Morning arrived too soon. Kagome's head had barely hit the pillow before she heard Yukana's startled cry. It was immediately followed by a chorus of short snorts. Even in her half-delirious state, Kagome realized what must have happened. She pressed her face into her pillow, hiding a laugh as she imagined how shocked the handmaidens were to discover A-Un in her chambers.
Their surprise was short-lived. All too soon, Yukana was nudging her arm, urging Kagome to get up so they could prepare her for the formal send-off. She was in a daze while the inuyokai sisters dressed her. Her eyes were heavy, her mouth was dry, and her limbs felt sore as if she'd just completed every event in the school festival relay. She wondered how much of that was due to suffering under the weight of her wedding garments and how much was due to her explosion of reiki.
Her dreams had been filled with bursts of green and pink light. The colors reminded her of early spring when people flocked to the parks to witness the cherry blossoms bloom. Those days were spent basking in the sun and stretching out on the grass. Her memories of the occasion were comforting and warm, wholly unlike her experience in the courtyard.
Kagome shivered as she recalled how detached she'd been upon waking up. The fear of what she could have done remained laced around her neck, an invisible noose. If it had been anyone other than Sesshomaru, she was sure the outcome wouldn't have been the same.
"Have you caught a cold, my lady?" Yukana asked. Her lips were drawn right with concern.
"No, I'm fine. Just a bit tired. It was a long night. I didn't get much sleep," Kagome assured her, stifling a yawn.
Her handmaidens exchanged a look. Izumi blushed while her sister giggled.
"What?" Kagome questioned.
"The Taisho clan leaders will be quite pleased to hear it, especially Lady Arisu. She has long awaited the day her son would take a mate. It seems she will not have to wait quite so long for the arrival of her first grand pup."
"Yes, I'm sure she— wait, what?" Kagome blinked, her mind racing to process Yukana's response. "No! That's not— nothing…I mean, yes, Sesshomaru and I were up late but we didn't…didn't…"
Kagome felt her face flush as she attempted to correct them. Why couldn't she say it? It was two words. What was so difficult about two words?
Izumi giggled. "It is fine, my lady. There is no need to be embarrassed. It is only natural for a newly mated couple to lose track of time while engaged with each other."
"And I'm certain Lord Sesshomaru was eager to engage with you," Yukana added. "He can't keep his eyes off of you. I have never seen him so consumed by another. In the past, he has only displayed interest in weapons or battle tactics. Lord Touga chose you well."
Kagome tried to tell her handmaidens the truth but they heard nothing. They were too busy preparing to dress her for her first official day as a lady of the Taisho clan. Unfortunately, that meant she was not permitted to wear her guard's uniform.
"The Union Tour is a formal occasion. You are the Lady of the West now, a member of the noble class. You cannot dress in a station beneath you. It would send the wrong message to your hosts," Yukana explained.
Though the embroidered silks were beautiful, Kagome felt uncomfortable in the garment. Now she understood why Inuyasha had considered the role restrictive. Earning the title of Lady of the West was akin to accepting a crown…
…and a collar.
She was a symbol, a doll to be dressed in the finest fabrics and paraded about under the guise of extending peace. It was no wonder Inuyasha chose to break up with Kikyo. Kagome hadn't even made it through her first morning and she was already annoyed. The idea that people would be more concerned about what she wore than what she said was frustrating. It seemed that she and Sesshomaru had their work cut out for them.
"You will require a cloak. The temperatures in the North are far cooler than those here in the West, my lady, especially in Wakkanai."
Kagome nodded, mutely. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate Yukana and Izumi's help, but the lack of sleep and the tightness of her clothes were irritating. Kagome considered sending a message to Kujaku to request another guard's uniform. During their travels, there was no need for her to dress formally. After all, she could ride a horse much better in pants than in a silken skirt.
"It would be best to keep your hair up," Yukana commented, gathering Kagome's tresses in her hands.
While she braided Kagome's hair, Izumi kneeled in front of her with a palette of colorful dyes and a collection of fine brushes. "Your face should send a statement to those who look upon it."
Kagome didn't know what kind of statement Izumi was going for. She decided not to ask. It was clear that her opinion on fashion had been overruled. If it had been up to Kagome, she would have left her bedroom in her uniform and a clean face. However, she had been overruled.
