It took a full ten minutes, and an exasperated sigh from Sesshoumaru, before Kagome finally believed his invitation hadn't been coerced.
"I'm—"
His eyes narrowed.
"—not sorry. Not apologizing," she said, holding her hands up. "Thank you."
Sesshoumaru leaned against the edge of the balcony, the sleeves of his kimono rustling in the breeze, and she wondered if he ever presented himself as less than perfect.
"The Shiro and its occupants are at your service, miko. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance, should you require it."
She nodded, then grinned at the sound of Shippou's exuberance from the next room. "Are you sure he needs a room to himself?"