Kagome hadn't expected the Taisho clan to be so…well, normal. Despite their elevated status, Touga, Arisu, and Izayoi were welcoming. They did not behave as though they were above her. They were considerate and warm. Their attendants flocked around them with excitement that rivaled fans of modern celebrities. Of course, considering how attractive the trio was, Kagome was positive they could outshine any A-lister she could name.
The three had an effortless dynamic. They appeared comfortable with each other to the point that when one stopped speaking, another stepped forward to drive the conversation. They never spoke over each other. There was no tension between the trio at all. They operated as a single, cohesive unit. It gave Kagome hope that Kikyo's marriage— technically hers now —would align the country the same way.
That all changed when Touga introduced his eldest son.
Because Kagome knew Sesshomaru.
He had been there in the village when she ran out of Kaede's hut. It was him that Kagome had sensed. He hadn't introduced himself. Instead, he had lurked in the shadows, hiding like a coward. Kagome couldn't tell if he had meant to scare her but given his reputation, she suspected his motives weren't friendly. Otherwise, what reason did he have for remaining anonymous?
She may not have seen Sesshomaru's face that night but she had felt his yoki. Kagome didn't think she'd ever forget the sensation. It was like being stuck in a thunderstorm— disorienting and oppressive. There was a weight to his energy signature. His yoki reminded her of the snakes she studied in biology class, the ones that were capable of suffocating and devouring their prey. Was that was why he'd come to the village? To steal her powers?
Kagome was still learning about spiritual abilities. From what she'd discerned from Kaede, her skills were not the same as Kikyo's had been. Whether that was due to the jewel's influence or not, Kagome couldn't be sure. Regardless, her powers were developing. She needed to figure out how to control them.
Just as soon as she taught Sesshomaru a lesson.
Creep, she thought angrily.
It was ninety-percentage frustration and ten-percent skill that generated the jolt of energy from her core through her outstretched arm. Her reiki crackled as it left her fingertips and made contact with Sesshomaru's chest. Immediately, he was struck backward. Several attendants were knocked down in their attempts to help him.
From the floor, Sesshomaru glared at Kagome. She saw the hue of his eyes burn like molten good through his silver-white bangs. He was ridiculously attractive. It was too bad he was such a jerk.
A hush had fallen over the entryway. She knew everyone was watching her. They were waiting to see his reaction. Maybe she wouldn't be preparing for a wedding after all— maybe it would be a funeral.
He held his composure. "It is nice to see you again."
"Wish I could say the same," she snapped. Her irritation outweighed her worries about the consequences of striking him.
"Ah, so you two have met?" Arisu quipped.
Kagome barely heard the daiyokai over the hammering of her heart. Various emotions were vying for dominance, heightened by the adrenaline coursing through her veins.
"I believe my intended would like an opportunity to rest," Sesshomaru said, straightening up. He offered Kagome his arm.
"Actually, we aren't done with introductions." She turned away to walk around the side of the carriage.
Ever since their arrival, Jinenji had been hiding behind the wooden cart with his mother. She had spent a good portion of their journey convincing him that he would be welcome in the palace. Jinenji was worried about the Taisho clan's reaction. Kagome hoped her altercation with Sesshomaru hadn't discouraged him. Jinenji may be scared of the daiyokai, but she wasn't.
"He looks mean," Jinenji whispered.
"He's a spoiled rich kid with an ego complex. Don't worry about him."
"What if he doesn't let us stay?" the hanyou child asked.
Hina had voiced the same concern when Kagome shared her plan. The village had been cruel to them. Hina didn't expect the palace would be any different. Kagome hoped she was wrong.
"It isn't his decision to make. Kujaku said I have a set of chambers dedicated for my use. I choose to share them with you. If he wants to throw you out, he'll have to go through me."
Kagome took Jinenji by the hand and led him over to the Taisho clan members. "This is Jinenji Egawa and his mother, Hina. I've invited them to stay with me as my personal guests."
"Egawa?" Touga repeated. "You're Takuma's mate?"
