Disclaimer: NOT MINE! DON'T SUE! AAH! *runs around in circles*
Hi again, y'aaall! Arigato, arigato, domo arigato gozaimasu to my very favorite people, cassandra and Laura-chan and azuregt for posting their reviews. I *love* it when readers do that!
First off, just like to say: hehehe, we've had two straight snow days here in good ol' VA where the snow is close to 2 feet!
Ugh, have you ever had one of those days when you're just floating around, thinking, there's something I should be doing- but nothing seems to fill that void? Grrrr, I really hate those days. Today is one of them -.-;;. Perhaps some LOTR music will soothe my soul… Btw, I'm really sorry this came out so late, but I had bad computer screen burn and a writer's block this size of my fist. Thank goodness that's gone.
Hum… I know that a lot of writers use this space to write something relevant *how shocking* to their story, and that others put their review responses after the story, but I thought it might interfere with the endings, hence:
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Laura-chan: I originally debated with myself over telling you this, but I figured it might seem pretty obvious after this chapter that yes, Inuyasha and Kagome do come to… like each other… strongly. While this may seem like incest *gasp* (did 'I' say that?), if you look at their situation, they aren't brother and sister, and although they call each other by that (sometimes, and only in certain situations, as you see), almost everyone refutes it.
Ahsayuni: Inuyasha- although no one is completely certain what his age is within the Hinode Kingdom because of the manner in which he became a member of the royal family- is around 16-17 while Kagome is 14 giving them a two to three year difference.
Azuregt: Thank you soooooo much for your critique! I was so excited when I saw it. Thank you for your compliments and input!!! Hmm, twisted Kagome- I like the sound of that. ^-^ Yes, Kagome is a bit out of character- in this story, she grew up a princess with all the spoils and demons, etc.
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Please don't forget to review!! THANK YOU AAALL WHO DO!
Bring on the flaming pencils!
Keishi- Heiress (Kagome's official title)
Hinode- Sunrise
Doronuma- bog/marsh. (Ref. to province)
Koukennin- Guardian (Inuyasha's official title as of her 14th birthday)
Niji- Rainbow (refers to a province)… I don't know, he just seemed like a "rainbow" kinda guy … lmao ^-~
Onichan- Older Brother
Yamiyo- Dark Night (ref. to the Northern Kingdom)
Shinsetsu- Deep Snow (ref. to province in the Northern Kingdom)
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Act Four: Without Breaking
'There was a second. Did you… did you lie to me, is that it? Is this what I'm feeling, this breaking? There was a pause in your words, then. Would you hesitate with me? …Don't turn away from me; I'm not finished with you yet.'
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"Higurashi!" The Queen's voice preceded the thundering crack as the doors to the King's personal chambers were thrown open. From deep within his apartments, the slim maid withdrew her hand from between the King's thighs and with snake-like grace darted away from the king, readjusting her skirts. The maid reached the door just in time to curtsy hurriedly to Her Majesty, ducking her head into her ample chest in order to hide her flushed face. If the Queen paused in her furious advance to the King, it was only to learn the girl's face; the Queen knew of her husband's promiscuity, even accepted it on some levels. But she didn't have to come in contact with the little whores.
"Close the doors behind you, wench," The Queen hissed through her teeth, staring at her husband, noting the slight pant in his breath. The man sat in front of his looking-mirror, his back insultingly facing her while he pretended to button his brocaded coat (or was he pretending? She would have the little tramp thrashed with hot pokers!). Her mouth twisted around sourly before it cracked into an unctuous smile as she sauntered behind him, slipping her hands smoothly down his chest to take over the task.
"Husband…" She whispered sultrily into his ear, making the hair around it tremble with her breath. Her hands, finishing their task, caressed his neck, dragging long nails against sensitive skin, while they both gazed in the looking-glass at his reflection. The silence stretched heavily in the dimly lighted room except for the rasp of thick breathing. "No, darling. I don't think you should do that." The Queen murmured, pressing one long, claw-like fingernail into the soft skin of his neck, and the hand roaming up her thigh froze.
"…What is it you want, Shinju?" The King growled finally.
