Maiden of the Sword
Ch. 11
Kagome huffed, trekking up the mountainous terrain. She wiped the sweat from her brow. The sun hung high overhead and the half-demoness shielded her eyes from its rays. The deeply embedded spiritual energy crackled in the air, growing stronger with each step. She was close.
"Stop! Turn back, demoness!" a young monk called above.
Kagome peered past him and could see the monastery. Kagome ran up the trail with renewed vigor. Five figures jumped from the mountain tops and surrounded the woman. They held out their staffs, closing in around Kagome.
Kagome held up her hands in defense, "I mean you all no harm! I was sent by Monk Iruka."
An elder stepped forward, motioning for the monks to step aside.
"Are you speaking lies, young one? Why would Monk Iruka sent a demon to our holy land? How were you not purified before coming to this point?"
"I am a miko, an apprentice of Priestess Kaede. I was chosen to care for the Tsugara blade."
The elder stiffened visibly at the mention of the blade. He cleared his throat.
"Prove you are who you say you are."
Kagome closed her eyes and held out her hands. The air shifted and lightened as Kagome brought forth her miko energy. The pure energy swirled in white around her fingers. She grinned at the hushed tones of awe.
"I can feel Iruka's power intertwined in your own. Very well, priestess. Follow me."
Kagome followed behind the man. He led her to a large temple. The room was filled with monks feeding their spiritual energy into a blood red sheath. Kagome sucked in a sharp breath. The aura of the entire room was suffocating like tar clinging to her lungs. Kagome rushed back outside and bent over, gasping for air. The monk rubbed her back.
"The blade's dark energy is strong and will take time for you to get accustomed to it, young one. What is your name?"
Kagome stood up, "Kagome and you?"
"I am Monk Li. Come sit and I will explain all I know to you."
Kagome sat on a pillow, admiring the artwork of cranes and sakura flowers adorning the sliding doors. Monk Li sat across from her and handed her a cup of green tea.
"Thank you Monk Li. Please tell me. What were those men doing in that room?"
"You have felt the enormous power of the Tsugara blade. I have looked over the blade for nearly twenty years. Only recently has its dark powers been awakened. We rotate ten monks at all times a day to neutralize the blade's energy, but it grows stronger every day."
Kagome set her cup down, "It will take me a little time to build my energy to purify the blade but, don't worry. I'll fix all this."
Monk Li's alabaster face sunk and he sighed, "Iruka did not tell you what must be done with the Tsugara blade, did he?"
Kagome shook her head, "It's a large purification, right?"
"In a sense, yes. For this purification, there must be a large sacrifice. You will die."
Kagome nearly choked on her breath, "I'm sorry, what?"
Monk Li's eye contact was unwavering, "You will die. In fact you must."
The bluntness of his works struck the woman like a hard slap. Kagome held her trembling hands under her thighs.
"Why?" Her voiced quaked, "Why do I have to die?"
"The blade must absorb your soul. Only then will you have enough power to purify Tsugara, but for that to occur, Kagome, you must die."
"Sesshoumaru, your bride to be is waiting in the main room," Inutaisho called.
The Lord turned back to the women. Izayoi walked in the room, taking in the women's features. All were demonesses. Two were dog demons, one a hair demon, and finally a fox demon. All but the fox demon had straight black hair, though a couple looked as if their hair had been dyed black. The women bowed in unison at the Lady of the West. Izayoi pecked her mate's cheek.
"Where is Sesshoumaru? I haven't seen Inukimi today either," Izayoi commented.
The doors busted open and Inukimi marched up to the women.
"Speak of the devil," Inutaisho murmured back.
Inukimi ignored the remark but gave a glare toward the dog demon. She waved her fan in front of her face. Inukimi circled the demons, feeling the fabric of their kimonos, the silkiness of their hair, and the application of their makeup.
"These are the best women for my son? They all look like pitiful paupers. The kimino worn by this dog demon is the worst quality of silk I have ever felt. I feared running my fingers through it, lest the rough material cut me."
"Mother, that is certainly enough," Sesshoumaru spoke, entering the grand room.
Inukimi turned to her son with a haughty laugh, "If your mate can't handle a little criticism from her mother-in-law, she is not fit to be the future Lady. We certainly don't need another weak and pathetic Lady."