Hina's eyes widened. "Yes, my lord."
Touga's expression softened. "Takuma was not made for war. His life was his garden. He should have never been forced to fight for his land. I was sorry to hear of his passing."
Kagome caught the quiver of Hina's jaw as she bowed her head. "Thank you, Lord Touga."
"You and your son are welcome here. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help accommodate you."
Jinenji looked at Kagome. "We can stay?"
"That's right," she beamed.
Touga observed their exchange with a kind smile. "I can see I was correct to select you, Kagome. You have already succeeded my expectations."
"Indeed. Your diplomacy will serve you well. You will make a fine Lady of the West," Izayoi agreed.
Arisu nodded. "You're exactly what my son needs."
"So I've heard." Kagome's eyes narrowed as she glanced over at Sesshomaru. She couldn't tell if he was upset or not. His face was like a mask— completely unreadable. It made Kagome uncomfortable. She ignored him— and the possibility that he'd murder her in her sleep —to smile at her hosts. "Now that we're all acquainted, I would love a tour."
"Allow me," Touga said, raising his elbow.
But he didn't present it to Kagome. He presented it to Hina.
Kagome bit her lower lip as her stomach sunk with realization. Sure enough, Sesshomaru forward. He mirrored his father's manners, lending her his arm. "Miko."
She placed her hand on his arm. "My lord."
His hand came to rest on top of hers. Heat sizzled between them as he attempted to use his yoki against her. Kagome retaliated with a spark of reiki strong enough to make him wince.
Behind them, Kujaku cackled.
Touga led them through the main entryway and down a long corridor. Hina was on his arm, while Arisu and Izayoi followed behind. The pair kept their heads angled toward each other so they could converse. Even though she was only a few paces behind them, Kagome couldn't make out a single word.
"Do you wish to know what they are discussing?" Sesshomaru inquired.
Kagome huffed. "Unlike some people, I don't go around trying to spy on others."
"I do not spy."
"Oh, so what do you call it? Eavesdropping? Stalking?"
"Hunting."
His answer sent a chill down her spine. Kagome wondered if she could convince Kujaku to sleep in her room tonight.
"These are the general assembly rooms where we host guest delegations and court events," Touga explained as they passed several large chambers.
"That is where the court members stood when my father announced his proposal," Sesshomaru added.
"You can access the gardens through here," Touga gestured to a hallway on his right. "And the stables are through the courtyard over there." He waved to his left. "Everything here is at your disposal. Feel free to explore at your leisure."
"Though I suggest you do not wander off."
Kagome tapped her finger against Sesshomaru's wrist, expecting to zap him again. Nothing happened. She froze and stared at his hand.
"If you seek my attention, miko, all you need to do is ask."
"I want nothing to do with you," she hissed.
"You are a poor liar."
Kagome had the urge to smack him. Unfortunately, they had fallen behind the group far enough for Arisu and Izayoi to notice.
"Look at you two. Already inseparable," Sesshomaru's mother purred. She winked at Izayoi. "It won't be long until we have pups running through the palace again."
Kagome's felt the blood drain from her face. What they were insinuating was out of the question. She'd never dated anyone. She hadn't even had her first kiss yet. Kagome had always envisioned it happening with someone kind and caring who valued her. The man beside her did not match that description.
"You are getting ahead of yourself, mother."
"Hardly," Arisu waved her son's remark off. "When your father and I were matched, we didn't leave our chambers for a full fortnight."
"Our circumstances are quite different from yours," Sesshomaru reminded her.
"Just because your mate is human doesn't mean you cannot pursue your desires."
Kagome regretted not running away. Sesshomaru didn't have to raise a claw against her. She was going to die here from sheer embarrassment.
A throat cleared behind them. "Perhaps we could conclude this conversation another time, my lady. Lord Touga appears to have gone on ahead of us," Seiten pointed out.
Arisu accepted his suggestion with a graceful bow of her head and continued down the corridor with Izayoi.
Kagome peered over her shoulder to mouth, 'Thank you,' before Sesshomaru pulled her along.
