I could not help the smile that graced my features as I made my way down through the halls of the castle,I felt happy at the site of nanami, some part of me knew that nanami would tell me certain things about the western customary that I did not know of yet, although as I walked gracefully through the halls a memory came to mind and in that moment a soft pink hue stained my cheeks as I thought about the moment that had passed between myself and young Lord Sesshomaru, the softness and warmth that sprang fourth as I had slowly yet hesitantly placed my hand upon his mokomoko… I couldn't help but think to myself, what had possessed me do such an act, yet my hand slowly flexed missing the lingering sensation of his mokomoko, I was so transfixed on the thoughts of my mind that I failed to notice that I had left nanami behind, that I felt someone tug gently upon the sleeve of my kimono that I had forgotten to change out of, causing me to stop in my tracks and swirl slightly as I looked towards the person who stopped me.
To my surprise it was none other then the Lord of the western lands him self, Lord Inu-taisho, his eyes shown surprise within them and a sense of humor that I did not expect from him, his stature demanded respect and authority that I couldn't help but keep a straight face, yet I had forgotten about the blush that recently appeared at the mere thought of the young heir to Lord Inu-taishos kingdom, the resemblance between the two was uncanny and for a moment I had forgotten my status as to bow slightly as a Lady of nobility should have, to show respect, I spoke quickly as a way to apologize to the Lord of the western lands and guest to our kingdom and home. I looked around to see if nanami was around but It seemed that she had noticed Lord Inu-taishos presence and disappeared.
" I.. apologize my Lord, I didn't see you there and- "
" Lady Aley— Lady Rin.. you're a match to be reckoned with, for a moment if I had not held on to you're sleeve, you would have zoomed right passed me. Please, accompany me on a walk before dinner, I'm sure that you're father, Lord Aires wouldn't mind. "
His smile was calm and relaxed that showed through his eyes, golden pools of the sun that showed ferocious intensity. I had heard many stories of the Lord of the west and his reign with the Queen mother, Lady Inu-Kimi, as an infant I didn't spend much time with my father, Lord Aires as I had longed for as an infant and leading up to as a child. He was King of the Southern Province and therefore he was needed most of the time for diplomatic reasons so his advisor's would seek him out every second of the day, but that is where master jacken stepped in, master jacken was more of a professor and was in charge of all my studies and etiquette upbringing's, it was here that I learned about the other surrounding kingdoms and the reigning kings and queens of these lands, the northern kingdom or territories as many would call it was reigned by the wolves, Lord Koga and Lady Ayame, I had yet to meet the Lord and Lady as it was known that Lady Ayame was due to her being near birthing the first heir or heiress of the northern kingdom which brought many to surprise since it was thought that Lord Koga did not want a successor to his throne for a few year's, the eastern kingdom was ruled by the dragon clan, Lord Ryukotsusei, he had yet to take a queen for his kingdom but that did not stop him from ruling with an iron fist, such brutal stories about Lord Ryukitsuseis reign is known all through the four kingdoms and therefore many would prefer to have some sort of an alliance with the dragon clan. Many feared him and his wrath that no one would never dare to go against his wishes, it was known that Lord Inu-taisho and Lord Ryukotsusei had some kind of dealings that went sour which caused the two kingdoms to be at war with each other as some nobles and small lands have taken sides. It was known that both Lords have been around for centuries, the exact age of both Lords is not known so that should tell you how long they have been around, both Lords as I have noticed rule very differently as it would be thought, the southern province was ruled by my father Lord Aires and late mother Lady Aleyah, Queen of the Southern Province, they ruled these lands together with grace and prosperity that many nobles seeked their guidance and dealing's, the thought of my late mother had sparked a slight sadness but I did not let it show, the western province was ruled by Lord Inu-taisho and Lady Inu-Kimi, Lord Inu-taisho was a force to be reckoned with in his own let alone together with Lady Inu-Kimi by his side, together they seemed unstoppable as they ruled like the southern province, master jacken had once told me that my father Lord Aires, had learned his teachings through Lord Inu-taisho, which is why both south and west are ruled with such nobility strength and power, as they prosper so well.
" Of course Lord Inu-taisho. "
I had smiled as I sensed no danger and only his genuine nature, I placed my arm slowly around his as I hooked into his arm as he lead me through the halls of my fathers castle, he slowed his pace as we walked through the surrounding halls that lead through a small garden hidden behind the western grand hall, it surprised me that he knew of such a place that for the moment I had previously thought it was only known by my father and late mother with the exception of a few servants that maintained the garden itself, hadn't been here in what felt like years and instantly calmed any emotions that I had been feeling before, it was there that I heard the soft yet masculine tone of the Lord of the west, Lord Inu-taisho.
