Author's Note:scratches back of neck nervously: It's been a while, hasn't it, guys? Sorry, but as I had mentioned before, life has only gotten more chaotic. This is the first time I've been able to relax in a long time. But I'm dealing…or attempting to. You can also blame Wren-sama (ChaoHat/DoubleQ…whatever she's calling herself now) for taking up my free time as well, since she's got me on Harry Potter fics. Never thought I'd see the day when THAT happened, but…
Alrighty, hehe…got a few questions from reviewers:
1.) While Once a Princess is not among my top 10, it is definitely a book to check out. Johanna Lindsey is probably my…::counts on fingers::…fourth favorite romance author. I'm not even that much of a romance-novel fan anymore. The only book series I actively buy nowadays is Kim Harrison's, which isn't even romance. But I do still enjoy them every now and then.
2.) Additionally, it is still the same night as it was in Chapter Two, so Kagome hasn't changed from her earlier outfit (our dear Sesshy-sama didn't allow her any time to). Kagome fooled around too much and didn't get the chance to pack anything with her, so she basically has nothing else to wear at the moment. ; The makeup will come off at a certain point in the story, don't worry…hehe. This chapter should explain Kagome's reluctance to.
3.) Sesshy, Inu, Kagura, and Kouga (as well as any other demons I throw in here hint hint) are all humans, as stated in the first chapter. No one has any holy powers as well. Besides praying, that is.
Also, I got a request for emailing readers when I update, which is something I don't mind doing at all. If you don't read this fic on fanfiction . net (which has the alert feature that'll notify you automatically) and would like to be added to the email list, please read the last author's note.
Alright…I think I covered all of the questions that were asked…Let's start the chapter!
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Chapter Four
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This was absolute hell.
It was already bad enough that she was all but dragged into this, but Kagome was forced to sit across from who she had so lovingly nicknamed 'Mr. Almighty Jackass' and next to his ill-mannered brother named Inuyasha…something she had found out shortly afterwards. She had been sure to express her dislike for the arrangement from the start, but she failed to be surprised when she was ignored and shoved into the town car. Kagome later complained that he could have at least let her ride in the one that was trailing them, carrying Kouga and Miroku, but Sesshoumaru had refused, saying that she was practically royalty--although he had made sure to point out that she was quite unsuitable at that--and would not be seen traveling in the company of her subjects while in his presence. Something about the royal etiquette or whatever she was going to learn, Kagome was told.
She turned a fierce stare towards her supposed 'husband-to-be', but he paid her no attention, instead, staring out of the window, obviously bored. What a jerk! After claiming that he was going to be marrying her, he didn't even try to make any effort to get to know her. Did he really expect her to go through this?
'I think not! As soon as I can, I'm ditching them. They can't leave me unguarded all of the time. As soon as I find a way, I'm so out of here…'
But since she didn't know all of the elements in her environment at the moment, she wouldn't be able to come up with a decent plan. 'Well, whenever we get to wherever we're supposed to be, I'll think of something. There's no way I'm going through with this.'
With that decided, she basked in the silence. Soon however, the soft movement of the car lulled her, reminding her that it was late and also the time in which she usually went to sleep, had she remained at her home. Her eyelids felt heavier and heavier, and she could feel herself drifting off.
Completely unaware, she began to tilt in Inuyasha's direction.
"Oi!" he exclaimed, shoving her into Sesshoumaru, who in turn scoffed and pushed her back. "Get your wench off of me." He pushed her once more in his brother's direction.
"She obviously preferred your shoulder to mine," Sesshoumaru stated, giving her another shove to Inuyasha. "Be brotherly towards her and let her use it."
"And just when the hell have I ever acted brotherly to anybody?!" He thrust her in Sesshoumaru's direction again.
Kagome, however, was fed up with all of the pushing. "My God…sorry for falling asleep! If I had known you both would--"
"Just keep your dumb hag away from me!" Inuyasha interrupted.
