He supposed he should be happy. He had been worried that their night of intimacy with the panther demon would cause some jealousy on Kagome's end. But for her part, she had been cool and collected about the whole thing. She wasn't punishing him, and had even encouraged his attentions later that morning on the edge of his desk. It seemed his worries had been unfounded.

Still, something was amiss. He couldn't place as to what, but the miko seemed...off. The usually soft and caring woman had been speaking strangely. Even for her. It just, was unlike her. She now deemed fit to offer advice on his political dealings, though he hadn't asked for it. And was suddenly very free with her opinions on matters that, frankly, were none of her concern.

And the opinions she seemed to adopt as of late had been shocking ones. Her ideas were underhanded, and thoughts lacked the moral compass which she had previously displayed. Perhaps she was simply in a mood... He knew there would be some repercussions for the previous night. Hopefully they would soon run their course, and he would have his sweet little miko back.

Until then, he had business to attend.

When Sesshoumaru opened the door to his war room to commence his third council meeting in as many days, he wasn't greeted with the respectful standing at his presence which he normally was afforded.

Aside from Touran and her father, all the other demons present wore huge grins, and began a round of applause at the dog demon's entrance. Suggestive whistling and hooting accompanied the clapping, and he approached the table with a deadly unamused countenance.

"There he is! My I present: The Western Gigolo! How ya feelin', lover boy?" Apparently, the others had been made aware of his goings on the previous evening, and even saw fit to mock him. Haki at times felt immune to his wrath because of the place he once held with his father. It seemed he had yet another demon to remind of their place in his presence.

He didn't respond as he took his seat, and Kouga felt empowered enough to join his father's taunting.

"Man, Touran. You gotta tell me what this guy does in bed that would warrant surrendering all that land. Does he hold the cure for pox in his dick or something?" After he was kind enough to not kill him for touching his miko, this is how he is repaid? Perhaps he made a mistake.

"I see discretion is not your strong suit, Touran?" he accused, fixing her with a most displeased expression.

"It wasn't me. You can thank your general for that one," she informed. Jiro was already on thin ice. They would definitely be hashing this out in the dojo later on.

"If you are all quite finished, perhaps we can finally go over the expansion plan regarding the lands? Some of us are interested in getting some work done, after all."

"Sure! We all know how hard you have been working, Sesshoumaru! Such sacrifices you make for The West. I am surprised you have the energy to attend council this morning." Even Kashi was joining in on the fun. Their comfort in teasing him was most disconcerting.

"Enough!" it didn't have the effect he was going for- pant pissing fear, but the command at least silenced the group enough so that they could continue. He couldn't remember the last time he had a headache, but his temple was beginning to throb.

As they pulled out the maps and went over the guard lists, all turned at the sound of the door opening to watch the miko walk through. Sesshoumaru was miffed that she would just let herself into his meeting, and found himself grow quite annoyed at her gall. 'We will have to have a discussion regarding etiquette within the fortress.'

They took turns looking to Sesshoumaru with uncertainty, and back to the miko who invaded their private meeting. What was she doing here?

She made her way to the table, looking to the scrolls as she sauntered to Sesshoumaru.

"Is everything alright?" he asked her, trying to contain his upset.

"I'm fine," she responded without looking at him, "How's it going?"

"We are in council, miko. If there is something you require-"

"Are those the proposed guard posts? I was thinking you should-"

"Miko," his tone took on a harsh edge. "This meeting is for council members only. If you would kindly leave This One until he is finished, we could-"

"I just think you should move this station here to the water's edge. That way, you could access the lands from the sea as well."

That she had barged into their meeting was outrageous enough. Cutting off their lord in the middle of his sentence was unfathomably disrespectful, and caused the rest of the council to eye him warily. If it had been any of them, they would be lucky to still be breathing. What would he do to her?

He furrowed his brow as he prepared to respond, but was interrupted again by yet another intruder. Kai came running in out of breath, and excited with fear.

"I am sorry, My Lord. I told her-"

"I told you it's alright, Kai. Sesshoumaru wants me here, don't you?" He really didn't. What was she thinking? He needed to be harsh with her, but after the threesome last night, was warring with himself on how delicate he should be with her feelings. He was trying to form a response, but Kouga jumped to the rescue.

"Hey, it's no problem. We all love Kagome, don't we guys?"

"Kagome can be trusted. I see no harm in allowing her to remain," Touran interjected. The three elder demons in the room pinned Sesshoumaru with a worried glance, but said nothing.

"We have no seat for you," Sesshoumaru tried to justify, but she was undeterred.

"That's okay. I'll just sit here," she moved to her dog demon and sat on his lap. He couldn't explain the rage he felt at her right now, and for once was at a loss of words.

She busied herself with the scrolls in front of him, and became very open with her opinions on their official matters. She had remained for the meeting, and he was so beside himself with anger that he could hardly focus on the matters at hand. He didn't know what bothered him more; her audacity, or that the others in council seemed to consider and agree with many of her proposals.

When it was over, he was quite eager to take her off to express his displeasure, but she was too quick for him. "Man, I'm starved. I'm gonna go get some lunch. Meet you later?" she asked, but awaited no response. She would receive none anyhow, but still leaned forward to plant a quick kiss on his lips, and was out the door.

He remained seated in his chair, and soon only he and Kouga remained.

"What the hell was that?"

He wasn't sure how much he should say to the wolf, but he needed an outlet.

"Can you believe that? What was she thinking?"

"Well, you can't be too mad." He couldn't? At his look, Kouga elaborated with a shrug.

"She had some good points. I never knew she had such a mind for politics."

Neither did he. "Regardless, it is not her place. She is not even Lady of the West yet, but if she were, mates of lords have no say in these meetings. This shall not be repeated."

"Not so fast, Sesshoumaru. She is an asset. You need to let her come to the next meeting."

"Are you a fool? That was completely-"

"I know, I know. But think about it. It would be crazy not to hear her out."

He was implying it was he who was crazy? "Why?"

"Because. She can tell the future. She knows what's going to happen. We can't ignore her rare insight into these matters."

Sesshoumaru huffed and looked away.

"I know this is probably uncomfortable for you, but don't let your pride cloud your judgement. If you had, you wouldn't be with her in the first place." The wolf had a point. He hated when that happened.

He had to think about this. He would still be having words with her about her position in his house.

A/N: Don't worry. We're gonna find out what's up with Kagome in a few chapters. And I think the next few came out pretty good.