" This sacred garden here, was built for a special someone years ago. The rocks and flowers come from the lands of the west as they were a gift to the late Queen, you're mother Lady Aleyah, when she had visited the west as a invitation, she was given the choice to take a part of the west as a gift, she had chosen to take part of my garden… She was not like any other person I had met before, Aleyah was a force not to be taken lightly, I dare say I myself was smitten by the beauty and raw power she possessed, but the elegance that she displayed such force was beyond my knowledge. Therefore when she struggled to contain such power I guided her to my garden to help sooth and control it, these rocks you see here as well as the flowers you see blooming in full glory are special to my clan. They hold a special meaning and you're mother knew that, which is why she had chosen this not for herself, but for her pup, her daughter that she knew she would have. In the near future. "
Lord Inu-taisho lead me to a bench that appeared behind an old sakura tree, it was in full bloom as the wind blow so did the pink sakura petals the variety of flowers that lived within this garden bloomed with life, the warmth of the wind seemed to wrap around me in a soft embrace, as if I was being held by my late mother… the sway of the branches seemed calming, I sat at the bench as I lifted my hand gracefully into the air to catch a falling Sakura petal.. as it landed into the palm of my hand, I was amazed at the color and texture, it was soft and light with a pink and white hue, I brought the petal close to my lips and placed a gentle kiss then blow it away as if I had given a kiss of greetings to my mother.
" This garden belongs to you and always will protect you from any harm or danger near or far, you're mother saw to it, I will tell you more about this later on, but for now I think its best we make our way back to the west hall for dinner, my Lady. You're father might think that I may have abducted you if we don't make it in time for dinner with the others. "
I could tell from the initial that the Lord of the western lands was kind yet sweet and soft spoken, it was obvious that he held some sort of a fondness for my late mother, those words he had recently spoken were from truth, every word held meaning that impacted my very soul and for that I am grateful for the wisdom that was shown to me at this time, but like all great things that would soon be interrupted by the noise that said hey feed me, I could tell from the hearty laugh that erupted from him that he indeed was a kind soul, I had totally forgotten that I had not eaten this morning, and I was starving, my mouth watered as the aroma from the kitchen flowed out into the castle halls down to where I stood with Lord Inu-taisho, I looked towards him as he held out his hand, as I grabbed a hold and linked our arms together. We made our way talking of small chatter about the problems of the west and of the young heir to the throne, Lord Sesshomaru, till we had reached the double doors of the western grand hall, it was there I saw my father sitting quietly with his eyes shut as if he were resting due to the exhaustion of the noblemen that appeared just a few days ago.. I had noticed since then my father, Lord Aires had become more conservative, but even now he looked to be at peace with his surroundings.
" Father, I doubt now is the time to rest, even though you look to be comfortable. "
I smiled towards my father as he looked up at me opening his eyes with a smile, no doubt he was remembering a memory with my mother, I laughed as I looked at him as I sat on the right side of his chair at the long table, I couldn't help but notice the young Lord Sesshomaru had not arrived and to that I felt slightly bothered, I had hoped to see him and convers with him a bit.
" My Lord, the young Lord has requested to dine in his chambers, I am not sure why, but I shall take a plater for the young Lord. "
I watched as Lord Inu-taisho nodded in agreement at the request, at the notion of hearing that Lord Sesshomaru would not be joining us for dinner, I rose and offered that I deliver his plater as to be polite to our guest. I watched as there was a brief moment of silence and looks between my father and Lord Inu-taisho, the servant had handed me the plater as I began to walk out the grand hall and into the halls leading to the rest of the castle. I wondered if I had said or done something to visibly upset him, but that was gone the moment I smelled a familiar scent, ah yes, how could I forget.. the Lunar festival was near and as such so were the ceremonies and at that mating season. Everyone in the castle new what was near and prepared for it, I on the other hand paid no mind to it.
