AN: As I wrote this chapter I thought a lot on how the princess in my story would view Kagome's actions, mindful that she does not know the truth of her origins from the future. I imagined that she would percieve Kagome as self righteous, foolish, proud and even strange, because in that time period having multiple wives, concubines or mistresses was an accepted practise by everyone in the society once they desired it and could afford it. Kagome's ideals of a one partner relationship is a modern one, thus her reluctance to delve into the culture of that time. She is a modern woman living in the past trying to preserve her beliefs, surrounded by politics, backwardness and old laws must be quite confusing and harsh.

I own nothing except the plot to this story and my original characters. Please read and review!

She had barely entered the house when Shippo appeared. The surprise showed on her face at the sight of the tall dark haired stranger beside him. Kagome gave the male a hesitant smile but cast a surreptitious glance at the fox, who up until now had not moved from the doorway or made the necessary introductions to disperse the unease.

She cleared her throat. "Everything okay?"

"Oh, sorry mother this is Doctor Tanaka and he lives further down the street. I thought that you might like to see him now that you are expecting."

Her hand came up out of habit and rests on her bulging belly. She moved closer to him and bowed awkwardly as her protruding abdomen made the action uncomfortable.

"I am Kagome nice to meet you."

He returned the gesture and replied with a smile on his face. "Hello lady Kagome it's good to finally meet you."

Her eyes widened a fraction by the statement. It was odd, the doctor had just implied that he knew of her before now and yet she had no idea of who he was. She gazed at Shippo seeking answers, he shrugged unhelpfully. It was obvious that he'd picked up on the implication and was as clueless as she was. Rather than being fazed by the uncertainty, she fitted her hands at her waist and gave the doctor a bold look while she suppressed a smile.

"Whatever do you mean?"

He chuckled. "Lady Kagome," he addressed her very formally. "I saw you many years ago when you and your family settled in the east, our village was a beneficiary of your kindness."

"Is that so?" She replied brightly.

"Yes it is," he answered. "I was a young doctor employed by your mate at the time to oversee a commune that had been strickened with an illness, as I recall I met your son and daughter, however, I missed out on the opportunity to speak with you on the occasions that you came to the facility…I was pre-occupied with my duties."

She made a face of both surprise and delight, realizing that their efforts had some success, because right in front of her stood a gentleman who'd benefitted from their endeavors.

"I do remember," Kagome said after a brief period, "it was about twelve years ago to be exact." She glanced down so that the doctor nor Shippo could see her smile, and looked up again only when her features had stilled.

"Well today is a great day to meet someone that has contributed to a worthy cause," she said and ran her eyes over his form now that the awkwardness had passed. She was very curious about his exotic appearance. He was strikingly handsome and carried an air of warmth all around him.

It was distinctly obvious that Doctor Tanaka wasn't all human. He was a fine looking male specimen with a firm body beneath, that fact was determined by the tight bunched muscles under his yukata. His eyes of grey were intense as ice and faint blue ripple lines ran from behind his ears down his neck, and she wondered how far below the markings went.

Her best guess would be that he was half bloodied, a mix of human and an elemental, perhaps a water demon. Aware that she stared, and knowing also that it was impolite to do so; she looked away while the doctor seemed amused as she'd perused his profile discreetly.

"Doctor Tanaka would it be too much of a bother if I request your company for dinner, we would be able to eat in another forty minutes or so?" She asked politely, hopeful that he would accept. She felt a bit bored these days and was desirous of other souls to converse with than Shippo.

The doctor gave her an appreciative smile before he responded. "Perhaps another time…I have only a half hour to spare, Sunday would be best."

"That's fine," she agreed readily. "I'm sure that your profession makes you quite busy and I would never think to impose."

He nodded. "If you don't mind lady Kagome I would be honored to be your physician until the baby comes…I have some time now, maybe we could get started."

