Disclaimer: Okay, okay! I admit it, I don't own Inuyasha or even anything
related to him or the show for that matter...I own nothing but the unknown
plot...tear and sigh I own nothing...why is it that I own nothing yet others
own all? I demand an explanation...okay...I will shut up now.
Summary: Princess Kagome's life was a fairytale; her husband Kouga was the ideal husband, and her father was the Ruler of the Northern Lands, then disaster struck. The Lord of the Western Lands attacked, killing Kouga. The Northern Lands are now ruled by the feared demon, Lord Sesshomaru, and fearing her own life she joined the ranks of the many servants, but she does not go unnoticed for even the Lord Sesshomaru is not a fool...Sess/Kag...I don't think that Inuyasha will even be part of this story...
((A/N: Thanks for reviewing Rushyuo, Stacerue, rOsExPeTaLz, hakkai-my- youkai, netnabie, Crystal-Chan2, Sarcasm Girl8, Sakura Tenveiga, Yujin-chan aka Neko Megami, Yhi, katie, Tara, Pink Sakura, DemonWicca1, kasusander- jie, forest-fires, loverofangelus73069, and Tsuki Yume.))
25 Days with Mr. Arrogant: 2
Mixed-Up Love: 1
If you have no clue what that's all about...read the A/Ns and go to my profile page!!! ((A/N: Also, extra thanks to Stacerue for actually 'voting' and reading my A/Ns!!! And Katrina14love, extra thanks to you as well...your 'wake up call' touched me. People care. And uh, Tsuki Yume...it'd be great if you could tell me what exactly about my fic was 'odd.' How about it eh? I'm not going to kill you or anything...I'm just lookin' to better my fic.))
Chapter 6
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Kagome let out a squeal of surprise as a bucket of ice cold water was unceremoniously dumped on her. "Not so loud child, I am not deaf ye know," the old and aged voice of Kaede called.
Kagome blinked, what was Kaede doing under the bridge...? Then she noticed that she was in a warm and steamy hot spring. When did she get here? 'Kagome, you've got to stop doing this,' she mentally reprimanded herself, 'Falling asleep and waking up in odd places is usually not a good sign.'
"Lord Sesshomaru himself brought ye here," Kaede said as if she could read Kagome's mind.
"He should've just left me there," she grumbled as she sank lower into the comforting water.
"Thy body was incredibly cold, the Lord was very worried," Kaede continued. Kagome snorted, Lord Sesshomaru, the ruthless, merciless, and ice cold inuyoukai who the devil himself feared...then again, he could be the devil...was worried about a worthless human 'servant' like her? Old age must be catching up with Kaede.
"He isn't as bad as they say he is, after all, he does care for that little girl, Rin."
"Kaede, can you read minds?" Kagome blurted, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"No child. It's all part of getting old." Kagome groaned inwardly. Wasn't that always Kaede's answer? She let out a sigh of content, and wallowed in sheer bliss as Kaede lathered her hair with a scented and bubbly oil to wash her hair. "As soon as I am done with ye, ye must go visit the Lord in his study."
'In Kouga's study,' Kagome thought bitterly. "He is NOT my lord. I refuse to go."
"That isn't very wise child. Besides he is your lord now. According to the scrolls of warlords and conquerors, any lord who is defeated becomes a servant of the conqueror as well as his family, ser-"
"I KNOW KAEDE!" Kagome screamed. "I KNOW THAT. YOU DON'T NEED TO REMIND ME THAT KOUGA'S..." Kagome's screaming died away as she surrendered to crying again. Was it possible for people to cry too much?
Kaede did not offer her words of comfort, and continued to rinse Kagome's hair. She knew that sometimes the best way to help someone deal with such a loss was to just let them cry it all out. "I hear that Lord Hojo and Lady Kagura are coming to visit." Kaede said as Kagome's wailing had ceased.
Lord Hojo and Lady Kagura were the rulers of the much smaller, but very prosperous Southern Lands. Lord Hojo was a human, and Lady Kagura was the infamous wind demoness, and their marriage had caused quite a lot of confusion. Most people said it was to better the relationships of humans and demons, and to 'set an example' for the inhabitants of the Southern Lands, one of the few places where demons and humans were equal.
But Kagome knew better. Lord Hojo and Lady Kagura often visited them when Kouga was still around. Even though it looked like their marriage was all for show, she knew better for she saw them walking in the vast garden sometimes, hand in hand, looking at each other with love. Opposites really did attract.
===FLASHBACK===
"You smell really good," Kouga murmured as he nuzzled Kagome's neck. Kagome giggled and continued running her hands through Kouga's hair. Kouga then reached over and broke a flower off for Kagome. "For you my dear queen,"
Kagome blushed, and took the flower. Kouga puckered up his lips, and craned his neck upward trying to kiss Kagome on the lips. She leaned forward, and hope flickered in his blue depths, but instead she tucked the flower behind his ear. Kouga growled in frustration, but Kagome merely began to 'pet' him, and he quieted down, a low and deep rumble sounding from his chest.
