Sesshoumaru sat quietly under the shaded trees, keeping a watchful gaze over Rin as she tended to the children. She had insisted on heading back to the human village – much to his displeasure – but he had acquiesce without complaint; escorting them on their final leg to Eilean.
To him, it was a complete waste of time, seeing that humans needed to break at least twice a day for meals and sleep. Right now, they had stopped for lunch and his patience was starting to wear thin – especially out here in the open where Rin could fall prey to potential danger.
"Make no mistake of my generosity Rin. I am only here to keep you safe."
There was no one he could trust to watch over her –seeing that the Daiyoukai he had sent to protect her had failed him miserably. Still, when he caught her scent coming from his left, he grunted, giving Miria permission for an audience.
"How are you faring?" he asked, noting that her cheeks were still pale despite her well-healed wounds.
"This is perhaps the worst that I have been my Lord," confessed Miria, blocking his view of Rin as she stood before him. "I acted on instinct. It will never happen again."
"Did you really think I had tasked my army chief to do liaison work?" he replied flatly. "You were the one accompanying Rin –not the other way round. Perhaps I was wrong to assign my best warrior to protect her."
He hadn't thought it was possible but her face looked even more ghostly than before. Getting to her knees, she hung her head down in shame. "I accept any punishment you have for me my Lord…"
There was none he could think of that didn't involve her lying in half on the ground.
Drifting his gaze away towards Rin, he watched as her eyes lit with laughter while she played with the human children. Surely that innocence was worth protecting?
"Your life is no longer mine. Ask Rin what she wishes of you."
From the sharp intake of her breath, Sesshoumaru figured that was the cruellest form of punishment for a Daiyoukai – to be at the command of a human.
Miria shouldn't complain. He could have given her worst.
"But tell me Miria, how could you have been so careless?" he took his eyes away from Rin for a second to gaze enquiringly at Miria. She had no excuses as a Dog Demon's instincts were beyond compare to the other Youkais.
To her credit, Miria raised her chin defensively. "They had used one of the children as bait – a single hyena Youkai holding her. I wouldn't have thought twice about overpowering him… and neither would you."
Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at her unspoken remark. True, he wouldn't have hesitated but then again, Sesshoumaru was never careless, nor stupid. If Miria had only looked up, she would have spotted what her nose was unable to detect.
And besides,only one Youkai with a child? That was too easy a bait for a demon.
"It wasn't you they were hoping to trap," he said softly. "What guarantee had they that I would come? None."
It pleased him to watch her golden eyes widened as the truth registered. Yes, the hyenas had to know that Rin was travelling to Eilean somehow and planned an attack just before her arrival. It wouldn't have been difficult to assume from their last encounter that he would come to her aid immediately.
"So thank Rin for your life. She came back for you."
White as ice, Miria trembled slightly as she got to her feet. "Yes my Lord. I will… reflect about it."
Sesshoumaru watched as she sauntered away. Miria was an excellent warrior; her swordsmanship possibly the only one in the castle capable of breaking him into a sweat.
It would have been truly a shame to lose her, especially to a backhanded tactic such as this. Sesshoumaru had a feeling that even with the demise of Filip, the problem was far from over. Someone was hunting humans, but why?
From a distance, he caught sight of Rin turning her head suddenly as if to check on him. Her face was unreadable but he watched her ladling soup into a bowl; walking towards him a moment later, offering the steaming supplement.
"No, save them for the others," he said, pushing his palm outwards. "If you've not eaten, you should."
Shrugging, she took a seat next to him, leaning against the tree like he did. Sesshoumaru cast a sideward glance, making sure the bowl was tipping its contents into her mouth before relaxing a fraction; choosing instead to enjoy the feeling of having her next to him.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, about last night…"
"There is nothing to say."
"Mmhmm," she murmured, tilting her head slightly to rest against his arm. "You were very kind, so thank you."
Only Rin was capable of saying such things. He hated to admit it but it soothed something in him to have her close.
"I do not wish for you to continue with these tasks," he said, ignoring the sudden change in her scent; no doubt a sign of her displeasure. "Titus will see to it from now on."
Pushing away from his arm, she frowned slightly; her brown eyes no doubt narrowing at him.
"And if I wish to go with him?"
Sesshoumaru arched an eyebrow, wondering if Rin had a secret wicked streak in her.
"Do you wish an early death for the human? Then stop asking silly questions."
"But I want to!" she cried, giving a loud huff as she turned to the other side; slurping her soup noisily in a bid to annoy him.
Sesshoumaru kept silent until she was finished – he'd rather have her tiny tantrums than to have a repeat of that unforgivable moment she had offered to the human.
