In the centuries Sesshomaru had known Kujaku, he had only seen her composure falter twice. The first instance was when Seiten had taken her as his mate. Their ceremony was intimate. Less than a dozen witnesses were in attendance. When the two traded weapons, Sesshomaru saw a single tear trickle down Kujaku's cheek.
The second time had been when his father nearly perished saving Izayoi and Inuyasha in a fire. Seiten and Kujaku had been ordered to remain with the woman and newborn while Touga dealt with the man who had set the palace ablaze. Kujaku had never spoken against Touga before, but that day she questioned her lord and the lengths he was willing to go to protect his second wife. It was then that Sesshomaru became fully aware of how dedicated she was to her position in the private guard. That day, she had been furious.
Today, she was seething.
Unable to rely on anything except her sense of hearing, Kujaku assumed he had taken liberties with his new bride. The evidence against him was damning. Kagome was uncharacteristically quiet. The color of her face matched the crimson silk she donned. Her scent was tainted by agitation and embarrassment. If Sesshomaru was unable to discern the reason for them, he knew Kujaku could not. It was easy to see why she had concluded that he was to blame. The miko was angry with him, but not for the reasons Kujaku suspected.
He had used Kagome's logic against her. In asking him to trust her, she had not expected he would listen. He did not trust her words. She was reliable in all areas but the one. Sesshomaru could not trust her to be honest about her needs. However, he could trust her body.
Both her physical response to touch and her scent had alerted him that something was wrong. When Sesshomaru saw the purpling bruises marring her skin, he had almost summoned the guards into the chamber. He had listed out every individual the miko had come into contact with, including his half-brother. It had taken him going through such an exercise to recognize the truth. The marks she wore were a result of their training. The blame was his to bear.
It had taken him longer than appropriate to tamper his temper. The menacing sound that escaped him had not been a momentarily lapse in judgment. He was teaching Kagome control over her emotions, yet he had proven incapable of doing the same. That indiscretion was disgraceful, but it did not compare to the shame Sesshomaru felt upon realizing he had wounded her.
The soldiers under his tutelage often commented on the severity of his methods. Those who could withstand the rigorous drills advanced. Those who did not were cut from the ranks. Sesshomaru did not tolerate weakness— not amongst his soldiers and not within his personal life.
The woman beside him had shown more determination in the past two weeks than the majority of his trainees and they were full-blooded yokai. He was uncertain if her resolve was born solely out of self-preservation or if it was due to her personality. She certainly was not fond of him questioning her logic.
Sesshomaru's action had rendered the miko silent. Her willfulness knew no bounds. He expected the tenacity when they were sparring. He had not anticipated it would extend far enough to affect her wellness. Sesshomaru would need to monitor her closely over the next several days to ensure she did not exacerbate her condition.
"Lord Touga will expect a formal apology for your sudden disappearance," Seiten said.
His gaze was hard. It was clear he agreed with his mate's assumptions of what had occurred in Sesshomaru's chambers.
"I will not apologize for my actions. They were in the service of my bride."
Kagome glanced up at him briefly. He attempted to catch her eye but her focus immediately shifted back to the floor.
Seiten observed the exchange with a frown. "Regardless of your intentions, your behavior has unsettled several prominent attendees. It would be wise to address the matter as soon as you step inside the hall," he suggested.
"No."
"Lord Sesshomaru, you may be unconcerned with your reputation but please remember that it is not only your character that is being scrutinized." Seiten looked at Kagome.
She did not notice. Her head was angled down with the same consternation as a reprimanded pup. Sesshomaru understood her anger. In his younger days, he had ignored the warnings of his teachers. Though his body had never suffered as the miko's had, he had endured injuries that could have been avoided.
There was a fine line between confidence and madness.
"Their opinion will not be swayed by false words. If they disagree with my approach, they are welcome to address their concerns with me directly," he informed Seiten.
The guard was not pleased by his answer yet he did not question Sesshomaru.
In all likelihood, it was the daimyo who was offended by their abrupt departure. Sesshomaru did not care for the man or his crooked priest. Their impression of him was unlikely to change regardless of what action he took. He would need to be diligent with the human lords. As the leader of those people, the daimyo's opinion could be a strong influence.
Sesshomaru was unconcerned. The daimyo represented the human clans but he was not the most powerful figure amongst them. That position was held by his bride.
