Princess and the Oni

"What have you accomplished?" would be the first thing Sesshoumaru asked of Kagome during their last three meals together.

During her confinement to him they were to always have meals together until evening when she'd be returned to her room. He seemed aware now that she was doing additional work when locked away in her room so was merely asking what her plan for the day was. She never failed him in having a plan for that was the only way she could get out of the collar that was currently around her neck. Meals were obviously quite awkward as she had to sit across from him at a low table on her knees while he held the chain attached to her collar in his lap, but he wasn't going to let his lessons fall by the wayside just because she found productive ways to avoid them. She would become his wife tomorrow, so he only had so much time left to prepare her for what she was getting into.

Kagome refused to get use to being chained up like that. She pouted at him as she had the last two mornings while barely touching her breakfast keeping her hands busy making the futile attempt at pulling the collar free just to let him know she wasn't pleased. Eventually she always gave up before giving him an itinerary and ate her meal quick for that was the best way to get free. She seemed distracted this time, however, when she finished with her tantrum watching as a servant returned her meal to a tray. Lately the servant that brought Sesshoumaru his requested food always had three plates on the tray. There was one that always remained untouched and unacknowledged that seemed to be ushered elsewhere when they were finished.

"Kagome?" he repeated her name noticing she was paying attention to a small detail he'd prefer her not to notice, "I assume you will not be staying in here with me today. Did you solve your jewelry issue."

"Not really," Kagome shook her head with a heavy sigh, "I knew father wasn't going to let me anywhere near the treasury for anything. The guard was ordered to tell me I'm banned from even borrowing anything valuable, and it's not like I can ever be alone to sneak in even if I got the keys off that guy. Running out of time so I'll just have to go without but there was a dealer that sold me stones on credit. Not gems, but I'll take what I can get. You probably won't care but look what I had made. It got delivered to my room this morning."

Kagome showed Sesshoumaru a box that she'd been holding on to and opened it revealing some sort of bracelet made with a simple steel chain. Attached to it was about five pieces of garnet gemstone that didn't look like much on first view, but had been polished to almost glow in the right light.

"I kind of prefer it to rubies," Kagome explained, "has a better color and works with the theme."

"Exactly what do you intend to do with such a bracelet?" Sesshoumaru seemed disinterested as he sipped his tea, "would anyone even notice it? These little details are what you are choosing to spend your time on?"

Kagome seemed disappointed in his reaction, "I had it made for you. I don't want to do wedding rings but I want to give you something to show I married you, something you can easily have hidden under your kimono sleeves. You don't care though do you? A demon like you wouldn't."

"Youkai," Sesshoumaru recalled her wishes to have him correct her before having to be forced with that look of disappointment, "it does not matter to me what it looks like. If you wish me to wear it I will wear it. It's your wedding your rules."

With that look of defeat on her face he didn't think he'd find much more fight in her, but when he reached for the box with the bracelet she viciously snapped it closed and brought it back to herself protectively.

"You'll get it during the ceremony," she told him as though she was now taking her wedding planning to the furthest extremes by not letting him doing anything that could upset the balance of how she wanted it to play out.

Sesshoumaru knew he hadn't been mistaken in giving Kagome absolute power over the wedding. She'd gone from being fearful every time it was mentioned to thinking on it and what she'd gotten accomplished so far quite prideful. The source of her fear had been her knowing that all say she had in her own life was being ripped away from her more viciously than it had ever been. The wedding was the perfect way for her to be distracted from the lack of control before she was eased into her new life where Sesshoumaru would strike her down with even more rules and lessons before she could finally be warped into something worthy of being his bride. Kagome was like a lamb to the slaughter, but he still gave her credit for being a hard worker through it all.

"Will you be getting one as well?" Sesshoumaru asked still left in the dark about how the ceremony would play out, "will I be giving it to you?"

"Something like that," Kagome told him safely putting the box away, "I'm doing as you said and making sure the work I'm paying for is done right. Now that I saw this I'm going to commission one for you to give me with different-

"No," he interrupted softly not wanting her thinking he was displeased with the way she was handling transactions, "you don't pay for and decide on what gifts you'll be receiving from me. I'll take care of it. Besides you deserve a reward for your diligence."

Kagome went from looking disappointed to horrified. She didn't think she particularly wanted anymore gifts from Sesshoumaru. The first one had been planning a wedding she didn't want, the second was the gold coin given to the girl named Rin meant to correct mistakes Kagome blamed herself for, so what good would possibly come from another gift? She was instantly thinking he'd publically gift her with some diamond studded collar to make her imprisonment appear luxurious.