"Are you unhappy Rin?" he asked, not bothering to hide his snarl.
Still with her back to him, Sesshoumaru almost didn't hear her soft reply. "I don't want to be of no use to you."
Oh Rin… She might as well have poured ice over his head.
It was never his intention to make her feel useless by bringing her to the castle. Wasn't that why he had sent her to the human villages in the first place? It wasn't so much the treaties that concerned him –he wanted her comfortable, knowing her kind were always within reach if she needed them for anything –food, necessities… companionship.
Holding his hand out, he turned to her, gesturing for the empty bowl. She had no objections but her eyes were full as suspicion as she placed it gently in his palm.
But when he got up, she immediately got to her knees as well. "Where are you going?"
"Didn't you offer me some soup earlier? It seems you've finished my portion."
"Why, but you said…" He caught her following his line of sight. Grabbing his arm, she pulled him backwards with as much force as her petite frame could afford. "I know what you're up to. You will not harm him!"
Sesshoumaru bent slightly to cup her chin between his fingers. "Stay here Rin –or I promise I will return him in pieces."
Her grip loosened immediately but he could still sense her frustrations burning a hole in his back as he walked away, towards the small fire surrounded by the human villagers.
He had decided then that there would be no more unnecessary stops until they crossed the river back to Eilean – even if he had to fly them all on A-Un to shorten this journey back. The longer they were outside, the harder it was for him to keep his control in check.
For him, this was perhaps the longest time he had spent in the company of humans, aside from Rin and he had no reason to.
"Titus."
Startled, the young human spilled some of the steaming broth over his thighs but he stood up immediately without wincing.
"Yes my Lord?"
"I do not wish to stop anymore. Will you be able to reach your village by nightfall?" He watched with interest as Titus looked over to where the children were siting before trailing his eyes towards Rin.
"We need another day at least…"
"A-Un is capable of taking a few children at a time. Your men will ride faster without them, no?"
At the punch of his last question, Titus snapped his eyes back towards him, swallowing hard before answering. "Yes my Lord… but it might scare them to be on your dragon."
"Then you will personally escort them, if it soothes their fears." Not to mention keeping him away from Rin. "It is settled then."
"Yes my Lord."
The human bowed and started walking away when he –gently of course –placed a hand on his shoulder. "One more thing."
Titus stilled, turning to face him but not daring to meet his gaze.
"The next time you are in the presence of Lady Rin; keep your hands to yourself if you wish to live."
"My Lord!" The human blinked back the embarrassment, turning his head away. Sesshoumaru almost had to rear in his claws as he tightened his hold on his shoulder. If not for those beautiful brown eyes keeping a close watch over him…
"She will demand to come along with you on your mission to the southwest villages," he continued, looking down sternly at Titus, giving his shoulder another squeeze. "I do not wish to remind you, human, the consequences, of the wrong answer."
Titus blushed a deep red; his eyes automatically looking down to the ground.
"Lady Rin has made it clear that her heart belongs to another… I will not question that my Lord."
Sesshoumaru finally let him go.
"To ensure your mission goes well, my soldiers will arrive in three days." Sesshoumaru lifted his gaze towards the children. "These forests are no longer safe."
"You are most generous my Lord. I humbly accept this gift," replied Titus, bowing low before looking up at him with a serious look on his face. "I will send my messenger falcon should we have pressing news."
Sesshoumaru nodded, leaving behind the human leader.
Now, it was finally time to return.
/
The ride home was a blur of movement, scent and heat. All she remembered after leaving Titus and the others was collapsing and feeling soft fur against her face –she barely got any sleep after tending to the children for two days straight. When she woke up, Lord Sesshoumaru was holding her in his arms; her head rested against his chest.
"You should wake up now," he murmured into her hair. "I could hold you like this through the night… but there is a witch waiting outside my door."
Rubbing her eyes, she tried to make sense of her surroundings - she had barely a minute before his study door flew open.
"My, my… I heard that my son had a human pet but I never thought those rumours were true!"
Rin saw the physical resemblance but apart from that, the two looked like they would rather kill than sit in the same room with each other.
"What are you doing here mother?" There was no joy nor heat in his voice. Lord Sesshoumaru simply kept a straight face for her benefit.
"Can't a mother visit her son?" Lady Elisa purred but her attention was solely focused on Rin. Tracing a long claw over her face, the Daiyoukai then ran her fingers through Rin's hair. "What beautiful hair you have my darling. I can imagine it fanned out behind you when you sleep. Isn't she a beauty Sesshoumaru?"