"I'm glad that you're my woman Kagome..." he muttered as he began to doze off. Kagome rolled her eyes and smiled. It really was beyond her how she fell in love with such a crude and possessive wolf demon...
===END OF FLASHBACK===
Kagome sighed, and her heart ached so much! But there was nothing she could do...Besides...if Lord Hojo and Lady Kagura were coming to visit in...three...no two and a half days, then maybe that meant that they were going to bring word of Lord Koji and Lady Yugi...after all she had last heard that they were heading there for safety. 'Or maybe,' Kagome thought, 'They are coming to save me...' Kagome sighed...inwardly...hope seemed so far away.
Kagome stepped out of the hot spring, and into the white and fleecy drying robe that Kaede gave her. "Now go up to Sango's room, and have her do thy hair," Kaede told her as she handed Kagome a yellow kimono.
"Can you please explain to me why I have to dress up for him?" Kagome asked bitterly.
"Ye will be serving his lordship his evening tea," Kaede said as she hobbled out of the steamy room. Kagome followed her. "I will not! I shall do as I please, and that does NOT include serving...that MUTT his tea!"
"Not so loudly child," Kaede whispered, "Spies and such have been posted all about the palace..." Kagome's face went pale. Even though she was defiant, and rebellious...she couldn't kill her chances until Lord Hojo and Lady Kagura came...hope and escape, was so close. She could wait it out a few days...right? "You'll be alright child, now hurry up. I'll bring the table and tea up in a little while."
Kagome nodded as she and Kaede parted. 'Maybe I can slip a bit of opium into his tea, and he can get dubbed insane...no...wait...he's an inuyoukai...he'll sniff it out,' Kagome thought as she made her way up the long flight of stairs. Kagome was so tired of this, living every moment tense, and fearful...scared that she would be found out, and tortured or something horrible.
She entered Sango's room to find Sango waiting for her. "Hurry Kagome," Sango urged.
"What's the rush?" Kagome demanded as Sango began to comb Kagome's hair with a ivory comb.
"Sesshomaru isn't exactly patient you know," Sango told her. Kagome winced as Sango pulled a little to hard on some of her hair, "Sorry," Sango said.
------
Sango adjusted and evened out the yellow silk tie in Kagome's hair. "You're set," she told her. Kagome gave her a small smile, and grabbing the small carrying table of tea began to walk out. "Oh Kagome...?" Kagome turned around, and faced Sango, "Be careful...Miroku says that some of the youkai guards, and perhaps Sesshomaru himself have been getting suspicious of you."
Kagome smiled sadly and nodded. "Thanks Sango." With that she left Sango's room. As she made her way down the hall to 'the study,' she couldn't help but feel another pang of sorrow. She stopped just outside the door of the study. It was opened just a hair, as if someone hadn't closed it all the way.
------
"With the way that the servants act around her, you'd think that she was their Lady," Kougorou grumbled.
"They really do respect her...and it's not fake respect that they show us, but genuine respect," Akeno added.
"And I heard some of the servants call her 'Kagome,'" Kougorou added, "Isn't that the name of Kouga's wife?"
Lord Sesshomaru leaned back into his chair, his face as stoic as ever. "Interesting, you both do bring up many good points."
Kougorou and Akeno stood up, "Also milord," Akeno said, "I noticed that the servant girl bears many similarities to the portrait of the girl on the wall at the end of the hallway on the seventh floor."
Sesshomaru nodded, and waved them out. Just then, Kagome walked in. "Oh, I'm sorry...shall I come back later?" she asked politely. Kougorou and Akeno glanced at each other, and with a deep bow to Sesshomaru and a nod of their heads to Kagome they walked out.
"Tell me...Kagome...what is on the seventh floor?" he asked as he took a sip from his cup of green tea.
Kagome looked almost startled at the sound of her name coming out of Sesshomaru's mouth. "Well actually, it's mainly full of ancient artifacts, and on rare occasions when there is no more room on the sixth floor for guests, the seventh floor is used as well."
"Ancient artifacts?" Sesshomaru questioned, "Explain."
Kagome furrowed her eyebrows and bit her lower lip, "Well the rooms are more like exhibits. They were used to show off to visitors, and such."
"And tell me, how do you know so much about this? You must've been quite a high ranking servant if you know all this." Sesshomaru commented, his amber eyes riveted on Kagome, and his cup of tea forgotten.
Kagome tensed, and then a miracle happened. "Oh, well that's because I was usually the one to lead the visitors and such people around the exhibits, and explain the history of each artifact..." 'Oh Kami...I just lied...without giving it away!' Kagome thought excitedly.
"Interesting...I suppose then that you wouldn't mind giving me a 'tour' then?" Sesshomaru inquired, smugly smiling inwardly when Kagome very visibly 'gulped.'
"Actually Sesshomaru, I usually meet Sango and we walk around the garden...and talk about things..." Kagome muttered as she cast her eyes to the ground, blushing. 'Just when I thought I had learned to lie properly...' Kagome thought grudgingly.
