When dawn broke most people were accounted for. Kagome walked into the large hall after being directed by staff. She was met by the warm smiles of her friends and a very frustrated looking Takara.
"Morning!" Kagome greeted as she walked over and sat down at the low table, sitting next to Inuyasha.
"Good morning!" Sango greeted her from across the table. "How did you sleep?"
"Like a rock!" Kagome answered brightly. "I haven't slept that well in a long time!"
"Their beds are quite comfortable." Miroku agreed as he took a bite of food.
"Hurry up!" Takara whined, pulling Kagome's attention to her. The girl with white hair was glaring at Inuyasha, her plate empty.
"Hold your damn horses!" Inuyasha shouted at her as he slowly took a small bite of food. Takara slammed her hands down on the table and stood.
"You're doing this on purpose!" Takara shouted and Rin began tugging at her skirt.
"It's ok, he'll be done soon!" She tried to tell her friend.
"What's going on?" Kagome asked, looking at the three.
"Inuyasha is supposed to take her outside. That's where her mom is." Shippo explained. "Inuyasha is being a jerk like always and taking his sweet time." He mumbled and crossed his arms. Inuyasha punched the top of his head and Takara hissed, climbing across the table to hit Inuyasha but she didn't have to.
"Sit!" Kagome shouted and Inuyasha hit the floor hard. Takara sat on the table, looking in awe.
"Woah." She breathed and Rin laughed quiet. Takara climbed back into her seat and watched as Kagome chewed him out. This wasn't helping her either. Takara stood and pulled Rin.
"Come on." Takara urged and the little girl followed. "Grownups are always so stupid!" She shouted and started storming out of the room, Rin in tow.
"What'd you call me?" Inuyasha shouted at her and she whipped around and stuck her tongue out at him. "Why you-" He growled and got to his feet, chasing after her. Takara and Rin bolted from the room with Inuyasha hot on their heels. Takara and Rin giggled as they ran. Takara lead the way, leading her new friend to the main entrance. The two flew out the doors, startling some workers and guards, brushing past them without a care in the world. The two made it half way down the steps before Takara stopped them and pointed.
"Look!" She said and Rin followed to where she was pointing. "There she is!" People were working quickly at the citadel wall. They were rebuilding and had already made significant progress. The two could see people lining up along it, ropes in their hands.
Noa walked back and forth, shouting instructions, making sure the others could hear her well enough. They heard her shouting in the ancient language and someone farther down the line echoed her instructions. They watched as groups of five grabbed a line. Noa took a line in each of her hand, wrapping the rope around her arms. Another order was given and the two girls watched as they began to pull.
Takara and Rin watched in awe as the workers pulled the ropes, shouting at each other and grunting as they slowly began to lift the section into place. This was the largest area of damage and once it was fixed, the smaller areas could quickly be repaired.
"Hey!" They heard Inuyasha shout and the two gasped before running down the steps again and into the courtyard. Takara began running towards her mother and the reconstruction area. She wasn't thinking about the danger, only her mother. She had let go of Rin's hand and the little girl fell behind, unable to keep up with her. "Hey! Stop! Get back here!" Inuyasha shouted, recognizing the danger. He passed Rin, not bothering to grab her since she was in a safe spot.
Noa heard the shouting and looked over her shoulder. Her eyes widened as she saw Takara running towards her.
"Stop!" She shouted, her tone harsh. Takara froze and the snapping of ropes sounded. Noa grunted as the weight on her lines grew heavier. She cried out in strain and people began shouting orders. Inuyasha had run up behind Takara and grabbed her, pulling her to safety as they watched.
More ropes began to snap and Noa grunted and held the ropes. She shouted something to the others in charge and people began grabbing at the snapped or dropped ropes. Once more they began to pull. They hadn't fully recovered and Noa felt sweat drip down her face at the strain. Once more she slowly began walking back, pulling the wall with her. She kept her stance low and her feet wide apart, giving her more leverage and stability. Her top was a loose dark green tank top that was tucked into a long skirt. While the skirt reached her ankles, there were two slits that reached her mid thighs, allowing her to move freely.
