Chapter 7: Wedding Day

Kagome's eyes gently fluttered open just as a pair of soft lips grazed her left cheek. She turned her head and smiled when she saw her husband leaning over her. Scars covered his chest, arms, and back from different battles he was wounded in. Kagome placed a hand of his cheek. The coarseness of the stubble growing back on his face, compared to her soft palm was one she found comforting. She stared into his dark eyes.

"Good morning," he said.

"Morning already?"

Hojo nodded. "Pretty soon we'll be going home."

Kagome sighed. "Yes. And we will be leaving poor Rin here."

Hojo put a finger on her lips. "She'll be fine. Don't worry."

"How can I not?" Kagome asked, turning on her side to face him completely. "Rin is going to be here all alone and there's nothing I can do about it." There was a short silence, and Kagome pressed her lips together and frowned.

"I know that face. What is it?" Hojo asked, rolling on his back, placing his hands behind his head.

Kagome smiled a little and leaned over, placing her head in her hand while her elbow supported her arm. "I was thinking last night. Would you let me visit her hear?"

"Alone? No. You would have to be attended by several guards and someone else, like me, or Takemaru."

"But –"

Hojo cut her off. "Kagome I said no. Maybe we can talk about it later but not right now."

Kagome nodded, keeping silent. After four years of marriage she had learned that when Hojo said he was done, he was done. She laid back down on the futon and stared up at the ceiling. That was when Hojo rolled over and wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. She scooted into him so that their faces were right next to each other.

"You know, it would be very nice to return home with news of a child."

Kagome smiled. On the surface it looked happy but it wasn't. Whenever the subject of children came up Kagome always had to fight back her anxieties. After four years of marriage and six miscarriages, she was beginning to think she could not have children. Though Hojo has never gotten angry with her or blamed her for any of them, she could not help but feel his kindness towards her was running out. Every man wanted a son to carry on his legacy, and especially men at Hojo's age in his profession. Death could come at any time. Luckily these were times of peace, but Kagome knew he would have to go and fight again. It was only a matter of time.

"I think it would be nice…"

He frowned and kissed her on the forehead. "Just nice?"

She sighed. "I just… I have taught myself not to get my hopes up. That's all."

Hojo sat up, pulling Kagome with him. They faced each other, though Kagome's eyes were downcast. Her fingers fidgeted in her lap. Hojo placed his large hand over her smaller ones. "Kagome look at me." Slowly she raised her eyes to him. "We will have a child, even if it is only one, we will have a son or a daughter of our own."

"And what if we don't? The entire purpose of being a wife is to produce children. I cannot seem to do that…" The end of her sentence was lost as her throat constricted with sadness. Her eyes burned with unshed tears.

Hojo placed his lips against hers and shushed her, cupping her head in his hands. "Do not say those things. Do not even worry about having children." He gently pushed her down on the bed and shifted so that he was between her legs. "Just lay down, relax, and let me take care of you."

Kagome smiled up at his face. He was not the most attractive man, but he was not ugly by any means. When they married it was after only three months of knowing each other. Her mother and grandfather were quick to marry her off but she was not entirely sure why. Luckily Hojo was kind, and that's all she could really ask for.

He leaned down and began kissing her neck gently. When he came back up there was a spark in his eye that was not there before. She shyly blushed and looked away from him when she thought of the last time they made love. Hojo was a little rougher and it set her on edge in all the right ways. A shiver of excitement ran through her. She looked back at him.

He leaned down and captured her lips. Their slow sensual kiss turned to one more urgent and needy. Hojo managed to slide his pants off and push Kagome's night gown up. Just as he positioned himself to enter her, a loud knock on the door to their guest room interrupted them. They both froze but did not speak. This has happened many times before and they learned that if they just did not respond the person would usually go away.

"Kagome, I know you're awake! We need to go get ready and help Rin!" Yuka yelled.

With a defeated sigh Hojo collapsed onto the futon face down. Giggling, Kagome kissed him on the neck by his ear and then whispered, "Tonight I'll make it up to you."

"You better," he muttered.

Kagome only giggled and put a robe on over her dress before going to answer the door. "I need to get dressed," she told her old friend.

