Disclaimer: I do not own any of this, only the idea that I came up with!
Thank you to everyone who reviewed! I only wished you guys gave me constructive criticism to let me know what could make this story better. But thank you nonetheless!
Thanks to vbollman who beta'd this chapter for me!
To Conquer and Possess
Chapter Three
Kagome and Sango stood inside the castle, looking around. So far, no servants had come by. They looked at each other, both feeling awkward. The attack was still weighing heavily in their minds.
They looked around, really taking in their surroundings of the elaborately decorated castle. Silk banners hung from the walls, and paintings lined the way up a long stone stairway.
A large painting caught Kagome's eye. It was of a beautiful woman with gentle eyes and a kind smile. Her beauty took Kagome's breath away. There was warmth radiating from the picture; it put her somewhat at ease. Kagome started to walk closer, to get a better look when a maid's voice startled her.
"Excuse me, but whom may I ask are you?" she asked sweetly, looking from Sango and Kagome. Kagome answered.
"I am Kagome Higurashi, and this is my handmaiden, Sango Yamata."
"Higurashi? Oh my, oh my, oh my. You're already here! Please forgive me for not recognizing you earlier, malady!"
"No, it's fine, really." Kagome smiled. The maid scurried to tell the rest of the staff.
The castle went into an uproar. Once the two women had introduced themselves, the staff was practically tripping over themselves to get them settled in. Some servants went to get the princess and her handmaiden's things to start placing in the rooms, but came back with quizzical looks plastered on their features.
"My father's men and I, and Sango, were attacked on our way here. Lord Inutaisho and two others went to check things out." Kagome answered one servant's question. He seemed to think a moment. Other servants had gasps of surprise that the princess had been ambushed and was unscathed. Others whispered quietly among themselves at the predicament.
The same servant whose question she had answered looked back up at her. "How long ago did he leave?"
"Right before we entered the castle, why?" confusion laced in her voice.
"A few of us must go and collect your things, Higurashi-san." Before Kagome could say anything, the man already had a group to depart with. They went to get a couple of carriages and were off.
Kagome stared after them. She didn't want to make such an inconvenience, but she couldn't deny that the thought had crossed her mind briefly.
A middle-aged maid passed by. She stopped and watched Kagome for a moment, not saying a word. The young princess got the feeling this woman was analyzing her. Kagome just stared back. "Are you Higurashi-san?" the woman asked, not being able to tell between the two strangers.
"Hai, I am." Kagome replied with an apprehensive smile.
The woman smiled ruefully. "The young master shall take a liking to you."
Kagome blushed. "I… is that a good thing, or a bad one?"
The woman's grin only widened before she turned on one foot and strolled away, getting lost in the sea of other scurrying maids.
'She's smiling, so that's a good sign… right?' Kagome thought, watching the woman leave.
"You two must be famished! Come with me and I'll get the cook to whip you something up." A servant suddenly popped up.
"That's very kind of you, but I'm not very hungry at the moment." Kagome politely replied to the beaming man.
"But princess, you need to eat something. You want to keep your health up."
"Please, just call me Kagome, and I think that I'll eat later, when lord Inutaisho returns with the news of my father's men." She said, once again declining his offer. She looked to Sango to see if she wanted anything. A slight shake of her head gave Kagome her answer.
"Alright, but when or if you need anything, just ask for Hojo. I hope to hear from you soon, prince…er… Kagome." His smile didn't waver.
- - -
The stench of blood wreaked havoc on their sensitive noses. The air seemed to be drenched with this overcoming odor. The scent acted as a rope, pulling the trio in the direction where human and demon blood mixed and mingled.
Inutaisho stopped in front if the image before him, his face a mask of stone. If ye had not already been expecting something similar to this, and what the young Higurashi told him, he wasn't sure that he would have been able to identify either race of beings that lay massacred before him. He found that he covered his nose to block out most of the smell of blood; it wasn't working very well.
His son's had also taken to covering their sensitive noses as they followed him into the uncovered graveyard. Nothing had come out of this battle alive. Demons lay scattered, chunks of their bodies having been separated in the aggressive battle. Humans were sprawled out, some without limbs. He could only imagine how ferocious this had been. The demons must have wanted Kagome or something she had. These guards' loyalty reigned supreme. Both sides encountered vicious attacks.
