AN: Okay everyone, hold onto your butts! *LOL, I loved that line in
Jurassic Park* Seriously, this was a HARD chapter, mostly because I knew
what I wanted to do, but kept hitting detours on how to do it. Then I
talked to George, who is my RL proofreader and begged his advise. He very
simply came up with the perfect solution! Meghan gets credit too, first for
giving me the idea for Megahna, and for her next little part that she has
to play. She wanted the ultimate villainess and I only hope I've lived up
to her expectations! Don't you just love friends like that?! I just hope
you guys like the idea he came up with, and don't want to roast me on a
spit after reading this *laugh*
Disclaimer: I have nothing, if you want to sue me, here you go *hands you about 3 dollars in quarters* Laundry money, its all I have, now bugger off!
Review Comments:
uscarchie(): How it ends?! LOL, it's no where near done, I don't think I'm even halfway done yet, there's still a LOT of plot to cover, AND I've been plotting out a sequel already for this *laugh*.
camintmeir: Thanks! I love listening to music when I write, in fact its mostly songs that gives me inspiration, odd huh? I have more song fics on the shelf, eventually I'll get around to writing them down. If I knew how, I'd be doing AMV's, cause I have some great ideas up here *taps her head*
Inu Girl(): *laughs* Attack Dogs huh? *motions to Keitaro who stands in front of her and growls* Um.go ahead, send'm right over, I got the best bodyguard in the world ^_^
kittykatt : I'm glad you loved it so much, I hope you'll keep reading!
pruningshears : LOL, I'm defiantly too modest to do that myself in public, but I choreographed the dance for the past few days in my room, with the shudders down *laugh* Sugoi by the way, is like "Cool! Awesome! Amazing!" Stuff like that.at least that's my understanding of it, if anyone can correct me, please feel free too!
Nina-Moon-Princess: Um, I hope that wasn't completely true, not the loving part, but the other part. I'm glad you enjoyed it though!
VioletRose4: Well, it was supposed to be something that was only understood between the two of them, while giving everyone else an interesting show, and I couldn't think of anything sensual enough in IY to work. A lot of IY songs are sweet, loving, but this was supposed to be a little more intense. However, I do have both OSTs playing while I write sometimes, so who knows ^_^
Del_kaidin: I love the reviews that are ultra descriptive, but even neater are the "Um Wow!" reviews *laugh* Amazing how two little words can convey so much!
Kay(): I'm glad you enjoyed it so much!!
Tiranth: *laugh* well for a little while anyway I'll be able to write on the weekends, and maybe a few nights, but I have a HUGE thesis research paper due at the end of the semester, and Unit Plans to write up as well, so we'll see how often it comes down to at the end of the semester ^_^
Dia: I actually don't know how to belly dance, though I have a friend who does on a lot of faire circuits, and I'm hoping to learn soon. I'm glad you liked my lyric incorporation, I know what you mean about some authors letting the lyrics run away with the feeling of the song, sometimes I have to play the song just to understand the feel of the story. I try to write my song fics like you would see in a movie with a theme song playing behind it *shameless plug, check out my songfic Angel of Mine or the first few chapters of Cry*. Music is such a wonderful language, and shows much more sometimes than words can even hope to. I was a little worried that I didn't show enough dance through the song, but I didn't want even the dance to take away from the meaning behind the song and the reason why she was dancing. As for 3rd movie rumors, I heard the same thing, about the all powerful sword idea, and *sob* I won't get to see it till next summer when it comes out on DVD. I've already got jitters now, how will I last a year? I saw the newer preview and it looks defiantly like we'll get more of a backstory on IY's parents. Now the thing that makes me wonder. In the preview, when the brothers are about to fight, it looks like Kagome is just standing there, watching, and not at all looking worried or scared. I think she's going to undergo some serious developmental changes in this next movie, especially concerning IY. I love character development! Okay, enough blab, more typing.
Chapter 25
I blushed and slowly pulled my hand away from his cheek, still feeling the power of his touch on my hand, like a warm fire. He was still staring at my face intensely. Applause erupted around the room, and I blushed, taking a step back from Keitaro, to look around. Everyone seemed genuinely impressed with my performance, even the musicians. I smiled, and bowed to everyone before walking over and taking a seat beside Maeko off to the side. Everyone kept staring at me the whole dinner, and sometimes back at Keitaro but I was glowing inside. I had done it, I had told him how I felt, and now I just had to wait, wait till he answered. I hoped I hadn't over done it, but Kohana kept constantly praising me, rubbing her fingers over the material on my costume, or looking at my now very wavy hair, touching it gently. I smiled and held her on my lap, listening to the various discussions going on. Finally Sesshomaru looked to Keitaro.
