Please Note : I do not own Inuyasha, nor any of its characters. (I also do not own Bridgerton, on which this fanfic is loosely based.)
I hope you enjoy the story, please leave a comment if you do!
…
Chapter 2:
(Earned It – Vitamin String Quartet)
Kagome sat in the drawing room, constantly looking at the pocket watch ticking away the hours beside her. She rubbed her eyes, wishing she had gotten more sleep after they returned from the ball. It was now nearly noon and she hadn't a single caller, not even Lord Hojo.
"Dearest," her mama said soothingly, sensing she was on the verge of tears, "it is only the first day. There will be others if Lord Hojo does not propose."
Kagome was no simpleton, she knew exactly who was to blame for this uneventful day, but her mama told her they had no power over the duke. Over the past few years he had rose to considerable power, despite the former laws against his kind, and not even the house of a former member of parliament could reprimand his scandalous actions.
"Perhaps," her mama dared, "the duke will propose and you will become a duchess. He appeared quite enamored with you last night."
"Mama," Kagome said trying to focus intently on the knitting she hadn't been able to start since 8am, "we both know father would never let me marry a demon."
Her mama sighed, shutting the book in her lap. "Dearest, your father, he- he hasn't been able to secure any investments in his bank for quite some time now. And I have tried my hardest, but even I can not get him to turn from his drink. He can not bear the shame of his failure."
Looking up to see she had her daughter's full attention, she continued. "Our finances, they will be desolate soon. If you can not marry someone with the means to support both you and us, Sota will have nothing left to inherit. While a demon is not the most desirable choice, I believe your father would consider it."
"My lady," a maid interrupted, "a letter from the Lady Hojo."
Kagome nearly jumped off the chaise as her mama slid the letter off the tray and opened it. Hojo could provide for both her and her family, but why would he propose in a letter through his mama?
"Lady Higurashi," her mama read aloud, "my son has informed us that he wishes to marry your daughter."
Kagome almost cried; they were saved! It didn't matter that the proposal wasn't as romantic as she had anticipated, like in a crowd of people who would politely cheer and clap for such an impeccable match. She would be with Hojo, and that was all that mattered.
"Our honorable son clearly does not care that your daughter has already made herself familiar with a certain duke. While we wish them all the happiness, we are saving our son from heartbreak and he will no longer see-"
Kagome burst into tears as her world shattered.
…
The late afternoon picnic at the park was the last place Kagome wanted to be, but being a woman in her debut season, she had no choice. Her mother ensured she had worn a simpler white dress, signaling her daughter's continued purity. Everyone talked in hushed whispers as they passed their blanket, except the Lady Kikyo, who was practically shouting Kagome's shame for the entire ton to hear.
"Did you see the way he touched her? The possessive way he held her back? I did not know Lady Kagome had it in her to seduce a duke, even if he is a demon. Brava." The other ladies around Kikyo snickered at Kagome as they left.
"Mother," Kagome said loudly as she stood, "I think I shall go for a walk in the gardens."
If she had to stay, she would at least attempt to enjoy herself. There was not much in bloom with the chill in air, but it was still better than enduring the laughter and knowing looks. While a lady was typically not allowed someplace without an escort, less someone question her honor, the gardens were safe in the middle of the day.
A million thoughts flew through her head as she entered the tall maze of perfectly trimmed hedges. Why did Duke Inuyasha pick her to torment? What did he want? Clearly, according to gossip, it was not marriage. Regardless, it didn't matter. Kagome could fix this. She would avoid him at all costs until the rumors died down and then she would approach the Hojo family with renewed grace and dignity. And then-
Kagome slammed into a very hard chest.
"Forgive-" She stopped upon meeting golden eyes that were dancing in amusement. The same eyes that haunted her nightmares and wouldn't permit her sleep.
Clawed hands lingered on her shoulders as Inuyasha steadied her, "Looks like someone was deep in thought." He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him, "Thinking about me, princess?"
Kagome wanted to slap him across his smug face, but that wouldn't improve her marriage prospects. She looked around; they were alone in the garden. With haste, she took a large step away from him and curtsied.
"As a matter of fact, I was." She rose. We-" Kagome began to lose her resolve as he stepped closer. "We can no longer be seen with each other, your grace." She was certain to use the right formal title, now that she knew it.
Kagome retreated as he continued to advance, until her back hit a hedge. The duke merely laughed, putting an arm on each side of her body so she couldn't move. He liked her determination, her spunk- perhaps there was more to the Higurashi family than her heathen father.
"You don't call the shots here, princess. I am a duke. You are a lady, although," his gaze flickered up and down, admiring her, "I've heard conflicting reports on that today."
Kagome's entire body flushed red, "I will have you know that there was no question of my honor before you ruined it."
Inuyasha pressed forward so close their noses were almost touching. "You accuse me of ruining your honor over mere touches? If I am already as guilty as you say, then maybe I should do what I am accused of."
An alluring scent filled his nostrils as he dipped his head nearer to her neck and inhaled. Unlike the other women who cloaked their scents in perfume, Kagome's natural scent of light vanilla was intoxicating. Suddenly wanting to taste her, his lips brushed her neck, her scent turning spicy.
It was all too easy.
"Have you ever been touched before?" His claws languidly traced down her forearm as his hot breath assaulted her shoulder. "Kissed?" His fingers continued unhurriedly down the side of her dress. "Fucked?"
Inuyasha began to suck her at neck, hot lips tugging at the delicate skin.
"Your grace."
The duke almost came undone at the sound of her voice, her cold tone having the slightest edge of uncertainty.
Take everything from her, like they did to us. Ruin them. Ruin her.
When Inuyasha didn't respond, Kagome was able to push him off, only because he was not expecting it. A slap rang through the quiet garden. Her eyes widened in shock at her own actions, then the steely resolve was back. Thankfully, she hadn't worn gloves today.
Golden eyes stared at her in shock, his demon screaming to subdue her. "Do you have any idea-"
"While my honor is clearly nothing to you," Kagome interrupted before she lost it, "it is all I have. You have caused me to lose the man I love and I will never forgive you for it. You will leave me alone. I do not know what your game is, your grace, but I refuse to play it. Now kindly let me go back to my family."
Inuyasha regained control of his demon and leaned back. He had waited years for this, no sense to rush. His humanity had no intention of raping her, only being the epitome of what she already thought him to be: a devious and lowly demon.
But that bitch had the audacity to slap him.
He rubbed his cheek with a smirk, "For much too long the demons have let humans make the game and the rules. It's my turn now. See you at the ball next week, princess. Wear something white," he said appraising her, "it's my favorite on you."
Inuyasha pushed off the hedge, freeing her. He spun, withdrawing just as quickly as he came, leaving Kagome alone and panting in the garden.