"You are easily the most horrible liar I have ever met," Sesshomaru announced with much distaste. "I will assume that you were lying to me about the exhibit thing as well then," Kagome's hands had been placed in her lap. They had rolled into fists began to shake now. "And do you know what happens to liars?" Kagome timidly shook her head. Sesshomaru's hand shot out as he lifted her chin up. "You will look to me when I speak wench, for I AM your lord now." The scared look from Kagome's eyes disappeared, and fiery look filled her dark chocolate colored eyes, but she did not say anything. "These claws can easily inject a toxic poison into your wretched little neck..."
'NO!' Kagome screamed inwardly. 'No...not when hope was so close...she would not lose faith...she'd be delivered of this...tyrant soon.' "I'm sorry...Lord Sesshomaru..." she said quietly. Sesshomaru let go of her chin, and resumed enjoying his tea again. He was somewhat pleased, but the defiant fire in her eyes was not extinguished. "I will go tell Sango that I cannot meet her tonight."
Sesshomaru watched her with a emotionless look again. "No. Jaken will take care of that for you. As soon as I finish my tea, you will accompany me...Kagome." Kagome's eyes widened in surprise again as he said her name. 'Stupid girl,' he thought with disgust as he sipped his tea. 'Acts as if she has never heard me say her name before.' He ignored the nagging voice in his head that told him that he was actually incredibly cruel to the servant girl, more so than the others, and stood up. "I'm ready."
Kagome nodded, and quietly stood up. She led him out of the study, and proceeded to go up the many flights of stairs to the seventh floor...which happened to be the highest one. "What is on the sixth floor?" Sesshomaru asked as they walked in silence.
"The guest chambers." Kagome replied.
Sesshomaru nodded. That reminded him...the parallels that Kougorou and Akeno had brought up were too plausible to be true, and he would find out, once and for all if she really was Kouga's wife. 'And what would you do with her afterwards?' a voice inside him asked. 'Kill her or torture her as I have done with the rest.' he replied without a thought. 'Easier said than done.' the voice retorted. 'You dare question me? Lord Sesshomaru, ruler of the Western and Northern Lands?' The voice did not reply. Sesshomaru scowled, scaring Kagome a bit.
They arrived at the seventh floor, and Kagome was ready to continue and go straight into the exhibit, but Sesshomaru stopped her. "Who is that girl?" he asked as he pointed to a portrait, it was of a girl, and had a large gaping gash in it as well. Kagome froze. Oh no...what had they done to that portrait?! That was the portrait that had once originally been in the exhibit. Kouga had insisted on putting it in.
===FLASHBACK===
"People will think that we're arrogant or something!" Kagome protested.
"Let them think what they think. It doesn't matter as long as you and I know the truth." Kouga replied nonchalantly.
"Kouga!" Kagome screamed angrily.
"Kagome!" Kouga mocked. He stepped forward and set his hands on her shoulders. His blue eyes stared into her dark ones, "Kagome...I want the whole world to know of our love...our love is this kingdom's greatest treasure," he placed a finger on Kagome's lips to prevent her from saying anything, "I am the ruler, so whatever I say is the greatest treasure and WILL be the greatest treasure..."
Kagome couldn't help, but hug Kouga, but her stubborn nature kicked in. She pulled away from the hug, and Kouga's comforting back rubs, and stuck her lower lip out in a pout, "Kouga..." she grumbled, still disgruntled.
"Fine Kagome...since you ARE my woman...and I'd do ANYTHING for her, I'll inscribe in gold the meaning of the portrait...okay?"
Kagome's face broke out into a grin. She was about to hug him again, but Kouga grabbed her wrists before they could latch themselves around his waist, and placing them around his neck, he moved in closer and kissed her.
===END OF FLASHBACK===
"That is..." Kagome began with some difficulty, "The past lord's wife..."
'Is?' Sesshomaru questioned. 'Interesting...' "Interesting," he remarked, "You two bear many resemblances." Kagome nodded, and shuffled a bit, straining for a logical answer. "Care to tell me why?" he asked as he crossed his arms. Kagome opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Sesshomaru took a step towards her, and Kagome took a step back. Sesshomaru shot her a predator like smirk, and took another step. Kagome began to panic, she knew that she didn't have many 'steps' left until she hit the wall, and getting cornered was the last thing she wanted to do. She squeezed her eyes shut...
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. Now where did the wench go? 'So she IS a miko...no wonder Kouga married her.' "Wench, I can still smell you...you're on the third step down," Sesshomaru's eyes flashed in amusement as he sensed her tense, "We can make this easy by you coming back here, or we can do it the hard way and play...a little game..." Sure enough Kagome decided to make a run for it. She had even tried masking her scent, but Sesshomaru was powerful enough that that was not even a significant barrier to him.
Kagome had gotten herself cornered at the end of the hallway on the sixth floor. Sesshomaru smirked, and the moment he touched her upper arm, she became visible again. "Never...ever try and run from me," he growled, "Makes my more savage and primal instincts kick in...who knows what would happen then...especially when there's no one around..."
Kagome began to shake. "I'm...I'm sorry..." she stammered.
"Now where were we?" Sesshomaru asked.