"Keep your hands to yourself if you treasure them." It was a gentle reminder.
Elisa clutched her chest, in an exaggerated show of sorrow. "Why do you always hurt your mother so? I have but one son! And my only family has no regard for my well-being."
"I will not repeat myself mother. If you have no business here, please see that you leave tonight."
"I don't know why I put up with this abuse!" she wailed. "After all the trouble I've gone to select your future wife, this is the thanks I get?"
Wife? Her eyes immediately snapped wide open. Lord Sesshoumaru on the other hand barely turned his head. He was leaning against the window, the wind blowing his silver hair back.
"Sesshoumaru? Are you listening to me?" When she received only a blank stare, Lady Elisa continued; her eyes flicking from her son then to Rin. "In sixty days, your father's current hold on these lands will come to the table for inheritance, as is the mourning customs of our kind. I do not wish to remind you my son that you have a duty to your people and your lands."
Lord Sesshoumaru made no comment, his silence fuel to her temper. "Sesshoumaru! I will not stand to tolerate this insolence! I will send a demoness every two weeks and by the end of the sixty days, you are ordered to choose one to be your wife!" She was almost screaming. "If not… well, you will know the consequences."
"Thank you mother. I will have you escorted out now." He grabbed his mother by her arm, ushering her towards the door. "Your speech is starting to bore me."
Rin only heard unintelligible screams and growls from behind the door; catching a glimpse of the Queen Mother with her hair aflame before Lord Sesshoumaru closed the door behind him.
"Please excuse my mother. She has no manners." He moved closer to touch her; knuckles grazing her cheeks lightly. "Pay no heed to what she says Rin."
How could he say that when the truth was clear to both of them.
"But it is your duty my Lord. Don't you love these lands?" Rin looked down on the floor. This had to be said. "Someday, I will die and when I do, you will be alone."
"Don't say stupid things."
"I only say what is true." Rin struggled to pull back her tears but her eyes betrayed her; a drop trickling down her cheek. "I was foolish to dream that something could happen between us. That was the child's wish - but the woman, this woman, only wishes for you to do what is right."
"Rin…" He tried to hold her but she had enough. Pushing past him, she let herself out before he had a chance to catch up to her.
Flicking back her tears, Rin ran all the way down to her room, finding the darkest corner to hide; dropping to her knees as she poured her frustrations away.
/
She didn't speak to him at breakfast. Not even a glance his way.
Their lack of interaction did not go unnoticed by his staff.
Sesshoumaru had made it a new house rule that everyone be seated in the great dining hall for breakfast and for dinner, out of respect for Rin. It was gravely unnecessary for the Daiyoukais but the lesser Youkais in his staff were more than happy to gather around the table – it was so unlike him to allow them to be this close to him otherwise.
This morning, he had taken a small sample of Nahia's new improved recipes and approved. Perhaps those years travelling with Rin and eating what pleased her had made him partial to human food.
"Mistress Rin, are you feeling unwell?" asked Nahia kindly as she scooped more food on her plate. "Does my cooking not please you?"
Sesshoumaru wished he could erase those darkness under her eyes; their puffiness evidence of swollen tearducts.
"I am just tired Nahia," she whispered. "If you don't mind, I will eat this in my room."
After she left, Nahia had turned to him, her face grim and her lips pursed into a straight line.
"What?" he asked. Surely she was not insinuating that he had something to do with that?
"My Lord, Lady Rin hasn't been herself since she returned from her mission." Nahia said, one hand on her waist and the other waving a spatula at him.
"Yes my Lord. Did anything… happen between you two?" asked Jaken; a spoonful of porridge stuffed into his mouth.
Sesshoumaru simply narrowed his eyes at the toad imp; a flick of his finger causing his head to fall right into the watery gruel.
"Master! You are so mean!"
"There it is! I knew it," quipped Nahia; one finger wagging at him. "You did something that upset the Mistress and now she's crying over it. I say you go and apologise to her!"
Chatters erupted all over the room. Sesshoumaru had never heard the word 'sorry' said so many times in the span of a second. What was this? A mutiny?
"It seems… you've been outvoted my Lord," said Miria, her eyes lighting up with amusement. He threw an icy look her way. Maybe he should have just left her to die in the forest instead of healing her. Traitor.
"Silence all of you!" The roar did its magic. "I will not acknowledge something that does not exist. Now get back to work. Breakfast is over!"
As his staff scampered away – some sulking, some grumbling, Sesshoumaru had to close his eyes to quell the annoyance bubbling under his skin.
