Me?
Kagome's mind raced. Why would Sesshoumaru's mother want us mated? Did she not hate humans? She hated Inuyasha right?
Sesshoumaru had suggested they take their conversation to his office, away from any eavesdroppers.
He looked at her from across his desk. The poor miko was beside herself. She fidgetted and wrung her hands, before she laid them flat on the table.
"Why does your mother believe that I will marry you?" Kagome asked evenly.
Sesshoumaru poured himself a cup of saké, and tossed it back.
"It is not just my mother, it is everyone."
Kagome sat up alarmed. "What?! Why?"
"This one did not expect...certain consequences of making your son my heir. It is often customary that if a brother should die, then his other brother might mate his widow out of duty to keep the family line. However, it is not mandatory. The problem lies with you."
Kagome pointed at herself. "Me? What have I done?"
Sesshoumaru stared at his empty cup. "You are considered very valuable. You would be a powerful asset to any kingdom. Others will eventually seek to mate you, and claim your abilities as their own."
Kagome's eyes widened.
"Most assume that will we mate for the benefit of our kingdom, given that I have already claimed Katsurou." Sesshoumaru looked up at her to see her eyes wide fear. He didn't wish to scare her away. He needed her to agree to it eventually.
"I'm just a miko. What is so different from before?"
"Your ability to pass on your holy energy to your offspring is extremely enticing to others. I have no doubt that is why my mother wishes for our union."
Her mouth hung open, dumbfounded. "She already knows that about Katsurou?"
"Do not underestimate my mother. Her currency is information, and she is quite wealthy."
Kagome rubbed her forehead.
"Kagome-dono, this one understands that this situation is not to your liking, but know that you will never be forced to mate anyone that you do not care to, including myself."
Her mind was reeling. She didn't want to mate anyone! Inuyasha would surely hate her forever if she mated Sesshoumaru. She wished things were simpler. She would be lying to herself if she didn't acknowledge that she felt attracted to him. If life were different, then maybe, in time, she would have willingly chosen him.
Kagome stared down at her hands in her lap. "What do I do?" She whispered.
Sesshoumaru sat back and regarded her. "You don't have to do anything."
"But won't that make me a target?"
"Yes, but you have my protection. You could remain a widow for the rest of your life if you so choose. You will, however, be tied to this pack, and consequently, this Sesshoumaru, until you remarry."
A thought crossed her mind. "Do you think that's why the snake tribe is after us? So they can get to me?"
"Hn. That is a possibility, but I find it unlikely."
"Oh..." She said softly. Her hand rubbed against the healed skin on her neck.
She looked so beautiful. Silky strands of her hair had escaped from her careful up-do and now framed her face. She seemed so lost in thought as she stared at the sake bottle. He wished he could make this easier on her, but life was cruel more often than not.
"Kagome-dono..."
His office door slide open with a loud crack. Kagome whipped around to look at Tortuga in the doorway.
"The slayer you summoned is here. The guards are unwilling to let him past the courtyard."
Kagome turned back around to see Sesshoumaru pinching the bridge of his nose and screwing his eyes shut.
"A slayer?" Her interest piqued. "Who?" Kagome demanded.
Sesshoumaru did not reply, but simply got up to the leave the room. Kagome grabbed his sleeve as he passed her. "Sesshoumaru-sama!"
He paused and his eyes slid down to where her hand remained on his sleeve.
"Who is it?" She demanded looking between Sesshoumaru and Tortuga.
Why was it important that she know? It didn't matter.
"Kohaku." He answered, pulling his sleeve from her grasp as he left.