"I have made you an offer Keitaro, son of my brother Inuyasha, and now I wish to hear your answer." Keitaro looked a little nervous, and rose, bowing to his uncle and then rather reluctantly to his aunt.
"Honorable uncle, I have taken your request with great consideration," he took a breath and I reached out a gentle reassuring line to him, showing him my support in a way no one else would know. Whether he accepted or not, he had my support.
"I have decided that I would be extremely honored, and very wise, to accept your proposal." Sesshomaru nodded and rose as well, "Honored guests, I then present to you my foster son, Keitaro, heir to the Western Lands, and all I hold. Should I never be graced with a natural heir, he will take my place, and I expect all who owe allegiance to me to respect this decision and vow your allegiance to him."
I stared as each of the youkai lords presented themselves, standing and announcing their name and land holding, renewing their vow of allegiance. I beamed proudly, and Kohana bounced happily in my lap.
"Now husband dear, that the succession has been discussed, perhaps you should move onto the next order of business. As your heir and to strengthen ties, I think you should set up a marriage arrangement for our new heir," she said, her voice like liquid venom from her lips. I stared at her and narrowed my eyes, everything inside me begging to just let go and teach her a lesson, but I held my ground and simply clenched my pant leg in my hand. She didn't even need to look at me, her whole body reflected how much she was enjoying making me suffer.
Keitaro took a deep breath, and stood, "My Lords, I understand that it is only wise that I seal myself into a marriage alliance, to strengthen my future position as Lord of the Western Lands, and I am also very sure that you have lovely and eligible daughters that you would seal this alliance with. But I have already found a mate." He glanced at me, and his whole body radiated one feeling, being trapped. Only Sesshomaru didn't seem surprised, but asked automatically, "Who?"
He turned to motion to me, and I gently handed Kohana to her mother and meekly stood, well as meekly as I could in that outfit, and bowed.
Everyone turned to me, and stared and I gave them the quickest glance I could, to keep them quiet, and keep the secret. I watched as Sesshomaru studied me for a moment, before commenting, "I see."
"It's a lie!" Megahna screamed and rose to her feet, "She is no Lord's daughter, she is nothing but a common ugly human whelp and he is using her to ignore his duties. My Lords, do not believe anything that comes from her foul mouth."
"Megahna," Sesshomaru roared and Kohana whimpered, burying her face in her mother's lap to hide, "You go to far!"
"It is true," I challenged, "And I can prove it!" I lifted my hair and turned so that everyone could see the back of my neck. A gasp flowed through the Lords, and they whispered softly, "Those marks, it cannot be-so rare-and between a human and a hanyou?"
I tilted my head upwards, holding myself with all the grace and dignity I could summon, and ignored the hatred that glowed off of Megahna's skin.
"It is true," I repeated again, letting my hair drop as I turned to face them all. They all glanced at me, then back to each other, and it seemed that they were debating in their own minds if they should protest this, and truly try and bring their own daughters into this, and challenge my position. I felt greatly embarrassed, I had lied to protect Keitaro from his uncle's fate, and I think Sesshomaru realized this as well. I knew Kagome did, the whole time she didn't look at me once, and I didn't dare venture letting down my guard enough to confirm my suspicions, and I was afraid to as well. What had I gotten myself into?
Keitaro held up his hand, and I closed my mouth. The look on his face instantly molded into a copy of his uncle's, cool, calm and unrevealing. It seemed that he was a completely different person.
"Please everyone. That is not the more pressing issue," he began," before there should be anymore talk of marriages, there is another matter I have to attend to. I have sworn my services first and foremost to this quest with Francesca, my sister and my cousins. I cannot wholeheartedly take on the responsibility of my position if these creatures are not destroyed."
All the assembled nodded in unison and respect and pride rippled through the air. I could hear the faint murmuring around me as everyone had their comments to speak. Kohana's ears twitched back and forth, listening and whispering to her mother herself.
The dinner continued simply enough, the men discussing matters of state, or recent news. Keitaro was positively radiant with all the attention, and he felt so warm, like everything inside him was alight with joy. In fact, everyone in the room seemed to be in good spirits. I scanned the room carefully, and hit a cold spot. My eyes glanced across the room, and I saw Kaemon sitting there, speaking to a youkai seated near him, and seemed content enough, but he radiated nothing but anger and hate. I shivered involuntarily. Kaemon glanced at me, and saw my gaze, and the hate turned to something else, something that frightened me. It was hunger, he stared at me like a starving man stares at scrap of food. I looked away quickly, and stared down at my plate.
I began to notice that a great many pairs of eyes kept flickering in my direction. Suddenly I felt very self conscious about my outfit, and exactly ho much I was revealing. Some of the gazes were interested, curious, and some were a little warmer than I wanted. Never had I become the object of so much lust before and it made my stomach curl up.
