This chapter delves into the distant and angst-y past of Asami, and her sisters. Three new characters are introduced later in the chapter and we get a peak at Asami's more dominant, commanding personality, which Sesshoumaru only allows because so far she's done a good job. I hope you like it.

xoxoTiff

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We got to his study not much later. I was now wearing a silk black kimono. It was thin and tied with a small obi, easy to take off I noticed. As we walking in the study he went to sit behind his large desk. It was neatly organized with various papers, scrolls, and maps. There was a table off to the side that I recognized immediately. I walked closer and across the table lay a large map. Around the maps were small and large circles. Within the circles were a name, a number, and small symbols for fire, water, air, and earth.

"I heard a rumor, brief and fleeting, that the great Lord Sesshoumaru was going to wage war with the southern Lord but if this is current then you would be foolish to do such a thing. No offense meant. I do not doubt your ruthless capabilities." I commented, moving away from the board and towards the bookshelves to skim them.

"You know what that table means?" He questioned, not seeming that interested but I answered anyways.

"Yes. If I remember correctly the name is the commander of the forces, the number is how many foot soldiers there are, the symbols are if they have any elementals with them." I murmured off-handedly, moving from the bookshelf to the balcony doors and opening them. The view overlooked the intricate gardens.

"Remember from what?" He seemed slightly more interested now, and there was a slither of suspicion in his tone. I walked back in the study and flashed him an innocent smile and then frowned, sighing.

"I thought Jiro-sama would have told you…" I trailed off and sat in a chair in front of his desk, folding my legs carefully and looking to the side.

"Tell me what?" He was getting angry now, slowly but surely.

"Jiro-sama bought me when I was 16 from the Lord Bunmei of the Southern Lands," I explained simply.

Sesshoumaru was intent on my face now, eyes narrowed and mouth scowling. "Do you align your loyalties with him?"

I scoffed and shook my head quickly, "If I could kill him, I would do it myself." I whispered.

"Tell me everything that happened, do not leave anything out." He was very serious and I guess I could understand since the southern Lord was one of his enemies. He probably thinks I'm a spy even more so. Well, I wouldn't leave any details out then.

"The southern Lord bought me when I was 10. He offered to take care of my sisters and me. My sisters were only 2 so they were only taken care of. I worked hard enough for 3 and made myself as useful as I could be. When I turned 13 he started taking more notice of me and began having me do more chores around him, so I was often in his study with him. Eventually he asked me to be his personal attendant and he liked to explain little things to me whenever he was bored. I thought being his attendant would be much easier and I figured maybe I deserved it because I worked so hard." I paused and looked around, smiling sadly.

"He forced himself on me not much later. I became his personal whore and he loaned me out to perform other sexual acts frequently. He was the only one that would have sex with me though… Mostly I made sure he was satisfied quickly using means other than full out sex but he managed twice to have me." I paused again, breathing deeply.

"When I was 14 my sorcery gift arose. I hid it from him at all costs. I knew that if I ever wanted to get out I couldn't let him find out about my power. When I was 16 he started playing with another girl. He still used me but I began to misbehave and not please him as well as I used to. Jiro-sama came around asking to buy some new slaves for his home. He chose me to be one of them and he even took my sisters," I finished and looked Sesshoumaru in the eyes.

"He is a bastard but he taught me that sex is the only thing of value in my life. I use what I have to get what I want and I am very good at what I do. I want him to see me as I am now, to be envious of you for me. I want him to know of my strong fire sorcery and I want him to know just how beautiful I am and exactly what he lost," I spoke fiercely and my fists were clenched in my lap.

Sesshoumaru leaned back and looked at me, and I could see humor behind his eyes, though I couldn't decipher the reasoning. "You will get your chance. There is a traditional ball coming up; it's very large, hosted in the southern lands. All Lords and their entourages will arrive, along with many lesser folks such as Dukes and Duchesses and so on," He explained.

"Why are you going if you're planning on waging war with the southern Lord?" I inquired, letting my fists relax as I took a deep breath.

"I haven't declared war on him yet. As you noticed, it would be foolish to do so now. Therefore, I will go and enjoy the party," He explained with a small shrug.

"How many elementals do you have?" I looked at him keenly, wondering if I should inform him of what I knew or not.

"Two strong earth elementals. One weak wind elemental." He was looking curious at me now. "What is your level?"

I smiled slyly. "I am competent."

He waited, staring at me.

"I am a very strong fire elemental," I finally answered.

