Political Alliance
"You have not mention about Sakara to her, have you?" his mother said. Sesshoumaru came to confront his mother and discuss with her the issue regarding the northern lands. He was definitely not going to let the Western lady make her own decision on such important matters, especially matters regarding his marriage.
It was rare for the son of the Lady to stop by the Golden Pavilion. The servants and guards could hardly remember when was the last time he graced his presence in the main building of the Golden Pavilion.
"Hn," came his son's short reply. He did not think that the northern lord would want to fulfill their promises so fast. Thanks to the letter written by his mother. He knew this would eventually happen but he did not want to confide it to the priestess yet.
"What will you do, son? It's time for her to know." The Lady asked with a small smile, which seemed to be mocking at him. And the young lord did not like it at all.
His mother's words were true. Kagome needed to know what was going on. She had the rights to know. Sesshoumaru doubted she has the knowledge in the custom of the demons. Just how much did she know about demon society anyway? But how was he supposed to tell her. He could not probably lecture her on the whole accord between the two lands to her. That was more than four hundred years old accord. It would take weeks, even months for her to fully comprehend the situation. Even he would need to make a "small speech" to explain the treaty.
Still, he knew not how the girl would react to this accord. Though it concerned only the Western lands and Northern lands. This accord concerned him. It was about his life, his heir of the throne. It was his father's fault. He was the one who so happily agreed to the proposal made by the lord of the northern lands, Lord Tsunanari. He told him that a political alliance would strengthen ties between the two lands. He was too young then to understand anything about the proposal, nor was he able to oppose to it. He was not even aware of it until he had lived through two centuries.
"You sent an invitation letter to the Northern Lands without my knowledge," Sesshoumaru said, avoiding the question.
"Lord Tsunanari will be here in a week's time and so is Sakara," the Lady said stressing the princess name and dismissed the remark made by her son. She did not need to explain to her son for her action; after all she was the Western Lady. She was obviously enjoying the facial expression of her troubled son. It was a precious sight. It was a sight that could only be seen once in a while; or once in a lifetime for one; or none for the others.
"You need not worry. This Sesshoumaru knows what to do." Sesshoumaru answered coldly.
"Oh, is it? Sesshoumaru chan" The lady said, her voice was soft but there was a slight snicker hidden between her lines.
She had indeed sent the invitation letter to the Northern lands, it was time for her son to acknowledge such an important accord, left by his father. She believed her son would hold up to the promises with Lord Tsunanari. However, she was interested to know how he would deal with the whole situation, especially with the little miko. She was sure she would enjoy it a lot.
The Western Lady was a person who held the least interest in politics. In fact, she disliked it. However, since the death of her husband, she had been the one who ruled the Western Lands, forged strong alliance with the other lords and attended important functions. She found many of those matters mandatory for a lady, but she was really getting excited over this political alliance. In fact, she was actually looking forward to the arrival of the visitors, the northern lord and his daughter.
Meanwhile, the Western Lord paid no heed to his mother and was in deep thoughts. His expression turned cold as he looked once again at the scroll written by Lord Tsunanari.
"Good bye, Yoshiaki, I will be back next week." Kagome said as she lifted the boy up and kissed his cheeks.
A week flew past and it was time for her to return to her time. They were standing at the front gate where Kagome would ride on Ah Un with Jaken back to the Kaede's village.
"Good bye, Mama," the boy murmured as he rested his head on his mother's shoulder. His hand was around her neck and he held it tightly. He loved his mother. He hoped his mother could stay by his side, every day, every hour, every minute. "I do not want you to go." He said out his wish to his mother as he tightened his hold. Feeling the warmth of his mother and safeness in her arms.
"Oh, Yoshiaki, I do not wish to leave you too. But there are people who need me at the other side. I will only be out for a few days. You are already a big boy," Kagome said as she returned the hug.
"Promise you will be back fast," the boy said with hope. He did not want to part with his mother.
"Hn," she said as she put her son down. She bent down and held out her hand to him, showing her little finger to him. Knowing this familiar action, Yoshiaki, too, held out his hand and their little fingers touched. Then they hooked each other's little finger. "Promise." Kagome smiled as she took the pledge.
"You are leaving." A deep masculine voice spoke. It was none other than the western lord who spoke.
"Father," Yoshiaki smiled with glee. He was overjoyed to see his father in the Golden Pavilion. Though the young lord came to the dojo to see his son occasionally, Yoshiaki was pleased to see his father nonetheless.
On the other hand, Kagome was rather stunned. Sesshoumaru, the lord of the western lands, had never come to see her off before. Nor had she ever seen his presence in the Golden Pavilion. She wondered why he was present.
"Yes, I am going home," she finally said, glad that she was able to keep her voice intact.
