Chapter 16: Rin's Secret Garden
The next morning, Sae woke up to the sight of the bright rays shining through a small arched shaped window. Blinking owlishly, she sluggishly lifted herself on her forearms and gazed around the room. She hadn't been met by her usual sight of a little green demon's vexatious face ordering her about for something or other. Instead she lay staring at plain stone walls, a small wooden chair by the window, and a worn out rug on the ground.
Where am I? Sae wondered groggily, rubbing her eyes. She pulled herself up to a full sitting position and stretched her arms over her head, her muscles languidly sighing in relief. Telling from the strong sunshine streaming through the glass panel, it looked to be well past dawn. Which was odd because by now her slave driver, aka Jaken, would be trying to work her into the ground. Courtesy of his master, Lord Sesshomaru had made sure-
Oh no.
Like a splash of icy water being thrown in her face, Sae groaned, falling back into the pillows. The events of last evening came rushing back like scenes from some forgotten dream. Or nightmare. A horrifying, pleasure induced, appalling, but delectable nightmare. One that prompted a hot blush to immediately spread across her face.
What is wrong with me?
Sae peered up at the ceiling, studying every nook and cranny, hoping to find the answer in the solid structure. She wasn't sure what had come over her. For all intent and purposes, she'd been sure she hated the lord. Right? Well … perhaps hate wasn't the right word anymore. Perhaps due to her close proximity in his chambers and time she 'd been forced to spend in his company her opinion had shifted? Even then, she for sure thought she still disliked him profoundly.
But the moment his lips had touched hers, it was like everything that had happened before, every single thing that she had blamed him for, disappeared. All that she could seem to do in that one moment was … feel. Which seemed to imply that perhaps she did not honestly feel as she had thought.
And that was a seriously unnerving concept.
He was still the same heartless demon lord she had met that very first day of her capture … wasn't he? Merely because he showered a little girl with kindness or a devoted weaker demon with patience or even shown a servant like her continuous mercy didn't mean he was … good.
Right?
But then, why were there times, when no one else was around, did Sae catch the lord obligingly heed to Rin's childish pleas to sit and talk with her or to observe a flower that made her think of him? And why did, despite his clear incompetence, did Lord Sesshomaru continue to have Jaken by his side? Those actions spoke of benevolence that Sae thought impossible in such an emotionless demon. Dare she even say, an unselfishness from a lord whom she had thought the most narcissistic being she had ever encountered.
Or was she just grasping at straws, seeing a gentleness in a cold male just to justify her actions of last night?
Because even now, with just the thought of what happened, Sae felt a tingling sensation begin to spread throughout her whole body.
Just stop it. Stop it right now, she demanded herself, ruthlessly pushing back her reactions. It would never do if she really did start to go all weak-kneed whenever she thought of the lord. Wouldn't he just love knowing he had that power over her? Sae's lip curled in distaste. She could just imagine that smug gleam in his eyes as he exploited that bit of information. Relentlessly capitalizing on her emotions, to better control her and her so called "defiant nature".
"I won't allow it," Sae stated out loud, metaphorically taking a stand against the sadistic demon lord and his dictatorial rule. She refused to let him have that power over her. And she knew, more than anyone, how much the lord valued power.
Sae would just fight her emotions. The stupid illogical things that they were, she now knew she couldn't trust them. Her brain would just have to compensate for their lack of wisdom and judgement.
That decided, Sae finally rose from her bed and readied herself for the day.
It was but 10 minutes later that she made her way through the connecting door of her room to the one of her new young wards'.
"Sae!" Rin cried out cheerfully, her look of surprised confusion being replaced by one of delight. She immediately dropped the doll she had been dressing and bounded towards her companion with full speed.
"Hello there," Sae puffed out laughingly, being knocked a step back by the bundle of energy hurling at her. "I see you've already had your breakfast."
Within the circle of her arms, Rin leaned back slightly and looked up with a grin. "Yep, the maids brought it first thing in the morning. They thought I was going to join you and Jaken again, like I've been doing for the past few days. But Lord Sesshomaru came and visited me!" this was said with eyes shining brightly. "He wanted to know how I liked his gift. Then he said he had another surprise but that I had to wait until later to get it. So I stayed in my room like he told me to and now you are here!" She began to jump up and down. "I'm so happy!"
Chuckling, Sae placed her hands on the girl's narrow shoulders to stop the hyperactive bouncing. "Lord Sesshomaru has assigned me to be your new caretaker, Rin. So we'll be spending everyday together from now on."