One hand was suddenly smoothly cupping his rough, bearded cheek, pressing it forcibly into her stomach; consequentially, his neck strained upward, and a vivid droplet of blood began to trickle teasingly down his skin as the fingernail was pushed harder. "Does the King wish to speak?" The Queen said breathily, feeling his Adam's apple quiver beneath her fingers as he swallowed convulsively. Her chest rose quicker up and down, knowing with an intense clarity she could take this man's life with one swipe of her hand. Her razor-sharp fingers, lined with poison would make it painful, incredibly painful, but also silent. As he writhed and thrashed on the floor, he wouldn't even utter a cry- the venom constricted the throat first. Shinju's panting increased to short gasps, aroused by the power she possessed. She should do it; she should… but she would wait. The brute still had usefulness.
"That filthy youkai you forced upon us has almost lived out his damnable expediency. And when his job here is completed, I want that little shit out of the fucking castle. I want him fucking dead. There's too much of a chance he'll find out... things that he shouldn't." Bending down, she trailed a wet tongue through his ear. "You understand?"
Kemono Higurashi, King of the Eastern Kingdom, feared leader of the second most powerful domain in the Upper Lands grunted like a pig being stuck on a spit. With a satisfied nod, Shinju bent forward to press a damp, open-mouthed kiss on her husband's lips- before slicing her fingernail shallowly across his neck as she walked off, hearing Kemono pitch forward with a low groan.
Higurashi waited until his wife closed the apartment doors behind her to slam his fist into the looking-glass, knowing it would be a few hours before the poison would allow his voice to scream again.
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The laughter, the feasting, the amusements. It swirled around Kagome like it had so often in her lifetime, a melody of colors and vacillating sounds playing harmony to the court bard's lilting songs. Waves of it poured over her, slightly disorienting, always intriguing, too often despised. Quite frankly, although she was accomplished at the finer arts of dancing, singing, and court games of conspiracy, she pined for her lone tower where the howling wind could drown out even her most crowded thoughts. For princesses, however, such thoughts were unbecoming, and accordingly the Keishi fixed the appropriate mask of naivety and innocent beauty requested of her position.
'Ha ha ha, my dear lecherous visiting prince of some backwater acre of land, remove your hand from my buttocks before I remove the entire thing. Oh, of course I enjoy my daily study of walls- every princess should be as well-educated as the Keishi! Ah, it obviously is true I look as radiant as the dawn's first rays of light, every other prince, duke, or licentious old curmudgeon has said the same thing, why can't you people come up with something original, is that too much too ask when I'm trapped in this fucking piece of shit corset that-'
"Ah, my dear princess, you look as gleaming as a pile of dog feces. And smell as good, too, I note- a new trend of perfume, perhaps?" Something whispered in her ear, tickling her with its breath. Her stunned glare met with a wide smirk that showed off two pearly fangs.
"Oh. It's you, dog breath. I was hoping somebody around here was getting clever with their pick-ups so that I could 'actually' smack them. Instead I have to discreetly move away from their subtle attempts to grab my rear." As promised, Kagome gave Inuyasha a small shove out of her way, moving toward the servant carrying the glasses of wine. She could dearly use a cup of wine; her mind even wavered at the thought of an entire bottle, so when she was suddenly yanked backward by a vise-like grip that encircled around her wrist, she was reasonably upset.
"Get the fuck off me, Inuyasha, I was about to get a drink." She seethed at him through grinding teeth, her eyes still following the server.
"You shouldn't drink that, bitch, or maybe you wouldn't mind the King of Doronuma's groping so much. Anyway, it's time for their arrival." Inuyasha began dragging her off toward the far end of the Great Hall, nearer to the large doors from which the King and Queen were due to enter. Kagome could have spat at Inuyasha, could have landed him a punch the kind of which he hadn't seen since childhood. The King of Doronuma was a perverted old man that stilled enjoyed grabbing at young girls- Kagome heard bone-chilling rumors about his amusements with even the smallest children in his villages. It was shameful that she had let the beast touch her tonight, that she hadn't moved away; it was shame enough to cause her tears when she returned to her chambers, when in the dark her maids couldn't hear and her maids couldn't see. And Inuyasha hadn't acted at all when he saw it- and it was obvious the youkai had seen it.
"I hate you, you bastard! Get the hell off me!"
Perhaps she said that a little loudly, when the closer courtiers threw the two inquiring looks. Those faces that did not recognize the Koukennin altered into masks of concern, even scandal as they saw the Keishi being manhandled by a silver-haired boy with tufted ears rising above his head. A disgusting youkai; vibrating through her hand, Kagome felt the slow growl.
