Sesshomaru felt the miko's hand tremble in his own. He could scent the salt of the tears she kept carefully locked behind her determined gaze. Her reiki was building around her like a storm cloud cresting over the mountains. She was more than a little nervous.

He had never placed much confidence in the opinions of others. Their thoughts had little to no bearing on his life. He considered it an advantage if they viewed him as a merciless opponent. Intimidation was a powerful motivator, though not powerful enough to sway the miko.

Despite her apprehension, she remained resolute. What Sesshomaru found most puzzling was that her concern was not with him. Her trepidation appeared to stem from the crowd inside the hall.

He adjusted his grip on her hand. "It is merely another exercise. Do not lose focus."

She closed her eyes, inhaled deeply, held her breath for a moment, then exhaled. When her eyes opened, Sesshomaru saw the light shining within her.

He had noticed it before— an energy that was neither reiki nor the jewel. Though Sesshomaru had no name for the phenomenon, he suspected it was the reason why the miko's abilities were unparalleled. What she possessed was not tied to her spiritual power. Kagome's essence— that was the only way he could think to refer to it —was bound to her core, her soul. It amplified her abilities the same way the Shikon Jewel did.

Sesshomaru could no longer tell if his fascination with the miko was due to her power or the unusual circumstances surrounding her. There was something undeniably intriguing about the woman that kept drawing him in.

When she had come around the corner, he had been struck by the vision of her dressed in white. The majority of the time they were together had been spent training, and while Sesshomaru could admit that she filled out the guard's uniform well, he was equally pleased by the vision of her in formal garb.

It did not surprise him that Kagome had forgone the head ornaments. Even when cornered, she refused to yield. The miko was not the type of woman to surrender control. It was a trait they had in common.

The doors to the hall opened, revealing the carpeted path that led them to the altar. Two figures waited on the far side. The priest represented Kagome's half of their union. Beside him was Touga. As the leader of the Taisho clan and their host, he stood for Sesshomaru.

Kagome clung to his hand. He bent down to secure the flowing fabric of her gown. As Sesshomaru straightened up, he pressed the excess into her free palm. Leaning close, he whispered, "You said you wanted nothing to do with me, yet here we are."

The miko stared at him, lips parted and pupils blown. Then she laughed.

Pride bloomed in his chest. He assumed she would smile. This reaction was far more rewarding.

Hand in hand, they made their way down the aisle. The Taisho and Crescent Court clan members sat to his right. The daimyo and his entourage were seated on Kagome's left. All the other attendees had been sectioned off. They were stationed beyond the screen walls, which would be removed for the reception. Their first glimpse of the miko would be after she had taken her bridal vows. Sesshomaru was not concerned about the ritual, however, that particular detail was comforting for some unknown reason.

The altar was decorated with several pillars. Each one contained a different element for the ceremony. Sesshomaru picked up on the citrus scent of fresh fruits, the tang of salt for purification, and the burn of sake. The beverage was of no interest. Though it did not affect him, he preferred to stay away from all substances. He needed to keep his mind clear for battle. Today was no exception.

As they came to stand before the altar, a third individual appeared at the priest's side. Sesshomaru felt Kagome stiffen. His gaze flickered between the two, trying to discern her unease. The young girl looked familiar but showed no signs of recognizing them.

It was not until the girl cast her eyes down at their joined hands that he remembered. This was Kikyo's sister— the one whom Kagome had written to.

Sesshomaru glanced over at Inuyasha. His half-brother was also surprised by the girl's appearance. Sesshomaru frowned. He did not appreciate surprises.

He scrutinized each of her movements. When she laid out cups for the sake exchange, Sesshomaru watched her palm pass over the tops. She did not dispense any poison into the vessels. As she assisted the priest, Sesshomaru waited for a surge of reiki to strike him. None came.

Sesshomaru assumed her purpose was to interfere with the ceremony. What other motivation could she have for attending?

"My Lord." The priest handed him the first cup of sake.

Sesshomaru dropped Kagome's hand to accept the offering. He stared at the translucent liquid. There was nothing out of the ordinary and he could not scent any toxins. Regardless, Sesshomaru did not take his eyes off the young girl as he swallowed the contents. Her focus was not on him. She was busy filling the next cup for Kagome.

"My Lady— my Lord?"

A murmur broke out amongst the attendees. Sesshomaru felt the weight of his father's gaze. The priest cleared his throat. Sesshomaru blinked, realizing he had snatched the cup out of the girl's hand. His reaction had been instinctive.

"Sesshomaru?"

Blue eyes bore into him. The laughter had faded. Her brow was creased with concern. He schooled his expression and placed the cup in her hand. "For you."

She gave him a tentative smile.

