Some reminder of who's who in case you get lost.
Elisa – Sesshoumaru's mother
Adam –Human Lord of the South
Junichi –Ancient Daiyoukai; Grandfather of Chiyoko and Granduncle of Sesshoumaru
Keane – Majordormo Daiyoukai of the West
Ulrich – Youkai Wolf Lord of the East
Masahiko & Aika –Chiyoko's parents. Masahiko is the son of Junichi.
/
Their forays into his father's work had come up with nothing apart from volumes of poetry written about humanity –nothing specific about his human mate or his Hanyou son. It had taken Chiyoko almost three days to comb through the shelves for books she thought might come in useful but there was just not enough time to read and interpret them all.
After nearly five days of locking himself in the dusty chambers, the Queen Mother herself had entered to drag him back into reality; sending him to the bath house for a good scrub.
"I do not need your assistance Mother."
She merely ignored him as she held out the crisp white kimono up against the light. Sesshoumaru had never seen his mother looking almost kind when she finally took her eyes away from the garments to look at him.
"I remembered your father in these… once upon a time," she whispered. "And now it's yours."
Sesshoumaru allowed her to slip the sleeves into his arm; keeping still when she knelt slightly to wrap his obi around his body and adjust the knots.
"Did you love him, mother?"
Elisa snapped her head up, blinking in surprise –her expression mimicking her son for he too was shocked at daring to ask his mother such an intimate question.
"I apologise. I didn't mean to –"
"No, it's fine," she replied; the slight strain in her voice apparent in every syllable. "To answer you, it's no."
Sesshoumaru wondered if she was lying. It was her only strength over him – this inability for a son to hear his mother's thoughts. In all honestly, he didn't know why he asked. Was it to convince himself that this union was worth it?
"I don't love Chiyoko."
Again, it was an unnecessary admission for his mother would not care. Love had always been a conditional arrangement for her – at least that's what she seemed to project.
Winding his sash around his waist, Sesshoumaru watched as his mother tied the knot in a graceful bow, allowing the material to flow down from his middle. She didn't seem to have heard him or she was merely denying him a chance to speak.
But as she stood to her full height once more, his mother reached out to pat his cheek.
"Love always gets someone killed. It is best this way my son."
Turning, she smiled and left.
Sesshoumaru gave a loud huff as he looked at himself in the mirror. For the first time in his life, his hair had been pulled back and tied into a single braid; golden threads woven into the strands to make him look like a walking angel.
It almost felt like his father was staring back at him in the reflection. Inu no Taisho had the same ethereal quality the day he was crowned but Sesshoumaru didn't remember his father looking sad. In fact, he had known that Sesshoumaru was hiding behind a pillar in the room and gestured for his son to stand in front of him in the mirror.
"Someday, it would be your turn."
"When I become Lord of the West, I will be the most powerful Youkai of all the lands!"
His father had laughed at him as he played with his son's silvery strands.
"What if I told you that I'm the weakest Youkai in the whole world?"
Sesshoumaru of course had been livid then; denying such a blatant lie. Who would have thought that nearly half a millennium later, he would truly understand his father's words?
There was no strength in having no choice in your decisions, nor is there power in a position you didn't earn.
Everything had been given to him.
The one thing that had been truly his from the moment their paths crossed… he had sent her away.
"Then today I will ascend the throne as the weakest Youkai in all the lands," he whispered to his reflection and to the memory of the great Daiyoukai who once stood before it with him.
/
The grand hall of the castle had been converted into a ceremonial chamber; the rows of benches arranged with an aisle in the middle leading to the front altar. The glass panels on the high ceilings flooded the hall with a glow that seemed to swallow him up in its pureness; the white of his garb blending in so naturally with the surrounding.
Walking to the altar, he gave a respectful bow and stared up at the light pouring down in front of him.
"It's as it should be," said Sesshoumaru to his silent guest.
"It is my Lord," replied Keane, bowing low behind him. "There is someone here to see you. The Human Lord. Should I ask him to leave?"
Sesshoumaru turned slowly before settling his eyes on his majordormo. There was no need to ask the question about her. Adam, had come alone.
"No, I will speak to him outside. He must not step in here until it is time."
Following silently behind Keane, Sesshoumaru allowed himself to study the loyal Daiyoukai before him. Keane had served his father even before Inu no Taisho was married and ascended the throne. He knew they were friends but were they close enough for him to know his father's deepest fears?
Putting a hand on his shoulder, Sesshoumaru paused as the older Daiyoukai turned around.
"Yes my Lord?"
"I need you to find something for me. And it must be done in the strictest confidence – no one must know what you are looking for."
"That is a given."
Sesshoumaru locked eyes with Keane, knowing his loyalty was unquestionable. "Find me everything he has written about his son – the other one. Do not be rash but make haste."
Keane blinked as he took a step back. "What makes you think that such a thing exists?"
It would have been insolent of him to be questioning his master's command, but Sesshoumaru respected Keane enough to overlook that one transgression.
"Just find it Keane," he urged once more before opening the door for them. "Thank you."
The majordomo bowed before him as he exited the chambers with Sesshoumaru following closely behind. Waiting down the hall was Lord Adam himself.
"Adam. You look well."
"My … aren't you dashing Sesshoumaru." The old human Lord looked like he was about to burst into tears.
He didn't need to ask him – even if it was out of courtesy –for he could scent her absence so clearly in the air. Rin hadn't come and he felt something deep inside him that was almost of… disappointment.