Kohana hand wandered sleepily from her mother's arms to mine, and I was grateful for the comfort her trusting arms brought me. I reached over and carefully placed the cloak over her small form, as she fell asleep. I glanced over my shoulder and saw the flickering of torches outside. Night had fallen completely and I missed the convenience of a watch.
I didn't want to seem rude, and leave the discussions, so I waited, listening and speaking with some of the assembled.
"So tell us Lady Francesca," spoke up one of the men, an older gentleman with white streaks in his sandy hair," Where is it you come from?"
I blinked and looked up, surprised to hear that question. Everyone stopped their conversations to hear my response. I took a deep breath through my nose and smiled, "It is a land far away to the west, my lord. Far beyond the ocean and the land that lies beyond that."
"And what brings a young woman alone, such a great distance?" I could hear the condescending tone in his voice, but I never let the smile drop from my lips.
"I am an avid scholar lord, and I wished to see new lands, so I came here. You might say it was a calling."
He laughed, and I braced myself for whatever he would say next. Needless to say I wasn't disappointed, "Well, it seems perhaps you have found it, after all, is it not the true calling of all women, to mate and raise a litter? You have readily taken to Lord Keitaro's sister as one of your own," he said glancing at the sleeping girl.
I tilted my head up, and stared him straight in the face, my eyes holding no humor, "Sir, there I believe you are mistaken. It is no being's true calling to be turned into a brood mare, and nothing more. No, I am still seeking the reason I was called here, and after I have found that, then I will see. As for Kohana, I have taken to her as my own sister, not as my own child. She has a mother and father, and I do not wish to take their place in her heart."
He coughed slightly and looked away, and I could tell what I said was met with some humor and some apprehension. I bit my lip. Woman's lib wasn't exactly a concept of the time, but I would be damned if I would play the blushing, dew eyed bride to be. I didn't even look at Keitaro, let alone Kagome and Inuyasha, instead I looked down at my plate for a moment.
"Excuse me, I should put her to bed," I said softly, looking to Sesshomaru. He gave me a once over glance, then nodded. I carefully stood, cradling Kohana to me carefully and headed towards the door. I heard Keitaro say something softly, and felt his hand no my shoulder, leading me out the door. We walked quietly, a servant led us to Inuyasha and Kagome's room, so we dared not speak, but as soon as he closed the door behind us, he sighed.
"Now what?" he asked softly. I didn't say anything, as I carefully juggled Kohana in my arms, trying to dress her in her nightclothes. He knelt by my side and helped, watching and waiting for my response.
"I don't know," I whispered softly, avoiding looking at him, "Your parents know we lied, your uncle knows we lied, hell even your aunt knows we lied. If the others weren't so afraid of your uncle, I'm afraid of what would have happened."
"I'm surprised they didn't noticed-" he began and I froze.
"Notice what?"
"Well, true mates smell a lot like each other, even being around someone for a long period doesn't leave a change like that. I don't understand why they didn't notice that you don't smell like me," he said, gazing off in the distance. I felt at a loss as well, till I remembered something.
"Are you sure?" I asked and moved just a little closer to him. He froze, I could see the muscles in his neck tense up, "Of course I- wait a second," he said, and leaned closer to me, sniffing. I felt a shiver run down my back, but forced myself to hold perfectly still, as his nose dropped to my collarbone.
"You do smell like me!" he said, leaning back with surprise. I nodded, and motioned to the stitching I had noticed earlier, "The seamstress sewed in some of your hairs into the costume. She said it was to keep me safe from the others, but I didn't quite understand what it meant."
He nodded, "She probably saved us and didn't even know it. The question is, what do we do now?"
I shook my head, "I don't know," I whispered.
He looked away, a serious look crossed his face, "Did you mean it?"
I blinked and it took me a minute to gather my thoughts, but my throat felt so dry. He didn't seem to wait for my answer, instead saying quickly, "I meant it."
"Kei-" I croaked and he turned to look at me, his eyes serious, "I truly meant it Rose, I don't want you to leave me, ever again!"
I was shocked, completely and utterly shocked, and at that most serious of moments, a strange thought crossed my mind, causing me to laugh. His face darkened, and I quickly covered my mouth, but my eyes couldn't hide my merriment.
"I'm not laughing at you Kei," I whispered between laughs, "I just thought of something." He glanced at me curiously as I continued, "Just the fact that you are so much not like your father! It took your mother the whole shard hunting journey to get him to admit his feelings, and here you are, not wasting a minute."
"Because I don't know how much time I have with you," he said softly, "I know that something might happen, to either one of us, and I don't want to risk never having the chance to say what I truly feel. My father always told me, how often he regretted not telling my mother his feelings sooner, only because they were faced with danger so often, no one knew what would happen next."
I placed my hand on his, "I am truly honored you feel like that Kei," I whispered. He leaned forward, and pressed his forehead to mine, looking into my eyes.
