It's been a while readers and I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Since I last updated I had a reviewer leave negative remarks to just about every chapter I'd written so far. I think it was kind of flattering because when I don't like a story, I don't comment on it. Still the action caused other reviewers to defend me. Thank you for caring about my written works and my well-being. I love sharing my stories with you all, but I also write for myself. I can take the negative comments in stride because I'm happy with the work I put forth. No one could stop me from writing. I felt I needed to address that. Now on with the story!

Maiden of the Sword

Ch. 10

Kagome couldn't hold back her awe seeing the castle grounds. She traipsed through a flower field, reverting to a child as she giggled. She stopped, letting her fingers trail over the delicate flowers.

"Oh, Sesshoumaru, how can you be such a sourpuss living in a place like this?"

Sesshoumaru sucked in a sharp breath. Kagome was not going to rile him up in his own home. Inutaisho smiled back at the young half-demon. He pointed to two figures up ahead.

"I see Inuyasha and Izayoi are already waiting."

Kagome squinted her eyes, giving a tentative wave. The woman waved back, "That's great, but who are they?"

"My youngest son and my mate," Inutaisho rumbled, picking up his pace. It had been too long.

Sesshoumaru didn't speak. His jaw ticked as they arrived before the two individuals. Inutaisho embraced the pretty human, purring lightly as Izayoi returned his affection. Inutaisho laughed and drew his youngest into a hug. His laughter grew at Inuyasha's squirming.

"Father, come on, not cool," Inuyasha whined, giving a glance to the pretty girl that had traveled with his father.

"Disgusting," Sesshoumaru murmured, ignoring the pang of jealousy he felt every time his family came together. He was the first born, the full-blood and yet again, he felt like the outsider.

Kagome's azure irises flickered between the Lord, his human mate, and the prince donning dog ears much like her own. Her gaze finally fell to Sesshoumaru, who was sulking away from the rest.

"You've been mean to me this whole time about being a half-demon and your own brother is a half-demon?" she spat.

"Half-brother and obviously," Sesshoumaru replied.

"Oh fuck off Sesshoumaru. You can't go five minutes upon seeing us without being an asshole."

Izayoi offered a soft hand on Inuyasha's shoulder, "Language dear. You are in front of a lady."

"It's just Kagome. I'm sure her mouth is just as terrible as yours," Sesshoumaru retorted.

Kagome turned to Sesshoumaru with renewed agitation when a woman's voice called him.

"Sesshoumaru, dear!"

Inutaisho let out a nearly inaudible sigh. He turned slightly to Izayoi.

"How long has she been here?" He grumbled.

Izayoi plastered on a tight smile, "Two days. Two long days."

In a dazzling array of purple light, a slender dog demon appeared in billowing white fur. She had a regal aura to her and judging from her markings and crescent moon symbol, this mystery woman was Sesshoumaru's mother.

"Inukimi, welcome. I trust you've been well," Inutaisho asked, making nice.

Inukimi grasped the cheeks of her son, turning his face to the side, "Well look at you, Sesshoumaru. You're all grown up. Soon enough you'll be starting your own family. I just pray you treat your mate better than your father treated me. Imagine giving him a perfect heir only for him to turn his attention on some human slut spreading her legs for a dose of immortality."

Inuyasha broke away from his mother's grip and stormed up to Inukimi's face, "Don't speak of my mother like that! Any man would relish getting away from a bitch like you."

Sesshoumaru pushed him back while Inukimi fanned herself with a smirk.

"Do not approach my mother, Inuyasha. I'd hate to detach your head from your worthless body after such a short meeting."

Inukimi's taunt was a familiar one, an insult she said in some variation every time she and Izayoi were in the same space. Sesshoumaru knew she was wrong for what she said. She hadn't loved his father, but it was a blow to her ego that Inutaisho would want another. Still, that was his mother. Wrong or not, she would not be threatened by the likes of Inuyasha.

Kagome cleared her throat, hoping to dispel the tension, "All of you, remember this is supposed to be a happy occasion. You all should get along, for Sesshoumaru's sake. He is getting married after all."

Sesshoumaru hid it well under a mask of indifference, but he was shocked to hear her sticking up for him. Inukimi slanted her eyes at the girl, taking in her appearance for the first time. She walked up to the miko, sizing her up. Inukimi sniffed the woman discreetly, but found no scent. In a swift move, Inukimi snatched Kagome's red bandana.

"Hey, give that back!" Kagome flared at her, baring her teeth. This woman was infuriating!

Inukimi whipped her fan in front of her face, letting out a cutting laugh, "Oh Inutaisho, you do love your little half-breeds, don't you?"

