Warning: Long chapter with lemonade at the end. This chapter has not been edited, but by myself. The lemon part will be separated with line break and you will know where it begin and end. If you are under 17 years old, you are on your own.

Day Seven:

Kagome worked on her obi, tying it and she found her hands being batted away lightly as another set helped her to tie her obi securely. She smiled and looked up to find SesshoMaru hovering over her from behind. She reached up to touch his cheek, he gave a small smile. "Ohyao, SesshoMaru." She said softly and turned around to be grasped in his arm.

He lowered his head and gave her a soft kiss on her lips then drew back to find her smiling softly. He made a mental note to do the act often, just to see her smile. "Ohyao, Kagome." He said and stood to his full height, with his hand still around her tiny waist. "We have a long day before tonight." He saw her cheek redden and he became serious. "Kagome," He then led her to the bed and sat down, pulling her to sit beside him. "Once we do this tonight, it's forever. Your life will be bound by my own lifetime. You will age as I do, and only through my death, you will die as well. Are you prepared for this?"

Kagome looked to him, her head tilted a bit high to meet his eyes. "SesshoMaru, I had very little time to think about this. But, I am ready."

"Ready by the mind but not by the heart?" He said, his hand touching above her right breast, where her heart beats. "I do not wish to bind you to me if your heart is not in this."

Kagome smiled as she covered his hand with her hand over her chest, feeling her heart beats through both hands. "My heart is ready. I have your love and you have mine." She reached up and met his lips with her own, whispering, "Aishiteru, forever."

He closed his eyes and deepened the kiss and he felt her respond. He held her to his body, enjoying the soft curves against his chest. She was just perfect in many ways and he knew he would not change anything about her for the world. He thanked the Kami above for delivering Kagome to his feet, literally. He then broke the heated kiss, "Aishiteru… even words in the language of youkai are not used as often, you know that you always hold my heart in your hands. Tonight, you are mine and I am your, always."

"I am ready." She said as she stood up, holding his hands in hers. "Don't we have a busy day ahead of us?" She asked.

He gave a light chuckle. "Hai, we do. The other lords are coming today. I need to welcome them. Keep yourself out of sight as much you can, stay on the west side of the palace. The guests will only remain on the east until dinner. Dinner will be a formal occasion, I will be introducing you to them and we will hold a small ceremony." He stood up and trailed a clawed finger down her cheek, "The servants will see to you. Just relax and enjoy the day."

"Will I see you today, at least sometime?" She asked as she watched him pull on a formal haori in his crest colors over his knee length silver kimono. He had a black silk hakama under his kimono and he looked very regal, like a shogun prince that he is.

"Hai." He said and turned to her. He appreciated the kimonos that his servants had made for her; they all had fitted her very well. Today she was wearing a darker silver kimono with splash of pink sakura blossom decorating the sleeves and the bottom of her kimono. Her obi was red with bamboo in gold trims. "Go and have breakfast with your friends and the children." He said and walked out of the room with her in tow. "I shall see you at lunch."

Kagome watched him head down the hallway, heading to his office. She shook her head and made her way to the dining hall where she found everyone else there. To her surprise, InuYasha was also there. "InuYasha, I thought you won't be back until later today."

InuYasha looked up to her and gave her a toothy grin. "Nah, I came back earlier. Didn't want to stay away too long, its home here for me now." He said and returned to wolfing his breakfast down.

Kagome sat down, her face set in shock. "Home?"

InuYasha waved his chopstick around, sending little bit of noodles flying everywhere. "Ah, I lived here before for a quiet a while. I left and that's when I met Kikyo. Now I'm back, its home because my family is here." He gestured to everyone around the table.

Smiling with happiness, Kagome ate her breakfast while Shippo and Rin chattered about almost everything they could think of. She noticed Miroku sitting closer to Sango, whispering things in her ears while she giggled and blushed now and then. She took in the sight of the people around the table and realized, it was truly home, and where she belong with the people she loved. Her mind strayed to the silver haired InuYoukai, deep in her heart, despite the few short days; she had come to love him and knew he returned the feelings.

When she was in his arms, she never felt any safer than she had ever been. There was warmth, comfort and knowledge that he viewed her as for herself, not anyone else. He also had shown little acceptance for her ways, for who she is and where she came from, yet she knew, she had to return the same respect for adjusting her lifestyle to the era where she is now in, and to being a Lady of the Western Land. She also knew that with the title came a great burden and she was ready for it, having no fear because she trusted she will be taught everything she needed to know, yet she would have to ask for a different tutor other than Shinji, he was rather too harsh for her taste.

SesshoMaru had reached the main receiving hall and found several youkai standing about, talking with one another. The guards made announcement of his arrival by banging their spears on the floor simultaneously as he entered the room. Everyone silenced and turned to him, bowing to him. SesshoMaru gave a small bow and moved to the end of the room, facing everyone.

"Lord Shoujun." SesshoMaru greeted an older eagle youkai, the Northern Lord, and a great ally to the Western land. "Welcome, how do your family fare?" He asked.

Lord Shoujun tilted his head. He had sleek feathers instead of hair falling down to his back and his eyes were golden with black silts, very bird-like. He was also tall and willowy and his arms were winged and his hands had four fingered talons instead of human-like appendage. "My family fares very well, thank you. I would like to request a private audience with you sometime today." He said.

SesshoMaru gave a nod, "I will see to it." Then he turned to a wolf youkai with black hair and blue eyes. "Lord Kohroami…" He then saw the lord's son standing behind him and a small growl erupted in his throat. "You brought your son?" He asked as he glared at the young õkami.

Lord Kohroami turned to his son, "You know my son, Prince Kouga?" As he asked, Kouga came to stand next to his father with arrogant smirk on his face. He and his father shared same handsome feature, yet he dressed much for nature while his father were dressed formal with nice brown, gold and black hakama and kimono with haori jacket.

"We had a few encounter." SesshoMaru said with displeasure as he kept his eyes on Kouga. "Keep your son in place while you are here. If he toes the line, I will be forced to remove you both from the Western Land."

Lord Kohroami frowned and turned to Kouga, "Why would you be a threat to Lord SesshoMaru?" He asked his own son.

Kouga gave a small shrug as he answered, "I am not sure yet. I have issues with his half-brother, not him." He said, gesturing to SesshoMaru.