"I don't think that's a good idea," she murmured still looking fearful.

"Doesn't matter what you think," he didn't feel good of having to ruin her illusion of control before the end of their wedding, "you will take and you enjoy what I gift you Kagome. There will be no more talk about it. What else do you have planned?"

"I got these stupid invitations done," she then showed him elegant envelopes that were sealed with crimson wax that held an image of a burning blame while stamped on the front was that of a snowflake.

"You dislike the paper or the wax?"

"No they look fine it's just no one is going to care. Still what's the point if no one is going to be there right? I need to deliver them. I'll have a guard give father his, but I'll use it as an excuse to talk to my siblings see what they think about the reception and what should be served or done. So I guess that's all I can do for today other than see how things are going in the throne room. You think the tulips will be here before I go to bed? I'm sure the servants will know what to do with them but I still don't even know what a tulip looks like."

"They will be here. As for tonight's curfew you'll be given leeway as long as your dutiful. As you do your tasks and speak with your siblings be I'll be aware of your whereabouts."

Sesshoumaru stood up and went to remove Kagome's collar. It was his way of saying she was free to do as she wanted and it seemed Sesshoumaru wouldn't be joining her today. Lately he'd been keeping her on her toes for sometimes he trusted her to keep working without his supervision and other times for even little things he would show up to keep a close eye on her. If it were going to be one of those days where he wasn't with her than it seemed like the best time to return to the kitchens.

Today would be the last day Kagome was going to get a chance to make a cake. It'd taken a lot of convincing to get Kaede, their cook, to show her how to make a cake since it was not work for a princess such as herself. Kaede wasn't primarily a baker, but since Kagome refused to get the work done by a bakery in town she was doing her best to show Kagome how it was done while preparing another just incase Kagome's experiment was a failure. Sesshoumaru, of course, knew nothing about it only that Kagome was spending a lot of time working on the reception menu with the castle staff. She wasn't in the mood to be scolded by him for still holding on to that dream of getting to bake something delicious.

"So just going to leave me to it then?" Kagome asked trying to confirm she was Sesshoumaru-free.

He gave a nod putting away her chain and collar, "I have business to attend to and have records to look over, so I'll be in the castle keeping-"

"Yeah I get it eyes and ears everywhere," she pretty much bolted out the door wanting to get her actual tasks out of the way as fast as possible and to stop herself from appearing as interested in Sesshoumaru's activities as she was.

Kagome must have looked ridiculous almost stumbling out of Sesshoumaru's study in a full formal gown almost falling to the ground, and much to her misfortune she had an audience for it. She recovered from almost falling to having to bow. Kikyo had already told her she wasn't required to bow to her in public and it wasn't a social rule that she had to take a knee for her siblings since she and them were equal, but there was only one exception to that.

"Prince Hakudoshi," Kagome said trying to sound respectful shutting her eyes.

It seemed if she had to speak with her siblings fate was telling her to get the worst one out of the way. She shouldn't have been expected to bow to her older brother, especially one that had the appearance of a child, but she had to him because he demanded it and would start trouble if she didn't appease him.

She had closed her eyes because she didn't want to see that disturbing smirk the boy formed on his face. He might've had white hair and small stature, but his personality and the way he liked to play with his prey made it obvious he was Naraku's son through and through.

"Don't rise just yet," the boy smiled holding some sort of halberd like weapon over his shoulder, "it's so fitting to see you knowing your place for once Kagome instead of running around and causing trouble. Don't think I forgot about that fire."

"I didn't think you would," Kagome looked up at him with hate her eyes, "I know what I have to do now Hakudoshi so don't worry about my place. Alright?"

"No it's not alright," Hakudoshi was making it clear she wasn't allowed to rise just right, "I doubt you've become a little glowing bride to be over the course of a few days. What's your grand scheme Kagome?"

"There is no scheme," Kagome didn't move but didn't waiver now that she had her eyes locked on, "I'm just tired of fighting it. I'm not happy about it, but I'm not going to turn up my nose at getting away from things and going elsewhere."

"Not sad about leaving your dear siblings behind? Come on Kagome tell your older brother what you're planning. I won't tell father I just want to be prepared."

"Prepared for what?" Kagome recalled Naraku saying how badly he wanted to kill Hakudoshi, "and you should probably stay clear of him for the time being. Take it from me he's not in the mood to dispense any fatherly love."