"I'll wait for you."

Kagome nodded and closed the door again. She made quick work of washing up and getting dressed. They had to get to Rin soon. More than likely her little cousin was in a fit of depression. Most brides under these circumstances would be. Poor little Rin.

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Rin sat up on the uncomfortable futon and stared into the darkness. Small slivers of light cut through the room from the tiny gaps in the curtains. Incense burned filling the room with a strong honey spice scent, meant to calm her nerves, but only adding to her anxiety. She would be married in a few hours.

She had always imagined her wedding day to be a joyful one. She would be surrounded by her closest friends and family, her loving citizens would chant her name like a song, and most of all she would be married to some handsome lord that she loved. While she was surounded by friends and family, by the grace of the goddess, she was in a foreign land, so she did get hear her name being chanted, and although her husband to be was handsome, she did not love him, and she was sure he did not even like her. Since her arrival not once had they spent any time together.

On a heavy sigh she fell back against the several pillows she had brought over from the south. She swallowed with a tight throat as her eyes burned only for tears to spring forth. On a shaky breath she let out a weak sob.

I don't want to do this, she thought. I don't want to get married. I just want to go home.

She cried, feeling sorry for herself, but then the sacred beads around her neck began to pulsate lightly. In that moment she was reminded of why she had to do this. She remembered why it was so important.

"This is bigger than me," she whispered to herself. She reached up and squeezed the beads in her right hand. "This is bigger than me."

After a moment of lying there she rolled onto the floor and stood up clumsily. She walked over to the curtained windows and opened the drapes, tying them back. Light filled the blackened room and immediately things looked way better. At the balcony doors she opened both of them and walked outside. The early morning air was warm, but not hot. The climate in the West was much nicer than the South she had to admit. Normally by midmorning she would be sweating profusely.

In the gardens below she saw the palace servants working abnormally fast tending to the fine garden down below. A cool gust of wind carried the lovely scent of several flowers to her and she inhaled happily. Something tickled her nose and she let out a quiet sneeze. All of the servants looked up at her. She smiled and waved and they all went back to their work, not even acknowledging her.

There was a swift knock on the doorframe before it slid open. Kaede entered fully dressed in her servant's robes. "Oh good, you're already up. She's already up!" Kaede yelled behind her. When she entered she was followed by two girls wearing lilac kimonos the clothes of servant women in the palace. They carried in an empty tub and set it down.

They were identical in looks, though one wore pigtails and the other a simple ponytail at the back of her head. Both of them had heart shaped faces, light brown eyes, dark brown hair, fair skin, and small pink lips under a pixie like nose. With there arms folded neatly in front of them. They seemed human, even their ears were round.

"Your highness," Kaede began formally "may I introduce Kocho and Asuka. Her majesty, the Queen has selected them to be your new handmaids while you're here."

Rin moved forward until she stood directly in front of them. "Which of you is Kocho?"

"I am, your highness." The one with the ponytail said bowing.

Rin nodded and looked to Asuka, "So that would make you Asuka?"

"Yes, your highness." She bowed as well.

"Are you human?" Rin asked curiously.

Asuka answered. "No, we are not human, though we appear to be."

Rin nodded, dismissing them. They began bringing in urns filled with steaming water and pouring it into the tub. While they did that Kaede went over to Rin.

"After you bathe the girls will be coming to tend to your hair and makeup. I believe Yuka has the dress. I think you'll like this one a lot more." Rin nodded, looking past Kaede to the corner of her room. Suddenly she felt the old women's wrinkled soft hands gently grip hers. She looked into those aged brown eyes that were creased with worry. "Are you all right child?"

Rin nodded. "I just… I am just ready to get the day done with."

Kaede nodded. "I understand. Well remember, it may not have been what you had in mind but it is still your wedding day. Try to enjoy it somewhat."

Rin nodded. "I will try."

"Good." Kaede patted her on the hand. "Now I'll be back. I'm going to check on the arrangement of things. I'll be back." The old woman left Rin alone with her new maidservants.

