Lady Kurenai had immediately called for servants to relieve Kagome of her winter attire as they entered the palace leaving her in her priestess attire.
The lady led Kagome into a large dinning hall encouraging her to follow. "Really Lady Kagome, we may be inu but I promise we won't bite."
"Ah, my lady returns." The large demon male stood from a long table with Sesshomaru. Kagome inwardly heaved a sigh of relief at his presence.
"So far thusly my lord." She teased. "As promised Lord Sesshomaru, your mate."
"This one thanks you greatly Lady Kurenai for your hospitality." Sesshomaru said with a curt nod. "I trust that you are well Lady Kagome."
The pressure was on. Kagome gave a small nod and cleared her throat. "Yes, Lord Sesshomaru."
"Lady Kagome. I am Lord Akinari. Inu of the northwestern lands."
"Pleasure my lord." Kagome bowed her head slightly.
"Oh no my lady the pleasure is both mine and my mates." Lord Akinari stated. "Do you know how long it finally took this pup to settle down." He hit Sesshomaru on the back with a hearty laugh.
Kagome stood in awe watching the scene play out, she had never seen anyone address Sesshomaru in such a way let alone lay a hand upon him.
"My lord." Lady Kurenai said briefly.
"Ah, yes. Don't want to embarrass you in front your mate Sesshomaru."
Kagomes eyes went to her husbands who was tolerating the situation.
"Lord Akinari and this one have been allies for many years."
"Yes, yes...many years. Back when we were whelps. Now, here he is with a mate."
"As much as I am certain that Lady Kagome would enjoy hearing more of this illustrious conversation we will take our leave." Lady Kurenai stated. "Come my lady, let us get you comfortable."
"Thank you Lady Kurenai." Kagome said gratefully. "Lord Akinari, Lord Sesshomaru."
Once they were in the hall again Lady Kurenai let out a breath.
"I apologize Lady Kagome." She offered. "My mate means no offense he is simply excited to meet you."
"Oh it's fine. Really. He seems nice. Please just call me Kagome."
"Alright then Kagome. Do you prefer the clothes of a miko or would you like to change into something else?"
"Lady Kurenai, why am I here?"
"That matter is best left to Lord Sesshomaru to discuss with you." The demoness explained. "I will see you to your quarters."
Kagome stood in the middle of the room taking in the sheer size of it, and it was only one room. Lady Kurenai had excused herself leaving Kagome to herself.
She walked around taking in the elegant wall scrolls that depicted scenes from different centuries. Her hands went to the sliding double doors made of bamboo and thick papyrus pulp that looked like frosted glass.
As she opened it she was greeted with a hot spring.
"My very own hot spring!" She cheered clapping her hands together happily forgetting her thoughts in that moment.
"Lady Kagome." Kagome jumped out of her skin turning quickly to face a female bowing her head down to her. "I am Akiko. I am be am to your lady in waiting."
"Oh!" Kagome blurted out. "Wow, um okay."
"Would you like assistance in undressing for the hot spring my lady." Akiko offered.
"I think I can handle that." Kagome said feeling awkward. "But if I think of something, I'll let you know."
"Very well Lady Kagome." Akiko stated standing still.
"Can I have some privacy please?"
"Of course. You need but to ask my lady." The demon said leaving the room as quietly as she had entered.
"They're really serious about this stuff." She said to herself. "Okay Kagome. Honestly what did you expect, you married a Lord...there are certain social settings that I just have to get used too."
Kagome shed her clothes placing them neatly next to a wooden chest on the floor and slunk into the hot spring. "Okay, decompress now and worry later."
She rubbed the warm water on her shoulders allowing it to soak her hair that she had neglected to tie up. Her eyes grew heavy and she felt herself dozing off.
"Lady Kagome." Akikos voice sounded from the her chambers.
"Yes, um, Akiko?" She called out trying to hide the sleep in her voice.
"Lady Kurenai had instructed me on what to dress you in to greet Lord Akinari, Lord Sesshomaru, and the lady herself."
"Really it's okay. I'm sure I'll manage."
"With all due respect my lady it will take at least three females to dress you in what our lady desires." Akiko said.
"Alright then." Kagome whispered to herself. She was then assisted from the hot spring by Akiko and dried off.
Two more demoness's entered placing a simple undergarment over her. Next came a white kimono that was pulled together with a red string tightly in the back looping around the front.
It was tied in such a way that it resembled a flower blossom. Kagome sucked in her breath as another layer was added over the kimono. She looked at the white material and the red blossoms that adorned it.
"This is the same pattern that Sesshomaru wears." Kagome commented.
"Yes my lady. You are the lady of the western lands. As such Lady Kurenai saw fit to ensure you are dressed in your packs insignia."
"Right." Kagome felt her head swim. There were so many things that she didn't know. Here she thought she would simply stay in the village and Sesshomaru would visit her on occasion.
Now she was having her hair brushed and pulled back being adorned with clips and ribbons that, again, resembled flowers.
The third female began dusting her face with cosmetics causing her to cough slightly. 'God I hope that's not lead powder.' Kagome thought as she held her breath.
She was led across the room to the floor mirror and was shocked by her own reflection. Aside from the fact that she hadn't seen her full reflection in years, she certainly didn't know the woman looking back at her.
In all of the layers of fabric, hair ornaments, and makeup she didn't recognize herself.
"We shall escort you Lady Kagome." One of the demoness's said bowing to her.
"Kagome, just Kagome."
She allowed herself to be lead into a grand hall with Lady Kurenai seated next to her husband Lord Akinari. On his side sat Sesshomaru with an empty seat next to him.
Demons stood on both sides of the room and Kagome could tell that they were all nobility. She straightened herself and held her breath as she made her way into the crowd.
"Lady Kagome. Priestess of the central lands. Lady of the western lands. Mate to Lord Sesshomaru, Inu no Taisho." The announcement bellowed out to those in attendance.
Timidly she walked with Akiko and the other two behind her through a parting of people, demons. Kagome kept her eyes focused on Sesshomaru wanting nothing more than to get to him.
It was surreal. Lord Akinari and Sesshomaru both stood to greet her as she bowed slightly to the three of them in respect.
Tightly she grasped Sesshomarus hand when it was offered to her as he assisted her in sitting down beside him. She trembled as he let her go.