He nodded, and I could tell how pleased he was. Elementals were rare and mostly employed as soldiers by whoever would pay the highest.

"How many elementals does Bunmei have again?" I asked offhandedly.

"Five." I knew he had three. He must have gained two more in the last few years.

"What are their names?" I unfolded my legs and stretched slightly before standing up and walking behind Sesshoumaru's chair, picking up his heavy hair and running my fingers through it slowly. I used that as an excuse so I could hide my face from him.

"Sit down." He said sternly and I frowned. I shouldn't have tried to hide my face. Of course he would realize.

I moved back to the seat and crossed my legs, letting a seductive pout fall upon my lips. "I want to play with that long, thick," I licked my lips slowly before continuing, "hair."

His eyes flashed briefly to that immense hunger before returning to the cold demeanor they were before. "Benito, Anna, Junpei, Mayo, Yukika." His eyes were focused on me but I let my eyes drift to their own cold place that I had found long ago. I made sure to keep my eyes intent on his and not let any emotion seep in.

"Tell me everything you know about them," He instructed, seeming annoyed that he hadn't been able to get anything from my eyes.

"If I say no?" I tilted my head to the side, honestly curious.

"You wouldn't." He replied, sure.

I nodded, laughing softly. "You're right." I sighed. "I do not recognize the names Benito and Mayo. He usually likes having female elementals because females look vulnerable and men underestimate them," I stared pointedly at him when I made that comment, "He always made Anna up to be an extremely powerful wind elemental but all she could really do was make wind storms, minor ones at that. Yukika was a decent earth elemental and unless she's gained immense power she's not too strong. She is also a flirt and sneaky and extremely loyal to Bunmei." I frowned slightly and shifted positions, not being able to help but pretended it was because I was uncomfortable. "Junpei is a strong fire elemental." I said simply.

"Stronger than you?" Sesshoumaru was suspicious and I sighed.

"Maybe. I'm not sure. He always hid his powers incredibly well, even from Bunmei." I felt exasperated. I looked to the side, trying to keep memories from overwhelming me.

"What else?"

"What do you mean? I don't know the other two. You probably know more than me." I shrugged, looking back at him with a composed face.

"Junpei."

I scowled and didn't hide it this time. "I will kill him. Someday."

"Not at the ball I hope," He didn't sound sure but he didn't ask why, probably not that interested.

"Of course not." I shook my head and mentally shook myself and stood up, walking around the study randomly, making my hips sway. I slid back in to myself and away from the memories that were trying to floor me.

"Will you arrange for us to stay the night, under the pretense that it is to storm badly in the night and the dragon would not make it?" I looked at him from across the room where I stood.

"Why?" He stood up and moved around the desk, leaning against it.

I walked towards him and gave him a knowing smile, letting my fingers trail along his neck. "I will scream your name and it will echo throughout the halls." I whispered, leaning my body against his and reaching up to lick a small line along his throat before scraping my teeth against the hollow of his neck.

I was on my tip-toes reaching for his neck because of his height. He noticed and let his hands travel slowly along my back and to my butt. Both hands held me firmly and he pulled me up his body so I could nuzzle his neck better. My kimono went to my upper thighs and made it easy to wrap my legs securely around him, my heels digging into his firm backside.

I tended to his neck with my teeth and lips and tongue, not drawing blood though. I would save that for unseen places. I slid my hands around his head to tangle in his thick hair.

He let me continue and I could feel just the edge of his lower areas through his pants. He was hard, ready, but I wouldn't take him now. After many moments there was a knock on the door and then it proceeded to open. I heard Sesshoumaru take in a breath to say something, most likely to send whoever it was away. I spoke first, a soft whisper at his ear.

"Don't send them away. Let them see your prize." I flicked my tongue against his ear and drew it into my mouth, sucking lightly.

"Oh, Sesshoumaru-sama, we didn't mean to interrupt." The man didn't sound sorry.

"You already did. Come in." Sesshoumaru sounded angry but no one questioned him. After a second the door shut behind whoever came in.

"I don't recognize her," Another voice said, unsure.

After a few more seconds of nuzzling his neck I slid down his body slowly, the only thing keeping my kimono in place was Sesshoumaru's firm grip on my butt. When I was on my two feet again I turned in Sesshoumaru's arms and pressed my body back against him, making sure my butt was pressed tightly against his manhood. At the sensation of it a shiver ran through my body.