The interior of the Western Palace reminded her of Matsumoto Castle. Her class had taken a field trip to the complex as part of their studies. Though she had spent a good portion of that trip hanging out with Ayumi, Eri, and Yuka, Kagome remembered being impressed with the gorgeous painted screens and polished wooden floors.
What existed in Matsumoto Palace were relics— items that had survived the past five hundred years. The artwork was hung behind thick sheets of protective glass and the students had been cautioned against walking anywhere outside the path designated for visitors.
The Western Palace had no such restrictions. Everything Kagome saw was within reach. If she wanted to drag her fingers across a tapestry of inuyokai warriors, she could. If she wanted to run down the corridor and slide along the flooring in her socks, she could.
Though she suspected her handmaidens would have something to say about it.
Being assigned servants was an uncomfortable concept. While having their help seemed nice, she didn't like being waited on. Kagome knew how to wash and cloth herself. She didn't need an audience for any of that. Also, the more they followed her around, the more likely they were to discover that she wasn't the real Shikon Miko.
So far, she'd gotten by purely on instinct and a whole lot of luck. Judging by the way Sesshomaru was eyeing her, Kagome was sure that luck had run out. As soon as she was alone, she needed to find a way to communicate with Kaede.
She wondered if the younger girl had made it to the taijiya village. Despite how well the girl had managed Tsubaki, Kagome worried about her. This era was dangerous. There was no telling what kind of threats Kaede would encounter on the road. Kagome hoped she was safe. And that she had discovered a way to reverse the curse.
"Ah, there you all are," Touga commented as they rejoined him and Hina. "This hallway leads to the Taisho clan members' chambers. Kagome, you will be housed in our guest wing until after the ceremony, but I'm sure you're eager to see your future chambers."
"Oh, that's okay," she quickly replied. "I wouldn't want to intrude."
"Nonsense. Soon these rooms will belong to you as well. Sesshomaru, I'll leave your bride in your care while I escort the rest of our guests to their lodgings."
Sesshomaru bowed his head respectfully. "As you wish."
Kagome looked to Seiten and Kujaku for a reprieve. Neither of the guards would meet her gaze. She turned to Jinenji but the boy had already joined his mother, excited to see his new home. Kagome was left to deal with Sesshomaru alone.
"Shall we resume the tour inside?" he asked, opening the door to his suite.
She stood in the corridor, watching the rest of the clan's retreating backs. Yokai had heightened senses. They would hear her if she screamed, right?
"Miko?"
With a deep breath, Kagome readied herself to enter the lion's lair. Or, in this case, the daiyokai's den.
His personal chambers were what she expected— luxurious, massive, and well-organized. The main room was larger than the first floor of her entire house back home. It consisted of a large sitting area that looked out into a private courtyard. There were doors on both sides, leading to what she presumed were bed chambers. She had no intention of confirming her assumption.
Especially when Sesshomaru was leaning against the door frame staring intently at her.
"I could have just gone with your father and the others to the guest wing," she said awkwardly.
"I agree."
"Then why did you offer to show me around?" she asked.
"My father is the leader of our clan. Anything he requests is done without hesitation," Sesshomaru answered. "Regardless of how ridiculous the task may be."
"At least we agree on something," she grumbled.
"Indeed."
Their stunted conversation lapsed into silence. Kagome counted a full minute of seconds as they ticked by before she snapped.
"Are you going to tell me the real reason you came to the village?"
"I believe I already did."
She rolled her eyes. "You were hunting me?"
"I intended to kill that woman."
"Who?"
"The real Shikon Miko."
Kagome stiffened. She fought to keep her voice steady as she spoke. "I'm the Shikon Miko."
Sesshomaru crossed the room in three graceful strides. Kagome inched away. When her back hit the wall, she slid over to the door. Sesshomaru caught her wrist as she reached to open it. "I warned you earlier about lying."
"I'm not lying," she insisted. "Do you need another reminder of what I can do?"