Kagome hesitated and thought on the matter, truth be told she had not procured a doctor since sh'ed discovered her state nearly four months ago. She really needed to take better care of herself now more than ever for her baby's sake. She let a heavy breath escape her and then addressed the doctor. "You are right, I haven't been to see a doctor and I am already seven months along."

He smiled a little to put her at ease, he saw that she worried. "I am sure that you are doing okay, is there somewhere more private that we could go?" He asked, mindful that Shippo was still present.

"Yes, follow me," she answered hastily, and then led him to her bedroom. That should be private enough she thought.

After he'd left, Kagome stared after him. There had been nothing amiss in their conversation, no hint of confusion. And even then he'd gone ahead and examined her with her consent. He was quite thorough.

Shippo had left with the doctor, and returned in the dead of night with a gift for his mother. He was relieved to find her asleep and not waiting up for him. She needed to rest in her condition. He watched her face for awhile before he went to his own bedroom.

Now that he was by himself it bothered him that in the morning he would have to leave her. He had wanted to tell her earlier but could not bring himself to do it. She had been too happy today, and he could tell that she welcomed the idea of having the doctor around. There wasn't anything that he wouldn't do for her, but he was one of Sesshomaru's officials and he'd stayed away for quite some time shirking his responsibilities.

The exotic golden retriever puppy he carried whimpered breaking his thought process. He rubbed the puppy's head and it quieted, but for him worrying for his mother had not lessened.

He sighed in frustration and lay on the bed with the puppy snug at his side. There was no easy route for him. On one hand leaving Kagome alone to fend for herself seemed unconscionable, but neglecting his duties for several months was irresponsible as well, and to compound the problem he had not contacted any of his supervisors on the matter.

He knew that Sesshomaru would not object too much, he had asked him to take care of Kagome now that he could not. But how was he to explain staying away for an extended period without a valid reason?

He couldn't use Kagome's pregnancy as an excuse. She had categorically told him to keep quiet on that note. Could he really honor such a request when he didn't believe it was the right thing to do?

Still, he'd made a promise and he would keep it for now, nevertheless, it was his belief that Sesshomaru should be told that he'd fathered another child with Kagome. The lord was an honorable being and would not sit idly by and let Kagome bear all the burden of the pregnancy.

Holding back a growl of frustration he turned on his back unable to lie still so that sleep would come. His worries were as constant as the gentle breathing of the puppy beside him.

The entire situation was tiresome, he sighed even harder as the issues seemed to grow more complicated. The puppy crawled up to his face as if sensing his inner turmoil and licked his nose several times before rolling unto its back and falling asleep in the most undignified manner.

Chuckling quietly by the amusing image, he felt a bit more relaxed. Perhaps things weren't as bad as it seemed he thought.

Noises buzzed in her head while she slept, it was consistent, and little by little as the sounds grew more impatient wakefulness had her sitting up in bed quietly. She listened more carefully and found the noise to be barking, and by the sounds it was coming from a very small dog.

But that was impossible, neither she nor Shippo owned a dog. She got up and left her bedroom to investigate the ruckus only to see the most amusing sight she had seen in a long while. She laughed out long as Shippo ran around the table trying to grab the puppy that nipped at his hands every time that he got close. It crawled under the table as often as it could. Finally Shippo caught the small dog and turned around.

Humph, he snorted with irritation at the little debacle at his expense. He gave his mother a strange look while extending his hands with the dog in his grasp.

"He was supposed to be a surprise but I guess that's ruined."

She stepped forward and took the puppy. "Thank you, he's so cute," she said happily and stroked its head, the puppy licked her fingers playfully.

"What will you call him?" He asked in curiousness.

"Mmmm, let me see," she said while making a face with her index finger pressed to her lips as if she thought deeply on it. "How about I call him friend?"

"What?" Shippo replied hastily. "That's an odd name for a dog."

She smiled sadly and gestured to him to come sit with her on the sofa, he acquiesce and followed, only sitting down after she'd made herself comfortable.

