Lies
The palanquin came to an abrupt stop, jostling its passengers around. The door swung open revealing a kitsune servant. Sesshoumaru pushed himself out of the palanquin and stood to his full height, before turning to offer a hand to Kagome.
She placed her hand in his and climbed from the carriage. A beautiful mansion stood before them. Bright red paper lanterns hung from trees, and hanging flowers of all kinds were draped over every railing and rooftop. A forested mountain loomed behind the building.
A servant smiled at them and bowed. "Welcome Lord Sesshoumaru and Lady Kagome. I hope your travel was enjoyable."
Kagome couldn't help but smile back at the friendly youkai. "It was wonderful. Thank you."
"I will show you to your rooms. Please come this way." He directed them.
Kagome held up the hem of her kimono as she ascended the steps. The mansion was buzzing with energy. Youkai of all kinds milled about in the courtyard, and bowed at them as they passed.
The front doors slid open and revealed a grand hall, where treasures of all kinds were piled together. She spotted furniture, jewels, gold, and piles of fabric just in passing. The servant took them upstairs where a door opened for them.
"Here is your room. I hope it is to your pleasure." The kitsune said bowing.
It was a simple but decorated room. A wild flower arrangement sat on the low table surrounded by cushions and a small trunk sat against the wall for their clothing. The futon was folded up neatly and topped with fur blankets. Kagome stared at the lavish room for a moment before turning back to the kitsune.
"Where is my room? I mean don't we get separate rooms?"
The poor youkai's eyes became round with panic. "No, my Lady. We were informed you would only need one. A thousand apologies for the mix up...I..." He shook with fear.
Guilt attacked was so doubt that the servant was afraid of what Sesshoumaru might do.
"No...ah it's fine. Don't worry about it. It's a beautiful room. Thank you." She said with assurance.
The servant looked to Sesshoumaru for confirmation, but got none. The daiyoukai simply ignored them and entered the room.
The servant looked back at Kagome. "Um...well if you need anything, let me know." In the blink of an eye, he was gone.
Kagome sighed. What had she gotten herself into? One bed?
She followed Sesshoumaru and shut the door behind them.
He had already opened the sliding door, and stood looking out over the balcony.
"Your mother did this!" Kagome fumed behind him.
He turned and looked at her. "Of course."
"Ugh!" She exclaimed before throwing herself down on a cushion without an ounce of grace. Aside from the onslaught of panic from the logistics of sharing a room with Sesshoumaru; this situation said loudly to anyone that they were here as a couple. Though, remembering her lessons with Manako, that might not be such a bad thing. It might offer her a measure of protection against any males who might be interested.
Sesshoumaru could tell Kagome was panicking, so he left her to it, and turned back around to watch the other guests arriving outside. His eyes traveled from one meandering guest to another. They all had such joyous expressions on their faces. It would appear that they were genuinely happy for the kitsune couple. Or perhaps they knew that alcohol would flow like a river once the after party started.
Kagome glared at his back. Why did he have to look so dashing? She had always been a sucker for men's formal clothing. He looked so much more approachable now, without his armor and usual attire. She wished he would relax more. Perhaps they could have fun at the party. She doubted he could remember the last time he had any "fun" that did not involve disembowelment.
"You continue to stare. Why?" He asked without bothering to look at her.
Kagome's heart thumped in her chest. She had been caught with her hand in the proverbial cookie jar.
She very well couldn't just come out and say what she had been thinking.
"I find that outfit to be hideous. It is truly unflattering to your form. And not to mention that haori clashes with your own facial markings. You should probably kill whoever suggested that ensemble."
A slow, minuscule smile spread across Sesshoumaru's face.
Lies, lies, lies.
She had paid him a compliment. She did find him attractive.
His mood lifted, if only a little bit.