Chapter 22: Luncheon
"I don't want to."
"Rin, you have-"
"You can't make me."
"Please Rin, it's not that bad-"
"It is."
"If you don't go he's going to-"
"No."
"Rin."
This time, the determined little girl merely crossed her arms and looked away, a clear sign that she was done with the conversation. Her upper lip was stuck out and her chin was lifted higher than she'd ever raised it.
Sae sighed, wondering how exactly she was going to get her charge to cooperate in time to get dressed and be ready to greet the guests who would be arriving in only a short while.
Everyone else was already downstairs waiting.
"Rin please-"
"No!" The child protested, moving away from her caretaker's touch. She stood from her place on the bed and moved towards the other end of the room. "You just don't understand!"
"Oh Rin," Sae gazed at her in sympathy. She understood more than her charge was willing to admit. She knew that this was difficult for her young mind to accept, even more so for her to understand. Change was not something that came easily to children. Even less to children who had already been through so much. "I know this is difficult but it'll be alright-"
"No!" Fresh tears began to gather in her brown eyes. "It won't! It's not alright! Nothing will ever be alright again!"
Sae took a deep breath, fighting the urge to embrace the young girl. What Rin needed right now was guidance, not coddling. Circumstances such as these were not easy to overcome. "Yes, it will."
Sniffling, the small girl began to shake her head—
"It will, just listen," Sae spoke gently, before she could protest. She held out her hand, gesturing for Rin to take it. "Come here."
Hesitating for only a moment, Rin moved forward and took her hand.
"Now," Sae began, once Rin settled into her arms. "I know this is hard for you but trust me when I say that everything will work itself out. Nothing is as terrible as it seems, at first. In the end, this may be the best thing that has ever happened to you, you'll see."
The little girl was already beginning to protest in denial. "It won't be, I know it won't. She is going to ruin everything!"
"Rin, calm down," Sae soothed her, rubbing her small arms. "You cannot get upset like this, you'll only make yourself sick. And make matters much worse."
Her lips quivered. "B-but-"
"Ssshhh," Sae hushed her softly. "I need you to listen to me very carefully. I am not saying that it won't be difficult. You barely know this woman, after all. But if you give her a chance, maybe things won't seem as bad as all that. She very well could be a nice lady and someone that could help you grow into the proud noble woman you'll become one day."
"You sound like Lord Sesshomaru," her charge muttered.
Sae ignored that, aware that she had intentionally used his reasoning because she herself had her doubts about the lady's suitability as Rin's new "guardian". What could a young privileged daughter of a lord possibly know about raising a child? "You might like her," Sae continued, even as a part of her wanted to deny it. "She could be everything that you've always wanted in a m-"
"I don't want one," Rin broke in pointedly.
"Alright," Sae amended. "She could be everything that you've always needed-"
"And I don't need one either." There was a definite tone to her voice.
Sae sighed. "Everyone needs a m-"
"I have you."
"Rin-" Sae hesitated, wondering how exactly to word what she was going to say. She felt torn between an overwhelming amount of affection for the child and the harsh realities that was her life. "We are the very best of friends, right? We can be truly honest with each other?"
The girl silently nodded her small head.
"So, then you know that although I'd love nothing more than to be the guardian that could help you grow into the woman you will be some day, I'm not a lady of noble birth and therefore couldn't possibly be able to teach you everything that you'd need to know."
"I don't care," Rin sloppily wiped her nose with the back of her hand. "I don't need or want anybody else to be by my side other than you and Lord Sesshomaru ... oh and Ah-Un and Jaken."
Tenderness washing over her, Sae pulled her charge into a tighter embrace. "I'll still be here Rin," she reassured her, although she knew that her circumstances could change in an instant. "No matter what happens, I'll always be here for you."
Big brown eyes gazed upward, unconditional trust written all over them. "Promise?"
"Promise," Sae swore, shaking off the guilty feeling that came over her. She knew that her final years would be spent serving in the lord's castle, so why couldn't she promise to be there for her young friend? It wasn't as if things could change all that much.
Right?
Sae pulled back from their hug. "Are you ready to get dressed now?"
Reluctantly, Rin agreed and allowed herself to be lead towards her closet to get prepared to greet their new guests. Due to repeated practice, Sae was able to have her dressed, groomed, and set to head downstairs in only a few minutes.
"Ready?" Sae asked one more time, before heading downstairs.
Rin nodded, although her small brow was furrowed in concern.
"It's going to be fine," She reassured her, opening the door and ushering her out. "Don't worry."
"Easy for you to say," Rin mumbled softly, beginning to fidget with her day-gown.
Right.
Easy.
Sae mentally sighed.
She'd been so busy the past two weeks helping get everything ready for the visit and preparing her charge for the unexpected events, that Sae hardly had any time to dwell on the matter. But now that she was actually heading downstairs to meet the possible new mistress of the castle, the reality of what was happening began to sink in.
Things had been quite tense between herself and Lord Sesshomaru the past two weeks. So much so that there had been times she felt as if she could cut it with a knife.
The tension, that is.
There hadn't been any actual words that'd been spoken -other than the usual talk of her duties as Rin's caretaker- but Sae had noticed the difference in atmosphere whenever she was alone in his presence. His eerie eyes always seemed to be watching her with an intensity that made her feel self-conscious. As if he were waiting for the right moment to ...
Act?
But what exactly he planned to do was beyond Sae's imagination.
She still stood by what she said in his study that day a few weeks back. She refused to play his little games anymore. She was his ward's caretaker and he was lord of this castle and that was all there would ever be between them.
No matter how much he insinuated otherwise.
Perhaps he expected her to give into him eventually as so many women no doubtably had in the past. She had no doubt that he expected her to eventually give her full and complete consent. Maybe even expected her to seek him out for it.
As he so eloquently put it one night many months ago. The night he had taken her first kiss ...
Sae's fingers unconsciously touched her bottom lip, where she could almost feel the velvety pressure that was forever scorched into her brain.
So much had happened since then. At the time, confusion and anger had been the only things that consumed her emotions that night.
Now, however, she wasn't so sure.
Of course, there was still a healthy dose of confusion. In fact, color her confused almost every minute of every day in Lord Sesshomaru's company. But the anger?
Maybe a little of that too.
But not in the same way.
Her anger before had been combined with her ultimate feelings of resentment and bitterness. She'd almost hated everything he represented: The threat towards her brother's life. An obstacle that stood between herself and freedom. The individual that had ruined their lives in the first place.
But then she spent time with him.
Saw the way he treated Rin. The tolerance he showed for weaker demons such as Jaken. The threats he gave but not the merciless actions everyone accused him of. And the countless times he had even let his guard down around her.
She couldn't really pin point exactly when her resentment had lifted, but she couldn't quite muster up the bitterness she used to have anymore.
Her anger nowadays revolved around his constant need to throw her off balance. Her continuous frustration with his ability to get under her skin. It was as if he'd grown a taste for seeing her unhinged or disconcerted. Almost like he ... enjoyed it?
Yeah, right.
Sae shook her head, never understanding why she came to these conclusions. It was as if her mind always seemed to be looking for signs that he experienced more feelings than he actually showed. Like there were clues in every gesture or subtle shift in expression he made that would reveal a sensation he was experiencing. It was that part of her that refused to see reality for what it really was.
The part that still, even now, tugged painfully in her chest at the thought of going downstairs. A nonsensical voice that persisted that there was much more to the lord then met the eye. Stormy emotions that refused to abate whenever she sensed he was close. She knew that thoughts such as these would not be easy to get past.
But things had to change.
That meant that she had to start taking everything he did at face value and stop over analyzing everything else. No more looking for little signs or telling changes in his demeanor when he was around her. Enough with speculating about why he continued to make advances on someone like her, even when he denied any type of favoritism. Done were the days when she pondered about the embraces they shared, despite the fact that he warned her that they didn't mean anything at all.
