Chapter Eleven

They returned home around sunset and were greeted with a handful of people upon our arrival. One of them being Diaroku, who fell into step with Sesshomaru as we walked up the steps.

"Nephew, I hope your visit was well."

"It was. You'll be happy to know that Inuyasha accepted your invitation. He and his family will arrive in a week."

"Oh, good. I'm glad. When you've a moment, there is a matter I wish to discuss privately with you. Regarding the...Uhm...research assignment you left me with."

"As soon as Rin is settled I'll come and find you."

"Of course. I'll go wait in my study," he slipped off and Sesshomaru hooked a hand around Rins waist, pulling her against him as they walked.

"Finally, I see a true smile on your lips," he whispered in her ear.

"I'm happy to be home...with you."

"So am I. It's so strange, never in my life have I taken comfort in these castle walls. But now, being within them with you is my favorite place."

"It's mine too." She smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder.

"Are you hungry? I can have something brought up."

"Just a snack, if you don't care. I am going to lie down until you return."

"As you wish, my lady," he grinned and then winked at her before giving her a chaste kiss on the lips and opening their door. "I'll see you in a little while." She nodded and ducked inside.

Sesshomaru shut the door behind her and went off to Diaroku's study, making it there before his uncle. He stood and admired a painting for a moment before the door flew open and Diaroku entered.

"Sesshomaru."

"Uncle. What information do you have for me?"

"On the matter of comfort measures for the Lady Rin. There is a plant, I'm told, that she can smoke and it will ease her pains. That is, so far, your best option. I must warn you however, it produces a kind of euphoric feeling and intoxicates the user. Some even use it recreationally."

"Procure this plant for me, uncle."

"Yes, of course."

"May I speak to you about something?"

"What is it?"

"Inuyasha's wife seems to believe I will not be faithful to Rin and means to question her mere desire to be with me. Implying that I am forcing her to be mine."

"I'm sure in time she will see the truth, have you spoken of this?"

"No...she voiced her concerns to rin, who told me. She doesn't know that I know."

"Keep it that way, and prove her wrong."

"Yes, I will take your advice, uncle."

"Tell me, Sesshomaru. Has Rin made her decision?"

"Yes, we are just waiting for the right time. I want to have everything ready so I don't have to leave her side."

"I figured as much. There is something else I must tell you. Something that would apply even if your mater were just inuyoukai."

"Which is?"

"The first months are crucial. As you know, she will become pregnant when she's marked. From that moment on until your first child is born, you mustn't stray too far from her. The first while is for the two of you to become a stronger unit. Your youkai will be drawn to each other. And it will be almost painful for you to be apart during this time."

"I understand, uncle," Sesshomaru nodded, not planning on ever leaving her anyways.

"So you say your brother is coming for a visit?"

"Yes. Rin invited him. Before I even had the chance," he smirked.

"That's women for you, they'll manage your affairs alright. Better get used to it."

"I think I'm quite keen on it, not much to get used to now is there, uncle?"

"No I don't suppose there is."

"Speaking of my Rin, I must be getting back to her. I have something else I need her to 'manage' for me," he winked and slipped out the door, leaving his uncle chuckling behind him.

...

He went down to the kitchen, intent on waiting on her himself. He returned with a tray of fruit with cheese and wine from the continent.

"Rin...Rin? Darling?" He looked around the room and saw steam seeping from under the bathroom door and smiled to himself, sauntering over and pushing the door open with his elbow.

"There you are, I thought you were lying down?"

"I thought it a lovely night for a bath," she beckoned to him through long lashes. "Wouldn't you agree?"

"I would. Would you want some company?"

"Yes, of course." She slid over and he sat the tray on the side of the bathtub, passing her a wine glass.

"What is this?"

"Something else I found doing mercenary work in Europe, it's all they drink in France. Wine. Try it." She took the glass from him and he undressed, climbing in the tub and taking a long sip from his own glass.

"It's good. Really good. Not like sake, it burns," she stuck her tongue out and shook her head making him laugh.

"Oh trust me, I know." He looked out at the night sky, admiring Rins choice to remove the back wall and install huge doors instead, so they could open them and gaze out at the stars as they bathed. Granted, it was very open, but they were secure nonetheless.

"Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Yes? What is it?"

"When will the time be right for you to make me your own?"

"There are things I must do. Comfort measures that must be arranged for you," he offered.

"How long will it take?"

"Well first, a summons from Europe. Mary, Queen of Scots has requested mercenaries to assist in protecting her from enemies in France. I'll need to go for a day or two to asses the threat and negotiate, then I will come home and assign men to the Queen."

"So when will you go?"

"Before Inuyasha and his family visit. That way I can asses the threat and decide if my brother should be recruited."

"Can preparations be made while we're gone?"

"We?"

"Yes, we. I want to go with you. Please?" She turned in his arms and stroked his cheek with her fingers.

"Alright. You may go. And yes, preparations may be made while we are away. It is possible I could mark you when we return and your transformation would be finished before they arrive."

"Yes, lets do that," she beamed and locked her arms around his neck.

"Is there anything else you'd like to wring out of your Lord while he is feeling so forgiving?," he purred.

"Yes...there's one more thing," she leaned closer and put her lips to his ear. "I'd like to be fucked like a common whore now, Lord Sesshomaru." She bit his ear and he growled, grabbing a handful of hair, yanking her head back and seizing her lips.