Kaede had lived a long time and had served the royal family all her life. As a child she was the first late Queen's playmate, and later maid-of-honor. After a failed marriage and realizing that she was indeed barren, she went back to serving the queen, only this time as a caretaker for the now king, Ryukatsu. When Ryukatsu married the second late Queen, she became the caretaker of Prince Takemaru up until he was ten by then Princess Rin had been born and she had been by her side since.

It would be a great honor to live long enough to see any offspring Rin may have, but this marriage to the demon prince of the west may make that impossible. Due to his treatment of Rin, or lack of treatment, considering her ignores her. Other than the day they met he has not spoken a word to the poor girl. Although Rin had to leave everything behind in the South Kaede had asked the King to talk to the Inu no Taisho about letting Kaede stay behind, not that she had any intention of leaving otherwise. She would never leave Rin in this place alone.

As she entered the grand ballroom a pleasant smile spread across her face. She could not help it, the space looked so beautiful. Every pillar decorated with flowers, the center isle was lined with white lilies and lavender flower petals. There were pillows for guest to be seated on. Keade snorted as she thought about how uncomfortable all of the patrons from the South were going to be. At the dais two pillows sat for the bride and the groom.

"Lovely isn't it?" A raspy low voice said in her ear. Keade jumped putting her hand over her heart as she turned to face who stood behind her. Behind her was the second son of the Inu no Taisho, Inuyasha.

"Ye about gave me a heart attack," Kaede replied very informally.

Inuyasha stared at her blinking for a moment smirking. "Sorry old hag, forgot how weak humans were."

Kaede's jaw dropped "Old hag?! Why I ought to show you! Ye are probably as old as me!"

"And I look better too."

"Yes, thanks to your yokai blood."

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. "You called me a yokai."

"So?"

"I'm a hanyo. There's a difference."

Kaede crossed her arms over her chest. "Does it matter?"

His eyes lowered and he looked somber. "To some." He whispered so low her old ears almost did not hear it.

Kaede nodded. "I think I understand."

Inuyasha snorted. "Oh really? You understand?"

"Well maybe not me, but I think I know someone who may understand what you feel like. The princess Rin does not have many friends here and after everyone leaves she may not have any. It would be nice if you would talk to her."

"You want us to braid each other's hair and talk about all of the handsome noblemen?" He asked sarcastically.

"If that's what ye like, then yes." She answered lightly. Inuyasha scowled at her. Kaede narrowed her gaze at him and leaned in very close to him. His eyes widened, clearly making him very uncomfortable. "I see you Prince Inuyasha. I know who you are, and I know what you are capable of. Stick close to Rin. She will need a friend like you, and you will need a friend like her."

With that the woman walked away leaving the hanyo prince alone. Perplexed Inuyasha stared after. Once she was gone he shook it off. "Crazy old hag."

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Eri, Yuka and Ayumi all wore the same gold dresses. The backs were covered and it was a halter with a metal ring round the knecks. A metal belt was buckled high on the waist. Kagome's dress was different because she was already married, she acted as the brides mother who, in Southern culture gave the bride to her new husband. Kagome's dress had an off shoulder oval cut at the top and draped down loosely. Over her torso was a gold and silver embroidered corset that gave her shape.

They had finished Rin's hair and makeup and had just finished dressing her. Rin was standing in front of the mirror but Eri's hands were covering her eyes. "I would just like to say that I put a lot of effort into this dress," Yuka stated. "The seamstress here had no idea the style of Southern dresses for women. I literally had to go through this with her step by step. And in the end I think it's magnificent."

Rin nodded. "Great. Let me see it."

Eri moved her hands and rin gasped. "oh my…"

She looked regal in her wedding gown. The sleaves were made of a blush lace that fitted her arms to the wrist. It had a fitted blush corset top covered in lace and heavily embroidered with gold beading forming swirls and flowers. At the end of the corset the heavy blush colored skirt was silk under lace. Her bouncing curls hung from the gold coronet that held her embroidered lace veil in place as it hung to her elbows.

"What do you think?" Eri asked.

"It's… I'm… beautiful." Rin whispered.

Yuka smiled. "Very."

There was a knock on the door.

"Enter," rin called.

Kocho entered the room and bowed. "Your highness, the ceremony will be starting soon."

Rin nodded. "I suppose we should be on our way then."

