Chapter Thirteen

Rin leaned against Sesshomaru and closed her eyes as they rode in the carriage towards the castle. They'd flown all the way to France and met up with an envoy from the castle who was taking them there now to be presented to the Queen. All the fanfare and special accommodations of this country were already strange to Rin, but Sesshomaru had already seen that strange was yet to come.

"Are you tired?"

"Yes, very. Will we be sleeping at the castle?"

"Yes, sleeping in the woods is not permitted here. We will have our own chambers with the works."

"That's...wow."

"Europe is very different, Rin. You'll find it's also very pretty too." He pushed open the small window in the carriage so she could look out on the countryside."

"But stay close to me and don't give away any information about us. Demons are virtually nonexistent on this continent so it's best to be a mercenary and nothing more."

"Yes, of course, my Lord."

"I will introduce you as my intended, as marriage traditions are also quite different here."

"Wait won't I look different when we come back?"

"Which is why for this trip, you are my intended."

"Oh...I see now."

"Don't be nervous. There is something I need you to do for me."

"Which is?"

"Make conversation with the queen and her ladies. My job will be much easier if they have a friendly face and established trust."

"Yes, I'll befriend the women, whatever you ask."

"Thank you, Rin," he pulled her close and put his face in her hair. "Are you too sore?"

"Just a little. No need to worry though. It's not too bad."

"I'll have to be careful with you for the next couple of days while you recuperate."

"I really don't mind at all...last night was lovely."

"I'm glad to hear that. Let me check your neck?" She nodded and he pulled the collar of her dress down to reveal the imprint of his hand that was still on her throat, not liking the sight of it nearly as much as anticipated. Sensing his disapproval, she reached up to stroke his face.

"It's fine, really. It didn't even hurt. And I'm strangely proud of it."

"Why's that."

"I've been thinking of it as...your way of possessing me. No different from squeezing my arms until they bruise or scratching my legs. I love it all because for me, that makes me yours. Besides, who doesn't like being roughed up a bit."

"Say...Rin. When you say that...how would you like to reciprocate one day?"

"I might try it..." she answered nervously.

"Oh but not now, don't worry."

"Yes..." she looked down at her hands and back out the window as they neared the castle, not even noticing that she was falling asleep.

They arrived at the castle in the middle of supper and greeted by a Paige who offered to have food sent up as he was leading them to their Chambers.

"No, we are fine. We will be taking to our chambers for the night. I'll request audience with the Queen in the morning."

"Yes, my lord," the Paige nodded and gave him another confused look. Never had he seen a man carry his sleeping wife. Most nobles and dignitaries who visited the castle were so self absorbed that they left their wife's in the carriage to be woken by servants. Once alone, Sesshomaru carefully peeled her clothes off of her leaving just her underthings before slipping them both under the covers.

...

The next morning after breakfast in their room, a messenger delivered a letter silently.

"I have to meet the queen in an hour. Would you like to accompany me?"

"Yes I'd love to!"

"Come, lets go for a walk while we wait."

"Where?"

"There's so much to see just inside the castle, my dear."

"Alright then, show me," she took his hand and he lead her out in the corridor lined with brilliant works of art. He showed her the view of the gardens, promising to take her next time they visited, the throne room, the gallery, and lastly right outside the banquet hall is where they were stopped by a young woman with straight dark hair, dark eyes, and a white dress flowing seemingly freely from her small frame.

"Lord Sesshomaru, and Lady...I don't believe I've knowledge of you I'm so sorry."

"Rin, The Lady Rin, and you are?"

"Kenna. One of the queens ladies. She sent me to fine you."

"Yes, lead the way," he offered and they followed her through the maze like halls.

"Lady Rin, that is a lovely dress, is that silk?," Kenna reached out to stroke the fabric as they walked.

"Yes, it is, thank you. I love your dress as well. All of the clothes here are so beautiful."

"Will you be staying tonight? Queen Mary said that your visit would be short and you'd return, but there is a party tonight if you'd like to delay your departure by a few hours."

"A party? I've never been to a party!," Rin beamed up at Sesshomaru who nodded sharply in response. "We would love to attend!"

"Fabulous, I'll come and find you this afternoon and you can get ready with us, would that be alright?" Kenna peered at Sesshomaru, asking permission and not fully knowing what their relationship was yet.

"That's fine Rin, as you will."

"Thank you my lord," she grinned happily and kissed his cheek.

"Well then it's settled, here we are. I'll see you later," Kenna opened the door for them and scurried off.

"Your majesty, Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Rin," the guard announced as they walked in to the map room.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice, My Lord. You are very popular amongst royals." Rin stood in awe. Queen Mary was beautiful and looked other worldly in her gown adorned with jewels.

"Yes, between my father and I we have conducted missions all over Europe, your grace. This is the first time, however, that I have been called upping by your majesty."

"I need a team of body guard. Loyal only to me. Whomever you pick I don't care. But this is a long term employment, you understand?"

"Yes, I understand. May I cycle men?"