"Princess, would you like me to call the guards to get rid of this… filth?" Gently, but firmly taking her other hand was a dark haired, dull-eyed young man dressed in the smartest fashion of her generation. If only his eyes weren't quite so void of intellect, Kagome would have passed him a second glance. However, wit tended to be one of the few necessities of a diplomat- and this dunce seemed to lack even that meager requirement. Stupidity was the number one cause of death in a king's court. Which was exactly what Inuyasha was planning.
Before Inuyasha could act, though, Kagome drew herself up like the tears in her eyes didn't exist. "This 'filth' you are referring to happens to be the Koukennin, and who might 'you' be?" She said, with the trace of a sneer.
The handsome young man blushed an adequate cardinal red before fumbling a deep bow. "I- I am so sorry, Your Majesty and… Your Majesty," He hesitated when addressing the bristling youkai. He turned his dim eyes back to Kagome, a concept he was much more familiar with- a princess and female. "Please forgive me, Prince Hojo of the Niji province. It… It lies to the south within your divine kingdom, Your Majesty."
A blank looked crossed Kagome's face. "Yes. Of course it does." Hojo turned a deeper shade that would have caused a rose to cry from embarrassment. Awkward silence stepped in for a second. Inuyasha was still vibrating; and he wouldn't let go of her hand. Finally, she decided to end the situation in a way that never failed when dealing with silly courtiers: she waved her hand, patted the boy on his head in her most queenly manner, and cried out, "Carry on!" –till Inuyasha jerked her hand with a loud growl and she stumbled away.
She let herself be led a decent distance from the small crowd that had gathered behind them, before pulling Inuyasha onto one side, behind the tall pillars that lined the room, and shook his hand off. Here, the lighting was weaker because of torches placed on the opposite side of the huge pillars, and was occupied by only the sporadic passing courtier. Rubbing her wrist resentfully, Kagome spit Inuyasha with one furious glare, then stomped off, leaving the shadows playing on the youkai's face. Unfortunately, some of the storming princess attitude was lost when Kagome's tall heels slipped beneath her angry feet.
"Oh shii-"
She stopped falling.
"Inuyasha. Let me go."
"Where are you planning on going without me, anyway, wench?" But Inuyasha shoved her out of his arms, setting her on her feet rather helter-skelter. The world was spinning around her still, and she forgot to let go of Inuyasha's arms.
"What are you talking about?" Why were there two of him, circling around her? Why was the ground trying to meet her face?
"Your parents, wench. They're supposed to enter magnificently in, hmm, about two minutes, and we have to go and dan- …" Inuyasha trailed off as he shifted for a better look at her face in the murky light. "Oi. Bitch."
"Huh? Inuyasha? What- wha?"
"Oi, are you okay?" His eyebrows knitted together. Black flecks returned, dancing merrily around in her vision, clouding in Inuyasha's face as she stared back at him. "Oh yeah, Inuyasha. I'm absolutely fine." Inuyasha was silent, but his face was speaking volumes to her; she wondered if he knew it was. The corset made things a lot clearer, sometimes. She just had trouble concentrating on what they were. Sometimes.
"Hey, onichan. Do me a favor, okay?" She was about to say what exactly she was about to say when the trumpeters blared their fanfare, and Kagome inhaled a breath. The black spots began to fade away.
"Hell!" Inuyasha cursed, dragging Kagome toward the sound of the music. They forced their way through the crowd in a very undignified way for the Keishi and Koukennin, Kagome thought, but they arrived just in time to see Her Majesty Shinju Higurashi appear inside the door, followed a moment later by His Majesty Kemono Higurashi, the rulers of the exalted Hinode Kingdom. They were husband and wife: a combination not entirely unheard of in the Hinode lands, and by far the more accepted version. Although, history ultimately proved that the Koukennin and Keishi monarchy occurred more often. Kagome looked up at the youkai, thinking of that unusual item of history. Would this hot-headed, foul-mouthed, arrogant boy one day rule alongside her? As King?
The monarchy was carefully and precisely divided between male and female counterparts in the traditional method. The King was generally responsible for the foreign affairs of the kingdom, the army, the protection of the state. The Queen handled the domestic responsibilities, judged internal conflicts, and in case of civil war could retain complete control of the army.