He watched her mouth curve around the lip of the container, saw her head tilt back as she drank the liquor, and noticed the way the flowers in her hair moved as if tousled by the wind. Sesshomaru was aware of each detail. And when she turned the cup over to him, he could taste her.

"My Lord." The priest offered him the final round.

Sesshomaru bowed his head in gratitude. The taste was unpleasant yet he drained half the vessel. Kagome had only taken a small sip, indicating her distaste for the beverage. Sesshomaru watched her do the same for this round. He took the remainder, telling himself it was part of their strategy. It would not bode well for their plan if she became intoxicated by the spirit and was unable to converse with the attendees.

"The couple's purification is complete. They are prepared to exchange their vows," the priest announced.

Assigning importance to certain words was common in both yokai and human ceremonies. During yokai rituals, the details varied between clans but a key component was the claiming of one's mate. The first time the newly bonded couple referred to each other as such was a milestone in the relationship. For humans, the process was different. Their union began with a declaration of intent.

Sesshomaru did not believe in words. Words could be misconstrued, misheard, and manipulated. Words were the tool of fabrication. Actions did not lie. Actions demonstrated commitment and dedication. Sesshomaru vastly preferred those who took action to those who sputtered nonsense, which was why he had not bothered to produce poetic phrases.

He unsheathed his blade and knelt before his bride. She let out a soft gasp of surprise when Sesshomaru placed the weapon in her hands.

He had considered this moment carefully. Though the ceremony was limited to immediate family, he knew those who bore witness would speak of it throughout the reception. The yokai clan leaders would be impressed. Giving Kagome his blade was the ultimate display of trust and fidelity. If anyone had any concerns about Sesshomaru's sincerity in marrying the miko, this act would surely silence them.

As he moved to rise, Sesshomaru felt a hand on his shoulder. Kagome set the sword on the altar and reached into the folds of her kimono. He watched, perplexed. When the miko withdrew her hand, she was clutching the tanto blade he had gifted her. She deposited the knife in his hand and closed his fingers over it.

The priest and the young girl exchanged startled looks. They did not understand the significance. Sesshomaru was unclear if Kagome knew what she had done. He suspects she was merely mimicking him since they had never discussed their vows.

He had not considered including her in the interaction. Now he recognized his mistake. Having her reciprocate his offering exhibited a unified front. Though the ceremony was based on human customs, they had found a way to incorporate yokai traditions.

Sesshomaru smirked. The miko was catching on quicker than he realized. She truly was a magnificent partner.

"This union has been arranged by Lord Touga," the priest acknowledged Sesshomaru's father, "and Lord Hitomi." The daimyo rose from his seat and joined the other three on the opposite side of the altar.

Sesshomaru was wary of Hiroshi Hitomi. Nothing was threatening about the man. He was ignorant and immature, barely more than twenty. Sesshomaru had lived far longer and garnered decades of experience. He should have been the one his father curried favor with, not this boy. The Hitomi clan did not even possess enough soldiers to adequately protect their leader. In the time it had taken for him to guide the miko across the room, Sesshomaru could have slain them all. Regardless, it was Hitomi who had decided Sesshomaru's fate.

The daimyo bowed in greeting. Kagome lowered herself in return. Sesshomaru clenched his jaw. He did not believe in lowering himself for lesser beings. In his eyes, Hitomi was no better than Jaken. Both were feeble inconveniences that caused more problems than they solved.

Someone pinched his hand. His nostrils flared. The audacity of this woman…

"Bow," Kagome hissed.

Begrudgingly, Sesshomaru bent forward.

If the miko thought he would overlook her behavior, she was sorely mistaken.

Sake was shared with Touga and Lord Hitomi. The priest thanked them for their role in the marriage, reflecting on their wisdom to propose such a union. Sesshomaru did not care to listen to his assessment. For all his holiness, the priest had shown up at the Western Palace for one reason: payment. He was as corrupt as his practiced praise.

The ceremony proceeded with another round of blessings, first to the kami, then to the clans uniting, and finally, to Sesshomaru and Kagome.

"May this couple maintain the peace of our two worlds and be blessed with healthy offspring to carry on their legacy."

Sesshomaru glowered at the priest. The human was treading on dangerous ground. A wish for strong pups was another commonality between yokai and human ceremonies, but it had no place in this union.

Redness bloomed across Kagome's cheeks. The priest's final words made her uncomfortable. Sesshomaru could tolerate the man's greed for the sake of their plan. However, he would not permit anyone to mistreat his wife— even if she was bound to him in name only.

He collected his sword and Kagome's tanto from the altar. "We are finished here."

Ignoring their stunned expressions, Sesshomaru threaded his fingers through his bride's and led her out of the hall.