He noticed a couple of carriages had been turned over. He assumed that they were carrying the two women's things. His men should be along soon enough to retrieve the various things.
"Father," Sesshomaru questioned. Inutaisho was silent for a few moments more.
"Someone was obviously after something to take these measures."
"The jewel." Sesshomaru stated more than he inquired.
"That would be my guess… Sesshomaru, lead our men to retrieve the princess's and her handmaiden's things."
Sesshomaru gave a half-hearted nod, turned, and was off.
Inutaisho looked over the sight again before turned to his youngest. "Inuyasha, you should know this is not going to end here. There will probably be more in the near future. I expect you to fully protect Kagome; she is your full responsibility as of now." He instructed.
Inuyasha gaped, trying to find some rational thought. He turned his face from his father and snorted. "I knew she was going to be more trouble than she's worth. Let's just send her back before more people get hurt."
"People will die anyways. It's the consequence of beholding the Shikon no Tama, and yes, she is fully aware."
"Then why would she choose to take the responsibility? Not only is the wench trouble, but she is lacking in the sense department." He spat.
"What have I told you about calling her 'wench'?" Inutaisho growled, clearly irritated.
"Humph. That still doesn't say anything about her being senseless,"
"I know not all the details, but I suspect it wasn't her choice. She was next in line and it's her responsibility, as she is yours. I don't want to year your qualms; my word is final." It ended there.
Inuyasha sighed irritably. He looked at the many mangled bodies, finding it difficult to tell which was demon and which was human.
"Why don't you use your sword to bring one of them back and question them to see if we can gain any useful information?" Inuyasha thought aloud.
"That had crossed my mind, but I am not so cruel. I wouldn't bring back one of these men o get answers only for them to relive the pain. It would be useless. They are too far gone and mutilated. The act would only torture them further in this life." He explained, turning in the opposite direction. Inuyasha turned as well. He was met with a group of men with carriages, probably for the women's things.
He watched as they avoided looking at the gruesome scene as much as possible. They all paled and a couple had green tinted complexions, and he could almost hear their stomachs turn. Inuyasha half wondered if they were going to be sick before leaving with his father. Sesshomaru had to lead them back to the castle. After realizing exactly what, or should I say who, was waiting there, he suddenly wished he was in his brother's place for once, even if it would be boring.
The way back to the castle had been everything but calming. Inuyasha often took long walks in the woods, or beat down on demons to relieve stress or just to think. Now, all his thoughts were on who he knew was in the castle. His pace had dropped to a casual stroll, while he was deep in thought. Inutaisho realized this, but decided to leave his son to his thoughts for now. He personally was excited to meet the young woman, but there hadn't been much of that when she arrived.
Inuyasha sighed. He thought back to when he had first seen her. He had to admit that she didn't look bad for being as panicked as she was. He mentally scoffed. 'Just because she didn't look like the had I was expecting doesn't mean anything!'
The disturbance had been invading his senses when he met up with his father. Her mind was on something else as well; they barely even noticed each other.
Inuyasha glanced up and he could feel his stomach 'fall'. He couldn't really put his finger on it. It wasn't so much that a little pang of nervousness spread in his belly as much as he was fixing to meet the woman he was going to have to marry, albeit forcibly. He let out a hollow sigh when the castle was in sight. It wouldn't be long now. His pace slowed yet again.
Inutaisho sensed his son's frustration. Once he slowed down again, he stopped and waited for him to reluctantly catch up. He went at his son's meager stride.
"Inuyasha, here, I am supposed to give you wise advise, comforting words, and something to up lift your spirit, but… I got nothing." Inutaisho half smiled.
Inuyasha stared unbelievingly at his dad. That was new… very new. He looked away with a weak grin. "Thanks dad. You have no clued how much that changed my life. I'm now a new man."
"What I'm trying to get at is, I can't promise you hat everything is going to work out. You two may not hit it off well at first, or you two will be crazy about each other and I'll have to change the wedding to a sooner date," he paused at Inuyasha's look of pure horror. "Look, just let fate take over."
Inuyasha didn't reply as he looked forward and noticed two silhouettes coming to meet them. He could see his father's grave look out of the corner of his eye.
- - -
Kagome had been pacing around the room she was acquired. Sango had come to sit with her from the room adjacent to Kagome's, but Kagome hadn't been doing much sitting.
"Kagome, not that I wish ill on our people, but what will you do if we receive bad news?" Sango asked.