History had seen Koukennin and Keishi battle within themselves for certain tasks that only the other gender should provide, seen the Hinode kingdom near destruction when brother and sister, guardian and heiress divide against each other, consequentially dividing the entire peoples. For, although the King owned the allegiance of the military, the Queen governed the people themselves. And the People could be a formidable force.
'Would we fight? Would we kill thousands for our own differences? Would I choose him? Would she give me the choice?' Kagome's eyes trailed across the ornately tiled floor to the glowing image of her mother, gliding across the floor in her flowing dress like an angel, delicately waving her long nailed hand at the awed masses. 'I have a choice. I do have a choice.' A clawed hand shaking her shoulder knocked her out of her reverie. "Oi. Wench. Let's go." Giving her a rude shove forward, Kagome almost screamed when she stumbled on her damned heels again, and in front of the entire party of diplomats. Regaining her balance with a swiftness born of mortification, the princess went forward almost as smoothly as her mother to grasp both of her parent's hands, giving them both dainty kisses. Just dainty enough to miss abstaining.
Her mother held onto her hands a second longer, hissing in her daughter's ear, "If you embarrass me now…"
Embarrass her? How? It was time for the dancing, and if nothing else, Kagome was accomplished at that. Even her father had once mentioned her skill; right now he was fussing with a scarf tied around his neck. Thusly, she felt her stomach to a sudden plummet when Inuyasha tapped her on the shoulder, and asked in a very terse, very embarrassed voice, "Keishi, may the Koukennin have the…" Kagome blinked, clenching her jaw so that it wouldn't fall open, and wondered if he was really going to say it. "…honor," Her eyebrow flickered at the long pause. "…of the opening dance."
It was not completely unexpected, after her mother's warning, that she would have to dance with Inuyasha. Not completely; but she had been hoping that Inuyasha would forget, or curse, or do something that he normally did. However, whenever Inuyasha was at court, she admitted, or in the presence of a large crowd, or especially in front of her father, Inuyasha's behavior was 'exactly' what was expected of the Koukennin and second in line to inherit the Hinode throne, if not exactly perfect. Nonetheless, dancing with Inuyasha- no, the Koukennin!- was not top on Kagome's list of things to do.
Putting her own personal feelings away for the necessary moment, the Keishi took the proffered clawed hand of her Koukennin.
"What else could I say, but yes, with her standing there?" Kagome muttered to the youkai as the walked to the middle of the Great Hall. Waiting for them, instruments at the ready, was the orchestra, which struck up the opening note as they presented themselves. Inuyasha delicately placed his hands in the appropriate positions, one in her own, one even more delicately at her hip. Suddenly, the Keishi was intensely aware of herself, and the Koukennin as he led their steps. She shook off the haze that was creeping over her head, and remembered to start breathing again as the black spots swarmed in front of her eyes.
"Is your face that red I see, or is that a beet out of the corner of my eye?" Kagome whispered softly to Inuyasha, trying to lessen the tension.
"Your jokes suck."
"So does your dancing."
"Bitch."
"Bastard."
"I hate you sometimes."
"I hate you more, onichan."
"Don't call me that, bitch."
"That's my line, idiot."
"Is that your friend of Doronuma over there?"
Kagome stiffened even further in his arms, if it was possible. She didn't say anything, but tried to focus on the murmur the courtiers were making as they danced.
"Oi… Okay, I'm sorry for that one."
"You'd better be," she whispered with such intensity Inuyasha winced even though she wasn't stepping on his foot. The hand in his was trembling; Inuyasha leaned back to look at her face.
"Oi, wench, come on, don't cry. I'm sorry, I said it."
"Just shut up, Inuyasha. Please. Just shut up."
When the dance ended, Kagome was out of his arms like sand through his fingers, wiping something out of her eyes with twin quick gestures. She didn't even smile when she heard the mutter of, "Keh." There was an element to his curse that was lacking. At least the spirit behind her eyes perked as it saw a servant walk by with a tray of warm wine. Finally. Her drink.
"Excuse me, Princess Kagome."
In mid-stretch for the cup, Kagome grimaced, then turned to face the person who addressed her. Her jaw dropped when she saw the beauty standing before her. The creature made a deep bow, allowing her to recollect her mouth. "My name is Prince Kouga of the Shinsetsu line, from the Shinsetsu provinces of the Northern Kingdom of Yamiyo. I am extremely pleased to make your royal acquaintance."