"Let me move this aside so I can blend the color into your collarbone." Izumi began rolling the collar of her kimono. Kagome didn't think anything of it until she heard the handmaiden gasp.
"What is it? What's wrong?"
Izumi's eyes were wide. "Your neck."
"My neck?" Had her powers left a scar? Kagome jumped to her feet and rushed over to her mirror. She turned her head to the left and the right, craning backward in an attempt to see what had startled Izumi. "I don't see anything."
Izumi and Yukana shared a look. This exchange was different from their earlier amused expression. This one was full of pity.
"Is something wrong?" Kagome asked.
"No, my lady. Of course not," Yukana insisted.
Kagome frowned at Izumi. "Then why are you upset?"
"I thought I stained the fabric of your underlayer, my lady. Thankfully, I did not."
Her response was a blatant lie but Kagome couldn't understand why. She felt like she was forgetting something important. Another tradition perhaps? She checked the mirror again, trying to figure out what prompted Izumi to be dishonest.
As she leaned in, someone rapped on her chamber door. "Kagome?"
Her face brightened. Ignoring the handmaidens' frantic attempts to return her to the chair, she opened the door. "Sesshomaru! Hi!"
He greeted her with a bow. "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"
"As well as I could considering when I went to bed," Kagome answered.
Sesshomaru pursed his lips. "My parents have invited us to eat with them before our departure. I came to escort you." His gaze shifted momentarily from her face to the handmaidens situated behind her. "When will you be ready?"
"Now," Kagome replied, grabbing his hand. She led him from her chambers toward the corridor. The handmaidens followed.
"Wait, my lady, your hair!"
"And your makeup!"
"It's fine," Kagome waved their concerns off. The pair of sisters halted in their tracks. They exchanged an exasperated look but did not object. They kept their heads bowed as she and Sesshomaru exited their chambers.
He glanced over his shoulder. "Do you wish to be served by different attendants?"
"No! Yukana and Izumi are great. They're just a little much. I'm not used to having people make such a fuss over me. My family never had a lot of money so fancy clothes and accessories weren't an option. I mostly wear hand-me-downs from my neighbor's daughter," Kagome shared.
His brows arched in confusion.
"Oh! Hand-me-downs are clothes someone has grown out of or no longer has any use for. If they are in good condition, they can be given to someone else to wear. It's a good way to make sure the clothes don't go to waste, even if they aren't the most stylish or popular. I don't care about those things. I'd rather have good people than good clothes. Clothes wear out. Friends don't," she explained.
Sesshomaru seemed to consider this before inquiring, "Myself included?"
Kagome smiled and nudged him playfully. "Of course. We're friends, aren't we?"
"Hn."
A flicker of disappointment crossed his face. Kagome watched him closely, unsure why it had appeared. Last night, Sesshomaru had placed a lot of sincerity into his apology, including how important it was that she referred to him as her friend. Had that changed overnight?
She linked her arm through his as they made their way to the dining hall. "You know, one thing friends do to become closer is to confide in each other. So if anything is bothering you, you can tell me."
"Why do you assume I am bothered?"
"Your face."
"Hn."
"And that. You only mutter like that when you aren't sure what to say," Kagome pointed out.
Sesshomaru stared at her. "In the majority of instances, I find that action takes precedence over words."
"Maybe, but when you're trying to get to know someone, the best way to learn about their likes and dislikes is to ask. Taking a direct approach means you're less likely to misunderstand."
"That is a fair point. I will keep that in mind."
"Good," Kagome beamed, "because I'm looking forward to getting to know you better while we're on tour."
His eyes widened.
She laughed. "Don't look so surprised. We're married after all. Technically, this is our honeymoon. We should use this time traveling together to learn more about each other. I mean, we can't be training all the time, can we?"
"I suppose not."
"Good. So in between our lessons, we can relax. There's no need to act formally when it's just the two of us, right?"
Sesshomaru's brow furrowed. "You are aware that we are not the only ones journeying across the country, are you not?"
"Huh?"
"We will be joined by an entourage whose joint purpose is security and comfort for our travels. The guards along with Seiten and Kujaku will be escorting us. Assistance will be provided by your handmaidens, my attendants, and even Jaken," he informed her.
