Author's Notes:

We're back! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I just chilled and ate food 😊

Thanks for being patient as I worked to get this chapter out. I am happy to report that my migraines have vanished, I occasionally get a pressure headache here and there. To be real honest, I can't help but feel that something did happen to my brain, and it's now slowing healing. 😳 Whatever it was, I'm glad it's pass but feel free to continue to send positive vibes, energy, and prayers my way.

Huge shout-out to my beat reader Kay who spent time proofreading and helping me rearrange one of the paragraphs! It saves me so much time! I know that you guys were probably reading my stories, seeing missing words and typos and were nice enough not to say anything. 😂

Anyway, enough about me, onto the story!

Anything in italics is a flashback!

Chapter 14

Moments in Transitions

The next few weeks slowly went by for Rin as she continued to heal. During her two-week slumber, she lost muscle mass and according to Kaede her weight bordered on unhealthy. To help her gain her weight back, she was fed 4-5 small meals a day. She was also given supplemental tea for her stomach to help her adjust to eating again and to promote healing.

As a result of her losing so much weight and muscle mass, she lost much of her strength and had a hard time walking. All her meals were brought to her and Sesshomaru's private chambers. Each day Kaede and Kagome came to help the young princess stretch her muscles. She was allowed to take short walks up and down the hall outside their room. Rin had tried using the wall for support but found herself becoming exhausted and had to take frequent breaks. Seeing her struggling, Sesshomaru commissioned the family cabinet maker to create a cane to help her walk.

At first Rin was offended but with Sesshomaru's gently probing into her mind, she realized he only meant to help and wanted her to regain her strength. Her husband only wanted her to feel independence again.

Rin sat in the chair that was brought into their chambers, stretching her leg. Kaede and Kagome had just left. They had spent the past hour helping her stretch out her legs and arms. Wanting to be better and not have to rely on others, Rin continued the exercises after both women had left.

Wanting to test herself, Rin stood on shaky legs. Finding her balance after a few minutes of taking deep breaths, Rin took a few slow steps forward. Seeing that she was doing just fine, Rin smiled in triumph and pushed herself to walk across the room at a brisk pace.

Unfortunately, though, her body did not catch up to her mind and found herself falling forward when she didn't have the strength to lift her leg all the way. Seeing the ground rush forward, Rin squeezed her eyes shut and braced herself but felt nothing. Instead, she felt warm arms wrap around her, lifting her back onto both feet.

After being placed on her feet, she was met with Sesshomaru's concerned expression.

"Why do you push yourself mate?" Sesshomaru softly asked, his hand cupping one side of her face.

Fighting back the tears, Rin answered, "Sesshomaru….I hate having everyone helping me. I hate that I have to rely on everyone else. Maiko has to help me bathe and relieve myself. Kaede and Kagome have to help me walk. I hate feeling like a burden to everyone."

A few tears escaped by this point, "I hate feeling…helpless."

Sesshomaru gently answered, "You are not a burden to anyone. You are my mate; you are part of this family. This family simply wants to help you heal and be strong again. Rin, you not only experienced the trauma of Naraku's assault but for over two weeks you were in emotional distress. Due to both our parents' actions, you were given wrong information that caused your half-demon side to wake earlier than expected. Your abilities have drained you mentally and physically. No one expects you to recover in an instant. Do not put that pressure upon yourself."

Sesshomaru had lifted Rin by the end of his statement and carried her back to the chair she had just occupied. Setting her down gently, Sesshomaru began massaging her leg.

Rin sighed, "I know. I just want to be better."

"You will be, but for now let your family help you. Kaede says you are doing well. Keep doing the exercises Kaede and Kagome are instructing you on and eating all your meals."

Rin nodded and leaned back to relax.

With Sesshomaru's gentle caressing on her leg, slowly moving up to her thigh, she felt herself become flush. Taking a shaky breath, Rin whispered, "Sesshomaru-"

Sesshomaru pulled away and stood.

"It's time for your meal, Maiko shall be here soon."

A moment later, a knock was heard, and Maiko walked in. The servant began placing the princess's meal before her and chatting away.

Rin watched as Sesshomaru opened the shoji door leading to their private garden, taking in the scenery. His mind was quiet, all Rin felt was a low hum.