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Hi again, y'aaall! Arigato, arigato, domo arigato gozaimasu to my very favorite people, cassandra and Laura-chan and azuregt for posting their reviews. I *love* it when readers do that!
First off, just like to say: hehehe, we've had two straight snow days here in good ol' VA where the snow is close to 2 feet!
Ugh, have you ever had one of those days when you're just floating around, thinking, there's something I should be doing- but nothing seems to fill that void? Grrrr, I really hate those days. Today is one of them -.-;;. Perhaps some LOTR music will soothe my soul… Btw, I'm really sorry this came out so late, but I had bad computer screen burn and a writer's block this size of my fist. Thank goodness that's gone.
Hum… I know that a lot of writers use this space to write something relevant *how shocking* to their story, and that others put their review responses after the story, but I thought it might interfere with the endings, hence:
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Laura-chan: I originally debated with myself over telling you this, but I figured it might seem pretty obvious after this chapter that yes, Inuyasha and Kagome do come to… like each other… strongly. While this may seem like incest *gasp* (did 'I' say that?), if you look at their situation, they aren't brother and sister, and although they call each other by that (sometimes, and only in certain situations, as you see), almost everyone refutes it.
Ahsayuni: Inuyasha- although no one is completely certain what his age is within the Hinode Kingdom because of the manner in which he became a member of the royal family- is around 16-17 while Kagome is 14 giving them a two to three year difference.
Azuregt: Thank you soooooo much for your critique! I was so excited when I saw it. Thank you for your compliments and input!!! Hmm, twisted Kagome- I like the sound of that. ^-^ Yes, Kagome is a bit out of character- in this story, she grew up a princess with all the spoils and demons, etc.
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Please don't forget to review!! THANK YOU AAALL WHO DO!
Bring on the flaming pencils!
Keishi- Heiress (Kagome's official title)
Hinode- Sunrise
Doronuma- bog/marsh. (Ref. to province)
Koukennin- Guardian (Inuyasha's official title as of her 14th birthday)
Niji- Rainbow (refers to a province)… I don't know, he just seemed like a "rainbow" kinda guy … lmao ^-~
Onichan- Older Brother
Yamiyo- Dark Night (ref. to the Northern Kingdom)
Shinsetsu- Deep Snow (ref. to province in the Northern Kingdom)
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Act Four: Without Breaking
'There was a second. Did you… did you lie to me, is that it? Is this what I'm feeling, this breaking? There was a pause in your words, then. Would you hesitate with me? …Don't turn away from me; I'm not finished with you yet.'
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"Higurashi!" The Queen's voice preceded the thundering crack as the doors to the King's personal chambers were thrown open. From deep within his apartments, the slim maid withdrew her hand from between the King's thighs and with snake-like grace darted away from the king, readjusting her skirts. The maid reached the door just in time to curtsy hurriedly to Her Majesty, ducking her head into her ample chest in order to hide her flushed face. If the Queen paused in her furious advance to the King, it was only to learn the girl's face; the Queen knew of her husband's promiscuity, even accepted it on some levels. But she didn't have to come in contact with the little whores.
"Close the doors behind you, wench," The Queen hissed through her teeth, staring at her husband, noting the slight pant in his breath. The man sat in front of his looking-mirror, his back insultingly facing her while he pretended to button his brocaded coat (or was he pretending? She would have the little tramp thrashed with hot pokers!). Her mouth twisted around sourly before it cracked into an unctuous smile as she sauntered behind him, slipping her hands smoothly down his chest to take over the task.
"Husband…" She whispered sultrily into his ear, making the hair around it tremble with her breath. Her hands, finishing their task, caressed his neck, dragging long nails against sensitive skin, while they both gazed in the looking-glass at his reflection. The silence stretched heavily in the dimly lighted room except for the rasp of thick breathing. "No, darling. I don't think you should do that." The Queen murmured, pressing one long, claw-like fingernail into the soft skin of his neck, and the hand roaming up her thigh froze.
"…What is it you want, Shinju?" The King growled finally.
