Chapter 21: The Aftermath
Sae closed her eyes, enjoying the cool breeze that swept through her window and caressed her face. She inhaled deeply and could practically smell the fresh layer of rain that had just began to drizzle in the morning. The sun was barely beginning to peak through the gray clouds, thin rays piercing through the gloomy fog that covered the hills of green trees. Echoes of the thundering clouds moved farther and farther away, the wind moving the small storm across the lands. The sounds of chirping birds merged together with the slight dripping of water that feel from the leaves.
For once, Sae would have liked to stay just like this. Sitting on her window pane and taking in the nature around her; the refreshing smells, the calming feel, and the beautiful scenery.
It was just so peaceful.
Normally, Sae would be eager to head outside with Rin and venture to another part of the castle grounds that she hadn't explored. A luxury she hadn't had when first arriving in the fortress. She'd learned to take advantage of the small freedoms given to her because of her role as Rin's caretaker. Not many were allowed outside of certain areas of the castle, duties and chores being a priority over the wants or needs of the servants. But Sae was allowed to go anywhere Rin was allowed to go, which was pretty much everywhere.
This morning, however, Sae wanted nothing more than to sit quietly in her room and observe the landscape from her vantage point up high.
She refused to look too closely at her desire to be alone and away from anyone else.
It had been a long night, after all. It was no wonder as to why she needed some peace and quiet. Anyone in her positon would have wanted the same reprieve. After everything that had occurred the night before, she was most certainly entitled to some alone time ...
Sighing, Sae rested her head against the stone window.
Luckily, Rin was still fast asleep. Sae had checked on her only moments ago and hadn't the heart to wake her from her deep slumber. Rin had a very eventful night, one that she'd still been talking excitedly about –albeit tiredly- till Sae tucked her into bed. So, she'd left the little girl to sleep off her fatigue for another couple of hours.
Which left Sae to do as she pleased until she awoke.
But instead, she found herself back in her room and coming to sit by her window.
She had no immediate desire to see or talk to anyone. Even Asumi or Daichi, who she knew were eagerly awaiting her appearance for the chance to ask about the ball. Not that she could fault them that, of course, she understood that it was a privilege for her to have even attended such an occasion. But there had been things that happened last night that she wasn't even sure what to make of yet.
Like Lord Inoue and his true intentions.
Sae had not seen a trace of the young lord after Lord Sesshomaru had metaphorically chained her to his side. She could admit, if only to herself, that she'd been rather disappointed by that fact. She had hoped that what Lord Sesshomaru had said was just another one of his ploys to undermine her and that Lord Inoue was exactly who she thought he was. An honest and kind nobleman. But after hours and hours of searching for those striking blue eyes, she'd come to the sad conclusion that perhaps the lord had been right.
Which was what she should have expected, honestly.
She learned long ago that noblemen like Lord Inoue did not exist. His view of equality, no matter how sincere it sounded, was just not found among the aristocracy. It went against everything that they stood for, fundamentally. Without a lower class, they would have no one to stand upon. Their very stations depended on having others serve and obey them.
Why would any wealthy lord give that up?
Sae snorted, recalling how carried away she had gotten by the dashing young nobleman. Perhaps she really didn't belong among the nobility. But, truth be told, was that truly a bad thing? She'd rather keep her honest and open nature than put on a polite façade and pretend to be civil to others. She'd take brutal honest over pretty lies any day.
A shout echoed in the distance, signaling the beginning of the daily trainings for the soldiers.
Sae leaned over, hoping to catch the men as they marched by. There were too many to discern anyone specific but she fancied that she could make out a couple of men that appeared like Touya.
Their boots sloshed in the freshly wet mud, but none of them seemed to mind the light drizzle that was coming down. Smiling to herself, she waved at a few young faces when they looked up, even knowing that they barely knew who she was. But it was the thought that counted, right?
"Eyes forwards men!" a stern voice barked, catching a soldier wave back.
The young man immediately whipped around, a notable flush to the back of his neck.
Sae chuckled, watching as line after line marched towards the training fields.
As they disappeared into the distance, she wondered what Touya would think of her actions last night ...
