaim everything that needs to be.
Bold means a change in location and/ or time or time period. Italics are thoughts or Sesshomaru's inner demon talking, or flashbacks
Note: The court system the Demons have is more Tudor-European than Japanese. Which is why Kagome doesn't need much training because she's studied it and kinda knows what's up.
Chapter 18: Reaction
The lessons Rin and Shippo had in the afternoon continued as the afternoon sun slowly wound down into evening. Soon, it was dinnertime.
The sun was just starting to set, Sesshomaru noticed as he listened to Kagome wrap up the lessons. Jaken was scurrying into the library, announcing that the Lords were arriving in the dining room for the evening meal and the remaining members of the Council would be arriving in time for breakfast. He sighed, the Council meeting with Lord Cali was a long time coming, and inevitable. That did not make it any less tiresome to think about.
He was more concerned with having to present Kagome to the Council so soon. He wanted her to settle into her Dai Noble life first, and she was pupped. There would be so many changes and Sesshomaru worried for his mate's adjustment. The last thing he wanted was to overwhelm her. He looked at her, took in her aura. She looked happy, felt happy, and through their mark she felt elated. There were no signs of stress, and yet, he wanted to make sure. The mental note was made that they would speak about it before bed.
Kagome giggled as Rin and Shippo hurried to put the books away before standing near the door, talking amongst themselves about what would be had for dinner. Looking at her mate, she noticed the worried look in his eyes, and let a frown come to her face. Quickly, he locked eyes with her, and his eyes softened, transmitting gentle reassurance through their mating marks. He took her hand in his and led his family out of the library and into the dining room. The court was assembled, gathered in delightful conversation, waiting for their meals to be served. Their voices hushed as Kagome and Sesshomaru walked by with their children to their seats and resumed to note how happy and content their Dai Royal family looked. It was surprising for them to see their Lord's face so serene, even when he was a child his face held firmness in its cheeks. Then though, it was far less fearsome and much more adorable.
Rin brought the first visible light out from inside Lord Sesshomaru, but Kagome and her love have turned the pinprick of light into a sun. Even when his face was serious, it radiated with the love and respect he has for his mate. They could tell the Western Lands were going to be run with a different level of compassion, one that hadn't been seen since the Lady Izayoi. They were excited to see what new joys Lady Kagome would bring.
Lord Cali, at his table, was glowering. He was trying to avoid a meeting with the Council as long as possible. He knew it was an inevitability. He knew that his little quips were noticed, of course, but he'd hoped that the Lady Mother would be back at her palace when the meeting was called. He wanted ample time to prepare for such an event. He wanted to gather every bit of information about the new little Lady Miko of the West. At the very least he had to follow the Hojo lead. The bull demon sighed, he would send a spy out once everyone retired for the night, to follow that information trail.
At least he still had a few days to prepare for the first meeting of The Council. This was bound to take at least a week, with many moments of deliberation. He only had days to prepare, especially with the Lady Mother already in the Western Palace.
As the court ate their meals, Kagome noticed the Lady Mother's absence from dinner. Scanning the other tables, she noticed Lord Choro's absence as well. Turning her attention to her mate, she gently nudged him into looking at her.
"hm..?" he murmured, "Mother and Choro are eating in her quarters to discuss the summoning of the Council." He finished under his breath.
Kagome relaxed, her mind returning to the members of the Council. She knew InuKimi held the Western Lands position Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's father would have, but she also held her own position as the Moon Dai in the Celestial Court. The head of the Celestial Court was her sister, Aia. She sat on the Council next to her sister, representing the Celestial lands Aia's son oversaw. Lord Choro held the Council seat for the Northern Lands, and Lord Jahari held the seat for the East. Sesshomaru informed her that Lord Cali's father, Toru, sat on the Council representing the South, and a demon called Roarah who sat on the Council for the Mystic Lands. Mostly, Kagome was curious about how they'd look and react to her.