Kagome's smile fell away. She should have expected that. If there was one thing she had learned while in the Western Palace it was that privacy was one luxury not afforded to the Taisho clan. Between the legions of guards and the dozens of palace attendants, the moments she found herself truly alone were rare.
"This troubles you."
"I was hoping we would be able to spend time alone together," she admitted.
Sesshomaru stiffened.
Kagome felt her cheeks heat. She hadn't meant to make it sound like that. Suddenly, she was reminded of the night before and Sesshomaru's pledge. She ducked her head, glad Yukana hadn't finished her hair. Hopefully, her bangs hid the color of her face.
She cleared her throat. "I mean, it's easier to talk about our plans when we don't have to worry about anyone overhearing," Kagome said.
"Of course," he agreed.
She glanced over at him. Why had his tone changed? And what was with that impassive expression? Kagome sighed. Every time she thought they were taking a step forward, they went tumbling backward. The worst part was, she didn't understand why.
The remainder of their walk was completed in silence. With each clap of her sandals on the wood, Kagome felt her appetite shrink. Any warmth she'd felt upon seeing Sesshomaru that morning had been chilled over by his frosty demeanor.
She was the only one who noticed. The moment they entered the dining hall, everyone faced them with broad grins.
Touga greeted them first. "Good morning! I wasn't certain if you two would attend, given the early hour."
"We thought you'd be otherwise engaged," Arisu remarked with a mischievous wink.
Kagome's cheeks turned a vibrant shade of red. As if her handmaidens' teasing hadn't been enough, now her in-laws were going to comment too? She was grateful today's meal was private. Having to face this humiliation in front of Jinenji and Hina would have been enough to send her running back to her chambers.
She wasn't the only one affected. Inuyasha looked like he might be sick. He poked at his egg until his mother whispered something about not playing with his food. He rolled his eyes and devoured the morsel in a single bite.
Sesshomaru was unperturbed. He knelt at the table as though the topic of conversation was normal. "A proper meal is required before beginning the long trek north."
"And after a rigorous evening," Arisu retorted. "Make sure to drink plenty of water," she advised, gesturing for one of the meal attendants to fill Kagome's cup.
"T-Thank You," she stammered, unable to look anyone in the eye.
"I'm pleased to see you both taking your responsibilities so seriously. I would love nothing more than to have your return from your tour with exciting news," Arisu said.
"Mother."
"What? Am I not permitted to express my wishes for a grandchild? Perhaps you both will be blessed with twins. Ah! Can you imagine? What an auspicious sign that would be!" She clapped her hands together, clearly delighted by the possibility.
Touga patted her on the shoulder. "It would be a joyous occasion indeed, but there is no need to rush. Allow them some time to bask in the glow of their recent nuptials. Pups will come along soon enough."
Kagome choked on her water.
A firm hand came down on her back. Sesshomaru leaned over. "Are you alright?"
"Fine," she rasped, praying her face wasn't as red as the rouge on Arisu's lips.
Sesshomaru glared at his parents. "If you both are quite finished, I would like to speak with you about revising the members of our travel party."
"Seiten and Kujaku have already accepted the special request to make the journey," Touga responded.
"We greatly appreciate the offer, however, my wife would prefer a more intimate group and I am inclined to agree with her."
Kagome lifted her head, sure she had misheard him.
Touga rested his chopsticks across the top of his bowl and eyed his son. "Define intimate."
"I believe we could travel quicker without the traditional number of attendants and guards. If the weather remains fair, we could reach Wakkanai in three days."
"By traveling alone, perhaps, but what of the carriages? You can't expect your young bride to dress herself," Arisu argued.
"Actually, I'd prefer it that way," Kagome interjected. "I've never had anyone to dress me. Though I appreciate Yukana and Izumi's help, I'm sure I'll be fine on my own."
"Then what of your hair? Makeup? Will you see to those as well? Are you familiar with the styles in each region?" Arisu inquired, unconvinced.
Kagome bit her lower lip. "Uh, no, not really."
"I am," Sesshomaru said.
Touga made a humming noise as he stroked his chin. "This is a rather unique request, Sesshomaru. While you both may be fine traveling without the comforts of the palace, there is still the issue of security."