"Say it," he whispered, his eyes glowing with intensity and I blushed, but couldn't move away.
"Kei, I-" I began, and thought about what he had said, we didn't know how much time we had with each other, either alive or between times. I had always lived my life, so worried about where I wanted to be in life, that I never gave much thought to the path I took.
"Hai, I meant it," I whispered. He grinned mischievously, "I knew it, but I wanted you to say it. To hear yourself say it," he lifted his hand from mine and gently ran a finger over my cheek, "You are so used to keeping everything inside, I don't want you to feel like that with me." I smiled and nodded and he leaned forward to kiss me, and I pulled back.
"Not in front of your sister," I whispered fiercely and he chuckled, looking down at Kohana, who had sprawled out on the floor, arms stretched above her head, and half her body off the futon.
"She could sleep through one of Mother and Father's arguments," he said and leaned forward again and I blushed, whispering "Later." His eyes got wide, and he grinned, like he had just won the lottery.
I just shook my head and stood, "We should be getting back, they'll start to talk."
He just smiled and stood, "Not really, because they'll probably-" he froze and even in the darkness I could feel the heat from his flush, "We should get back," he said hurriedly. I laughed and reached out, finding the sleeve of his clothes, and let my fingers slide down to find his hand. I felt the calluses on his palms as I slid my fingertips down, felt the toned muscles in his hand that softened as my hand touched his. My fingertips slide down along his, noting the sharp claws at the end, claws that didn't frighten me but reassured me of his strength. I knew that I would need to count on that strength in the days to come. I slide my fingers between his, and grabbed a hold. He stood there, and I could feel his heartbeat speed up in my hand, but I smiled and walked towards the door, leading him.
"There is something about your dance that amazed me," he said as we walked, "How was it you could do that, behave like that, and your scent never changed? I mean, I knew what you were feeling, because of the words, but everyone else felt something completely different. How did you do that without feeling it yourself?"
I smiled softly, squeezing his hand, "I told you, I'm an Empath, I feel what others feel, but I can also project feelings to others. It comes in handy sometimes, and sometimes its-" I paused a moment, and felt his hand squeeze mine.
"I understand," he whispered and I smiled shyly. No, he didn't understand, but I wouldn't try and explain. As we approached the dining hall, I noticed that it was quiet inside. We slid open the door to see that servants were about the room, cleaning.
"Oh Lord and Lady," one piped up, "All the honored Lords and Ladies have retired for the night." We looked at each other, and I could tell he had the same thought as me, we weren't away for that long. I simply nodded my thanks and walked back out to the external corridor.
"We should have seen your parents in passing," I said and felt his presence behind me. Sure enough, he wrapped his arms around my waist, bringing his hands together over my stomach as he looked over my shoulder.
"It is a clear night, they probably went for a walk in the moonlight, as they often like to do when it is a clear night," he said softly, and felt his nose touch the back of my neck. A flush rose like a wave up my skin, "Kei?"
"Hmm?" he mumbled, his nose still buried in my skin.
"What are you doing?" I whispered, and he moved his head to speak clearly, "Smelling you, you smell wonderful." I buried my face in my hands in complete embarrassment.
"I can't smell that good, I know I'm still all sweaty from dancing," I said.
"No, that's where you're wrong, because what I'm smelling runs deeper than just what is on the surface," he said, burying his nose against my skin again. I shivered as he whispered against the soft skin of my shoulder, " But you still smell wonderful, all of you."
I felt my heart jump in my throat as his nose moved up behind my ear, and I felt the softness of his lips run themselves along the back of my neck, where I knew the marks to be. Warm and cold shivers flew down my back to my knees, striking them useless, and I lost my stance. He seemed to be anticipating this, because his arms tightened around my waist, holding me up effortlessly.
"Kei," I whispered breathlessly again, and I could feel the curve of his smile against my skin, the warmth of his breath. I glanced around, and he seemed to reading my mind again, because he whispered, "No one is near, and even if they were, they wouldn't disturb us." Something about his words had a double meaning, and I felt heat fill every inch of me as I understood.
I closed my eyes, and felt my head fall forward, as his teeth grazed the back of my neck. A flurry of butterflies erupted in my stomach, so strongly it was almost painful, but the heat of his hands quickly calmed the pain. I couldn't move, and didn't want to move. Every instinct inside told me that I really didn't want to move, that I was exactly where I belonged, with him.
After a moment, he lifted his head, and whispered, "It is late." I nodded and started to pull away, but he held me tighter, "No, they think we are mates now, so you should stay with me."
I felt my muscles tense up nervously, but he simply laughed, "You have nothing to fear from me Rose, I swear on my honor." I blushed and nodded, "Alright, but let me gather my things from my room." He placed a gentle kiss on the junction of my neck and shoulder and released me. I quickly hurried down the corridor to my room.
