8: Wedding Night

Rin's stomach was doing cartwheels. She did her best to look calm as she sat in the center of the futon. She had bathed and changed again. This time she wore a strapless brassiere made of silver plated cups in the shape of truncate leaves. The pointed angles pressed deeply into Rin's pale soft skin. Thin silver chains went around Rin's back and small silver clasps made it hook firmly in the front, making her barely there breast plump and somewhat pleasing to the eye. On her bottom half she wore a simple sliver and white beaded skirt that stopped mid-thigh. Her hair was hanging down free from any style, curling wildly around her head. She wore no face paints to enhance anything or any perfumes. According to Kocho an Asuka, as a dog demon, Sesshomaru had extremely sensitive senses, making any harsh smells, too powerful for his sensitive nose.

Her room had been specially prepared for Sesshomaru's arrival. It had been cleaned and reorganized. A few white candles had been lit here and there so the atmosphere was dark and intimate. Only one incent burned and it was a very faint smell, but pleasant nonetheless. The balcony door was open, letting in the welcoming night air. From where she sat, Rin had a radiant view of the stars in the sky and the moon. She immediately thought of her Goddess and her task to do. A cool breeze blew in, chilling all of her exposed skin, giving her gooseflesh. Her heart was beating so fast, it was all she could hear inside of the quiet room.

"Now entering, his Highness the Crown Prince Sesshomaru!" Rin could hear the small green imp – whose name she learned was Jaken – announcing Sesshomaru's arrival from outside the public chambers.

A few seconds went by and Rin focused on calming her nerves. She realized she was trembling slightly. The thought of lying with Sesshomaru alarmed her. Would he be rough with her, for he does not like her she was sure and may not care about her needs. Perhaps he would be very gentle, being she was human and he was yokai. Rin shook her head, trying to not think about it before she worked herself up even more. She glanced over at her small vanity table on the floor where the beads Midoriko had given her sat on top of the tray with all of her powders and combs.

"Goddess, give me strength," she whispered allowed.

Just then the doors slid open and Rin visibly jumped, heart skipping. She swallowed and quickly displayed her sweetest smile. When Sesshomaru walked in he wore a plain white kimono and hikama pants with socks. He gave Rin a passing glance before entering the room completely. The door slid shut behind him and the energy changed in the room dramatically. Once cool and empty, it now seemed stuffy and tight. Rin took several deep breaths through her nose, trying to calm herself, while keeping her smile on. She was still trembling. She made sure her hands were planted before her. As practiced earlier, she leaned forward and bowed to him in earnest.

"Good evening my husband."

Those were the first words she had ever really said to him since her arrival. This was also the first time she had ever been alone with him. Rin was kicking herself. The entire time leading up to the wedding she should have been spending time with Sesshomaru, that way this moment would be a little less nerve racking. She had no idea what to do. She knew nothing about this man, his interests his habits. All she knew was he was her husband and he did not care much for her. That much was apparent.

Sitting back up Rin smiled warmly at him. He did not speak. He only walked over to the small desk that was beside the bed and sat there. He pulled some papers from the inside of his kimono and began to read them. Rin remained on the bed, staring at him, afraid to move or do anything. She just waited for him to address her.

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Kagura could not sleep. She kept tossing and turning. As calm as she looked on the exterior, turmoil was brewing within her, making her crazy. What was worse, the pup was being restless. Anytime she had managed to get a bit settled, the little one would squirm around trying to find its own resting place. Kagura sat up and let out a frustrated huff. Byakuya had left her several minutes ago. Since Yura was nowhere to be found, he kindly helped her get ready for bed before kissing her on the forehead and leaving, but now she was alone and her thoughts were now tormenting her.

As hard as she tried to concentrate on anything else, all she could think of was Sesshomaru touching that human girl. Her stomach sank uncomfortably.

"I should not worry," she told herself. "Sesshomaru loves me. He chose me."

While all of those things were true she thought back to her father in law. The Inu no Taisho had loved Inukimi at one point as well. Then he married, Izayoi, a princess of the North to assure peace between the nations, and now, unless due to protocol, the King and Queen hardly ever speak. As much as Sesshomaru hates to admit it he is a great deal like his father. He is very strong, he loves to fight, he is stubborn, and he is attentive. He also desires the same things his father likes in women, submissiveness. As a male inuyokai, having a submissive mate is essential to how the relationship works. While Kagura did her best to fit that role, and she felt she did a proper job, she could see how Sesshomaru would learn to desire the young princess.