Kagome came over and hugged Rin warmly. "Don't be scared." She whispered.

Just then the beads that she had stuffed into her dress when no kne was looking starting throbbing like crazy and getting warmer.

Is Kagome setting them off?

Rin remembered all the times the beads went off, everytime either her cousin was nearby or right beside her.

Could Kagome be a descendent of the old priests and priestesses?

"Rin?"

Rin shook herself out of her reverie and noticed everyone was waiting on her. She took a deep breath. This was it. She was about to get married and embark on her life's journey.

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The banquet hall was filled. On the left side were all of the nobles of the court, plus close friends and kin folk to the groom. On the right side was all human, the subjects and family of the bride. It was not the first wedding held in the hall binding a yokai and a human, but it was the first wedding done mostly in Southern tradition.

Sesshomaru stood stoicly at the altar, facing the crowd. Several times his eyes met with Kagura's. She sat in the front between his father and their daughter. She looked radiant. She wore a white kimono with violet flowers on it. Her hair was up in a tight bun on top of her head. She glowed with the life that was steadily growing within her womb. She smiled encouragingly at him. He stared at her with soft eyes, his way of returning the gesture. Beside him on a tier downwas Inukimi, dressed in a peach silk kimono with white trim, looking as regal as ever. She looked up at him with reserve.

As was Southern tradition, the bride's mother, would pass her onto the groom's mother. A symbol of the joining of two families, and it was the grooms mother who would pass the bride on to him.

Everyone's attention was pulled to the rear of the hall when the large doors slid open. First to enter was Kagome. Sesshomaru recognized the human girl as a cousin to the princess. He assumed because the Princess's mother as dead, her cousin was acting in her stead. After Kagome, Rin entered, looking lovely. Kagome took Rin's hand in her own and then placed the other on top. Gentle strums from stringed instruments cued the young women, and slowly they moved down the wide isle.

Rin did her best not to look nervous, though she was not sure if she was doing a good job. She put one foot in front of the other and breathed deeply. She felt Kagome squeeze her hand tightly in hers, trying to send her some confidence. Rin looked up as they neared the altar, but not towards her soon to be husband. She looked to her right and saw her father and brother. Ryukatsu stood with a pleased smile on his face. Takemaru just looked angry, which was normal for him. She smiled at both of them, trying to look strong for them.

They stopped just before the altar and Inukimi came forward. Kagome took both of Rin's hands and faced Inukimi. "On behalf of our house and my late aunt, I turn over her daughter's hands to yours, where you will take her in and treat her as your own."

Inukimi took Rin's hands. Rin was surprised by how warm they were. With a steady voice she replied. "I accept these hands, as I have already accepted Rin into our family and as my daughter."

Kagome nodded and walked away, taking her position next to Takemaru. Inukimi pulled Rin along and walked the rest of the way with her, up the stairs to the altar. Rin kept her eyes down, not willing to look her husband in the face just yet. Her rapidly beating heart started to slow down dramatically.

Words between Inukimi and the priest, as well as Sesshomaru were exchanged before Rin was guided to her knees on a pillow. Somehow she was calm, even as her hand was joined in Sesshomaru's cold one. She stared straight ahead, blocking out the words of the priest reciting prayers to the god, ignoring the dozens on dozens of spectators that were staring her down – some in interest and some in loathing. She breathed easy, using her free hand to run over the gentle fabric of her thick skirt.

Suddenly she was standing, being made to face Sesshomaru, after three weeks of being here this was the second time she had looked upon his handsome face. He looked bored. She assumed she looked petrified as she could feel the deep frown on her face.

"Is there any reason why these two should not be married, speak now."

Rin pressed her lips together and sent a quick glance back at Takemaru. She saw his eyes narrow and he visibly swallowed. He wanted to stop this, she knew it, but he would not. This had to happen, for multiple reason.

"By the power of the Gods and all that is divine, you are now married. Seal yourself to your bride."

The priest said words and Sesshomaru leaned in slowly with his mouth hovering over hers. Suddenly her heart rate spiked. But he quickly leaned to the side and planted his cold lips on her cheek.

It was done. They were married. As simple as that.