"Hag?!" she screamed at him before proceeding to slap him across the head.
"O-oi! Hey--! Quit it!" he put up his hands, attempting to defend himself from the enraged woman. "Sesshoumaru! Help me!"
The other man sighed, regretting rejecting Kagome's earlier request to ride with Miroku and Kouga, as improper as it was. 'Perhaps this was my fault…I knew how childish both were and still placed them in the same car together.' He rested his arm against the door and turned back to the window. "You cannot fend off a mere female?" he asked in disinterest.
"You try fighting off a crazed woman!" Inuyasha yelled, which earned him another hard smack from the said girl. "Ow!" he cried in indignation. "Watch the ears!"
"I swear," Kagome huffed as she folded her arms, pouting in anger. "You both are a bunch of morons. How you ever managed to get a hold of a country is beyond me."
"Whatever, bitch," Inuyasha replied, attempting to smooth his hair back in place and wincing at the dulling pain. "In case you haven't noticed, we're not too thrilled of you being in our family."
"That makes two of us, then." She rolled her eyes at him.
"So shut up already. Why can't you be like all the other dumb wenches? At least most of them have manners."
Her brow flared dangerously. "What did you call me--?!"
Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, doing his damnedest to ignore the arguing pair. 'It's going to be like this the entire trip,' he thought before cringing slightly. He wondered if it was even worth all this trouble.
'Probably not. I should have let her jump out of the window.'
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The hotel they arrived at was lavish, which didn't surprise her that much, given his status and all. Very different from the rural inns that she was used to near her home. This one was more than two stories and filled with people. But Kagome was never used to any of the cities. She was pretty much a country-girl at heart, having lived in the same town for nearly twenty years.
The stocky driver opened the door and Sesshoumaru was the first to unfold himself from the vehicle. "Have someone bring in the luggage," he commanded the man before walking through the door of the building. Kagome fumed silently. No 'follow me' or anything!
"You're going to get used to that," a voice said quietly, as if reading her thoughts.
She turned around to see Inuyasha watching her as he leaned against the car, door still wide open. "What?"
"If you haven't noticed," he said, slamming the door. "Sesshoumaru isn't exactly Mr. Sociable. He only cares about two things: himself and his title. Don't expect him to go out on a limb and care about something else for once." He folded his arms and propped his hip against the vehicle.
She mimicked his stance and sent him a hard glare. "Well, you aren't peaches and sunshine either, mister."
"Yeah, but I'm not as bad as he is. Just thought I'd let you know he's pretty much going to ignore you this whole trip. Probably when we get home too. Hell, he's probably going to do that after you two get hitched--"
"And that's a bad thing? I think it'd be worse if it was the other way around."
"You're the one who's looking all pissed at him for leaving without saying anything."
"Being surprised isn't the same thing as being disappointed. Yeah, I think it's weird, but I think the whole thing is weird. I'm pissed, yes, but for a whole different reason other than my supposed husband doesn't care if I'm alive or not!"
Inuyasha shrugged at that statement. "He cares, but not in the way that you're thinking. It's only means to an end; he has to if he's to become king. But don't expect any special treatment. He thinks everyone is beneath him, even his own blood." He shook his head slightly. "All of us are used to it by now."
"So he's pretty much a jackass to everyone all the time, is that what you're saying?"
A faint grin made its way to his face. "Yeah. Sounds like you're getting the hang of it already."
She smiled, then frowned. "…You know. That's the first time since we've met that you and I actually had a decent conversation," Kagome said.
"…Err….yeah, I guess."
She put her hand up with a mock expression of disgust. "Stop it. We are not having a 'moment'." Her head shook as she began walking to the entrance of the hotel. Inuyasha snorted and fell into step beside her.
Kouga and Miroku had already arrived to the front desk and were waiting for them. "Well," Miroku said as he placed a card key in both Inuyasha's and Kagome's hands. "Sesshoumaru-sama has arranged your rooms on the fourteenth floor--that's the second highest--and ours."