The head table, where Sesshomaru, Kagome, Inuyasha, Kikyo, Sango, Miroku, Rin and Shippo sat, hummed with idle chatter about their days as they ate their meal. Inuyasha paid special attention to Kikyo's movements, as she was often in slight pain due to the rapid growth of her pregnant belly. She often shifted uncomfortably in her seat, picking at the meats Inuyasha served her. Many things were upsetting her stomach now, some just by smell. Just as often as Kikyo was voicing her discomfort, Inuyasha voiced his. Kagome could sense his helplessness, because they only thing anyone could do was to make Kikyo as comfortable as possible and wait, as it became clearer and clearer that Kikyo may be having twins.
As the meal finished, Miroku and Sango retired to a lounge near Kagome's rooms for tea by the fire. Miroku read as Sango journaled about her demon slaying adventures. Often Sesshomaru and Kagome joined them, either reading or writing or both, after putting the children to bed. Tonight, though, Kagome went to the lounge alone, sitting next to Sango and journaling about the last few days' events. Sesshomaru went to his study with Lord Choro and Lord Jahari, discussing matters under their breath as they walked. Before he left, Sesshomaru kissed the top of Kagome's head and whispered in her ear.
"I'll be in bed in 90 minutes, mate. Though pupped, this one…. requires you before we retire."
Kagome smiled as he gently and affectionately bit her earlobe, "and this one has something to discuss with you."
She nodded and turned her attention back to Sango, returning to their conversation about Shippo's new studies.
In his study, Sesshomaru spoke with Choro and Jahari about the upcoming Council meeting. In all honesty, he was nervous. He knew Kagome was already known, her generosity and kindness were discussed in demon circles at as much length as her bravery and adventures. But she was still human. Any human attempting to appeal with the Council was always put under extreme scrutiny. Izayoi had to answer hours of questioning, especially since she was a Princess of a human kingdom, and Sesshomaru was worried what questions Kagome would bring. Not only of her humanity, but of her time. Choro and Jahari listened and attempted to soothe him, and it only worked a little bit.
"Cali has been annoying the courts for some time now, Sesshomaru," Jahari reminded, "they have been expecting this. Your little mate, and the little one she carries will be a bit more afterthought if he's to be on trial the way I imagine he will."
"Yes," Choro said sagely, "I am more interested in the change in your tone regarding a Hojo."
Jahari chuckled warmly, "I noticed that as well, as well as a slight reaction to Hayako."
Sesshomaru sighed, "they are of zero consequence. Zero."
"Oh, but that means nothing when you love her as you do," Jahari laughed, sipping his warm liquor, "tell me, is there a Hojo in her time?"
"I was unaware of the one in this one," Sesshomaru started, "the one in hers has been all but discarded."
"By her?" Choro pressed, "I certainly hope you didn't kill the boy."
"It was not the first moment she displayed the language and poise of a Lady of the West. He, however, still came to our Mating Ceremony on her side."
"did he?" Jahari took another sip of liquor, grinning, "oh Sesshomaru how scandalous."
"Please," Sesshomaru's voice was annoyed, "A boy of no worth. A foolish childhood infatuation that was completely one sided."
"so, he wept, then." Choro finished, "fine, we'll drop it. When are you meeting the one roaming your lands?"
Sesshomaru looked up, "I hadn't thought to decide when. Perhaps waiting until we come upon him, with Kagome in the condition she's in, is the best option…. he will see for himself her loyalties."
"That's one way to go," Jahari nodded, "and what of Hayako?"
Sesshomaru's teeth clicked together, "what of him?"
"No need to be icy, Sesshomaru," Choro chided, "Hayako wouldn't dare be as bold as Kouga was. Or this Hojo of her time."
"He's right," Jahari agreed, "nothing to worried about. Now, I believe you gave yourself…..90 minutes….?"
"You didn't hear me say that," Sesshomaru started
"No, but I did see you write a 90 on the corner of the parchment, there," he pointed out, "your father did the same thing when he was timing himself. Go, goodnight, Sesshomaru. You've done well with your family and deserve rest with your mate."