SesshoMaru growled slightly. "You will understand later." He said and with this, he turned and went to the door. "My servants will show you to your quarters." He bowed and then left.

Lord Kohroami gave a small grunt and turned to face his son fully, "I wouldn't want to breach my alliance with Lord SesshoMaru, so you better watch your toe while we are here. You've caused me enough trouble with that Eastern tribe of yours."

Kouga gave his father a nod, "Yes, Father."

The servants came and showed them to their quarters. As they passed the front entrance of the palace, Lord Shoujun waved and gestured to someone in cloak outside to come in and follow him. As the servant showed him to his quarter, she then said, "If you wish, Lord SesshoMaru would see you now."

The eagle youkai nodded, "Yes, I would like very much to see him now." He turned to the cloaked figure, which only stood up to his shoulder and was very slender in build. "Come." He simply said and they followed the servant to a private meeting hall.

As they entered, SesshoMaru noticed the second guest and gave an inquiring look to the eagle youkai. "I wasn't told you also brought someone else."

"Thousands apologizes. I wish audience with you for two things, one is my land and another is about her." Shoujun said as he kneeled before SesshoMaru on the tatami mat. The cloaked figure sat down next to him and threw back the hood of her cloak to reveal a female inu-hanyou. She had silver hair and golden eyes.

SesshoMaru was profoundly shocked yet he did not show save for a single raised eyebrow. Sitting before him was possibly the very first female Silver Inu, yet she was an hanyou. "Interesting." He said and turned to the eagle youkai, "Where did you come across her?"

Shoujun gave a smile, "About a hundred years ago, her mother, human mother brought her to me, asking me to take her in. She was very ill and was dying. I took her in and raised her as one of my own children, yet protected and hidden from the world. I know of the Silver Inu's history and how you have no female in your clan. If the words were to get out about her, she would be in danger." He looked to the young hanyou female and patted her hand, "Shiroginko, my adopted daughter." He turned back to SesshoMaru and bluntly said, "I wish you to take both my land and my daughter."

SesshoMaru narrowed his eyes at Shoujun, "I cannot take your daughter as my mate. I have already chosen one and plan to announce tonight at the dinner ceremony."

Shoujun shook his head, "No, I do not intend for you to take Shiroginko as your mate. I am very well aware that you have one already. I meant as taking her in as one of your ward, much like you did with your young human child."

SesshoMaru raised his hand to rest his chin upon. He gave a long silence to ponder. "Why do you wish for me to take both? I can guess for Shiroginko, but as for your land, don't you have a heir, your son, Shoichi?"

Shoujun gave a distressed sigh, "I had a lot of good hope for him, however he ran off, from what I've heard, he went over sea. He wished to not rule the Northern Land. None of my other children has the wisdom and ability to take after me. I wish to name you my heir and when I pass from this world, the Northern Land is yours."

SesshoMaru gave a nod, "I am honored to be named your heir. If that is what you wish, then, I accept. Tell me, why do you wish me to take Shiroginko in?"

Shoujun gave a sad smile, "I'm old and I cannot provide a better protection than of her own kind. Wouldn't she be better off with your clan? You're taking a mate and I am sure, starting a family. She would be a great assess to your pack."

"True." SesshoMaru stated and turned to the female hanyou who had been silent the whole time, tears were brimming in her eyes. "Shiroginko, are you prepared to leave your father's side?"

Shiroginko gave a hesitant nod and spoke, "Hai, if only it is best for me."

"Good. But there will be some changes, you will not live here and hide from the world." She gasped at him. "You will be trained to defend and fight and you will go out often. You will earn your living here, not as a servant but as part of the pack. When my pups come, I know my mate will need help and you will assist her. I already have two adopted children. Do you accept?"

Shiroginko bowed, her forehead touching the floor, "Hai, Lord SesshoMaru, I thank you for graciously taking me in your home. You are kind."

SesshoMaru gave a small snort and muttered under his breath, "You have my mate to thank." Then with normal tone, he turned to Shoujun, "I will see you at dinner. Shiroginko, the servant will show you to your new quarter in the western wing, which will be your home from now on."

Shiroginko gave a teary smile to SesshoMaru and thanked him once again. SesshoMaru stood and bowed once before leaving the meeting hall. It was then he knew, the curse on the Silver Inu was finally cracking. He couldn't wait to see Kagome again and set on to search for her. He found her eventually, out in the private garden with her friends, enjoying the warm sunny day.

He watched as Rin chase Shippo around the garden while Kagome stood aside, laughing at them, calling out to them. On the side of the garden where the benches were lined up with the path, Sango and Miroku sat, talking to each other. He could smell his half brother among them but couldn't see him. He suspected InuYasha had retreated to the tree once again. He finally spotted a red blur among the leaves in the tree and shook his head in amusement.

He stepped down from the path and walked across the grass. Suddenly, he felt a weight barrel into his leg and looked down to find Rin latched onto his leg. "SesshoMaru-sama!" She shrieked in happiness.

He patted her head and kneeled down to pick her up in his arm. "Rin." He stood to find Kagome approaching him with a brilliant smile on her face. He reached out and drew her in a one armed hug. "How was your morning?" He asked softly as he nuzzled her head.

Kagome gave a soft laugh and rested her head on his chest. Shippo had hesitatingly crept up to Kagome, keeping eyes at SesshoMaru. He watched the kit the entire time with amusement in his eyes; he knew the young kit was fearful of him. As Kagome opened her arms to allow Shippo hop into. SesshoMaru waited until Shippo became comfortable and patted his head, causing the kit to go stock still in Kagome's arms. "Kit, I will not harm your mother or you. She is to become my mate and you will be my son."

Shippo's eyes went wide as saucer, staring up at SesshoMaru, "Okasan, is he serious?"

Kagome giggled and ruffled Shippo's red hair, "Hai. It makes sense. You call me okasan, it might as well he will be your outosan and he will be taking care of us all."

Shippo gave a small nod and buried his head into Kagome's neck. SesshoMaru turned his gaze just in time to catch Sango slapping Miroku for his sneaky hand upon her butt. He realized the company Kagome kept was highly amused and felt he could not allow Kagome part with them.

