Nobody expected their marriage to last. Nobody expected him to actually like his wife. There was talk about the mistresses that Sesshomaru would use throughout the years, but he was a faithful demon. They had consummated their marriage the night of, and nothing else happened since. Sumiyo bore his mark henceforth, allowing those to see it was indeed official between the two. In all the fifty years they were married, Sumi found it hard to want to argue with him. He was gone for the majority of the time, yes, but would often send her lavish gifts and what his servant imp would call "frivolous gowns".

The idea behind it was sweet, however, she noticed how cold he seemed each time he would return to the castle. It didn't matter what she did or what she said, Sesshomaru would often retire to his chambers (when she knew he didn't particularly enjoy sleeping) or spend the time he had there in his private study. The demoness wenches that served the castle in the manner of cleaning and cooking, would giggle each time they passed Sumiyo in the hallway - much to her annoyance. Jaken would come up with a pitiful excuse as to why her lord didn't go out of his way to see her. Everything she learned went to a complete waste. She mainly spent her time creating the most beautiful and elaborate kimonos, only to have them sent to other ladies throughout the lands. She made quite a profit from it.

Her profit was shut down once Sesshomaru caught wind of it. So long as she resides in his castle as his wife, she shall not resort herself to such degrading means. Sumiyo was much younger than he was, so she couldn't understand why it was such a big problem. "Foolish woman," Jaken said one night, earning him a deathly glare. "E-er, I mean, it was just a simple mistake, m'lady." He corrected himself, but still earned a sharp kick from Lord Sesshomaru. "Sumi." Sesshomaru said, his voice sending small chills down her spine. "Come." On rare occasions, something like this would happen. He would take her into his study and ask a question or two about her opinions on which border he should take next. Inquiries like that felt like a rather big deal, but she knew it wasn't. However, when she took a seat in front of her lord, she soon realized that this time was not the case.

His intent golden gaze made her cheeks turn hot - as per usual - and he didn't say anything until she did. "What do you require of me, my lord?" Her voice was a bit shaky, and she failed at attempting to hide her embarrassment. His staring was something she found that she never has and probably never will get used to. Sumiyo held eye contact, though, and waited uncomfortably for his response. Sesshomaru pursed his lips slightly, and she could detect a hint of amusement protruding off of him. "My mother has requested a visit with you." He said simply, and she adjusted her kimono out of nervousness. She'd met his mother previously, at their wedding ceremony. A meticulous yet charming demoness. Sesshomaru clearly resembled some of his mother, but he lacked a lot of her emotion (unfortunately). "Of course. May I ask why?" Sumi responded, calming down a bit. Making small conversation and hosting something was a part of what she knew how to do.

Sesshomaru looked down to what appeared to be an invitation, written so neatly. "It's news about my father.." His voice lowered slightly, and he furrowed a brow in thought as he studied the scroll intently. "However, she only requires your attendance." He must have been wondering why he wasn't written for as well. The situation was odd indeed, but there was no other option available. Sumiyo must attend, with or without her husband. "When shall we leave?" Sumi questioned, not thinking much of the question itself. This would be a chance to spend time with him for once, and so she did not notice the look of curiosity that crossed the Lord of the West's features. He pushed the scroll towards her, his eyes meeting hers once more. "We leave tomorrow morning. I expect you will need to make preparations with your belongings." This was his way of dismissing her, with a curt nod and his attention returning to whatever large book he was investing his time in.

After Sumi shut the door behind her, she pondered for a moment, not knowing what her mother in law wanted with her. She had a feeling it could be about bearing her grandsons, but they both had made it very clear that Sumiyo wouldn't be having children for a couple more decades. Sesshomaru didn't seem like he would care about being a father, anyways. The thought had never really crossed her mind the way it just did, so she shook it off and found herself back in her bedroom quarters. Time worked a little weirdly when she was lost in thought like this. Sumi looked to her right side, seeing one of the demoness wenches kneeling and looking down at her hands. "Whenever you are ready, m'lady. I will disrobe you and ready you for bed." Her voice was soft but firm. It held no authority to it, and suddenly Sumi realized exactly where she was and what she was doing. "I am ready, Keiko." She said simply, getting a small bow from her helper.

Once Sumiyo was settled in her bed, she heard the quiet noises of Keiko tinkering around and ensuring the safety of the room, as well as preparing the next days' kimono. Her things were packed by Keiko as well, in little to no time. Sumi assumed this is what her life would have been like if she had been born anything less than a pure blooded demoness. Half-demons were looked down upon greatly in her society. Humans were, as well, but that was a separate community. They were merely like pets to more of the higher ups in terms of demon rankings. She watched intently with her maroon orbs, taking in Keiko's appearance. The demoness working for her came from a lowly half demon and full blooded rat demon. Keiko looked no older than eighteen, with short dark violet hair going in every direction. Her wide eyes were a dull auburn, with specks of red here and there. With olive toned skin, it would be fairly easy to determine her status. Not to mention the various scars littering her bare arms.

"Keiko," Sumiyo said, propping herself up on her elbows. The other demoness stopped what she was doing, and immediately turned to face her lady. "Yes, m'lady?" She questioned, her hands resting in front of her. "You can be dismissed. You are keeping me awake with your unkempt features." It was nothing more than a tease, but that went completely over Keiko's head. The servant's face flushed a bright pink, and she bowed timidly before exiting the room. Perhaps Sesshomaru's cold humor brushed off on her. Laying back down, Sumiyo held a blank expression as she stared out of the window adjacent to her bedding. What did Sesshomaru's mother want with her? The amount of times she would ask herself the same question would eventually drive her crazy. Expecting nothing more than restless sleep, Sumi closed her eyes, and allowed herself to drift off into slumber.