Her heart was thundering in her chest. Kagome couldn't decide if it was from embarrassment, nerves, or a mixture of both. She'd heard Gramps give a similar blessing to the couples married at the family shrine. Having it applied to herself hit differently. When Kagome considered who was beside her, she was caught between needing to laugh and wanting to cry.

Everything had happened according to plan. Even the exchanging of vows, which they hadn't prepared for, went smoothly. Kagome would have considered it a miracle if she didn't feel so guilty for lying to everyone. The look of betrayal on Kaede's face was the worst. Kagome had only caught a glimpse of it before Sesshomaru led her from the hall, but in that split second, she'd felt the girl's disappointment.

Kagome didn't understand why Kaede was against their marriage. She'd had been the one to push the daimyo's agenda. She was the one who had told Kagome that refusing was not an option. She sent her away with the Taisho envoy. So why was Kaede upset?

"Miko." Sesshomaru's voice grabbed her attention. "Do not stress over the priest's words. He is here to serve us. After today, you will never need to see his face again."

"It's not that."

"Then what?"

"I guess it's just hitting me now…what we're doing here, how impactful it is. I mean, I knew— or at least I thought I did —but going through the ritual, hearing the prayers…I knew but I didn't fully grasp what it meant or what it would mean to me." Kagome knew she was rambling. She didn't expect him to understand. After all, they had an agreement. To him, this was a contractual obligation— a business transaction. He didn't assign meaning to any of this.

Sesshomaru pursed his lips. Subtlety, he glanced over his shoulder. Seiten and Kujaku stood several paces away, initiating the situation. Kagome wasn't sure what concerned them more— an attack in retaliation or the increased probability of Sesshomaru further humiliating the Taisho clan.

Their hasty exit had not been part of the plan. They were supposed to begin the procession as a way to tie the ceremony and reception together. While greeting their guests, the side panels would be removed to allow the attendees to mingle freely. Kagome wasn't sure how Touga would handle the transition but she knew Arisu would certainly have something to say about Sesshomaru's breach of etiquette.

"I will escort you to my chambers so you may change."

Kagome's brow creased. "Your chambers?"

"We married. There is no reason for us to live in separate quarters. The attendants have already moved your belongings into my suite," Sesshomaru explained.

"Wouldn't that mean it's our suite?" Kagome countered.

She heard Seiten and Kujaku attempt to cover up their chuckles with forced coughs.

Sesshomaru scowled. "Indeed."

His grip on her hand tightened. The sudden increased pressure reminded Kagome that he hadn't let go since they marched out of the hall. It had her pulse racing and her face burning.

"Seiten, Kujaku, you will wait in the corridor. My bride does not require an audience."

"I can assist Kagome, Lord Sesshomaru," Kujaku offered, stepping forward.

"It's just the outer coat. I should be able to put it on myself. Izumi already showed me how," Kagome assured her.

Kujaku hesitated before nodding. "Very well, my lady."

"I'm never going to get used to that," Kagome muttered to herself.

Sesshomaru said nothing. He led her to the opposite end of the palace where the clan chambers were situated. Kagome recognized his suite from the day she had arrived. The interior of the main room was unchanged except for the large floral arrangement which had been placed at the center of the table.

"A gift from Izayoi," Sesshomaru told her. "She believes that flowers will make you feel more comfortable here."

Kagome smiled and gently cupped one of the blooms in her hand. "They're the same ones I picked for my headpiece."

"She has a keen eye and a kind heart. The flowers were not the only thing she sent," Sesshomaru informed her.

He led Kagome to the left. When he slid it open, the first thing she noticed was her yellow backpack. Her bow and quiver were propped next to it, nestled between the bag and her bed. On the eastern wall were windows and a sliding panel that accessed the private courtyard. The other side had a partition and standing mirror for when she changed, along with a wardrobe chest.

Hanging over the wooden changing screen was a red kimono with golden cranes and white lotus flowers. Kagome's eyes widened at the design. It was an exact copy of her uchikake. The print matched the decorations on her shiromuku though the colors appeared more vivid due to the rich pigments used in dying the fabric.

"She knew I would be more comfortable in a regular kimono."

"Obviously." Sesshomaru dropped her hand and turned to face the main room. "I will remain here. Change quickly."

Gratefully, she hurried behind the partition. She would have to find a suitable gift for Izayoi to thank the woman for her help. Kagome made a mental note to search for something during their tour.

She started to pull the layers of her gown free, only to discover she couldn't undo the tie.

"Uh, Sesshomaru?"

"Yes?"

"A little help. Please?" Her voice squeaked as she asked.