Before I knew it, I had arrived at the northern part of the castle where the guest chambers were as well as my own and my fathers, with ever step I took as my feet guided me, I began to hear noises.. it sounded like noises of muffles as if someone had held another's mouth closed from making such a noises. In that moment before I had been able to knock on the door to the young Lords chambers, it suddenly swung open as a woman walked out with her kimono torn around the shoulders and waist that lead to the most private area of a woman, I stared at her for a moment as I saw a red lips beginning to smirk, she was pale with skin like ivory, smooth yet…I don't know something seemed off about her the scent that came off her smelled of sex, her eyes peered into mine, irises that looked red as rubies with a malicious intent, her hair was black as the night sky but even then her body seemed fragile. So I spoke with mild irritation not caring for the moment, the servant that had accompanied me to the chambers had scurried off no doubt to alert Lord Inu-taisho, but I knew my father would also accompany him.
" I don't believe we've met, but by the looks and smell of it, you're very acquainted with the young Lord I see. "
She looked to ponder her next words watching my every move, I could tell with the scent what had happened here and I cared not for the woman standing in front of me nor the man that most likely laid in bed asleep after their activities, the man who was supposed be my life mate and more.. I had placed the plater upon a small table that held a vase of red rosés freshly picked from the garden.
" You must be "her" the heiress of the southern kingdom, ah I cannot seem to remember you're name girl but anyway, thanks for the plater I was starved after such intense activities. "
From around the corner I could hear the footsteps of both my father Lord Aires and Lord Inu-taisho, I began to feel disgust arising within the pit of my stomach but before I could register anything else I had slapped the woman who disrespected me within my very home, that was the moment I saw him. His upper body was bare as his lower half was covered with a towel, I could see he had just showered as droplets fell from the length of his hair, his eyes made contact with mine seeming to register what had been going on the last few minutes. It was then that I spoke with anger as both my father and Lord Inu-aisho stood just a few inches away from the scene.
" Let it be known here and now, that no union between the south and west shall ever be made. I will not, nor will I accept the courting of the young Lord, Lord Sesshomaru. I see you have chosen a mate, yet, she bares no mark of the west, its best you get to it, as it seems her kind willingly accepts offers of any kind I assume. "
My eyes glowed a pure white that seemed to brighten with each word as I spoke, the energy massing around my body began to push the woman I had yet to learn her name, my aura flared once more with the energy and that's when I felt it, a small link with my mother. It was as if I had heard her through the energy flowing through me, but I could not understand her words nor did care for at the moment.
" Lord Inu-taisho, as this is my home, I extended the invitation for yourself and the young Lord, I did not however extend it for "other" parties. I think its best if said party removed themselves from my home and kingdom, or shall I remove them as I see fit. "
The anger yet calmness my father showed was relevant for the most part, his words were direct and held no trace of hesitation, I watched as his claws twitched slightly from anger. It was Lord Inu-taisho who spoke next.
" Lord Aires, for the most part I agree with handling such incidents as these the proper way, but, I cannot allow a concubine to be harmed at the request of my son doings, Kagura will be taken back to the west and I will handle it, as for the reason we came for I hope nothing changes. Lady Rin, do not take it personally, she means no harm she is as ignorant as they come and therefore shall be treated as such. But Lady Rin a word of advice, you're aura is laced with a toxic venom lethal to those of lower class, it may pose no harm to you or others of you're lineage but will still do harm to others who do not possess such immunity. "
My eyes flickered from Lord Sesshomaru to Lord Inu-taisho as they landed on kagura, the woman looked to be holding her breath slightly but was failing miserably, yet I noticed she had grabbed a fan from within her torn kimono and began to fan around her, and there it was, it was futile to miss it, she was a sorceress but she was no match for me, such a ridiculous woman i thought to myself before speaking.