She barely spoke a word, which males loved in women. She was small, and looked like she needed protecting. Men loved to protect. She was soft, sweet and a pretty girl to look at. She was a great pick for a wife. Unfortunately she was now married to Kagura's own husband.

The door to Kagura's private chamber's slid open and Yura entered. "Are you sleeping?" She whispered closing the screen behind her.

"I wish," Kagura grumbled.

Yura came and lay down beside her, looking her in the face. "I am sorry. I did not know that you had retired."

"Where were you?"

Yura smiled. "I was talking with a gentleman."

"Who?" Kagura asked suspiciously.

Yura grinned. "I cannot tell you right now, but I can promise you it was not Inuyasha."

Kagura's frown lightened but did not disappear. "Well that's good, but who were you with?"

"I cannot tell." Yura insisted.

Kagura rolled her eyes. "I am your sister! You should tell me everything above all others."

"And I do, but some secrets need to be kept to myself. Don't worry I will tell you soon enough."

"What's the wait?"

Yura sighed. "I want to make sure he's serious and not just playing a game." There was a short pause and Yura reached out and touched the other woman's full belly. "How are you feeling?"

Kagura sighed. "Honestly. I am very sad. I do not want Sesshomaru to have another wife."

"You are afraid that he will learn to love her more than you?"

Kagura nodded. "I know it's silly but… Look at what happened to Inukimi. I do not want to be like that?"

Yura made a face. "Super powerful and rich, with allies spread all over the world, and a perfect mother to this Kingdom?"

"Unloved by the one I love the most."

There was another short silence. Yura shook her head and scooted closer to Kagura. "Do not talk like that. Sesshomaru married you because he loves you. He made you his queen. The king and queen were an arranged marriage and because it was arranged they learned to live with each other and care for each other. You have nothing to worry about."

"If this pup is female and he impregnates her and she has a boy, I will be seen as weak."

"If she has any child it will only be another prince or princess. Sesshomaru has an heir, Ai. And she is incredible. Right now she's a little off hand but she's fifteen."

Kagura nodded. Yura was right. "I do feel sorry for her."

"Ai? Why?"

"No. Rin. As much as it sickens me to think that Sesshomaru would bed another woman, a part of me wants him to bed her even though I know he will not."

"Why would you want that?"

"If what I know is true in regards to Sesshomaru, that girl will never know love. She will never have a family of her own. That makes me sad. Humans do not live very long, Yura. That girl will live and die, and there will be nothing to show for it."

There was another pause. This one longer. "Something tells me, she will be just fine." Yura said finally. "Now get some sleep."

Kagura turned over and closed her eyes, but she knew she would not get any sleep tonight.

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Kagome sat on a small stone bench at a dead end of the small maze in one of the many palace gardens. She hated to admit it but she was completely lost. She originally came out here to get away from all of the noise in the party. Hojo was good and drunk and sometimes when he drank that was not the best time to be around him. She sat leaning against the bush wall staring up at the moonlit, starry sky. A slow smile crept across her face as she inhaled the cool crisp air.

"What are you doing here?" A low raspy voice called out from the shadows.

Kagome looked up and saw shining blue eyes in the darkness. Slowly the person entered the small area she was in. It was ambassador Koga. Kagome smiled at him.

"Good evening, Ambassador. What brings you out here?"

"I was following this very sweet aroma. I guess I found its source."

Kagome blushed and she noticed how he was staring at her. Suddenly alarmed she stood up dusting off the skirt of her dress. "I should head back now."

"I'll walk you," Koga offered.

Though she wanted to refuse she could not remember how to get back so she just nodded. Koga fell in step beside her. "The wedding was beautiful." He began casually.

"It was nice to see how they made the combinations between our cultures."

"Indeed… So my lady, why are you out here all by yourself. It is very dangerous. I would hardly think your husband would approve."

"He wouldn't, but sometimes I need to get away."

"You mean get away from him?"

Kagome hesitated before answering him. "Sometimes when Hojo drinks he… gets angry."