It was time to move forward.
Lord Sesshomaru could wait all he wanted.
But he'd be waiting till hell freezes over before getting that surrender.
"Lord Heishi and Lady Chō, I'd like to introduce my ward."
His deep mesmerizing voice echoed off the walls of the great hall as the lord made the announcement. Sae watched the encounter from her position by the stairs, comfortable in the shadows as the group of nobility made their usual introductions. Lord Sesshomaru stood next to an older lord and a young lady as he gestured with his long fingers for his ward to step forward. Rin, despite her episode earlier, curtsied with such self-control that Sae could not help but feel a swell of pride gather within her chest. The older lord, with his gray hairs and silver beard, nodded his head towards the young girl in acknowledgment, before allowing his daughter to step forward.
Sae sucked in a breath, taking in the typically beautiful and high-born lady that gracefully curtsied in front of Rin.
Her strawberry colored hair gleamed in the morning rays that peaked through the glass windows and her skin was almost as pale and clear as the light that illuminated her face. She smiled politely. "Hello Lady Rin, Lord Sesshomaru has told me so much about you." Her lips were a light pink, shaping an attractive smile.
Sae observed Rin as she tried to smile back with as much genuineness as she could muster. "It is nice to meet you ... Lady Chō." Her features might have been slightly strained but no one other than Sae would catch the subtle, tense expression.
The lady merely nodded back serenely, before lifting from her refined curtesy and stood by her father.
"Lord Sesshomaru has been regarding us with all your many accomplishments." Lady Chō's voice was light and delicate, like a sound from glass wind chimes. "I look forward to seeing each and every one while I'm here."
"I'd be delighted," the small child answered, bowing her head once again.
Sae fought back a smile. She knew that tone and it certainly did not sound delighted.
But the others didn't seem to notice the slight change in timbre. "You never told us quite how adorable she was, Lord Sesshomaru," the lady commented, smiling faintly. "It is no wonder why you think so highly of her."
"Indeed," he commented, with his usual monotone.
"Shouldn't expect anything less from a ward of Lord Sesshomaru, my dear," Her father commented, regarding the little girl with curiosity. "Despite her ... lineage."
Sae's eyes shot towards Lord Sesshomaru, catching a quick twitch on his jawline before he masked it with his typical expression of indifference. "Rin is my ward. There is nothing else that matters."
Having caught the note of finality, Lord Heishi raised an intrigued silver brow at the little girl but otherwise decided to let the matter drop. "Yes, well, she is a fine good one at that." He turned towards his daughter. "Wouldn't you say my dear?"
"Why yes," Lady Chō answered graciously, making a small fluttering gesture with her hand. "I must say, she is quite charming. Just like a little ... doll."
Sae's brows furrowed, wondering why she suddenly got a strange feeling. Like something was off. It was not anything they said exactly, it was just something about the way they said it. She couldn't put her finger on it but something was triggering her instincts with caution.
"Thank you, my lady," Rin said obediently, still doing a good job at playing a proper host.
"Well now that we've gotten the pleasantries out of the way," Lord Heishi proclaimed, straightening his expensive coat by tugging on the sides. "I presume our rooms are ready for our stay?"
"Naturally," Sesshomaru gestured for one of the female servants standing by to dutifully come forward. He watched carefully as the chambermaid hurriedly stepped up and waited for the young noble woman to follow her. "The maid will accompany Lady Chō to her chambers whenever she wishes."
Sae began to tense up, knowing that she would soon be following similar orders. She would have preferred to remain in the shadows where no one really paid her any heed. Especially away from Lord Sesshomaru and his (possible) future bride. It was only a matter of time until she'd be called into attention as Rin's caretaker.
"Go on, my dear," Lord Heishi prompted, taking his daughter's hand and patting it consolingly. "You freshen up before luncheon, while I have a small chat with Lord Sesshomaru."
Lady Chō acquiesced gracefully, by giving a final bow to her hosts and following the maid up the grand staircase.
Sae couldn't help but let her eyes linger on the back of the lady's gown as she disappeared upstairs, feeling a slight sense of envy at how regal and natural the female looked among all the grandeur. It was as if she belonged there. She'd been born and bred for this role. She would one day become the lady of a household. A household very much like this one.
"Lord Sesshomaru, I'd like to discuss something with you, if I may." Lord Heishi began, once his daughter was out of ear-shot.
Lord Sesshomaru turned towards him, his eyebrow raised.
"This may be a bit last minute and somewhat of an inconvenience for you but-"
Lord Sesshomaru lifted a hand, silencing the other lord. "Rin, I'd like you to follow your caretaker upstairs and get your things ready for a luncheon outside." He addressed his ward, aware that she was listening intently to the conversation.
Rin jumped, as if caught. "Yes, Lord Sesshomaru," The little girl bobbed a curtsy, before quickly heading towards Sae.
Sae instinctively grabbed the hand Rin held out to her and turned to lead her charge back upstairs to her bedroom.
There was a slight awkward cough before Lord Heishi's voice filled the air again.
"Yes, well, as I was saying my nephew made a rather sudden decision a few weeks back to stay the winter with us and since his mother is a favorite sister of mine I could not deny the poor lad."
"I see."
"And I couldn't very well leave the fellow all alone, away from the only other family he has, now could I? I apologize that it is last minute but he will be staying with us for the duration of our stay here. Perhaps you have met him already, yes? Fine chap. He was a guest at your ward's ball only a fortnight ago ..."
The voice began to fade as she and Rin took the final steps up the staircase and turned towards the corridor leading up to their rooms.
"I told you so," said a grumpy mutter.
Sae looked down at Rin's small figure. "What?" She was slightly distracted by the conversation she had not-so-subtly tried to overhear.
Rin's eyes looked up, her face solemn. "I said, I told you so. She is going to ruin everything."
"Oh, come now," Sae tried to smile encouragingly. "It wasn't all that bad. I think things went rather well all things considered. She seemed ... nice."
Rin was silent.
"I'm sure things will get better," Sae continued, trying to stay in high-spirits herself. Despite her own forebodings. "Once you get to know her and her father, I'm certain it'll be much easier."
Rin continued in silence for another heartbeat before speaking again. "You really think so?"
Sae was able to conjure up a believable smile. "Sure, absolutely."
The two of them remained quiet the rest of the walk upstairs. Wordlessly, Sae opened the door to Rin's room and followed her charge inside. Rin, as per usual, jumped onto her bed and sprawled herself -face first- into the sheets.
Sae sighed before moving towards the closet, knowing she had to find yet another dress for Rin to wear to luncheon.
Rin mumbled something into her pillow.
"You have too," Sae replied, rifling through Rin's clothes. She did not have to hear the little girl words to know exactly what she was saying.
Rin's muffles sounded slightly louder.
"Yes, he has already seen you in perfect health" -Sae also already knew the arguments- "And no, he will not believe that you have suddenly developed some illness."
"But Sae-"
"Rin," Sae began, reentering the room with a day-gown carefully carried in her arms. "I know that this situation is not easy for you but I need you to keep an open mind and not make this harder for me. Please."
The little girl perked up immediately, her tiny frame sitting up on the bed. "Harder for you?" she echoed, her young voice filled with confusion.
Sae stopped, realizing what she had revealed. "I-I mean in the most general sense," she stumbled, feeling her face flush hot. "You know how Lord Sesshomaru gets when I don't have you ready to go when he wants you to be."
"Oh," her tiny face was filled with guilt. "Yes, I know. I'm sorry."
Sae instantly felt regret. "No Rin, don't apologize," she carefully laid the gown down before coming to sit by the little girl. "It's not your fault. Forget what I just said, ok? You are just a child, you are allowed to feel however you want to feel."