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Naraku sat calmly at a table watching the specatacle. After the wedding the banquet began immediately following. Like many of the yokai, Naraku sat and watched as the Southerners celebrated. The young bride had been sitting at the table looking like she was going to fall into sobs at any moment when a group of young girls dragged her away and pulled her to the floor for some dancing. Naraku had to admit that the girl was very pretty for a human. It was a shame he would have to kill her.

He looked up and caught sight of his allies, Manten and Hiten. Hiten gave him a curt nod. It was dangerous for them to talk in this type of environment, so they could not get to close. But based on the obvious situation, that gesture was meant to say that everything was going according to plan. With a smirk of self-satisfaction Naraku took a swig of Saki before standing and working his way through the crowd toward the table his daughter, and newly arrived son sat.

"Byakuya," he said calmly, when they both looked up at him.

Byakuya's eyes darkened. Nonetheless he stood up and bowed. "Father. It is good to see you."

"I'm disappointed. I would have thought you would have come and seen me by now, I had to find out from servants that you had returned."

Straitening up Byakuya gave a tight lipped smile. "I apologize. I should have come to see you at once. I have been so busy with work here at the palace."

"I understand. We would not want to offend the in laws." Naraku cast a shadowed look at Kagura, who refused to meet his eye. She kept her eyes down in her lap. "Such wonderful festivities. These Southerners sure do know how to throw a proper party. Maybe this marriage was not such a bad thing. Maybe it will bring some new life to the palace… I would like to have a word with you before I leave, Son." With that he walked off.

Byakuya sat down next to Kagura and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Are you all right?"

She gave a tight lipped smile and nodded. "Yes. I am just tired. I'll probably go to bed soon."

Byakuya nodded. "I understand." He looked out into the crowed where the human girls where dancing in a circle. The one catching his eye was the bride herself.

She had shed the heavy dress she wore for the ceremony and now wore a lighter, more revealing outfit. She wore a top that cupped her small breast and was heavily embroidered with silver stitching and beading. It was a halter held up by a silver chain around her neck and then another tying at the center of her back. Then low on her hips was a thick belt made of the same material and embroidered the same way as the top. The pants she wore were made from lightweight fabrics of lilac, pink, and periwinkle, which gathered at the ankles, and she wore beaded sandals on her feet. Her hair had been pulled back into a long thick braid with silver barrettes and combs decorating her hair.

She was lovely, especially when she smiled. She was being spun around by the various young men and women she danced with in that small circle. Her movements to the unfamiliar tempo of the music were graceful and confidence in her steps. Byakuya swallowed anxiously and quickly looked away. Although he was sure Sesshomaru would never desire the human princess, she was still his, and it would be seen as high treason to even covet her.

"I'll take you to your room." Byakuya offered to his twin sister. Hoping to get as far away from the ball room as possible.

Kagura smiled and allowed him to help her up. "I'm happy you are here," she told him.

"I'm happy to be here." With that he escorted her out of the ballroom.

Ai watched her mother and uncle leave and started to follow them when a firm hand grasped her by the elbow. "Where are you going?"

She turned to look at her Uncle and sneered. "Leave me alone, Misho."

Misho scoffed and crossed his arms. "I was only asking a question."

"I was going after my mother, if you must know. I'm sure today's been hard on her."

"Why don't you stick around? It's actually fun here."

"Of course you would think that being in a room full of humans is fun. You're half human."

"So I am… You know you should be really nice to the princess. It's not her fault she had to marry your dad. I kind of feel sorry for her."

Ai's face turned up in disgust. "Sorry for her. Why would you feel sorry for her?"

"Well, after today she will most likely never see her family again. All she's going to have are a bunch of yokai who look down on her for being human, a husband who will ignore her, a step daughter who hates her, and no friends at all."

"She doesn't look upset," Ai retorted nodding her head in the direction of the young princess, her new step-mother, who was laughing gleefully when a human male lifted her into the air and spun her around.

"It's called enjoying the moment. Anyway, I just came over here to tell you that your grandmother wants to see you."

Ai groaned… "Now what does she want?"

"Couldn't tell you."

Ai stomped off and Misho snickered watching her go. As he did, he caught sight of Yura walking in the shadows, slowly making her way to the exit. She stopped and looked at him with sultry eyes before exiting. Without attracting too much attention the hanyo youth left the ballroom after her.