He had already invited InuYasha to stay with them at the palace and he already had plan for him to assist him with the Western Land. He would be gaining more territory soon and he would need help, who the better other than his half-brother?

This monk and taijiya are formidable fighters and would stay loyal and true to Kagome. Deciding right there and now, they would remain by Kagome's side if they wish, they would provide her protections she needed when time comes in the future.

InuYasha hopped down from the tree and shouted to the monk, "Hey, can't you keep your hand to yourself for once?"

Miroku, red cheeked grinned, "Not around Sango, I cannot." He turned to find Sango blushing nice shade of red. By the time he returned his gaze to InuYasha, he found the hanyou staring with mouth gaped toward the Palace. He turned his gaze to find a pretty female hanyou standing at the doorway, looking out to them.

SesshoMaru detached himself from Kagome to turn to Shiroginko who had found her way to the garden, "Shiroginko." He said and placed Rin down.

Shiroginko shyly stepped down from the walkway path into the garden and approached SesshoMaru, bowing. "I apologize for interrupting. I was merely looking around, if that is all right?"

"This is your home now; you are free to roam about, except for my chamber, that is." He gave a smirk as Shiroginko grew ten shades of red. "Come," He said and took Kagome's hand in his own. "This is Kagome, my mate to be."

Shiroginko's eyes went wide as she noticed Kagome is human. "A human mate? I thought you detested human."

SesshoMaru gave a throaty chuckle that had shocked everyone. "My reputation is widely exaggerated. I only respect few humans. Kagome is a Miko. I wouldn't have any other than her."

"Shiroginko, welcome." Kagome stepped up to her and smiled as she took the hanyou's hands in her own. "It's wonderful to meet another hanyou. My best friend is one." She led her to InuYasha, who were staring at Shiroginko; he stood, assuming his usual position, trying to look tough and manly, yet failed as the pinkness colored his cheeks. "This is InuYasha, SesshoMaru's half-brother." She turned to InuYasha and finally noticed the shyness from InuYasha and smirked, "InuYasha, I am sure you will be able to show her around later, will you?"

"Uh." He started. Kagome rolled her eyes, "You don't have anything else to do, right?" He nodded and stammered, "Yeah, sure, sure." Kagome giggled and led Shiroginko to Miroku and Sango. "This is Miroku and Sango. Sango is my sister, not by blood, mind you."

Shiroginko nodded and bowed to the two human. Miroku took her hand and grinned rakishly while Sango fumed beside him. "Beautiful maiden, I am sure…" He was suddenly interrupted as Sango and InuYasha bopped him on the head. Kagome stared in surprise; usually Sango would be hitting Miroku, but not InuYasha. InuYasha stood to the side, looking away, fuming, "Stupid houshii." He said.

Shiroginko giggled. "You have very nice friends." She said.

"Okasan! Is this my new aunt?" Rin asked as she joined Kagome's side.

Kagome looked down to Rin in surprise, because it was the first time she had declared her as mother. "Rin, honey…" She was lost and found SesshoMaru joining her.

"Rin, this is Shiroginko, she may be your aunt if she accept." He said.

Shiroginko's eyes shimmered as she realized the strange brood of pack had welcomed her readily and she felt warm inside her heart. She gave a nod to Rin, "I'd love to be your aunt." She said and blinked as Shippo hopped toward her, "and, you too." She said, watching Rin hug Shippo, smiling before they departed to play, leaving the adults to themselves.

"They are your adopted children you have mentioned earlier?" Shiroginko asked as she stood up again. She saw the taiyoukai nod. "They're adorable. I will be glad to help with the children. Thank you." She bowed.

He tilted his head to her and turned to the palace, his ears flicking to sounds and he frowned slightly, "Ah, Kagome, I must attend to something else. I'll see you soon at lunch." He laid a kiss on her head and left the garden.

He trailed through his palace, listening to different sort of sounds his servants and guests made. He approached a small private garden that lay south east to the guest's wing. He entered and found Tadako standing near the wall, talking to someone that was out of his sight.

"Ichiro, please." Tadako said as she reached out to the second figure.

The second figure, a male by his voice replied, "I'm glad you're safe. I don't know if I would handle it, fighting Lord SesshoMaru for the right to mate you. My clan is loyal to him." Ichiro said with distress in his voice.

Tadako gave a soft laugh. "Ichiro, he has denied me as his mate, he already had someone else. I am yours…" She found herself in the male's embrace. "Ichiro…"

"Tadako, I am only able to gather small army, but it is not enough." He broke away from her. His feature became apparent to SesshoMaru as he moved out of the shadow. He had shoulder length white hair with dark gray streaks in them; his eyes were amber brown and slanted a bit higher than usual. His feature was different from Japanese, for he wasn't native to Japan.

SesshoMaru recognized him as one of the white tiger clan that lived in his territory. They had migrated from the land over sea after being exiled by the youkai emperor there. They came during his father's rule and settled within Western Land, under the taiyoukai's protection. Over the years, many of the white tiger served under the taiyoukai as loyal servants, soldiers and more.

SesshoMaru knew this Ichiro personally. Ichiro is the clan's prince, and he is very loyal to him, a skilled fighter and strategic mind that nearly matched his own. He had considered taking him in and train him to become one of his general for his army. However, this new revelation of Ichiro trying to assemble an army surprised him. He waited to hear the reason why.

"Ichiro, just take your time. It's not time yet to take my father off the throne." Tadako said.

Ichiro bobbed his head, "Yes, love. Shall I come back to see you later?"

SesshoMaru decided to reveal himself; he stepped out from the shadow. "Ichiro, Tadako." He said and they both started, staring at him with wide eyes. "Do not worry. I've heard enough to understand what's going on." He glanced at Ichiro, "So, this is your fiancé?"

Tadako's voice quavered, "Yes, SesshoMaru-sama. However, my father does not approve."

"I see. Ichiro's clan is under my protection and if any goes against his clan has to deal with me." He turned to Ichiro, "You will stay here, but I am putting you in the South Wing with my generals and daimyo. I wish to speak with you after my mating ceremony."

Ichiro bowed, "Thank you, Lord SesshoMaru."

"Be sure to stay out of Lord Kanesho's sight until he leaves. Tadako, I would like for you to remain after your father leave. I will request for you to stay for my Mate to your father, he will not know of this. I wish to discuss with you. I have to agree, Kanesho need to be removed from his throne."