Rin's face immediately beamed. "Then can I-"
"No."
"Aw." The little girl seemed to deflate. "No fair."
Sae fought back a smile.
In record time, Sae was ushering Rin out the door of her room and downstairs to the luncheon in the courtyard. The little girl continued to voice her complaints all the way down, trying very hard to convince Sae that she was, indeed, too sick to attend. By the time they reached the corridor leading out into the main garden, Sae was trying to hold back her laughter.
"For the last time Rin," she said, amusement coloring her every word. "You will not expire from one small luncheon."
"I could," the little hellion retorted.
"It's going to be fine," her caretaker continued, stopping to turn towards her young companion. "I'll just be a few feet away."
"No, you won't," Rin protested, her arms crossed over her small chest. "You're going back into the kitchens and only coming to fetch me afterwards."
"Well ..." Sae bit her lip, unsure how to respond. Technically Rin was correct, Sae was heading toward the kitchen in order to keep distracted. She refused to be a witness to the budding romance that would occur between Lord Sesshomaru and his future bride. It was only natural and expected that the lord try to woe said fair lady. Nevertheless, Sae was not going to sit around and watch.
Not if she had any say in it.
She did not think she was required to attend the luncheon, seeing as the purpose of the entire thing was for the host and his guests to get better acquainted. Other than the kitchen maids and a few footmen, any other servants seemed unnecessary.
At least, in her mind it was.
But how to explain that to a little girl who refused to see reason?
Sae had only one answer. "I have to," she lied. "They need an extra pair of hands. It's a busy day, after all."
Rin pouted, but didn't otherwise argue.
"Now," Sae smoothed out the small wrinkles on her charge's sleeves with a gentle tug before kneeling down to be at eye level with her. "Be strong, just remember your lessons, and most importantly, you're a lady. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise."
Although Rin seemed a bit confused at the last part she still nodded, squared her narrow little shoulders, and walked out into the gardens.
Sae watched her small frame disappear around the corner with a small twinge of guilt before sighing and turning towards the kitchen. Although the idea of again being at the mercy of the head housekeeper felt extremely unappealing, the thought of seeing the lord courting a possible fiancé was even more so. Sae would rather take the screeching harpy over the other scenario any day.
Hence, she walked determinedly towards the opposite direction of the festivities occurring outside and towards the kitchen.
As her feet reached the doorway, the area continued to bustle all around her, familiar noises filling the walls surrounding the bodies that continued to file in and out of the busy kitchen. Maids continued to move around, fulfilling the duties that would contribute to the luncheon that was taking place that very moment. The cook directed a few others –in a firm voice –with the orders of the meal that would serve as the main entrée. The housekeeper, as per usual, was lecturing yet another frightened kitchen maid in the corner.
"... do not think for one second that I won't tell the lord about this!" The chubby woman continued to threaten, flailing her thick arms into the air.
Sae rolled her eyes, having heard that speech over what seemed a hundred times before. She then made her way towards the two, knowing that she was about to walk into a long tirade about how the lord's wrath was not something that anyone should take lightly.
"Then he'll throw your remains to the wolves."
"Then he'll throw your remains to the wolves."
Both the housekeeper and Sae said the threat simultaneously.
The older woman turned around slowly, her shoulders tense in a way that Sae had grown to recognize.
"You," the housekeeper said, a combination of disdain and horror.
Sae grinned. "Me," she returned readily, slightly satisfied with the dread she saw on the other woman's face. The housekeeper may have given her a difficult time but Sae hadn't taken it without dishing out a little hell of her own.
Something, the older woman was very much aware of.
"What are you doing down here?" The housekeeper asked, raising her nose into the air as a show of superiority. "Aren't you too good to be working down here with us common folk."
Sae felt a pang of annoyance, tired of hearing the same old snide assumptions the other servants made about her. After the first wave of speculation had died down, many had concluded that she was some sly manipulator trying to raise above her station. And that the whole "dressing as a boy" escapade had just been a clever ruse to ultimately get the lord's attention.
It didn't matter how many times Sae denied the preposterous allegations. Everyone always seemed to believe the worst.
"I came to help," she finally answered between gritted teeth. No use trying to argue with a person she knew disliked her intensely.
An ominous glint suddenly appeared in the housekeeper's beady eyes. "Oh really," she practically hummed, a calculating look overtaking her chubby features.
"Until Rin needs me again," Sae clarified cautiously, feeling as if she was walking on dangerous ground. "Of course."
A thick fingered hand waved the remark away, her face still lit with misgivings. "That won't be for a while, seeing as the meal has just begun. That leaves a good amount of time left on your hands, doesn't it?"
Sae opened her mouth–
"Now," the housekeeper continued, not waiting for a response. "As you know, most of my good workers are out in the gardens tending to the lord and his guests, so that leaves me with many tasks and no one here to complete them."
Sae was beginning to rethink her decision.
"Therefore, as your first chore," the evil woman concluded, hustling over to the wooden closet before grabbing a bucket with supplies clanking inside and returning to shove them into Sae's arms. "You can clear out all the chamber pots in the east wing."
"But that is over a dozen rooms!" the young woman protested in outrage.
Smug satisfaction gleamed in the housekeeper's eyes. "Then you better get started, now shouldn't you?"
Sae stood rooted to the spot, her mind contemplating whether she would truly rather be under the tyrannical rule of this villainous woman or outside, in the warm sun where the lord was probably complimenting how flattering the light was on Lady Chō's–
"Yes, you're right!" Sae spoke almost too cheerfully and whirled around towards the door. The look of shock on the housekeeper's face was almost enough to put a small spring to her step as she walked out of the kitchens and towards the repugnant task that lay ahead of her.
She still had a smirk on her face as she made her way up the large staircase, rounded the corner, and bumped into a familiar face.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't– Oh!" Asumi's face lit up. "Sae!"
Sae immediately smiled. "Asumi! I didn't know you were assigned up here today."
"Oh," a blush bloomed across the red head's cheeks. "W-well yes, I've been on chamber pot duty for a while now."
"Asumi," Sae groaned in exasperation, setting down her bucket full of supplies. "Why did you not tell me?"
Sea-blue eyes cast downwards, in chagrin. "I didn't want to bother you with silly–"
"Don't even start with that," Sae interrupted, holding up a hand. "I've told you a thousand times before that anything concerning you is not silly or unimportant. Especially when that horrid housekeeper is treating you unfairly."
"It's not completely unfair," Asumi countered, finally looking up. "I did speak out of turn, after all."
"Bah," Sae rolled her eyes, feeling no sympathy. "That woman deserved it. You are the kindest human being I know, Asumi. Any person to push you that far certainly had it coming."
"Bite your tongue," Asumi chastened. "What if someone heard you?"
Sae arched a brow at her friend. "I have you here, don't I? What other protection do I need?"
Asumi's face turned beat red. "Stop that."
"Fine," Sae grinned, feeling a bit light-hearted. "But honestly, I wouldn't want to be alone with you when you're angry."
"Sae!" the red head exclaimed, her hands covering her flushed face.
"Alright, alright," she conceded, her features mirthful. "I'll stop."
"What are you doing up here, anyway?" Asumi asked, a few moments later.
Sae sighed, only now recalling why she was up in the east wing in the first place. "I, too, am on chamber pot duty it would seem."
"But why?" her friend was clearly confused. "Aren't you supposed to be downstairs with the lord and the rest of his guests?"
Sae shrugged, unwilling to get into that subject. "I'm just here to help."
But her friend was too perceptive for her own good. "Because they need it or because you want to?" Asumi asked, her bright eyes shrewd.
"What does it matter?" she retorted, turning away from her companion and picking up her supplies. "I'm here now and have a task to do."
