Notes:
A huge thanks to BETA readers Ember Reverie and ruddcatha! This chapter would not have been what it is without your amazing feedback!
Hope you enjoy this chapter!
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Chapter 6:
(Vitamin String Quartet - Kiss From a Rose)
You can take whatever you please now, no one will stop you.
Despite his rejoicing demon, Inuyasha knew Kagome despised him, and deservedly so. He had won, but at what cost?
She worked to smooth her dress on the steps of the estate she had lived in since birth, wiping her incessant tears on her already wet gloves. She looked like a wild thing with her tousled curls and puffy red eyes. Grabbing the top of her bodice with a sniffle, she hopelessly struggled to raise the stubborn garment higher.
We will gladly take the body your father was so eager to give us to save your pathetic family. Just look at that dress. She is practically prepared for tonight.
"Shut up," Inuyasha scoffed under his breath, draping his coat around Kagome, something he already did far too often for his human tastes.
"Excuse me?" She scoffed as she lost her composure, producing a slight hiccup. "I did not say anything, your grace."
Nor did she plan to. She didn't care if she never spoke to him again.
Disregarding her, he strode to his awaiting carriage, glancing back to make certain Kagome was following him. Force was not his father's way, nor would it be his. When he had first met her, he simply saw her as a pawn that he could use as he pleased to win the game. Slowly, he was coming to believe she was a queen.
If only he could persuade his demon to leave her - and him - alone. It was the only way his new plan would work.
"Your grace. Lady Kagome." The last thing Kagome wanted to hear today was Kikyo's shrill voice. She had neglected to remember that this was the hour some ladies took their afternoon stroll before dinner.
"Have you heard the joyous news, Lady Kagome?" Kikyo sang, eyeing her rival's swollen eyes, "Lady Sango and Lord Hojo were engaged just this morning!"
Kagome couldn't even manage a smile, fake or otherwise. How could he have forgotten me so quickly? Her face contorted until she remembered the company she was in. It would hardly be considered proper nor well-mannered to curl into the fetal position. "I wish them all the happiness and prosperity."
"Apparently Lady Hojo was in a rush to find her son a suitable match lest he be entangled in some manner of scandal." Kikyo looked between her and the duke meaningfully. "Can you imagine?" She fanned herself dramatically with her hands. "I daresay since the three of you were always so close a quick match was amiable with Lord Hojo. After all, he knew Sango as well as he knew you, Lady Kagome."
Inuyasha snubbed Kikyo by saying nothing. Nonetheless it did little to keep the wench's mouth shut as she regarded Kagome as his coat parted. "Heavens, a lady such as yourself should not be outside nor in gardens dressed so. You are most assuredly going to catch a chill."
Kagome clenched her fists, wishing she could disappear. She always knew Kikyo hated her, but never imagined she loathed her enough to spread the gossip of her assault.
"Thank you for your concern, Lady Kikyo," Inuyasha said with an authority that even someone like Kikyo would be daft to ignore. The words were unmistakably polite, but the undertones were lethal. "But her grace and I were just leaving."
Inuyasha snapped his fingers, and his footman opened the carriage door. He offered Kagome his hand; the mere contact of her bare skin against his making his demon purr.
Once inside, the coach departed, leaving a very befuddled Kikyo in its wake.
...
It could always be worse, Kagome reminded herself as she peered out the window into the moving countryside, watching the sun begin to dip lower into the horizon. She was going to be a duchess...forever locked in a loveless marriage forged by hate and revenge. Seemed like the perfect foundation for a lifetime of misery.
Surely she would be expected to fulfill her marital duties, duties her mother had been unable to explain to her. She had no concept what the marriage bed comprised between two humans; the prospect of being married to a demon had never crossed her mind. If it was anything like Naraku had done...
Leaning against the side of the carriage, she closed her eyes.
She had only ever envisioned herself with Lord Hojo, imagining the notion of something gentle, romantic. She would snuggle next to him and he would hold her tightly, kissing the top of her head while declaring how extraordinarily beautiful she was. That she was the light of his life and none could compare to her.
Now, she visualized him doing those exact things with her best friend.
The various scents rolling off Kagome had Inuyasha reeling. He detected disgust, fear, apprehension, confusion, longing, melancholy – and then they all blended together into a dreadful jumble he couldn't decipher as her heart rate rose higher and higher.
Suddenly, Kagome felt exceedingly feverish and lightheaded, swaying in her seat.
"Are you alright?"
"Like you care." Kagome spat as the landscape before her blurred. She didn't even have the heart to use his honorific; he didn't deserve it. It was growing darker and Kagome still had not eaten since the few bites she had at breakfast. "I thought for a moment you might be different from the stories my...father told me of demons when I was younger, but I suppose he was right. What my father did was wrong, but I had no idea."
Inuyasha had fantasized numerous times what victory might feel like when he finally crushed Lord Higurashi. Not once did he ever envision feeling like this, or having his daughter beside him. "I only aspired to hurt him."
