Kagome opened the door, revealing a myriad of different yokai and spirits. She was startled, but managed to calm herself down when she saw Sesshomaru's cool expression.
Sesshomaru stepped in front of her and took the large embellished seat at the head of the table, and gestured toward the seat to his left.
Kagome quickly walked over to the aforementioned seat and bowed her head before sitting.
Just as she was getting settle in her seat, Dai Onna began bringing out food. It was more food that Kagome imagined one person could make. There was everything she could think of and a lot of it. She laid all the food out, which covered every surface of the table. Everyone began eating as soon as it was all out, and began striking up conversation with one another. It was mostly small talk about taking over villages and acquiring new territory, but it wasn't uncivilized, to her surprise. Kagome sat there taking it all in.
After quite some time, everyone has finished eating and seemed complacent. Sesshomaru stood and held his glass high. "If everyone could meet me in the tea room, I have some business to discuss." He sat down and leaned toward me. "I would like you to observe this as well." He stood, which encouraged others to do so, and they all meandered into the tea room. Inside, there was a large table with a map on it and several calligraphy brushes next to it. "Alright, let's get down to business."
Kagome watched as they began drawing lines, defining boundaries. It was very interesting to watch. She studied them all closely and watched them negotiate, argue, and stare at each other.
After a long period of time, Sesshomaru got up and addressed them. "Alright, I think that we have finished the territories, so thank you all, and I'll see you soon." He gestured to the great doors that serve as the main entry way for the castle. All the spirits and yokai began ambling out of the castle, all wishing Sesshomaru adieu.
As soon as all the guests were gone, Sesshomaru turned to Kagome. "Come with me."
Kagome nodded following him. He stopped in the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of sake and a couple cups and continued walking. She followed him up the staircase, beyond her room, then beyond his and came upon a large wooden door with a lock. Sesshomaru produced a large key and used it to unlock the door and swung it open, revealing a staircase that spiral upwards.
Sesshomaru didn't step forward. Instead, he stood there for a moment and cleared his throat. "No one has ever been up here except me. This is my most private space in the entire castle." He looked at Kagome for confirmation. When she nodded, he continued on.
The staircase seemed to continue on for eternity, Kagome was overwhelmed with curiosity as to what could be beyond this staircase. She let her imagination run wild as they continued. She was so lost in thought that she bumped right into Sesshomaru when he stopped at another door.
This door was beautiful. It was emblazoned with gems and gold, resembling the heavens. Sesshomaru once again produced a key and unlocked it, but was hesitant to open it.
When he finally swung the door open, the light of the sunset streamed into the stairwell. Sesshomaru stepped aside, allowing Kagome to step forward and drink it in. It appeared to be a balcony of sorts, with beautiful engraved benches and vases overflowing with flowers. It was breathtaking and spectacular. Sesshomaru sat in a high backed chair and stared out into the sunset. Taking the hint, Kagome sat on the bench adjacent.
Sesshomaru turned towards her. "All the business I have dealt with today has made me think about my legacy. I have built a name to be feared and I will be remembered for that." He paused, and Kagome could see the strain in his eyes. "But I can't allow my filthy brother to go out and besmirch my legacy. I am going to find Inuyasha and kill him." Sesshomaru didn't look away for Kagome. "I want you to stay here. I won't be gone very long. A-Un and Jaken will be here, and I will post the guards on alert during my absence."
Kagome tried to respond, but the words couldn't come. She was still unsure as to whether or not Inuyasha had killed her friends and she wanted to know the truth. "Please don't kill Inuyasha, bring him here. I have to know for sure whether he killed my friends." She steeled herself against opposition.
Sesshomaru, seeing the determination in her eyes, spoke calmly. "I will bring him here only until the truth is revealed. After, I will kill him."