Inuyasha watched the woman with the title of queen. She was beautiful he supposed but she really didn't act like any royalty he knew. She was out here helping rebuild her home. She spoke with people kindly as he had seen the night prior. She dressed similarly to her people. Her curly brown hair was pulled out of her face by small braids the were pulled into a knot at the back of her head. The rest of it fell free behind her. He could see the sweat and strain on her face.
"Stay here." He ordered and walked forward. He saw the group of workers next to her were missing two people so he stood in front and grabbed the rope, pulling. He wasn't going to just sit there and watch them struggle.
Noa saw white and looked to her side. She saw Inuyasha pulling the rope and helping them pull the wall the rest of the way. Noa smiled to herself and kept pulling. Soon enough, the ground shook slightly as the wall was pulled into place. Once it was set, a new group of workers dashed forward, sealing it into place.
Slowly people began dropping their ropes. Many sat and caught their breath. Noa panted and dusted her hands, feeling the blisters forming. She looked to Inuyasha and saw him out of breath as well, though he hadn't broken a sweat.
"Thank you." She told him, pulling his attention.
"Moma!" Takara inturupted and Noa dropped to her knee, scooping up her daughter and resting her on her hip.
"Takara, you know better." Noa warned her. "You could have gotten hurt."
"But I wanted to help." Takara whined. "And he was taking too long to eat!" She said, pointing her finger at Inuyasha.
"You needed to wait." Noa told her daughter. She spied the little girl a distance away, watching them with a strange look on her face. "You both could have been hurt."
"She wanted to come out to help." Inuyasha explained, folding his arms under his sleeves. "Sesshomaru told them they couldn't go without an escort."
"And you volunteered?" Noa asked with a sly smile. Inuyasha smirked.
"What kind of uncle would I be if I didn't give her a hard time?" He asked and Noa giggled. Takara didn't find this amusing and stuck her tongue out at him. He stuck his out right back and the queen laughed at the two.
"My lady." A young man inturupted, pulling their attention to him. Inuyasha recognized him as the youngest of the four generals.
"Yes?" She acknowledged.
"The blacksmith has been summoned." He informed. "We are waiting for you in the war room."
"I'll be right there." She nodded and carried her daughter over to Rin and set her down before kneeling in front of the two girls, putting a hand on each of their shoulders. "Would you two like to help?" She asked, looking between them. The two girls nodded excitedly and she smiled at them. "We need to move all of the wounded," She instructed, pointing to the healers and the injured that lay in the courtyard outside of the walls, "Into the west wing of the palace. I want you two to help the healers with moving everything. Can you do that for me?" The two girls nodded excitedly again. "Alright, go on. Be back for lunch."
"Yes, ma'am!" Rin cheered brightly and took Takara's hand, this time leading her away. Noa stood and watched them run off and smiled. Rin was a bright, sweet girl and she was happy her daughter had a friend.
"My lady." The general spoke gently, appearing at her side, followed by Inuyasha.
"I want all of the wounded moved to the west wing." Noa instructed. "They will be safest there. How soon until this wall is rebuilt?" She asked.
"It should be completed by nightfall." He reported. Noa nodded and turned to Inuyasha.
"We have much to do." Noa explained and he listened carefully. "As much as I enjoy having you and your friends here, I am afraid this city is not safe. I understand if you take your leave."
"Are you kicking us out?" Inuyasha asked calmly, quirking an eyebrow. Noa smirked.
"No." She answered, amused. "You are welcome to stay as long as you like. I just cannot guarantee your safety."
"Yeah, well you ain't gotta worry about that." Inuyasha told her and she giggled at the cocky tone.
"Very well," She shrugged and began to follow her general inside. Inuyasha watched her go before following up the steps, trialing slowly behind.
"You created these chains?" Noa asked, letting them fall onto the wooden table.
"Yes." The man answered, staying in his low bow. He didn't need to look up to know they were his doing. He offered no explanation. The blacksmith knew his crime and was willing to accept his fate. He kept his eyes towards the floor and could hear the queen's bare feet walking along the floor, the thin anklets tinkling softly.