"You've succeeded in all that and more." Kagome retorted, ignoring the fiery pain that was pulsating across her chest. She clutched the coach to steady herself as it abruptly halted. Her eyes peered out the window, managing to focus. "Why are we stopping at the inn?"
The duke sighed; he should have explained their situation sooner. "We can't make it to my estate tonight, and people here are less likely to gossip as they are in the city. Stay, I need to make certain they have accommodations."
Kagome's heart sped as she clenched her jaw. "Luckily, your grace, I have nowhere else to go."
Inuyasha returned moments later, offering his hand to help her down from the carriage. Kagome merely gripped the side and leapt down, hitting the ground harder than she intended. She would not touch him unless she absolutely had to.
Kagome gazed around with curiosity as he held open the door. She had never spent the night anywhere other than her home. Practically everything inside was made of wood and iron; it all looked so – quaint. Men sat talking in a loud, uncouthly manner as unwholesome women moved around the room. Her mouth fell open as a brunette straddled a lewd man's lap and he smacked her dress clad bottom.
Inuyasha placed his hand on her lower back, making her jump. "Come on, princess. We'll be alone upstairs so your – sensibilities – won't be subject to this."
Instead, I'll be subject to your company, she thought, wondering which was worse. She would have never expected a duke to lodge in an indecent place or have the audacity to take her with him.
A stout fellow with rosy cheeks waited by the stairs, greeting them and bowing as they approached. "Welcome, your grace. Your grace. Come, I'll show you to your chambers upstairs."
Your chambers? What is Inuyasha planning?
The duke offered Kagome his arm again, which Kagome glowered at like it was poisonous. The innkeeper stopped when the sounds of footsteps behind him ceased, "Is everything okay, your graces?"
Inuyasha gave Kagome a pointed look, signaling for her not to cause a scene. She bitterly took his arm, ensuring her hand floated over it. Perhaps if he could pretend they were blissfully wed in public, then she could manage as well. She just wouldn't pretend when they were alone. She would give him every ounce of hell he deserved.
The smell of food wafted up the stairs and Kagome's stomach let out a remarkably loud, very unladylike growl.
"I will have food and refreshment ready straight away, your grace. The kitchen is already preparing it," the innkeeper said without missing a beat. "Would you prefer to eat in private?"
The duke nodded, his hand ever so lightly on Kagome's that was wrapped around his arm. "Yes, thank you. It's been a long day."
Quite the understatement.
"Of course, your grace. We are most honored by your presences at our humble inn. Whatever you require, we will provide."
I require to get out of this damn nightmare, Kagome thought bitterly. The innkeeper was practically beaming at the duke. She was exceedingly jealous of the power Inuyasha had; people naturally wanted to please him. If only they knew what he was really like.
"Here we are, your graces. Your chambers are across the hall from each other. Would you prefer to eat in separate rooms?"
"No, have the meal sent to my room. Her grace will dine with me."
With a bow, the innkeeper hurried back down the stairs.
Kagome released a tremendous pent-up huff once the door closed behind them and Inuyasha removed his arm from hers. Everything here was foreign to her, and she felt more alone than ever. Her eyes scanned the room before becoming locked on the small bed.
(Vitamin String Quartet - Heathens)
"Go," Inuyasha pointed to the table as he walked towards the fireplace, "sit over there and wait for the food."
Crossing her arms, Kagome took a step back, merely to defy him. "You're used to people clamoring over each other to obey you. Not happening."
Inuyasha threw a log on the fire. "It was not an order. I didn't realize you hadn't eaten. Do as you wish, but don't swoon."
Her eyes rolled as a gentle tap sounded on the door. As if he pride would ever allow her to swoon near him.
"Enter."
The smell of the hearty stew was almost too glorious for Kagome to bear. While she would never submit to her future husband, she could not refuse her stomach. The maid set a vast tray of food on the table and moved to pull Kagome's chair out. She promptly took off Inuyasha's coat, not wishing to soil it, and sat, waiting impatiently for Inuyasha to do the same.
Inuyasha stopped the maid before she left, handing her a bag of coin. "I'll need a nightdress for her grace tonight. Give this to Mr. Takami."
She blushed prettily, giving him a haphazard form of a curtsy, "At once, your grace."
Although nothing could take away Kagome's hunger, the thought of what might transpire this evening made her stomach roll as she looked to the bed once more. Did he truly mean for them to sleep separately? Or was it a trick? She was exhausted from the day; all she wanted was peace, quiet, and rest.
Inuyasha knelt by the fire, stoking it with a metal rod, "Is the stew not to your liking?"
Why is he concerned what I think of the stew? Why act like he cares at all? Bastard.
"I am awaiting you, your grace, but it seems you are resolved to torment me still." Kagome was afraid if she waited a moment longer, she might actually faint.
