To Covet
Rating: M
Anime: Inuyasha
Pairing: Kagome/Sesshomaru
A/N: This chapter takes place eight years after chapter one. As always, feedback, theories, ideas are welcome. It feels good to write for you again :)
Kagome sat in her mother's quarters, her head bowed low enough to show respect, but still able to watch her mother thread her delicate hands through her short hair. Her mother brushed the strands softly and with intention using her gilded brush, a gift from her late husband. Satomi peered deeply into her similarly intricate mirror, staring intently at her daughters that looked inquisitively back at her. One daughter solemn, the other confused.
"I don't understand, this was never an issue with Papa!" Satomi's youngest, Kagome, shouted out. Satomi sighed and placed her brush down on her boudoir table. She shifted and turned to face her daughters. Her beautiful daughters with their long, dark hair. So alike and yet, so different.
Kikyo was the picture of poise and royal grace with her pale skin, and doe brown eyes. Everything she said was well-chosen and finely thought out since the day she learned to speak. She was content to sit inside and learn from her priestess mentor any day. An exemplary example of how a young lady in training should behave. Kagome on the other hand, wore her heart on her sleeve. Her skin glowed from her time spent in the sun with gardening staff and she had inherited her father's deep blue eyes. She could be brutally stubborn and had a fiery temper on her. She was known to be an escape artist amongst the palace staff, but she certainly had mellowed out as she aged, instead more known now for her cheery disposition and eagerness to help.
"Your father is no longer with us. I cannot rule as sole lady of these lands, my children you know this. Your brother is not old enough to take over and it leaves us open to attack from clans that see us as weak now. This marriage to strengthen our alliance is what your father would have wanted." She sighed and reached out to grab each daughters' hand. "Kikyo is to marry the eldest heir to the Western lands, Sesshomaru. You are old enough, and frankly overdue to be wed. Your father gave you your freedom as long as he could, but it's time now."
"This isn't fair to Kikyo. She's too kind to say anything, but she doesn't want to be married to that emotionless horror, and I don't know who would!" Kagome placed her free hand on top of her mother's, pleading on her elder sister's behalf.
Lady Satomi frowned, "This is necessary for the longevity of our family, Kagome. Not to mention, this is a favorable pairing. We will be ensured protection from our neighboring Lord Kirinmaru. You will have to be wed too, and if you do not find someone soon, I shall have to choose for you as well. We've had more interest from other demon lords who desire our lineage of spiritual power, but I worry your temper will get you killed in those courts. Perhaps the Hojo clan would have you…"
"I understand. I accept this duty and would be honored to marry Lord Sesshomaru." Kikyo interrupted. She dipped her head and bowed as her mother watched. Kagome sat, horrified at her sister's refusal to fight for herself.
Their mother nodded and gracefully stood from her cushion on the floor. "I will send word to Lord Touga and Lady Inukimi to prepare at once. We have many arrangements to make in the coming days." The lady of the Northern estate stepped directly outside onto the engawa, where a servant was quick to appear by her side to escort her to the gardens.
As their mother walked out of earshot, Kagome turned towards her sister and stared at her intently. "Kikyo, it does not have to be this way. Speak up for yourself. You should marry someone you love!"
"Little, spoiled girls who are given the chance to wed whomever they wish have no place to speak in this matter!" Kikyo suddenly lashed out, her hands becoming clenched, her body quivering in anger. "As eldest I have no choice but to accept! You could never understand the responsibility I have to this family. You have always been free to do as you like, and so has Souta. You are free to choose whomever you wish to marry. You have your choice of Akitoki or Kouga, anyone!"
Kagome blinked, taken aback by her sister's outburst. While she wouldn't necessarily agree with her saying she could marry just anyone, she decided to keep her mouth shut for once. She felt badly for her older sister and knew there was truth to be found in her words. "I'm sorry for upsetting you…"
Kikyo stood abruptly and attempted to smooth the many layers of her Kimono. "I must go. I have a lesson with Kaede, and then I must meet with mother to discuss wedding arrangements."
Kagome watched her sister leave their mother's room sadly. Their father's death had affected all of them deeply, and Kagome wanted everyone to be happy. She never imagined that Kikyo would truly end up being sent away to live in the Western lands as a bride and mate to one of the coldest warlords around. But she recognized the important of this alliance, and silently thanked her elder sister for shouldering the burden. She wasn't sure she would be strong enough to do so should their roles be swapped.
Two weeks later and the Higurashi clan's estate was bustling with servants and courtesans preparing for the arrival of the Taisho clan. Lady Satomi's advisors hurried around, commanding staff on what needed to be done. Florists ran here and there with lavish arrangements in their hands and garment makers with the finest materials held different color palettes in front of the Higurashi Matriarch. It felt surreal to Kagome that she would be in the presence once again of the great Inu Daiyokai family. Inuyasha was no stranger to the Higurashi estate, and Kagome's heart fluttered in excitement at the thought of seeing him again. Kagome had only seen the Inu Lord & Lady together a handful of times at larger events throughout her life. And Sesshomaru, she hadn't seen him in a few years, not since her father had last arranged a meeting between the lands. She grimaced at the thought of her sweet sister marrying him. She was not excited for him to arrive.