~~*~~ (Third person)
A pair of shadows emerged from the darkness, having seen everything.
"Is everything arranged?"
"Hai, I will accomplish my end of the bargain before the moon reaches its full height,"
"Perfect! Remember, wear this."
Disclaimer: I have nothing, if you want to sue me, here you go *hands you about 3 dollars in quarters* Laundry money, its all I have, now bugger off!
Review Comments:
uscarchie(): How it ends?! LOL, it's no where near done, I don't think I'm even halfway done yet, there's still a LOT of plot to cover, AND I've been plotting out a sequel already for this *laugh*.
camintmeir: Thanks! I love listening to music when I write, in fact its mostly songs that gives me inspiration, odd huh? I have more song fics on the shelf, eventually I'll get around to writing them down. If I knew how, I'd be doing AMV's, cause I have some great ideas up here *taps her head*
Inu Girl(): *laughs* Attack Dogs huh? *motions to Keitaro who stands in front of her and growls* Um.go ahead, send'm right over, I got the best bodyguard in the world ^_^
kittykatt : I'm glad you loved it so much, I hope you'll keep reading!
pruningshears : LOL, I'm defiantly too modest to do that myself in public, but I choreographed the dance for the past few days in my room, with the shudders down *laugh* Sugoi by the way, is like "Cool! Awesome! Amazing!" Stuff like that.at least that's my understanding of it, if anyone can correct me, please feel free too!
Nina-Moon-Princess: Um, I hope that wasn't completely true, not the loving part, but the other part. I'm glad you enjoyed it though!
VioletRose4: Well, it was supposed to be something that was only understood between the two of them, while giving everyone else an interesting show, and I couldn't think of anything sensual enough in IY to work. A lot of IY songs are sweet, loving, but this was supposed to be a little more intense. However, I do have both OSTs playing while I write sometimes, so who knows ^_^
Del_kaidin: I love the reviews that are ultra descriptive, but even neater are the "Um Wow!" reviews *laugh* Amazing how two little words can convey so much!
Kay(): I'm glad you enjoyed it so much!!
Tiranth: *laugh* well for a little while anyway I'll be able to write on the weekends, and maybe a few nights, but I have a HUGE thesis research paper due at the end of the semester, and Unit Plans to write up as well, so we'll see how often it comes down to at the end of the semester ^_^
Dia: I actually don't know how to belly dance, though I have a friend who does on a lot of faire circuits, and I'm hoping to learn soon. I'm glad you liked my lyric incorporation, I know what you mean about some authors letting the lyrics run away with the feeling of the song, sometimes I have to play the song just to understand the feel of the story. I try to write my song fics like you would see in a movie with a theme song playing behind it *shameless plug, check out my songfic Angel of Mine or the first few chapters of Cry*. Music is such a wonderful language, and shows much more sometimes than words can even hope to. I was a little worried that I didn't show enough dance through the song, but I didn't want even the dance to take away from the meaning behind the song and the reason why she was dancing. As for 3rd movie rumors, I heard the same thing, about the all powerful sword idea, and *sob* I won't get to see it till next summer when it comes out on DVD. I've already got jitters now, how will I last a year? I saw the newer preview and it looks defiantly like we'll get more of a backstory on IY's parents. Now the thing that makes me wonder. In the preview, when the brothers are about to fight, it looks like Kagome is just standing there, watching, and not at all looking worried or scared. I think she's going to undergo some serious developmental changes in this next movie, especially concerning IY. I love character development! Okay, enough blab, more typing.
Chapter 25
I blushed and slowly pulled my hand away from his cheek, still feeling the power of his touch on my hand, like a warm fire. He was still staring at my face intensely. Applause erupted around the room, and I blushed, taking a step back from Keitaro, to look around. Everyone seemed genuinely impressed with my performance, even the musicians. I smiled, and bowed to everyone before walking over and taking a seat beside Maeko off to the side. Everyone kept staring at me the whole dinner, and sometimes back at Keitaro but I was glowing inside. I had done it, I had told him how I felt, and now I just had to wait, wait till he answered. I hoped I hadn't over done it, but Kohana kept constantly praising me, rubbing her fingers over the material on my costume, or looking at my now very wavy hair, touching it gently. I smiled and held her on my lap, listening to the various discussions going on. Finally Sesshomaru looked to Keitaro.
"I have made you an offer Keitaro, son of my brother Inuyasha, and now I wish to hear your answer." Keitaro looked a little nervous, and rose, bowing to his uncle and then rather reluctantly to his aunt.
"Honorable uncle, I have taken your request with great consideration," he took a breath and I reached out a gentle reassuring line to him, showing him my support in a way no one else would know. Whether he accepted or not, he had my support.