The Shikon Miko was the unofficial leader of the human clans. As a female, she could not hold a formal title. Humanity's concept of gender roles was a cultural belief that Sesshomaru did not understand. Yokai clans were ruled by alphas. Gender did not dictate their role. If humans operated by the same standards, Kagome would have been appointed as their ruler. Perhaps then, he would not be required to resort to such extreme measures to ensure yokai's survival.
Seiten and Kuajku led them into the hall. The chamber had been enlarged to accommodate the dozens of attendees. Colorful kimonos decorated the room like the numerous flowering flora in the Taisho gardens. Sesshomaru noticed those responsible for the healthy blooms first. The hanyo pup and his mother were chatting with Izayoi near the head table. His parents were several paces to their left, speaking with the kitsune tribe leaders.
The instant his mother spotted him, she excused herself from the conversation and made her way across the room. Sesshomaru prepared himself for a lecture.
"Kagome, you look radiant! Marriage suits you, as does that kimono. I will have to instruct the attendants to prepare you more garments in that shade." She grabbed the miko's hand. "Now, come along. Everyone is eager to meet you."
Sesshomaru stepped between them. "Mother, I am certain there will be time for that later."
Arisu's eyes narrowed. "You've kept your bride to yourself long enough, Sesshomaru. It is time for the rest of us to have our turn." She turned to Kagome and her gaze softened. "Let me introduce you to Lady Tsugumi."
Sesshomaru watched his mother steal the miko away. He started to follow when a hand came to rest on his shoulder.
"You did well today."
"I am glad you approve," Sesshomaru thanked his father.
"I have never seen you hand over your sword to anyone. Even when you were a pup, you didn't permit the attendants to clean your blades," Touga remarked with a chuckle. "And to think, the one who would garner such profound respect would be her."
Sesshomaru followed his father's gaze across the hall to where Arisu was introducing Kagome to the leader of the panther tribe. Lady Tsugumi had striking emerald eyes and a dark complexion. She was one of the most vocal members of the court. Though she was routinely late to all events, no one dared to comment on the habit. The only thing sharper than her tongue was her teeth.
Lady Tsugumi's green gaze honed in on him. Sesshomaru gave her a curt nod, which she returned before addressing Kagome. He watched as the panther gestured to the miko's neck. Kagome's eyes widened. She raised her hand to her throat, looking uneasy. Instantly, Sesshomaru knew what Lady Tsugumi had asked her.
Arisu resolved the matter by whisking Kagome off to the next delegate on her list, Lord Hiroshi.
"Giving your weapon to another symbolizes more than fealty in our world. I wonder if Kagome understands the significance of her actions," Touga mused.
"She does not," Sesshomaru answered.
And he would ensure that she never would.
Novels, films, and television shows portrayed weddings as warm, happy affairs. The weather was always perfect, the guests courteous, the alcohol endless, and the atmosphere romantic. Kagome should have known that real life wouldn't be the same.
Arisu's efforts to establish a picture-perfect event had succeeded. The hall was unrecognizable from its usual plain decor. However, the sudden transformation left Kagome feeling a bit like a fish out of water. She preferred her guard uniform to her fitted kimono. Mingling with the guests was equally suffocating. Kagome knew a handful of attendees. Everyone else was a stranger, including the feline yokai who Arisu had introduced as the leader of the panther tribe.
Lady Tsugumi was not a lazy house cat like Buyo. If something caught her attention, she pounced. In Kagome's case, her interest had piqued when she noticed Sesshomaru hadn't marked his bride. She questioned Kagome, who was too embarrassed to respond. Luckily, Arisu intervened. She informed Lady Tsugumi that human wedding ceremonies were held before the mating mark was bestowed. Whether that was true or not, Kagome didn't know.
"Hiroshi, how nice to see you!" Arisu exclaimed, steering Kagome away. "Please excuse us," she told Lady Tsugumi.
The panther bowed her head. Kagome mirrored the gesture before Arisu shoved her in front of another yokai leader.
"Kagome, this is Hiroshi. He is the pack alpha of the northern wolf tribe. Hiroshi, this is my beautiful daughter-in-law, Kagome."
"It's nice to meet you," she greeted the white-haired elder.
"I never thought I'd live to see the day when a miko would willingly choose to bind herself to a yokai, especially not one as cold as the young Lord of the Western Lands," he muttered in a gruff voice.
"Sesshomaru isn't cold. He's…," Kagome trailed off, searching for the correct term, "…selective."
Hiroshi stared at her for a moment. Then he barked out a laugh. "Well said!"
As he wiped a tear from his eye, Arisu leaned down to whisper, "You will make a fine court lady, my dear."