Kagome's eyebrow rose. "And where did he stick you? The kitchens? The backyard?"
Kouga managed to stifle a chuckle as Miroku smiled. "Actually, it's on the fifth floor. But it's a very nice room."
"Wait, you two are sharing a room?" Inuyasha began to laugh. "I always knew the lech act was just a front. You'd better watch your back, Kouga!"
"Oh, get off it, Inukoro!"
Miroku cleared his throat, putting the squabble at an end. "Perhaps this is not the best place for this kind of…conversation," he noted, subtly indicating the passerbys--including the front desk clerks--who were staring at the group. "Kagome-sama, His Highness was sure to specify that he wishes for you to be up bright and early tomorrow so we can leave."
"Oh he did, did he?" She said as her brows drew together. "Looks like I'll be sleeping in tomorrow then." She walked to the elevators looking smug.
The group watched her as the doors closed behind her.
"She still has a lot to learn about Sesshoumaru-sama," Kouga commented, shaking his head. The other men agreed.
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As soon as she entered her room, she was assaulted by two women chattering heavily. Kagome could only make out the phrases 'His Highness', 'clean', and 'pretty'. After trying to focus on their voices and looking confused for a good minute, she had to hold up her hand to silence them.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa…." she began. "Okay, start over. Who are you guys?"
The two of them laughed. "Your husband-to-be requested that you receive a thorough cleansing. Before you retire for the night, that is."
Kagome blinked. "He commanded you to bathe me?" A frown settled on her lips as they both nodded. "Well, he can forget it. I can take a shower on my own, thank you."
"But miss, this is the standard royal treatment of the hotel.."
She sighed in defeat. They obviously weren't going anywhere until they gave her a damn bath. 'How bad could it be? Hopefully it'll be quick so they can just leave.'
"Fine," she said with a huff.
The bathtub was a nice size, much bigger than what she was used to, but that was to be expected, since the room was as lavish as it was. There were oils and herbs in the water and Kagome would have asked what they were, but they smelled pleasant enough for her not to worry about stepping in. The most she'd ever had in her bath were bubbles, and that was only if the store was selling them that particular week.
The bath felt good, although she could have done without an audience. Kagome scoffed at the idea that Sesshoumaru would actually hire people to wash her, like she didn't know how to herself.
'Well, what can I say? Inuyasha did warn me..'
"Would you…like help with washing your face?" one of them asked, eyeing her features with an expression bordering on disgust.
She almost said yes, before remembering she didn't bring any of her makeup with her. 'Would I even need it?' she wondered. 'It's not like I'm at the tavern right now, thanks to a certain somebody...'
A dark smirk made its way across her lips.
'Well, if I have to suffer, you'd better believe he'll too!'
"No, I'll be alright by myself," Kagome replied. "Although if you have a mirror, I'd appreciate it."
The woman nodded and produced a gold hand mirror, which Kagome briefly hoped wasn't worth too much value, should she accidentally drop it…before remembering that Sesshoumaru was paying for the entire thing. She quickly filed that information in her 'what-to-do-before-check-out' folder in her mind.
"Thank you. I should be fine now," Kagome said.
"But miss…His Highness said--"
"I'll worry about him. If he gets mad, I can guarantee he'll take it out on me." That last part was said bitterly.
The two women looked at each other for a moment.
"Look, I'm not going to drown by myself! It isn't the first time I've taken a bath, alright?!" Kagome's eyes narrowed as they looked at her almost dubiously, giving her a pointed look as they took in her features. "Please, just leave me be!" She sighed in frustration as they left.
After washing hurriedly and getting out of the tub, she dried herself off and took a few moments to dry her hands completely. Examining herself in the hand mirror, Kagome noticed that her makeup had managed to stain itself into an even more revolting pattern than she had ever originally intended.