Rin squealed with glee and began to jump again, unable to contain her excitement. "This is the best present ever!"
It took Sae a few attempts to finally calm down the ecstatic little girl. With the promise of sweets after dinner and a game of her choosing, however, Rin eventually settled down and waited patiently as Sae combed her hair and helped her get dressed.
"So what shall we do first?" Sae asked, once they were all finished getting ready. "Since you already had breakfast, we have all morning to do whatever it is you'd like."
Scrunching her whole face, Rin automatically began to think, looking to be concentrating in the most adorable way.
"It looks very lovely outside," Sae offered, fighting a smile. "And the weather is warm. We could always stroll through the gardens, if you'd like."
"Oh," a dawning expression overcame Rin's features. "That's a great idea! We should do that, so I can show you my favorite spot. I like to go there when I want to be alone. But now, it can be where we both can spend time together! Please Sae, may we go? Please?"
Smiling, Sae nodded and held out her hand.
With a matching look, Rin put her little hand in hers and joyfully lead the way.
The hustle and bustle of the castle was in full swing as the two females made their way down the stairs and through the corridors. Sae received a few curious looks as she walked hand in hand with little Rin. In which all Sae could do was blush and continue on. Most of the staff were probably well informed of her situation by now.
Since there had been a few servants raised from their beds late last eve to help clear out the room connecting to Rin's in order to move Sae in, she was positive those servants had told others and those servants had told others and so on and so forth. And seeing as there were no secrets kept amongst the staff, Sae wasn't really that surprised by the looks of intrigue she received by every servant they passed.
It was a small price to pay to have gotten to be Rin's new caretaker.
Better this, then having to be at the lord's beck and call. She wouldn't have to deal with his constant distain or his calculating eyes watching her as he ordered her to fulfill another ridiculous task. Sae didn't have to worry about losing her temper whenever he opened his mouth or risk biting her tongue whenever he hit a nerve.
She wouldn't have to see him in the quiet moments when she could study his face without reservation. Or lay witness to the times he stood out on the balcony in deep thought.
Sae felt a tightening in her chest, like a similar ache when one almost felt sad …
No, she shook her head and pushed that thought to the back of her mind. She was happy that he assigned her to be Rin's new companion. Definitely happy to be away from him and his arrogant nature. Delighted. Ecstatic. Blissful.
Thrilled, damnit.
"No this way Sae," Rin tugged on her arm, breaking her out of her chaotic brooding.
"Huh?" Sae looked down at her small charge with confusion. "But I thought the entrance to the garden's was this way?" she pointed towards the corridor leading outside.
"It is," Rin reassured her, but gave another tug on her arm. "But I want to show you my garden. The entrance is on the other side of the castle."
"Your garden?" Sae repeated, allowing Rin to lead her down another corridor.
Rin's voice came out in a whisper. "It's my secret garden." She put her finger to her lips, in a conspirative manner. "I found it when I first came to Lord Sesshoumaru's castle. No one knows about it but me. Oh and Mr. Wakazono."
"The old drunk who cleans the animals stalls?" Sae asked skeptically, mentally picturing the old man as she'd last seen him. He'd been coming in from a day's work and covered in mud -or at least what she assumed was mud from his work- hiccuping as he muttered about a demon chicken who was out to get him. Later she had been informed by Daichi that it taken 3 of the men to carry his drunken body down to the servant's quarters, Wakazono still arguing about the evil hen to all those within hearing distance.
"Yeah," Rin's small nose wrinkled. "He smells sometimes but he's really nice and he helped me fix the garden and replant a lot of the flowers."
Sae could not imagine the wobbly, stumbling boozed up man being of any use to anyone, let alone being "nice" but she'd just have to keep her mouth shut until she saw for herself. "Is it very far?" she asked instead.
"No," Rin said cheerfully, beginning to skip. "Almost there."
Letting out a small chuckle, Sae followed her threw the end of the dark corridor, out the rustic wooden door leading outside to the back of the castle, and down an abandoned stone pathway. "This is where your garden is?" she asked incredulously, surveying the deserted landscape surrounding them. It looked as if no one set foot on this part of the land in years. Other than the grand wall covered in green vines ahead, the nature around it was old, dried up, and seemingly forgotten.
"Yep," Rin threw a grin over her shoulder. "It's just up there." Her small finger pointed up towards the vined structure in the foreground.
Still a bit dubious, Sae walked down the stone pathway and gazed up at the foreboding looking pile of stone as she neared. "It's just a …wall. Where is the garden?"