She looked at him with pride and yet he could see sadness in her eyes. Kagome knew him too well; he winced on the inside because his decision would make her unhappy. Sadness was an emotion that he did not want to see on her features, she had been through too much already.

"Shippo," she said calmly, "the first time that you gave me a puppy was when you'd left me and I didn't see you again for three years. Will you be gone for long this time?"

He sighed. "You know me too well mother and you are right," he paused and took a long breath."I will be returning to the west. I think it is about time."

She arched a brow. "I will not try to persuade you to stay," she paused and smiled sadly. "You've always been here for me and I know that you wouldn't leave if you didn't have to."

There was silence for a long time afterwards as Kagome struggled to accept in her heart what her lips had just said, and Shippo could not find the right words to comfort her now.

She didn't want him to go but she would not ask him to stay either. He was an adult and had his own life and responsibilities, and too many times he was her rescuer, putting her needs over his own.

Kagome nudged him playfully on the side with an elbow as she saw how sad and reserved he looked. He wasn't meeting her gaze and his head hung low. His chin almost touched his chest. He looked up in surprise by the jab and saw her smile and felt less worried.

"Promise me something," she said thoughtfully.

He nodded. "Ask me anything mother and if it is possible I will do it."

She smiled. "Promise me that you will come back before three years."

Kagome shifted closer to him before he could answer, draped an arm around his shoulder and rested her head onto him for several moments. Both silently contemplating their upcoming separation.

He turned to her a short time later and regarded her with a dull stare and cheerless smile. "Mother let Doctor Tanaka take care of you while I'm gone…I have to go."

He'd left later that same day amidst painful goodbyes and tears and now she was alone, though she was not lonely, she wasn't happy either because she missed him terribly, the feeling came naturally. She was pregnant, had a pet and a new neighbor who was a doctor and hopefully would become a friend. She had a lot to be thankful for.

sksksk

Waking up with the princess in his bed clutching tightly to his form like a second skin was as constant as the headache that afflicted him. Her smell was his smell, and he couldn't rid of it no matter how many times he bathed.

As he looked at her face while she slept he sighed quietly and sat up with his back against the bed head. Perhaps he felt that if he founded some similarities within her that resembled Kagome he would have an easier time letting go. But he was doomed to fail because none existed.

Whereas Kagome loved the sun and the outdoors and had relished in it, his present wife hated it. His former mate planted flowers, played games with the children like a child and loved animals, something his wife abhorred.

She stirred, opened her eyes and met his somber gaze. "Good morning love," she greeted him hoarsely.

He nodded and looked away. He did not want her to notice the look of concern or perhaps it was fear and disgust upon his features. Her scent had shifted slightly and he was unsure of what the change could be.

He wasn't one to worry needlessly and he'd been careful, having sex with her only when it was safe, regardless, he worried. Kagome had informed him about the future and what scientist have discovered, that a woman could still conceive in her down time, and also even without expelling his seeds inside the womb the female could become pregnant.

He sighed this time loudly enough for her to hear with his dismal thoughts. Bravely she tilted her head and peeked up at him in bewilderment, because this would be the first and only time that she'd ever heard that sound coming from him.

He was staring at her intently and she wondered the cause. He'd always seemed so cold and emotionless to her and now it seemed that he was troubled.

Sympathy stirred inside her. Maemi reached out to touch him, wanting to reassure him that she was here for him and that everything would be alright.

The minute her fingers brushed his skin she knew it was a grave mistake, immediately she drew back her hand.

Trepidation, it seized her, stronger than ever as disgust stared her in the face. A web of emotions rushed through her blood as she read in his face and eyes and saw how he truly felt about her. Self doubt flooded her being as she continued to gaze at him, searching for assurance when she knew in her heart that it would not be forthcoming.