"Sesshomaru is the most skilled warrior you have," Kagome insisted. "Without the distractions of others around, he'll be able to focus on any potential incoming attacks. And since it will just be the two of us traveling together, we'll be able to maneuver more easily. If anyone is stupid enough to pick a fight with us, they won't last long."
"What if he is injured protecting you?" Touga questioned.
Before she could reply, Sesshomaru raised his hand. "My wife will always be my priority. If I am unable to defend her, I have established a contingency plan to ensure her safety. A-Un will be going with us."
Kagome's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Sesshomaru nodded.
A derisive snort sounded from across the table. Inuyasha shoved his food aside and crossed his arms over his chest. "You think that overgrown gecko is going to be able to protect her? He's not that strong."
"You are not aware of the abilities that A-Un possess. I am confident he will shield Kagome from any harm. However, his prerogative is not to fight. If we are attacked, A-Un will remove Kagome from the situation. Once she is safe, I will not need to restrain myself. I will eliminate our enemies and then find her," Sesshomaru responded.
Inuyasha scoffed. "You seem pretty sure of yourself."
"I do not doubt my skills or the skills of those under my command."
"As admirable as that is, your brother makes a valid point," Touga said. "It would be better to proceed with the tour as planned. Your union is still fresh. Many doubt the sincerity of your vows and even more are against your joining. I suspect there will be some who choose to act on their anger."
Kagome saw Sesshomaru's jaw clenched in displeasure. She slipped her hand around his and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Thank you all for being worried about us. Like you, Sesshomaru and I want this tour to be successful. Our biggest hurdle is overcoming perception. No matter what the truth is, people believe what they want to believe. This tour isn't about our marriage; it's about changing how people relate to our marriage, redefining their reality. The first step toward doing that is convincing people that we are no different from them."
"How do you propose doing that?" Touga inquired.
"Exactly the way Sesshomaru described."
Clawed fingers curled around her hand. Kagome took a deep breath and continued. "I would be more intimidated by a large group of people than a pair of newlyweds, wouldn't you? Think about it this way, if you had to face down an entire entourage of enemy forces versus just two people, which option would seem less threatening and easier to approach?"
Touga stared at her but before he could speak, she continued.
"Also, I feel that bringing so many people to our hosts' homes is inconsiderate. We are asking them to house us, our attendants, our guards, and our belongings. That is a huge imposition. Instead of them devoting extra time and effort tending to our needs, they should be focused on their lands and how this union can help restore what they lost in the war. If Sesshomaru and I extend this kindness to them, we have a better chance of parting as allies."
Arisu smirked. "I see you've embraced my beloved son's talent for strategy."
"I think it's the other way around." Izayoi smiled. "I believe it is Sesshomaru who is the one adapting. Kagome's empathy has given her a keen eye for negotiations. We can all learn from her example."
"She has taught me a great deal," Sesshomaru agreed. There was a slight press of his fingers around Kagome's hand, then he released her.
Touga chuckled. "It appears I have been overruled. I never thought I'd see the day when my family denied me."
"Don't be so dramatic," Arisu scolded.
"You should be proud of your children. They have shown wisdom that most seek but never obtain," Izayoi remarked.
"Indeed." Touga tipped his teacup toward Kagome and Sesshomaru. "You have my approval to proceed as you wish."
"Thank you," Kagome said as she and Sesshomaru bowed their heads in gratitude.
Inuyasha's gaze shifted from them to his father and then back to Sesshomaru. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
"Perhaps it is you, brother, and not I who has forgotten. Are manners such a foreign concept to you that you fail to recognize when a conversation has concluded?"
"It's not done if you haven't accounted for everyone," Inuyasha shot back.
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow.
Kagome glanced nervously between the two. She didn't want them to get into a fight over breakfast. This was the final meal the family would have together until the tour ended. She didn't want Sesshomaru to regret anything he might say in anger.
"Inuyasha's right. We didn't ask him to share his thoughts on our plan."
Sesshomaru's attention snapped to her. The last time Kagome had seen him so irritated, he'd pinned her to the wall in his chambers and threatened her. She hoped they weren't about to repeat that unfortunate encounter.