When I looked towards the other side of the room I held a shy, embarrassed, 'oh no, you caught us in the act' expression. There were three men, all dressed in armor with weapons at their sides. The lust was so evident in two pairs of eyes it was pathetic. I saw me through their eyes though, and I understood: lips swollen from activity, dark red hair disheveled and flowing past my shoulders, and kimono slightly out of place.

"This is Asami-san." Sesshoumaru's voice said plainly 'this is mine'. "Introduce yourselves."

The first man stepped forward. His hair was short and ruffled, as if he just woke up. His eyes were a deep brown and his smile was playful. "My name is Nijito."

The next man stepped forward and looked exactly like Nijito but held a serious expression and speculative eyes. "I am Niito."

The unsure one stepped forward and he was younger than the other two, who I was certain were twins. "My name is Koufuu."

I smiled at his name, it was adorable.

"You waste a smile on the boy but not on the men before you?" Nijito questioned, teasing.

I shrugged, fighting back a grin. I was trying to appear innocent for these men. "It is a pleasure to meet you all," I said softly, bowing low.

Sesshoumaru let an arm slide around my waste, pulling me behind his desk. He sat down and I sat carefully on his lap. The three men came to sit in front of the desk.

"Do not bother hiding yourself in front of these three. They are my highest in command." He let one hand curl around my thigh, fingers stroking the soft skin. He was basically saying he trusted them, but I doubt Sesshoumaru trusted anyone fully.

"Yes, please, do not hide yourself," Nijito murmured, eyes on the amount of cleavage the neckline of the kimono seemed to call attention to.

"Nijito," Niito scolded, sounding disgusted. A man of honor, perhaps? Or maybe I just wasn't his type. Either way I didn't care.

I grinned and let my hand casually trail along the line of cleavage. Nijito bit his lip and visibly shook himself, letting his eyes slide away from my body to refocus his mind.

"This is the elemental you went to retrieve, yes?" Niito asked, all business.

"Retrieve?" I raised one eye brow, not pleased with the wording.

Niito scowled but shifted his eyes to me. "What element are you?"

"Fire." I answered in a clipped tone.

"Are you strong?" He sounded doubtful.

"Want to find out?" I smiled wickedly at him and he sighed.

"Answer him," Sesshoumaru demanded.

"I'm strong." I stretched, arching my back and letting my head lean against Sesshoumaru's shoulder. I took advantage of his ear being so close and flicked my tongue against it quickly before returning to my previous sitting position.

Niito was studying me, taking all of me in. It wasn't sexual. He was seeing everything, I could tell. My strength, my mind, my power, my everything. I frowned and stood up, moving off to the side and looking around at no one in particular. It was as if I could feel my head being probed. I closed my eyes and focused on my mental walls. I've had people with mind powers taste me before and I learned quickly how to shut them out.

When I was satisfied with my walls and could no longer feel anything going on inside my head I turned sharply to Niito, who was focusing intently on me. I could feel him, just outside my walls, trying to get in.

"If I were you, I would stop, right now." My voice was low and growling and I could feel my eyes change, a fiery red consuming the green and surrounding white.

Niito stood and his eyes did exactly what mine did except they bled a pure forest green. I felt him put more pressure against my walls. I squeezed my hands into tight fists at my sides. When I opened them quickly I had sharp claws and fire danced along the skin of my hands, around my fingers and stopping at my wrist.

I could see nothing else but him, hear nothing but him. I was focused and my mind was slipping into a more animalistic state. All at once I could hear everything again, see everything again, but I wasn't human anymore. I was still in human form but I was all animal. I started walking slowly around the desk and the man with forest green eyes had moved back into more open space.

"Nijito, Koufuu, move." A distant male voice spoke.

Two men stood and moved to the side. I crept closer to the man with forest green eyes, flexing my hands. One moment I was carefully placing my bare feet on the ground as I moved closer and then they were no longer bare. Fire danced along the skin but stopped at my ankle.

Finally, when I was close enough, the man made the first move. He threw his hand across his chest and from the tips of his finger tips what looked like vines flew towards me. Without hesitation I let my fire consume my whole body and my kimono was ashes after a second. The vines didn't even touch my skin; they were turned to ash immediately.

I stood there and my animalistic side lightened slightly, letting the ability to think things through revive. Vines had flung from his finger tips. I stalked slowly around him and he was assessing me just as I was him. He pulled out his sword slowly and held it properly, sliding into a stance. Without my own weapon I was at a disadvantage. I frowned and slid into a defensive position.