She immediately cringed.
Although no one would ever replace Youhei in her heart, at this point Touya was the closest thing she had to a brother. Which meant that he would also look at the events of last night like her twin would, with anger and disbelief. Not that she'd blame either of them for it. She, herself, had a hard time explaining why she did what she did.
She didn't know what to make of her behavior.
But the more she experienced the lord's embraces the more she realized that there was definitely something driving her actions. She just couldn't quite put a finger on exactly what that was. She had an inkling, of course, and it led back to the months she had spent alone in his company. Observing his actions, learning his behavior, and discovering certain things behind his persona. During that time, something had changed. She hadn't been able to admit it to herself before. But now, considering every encounter, she'd come to realize that there was something definitely different about the way she looked at him. How she perceived his true character to be then what she thought it was before.
Things were certainly changing but she wasn't sure if it was for the better.
She couldn't afford to change her mind about someone like Lord Sesshomaru. He was a demon lord that valued only one thing: power. He had said it enough times that Sae had it permanently scorched into her brain. Developing anything for a demon like him would be one-sided and most certainly lead down a path of misery and heartbreak.
Especially for a girl like her. Whom he only saw as a servant.
She had the proof shoved in her face last night. When Lord Sesshomaru had purposely danced the last two waltzes with the daughter of the Lord of the East. Lord Sesshomaru rarely danced at the balls he hosted. He did so only when obligated to. So, the gesture had told everyone –including her –that his interest in the young woman was real and not just a rumor flying around.
Thus, proving that even when it came to marriage Lord Sesshoumaru would choose power over anything else. The nobleman's daughter would result in an advantageous marriage and nothing else was more important than that.
Even Rin's opinion on the matter.
Sae knew that the little girl had never met the noblewoman previously or what she might become to her in the future. The fact had been brought up after the ball had come to a close and Lord Sesshoumaru informed an exhausted Rin that he had a surprise for her the next morning. When Rin had asked if it included the lady she'd very specifically been introduced to, Lord Sesshoumaru merely told her to get some rest and that he'd reveal everything in the morning.
Blissfully ignorant, Rin obeyed and followed Sae back towards her room.
Sae, however, had not missed the fact that the lord purposely deflected the little girl's question. Which meant that the morning news would definitely include the nobleman's daughter. And perhaps the planning of upcoming nuptials.
Her heart thumping painfully, Sae rubbed her chest and wished that her heart would do the smart thing for once and listen to her head. Instead of complicating things and leaving Sae with a jumble of mixed emotions that she had no way of figuring out. Did it need any more proof? As if his cat-and-mouse game wasn't enough but now he added a future fiancé to the equation? Did she need any more checks in reality?
Sae breathed in deeply and finally leaned away from the window. It was time to face the day and stop speculating. She'd learned long ago that it got her nowhere. She wasn't going to waste any more time trying to guess why things were the way they were. Not when it came to Lord Sesshoumaru. He was as predictable as the sky. It was about time she learned how to protect herself against his constantly bizarre advances and see them for what they really were.
Diversions.
For now, she'd just hold her head up high and deal with whatever else came her way.
Whatever ... or whomever ... that might be.
"I can't believe Lady Rin is still fast asleep," commented Daichi, heaving another statue over his shoulder. He placed the marble figure to the far side of the window, where the others had been gathered together.
"She had a very long night," Sae responded absentmindedly, using the linen cloth in her hand to wipe away any excess dirt from the top of the figure. She'd been cleaning the statues for so long that morning that she feared she would never be finished. Fortunately, the one her friend had just moved was the last of them.
Daichi was slightly out of breath. "I heard the ball was a success," he huffed, wiping his forehead with the back of his forearm.
"Mhmm," Sae murmured, too preoccupied with finishing the morning task to register his comment.
"I also heard that you stirred a bit of a ruckus." His tone was innocent.
"Mhmm." Sae didn't even look up, her eyes intent on the task at hand.
"With a few noble ladies ... and one particular lord."
Sae's hand stopped.
Daichi leaned casually against one of the statues, crossing his arms. "They say you danced with him."
