A/N: Hello, everyone! It is good to see all of you again. And to see that you are reading this chapter. I spent the couple of days trying to decide where I was going in this story. And I have mapped out a rough outline. This story will be longer than what I first expected, but I hope all of you do not mind. I wanted to be sure that this story is branched out to the fullest. There is so much that I wish to fill in and I know I have to pace it to make it seem less boring, if any of you are bored. But I do not want to rush. The relationship between Kagome and Inuyasha is very complicated you see. And I could not do it the proper justice if I did not expand it as much as I am able. So, again, I hope that all of you do not mind.
Thank You: A special thanks to the following people for reviewing thus far:AngelxofxFire16, ShadowStar666, lost-x-angel, KInasha14, XoXPosterGirlXoX, Katsheswims, sillyo0omeeh, Shadows Realm, drop dead lover, PinK cuTie KaGomE-miceal m, moonlite phox, bang bang baby B-A-N-G, yumemiru905, Kitsune Diva, Inu'sHardcoreBitchThatLovesRamen, kaginulover33, not a user , MikoNLove, haunting hanyou, Amarioko, EmeraldoftheFlame, Inudaughter, KhayenRose, kiaya, My Love Inuyasha, fallenangel7191, Hoshi Phoenix, Celestial Enchantress, Sakura-Blossom-Goddess, Neisha, Megan Consoer, Selina, Wolf Girl, Karen, Jen, caliste07, Kiss and Kill, CrazyLikeaFox, angicakesisinuyashasluvr, Lady Yevon, Kawaii-CherryWolf, WasteMyTime, waterangel444, InuFanJinx, Princess Ashes, Eri, Katie, angel-tears-16, Jen, jeeringsmiles, Selina, Wolf Girl, butterflywinds, Megan Consoer, Ivy-Crystal, Karen, Angel-Tears-16, Moongirlz, Vyx, Anne79, Forest Sentry Koneji, Ally Inu, PiperWolfBlossom, Moon-Miko-ashes, Insane-and-Psycho, Eri, Animefanatic1632, Apathy Angel, Raven657, Queen Tatooine, Danyu, marijang69, Jynx, Starr Stealer, Hand off the hanyou, a100rinchhead, Katie, MizuShoubai, Angel of Death 88, KougaDemonAddict, Lulu, Crystal, Sesshouismine, Lizz456, KatanaFox, Hanyou665, She-Demonstriss, none, short-tempered, twigy, ArtemisMoon, Hot Bitch (a.k.a. Celeste), Inuyasha-Is-My-Boyfriend, Crutches the Magic Hippie, Latinachica, Kagomeissosexy, Orlando-Inu-Lover, Hi, Annie, Tarzan, Kenshrix, Kinomoto, Dark Hanyou Lover, Shaq, InuFan4Life, AuronZs10, EarthQueen11492, LinaoftheLight, chickichicki, tomariella222, spotzplaya888, elementalobsession, Black Betty, InnocentDarkSassyCat, Dark Daimon Fate, Innocent Hope, dreamz-of-hope, azn-modern-miko, Lady Dark Angel, GohanzGirl, Schezerade7, Ria-chan, Shokora no Sakuhen, Embury, lyn, inuschopstiks, Silver Rain Drops, kawaii-arula, inu-kaglover45, Malitia, AzaraRubie, dragdr, and Alarnia. Thank you for sticking with me so far especially with my random updates and I sincerely hope that you continue to do so. Your words mean more to me than you -or I- may ever know. If I have forgotten anyone please let me know. I am sorry if I did.
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless." -Mother Theresa
Dedication: This fanfiction is dedicated to Ria-chan, my little sister and best friend. She proof read the first two chapters of this story and has given me the inspiration to begin my story anew. But most important of all, she believes in me, which is why I posted this fic and for that I am eternally grateful. She has been my constant anchor when my world seems like it is turning upside down and inside out. She has been there for me and listened to my complaints and I thank every star at night for leading me to her. Thank you, Ria-chan! Love you lots, sweetie!
Disclaimer: Blah, blah, blah. I bet that's all you readers hear and read when you see these disclaimers. They're the same every time. Inuyasha and the characters affiliated with him do not, in any way, belong to me. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi, Viz, Shogakuken, etc.
"When she raises her eyes, timidly at first, to that handsome but deceitful face, now so close to her own, the look that is in his eyes as they meet hers, seems to burn into her very soul. A strange, sweet thrill shakes her very being and leaves her weak and powerless and obliged to depend for support upon the arm which is pressing her to himself in such a suggestive manner, but the sensation is a pleasant one and grows to be the very essence of her life."
From the Ballroom to Hell, T. A. Faulkner, 1892
Chapter 13: As Thick as Jealousy
"You look really beautiful, Kagome," Shippo murmured. And she did. More so than any other woman he had seen before. She looked like his mother had when she had known life. And when Kagome smiled at him, a blush crept into his cheeks. He ducked his head so that the small auburn locks shifted to hide his pleased expression. Kagome only gave that smile to him. Not even Inuyasha received such a blessing, Shippo being glad of that. He treated her badly; Shippo knew that she lay crying at night at times because of that half demon. He would go to her then. And he did his best now to help her smile like that more often.