Rin absent-mindedly listened to Maiko but couldn't help but wonder what Sesshomaru was thinking. Since their bonding night, her husband had not touched her. She would lay with him at night, him gently rubbing her back but come morning…..he was gone. She had not broached the subject either because…..she didn't know how. She was being kept busy with her daily stretching, short lessons that Toga was giving her regarding ancient yôkai history and eating that she hadn't had time to ask Sesshomaru about being intimate again.

The young princess smiled at one of Maiko's statements and slowly ate her rice and fish.

Rin could only hope that she could gather the courage she needed to talk to her husband about their intimacies.

During her time gathering her strength and weight back, the young princess spent much time with Kaede, Rin got the know how a human came to be the head healer to the Inu family.

Rin had just finished bathing with Maiko's help when a knock was heard. Sesshomaru, who was still present but on the other side of the room to allow his mate privacy answered.

Maiko helped Rin into a fresh kimono, tying the obi close and started patting the princess's hair dry when Kaede entered.

It had been two days since Rin had found out her true heritage. She had spent the previous day with Maiko and the head cook to find out what kind of food the young princess preferred and what would be gentle on her stomach since she had not eaten the past two and a half weeks. The chef had come with various dishes for Rin to try. The cook was a beautiful female Inu. When asked, the cook explained she had been serving the royal family since Izayoi had joined. Since Izayoi was human and needed to eat food while the Inu clan did not, the Inu female had taken it upon herself to learn human dishes.

The cook was nothing but patient and kind as Rin slowly ate, savoring each bite and taking notes on what the princess loved and also noting the faces Rin made when she didn't like something but was too kind to say no. By the end of the day the princess was famished but happy. The cook advised she would be personally overseeing all her meals and not hesitant to speak up when something was not to her liking.

As Maiko grabbed another cloth to wring more water from Rin's long hair, the old healer Kaede stepped forward, "Princess Rin, it is good to see ye rested. Seeing ye up and about is good and it's time we start exercising ye body to get ye walking again."

Rin smiled at Kaede and looked towards Sesshomaru.

"You are in capable hands, this Sesshomaru shall leave you to Kaede. If you need anything, call me through our link." Sesshomaru said.

He stepped forward and gently cupped Rin's face before taking his leave.

Kaede nodded at the Inu prince as he left. Stepping forward, the old woman helped Maiko continue dressing Rin and then began stretching out her leg and massaging it.

"You don't have to do that, if you show me how I can do it." Rin insisted.

"Nonsense child, it is my duty as head healer to see that all the family is properly cared for." Kaede said as her weathered hands continued its path along her calf, gently rubbing.

Rin grimaced in pain as Kaede pushed against her foot, massaging the heel.

"Try to push against my hand with all your strength." Kaede instructed.

Giving it everything she got, Rin pushed but it wasn't much.

Maiko was quick to soothe the princess's fear when she saw Rin's sadden face, "It's alright princess. Your body went into a state of atrophy when you fell into your deep sleep. Kaede and I did what we could."

Rin was then seated on the floor and gently pushed to lay on her back. With her knees bent, Kaede began pushing her leg up and down and then in circles.

As she laid there, Rin asked, "Kaede, how did you come to be head healer to the Sesshomaru and Toga? As a yôkai I thought they healed much faster than us."

Kaede smiled, "Yes, it's true child. Lord Toga and Sesshomaru do not need a healer. I am here for lady Izayoi and the few humans that live here as well. Lord Inuyasha is hanyô and sometimes needs me, but his mate Kagome tends to him."

"There are other humans that live here as well?" Rin asked in surprise.

Kaede had switched to her other leg now, "Yes, a few demon slayers. Sango and Kohaku. There is also a former monk Miroku who is now married to Sango."

"Miroku!? I remember him, he came to my lands with the letter. Although I don't think I've met Sango or Kohaku." Rin looked towards Maiko who shook her without confirming her answer.

"You will, up now." Kaede helped Rin to sit up and was now instructing her to stretch out her legs and touch her toes.

"May I ask how long you have been serving Lord Toga?"

"I believe I may have been about your age, princess. I came from a small village far from here. My village was destroyed by bandits. I was left for dead after the bandits had beaten and raped me. I had a sister, but she disappeared after that night. Lord Toga found me and brought me here. The healer at the time nursed me back to health and I stayed since I no longer had a home. Ye was training to be a miko but with my purity being taken no village would have me."

