Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. The characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi!

Author Note: I'm trying to move things along so Kagome can finally see Inuyasha again. Sorry for the slowness of this fic. I'm know you're probably patiently waiting for Inuyasha to make another appearance. To be honest, so am I!

Chapter 3
The Escape Plan

The next morning, Kagome woke to the sound of shuffling feet and giggles. She opened her eyes wearily and found herself in the presence of two servant girls, Emi and Naomi. They were busily sweeping her room while spreading rumors, as usual. Both were much too busy to realize the princess eavesdropping.

"…he's arriving this afternoon" the tall blond one, Emi said. She subconsciously brushed a hand through her thick, curly hair and sighed happily. Kagome tried to put on her best 'I am asleep' posture. Naomi glanced at the princess before speaking.

"I hope he gropes me this time" she whispered through a spasm of blushing. Kagome went into a fit of coughing and gagging which sent both girls dashing out the door in shame. 'How could anyone like that pervert?' she thought, now choking.

Breakfast that morning was full of clatter and commotion. Apparently, it wasn't just Emi and Naomi who wanted to meet Miroku.

"Pass the salt!" Souta cried over the noise.

"Huh?" Kagome asked, straining to hear her little brother. It was simply impossible to hold any intelligent conversation over this racket. Souta shook his head as Kagome picked up a couple slices of bread and headed to her room instead. While walking down the halls, she ate hungrily. Her presence during breakfast time wasn't all that important and she rarely attended. Usually, it was just to swipe some food.

Once there, she found it empty. 'Wow, these people work fast' Kagome thought as she made her way into the gardens. Only, she was stopped. By a huge, beefy looking man with rippling muscles and face half hidden by a mask. Just another palace guard.

"Um, excuse me" Kagome asked politely. She waiting for him to move but the man made no movement whatsoever. Impatient, Kagome clicked her heals on the wood floors and waited.

"Sorry miss, your highness 'mam," the man slurred. "You're not allowed in the gardens anymore—kings orders."

"What did he say?!" Kagome asked, infuriated. Her father was practically trying to cage her in! Without bothering to let him answer, Kagome stalked out of her room. She immediately felt bad about her actions. Why was she acting so stuck up? So rude? Kagome was tempted to turn back and apologize when the sounds of horns interrupted her thoughts. It signified the arrival of Miroku. Kagome made her way to the entrance where she found her family, along with a mass of spectators and guests.

"Glad you could join us," her father commented dryly as Kagome made her way to his side. Kagome was about to ask about her rights to walk in the gardens when she heard an 'eh hem'. Kagome turned to face a horse. Was she going crazy? Or did the horse just speak? Kagome was baffled by the horse's actions that she didn't notice a man slide off and bow to her family.

"I'd like to introduce you to my lovely wife," the king said. Kagome turned to her father. Why was he introducing her mother to this horse? And then it hit her. She peered around the horse and saw a man…or rather, a boy. He was taller than she and had captivating midnight blue eyes. He had a single gold earring and dressed in fine purple robes. His hair was tied back in a little ponytail, something which surprised Kagome because most males didn't grow their hair out; it was more of a rebel-type thing. She curtsied and nearly screamed out when she felt something pinch her bottom. That's when she remembered his 'tendencies'.

Life with Miroku proved to be difficult. Everywhere she went, she heard giggling and the occasional slap as his hands went a little too far. Once you got past the groping part, Miroku proved to be a friendly guy and easy to talk to.

"Miroku-sama!" Kagome called, waving from her palace balcony. Miroku waved back from the entrance. He had just returned from the village carrying a handful of souvenirs. He knew that whenever Kagome waved, or called him, she wanted to talk. The weary priest made his way up the stairs and onto the fourth floor.

"Your highness," Miroku said with a bow. "What is it you wish to speak with me about?"

"Miroku, for the hundredth time, just call me Kagome" she replied.

"Ok then, Kagome," Miroku smiled. His hands were just itching to touch her…SLAP! Best not try that again…

"I'm serious Miroku!" Kagome huffed. She dropped herself onto a fluffy mattress and began toying with a pillow. "I was wondering…"

"That can't be a good thing" Miroku joked as he sat himself down of a chair. She ignored the tease and continued.

"I want to…well, you know…get out of this place," Kagome said while fidgeting with loose threads on the pillow. She eyed Miroku nervously and detected no signs of shock before adding, "And you don't look surprised."

"Oh Kagome, so eager are we?" Miroku asked, cocking his eyebrows in a suggestive manner. Kagome was about to reply when she caught the look in his eye and raised a hand to slap him. He caught it and said with genuine sincerity. "Will you bear my child?"

"Miroku!" she cried, exasperated. "I need your help here!" The priest shook his head with feigned disappointment before cracking a grin and nodding. He knew what she wanted: to get out of this place. He didn't blame her. She moped around at the dining table, took frequent walks around the castle, and sighed deeply whenever she looked out a window. Yes, the signs were there.

"Alright, I'll help" Miroku agreed. He was rewarded with a squeal of excitement and a warm hug. The priest had known all along that she wanted to get out into the real world…the villages, but was never quite sure if it was a wise investment. With a shrug, he pushed the thought aside and watched the princess pace around the room.

"Hmm, how am I to escape from this place without being noticed?" Kagome asked aloud. She tapped a finger against her chin in thought. Miroku remained silent. Sure, it was easy for him but would be a lot more difficult for her. He was a guest. He could roam the lands unattended if he pleased.

"I've got it!" Kagome exclaimed with bubbling excitement. Miroku looked at the girl, hope radiating around the large room. He felt his heart skip with cheerfulness at the girls expression. If she had come up with a way to get out, he was sure as hell going to be happy for her. "I'll dress up as a servant!" Miroku sweatdropped.

"That's your great idea?" Miroku asked doubtfully. That was the oldest trick in the book, of course it wouldn't work!

"Hey, it's worth a shot," Kagome said. "Have you got any ideas?"

"No," Miroku admitted. "But I still think it won't work."

"Well why not?" Kagome asked, pouting.

"What if someone were to ask where you were?" he questioned.

"I'll have Kaori cover for me," Kagome replied smartly. "And I'll be home for supper because that's the most important meal…when father usually expects me."

"Ok then, what if you're caught?" he asked candidly.

"I won't be" she answered quickly. Miroku raised an eyebrow but didn't bother asking.

"I don't know about this…" Miroku said skeptically.

"Come on Miroku" she coaxed. "Just this one time…please?" Kagome tried to put on her best puppy dog eyes and strained to make them water. Miroku gave in easily.

"I guess…"

"Great! I'll be ready by sunup tomorrow" she said promptly. Kagome gave another big grin as she daydreamed about finally leaving the castle. Miroku hoisted himself off the comfortable seat and saluted her.

"Good luck to you princess," he said. "I'll be waiting by the stables with the horses."

"Arigato Miroku, I owe you one" Kagome said, still smiling.

"Right, I'll keep that in mind," he said, smirking. He quickly wiped it off as soon as he caught her gaze.

"By the way," she added casually. "Naomi misses a certain houshi…" That comment sent Miroku flying out the door in search of another butt to grope. Kagome shook her head and sighed. Some things never change...

A/N: I'm finally done with this chapter! So she's got an escape plan...but will it work? I'll try to update as soon as possible. I've got a great idea for a new fanfic and I'll probably work on that too which could potentially slow down my work with this one. Gomen!