All of them were seated about the bed as the servants placed the last touches of rouge upon the girl's cheeks. Kagome had been placed upon the bed like a newly blossoming flower. Each hem of her dress had been carefully laid out around her and in comparison she seemed to be quite small, especially in the face of all of the large and plush pillows that had been arranged around her for comfort. Their hands were constantly primping her hair and curls. But even beneath the makeup, the blatant splashes of silver and blue eye shadow, Kagome still appeared pale and drawn.
Anxiousness ate away at the lining of her stomach. The butterflies flittering about inside of her were causing her to press a hand to her tiny waist and swallow. She was going to meet the king tonight… He would decide her fate as well. Even that, however, was not enough to aggravate her. What she was truly worried about were the other people that would be in that ballroom. She was certain that no one would talk to her but Selena and Sango. Even Inuyasha would not speak to her, but she tried not to allow that to truly bother her.
What did she care? He was probably off with another woman already- like that Kikyo. Kagome swallowed again as her heart and mind recoiled from such a prospect. He would not… go off with her… would he? She tried not to allow anyone else to notice her frustration that continued to rise with each minute that passed, but the looks she received from Sango and Selena were done in sympathy.
They could almost read her mind. And they knew that Inuyasha was a large part of her distress this day.
"What do we do?" Selena wondered, looking up to her older sister with large, concerned eyes. "At this rate she is going to worry herself sick over everything that will happen. And to be honest, I am beginning to think that taking her to this ball was not the best of ideas…" It seemed to only be hurting the girl, even though she displayed a valiant effort to be strong. Damn that Inuyasha for doing this to Kagome. He was deliberately pushing her away from him like he had done with so many others.
Sango shook her head, obviously seeing this situation a different way. She touched a wrinkle at her dress and smoothed it out so that the gentle emerald dress that she wore was now immaculate. She started toward Kagome and waved away al of the servants that were persisting to crowd around her. Each one bowed at the waist before leaving the room.
"Shippo? Would you go to see if Rin is finished," Selena asked as she placed her palm atop his head. Shippo growled inwardly. He hated to be treated like that, like a child. But he obligingly slid from his chair and walked out of the room. But before fully leaving the room he turned his head to face all of them. His eyes glowed beneath the red of his hair more brilliantly than before. "When you want to talk about something, just say so. You don't have to treat me like a kid." And then he was gone… Selena shook her head; he knew too much for his own good.
Sango took her seat and then Kagome's hand. She spread small soothing circles onto the palm. "You need not be so nervous, Kagome," she reassured in gentle tones. "The king will see you for who you really are. He never did like Kikyo in the first place and neither does anyone else. You are the true Maiden of Twilight- I believe that as does the rest of my family."
"Except Inuyasha." Kagome murmured before she laughed and she tightened her hand about Sango's. She was so grateful to this young woman for being there for her. And Selena. "He does not believe it; or rather he does not want to. He hates me because my father was the one that abandoned this land," she explained with an offhanded shrug. But inside she was reeling from the path her thoughts had taken. She stole a peak at Sango and the approaching Selena from beneath her winged lashes. They were still with her but…
"Do you both hate me as well?" The question came out rushed and high pitched as though Kagome's voice was cracking due to the amount of weight that was placed on her shoulders. It seemed to spread everywhere, not leaving Kagome an ounce of peace for herself.
For a moment there was only stunned silence as her answer. Her gaze flickered from one to the other as the azure depths darkened in disappointment. They did- the two friends that she thought she had… She should have known… Laughter swelled about the room like a bubbling brook and lightened the air about them. Light coated the room in is endless shimmer and swept away the darkened thoughts that had suddenly taken dominated. Kagome looked up, startled by their voices as they mingled.
Selena was the only one that recovered enough to speak. She waved a hand in front of Kagome, dismissing the comment like it meant nothing to them. "Do not be silly, love," she said with a small smile. "We could never hate you for that. He had his reasons. And besides, it could never have stopped anything either way. Our father would still have gone to war," she said, meeting Sango's gaze who nodded in agreement.
"Yes," she breathed, composing herself. "He was hard headed like Inuyasha is right now. He loves you, I know he does. I knew there would be someone to tame my brother. I am very overjoyed that it was you that has done it." Sango pressed a kiss to the back of Kagome's hand and moved to the dresser to gather some more perfume.
But little did they know that Kagome's heart was swelling as their laughter had done only minutes before this. The Maiden looked away to hide the tears from her eyes. She did not want them to know how much this meant to her. How much they meant to her. She had never had friends like Selena and Sango. They were everything to her. And all in so short a time. It seemed everything as happening so quickly- love, friendship, transformations… A fat tear rolled down Kagome's cheek, but she quickly brushed it away before it could fall to her silvery blue gown. "Selena? How did you know?" she asked when she finally faced the pregnant woman once again. "How did you know that you loved Sesshomaru? That you two were meant to stay together? Because I do not think that Inuyasha and I are meant to be."
They were too different. Even their worlds were different. She could not possibly live here. And he would not live in her world either. There was no way that this could work! But still she had allowed herself to fall in love with him because he was everything she thought she would never find. The sorrow helped her lashes to drift closed and lay upon her cheeks like two deep smudges.