"You're representing the humans," Inuyasha said, pointing to her, "and you're representing the yokai clans," he indicated Sesshomaru, "but who is accompanying you for hanyos?"
Kagome felt a wave of embarrassment hit her. She had been thinking about how best to help people like Jinenji ever since finding him hiding outside his village. After hearing about Inuyasha's experience, it had become clear that no matter what class a hanyo was born into, their life was determined by prejudice. Even though her marriage to Sesshomaru was fake, she had to treat it as if it was real, including the fact that any child they had would be hanyo. How could she have forgotten such a crucial part of their plan?
"Are you implying that we require a hanyo to accompany us?" Sesshomaru questioned tersely.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "How else are you going to pull this off?"
"You're right." Two pairs of golden eyes bore into Kagome— one was blown wide with surprise and the other burning with fury. "I can't claim to know what it's like for hanyos or yokai. Honestly, I can't even speak for the humans. My experience is unique to me. It's no one else's. But we have to start somewhere. Representation matters. This is the beginning of our conversation. We should take advantage of Inuyasha's offer to join us."
"Absolutely n—."
Sesshomaru's rebuttal was interrupted by Touga. "A most excellent decision. I see Kagome's presence has not only affected Sesshomaru but Inuyasha as well. I'm glad to see both of my sons taking such an interest in politics."
Izayoi gave Inuaysha a proud smile.
As Touga offered up a toast, all eyes were on Inuyasha, except for hers. Kagome's focus was on Sesshomaru and his furious glower.
The courtyard was a source of consternation. Their sudden changes to the tour envoy had sparked several heated arguments with the guards as well as tearful pleas from the miko's handmaidens. The former was vexed by his lack of trust in their combat skills. The latter were convinced they had offended Kagome. Sesshomaru had had to summon his new wife over to calm the pair down.
While he dealt with an irate Kujaku, the miko was consoling her attendants. Sesshomaru had expected a reaction regarding their decision. He had not anticipated the ardency of his subjects, or the time required to deal with them.
Inuyasha stood off to the side, a smug grin on his face as he witnessed the entire exchange. Sesshomaru had considered running him through with his blade. Then he remembered that his sword had been destroyed. His claws would have to suffice.
He was contemplating the quickest way to dispose of his brother when Kujaku charged.
There was a split second between the shifting of her weight as she moved to strike and the moment of impact. Instantly, Sesshomaru became aware of several things. There was Seiten's utter surprise and Inuyasha's intrigue which caused him to lean forward in anticipation of the hit. Various other faces existed in the crowd, but the only one of note was his wife.
Either she had sensed the incoming attack or she had already been watching the exchange because her eyes were locked on him. Sesshomaru saw the shock in her gaze and heard her fear escape her in a short gasp. He had never been more motivated to halt an attack.
Pivoting to the side, he windmilled his arms around. The first one knocked the tessen from Kujaku's hold, swiftly followed by the second which latched onto her wrist. He twisted the joint while yanking her arm upward. There was a pop like gunpowder and then Kujaku was kneeling on the ground cradling her broken arm.
"You forget yourself," Sesshomaru warned her.
The guard flared up at him, defiant even in her failure.
"What happened?" Kagome demanded, appearing between them.
"Kujaku did not take the news well," Sesshomaru shared.
The miko frowned. "Why did you do that?"
"Would you have preferred me to be the one on the ground?"
Her eyes widened. "Of course not, but did you have to hurt her?"
"I was merely defending myself," he stated evenly. "If Kujaku had not allowed her emotions to get the better of her, she would have realized her mistake sooner. She did not operate as a guard coming to your aide. She acted rashly and without cause. Her actions could be considered treason."
"Sesshomaru, you can't be serious!"
"I am quite serious," he returned. "It is not a guard's role to question orders. Whether or not Kujaku agrees with our decision, she is bound by her oath to serve the Taisho clan."
"I'm sure she was only concerned about our safety," the miko insisted.
"Perhaps, but that does not give her the right to challenge me."
"He is correct, my lady," Kujaku said.
Kagome looked to Seiten as if expecting him to side with her but the head guard simply nodded.
Kujaku winced as she stood. "I owe you an apology, Lord Sesshomaru. I have served your father and this clan for centuries. Hearing that my talents would not be needed was troubling to hear. My pride was wounded. I acted out of anger and, for that, I am sorry."