Tadako's eyes went wide, "You… you're serious?"

"Hai. We will discuss this later. Speak no more of this for now."

Tadako bowed with a biggest smile he had ever seen on her face since she had arrived. "Thank you, Lord SesshoMaru. You are too kind."

SesshoMaru turned and left the two young lovers alone, rolling his eyes and muttering to him self, "I've gone too soft…"

The rest of the day passed by peacefully, SesshoMaru saw to Kagome at lunch, had a little banter with InuYasha. He checked with the guests to see to their comfort within his palace. Both groups stayed on their respective side of the palace, never once crossing each other's path. He ordered some guards to trail Kouga, knowing he would cause some troubles with InuYasha if he ever discovers the hanyou was within the same place with him. It was Kagome he worries more from Kouga, knowing the wolf youkai had wished to claim her as his mate.

The servants were busy as well, running around, making errands and preparing for the dinner banquet. As afternoon approached, Kagome was whisked away from SesshoMaru's presence to get prepared for dinner. Sango, Rin and Shiroginko joined Kagome to help to prepare her.

Miroku had retreated into the library, with permission of SesshoMaru to read up the scrolls. InuYasha stalked away in the tree, thinking about life and whatever to come, preparing for the change in the future. It wasn't the only thing on his mind, but a certain new hanyou. He was very curious about her.

The palace gong rang out, announcing twilight hour. The Lords and their guests were led to the ceremony hall. They all stood in place where they would sit at the long low table. Soon, they were joined by InuYasha and his pack. They all were dressed to occasion. InuYasha was garbed in black hakama with red kimono haori over silver juban. His hair was combed and tied back in low ponytail. Miroku was given black and blue kimono while Sango was dressed in beautiful pink and purple kimono with scattering roses across the hems. Shiroginko had similar kimono but in blue and silver with slight green accent.

InuYasha and Kouga glared at each other the moment they saw each other in the ceremony hall. They did not exchange a word yet, their body languages spoke volume. InuYasha knew Kouga would be surprised once he finds out who SesshoMaru's intended mate is going to be. It was out of his hands now and he knew SesshoMaru would handle him much easier than he had. No one messes with the taiyoukai, or even dare to cross the line with him. He gave Kouga a smirk, making Kouga rather very agitated. Kouga knew he couldn't do anything or else he would risk breaching the taiyoukai's warning.

Rin and Shippo, also dressed, in the Western Land colors, signifying that they belong to SesshoMaru's family, both dressed almost identical of white with red sakura flower scattering on their sleeves and wrapped with yellow obi and belt striped with blue. Rin wore the kimono while Shippo had hakama and jacket vest over his juban. They were to be seated next to SesshoMaru and Kagome, who had not yet arrived.

The gong rang as SesshoMaru entered the ceremony hall, everyone bowed to him. He looked regal in his ceremony clothes, his white silk juban and hakama looked almost silver with darker gray design of sakura along the bottom of his hakama and the sleeve of his juban. He wore a pale golden obi with shimmering pale blue diagonal stripes, with the sash hanging down in the front; it was tied around his waist in Arabic style. He also had haori jacket in white with his trademark red sakura pattern across both shoulder and along the hem of his sleeves and a darker silver gray design of his true demon form standing before a silver pale blue crescent moon on his back. His hair was tied up in high ponytail, making him look strongly like his late father.

He stood at the head of the table and bowed to his guests. "Thank you all for coming. Lords, as you requested, my mate." He gestured to the door where he had come from. The gong rang out once again and the door slid open and everyone took intake of breath. Kagome stepped into the ceremony hall, looking every bit like a goddess. Her pale silver kimono was fashioned with European accent. The skirt of the kimono flowed out from her waist and trailed behind her. Dark silver crest of sakura patterned along the bottom of the skirt and the sleeves that flowed loosely from her arm to her knees, creating a illusion of rippling water as she walked. The obi was in deep red, tied around her waist, much like Arabic style, leaving the trailing sash down in front, ending with gradient of yellow and blue wavy lines were seen across the yellow. Her hair was tied up in elegant but simple bun, held in place with hair pins and jade comb.

SesshoMaru's lips held a small smile only for Kagome as he held his hand out for her to take. Once she reached his side, he turned to the others, "My mate, Lady Kagome of the Western Land."

Kouga spat, "Like hell! She's my mate!"

SesshoMaru's eyes began to bleed red as he growled at the young õkami. "Know your place, Kouga!" He barked. "She came to me with no mark of any others on her, thus is unclaimed."

Lord Kohroami snapped his head to Kouga, "Is this what he mean by you will be causing trouble?" he said angrily at his son.

Kouga growled deep in his throat. "I told you father, I chose a mate, a human one a while ago. That is her! The stupid mutt lost her to him!" He turned his gaze to InuYasha who appeared nonchalant at the whole thing. "You were supposed to protect her!"

InuYasha snorted, "Better with SesshoMaru instead of you."

"Why you!" Kouga made to leap across the table but the guards had came in and grabbed hold of him by his arms. "Hey! Let me go!"

Lord Kohroami turned to SesshoMaru and bowed, "Thousands apologizes. I've ignored my son's desire to mate with a human for he was already engaged to a princess of the northern clan."

SesshoMaru held his head high, "I am aware of his engagement to Princess Ayame. This is why I've already arranged for her to come." As he said Ayame's name, she walked into the room from another side, she bowed to SesshoMaru and turned to Kouga, glaring at him.

Kagome withdrew her hand from SesshoMaru's and walked around to Lord Kohroami and Ayame. She took Ayame's hand. "Kouga, as many time you tried to lay claim on me, have you ever listened to me, hearing me deny your claim?"

Kouga stopped thrashing about in the guard's grip and stared at Kagome. He stood stock still and realized, in the past, he had never allowed her to give her consents. The first time he had laid claim on her, she had denied him and he had chosen to not believe or accept her words. Dropping his head to hide his shameful eyes from her, he sighed in distress.

"Kouga. I've only been your friend and nothing more. I do not have feelings for you. At the time, I had feelings for InuYasha but it ended. I love SesshoMaru and accepted his proposal to be his mate. As a friend, please do me a favor." Kagome said with soft voice and the others listened to her, surprised with the wisdom in her words and her confession.