"W-what?" Sae wondered how anyone could have found out about-
"Oh yeah, everyone is talking about it," Daichi continued, his eyebrows rising in speculation. "How you insulted three noble daughters and then waltzed off with a lord of the realm."
Sae's face flushed, feeling annoyed and embarrassed. "I didn't mean to insult them and I most definitely did not waltzoff afterwards."
"So, it's true then?" Daichi seemed intrigued. "You really did stick it to members of the nobility?"
Sae rubbed her forehead before muttering, "By accident."
"That was ..."
"I know, I know," Sae lifted her hands in defense. "Stupid. But-"
"Brilliant!" Daichi was grinning ear to ear, his eyes lit with humor. "I'm so proud of you!"
"What?" Sae's was taken aback.
"I just wish I could have been there to see their faces!" He began to chortle, presumably imagining what said ladies would have looked like. "It had to be priceless, I'm sure."
Sae shook her head, still surprised that she didn't always quite understand her male friend. He found humor or amusement in things that most commonly weren't thought of as funny. Perhaps that was a male thing. Or maybe it was just Daichi.
Either way ...
Sae cracked a smile, watching her friend continue to snigger. It was a nice reprieve from all the haughtiness and fake politeness she had endured the evening before.
"So, who was this lord you waltzed with?" Daichi asked a bit later, walking alongside her as they made their way back towards the corridors leading to the kitchens. Having completed their task of clearing out the remaining décor in the ballroom, Sae and Daichi were due for a much-needed meal break.
"Who?" Sae tried for nonchalance, knowing perfectly well who her friend was talking about.
Daichi slide her a sideways glance. "Was there so many?" he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
Sae automatically shot him a glare and punched his arm, "Of course not."
"Hey!" Daichi rubbed his shoulder, wincing. "I was only joking. Don't be so sensitive."
"Right," she acknowledged, making no apologies. He'd dished out much worse during her time as Satoru, anyhow. It was only fair she get a little bit of payback.
"Was he an ass then?" her friend tried again, eyeing her cautiously.
Sae fought a smirk and instead focused on his question. Lord Inoue was not a topic which she was willing to discuss. In her mind, he'd been a pleasant part of last night's festivities and a decent memory to keep. Other than that, however, he was something best left in the past.
And despite what Lord Sesshomaru had said, she still wouldn't speak ill of the seemingly kind and honorable lord.
"No," she finally shook her head. "He wasn't. He was very polite, in fact, and kind."
"Kind?" Daichi echoed skeptically. "Are you sure he was even a lord?"
"Yes," she replied, with a small chuckle. She understood her companion's doubts, since Daichi had grown up surrounded by aristocracy that knew nothing of compassion. He -like she- saw little if no decency in those born in nobility. "Even the lord had to acknowledge his station at one point in the evening."
"Really?" there was evident surprise in his voice. "The lord barely acknowledges anyone at his parties, let alone a minor lord of the realm. Why did he bother?"
Sae shrugged, ignoring the small thud her heart gave. "I don't know, but he did."
"Did the lord do it before you danced with him or after?"
She gave him a weird look. "After."
Daichi grew silent, falling into deep thought.
Sae looked ahead, catching the sounds of people bustling around in the kitchens. She could see the maid's figures scurrying back and forth amid the chaos, the noisy clatter and bluster growing in volume as they neared.
It was an almost welcome sound.
"Sae," her companion began, stilling her with a hand on her arm.
"Hmm?"
Daichi looked uncomfortable, which was odd for someone such as he. "Asumi mentioned something the other day that I think we should discuss."
Her eyebrows knitted together. "What do you mean?"
"She said that you-"
"DAICHI!"
Both of them jumped.
"I've been looking everywhere for you!" a small pixie-like girl exclaimed, rushing towards them like a small tornado. "Where have you been?!"
"Mei," Daichi began, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't know you were assigned to the kitchens."
"I told you about that last night!" the girl retorted, her small features becoming annoyed. "Did you even hear a word I said?"
"Of course I did," he replied smoothly, striding up to her and pulling her towards him. "I just didn't realize it would be this early in the day, sweet."