Kagome thought a moment. She had a sad look in her eyes. "I don't know. I haven't really thought about it. I just want everything to be alright." She signed. She hadn't actually known any of them personally, but they were people. It made her sorrowful, no matter what. She didn't want to sound like she didn't care, but if something bad did happen, what could she really do? This was no fairytale; this was reality.
" I know that they fought bravely for our safety, and make a silent prayer for their families. I want to do more! I wish I could! Why do I feel so wretched now?" she hated the way this cold realization washed over her.
Sango gave her a sympathetic look. She went to her distressed friend and comfortingly rubbed her back. "Kagome, if we are to receive bad news, all we have to know is that the soldiers were brave, and died with honor and respect. That's how we looked at it in my village."
Kagome couldn't quite smile at that, but it did reassure her in a sense. "You're right. I'll have to be strong if it comes down to that."
Sango nodded. The next few minutes were laced in silence. Faint footsteps could be heard. The sound grew heavier and louder with each step. Kagome and Sango's eyes met briefly before starting for the entrance of their current room. Before they exited, a maid poked her head into the room.
"Lord Inutaisho will be arriving soon, he's about the horizon now." She smiled.
"Miss? Will you please lead us to the entrance? We would like to greet him." Kagome stepped forward.
The maid hesitated before nodding.
Once at the gate, Kagome had to squint to see the forms of two men. Both women started out to meet them half way. Despite the information she was soon to receive, Kagome couldn't ignore the knot forming in her stomach. She remembered that there had been three men when she first met Lord Inutaisho. 'So is that him or someone else?' she asked herself. She focused her attention on Lord Inutaisho as she and Sango approached them.
- - -
Inutaisho glanced at his son. He could only imagine what was going through his mind. Before the women were close enough to hear, he murmured a threat to Inuyasha. "Disrespect her in my presence and I won't hesitate to rip you a new one."
Inuyasha snorted. "If you aint got anything nice to say…" he left the sentence unfinished but clear as the four of them came face to face.
Kagome looked up at Lord Inutaisho with hopeful eyes.
Inutaisho sighed uneasily. How he hated to be the bearer of bad news. "Kagome… there is no gentle way of relaying the news. It had been a vicious battle. Your guards had successfully held off the demons, but did not escape themselves. They both were in a stalemate of sorts. One could not move without being brought down. I am extremely sorry."
Kagome's expression turned mournful, but she straightened to look the man in front of her in the eyes. "Yes, as am I, but I know that those brave soldiers fought fearlessly and with honor. They had, and still do have my full respect." Kagome used what Sango said to comfort her.
"As well as mine," Inutaisho smiled softly. "After the servants bring your things and get them set, we will resume introductions. We also need o discuss a few things. My son, Inuyasha will escort you two back." He watched as Kagome's eyes snapped to Inuyasha, who in turn whipped his head in his father's direction, curses running through his mind. Inutaisho almost laughed when he sensed his son suppress a growl. With that, he strode back to his domain to take care of a little business.
There was an uncomfortable silence in his wake. Kagome was avoiding looking at who she knew stood not even three feet away from her.
A grunted "Feh," with an underlining of annoyance brought chocolate to meet cold and distant amber.
He barely spared her another glance before pivoting on his heel and taking a brisk pace back to the castle.
Sango looked at her friend who was in turn glaring at the Inu youkai's back.
Kagome had so far kept her annoyance below the surface. As they entered inside, a strange short creature that was all but creepy looking, greeted them.
"Master Inuyasha, Higurashi-san, Yamata-san," his squeaky voice piped up.
Kagome was trying not to stare, but this small youkai was just so…ugly. She felt her anger slowly seeping away being replaced by mild amusement.
"Jaken," Inuyasha nodded, and the two women smiled politely. He was about to dump the girls off on Jaken to lead them to their chambers, but the familiar scent of his father close by caught his nose and put him against the idea quickly. That would be a blow to the pride if his father cut him down to size in front of everyone. With a silent grumble, he ascended the stairs and navigated them to his corridor. A small grimace ran through him knowing she was on the same hall. Sango gave a quiet 'thanks' and slipped into her room. She could now breath easier without all the tension there to strangle her every breath. She stood close to the door trying to determine the best time to slip into Kagome's room.
Inuyasha stopped at the young princesses door, standing tensely and full of arrogance. And this irritated her to no end.