"Sae."
She stopped mid-step, recognizing that tone of voice. She turned back to her friend and was met with a solemn expression.
"What is wrong?" there was concern in Asumi's voice.
"Nothing," she immediately replied, still refusing to delve deeper into the subject. "Absolutely nothing."
They stood for a few moments in silence, Asumi staring intently into her face while Sae attempted to look as nonchalant as possible. Finally, Asumi spoke up. "You always tell me to be honest with you. That no event or worry is too small to share with you yet you do not share the same with me."
Sae looked towards her good friend, her gaze caught by the intensity of the sea-blue regard.
"How is that fair?" her friend continued to press. "Or right? Should it not be both ways between friends?"
Sae gulped, feeling as if her throat had gone a bit dry. She knew everything her companion said certainly was fair but she didn't feel as if spilling her guts out would be the wisest of decisions. If she explained why she'd rather be cleaning out chamber pots over being downstairs then she'd have to divulge every single detail that lead up to this particular feeling. Having to explain or describe everything that had occurred between herself and Lord Sesshomaru was something that she was not willing to explore, let alone reveal to a friend.
"I ..." Sae began, before exhaling in dejection. "I can't."
Asumi's disappointment was palpable. "I see."
"It has nothing to do with you!" she immediately began to protest. "It's just–"
"It's alright," her friend said, her tone still a bit quiet. "I understand."
"Asumi-"
"No, it's really fine," solemn eyes looked directly into her friends. "You are allowed to have your secrets, Sae, as I am allowed to have mine."
Sae observed the red head for a split second, debating internally about whether she should explain any bit of her conundrum with the lord. She didn't want to keep secrets from her friend. Just like she knew Asumi didn't want to keep them from her.
But sometimes, it was just better this way.
Sae smiled tentatively, hoping things did not remain awkward. "I'm alright you know. I'd tell you if there was really something wrong."
"Alright," Asumi nodded, a small lift tilting on the corner of her lips.
"Shall we continue onto the next chamber together?" Sae asked brazenly, extending her arm in the direction of the corridor leading deeper into the castle. "There are many pots awaiting us."
Asumi shook her head at Sae's antics but nevertheless agreed and followed suit.
"Was she really that upset?" Asumi wondered a few moments later, after listening to Sae retell the details of what happened earlier that day.
Sae nodded empathically. "Refused to leave her room for a while," she said, recalling Rin that morning. "It took me quite a bit to convince her to come downstairs to greet them, more so when I had to dress her for luncheon."
Asumi looked worried. "Were they terrible?"
"No," Sae paused, recalling her unease during the morning encounter. "They were very ... polite."
"Then why did Lady Rin get so upset for?" Asumi was clearly perplexed.
Sae shrugged. "She said that the lady would ruin everything."
"Ah," there was a dawning note to her voice. "I see."
"What do you mean?" Sae's dark eyes shot towards her companion's.
Asumi's demeanor was knowing. "I just understand why Rin is so opposed to this match now and what, or shall I say who, it might ... affect."
It was the brunette's turn to be confused. "Well yeah, of course, because of the lord, right? The new lady will be taking time away from Lord Sesshomaru and Rin obviously doesn't want that."
"Sure," Asumi replied after a meaningful pause. "That's it."
Sae's could almost feel the discomfort emanating from the other female. "Asumi, what are you not saying-"
"Sae!"
Both friends turned around at the shout, their view met with the appearance of a fast approaching figure.
"Sae!"
"What?" Sae answered in bewilderment, recognizing the young kitchen boy from downstairs.
His cheeks flushed, the boy looked extremely frazzled. "You are needed in the gardens." He said, not mincing words.
"What?"
The youth was clearly on a mission, for his eyebrows set in a solid line and his mouth thinned. "The lord requires your presence downstairs."
"But ..." Sae couldn't seem to find the right words. "Why?"
"It is not your place to question the lord!" The boy spoke in outrage, his cheeks flushing a deeper red. "Now let us be off before he loses patience."
Sae turned towards her friend with incredulousness. "See you later?"
Asumi nodded, her eyes wide. "Yes ... good luck."
"Come on!" The kitchen boy uttered with impatience, grabbing onto her arm and pulling her towards the staircase. "We mustn't idle around."
Sae allowed herself to be dragged back down the hall and along the staircase, her mind trying to catch up with her feet. She had been so sure she would not be needed during the luncheon, so much so, that she'd been convinced not even the lord would notice her absence.
Apparently, she'd been wrong.
"I can walk on my own," Sae finally protested in annoyance, trying to pull her arm away from the boy's grasp. "Thank you."
But his youthful grip merely tightened, as he marched determinedly down the stairs and into the corridors leading outside. "I have strict orders and they do not entail you strolling back to the gardens and taking your time."
Sae was immediately insulted. "And what is that supposed to mean?!"
The kitchen boy didn't answer, but merely adjusting his hold and continued on.
Sae struggled for a few moments more before giving up the futile resistance and allowed herself to be dragged along. The boy was obviously being led by fear. There was no deterring him at this point.
Lord Sesshomaru was not someone any of the servants were willing to displease, after all.
"Here we are," he announced with satisfaction, stopping right in front of the same entrance Sae had left Rin at. "Just go ahead. Join the lord and his guests."
Sae yanked her arm away with as much dignity as she could muster and pulled her shoulders back. All the time acknowledging how very similar she probably resembled Rin only an hour earlier. "Fine," she said, her chin tilted up as she took steps towards the gardens.
The familiar floral scents of the vegetation growing in the garden slowly began to fill her nostrils. The gravel path leading towards the center crunched under her feet as she continued forward. The sunlight illuminated the colorful flowers that decorated the walkway, their delicate petals creating an ethereal passageway towards the lawn.
It'd been a walk she'd made many times before, but she couldn't recall having felt as anxious as she did now.
Sae was not sure what to expect when she finally reached the luncheon she was now forced to attend, but there was a part of her that felt as if it would not end well.
For what reason could Lord Sesshomaru want her to join the rest of his party? Surely Rin was well cared for in the presence of a dozen maids and footmen, as well as his guests and the lord himself. What could she possibly offer to an already well-organized affair?
The answers did not bode well.
Finally reaching the end of the trail, she took a deep fortifying breath before forcing her legs to enter the heart of all the greenery.
Her eyes took in the scene, her attention immediately gravitating towards her charge —who sat sullenly next to the lovely Lady Chō — then towards the lord and his companion standing a few feet away from them. The small intimate setting was the very picture of a nobility's gathering. Small tables with white linen cloths, miniature trays of food scattered among different surfaces, delicate bouquets of flowers sitting as center pieces, and the delicate clink of porcelain that filled the air.
As much as she wished to run in the opposite direction, Sae forced herself to stand her ground and clear her throat.
Those golden eyes instantly seared through her. "Good of you to join us," he said, his voice revealing nothing.
Sae curtsied, aware of all the eyes that were now watching her every move. "I was not aware that I was needed," she replied, with a hint of defiance. "My lord."
"Is that so," there was an intensity that flashed across his gaze. "I recall a conversation that outlines this very scenario."
Sae ignored his deliberate jab. "I am here, per your request."
His eyebrow began to arch —
"My lord."
His gaze bored into hers, like he was looking straight into her soul. As if he could read her every thought. It was one of the most unsettling things Sae had ever felt.
And she disliked it.
"I still do not see why this servant's presence is so dire," a delicate voice cut in, breaking the tension. "We have plenty of maids to cater to our needs."
"This one is different," Lord Sesshomaru said, not taking his gaze off the petite brunette.
There was small pause before Lady Chō spoke again. "I see, and how is that? She does not appear to be of any significance. I dare say she seems rather … plain."
