That evening after dinner, they all went into the garden to enjoy the cool breeze with dessert and tea. They chatted among themselves when the lady noticed her son kept watching the miko. She too was entranced by her. Kagome was smart, headstrong and stubborn. Pretty for a human. She was dedicated to her pack as well as to Rin. Looking towards the monk and slayer, she noticed the blossoming love between them. They were an unusual pair but it amazed her by the dedication and common goal they shared that brought them together.

Figuring her son wanted some alone time with the miko, she executed a last minute plan.

"Rin it is time for bed. Come on let's go as I am tired as well. Monk, why don't you show the slayer the library to pass the time." She grinned and turned to the remaining two "my son, wasn't there something you wished to discuss with the miko?"

Sesshomaru knew what his mother was doing and inwardly smirked "miko shall we?" leaving everyone behind indicating for her to follow.

"Uh ok sure. I'll see you guys later. Good night my lady, Rin." As she bowed and followed behind.

Rin and Sango smiled while Miroku watched them confused.

"Did I miss something?"

"No you didn't. Let's go." as both of them stood and bowed good night heading for the library.

"My lady. Can I take a look with you?" Rin asked with bubbling curiosity figuring out what the lady just did.

"Not for too long. You need to sleep. Come along." As she smiled at Rin.

"Oh wow! Your study is huge!" Kagome gasped.

Sesshomaru watched her amusement but returned to his stoic expression quickly "sit" as he walked over to his seat.

Kagome and Sesshomaru sat quietly until she asked "what did you want to discuss?"

Sesshomaru was lost in the depth of her eyes when he caught himself and cleared his throat.

"Did Inuyasha say anything to you before he left?"

Shaking her head no.

"He went in search of Myoga and Totosai. He read our father's last will and went in search of answers. It might be another day or two before he returns. This is why he left his pack here." watching her expression.

"Oh…I see." Looking sadly as she wished he should have told her before leaving.

"Why do you look sad and worried?" he questioned.

"He's my friend and I will always be worried for him. This must be something difficult he is enduring all on his own." with tears beginning to fall. "I hope he finds the answers he seeks."

Sesshomaru watched her quietly taking in her emotions and changing scents. He didn't like her sadness. His beast was starting to get rowdy which unknowingly led him to stand up and offered his hand for her to stand and pulled her into a hug.

"Tears do not suit you. He will return. He trusted this one enough to look after you and the others." Pulling back as her scent changed once more.

"Thank you for allowing us to stay here but we have to continue looking for the jewel shards and Naraku." Wiping her face.

"The spider hanyou is in hiding and there are no threats within the radius of my lands so there is no reason to aimlessly search."

Kagome looked up at him "I see your point. We shall relax ourselves since we don't get to do this often. Oh I know! Tomorrow can we practice somewhere with our weapons? We do need to train."

"This one will see to it. Come it is late and will take you to your room." Taking her hand, he felt her scent change and his beast calmed down.

She grasped his hand and they walked silently thru the halls indulging in the moment. When they arrived to her room, she bowed and bid him good night with a smile. He stepped up to her and embraced her once more taking in her scent. Letting go "sleep well Kagome" and walked away. Kagome face reddened at the sudden affection with calling her name and watched him disappear down the hall.

"My lady, why don't they tell each other how they feel?" Rin asked with a yawn. "Sango and Miroku do like each other but he tends to play around too much so she won't believe him easily. My lord and Kagome obviously do like each other. Why doesn't he tell her?"

"In due time my child. Now go to sleep. You have another full day with your friends." placing the hand mirror face down on her vanity.

"Good night my lady" as Rin eyes grew heavy and was fast asleep.

The lady smiled at the sleeping girl and walked to the window gazing at the stars.

'I hope our son can truly fall in love and be happy. He deserves it after all these hundreds of years of being alone.'