"Think I should really say sorry to her don't you?" he spoke, still keeping his eyes closed. He didn't know why the Daiyoukai stayed when all the others had left but his presence was a great welcome. The majordomo was the closest thing to a father-figure after Lord Inu no Taisho left to live in the human village.
"Human women… they are unlike our kind. If they are sad, their only words will be tears, if they are angry; it is only silence that you will hear."
That sounded too complex for him to comprehend. How the hell was he supposed to know what Rin was feeling if she didn't tell him? Hadn't he always told her he would come if she needed him?
"I will keep that advice in mind Keane."
The Daiyoukai managed a small laugh. "I do not know how many times I have told your father the same thing. But I'm glad he listened."
Sesshoumaru had hoped that Keane would share more but when he opened his eyes, the Daiyoukai was gone.
It wasn't that he didn't want to comfort Rin. On the contrary, his heart was rife with anguish at the thought of not being able to hold her close. But to care for a human this much was a weakness; something that could kill him –as it had killed his father.
Sesshoumaru would not stand for it.
/
He had wandered from his study to the balcony of his chambers, intending to clear his mind; his mother's words ringing in his head. It wasn't so much her presence that annoyed him but the hurt in Rin's eyes when she left that night.
He should have stopped her and yet…
After all his efforts to keep potential suitors away from her, the situation was now reversed. So why then was he searching for her the entire morning?
He had almost given up when he spotted her from his window –her small human frame nestled amongst the greenery of his garden; fingers threading flowers into a tiara as she had done so many times before.
Part of him knew he needed to stay away from her and yet…
Leaping off the terrace, he landed gracefully behind her; his shadow cast upon her willowy frame. He knew she could sense him but she made no attempt to acknowledge his presence; simply keeping her back to him defiantly.
He let her.
Though he had seen her doing it many times, Sesshoumaru still found himself mesmerised by the way her nimble fingers moved with such dexterity and precision. When she was finished with one full circle, she moved on to another, ignoring him despite their uncomfortable nearness.
Soon after, she was nearly done with all the blooms within her reach –her tiaras enough to dress the entire castle. Feeling amused, he knelt down; aware of the heat of her body so close to his.
"For how long will I be punished with this silence?"
When she remained quiet, he nudged closer, resting his chin on her shoulder; simply allowing himself to watch her fingers twine the flower stalks together.
This close, Rin smelt wonderful and Sesshoumaru knew that if he laid her on the soft grass, she would be his in an instant. Angry as she might be at him, there was no denying the sudden shift in her scent – a woman nursing pure arousal. This was the same scent that filled his being the last time he had kissed her; the taste of innocence still lingering in his mind.
He would kill any other who dared elicit such a response from her.
Pressing a kiss to her covered shoulder, he paused, waiting to see if she would react –nothing. Not even a hitch in her breath. Such control.
Repeating the kiss, he moved it up another notch, placing a kiss at every inch-interval up until his lips met with skin. The sudden contact jolted her slightly but Rin continued to toy with her flowers, ignoring him.
Not everyone had the privilege of ignoring him and living to tell the tale but for Rin, Sesshoumaru made too many concessions. Perhaps he should finally discipline her.
"What are you doing?" she demanded; the sigh in her voice barely audible as his kisses trailed higher up her neck. "Stop… this… instance…"
Sesshoumaru's lips were on her jaw, tracing the line down to her chin then up again at the other side of her face. The searing heat of her desire was driving him insane with need, but Sesshoumaru kept his touch gentle, not wanting to scare away his little Rin.
"Tell me… what would you wish your Lord Sesshoumaru to do for you Rin?" A kiss on the apples of her cheek. "To say sorry?" One kiss on the tip of her nose. "You know why I'm not letting you go with that human."
"I…" her words drowned in a sudden shiver that rocked her body. "Why are you doing this?"
A final kiss on her forehead before he tilted her face up to look at him. "Are you asking me to stop?" He almost had to hold himself back from smiling when he felt her fingers grabbing the front of his robes. "If my calculations are correct, I think there is still one spot I have yet to –"
She jumped at him; arms wrapped around his neck as her lips crushed against his. Not expecting that, Sesshoumaru felt himself toppling backwards under her weight, feeling her body sliding to a comfortable saddle on top of him.
Sesshoumaru had to be dying. The excruciating ache he was feeling throbbed between them but there was nothing he would or could do. Rin was pure. Her first time should not be on a bed of grass with dried tears streaking her face.
And for that, he kept still, allowing her to take what she wanted from him – a kiss, a nip, a bite…
Her lips were eager and demanding; tongue rasping against his own as she greedily devoured more of him. And her hands… one moment they were raking through his scalp and the next, she was running them all over his chest; her fingers flexing over the muscles she could feel over his thin outer covering.