Rin had stopped her stretching listening to the old healer. After Kaede finished speaking, Rin said with a few tears in her eyes," I'm so sorry Kaede, I did mean to pry or bring up uncomfortable memories.

Kaede feeling, her age, took a seat in the nearby chair and gently smiled, "No need to apologize princess. It's been a long time and ye has moved on from such memories. Although I am not a miko for a village, I still have my spiritual powers and do what I can to help the Inu clan."

Rin smiled back and went back to her stretching.

…

…..

The next day Kaede returned with Kagome. Upon seeing Kagome, Rin bowed as best she could in her seat position, "Princess Kagome, please forgive me for my actions against your husband Inuyasha!"

With her eyes closed, Rin willed away the tears that were forming but was surprised to feel a gentle touch on her head. Looking up Rin met Kagome's soft eyes.

"Princess, there is nothing to forgive. I should be asking you to forgive me. I had assumed you knew you were marrying Sesshomaru, and my words caused you to react the way you did. Please don't cry!" Kagome pleaded and then wrapped Rin in a tight hug.

Both women hugged and finally pulled away, wiping their eyes.

"I am also not a princess, I'm just a commoner so you can call me Kagome, nothing more."

"But you're married to prince Inuyasha so that makes you a princess." Rin answered back in shock.

"I know, I know but even Inuyasha doesn't like being acknowledged as a prince. We're just Inuyasha and Kagome, that's it." Kagome answered smiling.

With their exchanges done and both women smiling, Kaede stepped forward, "Kagome will be helping me with your exercises. She is in training as a miko and healer."

…

…..

A few days later when Kaede and Kagome had come for her morning stretching, Rin was surprised to see a small child attached to Kagome's shoulder. He had a tail, and his feet were that of yôkai.

Rin watched as Kagome whispered something to the child and then Kagome stepped forward, "Rin, this is Inuyasha and I's adopted son Shippo."

Rin smiled at the young child and softly said, "Hi Shippo!"

The small child's face lit just a tiny bit and then he hid in Kagome's hair.

"Shippo wants to know if he may stay. He promises he won't be in any trouble and will stay out of the way." Kagome said.

"Of course, but I must admit I tend to get into trouble when I get bored. Shippo, do you think you can help me if I get bored while Kagome and Kaede are here? I am sure you can think of a game or two!"

Shippo peeked out from behind Kagome's hair smiling. He slowly crawled down Kagome's arm until he was seated in front of Rin. Opening his small jacket, he pulled out a top and spun it. After spinning and falling, a puff of smoke burst into life, and then a bright rainbow that sparkled appeared and then slowly vanished.

Rin clapped and asked in a jovial tone, "Can you do that again?"

Shippo nodded and just when he reached inside his jacket, Kagome stopped him.

In a gentle tone, "That's enough for now. The princess needs to exercise, so you can show her more afterwards."

Shippo nodded.

"Shippo, you can sit by me if you like." Maiko said with a smile.

Shippo looked towards his adopted mother who smiled and nodded. The young child slowly crept forward and sat a few feet from Maiko who happily smiled at him.

As the morning progressed with Rin following Kaede and Kagome's instructions, Rin noticed how the young child never spoke. His wide eyes took in the room around him, and he sat in his seat the whole time.

While doing her exercises, Rin would make funny faces at the small kit causing his face to break out in small smiles.

Soon it was lunchtime and Sesshomaru appeared.

Sesshomaru's amber eyes scanned the room until they landed on the young child, "Shippo, your father is looking for you."

Shippo ran forward and grabbed onto moko-moko, running up the fur pelt until he was sitting on the demon lord's shoulder.

"Say goodbye to your mother and aunt." Sesshomaru gently said.

Shippo turned and waved, and both left the room.

With the shoji door gently closing, Rin softly asked, "Shippo never speaks….."

Kagome sighed, "Yes….his parents were murdered and he was found clinging to his dead father. He's a fox yôkai, a kit. He was brought here and Inuyasha and I took him in. He has never spoken. It was only because of Sesshomaru that we were able to figure out his name."