"Wait here," Rin ordered before quickly slipping through the curtain of flourishing vines and disappearing altogether.
"Rin!" Sae called out, beginning to feel panic. What if this harmless garden was not as safe as it seemed? There could be all matters of dangers Rin was unaware of. She could get crushed by uneven stone, or fall through an old decapitating well, or eaten by-
There was a loud click before she heard the vibrating sound of a creaking door being moved. "Come on Sae!" Rin's head popped back out through the leafy hedge, her expression minx-like. "It's just past this door."
"Door?" Sae echoed, ducking down and blindly falling behind the girl. She swatted at the lavish greenery that immediately engulfed her, hoping that her young companion knew where she was going. Although the leaves were soft to the touch, the abundance of shrub made it difficult to see-
Then the sun's ray gave light.
"Oh … wow," Sae breathed, taking in the marvelous vision that laid in front of her.
"You like it?" Rin's voice drifted towards her awed companion.
"I love it," Sae said softly, unable to tear her eyes away from the entrancing scene. "It's beautiful …"
Like something from a fairytale. The lush greenery surrounding the area appeared to be fresh and thriving, giving the look of a picturesque paradise. Cherry blossom trees covered the ground at every corner, the breeze making a rainfall of pink leaves dance through the air. Roses, of all colors, full in bloom, lovingly clung to the stone walls and structure of columns; creating a type of earthy decoration. A pond laid at one corner, the small banks of rocks being washed in clean clear water, as it streamed down every level of stone.
"How …?" Sae's voice trailed off, still at a loss for words. This charming and dazzling courtyard had literally taken her breath away. Never had she ever laid eyes upon something as radiantly enthralling as this garden. "Rin, when …?"
Beaming, Rin was smiling ear to ear. "It's pretty huh? Come on, there's more!"
In amazed wonderment, Sae let Rin pull her deeper into the garden, absorbing the natural beauty all around them. The very air here seemed to sparkle with a magic that could only have come from a child's dream.
And there was more to Rin's garden than just met the eye, Sae suddenly realized, as she caught movement rustling in the tall grass. A fuzzy creature's head made an appearance a moment later, its long pointy ears twitching in their direction. "There you are!" Rin giggled elatedly, scooping up the rose colored bunny with ease. "Meet Momo," she said in introduction, turning back to hold her furry cargo in front of Sae. "He and his many brothers and sisters came to live in the garden just last spring."
Sae reached out her hand to pet the soft short fur on the rabbit's head then snickered when she caught Momo's nose twitching in hyper speed. "Hello there, little Momo," she couldn't help but coo, very taken by this creature's fluffy face and pink nose.
With a sound of mirth, Rin snuggled her animal friend one last time before letting him down. His long hind legs automatically began hopping away, his hairy round behind disappearing into the plants covering the ground.
"Come on Sae!" Rin laughed again as she danced ahead, her carefree joy radiant on her face. "There's still so much more to show you!"
Caught up in the girl's delighted merriment, Sae laughingly joined in her buoyant dance and enjoyed being led to discover the wonderment and spellbinding nature encircling this little piece of heaven.
In the distance, on a tall hill where the wind blew strong, Sesshomaru watched from afar, his acute eyesight easily seeing all that was going on in the little garden isolated at the back of his castle. The two young female's laughter seemed to drift through the breeze like an echoing melody from another world, so out of place in this savage and harsh lands.
But it was the woman whom his eyes were transfixed on; she who was smiling so gaily as she twirled.
How was it that she could still be able to be so carefree? Even after all his lashings, the harsh tasks, and his cutting words, the girl continued to … thrive. He had not been able to break her rebellious spirit, as he had planned months ago.
It was incomprehensible. Most humans would be locked away in their dark rooms, sunken into a deep depression; wallowing in their self-righteous pity. Yet, here she was, happily dancing with Rin, appearing to have no qualms in the world. Despite knowing she was but a servant in his castle.
Sesshomaru did not understand that type of ignorance. Demons, such as he, had little use for such guilelessness.
He lifted his face to the air, inhaling, and caught the light honeyed scent of his young charge, Rin, and the fresh scent of roses that was distinctly the servant girl's, Sae.
The latter brought back vivid images of last night and the very responsive way the girl had been in his arms. He could not deny that a part of him had been surprised by her receptive actions, having had to deal with her challenging and audacious nature for the better part of the last few months, he, and she -he sensed-, thought her hatred of him to run bone deep.
