The Princess and the Pauperess
Chapter 16
Test
Everyone turned simultaneously as Kikyou and Kouga were roughly escorted through the throne room doors, preceded by the advisor.
"The prisoners Kouga and Kagome," the man announced, flourishing his arm in their direction. Kagome frowned at their condition. They'd been cleaned up, of course, but it was obvious that they'd been nearly starved while they'd been locked away.
"Thank you," Kagome said. She was suddenly ushered to the throne and more-or-less toppled into a seated position. Naraku smirked mischievously and rubbed her leg as he whispered, "I thought you should sit here at least once in your lifetime." She smiled nervously in reply and winced when Kikyou and Kouga were shoved harshly onto their knees facing the throne.
"Now," the advisor started, "the prisoners are before you. What shall be done with them?"
Kagome stood and pointed at Kikyou, practically screaming, "She's the real princess!" just as Sesshoumaru and Kagura poked their heads in the door. They glanced around, decided there was nothing interesting going on, and went on their way. A murmur rippled through the room.
"That can't be!" the advisor exclaimed.
"It sure as hell can!" Kagome yelled back. "We switched places when Kikyou's carriage broke down outside of town. I can barely handle pretending to be a princess—I don't even want to think of being crowned Queen!" She laced her fingers in her hair and held her head. The advisor turned to Kikyou, who stood.
"It's true," she confirmed. "I was sick of being hindered by my status and took advantage of the situation. I am ashamed that I have allowed things to get so carried away." The advisor looked from one to the other, conjuring a decision.
"This is not a light matter. It must be proven to me that you are telling the truth. We will conduct a simple test: whoever can correctly illustrate the royal seal is the real Princess Kikyou." Both girls nodded. The advisor requested two easels, two canvases, and two charcoal pieces to be brought in immediately. And Inuyasha, who, after his incriminating outburst, had disappeared somehow.
After the requested items and angry former messenger boy were brought in, Kikyou's shackles were removed, and they took their places, each at an easel, charcoal at the ready. Inuyasha and Kouga both refused to watch the scene. Kaede, Kikyou's younger sister, and her nanny/etiquette instructor stepped in, standing by the door, Naraku smirked, and everyone held their collective breath.
"Begin!" barked the advisor. Both girls immediately began scratching upon the canvases with their pieces of charcoal. A short time passed, and Kagome grinned madly, stepping back as she folded her arms over her chest. Kikyou was done a few moments later and both easels were turned toward the crowd. An abrupt gasp filled the room as everyone saw that "Kagome" had drawn the seal to perfection, and "Princess Kikyou" had drawn a cute little squirrel. The advisor's eyes widened, but he dropped to a knee, bowing deeply to the real Princess Kikyou. The rest followed suit save Inuyasha and Kouga (who was already on the floor). The crown was brought in, and the advisor took it gingerly. Kikyou bowed and allowed him to place it on her head, then sat in the throne. She spotted Kouga and smiled. She, according to the laws that royalty was not above, was only allowed to pardon one serious criminal offense. Unfortunately, Kouga, Kagome, and Inuyasha all fell into that category. She smirked to herself, thinking of how ironic it was that she, sunken cheeks, rags, and all, was seated at her father's throne, wearing her mother's crown. Yes, very ironic. Kagome sneaked a glance at Kouga, and gave him a little wave. He waved back. They were both (along with everyone else) still bowing to their Queen, waiting for her to make her first move.
"My first act as Queen," she began eloquently despite the thirsty grate in her voice, "is to demand a glass of water." Kagome almost hit her face on the floor. She'd been expecting something profound! Not a freaking glass of water. A servant rushed off to fulfill the request. "My second is to pardon Kouga of his criminal charges." Kouga grinned and leaped up, then made as if to hug Kikyou. Out of nowhere, three men tackled him. "My third is to reduce Kagome and Inuyasha's sentence to banishment."
"What?!" Inuyasha bellowed.
"Contain yourself!" the advisor roared. Inuyasha's face began to turn red as he held his breath against any more outbursts. Kagome stood with the help of another out-of-nowhere guard.
"Honestly, did you think you'd get off scot-free for torturing Kagome?" Kikyou asked sweetly, addressing Inuyasha. He shook his fist at her, and was immediately tackled by three men. He and Kagome were dragged from the throne room.
"This is all your fault!" he snarled at her.
"Hey! You said you were willing to go down with me, remember?!"
"I did not!"
"You did, too!"
Thus began their banishment.
Kikyou eventually found a way around the law forbidding her marriage to a lower class, and married Kouga. Her reign was the second longest in history, rivaled only by her father's. During her time as Queen, education was expanded to include the lower classes, prison conditions were improved, and official alliances were forged with two neighboring kingdoms, one of them ruled by Sesshoumaru and Kagura.
Sango got her brother back, and she and Miroku were married. They had four children: three boys and a girl. They built their farm and became very successful.
Kagome and Inuyasha were never seen again, though they sent the occasional profanity-riddled letter to the Queen and her loyal husband.
Poor Naraku never found a wife.
Okay! That's the end...For now. I may change the way I wrote it, cause it seems pretty flat to me. I just didn't wanna write anymore! Waaah, I whine. I know that the ending practically screams continuation, but NO! I DON'T WANNA WRITE A SEQUEL!!!! If someone wants a sequel bad enough, they can just write it for themselves. Hmph. But…um…if anyone does do that (for whatever reason), please state somewhere what you are doing, otherwise you may be blamed for plagiarizing, and that's never fun, especially if you are innocent! (Believe me, I know. I've even been blamed for something someone stole from me!!) Oh, and one more thing. I am so sorry that the last chapter has taken this long to come out! I was originally going to put it out the same week as the chapter before, but then I got a huge English assignment, and since I'm failing English, I figured I'd dedicate all my time to it and do a good job. Yeah…In case you're curious, it didn't work. I got a D on that assignment!!!!! ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Er………anyway……….
Dedications:
WindSprite: It's okay! I totally understand about evil internet! I'm glad that you liked the last chapter, and I hope that this chapter was at least tolerable. Thanks for your review!!
Duet Masaki: Yay! I'm glad that last chapter was good! This chapter isn't. But I've never really liked endings...
Princess Krystal01: Teehee. Thanks!
animejacksparrowlover: I'm glad you like it so far. I hope the ending was okay as well! Thanks for the review!
the randomer (times 2!): I'm glad Aukana and Kai like this story too. ::blush:: You guys will make my head explode with compliments one of these days....And I'm sorry this update took so long! Thanks so much for all of your support!!
KIO (times 3!): "Lollers"! That's awesome! Your reviews made me laugh. Hahaha! I've updated, and now you know. I hope that it was somewhat worth it, and still gave you a couple of chuckles.
Wow! You all are so freakin sweet!!!!! I got so many wonderful reviews for this story. Believe it or not, sometimes I just felt like deleting the whole thing and writing something else, but your feedback really helped me stay on track. Thanks a lot! (Oh look, I'm getting emotional.) And thanks to everyone who read this story all the way through, whether you reviewed or not. I hope you enjoyed it.
Until next time, which is yet to be determined! (Insert winky face)