Kagome interceded before he could respond. "There's no need for an apology, Kujaku. Sesshomaru and I understand. Don't we?" she asked, shooting him a stern look.
"We do," he replied curtly.
Kujaku bowed. Seiten led her inside to visit the infirmary. The break was clean. It would not take long to set. Though the fracture had not broken the skin, bruising would be visible tomorrow. As an inuyokai, Kujaku's body healed at an accelerated rate. She would be able to return to her duties by the week's end. Regardless, the miko remained displeased.
"You didn't need to break her arm."
"If Tsubaki brandished a weapon and attacked, would you show her mercy?"
"It's not the same thing," Kagome argued.
"Is it not? Kujaku lashed out in anger. Is that not the same motivation that compels your enemy?" Sesshomaru inquired.
"Yeah, but Tsubaki isn't my friend. I don't even know her!"
"Kujaku is not my friend. She is a guard appointed to protect my father and those he deems worthy of her services. Do not mistake her kindness for anything other than duty. If her orders were to change and you were labeled as the enemy, her tessen would be pointed at you. What good would your compassion be then?"
The miko huffed and folded her arms in front of her. Her eyes narrowed. "Why do you always pick a fight with me?"
"I am attempting to explain how compassion can be a weakness in battle. This is a lesson you have yet to master."
"Not everything is a battle, Sesshomaru! People make mistakes. It doesn't matter if they are human or hanyo or yokai. No one is perfect. Yourself included. Or did you forget last night?"
"I have not."
"Good, because we are going to be doubling up on your lessons since you won't let me spar," Kagome decided, dropping her arms.
Sesshomaru glanced over her head to where his brother stood watching them. "And what of Inuyasha? Will you require him to attend these lessons as well?"
Her expression faltered. "Well, no. I thought we'd work on these together. Just the two of us."
There was a slight hitch in her breath as she spoke. A light dusting of color settled over the bridge of her nose and fanned out along her cheeks. She was nervous.
He closed the distance between them by stepping forward and circling her waist with one arm. Kagome's hands rose to brace herself against his chest. With his free hand, he swept her hair over her shoulder. Sesshomaru leaned down and pressed his lips against the column of her throat.
"I look forward to our lessons," he said, straightening up.
The miko's face reddened. She stared up at him with parted lips and wide eyes. They were frozen in the moment long enough for Sesshomaru to consider kissing her. Then someone called Kagome's name and the trance was broken.
She hurried over to the hanyo child and his mother, who had come to see her off. The pair were stationed near the entryway. Sesshomaru watched as the child gifted her with a crown of flowers. The colors matched her kimono. Presumably, her attendants had helped the young gardener with his selection of flora. Kagome bowed to allow the hanyo to deposit the crown on her head. The hand-woven decoration added to her half-dressed appearance, making her look more like a forest nymph than a priestess.
Sesshomaru preferred the former.
"You should be proud that your brother has finally decided to take an interest in his duties."
He turned away from the scene to face his father. "Why are you permitting him to join us?"
"Having him as your second will relieve you of the heavy burden you bear, Sesshomaru. It will grant you time to spend with your lovely bride. Surely, you can see the merit in that?"
"If you hadn't allowed Inuyasha on the tour, I would have had her to myself," he countered.
Touga chuckled and patted him on the back. "I knew you had taken a liking to Kagome but I didn't expect you to be this invested. I was worried for you. You've never shown an interest in taking a mate before. I'm glad you've finally found your match."
Sesshomaru did not respond. He could not confirm his father's suspicions. Doing so would certainly lead to Touga issuing another toast. Inevitably, his mother would begin preparing the nursery wing. Izayoi would undoubtedly begin bestowing knowledge on how to prepare for becoming a mate and mother. The three of them would be unbearable. Though not as unbearable as it would be to have the miko reject him.
Their relationship was untraditional in many ways. It was difficult to discern what was part of their ruse and what was not. Scenting her emotions helped but it did not give him a clear indicator of why she felt the way she did. Sesshomaru could not be certain of how she felt, yet the image of her flushed face gave him hope.
He was eager for their lessons to begin.