"Oh I already had a nice talk with father. Where do you think I got this nice little weapon? Seems he always has his sole heir in mind and told me about his plans to make our family's reign eternal. If only you knew Kagome then I'd doubt you'd be happy about leaving us all for some frozen rock."

If what Hakudoshi was saying was true Kagome didn't like it. Last time she had a conversation with her father she was also gifted a weapon and told he had plans to improve his reign. Of course, she refused to take the dagger she was offered only left in confusion about what what her father really wanted. Was Hakudoshi now involved in a plot to assassinate Sesshoumaru? A secret dark part of her wanted to see that boy try, but honestly she just wouldn't know who to side with in that confrontation. Both had their flaws, but at least Sesshoumaru wasn't against her most of the time.

"Hakudoshi you shouldn't listen to him," Kagome tried to give him genuine advice, "he hasn't really been himself. Well I mean I don't know what himself is suppose to be like but-

"Kagome speaking ill of our king is treason, you do know that right? If he is really as unstable as you are claiming maybe you should learn to hold your tongue instead of constantly testing our father's ability to be forgiving. Well I guess it's Sesshoumaru's tongue now isn't it since you're going to belong to him. As I said the best you can do is learn and accept your place already. Now be a good girl and return to your master."

Kagome could only take so much. That was right she did belong to Sesshoumaru now. She wasn't happy about it, but there was a silver lining in all of that. Sesshoumaru didn't feel the need to bow to anyone in her family's castle, so why should she? Hakudoshi couldn't do anything to her. Sesshoumaru obviously wouldn't stand for it and her father wouldn't be allowed to. No it had nothing to do with them. Kagome was being disrespected and shouldn't have to stand for it.

Standing on her own two feet towering above him Kagome flung one of the invitations in his face maliciously, "Whatever you say Hakudoshi. Consider yourself cordially invited to the short notice event of the season."

Hakudoshi sneered as he let the invitation drop to the ground, "You insolent freak of nature! Haven't you forgotten not only are you just property but you aren't anywhere near my equal Kagome. You're not a demon and you're not a human either. Just a weak breakable thing-

"Hakudoshi that is enough," his outrage was interrupted by a shrewd female voice.

Hakudoshi was just a bully plain and simple, but often he was outclassed by another sibling. That was why it was surprising that it had been Kagura of all people that came to Kagome's defense standing in front of her with her arms crossed and crimson eyes burning in disgust. Kagura looked like a real princess in that moment to her younger sister's eyes. She wore one of those lovely white kimonos and had her long black hair so well braided and tied up she appeared to not have much hair at all.

"You're not going to bow down for your prince either?" Hakudoshi asked Kagura surprised by the gesture as well, "why defend this freak Kagura? She's the one who had the nerve to complain about being forced to marry Sesshoumaru when it's something that you wanted. You should hate her."

"We're all freaks," was Kagura's response reaching for a fan she kept in her obi, "you just got father's worst attributes. You carry that superiority and desire to hurt others on your sleeve. Only thing you don't share with father is the ability to back it up. Now go on with your day. I'm sure your walking around with that weapon pretending you're going to practice or do something useful, but what you really wanna do is play with your toys and ride your pony. Get out of here child."

Kagome was fearful of a confrontation breaking out. Hakudoshi hated being stuck in the form of a child body and therefore hated being compared to a kid yet Kagura managed to wrangle him into submission with a simple cold glare. The thing she inherited from their father was his red demonic eyes and she knew how to use them correctly to inspire fear.

"He's not a pony and his name is Entei," Hakudoshi pouted taking his leave not bothering to pick up the invitation.

"Kagura thank you," Kagome was still in disbelief that it had been Kagura of all people to come to her side.

Kagura had bullied Kagome a few times in the past, but not as extreme as she went after Naraku's wives and other noble ladies. Kagome never cared for Kagura's attitude and the way she treated others, but now that Kagome was getting a better grasp of her station and the darkness in others she was wondering if she'd been looking at Kagura wrong this whole time. Maybe it wasn't that Kagura was aggressive, but instead just had a higher defense.

"You didn't need me," Kagura knelt down to pick up the invitation, "you already stood up to him and made him throw his tantrum. That usually means you won against him. Hakudoshi is weak. Don't bow to him anymore. He can only pick on someone his own size."

That was true, because Hakudoshi's usual target was Kanna. Kanna was the actual first born sharing the same mother as Hakudoshi as well as a very slowed down growth rate. Unfortunately for him Kanna never had much reaction to his words though Kagome wondered if Kagura had come to Kanna's defense often since she knew those two often enjoyed each other's company.