"Sesshomaru?" Rin asked in surprise.

"Yes, it was Sesshomaru who found Shippo. He brought him back to the palace and told us to watch over him and then he left. He returned a few hours later with Shippo's father's pelt. He tracked down the brothers who killed his parents and avenged them. As Shippo's father's spirit passed it, it told Sesshomaru Shippo's name. Since then, Shippo has been with us, we adopted him, and he's been happy here. Although he doesn't talk, he still finds a way to communicate with us."

Rin nodded, taking in the tragic story of the young child. She also found it pleasing to hear that Sesshomaru took him in at first, bringing the small kit to his own home and then finding closure for him. Rin could only imagine how protective he would be over their own children in the future.

As her exercises continued over the following weeks, Shippo tagged along, and Rin would spend time with the small kit playing games and watching him perform his magic. She could only hope one day in the future, Shippo would open up and talk again.

After one session of playing with Shippo, Sesshomaru came to retrieve the young kit for lunch.

Kagome turned to Rin after watching both yôkai leave, "You've very good with him."

Rin smiled in fondness, "Yes I have twin brothers at home who are four. I used (used) to play with them every day."

"You must miss them…" Kagome quietly said.

"Yes….but I know they will be fine without me. They are young and will most likely forget about me as they grow up." Rin sadly said.

"You never know, it's hard to forget the ones you love princess." Kagome answered.

…

….

During one of the exercises with both healers, Kimi tagged along. The Inu demoness stayed quiet in the background observing. After stretching, Rin watched as Kaede turned and nodded at Kimi. Kagome then excused herself, only leaving Kaede, Kimi, and Maiko.

"Rin, Kaede says you are doing much better." Kimi said with a smile.

Rin nodded in happiness.

It was true, Rin had noticed that she was able to move around quickly and without as much assistance. Even though she was not initially happy to have a cane, it did help. By the second week of having the cane, she didn't need it as much. Before going to bed, Sesshomaru would help her stretch her legs and stood ready while she walked around their room just in case she lost her balance.

"Good….today we want to try to tap into your abilities. We want to try to see if you can activate your barrier." Kimi said, coming to sit directly in front of the young Makami.

Rin bit her lip in worry.

This had been what she was worried about. When they had revealed her origin to her, they mentioned they would begin training her. The young princess was concerned that she would lose control and hurt someone. Rin felt that in some ways, the Inu family asked a lot of her.

She still couldn't remember what happened when she arrived at the castle, her memory a complete blur. If she couldn't remember, who's to say that the same thing wouldn't happen again? From what Maiko had explained, Kimi and Sesshomaru were able to regain control of the situation by putting her to sleep.

"Rin?"

Rin looked into the eyes of her new mother and sighed out, "Mother…..aren't you worried that I may….lost control….and hurt you?"

"No." Kimi answered smiling.

Rin looked towards the Inu demoness in doubt.

"Rin, I understand your apprehension but….we need to train you in your powers. You need to know how to control yourself. You also need to know what you are capable of."

Kimi had taken a seat across from Rin at this point and with her hands clasped in her lap said, "Rin you remember how you went to the fog and saw the God Tree, correct?"

Rin nodded.

"The thing is…from what we know, no one has ever been to talk to the God Tree. Toga, Sesshomaru, and I have all visited that tree and have never felt anything. You are the first to ever feel something from it."

"What does that mean?" Rin asked in shock.

"We do not know…..it may have something to do with your lineage. You are the daughter of a goddess and she must be connected to nature in some way. All we know is that we need you to talk to the tree."

Rin sat there studying Kimi, after a moment of silence, the young princess spoke, "There's something you're not telling me."

Kimi's eyes widened for a second before composing herself again, "Yes…..but please Rin, please know that I'm not hiding it for no reason. I will tell you when the time is right but for now, just know that the God Tree is important, and we need you to speak to the tree."

Rin took a deep breath, closing her eyes.

She should feel angry that Kimi was holding something back from her but….she wasn't. Right now, with everything going on with her healing, Rin felt she was a good place emotionally. To add any more stress….would definitely push back her progress and who knows what else. Taking Kimi's word at face value, Rin opened her eyes to look at Kimi.