"For you, Kagome, anything." Kouga said, his voice held pain and embarrassment. He would do anything to rectify the mistakes he had made in the past. Even if she asked for his death, he would kneel and bare his neck for her.

"Good, take Ayame and keep your promise and mate with her. She is loyal and a wonderful woman for you. She had stood by you for years, waiting for you to come around and accept her. Return this loyalty and honor her by taking her as your mate."

Kouga looked up to Kagome and then turned his gaze to Ayame. For the first time, he saw Ayame in a different light. She stood before him in red and brown kimono, her hair let down from its usual pigtails, flowing down her back in soft curls. Her green eyes shimmered with hope. She is beautiful; he thought to himself and realized, Kagome was right, Ayame was one true mate for him. He gave a nod and kneeled, bowing to Ayame, "Forgive me; I've ignored you too long. I will honor you by taking you as my mate."

Ayame smiled and bopped Kouga on the head. "You idiot. You have a lot to make up for."

Kouga stood up, rubbing his head, "Ow, yeah, I know." Kouga turned to SesshoMaru and bowed, "Lord SesshoMaru, I withdraw my challenge and ask for forgiveness."

SesshoMaru tilted his head slightly, "Very well. The next time, I won't be lenient." He took Kagome's hand and guided her to sit next to him. "Let us all eat." He said and sat down. Everyone else followed suit, sitting down on their cushioned pillow and they were served dinner.

SesshoMaru watched Kagome as she ate and talked with the others, the smile were alight on her face. She had shown herself to be worthy and wise, a mere human with the ability to win heart of many demons and calming them out of their blood rage. She was truly special and he felt no regret in taking her as his mate. He looked forward to lifetime with her by his side. He turned his eyes to the others around the table. Her friends appeared happy for her and were talking with ease in the presence of the other Lords. They talked among themselves, not comfortable to be at the same table with humans. SesshoMaru realized that he would be the first Lord to truly bridge the world between Youkai and Humans and he knew Kagome would help him.

He studied each Lord for their reaction and actions to his decision. For a long time, they had assumed he would take a demoness as a mate. Only the Northern Lord was truly aware of his clan's history and need to mate with human Miko in order to produce pure Silver Inu. The Northern Lord was wholly accepted to his choice in human mate. He had taken in a hanyou child and raised her with compassion and he had long history of alliance with the Western Land. His father before him was a good friend of Lord InuTaisho's father, Lord Toga. Lord Shoujun was fully supportive of InuTaisho's mating with two human females.

Lord Kohroami had longed detested human until Kouga came to him and requested to stop the killing and easting humans several years ago. SesshoMaru was among those who wondered what had prompted a sudden change in the õkami youkai. Kouga had requested his father to make a law for all the õkami to stop feasting on human flesh and it had changed the entire perspective of Kohroami's view on humans. He was slowly accepting humans on equal ground.

It wasn't until he learned that after he retrieved Rin from her death, which it was the very same wolves that ran with Kouga, was responsible killing Rin. It was around the same time that Kouga had met Kagome. He had suspected Kagome had something to do with changing Kouga's perspective. InuYasha had confirmed to him recently that it indeed was.

SesshoMaru didn't trust Lord Kohroami entirely, yet there were alliance between the east and the west to attain peace for now. Yet, SesshoMaru had the entire army ready to flatter the eastern land the moment Lord Kohroami stirs up trouble with him. Tonight, Kouga had nearly broken the fragile alliance between the east and the west.

The southern lord was the most suspicious to SesshoMaru. Lord Kanesho sat farther away from everyone and kept to himself. He was eyeing the humans at the table. He barely touched his food. Every time he laid his eyes upon Kagome, he wore a hint of a sneer on his face and devious glint in his eyes. SesshoMaru had never liked him; he was often foolish and acts without thinking twice. He often brings himself in shouting match with many lesser lords all around and breached several wars upon human daimyo. Yet, he had been careful to not overstep his line with the other lords. SesshoMaru felt it was time to take him off the throne and hand the land to someone else who can handle it better. He had abused his land, taking more from the people, driving them to starvation and neglecting them, leaving them to disruption with each other.

He was surprised earlier that Kanesho's own daughter wants to dethrone him. He wanted to help her and it was time for him to step in and give his assistance. The Southern Land was small and poor, and handing over small portion of his own army to assist would have handled the job without much trouble.

His golden eyes blinked once and he turned his head to Kagome. Her blue eyes shone with happiness as she laughed at some joke that was exchanged between Shiroginko and Tadako. Everything did not matter to him that moment; it was not the time to think about his land, the other lords, his own half-brother and his children. It was time for him to focus on Kagome, making her his.

He could not wait any longer. He rose to his feet, making all the commotions in the hall go silent. Everyone turned their heads to him, watching him. He turned to Kagome and held his hand out to her. She gave a shy smile and took his hand and stood up with his help.

He spoke, breaking the silence in the room. "Before the four lands, I present you my mate, Lady Kagome of Edo." He turned to her, lifting up a small ceremony cup and handed it to her. Kagome took it and found it was empty, frowning slightly as she looked up to him. He simply smiled at her and raised his hand over the cup and brought up a dagger. He noticed Kagome's eyes went wide at this. She held the cup in her hands and he saw that she was holding it steadily. He drew the dagger across his hand, allowing dark thick blood drip in the cup, then the cut in his hand healed instantly.

He took the cup from her hand and handed her the dagger. Kagome understood immediately. It was a simple ceremony and she remembered from reading the scroll, there were no words exchanged in this part of the ceremony. SesshoMaru had done his part, introducing her to the others and the point of this part of the ceremony was to show their commitment to one another by mixing their blood in a cup and drink from it, sharing their life bond together. She took the dagger and held her hand out over the cup; she drew it across her palm, keeping her face straight, to not wince at the pain. It also signified strength and wiliness to take pain for one another. Her blood bled into the cup and she saw her hand healed right up. Looking up to meet his golden eyes, she saw pride within his orbs. Smiling at him, she handed the dagger back to him and he tucked it in his sash.