When she raked her nails unexpectedly against his nipple, Sesshoumaru couldn't hold back his moan. If he didn't stop her now, Rin could possibly make them regret the inevitable.
With great reluctance, he pulled away from her kiss –both of them instantly heaving from the intensity of their passion.
Rin couldn't look more perfect in that moment with skin flushed, lips kiss-bruised and her hair a crazy mess around her face. He had to kiss her again.
Flipping her on her back, he placed one hand at each side of her head and gazed deep into her hazel brown eyes. There was no denying any longer who she was to him. He had known the instant he set eyes on her all those years ago. If only she had known the agony he went through waiting for her to grow up.
His lips were inches from hers when he suddenly snapped his head up; eyes scanning the area and ears twitching as he tried to hear Jaken's unintelligible protests coming from the main gate.
Turning back his attention to Rin, he dropped a feathery kiss on her lips and growled, "We will continue this another time. We have a guest."
Helping her to her feet, he caressed her cheeks lightly with his knuckles before taking his leave. Whoever it was at the gate – his wrath was the only welcome they would receive.
/
Her head was spinning. One moment she was sulking and the next moment, it felt as though she was possessed by an unbridled need to claim him as her own. Rin would never have dared to do something so bold to Lord Sesshoumaru! The memory of her passion brought colour to her cheeks once more.
Picking up the woven flowers that now lay discarded; she gently put them in between her sash. It seemed that their guest had to be important enough for Lord Sesshoumaru to leave her in such… frenzy.
Making her way to the castle, she decided to take a peek at their visitor from the many secret tunnels that weaved concurrently through the castle halls.
It appeared that she wasn't the only one with a curious bone.
"Mistress! Oh…" Nahia blinked rapidly; her face breaking out into a sly smile all of a sudden. "Never mind that. Look! It is the first Daiyoukai candidate sent by the Queen Mother!"
Nahia moved over to give Rin a better look through the miniscule hole in the wall. Indeed, she was right.
Dressed in white and gold, the Daiyoukai looked like she was ready for a wedding; long silvery white hair in ringlets atop her head.
"Such a pompous brat," said Nahia. Rin was too polite to agree. Regardless of how she felt about him, she knew his duty to his lands were above and beyond her own needs. Who was she, a human nobody, to demand his full undivided attention and affection?
Stolen kisses were one thing but commitment, another.
"I'm so pleased to finally meet you my Lord. My father sends his regards. He speaks so highly of you!" chirped their guest.
"Beatrice, you are only here under my mother's instructions. Do not consider my presence a sign of welcome."
Lord Sesshoumaru's eyes were golden although his other features were still intact– a sign of controlled temper. In his true form, he would have reduced her to ashes just by being that close to him.
Beatrice bit her lips, her eyes slowly tearing at his rejection. "But I had made an arrangement! Two weeks, said my Lady!"
"Whatever you were promised by Lady Elisa is none of my concern. You may stay the night, but nothing more."
With a swish of his robe, he walked away, leaving her with her suitcases and a party of flustered maids.
"Well… looks like one of us will have to see her to a room then. What a bother!" grumbled Nahia. "And I suppose she'd want to eat as well."
Rin caught the round bottomed Noble in a hug before she could waddle off. "Perhaps I should eat in my room. Would you be so kind to bring it up for me?"
Nahia only raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like I wish for an early death?"
Rin managed a pout when the cook tapped her hand in gentle reprimand. But surely Lord Sesshoumaru would not wish her to be seated at the same dining table as his potential… wife? That would surely kill her on the inside.
Not wanting to chance a meeting with Beatrice, Rin headed straight up to her own room and locked the door. Looks like she was going to go hungry tonight.
/
Rin tucked herself to bed just slightly before dusk, hoping that sleep would take away the hunger that would plague her during dinner. It made her slightly guilty to know that Nahia and the others were making a special effort to gather and eat to keep her company but for tonight, Rin didn't wish to keep up with appearances – especially not when they had a guest. Beatrice would surely do her best to put her down. Rin was certain of that.
And after the events with Eilean, Rin was determined to conserve her fighting energy for those who truly needed her help – not over petty nonsense like the tall, dark and dangerous Youkai…
Oh…she had been so angry at him! First for not allowing her to continue her task and more importantly for that look of fear he had placed on Titus's face. The man could barely look at her without turning red; eyes going wildly around checking that he was not being watched.
And now, all she wanted to do was to jump on the Daiyoukai and demand the very thing he was denying her to do with anyone else. Rin wasn't stupid. She understood his desire to possess her more than he probably knew it himself. After all, wasn't it him who kissed her first?