He chuckled in response, "While we demons have learned to navigate your – customs – we do not adhere to them in private. If you are hungry, eat."
Kagome needed no further permission as she took a considerable bite of the beef and potato stew, closing her eyes in pure bliss. Inuyasha couldn't help but turn and stare at her. She looked even more lovely when she was content and her scent returned to its amiable and tempting vanilla state. It dawned on him that he felt more at ease when she wasn't wearing his red coat. It pained him to see any woman in his house colors, especially the daughter of Lord Higurashi.
He stood, "I have a proposal for you."
Kagome thrust her spoon on the table. The bites had eased her temper a little, but even good food could only do so much. "And what, your grace, did you consider that utterly romantic display in our drawing room?"
Gazing in the fire, not wishing to see her reaction, he continued, "I do not wish to marry you."
Her jaw dropped as her fists clenched. Could he bring her any lower? "Then why am I here?"
"I wanted to protect you from your father."
"So, you saved me from him only to ruin me yourself?"
Yes.
Kagome scoffed before he could respond, standing. "I would sooner be on the streets than be your whore."
The scent of her fear was spiraling out of control.
Inuyasha turned gradually, running his hands through his hair. This is not how he wanted this conversation to go at all. "No, princess. I only mean I do not wish to marry you and it is exceedingly apparent you have no desire to marry me." He made a vow long ago that he would never marry a human, and he would not break that vow, no matter how tempting.
You honestly think you have the restraint to keep away from her? You're more daft than I thought.
Inuyasha's demon envisioned the day back in the park, when his fingers slowly traveled down her dress. He recalled his lips caressing her neck, tasting her. The unmistakable spicy scent of her arousal.
Inuyasha closed his eyes for strength, "My proposal is that our marriage be a ruse. You can remain with me, under my protection, and no one need know we are not actually wed."
Kagome's eyes widened in shock as she collapsed back into the wooden chair. Was he serious? "And how would you benefit from such an indecent proposal, your grace?"
"You loathe me and I you."
Liar.
"Nevertheless, your presence by my side will ensure the bloodthirsty mamas leave me alone to manage my estate, which has deteriorated in my absence. To society, it will appear we are wed. You crave a marriage of love, which clearly this is not. While polite society will regard you as unchaste, men will still desire you for your status. If you ever find a suitable partner in an unconventional manner, then I will allow you to pursue him. You can have your love and I can have my peace."
Are you trying to be knighted or something idiot?
"You'll allow me? How very generous, your grace." Kagome took another bite of stew, chewing it vigorously. If it wasn't for Inuyasha, I wouldn't be in this mess, she reminded herself. If it wasn't for Inuyasha, I would have been raped last night.
He moved from the fireplace to stand beside the table, trying in vain to keep his eyes on her face. "I presume we will have to attend balls and public appearances to keep up the ruse. The only ones who will know the truth are my closest servants. I'll even have papers drawn up, should the need arise for them to be useful."
Kagome lifted her chin, "Am I to be your captive?"
"No, you may come and go from my estate as you please as long as you do so with protection until I know Naraku is no longer a threat."
He was trying to smell her scent, but it was erratic.
Freedom was a new concept to Kagome, one which both excited and terrified her.
"What about my family?" Kagome challenged.
"You will not return to the Higurashi estate." Inuyasha would not permit her father to sell her to the highest bidder.
"And if I refuse your generous offer?"
Placing both his hands on his chair, he leaned forward. "Then you will be my prisoner until we figure out your powers and you can protect yourself. I think my proposition is quite fair."
Please refuse. Please refuse.
Kagome considered it. He could protect her from Naraku and perhaps in time she could find love. Inuyasha had said demons didn't follow their human civilities; maybe she could court Lord Koga - since Hojo was no longer an option.
But if demons proved to be as nefarious as her father believed them to be – vile, selfish creatures who sought to subvert humanity – then she would stop at nothing to escape him. Koga thus far was assuredly nothing like her father had described. The deal would also mean having to remain close to the duke on a daily basis and her pulse quickened at the thought. He had proven himself to be rather unpredictable.
It was almost as if Inuyasha could read her thoughts as her scent changed to one of optimism and then despair. Koga would be a suitable match for her. She would be protected, out of his life. But the mere thought made him grind his teeth as he sat down.
You've made your empty bed. Now lie in it.
"Fine, your grace, I will consider your proposal. Not like I have much of a choice in the matter." Kagome scooped another bite of food in defeat, "Now let me finish my meal in peace."
Will he really let me go? Or is this just another one of his games? Kagome wondered, wincing at the silence. She almost preferred fighting with him to the thoughts that obsessed her mind – of her family, of Hojo, of her future, and of the silver-haired demon who ruined it all - Inuyasha.
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Notes:
Thanks so much to everyone who has left a review or kudos! I was going to take the week off, but you all inspire me to keep writing!
What did you think of this chapter?