Kagome didn't care about court but she did appreciate Arisu's praise. After all the demoness had done for her, the least she could do was put on a smile and act the part of a happy bride.
"You must visit us in the north, Lady Kagome. I would like you to meet my granddaughter, Ayame. She could learn a great deal from a woman of your wit," Hiroshi said.
"I'd be honored," Kagome responded with a bow.
"Excellent! I will have the pack prepare one of our finest kills for you and your mate. It shall surely make a pleasurable welcome feast."
Kagome kept herself from gagging. Hiroshi's words had her picturing a slaughtered deer on a stone slab. She hoped her imagination was exaggerated, otherwise, it was going to be a very short visit to the north.
"It was wonderful seeing you again, Hiroshi. We must be on our way. I want to show off this lovely flower before my son steals her away again." Arisu winked.
"Of course! We'll chat again later, Arisu. Congratulations, Kagome!"
"It was a pleasure meeting you."
Arisu paraded her around, introducing her to members of the court, clan leaders, and other dignitaries. Kagome forgot most of their names the second she was dragged away. Though she could guess which type of yokai most of them were, some guests, such as an eccentric old man with a long hammer, were impossible to distinguish. She was even more alarmed when said man ignited the lanterns with his breath.
"Ah, Kagome, I see you've met Totosai. How are you old friend?" Touga asked the yokai.
"I didn't think I'd be summoned from my volcano for at least another century. Twice in a single year! Who would have thought? I had to see this for myself." He grabbed Kagome by the chin, pinching her cheeks between his thumb and forefinger as he inspected her. "Young and headstrong, like your son. Quite a temper too. You'll want to be careful when she has pups."
"What?" Kagome snapped, smacking his hand away.
"And no respect for her elders." The old man tutted while shaking his head. "What a shame."
Kagome began rolling up her sleeves. "I'll show you respect."
"Totosai."
The man's huge eyes grew even larger. "S-Sesshomaru."
He rested his hand on Kagome's lower back as he came to stand beside her. "It seems your mind has grown as feeble as your body. Or is that merely what you wish us to believe so you can continue operating in such a distasteful manner?"
"I-I did? Good heavens." He scratched his head, feigning forgetfulness. "I must apologize, my dear. I'm not well."
"What you are is a liar," Sesshomaru stated flatly. "If I see you put your hands on my bride again, I will remove them."
Touga chuckled. "Sesshomaru, Totosai didn't mean any harm. You can't blame him for stumbling over himself. Kagome is a rare beauty."
"And as such, she should be treated accordingly," Sesshomaru agreed, glaring at the old man. "We will be taking our leave now."
Whatever lingering anger Kagome felt toward him evaporated. This wedding was a product of some media fantasy. The war was real. Sesshomaru was real. Their union was real. No matter how uncomfortable it was, Kagome couldn't forget the silver lining— she wasn't alone.
Arisu reached across them, taking hold of Kagome's arm. "Not so fast. She hasn't been introduced to everyone yet."
"Is that necessary?" Sesshomaru questioned.
"Of course it is. I want everyone to see what a wonderful daughter-in-law I have," Arisu boasted.
Kagome inwardly groaned. She wasn't sure how much longer she could fake her smile. Also, it seemed that Arisu was only interested in introducing her to yokai leaders. Kagome hadn't met a single human leader except for the daimyo, who she hadn't seen since the ceremony. She'd spotted the priest mingling by the saki. Kagome expected Kaede to be tending to him but the young girl appeared to have left.
"There will be time for that later. I would like a moment with my bride," Sesshomaru responded.
"What could be more important than greeting your guests?" Arisu challenged.
"Humans require regular nourishment, mother. Unless you prefer to let your daughter-in-law faint from exhaustion."
Arisu released her. "Of course. Today is about you both. You should savor the meal that was prepared in your honor." She spoke with a smile but Kagome could sense the crackle of tension as yoki clashed between Sesshomaru and his mother.
Touga turned to the old man. "Totosai, have you met Hina Egawa? She is Hisao's mate. They're dear friends of Kagome's."
The two began shuffling through the crowd, leaving Kagome wedged between her husband and mother-in-law.
"I expect you to continue with introductions once your desires have been sated," Arisu said cooly.
Kagome's face burned. Was that what everyone believed? Did they suspect Sesshomaru's reason for dragging her out of the ceremony was to consummate their marriage? She felt like fainting from the insinuation.
"The only desire I have is for this frivolous function to end."