A knowing smile was already spreading across Selena's lips, painted in a stunning gloss. "You know, I wondered the same thing that you now do. And do not try to hide the fact that you are hoping for some miracle. You really do not need one." Selena paused to look down upon her hand, the little lines that marred the soft flesh of the palm. Her fingertips traced each one loyally- tender gestures for a time long past. "You fit together perfectly. That is how you know if you are meant. When your flesh comes together in precisely the right way that is how you know."
Kagome was left to ponder over Selena's words as they hung like a thick blanket in the air and space that she had once occupied. She was now making her way across the bedroom to help Sango with a stray curl of hair that was coming loose. Fit together? Flesh to flesh? Suddenly Kagome's thoughts turned down a path that she had never considered before and her face reddened prettily. Flesh to flesh… She would know by… sleeping with Inuyasha. That was the only way. The hot, red flush only deepened and Kagome found that already her hands were pressing to her cheeks. She hoped to stop the coming blush with that. But it failed to work as she had hoped. "Together?" she managed to squeak out.
Selena nodded her head before the mirror. She made certain that had appearance was perfect as well before going back to the bedside. She could not stand for too long. It tired her out more than usual. She placed a protective hand to her belly. A prayer went out to anyone that would listen so that she might have the strength to go through with this night. Sesshomaru would worry if she did not. "Yes, that is right. There is an old wives' tale in my village that says if you hold the hand of the man that loves you and you fit perfectly with one another, then you are meant to be." There was laughter there in her voice. "I did not expect to believe it myself."
Two wide and surprised sapphire eyes flew to her amused features. "Holding hands? That is what you meant by flesh to flesh?" Kagome demanded weakly. All of a sudden she felt like laughing hysterically.
Selena sat down carefully, a frown marring her brow as well now. "What did you think I meant, Kagome?"
"I thought- Well it sounded like you meant- You know…!" Kagome threw her hands up in frustration of everything, disturbing the precise placing of the skirt that bloomed about the large king-size bed. She could not believe that this as happening! Holding hands! That was what she had meant! Suddenly a deep blush fanned her cheeks- but this time it was out of embarrassment for her wayward thoughts. She wanted to take the covers and pull them over her head. Kagome managed to restrain herself, however, when she thought of how long it had taken to make her lengthy tresses perfect and tamed for the occasion. She did not want to ruin them. She had not realized until that day just how long they had truly grown.
So Kagome prayed that she would just fade away before Selena decided that she wanted to ask what was going on.
Selena's eyes narrowed suspiciously as she cleared her throat. She was beginning to understand… "You thought I meant laying with him when I said 'flesh to flesh,' did you not?" she ventured hesitantly, but her voice was strong all the same. And when she received her answering nod, Selena's face transformed. It brightened enthusiastically as though Kagome had done something to make her that way and her arm reached behind her.
Before Kagome knew what hit her, Selena had smacked her gently in the face with a soft velvet pillow. She mumbled something that sounded dangerously close to a curse and pulled the offending object away. Her cheeks were red with indignant fury. "What did you do that for? You were the one that allowed me to think that," she cried out in retaliation, throwing the pillow back at her. But there was laughter in her voice as she smiled. Relief was washing through her like a tidal wave, nearly making her sag back against the wall of the room.
Sango watched the two of them with a curious gaze. "You two need to grow up." She said it confidently, with such certainty that both Selena and Kagome turned their graceful necks toward her. The same gleam ushered itself into their eyes and their fingers each tangled into one pillow that was seated so innocently behind them. Neither of them missed hitting Sango in the face.
Inuyasha rolled off of Kikyo's body immediately when the last of his tremors faded from his body. He did not want to crush her with his weight. And for some reason, he did not like the way that her fingers were tunneling through his silver tresses. They gave him the impression that she wanted to claw him wide open and leave him for the vultures. The thought did not exactly appeal to him.
"Where are you going, My Inuyasha?" came Kikyo's purr as she watched him with narrowed eyes. A snake watching its quarry for a sign of weakness before it made the kill. She did not want him to go wandering off to seek another woman's bed to warm him. She practically bristled with the thought and bit the inside of her cheek. Not hard, but just enough to keep her from pouncing. She wished to drag him back to their bed; she showed it by raking her fingers down the satin bed sheets.
Inuyasha's gaze was less than amused. But he attempted to smile, showing off one of his pristine white fangs to her. He had to make this work. He had to forget about Kagome. It was better for both of their sakes. It was… wasn't it? He did not give himself time to ponder that thought.
"You know I do not stay in bed with anyone for long, Kikyo," he reminded her, unashamed as he walked about his room completely naked. His lover's sharp eyes followed him around with hunger, lust burning from her eyes. Enough to melt the room about them, set it up in flames to eat away at everything. "And I have to wash away your scent from my body."
Kikyo's lush lips flicked out in a clear pout. She gave him her best glittering eyes, licking her full upper lip. Inuyasha obediently watched it with fascination, feeling himself grow once again. But it was only in mild interest. "You do not like my scent any longer? Perhaps it is because my little puppy has found himself a new toy to chase?" Kikyo inquired haughtily as she quirked her thin eyebrow in question. But Inuyasha could sense another scene coming on. He sighed.
His legs brought him to her side in a mere matter of seconds. His lips captured hers roughly to silence any notion of speaking. To hear her talk only made him long for Kagome's pleasant voice, so light and refreshing to his sensitive ears that were now laid back against his head. His tongue flicked over her teeth, the roof of her mouth, swallowing her moan as he made her his. "I have to be ready for this ball," he explained softly. "As do you. I cannot possibly go alone, now can I?"