She took the cup and brought it up to her lip, taking a sip, she drank the blood. Its warm liquid ran down her throat, giving her a burning sensation like sake. She supposed it was his youkai blood, surprised, it didn't taste horrible as she thought it would. She brought the cup away from her lips and turned it thrice before handing it to him. He took it and brought it up to his lips, still keeping his eyes locked with her; he drank the rest of the content and turned it thrice before setting it down. He took up another cup, this time filled with Sake, he handed it to her and she went though the same motion she had done with the last one. She handed it back to him and he did the same and finally, they did again with the third and last cup, this time, filled with water that was taken from the Western Land.

The first cup of blood was sign of their lives bonding to each other, body, mind and soul. The second cup was the commitment to the people of the Western Land and finally, the last cup was their commitment to the Kami and the nature.

The gong rang out and the guests around the table slapped their hands on the tabletop, showing their acceptance of their union and cheers. SesshoMaru turned to them and gave a head bow, "Thank you. You all may retire to your quarters for the night." He turned and took Kagome's hand and led her out of the ceremony hall. The gong rang one last time.

InuYasha was the first to rise from the table and said, "You all know better to not interrupt them."

Kouga asked with jeering face, "What? Why don't you go and show us what would happen if we try?"
InuYasha narrowed his eyes and cracked his hands, "Why don't I just throw you down the hall to their door and we shall see?"

Ayame and Shiroginko bopped both of them on the head, saying at the same time, "Shut up!" They looked at each other and giggled.

InuYasha gaped at Shiroginko, shocked she would do such thing. "What the hell?"

Shiroginko rolled her eyes at him and took his arm, "You promised me to show me around the palace. I am still not sure where my room is." She batted her eyes and giggled as she saw InuYasha stammer and blush.

Kagome blushed horribly, knowing what to come as she walked silently down the corridors of the palace toward their bedchamber. Her body felt like it was on fire; she looked up to SesshoMaru and found him looking down at her with endearment in his eyes. She felt like her heart was going to melt.

As they approached the door to their chamber, SesshoMaru stopped and turned to Kagome, "Do you feel any remorse for binding your life to mine?" He trailed a finger down her cheek and tracing her jaw line.

Her eyes shimmered in the faint light, she shook her head. "No, SesshoMaru. I mean what I said, I love you and I look forward to lifetime with you. Yeah, I'm a bit nervous… I… I have never done this."

"Good, know this, I will be your first and last." He leaned down and captured her lips in searing kiss. She gasped and returned with equal vigor.

They broke apart, heaving for breath that their lungs burned for. He pushed the door open and led her into the room, closing the door behind her. She gasped softly as she saw the room. It had been decorated earlier while they were at dinner. The entire floor was covered couple inches deep with deep red rose and blushing pink sakura petals. As they stepped into the flower, crushing them beneath their feet, powerful fragrant were released in the air, perfuming the room. The room was also surrounded with thousands of candles, giving soft luminous glow all around and the bed was decked in white, pillows, cushions and sheets were pure white and long canopy draped down over the bed, pooling around the sides. It was their marriage bed and she felt like she was in heaven.

He took her hand, snapping her out of her stupor. She looked to his face and smiled, "It's so beautiful…" She said softly, afraid to break the illusion.

"Come, we must bath each other before we adjoin to the bed." He said as he led her toward the bathing chamber. The carpet of flower did not stop there but went on into the bathing chamber, covering every inch of the floor. The water was also covered on the surface, except there was lavender instead of roses and sakura. There was also lotus in full bloom as well, floating here and there, giving white break in the colors.

He let go of her hand and took the dagger out of his sash and laid it down on the bench beside them. He returned to her and drew his haori off and allows it to drop on the flowers beside them. Kagome blushed and realized it was her motion to undress him, her first duty as his mate. She stepped up to him and took hold of his sash; she untied it carefully and unwound it. The process forced her to step up closer to his body so she'd reach behind him to remove the sash. Finally as the sash came free, she allowed it to drop around his feet. Her hands reached up to his juban and she ran her fingers across his chest, she noticed he shivered slightly under her touch. His golden eyes bore into her when she looked up to meet his eyes. Her hands deftly found the ties to his juban and she worked them free and the cloth came free, exposing his muscular chest. She gave a soft intake as she stared at his chest and reached up to touch his biceps and moved across his skin to his shoulder, pushing the juban off his shoulders, letting it join the other clothes on the floor around his feet.

She looked down to his hakama and reached out to do the ties around his hakama but his hand stopped her. She looked up to him and he shook his head slightly. "Not yet." He whispered and reached to her obi sash. She went red and dropped her arms to her side. He worked deftly to her obi, unwinding it around her delicate waist, finally when she came free, he tossed it aside. Her hand went to her kimono, keeping it close.

He reached out to her hand and pushing it aside gently, taking hold of her kimono lapel, he drew it open and reached up to push it off her shoulder. The heavy material of her outer kimono fell to the floor behind her with heavy thud, sending strong scent of fragrant wafting up in the air. She stood in the under kimono of plain white. He then moved to work on the smaller obi at her waist and soon, the obi and kimono came free, revealing her in a sheer red yakuta, covering almost nothing. She looked away shyly as he stood before her, his eyes roaming over her body, taking everything in.

"Beautiful, Kagome, you are very beautiful." He whispered as he stepped up to her and taking her hands, drawing her closer to the water of the hot spring bath. As they stood by the edge, he drew her hand to his hakama ties. She obliged and worked on the ties, loosening them. She blushed as she saw the rising tent in his hakama.

He noticed this and chuckled deeply, sending shivers down her spine. "See that?" He said, leaning forward that his breath brushed against her ear, "That is how you make me feel, Kagome. It's all for you…"

She shivered at his warm breath caressing her ear. She was too stunned to say anything and let go of the ties. The pants fell free from his narrow waist, exposing his finely shaped abdomen. Her eyes trailed down to what stood attention. He was rather very well endowed for a demon male. Her eyes went wide as a saucer as she stared at it, never having seen it before. Sure enough, she had seen her brother's and documented photo from school for sex education but none of them compared to his. She wondered if it would fit in her. Her eyes flew up to meet his and he saw underlining fear in her eyes.