I could feel Sesshoumaru and the two other commander's eyes on us both, watching us circle each other. I saw his small step forward and knew he was going to attack. He moved to the right and swung, going for my left side. I held out my left hand and at the same time raised my right leg for a kick. Simultaneously, I caught the sword with my left hand and my right foot swung powerfully across my body to snap against his head, the fire burning his jaw line.

We jumped back from each other and the sword slid out of my hand, leaving a fine cut with blood dripping down. I stood up straight and let the fire die away. I raised my hand to my mouth and licked the cut slowly and languorously, walking slowly towards Niito.

"You had first blood, congratulations." I lifted my bloody hand to him and he shook his head, sheathing his sword.

"You didn't have a sword and you did burn me." He touched his jaw line and winced.

"So, a draw?" I asked, smiling.

"Agreed. We'll have to have a rematch. Until I have the opportunity to prove myself stronger, I will not touch your mind again," He stated, bowing respectfully.

"Perfect." I stalked back to Sesshoumaru and my eyes had bled back to their normal bright green. They smoldered with the promise of sex. I was worked up and I knew that I could work off all this energy by jumping Sesshoumaru right now and riding him till dawn.

I let my tongue pick up more of the blood and let it smear over my lips, holding some on my tongue as I leaned down to kiss him fiercely. His tongue was rough against my lips, taking the blood from them and forcing them open to get to my tongue. As soon as the blood was gone I pulled back, standing nude in front of him with a satisfied smile.

"Koufuu, go fetch a spare kimono from one of the maids," Niito instructed and sat back down in front of the desk, next to Nijito who had already reclaimed his seat.

I curled up in Sesshoumaru's lap, resting my head against his shoulder and nuzzling his neck.

"Can you control what you did with the fire? Having it cover your whole body? Or was that purely a defense mechanism?" Niito asked and I shifted my head slightly so I could look at him.

"I control it," I said with a small smile.

"Jiro told me all you could do was everything I saw you do on stage." Sesshoumaru sounded impressed but it was carefully concealed.

"That is all he thought I could I do," I answered simply.

"I thought you trusted him." There was lace of confusion in his tone.

"I always hold back. You never know when someone will turn for the worse." I got up as Koufuu returned with a simple white kimono. It went to my thighs again. I tied the obi perfectly and sat in Sesshoumaru's lap again.

"You can do even more than that?" Nijito didn't bother concealing how impressed he was.

"Maybe," I said softly, flashing him a seductive look and licking my lips slowly.

"Niito tested out her elemental abilities. Can I wrestle her and test her core strength?" His eyes were intent on my face. I laughed outright.

"You're funny," I graced him with a warm smile before turning to Niito. "You're Earth right?"

"Yes, so is Nijito. We are also the strongest soldiers and the commanding officers of Sesshoumaru-sama's forces. Koufuu is second in command," He explained thoroughly.

"You should feel honored. He doesn't answer anyone's questions unless he sees them as equal or more powerful." Koufuu muttered in annoyance. Niito didn't even grace him with a side glance.

"I address who needs addressing," Niito finally said softly.

"So I need addressing? Why is that?" I asked, sitting up slightly so I could look fully at him.

"We do not have a fire elemental in our forces. Bunmei does. It evens things out. You're extremely skilled. I would put you at a level 4 at least, if not a level 5. You're also not foolish enough to only rely on your elements, as many do. You're skilled in actual combat fighting. I'll save a judgment for weaponry fighting." Again, he was thorough, and I appreciated that. I felt as if I could sit and actually have a full length conversation with him.

Sesshoumaru must have realized that because he spoke up. "Asami-san will be coming with us to the upcoming ball as my companion. Niito, I will have you as her assigned guard in case things should go wrong. You both may talk more of things there."

I scowled and turned so I could look at him. "Why do I need guarding?"

"If you were my slave and through different purchases you became a strong power within my enemy's control, and I then found out you told some of my secrets, I would have someone kill you." His tone held no room for argument, and after his straight-forward explanation, I didn't argue. I didn't want anyone, but particularly Junpei, to find me alone.

"Lord, I would much rather be assigned to your detail. Have Nijito guard Asami-san," Niito sounded anxious. He was clearly loyal.

I watched as Sesshoumaru carefully looked from me to Nijito. It was very sly and I almost didn't notice. He was worried I would play with Nijito? How strange. I leaned back to carefully suckle his ear before murmuring, "You are the only man I am interested in." I let my hand slid down to grip his manhood through his pants and was granted with a satisfying grunt.