Out of years of being raised to do so, she waited patiently for him to open the door for her. Well, almost patiently. She crossed her arms over her chest and lightly cleared her throat after she realized that this was no gentleman before her. She thought he was at least taught some chivalry when he was younger. Or he was just being a jerk. She was going to have to go with the second one for now.
He gave her a smug look, and his words were dripping with sarcasm when he spoke. "Oh, forgive me princess. Where are my manners?" He pushed open the door with a little more force than necessary.
This didn't go unnoticed by Kagome who strolled by casually, unaffected by his taunts. She was shocked; but why would she let him know?
She entered her room and turned to shut the door only to see him still standing there smirking at her. She could see the pleasure of further agitating her flicker in his eyes before they turned back to the stony amber.
Here eye twitched as she looked at him. Oh, how she wanted to knock that stupid arrogant egotistical grin from his face. "What? Expecting a tip?" when he didn't answer her she kept on. "Here's one; why don't you go get a doctor to pull your head out of your ass. Apparently, it's gotten lodged too far up to get it out yourself." She saw the same flicker of amusement mirroring his earlier actions and it was still enough to make her blood boil. He was quickly met with a glare. Kagome went to shut the door in his face, but found a force withholding her from doing so.
She pulled the door open to give him another piece of her mind but a growl cut her short.
"Listen, princess," he spat, "Watch it. I don't like you, …"
"And I really don't think I like you; I got it. And for another thing, I have a name: Kagome," she emphasized every syllable. "Use it."
"Feh," he pushed off from the heavy oak door. They shot each other twin glares before Inuyasha le out a small growl and stalked off. Kagome pushed the door with all the force she could muster at the moment, wishing it could have been is annoying face on the other side, just close enough to smash his nose.
She jerked away from the large door, fuming. "That…that jerk!" she all but yelled.
After a few moments, the door was pushed open a little, and Sango's head poked in. Sango had laughed quietly at their encounter, but she didn't want to get the infuriated Kagome any angrier.
"Can you believe that jerk? I'm supposed to…I have to…ugh! I can't believe this! If I could just get my hands on hi, around his neck, I'd…oh I'd…" she heaved out an exasperated sigh, rubbing her temples to ward off a headache that was starting to creep over her.
Sango found it almost impossible not to smile. Almost. She tired to find words to comfort her friend, but nothing too special came up in her mind. She decided to stick with some basic first impression logic. "Kagome, you both were in an awkward position; meeting the first time." She tried.
Kagome thought about it, starting to agree before she scowled. "That still doesn't give him reason to act the way he did, so arrogant and an ego this big," Kagome mimed her speech, stretching her arms far apart. Kagome kept on. "And I'm gong to have to…to…marry," she choked on the words before finishing the dreadful sentence, "him." She plopped down on her bed, rubbing her face in frustration.
Sango went to join her. "Maybe he had a bad day?" She offered lamely, earning a half-hearted glare.
"I don't know who I made mad in a past life, but this sure isn't funny. Sango, promise me you'll kill me after the horrifying wedding vows."
Sango smiled and gave her best friend a mock pledge as she placed her hand over her heart. "Your wish is my command oh wondrous princess. Never fear, your handmaiden is here."
They both laughed. A couple of gentle knocks sounded from the door. Kagome readied herself in case the stupid hanyou prince came back for a second round. She opened the door only to be met by a group of servants. She looked into the group to see people carrying objects that looked very similar to her things. Only then did it put in order her baffled thoughts.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she apologized and quickly stepped out of the way.
One of the servants smiled up at her. "No need to be sorry, Higurashi-san." They then were on their way before she could respond. She watched as a few more people filed in. Moments later a maid walked in and sheepishly asked, "Your handmaiden Higurashi-san?" Kagome looked to Sango who hopped off the bed to proceed to her won room where more servants had her things.
- - -
"So, where are we off to?"
"Hell."
"Tsk, tsk, Inuyasha. Where are your manners? It couldn't have been that traumatizing." Miroku chirped cheerfully.
Inuyasha grunted. He had been sent to bring the princess and her handmaiden to his father's office. As his father said before, "Introductions must be made." He grimaced. He wasn't exactly looking forward to giving to see or talk her again. While on his way, he ran into an overly curious Miroku. Though he asked no questions, the looks he kept giving him had been grounding down on his nerves.