Choro stood and clapped a hand on Sesshomaru's shoulder, "goodnight dear boy, you have done well."
Sesshomaru nodded and stood, holding the door open for his friends as the headed to their rooms. Closing the door behind himself, he started toward his own rooms, seeing Kagome waiting near their door.
"Shall we put the children to bed?" He asked as he approached
"Well your mother has just informed me that she will be putting the children to bed. So, we're free to go to bed." Kagome smiled, "I'm actually thrilled she's showing them so much gentleness."
"Well, she's normally known as an Ice Queen."
"The apple doesn't fall far…" Kagome giggled as she pushed the doors to their bedroom open, stepping into the front room. Sesshomaru followed, shutting the big doors behind them before sliding his hands down the curves of his mate's body. He enjoyed her in every outfit she wore, but the softness of the cotton dresses she often floated around the palace in affected him differently.
As she leaned into his touch, he was slipping his hands under her dress, caressing her soft thighs with his clawed fingers. She shivered against him, her minding clouding before clearing again.
"Sessh," she sighed as he started placing soft kisses on her neck, "what did you want to discuss?"
He stopped, sighing, before pulling away and leading her to the velvet couch in the middle of the room, sitting down next to her.
"Well, first Hojo-" he started
"oh love," Kagome sighed, leaning her head on his shoulder, "I was so surprised to see him in this era, trust me. And his feelings for me were annoying, but the last I heard he was marrying another woman named Kagome."
Sesshomaru exhaled, "I was also going to ask you if you were worried about the Council. I wanted to make sure I soothe you, if needed."
Kagome leaned up and kissed his check softly, "Sessh, my silent protector. So worried for me. Tell me, how does our mark feel?"
Sesshomaru focused on the physical mating mark they shared. She felt content, happiness flowed through the mark like a heartbeat. She held no fear, no anxiety.
"…. you hold no fears, anxieties…."
Kagome turned his face towards hers and locked eyes with him. The moment between them stilled before she spoke, "I trust you, Sesshomaru. Everything will be fine."
He leaned forward, kissing her as he wrapped his arms around her. He felt at ease and melted into her touch, feeling her lean into him. Lifting her, he walked them both through the screen doors to the room where their bed was.
"you cannot find me so icy now…." He growled as he pressed her into the silky sheets of their bed.
"Mmmm, no", Kagome giggled, "you're quite warm now…." Her voice tilted into a gasp as he attacked her neck and chest with hot kisses. He had discarded the cotton dress she was wearing on the way to the bed, and his linen shirt was unbuttoned with his mate's legs wrapped around him.
His kisses down her chest were stopped by a bit of fabric covering her nipples. It looked similar to the binding women of this era used to hold their breasts in place, though it was one continuous piece of fabric that offered soft support. He paused as Kagome wriggled underneath him as she pulled the bandeau bra over her head to reveal herself to her mate. He wasted no time leaving hot wet kisses and hickies as he kissed down her body. He merely wanted to taste her, bring her to the edge until she was on the edge of exhaustion. She wasn't wearing underwear that day, Sesshomaru noticed as he buried his face into her soft pubic curls.
Licking and sucking on her clit, he growled, "a bad girl…"
Knowing immediately what he was referring to, Kagome tried to speak through her moans, "I…...forgot…..this… Sessh!"
"excuse…." He smiled as he carefully inserted two newly clawless fingers into her slick heat.
"Sessh!"
"just let me…." Sesshomaru whispered as he inserted a third finger, reveling in her moan as he pumped his fingers in and out of her. With his fingers and tongue, he coaxed orgasm after orgasm from his mate, until she shook against him with extreme pleasure. Lapping up all of her juices before going back up to kiss her lips, Sesshomaru drew his own pleasure from her satisfaction.
They kissed sleepily, curled up under the blankets until they drifted into sleep, happily.
*that's all folks! That's it for this chapter. Next, the start of the council things! I really appreciate y'all taking the time to read my stories! Let me know what y'all think! –Inu'sgurl97 *