Inukimi's eyes cut to Izayoi. Izayoi ignored her, ushering the women in a circle.
"Thank you all for coming. Please introduce yourself and give Sesshoumaru the opportunity to know more about you."
The first dog demon stood forward and bowed before Sesshoumaru, "I am Kira. I hope you find me pleasing, my prince."
The second dog demon took a step toward him, "I'm Usagi. It's a pleasure."
The hair demon bowed, "Princess Akina. Pleasure my lord."
The last woman slid her sleeves back, offering a pair of golden hair clips to Inukimi.
"Please accept this gift, Lady Inukimi. My name is Eza from Fujino and it is an honor to be in the presence of you and your son."
Inukimi took the clips and inspected them, eyeing the fox demon sharply. Inukimi rolled the gift between her claws and mumbled, "These are actually fine quality. Tell me Eza, what do you have for Lady Izayoi? She is the current Lady of the Western Lands after all."
Eza's face fell and she spared a glance at the human woman. Her face was nearly as red as her hair as she stuttered out, "Oh I…I thought you didn't like her."
Inukimi waved her fan with a smirk, "I absolutely loathe her, but I respect the title of Lady of the Western Lands. But do you know what I loathe more? I despise little worms like you trying to manipulate someone into playing favorites. A true lady shows impartiality; she is not swayed by one's contempt or flattery and is able to offer her mate guidance and clarity."
Eza stuttered out an apology, but Inukimi shooed her back dismissively. The dog demoness handed the gift to Izayoi.
"My, Inukimi. That is rather kind of you," Izayoi uttered softly.
"Make no mistake; I hate you. However, my child carries a fondness for you and undoubtedly will seek your opinion just as mine when deciding his mate," Inukimi explained.
Izayoi smiled at the other woman. Despite her cutting nature, she still cared for Sesshoumaru and would show it in her own way.
Inukimi smirked and began to walk away stating, "Besides it's obvious that you're in greater need than I to spruce up your wardrobe. Honestly, Izayoi you're not some homely country girl. No need to dress like one."
Inukimi slammed the door behind her. Sesshoumaru sighed and murmured an apology, "My mother can be difficult."
"She means well in her own way, I'm sure," Izayoi concluded, and turned to the women, "Please, make yourselves at home, ladies."
The women bowed in response and began gathering their items. Kira pushed past the others.
"Hey, it isn't nice to shove," Usagi pouted.
"I'm certainly not waiting around for you to have the best rooms. Come along Rin!" Kira spat.
Sesshoumaru looked at Kira's luggage and spotted the young child. In the mixing of scents, he'd neglected to identify the small human tucked between the women's trunks. Rin poked out her head and gave Sesshoumaru a shy wave.
Sesshoumaru returned a slight wave to Rin's delight and turned to Kira, "Who is this?"
Kira's eyes lit up, "Rin, my prince. She's a mute human I've taken on almost like a daughter. She's quite lost without me. Isn't that right Rin?"
Rin's eyes shifted between the two demons and she gave a hesitant nod. She limped to the Kira's belongings and pulled a large case filled with clothes behind her. Sesshoumaru watched her carefully and called out two burly servants.
"Assist Lady Kira and young Rin with their belongings. When you return, assist the other women."
The two servants greeted the ladies and gathered up the heavy items. Rin limped to Kira's side and the demoness pulled the girl into a hug.
"Is her foot injured?" Inutaisho asked, peering at the girl, "She seems to have trouble walking on it."
"Oh Rin just loves to run barefoot and wore herself out. I'll make sure she gets her rest, Lord Inutaisho," Kira assured.
Kira pulled the mute child away. Izayoi pressed herself against her mate to whisper.
"I'll check on the other guests and then on dinner."
Inutaisho nodded and patted his elder son's back, "How do you feel? Is it too early to ask if any woman has caught your eye?"
Sesshoumaru's eyes lingered on the door the women disappeared, "It is too early, but there may be promise amongst them. They're all pretty enough. I only hope their personalities are as alluring."