"How did she look? Wait, more importantly, how did her handmaiden look?" Miroku asked, his eyes brightening.
"Shut up and think about something productive for once, Monk." Inuyasha growled.
"Always so touchy." Miroku laughed.
They turned into a long hall that Miroku recognized as the one where Inuyasha's room was located. When they passed his room he turned to Inuyasha.
"So where exactly are we going?"
"To get the 'guests'." He snorted. "Dad wants to get all the introductions out of the way."
"So, he's got her close to you, huh?"
"Unfortunately,"
"You sound as if you've made enemies with her already." Miroku mused.
Inuyasha gave him a side-glance, "You could say that."
Miroku raised a brow questioningly. "Care to explain?"
"No,"
Miroku sighed. He realized then, that they had stopped and were staring at a large oak door not too far from Inuyasha's. He had to fight the grin that was threatening to surface. He noticed Inuyasha let out a heavy sigh, stiffen, and knock pretty hard on the large door.
They waited. No one. So Inuyasha tried again, with even more force. Still no one. A growl escaped his lips. "Damn girl," he muttered before grabbing the handle.
- - -
They stood on the balcony, admiring the view. A soft breeze came up to ruffle both girls hair. Kagome smiled at the feeling of the wind dancing off her skin. She sighed, content to gaze over the land to the horizon.
A smile graced her features where her head was cradled by her hands. "This is definitely a plus side in all of this." Kagome let out a breathy laugh.
"Mmm…" Sango replied. "So, what are you going to do when you have to see him again? You know you can't avoid your betrothed.
"Do you have to keep reminding me?" Sango gave an apologetic smile. "I guess I'll ignore him and if he acts the same way again, I'm seriously considering decking him."
They both laughed. Some birds flew by, wildly chirping when they heard thumping sounds. They looked other. "Did you hear that?" Kagome asked.
Sango did, but wasn't sure. "Yeah, but I am tapping my foot against the stone. Maybe I hit it too hard without thinking."
"Sounds reasonable. Let's go with that." Kagome answered. "I need to ask Lord Inutaisho if we can get a couple of horses and go riding. I want to see what's around here."
Sango agreed. That made her think of Kilala. Poor thing. Going all that way as fast as she did tired her out again, but she hadn't really pushed herself that much in a while. Sango had brought her to Kagome's room after the servants left. She was currently sleeping on Kagome's pillow.
"I wonder how everyone is." Kagome thought aloud. She had been too preoccupied with other things in the day to really let herself think about them.
"I'm sure they're fine. Probably missing us though." Sango answered.
Kagome nodded. "It's just…" She was cut off by the same thumping noise she had heard earlier. This time it was clear that someone was behind the door. They looked at each other, a small blush splashed over their cheeks. "I…uh…we better go and get that." Sango suggested meekly.
"I think you may have a point." Kagome flashed a small grin as they hurried from the balcony to the door. By the time they were halfway across the room, the door opened to reveal an annoyed hanyou and another man who had a very sly grin. Kagome stopped in her tracks and crossed her arms over her chest. The look she shot him could have frozen hell over, but unfortunately, he was left unfazed.
'Note to self,' she thought, 'get laser eye vision.' "What do you want?" she bit at the man still holding her door rather harshly. His knuckles were white with the force he was using against the poor, poor door handle. He didn't know why, bus she was just getting under his skin, and not in a way he would have preferred.
'Why the hell am I acting like this? Damn wench.' He bitterly thought.
He sent her a glare that would have restarted the fires of hell. A growl started low in his throat and was getting ever louder. Miroku, who had been sitting back, decided now was time to break the tension and get to know the two women more…personally.
"Hey, hey. Let's not fight." Miroku walked around the simmering Inuyasha. He went to stand in front of the princess. He smiled while taking her hand and bending low to brush his lips lightly over her hand. "Princess," he started when his eyes met hers.
"Kagome." She corrected, a nervous smile adorning her.
His smile widened. "Kagome then, please let me introduce myself. I am Miroku Houshi. I have heard you are the protector of the Shikon no Tama, and the rumors of your purification are very…endearing. I am the monk of the grounds, along with the old priestess, Kaede. It's my pleasure to finally meet you." Miroku stood and straightened.
"It's nice to meet you as well, Houshi-san."
"Miroku."
"Miroku," she tested his name and smiled.