Koga frowned. "How so? Does he hit you?" His tone lowered dangerously.

"No! Never!" Kagome said spinning around to face him. "Hojo would never ever let even a hair on my head go out of place. He's actually very protective. That's really the problem."

"So he gets jealous?"

"Very. Especially when he is drunk and I do not want him causing any trouble over me, here of all places."

"Understandable. You are a good woman, Lady Kagome."

"Thank you, Ambassador."

They resumed their walking. "How long have you been married?"

"Four years." Kagome answered calmly.

"Do you love him?" His tone was light but Kagome was picking up on something. She just didn't know what.

"Very much, so. He is very kind to me and my family loves him."

Koga nodded. "Do you have any children?"

Kagome swallowed uncomfortably. "Not yet," she answered in a barely audible voice.

Kagome was surprised when she felt her wrist being lightly grabbed. She looked back at Koga. His eyes were serious, but gentle. "I'm sorry. I should not be prying."

Kagome was caught off guard. She has never been touched so intimately by a man that was not Hojo. She should have pulled her hand away, but his were so warm and large. She looked into his deep blue eyes and felt her heart fluttering wildly in her chest. These were all feelings she could not quite understand.

"It's all right." She whispered.

Without realizing it she had leaned in closer. His warm breath tickled her cheeks.

"Lady Kagome?"

"Yes… Ambassador?"

Both of their breathing was escalated. The air around them suddenly became warmer. Koga took another step towards her, not breaking eye contact. He ran his other hand lightly up her arm, up her neck, and rested it gently on her cheek. Slowly he leaned forward until his lips rested on her ear.

"I think you are beautiful," he whispered. "I thought you were from the moment I saw you when I arrived in the South. I just wanted to talk to you, but you are always with someone, your friends, your servants… your husband." Though his tone was light the words seemed heavy. Kagome's eyes fluttered shut as she was overcome by the feeling of his warm calloused hands on her body and the hot air of his breath tickling the flesh on her ear and neck. She tingled everywhere, especially in her more intimate areas.

"Oh," was all she said, but that was all she could get out before Koga pressed his lips against hers. Kagome stood stock still, not sure what to do. At this point her heart was beating in her throat. Koga's lips were soft but firm. After he pressed his lips to Kagome's mouth he moved on and trailed kisses down her jaw and throat to her collar bone.

As badly as Kagome wanted to pull away from him she could not. It felt really good. His hands traveled so that he held her with his arms wrapped around her back. He pulled her very close and kissed her again on the lips. This time Kagome did not fight it. She hated to admit it to herself but it felt nice when he held her. It felt good as he ran his tongue on the outside of her ear shell. Kagome's eyes fluttered shut in ecstasy as her body quaked and the tingling sensation formed into a deep throbbing. Hojo had never made her feel this way before without at least them already being in bed together.

"Oh, Kagome," Koga moaned and brought his hands up to grip her neck and pulled her back to gaze at her face.

Kagome looked up at him with a heavy lidded gaze. "I am married," she whispered so low he might not have heard it if her weren't yokai.

Koga smirked. "I am engaged."

"This is wrong."

"Does this feel wrong?" He asked kissing her exposed shoulder blade.

"Of course it doesn't feel that way, but…"

"One time, I just want to have you. I've watched you for so long, and I want you so bad. I am afraid I will never see you again."

"Maybe that is for the best." Kagome pushed him away from her. After a few deep breaths, she pulled herself together, fixing her hair and straightening her dress. "I know that Southern women have a reputation for being immoral, but those are just stereotypes. We are very independent and free with both our bodies and our minds, but above all things we are loyal wives… I love my husband, and I will never dishonor him. I've already done badly enough."

With that she turned and made the rest of the way out of the maze by herself. Koga easily caught up with her. "I'll show you back to the ball room," was all he said.

HE never made another move towards her. Once they reached the ballroom he went inside without her. Kagome instead went to the guest chamber she and Hojo were staying in, ready to end the night.

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Rin was frustrated. She was frustrated and she was tired. For at least an hour Sesshomaru was reading whatever scrolls he had brought with him, while she was just sitting there. It does not take anyone that long to read! More importantly the stupid clothes Yuka had bought for her was starting to cut into her skin. Supposedly it would only be on for a few minutes.