"However you choose to fill the post."

"Queen Mary, if I may, I'd like to return home to gather a team. Then I will return and stay for myself for a period of time to asses the dangers and decide upon which men to post in your service."

"How long will it take you to return?"

"A week," he stated.

"A week it is," she nodded. "You are staying for the party tonight? I told my lady Kenna to invite you."

"Yes, Rin is looking forward to it."

"I truly am, your grace," she beamed.

"Good. Tonight I'd like for you to meet my husband and members of my family and household. So you'll know who is who."

"Of course," he nodded.

"I'll see the two of you tonight,"

"Yes, your grace," he bowed and took Rins hand, leading her away. Once they were a safe distance from listening ears, Rin began questioning.

"Why were they being so nice to us?"

"She asked me to be a body guard, not a spy."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Her closest friends are her spies. They're mining us for information not just as you are mining them. Tread lightly."

"Yes," she nodded.

Once they were back at their chambers, the mood shifted and he pushed her against the door, slamming it shut. He smoothed a hand down her side and cupped her between the legs.

"Don't worry...tonight I'll be gentle," he sealed the promise with a kiss and all too soon pulled away from her and went to stand looking out the window. Just then, a bald man wearing a crown burst into the room

"Ah! My old friend! And who is this?"

"My Fiancé, Lady Rin."

"That sounds so familiar...did you not speak of a girl last time we met? A ward?"

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru took good care of me when I was younger. I fell into his care when I was eight, your grace, but I am of age now."

"Oh...I understand. Well. Congratulations are in order! And a formal announcement to be made at the festivities tonight!"

"No your grace, that's far to generous," Sesshomaru said through gritted teeth.

"I insist!," Henry said and Rin took Sesshomaru's hand.

"Of course, this is afterall, your castle," Sesshomaru relented.

"Very well. The lady Kenna has offered to attend you?," he glanced to Rin.

"Yes, she did."

"Good. Well, see you tonight then."

"So that was the king I assume," Rin stated once he was gone. "But I wonder what is his connection to Lady Kenna?"

"I believe that she is his mistress. At least is seems that way, he beds her with some frequency."

"Sesshomaru!," she scolded.

"What? I have a nose. Are you telling me not to smell?," he countered.

"Oh whatever... " she laughed at his brashness and was pulled into a strong embrace. "As I recall, you seem to bed your mistress with some frequency as well," she walked two fingers up his chest with a cheeky grin.

"Wife. You are my wife."

"Technically I'm your fiancé," she quipped.

"So...being my fiancé would it be inappropriate to rid you of your clothes."

"My lord! I am a lady!," she feigned disgust.

"As I recall night before last you were a lady of ill repute," he snarled back.

"Oh...right. Of course. I apologize...let me make it up to you," she got a devilish gleam in her eye and led him over to the sofa that sat looking out the window. She put two fingers on his chest and pushed him gently back, sinking to her knees.

"Is this what my lord desires?," she looked at him through long lashes, her face already beginning to flush.

"Yes, it is." He reaches for the tie at his waist but she placed a hand over his, stopping him.

"Please, allow me." She bend her head and untied the bow with her teeth, letting his pants fall open. Sesshomaru leaned his head back with a gasp as she took all of them.

"Lady Rin, the Lady Kenna is here for you," a castle Paige called as he knocked on the door.

"She'll be out in just a moment!"

"I'm not decent!" Rin called hastily and went to climb up out of the floor but not fast enough as the door swing wide open. Kenna walked in just as Rin popped up from the other side of the couch, wiping her mouth as Sesshomaru pulled a blanket over his lap, turning to stone and staring out the window.

"Come Rin, you look dressed enough to me," Kenna grabbed her by the wrist and she turned to give Sesshomaru a swift kiss on the cheek.

"I'll see you later. I love you."

"I love you too,have fun," he replied, never shifting his gaze from outside.

Rin was whisked out the door and Kenna wrapped an arm around her waist as they walked.

"If you don't mind me saying, I believe you and I could teach one another a thing or two," she winked.

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"How to pleasure our men of course. You seem to have your lord wrapped around your finger," she teased.

"I suppose I do have him wrapped don't I?

"Tell me, when will your wedding be?"

"We're due to marry when we return home," Rin smiled.

"Oh lovely! Will you have a big wedding?"

"No...it will be a small affair I believe,"

"Well you must allow me to throw you a reception upon your return to court," Kenna insisted.

"Of course. Whatever you say."

...

Sesshomaru interrupted Rin who was chatting with Kenna and Mary.

"I'm sorry but, we must be going." He took her hand and she turned back to acknowledge her newfound friends.

"Goodbye, ill see you soon. Queen Mary, I cannot wait time meet your Francis when we return."

"I'll look forward to it," she nodded and they turned to leave, Sesshomaru leaning down to whisper in Rins ear as they walked from the grand hall.

"Keep that dress," he rasped, and took her hand quickening their pace.

...

Sorry this chapter feels a little awkward to me butttt I had to try it. :)