Sae glanced over at the high-born lady, noting immediately that her aura appeared slightly less serene this time.
"Now my dear," Lord Heishi chastened, his voice still strangely amiable. "It is not our place to question how Lord Sesshomaru runs his household. I'm sure he has a perfectly good reason for summoning this … servant."
Sae tried her hardest to not give a reaction, keeping her eyes focused on the pillar straight ahead of her. Although Lord Heishi reprimanded his daughter for "over stepping", the lord still had his own note of arrogance when addressing her status.
Typical behavior for those of noble birth.
Lord Sesshomaru, however, paid them no mind. Like the privileged and powerful nobleman he was, he continued as if they hadn't spoken. "Indeed, this female is Rin's personal caretaker and therefore required to be by my ward's side constantly."
"Naturally," the older lord said, in good humor. He seemed to have over-looked any indication of awkwardness. "That is to be expected."
"Why she thought otherwise, is beyond comprehension." The silver headed lord directed this at the female in question.
Sae finally dared to look Lord Sesshomaru in the eye, fully aware that defiance was probably clear on her face. "I do not know what you mean," she spoke innocently. "I was unaware that my presence was needed at every minute, of every hour, of every day."
"But of course it is," Lady Chō's tinkling laugh was slightly taunting. "You are a servant of this castle and thus property of Lord Sesshomaru. You do what he says."
Sae stiffened, feeling her every nerve scream out in protest. She understood the mentality that this statement resonated from but that didn't mean she agreed with it. Her mind would just never wrap itself around the concept that nobility had about people being their possessions. She may be stuck in the lord's castle but she belonged to no one.
And nobody could tell her different.
Sae turned towards the lady slowly. "I–"
"Sae isn't Lord Sesshomaru's!" Rin interrupted, her indignation clear. "She takes care of me but she isn't a belonging. She's a person, just like me!"
Lady Chō's refined features seemed to harden, the slightest bit. "How quaint," her voice was polite, yet there was an underlining suggestion to it. "To see the world with such naïve eyes."
Sae didn't like her tone.
Rin obviously didn't either. Her little forehead crinkled as she began to protest. "I don't–"
"Rin," Lord Sesshomaru stopped her, obviously knowing where his ward was heading. "Mind your manners."
Clearly torn, Rin appeared to struggle with herself for a few seconds before finally resigning her behavior to proper decorum. "Yes, Lord Sesshomaru," the little girl sighed, dutifully turning towards the other lady. "I apologize, my lady."
One thinly shaped brow arched. "Of course," Lady Chō acquiesced smoothly. "No harm done."
"As for this talk about my ward's caretaker," His tone became cold. "Will stop immediately."
Lady Chō shot a sharp look at Sae.
"I believe it goes without saying, that conversations about the help is in poor taste," His voice was chillingly disapproving. Although he was not directly looking at anyone, it was clear who he was addressing.
And the lady was certainly not pleased. Sae could tell by the very heated glare that she felt shooting straight through her. But she refused to acknowledge it. The less she interacted with the noblewoman, the better.
"Of course, of course!" Lord Heishi boomed in, ignoring the palpable tension. "Very poor taste, indeed. I'm sure my daughter was merely interested in the household. Naturally. Considering the circumstances that has brought all of us here together."
Lord Sesshomaru's silver head nodded calmly, easily overlooking the slight impropriety. "Indeed."
Then everyone went back to what they had been doing.
Sae stood for a moment, fighting the urge to rock back and forth on the balls of her feet. Lord Sesshomaru and Lord Heishi picked up on their conversation, as if nothing untoward had occurred. Their voices carried through the garden, a deep murmur that Sae could barely discern. She looked over at her charge, who still sat sulkily in her seat.
Sighing, Sae forced her feet toward the other females in the room. There would be no avoiding the noble woman, after all. Sae was Rin's caretaker. Therefore, she had to be by her side. Which meant she'd have to be in the lady's company.
She gazed heavenward. Please, strike me now.
"Hello."
Sae jumped, the voice coming from out of nowhere.
"Sorry, didn't mean to frighten you."
"Lord Inoue," Sae breathed in surprise, her vision settling on a familiar pair of amused blue eyes. Had he been there the whole time?
His easy grin was in place. "What did I tell you? Call me Nao."
"Lord Inoue," She continued purposely, ignoring his request. "What a surprise."
"Really?" His dimples flashed. "If I truly think about it, it really isn't."
"What do you mean?" Sae's brows furrowed in confusion.
"Fate."
"Fate?" She echoed, wondering why he looked so all-knowing.
"Us," he continued. "Meeting."
Her dark eyes narrowed on his features. "And why is that?"
"Well you see," he said, eyes dancing. "Lord Heishi is my uncle."
"What?" Sae was certain her mouth dropped.
By his mirthful expression, he seemed to be enjoying her shock. "Yes, he's my mother's favorite brother and Lady Chō-"
Sae instinctively looked towards the beautiful noblewoman.
"-is my cousin."
"Oh." Sae's attention was caught by the delicate movements that belonged to the noble in question. From where she stood only a few feet away, it appeared that every gesture and movement Lady Chō made was done with such delicacy that it seemed impossibly refined. Her slim dainty fingers curled gracefully around the fine porcelain cup. Her lips barely touched the rim as she took an inaudible sip of her tea.
How did someone become so polished?
"Sae?"
"Hmm?" she snapped out of her contemplating trance.
His eyes, although still amused were slightly puzzled. "Did you hear what I said?"
Sae pretended ignorance. "About what?"
His lips revealed an attractive smirk. "Our fated meeting, of course."
"Oh right," she conjured up an expression of mock surprise. "The one that now seems a bit planned? Considering that you knew who everyone was and how things would turn out."
"I did not!"
"No? Then this is all just a coincidence?"
"Yes," he answered immediately, a second before becoming sheepish. "... and no."
"I see," although Sae kept her voice cheerful, her stomach dropped. It was exactly as Lord Sesshomaru had said: Lord Inoue had been hiding something all along and toying with her ignorance.
"I think you misunderstand-"
"I don't think so," Sae cut off a no doubt well-rehearsed excuse. "I understand perfectly."
"Wait–" Lord Inoue placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, halting her intention of walking away. "I can explain."
"Explain what exactly?" Sae demanded, fighting the warmth that spread through her insides at the touch. She wouldn't fall for any more tricks. She was done with noblemen playing with her inexperienced emotions.
"About what I mean," he elaborated, looking earnest. "I knew who you were at the ball but I never intentionally sought you out. That was just a happy coincidence. But when I found out that my uncle and my cousin were being specifically sought out after by Lord Sesshomaru, I knew that I would have another opportunity to see you again."
Sae scrutinized his face, her thoughts questioning his words. "So that is why you left immediately afterward? Because you knew we would eventually meet again?"
"Exactly," he nodded, then paused. "You noticed that I left after?"
Sae deliberately ignored his question. "Why could you not have just sought me out and explained that?"
The youthful lord appeared embarrassed. "Well …"
Sae's eye stared intently into his. "Well what?"
"I wasn't sure you would be keen on seeing me again." He lifted an arm and rubbed the back of his neck self-consciously. "You didn't seem all that thrilled about the idea at the ball. So, I figured a surprise meeting would be best."
Sae observed his movement, noting that it seemed out of character for him to be nervous. He always seemed so … sure of himself. Like many of the youthful lords she'd ever encountered. They had the world at their feet, why wouldn't they feel that way?
But was he truly embarrassed? Or was he just playing a part? He was related to Lord Heishi and Lady Chō, after all, who were quickly becoming two of the most arrogant nobility Sae had yet to encounter. Who was to say he didn't share their ideals and was just messing with her?
But if he was why bother with her? She was no one in this castle.