Not that Sesshomaru paid that much heed, of course, the last thing he needed was permission from a lowly servant girl from the village. Especially one as impertinent as her.
But, even a demon such as him, could admire her spirit. Not many, demons or humans alike, would have faced their obstacles with as much fire as this one small female. If there was anything he could relate to the most in life was strength.
And this girl had it in abundance.
Even for one as physically weak as she, her daring actions continued to challenge his logic. He wondered at her headstrong behavior when he'd first discovered her ruse. When she dressed herself up as a servant boy and entered the tournament. Why, knowing there were slim chances of winning such a dangerous competition, did one risk their life just to gain what -many foolishly believed to be- freedom? It was a subjective term, Sesshomaru knew. But to many humans, it seemed, it was the ultimate status to obtain.
One that this particular female had been ready to die for.
Which, still now, he did not understand. In time, Sesshomaru had learned that Sae and her twin brother had come from a secluded village located on the east of his lands, a thriving albeit small one neighboring a large lake. Where these two siblings had been orphaned young and had begun to steal just to survive. It had been the reason for their capture, in fact, when his armies had been recruiting servants for his household. How was that life more desirable than the one they had in his castle?
Humans, he'd discovered, could be the most illogical creatures Sesshomaru had ever encountered.
Their lives, seemed to mean little, if it challenged their beliefs. Their strengths seemed most stemmed from their emotions. Which Sesshomaru knew, being an accomplished warrior and powerful demon, was a poor choice to base a fighter's chances on.
Alas, why Sesshomaru had long ago decided that the race of man were that of a lowly species. One that he had little, if no, respect for. Their uses were limited. Only one had been truly beneficial to him in the past: their servitude in his castle as his servants or in his army.
But this girl, Sae, hinted at something rather different. There was something about the way she fought so strongly for the ones she loved and dauntlessly carried her head up high as if she had something to be proud of that intrigued him. It was rather curious, how an orphan girl who possessed nothing but the life she so foolishly risked time and time again, showed more signs of a warriors spirit than some of the mightiest creatures he had faced.
One could almost admire the strong aura she seemed to carry.
Thus, the reason Sesshomaru had decided to spare her life. On more than one occasion. It would be a waste to extinguish a human life so very unlike the rest. Not when he hadn't quite figured out what he was to make of this odd female.
Plus, as of last night, he had not even considered the possibility of satisfying his lusts with a female as prickly as she.
He could admit, that a very small part of him was curious what all that fire would be like in his bed; but a bigger part of him still had a distaste for bedding simple castle wenches as a resort.
As lord of his castle, he had a choice of any woman in his domain. Including this very openly defiant one. Long ago, in any case, Sesshomaru had come to see the act as nothing more than just an itch to scratch. Something that he knew he had to take care of every once in a while. Being male, that urge became unavoidable. But in recent years he had come to forgo the deed unless absolutely necessary.
Yesterday evening had most certainly not been necessary.
He had used carnal advances on females as an intimidating tactic to get what he wanted many times before. In most circumstances, it was a cold and calculated affair. One that grew boring after every wispy sigh. Never, however, had there been a time where her response had triggered one in him. There had been a moment, as he felt her heat pressed against him while surrounded by her floral scent, that Sesshomaru found himself wanting to take it one step farther. Not for any gain. Not for power. Or for minipulation.
Simply just for the pleasure of it.
Except that would never do.
Sesshomaru was a male of logic and reason. It was unbecoming of a demon to allow such things as emotion, albeit it be lust or desire, to get in the way. He was the great Lord Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands; He had no time for those softer feelings.
However.
That did not mean he could not indulge in his curiosity a bit more. Even he knew his interest for this female would not wane unless it was completely appeased. In the months he had kept her in his quarters, he had come to know her. What made her tick, what rattled her, what bothered her. It would be a vast understatement if he said that he'd grown to enjoy getting under her skin; it gave him a strange sense of amusement seeing the spark in her eyes whenever she got mad. How could he not? She was such an emotional creature, it barely took any effort on his part.
Yet for all that, she still remained a mystery. One that he intended to solve.
So for now, her time was better served with Rin, whom seemed to favor the girl's company. And where he could keep an eye on her from a close distance. As long as Sae continued to do as she was told, he would allow her live in his castle as well. He knew she would not attempt to escape again. She would not risk her brother's newly won freedom. Her ridiculous notion of selflessness wouldn't allow her to. He was also quite certain of her strong sense of family. Rin was the perfect unbreakable chain to keep Sae tethered to his side. She was now a permanent part of his castle.