"Inukimi, don't start," Inutaisho warned.

Kagome glared sharply at the demon, snatching her bandana back, "Well I see royalty doesn't equal civility. I suppose Sesshoumaru comes by it honestly."

A growl rose in Inukimi's throat, "Watch your tone welp. You speak on matters you know not. Sesshoumaru, do you allow this little urchin to speak to you in such a manner?"

Indeed his mother had a way with words. He should have been happy that Kagome was put in her place. She was the dirt on his shoe in the hierarchy that was life, but his mother's words grated him and he chose to say nothing. The eldest prince pushed past the crowd, mumbling something about a bath. Instead of heading to his private bathhouse, Sesshoumaru stopped by his room. He threw himself on his bed. With his family such a mess, why would he even want to add another person to the mix? They weren't even in love, not that he cared about such frivolous notions. His mind tumbled from thought to thought, reveling in the mental freedom he had when alone. A slight knock echoed throughout his room. Sesshoumaru peered up from his pillow. How long had he been laying there, daydreaming? After the second knock, Sesshoumaru murmured for the person to come in. Izayoi poked her head in the room.

"Sesshoumaru, are you well?"

"I'm acceptable," he answered coldly.

Izayoi ignored his detached tone. She knew how he sounded when his walls went up. The Western Lady sat at the edge of her stepson's bed, pressing the back of her hand against Sesshoumaru's forehead.

"I'm sorry. I know that wasn't the welcome you wanted I'm sure," Izayoi pressed gently.

"It's certainly the welcome I expected," Sesshoumaru voiced in disdain.

He sat up, looking at Izayoi. She really was pretty, for a human. The woman was undeniably kind and had been since he was a child; Sesshoumaru understood how his father was enthralled with her. Izayoi smiled gently at the dog demon. She brushed a stray strand of hair from his face, smiling wider when he didn't push her away.

"You did arrive at the perfect time. The ladies vying for your affection will arrive tomorrow. Do you know what type of woman you seek?" Izayoi asked.

Sesshoumaru scoffed, "Someone to bear me a worthy heir. What else would matter to me?"

"There is more to mating than power, Sesshoumaru and sometimes the woman you envision differs from the one you actually desire."

Of course she would think that. She loved Inutaisho and his love for her was evident, something he'd never seen in any other couple. She didn't understand the rarity of her own situation. Sesshoumaru still remembered the ridicule his father faced for taking a human mate, fanned by his own mother's envy. It had taken years for Izayoi to be accepted by the royal courts. Even now some Lords ignored her or spoke of her with venom laced words. He wanted to avoid that entirely and take on a mate worthy of the title Lady of the Western Lands. Sesshoumaru turned to Izayoi. She was still waiting patiently for his reply.

"Well? I know you've thought of this before."

She was right. Sesshoumaru mulled over the attributes he found attractive many a night. Unlike his father, he was determined to have one mate for life and he had to get it right.

"Beyond good looks," Sesshoumaru began lowly, "I want an intelligent woman, one capable of holding conversations beyond the weather or fashion. I want her to be strong, inside and out. I want someone...kind to children."

It was outwardly an odd thing to say, but Izayoi knew Sesshoumaru had always been bothered by his own mother's antagonizing display toward him. It was why she took to mothering him as she did. Try as he might to appear that he only wanted to sire strong children, that soft admission showed what their happiness meant to him.

"Anything else? Strong-willed perhaps? I could never imagine you mating a woman who would only parrot back your wishes."

"It would add some excitement to have such an independent woman," Sesshoumaru chuckled.

Izayoi shared his laugh, "You know, your father has sent me letters of your travels. I don't wish to put ideas in your head, but it sounds like you described the young woman, Kagome."

Kagome's face appeared in his mind, dancing by lantern light with the children of her village. Her tittering laugh, those alluring blue eyes, and that feisty personality drew in his beast. He realized that much when Kagome was 'seducing' Asaka. His beast sighed at the thought of her, making Sesshoumaru loathe the girl even more. Sesshoumaru growled. Why put such a ridiculous thought in his head?

"I want a full demon as my mate, not some loud mutt. She will never be worthy of me."

The venom which he'd shot out his insult tasted like bile on his tongue and he almost took it back when Izayoi winced at his words. She nodded wordlessly. Her previous playfulness was gone. She stood and gave the prince a slight bow.

"If you're feeling well enough, we are all gathering for dinner. I hope you will join us."

"Okay, okay now, for the roasted eel. Rock, paper, scissors!" Kagome laughed.