"I can see that you aren't sure if you believe me," Lord Inoue commented, before waiting for a reply. "But believe me when I say that I genuinely wanted to see you again."
Sae's guard was still up. "And why is that?"
"Because," clear blue eyes stared straight into hers. "There is something different about you. I realized it from the moment we first met."
"Is that so," a new voice interrupted, ice cold.
Sae looked to her left, unsurprised that Lord Sesshomaru's tall frame was standing only a few inches away. His face was an emotionless marble but his eyes were flashing with irritation.
Lord Inoue straightened his frame, instantly appearing to be the entitled nobleman he was bred to be. "Yes, Lord Sesshomaru, I do believe it to be so. How nice of you to join our conversation."
There was a look of challenge that flickered in his golden eyes. "Seeing as you are my guest and the female you are addressing is part of my household, I thought it wise to address any issues before it got out of hand."
"There is no issue," Lord Inoue retorted, with a hint of annoyance.
"Clearly," Lord Sesshomaru said, his tone smooth. "Then you are welcome to join the rest of your family, seeing as they are awaiting your company."
Lord Inoue looked at Sae before looking back at the silver headed demon. "Of course," he bowed, consenting to other lord's request. "I'd be more than happy to join my uncle and cousin. If you will excuse me-"
Sae watched him make his leave, wondering what exactly he would have said had he not been interrupted. He seemed to be so genuine. Perhaps he wasn't the conniving or deceiving nobleman that Lord Sesshomaru made him out to be.
"Oh, there you are cousin," she heard the greeting voice of Lady Chō say, her tone pleased. "What could have possibly taken you so long?"
Lord Inoue bowed over his relative's hand before coming to stand. "Nothing of importance, cousin." Never once glancing back to where he left Sae standing.
Or maybe not.
Sae felt a twinge of disappointment, but internally shook it off. There were other matters that needed her attention. She forced herself to look back at the silver-haired lord, her gaze steady.
He, in turn, was staring candidly at her face. "What were you two talking about?"
"What?"
His golden eyes glinted. "What were you and Lord Inoue talking about?"
"Nothing," Sae replied automatically. "Nothing important."
"Then what I heard earlier was nothing?" His jaw hardened. "That, was nothing of importance?"
"Yes," she admitted, her voice unable to hide her flat and disappointed tone. "Nothing."
A second ticked by. Then two.
"Did I not warn you before?" He asked, his voice losing a slight chill. "He may seem convincing with his flattery and seemingly honest demeanor, but he is a lord of this realm underneath it all."
Sae looked past his broad shoulder, to where Lord Inoue and Lady Chō were discussing something in hushed tones. Despite what he had just said only moments before, the young lord hadn't appeared even the slightest bit hesitant when asked to leave her and join his cousin. On one hand, it was expected of him as a guest to heed Lord Sesshomaru's wishes, but on the other hand …
Sae inwardly sighed and turned her attention back to the lord standing in front of her. "I don't know what you're talking about. Like I said before, we weren't discussing anything important." She couldn't help the stubborn note in her voice.
On some level, she felt like he was right.
Not that she'd ever admit to it.
A gleam passed across his golden eyes, had she not known better, she could have sworn appeared amused.
Almost.
"Indeed," he spoke with his usual monotone, straightening to full height in his commonly graceful manner before gesturing in the opposite direction. "Shall we join the rest of the party?"
Sae nodded, mimicking his straightening motion and headed toward the other guests. She felt him shift after her and follow suit. Although she wished she didn't, she was aware of his heat behind her as she made her way across the room. He was likely following her with a length that was proper for the situation, yet it was as if every nerve along her back was being stroked with sensation.
She fought to suppress a shiver of reaction.
Before she could explore the sensation further, the lord stepped away from behind her and joined Lord Heishi.
Sae continued towards her charge.
Rin was still sitting in her oversized chair, swinging her short stocking covered legs back and forth, and appearing to all the world like the disgruntled little girl that she was.
"Hey you," Sae said as greeting, happy to see the automatic smile that lit the girl's face.
"Sae!" Rin said happily, forgetting herself and jumping up from her seat. "Come sit!"
"It's alright Rin," Sae chuckled lightly. "I'll stand for now-"
A delicate throat clearing interrupted her response.
Both, Sae and Rin looked over at the noble lady.
Lady Chō was watching them with a serene expression. "My my, how charming it is to see the bond between a young girl and the help. Even when it is at the expense of acceptable decorum."
Rin's cheeks immediately flushed red before she dutifully sat back down on her chair.
Sae, however, was feeling less sheepish while a sense of defensiveness began to build. The more time she spent in the presence of this seemingly demure noble lady, the more she was beginning to think that her outward behavior was more of a façade.
"Now cousin," Lord Inoue cut in, his voice light. "She is but a young girl. You cannot be so harsh in your judgement of her etiquette."
The lady gave a refined little shrug. "Of course, how silly of me."
Sae's eyes narrowed, catching the note of insincerity.
Silly, indeed.
"In fact, if I recall correctly," Lord Inoue continued, a mischievous air about him. "There was a time that you, my dear cousin, had a caretaker that you were particularly attached to. What did you like to call her again? Na-"
"YES! Yes, I do recall," Lady Chō cut in quickly, her features slightly strained. "Thank you, cousin, for that relevant reminder of child-like innocence. Young Lady Rin is, indeed, within the age range to form an inappropriate attachment to the help."
Sae rolled her eyes, knowing fully well that the lady's response was just another thinly veiled insult. Yet, witnessing her embarrassment was almost worth the fake apology.
Lord Inoue winked at Sae, appearing to share in her enjoyment.
Sae's eyes narrowed, unwilling to accept his show of camaraderie. Whether she believed him over Lord Sesshomaru or not still remained to be seen.
He immediately looked confused.
"In any case," Lady Chō continued on with dignity, brushing past the topic. "I've been to many a household and this does appear to be one of the grandest. Other than ours, of course."
Sae fought the urge to roll her eyes again.
"Although," the lady added, her eyes passing over Rin's caretaker. "I dare say, the household could use a small … upgrade."
"I think everyone is perfect," Rin piped up, her youthful voice contrary. "Just the way they are."
"Well, of course you do my dear," Lady Chō said sweetly, her smile slightly patronizing. "It is to be expected, that a child of your lineage would be unable to see the difference. That is all correctable, naturally, with the proper instruction."
Sae felt a small burn spark in her stomach. This noblewoman was seriously beginning to touch a nerve. It was one thing to pick on her —she had been dealing with it for awhile now and could handle herself— but something completely different to do it to her charge.
Rin was just a little girl.
"I have to disagree with you, cousin," Lord Inoue spoke, his tone cordial. "And side with Rin. I dare say, the household is rather charming."
Sae looked at him, catching the note of sincerity that rang in his words. His blue eyes gazed back, almost as if he were trying to send a silent message.
"And why does that not surprise me," Lady Chō replied, her voice tinted with a hint of annoyance. "Perfect little Nao, only able to see the world for its fanciful possibilities."
"On the contrary cousin," he said smoothly. "I see the world for how it is as well as all its possibilities."
"I'm sure." The lady's tone changed, ever so subtly, but nonetheless took a small sip of her tea.
Lord Inoue smirked back, as if he'd made his point.
Sae took in the interaction, for once seeing the family dynamic that was more apparent. She could completely envision these two as children, teasing and making fun of one another.
Like family.
Which was bizarre. Since Lady Chō seemed so accustomed to living the life of a high-born lady. So much so that she practically radiated grace, poise, and arrogance. Unlike Lord Inoue who appeared to be a much less entitled nobleman and exhibited behavior unaccustomed to a man of his stature.
How could these two even be related?