Miroku's grin didn't waver. His eyes flicked to Sango and instantly lit up.
'Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!' his mind chanted.
Miroku sauntered over the handmaiden. He grabbed her hand in the same gesture he did with the princess. "And who is this beautiful being standing before me?"
Sango's cheeks flushed with a lush that illuminated he face. "S-Sango Yamata. Call me Sango." Her eyes widened as he stepped even closer, holding her one hand with the both of his.
"Sango, my dearest Lady, will you be so kind as to bare my children?"
What had used to be a blush of surprise quickly turned in one of anger. Besides what had just came out of the monk's mouth, her anger was fueled even more by the hand that was so comfortably rubbing her backside. Her free hand came up and connected with the monk's face. The sound rang out and filled the room. Sango's eye was twitching dangerously as she ripped away from the monk, stomping over to Kagome.
Miroku rubbed his cheek adoringly. 'That had been well worth it.' He thought smugly to himself. He strolled back over to the hanyou prince, a safe distance away from his new 'friend.'
"So, why are you here?" Kagome interrogated after the incident, crossing her arms once again over her chest.
Inuyasha's eye twitched, but let it go for the time being. "Introductions."
Kagome remembered that Lord Inutaisho had mentioned that earlier, but she didn't know if she could stand being in the presence of this jerk for long. Why not go ahead and irritate him for being such a jerk?
"Fine. Get out so I can change."
"No."
"Excuse me? I said leave!" she stepped toward him. He followed suit. "And I said no."
"So, now you're not only a jerk, but downgraded to pervert?" What, I don't get my own privacy to change?"
"You're not changing. We're leaving now."
"I'm changing first,' she growled though clenched teeth, taking yet another furious step.
Inuyasha matched her again, the gap between them dangerously close to becoming nonexistent. "No. We're leaving. Now."
Kagome started to retort, but the prince had her wrist in a vice like grip before she could even register him moving.
Miroku and Sango's shocked expressions met, then waved back over the two. Their 'little' show was temporarily forgotten. Inuyasha was already pulling Kagome out of the door. The two quickly went to catch up, neither saying a word.
Kagome tried wriggling her hand free, but a quick jerk hindered her from succeeding. Well, besides the inhuman grip. "Let me go!"
"Shut up."
"What? Did you…what did you ju…" she stammered.
Inuyasha stopped abruptly and turned to her, his hand tightening over hers if possible. "Look, just shut that never ending, irritating, God-awful speech box of a mouth. Stop whining and don't even breathe loud enough for me to hear you."
Kagome raised her eyes to meet his squarely. She stiffened her jaw in defiance. "Alright, let's get one thing straight here. I am not your pet. I don't obey our orders. I am not your doormat, so if you order me to move, I'll move when I feel like it. You want me to shut up, then I will when I am damn well ready, so I suggest you take your hands off of me before I tell you exactly where you can shove them!"
Inuyasha growled menacingly. Kagome thought she saw a small flash of red in his eyes but dismissed it. Instead of listening to her, he let his blood steam and continued onward, pulling her along his viciously fast pace. Sango and Miroku keeping their quiet distance behind the two. If they got too close, they would have slammed in the wall of tension that engulfed the tow royals.
The rest of the way was an awkward and tension-filled one. The uncomfortable silence was stating to get to the two in the back, but speaking just seemed impossible and wrong. They had approached the two large double doors that were all but kicked open by the hanyou prince. The guards that stood on both sides watched curiously at the scene.
All heads popped up from the inside of the room. A delicate brow rose on the face of the king. Inutaisho fought back he exasperated sigh that threatened to emerge.
Inuyasha's hand repelled from Kagome's as soon as they entered the room as if it was the bubonic plague. This didn't go unnoticed by the king's watchful eyes. He could see the red marks on Kagome's wrist and made a mental note about it. He could already see yet another talk with his son in the near future. Inutaisho stood to greet the newcomers of the meeting.
"Ah, Kagome. I'm glad to see you well. Miroku, Sango," His eyes slid over to his son, who had his arms crossed and an almost smoldering gaze. "Inuyasha," Inutaisho finished greeting the newcomers.
When father and son's eyes met, the gaze held a promise of a talk. "A little late, but that is to be expected with my son." Inutaisho chuckled to relieve the tension he felt. To his surprise, both Inuyasha and Kagome eyes darkened and both became stiff.