So there was no doubt in his mind that Sae was, undoubtedly and unmistakably, his.
"My lord," addressed the gruff voice of his general, Nagasaki.
Sesshomaru, having been aware that the man had been standing to the side for a while in silence, answered him with a cold, "What is it?"
The large man cleared his throat, sensing his lord's displeasure. "My lord, we have looked high and low, but still there is no sign of the young lady Rin or the servant girl."
"Really," Sesshomaru's tone became ironic. "I begin to wonder if I over estimated your efficiency general. How hard is it to find a little girl and her caretaker?"
Nagasaki stiffened his spine. "I apologize my lord, I have men searching the grounds as we speak. The last time they'd been seen was this morning, when many of the maids say it appeared as if they were heading outside towards the gardens. But my men have found no trace of them anywhere … My lord, I have been thinking, perhaps this servant girl, Sae, has attempted another escape. She has done it before so what is to say she hasn't tried it again? In which I'll personally make sure she-"
The look the lord shot Nagasaki, a hardened and battle-scarred soldier, sent a chill down his spine. "General, before I warrant that with a response I want you to come here."
"My lord?" Nagasaki was unsure if he heard correctly.
"Come stand next to me."
Hearing the frigid tone, the general did as bided and came to stand next to Lord Sesshomaru, his military stance rigid.
"Look out into the horizon general," the lord commanded.
Nagasaki looked and instantly wished he had searched a bit longer. There, in the distant horizon, were the two females he had been ordered to locate.
"Next time I expect a thorough search before coming to me and informing me that you have failed," the lord's face was coldly unemotional. "Are we clear?"
Solid as rock, Nagasaki took a low and formal bow. "Yes, my lord. My apologies."
Sesshomaru didn't bother to acknowledge the exaggerated curtesy but flicked the man another cool look. "Before you leave, I want you to send for two soldiers to guard Rin at all times. There have been sightings of Naraku around these parts recently and I do not need to be preoccupied with her safety, understood?"
"Yes, my lord. And the girl?"
The lord's face did not change. "What about the girl?"
"I assumed you would want to put her back in the dungeons now that she has completed her penalty."
"No," was the only reply.
"But my lord," Nagasaki couldn't keep from protesting. "She has disobeyed your orders. She must be punished with what is suitable to her crime. I have seen firsthand how she disregards your commands, she is a cretin and has no respect for your rule! Women like her will never learn-"
Sesshomaru sliced a hand through the air, instantly silencing the other man. "She is not your concern, general. What happens to her is my decision alone. She is now Rin's caretaker and will be treated as such. Do not question me again or it will be you who I put in the dungeons. Now be gone, you are an eyesore."
Swallowing his building animosity for the girl, Nagasaki bowed low one more time. "Of course, my lord."
Sesshomaru turned back to the garden and looked upon the frolicking females playing.
It seemed that some of those under his rule were beginning to question his conduct towards Sae. Or the lack of. But he would not stand to be challenged by anyone. She may be a temporary exception in that there were aspects of her that intrigued him; but even then, Sesshomaru doubted his interest in her would last long.
Nevertheless, his reasons were his own.
He was lord of this castle, he would not be questioned. So it would seem he had some memories to refresh.
"Higher!" Rin squealed cheerfully, her hair blowing in the wind.
"I'm trying!" Sae laughed back, giving her another push.
"Higher, Sae, higher!" Rin cried, spreading out her hands like wings.
"If she goes any higher, she'll be flying," Mr. Wakazono remarked calmly, slouching on the bench under the tree's shade.
Sae huffed and gave another big push. "I think that's the goal," she chuckled, gazing at the swinging child with amusement.
It was now late afternoon, the sun beginning to disappear into the mountains, its orange tinted light casting the garden in a warm glow. The breeze was becoming chillier as night crept in. The abundance of life living in the courtyard starting to settle down as the evening grew darker.
"It's about that time you two start heading inside gel," Mr. Wakazono said by his spot under the tree, as he wobbly lifted himself to stand.
"Noooooooo!" came Rin's automatic protest.
With a shake of her head, Sae caught the rope handles of the swing and brought the girl to an abrupt halt. "Come on Rin, he's right. We should get inside before Lord Sesshoumaru begins to wonder where you have gone." And blames me for it, Sae grimaced; holding onto Rin's hand as she reluctantly hopped off with a sad little sigh.
"Can we come back tomorrow?" she asked hopefully, looking up at Sae as they made their way back towards the castle.
