Ok guys this is chappie 4! I did lots of work on this one. It wasn't coming out like I wanted it to, but now its pwefect!;) Newayy it's 8 pgs long! Its pretty long so don't complan…well u can if you want to but I mean I think 8 -9 pgs is good bcuz its not too much and its not too little. Neway enjoy and Review!
Chapter 4: Discussions and Solutions
"Then lets go in my friend" said Inutashio. His massive arms went around Lord Tsuki's neck and the two Lords started to head towards the enormous red castle. Kagome picked up her long dress and started walking behind her father and Lord Inutashio. Her skin glistened in the sun. The clothes she wore clung to her perfectly. She carried herself with grace, and pride. Sesshoumaru watched her every move carefully. His golden eyes roamed over her perfect body with every move she made, yet he still thought of her as arrogant. He was not suppost to lose, ever, yet this woman in front of him had started to intimidate him. As Sesshoumaru walked down the pathway, he noticed that it was not a dirt pathway, but it had rocks stuck into the earth. The pathway seemed like a puzzle with missing pieces that could never be found and put together, yet it made it so unique. Everyone's footsteps seemed so light and could barely be heard. Unlike the West, no flowers surrounded the front of the castle, but instead it was lush green grass. A few statues of the Gods dominated the green garden, but overall, it was plain and rich looking. As they got closer to the castle's main entrance Sesshoumaru saw that his father and Lord Tsuki descended a few feet. As he got closer, he noticed that three little steps descended to a lower level. The steps were made of the same rock puzzle as the pathway, but the descended floor was truly beautiful. It gleamed from the suns light. The lower leveled floor was made completely of glass in mosaic art. It was pretty safe even if someone were to walk barefoot. The lower leveled floor was circular and in the middle a fountain with two statues that was made of marble rested in the heart of the mosaic. It was very beautiful. Sesshoumaru wondered why he couldn't see this from the beginning when he entered the castle.
Right after they passed the mosaic art on the ground, the group found themselves standing outside the castle's doors. The doors were made of pure silver. The Northern symbol, the Star was engraved on the two doors and was completely made of gold. Two guards dressed in blue opened the doors and entrance was allowed to the group.
Suddenly Lord Tsuki laughed joyfully at Inutashio's comment, for whatever they were discussing. "Ha-ha, yes my friend that is true I'm afraid." Lord Tsuki cleared his throat as so to get everyone's attention. "Well everyone, I welcome you Lord Inutashio, and you Sesshoumaru to my home. I will provide you with the best and I wish for you to have a pleasant time at my home. Now, Inutashio, before we go off, if you won't mind to come into my office and we have some matters to discuss, and then we will be off to go around my city." Said Lord Tsuki. "As for you two, Kagome I would like you to show our guest Sesshoumaru around our castle and take him where he wishes to go. After you two are done you may wander on you own, but around mid-afternoon we will be having lunch served, so I expect you both to be there."
Kagome was shocked. Here she was thinking that she could go and have some time to herself and enjoy her little victory, when her father suggested that she show the new Lord the Norther's Palace. She tensed immediately; she didn't quite feel comfortable around Sesshoumaru yet. She put her weight on one leg and leaned her body sideways. Her head was tilted to the side exposing her peach colored neck. A servant came by with a few wine glasses for the group and Kagome quickly grabbed one of the glasses from the servant. She swirled the wine in the glass and watched it intensely with her eyes. Suddenly her name was called and she was brought out of her little game.
"Kagome" said Lord Tsuki facing his daughter fully, his eyes furrowed together and trying to figure out what in the world his daughter was doing.
Kagome froze. She stopped swirling the glass in her hand, but the wine kept swirling slower and slower each time. Her crystal blue eyes looked up and locked with her father's. She immediately straightened her posture and waited for what Lord Tsuki had to say. Her only response was a nod.
"Kagome, if you need anything just ask one of the servants to come and get me. If that's all me and Lord Inutashio will be going now. We will see you two later." With that the two Lords were off chatting once again. Their long hair stuck to their backs and tickled them softly.
Once again Kagome was left with Sesshoumaru who was leaning against one of the marble walls and waiting for her to say something. His arms were crossed against his chest and for the first time Kagome noticed that the young Lord had a silver band around his wrist with Greek symbols all over it. Her hand slowly reached to touch her own golden band that rested at the upper part of her arm and slowly she traced the carvings on it, never taking her eyes off Sesshoumaru's silver band.