Noa stopped in front of the man and put her hands on his arms, gently guiding him to stand up straight. He looked into his queen's black eyes and only found kindness.
"You created such chains with a fault." Noa told him gently. "I have never known you to make a mistake in your work." The blacksmith smiled at her gently in appreciation to the flattery. "You have my eternal gratitude for what you have done not only for myself and my daughter, but also for what you have done for this city."
"It was my honor." The old man told her gently, tears rising in his eyes.
"I am afraid I must ask more of you." Noa explained slowly, her voice gentle. The man before her smiled, happy to provide his services. "We require new weapons. Many of the black smiths are not as skilled as you and require guidance. We need to arm this military and we have a short amount of time."
"How much time?" He asked, running numbers in his head.
"A week at most." Noa answered. The blacksmith looked at her and sighed. Noa waited patiently for the old man's answer.
"I do not know if I can meet your request." He answered honestly. "I will gather the other smiths and craftsmen in the city. Those with less experience can start with repairing what weapons we do have." Noa nodded in understanding.
"If you need anything, you have my ear." She told him and he smiled at her in gratitude. Noa dropped her arms and stepped back, letting the man be escorted out. They waited until the doors closed behind them before resuming their conversation.
"This city doesn't have many black smiths." One of her generals spoke and she put her hands on her hips, facing them.
"We don't have much left of an option." Noa told them and looked to Sesshomaru who was standing off to the side, seeking advice. He met her gaze and instead turned to Jakken.
"Jakken." He said to the little imp who jumped at his name.
"Yes my lord!" Jakken answered, ready for an order.
"Send for Totosai." Sesshomaru instructed. "Return no later than tomorrow." Jakken gulped and bowed before running from the room. Noa quirked an eyebrow before turning back to her men.
"How much do we have left of our army?" Noa asked. She and her four generals stood around a wooden table in a room that was filled with maps on each wall. The sun shone through the empty window, providing plenty of light.
"Here is the list of the soldiers we have who are able to fight." One of the men answered and passed her a scroll. She rolled it out and sighed. It wasn't many.
"How many of them were actively involved in the insurgence?" Noa asked, her eyes skimming the list. She was mildly surprised when she was passed another scroll.
"These names have been kept separate." He explained and she unrolled it. There were only a few names but they were unfortunately some of the more experienced and influential members of her military. There were even names from her previous advisors.
"Where are they now?" Noa asked, looking up from the papers.
"In the cells under the palace."
"Execute them." Noa ordered and the four generals stood in silence, looking at her. Not once had she ordered an execution and they didn't expect her to start now. "Don't look at me like that." She told them and met each of their gazes. "Not only do we hardly have enough resources for our people, we cannot risk another insurgence." Noa explained.
"But some of these people are our friends, family even!" One of the younger guards shouted at her.
"Asahi." The older man warned, his voice quiet but tone firm.
"No!" Asahi shouted back at him. "You can't ask us to just out right kill them!"
"I can and I will." Noa told him firmly. "What about our other friends? What about the people they slaughtered? They executed the rest of the generals and advisors who remained loyal to this city. Or did you forget them?" Noa asked him, her voice dropping in anger and a low growl could be heard in her throat.
"They were just working under your brother's orders." Asahi argued. The young man was started when the queen struck out her hand, gripping his armor and pulling him close to her face, a low growl in her throat.
"They were following orders when they locked me away and forced my daughter into slavery." Noa told him and shook him before speaking again. "They were following orders when they allowed the hunters to be sent after her with intention to kill." She explained, fighting down the anger rising in her. The man in her grip gulped and looked over her shoulder to the other generals in the room and to Sesshomaru. No one moved to help him and the oldest general wouldn't meet his gaze. "So, you can follow these orders." She instructed, pulling his attention back to her. "Execute them."
"Asahi, we have all lost friends and family." The older general spoke. "This is not a decision she takes lightly." Asahi stepped away when Noa released him and she returned to the wooden table, looking over the list of traitors. Her blood boiled when she looked at the names.
"May I suggest something?" One of the other generals spoke. Noa looked up and nodded at him.
