It was dark when they snuck back into the castle, though Sesshoumaru refused to call it that. To his credit, he had taken her on a tour of the gardens after—
Kagome's cheeks warmed, and she touched the side of her neck. He'd been insatiable, the pleasant soreness of her limbs reminding her why it had taken so long to return to his room. He'd also been unmovable, ignoring all protests as she was lifted into his arms, his stride sure and quick towards the bathhouse.
Well, she'd labelled it a bathhouse, but the natural springs running over smoothed rock embedded deep within the castle grounds were anything but. And she'd tried to take in the sight, but Sesshoumaru's hands had begun to wander with the soap, and soon he was sprinting them back to his quarters, intent on re-establishing the claim he'd just washed away.
They remained undisturbed, trays of food left outside his door to replenish her strength every few hours.
"I can't imagine what your mother thinks," she voiced as the sun rose on the fourth day, his arms around her waist as they lounged on the balcony.
"She is likely surprised that I remained within the castle walls."
Kagome raised an eyebrow, leaning back against his chest. "Is that uncommon?"
Sesshoumaru hummed softly. "Inuyoukai usually prepare a den for their intended mates, keeping it fully stocked so they may remain there for several days."
"But not you."
"There was only one place I wished you to see," he replied, fingers stroking her sides.
"Besides your bed, you mean?" Her grin was met with a scowl, golden eyes narrowing as she stifled her laughter.
"If you remember, mate," he growled, "most of the time, we do not end up amongst the furs."
It was true, but Kagome found she enjoyed teasing him. Tilting her head, she kissed the underside of his jaw. "The garden is lovely. It's my favourite place to go—when I actually get to look at the flowers."
A/N: Sorry for the confusion everyone! I'm not sure how the earlier chapter was missed. Today's chapter will be posted later today.