DO NOT DISTURB

Lady Nefertiti

Last time: Since his back was to her she hadn't caught that devilish smirk on his face that would make even Kagome's heart either stop beating or roar with certain thunder.

AN: thanks to Xyche101 and WrightS666 for your reviews. It makes an author feel their writing is worth reading ;)

Chapter 8: Disturbance amongst the ranks part 1

They'd made their way farther into the borders of the west and although Kagome had visited the palace before she had been with the tachi and Sango was a demon slayer so she felt safe. Well Inuyasha always overdid it and always got himself into trouble so the soldiers had to restrain him—flog him (beat/lash him that normal criminals got punished for) and put him in a 'detention cell for royals' (not jail) and besides it was against the law to kill a royal.

so…so…wait just a second…..

Oh NO! And then realization hit her like a thousand bricks. She was alone! All ALONE with Sesshomaru! She was in danger! She was screwed while she was with him! (Well not really) but seriously really what the hell was this? He'd told her that they'd return once they got back from the palace-and she'd agreed with him?! And hot good-looking demons were the worst to trust!

'….'

Her heart skipped a beat-a shudder down her spine (or perhaps that was the cold air) as she heard him say something to her while he still walked ahead. He knew she'd follow him. She wasn't about to pick a fight or anything and stay alone on their borders. Her 'Miko senses' started picking up/tingling as they crossed into the lands and she saw an upcoming village.

'A village of demons no doubt' Kagome thought and shook her head. Strange though that it would be a normal village first thing that would appear before her. It didn't look dangerous or anything and then she saw a few soldiers look up towards the both and her eyebrow twitched (not bothering to point out that they were also good-looking-western uniforms and all) Maybe Sesshomaru was one of those 'picky rulers' who only hired good-looking demons?

'…'

She looked down at her own clothes then and sighed. She had no such luck with men-none-at all. Not very 'elegant lady like' or 'powerful Miko looking'. She didn't stand out in either way.

"Sesshomaru-sama…." One demon soldier said who was fast approaching them. He had raven hair and jade green eyes and gave a respectful little bow. It had been quite a while since Sesshomaru had come home for a visit and then he regarded the female behind him. Usually he would've dismissed her as would the other soldiers-being a human first and given the way she was dressed. Even demons—no matter what their rank/status—poor or rich had standards.

But what really caught his interest was the aura/holy Miko power she was giving off. It was enough to make even the most powerful demon waver (hesitate) or think before attacking her-even him, being the general of the western army. Did she even know she could purify him without a single thought?

After all, a Miko was never to be taken lightly…..

Hmm…she was peeking at him from behind Sesshomaru with those azure eyes of hers. Kind of unique for a normal human who were all supposed to have brown/chocolate colored eyes. He wondered what part of the Sengoku Jidai she came from. Did all humans in her village have colored eyes? Because technically speaking it was demons who had the better looks/eyes/hair etc…and not the other way around.

Even he knew better to ask who she was, why she was with him—and a Miko at that too unless Sesshomaru-sama would introduce her himself. Being too curious sometimes would just get him killed faster. But perhaps she was Sesshomaru's woman? After all, even Inuyasha's woman/mate was a Miko too? But then they weren't afraid that their mates would purify them if they got angry?

'…'

"Hnn…General Soji why are there so many soldiers stationed on our borders? As this Sesshomaru remembers I gave no such orders." Sesshomaru said in his usual tone and looked around looking rather annoyed with Soji, eyebrow raised. He should've already known that only he, Sesshomaru or someone from the Taisho bloodline could directly command the army-His mate, heir, siblings etc-but he'd be damned before he let Inuyasha take control of the western army…..

'…'

"Ah yes. That….uhhh…." Soji started (and had been) wondering if he should be worried or scared that 'he was in for it' once Sesshomaru found out. But once he explained why then hopefully it would be okay-though his expression right now was saying 'speak now or else' yeah….everyone knew Sesshomaru didn't like to be kept waiting. Well here goes:

"While you've been away we've been getting letters/notes of different sorts in the palace, threatening to attack the western lands, take over the palace, kill the corrupt ministers-and well….kidnap the lady of the western lands."

Sojo pointedly looked at Kagome then (saying the enemy and everyone else here assumes you are his mate since the both of you are walking around alone, comfortable in each other's presence so you must be) And Kagome's face reddened and looked for a place to hide-which was still behind Sesshomaru of all places.

Inwardly she wondered if she should've responded with a firm yes or no? or given some sort of explanation to Soji but her mouth remained shut. Strangely though the thought didn't seem bad and even Sesshomaru didn't offer an explanation or his usual 'Hnn' that he did. Was he agreeing that everyone was right?

Silence usually meant 'Yes' so basically he was saying, 'well yes Kagome is indeed my mate?!' Huh? What was she getting all jittery and excited for? And her heart rate sped up as she thought about him and her as a loving mated couple?

'….'

It was silent for a few seconds-like thunder in Kagome's ears though before Sesshomaru spoke up (completely ignoring the topic of Kagome being his mate or the fact she was in danger) and started talking about who was sent the letters and who mobilized the army. Seemed like that was more important?

Real smooth Sesshomaru...and Kagome didn't know whether to be irritated, annoyed or relieved that they'd skipped over the topic of the western lady being kidnapped/taken hostage etc but still….she was being ignored!

'…'

Kagome was out of earshot of the two as they had moved further away from her. Business she assumed and sighed, arms crossed. Well he was the ruler after all and shrugged. Still….. Like she was an enemy and was going wage war on them of she heard anything/their 'great plans' on how to attack whoever or whatever lands…..

How annoying….

