Jackie: Here's the next chapter. I've written outlines and rough drafts for 26 chapters so far, and I'm not done yet! If you were wondering, the 'good part' is five pages long and happens in chapter 25 after some intense action. This is Chapter 18, and I think it's fair to edit and release a chapter once a week or when I have at least 10 reviews for the chapter. Whichever is sooner. I think my day for updates will be Saturday of every week, starting next week. But remember, ten reviews gets a new chapter, so if you want faster updates… REVIEW.

DISCLAIMER: REFER TO CHAPTER ONE

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Chapter 18;

….Two days later…

There was one day left before the celebration and several envoys had arrived to announce that other noble families would be in attendance. Sesshomaru had never suspected that his return would cause such a fuss. The castle was full, and there were small camps reaching far back into the forest. Miyoiki and Rin were all but prisoners in Miyoiki's suite. One step outside had caused far too much commotion yesterday. He assured himself and Rin that it would die down soon, and she would be able to play outside again.

He had to believe that. Every person in the crowd outside thought that what they had to say was SO important. He couldn't so much as walk down the hallway without being accosted with petty matters and requests. Worse, he hadn't been able to see to the next gift he planned to have sent to Miyoiki. He had to send Jaken after it. 24 hours had passed and there was no sign of him. Jaken was a faithful servant but he was neither efficient nor truly dependable.

He so despised unnecessary conversation, and he had been forced to engage in it constantly since the royal envoys started to arrive. All conversation was essentially pointless to Sesshomaru, unless he was talking to Miyoiki. He had never spent hours talking to her, but he had the distinct impression that he would enjoy it. He loved the way her mind worked. He both cursed and adored how not one detail ever escaped her attention. It was hard to believe the monks had been able to deceive her. In spite of deductive reasoning that dumbfounded even him at times, she remained so soft and loving. She and Rin were the warmth that threatened his kingdom of ice.

If Sesshomaru were prone to such nervous action, he would be drumming his claws on his desk. Where is Jaken? Almost as if on queue, Jaken burst through the door clubbing a lesser demon on the head. He thumped the old demon repeatedly crying, "Away you bottom feeder! My lord has not the time for one such as you!"

Jaken slid the door shut and turned to Sesshomaru. Without looking at Jaken, Sesshomaru said, "What took you so long, Jaken."

"The tomb had been moved," Jaken answered, "I am sorry, my lord."

"Father must have moved it before he died," Sesshomaru said coldly, "Did you find it?"

"I did!" Jaken shouted in triumph, pulling a small bundle from his robes.

Sesshomaru took the bundle and opened it. His back was turned to Jaken, so that he would not see.

"My lord, are you sure?" Jaken asked, "That you want to give it to Miyoiki? After all the disrespect she has shown?"

"I will give what is mine to whomever I wish," Sesshomaru said coldly, wrapping it back up.

"But your mother's-" Jaken started.

"Enough, Jaken," Sesshomaru growled.

Sesshomaru turned and walked over Jaken. Sesshomaru slid open the door and left a groaning imp behind him. Sesshomaru was immediately swarmed by demons. The only left to do was to do what he'd always done when someone got in his way. He called forth his poison whip and said, "Out of my way."

Most of the crowd parted but to a few unfortunate souls the sting of his whip was the last thing they felt. No one bothered him for the rest of his journey to Miyoiki's suite. He paused outside her door and listened to the sound of Miyoiki and Rin playing. For a moment he imagined that behind that door Miyoiki was rolling around on the floor with a litter of their pups. He smiled again, but the smile instantly vanished when the door slid open.

Miyoiki looked up at him and said, "Well?"

"Well what?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Is there some reason you're looming outside of my door, lord Sesshomaru" She asked.

"I," Sesshomaru tried not to sound shaky, "Brought you a gift."

"A gift, my lord?" Miyoiki asked quirking a brow.

"You needed something to wear with your formal uniform tomorrow night," He reasoned.

"I needed it, did I?" She said and couldn't help smiling.

"Are you mocking me?" Sesshomaru asked with a growl.

"Absolutely not, my lord" Miyoiki smiled.

She turned to Rin, told her to finish her breakfast, and stepped outside. Miyoiki slid the door shut behind her, and was surprised that Sesshomaru had not stepped back to accommodate her entrance to the hall. They stood toe-to-toe for a moment, and for that moment, she forgot to breathe.

His molten gold eyes burned her, the snowy white of his hair froze her, and the smell of him threatened to consume her entirely. Was she in heat again? She blushed in spite of fierce attempts not to. Her wings unconsciously twitched behind her. She had taken to keeping them open. After all, why should she cover up such a beautiful outfit?