Kikyo's lips twisted into a sultry smirk. No, he could not. Her arms wound about his neck, pulling him partially onto the bed. She urged him to lie atop her so that his manhood pressed against her stomach. It burned like a brand there over her skin. "I would not dream of leaving you alone."
Not when that Kagome was lurking about. Kikyo would be certain that she showed her that only a real woman could satisfy Inuyasha's list appetite and not some slip of a girl. And Kikyo's mind was already searching for a potential dress that would show off her best assets to the entire ball. All would be envious of her; she would shower in that emotion and glow alongside of it.
The woman beneath Inuyasha's sculpted body threw back her head as she felt the hot kisses the dog demon lavished on her breasts. He scattered such small caresses of his lips onto each nipple and when she would have closed her eyes they flew open in a darkening swirl when his tongue lapped at her with careless abandon. She arched into him as a small cry escaped her, a laugh that was slightly mocking of him. She held such power over her little puppy. He would always come back to her even if she hit him. So trusting as a little child would be. How foolish men were, even male demons. Easily swayed by their desires, Kikyo could use their own arrogance against them should she wish to. And she wielded it expertly. Men fell at her feet wherever she went and that was why she was branded the most sought after courtesan in the land. And Inuyasha was half demon- it only made him weaker.
Her skin was so soft… But not as silken as Kagome's. And Kikyo's was too heavily fragranced. Kagome had a light scent about her and like her laughter it was refreshing, innocent and sexy all at once. It intoxicated him. It was a dangerous and oddly poignant combination. And it became something that made him crave her more. She needed nothing… Inuyasha just could not stop those thoughts from running through his mind. More and more, over the past days, he could not stop himself from comparing Kikyo to Kagome. And his irritation only grew when- increasingly- Kikyo lost. Again.
Kagome won… She occupied his thoughts so much that a deep, rumbling growl escaped his lips. His hands became more forceful on Kikyo's skin, gripping her small hips and pulling her beneath him. In one swift thrust he had entered her, burying himself to the hilt in her body. The action forced a sharp and lusty cry from her lips but it went unheard by Inuyasha's ears. All he could think of was distracting himself.
His hips pumped a quick staccato, determined to drown himself in the woman that he believed was his true lover. And she met him thrust for thrust as though all of this had become mechanical. Each plunge was accompanied by another cut of her nails into his back, another moan from her lips, another touch of his name into the air. Kikyo cried out over and over as she rose up from the bed and tried to come closer to him. She wanted all of him inside of her. This was how she wanted Inuyasha. This was how Kikyo would keep him.
Inuyasha opened his mouth and slipped his fangs into the hollow of Kikyo's shoulder, pinning her down into the bed. The softness of the mattress sank beneath their combined weights, the bed's foundations rocked back and forth to hit the wall behind them. He wanted her submission to him. Inuyasha tasted blood in his mouth and he quickly released her, only to have Kikyo's hands cup his cheeks and pull his head to hers. Her lips suckled at his hungrily, as passionately as she was able to show to him, show to any of her lovers and her tongue mated with his. A war seemed to wage between them and neither would succumb to the other. One would lose. And one would win.
Had there been the finest of golden rivers, they could no more compare to the ballroom laid out before the wide expanse of the terrace. Not to the flowing ribbons that danced with the coming breezes, the very first waltz of the night; not to the tables dressed in the wealthiest of chiffon and certainly not to the glitter of jewels that were hung about the necks of each woman that was standing close to their escorts' side, their smiles wide and inviting to whomever chanced their way. They truly belonged in this glittering setting. This was where they thrived and reigned like young queens.
"Lord and Lady Sesshomaru!" the major-domo announced from a long list of names he held in scrawling cursive. They were written in elegant finesse. Not a loop was out of place and not a droplet of ink was wasted from the quill. It was truly a masterpiece in itself. "Duke and Duchess Consortia. Lord and Lady Venires."
The calls were increasingly falling upon deaf ears as though present at the ball turned away from the sloping stairs that took up the breath and width of the room. Done in gleaming marble, their beauty did not hold the guests' interest for long. All they could hope to focus on- all their arrogance allowed them to hear or see was the fresh wave of gossip moving from one rapidly moving mouth to another. "Have you heard?" one tastefully dressed man whispered. "There is a rumor that the Maiden of Twilight shall be here this night."
Another man scoffed as he wrapped his large arm about his wife's ample waist. "We already know that Kikyo shall be here. You do not need to tell us that." But the other man was shaking his head and protesting just as adamantly as his companion. This was what their kind lived for- constant arrays of scandals and news from other worlds. "No, no. You do not understand. Lord Okinamaru has found the woman that is the true Maiden. He has approved her himself."
At the gasps collecting in the air, his chest swelled until it looked as round as his balding head. This would earn him a good reputation. "It is true. I have heard it about the King's quarters. He is to meet her tonight."