Kagome tried to conjure another ball of energy. Having Sesshomaru this close was making her nervous. She could feel his breath fanning across her face and the heat of his skin where they were connected. The sensations were making it hard to concentrate.
"I am well aware of what you are capable of. That is why I wish to propose a truce. Join me, not as my mate, but as my ally."
"Your ally? Why would you need an ally?" Kagome attempted to yank free from his grip. He didn't release her.
"No other possess abilities such as yours. With you at my side, I could overcome any opponent, defeat any army. I would secure my place as the most powerful warrior in history."
Kagome gaped at him. "You can't be serious! You're father proposed this marriage to unify the land— to promote acceptance. He cares about people, no matter how they are born. All you care about is control!"
"I could eliminate the need for war and the needless suffering and death it creates."
Kagome glared at him. "You sound like a tyrant."
He scowled. "Are you refusing my offer?"
"Of course I am!"
His eyes darkened. "I suggest you reconsider."
"Kill me if you want but I won't help you with this."
Sesshomaru's lips curled, giving her a flash of his fangs. "I do not have to kill you to get what I want."
"What are you talking about?" she demanded
He smirked. "Interesting that you introduced yourself under the name Kagome. The Shikon Miko I know of goes by Kikyo. My brother is quite familiar with her. I assume you are as well?"
Sesshomaru watched fear deteriorate the miko's resolve. As anticipated, she was terrified of her secret being revealed. He planned to leverage the information to ensure her compliance. But just as swiftly as the fear appeared, it was gone.
The miko's eyes hardened. "Let go of me."
He released her wrist. There was nowhere for her to go. As beautiful as the palace was, these walls would not shelter her if she chose to oppose him. No one would give her aid, not even his father. Deceiving a member of their clan was a punishable offense. If she knew the fate that awaited her, she would not have rejected his generous offer.
"You are quite fortunate that Inuyasha missed the reception," Sesshomaru remarked. "Not that I expected him to attend. He has never been one to uphold his duties."
She remained quiet, silently seething at him as he spoke.
No one had ever looked at him the way she did. Sesshomaru found her stunning in her anger. There was a rawness to her emotions that made her seem deceptively vulnerable when in actuality she was nearly invincible.
She massaged her wrist, rubbing the spot he had clung to. He was uncertain what prompted him to touch her. Sesshomaru was not one to initiate physical contact. It often led to misunderstandings, especially where females were concerned, yet he found himself drawn to the miko. He convinced himself that the attraction was due to her abilities.
He wondered if she would lash out again. Her attack had caught him off guard. Sesshomaru had picked up on the displeasure souring her scent. He had not realized that the miko's powers were entwined with her emotions until it was too late.
Keeping her as his companion was risky. She was not predictable like Jaken or easily appeased by food like the dragon. The miko had the spirit of a wild stallion. She would require a firm hand until she learned her place. Sesshomaru intended to do just that.
"I will not inquire as to why you and that woman switched places. The reason does not concern me. What does interest me are your abilities."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"They appear rather unstable. I could assist you with controlling them," he offered.
"I think I can handle myself just fine," she retorted.
"Whatever success you believe you achieved earlier will not happen again."
"Wanna bet?"
A pulse of energy rippled forth from her core. Sesshomaru dodged the strike, throwing up an arm to shield himself in case she countered but the instant he moved, she threw open the door and fled.
Sesshomaru chuckled. He was not immune to the thrill of the chase. Like any predator, Sesshomaru enjoyed the hunt. It was rewarding to rely on his instincts to track a mark. Typically, he felt the rush on the battlefield. He had never pursued a target within his home before. With prey as rewarding as the miko, he was eager to see how the experience ranked.
He waited a full minute. If she wished to run, Sesshomaru would oblige her. There was no advantage he could not overcome. Humans were inferior to yokai. The miko was powerful but her emotions ruled her. Ensnaring her would be a simple task.
Sesshomaru took one step outside his chambers and came to a halt. Kujaku stood in the hallway, arms folded in front of her.
"A friendly reminder, my lord. Your father has decreed this marriage take place. As a union requires at least two parties to be considered a match, it is my duty to ensure both make it to the ceremony. Have I made myself clear?"
