A week passed since Rose had become Sesshoumaru's mate and mated with him for the first time. Even though she was not the lady of the castle, she still oversaw most of the servant work. Yuki was her personal servant now, of which the girl was grateful. Rin was pleased to have Rose back, and Rose spent much time with her; but even more time was spent with Sesshoumaru. Rose was happy with her new life.

She did carry out her favor to Naraku by always wearing the jewel. No insects had come yet, and she didn't really expect any so soon. When Sesshoumaru had learned of Rose's latest deal with Naraku, he wasn't too pleased. However, he did agree that it was safer for her to have control over the majority of jewel instead of some being getting it than trying to get her fused shard.

Rose was outside in the garden the day news came to her. Sesshoumaru was off on some information hunt and would return later that night. Yuki was playing with Rin near the stream–watching over Rin was one of the jobs Rose had assigned her. Jaken had left with Sesshoumaru.

Rose was dosing off under the sakura tree she sat under. Petals lay all about her. She then heard Rin gasp and Yuki question someone; a mysterious voice so familiar to Rose replied. Rose opened her eyes to see Loralie approaching. "Greetings, Loralie," Rose told her before turning to Yuki. "Take Rin inside." Yuki did as she was told, carrying the frightened yet curious girl into the palace.

Loralie came to sit beside Rose, a kind smile resting upon her lips. "Rose, you have succeed. I have come to thank you by bringing you some news."

"It was my pleasure," Rose replied. "What type of news do you bring?"

"Good and bad."

"What?" Rose looked quite seriously to Loralie, fully alert now.

"First of all–you may not have noticed yet–you are blessed."

"Huh?" asked Rose, tilting her head to the side in an inquisitive manner.

"You carry Sess's child, or should I say children."

Rose didn't now what to say. Automatically her hand went to her stomach. She had noticed that a motherly feeling had come over her in the past week, but thought nothing of it.

"You wouldn't have noticed besides the lack of your monthly bleeding and a craving for meats for you are a demon now," Loralie continued. "You're pregnancy won't show, not until the last month."

"Really?" asked Rose.

"Yes. But now for the bad news. It is best you leave Sess until the young ones' birth. Seek out help."

Rose didn't reply. What could she say? Her feelings were pulling her both ways. She didn't even notice when Loralie left or even that evening was falling. She ended up falling asleep with her thoughts. Sesshoumaru was the one to wake her for dinner. Rose smiled to him as they walked to the dining room, but it was a forced smile and Sesshoumaru knew it.

"Is something wrong, my sweet?"

"I'll tell you later." Sesshoumaru looked as though he would argue with her but she shook her head and took her seat at the table. Dinner went by quick as a strange silence settled upon the room. After dinner, in his bedroom, did he bring up the question again.

Rose sighed from where she sat on the bed. "Sessy, I need to find Inuyasha."

"Why?" he asked, not hiding the suspicion in his voice. Hearing those words from his mates lips was not a good thing to him.

"I'm sorry, but he may be the only person who can help me." Rose was quiet a moment before speaking again. "Actually, I need Kagome's help more than Inu's."

"Explain," demanded Sesshoumaru as he sat down beside her.

"I need to find Koga, the leader of a wolf demon tribe. They can help me find him." She noticed the growing anger and suspicion in her lover's eyes. "I know it doesn't sound right. Why should I, your mate, be seeking out a male demon other than you for anything? I need to leave, stay with his pack. Only they can help me."

"But why? What is it you need help with?"

Rose took his hand in both of hers and smiled, gazing into his eyes. "I'm carrying your pups."

Sesshoumaru gasped as he searched her eyes, finding only truth. He did want a family with her one day but never thought it would be so soon when they had only just begun mating; he had underestimated her fertility. "Are you sure?" he asked, just to be certain.

"Yes," Rose said with a nod. "It's best I seek a pack's help, demons who are more experience then I to help me through the birthing. I will let you know where I am once I reach them; you won't have to worry about me."

"I've a better idea. I'll escort you until we find the pack that way I know your safe."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive." He kissed her lightly then climbed under the covers of the bed, patting the area beside him thus indicating for her to join him. She did so and slept peacefully.