"Why are you here, father?" Yoshiaki asked. Kagome was glad that the boy was the one who questioned the young lord. She doubted she could ask him without wavering her voice.
"To see you, Yoshiaki," the lord replied. His eyes soften as he stroked the boy's hair.
"This Yoshiaki is so happy," he jumped in joy as he mouth twitched into a wide smile. His father looked back at him with a slight smile. Yoshiaki was truly adorable.
"Kagome," he called her as he turned his attention to the girl standing in front of him.
"Yes?" The girl was delighted that he had called her by her name. Not the usual nicknames. Woman, miko, wench or whatever. She was tired of these demons who thought so highly of themselves.
He paused for a few seconds and stared at her, contemplating on the right words to say. He had just visited his mother to discuss on the accord with the Northern Lands and his mother's words were still fresh in his mind.
What will you do, son?
He could inform her about the political alliance, explain to her the importance of the accord and tell her about the terms agreed between the two lands. But no, not now, he was not ready. He still needed some time to ponder over the situation.
There was something about him when he looked at her in the eyes. What's wrong with him? She thought but shrugged it off.
"Take care," he finally said, keeping his turmoil at bay.
"Hn, goodbye then." Kagome waved and hugged Yoshiaki for the last time, not at all disturbed by the weird display of the western lord. She climbed up to Ah Un and set off to Kaede's village with the faithful retainer, Jaken.
...
"Sis, how's Yoshiaki?" asked Souta as he took the bamboo tube from his sister's hand and murmured thank you. He was excited to open up the tube and read the letter in his room later.
His sister had just arrived home from the well. Geez, it sounded creepy to him. He was glad that the well was made of wood rather than the stone one shown in the movie, "The Ring." He could not get to sleep after watching the movie with his boy friends. They had forced him to watch it, saying he got to be a man. Oh, how he regret it now.
"He's great and fine. He loves mum's cooking," Kagome replied as she carried her bag, which was so much lighter now without the snacks and presents.
"Sure he does," Souta smiled agreeably. "And Sesshoumaru?" Though he knew it was not necessary to ask since he got the reply from the lord.
"Oh him? He's probably thinking hard about the moves that I made to win him." Kagome said gleefully as she remembered how happy and satisfied she was when she finally beat that demon lord. "Oh yes. I got some more photos. I will go get them printed after my work tomorrow."
"Let me do it then, I'm free after school, the coach cancelled the training." Souta offered. He was currently in high school and he joined the football club. He was much taller now, a head taller than his sister and very fit.
"Really? That is very nice of you. Thank you Souta," said Kagome as she handed the film to Souta.
"It's nothing," Souta mumbled as he slid the film inside his pocket.
Kagome was very grateful that she had such a caring brother. Souta was always lending a helping hand. He did not argue about running errands, going to the market or delivering package to the neighbours. He took great care of grandfather when he was hospitalized. Their grandfather was diagnosed with diabetes and had to go to the hospital for regular check ups. Kagome did try to accompany him as much as she could but Souta would always be the one who stayed with him.
"So how's school?" she asked her brother as they walked back to the house. She was glad to be back, back to her own time. This is the place where she grew up in.
...
Finally, I could meet Lord Sesshoumaru again. The princess in the carriage thought silently. The lord of the Northern lands and his men were making their way to the Western Castle. It had been a while since the two lords have met.
Similar to the Western lands, Lord Tsunanari took care of matters in his lands at the Northern side of Japan. His territory was considered big but not bigger than the Western Lands. Both the lords of the two lands had been great political partners in the few centuries.
Lord Tsunanari could still remember the days when he fought along side with the deceased lord – Inutaisho. He had long to meet his old friend. He was greatly saddened by the news of his death. How could he, a great warrior die in the hands of a human? Nevertheless, burnt to ashes. Lord Tsunanari had thought of visiting the grave of his old friend but was unable to find it and doubt he ever would.
He was glad that he would be meeting his friend's son instead. He heard he had grown up to be a respectable lord like his father. Lord Tsunanari remembered the young lord. He had seen him in a battle years ago. Though the western lord was young, he was clever, meticulous, good looking and had excellent leadership skills. Lord Tsunanari was overjoyed to meet this young lord again. He could imagine him growing up to be a great lord just like his old friend.
His daughter, Sakara had blossomed to a ravishing beauty, talented in literature, music and all those skills required for a young lady. He was proud of her, perfect in every way. He was glad that the tutors had taught her well and rewarded them handsomely. He was more than happy to learn that Sakara was of age to be married. The thought of finally able to fulfill his promises made with his old friend add on to his happiness. He was really in a good mood that day.
Yes, Sakara would make a perfect mate for Sesshoumaru. The lord of the northern lands thought contentedly as he and his men continued their journey to the western lands.