One hand was suddenly smoothly cupping his rough, bearded cheek, pressing it forcibly into her stomach; consequentially, his neck strained upward, and a vivid droplet of blood began to trickle teasingly down his skin as the fingernail was pushed harder. "Does the King wish to speak?" The Queen said breathily, feeling his Adam's apple quiver beneath her fingers as he swallowed convulsively. Her chest rose quicker up and down, knowing with an intense clarity she could take this man's life with one swipe of her hand. Her razor-sharp fingers, lined with poison would make it painful, incredibly painful, but also silent. As he writhed and thrashed on the floor, he wouldn't even utter a cry- the venom constricted the throat first. Shinju's panting increased to short gasps, aroused by the power she possessed. She should do it; she should… but she would wait. The brute still had usefulness.
"That filthy youkai you forced upon us has almost lived out his damnable expediency. And when his job here is completed, I want that little shit out of the fucking castle. I want him fucking dead. There's too much of a chance he'll find out... things that he shouldn't." Bending down, she trailed a wet tongue through his ear. "You understand?"
Kemono Higurashi, King of the Eastern Kingdom, feared leader of the second most powerful domain in the Upper Lands grunted like a pig being stuck on a spit. With a satisfied nod, Shinju bent forward to press a damp, open-mouthed kiss on her husband's lips- before slicing her fingernail shallowly across his neck as she walked off, hearing Kemono pitch forward with a low groan.
Higurashi waited until his wife closed the apartment doors behind her to slam his fist into the looking-glass, knowing it would be a few hours before the poison would allow his voice to scream again.
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The laughter, the feasting, the amusements. It swirled around Kagome like it had so often in her lifetime, a melody of colors and vacillating sounds playing harmony to the court bard's lilting songs. Waves of it poured over her, slightly disorienting, always intriguing, too often despised. Quite frankly, although she was accomplished at the finer arts of dancing, singing, and court games of conspiracy, she pined for her lone tower where the howling wind could drown out even her most crowded thoughts. For princesses, however, such thoughts were unbecoming, and accordingly the Keishi fixed the appropriate mask of naivety and innocent beauty requested of her position.
'Ha ha ha, my dear lecherous visiting prince of some backwater acre of land, remove your hand from my buttocks before I remove the entire thing. Oh, of course I enjoy my daily study of walls- every princess should be as well-educated as the Keishi! Ah, it obviously is true I look as radiant as the dawn's first rays of light, every other prince, duke, or licentious old curmudgeon has said the same thing, why can't you people come up with something original, is that too much too ask when I'm trapped in this fucking piece of shit corset that-'
"Ah, my dear princess, you look as gleaming as a pile of dog feces. And smell as good, too, I note- a new trend of perfume, perhaps?" Something whispered in her ear, tickling her with its breath. Her stunned glare met with a wide smirk that showed off two pearly fangs.
"Oh. It's you, dog breath. I was hoping somebody around here was getting clever with their pick-ups so that I could 'actually' smack them. Instead I have to discreetly move away from their subtle attempts to grab my rear." As promised, Kagome gave Inuyasha a small shove out of her way, moving toward the servant carrying the glasses of wine. She could dearly use a cup of wine; her mind even wavered at the thought of an entire bottle, so when she was suddenly yanked backward by a vise-like grip that encircled around her wrist, she was reasonably upset.
"Get the fuck off me, Inuyasha, I was about to get a drink." She seethed at him through grinding teeth, her eyes still following the server.
"You shouldn't drink that, bitch, or maybe you wouldn't mind the King of Doronuma's groping so much. Anyway, it's time for their arrival." Inuyasha began dragging her off toward the far end of the Great Hall, nearer to the large doors from which the King and Queen were due to enter. Kagome could have spat at Inuyasha, could have landed him a punch the kind of which he hadn't seen since childhood. The King of Doronuma was a perverted old man that stilled enjoyed grabbing at young girls- Kagome heard bone-chilling rumors about his amusements with even the smallest children in his villages. It was shameful that she had let the beast touch her tonight, that she hadn't moved away; it was shame enough to cause her tears when she returned to her chambers, when in the dark her maids couldn't hear and her maids couldn't see. And Inuyasha hadn't acted at all when he saw it- and it was obvious the youkai had seen it.
"I hate you, you bastard! Get the hell off me!"
Perhaps she said that a little loudly, when the closer courtiers threw the two inquiring looks. Those faces that did not recognize the Koukennin altered into masks of concern, even scandal as they saw the Keishi being manhandled by a silver-haired boy with tufted ears rising above his head. A disgusting youkai; vibrating through her hand, Kagome felt the slow growl.