He didn't even bother to hide it she thought dismayed and turned away from unyielding eyes that bore into her soul with its icy depths. She finally understood that no matter how many times he took her body it was only a physical escape; his heart she wanted to possess, but it was as elusive as chasing shadows.

He gave her a disbelieving look just before she turned away. He couldn't understand how and why she would still be desirous of his affections, when he had informed her in no uncertain terms that he could never love another. He felt his conscience move as he heard harsh breaths and then mewling cries coming from the depths of her.

As he watched her back he could see as her body trembled as she sobbed. It was the most vexing of situations, because while he did not love her, he did not hate her either. Feelings of pity repulsed him because it weakened his resolve. But he had much more than his pride at stake.

He hissed through clenched teeth and pulled the woman into his arms. She gasped but did not resist his subtle hold on her form as he tried to comfort her.

Snuggling onto his chest as soon as their bodies made contact she lifted an arm and stroked his chest, her fingers inching closer and closer to his manhood. He flinched and grasped the hand firmly holding it still. As she lies on him like a pillow unmoving, he felt the outline of her smile on his naked flesh, he groaned inwardly as the princess reveled in the closeness and the minor reprieve.

The quiet noises she made as she breathes were drowned out by the chaotic wind of his mind. She'd been insatiable for sex and he'd complied and fulfilled her wishes, always being careful not to deposit any of his seeds inside her body.

As a dog demon he was blessed with certain abilities, and he could scent when she was receptive and avoided her at those times. It was a capability she knew nothing about. And it would be preferable if it were to remain so. He could not and would not compromise all the sacrifices and heartache he and his family underwent by impregnating her.

She could die as many human women did when they carried half demon offspring. He would not risk it. As strong as his mate had been being a priestess combined with the strength that he had bestowed upon her when he'd mated her, she had almost died giving birth to his children. He shuddered to think what could have happened If he had not been there to assist her with the gift of his blood.

The consequence of such a mistake he could not ignore. The bargain struck between him and the emperor would become null and void if she died, and her brother would be covered by law and there would be nothing he could do to change it. If the beneficiary dies the contract would be forfeited.

He had to make sure that she survived until such time, for only then would the kingdom fall into his grasp, the princess could not rule being a woman, subsequently she would have to bestow the honor of emperor unto him. At that point in time he would be in the best position to bring about the change to save his kind by ammending the laws governing the treatment of his people as oppose to war without a treaty. Her raspy breaths alerted him to her slumbering state and he withdrew from the bed to his study to be by himself.

She drew the covers closer to her form when she awoke some time later and found him gone as usual. He despised her so much that he could not wait for her to fall asleep so that he could leave, she thought miserably.

The earth was no longer covered with snow and the breeze blew more temperate yet she felt cold. She was frozen with bitterness and her heart ached more and more each day as her husband carried another woman into his heart, which left no space for her. She was displeased and her thoughts had started to grow ugly.

Nothing made sense; all her beliefs on what a marriage and love meant vanished from right before her very eyes. Why couldn't she make him love her no matter how hard she tried? What hold did the other woman have over him that he could not let her go even though she'd abandoned him?

What should she do, he was her husband and yet she felt lower than a second rate mistress? He had not introduced her to the council or his people, and they were already married for several months. No more would she sit idly by and watch while he used her. It was high time anyway that she became the lady of the house and the territory. She was a princess not a prisoner, and she would not tolerate being cooped up in her quarters or his bedroom because of his contemptible, spoilt children.

Neither would she let him cast her aside like a cheap whore while he benefitted because of her. She would make him pay. If he could not love her, no, that is not what this was about. He did not want to love her because of the phantom woman in the frame. Well if she could not have him for herself then no one will.

She maybe a stranger in these parts but she wasn't alone or without the means to get what she wanted, after all, she was a princess and wealthy, and had at her disposal five hundred soldiers who were poised and ready to do her bidding on behalf of the empire. She would take her chances for the notion of failure was unthinkable.

