Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha
[A/N] I actually looked up the rituals and stuff for traditional Japanese weddings…so this is as authentic as I could figure out, if anyone sees any discrepancies feel free to tell me and I'll be happy to fix it
Chapter 5 - Only By Law
The priest said the blessings as Hidenka watched Shippo pretend to pour the sake into each of the three tiers of the san-san-kudo. She proceeded to do the same. After they both pretended they each poured sake into the cups for real and drank from each of the levels. Hidenka refused to smile as she spied her 'husband' smiling at all of their guests as mikos passed out sake cups for the guests to drink. Once all the sake was gone, the priest motioned for Shippo and Hidenka to follow him to the palace's sanctuary where they would offer twigs from the God Tree to the gods themselves. Hidenka took one last look behind her as she left the room and spied her mother. Kagome had finally made an appearance for her daughter's wedding, and couldn't look more depressed. Hidenka growled when she realized Naraku was holding her hand as if to comfort her. Shippo basically had to drag her out of the room before she launched herself at the scum touching her mother.
Hidenka had only entered the sanctuary once in her life. It wasn't that she didn't believe in the gods, it was just that the room always made her feel uneasy. Dog and dragon statues made of silver, jade, and gold, encrusted with gems filled the dark room. Wisps of incense smoke clouded the atmosphere, making her cough as the priest glared at her. The couple knelt in front of the incense burner and placed the boughs from the tree inside the flame. The priest said the final prayers and left the room closing the doors behind him. Hidenka sighed as she watched Shippo mutter prayers silently. She quickly closed her eyes and said one for her father. She didn't want to believe he was gone, but just in case…
Hidenka changed her kimono for a more colorful one before the reception as was custom, and then was escorted by her new 'Lord' into the grand hall. Everyone cheered as the couple entered the door. Sake flowed freely as the guests happily blessed their hosts. Hidenka watched all the festivities from her spot at the head table, refusing to join in for herself. Most of the night was spent glaring at Naraku, who was still by Kagome's side holding her hand. She only realized how much time had gone by when her maidens approached her and said it was time for her to return to her chambers to prepare.
Grumbling she stood up from the floor and bowed to her guests who bowed in return. She saw all the men wink and nudge towards Shippo as she left the room. Muttering about how men were stupid, she allowed herself to be escorted upstairs to her rooms. She pretended to pay attention as her elderly maids gave her tips about marriage and how to please a husband. Nodding every now and then, she gave them a smile when the finished letting down her hair and changing her into her sleeping kimono. The maids, thinking she was excited for her husband, quickly left the room should he arrive soon.
Locking the door behind the departing maids, Hidenka quickly ran to her wardrobe to change out of her clothes. Pulling out her father's red clothes, she donned then and headed towards the window, only to hear a pounding on the door. Cursing beneath her breath, she came down from the window ledge and went to allow her 'husband' into the room. She noticed the look of shock on his face when he observed her outfit. He was obviously expecting her to be in something more feminine.
"Interesting choice of clothing the maids gave you," he stated plainly.
"I changed as soon as the witches left the room," she started crossly. "Let's get one thing straight, I may be your wife, but it is only by law. I will never be your mate, I already have one."
Shippo's eyes widened at her last revelation. He quickly composed himself before speaking to her. "Is that so? Mind if I ask to see the mark then?"
Smirking she removed the outer jacket and pulled the shirt over her shoulder so he could observe the mark on her back.
"Forbidden…does that mean to me? Or perhaps it means something else."
"It doesn't matter. The point is, after this moment, we will never be in a bedroom at the same time ever again."
"And where do you plan on sleeping?"
"Simple. With my mate." Her voice dripped with hatred as she said the word mate towards him. The fox had to be perfectly clear that he would never be able to touch her.
"That's fine, to tell you the truth it would make my mate a lot happier if we didn't share a room."
"Wait…what?" Her ego quickly deflated when she realized he didn't want her at all.
"You think you're the only one who wasn't happy with this marriage? I just happen to be a better actor than you are. I know my obligations with my status. And so does she. She knows that a child must come of this relationship, she is not happy, but she understands. After there's an heir we can both be free to live with our mates if we so choose."
"Ha. After an heir. Forget it. The only pups I will bear will be Kuromeru's, and Kuromeru's alone." With that said she turned quickly and leapt out the window towards the forest. Shippo walked towards the window and watched her disappear into darkness. Shutting the window, he too left the room. However, he was looking for his advisor, not his estranged mate.
"Enter," Naraku responded to the knock on his door. He saw it was Shippo that entered and plastered a fake smile on his face towards the young lord.
"How may I be of service?"
"It turns out I am not the only demon in this marriage who already has a mate?"
"Is that so…" Naraku paused as he absorbed this information. Things could work out in his favor after all. "Is there a problem with this?"
"She refuses to give me an heir, even though I told her I myself am already mated."
"She's proud like her father. Don't worry Lord Kitsune, I will handle this situation. She will give you an heir, and then you can return to your mate just like we planned. By the way, how does it feel to be lord of two realms?"
"Um…alright I guess. And thank you for helping me with this situation."
"Sure thing my lord, like I said. Leave everything to me."