Sighing, she closed her eyes; an image of him vividly screened in her mind. Rin couldn't believe how wantonly she had grabbed at him this afternoon; her hands and lips hungry to touch and taste every part of him.
He had been clothed then, but Rin had felt the ridges of his chest under the soft material. What would they feel like if she traced them with her fingers; skin to skin?
The thought of him naked made her blush so much that Rin had to pull the covers up over her head in embarrassment. Oh but the hardness of his chest! She had no doubt they were beautifully sculpted all the way down, past his stomach and…
"Oh Sesshoumaru," she sighed to herself. This would be her little secret – a want that would eat at her from the inside until the day she died.
Had she known then, when she gave him his first kiss that he was the one?
Rin had to be barely eleven and there was a white butterfly fluttering around. It had made her so frustrated running after it, especially when it started to fly around Lord Sesshoumaru and Jaken was screaming at her not to step all over him.
But she did anyway. She had to catch that butterfly! Over and over she crawled all over him, a hand swiping at the bug hoping she would be fast enough.
Lord Sesshoumaru had simply moved his claws and the butterfly was caught! She was so happy that she tiptoed to kiss his cheek, much to his surprise.
"Why did you do that?" he had asked, in his usual flat toned voice.
"Because you made me so happy! I hope someday that I will marry someone like you!" she had shrieked, giving him another kiss before running off singing a made-up song about her butterfly.
"Rin."
No that wasn't part of the memory. Snapping her eyes open, she peeked from under her blankets.
He was here. In her room.
"You missed dinner."
"I had to." Rin sat herself on the bed, pulling her blankets closer to hide from his view. The white silk of her night dress was not appropriate for his audience.
"I expect you to be at breakfast tomorrow." It was an order.
"I just thought it would be best if your female guest did not see me."
Lord Sesshoumaru moved closer, his shadow looming over her. "Your place is at the dining table, not hidden away here like a fugitive." He pushed a small bowl of soup towards her. "I do not care what she wishes to say."
This close, she could see that he too was dressed for the night; his usual armour swapped for a simple white robe.
She wanted to protest but the smell of roasted carrots stirred up her stomach juices, making it impossible to refuse the offer. Taking the bowl in her hands, she sipped at the warm soup slowly; her eyes never once leaving his face.
Despite the arrogance that he wore constantly on his face, Rin could tell from the subtle lines between his brows that he had spent a lot of time in deep thoughts – of what, she didn't know.
"Why are you so sad my Lord?" she heard herself asking.
"What makes you say that?"
Rin didn't know how exactly but him being here in her small room was a silent call for help – a man looking for the comforts of the only being who wouldn't judge him.
Putting the bowl aside, she got to her knees and crawled to where he was seated at the edge of her bed. Perhaps for tonight, she would forgive him for all her heartache. He was here and that was all that mattered.
Moving so that she sat next to him, Rin then leaned her head on his shoulder. Whatever demons it was that he wanted to chase, for tonight at least, she would slay them with him.
They sat like that, in silence, for a long time; their breathing becoming a single draw and exhale. Rin allowed her mind to linger, lulled by the rhythm of their breaths, until she finally felt him move.
"It is late. Tomorrow, I wish to train you with the sword. You should rest." But he made no effort to move off her bed.
It was now or never.
"Sleep with me tonight," she whispered. Rin knew the countless times she had curled onto his lap and felt him hold her to sleep; chasing away the monsters that plagued her dreams. She was merely returning the favour.
Crawling back under her covers, she flapped open the blanket on the empty side of her bed – an invitation for him to join her if he wished.
He did.
Wrapping the blankets over himself, he murmured something unintelligible as he slid his hand around her waist; her head tucked under his chin before slowly drifting to slumber.
/
Nahia felt terrible for not bringing Lady Rin anything to eat the night before. All because she had been terrified of Lord Sesshoumaru! In fact, he had been livid when she had not turned up for dinner.
She continued chiding herself endlessly as she juggled the breakfast tray for the Mistress. There was enough food on it to feed an army but Lady Rin would need it – especially after that terrifying mission of hers!
Nahia had been sick with worry when Rin returned home pale and exhausted. She had been adamant that she was alright, even insisting that it was normal – like as if Nahia would buy that!
Not bothering with a knock, Nahia figured she could creep in and out as silently as a mouse and Lady Rin would not have to be disturbed.
The room was still dark; the drapes drawn but Nahia could hear the Mistress sleeping – goodness does she breathe deeply! Finding her way in the unlit room, Nahia came to the bedside table and carefully lowered her tray.