Sesshoumaru fought off another sigh. These women were so banal. Kira, Eza, Usagi and Akina sat at the dining room table with practiced smiles and a docile temperament. They sat sipping miso soup wordlessly and Sesshoumaru bit back a growl.
Perhaps Sesshoumaru was being unreasonable in his thinking. Izayoi had told him as much.
"They bore me. Surely there is a lady worthy of me and my title," Sesshoumaru huffed.
"Sesshoumaru, it has only been a day. What did you expect these women to prove to you in such a short amount of time?" Izayoi asked, sitting on the edge of Sesshoumaru's bed.
"They cannot cook," Sesshoumaru started.
"Why would they need to with chefs in the castle?" Izayoi asked with a smile.
"They are not well read. Those women have no idea of our land's budgeting or power struggles."
"Why would they need that knowledge when our lands have historians and statisticians?" countered the human.
Sesshoumaru cut his eyes to his stepmother, "They add absolutely nothing of value to a conversation; they only speak on the fashion of their lands."
"Sesshoumaru," Izayoi reminded gently, "those women behave exactly as they were taught to behave. You're demanding things that are not reasonable."
Sesshoumaru huffed, "Kagome knew information on major battle strategies of the last hundred years and some of the most priceless artifacts on Earth."
"I would imagine if you're comparing the ladies to Kagome then they have already lost," Izayoi smiled.
"It is not as you are thinking. I mean to say that if a commoner such as her can be engaging, women of nobility have no excuse," Sesshoumaru sniffed.
Izayoi placed her hand on his shoulder, "It has only been a day. Give them a chance to show you who they are and allow yourself to be open with them."
They were pretty, nothing more, but he promised his father that he would put in the effort. Now after only three days, he simply wanted the women to leave.
"Eza, Fujinoi is quite renowned for its sake, is it not?" Sesshoumaru asked reluctantly, making conversation.
Eza perked up at her name and beamed, "Yes, Prince Sesshoumaru! The weather makes for good sake, but it's so cold in my region. I admit this is the furthest I've ever traveled outside my region."
Akina nodded, "Me too. My brother brings me back gifts from his travels though. He's training to be some sort of warrior."
Sesshoumaru's browed lifted, "Is he a swordsman? Do you spar as well?"
Akina laughed, "A woman fighter? You are so funny, Prince Sesshoumaru. A proper lady would never touch a sword or any other weapon for battle."
Sesshoumaru's face remained impassive as he reached for a bottle of sake, "Right, of course not."
He guzzled down a cup and sighed nearly inaudibly. His eyes focused on the sliding door. He prayed anyone would come, even his disagreeable mother. Was this court life all that was in his future? Akina gulped, fearing she had said something wrong.
"I don't actually know what weapon my brother can wield. He's never been particularly gifted in fighting, not like you. Talk of your valiance echoes through the very mountains of my land."
"Hn," Sesshoumaru replied, glancing at the door again. Her flattery did nothing for him.
Usagi spoke up, wishing to hold the demon's attention, "I overheard your mother telling the cooks to prepare a lot of tasty food. What's your favorite?"
Sesshoumaru mulled over the question before deciding to turn it into a test, "I've always liked natto over steamed rice with fish. I consider it the perfect breakfast."
Usagi's face twisted momentarily before forcing out a smile, "What a coincidence. Natto is my favorite as well."
"It's so delicious," Akina chimed in.
"Honestly I could eat natto for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Prince Sesshoumaru. Wouldn't you agree?" Kira asked enthusiastically.
Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes, "Sure."
Inutaisho poked his head in the room and grinned at his son, "Are we doing well here?"
Kira straightened in her seat and smiled at the two dog demons, "Absolutely, Lord Inutaisho. Prince Sesshoumaru has been nothing less than perfection."
"Wonderful, I'll be back shortly if you need anything."
Sesshoumaru poured another cup of sake and put a few pieces of tempura on his plate. He missed traveling already. These women would never be the type to lie under the stars or catch fish to eat over an open flame. They would never understand his restless, wandering spirit and not one of them could ever be enough to tether him. Like a whisper, the thought of Kagome entered his senses. He would never admit this to anyone, but he kind of missed her stupid antics. Traveling with her and his father certainly beat the tedium of court. Riling her up had become a game of sport now for him, but Sesshoumaru found himself comforted by their quiet nights together. Kagome often hummed or softly sang a melody as they retired for the night and the tune lulled the prince to sleep. Sesshoumaru inhaled deeply. Fuck, he was losing it. He was actually missing the loud and brash priestess. Perhaps Sesshoumaru was hallucinating because he almost swore he smelled her sweet scent of honeyed apples.