The couple that he had been talking to nodded, looking to each other with wide, bewildered eyes. The true Maiden of Twilight? She would be here? They gathered their drinks and their steps could have outmaneuvered even the quickest of demons. This gossip would spread as wild fire to the dry plains. And as always, it would fuel this celebration until the entire room would be a glow with the buzz of fresh kill. The Maiden of Twilight! She would here? Tonight! But when would she arrive? And how? Who would be her escort? But an even larger, much more important question than that surfaced in the haughty minds of those speaking with one another: who would dare to go near her?
Perhaps the king… After all he was the one to be meeting her. He would know whether she was truly what he had been looking for. And no one could tell by the serene expression on his features that he was as anxious as any of them. He wished to meet this young woman that Inuyasha had deliberately hid from him. He would talk to his knight at another time, but now he needed to know. The Maiden of Twilight. She could make or destroy their world. "Has she arrived yet?" Laramos demanded, all strains of impatience clear in his tone.
But he looked no less regal because of it. "Not yet, Your Majesty. I have been told that she will be announced by the major-domo this night. She is to be alone." The servant bowed when the king waved him away and went on to make certain that all other arrangements had been set straight. This night would be a celebration of their savior, or a condemnation of this Kagome.
The old man looked through the crowds. His closest subjects were here. And when Kagome was accepted he would personally escort her through the lands to meet with the people she was destined to save. Sariel's daughter… He had no doubt that the people of Madrien would welcome her. Sariel had been the one to come from modest backgrounds. Laramos' eyes found the next calling.
The major-domos' voice carried just as strongly as I had before, so many names called and so many more to go. "Lord Inuyasha and the Lady Kikyo."
They descended the staircase, Kikyo's hand in the crook of his arm. She smirked at the bright glances of the women around them. They did not know the pampering that she knew. They did not know the lover that Inuyasha could be. And even though few did, she had been the one to stay his lover all o this time. She lifted her chin farther up and allowed her arrogance to glow about her as a candle's flame would illuminate the darkest night. Bu the night could easily swallow such a helpless flame.
The couple made their way across the elegantly tiled floor. Inuyasha and Kikyo's shoes both echoed in a light tap upon the ground, such a small sound in the midst of so much music and laughter. But the breath of tension was easily read upon the air. They breathed it into their very lungs. "Your Majesty, King Laramos," both whispered in unison as they bowed before him and the throne. They were acknowledged to rise to their feet and as both did, Inuyasha knew what he would say next to the knight.
"Where is the Maiden of Twilight, Inuyasha?" Laramos inquired. He did not bother to look to the former mistress that they might have thought possessed the scepter. Kikyo bristled but did not allow it to show. "You were told to guard her while she is here in our land."
Inuyasha swallowed. The look in the king's eyes was murderous. And though the half demon feared no man or creature, he did fear the king. It was a natural feeling after his entire family had been loyal to their country for centuries, generations even. It had been bred into their blood and heart and soul. It had been implemented into their minds; to shame it was the ultimate crime against the hundreds of proud fathers that had served under the royal family.
The dog demon made a sketching bow at the waist once again to excuse himself from what he had thought would be a peaceful evening. But even the king was fascinated by the prospect that the real Maiden could have been found. And Sariel's daughter no less. Anger boiled at that thought suddenly and from no where. Sariel… The amber of his eyes only grew darker and the slash of his mouth became a jagged harshness that nothing could ease. "She is safe," he bit out softly.
"I should hope she is," Laramos shot back in that usual calm voice that Inuyasha could never obtain. "Your life depends upon her."
In more ways than one… That thought came before Inuyasha could censor it. His heart depended upon her when he would finally have the courage to admit it. His mind and sanity became hers. His lust and desire? Hers.
"Lord Miroku and the Lady Sango! The Count of Ghanilia! The-" The major-domo's voice caught in his throat in a place somewhere between a gasp and a cry of what sounded like fear. All eyes came to him in curiosity. What was happening? Why would he stop when he had been doing so well? It was thought he might need a glass of water for his throat. "Her Angelic Grace," the man managed to choke out when he finally found his voice, "T-The Maiden of Twilight."
The very ballroom held its breath. Hundreds of eyes were centered upon the announced of names, then the doors that remained open. How fitting that she would come last after all of royalty. When someone breathed, the air became thinner, less appealing o the lungs. The Maiden… She was here. And she would be coming now. The crowds suddenly, as one great mass, took a step back from the stairway. The usual men that would linger by the stairs in order to introduce themselves to new courtesans made no move to return to that oh-so-familiar place. All signs of happiness disappeared with the unveiling of this news.
No one could even think of what the girl might be feeling. When their laughter died, so did Kagome's confidence. She could not go out now! They looked ready to flee as her azure gaze found them from behind the velvet curtains. She tightened her fingers about the gentle fabric and twisted.
What a coward, Kagome heard her mind whisper to her. What do they know? You are the one that will bear the burden of this new title. What did they know of you? What right have they to judge? Kagome closed her eyes with the path that her mind had taken. She would not be a coward. But then… why should she be strong? Because Inuyasha is there watching you, her mind supplied once again. It seemed to have all of the answers that she did not. With his presence came his words from the other nights.
"You try to deny it but I will never allow you to forget me, my sweetling."
Kagome closed her eyes and then opened them once more. The sapphire brilliance that only seemed to grow and grow more and more beautiful as the transformation took root in her were now as the unruffled lake. No ripples caused them to show emotion, or the surface beneath the deceptive glass at the top. She would show not an emotion- and in turn show Inuyasha that she could so easily forget him. Selena and Sango were wrong- they had to be. Inuyasha did not love her. He wished to make her another one of his conquests. He hated her because of her father.