Passing by the kitchens, Kagome ducked in and snatched a bun from a tray and shoved her hand behind her back. The servants here were frantically prepping the necessary ingredients and paid the younger daughter no mind. As she left the room and started nibbling on the meat filled bun, her thoughts wandered back to Inuyasha. She could feel a blush already working its way over her cheeks and she let out a sigh of content. The last few times he came by, he had been kind enough to offer her swordsmanship lessons, and with a mischievous wink, let her know he would not tell her mother. Thinking of how he rested his hands over top hers on his sword as he showed her the proper grip…Kagome twirled, feeling giddy.
Stuffing the last piece of the bun into her mouth, she prayed that she would get more time with him. Even though she wanted to marry him, she had never actually mentioned her desire for him to ask for her hand. It was more of a crush that she had, but she was hoping he felt the same way. She was determined that this would finally be the time that she confessed her love for him! She hummed happily to herself, ready to go select a fine Kimono to wear for when their guests arrived, and to perhaps check on her sister.
Settling on a deeply rich purple kimono with a cream obi and white flowers patterned across it, Kagome let her handmaids get to work on her hair and makeup. Opting for her hair to be left down, it was styled with an ornate pin on the side of her head, with her hair swept over her other shoulder. There wouldn't be much more time before the Daiyokai arrived, and Kagome was already running behind as it was. She didn't have time to go check on Kikyo, so she would have to wait to see her during the formal greetings.
After helping her slide her footwear on, her servants opened her bedroom doors and her mentor, Kaede, was there ready to escort her. "Kaede!" Kagome smiled in greeting and wrapped her hands around the elderly woman's arm. They proceeded to walk together to the main entrance, Kaede offering her a smile and nod in return.
"Ye look beautiful Lady Kagome! Almost as if ye were trying to impress." A blush spread its way over Kagome's face, and she shrugged, trying to be nonchalant.
"I'm only doing this so mother doesn't scold me! I would be in something more comfortable right now if I could be."
"Well, ye are doing the right thing. Both ye and Lady Kikyo will be sights to behold tonight. I'm sure the Taisho lords will be pleased." Kaede beamed at her student.
Kagome suddenly was hit with a thought. "Oh, Kaede. This really is a pleasant change having you escort me, but wouldn't you usually escort Kikyo?"
Kaede hummed. "Usually yes, child. Today I was directed to come to ye, however."
Kagome nodded and began to grow excited again at the thought of their guests, along with the feast they were having to welcome them in for the week's worth of wedding festivities. She would see if she could have a word with Lord Sesshomaru about being kind to her sister, she decided. Would it be well-received? Likely not, but it was worth a try.
The pair arrived at the entrance of their home, looking in awe as the usually bland estate had lit lanterns everywhere. They glowed warmly in the last light of dusk and bathed the scattered floral arrangements in a pink tint. Looking around further, Kagome made eye contact with her mother. She untangled herself from Kaede's arm and glided over to her mother, feeling graceful for once. Satomi smiled and gestured for her to stand beside her, her younger brother, Souta, standing on her other side.
"You look beautiful!" her mother cooed. Kagome preened, enjoying the praise she did not usually receive from her. Souta rolled his eyes and smiled at his sister, and she reached over to grab and tug a section of his hair behind their mom's back. Souta cried out in pain and Satomi sighed. "Please do keep your hands to yourselves, children. Our esteemed guests will be here soon, and I would love nothing more than for them to believe you have aged into fine nobility."
Kagome snickered and smiled sweetly at her mother. "Of course! I shall be on my best behavior."
The three watched as their entrance guards pushed open the heavy gates to their estates. In the distance, a caravan was arriving, and four glowing figures came down from the sky and landed in front of the caravan, continuing to walk the now shortened distance to the front gates. They were here! Kagome watched as her mother twisted around, searching the crowd that began to gather around them to welcome the guests. Her brow furrowed and she looked between Souta and Kagome.
"Where is your sister? Where is Kikyo?" there was an edge of panic in the Higurashi matriarch's voice. Their eldest sister was not one to show up late.
Kagome blinked, surprised as well that they had made it before Kikyo had. "I'm not sure. I wasn't able to see her before I had to get dressed."
"I haven't seen her today yet either." Souta looked up at his mother and sister and then to Kaede. Once all eyes were on Kaede, the older woman grew confused.
"I was told to escort Kagome this evening. Not Kikyo, so I have not seen her either. I will have someone check her room." Kaede turned and whispered to a handful of servants, who immediately dispersed and went off in different directions to begin searching for the bride to be.