"I have decided that I would be extremely honored, and very wise, to accept your proposal." Sesshomaru nodded and rose as well, "Honored guests, I then present to you my foster son, Keitaro, heir to the Western Lands, and all I hold. Should I never be graced with a natural heir, he will take my place, and I expect all who owe allegiance to me to respect this decision and vow your allegiance to him."
I stared as each of the youkai lords presented themselves, standing and announcing their name and land holding, renewing their vow of allegiance. I beamed proudly, and Kohana bounced happily in my lap.
"Now husband dear, that the succession has been discussed, perhaps you should move onto the next order of business. As your heir and to strengthen ties, I think you should set up a marriage arrangement for our new heir," she said, her voice like liquid venom from her lips. I stared at her and narrowed my eyes, everything inside me begging to just let go and teach her a lesson, but I held my ground and simply clenched my pant leg in my hand. She didn't even need to look at me, her whole body reflected how much she was enjoying making me suffer.
Keitaro took a deep breath, and stood, "My Lords, I understand that it is only wise that I seal myself into a marriage alliance, to strengthen my future position as Lord of the Western Lands, and I am also very sure that you have lovely and eligible daughters that you would seal this alliance with. But I have already found a mate." He glanced at me, and his whole body radiated one feeling, being trapped. Only Sesshomaru didn't seem surprised, but asked automatically, "Who?"
He turned to motion to me, and I gently handed Kohana to her mother and meekly stood, well as meekly as I could in that outfit, and bowed.
Everyone turned to me, and stared and I gave them the quickest glance I could, to keep them quiet, and keep the secret. I watched as Sesshomaru studied me for a moment, before commenting, "I see."
"It's a lie!" Megahna screamed and rose to her feet, "She is no Lord's daughter, she is nothing but a common ugly human whelp and he is using her to ignore his duties. My Lords, do not believe anything that comes from her foul mouth."
"Megahna," Sesshomaru roared and Kohana whimpered, burying her face in her mother's lap to hide, "You go to far!"
"It is true," I challenged, "And I can prove it!" I lifted my hair and turned so that everyone could see the back of my neck. A gasp flowed through the Lords, and they whispered softly, "Those marks, it cannot be-so rare-and between a human and a hanyou?"
I tilted my head upwards, holding myself with all the grace and dignity I could summon, and ignored the hatred that glowed off of Megahna's skin.
"It is true," I repeated again, letting my hair drop as I turned to face them all. They all glanced at me, then back to each other, and it seemed that they were debating in their own minds if they should protest this, and truly try and bring their own daughters into this, and challenge my position. I felt greatly embarrassed, I had lied to protect Keitaro from his uncle's fate, and I think Sesshomaru realized this as well. I knew Kagome did, the whole time she didn't look at me once, and I didn't dare venture letting down my guard enough to confirm my suspicions, and I was afraid to as well. What had I gotten myself into?
Keitaro held up his hand, and I closed my mouth. The look on his face instantly molded into a copy of his uncle's, cool, calm and unrevealing. It seemed that he was a completely different person.
"Please everyone. That is not the more pressing issue," he began," before there should be anymore talk of marriages, there is another matter I have to attend to. I have sworn my services first and foremost to this quest with Francesca, my sister and my cousins. I cannot wholeheartedly take on the responsibility of my position if these creatures are not destroyed."
All the assembled nodded in unison and respect and pride rippled through the air. I could hear the faint murmuring around me as everyone had their comments to speak. Kohana's ears twitched back and forth, listening and whispering to her mother herself.
The dinner continued simply enough, the men discussing matters of state, or recent news. Keitaro was positively radiant with all the attention, and he felt so warm, like everything inside him was alight with joy. In fact, everyone in the room seemed to be in good spirits. I scanned the room carefully, and hit a cold spot. My eyes glanced across the room, and I saw Kaemon sitting there, speaking to a youkai seated near him, and seemed content enough, but he radiated nothing but anger and hate. I shivered involuntarily. Kaemon glanced at me, and saw my gaze, and the hate turned to something else, something that frightened me. It was hunger, he stared at me like a starving man stares at scrap of food. I looked away quickly, and stared down at my plate.
I began to notice that a great many pairs of eyes kept flickering in my direction. Suddenly I felt very self conscious about my outfit, and exactly ho much I was revealing. Some of the gazes were interested, curious, and some were a little warmer than I wanted. Never had I become the object of so much lust before and it made my stomach curl up.
Kohana hand wandered sleepily from her mother's arms to mine, and I was grateful for the comfort her trusting arms brought me. I reached over and carefully placed the cloak over her small form, as she fell asleep. I glanced over my shoulder and saw the flickering of torches outside. Night had fallen completely and I missed the convenience of a watch.
I didn't want to seem rude, and leave the discussions, so I waited, listening and speaking with some of the assembled.