Steeling herself for the onslaught of the intense gazes ready to devour her, Kagome moved forward and into the light. The silence was deafening. It rang in her ears studded in a waterfall of diamonds.
Inuyasha's eyes were drawn to the heavenly staircase and he made a valiant show of not dropping his glass of wine. The sight before him was not the beautiful Kagome that defied him at every turn, that spat fire and oozed kindness and compassion. She was not the face that haunted his dreams every night. No. The stunning vision before him, swathed in a sumptuous gown of a color forever immortalized somewhere between silver and blue, with small beads of diamonds blossoming upon the full-length skirt that flowed in waves about her, was a goddess too memorizing to be real. Too ethereal to have allowed him to touch her.
The wrapped bodice emphasized a tiny waist and the square neckline bared a tantalizing wisp of Kagome's breasts that aroused Inuyasha far more than the blatant display that Kikyo showed. The sight of so little flesh in a world teaming with so much was an erotic sight. A single hand graced the railing of the staircase as she descended with all of the regal airs that a queen would show to her subjects.
Kagome was all ice and serenity, not even throwing a care to the mouths that began to hang agape. Let them stare. It would cost her nothing. But Kagome was secretly grateful for the billowed skirt that hid her quaking knees.
Her eyes, fringed by the most extraordinary lashes, captivated all of with their color, with their startling mix of violet and sapphire. She awed them with the way she carried herself, with the way she seemed to glide upon the ground as the most delicate of wraiths.
And as such, the crowds parted at her step. They moved backward, tripping over shoes, hems and themselves to clear a path for her. They acted as though she would burn them alive with a single touch of her hand. Or even a simple look. It hurt Kagome deeply, piercing her.
Her jewel-encrusted heels were muffled by the sleek and softening carpet that gave away beneath her steps as she followed its silent call to the king. He sat proud and tall and Kagome faltered for that moment. His face was unreadable to her, inscrutable to anyone but those that knew him personally. An eternity passed before Kagome finally reached the beginning of the few stairs that led up to the throne. Even that looked regal, but not so imposing as the old man that rose from his seat. He descended the steps toward her, hands clasped behind his back and Kagome's expression faltered. Real panic settled itself at her lips.
Immediately, with an old world grace, she sank into a deep curtsey. Inuyasha had to say that he admired the way she knew what to do. It occurred to him that Selena and Sango had most likely never told her what to do in the face of heir country's ruler. Or anyone for that matter.
Laramos took her hand and gently urged her to straighten up so that he found himself face to face with features truly legendary, truly mythical. He prevented himself from staring further. "Your Majesty, Kagome whispered in a voice of deep respect. "I-"
"Lady of Twilight, I humbly welcome you to our land of Madrien," Laramos welcomed. His ease placed the nervous girl in the same state. "We have been waiting for you for the longest of times; our prayers have been answered it seems. Please, if there is anything that you need do not hesitate to ask it of us. We live for you to be happy among our people and would think of nothing else." Kagome could sense that he said it on all sincerity. And by the collective gasps she could also sense that because he had accepted her as the true Maiden, she had accomplished more just then than Kikyo could have ever.
The very thought filled her with pride and she beamed at him, a truly radiant smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty. You are too kind in helping me here when others would have shunned me for past grievances."
Inuyasha nearly winced at the bland reprimand. Touché.
Meanwhile Kikyo nearly screamed in all of her frustrations. This slip of a girl was not the Maiden of Twilight! She could not be! Her carefully placed façade nearly broke beneath the stamp of her fury, and Kikyo could not seem to contain it. Whenever she was around this girl she was always losing what calm that she had. Kikyo never allowed anyone to see her emotions. She commanded and they obeyed. But not this one. Kikyo hid the shiver that ran down her spine at she recalled what had happened last time. Kagome wielded so much power…
"Little wench," Kikyo sniffed haughtily, turning her pert nose into the air as she pressed herself flush to Inuyasha's body. "She has the gall to say such things when My Inuyasha is here with me." Inuyasha absently wrapped his arm about her waist, accepting the display of her sucking at his pulse. He was slightly amused at the way that Kagome's eyes jumped into flames and her perfect lips pressed together as though to keep words from flowing out. She was jealous… Inuyasha's slight amusement grew into full male fascination.
No one was noticing her rather… suggestive display and it made Kagome realize that all of the people there at this ball were used to such things. They merely continued to talk and stare at the slip of a woman that was standing in front of the king. And the fact that she seemed to be jealous of Kikyo was far juicier gossip than the fact that she was the Maiden. How easily swayed their arrogant minds were to such frivolous things.
Idiot, Kagome fumed inwardly. He took his laughter from her envy!
"…Lady Kagome? Are you alright?" Kagome snapped to attention quickly. The king was staring at her in concern for her silence. He could not make out the cause of it. She smiled and nodded. "I am sorry. My mind was wandering to our surroundings. It is very beautiful here, Your Majesty."