'No wonder why they were so quick to offer a hand,' Kagome thought before she smeared the makeup to cover up the portions of her face that had worn away through the activity of the night. It was a barely a capable fix, but it would do at the moment. Until she had an opportunity to get some more makeup to replace it.
'Speaking of which…I'm finally alone now. Time to start planning on how to get back…'
She quickly dressed in the hotel's complimentary robe and entered the bedroom. Her eyes searched the room for her clothes. 'That's funny,' she thought. 'I know I left them on the bed…'
Rummaging through the dressers and all of the other containers of the room, her frustration grew. Kagome didn't think she could get all the way back to the Demon's Claw tavern wearing only a thin bathrobe. There weren't any steps to retrace, since she knew she had put her clothes on the bed before she was whisked into her bath. She was absolutely clueless as to where to look. The only other way would have to be that someo--
…
'Oh no…He didn't.'
"If that pompous ass even so much as breathed on them," Kagome fumed. "I'll slap him into the next century!" She stomped to the door, violence evident on her face, and threw it open. Slashed brows rose as she saw the person on the other end. "What are you doing here?"
Kouga shrank in the chair he was seated in outside of her room at the expression on her face. She looked positively dangerous and he found himself gulping at the tone she used. "Uh…Sesshoumaru-sama--"
"--Did what, send you to baby-sit?!
"Well, he did mention to us that you tried to run earlier…"
"And he wanted to make sure I didn't this time. Whatever. He didn't have to steal my clothes to make sure I stayed in one place!"
He blinked. "Your clothes? Oh…the attendants took those. Sesshoumaru-sama told them that you didn't pack anything and were in need of something more…" He searched his mind for a better word than the one the prince had used. "…suitable for your stature."
Kagome pinched her nose in irritation. 'My God…I've only met this man a couple hours ago, and already I want to throw him into oncoming traffic.' She shrugged it off and decided to deal with it later. She could sleep in her robe for one night. "What about you? Aren't you tired? Or are you one of those people who don't like to sleep?" she joked, trying to lighten her mood.
Kouga shook his head, smiling slightly. "No, I like sleep, but I like my head on my shoulders even more. His Highness would kill me if I didn't keep watch."
She looked at the stiff-back cushioned chair he was currently seated in as a plan formed in her head. "You know, there's a couch in the room in the living area….you could keep watch in there."
"I don't think that's appropriate--"
"Oh, please," Kagome said with an exasperated sigh. "I'm not asking you to stay in the bedroom with me! I just thought you'd rather 'accidentally' fall asleep on a more comfortable couch than that chair. Or do you really want to sleep out here all night, in the middle of the hallway?"
He seemed to want to protest, but then thought better of it. "Well, if that's what you want, I can't refuse an order," Kouga said before smirking slightly. "Your Highness."
Her eyes narrowed. "Don't call me that."
His smile brightened as he followed her into her room and sunk down on the loveseat of the living room. Kagome closed the door behind her as she asked, "Did you want a pillow or something?"
Kouga shook his head. "No, I don't plan on sleeping."
She gave him an incredulous look. "So you're just going to sit here in the dark, staring at a wall the whole night?"
"Well, no. There is late night television, after all," he grinned.
Kagome shrugged. "Suit yourself, I'm turning in now. If those ladies come back and return my clothes, set them on the chair over there." Kagome gestured to the chair before waving slightly and entering the bedroom. "'Night."
"Goodnight…Princess," Kouga emphasized and laughed when she slammed the door.
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Kagome waited for a long while, wide awake, before she crawled out of the bed as silently as she could. Her hand managed to crack the door open and she peered out towards the direction of the room's other occupant. 'I can only see the back of his head…how the heck do I know he's asleep?' She could feel herself becoming discouraged. 'Am I ever going to get away from these guys?!'
That was before she heard a loud snore coming from the couch.