"Speak, Botan." She encouraged gently. He was the youngest and rarely spoke. When he did offered a suggestion, Noa always ensured to listen. He was wise for his age.
"Currently, we are struggling to rebuild our army." Botan started. "We can't spare anyone to guard them. What if we were to seal the cells?"
"Great, now you want us to bury them alive!" Asahai shouted, throwing his hands in the air in frustration.
"Shut it, Asahi." Botan told him, growing tired of his friend's behavior. "We have a monk as a guest. Surely he knows sutras or seals. The seals can be placed on each wall and if they are tampered with, or if something breaks through the walls, the seals could cause an explosion."
"That way if they tried to escape, or if someone rescued them, the seals would kill them and stop any attempt at a jailbreak." Noa nodded, thinking it over. "We wouldn't have to worry about guards. I like it." Botan smiled at her and she turned to the third general.
"Itsuki," She spoke. "Do we have enough food to feed them the bare minimum? Three meals a day."
"Yes, my lady." Itsuki told her. "We can provide for them without putting the city at risk."
"Do it." Noa instructed and turned to her two youngest generals. "Botan, Asahi. Go speak with the monk. See if he can help. If not, check the record room." The two bowed and swiftly left. Once the doors closed behind them, Noa groaned and put her head in her hands, leaning her elbows on the table. She heard chuckling.
"Stop laughing at me, Sana." Noa groaned at her oldest and dearest general.
"Are you sure you can trust him?" Sesshomaru spoke, referring to Asahi. Noa lifted her head and looked at him. He had been so quiet she almost forgot he was there.
"Asahi means well." Sana told him gently. "His father is currently in the prison under the palace."
"I never cared for his father." Noa admitted and Sana chuckled knowingly.
"Speaking of," Itsuki spoke, pulling them back to their planning, "We need to take precautions to prevent another coup attempt."
"I agree." Noa nodded and stood. "I understand many went along with it to save their own skin. I do not fault them for that. However, we cannot afford another successful coup."
"Perhaps you should send Takara away." Itsuki suggested and her head snapped to him, fury in her eyes.
"I will not send her away." Noa hissed at him, tasting bile at the thought of losing her again. Itsuki put his hands in surrender.
"I mean no offense." He told her sincerely. "She was utilized by Nobuo. They were able to use her against you. Her presence not only puts her in more danger, it puts you at risk."
"You cannot ask me to send her away." Noa told him, her voice barely above a whisper as the reality of it all set it.
"I ask nothing of you, my queen, except for your consideration." He told her. "Within a week, this place will be sieged. Can you guarantee her safety? You have a duty to her and your city."
"He has a point." Sana added and Noa looked at him. He was looked down in thought but held his chin. "Takara is the only heir to the throne. Should anything happen to you, Takara would have the claim to the throne, and inherit the bloodline."
"Neither of which she can do if she is dead." Itsuki told her. "This king is no fool. Nobuo made a mistake leaving you both alive. This king knows that."
"However," Sana spoke, "If Takara is sent away, there is no telling where she will end up. She could be intercepted by the enemy or risk spending the rest of her life running."
"If I were to die," Noa spoke quietly, resting a hand on her stomach in pain at the thought. "She would live in exile." Noa thought about her options, weighing them. "I will think on it." Itsuki nodded, happy to hear she would even consider it. Noa stood for a moment, letting silence fill the room. Her head began to throb and she rubbed her temples, sighing.
"Perhaps this is a discussion for both of her parents." Sana suggested and Noa could see a hint of a smirk on his face as he gently grabbed Itsuki's elbow, leading him away. "Itsuki and I will continue to oversee things for now." The two began to leave the room and Noa felt panic rising in her. She did not want to be left alone with Sesshomaru. The two generals seemed to know this and only moved faster. "We can discuss more later!" Sana called and stepped out into the hall, letting the door close behind him.
Noa and Sesshomaru stood in silence. She looked at him for a moment before turning her attention to the desk. Noa began picking up papers and stacking them. Once that was done she began tying up the scrolls that had been used. Sesshomaru watched her, waiting for her to speak first.