That seemed to please him as he nodded. If she was pleased and content under his care, then Kagome would not stray to Naraku. She would not willingly go to him in order to destroy Madrien. "I am glad that it I to your liking. Please, enjoy the festivities this night. We will talk of other less pleasing things at another time. Begin the dances!" he commanded with such cheer that the maestro was happy to do the bidding. The waltzes began immediately as each group of men and women split apart like falling petals from a withered rose and chose their partners with no thought.
As long as they had someone they would be fine. Miroku executed a deep, throne-room bow to Sango who laughed delicately, slapping his arm playfully. But the look of love never left her eyes as she allowed herself to be twirled to the floor and swept away by the see of men and women moving like a well-oiled machine with one another. Each movement was perfect, each turn of the hand precise enough to be a painting. The king settled back into his chair with a deep sigh of contentment and Kagome was left to walk away, weaving a path past the circle of dancers. To Kagome, they were the little dancers in a music box.
No matter how occupied she was with her own thoughts of Inuyasha- and the disgusting way he allowed Kikyo to hang all over him –Kagome looked up to find that the dancers, each of different ages and royal status were watching her. They circled to and fro, craning their necks for a better look of her. Not all of their glances were friendly however.
"Why are all of them staring at me?" Kagome wondered out loud as she shot them all heated glares. Was there something wrong with the way she looked? Or perhaps they were searching for some way to be rid of her.
"They once believed that night was the most captivating beauty in creation," a voice purred in her ear, startling Kagome from her thoughts. She whirled around the curls at her temples to brush her cheeks in a light caress. "And now they are proven wrong because the woman I see before me can captivate me far more with her beauty." A blush crept into Kagome's cheeks as she stared at the man before her.
A wolf. The thought came unbidden in her mind and she realized that was what he reminded her of. Handsome and powerful, he stood in front of her slender form in all of his confidence, a beautiful creature that possessed the face of a Greek god. He oozed old-world charm spiced with good humor. She looked away in embarrassment, ashamed of the hot, red flush that blossomed up her neck and into her rounded cheeks. What was wrong with her? Why would she act this way in front of someone that she had just met? The feelings rushing through her reflected the ones she had felt when she had met Inuyasha for the first time. But that couldn't be.
Kagome's chin lifted with the help of Kouga and her breath caught in her throat when his emerald eyes met her sapphire ones. His long-lashed eyes were extraordinarily beautiful- like spring's first bloom that was touched with the golden rays of the sun's kiss. They subtly reflected light and shadow, the two halves of his soul, neither dominating the other but living in equal stride. They were chiaroscuro; to Kagome they reminded her of the soaring hills of places yet unknown one moment and the muted softness of a shimmering lake the next.
Kagome gently stepped away from his touch which only proved to widen the rakish grin across his face and showed off the pristine fangs in his mouth. "You would dare touch the Maiden of Twilight?" she breathed softly, almost threateningly. But instead of the look of horror that she expected from him, for he could not have known that she was the one they spoke of legend and came near her, this wolf demon did not release her like she had branded him. Instead he nodded. "I am often told I am somewhat impudent." At the relief he saw steal through her eyes, he smirked. He saw his opportunity. "May I have this dance, My Lady?"
Kagome looked to his outstretched hand that called for her to take it. She looked back up at him suspiciously but the ease at which he had put her with his presence brought a smile to her lips, one of coyness and pleasure. "I do believe you are trying to seduce me," she mused. She crossed her arms in front of her, waiting for his answer.
He did not fail her or back down as men usually did when she found out their plans. Instead he bowed at the waist in a courtly manner. "I have been found out," he laughed softly. "But, pray tell, is it working?" Kagome could not help but laugh at his antics and her voice held the man spell bound. Truly he had stumbled upon a goddess in a human guise. Kagome did not answer him but took the offered hand with grace and jolted in surprise.
He... fit. This man that she had only just met, his hand fit into hers as perfectly as Inuyasha's. Selena's words came sprinting back to her, shoving at her like she had shoved at them those first few times. A small frown appeared in the valley between her eyebrows as she followed Kouga out onto the ballroom's dance floor. Her legs matched his stride for stride as she pushed the thoughts from her mind. She could ponder that at a later time. Instead she focused on the way that he put her at ease in his presence. The way that the beat of her heart slowed to a calmed rhythm that brought the smile to her eyes and not only to her lips.
"I am Kouga," he introduced as they bowed to one another in the middle of a ballroom filled with wide, surprised eyes. He had gone near her… He had asked her to dance, and she had accepted! "My name is Kagome," came her answer. But he already knew that. He had been intrigued with the news that the true Maiden of Twilight was here in Madrien and had come to the ball. He had not wanted to at first, but this was far too entertaining. He could feel Inuyasha's intense gaze when he placed his hand at Kagome's hip. Heat instantly leapt between them, startling Kagome as she looked up to him with wide eyes. It felt so… right. Like it had with Inuyasha. Why? She wondered as Kouga gently urged her to match him step for step.
"I am sorry," she murmured with an embarrassed smile. "I've never waltzed before."
Kouga only smiled as he twirled her about gentle, the music of the violin and the twinkling piano so tender about them. But it seemed as though they had found their own little world there in the middle of the floor. A whisper of silk was their movements as Kagome melted in Kouga's touch and how he held her. He was careful with her, like she was his greatest treasure. A curious warmth spread through her veins at that and she found that all thoughts of Inuyasha were erased when she was with him.