------
Sango ran out of her room the moment Sesshomaru and Kagome had gone up the stairs. She ran straight into Miroku, sending the both of them flying. She ended up on top, but in a 'very compromising' position as Miroku had put it. Her thoughts were so scattered that she had even forgotten to slap him. "Miroku!" Sango said frantically as soon as they were both up.
"Yes my dearest Sango?" Miroku asked, the usual mischievous and sly grin on his face.
"It's...It's Kagome...I saw Sesshomaru take her upstairs!" Sango hissed.
"What are you implying?" Miroku asked.
Sango groaned, "Why am I even asking you? You're such a hentai that you even have perverted thoughts when Kagome's in danger!" She stomped past him, but Miroku grabbed her by the arms, and pulled her back.
"I was serious!" Miroku insisted. Sango rolled her eyes. "I mean, why do you think that Sesshomaru took her up there?"
"I don't know!" Sango said loudly, "To KILL HER perhaps?"
Miroku shook his head, "Sango, Sango...my most lovely Sango, as ruthless as he is...do you really think that he will kill her?"
"Will you listen to yourself??? RUTHLESS is the KEY WORD," Sango pointed out, a hair away from shouting.
"I don't know...I'm not big on risking my life unless there's a rewards...." Miroku told her.
"Just what did you have in mind for a 'reward' Miroku?" she asked exasperatedly.
"Oh...a little kiss...from a beautiful lady..." Sango was about to say 'okay' but Miroku knew her well, she'd find another woman and pronounce her beautiful, oh no, Sango would NOT escape this time. "Named Sango..." he added. Sango was about to slap him, but Miroku had anticipated this. He grabbed her hand with his, and folded his fingers in between hers. He raised their intertwined fist and kissed her hand. "And I promise that I will refrain from doing anything that will displease you."
Sango blushed, and almost reluctantly pulled her hand away, and turned around. She quickly cleared her throat and spoke, "Well...since this is Kagome's safety we are talking about, I guess I could...afterwards."
Miroku grinned, and followed Sango who rushed down the hallway, and up the stairs.
------
"Uhm..." Kagome's voice trailed off. 'Kouga! What do I do?!?!' she thought. She wanted to break down and cry again, but she doubted that Sesshomaru would care.
"Oh yes...so why is it that you look so much like the girl in the picture?" Sesshomaru asked, his hands were placed on the wall just above Kagome's head, and his face leered closer and closer.
"KAGOME!"
Sesshomaru whirled around, who dared to interrupt his interrogation? Kagome almost screamed out in relief and joy. It was Sango and Miroku! "What is your purpose for coming here?" Sesshomaru demanded coldly.
Miroku and Sango cringed. "We came to tell Kagome that...um..." Sango nudged Miroku.
Miroku grinned and placed his arm around Sango's waist, "We're going to get married, and Sango here couldn't wait to tell you the news!"
Sango fought the urge to turn around and slap the stupid monk. Of all excuses, he had to come up with that?! This was great...just peachy...Kagome shot Sango a confused look. Sango returned the look with one of desperation and pleading. "Monk," Sesshomaru growled, "You do know that you cannot marry unless I give you permission...?"
Miroku smiled faltered a bit, "Oh yes, that was another reason we came to find you... AND Kagome. You know...kill two birds with one stone...heh..." Miroku's voice trailed off.
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow, "Well?"
Sango and Miroku threw themselves to the ground. "Oh Lord Sesshomaru, will you allow us, your humble servants..." Sango's voice trailed off. It was hard enough to play along with Houshi's 'little game', but to beg Lord Sesshomaru to LET her marry him?!?! NEVER!!!
"To be joined in a civil union of marriage?" Miroku finished with ease.
Kagome coughed. This was too much for her to bear. That reminded her...she still hadn't told Sango about that one time she saw her and Miroku out in the garden...
------
====FLASHBACK===
Kagome crawled around on her hands and feet, parting the tall grass, and STILL searching for that one MEASLEY herb. Then she heard whispers, giggles, and chuckles. She raised her head just enough to see over the grass. There at the tree not too far away was Sango, leaning against the tree, and Miroku who had an arm placed right above her shoulder. Sango was smiling, and Miroku was grinning.
'WHAT?!' Kagome thought. 'He's not groping her?! She's not trying to kill him?!' Kagome sank back down, and looked around. There wasn't some plant that was making her hallucinate or anything now...was there? She raised her head up again, and almost toppled over...they were kissing?
By dinner Sango and Miroku were at it again, well, more like Sango was at his throat, and Miroku was at her butt. 'A game?' Kagome wondered.
===END OF FLASHBACK===
------
"Is something the matter?" Sesshomaru asked glancing at Kagome.
Kagome was about to say 'no' when she saw Sango send her a look that CLEARLY begged for her to save her. Kagome looked around nervously, and fell over in a 'faint.' Thing was that she happened to hit her head against the jade jar in the corner...which effectively knocked her out, and saved Sango...temporarily...