"Oh? A bowl? Did you sneak into the kitchen to steal some –" The laughter on her face died the instant she saw the silhouette of Lord Sesshoumaru.
He was still fast asleep.
Knowing that her hide was on the line, Nahia crept against the wall, slowly back towards the door. Oh this was such fantastic news!
She just had to tell the others!
/
Sesshoumaru should have threatened to kill her, the moment she stepped into the room. Did that servant not know the meaning of knocking? It had taken all his control to remain in his position, not wanting to awaken Rin. She had somehow curled into him during the night, her cheek now resting comfortably against his chest.
But by the brimming sunlight at the edge of the drapes, it had to be mid-morning by now. Soon, the enticing scent of food next to him would stir his Rin from slumber.
Or, a kiss would.
Tilting his head, he reached for her lips, earning himself a moan of annoyance as she tried to swat him away as though he was a fly. Still he pushed on, flipping her on top of him, forcing the beautiful sleepy human to rouse awake.
Her eyelids lifted lazily, revealing those big brown eyes he had always found fascinating. She even smiled against his kiss before pulling herself away to look down carefully at his face.
"I must be dreaming," she whispered. "You cannot possibly be in my bed."
Sesshoumaru's reply was another kiss to silence her. There would be no need for talking now.
/
"I don't think I want to do sword training today," she grumbled as he lifted the drapes, bathing the room in sunlight. "Can't I just stay in bed?"
"Don't tempt me Rin. I promise I wouldn't stop this time."
By the shimmering gold of his eyes, she knew he meant it. Rin wasn't sure if she was ready for anything more yet. He had merely kissed her and she nearly had her consciousness wiped out. She didn't know if it was because it was her first… or that being with a Youkai only enhanced the sensations.
"Stop thinking about it or we'll never get out of this room." A soft reprimand. Rin could see that he was keeping himself as close to the window as possible; claws digging deep into his clenched fists.
"Nothing is stopping you from leaving my Lord," she complained, throwing back her covers to walk towards her wardrobe.
When he gave her his signature blank stare, Rin sighed and reached for a thicker robe for some semblance of modesty.
"I will see you in an hour in the courtyard," he merely instructed, turning towards her for one last time. "Rid yourself of my scent before you do."
And in a blinding flash of light, he was gone.
Rin could not scent anything different about herself but knowing how keen Youkai senses were, she wasn't going to argue. A good scrub in a bath would have to suffice for now.
When she was finally cleaned and dressed, Rin picked up Wind Eternal and buckled the sword at the sash around her waist. She had to be honest with herself – she was looking forward to their sword training. When it came to the ways of the sword, no one in her opinion, could overshadow that of Lord Sesshoumaru's.
Brimming with anticipation, Rin half skipped and half ran down the stairs towards the main open area of the castle. She would make amends to Nahia later – no doubt she was upset that Rin had not come down for two meals now. Although, it was thoughtful of her to have left some food outside her door – at least that's what Lord Sesshoumaru said.
When Rin stepped out from under the sheltered walkway into the courtyard, she was stunned to see two silvery whitehaired Youkais in deep conversation. Lord Sesshoumaru had his back turned to Beatrice whose hands were gripped tight around his arm.
Feeling like an intruder, Rin inched backwards, hoping that neither of them would catch her scent.
Too late.
"Who are you? How dare you disturb your Lord and Lady in their private moment?" Eyes of gold flashed arrogantly at Rin.
More annoyed than hurt, Rin simply nodded her head in polite greeting. "I am Lady Rin. My apologies for not greeting you last night; I was down with -"
"Who are you?" she demanded, stepping away to be closer to Rin. A sniff and she bawled; tongue wagging out in disgust. "She reeks of human Lord Sesshoumaru!"
The Daiyoukai finally turned his head, his face a blank canvas as he looked down at both of them.
"My company is my decision to make Beatrice. You are merely a guest here, who has overstayed her welcome." Looking away, he seemed to whistle to the wind; his lips facing upwards but no sound was heard. "My advisor Jaken will see to your travel needs."
Jaken was seen walking swiftly from the shelter to the courtyard. From the look on his face, Rin figured that Lord Sesshoumaru had interrupted him from a meal.
"This way please ma'am," he half offered, half burped the words. But by the look of disgust on her face, Rin didn't think she was that impressed.
"You are sending this imp to escort me out?" Beatrice shrieked, turning towards Lord Sesshoumaru. "I will not tolerate anything less than yourself my Lord."
Before he could reply, Jaken had balled his fists; stepping forward until he was inches from her.