Sesshoumaru followed her eyes and he saw that they landed on his wrist band. He then looked at her, but she was still staring at his wrist band. His eyes followed her hand to her own golden band around her upper left arm, and he was again surprised that he had never seen that there before. He pulled himself off the wall and gracefully started to walk towards the brunette woman in front of him.
Kagome was snapped out of her peace when she saw Sesshoumaru's well toned arms untangle themselves and he started walking towards her. Her eyes immediately locked with his, never breaking contact until he was in front of her.
"Are you just going to stare at me all day or are you going to give me a tour of your home?" Said Sesshoumaru searching for any trace of anger in her, but came out with nothing. She just stared back at him. Kagome sighed and lowered her eyes.
"Let's get this over with. We'll start at the gardens…"
"Come in Inutashio. Take a seat" The two Lords entered Tsuki's office quarters and seated themselves across from one another. Inutashio immediately tied his hair in a high ponytail and let it fall behind the leather cushion. Lord Tsuki however just left it as it was. His black mane was pushed to the side on his right shoulder.
A servant in blue briskly walked to the two lords and bowed.
"May I get your highnesses anything to drink or eat?"
Lord Tsuki called Inutashio by his formal name since they were not alone, therefore to show respect towards his younger friend.
"Lord Inutashio, what would you like; a glass of wine with feta cheese and grapes or ouzo?"
Inutashio didn't really care what he chose but he went with the first choice. He smiled at the male servant in front of them " If you please, I would like a glass of red wine with feta cheese and white grapes." The servant nodded and bowed in respect, then quickly turned to his own master.
"And as for you my lord, what can I get for you?"
"Hmm, I will have the same thing as Lord Inutashio over there, thank you." The servant again bowed in understanding and quickly left to get the orders.
"Now Inutashio lets discuss our plans for the young couple. It seems they are taking a liking to each other ne?" Lord Tsuki said with amusement in his voice. Inutashio straightened up and sighed.
"This will not be as easy as we thought Tsuki, they are both stubborn, and the Gods know what those two can do." Lord Tsuki removed his golden sword from his waist and placed it on his wooden table. 'I will need to clean it soon.' He thought.
"Have a little faith Inutashio! I think these two were destined to be together. They will make history my friend. I can feel it in my bones. Believe in them Inutashio. The Gods are looking on them as well. Do not worry so much."
Inutashio laughed at his friend. He always managed to balance the bad with the good. Even at the worst times Tsuki would bring their hopes up and lighten them up. 'I'm going to miss you dearly my friend when you are gone' Inutashio looked at his friend over and remembered all the fun times they used to have when they were younger with their mates. Tsuki's mate died as well only months after Kagome's birth. He remembered Tsuki being like hell. He didn't see anyone for almost a year. Inutashio somehow had helped heal Tsuki and get his mind off Elenos his mate. She was beautiful, just as beautiful as Edos, Inutashio's mate. They had been like sisters. And the two couples were every where together. Every ball, every dinner, every meeting, everywhere. Nobody dared come in between the North and the West. But then again, they never had any enemies, so they didn't have to worry too much, but now times have changed and it was in the hands of their heirs to bring the land back to peace. Inutashio sighed. There was much work to be done. He smiled at his friend "Yes, of course Tsuki, this is all up to the Gods, and in Zeus' name, I swear to do all that I can to get the two together." At that time the servant came back with the wines that the two lords requested. The old friends chatted about nothing important until a servant came in to alert them that lunch would be served shortly.
Kagome and Sesshoumaru walked silently side buy side making their way to the dining quarters of the castle. Kagome looked fragile and small against Sesshoumaru's tall lean figure that just screamed power. A few servants were walking the castle grounds where the two were walking and all stopped and bowed until their mistress and guest had left. The two youkai could smell food even before they could make out where the gigantic dining hall was visible. Kagome didn't know what to do with Sesshoumaru. Yes, he was arrogant and too much of self pride, but he was very smart as well. Kagome couldn't blame him; after all being royalty wasn't very peachy. There was a burden put upon each heir and it always rested on their shoulder. It wasn't fair, but its how life was lived by their families. The smell of food became stronger and the two youkai headed in its direction.