"Oh," the girl blushed, slowly relaxing. "I did forget to say when, didn'tI?"
"Exactly," Daichi rubbed her slim arms, pulling her even closer into his frame. "I'm just glad I made it back in time to see you before the shifts change."
Mei giggled, murmuring something under her breath.
Sae exhaled, glancing away from the couple's display of affection. She'd been witness to Daichi's "sweethearts" plenty of times before, but it didn't make the moments any less awkward. It amazed her that, despite now knowing she was female, Daichi still didn't find it odd that she was present during the encounters he had with other females. Did he have no shame?
"Oh Sae," his voice broke in. "This is Mei."
Sae turned back around and nodded. "Hello."
"Hi," the sandy haired girl replied, bobbing her head. "Daichi has told me so much about you."
"He has?" her eyebrow rose suspiciously. "What exactly has he been telling you?"
Daichi cut in before she could answer. "Just that you have been my good friend since you arrived."
"Oh." Sae was caught off guard and shifted her eyes towards him. Of all the things that she had expected him to say, that hadn't been one of them. There were times that her male companion appeared so carefree that she couldn't imagine there being something deeper behind his façade. But, it seemed, he could still surprise her. "Same goes for you, my friend."
He lifted one shoulder, in obvious embarrassment. "It's not a big deal."
"I don't know ..." Sae trailed off, eyeing him mischievously.
"What?" He demanded.
"It sounded a little ... sensitive to me."
"Excuse me?" He began to sputter.
Sae's smirk transformed into a grin. "Is there something you need to discuss with Mei? Should I leave the two of you alone?"
"Obviously not!"
Sae burst out laughing, the look on her friend's face priceless. "I'm only joking," she said between chuckles, filled with genuine mirth. "Do not be so sensitive, Daichi."
"I'm not," he protested, clearly sensitized.
"Right," her smile was knowing.
He muttered something under his breath.
Sae's grin widened. "What?"
"Nothing," His chin rose. "I doubt you would know what it means."
She just chuckled.
Having watched the exchange between the two friends, Mei suddenly came forward and crushed Sae into a hard embrace. "I'm so thankful that you are in Daichi's life and, therefore, in mine too."
Sae awkwardly patted the girl's back, gazing past her shoulder at Daichi in bewilderment.
He shrugged, advising no help.
"Oh," Mei pulled back quickly, remembering something. "I almost forgot! The housekeeper wants Daichi and I back immediately!"
He looked confused. "But why-?"
"Come on!"
Sae watched as the small brunette pulled her friend towards the busy kitchen, snorting at the stupefaction etched on his features.
Once they were gone, she looked around the empty corridor and decided that breakfast could wait. Rin would surely be rousing by now and in need of her soon. It was best to head back to the nursery and help her get ready for the day.
Humming, Sae ventured back upstairs.
"Rin?" Sae knocked lightly on the door, upon reaching the girl's room. "Are you awake?"
Silence met her question.
"Rin?" Sae slowly opened the door, allowing the light to slowly illuminate the dark quiet room. "It's time to wake up."
Nothing.
Feeling a twinge of concern, Sae slipped into the room and tried to make out the shape of the bed in the dim light. "Rin?" she attentively stepped closer, making sure she didn't trip over any of her charge's things. "It's rather late."
Still no answer.
Her alarm growing, Sae reached her hand out and laid it on the bed. "Rin?" she felt her heart stop, her hand not coming into contact with nothing but sheets. "Rin!" She whirled around, hoping to catch her charge hiding behind a piece of furniture, like she did on occasion. "Please come out now! You got me!"
Silence.
"Rin!?" Sae could feel her blood racing, fear gripping her heart. "WHERE ARE YOU!?"
"Stop yelling, insolent woman!"
Sae whipped towards the familiar high pitched –albeit annoying— voice. "Jaken?"
The green little demon stood in the middle of the doorway, his usual look of ire dominating his small, narrow features. "Honestly, the nerve!" he continued in that condescending manner of his, waving his staff at her. "To raise your voice like that, in my master's castle! Hmph! I've said it time and time and again, females such as you will never learn!"