"So tell us Lady Francesca," spoke up one of the men, an older gentleman with white streaks in his sandy hair," Where is it you come from?"
I blinked and looked up, surprised to hear that question. Everyone stopped their conversations to hear my response. I took a deep breath through my nose and smiled, "It is a land far away to the west, my lord. Far beyond the ocean and the land that lies beyond that."
"And what brings a young woman alone, such a great distance?" I could hear the condescending tone in his voice, but I never let the smile drop from my lips.
"I am an avid scholar lord, and I wished to see new lands, so I came here. You might say it was a calling."
He laughed, and I braced myself for whatever he would say next. Needless to say I wasn't disappointed, "Well, it seems perhaps you have found it, after all, is it not the true calling of all women, to mate and raise a litter? You have readily taken to Lord Keitaro's sister as one of your own," he said glancing at the sleeping girl.
I tilted my head up, and stared him straight in the face, my eyes holding no humor, "Sir, there I believe you are mistaken. It is no being's true calling to be turned into a brood mare, and nothing more. No, I am still seeking the reason I was called here, and after I have found that, then I will see. As for Kohana, I have taken to her as my own sister, not as my own child. She has a mother and father, and I do not wish to take their place in her heart."
He coughed slightly and looked away, and I could tell what I said was met with some humor and some apprehension. I bit my lip. Woman's lib wasn't exactly a concept of the time, but I would be damned if I would play the blushing, dew eyed bride to be. I didn't even look at Keitaro, let alone Kagome and Inuyasha, instead I looked down at my plate for a moment.
"Excuse me, I should put her to bed," I said softly, looking to Sesshomaru. He gave me a once over glance, then nodded. I carefully stood, cradling Kohana to me carefully and headed towards the door. I heard Keitaro say something softly, and felt his hand no my shoulder, leading me out the door. We walked quietly, a servant led us to Inuyasha and Kagome's room, so we dared not speak, but as soon as he closed the door behind us, he sighed.
"Now what?" he asked softly. I didn't say anything, as I carefully juggled Kohana in my arms, trying to dress her in her nightclothes. He knelt by my side and helped, watching and waiting for my response.
"I don't know," I whispered softly, avoiding looking at him, "Your parents know we lied, your uncle knows we lied, hell even your aunt knows we lied. If the others weren't so afraid of your uncle, I'm afraid of what would have happened."
"I'm surprised they didn't noticed-" he began and I froze.
"Notice what?"
"Well, true mates smell a lot like each other, even being around someone for a long period doesn't leave a change like that. I don't understand why they didn't notice that you don't smell like me," he said, gazing off in the distance. I felt at a loss as well, till I remembered something.
"Are you sure?" I asked and moved just a little closer to him. He froze, I could see the muscles in his neck tense up, "Of course I- wait a second," he said, and leaned closer to me, sniffing. I felt a shiver run down my back, but forced myself to hold perfectly still, as his nose dropped to my collarbone.
"You do smell like me!" he said, leaning back with surprise. I nodded, and motioned to the stitching I had noticed earlier, "The seamstress sewed in some of your hairs into the costume. She said it was to keep me safe from the others, but I didn't quite understand what it meant."
He nodded, "She probably saved us and didn't even know it. The question is, what do we do now?"
I shook my head, "I don't know," I whispered.
He looked away, a serious look crossed his face, "Did you mean it?"
I blinked and it took me a minute to gather my thoughts, but my throat felt so dry. He didn't seem to wait for my answer, instead saying quickly, "I meant it."
"Kei-" I croaked and he turned to look at me, his eyes serious, "I truly meant it Rose, I don't want you to leave me, ever again!"
I was shocked, completely and utterly shocked, and at that most serious of moments, a strange thought crossed my mind, causing me to laugh. His face darkened, and I quickly covered my mouth, but my eyes couldn't hide my merriment.
"I'm not laughing at you Kei," I whispered between laughs, "I just thought of something." He glanced at me curiously as I continued, "Just the fact that you are so much not like your father! It took your mother the whole shard hunting journey to get him to admit his feelings, and here you are, not wasting a minute."
"Because I don't know how much time I have with you," he said softly, "I know that something might happen, to either one of us, and I don't want to risk never having the chance to say what I truly feel. My father always told me, how often he regretted not telling my mother his feelings sooner, only because they were faced with danger so often, no one knew what would happen next."
I placed my hand on his, "I am truly honored you feel like that Kei," I whispered. He leaned forward, and pressed his forehead to mine, looking into my eyes.
"Say it," he whispered, his eyes glowing with intensity and I blushed, but couldn't move away.
"Kei, I-" I began, and thought about what he had said, we didn't know how much time we had with each other, either alive or between times. I had always lived my life, so worried about where I wanted to be in life, that I never gave much thought to the path I took.