Sesshoumaru entered to see everyone else at the table. They'd already begun eating and some of the bowls were already empty. Inutaisho waved his son over to the empty chair next to him and across from Kagome. After his stepmother's comment and his own beast turning on him, he wanted to be far away from this particular half-demon. Still he sat, noticing her playing some game with Inuyasha for the last of the roasted eel. Inuyasha's claws scraped Kagome's hand.

"Sorry, let me see," Inuyasha stammered, taking her hand.

He took Kagome's hand in his own, smoothing out the light scratch he'd made. Kagome's cheeks flushed. She caught Inuyasha's eyes, falling into the molten gold depths. The priestess had never really had any male attention and the boyish grin that Inuyasha gave her stuttered her words. Sesshoumaru tensed in his seat, watching the two.

"Thanks, Inuyasha," Kagome whispered, "The scratch is nothing though."

The other patrons sent knowing glances to one another. Inukimi focused her attention, stopping mid-sentence, on her son. Half-breed love didn't interest her, but her son's reaction to their closeness was...interesting, concerning. Sesshoumaru's tail whipped from side to side.

'Stop looking at him like that!' His beast gnashed.

She never looked at him with anything other than anger or taunting. In fact, now she hadn't even acknowledged him since he sat, all because her focus was on his half-brother. The blush never left Kagome's face and Inuyasha could feel his cheeks heating up. Sesshoumaru stabbed a pair of chopsticks in the disputed eel. He waited until Kagome glanced his direction and yanked the food to his plate. Forgetting shyness, Kagome's cheeks puffed.

"Hey!"

"Shut up. The eel was getting cold while you two gave each other goo goo eyes. As I haven't eaten, it's only fair that I receive the last piece, regardless of the victor in your idiotic game."

Sesshoumaru avoided her eyes and busied himself scooping rice for himself. Kagome folded her arms. She watched his expression. The edge in his voice was different from any other time they bickered. Sesshoumaru sent another death stare, but it wasn't directed at her per say. It was her hand. Inuyasha was still holding her hand. Kagome broke away subtly, grabbing some tea for herself. Sesshoumaru's aggressive stance softened and his shoulders relaxed.

'Was he...was he jealous?' Kagome thought. The thought was unbelievable that the great Sesshoumaru would ever be shaken by plain old her.

"So Kagome," Izayoi spoke, calming the air, "What item will you be retrieving?"

"Oh the Tsugara blade. It's currently being protected by the monks of Mount Doshihei, but I can feel that strength wavering," Kagome explained.

"Wavering," Izayoi repeated, "how so?"

"I've been meditating every night and it's greatly increased my spiritual prowess. I can feel the Tsugara blade growing stronger. I'll need to destroy it before it's too late."

Inukimi sighed, "It's a shame that something so powerful is left to the whims of such pitiful people."

"That response is exactly why people seek the sword," Kagome retorted.

"Excuse me? You think my words are to blame more than those fools' actions?"

Kagome kept eye contact with the older woman, "I think it's too easy for the powerful to turn their noses up at the weak and yet be shocked when those same people use any means at their disposal to tip the scales."

Inukimi set her chopsticks down. She gifted the half-demon her full attention. The girl was at least strong enough to hold the gaze and conversation of the dog demon. Without breaking eye contact, Inukimi sneered, "Well obviously, despite my many formative years alive, this half-pup has a greater picture than I."

Kagome smirked, not taking the bait this time, "It cannot be trickled down to such a simple matter as strength. Violence is part of the mortal condition, but the reasons differ."

"So, little pious priestess, you say you of all people understand the evil within a man's heart? Laughable."

Neither women were aware that their conversation now dominated the room.

Kagome took a sip of tea, "I understand being an outsider. Being an unknown that people hate. I can handle the world's cruelty, but others can't so they fight back and they fight dirty. The focal point is their perception."

Inukimi rolled her eyes, "Lower my own mindset to the level of those vermin? I think not."

"That's exactly what I mean though, excluding the vermin comment. A deer and mouse may occupy the same space, but they do not share the same worldview," Kagome countered.

"Then why have the two change at all? A mouse could never be a deer and vice versa," The bite from Inukimi's earlier words had softened; she found herself actually enjoying the conversation.

Sesshoumaru couldn't believe the two women were speaking and rather cordially now, especially his mother. No one had spoken around them, as if afraid their words may break the spell of civility that had overcome the table.

"I simply mean some aren't capable of seeing the big picture as others. Their worldview prevents it; that should be acknowledged. People don't know what they don't know. If no one tells them differently, where is their growth? They would needlessly remain a mouse forever."

