Chapter Eight: Sibling Rivalry

"Why are you here?" Inuyasha asked, standing in the board room. The governors in the surrounding districts gathered in the boardroom twice a year to discuss taxes, war and other political issues. This time the room only held three men, Inuyasha, his brother Sesshomaru and Jaken, Sesshomaru's advisor. The elder brother had a permanent stoic demeanor but was more beautiful than any maiden in the country. His long white hair cascaded down his back and almost swept the floor as he walked. Sesshomaru possessed a golden gaze that rivaled his brothers, his presence dwarfed our young king.

"Well? I know you did not travel all this way to gawk at me!" Inuyasha snapped impatiently.

"You will not take that tone with master Sesshomaru!" Jaken barked back, taking a step forward. Sesshomaru placed his clawed hand on his advisor's head. Jaken was a small imp demon and had served at Sesshomaru's for centuries, his loyalty was rivaled by no other in the galaxy.

"Stand down Jaken, I can handle my little brother's tantrums." Sesshomaru said plainly, never taking his eyes off of his half brother.

"I have received word of your queen's condition and came to get an update on your progress towards an heir." As always the dog demon spoke in a monotonous manner but with a hint of mockery. Inuyasha's eyes darted to the floor, avoiding his brothers all knowing gaze.

"Heh, an entire harem of women at your disposal and not one child. Are you sure we are related?" Sesshomaru flashed a sarcastic smile as he spoke, mocking his brother was the only time he broke is statuesque poise.

"Keh, yeah right. You may have inherited the brawn but I got all the charm." Inuyasha challenged, eyes back on his kin. The siblings rivalry was unmatched, always at each other's throats on every matter even in their few interactions as children. Sesshomaru, being the eldest brother always won their physical struggles, he was considerably bigger and smarter than his little brother. In his youth, Sesshomaru fought alongside his father with pride but after he formed the alliance with the human kingdom, the scorned child left to chart his own path. The death of the great dog demon brought the two brothers back together although neither was pleased.

"An heir must be provided less the kingdom appear weak, and ripe for the taking." Sesshomaru's threats were not unfounded or new. From the moment their father bestowed his kingdom to Inuyasha, Sesshomaru has tried to undermine the young king and take his title. Traditionally the eldest son becomes the new king, but after Inutashio married a human bride, a bond was formed between the human and demon kingdoms. Inuyasha was to rule over them and Sesshomaru was to lead the army and help keep the demons in line. Although disgruntled, the first born son took on the position and did suspiciously well.

"I am well aware of the situation. I do not need-"

"See to it immediately. I expect you have my room prepared, I think I will stay for a while." Sesshomaru demanded before turning to the door.

"We are all watching, little brother." He smirked before leaving with Jaken close behind.

Pompous ass! Staying? Why? Inuyasha thought to himself clenching his fist. When his brother did visit it was never for long and although Inuyasha was aware of his brother's schemes, he had no idea the extent of Sesshomaru's plot against him. Inuyasha called for his advisor to seek advice. Myoga, an old round fellow, wise beyond his years. As a man of demon blood, he lived an unnaturally long life and served the great dog demon king for years before the alliance.

"You called for me, your majesty." Myoga said with a bow, before entering and taking a seat across from his king.

"Sesshomaru, why is he here?" Inuyasha asked plainly, a serious look plastered on his brow.

"He claims it is to oversee the production of an heir, but as I suspected, you do not believe this ploy?"

Inuyasha sighed and laced his clawed fingers in front of his concerned face.

"It is possible although if I know anything about my brother it is that he cares not what I do if it does not affect him." Inuyasha leaned back in his chair as he spoke. Myoga let out a small chuckle but straightened up when met with the king's fierce gaze.

"I suspect Sesshomaru's ambition to overthrow you and destroy this alliance is why he came. With no successor, your status is vulnerable." He shrugged.

"I will outlive all of these damn humans! Why does it matter if I have an heir now or ten years from now!!?" Inuyasha barked, standing from his seat and pounding the table.

"This may be true, we will all be here when this generation passes on, however, if the people begin to suspect you have no intention of producing an heir with a human woman, some are bound to turn on you. The kingdom will be divided and that, my lord, makes your position weak. In your weakened state, Sesshomaru steps in with an entire demon army to overtake the kingdom and rule as your father once did, in fear and blood." Myoga spoke matter of factly, never breaking his eye contact. Inuyasha knew he spoke the truth, his father was a tyrant king until he met his mother and Sesshomaru would love nothing more than to reinstate that blood thirsty hierarchy. The union of the demon and human kingdoms was built on Inuyasha's birth and he alone possessed the ability to maintain the peace his father achieved.

"I understand your tricky situation, but I must insist you bed every new member of the court immediately. All at once if it pleases you." Myoga smiled devilishly at the king who returned his amusement.

"That is not a bad idea at all." Laughed the king.

"In fact there is only one I have yet to…." Inuyasha began to remember his actions before he was summoned by his mettlesome brother.

Kagome! Suddenly the fact that he had left the maiden alone for the majority of the night dawned in him. Eyes wide, the king quickly dismissed his trusted adviser and made his way to his chamber as calmly as he could. Inuyasha had almost reached his door when he was stopped by his queen.

"My lord, how did the meeting with your brother go?" Kikyo asked, placing a hand on his chest.

"As expected I suppose." The king sighed, taking her hand in his. He was in quite a hurry but knew to brush her off would raise suspicion.

"Well you will be pleased to know I dismissed a girl from your chambers. You need to be firm with them, we don't want them getting too comfortable." Kikyo cooed, pushing herself up to kiss the king's cheek.

She is right. I am losing myself in her charm, this stupid wench. Inuyasha thought, clenching his fist and shaking the image of Kagome's flushed face from his mind. With Sesshomaru breathing down his neck it was time he stopped treating the situation so delicately. The last thing he needed was this one woman corrupting his body and mind, there was a goal to reach and she was just a small hurdle.

"Thank you, my love. See to it that she is kept busy. I may call upon her when she's learned her lesson." He said releasing his bride and turning to the chamber door.

"Consider it done, would you be in need of company this evening?"

"Yes, please send Ayumi and Yura." He answered, without turning to see Kikyo's annoyed face. He was sure that wasn't the response she was expecting but there was no time to waste and he needed to take this heir production more seriously.

"As you wish." Kikyo grunted out before heading down the hall. Obviously she meant for her to be his company but figured the sooner the heir was produced, the better.