Disclaimer: nothing I own (that was yoda-tastic)

Authoress' Note: nothing much to say here…just enjoy!

As Long As You're Mine
Chapter Four

With Inuyasha and Sango

"Let me explain Sango." Inuyasha said, sitting down next to her on a couch, "Just because Miroku is betrothed to Koharu doesn't mean that he loves her. In fact, he doesn't really like her all that much. But it was out of his control, his parents have wanted to join their land with the land of Koharu's parents and a betrothal was just what they needed. Koharu is all for this marriage, but Miroku dreads getting married. But the one thing you don't want when you're a prince is to have your parents angry with you. Do you understand?"

"Well, yes. But still, he could've told me. Isn't there any way for Miroku to break off the betrothal if he is that unhappy with it?"

"He technically could. But the last thing that Miroku wants is to disobey his parents. He knows how much this marriage would help the kingdom. And to him, duty to his kingdom is more important than his own personal happiness."

"That's not fair. He should be able to marry someone he loves!" she exclaimed.

"Well, let me explain. I've have been trying to convince Miroku for the longest time to break off this engagement to pursue his own happiness but he refuses to. So I think that you can help me convince him."

"What do you mean? I'm just a peasant girl who was taken in by someone of standing…that doesn't mean I am nobility! How can I compare to a princess?" she asked.

"Just come to the ball tonight. That's all it will take. Trust me. I know how Miro looks when he is truly happy, and that's how he looked with you."

"But Inuyasha…what would I wear? I don't have anything that could possibly be suitable for a ball!"

"Don't worry about it. I can have everything taken care of. All I ask in return is that you go home and bring something back with you."

"What?"

"Kagome." Inuyasha said and Sango smiled, I knew he liked her. She thought.

Sango nodded, "All right Inuyasha. I will be back here shortly; With Kagome."

Inuyasha smiled, "All right. I'll be expecting you. Come here and I'll find someone to help you two get ready."

"Thank you" she said and exited the room.

With Sango

Sango had been nervous before about things, but nothing had been this nerve-wracking. She hurried along the road to the village until she finally got to her home she was relieved to find Kagome there. At least I don't have to track her down. She thought.

"Kagome. Come here, I have to talk to you." She called and Kagome walked outside and met Sango in the courtyard of the house.

"What is it?" Kagome asked.

"Listen. It's a long story but all you need to know is that I need you to come with me to the ball tonight."

"WHAT!? What do you mean I need to go with you to the ball? Sango, that's crazy!"

"Kagome, this is important. Inuyasha asked me to go to the ball to help him with something. And he asked me to bring you to the ball with me."

Kagome smiled, "Inuyasha wants to see me?"

"Cut it out Kagome. Will you go? Please come with me"

Kagome nodded, "All right Sango. I'll go."

Sango's eyes lit up, "Thank you Kagome. Thank you."

At The Ball That Night

Oh God I don't want to be here. Miroku thought as he entered the ballroom. He looked over to his right to look at Inuyasha. At least I'm not the only one who isn't enjoying myself.

"Oh Miro! Isn't this beautiful?" Koharu asked as she linked her arm through his left arm.

"Um…yeah Koharu. It's nice." He replied without thinking. God Miroku, just try to enjoy yourself! It wouldn't kill you to try and have fun with Koharu. This would be so much easier if I hadn't met Sango.

It was at that moment that he noticed her. Sango and Kagome had just entered the ballroom, and they certainly made an entrance. All eyes were on them at that one moment. They were the two most beautiful people in the room.

Kagome was wearing a dress of navy blue silk trimmed with lace. You could tell that she was the daughter of a lady in that moment, because the one of the only pieces of jewelry she wore was the sapphire amulet of the Higurashi family. Her hair was pulled away slightly and curled below her shoulders and was pinned back with diamond hair clips. Miroku looked at Inuyasha, who was completely captivated by her.

Sango, who was always the understated beauty, far outshined her sister by Miroku's standards. She was wearing an elegant dress of hunter green velvet and white satin. She wore the same pearl necklace she had worn earlier, with pearl earrings and bracelet. Her hair was pulled back into a bun with strands of pearls woven into her hair. She was the most beautiful person Miroku had even seen in his lifetime.

Koharu clung to Miroku's arm. "Miroku!" she hissed, "What is the meaning of this?"

Miroku turned to Inuyasha, "Remind me to hurt you later" he whispered.

"You're welcome" Inuyasha replied with a smile

"Um…Koharu, I'll be right back." Miroku said, walking towards Sango and Kagome.

"Miroku!" Koharu said, grabbing his arm, "Don't do this! She's…common."

Miroku looked at Koharu and shook his head, "Koharu…just…stop" he said and walked away, Inuyasha following close behind.

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"Sango, they're coming over here" Kagome whispered to her sister when eyes were off of them.

"So you noticed too? Nervous?"

"Yes."

"Good…me too"

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Inuyasha and Miroku pushed their way through the crowds of people until they finally reached Kagome and Sango.

"Good evening your highness, Master Inuyasha" Sango said, bowing low, her "sister" following suit.

"And good evening to you Sango" Miroku replied with a warm smile, "Would you like to dance?" he asked.

Sango looked nervously at Inuyasha who nodded at her as he escorted Kagome to the dance floor.

"It would be an honor your highness" she said softly as she took his arm.

"Miroku" he whispered in her ear as they walked down the stairs.

"Miroku" she repeated softly, causing Miroku to smile to himself.

When they reached the dance floor a minuet had started. Miroku placed a hand on her waist and took her other hand in his as she rested her hand on his shoulder. They glided across the dance floor and Miroku could feel everyone's eyes on them. For the first time he was actually enjoying himself at a ball.

The dance ended and they separated and bowed to each other as they waited for another song to begin. As the next song began, they continued to dance. As they danced by where Koharu was sitting, Sango noticed a look that could kill being aimed right at her.

"Miroku, are you sure this is okay? I mean, Koharu doesn't look too happy." Sango whispered to him as they danced.

"Sango let me worry about Koharu. Just…enjoy yourself"

The music suddenly stopped and the king and queen rose to address the crowd. "First of all we would like to thank everyone for coming tonight." The king said, "And since because we are all here together, the queen and I would like to make a very important announcement regarding our son, Prince Miroku."

"Miroku…what is this all about?" Sango asked.

"I...I have no idea." He replied, just as confused as she was. He looked to Koharu who was wearing a smug look as her number one accessory.

"We have decided that our son and Princess Koharu will finally marry. The wedding will take place in one week and all are invited. We hope to see you there" the king finished.

"Miroku…" Sango said, looking at Miroku.

Miroku looked once more at Koharu and his parents, turned from Sango and walked out the doors into the gardens.

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Authoress' Note: Oooh! Plot twist! And now for a sneaky peak!

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"I do." Miroku said, to the complete shock of almost everyone present, "I do. I do!"