Now lying back on her bed completely bored Rin cast a narrowed eye towards Sesshomaru. It was as if she weren't even in the room. She looked back up at the ceiling and huffed.

'He could at least talk to me. Break the ice a little.' She thought.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them she was startled to see that atmosphere of the room had changed. Everything seemed a lot brighter. She sat up slowly and looked over at Sesshomaru. He was still reading, ignoring her. But something was different. It seemed like there was some type of invisible barrier between the two of them. Somehow Rin saw it although she knew it was meant to be invisible. Cautiously she stood up and took three steps toward him. He did not even glance her way.

Out of curiosity she yelled out, "Hey!"

No response.

"He cannot hear you." A smooth bell like voice said in her right ear.

Rin sighed and looked over. "My goddess," she bowed playfully.

"I saw your wedding," Midoriko said sashaying over to where Rin was surprised to see her physical body lying on the futon, fast asleep. "You looked lovely."

"Thank you. I don't remember falling asleep."

Midoriko smiled. "That's because you are not sleep. You are more… in a state of meditation. Only so I can speak to you."

Rin nodded. "So what we say and do goes unheard or seen?"

"Exactly. So how are you feeling?"

Rin shrugged and then went over to sit by the goddess. "I suppose I should be happy, but he's not very nice. He's been reading for an hour!"

Both women looked at the inuyokai curiously. "Sesshomaru is a tough shell to crack, but once you get in there you are set."

"Yes well, how am I supposed to get in there?" Where is there? "He won't even talk to me."

"Have you tried talking to him?"

"Of course but he just ignores me." Rin pouted leaning her chin on her knees.

Midoriko nodded and then stood up. Rin followed her action. "That does not surprise me. Sesshomaru is very disciplined. It takes more than a cute face and a…" She looked at Rin's outfit questioningly. "And a whatever you are wearing, to get through to him."

"It was supposed to stimulate his desires," Rin said quoting the exact words Yuka said several hours before.

Midoriko placed her hands on her hips and smiled crookedly at Rin, "Is he stimulated?"

Rin frowned and crossed her arms over her teeny exposed chest. "No," she pouted. The goddess laughed. Feeling embarrassed Rin asked, "Well what do you suggest?"

"Talk about things he likes." Midoriko suggested.

Rin nodded. "Mm, of course, because I already know so much about him."

"Don't be fresh," the goddess warned. "Just observe him you'll find something. I came to discuss some things with you."

"What is it?"

Midoriko moved closer to Rin and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know winning over Sesshomaru is what is important, but I need you to remember all of your duties. Not just the ones that involve pretty males."

Rin nodded. "I won't."

"Good. The jewel of souls must be discovered soon. I know Magatsuhi has his followers searching right now for it. Have you any plans on how you are going to find it?"

Rin shook her head. "I was thinking I should gather a team, like a special group of councilors to help me, but I am afraid who to trust this information with."

Midoriko nodded and played with thick curly lock hanging from Rin's head. "It is a very delicate situation, but another reason why I chose you is because you have good instincts. You are surrounded with many people who will help you, you just have to look." Rin nodded. "Well it is your wedding night. I'll leave you alone. Be brave, my princess."

Suddenly hers eyes fluttered open. She was staring up at the ceiling. Goose bumps coated her exposed skin. She sat up at looked at Sesshomaru. He ignored her. If she was going to be ignored there was no point in being uncomfortable.

She stood up and walked to a trunk pulling out a night gown. She went behind the dressing screen in the corner. She slid the skirt off and he top hit the floor with a load clank. Deep impressions were all on her chest and around her ribcage. Rin decided to take her time, trying to think of something… anything to say to her new husband. She slid the sleeveless nightgown on over her nude body. It was light weight and made of soft white fabric. The straps holding it up were made of pure lace. It was one of her favorites because it was so light and felt cool and soft against her smooth skin.

Rin's stomach dropped at the thought of returning back to that futon. Would he continue to ignore her? He most likely was waiting for her to fall asleep and would leave then. Or maybe he would just sit there and watch her. That second thought made her spine tingle in a very uncomfortable way. One thing was for certain, she could not hide behind a dressing screen all night.