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Sesshomaru looked down at the spectacle the humans were making. Specifically his eyes were watching the child who was now his wife, which is exactly what she was a child. Rin was covered in a thin layer of sweat. A few strands of hair were attached to her forehead from it. Her friends and family were going through the effort of making sure she enjoyed herself. It was very touching.

Unfortunately there was nothing to raise his mood. He would have to take her away shortly,and they would have there first wedding night. He thought back to the conversation he had with Kagura that morning. A low growl escaped his mouth.

Just then he picked up on a powerful yoki. E knew who it belonged to. He continued to stare down at the festivities and said aloud. "Am I being missed already?"

Inu no Taisho came forward and stood beside his son. "I don't think your new wife has noticed." There was a short pause. "You should be taking her away soon."

"She seems to be enjoying herself. I would not want to ruin the party."

There was another pause. "Tonight, you must bed her. It is your duty."

"I will do whatever I see is necessary. Right now bedding a humn child does not seem necessary."

"She's not a child, she's a woman. A young woman. Besides it is your duty –"

"It was my duty to marry the girl, so I did. It is my duty to protect her, make feel comfortable and accepted, and I will do just that. I will not bed her however. I have a wife."

"Rin is your wife also."

"By force. I never wanted this, and based on her behavior, she never wanted this either. We are bth doing what is necessary for our kingdoms that is all."

The Inu no Taisho sighed. "Listen my son, I appreciate what you did. I know that marrying this girl is not what you wanted to do but it's not like you did not gain anything from this! I allowed you to marry one of the Onigumo clan, bringing them in direct contact with the royal bloodline, and I found no qualms with it."

"Good. Then why are you bringing it up now?"

"Sesshomaru, you are my son and heir. I want to make sure that once I pass the crown onto you our kingdom will continue to flourish."

"Have I given you any reason to doubt me yet?"

"Other than your sheer lack of interest in everything. Your apathetic attitude does not always translate well with the other leaders an diplomats of surrounding kingdoms. I do not want you to offend someone and start an unnecessary war."

"Is that all you are concerned with?" Sesshomaru asked plainly. Then he turned on his heel and began to walk off, and down the stairs from the high up balcony area.

"Where are you going?" The Inu no Taisho demanded turning around.

"To take my new wife to bed, as you so avidly made clear was very important."

There were no more words exchanged. As Sesshomaru made his way through the floor, everyone parted out of his way. Sesshomaru eventually made it over to the table where he saw his first wife was no longer sittin with her brother. His serant Jaken was standing not too far off.

"Jaken, I am retiring for the evening."

The green imp bowed. "Yes, your highness. Should I have the Princess Rin sent to your rooms?"

"Do what is necessary." With that Sesshomaru walked out of the room.

Prince Takemaru and Princess Rin danced together at the center of the gathered crowd of onlookers, human and yokai like. The upbeat rhythm and fast paced melody the musicians were playing had both of them circling on the floor, Takemaru spinning Rin over and over. The young girl laughed and her brother smiled. Well it was not really a smile, it was a slight upturning of the lips, but his eyes shone with mirth. The intricate steps of thier dance in combination with the natural rhythm they both had sent a rush of excitement through them. The music slowed down, dramatically changing. The sibling's dance became a slower until finally they stopped.

There was applause and they bowed to each other. Yuka came forward and Takemaru began the slower dance with her. Rin walked over to Eri and Ayumi who were standing by. "Where is Kagome?"

Eri shrugged. "i have not seen her for a while actually,"

"She's probably with Hojo." Ayumi added.

Rin looked around and frowned when she saw Hojo chatting with Miroku. She looked around more but still could not find Kagome. Before she could say anything Kaede came before her. The old woman bowed.

"Your highness, I believe it is time for you to retire to your room."

Rin swallowed and looked back at her two friends. Slowly she nodded and bid the girls goodbye before leaving the ballroom.

So kind of a cliff hanger but this chapter was really long so I seperated it into two parts. So this chapter was the wedding day, the next one will be the wedding night... Brown chicken! Brown cow!