"I'm still grateful all the same," Kagome told her, "I guess I'm not as skilled as you in handling him."

Kagura's voice grew cold as she studied the invitation, "Well you'll be married to Sesshoumaru so you best learn girl. Men with power like to flaunt it, and unlike Hakudoshi Sesshoumaru actually knows how to wield his. He'll break someone like you. Like Hakudoshi said you're weak."

She couldn't tell if Kagura was just stating the obvious or showing her true self.

Kagome released a heavy sigh, "Kagura I just wanted to say I'm sorry I know you hate me for-"

"You're weak and stupid and unaware of what's going on around you," Kagura now turned that cold glare on to her, "I'm not saying that because I hate or dislike you Kagome I'm saying that because you need to know. Instead of acting out you should be grateful for everything you have. Only opponent you need to worry about anymore is Sesshoumaru and that's a good thing. He's taking you away from here taking you away from your true enemies. You've been saved Kagome. Enjoy."

"Saved? Is that what you call it? Being forced to marry a man you barely know for seemingly no reason. I feel like discarded trash being thrown out of my family's castle."

"Father forced a marriage upon you. Hakudoshi isn't the only one father met with. Do you know what he told me? I asked him why I can't assist our kingdom by marrying why he said I would be a maid for the rest of my days. He told me that with this fan and my abilities I am nothing more than a killer and that is how I serve. I'm no woman with thoughts or feelings just a weapon that can raise an army of the dead. You're not a freak Kagome you're just lucky. I would give anything up to just be normal. Given the circumstance you're the luckiest in the room. You'll actually be free even if you have to belong to another."

Kagome didn't agree because she didn't see freedom with Sesshoumaru, but she felt bad for Kagura fully believing everything she was told as it sounded like something Naraku would say to her. Kagura actually enjoyed being a princess and the duties that came with it and all that stripped away from her simply because of her demonic abilities.

"I know I've been selfish," Kagome admitted, "but I'm working on it. You and Kikyo made me realize that I could be going through worse and I apolo-

"Kikyo? Kagome do not trust that or underestimate that woman. She's a sheep in wolf's clothing plain and simple."

"You said that about his last wife."

"And Princess Abi turned out to be the complete monster I said she was so perhaps you should listen to me. I don't know what that Kikyo is about or why father married a commoner, but my hunches are often correct. Don't give her one of these invitations and steer clear of her."

"The invitations are for everyone," Kagome made it clear Kagura could keep the one that she was holding on to, "it's my goodbye after all. Thanks again Kagura, but I've got to hand all these out to all the family. Except father of course."

"Even him?" Kagura was curious.

"He's our brother to," Kagome nodded going with her plans.

Kagura was of course talking about Goshinki. The monster with a body like an oni that had his own large chamber in the basement where he was kept to hide his massive form as to not offend their father with his appearance. That was the story they were all told on paper, but Kagome knew better knowing the real reason.

Once she finished with meeting her other siblings having spent along time with Byakuya who'd been the most useful in helping her out with wedding plans the princess made her way down the long spiral staircase into the basement. It had been a long time since she'd been down there, but it wasn't the first time she had conversations with the oni. She had her spot by a large door made of steel where she would sit on the ground closing her eyes trying to forget about how much the dungeon scared her.

"And that's the situation," Kagome had caught Goshinki up on what was happening with her and Sesshoumaru, "he asked for my hand in marriage and father is making me take it. I don't want to but I really don't have a choice anymore."

"Kagome," Goshinki's voice always sounded like a low growl from behind that steel door, "I can read your mind. I didn't have to sit through the whole story."

"I almost forgot," Kagome lied always thinking on her brother's abilities and the power they held, "but I had to get it off my chest. If you can look into my mind you probably get it then. Why I hate this. Why it's unfair. Don't you understand Goshinki?"

There was a reason Kagome had often times come to talk with Goshinki other than just being the only one who wanted to have a relationship with her older brother. Goshinki's abilities meant he knew the truth about what Kagome was feeling and wanting even truths she wouldn't admit to herself.

"I understand that you are a liar Kagome," he replied, "lying about how you feel to get pity out of everyone. You won't find it here. We are Naraku's children, but try if you wish. The one you need to stop lying to is yourself."

"How am I lying to myself?" she needed to know.

"Kagome don't run away again. You know it won't work and it will only make more trouble for yourself. Running away from your problems has never solved anything. It can't unless you are completely sure, which you're not."