Sae's irritation spiked, but she pushed it back and focused on the important matter at hand. "Jaken, have you seen Rin?" she demanded. "Where is she?"
His large yellow eyes narrowed. "Watch your tone woman, you cannot speak-"
Sae heard enough. "Tell me if you have seen her!" she practically screeched, feeling her panic beginning to set in again. "Otherwise, leave me be."
There was a second of silence in which he seemed nonplussed by the outburst. But as was Jaken's initiative, he regrouped quickly. "The arrogance!" his arms flailed in the air, a clear sign of outrage. "If Rin wasn't in the lord's study and requesting your presence, I'd make sure that Lord Sesshoumaru immediately knew of –Hey!"
Sae was already pushing past the small infuriated kappa, ignoring his offended speech. "Thank you!" she threw over her shoulder at the last minute, a little grateful to the puny demon for his unintentional help. At least she knew that her charge was safe and in no immediate danger. Just for that, she'd be thankful to anyone who contributed to that knowledge –even a tiny, infuriatingly, and arrogant demon.
Jaken's loud rant continued to flow as she made her way down the hall and towards the lord's study, but she continued to ignored it. Her main concern was Rin and until she could physically make sure that the little girl was alright, everything else was unimportant. Sae didn't know why Rin had been called to Lord Sesshomaru's study but the reason was irrelevant when it came to the well-fare of her charge. It may be an unreasonable and irrational instinct, but Sae could not fight the emotion that needed to see Rin smiling and well.
Nothing else mattered in that moment.
"Rin?" Sae uttered uncertainly, slowly pushing open the large ominous door of the lord's study. She had only ever seen Lord Sesshomaru's study twice, but both times she'd been standing right outside the door awaiting Rin's presence. She'd only been able to discern a large sofa bed in the middle of the room and a large window out looking the gardens. Everything else had been covered in pitch blackness. Therefore, in her mind, the study had been a rather ominous place to come across.
And certainly, not somewhere she wanted her charge to be stuck in alone.
Taking in a deep breath, Sae took a couple of steps deeper into the room when she reached it, trying to make out the rest of the figures in the room. "Rin?' she looked around, finding a faint small figure in front of a blazing fireplace that crackled at the end of the room. "Is that you?"
"Sae?" a voice responded, filled with a familiar note of innocence and youth. "Sae!"
"Rin!" Sae located her charge in seconds, focusing on the girl and her little features. "I've been looking for you!"
"She has been with me," the lord's deep voice spoke, his figure coming forth from behind his large desk. "Is that something of a problem for you?"
Despite his sarcastic tone, Sae could still feel the tension and alarm beginning to drift away from her shoulders. "Of course not," Sae replied, slowly making her way to Rin and very naturally pulling her tiny frame into a small embrace. She couldn't fight the instinct. For some reason, it just helped to do it.
"Sorry for not telling you Sae," Rin said, looking chagrined. "Jaken woke me and said I had to come here right away."
"It's okay Rin," Sae laid a reassuringly hand on the girl's head. "I understand, it wasn't your fault."
Sesshomaru didn't miss the warm interaction between the two females but designed to ignore it. There were other matters that needed attending to. "There is a reason I called Rin into my study and it involves you as well, female."
Sae straightened her spine, a foreboding knot settling into her stomach.
"As I was telling her only a moment before you interrupted," his gaze locked with hers. "It has come to my attention that Rin will be needing the guidance of a female role model as she continues to grow of age. The caretakers and governesses that she's had in the past have obviously not been adequate. She needs a more permanent presence. One that will show her everything she needs to know to become a respectable lady. And seeing as that coincides with my need to eventually produce an heir I have taken actions to fulfil both necessities by taking a wife-"
Sae felt Rin's fingers begin to squeeze her arm, where her small hands were clinging to.
"I have carefully selected a promising candidate but there is still much negotiating that must be done before anything is finalized. I am, however, confidant that the lady I have chosen will be an excellent guardian and mentor for Rin."
Sae's swallowed the hard knot in her throat, the painful thumping of her heart beating in her chest.