As quiet as she had ever been, she moved to the room's entrance, shutting the door slowly to keep Kouga deep in his slumber. She was about to press the button for the elevator, but figured Kouga could hear the piercing 'ding' announcing its arrival, and she had no clue if he was a light sleeper or not. Deciding against the elevator, she crept down the alternate stairwell.
Fourteen flights of stairs was no picnic, but she was more than willing if she could make her long-awaited getaway. Coming to her last step, she wrenched open the stairwell's entry and looked around the lobby. A wave of relief in mammoth proportion washed over her as she viewed the near-empty lobby.
'That's it…slowly towards the door…I'll figure out how to get back as soon as I can get away. Maybe I can hitchhike or something…'
Her hand was on the glass door just as she heard a "Kagome-sama!" being called.
Cursing herself silently, she turned to see Miroku coming out of the elevator. Kagome quickly turned her frown into a smile. "Miroku…" she said weakly. "Hi!"
'Great. Well, there goes that plan..'
"Where were you going?"
"Uh…" She looked around, spotting the entrance to the hotel's bar. "I was…going to get a drink! But I figured that I'd be able to get something cheaper somewhere else." 'My God...what a lame cover.'
His brows furrowed. "In that robe?" he asked disbelievingly.
Kagome nodded sadly. This was so pathetic. "Uh…yeah. Sesshoumaru had those attendants steal my clothes, so I didn't have anything else I could wear…"
He watched her for a few moments before smiling. "Now that you mention it, I could also use a drink. You don't have to worry about price, Kagome-sama. It would be my pleasure to treat you to one." He motioned for her to follow him to the bar.
'Yep. It's official that whatever god is watching over me has it in for me,' she thought, trailing behind him. 'Why couldn't any of them be stupid and allow me to escape this?'
She followed Miroku through the doorway and sat down across from him. They both ordered a glass of light scotch which was then brought to the table. Kagome took a look around and noted the amount of people within the inn. Apparently, it wasn't as late as she had believed, if people were still up for drinking at this time of night.
"So, is your room to your liking?" Miroku asked.
"Well, I guess. Although I don't need all of the space. A regular room with a bed and bathroom would have been okay," Kagome said, taking a timid sip.
"Yes, well…It's something that you'll get used to. Especially with Sesshoumaru-sama."
"Yeah, yeah…I've been hearing that a lot lately…" Kagome commented dryly.
Miroku chuckled. "I'm sure you have. His Highness is in a position to demand the best of everything, as he has been since he was born."
"Really?" she asked, the sardonic tone failing to leave her tone. "I would have never been able to guess."
"His Majesty was certain to make his sons aware of their importance at an early age."
Kagome considered that for a moment. 'Well, if this guy raised his son to be as awful as Sesshoumaru is…then how bad is he?'
Miroku must have sensed her thoughts, because he continued. "Lord Inutaisho is a great ruler, and not surprisingly a lot of people will be truly saddened when he passes," Miroku said, his previous playful mood turning a bit distressed. "However, Sesshoumaru-sama will be an excellent successor as well. He is dedicated, sturdy, effective--"
She held up a hand. "I get the picture. What, does he like train you guys to go overboard with the constant compliments whenever you mention him?"
"Well, I'd like to think of it as giving respect, but…" Miroku trailed off, a slight smile forming at her comment. "It never hurts to 'go overboard' when addressing His Highness."
"Hmph."
"My point is…that the wedding between you and Sesshoumaru-sama will aid to improve the tragedy of His Majesty's illness."
Kagome nodded distantly, as she couldn't think of anything to say to that and not wanting to encourage him into thinking she was actually considering marrying Sesshoumaru. That was not even a possibility in her future--if she could help it. She watched as he rubbed the back of his head faintly, a reminder of what happened in the tavern back at her home.
"Sorry…about Sango knocking you out earlier."
Miroku smiled. "It's quite alright. When you're a prominent ladies man like me, you get used to it."
She eyed him at that comment. "You do that sort of thing often?!"