"Ok, you have been completely truthful with me up until this point so I know it must be a good reason to want to wait to tell me. I'm only concerned that I will hurt you or Kaede." Rin said.

"Thank you Rin and I understand your fear which is why we only want to focus on you creating your barrier, nothing more."

"Ok so how do I do this?" Rin asked.

Kaede stepped forward, "When ye thinks of my spiritual powers, I close my eyes and focus on ye breathing. Breathing allows ye to center oneself and push out their powers."

The next half hour went by with Rin focusing on her breathing but could not create her barrier.

Seeing the young princess becoming frustrated, Kimi gently placed her hand on Rin's arm, "Shh, it's ok. It's your first time doing this, we did not know what to expect. Do not be upset. We'll try again tomorrow."

Rin nodded, feeling defeated.

By the end of her first month living in her new home, Rin had fully recovered and was up and walking again with no assistance. Her cane now gently laid to the side of their chambers, forgotten. She still got winded at times when moving too fast, but Kaede had explained that was a good sign and within another few weeks, she would be back to her usual self.

Rin was also happy to see her kimonos were starting to fit her like they used to. Her breasts are growing in size as well. Her ribs were no longer as prominent. All in all, Rin was quite happy to see her body becoming what it once was.

Today Sesshomaru was going to show her around the palace. Since she was finally well enough, she wanted to tour her new home.

Maiko was taking her hair out of the braid she wrapped it in the night before, "You must be excited princess, to finally see the entire palace!"

"Yes, to think I've been here a month and have yet to see the palace is baffling." Rin answered.

After eating breakfast, Sesshomaru appeared.

Rin shyly smiled at her husband and met him halfway.

"You are ready?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Yes." Rin answered back brightly.

"Since your mistress will be with me, I highly doubt your services will be needed." Sesshomaru said, looking towards Maiko.

"Sesshomaru!" Rin said in an upset tone.

"It's alright princess. Lord Sesshomaru is correct. I have already seen the castle. I'll see to your bedding and tidy up your chambers. Besides, the cook asked for my assistance today." Maiko said bowing.

Maiko turned back to Rin's futon and began gathering them and then left.

Rin looked at Sesshomaru in irritation, "Maiko has been with me since I was a child, I would appreciate it if you spoke to her in respect."

Sesshomaru merely tilted his head to the side, "My apologies, princess. I didn't mean to imply she is nothing more than a servant but that I merely wish for us to take this tour together."

"Oh….I see." Rin quietly said.

The truth of the matter was that neither she nor Sesshomaru had any private time since her arrival. Each morning, Maiko was quick to their chambers to assist the princess in dressing and bathing and then her day would begin. Sesshomaru would sometimes stay but he always stayed on the other side of the room so as not to be in the way. Or sometimes he left altogether and would not reappear until it was bedtime.

As her husband or as he stated mate, she would have thought he would be near her always but it seemed to be quite the opposite.

What exactly was going through his mind.

During her pondering, Rin was grateful to Kimi and took the time to explain how to block her thoughts from him.

As Rin sat and waited for Kaede and Kagome to come for her morning stretching, she was surprised when a knock was heard, and Kimi entered.

"Good morning princess. If you are feeling well enough, I came by to teach you how to block your thoughts from Sesshomaru. In the event you ever desire privacy from him, it would be wise to know."

Rin's face lit up in happiness. During the past few weeks, Sesshomaru always knew what she was thinking and it perturbed her. She had figured out that Sesshomaru knew how to close off his mind to her but in all honesty…it wasn't fair that he could basically read her mind.

"Yes please," Rin said in excitement.

Kimi nodded and a moment later Sesshomaru appeared.

"We can practice with Sesshomaru here." Kimi said, winking at Rin causing the young Makami to giggle.

"Sesshomaru, when can you hear Rin and her thoughts?" Kimi asked.

"When she is upset or frustrated. When she is calm like now, I only catch fleeting glimpses into what she is thinking." Sesshomaru stated.

"Ok, can you pick up anything right now?"

"She is happy and excited." Sesshomaru said with amusement in his voice.

"Good, that is normal. Rin, what Sesshomaru is picking up now, is merely your surface feelings. It's ok that he can pick up on those but what we want to avoid is when you get angry. When angry, you are sending out signals to Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru needs to be able to discern when the anger is from a potential threat or if you're merely angry about something non-threatening." Kimi explained.