"Hmm?" Kagome said aloud breaking out of her thoughts. She heard Sesshomaru say something about her but she could be mistaken. She blinked at their backs and started to get seriously annoyed and wondered whether she should just go back to Inuyasha and the tachi who were all probably already up and either: anger, panicked, perverted 'knew it' look, worry etc.

Damn but this guy was boring sometimes and she didn't know what was going through his head. No like really what in HELL'S NAME were they talking about? It's not like it was a world war or anything right?

Sesshomaru started/motioned for Soji to follow him as they walked off deeper into the village. "Well your…" Soji started and looked past Sesshomaru in the direction of Kagome and didn't know how to address her or even if he should say anything. They were just going to leave her standing there? And she looked rater 'miffed' (irk, annoyed, irritated) about it. While the two walked off to discuss whatever with the other soldiers? And she didn't seem the very least bit scared that there were over 50 demons/soldiers in this village who could do anything to her? A little human girl? Like she could purify all of them and he bit his lip. He ran a hand through his raven locks feeling frustrated as he glanced from her to Sesshomaru.

Even 'demons were demons' after all…..

Sesshomaru stopped walking then and turned his head to what Soji was pointing out. Kagome. Right. He should tell her to go somewhere safe. He wasn't used to having her by his side or caught up in western land politics/in the line of so-called battle. Her expression though-as they made direct eye contact-she looked she was about to tackle him to the ground and beat him and he smirked inwardly. She really could pass for a demoness and wondered again if he was in 'this danger' he thought of earlier. Somehow he felt like he'd like to keep her by his side a little while longer….

"Hnn...Right. You go on ahead Sojiro and inform them I am here." Sesshomaru said and walked off towards where Kagome was standing. He knew Sojiro would understand what that meant. 'I will put lady Kagome somewhere safe then come and see you later' Not waiting for an answer or response Sesshomaru walked away. Inwardly he wondered how he (Sojiro) would explain Kagome to the others-or even if he would mention her being here amongst them.

Sesshomaru's plan had not been to call a 'meeting' of sorts on the western borders or the fact that he'd get such a welcoming and they weren't even IN the western lands yet. A ruler could never catch a break and wondered what awaited him in the palace. Well he just had to show his face for a few days in the palace and make sure everyone and everything was in order.

He lifted his head then from his deep thinking to see her awaiting him…

Those azure eyes of hers had a sense a calm in them…

An inner peace setting his mind at ease….

Something even his inner beast would agree with….

"Kagome..." He started as he looked down into her eyes. Hnn she smelled nice. He shook his head. Where was he? Oh yes. Something about putting her safe.

"….Follow me. This is the hut you will be in during the remainder of our stay here. Unfortunately we will need to spend a night here while I sort things out with my incompetent army." He said.

Kagome's eyes widened. He sort of apologized? To her? What was she to him? Her inner conscious egged her on saying, 'well just go with the flow and say you his mate!' Hmm?

As they stepped into the hut Sesshomaru said, "Place your Miko barrier around the hut when I leave that way no one can get in. You are not safe here even if these are my soldiers-even their loyalty cannot be trusted." He looked around the hut and nodded saying he'd come see her later to see how she was doing.

"Sesshomaru…." Kagome said softly standing from the middle of the hut and watched him walk out. Strange he would care so much about her. A small smile on her face as she suddenly wanted to touch the silk of his shirt again.

Shaking her head she proceeded to create the Miko barrier lady Kaede had taught her and felt it rise around her. Good. Now she could relax and nothing 'demonic' could get in. She sat on the ground and wondered what she should do to 'kill time' so to speak. Perhaps start with making a fire in this fireplace.

A small part of her really wished that Sesshomaru would stay in this hut for the night. It was wrong-it would be looked down upon and people would assume 'other things' of course. This was just wishful thinking of course. Her head bowed-what a scandalous thought.

It's not like he wanted to be associated with her 'in that sense' He'd made it clear as to what he thought of 'her breed/kind'. How was she any different? And looked around at the room to find wood and maybe a blanket. It was still cold out.

-With Sesshomaru-

He was standing outside the door/mat of the hut for a while for quite a while just looking at it. He felt the 'power' arise slowly around it. Seemed like she'd put up the barrier even though it was weak-it'd do. He turned and made his way to the main hall where no doubt everyone was waiting for him.

His inner demon was telling him to go see Kagome later because he was worried about her. Since when had he started caring about her welfare? Did he like her or something?

-Main Village Hut- (With the western army's soldiers)

"Sesshomaru-sama brought a woman with him! I just saw her step into one of the huts!" one whispered in complete shock and covered his mouth.

"She is his intended mate." Another said (who thought he knew about everything/know-it-all)

"She is NOT. Geez like he'd mate a human! HE doesn't even like hanyou's!" another said 'smacking' the other across the head.

"Ouch! That was my head!" he hissed back trying to 'swipe' at him.

"She does have pretty eyes though…." Another said tapping his chin.

"Besides Sesshomaru-sama has standards too!" another said who was sitting in a corner. A human woman indeed.

"That's enough! What if someone hears you?! You'll be 'flogged' for gossiping about her and our ruler!" another said in a warning tone.

"And just WHEN did you get close enough to see her eyes huh?!" another said waving his pointer finger at him. Checking out someone else's mate…..

"And just when did you all become interested in our ruler's love life?" an elderly general said walking into one of the huts of the village. He was more amused than angry.

"So like…you think they've been together for a long time? GASP! You don't think they did anything like that did they?! What if she has his heir?!"

BONK! (Across the head very HARD)

"You really want to die don't you?" one said sighing as Sesshomaru stepped into the hut. Hopefully he hadn't caught any of THAT.

'…..'

Lady Nefertiti: lol….seems like that the 'ranks' have other things to talk about now. please read and review! I cut this chapter into two otherwise it would've been too long ;) Thanks.