-------------------------
((A/N: Or perhaps forever? Come on you guys! VOTE!!!!! Not only for what story I should write next, but also if Sango and Miroku should REALLY get married or not!!! VOTE I SAY!!! VOTE DAMN IT!!! ))
Summary: Princess Kagome's life was a fairytale; her husband Kouga was the ideal husband, and her father was the Ruler of the Northern Lands, then disaster struck. The Lord of the Western Lands attacked, killing Kouga. The Northern Lands are now ruled by the feared demon, Lord Sesshomaru, and fearing her own life she joined the ranks of the many servants, but she does not go unnoticed for even the Lord Sesshomaru is not a fool...Sess/Kag...I don't think that Inuyasha will even be part of this story...
((A/N: Thanks for reviewing Rushyuo, Stacerue, rOsExPeTaLz, hakkai-my- youkai, netnabie, Crystal-Chan2, Sarcasm Girl8, Sakura Tenveiga, Yujin-chan aka Neko Megami, Yhi, katie, Tara, Pink Sakura, DemonWicca1, kasusander- jie, forest-fires, loverofangelus73069, and Tsuki Yume.))
25 Days with Mr. Arrogant: 2
Mixed-Up Love: 1
If you have no clue what that's all about...read the A/Ns and go to my profile page!!! ((A/N: Also, extra thanks to Stacerue for actually 'voting' and reading my A/Ns!!! And Katrina14love, extra thanks to you as well...your 'wake up call' touched me. People care. And uh, Tsuki Yume...it'd be great if you could tell me what exactly about my fic was 'odd.' How about it eh? I'm not going to kill you or anything...I'm just lookin' to better my fic.))
Chapter 6
=============================================================
Kagome let out a squeal of surprise as a bucket of ice cold water was unceremoniously dumped on her. "Not so loud child, I am not deaf ye know," the old and aged voice of Kaede called.
Kagome blinked, what was Kaede doing under the bridge...? Then she noticed that she was in a warm and steamy hot spring. When did she get here? 'Kagome, you've got to stop doing this,' she mentally reprimanded herself, 'Falling asleep and waking up in odd places is usually not a good sign.'
"Lord Sesshomaru himself brought ye here," Kaede said as if she could read Kagome's mind.
"He should've just left me there," she grumbled as she sank lower into the comforting water.
"Thy body was incredibly cold, the Lord was very worried," Kaede continued. Kagome snorted, Lord Sesshomaru, the ruthless, merciless, and ice cold inuyoukai who the devil himself feared...then again, he could be the devil...was worried about a worthless human 'servant' like her? Old age must be catching up with Kaede.
"He isn't as bad as they say he is, after all, he does care for that little girl, Rin."
"Kaede, can you read minds?" Kagome blurted, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"No child. It's all part of getting old." Kagome groaned inwardly. Wasn't that always Kaede's answer? She let out a sigh of content, and wallowed in sheer bliss as Kaede lathered her hair with a scented and bubbly oil to wash her hair. "As soon as I am done with ye, ye must go visit the Lord in his study."
'In Kouga's study,' Kagome thought bitterly. "He is NOT my lord. I refuse to go."
"That isn't very wise child. Besides he is your lord now. According to the scrolls of warlords and conquerors, any lord who is defeated becomes a servant of the conqueror as well as his family, ser-"
"I KNOW KAEDE!" Kagome screamed. "I KNOW THAT. YOU DON'T NEED TO REMIND ME THAT KOUGA'S..." Kagome's screaming died away as she surrendered to crying again. Was it possible for people to cry too much?
Kaede did not offer her words of comfort, and continued to rinse Kagome's hair. She knew that sometimes the best way to help someone deal with such a loss was to just let them cry it all out. "I hear that Lord Hojo and Lady Kagura are coming to visit." Kaede said as Kagome's wailing had ceased.
Lord Hojo and Lady Kagura were the rulers of the much smaller, but very prosperous Southern Lands. Lord Hojo was a human, and Lady Kagura was the infamous wind demoness, and their marriage had caused quite a lot of confusion. Most people said it was to better the relationships of humans and demons, and to 'set an example' for the inhabitants of the Southern Lands, one of the few places where demons and humans were equal.
But Kagome knew better. Lord Hojo and Lady Kagura often visited them when Kouga was still around. Even though it looked like their marriage was all for show, she knew better for she saw them walking in the vast garden sometimes, hand in hand, looking at each other with love. Opposites really did attract.
===FLASHBACK===
"You smell really good," Kouga murmured as he nuzzled Kagome's neck. Kagome giggled and continued running her hands through Kouga's hair. Kouga then reached over and broke a flower off for Kagome. "For you my dear queen,"
Kagome blushed, and took the flower. Kouga puckered up his lips, and craned his neck upward trying to kiss Kagome on the lips. She leaned forward, and hope flickered in his blue depths, but instead she tucked the flower behind his ear. Kouga growled in frustration, but Kagome merely began to 'pet' him, and he quieted down, a low and deep rumble sounding from his chest.
"I'm glad that you're my woman Kagome..." he muttered as he began to doze off. Kagome rolled her eyes and smiled. It really was beyond her how she fell in love with such a crude and possessive wolf demon...