Noa took the time to reflect her options. While Takara could potentially live her life on the run, constantly looking over her shoulder, it was worlds better than being dead. As much as it broke her heart, she realized she
"I made my decision." Noa announced, breaking the long silence. She turned to Sesshomaru and he waited. "I am going to send her away."
"Where?" He asked.
"I want you to take her with you when you leave." Noa told him, speaking as though she was giving an order. "Take her to your lands. Raise her. You know enough of our traditions, you can teach her should I not survive."
"I am not leaving." Sesshomaru told her and Noa looked at him, surprised. She blinked a few times in confusion.
"You've done what she asked of you." Noa explained. "You have no reason to stay." Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and took a step forward. When Noa stepped back, he stopped. She was keeping her distance from him now.
"She is safer here." Sesshomaru told her flatly, his tone firm as always. Noa glared at him.
"No, she is not." Noa argued. "She will not be staying here."
"She will." Sesshomaru countered and Noa marched over to him, anger clear in her face as they stood toe to toe.
"Who are you to tell me what is best for my daughter?" Noa spat at him. He held her gaze, not backing down from this.
"Our daughter." Sesshomaru corrected her with a low growl.
"I didn't need you when making decisions for her before you came here, and I don't need you now." Noa hissed before brushing past him, taking her leave. Sesshomaru stood in the room and listened as the door slammed shut. He took in a deep breath and smirked. From what he had seen of his daughter, he suspected she wouldn't be keen on leaving either.
Sesshomaru had made his decision and he had his own reasons. He would not be leaving.
"Have you heard?" Sango asked as she caught up to Inuyasha and Kagome. The three were making their way back to the throne room. It was a large hall that had several wooden tables, full of documents and plans. It was where Noa conducted most of her business and it also happened to be where meals were being served.
"About what?" Inuyasha asked, his tone rude as always.
"I've been working with some of the overseers for rebuilding the city." Sango explained her busy morning. "There's apparently going to be a really big party. They want to celebrate their freedom. The queen as already approved it."
"Oh, wow!" Kagome gasped, her eyes lighting up in excitement. "That sounds like so much fun!"
"Shouldn't they be more worried about the war?" Inuyasha asked, crossing his arms. The group made it to the doors leading to the hall and found Miroku waiting for them. He had heard the tail end of the conversation and added in his own thoughts.
"There is a time for everything." Miroku explained sagely. "Besides, what better way to create a sense of unity than to celebrate being together?" He flirted as he pulled Sango into his arms, making her blush. She shoved him off and he laughed gently. The four of them made their way into the hall. The long table once more held food for them to enjoy.
Shippo sat at the table, already eating and smiling at Rin as she lay on the floor, food forgotten as she played with Kirara. Towards the far end of the table, Sesshomaru sat and Inuyasha glared at him, only to be ignored. The group sat at the table, joining Shippo and slipping into conversations about their morning. They all had offered to help and had been working around the city, each helping in their own unique way.
All pleasant chatter was silenced when Takara burst through the doors like a bolt of lightning and sprinted straight for Sesshomaru. Everyone sat, shocked, as she dove under his pelt. Inuyasha's eyebrows rose to his hairline when he watched his brother do nothing, not even acknowledge it. Before Rin and Shippo could even ask what was wrong, Noa stormed in, tossing the doors wide open.
Noa looked around the room as she slowly walked in. Her jaw was set her eyes honed in on Sesshomaru, somehow she knew he was involved. She ignored her guests and stopped before the sitting dog demon.
"Where is she?" Noa asked quietly, trying to keep herself calm. She and Takara had just had a screaming match and her daughter ran off. She hadn't enjoyed the idea of leaving again.
"You're beautiful when you are angry." Sesshomaru met her stare, his face relaxed and he spoke in the ancient language. Noa's breath hitched and she turned red. Inuyasha couldn't understand what was being said, but he wasn't stupid.
"That doesn't answer my question!" Noa hissed, trying to collect herself. It was rare for him to be so verbally affectionate and it caught her off guard. Now was no time for distractions.
"And?" He asked her, his tone sounding almost bored.
"Where is she?" Noa hissed.