"Princess, would you like me to call the guards to get rid of this… filth?" Gently, but firmly taking her other hand was a dark haired, dull-eyed young man dressed in the smartest fashion of her generation. If only his eyes weren't quite so void of intellect, Kagome would have passed him a second glance. However, wit tended to be one of the few necessities of a diplomat- and this dunce seemed to lack even that meager requirement. Stupidity was the number one cause of death in a king's court. Which was exactly what Inuyasha was planning.
Before Inuyasha could act, though, Kagome drew herself up like the tears in her eyes didn't exist. "This 'filth' you are referring to happens to be the Koukennin, and who might 'you' be?" She said, with the trace of a sneer.
The handsome young man blushed an adequate cardinal red before fumbling a deep bow. "I- I am so sorry, Your Majesty and… Your Majesty," He hesitated when addressing the bristling youkai. He turned his dim eyes back to Kagome, a concept he was much more familiar with- a princess and female. "Please forgive me, Prince Hojo of the Niji province. It… It lies to the south within your divine kingdom, Your Majesty."
A blank looked crossed Kagome's face. "Yes. Of course it does." Hojo turned a deeper shade that would have caused a rose to cry from embarrassment. Awkward silence stepped in for a second. Inuyasha was still vibrating; and he wouldn't let go of her hand. Finally, she decided to end the situation in a way that never failed when dealing with silly courtiers: she waved her hand, patted the boy on his head in her most queenly manner, and cried out, "Carry on!" –till Inuyasha jerked her hand with a loud growl and she stumbled away.
She let herself be led a decent distance from the small crowd that had gathered behind them, before pulling Inuyasha onto one side, behind the tall pillars that lined the room, and shook his hand off. Here, the lighting was weaker because of torches placed on the opposite side of the huge pillars, and was occupied by only the sporadic passing courtier. Rubbing her wrist resentfully, Kagome spit Inuyasha with one furious glare, then stomped off, leaving the shadows playing on the youkai's face. Unfortunately, some of the storming princess attitude was lost when Kagome's tall heels slipped beneath her angry feet.
"Oh shii-"
She stopped falling.
"Inuyasha. Let me go."
"Where are you planning on going without me, anyway, wench?" But Inuyasha shoved her out of his arms, setting her on her feet rather helter-skelter. The world was spinning around her still, and she forgot to let go of Inuyasha's arms.
"What are you talking about?" Why were there two of him, circling around her? Why was the ground trying to meet her face?
"Your parents, wench. They're supposed to enter magnificently in, hmm, about two minutes, and we have to go and dan- …" Inuyasha trailed off as he shifted for a better look at her face in the murky light. "Oi. Bitch."
"Huh? Inuyasha? What- wha?"
"Oi, are you okay?" His eyebrows knitted together. Black flecks returned, dancing merrily around in her vision, clouding in Inuyasha's face as she stared back at him. "Oh yeah, Inuyasha. I'm absolutely fine." Inuyasha was silent, but his face was speaking volumes to her; she wondered if he knew it was. The corset made things a lot clearer, sometimes. She just had trouble concentrating on what they were. Sometimes.
"Hey, onichan. Do me a favor, okay?" She was about to say what exactly she was about to say when the trumpeters blared their fanfare, and Kagome inhaled a breath. The black spots began to fade away.
"Hell!" Inuyasha cursed, dragging Kagome toward the sound of the music. They forced their way through the crowd in a very undignified way for the Keishi and Koukennin, Kagome thought, but they arrived just in time to see Her Majesty Shinju Higurashi appear inside the door, followed a moment later by His Majesty Kemono Higurashi, the rulers of the exalted Hinode Kingdom. They were husband and wife: a combination not entirely unheard of in the Hinode lands, and by far the more accepted version. Although, history ultimately proved that the Koukennin and Keishi monarchy occurred more often. Kagome looked up at the youkai, thinking of that unusual item of history. Would this hot-headed, foul-mouthed, arrogant boy one day rule alongside her? As King?
The monarchy was carefully and precisely divided between male and female counterparts in the traditional method. The King was generally responsible for the foreign affairs of the kingdom, the army, the protection of the state. The Queen handled the domestic responsibilities, judged internal conflicts, and in case of civil war could retain complete control of the army.