===END OF FLASHBACK===
Kagome sighed, and her heart ached so much! But there was nothing she could do...Besides...if Lord Hojo and Lady Kagura were coming to visit in...three...no two and a half days, then maybe that meant that they were going to bring word of Lord Koji and Lady Yugi...after all she had last heard that they were heading there for safety. 'Or maybe,' Kagome thought, 'They are coming to save me...' Kagome sighed...inwardly...hope seemed so far away.
Kagome stepped out of the hot spring, and into the white and fleecy drying robe that Kaede gave her. "Now go up to Sango's room, and have her do thy hair," Kaede told her as she handed Kagome a yellow kimono.
"Can you please explain to me why I have to dress up for him?" Kagome asked bitterly.
"Ye will be serving his lordship his evening tea," Kaede said as she hobbled out of the steamy room. Kagome followed her. "I will not! I shall do as I please, and that does NOT include serving...that MUTT his tea!"
"Not so loudly child," Kaede whispered, "Spies and such have been posted all about the palace..." Kagome's face went pale. Even though she was defiant, and rebellious...she couldn't kill her chances until Lord Hojo and Lady Kagura came...hope and escape, was so close. She could wait it out a few days...right? "You'll be alright child, now hurry up. I'll bring the table and tea up in a little while."
Kagome nodded as she and Kaede parted. 'Maybe I can slip a bit of opium into his tea, and he can get dubbed insane...no...wait...he's an inuyoukai...he'll sniff it out,' Kagome thought as she made her way up the long flight of stairs. Kagome was so tired of this, living every moment tense, and fearful...scared that she would be found out, and tortured or something horrible.
She entered Sango's room to find Sango waiting for her. "Hurry Kagome," Sango urged.
"What's the rush?" Kagome demanded as Sango began to comb Kagome's hair with a ivory comb.
"Sesshomaru isn't exactly patient you know," Sango told her. Kagome winced as Sango pulled a little to hard on some of her hair, "Sorry," Sango said.
------
Sango adjusted and evened out the yellow silk tie in Kagome's hair. "You're set," she told her. Kagome gave her a small smile, and grabbing the small carrying table of tea began to walk out. "Oh Kagome...?" Kagome turned around, and faced Sango, "Be careful...Miroku says that some of the youkai guards, and perhaps Sesshomaru himself have been getting suspicious of you."
Kagome smiled sadly and nodded. "Thanks Sango." With that she left Sango's room. As she made her way down the hall to 'the study,' she couldn't help but feel another pang of sorrow. She stopped just outside the door of the study. It was opened just a hair, as if someone hadn't closed it all the way.
------
"With the way that the servants act around her, you'd think that she was their Lady," Kougorou grumbled.
"They really do respect her...and it's not fake respect that they show us, but genuine respect," Akeno added.
"And I heard some of the servants call her 'Kagome,'" Kougorou added, "Isn't that the name of Kouga's wife?"
Lord Sesshomaru leaned back into his chair, his face as stoic as ever. "Interesting, you both do bring up many good points."
Kougorou and Akeno stood up, "Also milord," Akeno said, "I noticed that the servant girl bears many similarities to the portrait of the girl on the wall at the end of the hallway on the seventh floor."
Sesshomaru nodded, and waved them out. Just then, Kagome walked in. "Oh, I'm sorry...shall I come back later?" she asked politely. Kougorou and Akeno glanced at each other, and with a deep bow to Sesshomaru and a nod of their heads to Kagome they walked out.
"Tell me...Kagome...what is on the seventh floor?" he asked as he took a sip from his cup of green tea.
Kagome looked almost startled at the sound of her name coming out of Sesshomaru's mouth. "Well actually, it's mainly full of ancient artifacts, and on rare occasions when there is no more room on the sixth floor for guests, the seventh floor is used as well."
"Ancient artifacts?" Sesshomaru questioned, "Explain."
Kagome furrowed her eyebrows and bit her lower lip, "Well the rooms are more like exhibits. They were used to show off to visitors, and such."
"And tell me, how do you know so much about this? You must've been quite a high ranking servant if you know all this." Sesshomaru commented, his amber eyes riveted on Kagome, and his cup of tea forgotten.
Kagome tensed, and then a miracle happened. "Oh, well that's because I was usually the one to lead the visitors and such people around the exhibits, and explain the history of each artifact..." 'Oh Kami...I just lied...without giving it away!' Kagome thought excitedly.
"Interesting...I suppose then that you wouldn't mind giving me a 'tour' then?" Sesshomaru inquired, smugly smiling inwardly when Kagome very visibly 'gulped.'
"Actually Sesshomaru, I usually meet Sango and we walk around the garden...and talk about things..." Kagome muttered as she cast her eyes to the ground, blushing. 'Just when I thought I had learned to lie properly...' Kagome thought grudgingly.