"If she is elusive enough to slip through your fingers, perhaps she is safer here." Sesshomaru dug at Noa and she almost flew into a rage. "I had forgotten how easily flustered you get." He taunted and before Noa could respond, a soft snickering came from under his pelt. Noa's eyes honed in on the sound and she moved quickly, reaching her hand under and dragging her daughter into the light. Takara struggled but Noa was able to stand her up and keep her still.
Inuyasha and his group watched with curiosity. None of them really knew what was going on but everyone had stopped what they were doing to watch. Sesshomaru stood and stepped away from the table, facing Noa and their daughter.
"Should we give them some privacy?" Kagome whispered to her friends. "I feel like I'm eaves dropping."
"Not a chance." Inuyasha said with a smirk, ready to see the drama of Sesshomaru's daughter. "Serves him right for being an ass all the time." He explained quietly. "Besides, if they wanted privacy they can leave."
"Moma says I have leave!" Takara told Sesshomaru, startling the group of onlookers. Rin gasped at the idea, worried she would be separated from her new friend. "I don't want to go!" Takara insisted.
"I told you, it's to keep you safe." Noa explained to her daughter again.
"I'll be safe here!" She insisted and turned back to Sesshomaru. "Don't let her send me away!"
"Takara, he should be leaving, too." Noa told her daughter, sighing. "You will be going with him, he will keep you safe."
"He can keep me safe here!" Takara argued, tears starting to well in her eyes and Noa's heart clenched. She hated this. She wanted to hold Takara in her arms forever, but she needed to keep her daughter safe. "Why can't I stay?"
"Takara, we've been over this." Noa sighed. "It's not safe here. You have to go with Sesshomaru."
"I will not make her leave." Sesshomaru finally spoke. Noa's eyes snapped to him in a glare and for a moment he wondered if she would attack him. Inuyasha's jaw dropped and Kagome and Sango covered their mouths in surprise. Miroku sat with his eyebrows raised but a small smirk.
"She's scary." Shippo whispered and Rin nodded as they watched.
"It's not safe here." Noa said through a clenched jaw. "She needs to go."
"I will not make her leave if she does not wish to go." Sesshomaru repeated. He had made his decision earlier and he wasn't going to back down from it.
"So, you're just going to leave?" Noa hissed in the old language, wary of eavesdroppers who were looking more invested in this conversation than she would have liked. "You are going to leave her here? Knowing she'd be safer with you?" Noa was shaking in rage and she fought back her own tears. Takara saw the anger in her mother's face and clung to her leg. She didn't mean to make her cry. Noa gently pet her head as she glared at Sesshomaru. "You're just going to leave us both?"
"I am not leaving." Sesshomaru told her, his tone firm and unchanged. Noa looked him up and down. She didn't quite believe him. Why would he stay? For them? He had his own land to rule over and Noa's odds of success weren't looking good. Sesshomaru stepped closer and Noa continued to glare at him.
"Why?" Noa asked quietly.
"I have my reasons." He told her and she wasn't comforted by those words. Noa closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. She sighed and looked down at her daughter whose face was buried in her skirt, small fists clenching the fabric. Noa ran her fingers through her daughter's hair as her shoulders fell.
Miroku watched, impressed, as Sesshomaru had managed to calmly deescalate the situation and convince the queen to change her mind. Noa wasn't unreasonable, but she was protective. Whatever Sesshomaru said must have convinced her enough to trust him.
"Fine." Noa said and Takara gasped, looking up at her mother. "You can stay." Takara beamed and began jumping up and down in excitement. "Hold on. I have conditions." Takara didn't still but she nodded her head vigorously. "You will be helping around the palace." Noa instructed and Takara nodded, still bouncing. "And you will continue your studies." Takara grimaced but kept bouncing. Noa's eyes flicked over to Rin and then back to her daughter. "And you will be dancing at the celebration." Takara started squealing excitedly. "And you will teach Rin the dance. She will dance with us."
"What?" Rin squeaked, startled at the new task before her.