"Kagome, I will never hurt you. I will make sure every moment is pleasurable for you as it is for me." He said and reached down to her red yakuta tie and with a flick of his wrist, the tie came free and the sheer silk came free from her body, sliding down her arms like water upon skin. He took in the sight of her body and inhaled. She was perfect in every way, her pale skin shone under the glittering light of the room, giving off soft golden glow. Her breast heaved with her breath; they were just right size, not small like a child but fully developed, almost as if it were just made for his own hands. His eyes trailed down to her waist, tiny and tapered off to her rounded hips, giving way to her long but well defined legs that showed muscle tones from years of traveling though the lands.

He looked up again from her legs to the junction where a dark patch hid the treasure he could not wait to indulge into. She shifted under his gaze and the movement gave hint of scent coming from the hidden trove, he already felt his head spin from such hint of her scent and knew, he would lose himself once he get the full blown. He could not wait, she was sweet and spicy, it made him tight and it was already beginning to become painful for him.

Meeting her blue eyes again, he took her hand and stepped into the water, leading her in as well. When they reached waist deep, he stopped and turned her to face him. He cupped the water and rose to pour the water over her head and she tipped her head back, welcoming the warm water on her face. The water ran down her neck and made river between her breasts met with the water at her waist. The entire time, SesshoMaru watched the trail of the water and nearly groaned.

She lifted a handful of water and reached up; he lowered himself and allowed his head back, letting the water make its travel down his face and his neck, streaming down his chest, leaving behind a warm trail. He shivered, realizing the water felt a bit cooler to him and his body was on fire.

He ducked his head under the water and stood up. His hair clung to his skin like molten silver and the droplet of water shone upon his skin, glittering gold in contract with his hair. He looked like a god of sea, standing before her. She gasped softly and felt the heat in her belly burn hotter. She felt her cheek heat up and ducked under the water and remained there until her lungs burn. She could not believe herself, lusting after the taiyoukai. If she had told herself a year ago that she would be mated to the taiyoukai, she would had laughed and tossed the idea to the wind.

She came up for air and saw his curious glance at her. She laughed a bit, "Uhm… Sorry." She said and looked away once again. He reached out to bring her face to his and leaned down, kissing her lips. She gasped and allowed herself lost in the sensation. He trailed his kisses down her neck, licking and nibbling every so often. He lowered himself and reached her breast, his lips tracing her nipple while his hand explored the other one. She threw her head back as her breath came erratically, what he was doing to her breasts was unbelievable good.

He teased her nipple until it came to hard tip and he moved to the other breast, doing the same. He heard her gasp and moan under his ministration and smirked. He withdrew from her breast and took hold of her waist, she was shaking, her eyes glazed over. "There's more of that…" he teased as he helped her out of the water and wrapped towel around her body to dry her off. She looked up at him and he said, "In the bed." He took the towel from her and picked her up bridal style, carrying her toward their bed.

He laid her down on the bed, boring gaze into her, drinking her in with every glance. He hovered over her on all four, caging her under him. He bowed his head to her jaw, tracing along with his tongue, reaching to the outer shell of her ear and whispered, "If you want to stop, let me know." She shook her head and moaned as he stuck his tongue into her ear.

Managing to find her voice, "N…no, no, keep going… oh god…" She whimpered as he trailed his hand down her chest, reaching to her junction, her muscles bunched up and shivered under his touch. She whimpered as he trailed his finger through her dark curls and stopping just before he went farther. She never felt the need for him to touch him so badly, her mound throbbed painfully and she let out a small sound, "Please…"

He smirked and reached down and found her core very, very wet. He rubbed lightly over her mound and watched her shiver. He suddenly pushed his finger into her core and she gave a loud gasp. He rubbed his finger in and out, careful to not break her virginity barrier with his claw, let alone scratch her. She gasped as he found her nub and she whimpered as the coil within her started to tighten.

He found her scent overpowering and he couldn't hold back any longer, he lowered his head and buried his nose in her curls and inhaled. She smelled so spicy and sweet all the same, with ting of lavender from the bath water and her Miko power gave away hint of thunderstorm. He felt his head reeling from the scent and he licked her core, replacing his finger, her taste coated his tongue and he couldn't get enough, licking her deep and she cried his name out in heavy pants, sounding heaven to him.

She gripped the sheet on her side as he probed his tongue deep inside her, stretching and tasting every bit of her essence. His thumb made insane circles around her nub, sending her higher and higher. "Sessho… Sess…" her voice came in hitching hiss as she approached the peak. "Ah, ah… SesshoMaru!" Brilliant light flashed before her eyes as she felt her body tremble, rolling with sensation she had never felt before.

He heard her call out his name and knew she was coming. He kept his pace, and suddenly, she trembled under his ministration and she came, her juice came gushing out, coating his tongue with thick sweet spicy honey and he greedily drank it all up.

As she finally trembled less and looked to him and said, "God, that was… amazing…" She pushed herself up and sat up. He leaned back on his heels, smirking at her. "That's only small part of it… a whole lifetime with me…" He said huskily and she shivered at his voice and wondered, if he kept talking to her like this, she would come again. She leaned forward and trailed her hand on his chest, mapping every bump and crevice his muscles made. "My turn…" She said with soft throaty tone and her hand traveled downward.

He stared at her, his skin burned where she touched, as she reached his junction, her fingers curling up in his silver hair that nestled his proud solider, standing attention. She smirked at him, her cheek tinged pink. She had read about how to pleasure men and was slightly nervous. She heard his erratic breathing and knew she was doing fine so far. She wrapped her hand around his hot member, it felt like steel with stain under her fingers and she heard him gasp as she ran her thumb over the bugling head. She felt the pre-cum come and rubbed a little more, he took a long sharp inhale as he threw his head back, "Kagome… don't tease me so…" He muttered, growled throatily.

She leaned down and with her tongue; she licked the head and felt his hand grasped her hair, not so roughly. Wrapping her mouth over his rod, she tasted the salty pre-cum and found it was tangy, not as overly bitter as she heard from her friends. Maybe it was the things you have with your loved one that left the bitterness out. Hearing him growl softly as she lapped him up, rubbing her tongue over his shaft made her feel hotter, wetter. She moaned and felt him shiver and started to bob her head on him, his hands fisted in her hair. She tried to keep pace yet he was so large that she couldn't take him all in her mouth. Her teeth scraped over his sensitive head and she heard him gasp her name in inuyoukai language. It sounded so erotic to her that she almost came right there and she realized, he was about to come. Recalling a hint from her friends, she clamped her mouth over his penis and she felt him shake, he came in her mouth as he grunted, holding her head. Swallowing as much she could, she manages to get it all and released him. Sitting up, she licked the juice around her lips and smirked at him, he was breathing hard, gazing at her with such look that burned her inside.

