I do not own anything

I woke up the next morning quite refreshed and happy despite last night events. After returning to the ball last night, I talked to Alpha Izayoi all night getting insight on Lycan culture. I'm sure that my cheeks are still inflamed from the questions Rin asked me last night. It was embarrassing, but I answered every question because I could not say no to those huge, brown eyes. I got out of bed, bathed, and waited until I was called for the morning meal. I was anxious to see Sesshomaru again. Would I have to compel him every time I am around another male? A knock steered me from my thoughts.

"Princess, it is time for your morning meal."

"In a moment, Mia. Thank you."

I glanced at myself in the mirror once more. I look stiff. I pulled my hair from its restraining bun and quickly changed into a simple purple dress. As I walked into the dining room, I notice that I am the last to come down and the only other seat is across from Sesshomaru.

"Good morning to you all."

"Good Morning, Princess Kagome" yells Rin from her seat beside Sesshomaru.

I instantly smile.

"Good morning to you too, Rin."

As I sit down, Sesshomaru stands up.

"I must apologize to you all for my atrocious behavior last night."

I looked at Sesshomaru and smiled.

"Although I was merely reacting to your un-lady like actions, Princess Kagome. I had no right to lose control as I did."

My smile dropped. I looked to everyone at the table. Alpha Inu Taisho had a grim look on his face, Inuyasha was shocked, Kikyo was smirking, and everyone was else had a somber look on their faces.

"Un-lady like actions? That was an apology?!"

"Hn."

"I was merely dancing with Inuyasha! You're a horrible beast-"

"Kagome!" Mother screeched indignantly.

"Who almost ruined my coronation because of your territorial issues and you blame your actions on me!"

I know that I must be screeching right now, but I am too angry to care.

"As the mate of an Alpha Lycan, you are expected to act in an dignified manner at all times. Your actions last night would be seen as a disrespect towards me as your mate."

"I may be your betrothed, but we are not mated yet! I will show you respect only when you earn it!"

"As your Alpha, your will respect me because I am superior to you in every way."

"Superior? From your actions today, I see no superiority in you. I will respect you as an alpha, once you act like one!"

I stormed from that table. How dare he? I heard someone approaching.

"I would rather be alone."

Inu Taisho came into my view. I curtseyed respectfully.

"I'm sorry to have disturbed you, princess."

I remained silent.

"I am aware that Sesshomaru is quite different from when you two met before."

I scoffed. Inu Taisho laughed.

"I'm putting that very easy."

"Has he always been like that?"

Inu Taisho stopped smiling.

"No. When InuKimi, my late mate passed, Sesshomaru turned cold and shut everyone else out. He became worse after I mated Izayoi. He hated me for betraying his mother by mating another."

"Izayoi makes you happy, even I can see that. Why would he be angry?"

"Sesshomaru believes in monogamy, even in death. Lycans mate for life, Kagome. My mating to InuKimi was arranged. Trust me, we did not like each other when we first met, but we knew we had a duty to both of our packs. As time passed, I began to see the true beauty in InuKimi. She was smart, witty, brave, and headstrong. As I said before, you remind me of her."

"She sounds wonderful."

"Just as I fell in love with InuKimi, she was gone. Sesshomaru was basically a pup when she passed. I was heartbroken and left with a pup that reminded me so much of her everyday."

"Until you met Izayoi."

"Izayoi was the daughter of a lord, who fell into poverty. She thought I was there to kill her father for his debts and begged me to spare his life. Izayoi harbored this passion that reminded me so much of InuKimi, but the two are completely different. There was just something in Izayoi that I could not see myself living without. Anyway, imagine her surprise when I asked to court her. We were mated soon after that and soon came Inuyasha. Sesshomaru wanted nothing to do with this new additions in our lives. He was cold and withdrawn until he met Rin. He saved her from bandits that killed her parents and Rin has been under his care ever since. I know that he cares for Rin and it gives me hope."

"Hope for what?"

"Hope that he could let you into his heart as well."

I smiled solemnly.

"I do not think that will ever happen. Sesshomaru and I are just too different. This is my duty, so I must do this for my people."

"Have you ever heard of the tale, Beauty and the beast? It is a human tale that Izayoi reads to Rin."

"Yes, I have heard of it before."

"That story reminds me of you and Sesshomaru."

I smiled.

"I can see the similarities."

"Do you know who the tale ends?"

"Yes, the beast falls in love with the beauty, who in returns loves the beast, breaking the curse placed upon him."

"I believe the beast always had love inside him. It just took the love of another to bring it out. I am hoping that you would be the beauty that could bring out the love in Sesshomaru and break his curse of unhappiness."

I hoped Inu Taisho was right.