I do not own anything except the story line.

Hey guys, sorry for the LONG wait, but I had extreme writer's block when it came to this story, but I finally found inspiration and wrote this chapter. So Enjoy and Review !

I awoke in a brooding silence. I did not see Sesshomaru at the evening meal last night. Something caught my eye on the balcony table. A blue rose. This was as close to a real apology I was getting from Prince Sesshomaru. I decided to skip the morning meal to spar. Once I dressed and pinned my hair, I went to the sparring room where I was surprised to see Bankotsu. He only came down here when he was upset with Kikyo.

"What are you doing down here?'

"She truly does not like your mate and I was simply tired of hearing of it."

'Well, he hasn't really shown any redeeming personality traits."

Bankotsu laughed.

"You must see this from Prince Sesshomaru's side as well Kagome. He was raised to live, eat, breathe duty to his lands, pushed harder than anyone other, and not treated as any other boy. If he sparred and was defeated, he was taught to continue to spar until he won. It is his duty to carry on the reign of his father, but first he would have to show everyone that he is worthy or else lose his title."

I was beginning to pity Sesshomaru. Having to carry such a burden then being having this marriage dumped on him. What if he loved someone else before I was promised to him? Bankotsu interrupted me from my thoughts once more.

"However, I do not think Prince Sesshomaru sees the importance of a mate. He sees it as a weakness, a liability. You just need to show him that you're more than a liability."

I smiled at Bankotsu.

"Since when did you get so wise?"

He smirked and swung his sparring blade which I easily dodged. I swung my blade gracefully at Bankotsu. While sparring with Bankotsu, I felt all the stress of the past few days fall away. Bankotsu blocked my blade once more, but left his side open, which I took full advantage of. Before Bankotsu could even draw his blade, I had mine pointed at his throat. But before I could gloat, applause filled the room. I quickly turned to see my father, Alpha Inu Taisho, and Sesshomaru watching us.

"Kagome !"

"Father, I was just umm…"

I hid the blade behind my back and smiled. I know my father was not pleased.

"Don't be angry, Higurashi. The lovely Kagome is a warrior. You should be proud. She has enough skills to match my General. "

Alpha Inu Taisho laughed.

"If she wasn't marrying my son, I would most definitely use her as my personal Guard."

My father and Sesshomaru stood in silence. Bankotsu was just staring nervously at my father.

"Bankotsu, walk with an old man."

"Of course, father."

I silently prayed Bankotsu did not get into trouble as he walked away with Father.

"Kagome, it was a lovely show. Now, I will leave you two to talk."

As Inu Taisho left, I was stuck with Sesshomaru in an awkward silence.

"You possess an unusual talent for swordsmanship ."

I was stunned. Was Sesshomaru complimenting me?

"Yes, it is something I enjoy doing. Father doesn't agree with me and my mother blames father for my 'un-lady like' activities."

Sesshomaru smirked.

"What of the women in your land? Do they practice weaponry?"

"Not many. There are those who study and practice weaponry. They have high status by protecting many royal packs. What other skills do you possess?"

"I also practice archery as well."

Sesshomaru's eyebrows in surprise.

"I'm not a damsel in distress. I am quite capable of defending myself if the time ever arose. I remember long ago when I used to watch my father's general, Miroku, train the new soldiers, he moved so gracefully and I would spend hours just watching him. Until one day, he caught me spying and I thought for sure he was going to send me to my father. I was surprised when he asked if I wanted to learn and I told him yes. We used to meet everyday after my mother's lessons, without her knowledge, of course. He taught me to fight with all different types of weapons, but I only showed true promise in swords and bow. I'm not like most princesses."

"You're quite unusual."

"Thank you, I think."

I walked in a comfortable silence with Sesshomaru until we reached my bedroom.

"I-…"

"Would you-…"

We both spoke in unison,

"My apologies, Prince Sesshomaru. What were you saying?"

Sesshomaru cleared his throat.

"Would you like to accompany me to evening meal?"

"Yes, of course as I do every evening."

"I meant a private evening meal."

Oh? I flushed scarlet. A private evening meal with Sesshomaru. This should be interesting.

"Yes, I would love to."

Sesshomaru simply nodded and walked away. I was left standing in awe in the door of my quarters. The realization that I agreed to a private meal with Sesshomaru dawned on me as I rushed to find the one person who could help me, Alpha Izayoi.

After an few hours with Alpha Izayoi and some rather embarrassing tips, it was almost time for the evening meal. I was nervous as I rushed back to my quarters to get dressed. I decided on a simple, yet elegant gray evening gown. It was a one sleeve, floor length silk dress. Mia did my hair in loose waves pulled back in a ponytail with a side swept bang. I quickly put on my shoes as a knock sounded on my door.

"Yes?"

"Prince Sesshomaru is waiting by the staircase for you, Princess."

"Thank you. I will be there shortly."

I tried to remember all the tips Alpha Izayoi gave me earlier. As a respected guest, wait till Sesshomaru takes the first bite, touch the hands to show interest, do not exceed one glass of sake, and be confident. As I walked out my room to meet Sesshomaru, I ran into my father.

"Kagome, you look lovely. It is just the evening meal, there is no need for formalities."

Sesshomaru had not told my father of our private meal tonight.

"Well, papa-"

I was interrupted by Sesshomaru.

"Your majesty, I would like to have a private evening meal with Princess Kagome tonight. With your acceptance, of course."

My father looked to Sesshomaru who was staring blankly back and then to me, where I was silently pleading he would say yes. After a moment, my father agreed. I whispered a silent thank you to my father, who smiled back. As we walked into the gardens, I was amazed at the effort Sesshomaru put into this. The aisle was lit by candles and a simple table was in the center. The centerpiece was a bowl holding a candle as its center. Sesshomaru pulled out my chair and I sat down, still admiring the gardens.

"Is it to your liking?"

"It is breathtaking. I never knew the gardens could look this beautiful."

I looked back to Sesshomaru as I caught his never-ending gaze. I flushed. Did I have something on my face? Maybe a hair out of place? I started to fidget under his stare.

"You look stunning."

My eyes widened as I allowed my gaze to meet his.

"T-Thank you."

After a moment, Sesshomaru spoke.

"I know this is as uncomfortable for you as it is for I. So I propose a courtship since we are to be mated. Princess Kagome, would you accept this courtship?"

"Yes."

Sesshomaru motioned for a servant to bring a large box to the table.

'For you, Princess."

I stared at the box in open shock. Sesshomaru brought me a gift? I opened the box to see a large white pelt. As soon as I touched it, it wrapped around my hand. I gasped and looked to Sesshomaru.

"It is a mokomoko, it was sign of nobility. My father gave one to my mother before they mated. It has magical properties that is why it has the ability to move on its own. It is a extension of this Sesshomaru."

I petted the fur softly as it wrapped itself around my arms. I launched myself at Sesshomaru, who was taken by surprise at my actions as well as I. As I pulled way, embarrassed, Sesshomaru's arm pulled me back to him. I looked at him, confused until he started to lower his face towards mine own.