"I've never heard of such act you've done…" he said between pants, crawling over to her, pinning her down on the bed.

She shrugged, "I don't believe it was the male's only duty to pleasure his wife, where I came from, and equivalent exchange is a must to keep the relationship healthy."

He murmured as he trailed his lips up her neck, nibbling along her jaw and reaching her lips, melting into another passionate kiss, tasting themselves on each other.

His hard shaft rubbed along her leg, reaching her center and rocked gently against her mound, making her wetter again. She moaned in his mouth and felt the head pushing against her core. He broke away, looking down at her, stilling his move. "Kagome…" he asked.

She gave a nod, putting all of her trust in him, his hands holding her hands, their fingers intertwined as he hovered above her. He moved down, pushing into her slowly, stretching her to accommodate his size. He paused every once in a while, groaning as he held back, she was so tight around his penis, her virgin walls pulsed against him. As he reached the barrier, he held back, watching her face, he was amazed to find such trust in her eyes as she stared back. With one quick move, he broke through and found himself at the hilt, her core covering, stretching over his shaft, sucking him in. She winced and grasped at his hands tightly as the sharp pain tore through her body. As suddenly it came, it faded away, leaving her to feel him stretching inside her. She moaned as he started to move out.

He lowered his head and licked her tears away that fell free from the corner of her eyes. He moved slowly, allowing her to adjust to him and soon, she was moaning his name, moving with him in rhythm that goes way back before the beginning of time. It was seductive, intimate and private dance that only they danced to the song of their blood, answering to the depth of their souls.

Their bodies wounded tighter and tighter as they met with each thrust, she was tight around him and he was reaching farther and farther into her. It felt as if she cocooned his soul, giving him the balmness that his beast desired and him opening the doors to her soul, reaching far deep inside her, embracing her with him, tying her to his soul for all eternity.

His eyes bled red and his fangs lengthen, yet her blue eyes watched without fear but with desire and love. His lips found her and their lips joined in rough dance, battling for dominance and she lost, submissive to him, he bit her lips, drawing her blood, it burned him and he felt his lips grazed by her own, spilling forth his own and she drank it greedily as he did with hers. Their blood mingled, giving taste that was far better than the finest wine in the land, giving each other heady feeling along with the tightening coils that lay deep in their abdomen. Their bodies became slick with sweat, his silver hair mingled with her deep black, wet and clinging to their bodies, making illusion of them merging physically.

He growled deeply, calling to her in InuYoukai language and she replied, her mewling voice calling to his name. He threw his head back and howled as he spilled his seeds deep in her womb. She clutched tightly onto him, her core milking him for all he was worth. They felt their bodies roll in delicious sensation together, for it felt like eternity yet it was only a minute later that he collapsed on her, careful to not crush her with his weight. He panted hard in her ear and he could feel her chest heaving against his, their hearts beating tattoo against each other.

The entire palace heard his roar, announcing that he had mated with her and she was his forever. InuYasha, on the other side of the palace in the garden turned his head to the west wing. He closed his eyes in defeat. She was well out of his range now, only he had left is her friendship and she was his sister now, through his half-brother. He felt a hand touch his shoulder and looked up to find Shiroginko standing beside him, looking down with a small smile.

Perhaps, hope was not lost on him. He had another chance at love and this time around, he would not screw it up. Two experiences had taught him something. He silently opened his arms, welcoming her to settle in and rest her head on his shoulder. He knew she was lonely and seeking out companionship and it was what he had to offer. He will take it slow this time around, to build unbreakable trust and bond. Wrapping his arms around her, his fire rat haori covered her like a blanket and he rested his head on top of her head and they both watched the shimmering night sky, watching the stars streak by.

SesshoMaru rolled off her body and laid beside her, he had finally regained his breathing and held her to his chest. She curled into his side, tracing a finger over his chest. "You tire this youkai, woman…" He muttered and heard her giggle. He chuckled and looked down to meet her shining blue eyes. "Aishiteru, Kagome." He said softly as he held her hand on his chest.

Tears welled in her eyes yet did not spill, "Aishiteru, SesshoMaru." She said and closed her eyes, letting sleep take over.

He watched her sleep as her breathing even out. Her black hair fanned over his arm as he wrapped it around her body, holding her close. He reached with his other arm to draw the blanket over them, covering them up. He realized the old geezers had done something right for him in the first time in long time; they had given him a perfect mate, a woman who had his heart in her hands. He reached down and caressed her abdomen, life was starting within and he smirked, burying his nose into her hair, taking in her sweet scent.

He closed his eyes, allowing sleep to take him and he joined her in her dream.

AN:

Whoo… this chapter took me a while. Had a busy weekend and worked all day on Monday to get this chapter around… The lemon was hard but… I managed. Hope you all liked it… I laughed, I cried, I melted into puddles… Thank you all for your patience… this was the longest chapter ever for this story… I hope it was worth it to you all. And it's not over yet…

I just felt the need to go ahead and post it instead of having my beta-reader edit it. She's thirteen and I didn't realize this until she told me. Ah well, I know the risks of having readers under thirteen reading such kind of fics like this. It's their risk to venture into such territory; I just pray that they won't do such things before marriage. Warning had been posted and I've done my part, it's their choice to read.

I just looked in the previous chapter, everyone missed something, included my beta-reader. If you had not missed it but failed to let me know, I left out a word! I left a dash for a word I had intended to look up to put in. InuYasha's blood blades, the Sankon Tessō. Geesh!

Apiring Writer: please, if you can, sign in when you review, so I can respond to your review. I'd like to discuss what you want to take out from this story.

Thank you all for your support and wonderful reviews, I love you all! Huggies!

Yeesh, it's 2:30 am and I'm pretty conked out. Yay, we got our snow in Colorado… and every other states in US had a nice warm sunny day. Hehe. It's sooo pretty outside… mmm. Only if I had a fireplace, it'd be perfect. Bummer, I live in an apartment (or flat as the rest of the world calls it).