"Do you not get tired of the garden, chit?" demanded Mr. Wakazono, letting out a loud rumbling yawn as he slowly trailed behind them.
"No," was the girl's reply.
Sae rolled her eyes, knowing exactly why he voiced his opinion. "Do not worry Mr. Wakazono, we won't disturb your afternoon nap again."
"Hmph," he huffed as he grumbled on about "bothersome chits and their screeching laughter".
Ignoring his mutterings, Sae gazed down at Rin with a reassuring smile. "Yes Rin, if the weather agrees with us, then we can visit your garden again tomorrow."
"Yay!" her young companion grinned widely. "Next, I can show you the pond and all the fishes that-"
"But only," Sae interrupted her before she began to ramble. "If you read at least one of the books the lord brought back for you on his travels. I noticed you skipping them because you've been following me and Jaken around all day. And as much as I enjoyed having your company, I do not want that or anything else we do to be an excuse to neglect your reading."
At first Rin's nose began to wrinkle with distaste but after a brief moment, the child thought better of it and nodded, however grudgingly.
"Good," Sae nodded satisfied, smoothing a hand over her small head. "Now let's get inside before you catch a chill."
"Race ya!" Rin laughingly exclaimed, before suddenly shooting off towards the castle doors like a bullet.
Sae turned towards the half drunken old man with a look of chagrin.
But he was already waving her off, leaning a little too far to the right. "Go on, I can get to the castle myself." –he hiccupped –"You just catch that little hellion and send her off to bed before she makes my ears bleed."
With a scoff and shake of her head, Sae bid him goodnight before taking off after Rin, whose small frame was already fast approaching the doors leading inside.
"Rin, wait!" Sae called out laughingly, picking up speed. She had never seen Rin run before and now she knew the reason for it. The kid was faster than any little girl should be.
Her charge halted at the doors, looking back at her caretaker with a mischievous glint. "Bet you didn't know I could run so fast, huh?" Rin asked cheekily as Sae approached.
"No," Sae gasped, out of breath. She took her last jogging steps towards the entrance and hunched over at the door, breathing heavily. "I definitely did not know you could run that fast."
Rin giggled, her childish nature replacing the sly look.
"Come on," Sae smiled in spite of herself, ushering her inside. "Let's get you up to bed-"
"Excuse me," a calm light voice interrupted. "Lady Rin?"
Halting inside the kitchen doorway, Sae looked up to see a chambermaid she had seen a few times over the past couple of weeks. Her light brown hair was held in a neat bun that never seemed to have a hair out of place, her plain grey kimono appeared to be free of any lint or wrinkles and her hazel eyes looked upon the two other females with a solemn stare. Overall, the most collected chambermaid Sae had ever laid eyes on.
"Yes," Rin answered hesitantly, clearing recognizing the other woman.
"Lady Rin, the lord has tasked me with assisting you with your bath and getting you ready for bed," the chambermaid replied matter-of-factly.
Rin looked up at her companion, "But Sae-"
"Sae, is to report to the lord immediately," The serious hazel eyed servant cut in. "Now come along Lady Rin, we mustn't dawdle. Off to bed with you."
Dragging her feet, Rin mumbled a small "goodnight" and slowly followed after the other female.
"Um, wait," Sae called out, feeling as reluctant to part ways as her young friend.
The stern looking maid looked back, her eyebrows arching. "Yes?"
"Um, where exactly am I to report to the lord?"
A judgmental gleam entered the otherwise stoic gaze. "His chambers," she replied coolly before steering the wary Rin out of the kitchens.
"Great," Sae sighed, once she was alone in the room. She may have come to a resolution just this morning but she had not truly expected to confront the lord this soon. She thought she would have time to build her walls around her emotions before she saw him again. To allow her irrational feelings die a slow withering death before being in his overwhelming presence.
But of course she should have known he would not make it easy for her.
Sae assumed he had wanted her gone; like a pebble in his shoe that had been pestering him for some time now. Which was why he had passed her off to Rin, so she would bother him no longer. At least, that was what Sae had concluded. But what did she truly know of the lord? He was as consistent as the ever changing time and just as elusive.
"Better get this over with," Sae stated out loud, fortifying her resolve to stay aloof and forced her legs to move towards Lord Sesshomaru's chambers.
*Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Rumiko Takahashi. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this story. Any violence, perceived abuse, or negative behavior should not be taken literally. The plot is for entertainment purposes only. This author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any previously copyrighted material.