A/N: Another well-written chapter if I do say so myself... ok, not as good as some of the others, but it's still good! Something totally sweet happens, and you'll love it! ^_^ I really don't have much to say, except that CN (Cartoonnetwork) are complete buttheads for taking off Inuyasha and replacing it with reruns of Kikaider, and taking Rurouni Kenshin off when they should've taken off Justice League, a disgrace to the anime trend going on in Toonami, and placed Yu Yu Hakusho back there. I'm furious with them right now!!!!! o_O I just want to scream!!!

One more major thing that I have not done in this whole story, that I should've in the very beginning, is acknowlegde the creators of "Ever After," because I'm using their story line. Please give that credit to: Andrew Tennant, Mireilla Soria, Tracey Trench, Andrew Dunn, and Kevin Reidy. Without their great skills, we wouldn't have that wonderful movie, or the idea for this story. Thank you.

Chapter 7: A Threat to Their Love

The morning's light quickly swept into the room Kagome had been sleeping in. The golden rays flushed over her angelic face as she slightly stirred, succumbing to the radiant beams. "Morning already..." She raised herself in the bed and stretched her arms, smiling about what had happened last night. "My Inuyasha, I like that..." She slowly rubbed her eyes, feeling warm inside. She gazed around the room and noticed something by the window. Sitting beneath the windowsill, in a deep sleep, was her Inuyasha. He must've sat down and fallen asleep, watching her while he did. "He looks like a little puppy."

She removed her body from the silk sheets of Kikyo's bed and walked over to him. Placing her hand on his shoulder, she knelt down and leaned against his body, snuggling up to the warmth of him. His eyes slightly moved as he felt the touch against him. They slowly opened, revealing the amber orbs beneath. When he saw Kagome holding him, he simply smiled, and held her back.

"What a beautiful morning, wouldn't you agree?" Kagome lifted her head, gazing into his golden eyes. "Yes, very lovely, with you here." She slightly giggled, burying her head in his chest. "Who'd ever thought that someone could be as happy as this? It seems almost to good to be true." "Believe me, it's real." Inuyasha used his hand and gently lifted her head, making so that their eyes were level. "It's definitely real." He leaned forward and sweetly brushed her lips. When he moved away, he slowly rose to his feet, with her by his side. He stood in front of her and placed his hands on her arms, looking her straight in the eyes.

"Inuyasha, is something wrong?" "I want to ask you something, something very important." She looked down at his hands, and noticed that they were slightly shaking. "Is everything alright?" "Everything is fine. I'm just a little... oh forget it." He let go of her arms and turned away, crossing his own. "Inuyasha, tell me, I want to know."

She placed her hand on his shoulder and turned his body, gazing into his eyes once more. "Please?" He let out a small sigh, and lowered his head. "I don't expect you to say yes, for we just met." "Say yes to what?" "Will you..." He came to a pause, lifting his head so he could see her eyes. "This is hard to say." She placed her hands on her hips and smirked. "Are ya scared? Are you too frightened to ask me a question?" His eyes flickered with a little bit of anger. "Scared my butt! Let's see you ask someone to be their mate! It's not that... easy... er..." He watched as her eyes quickly widened.

She was breathless. She tried to breathe, but now a single breath came to her lungs. Was in such deep shock, she didn't even hear Inuyasha's voice ringing through her ears. "M-m-mate?" She never thought this day would come. She was a servant, and he was the prince of the Western Lands. How could they even think about being together when they were so different? But in their hearts, that didn't matter. They had fallen in love, and nothing could keep them apart.

"You don't have to answer that... I shouldn't have even asked. I'll be going now." "Where to?" "Hm? What do you mean where to? To my home of course stupid!" "Heh, stupid. Now there's the Inuyasha I know. Yes." "The Inu... what are you talking about girl? What do you me... yes?" "M-hum. I will." "You wi..." His face instantly lit up when she answered his question. He reached forward and pulled her into his arms, swinging her around in the air. He was smiling, and she was giggling. They both truly looked perfect. It was hard to believe that she was keeping a secret from him; the fact that she was a servant, and not what she really spoke.

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"Mother, have you heard the news about the prince? His mother has stated that he is looking for a mate." "Yes my child. The news is very good, and that gives you a chance to become his mate." "Me, becoming the mate of that hanyou? It's unheard of, but it may bring good to our family. I wish to see him, to see who he's really like. Only then will I decide if I want to become his mate." "But Kikyo, is it possible for you become his mate? He is the prince after all." Kikyo glanced towards Sango, giving her an angry glare. "You will hold your tongue. If I wish to become his mate, then I will. In fact, I desire to hold his heart. That way, the revenge I seek on someone can be released on him."