"However, I do understand that this notion will come as somewhat of a shock to you, Rin. So, I have invited the lady and her family to stay with us for a few days come the next fortnight. That way, you can spend time with her and she with you before you two are expected to live in the same household. It will please me greatly if you would show her what an exemplary and proper young lady that you already are, Rin. Can you do that for me?"
Sae looked down when there wasn't an immediate reply and was met with a sight that made her heart break a little. Her charge, usually so open about her feelings, was doing everything she could not to show her obvious distress. Her chin quivered ever-so-slightly, her hands were almost turning white with the amount of pressure she was holding on, and her shoulders were determinedly pulled back despite the small tremor that shook them. Sae knew that Rin was battling her desire to protest with her constant need to please Lord Sesshomaru.
The difficult turmoil was something she never had to deal with before since the lord rarely did anything that went against what she wanted.
Rin took in a shaky breath, plainly overwrought. "But Lord Sesshomaru-"
"Rin," he stopped her trembling speech. "I have taken your concerns into consideration and know that this will be a big change for you. But I am doing this for your own good. In the end, this course will work out for the best. You will understand someday."
"But-" Rin swallowed, unaccustomed to questioning her guardian. "I don't need-"
"Rin."
The little girl stopped, understanding his tone.
"I need you to trust that I know what is best for you. Can you do that?"
Obviously torn, Rin looked up at Sae, seeking guidance.
Lord Sesshomaru waited in silence, although Sae could clearly sense the displeasure he emanated at the girl's gesture. He obviously did not see her fit to be someone who advised his ward. It was not something she had not already known before, but having it so blatantly displayed to her was something she could not help but feel affected by.
Being human would never be something he would accept as sufficient.
Despite all that, however, Sae tried smiling encouragingly at her young charge, slipping her hand gently over her smaller one and squeezing, hoping to give her strength.
After a moment, Rin finally cleared her little throat and nodded attentively. "Yes," she spoke quietly, barely audible.
"Good," the lord's face remained serene, but Sae could tell that he was satisfied by her answer. It would have made it a lot more difficult on him had his ward decided not to embrace his choice. The task of trying to find another prospect was likely not one he favored, Sae guessed, since it would waste more time and energy. If there was one thing that she learned about his lordship and his methods, it was that efficiency was key.
"The lady and her family will be joining us in only 14 days so I will be making all the preparations starting tomorrow. Which also includes airing out all your best gowns and day clothing, Rin. We will be entertaining our guests every day until we settle on an agreement and they return home. So, you will be expected to join us on any outings, activities and meals we have together." His look hardened as he turned towards her. "This includes you as well."
Sae could practically feel every fiber of her being crying out in protest. She needed more time. Time, as everyone knew, heals all wounds. But seeing Lord Sesshomaru with his future wife together would not help that process. "I don't think that would be- I-I mean ... I just wouldn't be-"
"You are questioning my command?" his voice held a note of warning, as his eyes narrowed slightly.
Sae cleared her throat, trying to gather her thoughts. "No, I just meant that it wouldn't be prudent for me to be tagging after a group of the nobility. I'm inapt at being around them, if you recall. You pointed it out just last night. I think I'd be better off doing something else."
"Rin," the lord said, abruptly directing his attention back to his ward. "It is almost time for luncheon, I'd like for you to get dressed so you can go downstairs and have a proper meal."
Rin nodded silently, keeping her hand wrapped around her companion's arm. "Come on Sae-"
"No," Lord Sesshomaru interrupted. "She stays. There are things I need to discuss with your current caretaker."
Feeling as if she wanted to haul her back, Sae watched as the little girl solemnly walk out of the study and closed the big door behind her. The room was left in silence, with only the fire crackling in the background. She warily gazed around the dark high walls surrounding her, for the first time noticing how intimidating it was to be in the middle of the study. It felt so official with all the books lining the shelves, the large wooden desk perched in front, and gadgets around the room that Sae didn't recognize.
It was a lord's study.
"I will ask you this only once," said his cool voice, breaking into Sae's observations. He walked around to the front of his desk and leaned his weight against the surface, his arms crossing over his chest. "Are you Rin's caretaker?"