"That means you have to wear your braids," Noa laughed at her daughter, "And you have to braid her hair, and you both have to wear the clothes." Takara was bouncing around her mother, tugging at her skirt excitedly. "Do you remember how to do the braids?"
"Yes, yes, yes!" Takara cheered and bounced over to her friend. "Come on, come on! We have to practice!" She urged, pulling Rin with her. The girl with dark hair was nervous and looked over her shoulder to her protector. Sesshomaru gave her a nod and that was all she needed.
"Is there a special dance at the celebration?" Sango asked, curious of what to expect.
"Each one of our celebrations begins with a dance." Noa explained with a small smile after watching her gleeful daughter bounce out of the room.
"When is the celebration?" Miroku asked her.
"Tomorrow night, after the sun set." Noa explained. "Traditionally, our fire is out in the courtyard in front of the citadel. This way the city knows when it starts. Bonfires are lit all over the city. It's a very pretty sight."
"I can't wait!" Kagome breathed, just imagining it. Noa watched as the group began to talk excitedly amongst themselves. Miroku had spent time with her generals in the records room and had taken some time to learn about the city's history and culture. Once she was sure they were thoroughly occupied, she turned to Sesshomaru.
"I'd like to speak with you." Noa told him quietly and her eyes flicked to a side door. "In private." She elaborated and turned on her heel, exiting the room with Sesshomaru behind her. Once into the hall, they shut the door and looked at each other. She had not forgotten his role in the new situation and she was less than pleased.
"You will not undermine my authority again." Noa told him firmly. It wasn't a threat. It wasn't a suggestions. It will not happen again.
"You failed to discuss it with me." Sesshomaru told her cooly and she glared at him.
"I have been making decisions about her long before you even knew she existed!" Noa hissed at him. "How dare you! How dare you come in here, acting like you have a right to go against me! And to undermine me in front of her no less!" Noa shoved his chest for emphasis.
"How dare I?" Sesshomaru asked her calmly, almost mockingly, and he stepped forward. Noa was started and stepped back, bumping against the wall. She still held his stare and glared at him, though he watched her swallow nervously. Sesshomaru couldn't help but smirk as he leaned in close. "You sent our daughter to me in order to free you and regain control of your city. Did you really think I would simply leave?" Noa stared at him, thinking over his words. She looked away, turning her head. She had been so confused.
She had left him but there was no animosity when she left. He understood. It hurt them both yes, but it was something had come to terms with. When he didn't answer the letters, Noa began to wonder. Did he love her? Did he care for her? Did he care for their daughter? Nobuo had led her to believe he wanted nothing to do with either of them. Rationally, she knew it was a lie. Sesshomaru cared enough to bring Takara back. He cared enough to be here. Why was it so difficult to trust him again?
Noa was ripped out of her thoughts as she felt Sesshomaru's nose trail up her exposed neck, breathing her in. Her own breathing hitched, startled by the affection she had craved all these years. His fingers laced with hers and he brought their joined hands up, pinning her hand against the wall next to their heads. He pressed his body against hers gently, pinning her in place.
"Sesshomaru?" Noa whispered, her heart racing wildly.
"Hm?" Sesshomaru hummed against her neck as he began to trail kisses along the exposed skin. Noa shivered against him and closed her eyes, swallowing thickly. She had so many questions. Does he love her? How long will he stay? Why did he come? Why won't he leave? What are they? What happens to them now? Noa's head raced as fast as her heart but she couldn't bring herself to ask them.
"Thank you." Noa breathed finally and Sesshomaru pulled away enough to look into her eyes. He nodded slowly and leaned away, releasing her. Noa continued to lean on the wall for support, her legs weak. She suddenly felt cold and exposed and fought the urge to pull him back in. Sesshomaru stared at her and Noa stared back. He was always so cold and distant, even with the two girls, even now. His face was blank and serious. "What do we do?" She whispered. Sesshomaru understood the question. Yes, she had a war to win, a city to protect. They both have a daughter to raise. Where does this leave them? Could they pick up where they left off? Could they love one another again? Had they changed too much?
Sesshomaru turned and began walking down the hall, leaving her be. Noa fought tears of frustration but his voice made her smile.
"I leave the decision to you."