Arisu stepped forward. "My beloved son, while this reception may seem like nothing more than an excuse to partake in luxury, know that events of this caliber offer more than sake and impressive decor. Your battlefield is one of armor and blades. Mine is composed of silk and sabotage. The mediums may change but the objective remains the same. You'd do well to remember that." She patted his cheek and strolled off.
"You're going to pay for that later, aren't you?" Kagome asked him.
"Our tour is scheduled to take several weeks. It is unlikely my mother's ire will linger in our absence."
"Then I guess it's going we're setting out early tomorrow."
"Indeed. You seem to be acclimating well," Sesshomaru noted.
Kagome sighed. "Your mother has introduced me to so many people and we're not even halfway through the guest list!"
"Our union is the source of much speculation and intrigue. It is only natural that the clan leaders would be present to witness this momentous occasion."
"I guess that's true," she said, "but why is your mother only introducing me to yokai leaders?"
Sesshomaru snaked his arm around her waist, drawing her close. From an outside observer, it looked like he was embracing his new bride. In reality, Sesshomaru was safeguarding Kagome's secret.
His voice was low as he answered her. "The Shikon Miko meets with the leaders of her lands after the jewel is placed in her care. She blesses their homes and makes a public appearance to their citizens."
Kagome felt her pulse spike. "H-has anyone noticed that I'm not Kikyo?"
"No," Sesshomaru confirmed. "I doubt they paid much attention to that woman. It is her powers that made her revered, not her personality. To them, she was nothing more than a host for the jewel."
"That's sad. She must have been lonely."
"What she is or was should not concern you. What matters now is preventing the future she set in motion— the future you promised to help me change."
Kagome glanced around the room. Dignitaries from across the country were conversing. Some sprouted scales, feathers, or fur while others remained quite plain. Though a few appeared a bit standoffish, the overall atmosphere was pleasant. Their guests were enjoying the event.
She reminded herself to thank Arisu again. It was an impressive talent to coordinate an affair of this size, especially considering how many different cultures were included. The daiyokai was a master of circumstance.
"We're building a solid foundation here," Kagome told Sesshomaru as he straightened up. "The tour includes visits to all the prominent families, right?"
He nodded.
"For now, I think we should focus on looking the part. When we have one-on-one time with each of the clan leaders, we can talk to them about the benefits of acceptance and collaboration."
"Do you consider yourself a negotiator?" Sesshomaru inquired.
"I got you to agree to my plan, didn't I?"
"Hn."
"I know they aren't going to be sitting around a campfire, holding hands, and singing songs any time soon but no one wants another war. If we can help them see how unifying the lands will prevent that, we have a shot at this."
"You would be more successful if you appealed to their desire for wealth," Sesshomaru encouraged.
"Oh, yeah. Your father mentioned that was his key selling point to the court."
"Greed transcends the boundary between yokai and humans."
"Alright, then we'll use that and other motivators to get people on our side," Kagome suggested.
"What could be more inspiring than increased wealth?" Sesshomaru questioned.
"Fame," she replied.
"Vanity." Sesshomaru seemed to contemplate her answer for a moment before smirking. "You are advancing well, miko."
"Kagome."
"Kagome," he corrected.
She tried not to blush. The way he spoke her name was distinctly different from the way anyone else said it. The timbre of his voice rumbled like thunder but the tone was smooth like honey. Though Kagome insisted on him calling her by her name, each time he did, her heart fluttered in her chest. She just prayed he couldn't hear it.
"Is there anything you require before my mother continues showing you off?"
As tasty as all the food looked, Kagome was too anxious to eat. "A glass of water?"
"I will be back momentarily"
She watched Sesshomaru sweep through the crowd. People shifted out of his path without hesitation. Kagome wanted to believe their swift movement was out of respect but she suspected it was more likely out of fear. Even without his armor and blades, Sesshomaru was intimidating.
"I suppose congratulations are in order."
Kagome turned toward the unfamiliar voice. He looked human except for a couple of details. Based on the garnet color of his eyes, Kagome knew he was a demon. His dark hair and tanned skin were similar to Lady Tsugumi but the design of his garments didn't match the style of her clan. He was clothed in layers of armor that were tied together by an intricate web of blue sashes.
She gave him a weak smile. "Thanks."
The demon bowed forward until his nose almost rubbed against hers. "You're nothing special, are you? I've seen maids with more allure than a chubby-cheeked thing like you."
"Excuse me?"