"Ok, I can understand that." Rin said, nodding.

"Good now I want to think of your adopted parents. Think about how they kept that letter from you. You were angry once you finished reading the letter."

Rin felt her stomach grow tight at the mention of the king and queen. After learning the truth, Rin had stopped calling them her parents and now only referred to them as King Ishda and Queen Kaori.

The princess could feel her body tighten as everything they lied about to her came flooding back to her mind.

"Rin, the anger you feel now is normal, but this anger is something you want to be private. Sesshomaru knows you're upset with your adopted parents but it's up to you if and when you want to share these feelings with him."

Kimi stepped forward and gently placed her hand on the princess's forehead. Pushing into her mind, Kimi said, "Right now, I want you to think of a wall. Perhaps a wall that surrounded your castle back home."

Rin took a deep breath, concentrating on what Kimi said, and pictured the large stone wall that surrounded the castle. Picturing each brick, each color until the wall fully formed in her mind.

Pulling her back, Kimi asked, "Sesshomaru, can you feel anything from Rin right now?"

"No, I cannot read her thoughts. I can only tell that she is angry, but she is ok."

"Calm your mind Rin, you did very well."

Rin opened her eyes after a few deep breaths. Looking at Kimi, Rin asked, "Is that all?"

Kimi nodded, "Yes, I will come by for the next few days to repeat this to make sure you know how to do this. Soon enough, it will be second nature and you won't even have to think about it. It will just be."

Rin stared at Sesshomaru as he turned and motioned for her to follow him. Once in the hall, Sesshomaru started leading her to each of the doors in the long hallway, indicating who occupied what rooms. When Sesshomaru had finished showing her all the rooms in the current hall he turned them southward. As they near another large door, they ran into a brunette hair man and woman.

Both bowed, "Princess, it is wonderful to see you."

Rin smiled as they both stood, "Thank you, I'm afraid I do not know your names."

Sesshomaru spoke, "This is Sango and her brother Kohaku, they are demon slayers."

"Oh! Kaede mentioned you! It's wonderful to meet you as well!" Rin said, her eyes happy with excitement.

Rin was actually really happy to know that there were more humans around, not just her, Kaede, and Kagome.

Then Rin remembered she wasn't human…the Makami was quick to hide her thoughts from her husband.

Sesshomaru though was able to pick up the quick flash of pain from her mind but kept his stoic expression in place.

"I wouldn't mind getting you to know both and how you came to live here as well. I'm sure it must be a story." Rin said, clasping her hands in mirth.

"Whenever you're free, princess, we are at our disposal." Sango said smiling.

Both the demon slayers took their leave then stating they had business to attend to in the neighboring village.

As the rest of the morning continued with the tour, Rin couldn't help but be amazed at how huge the palace was. When Rin had referred to her new home as a palace, Sesshomaru corrected her, advising that technically it was a hirayama.

The hours went by as Sesshomaru continued showing the palace. Rin had learned that the castle complex comprises a network of 83 buildings such as storehouses, gates, corridors, and turrets. Of these 83 buildings, 74 were 11 corridors, 16 turrets, 15 gates, and 32 earthen walls. The highest walls in the castle complex have a height of 85 feet. Rin also learned that it covered an area of 576 acres. There were seven floors including the basement.

Sesshomaru then led her outside to show her the defensive perimeter. Now wanting to bore her, Sesshomaru kept that part of the tour brief, explaining there was a maze that was built to confuse anyone trying to sneak in or invade. He also brought her to the additional storehouses on the ground.

Now leading her to the large warehouse which housed houses and other animals, Rin found herself standing in front of a large two-headed dragon.

Rin couldn't believe her eyes, she had heard about two-head dragons and always wanted to see one but now to be standing in front of one…..she was left speechless.

"This is for you." Her husband said, watching her expression.

"What?" Rin gasped.

Sesshomaru, standing behind her now, gently took her hand and placed it on the large beast snout.

"The reason I was not at the palace when you arrived was that I was heading back with this. I know two-headed dragons do not live on your lands. I wanted this to be a surprise for you, he's been waiting to meet you." Sesshomaru said, leaning into her ear.

Rin's body broke out in a hot flush, she squeezed her thighs.