Sango gasped at her words. "That's ridiculous! He doesn't deserve to suffer for Naraku's doings. Just because you fell for him doesn't mean that you need to take your anger out on the prince. You deserve to rot in hell for those words. Not a soul like yours is worthy of having a kind heart like his. Kagome should be in your place." Kikyo glared angrily. She wanted to strike her sister for speaking in such manners, but it was un lady like. "You will leave me now. I no longer wish to see your face. You are unworthy of being in my presence." "How dare you... you will burn in hell, I can guarantee that. Your soul is tinged with darkness, and no longer are you that once pure maiden you were several years ago. It sickens my to call you my sister." Sango quickly left their sides, leaving to find peace someplace else, away from them.

"Do not worry about Sango my dear. You know what her only purpose for living is, so ignore her words. As of now, we must seek the Queen to get her permission about the prince." Lady Saio walked down the halls of their home, Kikyo still by her side. Her eyes were following along the edges of the walls, when something caught her attention. "Oh my goodness!" Her voice echoed throughout the home, bringing the attention of a few servants, including Kagome.

"Lady Saio, does something displease you?" Her hands were shaking as she gazed at the bare wall. "Someone has stolen Lord Seiko's weapons! His sword and spear is gone! Who has done this? Is it some type of joke? Speak up now, or you will all suffer for this!" "Lady Saio, we were all in the kitchen, preparing a meal. How could any of us be responsible for this? Why would we take something that means so much to all of us?" Kagome took some courage and spoke for them all. It was true, they were nowhere around the stolen items. "The only other explanation is a thief. We have to find the criminal and do something about it. If not, they most likely will strike again and again."

Lady Saio turned her head, giving Kagome an angered glare. "We'll just see. But until the stolen objects are found, your pay will be reduced." Her eyes slightly widened. "But Lady Saio..." "I have spoken. Now, continue with your work. I have no need for you anymore." She gave them a signal to move away, but mainly directed it towards Kagome. Kikyo smirked happily as she turned away, walking with her mother. "We'll see who the culprit is, and very soon."

Kagome glared, and simply walked away. She wanted to strike back at them, but she had other things on her mind. She headed back towards the kitchen, slowly making her way back to her work.

"Kaede, I have a question for you. Say this girl I know, met someone a lot different then her, meaning family status and all, and they fell in love. Later, he asked her to be his mate, and she said yes, but he doesn't know the truth about her. What does she do?" She slightly lowered her head, hoping that Kaede wouldn't figure it out. The old woman slowly lifted her, gazing at the young girl. It took a few moments, but she figured out the truth. "Aye, Lady Kagome, ye didn't? Please tell me that ye didn't?! Ye have told Prince Inuyasha that ye will be his mate, and he doesn't know that you're a servant?" "Well, when I met him at the village, I told him that I was the lady of a house, and that's what he still thinks. How do I go about telling him the truth?" "But my child, Lady Saio has been arranging for Kikyo to become his mate. She has already made plans to speak with the queen, hoping that Prince Inuyasha will accept her for a bride." "Feh, do you think that he will become the mate of a cold hearted woman like her? Not in this life. He loves me too much, and asked me yesterday to be his mate. I said yes, because I love him too."

A sigh escaped the woman's mouth as she cut through the body of a fish. "Ye child do not understand. If Lady Hutaru, Prince Inuyasha's mother, accepts Kikyo for her son, and then shows her to him, ye won't be mates with him any longer. Lady Kikyo has now become a threat to the love shared between you two. I advise that ye tell him the truth, so he knows what's going on. That way, Lady Kikyo will no longer be able to take him from you." "I wouldn't let that ghost touch him even if she did somehow take him. I can assure you though that she won't be getting anywhere near him. Our love is too strong, and she sure as heck will not be able to break it." A sweet smile rolled over Kagome's lips as an image of her beloved hanyou played in her mind.

'I hope that ye understands what ye are getting ye into.' She felt a bad feeling in her gut, but she decided that she would help her. "I promise that I will keep it with me. Ye be careful, and make sure that ye do not get into trouble." Kagome approached her, and gave her a friendly hug. "Thank you granny Kaede, I'll be fine." She gave a reassuring smile, and carried the meals into the room.

"About time. I was beginning to think that the thief had taken you guys as well." A slight chuckle came from Lady Saio's mouth as she prepared to eat her meal. Kagome gently set the plate before her, being sure not to spill it. "I hope that you enjoy your meals. We worked really hard on them, and they should taste great." Each lady just gave her a glare, except for Sango. She was also the first to begin eating, and the only one to give her a comment. "This meal is grand. Thank you Kagome." She nodded her head and began to walk away, but was stopped by Lady Saio's voice.