"But of course. It's like a reflex," he said sadly, faking exasperation.
Kagome's eyes narrowed. "So it was a reflex using it on me too?"
He spoke without thinking. "No, His Highness made me--" Miroku said, his mouth opening briefly before closing when he realized what he said.
"I don't believe it!" She rose from her seat in anger. "First, he calls me an annoyance--nevermind that he claims we're supposed to get married and ignores me the whole time--then he forces his friends to hit on me! Where the hell does he get off!"
Miroku noticed quite a few head turned their way at the outburst and attempted to calm her down. "Uh…perhaps, Kagome-sama, we should call this a night. It is late, and we do have to get up early." He rose from his seat and placed a few crisp bills on the table's surface.
Kagome shrugged as she followed suit. She was about to disagree and add that she would rather rot in hell before beginning to abide by Sesshoumaru's orders, but a yawn escaped her and she suddenly found herself too tired to argue. "I guess," she said, walking behind Miroku as they left the bar.
A silent pause ensued as they waited for the elevator. Then Miroku spoke up as they entered the car, doors sliding to a close in front of them. "I do hope that you will bear in mind to be a little nicer to His Highness. Even though neither of you are particularly pleased with this situation, you are making a lot of people happy with this union."
Kagome folded her arms across her chest. "I'll think about it," she said in a pouty tone.
Miroku shook his head, giving up his line of reason for the night. He hoped he at least planted the idea that this was a necessary marriage. He wasn't fooled into thinking she had merely come down to the lobby for a drink. The doors opened and the two stepped out into the fourteenth floor's hallway.
She unlocked her door before Kouga jumped up from his spot, clearly coming awake from their arrival. Kagome almost laughed at his confused expression. "Where did you go?" he asked, rubbing the back of his neck. "And how did you get past--why didn't you wake me up if you knew I was sleep?"
"Uh…" Kagome started, but was saved when Miroku spoke up.
"I found her downstairs, taking a nightcap. I joined her and escorted her back here. I'm sure Kagome-sama would like to get her rest for the evening."
"Right!" Kagome exclaimed under Kouga's skeptical stare, hoping to get out before any questions were asked. She was sure he would report to Sesshoumaru, but at least Miroku was on her side…kinda, anyway. She quickly climbed back into her bed, turning off the bedside lamp.
'Oh well…probably won't get any chance of getting anywhere tonight. Kouga'll probably be wide awake now…' she thought as she snuggled under the thick covers, closing her eyes.
'There's always tomorrow…'
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Author's Note: And there's the chapter! And boy..that was a long one…20 pages! The Miroku/Kagome conversation was ironically the hardest for me...especially when I believed--or used to believe--that Miroku was one of the easiest characters to write!
Okay…when I returned to my computer from the long break, I found at least 5 emails from readers identifying the book this story is based on. As I stated many times before, this fic is based on Johanna Lindsey's story, Once a Princess, which was also revealed in the second chapter's author's note. Please, please don't send me anymore emails with that information. Believe me, I already know…as I said in the second chapter (and the AN's after that). Please read the author's notes…or at least skim them (if they're long) before reading the chapter.
Oh, and I'm surprised to have also gotten a few requests to write other stories for readers…however, as I have two fics already (one in which I haven't updated since June / ), it's probably not a good idea to start another one. I'm lucky to even have a half hour to myself nowadays…even though some of the suggestions for plots were good and very, very tempting…but maybe later when I get more time and when either of my two stories progresses a little more.
Also, as I said in my bio (ff . net), my update statuses and estimates of update will no longer be put in my bios. Please visit the following url if you wish to read the status notes for my stories or sign up on the mailing list (scroll down).
http// www . eternflame . com / acp / goodnight. html
(without spaces if you're on ff . net)
If you'd like to be on the mailing list, but don't feel like copying and pasting the link, just leave me a review requesting it and I'll place you on it myself.
See ya next update!
--ACP