"Hello? I retrieved the blade! Anyone here?"
Sesshoumaru's ears twitched at the melodic sound of Kagome's voice. Was he hearing things too? Indeed, the sweet scent of honey and apples invaded his senses as Kagome entered the room, sliding open the door.
"Hello? Oh, Sesshoumaru, it's just you. Where is Inutaisho?" Kagome asked with a cute pout.
"Nice of you to announce your return, especially after you neglected to tell me you were leaving," Sesshoumaru uttered.
Kira whipped her head around, shooting daggers with her eyes at the intruder. She watched Sesshoumaru's expression and attempted to establish the relationship between the two. Sesshoumaru was mindful to keep his face impassive, fixed in a slight frown. Kagome rolled her eyes and marched up to the dog demon.
"Don't give me your attitude, jerk. You have no idea what these past three days have been for me."
Kira noticed the crest of Kagome's cloak and spoke, "Did you have a sister, Prince Sesshoumaru? I was only aware of a brother."
"A sister? No," Sesshoumaru answered flatly.
"You didn't have to sound so harsh about it, Prince Charmless," Kagome bit back.
Sensing no threat in Kagome, Kira held up a plate, "I was wondering where the servants had gone. Here, girl, fetch me another steamed bun and more tea."
Kagome cut her eyes to the woman and then the other demonesses. They were all dressed nicely with fine china at the table. Sesshoumaru himself looked the same, but there was only one reason he would be sharing tea with the noble ladies. Slowly it dawned what she'd walked into; Kagome blushed. She bowed clumsily to the group and the blade on her shoulder fell to the ground. Kagome scrambled to pick up the weapon. Sesshoumaru's honeyed expression quirked into an almost laugh.
"Clumsy thing. You actually manage to get one of the strongest swords known to man and here you treat it as a plaything."
Kagome refastened the sword to her back, "I didn't realize you were still doing the whole looking for a wife thing. I'll go."
Sesshoumaru's lips ticked, nearing a half-smile. Just a few moments with Kagome reminded him of the badinage he hadn't gotten from the other women.
Before he could stop himself, Sesshoumaru said, "Wait, sit down and eat. You only just returned, correct?"
Kira's face darkened with a glare toward Kagome. She turned to the other women who looked equally shocked and confused by Sesshoumaru's request. Rin limped into the room. She carried a bottle of sake wrapped in a golden wrapping cloth.
Kagome cocked her head cutely to the side, "You're being nice to me? Aww did you actually miss me?"
Sesshoumaru scowled, looking away. His eyes caught the item in Rin's hands.
"What is that, Rin?"
Rin looked to Kira and held the gift out for her. Kira smirked and snatched the bottle away. Kira stood abruptly and bolted to Sesshoumaru's side. Rin staggered back and landed hard on her butt. Kira took the liberty to pour Sesshoumaru her sake, giving Kagome a subtle push as she poured. Kagome frowned, but found a free spot next to the dog demon Usagi. The other dog demoness gave her a shy smile.
"Hi, I'm Kagome. What's your name?"
"Usagi. The fox demon is Eza. The hair demon is Akina and that woman is Kira. Nice to meet you," the girl said, picking at a piece of fish.
She lowered her voice, "It's kind of nice that you came. It's been a little dull here."
Usagi's pale skin dusted in a pink blush at the admittance and Kagome laughed.
"Happy to provide some entertainment, I guess. What were you discussing before I came?"
Kira marched back to her seat, shooing Rin away. Just then the little girl's stomach growled.
"Hey, little one. Are you hungry too? She could stay and eat too, right Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked.
"There doesn't seem to be room for her unfortunately-" Kira started.
"Come here, sweetheart. We can share a spot," Kagome called with a smile.