"My child, it seems that we will be needing you tonight. You see, Kikyo and I have an appointment with the queen, to discuss matters about the prince." "Matters about the prince?" "Haven't you heard? I'm sure that the servants have told you plenty of information about the news. A ball is going to be held a few weeks from now, and the prince is to announce his mate. Your sister Kikyo is going to see his mother, for we both believe that she is an excellent choice for his majesty." Kagome tried to hold in her laughter, but a small giggle came from her rosy lips. "Does something humor you?" Her eyes widened when she realized that Lady Saio had heard her chuckle. "No my Lady, not at all. I just thought it was lovely that the prince will be announcing his mate at the ball. His decision may stun everyone, including us." She slowly walked away, a kind of gleam in her eyes. "I believe that you are right."

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"Kagome, I am going to need your help to pick out a dress. I want them to think that I look nice, but not that I want to show everyone that I'm better than them." Sango glanced towards the working girl, waiting for her opinion. Kagome lifted her head and smiled. She liked Sango a lot, for she never treated her like a slave. Sango still thought of Kagome as her sister, and that's the way she treated her. "I believe that the one with the white top and purple skirt will suit you fine. If you add a see through sash around the waste, it will make you look stunning." She sent her a warm smile, quickly getting back to her work. She was searching through several hair ribbons, finding one to go perfect with Lady Sango's outfit, and Lady Kikyo's.

"Mother!! I cannot find a dress suitable enough for the ball!" Kikyo's voice echoed throughout the halls of the home, quickly reaching the ears of Lady Saio. She wasn't too far from the room, so she walked at a fast pace to reach her daughter. She entered the room and shut the door behind her. "Kikyo, I have the perfect kimono picked for you, but it will be a matter of time before we get it." A spark of interest flickered in her eyes as her mother approached her, slowly placing her hand on her shoulder. "This kimono is very special, and very beautiful. It once belonged to Lady Kamoru, Kagome's mother. You will look stunning in it." A look of pleasure covered both faces of the woman. "Then I shall wear it."

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"The faster we get this done, the quicker we can visit the queen." Lady Saio gave a nod to her daughter, Kikyo. They were looking for something she could where with her kimono when she visited the queen. Their main goal was a stunning necklace made from the finest beads and jewels, but they didn't want to go too heavy, for he would not like it. Both Kagome and Sango were following behind, simply gazing at the many wonders the village had to offer.

"Oh wow, look at this jewel! The simplicity of it gives such beauty. Its something that would look very good on someone like me, or even Kagome." Sango held up the shimmering jewel, displaying its beauty towards the other women. "Heh that would appear better on a foul animal than the likes of that human." Kikyo smirked, slightly throwing her hair over her shoulder. A silent growl filled Kagome's throat as she listened to Kikyo's words. 'That girl is seriously going to pay someday, and I mean it.'

"My heavens, it's him, Prince Inuyasha." Kagome instantly froze, trying to gaze over Sango's shoulder. There he was, arguing with a village man on how he should get a piece of meat free because he was the prince. 'Inuyasha, my love. You're here... you're here! I can't let him see me like this! If I do, then he'll never forgive me. I have to hide myself; I must conceal myself from him!' She slowly moved back, gaining closer to her goal.

"Kagome? What troubles you?" Sango noticed her movement, and quickly began to follow her. Kikyo and Lady Saio were too busy watching Inuyasha to even realize that they had left them.

"Kagome, please answer me?" She watched in confusion as Kagome moved behind a cart, concealing her body beneath the kimonos that hung there. "I don't want the prince to see me. I... I feel embarrassed to be seen all dirty like this. I could at least have bathed before standing in his presence." Sango's eyebrow slightly rose as she listened to Kagome's words. "I believe that he will be too busy dealing with Kikyo and mother to notice us." A sigh escaped her lips as she turned towards them, watching as Kikyo approached the hanyou. Kagome's curious brown eyes peeked through the sleeves of a kimono, watching every movement he made.

"Prince Inuyasha, it is my pleasure to meet you on this fine day." He slowly turned from his argument, a look of boredom in his eyes. When he saw the maiden, they flickered with a look of joy, but quickly died down when he noticed that it wasn't whom he thought it was. "Good to meet you too, now if you don't mind, I have things to do and places to be. You're only getting in my way." "Why Inuyasha, is that any way to address someone such as myself?" Kikyo slowly moved forward, placing her hand on his arm. "Excuse me? You will address me as Prince Inuyasha, nothing less. Now move away from me be-" Her fingers gradually made their way into the sleeve of his kimono, gently brushing against his arm. "I see that a part of you finds me attractive."

"Why that little... if she doesn't remove her hands from him this instant, she will so pay for touching him!!" "Kagome, who are you talking to?" Sango gave her a questioning look, gazing as Kagome's fist tightened beneath the coat of kimonos. "Is something wrong?" "No one touches my m... no touches any one like that, especially the prince!" She began to grit her teeth, trying to hold back her growing anger. Her eyes watched on as Kikyo continued her movement on the hanyou.