Feeling her throat become dry at how close her husband was to her, Rin cleared her throat to speak, "What's his name?"

"You have to name him."

Rin nodded and studied the dragon before her. His large eyes stared at her waiting. She walked around him and came back to his head, she reached out a hand and the beast bumped her.

"May I ride him?" Rin asked.

"He is yours, you may do as you please." Sesshomaru said.

Sesshomaru then went over towards the back of the warehouse and reappeared with a harness. Putting it on and strapping it in place, he gently lifted Rin to sit on top of the beast. Sesshomaru then climbed up behind her, pulling her close to his body. Grabbing hold of the reins, he gently flicked his wrist and the beast trotted forward until they were in the open and took flight.

Rin found herself enjoying the beautiful sky. She had been cooped up for far too long. She knew she needed to be kept inside until she regained her strength, but she missed the sun. She missed the warmth. Knowing that she was the daughter of the dawn made sense as to why she thrived on being outside. It was part of her who she was.

Rin laughed when the beast flew higher and circled around the palace.

"Would you like to lead him?" Sesshomaru's voice asked in her ear.

Rin looked at Sesshomaru and nodded in happiness. She took the reins from his hands and Sesshomaru wrapped his large hands around her waist, rubbing her stomach.

Rin faced forward and gulped at her husband's body pressing tight to her, his heat enveloping her. She felt her heart beat thumping in her chest.

"Lead him where you want him to go, he will follow. Just tug on the reins." Sesshomaru whispered, his lips burning against her ear.

Losing her voice, Rin nodded.

They spent the next half hour or so flying around the palace, Rin feeling nothing but carefree. The young princess also felt nothing but….aroused as well. Sesshomaru kept his hands on her waist, occasionally rubbing her stomach, his fingers caressing her.

Feeling brave and also because they were finally alone, Rin pushed through their link, 'Is there a place where we can land and…um…be alone?'

Sesshomaru took the reins from her small hands and led them to one of the far reaches of the palace grounds. Gently landing, Sesshomaru pulled Rin down and then led the two-headed dragon to a nearby Sakura tree wrapping his leash tight.

As Sesshomaru tended to the dragon, Rin was taking deep breaths and walked over to a nearby tree putting some distance between them and the dragon. Sitting down, she waited for Sesshomaru.

Trying to figure out how to broach the subject, Rin was startled when Sesshomaru was suddenly next to her. The princess quickly frightened herself and turned so she was fully looking at her husband. She patted the place next to her indicating for him to sit down. Sesshomaru sat and now the couple looked upon the rows of Sakura trees.

After a few minutes, Rin finally spoke, "Sesshomaru….did…..I do something wrong after our bonding night?"

"No, why do you ask?" Sesshomaru answered, looking at her with concern.

Rin looked down at her hands. They were sweaty and clenching at her kimono. Opening her hands, she noticed how small hands were compared to her husband. His hands were rougher and he had claws. The princess couldn't help but wonder how many lives he took during his lifetime with those claws. Kagome made it clear he avenged Shippo's parents. That death was warranted. They were murderers but…..

Had Sesshomaru had murdered for any other reason?

Pushing that thought away and focusing on the present, Rin answered, "It's just that since our night….together….you haven't touched me. You lay with me when I go to bed but when I wake you are gone. I couldn't help but wonder if I did something…wrong."

It was quiet then, Rin could hear birds singing. Looking off, she could see her two-headed dragon slowly eating the grass and looking around.

"This Sesshomaru was giving you space."

Rin looked back at her husband, "Space?"

Sesshomaru was staring ahead now, looking at the same spot she just looked at.

"After Naraku assaulted you, you were terrified when Kaede mentioned we would join our bodies together. I dare not to presume when you are ready for more. Besides, your journey here was troublesome, and you needed to heal from everything. Today is the first day you have been out and not become exhausted from so much activity."

As Sesshomaru spoke, she realized what he meant. She was still scared of being intimate with him. It had been over a month and half since her nightmare with Naraku and even though the memory of what he did to her was fading, the idea of becoming one with Sesshomaru made her….tense.