Rin watched Sesshoumaru's expression for any hint of disapproval. He nodded slightly and Rin limped over to Kagome's spot with a grin. Kagome set a plate in front of Rin and began loading up generous portions of the meal.
"Sorry, Usagi. What were you saying?"
Usagi smiled and passed Kagome some tempura, "We were discussing Prince Sesshoumaru's favorite breakfast, natto."
"You like fermented beans for breakfast? I'll pass," chuckled Kagome, "I love rice with grilled fish though."
"Well we all like natto. It's definitely the superior of the meals," Kira retorted.
Akina nodded, "Right!"
"Grilled fish is my favorite too actually," Usagi whispered, "Natto is too slimey."
Sesshoumaru smiled, "The texture is off-putting. That's why I prefer a rice ball filled with pickled plum or soba noodles."
Eza paled, "Wait I thought-"
"I merely wanted to see if any of you were capable of thinking for yourselves. I hate natto."
Kagome laughed and Sesshoumaru felt a little giddy that he had been the person to elicit that reaction from her.
"You shouldn't test them like that," the half demoness chided lightly.
"I don't need a mate parroting back my will. If these women are willing to lie about something so minute, they cannot be trusted with more valued information," Sesshoumaru snipped.
Kagome shrugged and turned to Rin, "Hard to argue with that, huh?"
Inutaisho peered through the sliding door, grinning ear to ear.
"Darling, how is it going in there?" Izayoi asked in a hushed voice.
"Terrific I'd say."
Inukimi rounded the corner. She watched her ex peep into their son's room like a child, "What are you doing, Inutaisho?"
The voices in the room began to raise, catching Inukimi's attention, "That little half-demon has returned? I think I can smell her too."
"I believe Kagome arrived earlier today and she is certainly livening up the place."
"Move, I want to see!" Inukimi hissed, pushing Inutaisho from his spot.
The dog demon repositioned and crouched below his ex. Izayoi sighed and walked away. It was a wonder how Sesshoumaru retained any mature regality with two children for parents. It was cordial for the most part, until Eza made an offhand remark about her village. Inutaisho watched from a crack in the doorframe. He nudged his guard as Kagome's voice rose.
"Look at them go," Inutaisho whispered to the guard making his rounds.
The guard stopped by the room and peered in with eyes narrowed, "What a rude girl, acting that way amongst royalty. Don't worry, my lord. I will eject her immediately."
"No," said Inutaisho, holding back his guard.
He motioned to his son with a soft smile, "Look at him."
Sesshoumaru kept quiet, watching the women fire words at one another. He sipped at his tea with a small smile splayed across his face. His eyes remained fixed on Kagome.
Inutaisho chuckled, "Sesshoumaru enjoys the banter; she stimulates him in a way these other women cannot."
Kagome leaned over the table, "I just don't understand. How could you be content to sip tea and embroider when you hold one of the most powerful positions? You're a princess. Your people believe in you and you abandoned them."
"You're just a shrine maiden so get off your high horse. What do you even know of the real world?" Eza argued, folding her arms.
"I'm not trying to judge you, but you said a sickness wiped out nearly half the village in your land and you did nothing about it? You have tremendous power and you're squandering it," Kagome slammed her hand on the table.
Usagi jumped back and laid a hand on the woman's shoulder, "Things like that happen. We've been taught to follow orders and provide comfort to the villagers, but that is all we can do."
Kagome shot a glare at the woman, "You have no idea the responsibilities other women have and how much they would wish to trades places with you. As a priestess, I come across so many hurt people and there are some I can't help, but I still try. Forget it."
Kagome stood up and excused herself. Sesshoumaru watched the slip of a woman leave the room. It wasn't like her to be so easily upset. His insides gnawled for him to go after her, but the prince poured another cup of tea. She needed to temper herself. Rin watched the miko disappear behind the door with worried eyes. She nibbled at her tempura.
"I don't mean to speak out against your…friend, Prince Sesshoumaru, but she's been a rather rude dinner guest," Akina commented with a scowl.
"I agree. She's been a distraction at best and that outburst was uncalled for. Perhaps she forgets that we don't all have healing powers. When a sickness hits our area, what does she expect? People need to continue farming and selling and provide a living not only for the royal family, but for themselves," Kira noted, pushing her plate away.