"A little empathy then?" Izayoi summarized.

Kagome looked to her with a smile, "I think we'd all be better for it."

Inukimi huffed dismissively, but everyone at the table could see her black cherry lips tug at a smile as she proceeded to eat. Sesshoumaru watched Kagome, eyes a blazed. Someone had actually gotten his mother to be agreeable. She lacked the air that she had won some fight and for once just looked satisfied with her company. Now that was a desirable trait in a mate, his beast chuckled. Even Sesshoumaru agreed with that.

Kagome knocked on Inutaisho's study.

"Come in."

Kagome walked almost timidly into the room. Inutaisho glanced up and smiled.

"How is my future daughter-in-law?" He joked.

"What? What are you talking about?"

"I just wonder who will have your heart, Inuyasha or Sesshoumaru," Inutaisho mused, giving Kagome's ear a playful tug.

Kagome chuckled at the older man's antics, adding, "You might have had too much wine at dinner, Lord Inutaisho. There's nothing going on with Inuyasha and I and definitely not with Sesshoumaru."

"Sure, sure. What is it, Kagome?" Inutaisho took note of the sack hanging on Kagome's back.

"I need to leave tonight."

"So soon? Have you even rested?" Inutaisho's brow furrowed in worry.

Kagome shook her head, "It's a different feeling now that I'm closer to Mount Doshihei. The air itself is electrifying. I don't want to waste any time so I need to meet the monks."

Inutaisho nodded and handed the woman a cloak with the crescent moon. Kagome attached the cloak on her shoulders.

"The mountains can get cold at night and hopefully my crest will keep anyone from messing with you. I wish I could accompany you."

"No offense, but the monks probably wouldn't allow you to enter the temple and the spiritual energy would be painful for you. I imagine I'll have a hard-enough time convincing the monks with my half-demon heritage," Kagome said with a crooked smile, "I'll be back within three days though, I'm sure."

Inutaisho pulled the girl into a hug. Kagome stiffened for a moment. Though she welcomed the demon's warmth, it still felt foreign. She was more used to scornful looks and biting insults than hugs. Kagome pulled away awkwardly rubbing her arms in a self-hug.

"Be careful, Kagome."

"I will. I suppose I should go tell that Royal Pain that I'm leaving soon. He's the only one I haven't spoken to yet."

As Kagome moved toward the prince's room, Inutaisho stopped her. She turned to see the smiling face of the Lord. He held his finger to his mouth with a twinkle in his eyes

"Don't say a word. Make him sweat a bit."

Sesshoumaru sniffed the air lightly. He couldn't get a wisp of her scent. Kagome didn't normally release it, but had felt comfortable enough once she found out Inuyasha was also a half-demon. He found he liked the scent of apples and honey that lingered on her person. Sesshoumaru stopped walking the halls and ventured into the grand mainroom. His father and all the servants were going about they duties normally. Wherever Kagome was, it wasn't news to them. His eyes scanned the room again for any sign of the woman. He wasn't going to ask where she was; he outright refused.

"Something wrong, son?" Inutaisho asked, walking up to the young prince.

"No nothing. I just realized how peaceful it is here again without that girl making trouble," Sesshoumaru responded, trying to sound gruff, not worried.

"Oh hn," his father replied, reading over a scroll.

Sesshoumaru looked at Inutaisho, waiting expectantly for him to announce Kagome's whereabouts. Inutaisho referenced him with that same half-smile. Sesshoumaru cleared his throat.

"I hope she isn't hassling someone else on our lands. I assume she's left the kingdom," Sesshoumaru continued, hoping to coax out a better response.

"I assume she has."

Sesshoumaru fought a pout. He was not losing this game. He was not going to ask where she was. Inutaisho turned to leave and Sesshoumaru followed him, ignoring the feeling that he felt like a yipping pup after his father. Inutaisho turned back to his son a moment and chuckled.

"Something you wish to discuss, son?"

Sesshoumaru tried a new tactic, "Kagome didn't alert you when she left? It doesn't surprise me, given her rudeness."

"No, she told me. I believe everyone in the castle received a goodbye from her before her departure." Inutaisho answered with a nonchalant shrug. His smile lengthened at the deepening frown on his son. It was only a matter of time before his son saw what was in front of him. He only needed a little push.

Sesshoumaru didn't understand it. Why hadn't she spoken to him?

"I see."

Inutaisho smiled, "Yes well you shouldn't concern yourself with Kagome any longer. After all, your mind should be on picking your future mate. The women will arrive any moment now."