It wasn't that she didn't like how Sesshomaru made her feel, those feelings were still new. Her body would tingle when she recalled how his hand moved between her thighs. The tightness her body felt, it was a sensation that was almost too good to be true. She wanted more but at the same time, she knew it needed to be slow for now.

"I am your wife, your mate Sesshomaru. It's my duty as such to be….there…for you in all ways." Rin said cautiously.

Rin understood that by law, they needed to consummate their marriage. That he as her husband did not need her permission to wait. As her husband, he may do as please. Rin had heard tales of marriages and consummations. Some husbands are not ….gentle with their wives.

"If you feel that it's your "duty" to lay with this Sesshomaru then I have done poorly in treating you. I will not rape you, I am not Naraku."

Turning in alarm to face her husband, Rin quickly grasped his large hands, holding them to her chest.

"Forgive me, my lord. I did not choose my words correctly. I was only trying to say that…am I surprised you have not asked for more. I'd believe any other would push for more. You have been patient and kind to me. I only wanted to be sure it was not something I did or say to push you away."

Slipping one of his hands free, Sesshomaru gently cupped Rin's face, "You have done no wrong, my mate."

"I don't know when…I'll be ready." Rin answered, searching his face.

"This Sesshomaru is patient and will wait until you are."

Finding courage, Rin quickly leaned forward and pressed her lips to his, closing her eyes. She had started to pull away when Sesshomaru wrapped an arm around her waist bringing her close and gently pushing his tongue into her mouth. Rin moaned at the sensation and her small hands clutched at his robes. Their tongues gently mingled until Rin pulled back, panting for air.

"I like kissing you…" Rin said smiling. Her face was flushed and her pupils dilated.

Sesshomaru only "hm" and turned her around so she was sitting in his lap.

While Rin was at peace knowing her husband was not going to push for her anything she was not ready for, Sesshomaru was on edge.

….

…

As the month went by for Sesshomaru he realized what his father meant by his yokai becoming angry. Each morning when walking to Rin, her scent caused his yokai to purr in delight. Being so close to her made him want to take her, rut her until she was writhing in ecstasy under him. Sesshomaru was able to quell his yôkai instinct down but each morning it was becoming harder.

His only solution was to leave before she woke.

He had to literally tear himself away from her when one morning he woke, and she was at her most fertile. While she slept, he ghosted his nose above her covered pubic mound, inhaling her fertility. His eyes flashed red, and he was out the shoji door within seconds.

Listening to his mate speaking now, Sesshomaru knew he needed to allay her fears. He was true when he spoke about not being a rapist He would never harm his mate in such a way. He simply omitted that he left her each morning because his yôkai nature was demanding more.

Sesshomaru would find a way to keep his yôkai at bay. He would have control; his mate would be safe with him.

He was Sesshomaru, daiyôkai to the western lands after all.

~oOo~

Naraku sat and listened as Byakuya relayed the news that princess Rin had arrived at the western lands and was now mated to prince Sesshomaru. Everyone across the two kingdoms were walking about. It was also heard that the prince and princess from the east and north had also married.

'So all the lands are forming an alliance against me…' Naraku thought while chuckling.

"What do you want us to do?" Byakuya asked.

Naraku sat in silence for a moment before answering, "Pull everyone from King Ishida's lands now."

"My lord?" Byakuya asked in surprise.

"Do it." Naraku said standing from his seat.

Byakuya nodded and collected Kagura who was waiting by the door.

The door clicked shut and Naraku walked to the window.

"So they think they have found a way to get rid of me from their lands.." Naraku sneered.

He would give them this moment of reprieve; he would allow them to breathe and then…

Naraku smirked and opened his door making his way to Tsubaki. He needed to let off steam and it had been far too long since he visited her.

The miko looked at him in fear, her small body shaking, and the door slammed shut in silence.

~oOo~

Author's Notes:

Ok, so the palace they live at, I based it on Himeji Castle which is considered one of Japan's three premier castles. I did copy and paste one section of the article I read. There is no way I would be able to do it justice.

This chapter was more about Rin getting to know her new family and healing. I did consider adding a small lemon at the end but when writing at that moment, the lemon did not fit the scene. As I mentioned before Sesshomaru and Rin's relationship will be a progression but their intimacies will get there.😉

I also had Naraku reappear as well...who knows what he is up to...

Thanks for reading and be sure to leave comment!