"You dare! Speak out of line to the Master? You are nothing but a power hungry witch!" Jaken spat the last words onto her face.
"Why you insolent little…" Beatrice lifted her hand; a slap aimed for Jaken's face but her breath was caught at the sight of Lord Sesshoumaru's sword aimed at her throat.
"I have killed for lesser." His voice flat and his eyes a lazy cast away into the distance.
The fire died in her eyes; a tiny squeak from her lips, "My Lord…"
Still keeping the blade resting against her skin, he moved his gaze until it rested gently on Rin.
"The Lady of the West will be one who cares not for herself but for those beneath her." Turning his face towards Beatrice, he narrowed his eyes. "And you are not worthy."
"I… I understand my Lord." Her head bowed so low that her hair fell like a curtain in front of her face. "I shall take my leave now."
The trio kept their eyes on her as she broke into a trot back to the main castle grounds.
"Jaken, make sure she doesn't leave behind unwanted souvenirs," said Lord Sesshoumaru, turning his head away from the drama.
"Yes my Lord!"
Rin could tell from the slight throb at his temples that he was upset about the way he had dismissed Beatrice. She had no doubt that he would have preferred to duel her into defeat than engage in a dramatic show of prowess.
"Would you have preferred me to let her stay?" he asked suddenly.
"What made you think that?" Rin would rather chew the demoness and spit her out in the garbage but…it was not her right to say so. Therefore, it came as a surprise to herself when she blurted her thoughts without thinking. "I'd rather not have any others."
"Getting possessive now, Rin?" He might have said them with no intonation whatsoever but Rin could tell when Lord Sesshoumaru was joking with her. It was an important tool of survival when a girl travelled with a Youkai such as him.
And after ten long years of yearning, surely a woman was entitled to be a little possessive.
"I'll take that as a yes then," he said; a smirk slowly creeping at the side of his mouth. "I will take that into consideration for the next candidate."
As her face broke out in a flush of pink, Rin drew her sword and pretended to be busy with some training moves. Those were mere empty words. They both knew that his duty to his lands would be of higher importance than whatever it was that happened this morning – or any repetition of it.
Rin had surrendered to the idea of living for the moment before living the remainder of her mortal life craving for what she could no longer touch.
There was no place for a human in the immortal life of a Daiyoukai.
"Put your arms higher," he said, moving closer to push her arms up. "Wind Eternal is made to float with the breeze."
Rin tried not to shudder at his touch.
"Rin." A soft warning growl.
"It's hard to focus when you're breathing down my neck."
She could almost feel him pursing his lips at her complaint but Lord Sesshoumaru took a step backwards.
"Then watch me carefully," he said, lifting his own sword to create swift yet graceful downstrokes. Rin mimicked him as best as she could; her body finding it difficult to manipulate the weapon into the seamless dance he demonstrated.
"Again."
Patience was not his forte, but Lord Sesshoumaru continued to show her the same four step motion- a downward stroke followed by a reversed attack using the handle of the sword and a change of hands for a final backward thrust.
He made it look so easy. Not giving up, she repeated the sequence, aware that he was no longer doing it alongside her.
"Arms higher. Your opponents will not be as short as you are." Rin had to roll her eyes. They both knew that he wasn't referring to the human kind.
"I doubt they'll be allowed to breathe much if they so much as touch me." It wasn't arrogance – simply a fact. Shuddering at the thought of the hyena's head severed in front of her, Rin focused her attention on the Youkai who had delivered that killing blow.
Eyebrows drawn close, he wore a frown that was reserved only for her. She'd seen that one before.
"That is but of course. Haven't I always protected you?"
Rin lowered her sword and turned her body to face him. "Someday you might not be able to but until then, yes."
His frown only deepened. "You are doubting me?"
She had to nod. Had to. "Marriage and offsprings come with greater responsibilities than a pet."
Though his expression remained unchanged, his eyes flashed golden for a split second before he strode in purposeful strides to close the gap between them. Knuckles grazing her cheeks, he bent his head closer to her ear. "If it pleases you… I will not take a Daiyoukai mate for the rest of your human life."
Rin wanted to scream, to curse and fight her way out of the unfairness of their situation but when Lord Sesshoumaru stood back upright, looking down at her, she simply turned away. She understood the sacrifice he was making to give her that option and yet…
/
NB: This is one of those chapters that made me sad just writing it. Hope you've enjoyed it as much as I did! And thank you everyone for your comments and feedback. Really appreciate it. Anyway, I've had to change the rating to M! Next Chapter won't be out as quickly as I will be away but definitely sometime in early June!