Before she came from around the screen she took a deep breath, steeling her nerves. When she walked from around the screen he was in the same place, doing the same thing. She cleared her throat to get his attention and failed. Taking a few steps closer she did it again. Still she did not receive any response. Impatient and feeling more than a little insulted Rin glared at this man. He may be a crown prince but she was still a princess, a princess of the South! All she had was her dignity.

"Excuse me," she said, her words coming out sweeter than in her mind.

Immediately the demon's head snapped up and narrowed eyes slid to hers dangerously. Rin's voice was cut off and she stared in what could only be described as heart pounding fear. This man – demon – that was her husband looked like he wanted to rip her throat open.

"… Be brave, princess…" Midoriko's last words echoed in her mind.

Gain she steeled her nerves and faced Sesshomaru with a look of defiance, though she was sure she still looked terrified. "I was wondering. It seems that you have no intention on… well… anyway. I would like to retire soon. If you just plan on sitting there and reading all night, that is. Unless you would like to talk maybe, I could sit up for that." Towards the end her tone lightened.

She looked at him with a warm engaging smile, encouraging him to open up. Instead he just continued to stare knives into her face, Rin swallowed uncomfortably, doing her best to hold on to her resolve. She locked her knees into place hoping to keep her legs from giving in from her terror, while under his dark gaze. She clenched her jaw forcing herself not to buckle. If she was going to go ahead in her plans with Midoriko she would face many dangerous challenges. The least she could do was stand up to her husband.

"I don't want us to be enemies," she finally said after a long time. Her voice shook and was thick with tension. "We were both made to do something we did not want to do. Can we at least be kind towards each other? I am not asking you to love me or care about me, but at the least be decent towards me, and I will return the favor."

Another long silence dragged out with Sesshomaru staring at Rin with the same expression. She was no longer fearful but defeated. He was giving her nothing. No indication that he cared about what she had said agreed or even cared. She would have thought maybe he had not have heard her speak at all if she did not know better. With a defeated sigh Rin went over to pick up the beads Midoriko had given her and placed them around her neck. When she turned around she was not shocked to see that he had resumed his reading. She went to the futon and lay down, pulling the covers over her body.

It seemed like the entire events of the last two weeks hit her and she immediately was ready for sleep. She did not put up much of a fight as it took over. Without her even being aware of it, she fell asleep. Her soft breathing became deep and rhythmic.

Sesshomaru dropped the papers on the desk. Finally the girl had fallen asleep. He had hoped sleep would have taken her earlier. The moment he walked through the door he was ignoring her. It was near unbearable while she was dressed so scantily. He was so relieved when she went to change. That relief was short lived when she came from behind the dressing screen. The night gown she wore was fitting to her small frame, accentuating the curves she did have. In addition, the thing was practically see through in the light. The hard buds of her nipples could be easily made out beneath the thin fabric. He wanted to slam the balcony door shut but instead he remained seated.

He had hoped that she would go straight to bed but no, she began talking. Sesshomaru glared at her, hoping he would take the hint and just shut up but then she did something he did not expect her to do. At first she was put to silence, stricken with fear as they all are whenever he gives anyone that look. But the Princess Rin did something very different. Instead of buckling like most, she stood defiantly before him, raising her chin, almost challenging him. He had never had that before. Everyone submitted to him, with the only exception being his father. Who did this little human brat think she was? Did she really think that she was on the same level as him?

He looked at her while she was sleeping. She clearly felt secure enough around him. He could so easily slide in the bed next to her and crush her throat, or snap her neck, or slowly poison her with his claws. Her feeble life could be easily stolen from her. And yet… he would not lay a finger on her for several reasons. The most important however was most likely also fast asleep by herself carrying his second pup.

His Kagura has handled this entire situation with courage and grace. He could not help the tiny smile that crept on his lips. Soon she would be delivering their second child, a male, he was so positive. He could not wait to see his son. When Kagura first came to him about having another child he was indifferent. He was happy with just Ai to look after. She was named his heir and even with the new pup being a boy he would not change her title.

A small groan from Rin broke him from his thoughts. Her curls were a mass of unruly black around her fair pretty face. She was a pretty human female. He had no qualms admitting that. He just hoped that his marriage to her would not be something he would later regret. Though Sesshomaru admitted that he already did.