"Yes," Sae responded automatically, not having to think about it.
"Then as her caretaker are you not obligated to see to her wants and needs?"
She responded a little slower this time, wondering where he was going with this. "Yes."
"Therefore, when a times comes for you to do tasks that requires constant surveillance no matter the circumstances you are still obligated to do it, correct?"
Sae took a deep breath, swallowing back her protests again. "Yes."
"Yes, what?"
This time, her teeth grinded. "Yes, my lord."
That mocking brow rose. "I expect not to have to remind you to be on your best behavior when the Lord of the East and his family are present. I will not forgive any slip ups on your part, despite overlooking them in the past. Is that understood?"
"Yes, my lord," Sae repeated, feeling a hollowness begin to grow in her chest. There was nothing to be done about her circumstances. She didn't have a choice. It didn't matter what she felt or thought, she was going to have to watch firsthand the relationship that would grow between Lord Sesshomaru and his future fiancé and the bond that would develop between them and Rin. It didn't matter to anyone that while they did so, a part of Sae would be left feeling a little broken.
As was her fate as a servant of the castle. Like everyone else. She'd do well to remember that. No matter how much some persistent part of her wanted to believe otherwise.
"The lady may as well be your mistress someday, female, so remember to keep that impudent attitude of yours in check and address her with respect. I know that it may be asking a lot of you, considering your past offenses, but I expect nothing less than your absolute best. None of your usual knack for stepping over bounds, understood? You have had many freedoms afforded to you because of your duty as Rin's caretaker but do not think that it gives you leave to disrespect my guests."
"Yes, my lord."
"None of what happened at the ball last evening will be acceptable while they are here. I have been a very tolerant ruler these past few months, mainly for Rin's sake, but it stops now. I expect you not to cause any trouble for her or for anyone else for that matter. Am I making myself clear?"
"Yes, my lord."
He stopped, his golden eyes examining her face. "You are being uncharacteristically compliant. Are you planning on doing something that will make me regret ever putting Rin in your care?"
Her chin rose. "No, my lord."
Lord Sesshomaru uncrossed his arms and lifted away from his desk. "You are either telling the truth or you have gotten rather good at lying. Which one is it?" his eyes were intent as he came closer. "Are you lying to me?"
Her pulse jumping, Sae replied honestly. "No, my lord."
His slow advancement was almost wolfish. "How can I tell if you are or you aren't?" his voice dropped down to an octave that she was fast coming to recognize.
"You have always been able to tell when I am lying," Sae admitted reluctantly, hating to say it but knowing it was true. Until she met him, she'd never had anyone who could read her so easily. Not even Youhei. Which, truth be told, scared her on a fundamental level. "You can tell."
"That's true," there was a sense of taunting amusement in his words. "Then again, you are just a deplorable liar. It doesn't take much to figure that out."
Sae held back a retort. It wouldn't help her case. "Well, then there you go. I am a bad liar so you will be able to discern if I'm lying now."
"Perhaps." His broad frame was only a foot away, close enough that she could make out his features clearly. His eyes seemed to be taking in every aspect on her face. She didn't know what he saw there or what he was looking for but whatever it was, it was causing his gaze to smother.
Sae took a half a step back, not wanting to show weakness but also not wanting to be this close to him. She's made a decision that very morning to try and protect herself from his advances and see the reality of her situation. They'd never be anything more than servant and lord. It was best just to keep that as uncomplicated as possible.
"So, I will do as you say, keep myself in check, and follow your orders my lord," she nodded, ignoring his tantalizing presence. "I'll start on getting Rin ready right away. I'll just head down to-"
"No," he lifted a hand, his long fingers coming near her face. "I'm not done-"
Sae ducked, whirling away from his touch.
Sesshomaru dropped his hand, his eyes flashing. "You turn away from me?" his voice was ominous and sent a chill crawling down her spine.
Her heartbeat thrumming in her ears, Sae was almost as surprised as he was by it. Until then, she wondered if she'd even be able to turn away from him. Considering all the times before, there hadn't been any proof that she could. She'd associated her lack of response to some type of spell she couldn't break. But, apparently, her self-preservation had somehow won out in the end.
