VI
Kagome smiled in amusement as the demoness before her continued to hiss threateningly at her. She really hated to show off...the eyes on her always made her nervous...but this was a demon court. The high class demons respected power -in fact, it was about the only thing they respected. And the female before her was showing very little respect right then. She felt her eyes go cold as Rin came up beside her, touching her shoulder uncertainly, and the demoness shifted the scorn to the younger human. Oh no. She could take it, but she would not let the younger woman get sucked down and devoured among these soulless bitches.
"Hazuka-san, I believe you should curb your tongue, unless you want to lose it," she said calmly, green eyes hard as she laid a hand on her sword, the black metal below her hand giving a soft whine in response to the holy power she forced into it.
"You dare threaten me human?" the tiger youkai hissed, fangs bared.
"It's too bad I don't have a dagger on me, it would make it much easier, but I guess that my sword will have to do," Kagome murmured, eyes flicking to Rin in warning as she drew the blade silently.
"Oh no, not again Kagome-sama! Sesshomaru-sama was most displeased the last time! He couldn't get the scent of burnt cat out of the palace for weeks!" the miko eyed the male coming towards them quickly, his green eyes shining in worry as he moved to stand in front of her.
"I suggest you move Yakusho. Court politics are stupid things, and I'd like to be done with them," Kagome said, frowning slightly when he moved closer, to where she could not swing her blade.
"Kagome-sama, the lord wishes to see you, right now!" the inu whispered, white hair tickling her nose as he leaned to her ear.
"Then I'll go to him," she allowed, replacing her sword quickly, immensely glad to prevent bloodshed...at least until she got back.
The young woman at her side followed after her passively, head ducked to avoid anyone's gaze, while Kagome's eyes brazenly met all of those around her, giving into nobody. She worried that Rin would find a mate that would be abusive...after all, not all 'alphas' were good ones, and her little girl was just so timid.
"Rin-sama, would you like me to keep you company while they speak?" Yakusho asked quietly, giving the young woman a small smile.
Ooh...match making time! Kagome grinned, happy that Sesshomaru wouldn't need to throw another ball for this very purpose.
And...now I'm thrown into the fire...she despaired as she came upon the double-sided doors.
"Get in here miko," came the dog demon's voice, and she stiffened.
"So rude," she murmured as she slipped into the room, closing the doors behind her.
"I've received more proposals for you," Sesshomaru said slowly, claws tapping on his desk impatiently.
"And none for Rin?" Kagome guessed, brows furrowed.
"Unfortunately," he sighed.
"Well...I think Yakusho is interested in her," she offered, sitting in one of the many chairs in the office.
"I'd that feeling as well. What do you want me to do with these?" he asked, gesturing toward the papers.
Kagome's eyes widened at the pile. Did the blood she drew in these little balls really interest males so much? She had had plenty of time to get used to the blood-thirsty creatures, having been in the era for the last ten years, but she'd never quite experienced this side of it until joining Sesshomaru. She'd been in his company for seven years now, and she had yet to get used to the quirks of court-life.
"Give them to Jakan," she replied, the same as always, earning a small smirk from the demon lord.