"I am completely sure aren't I? It's the only way to be free. No one thinks I can survive on my own, but whatever happens to me out there is better than this, isn't it?"

"You'd give up marrying Sesshoumaru in exchange for being raped or killed? You're clever and you know how to steal, but the rest of your skills are nowhere where they need to be to survive on your own. You get overpowered and scared far too easy. You know this."

"Then what am I supposed to do? I'm trapped and running away is all I'm good at."

"The reason you're asking me is because you don't want to. You don't mind being trapped do you Kagome? You want to marry Sesshoumaru. You're excited for tomorrow."

Kagome's cheeks burnt with a blush as she tried to appear very upset, "No that's not it. That's ridiculous and you know it. I'm just excited for everyone to see what I did on short notice is all. I was responsible this time."

"Sesshoumaru upsets you with his control by which you feel humiliated, but yet when he talks to you he does so as an equal. That is what you enjoy, but there is a piece of you that can't admit what you truly want. Kagome you do not want Sango to be right about how you need someone to save you. You want someone to save you not because you're weak, but because you want to know someone cares about you enough to that extreme. You are willing to give Sesshoumaru the benefit of the doubt if he can save you from father. It's a logical compromise."

"Someone to save me?" she used her finger to draw lines in the dust that had gathered in the floor, "having value to someone? I'm sure I'm valuable to him since he sought me out, but- no I have no value."

"You won't ask him will you? Why he asked for your hand in marriage, why he is going through such lengths to have control over you? Do you not want to know the truth?"

"You're the one who knows the answer Goshinki."

"You remember what happened down in these dungeon basement don't you Kagome? You're afraid Sesshoumaru wants something from you that has nothing to do with you. He doesn't truly want you he is just the same as Naraku and wants to use you. That is what terrifies you."

"What happened down here?" Kagome looked across the hall to see another steel door that lead to the room she spent most her time in, "this is where I met you and got to know you. The rest didn't care what happened to me."

"You wanted blood there is blood," she recalled her father's cold voice holding no remorse as almost bled to death.

"You won't ask Sesshoumaru what he wants because you're afraid of the answer," Goshinki continued, "you're afraid all he wants is what father was looking for. You know it's not completely true though don't you? You're also afraid of fulfilling your duties on your wedding night as most new brides are, but when he speaks of the children you'll give him and how the two of you will strengthen one another you come to realize this is what you want. You did not choose him, but you will take him if he gives you something other than this basement and blood. You won't runaway, at least not until you know. You've already made your decision in that regard Kagome, that's why you won't even entertain the things father said."

Goshinki was referring to the assassination plot. No Kagome wouldn't entertain it. She didn't care how powerful of a weapon she was gifted she wouldn't kill Sesshoumaru. She wasn't a killer and never would be. Maybe she was putting too much trust in the stranger, but she just didn't see Sesshoumaru hurting her enough to push her to that point.

"Kagome what father told you is a lie," he made sure to assert, "you might have inherited his talent for thievery but you are not him. There are parts of you at war, but there is no part of you that is as dark and twisted as him. You are just you, and with Sesshoumaru the only thing stopping you from being who you truly want to be is yourself. Grow up and stop getting in your own way with foolish notions such as running away and self sabotage."

She had come to Goshinki for the truth and that was what she was getting. She was still scared about marrying Sesshoumaru, but most of that was anticipation now. Sure he was trying to take her freedom away, but so was everyone else. At least he made it clear he enjoyed the fight in her. There was indeed some promise there as well as something new and different. The worst that could happen to her in all of this was being used in a loveless arranged marriage, and in comparison to the life of Kikyo or how lonely and misused Kagura had to feel it was nothing. Kagome just had to have faith that Sesshoumaru wasn't going to hurt her and as odd as it was she would gift him with that faith.

"You can't come can you?" Kagome thought on her other abused sibling as she slid the invitation under the door, "I'd like you to come."

"Naraku will not allow it," Goshinki snarled, "the man has locked away his own son in fear of having his mind read and secrets exposed. You're braver than your father Kagome. You don't want to run anymore, run away from the truth of one's mind. I must remain locked away fulfilling my role as the castle monster to distract from the real monsters of this hall."

Goshinki was hurting to. It wasn't even because of his appearance that he was being treated like a prisoner. It was his abilities and Naraku's fear of them. If their father wasn't a king who's marriages and children weren't public knowledge Kagome wouldn't have put it past him to kill Goshinki long ago, or even worse absorb him into his body. There were some siblings Kagome got along with and others she didn't but she thought on Kagura's words and realized just how lucky she was. Her father had told her she was the one child he could not kill. She now reflected on his words and wondered if killing her would be a waste for she couldn't add to his own power.