"Your fealty to my father is impressive, Kujaku, but do not mistake your fondness for that woman as duty."
The soldier scoffed. "Of the two of us, I believe you're the one who is mistaken."
He arched a brow.
"If you harm Kagome in any way, I will see it as a violation of your father's orders. I will have no choice but to put you down. Do you understand?"
"Careful, Kujaku. Some would consider your words a threat," Sesshomaru warned.
"It's not a threat. It's a fact."
"I recall besting you the last time we sparred," he said.
"Perhaps you did. Or perhaps I let you," she countered.
Sesshomaru frowned. He did not appreciate being mocked. "We could settle this debate easily."
"Another time," Kujaku declined, turning around. "My rotation is coming up. Don't forget what I said. Seiten and I are always watching."
"Seiten," Sesshomaru acknowledged Kujaku's mate who had been stationed just around the corner for their entire conversation.
The guard stepped forward with a bow. "My lord."
"Excuse me. There is a matter I must attend to."
Kujaku grinned. "I'm sure there is."
The guards' eyes were on him as he brushed past. Sesshomaru ignored their stares. If they wished to contend with him, they need only provide him with a place and time. It had been a while since Sesshomaru had faced a challenging opponent. Taking Seiten and Kujaku on simultaneously was sure to be entertaining.
Perhaps he would invite the miko. Then she could see their failure firsthand.
Tracking her did not take long. The woman's scent was confined to the path his father had led them down.
Sesshomaru found her in the outer courtyard, standing under a large oak tree. She appeared to be talking to someone. Intrigued, he paused in the doorway to see who had captured her attention.
"You're so handsome. Aren't you? Such a handsome boy."
The inflection in her voice had him expecting a child. Then the object of her praise shifted into his line of sight. It was the two-headed dragon. The beast had left his stall and was currently enjoying attention from the miko.
Sesshomaru studied them. It was rare for the dragon to leave the stables during the daylight hours. He did not frequent the grounds which were typically crowded with training soldiers or busy attendants. Much like Sesshomaru, the beast preferred to keep to himself.
Which was why it was so odd to see him accepting head scratches from the miko.
"Your hair is so soft," she cooed, carding her fingers through his mane.
The dragon tilted his head and pressed his face into her palm. She giggled. The sour stench was gone from her scent. Once again, she smelled of flowers and vanilla. The fragrance was light and airy. It paired well with the sound of her bright laughter.
Sesshomaru had never seen the dragon take an interest in anyone yet the miko appeared to have tamed him instantly. Both heads vied for her attention. She rewarded his efforts with words of adoration and caresses. The miko treated the beast with the same kindness that she had displayed with the hanyo child. Only here, there was no audience.
He had suspected her choice to bring the Egawas to the palace was to garner sympathy. There was no other reason for a miko to care about a half-demon. Yet, Sesshomaru could not detect a single trace of dishonesty within her. Her actions were genuine.
Sesshomaru was so transfixed by her that he did not hear the handmaiden's approach.
"My lord, Lady Kagome's chambers have been prepared so she may bathe. I am here to escort her."
"I will see to it," he decided, dismissing the attendant.
He waited until she was gone to move. It took less than a half dozen steps for his presence to be noticed. The miko bristled. The dragon pulled himself away from her to see what had startled her.
"You got lost."
"I didn't get lost," she insisted tersely. "I made a friend."
"I see. Your attire is not appropriate for an evening meal. You will need to change before dinner. I will show you to your rooms."
She ignored him in favor of petting the beast.
"Miko."
"My name is Kagome," she said sharply.
"Come with me." He extended his hand.
She stared at him warily. "Why should I trust you?"
"You should not. However, I know your secret, so like it or not, I am not the only one of us in need of an ally."
She offered up no argument.
A moment later, he secured victory when her hand slipped into his.
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who nominated and voted for "In Too Deep". My siren Sesshomaru fic placed third in FeudalConnection's quarterly Inuyasha awards.