"You seem lonely. You need someone in your life, someone to love and care for you. Let me be that person, let me have your heart?" Both of her hands were now in his sleeves, holding below his shoulders. So much shock was coursing through him that he had no idea on how to react. 'This lady looks so much like Kagome, and yet she's different. Why is she doing this to me? I can't seem to move...' A battle of questions raged in his mind as the maiden turned her head, gazing towards Sango and the hidden Kagome.

"Where is she? I want her to send a letter to the queen, one informing her of our decision." A look of sheer pleasure was spread across Lady Saio's lips as she watched the joy gleaming in her daughter's eyes.

"Decision? What decision? I don't know who the hell you are, but I have no desire being with someone like you. I suggest that you remain your distance from me, or I will make sure that your soul rots in hell." Inuyasha snatched his arms from her grasp, a look of anger raging within his amber orbs. It was at that moment that a familiar aura filled the depths of his nose, bringing joy and passion to kindle within his heart. 'Kagome!'

His body quickly moved away from Kikyo, and towards the direction of Sango and Kagome. Her mouth dropped to the floor as she watched him approaching. 'Oh no!' The reaction from him approaching hit her so fast that she lost her balance. Her body fell backwards, bringing the coat of kimonos with her. The wood holding the clothing crashed into a basket wielding several eggs, followed with a bowl of milk. The food came falling to the earth as she removed herself from the tangled mess of kimonos, only to get hit with the food. The eggs cracked on her head, covering her silky black hair and milky skin complection. The milk covered the rest of her, hiding her scent beneath the smell of the liquid. She instantly froze as Inuyasha stood right before her, gazing at the mess around her.

"Sheesh, what were you doing? You created a giant mess just because of your clumsiness. Remove yourself from these clothes and clean off. I am so out of here." He gave an annoyed growl before turning away, gradually moving towards his home. "Man oh man. People these days pay absolutely no attention to what the heck they're doing." As he walked past Kikyo, her fingers gently brushed against his arm. His eyes narrowed on her as he took a giant leap and disappeared into the sky. "I believe that he is the right one." Kikyo glanced over her shoulder, gazing into her Mother's annoyed face. "Does something displease you?" Her eyes turned towards the direction that seemed to hold everyone's attention. "I see. She brings discomfort to us all. Once I wed Inuyasha, I shall punish her. No, even worse. I shall exile her, from this world."

"Kagome! Are you ok?" Sango, along with a few other village men and woman helped the maiden from the mess. "I'm so sorry. I slipped and tried to catch myself, but all of this happened. I hope that you can forgive me? I will work it off, please allow me to do that?" The owner of the milk and eggs approached her, giving her a deadly look. "I have no use in wielding a useless brat like you. Now scram along and do your real job. I will let you go this time, but next time you will pay." A chill of fear slithered down her spine as his voice filled her ears. "Understood." She gave a slight nod and quickly turned away, still covered in the food.

"Kagome, you must be more careful next time. That man looked awfully mad ba-" "Kagome! How dare you disgrace us in such a manner, and in front of the prince non the less. Your suffering will come, and you will soon pay." Lady Saio's voice had a sharp tint to it, revealing her anger. "Come. We will return home with the necklace Kikyo picked out, and then we will prepare to visit the queen. I ensure that you will make yourself useful and aid us in our tasks of picking out clothes. But first, you will bathe yourself and remove that vile clothing." She gave a slight signal, causing Kagome to instantly move. "Yes Ma'am."

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A/N: Ok, so it started really good with Kagome and Inuyasha, and all of the fluff right? Don't forget when he asked her to be his mate!!! I was all teary eyed on that part!!! ^_^ It didn't end as well as I had imagined it, but I hope that it was still good. Kikyo gets more into it in the next chapter, in fact, Inuyasha really isn't shown much at all. I promise that after that though, more sweet romance will be shown between the couple, and what about when the truth is revealed? The next chapter is called, "A Mate Finally for Him, but Who is It?"

You know who it is, but his mother and Kikyo don't. Hehehe, anway. I hope that you like it, and stick around for more. Just to let you all know, the next chappie won't be updated for about three weeks. I'm going to be on vacation for a while, and I won't have access to a computer. I just thought that I should let you know, considering that some people are really getting into this story, and I don't want them to think that I've abandoned it. I would like to thank those people too. It's because of you that I can write. Your reviews and words help me a lot, and give me what I need to finish. ^_^ Thank you!!

Until next time, Ja ne!

~KittyBell~

"Why did the chicken cross the road?

-To get away from Mai!-"

~BunnyGal~

(Hehe, I thought that was cute. Mai is a character from Bunny's rp boards, so don't get confused if you don't know her. Ja ne!)