"Of course he won't," she frowned, "we were nothing more than oddities locked down here in a cage. I just wasn't useful anymore and became lucky right? One day he'll pay Goshinki. I swear it."

"No more," Goshinki hissed at her trying to stop her from publically committing treason, "we are not alone."

Goshinki was reading the mind of another who was close by. It was Sesshoumaru hiding behind a support beam listening to the whole thing. Clearly the daiyoukai wasn't fully aware of just how powerful the oni was for Goshinki now knew everything that was going on. He knew Sesshoumaru was capable of being a monster at times and wanted Kagome for her blood, but he also knew the man had no intention of harming of her and was looking out for her best interests. Obviously he wasn't that cold of creature if he'd returned a small orphan girl to life and was hiding and caring for her in the castle. That was all a secret of course for Sesshoumaru didn't want Kagome to know about his kindness. Using all that information Goshinki had brought Kagome to the truth and let her know her wedding wasn't the end of her life just the beginning.

"Just being in the presence of that daiyoukai has given me something father doesn't have," the purple skinned red eyed oni thought to himself, "I know how Sesshoumaru intends to correctly extract her blood. Naraku and Kikyo are going allowing this wedding to happen just to get information I now know. I'll never share it. He locked me away like a monster so I'll allow him to spend his days in agony never knowing the truth. I just have to rely on Kagome now to get as far away from here as possible. Never return my runt of a sister."

"Who is there?" Kagome had that fearful look on her face as she stood up praying that it wasn't her father.

Sesshoumaru revealed himself and took a couple of slow paces towards the girl, "When I heard you had business in the dungeon I followed. As you said I have eyes and ears everywhere Kagome, but you've pleased me by keeping your word and continuing on with your business. So behind that door is Naraku's monster spawn?"

The fear had turned into yet another blush as Kagome realized Sesshoumaru heard everything her and Goshinki discussed. He knew she wasn't planning on running away anymore and that she wanted to explore the positive aspects of their marriage. He knew everything yet was going to be smug and pretend he didn't.

"That's my brother you're talking about!" Kagome shouted at him, "he is a prince to so learn some respect for once. You're just a visitor remember?"

"As are you," Sesshoumaru snapped his cold eyes back on to his betrothed, "this isn't your home anymore. I'm saving you, but you're not the one you're concerned with are you? I cannot save these creatures Kagome, these ones you consider siblings. They are demon blooded they must watch out for themselves but you- you are something more fragile and dear to me."

He didn't make her anxiety go away by reaching towards her face and running a claw carefully down her cheek pleased to see that the bruise Naraku had gifted her with was completely gone now. All he wanted to do in that moment was hold her close and take in her scent now that he had heard her words and knew she was willing to be his. He'd never imagined so much progress would be made in a short amount of time. She deserved additional rewards for being so compliant, but he'd get the previous one out of the way first.

"Does this appease you Kagome?" Sesshoumaru asked as he revealed a small box of his own opening it up revealing an amazing piece of jewelry.

Even in the dimly lit dungeon Kagome could catch the sparkle of diamonds and sapphires. Much like her own gift to Sesshoumaru the necklace was made of a simple steel chain, but the sigil was a work of art. The sapphires and diamonds worked together to make a snowflake similar to the one she'd stamped the wedding invitations with. It was beautiful.

"It's for the ceremony," Sesshoumaru reminded her pulling the box away when she tried to reach for it, "you give me fire and I give you ice. This is my gift to you and you have no right to refuse it. Am I clear?"

Kagome was still at a loss for words. She didn't know how to proceed now that Sesshoumaru knew everything that had been on her mind in regards to their marriage and exceeded expectations with his little gift.

"I-"

Sesshoumaru didn't want to hear her words. He justified his disinterest by believing any gratitude he'd receive from that woman was inauthentic, but secretly he didn't want to give her a path to display any disappointment or rejection of him or his gift.

"Your tulips have arrived," he told her, "but before you go look at them there is something you must do. I have your attentions now as well as your willingness to proceed with this union, but there is still that question of loyalty. We will test it this evening Kagome."

"What do you mean?" fear returned to her voice as she knew what he meant.

"We're going to steal something from your father you despise so much," Sesshoumaru told her matter-of-factly ready to embrace Kagome's abilities so he could truly gift her with something special.

(End Chapter)