"What is your favorite type of food Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked turning her head slightly to look at the stoic man beside her.
"I eat whatever is set in front of me." He said as a matter of factly.
Kagome insisted. "But you must have something that you really like to eat. I don't know maybe like, you've tried it at someone else's palace and the cooks at your palace didn't make it but you really loved that dish and you ordered it on special occasions."
'Agghhhh, is she never going to stop talking?'
"Woman I have no favorite food. I like all foods. Do not discuss this matter with me any longer. You are giving me a headache." Sesshoumaru made his strides longer and quicker hoping to rid himself of her.
Kagome saw his pace quicken and she quickly pulled her skirt up and jogged lightly to keep in pace with Sesshoumaru.
"Wait! Ok so if you don't have a favorite food, do you have a favorite dessert?"
'So much for trying to escape her' Sesshoumaru thought defeated.
"No." Was his most blunt answer.
'Is this guy from this world? How can he not have a favorite dessert or food!'
Kagome sighed. This wasn't going to be easy. She couldn't even find out if Sesshoumaru had a favorite food, let alone talk about his life!
"Ok well aren't you going to ask me then?" Kagome asked in hope.
Sesshoumaru sighed. 'Why must I suffer so?'
"Does it look like I care?" He faced her and raised a perfectly sculptured eyebrow at her.
Kagome didn't see his sudden stop and almost bumped right into him.
"Well it would be nice to know your guests, Sesshoumaru. You should try it sometime." With that she walked right past him and into the dining room, giving up on Sesshoumaru for now.
Kagome walked in and noticed that her father and Lord Inutashio were already in the dining hall and were sitting at the 20 foot long table across from each other deep in conversation. Kagome quietly walked behind her father, signaling to Lord Inutashio not to make her presence known just yet.
Inutashio saw Kagome tiptoe into the dining hall quietly and saw her signal to not make her presence known yet. He laughed a bit loudly giving Kagome a less chance of being noticed. She walked quickly when she was two feet behind her fathers back and brought her arms out and hugged him from behind. Lord Tsuki laughed at his daughter's sudden approach and was surprised that he hadn't noticed her coming in. He looked over at Inutashio and noticed that his friend had a smile plastered on his face, and gave him a look that said 'you had something to do with this didn't you?'. Kagome laughed with her father and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. Tsuki caressed his daughter's cheek lightly and held her embrace.
When Sesshoumaru walked into the dining hall, he was curious as to what Kagome was going to do. He stood tall lacing his arms together in front of him once again. He saw the signal that she gave to his father and then when his eyes moved back to her, she had her arms wrapped around her father and was laughing with him. Sesshoumaru sighed. 'So immature and irresponsible.'
Kagome removed herself from her father and made her way to sit two chairs down from where her father was sitting. She saw Sesshoumaru, in his rigid position for the second time that day and motioned for him to come and sit across from her. Sesshoumaru saw her signal and for some unknown reason her followed her finger movement and sat in front of her. Kagome smiled. 'So I do have some power over him then..'
As soon as the four youkai were seated servants came in to serve the food. First came the caesar salad, with caesar dressing. Kagome's eyes sparkled in delight. They only made this salad in special occasions and she loved it!
"Sesshoumaru just so you know, this is one of my favorite salads, since you don't want to get to know me, I'll just make you know me."
Sesshoumaru just glared at her. 'The nerve of this woman!' he thought.
About ten minutes after the wine came, since all the Greeks, especially royalty, drank wine with all of the meals. It as like drinking water.
Kagome preferred red wine. It was really cooling and she loved its taste greatly. She noticed that Sesshoumaru had chosen white wine. The glass was cool to his touch, and she figured that he had chosen white wine, because it was kept in cool places to be cold when served, especially on days like this, white wine was really refreshing.
Their main course was souvlaki with sour cream, and roasted beef. The group ate quietly savoring the food. As for dessert, it was something that was made very rarely in Greece, but the North received it the quickest because it came from Albania. Albania is located right above Greece, and their sweets were very delicious. Baklava was served to each one of them. It was made with baking sheets and had all sorts of nuts in the middle and then again covered with baking sheets. The whole thing was then covered with a coat of sugary syrup, and made the baklava glisten and shine. Kagome's mouth watered. This was her favorite dessert of all time. She loved it. When she went to southern Albania with her father for certain meetings, this dessert was served to them nightly after dinner. It went really good with wine too, so she drank and ate plentifully. As the fruits came, Lord Tsuki started asking what should be done about the problem that was currently happening with the Macedonians.