"Hai, I meant it," I whispered. He grinned mischievously, "I knew it, but I wanted you to say it. To hear yourself say it," he lifted his hand from mine and gently ran a finger over my cheek, "You are so used to keeping everything inside, I don't want you to feel like that with me." I smiled and nodded and he leaned forward to kiss me, and I pulled back.
"Not in front of your sister," I whispered fiercely and he chuckled, looking down at Kohana, who had sprawled out on the floor, arms stretched above her head, and half her body off the futon.
"She could sleep through one of Mother and Father's arguments," he said and leaned forward again and I blushed, whispering "Later." His eyes got wide, and he grinned, like he had just won the lottery.
I just shook my head and stood, "We should be getting back, they'll start to talk."
He just smiled and stood, "Not really, because they'll probably-" he froze and even in the darkness I could feel the heat from his flush, "We should get back," he said hurriedly. I laughed and reached out, finding the sleeve of his clothes, and let my fingers slide down to find his hand. I felt the calluses on his palms as I slid my fingertips down, felt the toned muscles in his hand that softened as my hand touched his. My fingertips slide down along his, noting the sharp claws at the end, claws that didn't frighten me but reassured me of his strength. I knew that I would need to count on that strength in the days to come. I slide my fingers between his, and grabbed a hold. He stood there, and I could feel his heartbeat speed up in my hand, but I smiled and walked towards the door, leading him.
"There is something about your dance that amazed me," he said as we walked, "How was it you could do that, behave like that, and your scent never changed? I mean, I knew what you were feeling, because of the words, but everyone else felt something completely different. How did you do that without feeling it yourself?"
I smiled softly, squeezing his hand, "I told you, I'm an Empath, I feel what others feel, but I can also project feelings to others. It comes in handy sometimes, and sometimes its-" I paused a moment, and felt his hand squeeze mine.
"I understand," he whispered and I smiled shyly. No, he didn't understand, but I wouldn't try and explain. As we approached the dining hall, I noticed that it was quiet inside. We slid open the door to see that servants were about the room, cleaning.
"Oh Lord and Lady," one piped up, "All the honored Lords and Ladies have retired for the night." We looked at each other, and I could tell he had the same thought as me, we weren't away for that long. I simply nodded my thanks and walked back out to the external corridor.
"We should have seen your parents in passing," I said and felt his presence behind me. Sure enough, he wrapped his arms around my waist, bringing his hands together over my stomach as he looked over my shoulder.
"It is a clear night, they probably went for a walk in the moonlight, as they often like to do when it is a clear night," he said softly, and felt his nose touch the back of my neck. A flush rose like a wave up my skin, "Kei?"
"Hmm?" he mumbled, his nose still buried in my skin.
"What are you doing?" I whispered, and he moved his head to speak clearly, "Smelling you, you smell wonderful." I buried my face in my hands in complete embarrassment.
"I can't smell that good, I know I'm still all sweaty from dancing," I said.
"No, that's where you're wrong, because what I'm smelling runs deeper than just what is on the surface," he said, burying his nose against my skin again. I shivered as he whispered against the soft skin of my shoulder, " But you still smell wonderful, all of you."
I felt my heart jump in my throat as his nose moved up behind my ear, and I felt the softness of his lips run themselves along the back of my neck, where I knew the marks to be. Warm and cold shivers flew down my back to my knees, striking them useless, and I lost my stance. He seemed to be anticipating this, because his arms tightened around my waist, holding me up effortlessly.
"Kei," I whispered breathlessly again, and I could feel the curve of his smile against my skin, the warmth of his breath. I glanced around, and he seemed to reading my mind again, because he whispered, "No one is near, and even if they were, they wouldn't disturb us." Something about his words had a double meaning, and I felt heat fill every inch of me as I understood.
I closed my eyes, and felt my head fall forward, as his teeth grazed the back of my neck. A flurry of butterflies erupted in my stomach, so strongly it was almost painful, but the heat of his hands quickly calmed the pain. I couldn't move, and didn't want to move. Every instinct inside told me that I really didn't want to move, that I was exactly where I belonged, with him.
After a moment, he lifted his head, and whispered, "It is late." I nodded and started to pull away, but he held me tighter, "No, they think we are mates now, so you should stay with me."
I felt my muscles tense up nervously, but he simply laughed, "You have nothing to fear from me Rose, I swear on my honor." I blushed and nodded, "Alright, but let me gather my things from my room." He placed a gentle kiss on the junction of my neck and shoulder and released me. I quickly hurried down the corridor to my room.
~~*~~ (Third person)
A pair of shadows emerged from the darkness, having seen everything.
"Is everything arranged?"
"Hai, I will accomplish my end of the bargain before the moon reaches its full height,"
"Perfect! Remember, wear this."