"You are easily the most horrible liar I have ever met," Sesshomaru announced with much distaste. "I will assume that you were lying to me about the exhibit thing as well then," Kagome's hands had been placed in her lap. They had rolled into fists began to shake now. "And do you know what happens to liars?" Kagome timidly shook her head. Sesshomaru's hand shot out as he lifted her chin up. "You will look to me when I speak wench, for I AM your lord now." The scared look from Kagome's eyes disappeared, and fiery look filled her dark chocolate colored eyes, but she did not say anything. "These claws can easily inject a toxic poison into your wretched little neck..."
'NO!' Kagome screamed inwardly. 'No...not when hope was so close...she would not lose faith...she'd be delivered of this...tyrant soon.' "I'm sorry...Lord Sesshomaru..." she said quietly. Sesshomaru let go of her chin, and resumed enjoying his tea again. He was somewhat pleased, but the defiant fire in her eyes was not extinguished. "I will go tell Sango that I cannot meet her tonight."
Sesshomaru watched her with a emotionless look again. "No. Jaken will take care of that for you. As soon as I finish my tea, you will accompany me...Kagome." Kagome's eyes widened in surprise again as he said her name. 'Stupid girl,' he thought with disgust as he sipped his tea. 'Acts as if she has never heard me say her name before.' He ignored the nagging voice in his head that told him that he was actually incredibly cruel to the servant girl, more so than the others, and stood up. "I'm ready."
Kagome nodded, and quietly stood up. She led him out of the study, and proceeded to go up the many flights of stairs to the seventh floor...which happened to be the highest one. "What is on the sixth floor?" Sesshomaru asked as they walked in silence.
"The guest chambers." Kagome replied.
Sesshomaru nodded. That reminded him...the parallels that Kougorou and Akeno had brought up were too plausible to be true, and he would find out, once and for all if she really was Kouga's wife. 'And what would you do with her afterwards?' a voice inside him asked. 'Kill her or torture her as I have done with the rest.' he replied without a thought. 'Easier said than done.' the voice retorted. 'You dare question me? Lord Sesshomaru, ruler of the Western and Northern Lands?' The voice did not reply. Sesshomaru scowled, scaring Kagome a bit.
They arrived at the seventh floor, and Kagome was ready to continue and go straight into the exhibit, but Sesshomaru stopped her. "Who is that girl?" he asked as he pointed to a portrait, it was of a girl, and had a large gaping gash in it as well. Kagome froze. Oh no...what had they done to that portrait?! That was the portrait that had once originally been in the exhibit. Kouga had insisted on putting it in.
===FLASHBACK===
"People will think that we're arrogant or something!" Kagome protested.
"Let them think what they think. It doesn't matter as long as you and I know the truth." Kouga replied nonchalantly.
"Kouga!" Kagome screamed angrily.
"Kagome!" Kouga mocked. He stepped forward and set his hands on her shoulders. His blue eyes stared into her dark ones, "Kagome...I want the whole world to know of our love...our love is this kingdom's greatest treasure," he placed a finger on Kagome's lips to prevent her from saying anything, "I am the ruler, so whatever I say is the greatest treasure and WILL be the greatest treasure..."
Kagome couldn't help, but hug Kouga, but her stubborn nature kicked in. She pulled away from the hug, and Kouga's comforting back rubs, and stuck her lower lip out in a pout, "Kouga..." she grumbled, still disgruntled.
"Fine Kagome...since you ARE my woman...and I'd do ANYTHING for her, I'll inscribe in gold the meaning of the portrait...okay?"
Kagome's face broke out into a grin. She was about to hug him again, but Kouga grabbed her wrists before they could latch themselves around his waist, and placing them around his neck, he moved in closer and kissed her.
===END OF FLASHBACK===
"That is..." Kagome began with some difficulty, "The past lord's wife..."
'Is?' Sesshomaru questioned. 'Interesting...' "Interesting," he remarked, "You two bear many resemblances." Kagome nodded, and shuffled a bit, straining for a logical answer. "Care to tell me why?" he asked as he crossed his arms. Kagome opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Sesshomaru took a step towards her, and Kagome took a step back. Sesshomaru shot her a predator like smirk, and took another step. Kagome began to panic, she knew that she didn't have many 'steps' left until she hit the wall, and getting cornered was the last thing she wanted to do. She squeezed her eyes shut...
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. Now where did the wench go? 'So she IS a miko...no wonder Kouga married her.' "Wench, I can still smell you...you're on the third step down," Sesshomaru's eyes flashed in amusement as he sensed her tense, "We can make this easy by you coming back here, or we can do it the hard way and play...a little game..." Sure enough Kagome decided to make a run for it. She had even tried masking her scent, but Sesshomaru was powerful enough that that was not even a significant barrier to him.
Kagome had gotten herself cornered at the end of the hallway on the sixth floor. Sesshomaru smirked, and the moment he touched her upper arm, she became visible again. "Never...ever try and run from me," he growled, "Makes my more savage and primal instincts kick in...who knows what would happen then...especially when there's no one around..."
Kagome began to shake. "I'm...I'm sorry..." she stammered.
"Now where were we?" Sesshomaru asked.