" As it would seem, even though some woman need to be taught there place but it seems she has picked her place out already, I've grown bored of such ignorance, father I shall retire for the remainder of the day. See to it that the garbage is disposed of. "
I could see the shock written upon kaguras face that I couldn't help but laugh at her miserable site, her face looked displeased as I walked away from my father and the others not caring to hear anymore nonsense, I made my way up the stairs upon the fourth floor and into my chambers as I saw something shine upon my desk, at the moment I cared not for it as I walked pass by and onto the balcony. The cold air helped little to ease the immense heat radiating from my body. The energy swarming me a the moment pleading to be released, I had yet to understand the full amount of power I possessed nor the capability I held within from releasing it and for the most part it needed to be released, without a moment more I leaped from the balcony and landed gracefully onto the ground and dashed towards the forest, out of site till I came upon a small part of the forest that held no life, it was far enough from the castle as I could see, I began to feel the heat once again, the warmth and energy that pulled around me as I screamed. My aura flared causing the greenery from the ground to burn to ash as the trees that stood but a few miles away begin to catch fire, I began to levitate as my body floated higher and higher till I could see above he trees and mountains, I lifted my hand slowly straight in front of me as a whip formed from my fingers that seemed to be made of ice, I began to swing my hand and fingers gracefully as I could hear the whip slice through the air, I focused on my surroundings as I bean to spin causing the whip to slice through the wind my hair flowed with every movement spin or turn, that was when I felt another presence nearby and without a care for who it was I unleashed the full intensity of my anger, causing my power to surge forth as my aura flared to its peak, I had stopped mid spin and swung my hand with the ice whip towards the intruder and spread my fingers causing the whip to break instantly and form a rain of icicles lethal enough to pierce any armor demon or human made alike, it was then that I began to spin again causing the winds around me to form and swarm rapidly creating a tornado that engulfed my entire being, but that did not last long as I began to feel my body slowly grow heavy, the loss of energy had taken its toll and I began to lose consciousness of my surroundings, had I foreseen this I would not have likely done this but it was to late, my body had given in as I felt a slight twinge of pain that felt like a needle piercing though me, my body began to descend towards the ground as everything spiraled as I blacked out, yet I could still slightly feel and might I say this ground was hard yet soft and… fluffy? But the scent that accompanied it was different…. Yet familiar.
It had been a few days before I regained consciousness, the aroma of something sweet appeared and I could feel my mouth my water, I could feel the warmth of the rays seeping its way through the windows within my chamber, I slowly tried to move my fingers as I moved them, but I soon noticed something heavy yet soft lay upon me rendering my body useless, unable to move. My body ached from the soreness of being laid out on my bed for to long time, I tried to speak but my mouth was parched from lack of saliva, at this point I was determined to open my eyes, I could feel the pain in my stomach form hunger, I had to at this point open my eyes at least, I had grown tired of the darkness and soon slightly began to force my eyes slowly open, the sound of movement could be heard as I heard akira talking with someone. I could barely understand the words being said but that's when I heard it.. not it, him, his name.
" Yes, apparently it was the young Lord of the west who found our Lady, the young Lord, Lord Sesshomaru carried lady Rin back to the castle… It was noble of him but I don't trust him with Lady Rin, not after what he did here. Bringing a "whore" how troublesome is that pup such a fool.. and how dare he insult our Lady, Lady Rin that way, such disrespect. "
" Akira! You realize insulting a Lord is punishable by act, I will not be able to save you, except going against my Lord, Lord Aires. But if I must I shall, I would never let another man place there hand upon you. That, or I will have to deal with Lady Rin and forfeiting my life… is something I don't wish for at the moment. "
" Akito.. my love, HOW DARE YOU SAY SUCH VULGAR WORDS ABOUT LADY RIN, SHE WOULD NEVER SAY SUCH THNGS!. "
I couldn't help but smile slightly as I tried to keep opening my eyes, it was there that I laughed at the two bickering above me like a married couple, it sounded more like a muffle sound then anything but it was there and finally akira noticed and brought water close to my lips, so I may drink to freshen the parchness I felt within my mouth, indeed it was refreshing and amazing and I longed for more but none came as I could finally see akira smiling with a blush, noticing that I heard the very conversation being held above me. I looked towards akito who also held a slight blush from the fact I heard his every words and it was amusing to me to see both acting like a married couple.
Was it wrong for me to envy them, even the tinniest of bit. The love they both held for each other was something I had hoped to achieve one day… but by the looks of it, that wouldn't be happening any time soon, it seemed Lord Sesshomaru had found a mate but why hadn't he marked her as his? For the most part I knew it was customary for Lords to take concubines but I never would have guessed it to be so soon. I moved slightly to sit up as I noticed akira coming over to help me, she paced a few of my pillows behind my back as I now leaned on them for support, this time I was able to ask for water as I spoke softly noting the pain that it caused me.
" Akira.. please I need a drink… "
She leaned forward now placing a cup of water towards my lips once more as I drank with haste loving the feel of the cold liquid running down my throat as it sooth the parchness it held, I felt a bit better but that didn't stop the hunger that came for voicing its way through my stomach.
Hey guys authors note: I do not own any of original characters of the Inuyasha fandom they are owned by rumiko, I do own the story line behind this book.
i do hope yous like it and i will try to update more chapters as soon as possible. sorry for the grammar issues