"Sesshoumaru, Kagome, what are your ideas about this. Do you have any idea or solution as how we can approach the Macedonians without declaring war on them; it's not worth our time."
Kagome was about to speak, when Sesshoumaru stole her turn. She froze halfway through and closed her mouth again and stared at him. 'Bastard' she thought.
She glared at him for a few seconds that listened to what he had to say.
"Well if I can suggest Lord Tsuki," Lord Tsuki nodded and motioned for him to continue.
"I think that we should invite the Leader of the South, since they are the ones that want in to the north for trade, and discuss the matters then. We can settle our problems there and then come to a conclusion with them." Sesshoumaru picked up a vile of grape and started picking the grapes off of it and awaiting Lord Tsuki's answer. Lord Tsuki nodded and then turned to Kagome.
"What do you think Kagome?"
Kagome took a sip from her wine.
"I disagree with Sesshoumaru." Sesshoumaru instantly stopped chewing on the grape and said "What? Why?" Both Lords were stunned by Kagome's sudden blunt answer.
"Go on" Lord Inutashio and Lord Tsuki said in unison.
"Ok well, it would actually be better in we went to southern Macedonia and discussed the matters there because if we brought them here, they would think that we want something from them and we are tricking them, but if only the North and The West go, since I believe that is where all of you decided the Macedonians were to do their trading, and not the South and the East, because it doesn't involve them. It would seem much safer, and the Macedonians would be more trusting with us, since we have stepped forward and told them that we are willing to go and negotiate with them, in their own country. So, yes, I think that this idea is much better and safer for all of us."
Sesshoumaru was boiling inside. She was too smart. He couldn't believe he was being beaten by a mere female.
"No. Absolutely not." All eyes were on Sesshoumaru. Kagome furrowed her eyes in confusion.
"What? Why not? This is perfect!"
"It will not work." Sesshoumaru said bluntly. Kagome was beginning to get mad.
"You can't say that! We haven't even put the plan in motion."
"They will think that we are there to trick them." Sesshoumaru stated.
Kagome stood up from her chair and leaned forward to get closer to Sesshoumaru.
"They cannot think that because we are on their lands and they can easily defeat us because we have no backups with us. I am not even going to argue with you Sesshoumaru." She sat herself down and turned to face her father and Lord Inutashio.
"My Lords do you think that this is a good idea?"
Lord Inutashio and Lord Tsuki looked from adult to the other. Kagome had a smile on her face and was confident that she was going to win their answer, where Sesshoumaru was glaring daggers at the two lords saying 'Do not take her idea. It is not better than mine.' The two lords sighed and looked and one another and nodded. Lord Inutashio spoke.
"I think your idea is brilliant Kagome. We will hold a meeting in the West next month and tell the other Lords of this."
A growl erupted from Sesshoumaru after hearing his father's response, but he was not mad. He kind of actually agreed with Kagome's idea. Not that he would ever admit it.
Kagome looked at him blankly. "You will not always be victorious Sesshoumaru. Do not think that you are all that. You aren't the only one with smart solutions around here.
Sesshoumaru's golden orbs burned with fire within them. She was pushing him over the limit of his control. He would not tolerate this for very long.
Lord Tsuki rose from his seat and stretched his arms outward.
"Well you two, me and Lord Inutashio are going out to the city for a while. You two are free to do as you please. I trust Sesshoumaru, you know your way around the palace now, if not just ask one of the servants and they will guide you." Lord Inutashio left right behind Lord Tsuki and turned to see that Kagome was bowing to him. He gave her a quick nod of the head as approval.
The doors closed behind the two Lords, therefore leaving Kagome and Sesshoumaru alone, once again.
Kagome drank her wine and ate the rest of her baklava. As she rose she saw that Sesshoumaru was still giving her death glares. She started heading toward the door.
"You know Sesshoumaru, you really should let your guard down and get rid of your arrogant attitude. It would make you a much more likable person."
That's it. Sesshoumaru's patience snapped.