------
Sango ran out of her room the moment Sesshomaru and Kagome had gone up the stairs. She ran straight into Miroku, sending the both of them flying. She ended up on top, but in a 'very compromising' position as Miroku had put it. Her thoughts were so scattered that she had even forgotten to slap him. "Miroku!" Sango said frantically as soon as they were both up.
"Yes my dearest Sango?" Miroku asked, the usual mischievous and sly grin on his face.
"It's...It's Kagome...I saw Sesshomaru take her upstairs!" Sango hissed.
"What are you implying?" Miroku asked.
Sango groaned, "Why am I even asking you? You're such a hentai that you even have perverted thoughts when Kagome's in danger!" She stomped past him, but Miroku grabbed her by the arms, and pulled her back.
"I was serious!" Miroku insisted. Sango rolled her eyes. "I mean, why do you think that Sesshomaru took her up there?"
"I don't know!" Sango said loudly, "To KILL HER perhaps?"
Miroku shook his head, "Sango, Sango...my most lovely Sango, as ruthless as he is...do you really think that he will kill her?"
"Will you listen to yourself??? RUTHLESS is the KEY WORD," Sango pointed out, a hair away from shouting.
"I don't know...I'm not big on risking my life unless there's a rewards...." Miroku told her.
"Just what did you have in mind for a 'reward' Miroku?" she asked exasperatedly.
"Oh...a little kiss...from a beautiful lady..." Sango was about to say 'okay' but Miroku knew her well, she'd find another woman and pronounce her beautiful, oh no, Sango would NOT escape this time. "Named Sango..." he added. Sango was about to slap him, but Miroku had anticipated this. He grabbed her hand with his, and folded his fingers in between hers. He raised their intertwined fist and kissed her hand. "And I promise that I will refrain from doing anything that will displease you."
Sango blushed, and almost reluctantly pulled her hand away, and turned around. She quickly cleared her throat and spoke, "Well...since this is Kagome's safety we are talking about, I guess I could...afterwards."
Miroku grinned, and followed Sango who rushed down the hallway, and up the stairs.
------
"Uhm..." Kagome's voice trailed off. 'Kouga! What do I do?!?!' she thought. She wanted to break down and cry again, but she doubted that Sesshomaru would care.
"Oh yes...so why is it that you look so much like the girl in the picture?" Sesshomaru asked, his hands were placed on the wall just above Kagome's head, and his face leered closer and closer.
"KAGOME!"
Sesshomaru whirled around, who dared to interrupt his interrogation? Kagome almost screamed out in relief and joy. It was Sango and Miroku! "What is your purpose for coming here?" Sesshomaru demanded coldly.
Miroku and Sango cringed. "We came to tell Kagome that...um..." Sango nudged Miroku.
Miroku grinned and placed his arm around Sango's waist, "We're going to get married, and Sango here couldn't wait to tell you the news!"
Sango fought the urge to turn around and slap the stupid monk. Of all excuses, he had to come up with that?! This was great...just peachy...Kagome shot Sango a confused look. Sango returned the look with one of desperation and pleading. "Monk," Sesshomaru growled, "You do know that you cannot marry unless I give you permission...?"
Miroku smiled faltered a bit, "Oh yes, that was another reason we came to find you... AND Kagome. You know...kill two birds with one stone...heh..." Miroku's voice trailed off.
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow, "Well?"
Sango and Miroku threw themselves to the ground. "Oh Lord Sesshomaru, will you allow us, your humble servants..." Sango's voice trailed off. It was hard enough to play along with Houshi's 'little game', but to beg Lord Sesshomaru to LET her marry him?!?! NEVER!!!
"To be joined in a civil union of marriage?" Miroku finished with ease.
Kagome coughed. This was too much for her to bear. That reminded her...she still hadn't told Sango about that one time she saw her and Miroku out in the garden...
------
====FLASHBACK===
Kagome crawled around on her hands and feet, parting the tall grass, and STILL searching for that one MEASLEY herb. Then she heard whispers, giggles, and chuckles. She raised her head just enough to see over the grass. There at the tree not too far away was Sango, leaning against the tree, and Miroku who had an arm placed right above her shoulder. Sango was smiling, and Miroku was grinning.
'WHAT?!' Kagome thought. 'He's not groping her?! She's not trying to kill him?!' Kagome sank back down, and looked around. There wasn't some plant that was making her hallucinate or anything now...was there? She raised her head up again, and almost toppled over...they were kissing?
By dinner Sango and Miroku were at it again, well, more like Sango was at his throat, and Miroku was at her butt. 'A game?' Kagome wondered.
===END OF FLASHBACK===
------
"Is something the matter?" Sesshomaru asked glancing at Kagome.
Kagome was about to say 'no' when she saw Sango send her a look that CLEARLY begged for her to save her. Kagome looked around nervously, and fell over in a 'faint.' Thing was that she happened to hit her head against the jade jar in the corner...which effectively knocked her out, and saved Sango...temporarily...
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((A/N: Or perhaps forever? Come on you guys! VOTE!!!!! Not only for what story I should write next, but also if Sango and Miroku should REALLY get married or not!!! VOTE I SAY!!! VOTE DAMN IT!!! ))