He stood up, crossing his arms over his chest. "I can see why Sesshomaru opposed this. You're beneath him. Even if you were attractive, you wouldn't be worthy. Want to know why? Because you're a lowly human. You aren't even good enough to fetch my drink. The only reason you're here is because of some stupid treaty. If it wasn't for Lord Touga, you wouldn't have the chance to be in the same room as his son, let alone mate with him. You're just some wench who got lucky."
Kagome had dealt with her fair share of bullies before. In school, they were taught not to antagonize others. She had listened back then, mostly to avoid getting expelled. This was time was no different. Her goal was to improve yokai and human relations. Getting into an argument with a demon less than an hour after her wedding was not going to help her cause. But how did she get out of this situation?
"Hey, everything alright here?"
"Inuyasha."
Sesshomaru's brother glanced between her and the red-eyed demon. "Do you want me to call Kujaku over?"
The stranger snorted. "Typical half-breed. Can't do it yourself. You need a full-blooded demon to take care of things for you."
"What did you say?" Inuyasha groused.
"You heard me," the demon grumbled. "The only thing more pathetic than her is you. Half-breeds are the lowest of the low. You're trash."
Kagome's hand flew before her sense of reason could stop it. Her palm connected with the demon's cheek. The smack of skin on skin was deafening. Everyone in the hall stilled.
"Y-You hit me," the red-eyed demon stammered in disbelief.
"Serves you right. How dare you say that? It doesn't matter if you are yokai, hanyo, or human. Everyone deserves respect."
He hunched forward, one hand massaging his cheek. At first, Kagome assumed he was ashamed of being struck, but then she heard him laugh. The sound caused goosebumps to break out across her arms. Her stomach churned.
"Now you've done it, wench. Do you even know who I am?"
"No, should I?" Kagome retorted, sounding much braver than she felt.
"I'm Hiten, the eldest son of the Thunder Demon tribe." As if to prove it, the temperature of the hall suddenly dropped and the lateens flickered.
Kagome swallowed nervously. An altercation between classmates usually resulted in detention or suspension. Fighting between a miko and a yokai typically ended in death. Inuyasha reached for his sword.
I should've just walked away, she thought, inching away.
Hiten grabbed her arm. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Let go!" A pulse of pink light exploded from her chest. The blast shoved Hiten across the hardwood floor and sent him tumbling into several other guests.
His red eyes narrowed. "You're going to pay for that." He charged at her.
There was a flash of black and suddenly Hiten was on lying on the ground at her feet. "Enough."
"What the—?"
"You dare attack a member of the Taisho clan in our ancestral home?"
Hiten scoffed. "That woman isn't a Taisho. She's just human chattel."
Sesshomaru hauled the Thunder demon to his feet by his throat. "If I ever hear you speak of my wife that way again, my face is the last thing you will see before you depart this world. Do you understand?"
"Y-Y-Yes," Hiten rasped.
Sesshomaru tossed him aside and turned to the nearest guards. "Throw him out." He went to Kagome's side, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Are you hurt?"
"No, I'm fine."
He frowned. "You are shaking."
Kagome glanced at her hands. They were stable. Maybe inuyokai senses were affected by distress? Brow creased, she wondered if Sesshomaru was okay.
He faced away from her to address the crowd. "Thank you for celebrating with us. We are extremely grateful for your support of our union. Unfortunately, not everyone in attendance shared our values. We will be taking our leave for this evening. In our absence, I welcome you to delight in the festivities my mother has prepared."
Sesshomaru laced his fingers through Kagome's and led her from the hall. As they marched out, she glanced over her shoulder. Touga and Izayoi were trying to get the guests under control. Arisu was having some heated words with Hiten. Inuyasha stood frozen, staring in bewilderment at Kagome as she was led away. His face was the last one she saw before Seiten and Kujaku closed the hall doors.
Adrenaline had her head buzzing. She didn't realize they had reached Sesshomaru's chambers until he was holding the door open for her. Kagome stepped inside. Her eyes drifted to the floor as she tried to process what had happened. If she had been looking up, she would have noticed the visitor leaning against the far wall.
"I thought that went well, all things considered."
Kagome's eyes went wide. "You!"
Hiten smiled and pushed off the wall. "Nice to meet you," he said, extending his hand to her. "If I had known how pretty the Shikon Miko was, I would have volunteered to marry you."
"What?" she cried exasperatedly.
A hand on her lower back urged her forward. "Kagome, this is Hiten, the eldest son and heir to the Thunder Demon tribe. Hiten, this is my wife, Kagome, the Shikon Miko."
She stared at Sesshomaru incredulously. "You planned this?"