"That is unfortunate," Nijito whispered.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, you don't need to explain the consequences to Nijito. He knows exactly what you would do to him if he laid a finger on this particular companion," Niito said, glaring slightly at Nijito.

"Very well. You may guard me, Niito." Sesshoumaru finally said and I was surprised. I didn't think he gave into anyone very easily. I knew he was probably getting annoyed very quickly when I was trying to get so much.

I brushed those thoughts away and smiled at Nijito. "The ball will be very fun indeed if you're going to be following me around."

He chuckled. "It will be the most fun you've ever had."

I let my eyes glaze over with the thought of sex and then shifted my gaze to him. "I doubt that, very much." I said softly, my voice low.

Sesshoumaru's nails dug into my leg slightly. He was annoyed. I mentally shook myself and snuggled back against Sesshoumaru, resting my head against his neck again.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, what did you mean before when you said she told you secrets?" Koufuu spoke up and I frowned slightly. Now we would have to go over this whole Bunmei situation.

"She used to belong to Bunmei, long ago." Sesshoumaru answered, barely even moving to look at him. My frown slipped away. Good, I wouldn't have to relay all my little secrets.

Niito's eyes narrowed though and my frown returned. Of course I would have to prove my loyalty to him too. "There is no way he would let a fire elemental with your power get away."

"I didn't gain my powers till half way through my stay with him. When they did arise I hid them very carefully," I explained, moving so my face was hiding in Sesshoumaru's neck and shoulder. I let my tongue flick out to taste his skin slowly, kissing here and there. He didn't even flinch.

Nijito was the one that spoke this time, and despite his playfulness, he sounded utterly serious. "That's impossible. You'd be setting fires everywhere. You wouldn't have control of it yet."

I sighed and sat up straight. "Junpei, his fire elemental, is a few years older than me. He gained his power about the same time as me. Lucky for me, right? Coincidentally we were usually around each other because we were both around Bunmei mostly. So the fires I accidentally set could be brushed off on him. I spent every waking hour that I was by myself strengthening my mental state so I could focus and control the element." I gave them the full story and hoped there were no other commanders I would have to explain myself to.

"What secrets did you tell Sesshoumaru-sama?" Niito asked.

"I wouldn't really consider them secrets. They're not really of great importance." I brushed it off.

"Everything is important concerning war." Niito responded, his eyes staring right through me. I checked my mental defenses once more and didn't feel him there. Perhaps he was a man of honor.

"Anna is a weak wind elemental. I have never used levels to classify elementals, as you have, but if I were to, I would give her a 1, 2 at best." I started off and Niito interrupted before I could go on.

"Bunmei makes her out to be a level 4. Do you see how this information is very useful, indeed? Is there a chance that she has grown in power?"

"No, she's weak. At the ball though she will be dressed impeccably and she will have guards. He will make her out to be very important, but in reality she is as vulnerable as any other woman. He doesn't train any women to be combative." Niito was nodding the whole time I explained.

"What about the others?" Nijito prompted.

"Yukika was a decent earth elemental but Niito is stronger. She would be a level 3. She is sneaky and very loyal. Junpei is his fire elemental, as you already know. I would put him at a level 4 or 5." I finished and snuggled back against Sesshoumaru, trying to bury myself in his neck almost.

"Is he stronger than you?" Koufuu asked.

"She is not sure." Sesshoumaru answered for me and I was grateful. "She also does not know the other two, Benito and Mayo."

"We're going to need at least one more guard on her, my Lord. If someone betrayed these types of secrets about your forces to an enemy, I would kill them myself." Niito sounded slightly worried.

"I agree. I am a good guard but my eyes can't be everywhere." Nijito added in.

"Koufuu, you will join Nijito in guarding Asami." Sesshoumaru instructed. "Niito, we will be staying the night there." He added on as an afterthought.

Nijito's eyes widened and he scowled immediately. "We'll need even more guards. Why would we do such a thing? It's completely foolish my Lord." He spoke his mind freely and I was surprised he wasn't reprimanded. Maybe Sesshoumaru was used to his forwardness.

Niito was studying my face. My eyes had tightened slightly. "It has something to do with you, doesn't it?"

"It doesn't matter who it has to do with. I say we are staying. Bring however many soldiers you think will suffice." Sesshoumaru commanded and Niito just nodded.

"I think bringing our whole army should suffice." Nijito muttered.

"I don't think they'd all fit in the dragon." I murmured softly and Nijito laughed slightly while everyone else remained solemn.

Niito suddenly looked up from his lap where he had been thinking intently. "We'll need at least 20 guards."

