Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. The characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi!
Author Note: As you can tell, I have added a few of my own characters. I'll probably add Miroku and Sango later on too. Sorry if it's moving along kind of slowly. I'm still trying to tie everything together and it's proving to be quite difficult! Sorry, on with the fanfic!
Chapter 2
Work, Dinner, and Announcements
"And then he just disappeared!" Kagome exclaimed, waving her hands frantically in the air to give a more dramatic effect. "Hold still!" Kaori laughed and continued to brush Kagome's long, smooth black hair. For a princess, Kagome could act so weird sometimes.
"You can't just disappear," Kaori said while battling a knot. "There has to be another way" she finished with a sigh. They had spent all afternoon chatting about the so called, 'mysterious stranger'. He didn't seem much of a threat, more like a tramp who wandered into the gardens. Of course, Kagome never did like to admit feelings of intimidation.
"Well, there was a bit of black smoke..." Kagome began.
"Wait a minute, black smoke?" Kaori interrupted, raising an eyebrow in interest. Perhaps that could explain why he seemed to disappear. Before Kagome could reply, a shrill voice called her name from down the hall. Both girls looked at each other in exasperation. They both mouthed the word 'Sachicko' before rolling their eyes and bursting in a fit of giggles.
"Your highness?" the squeaky voice called again. In a matter of seconds, a fairly plump woman poked her head into Kagome's room carrying an armful of books.
"Ah! Here you are." She wore her chestnut brown hair in a tight bun and used an excessive amount of makeup.
"Gomen Sachicko, didn't know you were looking for me" Kagome lied, smiling at the woman. If it hadn't been for the fact that Sachicko was Kagome's personal tutor, she would have liked to make friends with the woman. In fact, she had tried countless times before but it had proven to be quite useless. Besides the fact that Sachicko possessed the most high- pitched voice Kagome had ever heard, she was also very strict when it came to educating young minds.
"Nevertheless, I have found you princess and now if you'll excuse us..." she said turning to Kaori. Kaori bowed before leaving a tutor with a disappointed princess. After three solid hours of studying math, science and literature, Sachicko took out a half-finished pillow and handed it to Kagome. Kagome groaned in agony; she hated needlework just as much as math. Sachicko shook her head, disapprovingly as Kagome began to stitch away. Kagome yelped every now and then when her fingers came in contact with the sharp needle and was relieved when the lesson was finally over.
"I will see you again tomorrow," Sachicko said while picking up her supplies. "And don't make me look for you again." Kagome chuckled inwardly at the thought of Sachicko rushing around madly looking for her. Of course, she knew a pissed off tutor was never a good thing. A pissed off Sachicko was even worse.
"Ok, arigato Sachicko" Kagome said happily and watched her head towards the north side of the citadel, towards the entrance. Kagome sighed and examined her pricked fingers. They contrasted with the normally smooth skin. The sound of the dinner bell brought her back to reality and she rushed upstairs. When she arrived in the dining room, everyone was already seated and food was being served by dozens of maids. Kagome made her way to her seat as quietly as possible only to be caught off guard.
"Kagome's late again!" tattled Souta, her little brother. He laughed at the way she sulked to the table after being caught. After eying him evilly, Kagome sat down and joined her family, as well as a few lords and ladies. They simply nodded a greeting and continued discussing this and that. 'This is what I hate about castle-life' Kagome thought, 'It's the same everyday'. Her thoughts were interrupted by her father's pounding on the polished wooden table.
"As you all know, these are very dangerous times," he said, his voice booming across the table. 'I didn't know that' Kagome thought as murmurs of agreement filled the room. "I advise you all to be on your guard for possible traitors for there are those out there who would not hesitate to kill you" he continued to a now quiet audience. He directed his attention to Kagome but still kept his voice strong, as if speaking to everyone.
"Kagome, you will move up a few floors" he said. It came out more as a command then a request.
"But why father?" Kagome asked, slightly whining. She loved her room. It was much different from the other more modern rooms. Hers had old fashioned sliding doors and paper-thin walls that welcomed warm breezes. It was one of the oldest rooms that hadn't been knocked down when the castle was remodeled and it stood right next to her favorite place: the gardens.
"Kagome, it's not safe anymore" he replied swiftly. "You will do as I say and move into a room of your choosing on the fourth floor." Kagome was about to argue when she remembered who she was speaking to.
"Yes father" Kagome replied through gritted teeth. To her relief, no one noticed her un-ladylike manner and she took that to her advantage by quickly stuffing her mouth with bread, cheese, and a chicken drumstick. She did this for two reasons the obvious being her hunger while the second to keep her blabbering mouth occupied. After eating her heart's desire, her attention was brought back to her father again when he cleared his throat.
"We will have a special guest tomorrow," he announced gaining everyone's attention. "He is an honorable and distinguishable member of the Matsumoto family." 'Matsumoto' Kagome thought. 'Where have I heard that name before?' A second later, her question was answered.
"You remember Miroku do you not?"