There was a low growl that filled the air. "Answer me."
Sae took a fortifying breath before staring him straight on. "Yes, my lord."
His flawless features, usually emotionless, clouded with stormy intensity. "I do not need to remind you in what position you are in. As a servant of this castle, it gives me leave to do whatever it is I wish to do with you. I understand now that the freedoms I have granted you have somehow mislead you into believing that you hold some sort of privilege in my castle. But let me remind you that it has absolutely not changed since the day you came to serve here. Like I've told you several times before you are mi-"
"No!" She cut him off, his words igniting that fire he so enjoyed to spark. "I am not yours. Despite what you and your fellow peers of the realm believe, a servant is not a thing that can be owned. I may have to serve you and spend the rest of my days in your castle, but my very being is not something that you can take away from me or anyone else. Your misguided concept of ownership on humans blinds you to the realities that govern every creature in this world."
Sae straightened her shoulders proudly. "I belong to me."
Silence met her proclamation.
Sesshomaru, meanwhile, stayed motionless, giving no sign that he heard a word she said. His expressionless eyes and chiseled features continued to measure her, as if contemplating a rather complicated equation. But, after a few seconds in taunt silence, his stormy aura slowly began to disappear and was replaced with a thoughtful one. He relaxed his stance and brought his hand under his chin, seeming to consider her. "I must admit, you confound me."
Sae's eyebrows furrowed, but she didn't say a word.
"I could almost admire that resolve of yours, had I not the wisdom that I possess." His head tilted every-so-slightly to the left. "You truly hold on to your beliefs, don't you? Despite everything that you've seen and everything that you have learned, that stubborn streak of yours refuses to give up on those ideals. It is slightly ... intriguing to see first-hand. I've encountered many men and women alike, but none have shown even half of that tenacious streak that comes so easily to you. It begs the question, what am I to do with you?"
Perplexed, Sae didn't know what to say. She was unsure how to take his response. She'd been expecting anger, even fury at her clear sign of rebellion but not this ... whatever it was. She couldn't tell if he was complimenting her or just making fun of her. It was difficult to tell with him.
"Once I think I have a firm grasp on your outburst, you unveil a new one. It seems an almost impossible task." If he was capable of any type of genuine humor, Sae would like to think that this was as close as it would get to it. His mouth didn't move in any way nor did any other feature on his face but there was something in his eyes that hinted at something not so cold.
Something, she thought was purely a figment of her imagination. For how could that possibly be true? Especially when it happened around her. It was impossible.
He abruptly dropped his hand from his face and began to move.
Sae stiffened, expecting him to make another advance but was surprised when he swiftly past her and moved towards his desk. He graciously sat into his chair, rested his elbows on top surface, and intertwined his fingers.
Sae turned around to fully face him, very uncertain with what was happening. The lord was not accustomed to being denied, it went against everything that he ever told her was acceptable. All members under his rule were expected to obey without question. She'd come to learn that he found her stubborn tendencies to be particularly amusing but he warned her against outright insubordination. She'd been rather good at keeping out of trouble for the most part ... until now.
So, after her unmistakable denial and outburst, she'd assumed that he was going to make good of all the threats and warning he keep sending her way. But he wasn't threatening to take away Rin or throw her in the dungeons with the wrath she'd been promised. He appeared almost ... calm.
Which of the two were more terrifying, she wasn't sure.
"Seeing as I have to get the preparations in order before the Lord of the East and his daughter arrive, I don't have the time to squabble with you about what you believe is right or wrong. As for what we discussed before, you know what I expect from you and there will be no room for misinterpretation. Now, be sure to have Rin ready for our outing later today, we will be going to a nearby village for more supplies for her wardrobe."
Sae waited a second before responding. "Yes, my lord." And whipped around towards the exit, not dallying on her first chance of escape.
"Oh, and Sae." His words stopped her.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Cursing her reaction, she looked over her shoulder and tried to appear unaffected.
A predatory glint shone in his striking eyes. "This matter is far from over."
*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.