"Explain," was the Sesshoumaru said.

"We will need two main guards for you, my Lord, and Asami-san. There should be three extra guards on both of you but at a much greater distant, simply following with their eyes. That totals to ten. We will then need 5 on each of Asami-san's sisters, especially since they are defenseless."

I took a deep breath so I wouldn't yell when I spoke. "My younger sisters will absolutely not be attending."

"I believe I am Lord here, and I will say who goes and who does not," Sesshoumaru's cold voice said behind me and I slid immediately to the ground in front of him, bowing my head.

"I beg your forgiveness. Please though, my Lord, they are immature. They would be running around and making fools of themselves." I tried to give him reasons, although these weren't even close to the reasons I wasn't letting them come.

"I agree. They are too childish to be allowed around people." Sesshoumaru reached down to let his hand hang in front of my face. I took it immediately in both of mine and kissed it softly, over and over again, my way of thanking him without saying it out loud.

"Well, we will need only ten guards then. That's a much less threatening number." Niito sounded satisfied. "Sesshoumaru-sama, you and Asami and the main guards can all take the dragon and the rest of the guards will follow on ground in a carriage."

"Very well. Go and make whatever preparations are needed." Sesshoumaru was looking down at me while I tended to his hand, my eyes rolled up to stare at him while he stared at me.

"Yes, my Lord." Niito stood and left the room.

"My Lord, how would you like to showcase Asami-san?" Nijito asked and Sesshoumaru kept his eyes on me. I saw him become thoughtful, considering.

"I can answer him, if you'd like, my Lord," I offered, standing to move in his lap, but keeping his hand in both of mine. He nodded for me to go ahead. I turned to Nijito. "I must look exotic, but obtainable, embellished with jewels but not overdone. It must be tasteful. The kimono should be of thin silk. It should also not pass the middle of my thighs. The obi, however, should trail all the way to my ankles." I paused, thinking to myself.

"I will go barefoot. It will draw attention, but it will seem interesting. It will make me appear more as Sesshoumaru-sama's pet. A collar will have to be made to match the kimono, and must have jewels on it as well, but again, not too many. Overall, once it comes together, it will be obvious that I am Sesshoumaru-sama's pet, but it will also be clear that I am powerful and beautiful." I then turned to Sesshoumaru, who was giving me satisfied eyes.

"You must treat me as if I am nothing to you, though. The other Lords and whoever else must be able to think to themselves that maybe, for the right price, you will trade me away. They will envy you." I concluded with a small, modest smile. I knew that I was detailed and even demanding in some ways.

"That is perfect. We would have never thought of it ourselves. Perhaps it is a woman's way to think of such things. How will you make sure everyone knows you're powerful?" Nijito couldn't hide his pleased smile.

"I have ways of letting my power breath against someone's mind. It is not the power your brother has, but it is similar I suppose." I tried to explain.

"Try it on me." Nijito stood and I got up and slowly walked up to him. I smiled sweetly up at him and walked by him. As I was passing him I let my power go. That was the only way to think of it. I simply let it go. Not the control, but simply the power. He took in a sharp breath and visibly shook himself.

"Well?" I asked, standing right past him.

"Perfect, perfect. It will be interesting to see the outcomes of this party." Nijito walked away and waved for Koufuu to follow. "I'll go out tomorrow myself to get the outfit. I wouldn't want any mistakes." They left after that and I turned to smile at Sesshoumaru.

"It's very late, my Lord," I commented. It had been a busy night. We had arrived in the evening and it was probably midnight by now. The girls would definitely be asleep.

"Why don't you want your sisters to go to the ball?" He asked and I laughed softly but it was fake.

"They would embarrass you my Lord. Surely you don't want them there?" I walked behind him and leaned over his shoulder to kiss his neck, working my way along his jaw and to his lips. I slid my hand in his hair so I could turn his head towards me and kiss him deeply, sliding my tongue past his lips to engage his.

He reached back to slide his own hand in my hair and gripped it tightly to pull me harder against his lips. I moaned softly against his lips and he swiftly pulled me over his shoulder so I was again in his lap. Swiftly I untangled myself from him and stood, walking towards the door.

I held my hand towards him and waved him over. "Come. Let's bathe and sleep."

After a while, he stood and walked towards me. He walked slowly and while he came closer my smile slid from warm, to seductive. Maybe I would have him take me in the bath… Or not. Who knows.

When he was right by me I slid both of my arms through one of his. "Please, my Lord, lead the way."