Where was the justice in all of this, she'd crossed the ocean to be married to a male that she had never seen, lain with him, loved him and yet he did not return her feelings. If she gave up the struggle to an apparition, to a woman that lived inside her husband's head, then she doesn't deserve the title of princess or a woman for that matter.

Her husband held her in disdain. Why? Because of a woman who did not love him enough to stay with him. She was a self righteous fool that did not deserve him. Who was she really? She wondered more earnestly than before. If she was born of royal blood then why did she leave him? She must know that the house of kings have many wives and concubines, it was as common as it was needed to carry on the lineage. And her children; what kind of a mother was she to just walk away and leave them behind? A selfish and prideful one in her estimation.

A shy call of her name from Heaven brought her out of the reverie. Might as well she thought and got up. She needed to leave before he came back and ordered her out again to facilitate his horrible children. She replaced her clothes and left the room. At the door her cousins greeted her warmly; she smiled at them and then led the way along the passage.

Winter had come and gone and springtime blew over rejuvenating everything. Kagome's rose bush garden along with daises, tulips and chrysanthemum bloomed again.

From their side of the palace princess Maemi, Jade and Heaven looked down from the balcony at the vibrant garden. The cold weather had forced them to remain inside; just looking at the lovely flowers, heather and sunshine made them nostalgic for the outdoors.

The thin cool wind brushed gently on their skins. Jade shivered slightly while princess Maemi remained unresponsive. It wasn't a secret anymore; their cousin had changed, becoming as cold as the wintry season that had passed.

"Let's go sit in the garden for awhile," Jade said and looked to the others.

Heaven seemed pleased by the idea and nodded enthused but Maemi seemed distracted. She looked longingly beyond the hills and Jade couldn't help but to wonder what she thought about. She had to say or do something to help her.

"Princess let's go sit in the garden and be warmed by the sun, I am sure the sunshine will help to improve your mood."

She didn't answer nor did she react. Something was not right with Maemi. Jade shook her head in dismay; all of her cousin's troubles had a focal point, the demon king. If only she had listened and not gone ahead trying to find love with someone that did not feel anything. If only she could have found the courage to be at peace with the hand that fate had dealt her she would not be hurting so much now.

Maemi looked away from the hills slowly and then glanced at Jade. She shrugged and moved from the balcony without saying a word to the doorway and paused, the others recognized her silent agreement and quickly followed behind.

sksksk

It was Sunday morning and Aiko, Taizo and Himeko had just eaten, it was the time of week that they usually replaced the wilted flowers in the house with fresh ones. It was a practice of their mother's, and even though she wasn't here with them they still honored her by continuing with the ritual.

Realistically they hadn't done it before now because of the cold and the snow, but now it was springtime and everything was brand new. What better time than now to beautify the cold drab palace?

"Hurry up Himeko," Aiko stated excitably.

"I am coming we cannot gather flowers without the basket to put them in," she replied sourly.

Aiko pouted. "You'd better make it quick because I haven't got all day to wait on you slow poke."

"Ha-ha," Taizo laughed, "all this fuss over picking flowers, I will see you two in the garden."

sksksk

Maemi strode across the hall and opened the kitchen door while her cousins wait outside by the door, half expecting to find one of the servants. But it stood empty, or at least of human beings, only the green frog looking thing and a middle aged youkai sat and ate stew unaware, or ignoring her presence, she noted.

Curious she asked. "Where are the servants?"

Jaken jumped up at the sound of the voice and immediately bowed in a subservient fashion when he saw that it was his master's wife.

"Good morning my-lady-how can I be of-assistance to you?" He mumbled and stuttered nervously.

"I and my companions will be in the garden and I was hopeful that the servants could serve tea and a light snack, but as there are none around I guess coming down here was for naught."

"No, no." He said and shook his head. "Go to the garden your request will be attended to in a short while."