History had seen Koukennin and Keishi battle within themselves for certain tasks that only the other gender should provide, seen the Hinode kingdom near destruction when brother and sister, guardian and heiress divide against each other, consequentially dividing the entire peoples. For, although the King owned the allegiance of the military, the Queen governed the people themselves. And the People could be a formidable force.
'Would we fight? Would we kill thousands for our own differences? Would I choose him? Would she give me the choice?' Kagome's eyes trailed across the ornately tiled floor to the glowing image of her mother, gliding across the floor in her flowing dress like an angel, delicately waving her long nailed hand at the awed masses. 'I have a choice. I do have a choice.' A clawed hand shaking her shoulder knocked her out of her reverie. "Oi. Wench. Let's go." Giving her a rude shove forward, Kagome almost screamed when she stumbled on her damned heels again, and in front of the entire party of diplomats. Regaining her balance with a swiftness born of mortification, the princess went forward almost as smoothly as her mother to grasp both of her parent's hands, giving them both dainty kisses. Just dainty enough to miss abstaining.
Her mother held onto her hands a second longer, hissing in her daughter's ear, "If you embarrass me now…"
Embarrass her? How? It was time for the dancing, and if nothing else, Kagome was accomplished at that. Even her father had once mentioned her skill; right now he was fussing with a scarf tied around his neck. Thusly, she felt her stomach to a sudden plummet when Inuyasha tapped her on the shoulder, and asked in a very terse, very embarrassed voice, "Keishi, may the Koukennin have the…" Kagome blinked, clenching her jaw so that it wouldn't fall open, and wondered if he was really going to say it. "…honor," Her eyebrow flickered at the long pause. "…of the opening dance."
It was not completely unexpected, after her mother's warning, that she would have to dance with Inuyasha. Not completely; but she had been hoping that Inuyasha would forget, or curse, or do something that he normally did. However, whenever Inuyasha was at court, she admitted, or in the presence of a large crowd, or especially in front of her father, Inuyasha's behavior was 'exactly' what was expected of the Koukennin and second in line to inherit the Hinode throne, if not exactly perfect. Nonetheless, dancing with Inuyasha- no, the Koukennin!- was not top on Kagome's list of things to do.
Putting her own personal feelings away for the necessary moment, the Keishi took the proffered clawed hand of her Koukennin.
"What else could I say, but yes, with her standing there?" Kagome muttered to the youkai as the walked to the middle of the Great Hall. Waiting for them, instruments at the ready, was the orchestra, which struck up the opening note as they presented themselves. Inuyasha delicately placed his hands in the appropriate positions, one in her own, one even more delicately at her hip. Suddenly, the Keishi was intensely aware of herself, and the Koukennin as he led their steps. She shook off the haze that was creeping over her head, and remembered to start breathing again as the black spots swarmed in front of her eyes.
"Is your face that red I see, or is that a beet out of the corner of my eye?" Kagome whispered softly to Inuyasha, trying to lessen the tension.
"Your jokes suck."
"So does your dancing."
"Bitch."
"Bastard."
"I hate you sometimes."
"I hate you more, onichan."
"Don't call me that, bitch."
"That's my line, idiot."
"Is that your friend of Doronuma over there?"
Kagome stiffened even further in his arms, if it was possible. She didn't say anything, but tried to focus on the murmur the courtiers were making as they danced.
"Oi… Okay, I'm sorry for that one."
"You'd better be," she whispered with such intensity Inuyasha winced even though she wasn't stepping on his foot. The hand in his was trembling; Inuyasha leaned back to look at her face.
"Oi, wench, come on, don't cry. I'm sorry, I said it."
"Just shut up, Inuyasha. Please. Just shut up."
When the dance ended, Kagome was out of his arms like sand through his fingers, wiping something out of her eyes with twin quick gestures. She didn't even smile when she heard the mutter of, "Keh." There was an element to his curse that was lacking. At least the spirit behind her eyes perked as it saw a servant walk by with a tray of warm wine. Finally. Her drink.
"Excuse me, Princess Kagome."
In mid-stretch for the cup, Kagome grimaced, then turned to face the person who addressed her. Her jaw dropped when she saw the beauty standing before her. The creature made a deep bow, allowing her to recollect her mouth. "My name is Prince Kouga of the Shinsetsu line, from the Shinsetsu provinces of the Northern Kingdom of Yamiyo. I am extremely pleased to make your royal acquaintance."
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