"I'm sure she's nervous." Kagome said, trying to soothe her mother. "She is probably in her room as we speak fumbling about. She will be here soon."
Satomi nodded, feeling a sense of unease. She watched as their guests grew closer, until they were directly at the entrance. They were as regal and beautiful as ever, each son standing tall as they walked in behind their parents. Lord Taisho and Lady Inukimi approached Satomi and offered their greetings.
Kagome felt like her heart was in her throat, beating so fast she might faint. She took extra deep breaths as she attempted to make eye contact with Inuyasha. Seeing him standing there, in bold, red and gold robes with his silver hair shining in the lantern lighting was a sight to behold. His ears twitched back and forth atop his head, and he was scanning the crowd as though looking for something, or someone. His eyes stopped when they reached Kagome for a moment, and he offered her a smirk and a nod. He continued to take in the sights of the decorated estate as Kagome internally shrieked in happiness.
She took a moment to look over at his brother, Sesshomaru. Begrudgingly, she could admit he looked handsome. The dim lighting danced over his features, giving him a dangerous, otherworldly look. A beast ready for his prey. Kagome shuddered; a bit upset for her sister. Inukimi and Touga were stunning in the way that most yokai are. She admired the Western Lady's style as her kimono looked like it was melting off her deceptively delicate frame, and a luxurious set of furs draped around her arms.
"So where is the lovely bride to be?" Touga's eyes sparkled with mirth as Satomi smiled nervously.
"She is still getting ready, my apologies my Lord. She will be joining us soon. We can move to the main hall to eat, and your caravan can get settled." Satomi gestured to some servants, who began escorting their demon counterparts into the estate, leading the horses to stables to settle for the evening.
Regally turning, Satomi led their group through the halls of their home. The Lord and Lady Inu followed after her, and Kagome trailed behind Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. Inuyasha turned and smirked back at her. "You're actually dressed like a lady tonight!"
Kagome huffed and tilted her nose up at him. "Well, that's because I am a lady!"
"It's good to see you again." Inuyasha winked at her and then turned forward again, following the rest of the group.
Kagome blushed and looked down at her feet while she walked behind the two brothers. She glanced up for a moment at Sesshomaru's back, taking note that he didn't move to acknowledge her even once. If Inuyasha noticed, he didn't make any comment.
Kagome peered around, still not seeing her sister coming to join them. They arrived at their destination and the sliding doors were opened for the group to enter. There was already music being played and food being brought out, but no Kikyo in sight. Kagome saw two of the servants who had left to go find Kikyo meet up outside the dining space. They whispered to one another, and they shrugged. Looking nervously towards to room filled with laughter and cheer, they made eye contact with Kagome.
Kagome wandered out of the hall for a moment, hoping not to be seen. She approached the servants. "Have you found Kikyo yet?"
"Milady, we've searched everywhere! Some are still searching the gardens, but Lady Kikyo is nowhere to be found!"
Kagome froze and her heart began to beat faster. She was missing? Where could she be? How would she tell her mother? The Taisho clan, who came all this way to wed their son. Was she okay? A million thoughts raced through her mind.
"Do you think…she has been kidnapped?" Kagome whispered, her eyes wide and frightened.
The servants seemed to shudder at the thought. "There seems to be no sign of struggle, but it does seem that some of her garments and belongings have been taken from her room. Perhaps…she ran away?"
Kagome took a step back, nearly offended that someone would suggest her courageous older sister had run away. The servants bowed repeatedly and apologized, walking off to go speak with Kaede. She wouldn't have…would she? Not the sister that spoke so adamantly to her duty to marry to ensure their family's success.
She looked back into the room where her family and the Western family were dining, enjoying the music and wine that was being poured. Her eyes roamed over to the Demon Lord's sons and her gaze was met by a chilling set of golden eyes. Sesshomaru lifted a sake glass to his lips, not once breaking eye contact. She could have sworn she saw his elven ears twitching as though trying to listen in. She forgot about the great senses these beings have...did he hear them? Would he be angry, or relieved that her sister had disappeared? She couldn't read his expression, but the moment was interrupted as Inuyasha accidentally elbowed his older brother, who in turn looked down upon him is disdain.
Kagome walked back into the room and took a seat by her mother's side. She offered a nervous smile to her, and Satomi gave her a tight-lipped one in return. If the demons knew what was happening, they didn't let on, instead Inukimi continued to encourage everyone to enjoy their drinks, and Touga laughed jovially at Inuyasha's jokes. The demon lord turned towards Kagome with a wide smile.
"It's a pleasure to be in your company once more, Lady Kagome." Touga held a sake glass up to her, and she lifted hers up to nearly meet his, accepting the cheers.
"And you as well, Lord Touga." She attempted to still her shaking hands as she brought the sake glass to her lips and downed the liquid as fast as she could. This night couldn't come to an end soon enough.