Sesshomaru struggled. He knew full well this was a 'just because he wanted to' gift, but he had screwed up the delivery by making up that ridiculous reason for it. When she stepped out into the hallway he couldn't make himself move. He was paralyzed. His body, his voice, and his heart all stopped at once.

Her wings began to flutter and her scent invaded him. She was aroused. Surely she could not be back in heat so soon! No, it wasn't possible, but that would mean she was actually reacting out of real attraction to him. He smiled, and made no attempt to hide it.

Miyoiki didn't know why he was suddenly smiling, just that smiling seemed to make him more predatory looking. She had the distinct feeling that she was his next meal when he smiled like that. Strangely it turned her on even more.

"This is for you," He said handing her the gift, "I expect you to wear it at the party."

He turned and walked away. With the sudden coldness of his voice she had the urge to toss the thing at his back. She growled and walked into the room. He's my lord; He has a right to command me… He's my lord… He has a right… He's… He's… A JERK!

She stopped in her tracks. She had the distinct impression that she was being hormonal. Hadn't she become hormonal right before her last heat? Could she truly be coming into heat again so soon? She shook all over. The celebration was tomorrow, she could not be in such a state at the celebration. She would embarrass herself and Lord Sesshomaru.

Back in Sesshomaru's room Jaken was sitting on the floor, and Sesshomaru was sitting at his desk. Jaken had been sighing quite often and staring at the ground. His behavior was even more mopey than usual. Sesshomaru put down his quill and shifted his eyes to Jaken. He really did despise unnecessary conversation, but Jaken was a loyal servant. Sesshomaru's honor prompted him to ask.

"Something troubles you?" He asked.

Jaken blinked and looked up. Jaken shifted a little where he sat and asked, "Do I have your word that I may speak candidly without fear of punishment, my lord?"

Sesshomaru knew from watching others that that line was always a set up for disaster. Still, after decades of faithfulness, perhaps Jaken deserved this leeway. Sesshomaru sighed inwardly at himself. How soft I am becoming.

"You have my oath," Sesshomaru said.

"You are planning to marry that creature, Miyoiki, are you not?" Jaken asked.

Sesshomaru saw no reason to lie, "I am."

"But she is not a demon," Jaken said, "Your children would be half-breeds."

"She is much more powerful than a human," Sesshomaru said, "And more powerful than any other demon I have encountered. Our children will be powerful."

"You wanted her before you knew what she was!" Jaken accused, "I saw the way you looked at her, almost from the first day. You would have married her in any case. You would have repeated your father's mistake!"

"So it upsets you that I truly love her?" Sesshomaru asked.

There was a long pause, and finally Jaken began to laugh. He stood and said, "I guess I had imagined you were impervious to such things. This last year has shaken everything I had come to believe about you."

"Is there anything further?" Sesshomaru asked. That wasn't so bad.

"No," Jaken answered, "I admit, I rather like her myself, and even… little Rin. Further I believe she will be faithful to you. You should have seen her during heat. Anything that strayed close to her was likely to loose its head."

Sesshomaru growled. Had Jaken actually tried something? Jaken blinked and looked at his master. Jaken scrambled for the words to sooth the situation, "Not that I tried anything! I just gave her a little compliment to make her feel better. She seemed so uncomfortable! When I did she looked as though she might cut me in two where I stood, so I decided to make no further attempt to brighten her mood."

Sesshomaru ground his teeth and snapped, "Get out."

"You gave me your oath," Jaken squealed.

"And I shall honor it," Sesshomaru said, "As long as you leave my sight, immediately."

For effect Sesshomaru put his hand on Tokijin's hilt. Jaken cheeped in fright and scrambled out of the room. Sesshomaru sat back in his chair. She nearly cut him down?

It made no sense to him. The opposite should have happened. She should have come after Jaken. Sesshomaru looked out his window. It was getting late, not that he would be able to sleep.

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Jackie; So what's the gift?

(Trix) I didn't actually mean you were a brown-noser. I was just messing with you. I hope no offense was taken, and that you liked the new chappie. (Telekinetic) At five pages in length I'm sure it will leave you breathless. (Nordic) WELCOME! I hope you continue to really like my story. (Kawaii) It was a little impossible to go traditional with consideration to her wings. I hope you liked it anyway. (ladie) I have actually already drawn Miyoiki and many of my other characters, but ALAS, I possess not a scanner with which to digitize and publish it for you. 'SIGH'