Usagi looked toward the door again and spoke, "I believe the reason for Kagome's anger was the fact that Eza's clan never sent for aid to purify the land. None of the priestesses or priests knew how many were sick. Plus you did protect the nobility, but did not tell the people what was happening until it was too late."
"The same thing happened in your land, Usagi! Don't make me out to be a monster," Eza growled.
"No, that's not…what I mean to say is," Usagi stuttered.
"Don't stand up for her. You just make your own family look bad," Akina warned.
Usagi stood, "Sorry, please excuse me."
Usagi found Kagome outside with her feet dangling over a koi pond. Her dog ears twitched when the sound of footsteps drew her attention. Kagome wiped the tears from her eyes and turned to see the kind dog demon.
"Oh Usagi, hey. If you needed this spot-"
"I was looking for you actually."
Usagi moved her fine robes to the side to sit next to Kagome. The two sat in silence, listening to the chirp of cicadas. Usagi sighed, gathering her resolve.
"I have a confession. I don't want to marry the prince. I know that sounds crazy."
"I've been traveling with Sesshoumaru for a while now. It does not sound crazy," Kagome joked.
Usagi's lips lifted into a smile, "There's a boy back in my village. He's so kind to me. He compliments me and gathers up the prettiest flowers to give to me. I think he's quite good-looking too."
Usagi released a giggle and blush at her admittance.
"Perhaps that should be who you marry then," said Kagome.
Usagi shook her head, "Prince Sesshoumaru has the status I need to advance my family, not to mention the wealth. I know that it may seem like we have it all, but please don't judge us so harshly, even Eza and Kira. At the end of the day, we remain quite powerless to the world around us."
Kagome nodded and whispered, "Sorry, I have a lot on my mind and I took it out on you all. It's just death is scary. When I was younger, I didn't even want to be a priestess, but my mother was one. She trained me and one of the hardest things to cope with is the burial ritual. That's when you guide the souls to the afterlife. A restless soul is the thing of nightmares and I just think about all those poor souls that never experienced rest. I bet the very Earth aches for their peace."
"You take your title very seriously," Usagi commented, "It's a very noble thing."
Kagome gave a bittersweet laugh, "I wish I took this all more seriously. Up until now, I've been a bit of a slacker."
The women shared a laugh and Kagome stood, "Thanks for coming out and letting me ramble a bit. We should probably head back."
When the two women returned, Sesshoumaru was gone, but the other three women were waiting.
"Where did the prince go?" Usagi asked, sitting once more.
Akina sighed and combed through her dark bob, "He left shortly after you two left. Looks like Kagome chased him away. Listen, I'm not trying to be rude, but I'm just going to say it. We know our place and you should learn yours."
Kagome glared and folded her own arms.
With her agitation pointed at Akina, she hadn't noticed Sesshoumaru had slipped back in the room, "Well I'm not trying to be rude either, but I'm not one of you prim and proper princesses, keeping my eyes lowered and speaking prepared lines in a courtly whisper. If 'knowing my place' means I can't speak my truth, then I want no part of it."
"Must you always be such a troublemaker?" Sesshoumaru chastised behind her.
Kagome jumped at his voice and turned. Sesshomaru held his impassive regal air, save for a slight frown adorning his features. Curiously enough, his eyes danced, teasing almost. In his hands were two plates: one with food and one with sweets. Sesshoumaru motioned to Rin and set the plate of sweets in her spot. Rin rushed to her spot. She tripped and tumbled into the table, spilling a bottle of sake on Kira's lap.
"You clumsy brat; look what you did!"
Rin cowered back, sniffling. Kira made a move to yank the girl up, but Kagome was faster. All her previous anger was forgotten as she tended to the child. Rin pointed to her feet with a small whine.
Kagome lifted Rin on her lap and checked her foot, "Oh you poor thing!"
Sesshomaru dropped to his knees, inspecting the child, "What's wrong?"
Rin winced. She wiped away the tears welling in her eyes and squeezed the hem of Kagome's cloak.
Glass was stuck in the balls of her feet, despite the fact that there was no glass on the floor. Kagome's hand began to glow as she extracted a large shard of glass.