"Lady Rin," Lord Inoue said, paying no mind to his haughty cousin. "I do recall you telling me a bit about your friends at your ball. A-un and Jaken, if I recall correctly? How are they?"
Rin immediately beamed, the little girl more than willing to talk about two demons she cared a lot about. "They're great! Only yesterday, A-un and I took a walk around the castle and found this wonderful spot with rare wild flowers!"
"Is that right?" The lord smiled indulgently, his dimples visible. "And do you like flowers?"
"Oh yes," Rin said enthusiastically, scooting forward in her chair in youthful eagerness. "I love flowers! Mr. Wakazono has taught me a lot about them and I've learned to tell the difference between many many different types of flowers."
Lord Inoue seemed to be amused by her proud enthusiasm. "That's wonderful, Lady Rin. I imagine it's a lot harder to learn than most would think."
Lady Chō gave a delicate snort of disbelief.
But the other two ignored her, continuing on with their conversation.
"It is," Rin nodded in all seriousness. "It took me a long time to learn the differences. But it helped having Mr. Wakazono assist me every day in my gard-"
Rin abruptly slapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide.
Lord Inoue's face appeared confused.
Rin gazed over at Sae, as if appealing for her help.
Lord Inoue caught the gesture and turned to look in her direction.
Sae cleared her throat, noting that even Lady Chō turned her haughty gaze her way. "She merely meant to say the lord's gardens. Not just hers."
Rin promptly began nodding her head in agreement. "Yes, that is what I meant!"
Lord Inoue looked between both of them before speaking. "Simple mistake, although I'm sure Lord Sesshomaru would not care to clarify the distinction." He gave a reassuring smile to the little girl. "So, I take it that Sae also helps with your gardening?"
"Yeah," Rin grinned, already forgetting her misstep. "She doesn't like it but she does it because I ask her to."
"Is that right?" Lord Inoue began to rub his chin, a contemplating gleam touching his eyes. "She can't resist that lovely smile of yours, I see."
Rin blushed, giggling bashfully. "Most of the time."
Sae's eyebrows slowly began to lower, her senses tingling with suspicion. What was he getting at?
"How very good of her," he responded, throwing said female a conspicuous glance before turning his full attention back on the young girl. "Lady Rin, would you care to accompany me to the dessert table?"
He stood, bowed respectively, and held out his hand.
Rin was immediately taken in by the gesture. "I'd love to," her young voice said, slipping her hand into his extended one.
The two made their way to the desert table side by side, only a few feet away from where they left the other two females in awkward silence.
Sae tried keeping her attention on her charge, ignoring the self-important lady daintily sipping her tea. Sae's eyes followed the little girl and the nobleman as they reached the desserts. They were talking, unfortunately in tones so low that Sae couldn't make out what they were saying. But Rin was gazing up at Lord Inoue, obviously delighted with the attention he was giving her. And although Sae was happy that her young charge was enjoying herself, she couldn't help but feel as if there was more then just genuine kindness that was prompting the young noble lord to exhibit such deliberate attentiveness.
Especially when he kept asking the little girl questions as he suspiciously glanced back at the table.
"You know," a silken voice began, the sound of a subtle clink of porcelain following the words. "It isn't wise to get too attached to the lord or lady that you serve."
Sae reluctantly turned her attention to Lady Chō, trying to remember that this might very-well be the next lady of the castle. "Of course," Sae replied mechanically. "My lady."
"You see," the other woman continued. "Servants come and go, but in the end, it is the lady of the household that decides who best to keep around."
"Of course, my lady."
The lady's eyes grew shrewd, two lines appearing around her mouth. "And no amount of attachment that a child has to a servant will keep anyone safe from being … dismissed."
"Of course," Sae felt her jaw tighten. "My lady."
Dissatisfied with the lack of response, Lady Chō dropped all pretenses. "I don't know who you think you are or what you presume to believe you mean to this household, but you are nothing but a servant. Which means that you are essentially dispensable."
Sae felt the small fiery spark in her stomach begin to feel as if were being fanned higher and higher. "Of course-"
"Oh stop it," Lady Chō snapped, her face unpleasant. "You may think that you're fooling the others but I know your kind. Thinking she can climb above her station by trying to seduce young lord's into believing that you're some innocent and simple maiden."
Sae was grinding her teeth, trying with every fiber of her being not to lose her temper. "I don't know what you mean … my lady."
Lady Chō lost any resemblance of politeness. "The moment I become lady of this castle I will have you thrown out of here faster than you can blink."
Sae balled her hand into a fist, fighting the urge to engage. She wasn't afraid of the privileged and arrogant aristocrat that sat in front of her. She had enough experience in her lifetime dealing with spiteful people to ever let the superior complex the nobility possessed get to her.
No one trumped Lord Sesshomaru's views of her kind anyhow.
In fact, if she really thought about it, his constant remarks and degrading manner had prepared her for an instance just like this one. Lady Chō's behavior couldn't possibly surpass anything the lord's infuriating one hadn't already.
"Well?" The lady demanded impatiently, obviously hoping for a reaction.
Sae inhaled deeply, knowing she couldn't give in to her anger. The last thing she needed was another reason for the lord to come down on her again. She was trying to keep her distance, not invite more one-on-one's.
"Of course, my lady," she finally replied. She took a level of satisfaction from the small vein that instantly popped out on the noble woman's forehead. If she couldn't fight back directly, she wouldn't give them the pleasure of seeing her unhinged from their remarks.
"You-"
"We're back!" said Rin's cheerful little voice.
Sae turned to the other two in relief, glad for the first time in the past hour to see Lord Inoue's dimpled smile.
Rin quickly walked up to her caretaker, holding a porcelain plate full of small pieces of dessert. "I got all my favorites," she continued animatedly.
"That's great," Sae smiled, pulling out a chair and ushering the little girl to sit.
Rin leaned in. "I got some of your favorites too," she whispered, her young voice secretive.
Sae chuckled under her breath.
"What were you two conversing about?" Lord Inoue asked curiously, also holding a small plate filled with desserts. He placed it on top of the table but continued to stand behind his cousin's chair.
"Oh, you know, the norm," Lady Chō answered airily, before Sae could say anything. "The necessities I'll need from the household while I am here. My nightly routine and so on and so forth."
Lord looked up at Sae before glancing back at Lady Chō. "But cousin, this particular woman is Rin's caretaker not a maid of the castle. Why would-"
"Oh, they are all the same." Lady Chō dismissed his words with a wave of her hand. "It is no different telling her of what I require than telling that maid standing over there in the corner. A servant of this castle is still just a servant of this castle. No matter what you call her."
Sae's eye twitched, disliking the women with what was beginning to feel like a raging fire within her belly. What made it worse was that the lady's words held some truth to them. Which fueled Sae's anger all that much more.
"Now cousin," Lord Inoue was beginning to look slightly less indulging. "This isn't like you. It is unbecoming of a lady to speak of such things, particularly in front of-"
"Oh, come now, Nao," Lady Chō said with a disbelieving laugh. "You cannot be serious. Since when have you been so concerned with the proper etiquette around the household?"
Lord Inoue shifted his weight from one foot to the other, an uncomfortable gesture. "That is besides the point Chō. I highly doubt this is a proper conversation under the circumstances. We are guests of Lord Sesshomaru, it is important we give the respect to all subjects under his rule."
The lady glanced over her shoulder to where her father and Lord Sesshomaru were still in deep conversation. "Of course," she acquiesced, checking herself. "You are right. How foolish of me to forget. I do hope you can forgive my behavior, dear cousin. I don't know what has gotten into me." She used a napkin to begin fanning herself, as if she were overheated. "It must be all this sun."
Immediately, Lord Inoue pulled out a linen handkerchief and gave it to his relative. "Understandable, it is getting rather hot is it not?"