He rose from his seat and in mere seconds he had Kagome pinned to a wall with his hands around her neck. Kagome's hands instantly had her arms around his massive wrists trying to remove his hands from her throat. His grip on her loosened so she could breathe and speak, but it was still strong.
"You are nothing compared to me woman. You stupid comments are unnecessary. I have never insulted you, or have said anything rude to you, and I expect the same from you." His face only inches away from hers and his voice low and dangerous.
Kagome stopped her struggling since she could now breathe and talk but she wanted his hands removed from her throat. In a low tone as his she said,
"Release me from your grip right now Sesshoumaru. Do I have to remind you, that you are a guest here and you are at my home? And if you don't know what that means, it means that you are in no position to harm the owners of this place. If you have anger management problems, than you better find another way to control it, because this certainly isn't one of them." She glared at him and gold clashed with ocean blue. Sesshoumaru growled.
"Woman—" Kagome cut him off.
" I have a name and it's Kagome. When you address me, address me as Kagome , and not woman or anything else that may come in your big head. Sesshoumaru ignored the last part of her sentence. He tightened his grip minimally when he said her name and loosened it immediately after.
"Kagome my patience is growing thin with you. You are pushing your luck with me. Do you understand? I do not tolerate idiocy, and certainly not people like you." Kagome raised a dark eyebrow at him.
"And what kind of person am I?"
Sesshoumaru smirked.
"You are arrogant, stubborn, annoying, and you have too much self pride." He said very bluntly.
"Oh! Well look whose talking! I would say the same for you Lord Sesshoumaru! Believe me. Have you ever listened to yourself? You really should sometime and think back to what you said right now and compare yourself. Now release me. I have nothing more to talk to you about." She said in a monotone giving away nothing to him. He released her from his hold and kind of missed her warmth, but dismissed that thought quickly. As she walked away she was stopped in her tracks by his deep and demanding voice.
"Lady Kagome, I would be careful around me next time." She turned around and countered it right back to him.
"And Lord Sesshoumaru, I would be careful around me as well. I am not what I seem."
Sesshoumaru started towards her.
"Really? Than what are you?" Kagome dismissed his question.
"I've told you enough about me for today, yet I have nothing of you! Tell me a little about you Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru would not let her off the hook. Was she hiding something from him? Wouldn't he have sensed it by now?
"Kagome why do you switch subject with me? You never answered my first question."
Kagome didn't acknowledge his questions but still awaited his answer.
"I have all day Sesshoumaru. Do you not trust me?"
Sesshoumaru sighed. He needed to get rid of this stress that remained on his shoulders.
"Woman where is the training room?" Kagome started walking away from him.
"Kagome, answer my question." His voice was demanding and made freeze in her tracks.
She turned around and motioned for him to follow.
"Next time I will not answer you if my name isn't used in your speech."
Kagome picked up her dress and started walking in front of Sesshoumaru leading the way. Sesshoumaru roamed Kagome's back body. Was there no flaw to this woman? She was really beautiful in every way, and he could tell that she trained for she had nice sculpted arms and legs, for a woman. Her feet moved accordingly and very gracefully. Her fingers were curled inside the silky fabric of her dress holding it up 4 or 5 inches off the ground. Not noticing that Kagome had stopped, Sesshoumaru almost bumped into her. Kagome turned around to face Sesshoumaru and came in contacts with his well toned chest. She blushed slightly and moved a few inches back.
"Umm, this is the training room, I you need anything, just ask one of the servants and they can assist you."
He nodded and Kagome moved away to allow him entrance.
"I will see you at dinner then?" Sesshoumaru nodded and proceeded to enter the room. Kagome turned once again and called Sesshoumaru just before he entered the room.
"Sesshoumaru! How about we train together tomorrow?" Her eyes sparkling in delight.
Sesshoumaru nodded in acceptance and left Kagome smiling in the middle of the hall. Kagome turned on her heels and proceeded to go to her room all the way on the other side of the castle and take a nice warming bath.
Thank you to all those who reviewd! It means soo much to me. And to those who didn't, well you didn't help much but thnx for reading my story neway. If you guys wanted to get an idea of the clothes the characters in the story are wearing go to my profile and you should see the website there! You'll get an idea of what Kagome and Sesshy are wearing. ;)