"I told you, you would break that glass if you held it any tighter," Miroku sighed as he watched the servants clean it up. Soon it did not look like a drop of blood red wine had even left the glass. But this- Inuyasha being jealous –was more fun than anything. Maybe as much fun as chasing women. But not quite. "Shut up," Inuyasha snapped, glad to see that nothing had spoiled the crisp white shirt that he wore beneath the black velvet coat that he wore.
Miroku crossed his arms over his chest, swirling the content of his goblet thoughtfully as he raised it to eye level. He could see Kouga and Kagome glide together as one person, one being. He opened his hand to her, she placed hers so trustingly in his care and allowed him to lead her in the prominade. No longer could he see lines of strain in Kagome's face, nor did the shadows haunt her eyes. "I never expected this," Miroku sighed as he sipped at his drink. "Did you, Inuyasha? Well, apparently you didn't. But tell me, why the angered face. You are here with Kikyo. Kagome had to be with someone."
He said it nonchalantly, knowing that Kikyo would not have stayed by Inuyasha's side. She was flirting with a group of men not too far away from them. Inuyasha had most likely grown too boring for her. Her ample charms were well dusted with sparkling powder and displayed for all to see through her gaping bodice.
"But not that bastard," Inuyasha said, his voice somewhere in between and an aching sort of pain and fury. He noticed what Miroku did as well. Kagome's peace was a sweetened spice in the atmosphere that seemed to lighten everything about them. She did not possess that coldness that she had before and it proved to help the other guests to feel at ease with her. But it was a deceptive calm that could so easily be shattered.
"Where are you going, Inuyasha?" Miroku watched as the half demon strode with definite steps in the couple's direction. All the while those golden amber eyes were set on the way that Kagome laughed softly, the way that that bastard Kouga whispered something to her. Determination hardened his features even as Kikyo saw his intent. She grasped her skirt and walked with an unholy speed right after her lover when before she was so entranced with the others. "They're going to make a scene," Miroku mused, turning to see Sesshomaru. He lifted the goblet to the older brother and downed the liquid in one gulp.
"What do you think you are doing, wolf?" Inuyasha demanded as he walked straight through another couple. His silver ears ignored their sharp, outraged protests.
Kouga's gaze flickered over the furious demon with little more than bored curiosity and stopped. But his hands never relinquished Kagome's smaller ones. In fact, he intertwined their fingers. Inuyasha's presence broke the woman's dream world and her attention focused fully on the outraged Inuyasha. Kouga answered with a confident tint to his voice. "Well, it would be obvious. I'm dancing with Kagome."
"And that's where my problem lies. There are plenty of other women in this room who are starving for your attention. Go and demean one of them." Inuyasha sounded completely certain that Kouga would listen. But he should have known better than that. "Stay away from Kagome."
Kouga drew Kagome closer still, enjoying the way that Inuyasha's anger flared. He was so easy. "Well, I see no reason to. That is up to her. Kagome is a beautiful dancer and we were having a wonderful time until you ruined it, mutt," he said smoothly. At the answering flare sparked in Inuyasha's form and his claws extended, fully intent on burying them in the smirking demon's face, Kagome felt alarm leap into her throat.
"Kouga." She placed her hand at his arm in a consoling manner, holding him back almost. They would fight right here and then. They had no qualms about that, proving Kagome's greatest fear. She wanted neither of them hurt or bleeding. She could not stand the sight of blood. "Maybe just one dance with him. Thank you for being such a gentleman; I'm glad that I met at least one tonight." Her voice held Kouga as the beauty of her liquid eyes held him memorized.
Kouga bowed over her hand and then lifted both of them to his mouth. Without discretion he lavished kisses on her of her knuckles. "It was my pleasure. But I will hold you to our next dance," he said, making it so easy for her to leave. And she was so grateful.
Kagome bestowed upon him a smile that set Inuyasha's heart a jumping. How could she smile at him that way! Kouga winked at her, his emerald eyes bright and mischievous as he walked away, his pace so arrogant that Kagome found herself laughing ever so softly.
"What the hell did you think you were doing?"
At Inuyasha's demand, Kagome turned her face up to him with the same cool expression she had used in her bedroom. "I was dancing until you stopped it," she explained sarcastically, the emotion dripping from her lips as sweetened honey.
Another waltz began, the music causing the other dancers to move once more and to avoid their strange glances he took Kagome's hand and began to dance with her. But she remained stiff in his arms. So unlike the way she had practically melted in Kouga's hold. He could not prevent the growl that seeped out of his lips; it began in the deepest part of his chest, reverberated through Kagome's clothing and then burst past Inuyasha's well-sculpted lips. "Why the fuck would you dance with a mangy wolf like him?" he wondered in the same tone. "Was there no one else that you could have had?" But that thought brought on another wave of jealousy.
"No," Kagome answered simply. Her eyes narrowed as she tipped her curl adorned head back to look him straight in the eye. "And what do you care? Why are you so jealous, Inuyasha?"
A/N: Well, here is the end of this chapter. I hope you like it. And the beginnings of the next one are already twisting about my thoughts. Summer can very much make you lazier than before. Even though there is no homework. Stick around for next time's happenings. How will Inuyasha answer Kagome? Dun, dun, dun! Good bye and take care!