Long lean legs stretched as he stood, it was almost mid-day and he had overslept while in his study. Fully awaken now his mind turned again to the slight shift in his wife's scent. He was relieved that she wasn't pregnant, though the strangeness of it still bothered him a bit.

Tea was served and princess Maemi and her cousins made light conversation as they sat in the gazebo surrounded by Kagome's garden, unbeknown to them whose garden it was and that her children were on their way to harvest the fauna.

Sesshomaru headed back to his study after taking a bath to get some work done, although a bit exhausted from the previous day's activities and stress. A roughened hand reached up and pinched the muscles in his neck that felt bruised. He sighed as he recalled gentle hands massaging his shoulders.

Kagome's thoughtfulness was one of many traits that he'd admired most about her, he really didn't deserve her. Not when these contradictory emotions ran through him as he sought to relinquish her from his heart. Perhaps it was for the best, it was too painful to bear.

sksksk

The basket swung backward and forward in Aiko's hand while Taizo carried the knife to cut the flowers. The warm sunshine brightened their mood as they were teenagers that had spent half their lives on the road with their parents.

Curiously as they came closer their mood darkened as laughter was heard some distance away. Suddenly, Aiko felt hot and dizzy, claustrophobic. The basket weighed heavy on her arm as she realized who it was that had disturbed the sanctity of the only place that she had left where her mother's presence resided, as it lived in every flowering plant that she had painstakingly planted.

Without even thinking she made a mad rush around a cluster of trees, and then out into the open where she spotted the trio drinking tea in her mother's garden. Of all the places they could meet why here? The child wondered in anger.

Maemi looked up and saw her; she squinted and frowned as the girl's obvious displeasure unnerved her. Shortly afterwards two of her siblings came forward and glared at them darkly.

Three women stepped down from the gazebo and stared at inhuman eyes that watched them suspiciously as though they were under surveillance.

Aiko growled. "What are you doing in my mother's garden?"

"Your mother's garden," the princess repeated dumbly while the others looked on silently.

"Yes this is my mother's garden and you and your friends better leave…Now!" Aiko shouted.

Feeling awkward and yet at the same time stubborn, Maemi answered defiantly. "I have never seen the one you call mother, truth be told I don't believe she exists, for what parent would abandon their children?"

Aiko felt the hairs as they rose on her skin, the sound of the ocean and ringing in her ears were warning signs of her rage. She tried to contain it like her father had asked her to do, she failed miserably and lunged for the woman's throat fiercely. The princess's companions screamed and rushed to assist her, but Taizo and Himeko blocked their paths.

Sesshomaru stalked past his desk and opened the door leading out on the balcony when he heard screams. He didn't have to look too long or wonder to hard when he saw the commotion. His daughter had his wife pinned down on the ground with her hand wrapped around her throat while his older children held her companions at bay.

Maemi thrashed helplessly while her eyes rolled back into her head as the girl squeezed her throat cutting off the air from her lungs, tears rolled down the sides of her face. She couldn't take a breath, she gasped and choked instead. She wouldn't last much longer. She closed her eyes as strong fingers crushed her windpipe.

What the hell? Aiko wondered as she was grabbed from behind and thrown savagely away from the woman. She couldn't break her fall in time and went crashing into the base of an oak tree; pain tore through her body as her side collided with the tough bark. She whimpered. "Father how could you?"

When she was able to collect herself she saw as her father lifted the woman into his arms and ran inside followed by her companions. Her siblings came to her assistance and helped her up.

"I'm sorry sis but father is very angry," Taizao said and sighed anxiously, "you could have killed her and I wouldn't have minded it one bit."

"I'm sorry too brother but I cannot stay here…Tonight I will make my escape, I have to find mother."

He nodded. "I am coming with you."

They then looked to Himeko to see if she was with them on this. Her eyes met theirs and then she closed them again and answered tersely."You two go, it will seem less conspicuous if we all didn't leave at once."