Sae felt a small hand pull at her sleeve. She looked down and found herself staring into very young solemn eyes. Sae tried to lift her lips into a reassuring smile, knowing that although her charge was silent Rin was still very aware of what was happening. For a little girl so young, she was rather perceptive for her age.
Sae just hated that she had to witness moments of such harsh realities. Children should be allowed to be children for as long as they could be.
"Perhaps I should inform uncle that you are in need of some rest." Lord Inoue announced, having went to get some ice and giving it to his cousin. "You shouldn't over exert yourself."
"Yes, yes, I do believe that would be best," Lady Chō agreed, her voice now taking on a vulnerable quality. Her hands made a weak fluttering gesture as she daintily patted her face with a linen cloth.
Lord Inoue promptly turned to fetch a maid and presumably tell his uncle about his daughter.
Sae felt Rin shift and knew her charge was about to speak. "I hope you feel better soon, Lady Chō," the little girl said, despite her obvious discomfort with the whole situation. "Your father and Lord Inoue would be extremely worried if you don't."
The young woman looked at Rin with critical eyes. "That is such a … sweet sentiment Lady Rin," she tipped her head very slightly, barely acknowledging the kind words.
"Ah my dear, I am told you are not feeling well?" Lord Heishi said as a greeting, concern etched in his older features.
"I am feeling a bit under the weather," his daughter replied, her nature taking on a very frail disposition. Sae had to admit, had she not just seen her perfectly healthy a few moments earlier, she'd even believe the lady's charade. She was very convincing.
"I will have two of the maids escort you upstairs," Lord Sesshomaru spoke up, coming up behind Lord Heishi. His face was as stoic as ever but his words were said in benefit of the lady. "They will make sure you are properly taken care of."
"I cannot express my gratitude," Lady Chō allowed the maids to help her to feet. "I am terribly sorry for the inconvenience. I did not mean to ruin the luncheon."
"It is of little importance," Lord Sesshomaru replied, his version of polite reassurance. "Do not concern yourself about it."
"Of course," the lady curtsied, a shy smile aimed at the tall silver-haired lord. "Thank you, my lord. Perhaps next time we will have more of an opportunity to talk."
Lord Sesshomaru nodded once. "Indeed."
"Now, my dear, up to bed you go." Lord Heishi ushered his daughter towards the entrance of the garden. "You need your rest."
Lady Chō said her proper goodbyes, to Lord Inoue, Lord Sesshomaru, her father, and Rin, before allowing the maids to lead her upstairs. Her small figure soon disappeared down the path leading towards the castle and Sae couldn't help but feel just a little bit happier about it.
That lady was a piece of work.
Sae had seen privileged aristocracy before but never on this scale. Of course, she had never been in the presence of a noblewoman as highly ranked as Lady Chō but surely not all of the nobility of her station acted with such high-handedness …
Right?
"Well that was an unfortunate turn of events," Lord Heishi announced, in his usual manner. "My daughter is of a delicate nature as many young ladies of her standing. I dare say, can't fault her for the pure and noble upbringing she was born into."
"Naturally," Lord Sesshomaru agreed.
"Now that it is mainly us men, perhaps we could retire to your study and have ourselves a drink?" Lord Heishi said, not-so-subtly suggesting what he expected the party to move onto next.
"Certainly," Lord Sesshomaru gestured for a male servant to step forward. "My footman will lead you to my study, I just have to speak to my ward for a moment."
"By all means," Lord Heishi agreed easily, turning towards Lord Inoue and clasping a hand on his shoulder. "Come now nephew, let us talk about your mother while we wait."
Rin cleared her throat, loud enough to catch all three noblemen's attention. "I was actually hoping …" she swallowed audibly, "that Lord Inoue would accompany me around the garden for a little while before I have to go to bed."
"Rin-" Lord Sesshomaru did not appear pleased with the idea.
"Gladly!" Lord Inoue cut in, his grin cheerful and warm. "It would be my pleasure, Lady Rin. If your guardian would be so kind as to allow it?"
Lord Sesshomaru eyes flashed his way.
If looks could kill, Sae was sure Lord Inoue would have dropped dead right then.
"I'm sure that would be fine with Lord Sesshomaru," Lord Heishi seemed eager to get the matter over with, his craving for drinks and cigars taking precedence. "Lady Rin has her caretaker to accompany their stroll. And my nephew, I've been told, has a way with children. She will be in good hands."
Rin looked up with her big brown eyes. "Please, Lord Sesshomaru?"
Sesshomaru's expression remained cold, but nevertheless, he relented to the request. Had it been made by anyone else other than Rin, Sae was sure the answer would have been no. He, like many others in the castle, had a difficult time denying the sweet little girl whatever she wanted.
Soon, Lord Sesshomaru and Lord Heishi headed for the study and left the remaining three alone.
"Well done, Rin." Lord Inoue smiled, pleased. "Exactly as we planned it."
Rin giggled. "He did just like you said."
Sae looked between the little girl and the young lord. "What?"
"We needed a way to get all three of us alone," Lord Inoue said, his smile bright.
Sae ignored the twinkle in his eye and looked expectantly at her charge.
"I told Lord Inoue about my garden," Rin admitted, a blush spreading across her round cheeks.
Sae shot said nobleman a look. "Why would you do that?"
"Because he is really interested in my flowers and I want to show him all the different types I have grown all on my own," her small chest swelled with pride.
The young lord was nodding. "After she shared the success she's had with growing so many variety of flowers, I could not help but be curious. Perhaps Lady Rin could show me a thing or two." He winked down at her.
Rin giggled, her face still flushed. "Maybe."
Sae was not liking the infatuation Rin had with this smooth-talking lord. Or how quickly he got her to trust him.
"Therefore, we concocted a plan so there was a chance us three could go together. Only after swearing that I would not reveal Rin's secret to anyone in the world, of course." Lord Inoue held up his right hand, as you do when making a promise. "And she has my word as a gentleman, I will never tell of Rin's secret garden to anyone."
"Cross your heart?" Rin asked, with a child-like innocence.
Lord Inoue made an invisible "x" over his heart. "Cross my heart and hope to die."
Sae watched this interaction with skepticism. Perhaps she was being overly cautious but she wasn't sure Rin (or herself for that matter) could trust this particular aristocrat. Fortunately, Rin's garden wasn't as secret as the little girl thought. Sae had soon discovered after being shown the garden that a lot more people were involved in maintaining that little patch of heaven. Many of the gardeners that tended the courtyard and the main garden helped keep the plants alive and well. But no one had the heart to tell Rin. She took so much pride in believing she maintained the garden all by herself.
So, for her sake, many tended to it when Rin was busy with her studies or social calls.
Meaning, letting Lord Inoue see the garden was not as big of a leap of faith as her charge was being led to believe.
Not that they needed to know about that small detail.
"What do you say?" Lord Inoue held out his arm to Sae, as was accustomed of a gentleman to do for a lady. "Shall we?"
Rin's face was turned upward, her wholesome features expectant.
Sighing, Sae reached out and wrapped her fingers around the girl's smaller ones. She began walking forward, ignoring the offered arm of the polished nobleman. "Let's be off then."
Lord Inoue easily came to walk beside her, matching her strides.
Sae glanced over at him.
He grinned brightly, apparently not taking offense to her refusal of his arm. "Lovely day, is it not?"
Sae turned to peek at her charge. Rin walked next to her as she swung her arm back and forth while humming a cheerful tune under her breath. Sae then looked up ahead, where the sun was midway across the sky, illuminating the hills of green and the forrest beyond. Before she finally turned her gaze back to the man walking be side her. His dimples were still evident, as he patiently waited for her response.
"Yes," she finally admitted, a small smile forming at the edge of her mouth. "It does appear to be."
*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.