She glared at Kira, "No wonder she was limping; this glass dug so deep it was nearly imbedded into her skin. Her foot could have gotten infected!"
Kira glared back and blotted the sake from her clothes, "If the girl doesn't tell me, how would I know she stepped in glass?"
Kagome grabbed the golden cloth from the sake and wet it before wrapping the cloth around Rin's foot. The young girl smiled and cuddled into Kagome's embrace.
"Maybe if you weren't making goo goo eyes at Sesshoumaru, you would have noticed the kind of pain Rin was in!"
Kagome turned her attention to Rin, "Does your foot itch a lot or is tender to the touch? I notice you have some weird bumps," Kagome asked gently.
Rin nodded. Kagome dropped her sack and pulled out the ingredients to make a paste.
"You probably have an infection, but its nothing to be embarrassed about. At my old village, a lot of kids got them, but it's pretty avoidable if you cover your feet when you go outside."
Kira seethed, "Why did you have to wrap her foot in my gift? You're so unladylike!"
"Rin needs a decent pair shoes and honestly some nicer clothes," Kagome said, ignoring her statement, "The way you treat this poor girl is a disgrace."
Kira fumed. This woman was ruining everything. Sesshoumaru was paying her more attention and was completely silent toward her impetuous, trashy behavior. What could the Western Prince see in this Kagome? What did this girl foolishly believe that she possessed that Kira was lacking? Not one to be outdone, the dog demoness decided then to put the mutt in her place.
"Why are you even here, like you're worthy of my time? I don't even know why I'm entertaining the notions of some filthy half-breed! Your very existence is a disgrace to us all."
The room went silent, save for Usagi's gasp. Eza nudged Kira to stop while Akina spared Kagome a pitying look. Kagome grit her teeth and set Rin to the side to give the woman a piece of her mind.
"Get Out," Sesshoumaru spoke.
"Sesshoumaru, that isn't right," Kagome began angrily, whipping her head to him.
"Not you. Her."
Kira froze. Sesshoumaru's eyes bore into her, narrowing dangerously. Those golden irises lacked any teasing or playfulness. Kira shivered unconsciously at his cold demeanor. Was this the side of him she'd heard of, the ice prince? Sesshoumaru's tone left no room for discussion, yet the demoness still stammered out a refute.
"My Prince, wait-"
"Leave, while you still have an iota of dignity left. In fact, all of you leave."
Silently, one by one, the women gathered up their robes and left. Usagi gave Kagome's shoulder a supportive squeeze on her way out. The only three who remained in the room were Sesshoumaru, Rin, and Kagome.
"Listen, I'm sorry for crashing your party, but I couldn't stand that woman lording her power over someone so defenseless! She's just a little girl."
"You haven't eaten anything," Sesshoumaru said.
He took a seat and motioned to the food. Kagome paused and looked down at her plate. It had been filled with all her favorite food. She looked back at Sesshoumaru quizzically. Did he do that for her? Maybe he could be sweet. A light blush appeared on her cheeks.
"Oh, um thank you, Sesshoumaru. And thanks for standing up for me."
Sesshoumaru made eye contact with her and averted his eyes quickly, "Don't misunderstand me. I should be the only one in my home insulting you."
Kagome rolled her eyes, "Of course. How could someone other than the great Sesshoumaru have such an honor."
"Even your puny brain seems to understand," Sesshoumaru smirked.
Kagome glared at Sesshoumaru and he returned it, but slowly that glare ebbed into a smile. They settled into a comfortable state, eating in silence with the exception of Kagome's doting on Rin. Kagome pushed away her plate and Sesshoumaru called the servants to take away the food. Without a word, Sesshoumaru receded to his room. Kagome gathered up her sword and knapsack. Her eyes lingered on the door where the prince left, she smiled.
'He's not so bad after all.'
Thank you for reading. If Kagome's attitude was a little annoying, don't worry because that is the purpose for the story. Next chapter will explain Kagome's past and her parents as well as show Sesshoumaru's reaction to Kagome having suitors. The story is about a third done and I can't wait to write about the adventures Kagome and Sesshoumaru will go on before Kagome faces the Tsugara blade. Stay tuned and let me know what you think!