Kagome felt the heat on her cheeks rise as he approached. She wished she wouldn't have turned down Kujaku's offer. Asking the female guard would have been way less embarrassing than having to ask her fake husband.

"I thought you were capable of dressing yourself," he mused.

"That was when I thought I was putting the uchikake over my kimono not getting out of this mess!"

There was a soft rumbling sound which she thought might have been a laugh. Then his hands were on her waist. Kagome held her breath as he worked the knots free. When the fabric loosened, she exhaled.

"Thanks. I'm good. You can go."

"Before that, I believe retribution is in order."

"Huh?"

Kagome yelped. Sesshomaru had pinched her. Normally the childish torment wouldn't hurt but Kagome's bruises hadn't healed. The spot where Sesshomaru squeezed was especially tender. Unbidden, tears came to her eyes.

"You should know that a strike against me will not go unpunished, miko. We may not be sparring today but,— Kagome?"

"I'm fine," she lied, clamping her hand over the sore spot.

"You are not. Let me see."

"No!" She stumbled backward, nearly tripping on the meter of fabric beneath her feet.

Sesshomaru's pensive gaze was on her. "I will summon the healer."

"No, you can't," Kagome cried, grabbing onto his wrist.

"If you are unwell—."

"I'm not sick. It's nothing to worry about. Just trust me, okay?"

There was a tense pause. For a moment, Kagome thought he would summon Seiten and Kujaku. She held his gaze, silently begging him to listen to her. She didn't release him until he relented. "Very well."

"Thank you," she breathed in relief.

Kagome waited until his back was to her to begin undressing. Even with Sesshomaru's assistance undoing the ties, shifting out of the heavy layers was a struggle. She had to be careful not to ruin her hair or makeup. While shuffling around, Kagome forgot about the mirror.

The next rumbling sound she heard was definitely not a laugh. It was a growl.

"You are not fine. You are injured."

When Kagome realized he could see her, she yanked the fabric over her shoulders, covering the evidence. "They're only bruises. They'll fade with time."

Sesshomaru continued to stare at her back as if he could see through the white silk. Maybe he could. His powers were extensive. Kagome wasn't entirely sure how powerful he was.

"There will be no further training sessions until then."

She whipped around. "Why?"

"During the tour, we will be presented as a united front. Our marriage is precarious. We cannot afford to give any of our hosts a reason to doubt the sincerity of this alliance," Sesshomaru said.

"What about our deal?" Kagome argued.

"I am not ignoring the terms of our agreement. I am merely deferring it until you are able to continue."

"I'm able now!" she snapped.

Sesshomaru jabbed his finger against her shoulder blade. She winced. "You are injured," he repeated. "You require rest. Allow your body to heal."

Fury ignited, hotter than any embarrassment she might have felt for being bare beneath the fabric clutched to her chest. "Tsubaki isn't resting. The moment I step outside these walls, I'll be a target."

"I am not dishonorable like my brother, miko. I honor my promises. No one will harm you."

Kagome found herself locked in his gaze. Molten gold collided with frosted sapphire. Her skin tingled from the intensity. Absently, she wondered if their energies ever entwined how it would feel. Kagome wasn't sure if it was even possible. Based on how Kaede had described yoki and reiki to her, Kagome assumed it wasn't. So why did she have a desire to prove the young girl wrong?

"Trust me."

"Why should I?" Kagome demanded. "I told you I was fine and you didn't listen."

"You asked me to protect you. I will defend you against all threats, including the ones you pose to yourself," Sesshomaru explained.

Kagome opened her mouth to refute, then promptly shut it. He was right. Damn him. Her nerves had distracted her from the pain but now, without the tightness of her gown, her muscles had begun to relax. She ached from head to toe.

"It will take us at least five days to reach Wakkanai. I suggest you leverage the time to rest."

"Who lives in Wakkanai?" Kagome asked.

"The sea demon tribe makes their home in the waters along the coast. Wakkanai is the closest land settlement to their territory," Sesshomaru informed her.

Kagome remembered Gramps' tales of Umibozu. The sea spirit plagued sailors with treacherous waters and stormy skies that often sent the men to their deaths. She wondered if the same fate awaited her. "We're not going in the water there, are we?"

Sesshomaru's eyebrows lifted. "Are you afraid, miko?"

"No," she insisted quickly. "I'm asking so I know if I need to pack a swimsuit."

"What is a swimsuit?"

She groaned, remembering that it would be at least another hundred years before the invention of the bathing suit. "Never mind."

Seiten knocked on the main suite door. "My lord and lady, are you almost ready?"

"One sec!" Kagome called out to him. Turning her attention back to Sesshomaru, and the conveniently placed mirror, she tilted her head expectantly. "Do you mind?"

He gave her one final glance and sauntered out of the room.