Miroku and Sango shifted uncomfortably. Inutaisho looked over them for a moment longer before getting back to business.
He gently took Kagome by the shoulder. He brought her to various people, introducing his loyal men and women to his future daughter-in-law. He brought her in front of an elderly woman. She wore very simple priestess attire and an eye patch covered one eye.
"This is my main healer, Priestess Kaede." Inutaisho motioned at Kaede. Kagome bowed respectfully to the elder woman. "It is very nice to meet you, Kaede-san." Kagome smiled gingerly. Having to meet everyone had kept her mind off of the insolent jerk that brought her here.
Kaede surveyed Kagome for a moment before replying. "Aye, child. I see that ye have a very strong power within ye. I could always use ye as help, child."
Kagome smiled again. "I would love to, Kaede-san. Anytime."
Kaede nodded, already deciding from the feel of this girl and her personality that she liked her. 'She will do Inuyasha good.' Kaede thought to herself.
Once she had finished meeting all of Inutaisho's main people, he led her back to the group she had come in with.
"Now as for the jewel." Inutaisho stated. Everyone's attention was irked at this.
"Hai. My father told me that he gave you a piece for safe guarding in the case the almost complete jewel was stolen from me. I trust in my father's judgment, Lord Inutaisho. Now that I am the sole guardian, I tent to protect it with my life."
"You are an intelligent and noble girl. I see that you know your duties as well as that you will not be completely hidden from the power hungry demons. They will come, and we are all prepared."
"My lord, I understand and I know that I bring inconvenience," she thought a moment. Maybe she could get out of this whole marriage thing. There was a slim to none chance, but hey, what could she lose for trying? "It may be better if I were not here at all to bring this on your kingdom. It is not my wish to jeopardize…"
"Nonsense! You're more than welcome here! This will soon be your home; I want you to be happy. You have Inuyasha to protect you. He should get into the habit of being there to guard you." Inutaisho smiled.
'Dang, I'm stuck with the jerk.' She mentally scowled. It was a long shot anyway. She could only try.
"That also brings me to another point. Everyone, you are dismissed. Inuyasha and Kagome, I need you both here." Inutaisho started and sat down at his desk. He waited until the last person was out, and the door firmly shut behind them before continuing. He knew this was going to be an exasperating conversation, but it had to be done. He didn't want his son and his bride to make a scene in front of his staff. Inuyasha wore and aggravated look from where he stood.
"You're wedding date."
If it were any other time, any other situation, he would have laughed at the utter, complete shock on their faces.
"Father, this is ridiculous. I'm not marrying this wen…girl!" he corrected himself. He rather not have been told off again in front of her. He still had pride.
Inutaisho sighed and languidly stared at his son. "Your resistance to this arrangement is futile."
Inuyasha looked away, his arms still crossed, as he usually did when he lost an argument. Kagome stayed quiet, not wanting to disrespect the king. Oh, how she wanted out of this predicament. Bu how could she escape when Inutaisho, the father, was steadfast in his decision? Wasn't the son usually the one arguing who he was going to marry?
Inutaisho cleared is throat and made himself comfortable. A moment passed by before he spoke. "The original decision of the wedding was to be a fortnight after lady Kagome arrived,"
"Lady my ass," Inuyasha grumbled to himself.
Inutaisho raised a delicate brow, but continued. "Actually Inuyasha, you are taking this more as I would expect a lady to take this than a man. As I was saying, since you two seem to be at each other's throats, that time length may or may not change. I'll inform Seta of the changes. All of the preparations will go according to plan and we'll see how it goes from here. But just let me warn you two, the more you fight, the sooner it will be."
The hanging threat could have been passed off as a joke if it weren't for the sternness of his face and the all-seriousness of his eyes.
He gave the two a last look before waving his hand nonchalantly. "Dismissed."
They left quietly, until the doors to the office were firmly in place behind them. Inuyasha was too annoyed to pay any mind to the woman behind him. She looked quiet and undisturbed, but in all actuality, her blood was boiling.
'All right, Kagome, deep breathe. That's right, calm down. Try to be optimistic. Maybe marrying him won't be so bad, it could work out,' she coaxed herself. 'Or maybe not.'
