Disclaimer: hmm…if you really really really want to know…I DON'T OWN INUYASHA…*sighs* although I wish I did…

AN: Im really sry about the long wait! But…well first I didn't have time…then the fire started! You guys have all heard about the big fire down hear in San Diego right!?!? Yea…that had me all shook up! BUT I WILL BE UPDATING NOW!

OH! AND DON'T WORRY LORD HIGURASHI WILL DIE! SLOW AND HORRIBLE! =)

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Chapter 3: The Royal Court

Kagome entered the hot springs and grabbed a towel for the Queen.

"Aren't you going to join me?" she asked.

"Uh…no thank you."

The Queen shrugged and continued to relax.

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The royal family stayed at the Higurashi manor for a week. In that time the Queen taught Kagome how to use a katana, and how to defend herself. Of course in a week, she wasn't a blade master, but she knew the basics. Her father hadn't hit her since the royal family had arrived, but his eyes promised pain when they had left. Kagome was to leave 2 days after the royal family, to head for the palace.

Kagome stood in the by the door, waving to the Queen, King and Prince as they headed away. They were gone in a blur of white and pink. She turned around to come face to face with her father.

"So…you will be leaving to go the royal court? Don't let it go to your head bitch. It doesn't mean you will become the Queen, but you'd better not disgrace me!" He backhanded her and turned to walk away.

"Lord Higurashi. Now that the guests are gone, can we…play?" A human whore purred in his ear. He smirked as he picked her up and speed away to his bedroom, the squeals of delight from the whore slowly fading away. Kagome wiped blood from her mouth and nose, with a look of disgust plastered on her face. She walked quickly to the dojo in the back of the manor and picked up a practice sword, she started practicing her forms.

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Kagome entered the carriage calmly. She sat down and closed her eyes, not looking back at her "home".

The driver looked back occasionally, at the beautiful silent youkai in the back.

"So…you're the last lady?" Kagome opened her eyes slowly and looked at the driver.

"I suppose so." She said softly. Her eyes closed again and the driver shrugged. At least she isn't like the rest. I couldn't get them to shut up! The driver looked back once more, then didn't say anything the rest of the ride there.

When Kagome opened her eyes from the light sleep she was in, they had arrived at the castle.

The castle was made of white stone, and had 4 different wings. It was easily 10 times the size of Kagome's manor, and had several different gardens, with huge fountains in each.

Kagome stepped out of the carriage, and was immediately surrounded by servants.

"My lady, please follow me, I will show you to your room."

Kagome gave an almost imperceptible nod, and followed the servant through the long corridors. As they past a lounging room, there were a group of female inu-youkai all stationed in the room. They sat in a small semi-circle, all attention focused on a young human girl playing a harp. The looked up when Kagome passed and gave her death glares. Kagome passed by unconcerned and matched each glare for glare.

Kagome's room was the last one in the East Wing. The walls were painted black, with painted silver cherry blossoms falling down. There was a large canopy bed, with black silk coverings. There was also a vanity table, of dark cherry wood, and a small black harp in the corner. Kagome also noticed a wardrobe closet. She opened at saw several beautiful kimonos, all silver and black, or black and silver.

"All compliments of the Queen. Each girl is given one or two colors to represent her. They are either found in her aura, or show up most in her aura. Your colors appear to be black and silver. Silver meaning power, Black meaning sorrow. Quite an interesting combination. But not as strange as the other girl. Kikyo was her name. Her color was, Red meaning pain."

"I don't quite understand."

"You see, each emotion you feel, has a color that shows in your aura. There are two parts. First, there are the emotions, then there is your essence. Your essence, is the color that represents you. Yours is black and silver, which show up in your aura. On top of those colors, are the emotions you feel. If you are happy, for instance, your aura is blue. Your essence color (s), is also what helps to identify you, along with your sent. Your scent is also what identifies you," the servant sniffed the air and smiled, "your scent is jasmine, and morning glory. Now do you understand?"

Kagome nodded and sat down on the bed.

"Thank you. I think I will…sleep now."

"If you need anything I am your personal servant. My name is Sango." The female hanyou smiled at Kagome.

"Thank you Sango."

"The Queen has also given you one more gift." Sango opened a small door in the back of the room and reached her hand in. When she pulled out, she had in her hand a small fire-cat youkai. It was black with silver strips. (looks like Kirara, except black and silver.)

"Oh…its so cute. What's it's name?"

"You get to name her."

"Oh! Thank you very much Sango!" Sango bowed and exited the room. The small youkai jumped onto the bed and into Kagome's lap. It curled up there and started to purr as Kagome started to scratch behind it's ears. Her claws hitting just the right spot.

"I think I will name you…Takara…it means treasure!" Takara purred in Kagome's lap. She wrapped her tail around her body and fell asleep in her lap. Kagome laughed softly as she too laid down.

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Kae that's the THIRD chapter! Nxt chapter will be coming up shortly! Please review!

=)