Feeling doomed, she looked around, and felt quite similar to a lost puppy. 'Now which way back…'
Inuyasha was already heading in a different direction, but she wasn't sure if it was towards the hall her room was located on or not. She sure as heck wouldn't be caught following him. If she hadn't been arguing with that pig-headed jerk in the first place she would have paid attention and wouldn't be standing around looking clueless.
At not sensing or hearing her footsteps, Inuyasha turned his head slightly to see what the knit-wit girl was doing. He almost stopped to help her. Almost. She was just standing there. Her helplessness annoyed him. As he started to form a rude comment degrading her intelligence, another person stepped into the scene. This person was male.
"Ah, hello princ… I mean Kagome!" a voice rang out.
Kagome turned to see whom the voice belonged to.
"Hello, Hojo. It's nice to see you again." Kagome politely replied with a smile.
"I must say it is a pleasant surprise. Do you need anything, Kagome?" He asked eagerly.
"Well, yes. Can you tell me which way to go to get back to my room?"
"You just walk down here, then take a left. After you see the coat of arms, you want to turn right. Stick with the long red carpet. You shouldn't have any trouble. Would you like for me to accompany you?"
"No, but thank you Hojo. I need to learn how to get around in this castle on my own. Thank you for the directions though." She said and started off.
Before their conversation was finished, Inuyasha stomped off, in an even darker mood in possible. He couldn't explain the twang of irritation as he watched the two conversed, so he pushed it off to being from his father's 'meeting.'
- - -
Kagome was lost. Utterly, impatiently, and hopelessly lost. The directions were simple enough, but she couldn't keep focused on the task at hand. Her thoughts had drifted until she remembered something about a red carpet, but she was on a blue one. So, she tried to go backwards. That just put her in an even worse place.
She leaned against the wall sighed. What was she going to do? Maybe she should have let Hojo take her to her room, but she didn't know if she could stand his absolute cheeriness. She could walk around aimlessly until she found someone to point or rather take her in the right direction. Problem was she hadn't seen anyone else for the past hour.
'Great, I'm gong to die back here. When someone does find me, I'll just be a pile of old rotted bones. But at least I won't be married to that jerk.' She thought ironically.
After a few moments of silence, she heard footsteps. What followed those gallant footsteps were laughter, and some yelling.
"Get back here you insolent child!" she recognized that creepy voice to be the butlers. There was the sound of a giggling child and a pair of fast paced footsteps.
Kagome cocked her head to the side, waiting for whomever it was to bustle around the corner.
In a matter of moments, a small child with black hair and a missing tooth came laughing down the corridor. The laughs she was emitting would have made the coldest of people smile. Her small dress swished around her petite frame. The small scar looking butler, Jaken, came padding after the child gaining only more bubbly laughter.
The small girl spotted Kagome watching her curiously. Kagome offered a sincere smile and the girl approached, her smile unwavering.
"Hello," the child greeted.
"Hi there. I'm Kagome, what's your name?"
"Rin. Ms. Kagome, why are you sitting all alone?" Rin asked inquisitively.
Kagome stood and dusted herself off. She squatted to be eye level with Rin. "Well, I'm kind of new here and don't know my way around yet. I'm afraid I've gotten myself lost."
Rin seemed to ponder a moment. Her face lit up as she came to a silent conclusion. "Rin and master Jaken will help you!"
Kagome smiled and told the butler and Rin where she was heading.
"You're Lady Kagome!" Rin squealed.
Kagome blushed. "Just call me Kagome, Rin."
"Kagome is Rin's friend?" Rin asked, her big eyes full of excitement over gaining a new friend.
'Yes. I'll be your friend."
Jaken rolled his eyes while leading the overly annoying girls. 'Why do I put up with this?' Flashes of an angry master promising pain reminded him.
Once at Kagome's door, she bend down and gave Rin a hug, one that Rin enthusiastically returned.
"Bye-bye Kagome-chan!" Rin called out as Kagome waved.
Kagome stepped through the door and fell on her bed. This was going to be a very long life.
- - -
Ok, here's the third chapter.
Thank you to everyone who reviewed! I was very inspired to write this chapter for you all. Sorry for the wait, but I want the chapters in tip top shape. Let me know if there are any mistakes or any thing confusing! I'll be happy to help!
Chapter four is going to take a little while, but I'm on a holiday and can put my full attention on it! I hope this chapter was satisfying.
Please read and review any and all constructive criticism. This will help me in the long road in becoming a better writer. 'Till next time