"Say what you have to say Adam." Although he really didn't want to hear it. There was no doubt that the human Lord didn't agree upon Sesshoumaru's decision. But it was not his place to question nor chastise him. Sesshoumaru was only giving him that opportunity because Rin was under his guardianship.
"I have made Rin my heir."
Now that was news to him.
Amidst all the commotion with the 60th day preparation and the hunt for his father's works, Sesshoumaru hadn't kept up with the state of his neighbours. If Adam's words were true, then in a few years –he would say five at most, considering the old man's state –Rin would be an equal in status to him.
It shouldn't mean anything to him. But it did.
"Stop this Sesshoumaru. You know politically our union would be more beneficial to our lands. The South is rebuilding and I admit that it is weak. It needs allies, but I do not have much bargaining power to provide equal contributions."
He knew exactly where the sneaky human was leading to and he didn't like it one bit.
"The laws of our lands are similar is it not?" he grinned, looking up at Sesshoumaru. "To ascend the throne, Rin would have to marry. Would it not be better if she already was?"
Keep. A. Straight. Face.
"Then I would attend her wedding, even though she refused to attend mine," he replied coldly. "Besides, a treaty can be signed at any time. A redrawing of our boundaries might be more… appealing than a union."
"Sesshoumaru!" Adam turned ash white; his lips parted as a hand pressed against his chest. "Are you truly your father's son?"
The Daiyoukai simply looked into the sad blue eyes of the human Lord.
"Thank you for coming Adam. I will see you later." Sesshoumaru bowed slightly before making his way back into the chamber to await his fate.
/
Chiyoko was nervous.
It didn't help that the scratchy lace of her kimono irritated her skin constantly; the tightness of her obi currently depriving her of breathing and the elaborate hairdo making her feel like a walking watermelon-head.
"It'll be alright my love," whispered her mother gently as she smoothened a non-existent crease on her daughter's dress. "Elisa's kimono is beautiful and I think you make it even more so."
"Oh mother… I don't know why I'm going through with this. I want what you and father had. Why can't I?"
Aika flicked her daughter's tear even before it could mar her flawless make up.
"If you wish to step back, you know your father and I will never be angry with you. It is your choice Chiyoko."
Chiyoko wished it was that simple. Sesshoumaru needed to ascend the throne. Whatever happened after that would be within his control as the true Lord of the West. This ceremony was important to everyone, including herself. Allegiance to their Lord had to be established and this was the only time when they could.
Truth was it was a matter of time before Sesshoumaru would leave her to be with his true mate. After all, he is his father's son.
Turning to her mother, Chiyoko smiled. "I'm ready."
The walk from her room down the hallways into the ceremonial chambers seemed to take ages, the distance somewhat tripling although it was mere minutes away. Taking the time to slow down, Chiyoko tried to still her pounding heart.
She had chosen to do this. It would be her one promise to Rin to give Sesshoumaru the chance to ascend the throne. After all, wasn't this what all the sacrifices were for?
"I only wish you could be happier today Chiyoko."
Looking up, Chiyoko smiled at the Daiyoukai offering his hand. Masahiko, her father. Hooking her arm in his, she took a deep breath as the chamber doors were slowly opened; all eyes turned to look at her – except one.
In his kimono of pure white; swords sheathed by his side, hair tied in a single braid down his back – Sesshoumaru looked every inch like the Lord of the West that he was. He didn't even need the crown of silver and gold on his head to mark his status to the world.
Next to him, she looked so plain, even dull as she took her place by his side in front of the altar. Sesshoumaru had still not looked at her and while she knew he felt nothing of that sort towards her, it still hurt not to be acknowledged.
Until she felt soft cold fingers threading its way into her own –just the tip touching hers in a sign of solidarity. She dared a quick look on her right and caught the slight smirk on his lips and smiled.
She kept her face cheerful even as the Queen Mother stepped in front of them to begin the rites of blessings. It must have been difficult for the reigning Queen to pass the throne to her son and it showed greatly on her face – the mix of pride and melancholy at the thought of losing her position and at the same time, the blossoming of her one and only child.
"Sesshoumaru and Chiyoko, Lord and Lady of the West, I bestow upon you, my most prized breed of dragon, so you may prosper and rule our lands with great power and strength." Lady Elisa got to her knees, hands stretched out, palms facing up.
Chiyoko watched as Sesshoumaru placed his own hands, palms down onto his mother's upturned wrists before letting go.
A thin line, alive and burning, snaked around her wrists bonding her to him as her mark of loyalty and allegiance.
Next was Inu no Jiro, Sesshoumaru's uncle and next in line for the throne. Chiyoko knew that this would probably be the most difficult stage to pass for Inu no Jiro didn't look like he was pleased to be offering anything to his nephew.
He didn't say a word as he offered his wrists; looking away indignantly when Sesshoumaru marked him. Unlike the first round with his mother, Sesshoumaru kept his hold on his uncle long enough until the Daiyoukai was forced to look up at him.
"What have you for your Lord and Lady of the West?"
Inu no Jiro narrowed his eyes; a snarl escaping his lips.
"Fine silk for the robes of your mate and your children."
Chiyoko felt a chill at the back of her neck. Did Inu no Jiro know about Rin's condition? He said mate, not wife…
Unless Inu no Jiro was referring to herself as both, Chiyoko was sure there was an implied threat there, especially if he knew about the child!
And yet, next to her, Sesshoumaru remained the calm, stoic self he always was, simply glossing over his uncle's face as he released his wrists.
The ritual continued but Chiyoko's mind would linger to what Inu no Jiro had said and often, she found her gaze straying towards where he stood, almost suspicious of what he was planning.
"Chiyoko, stop it. Your parents." The whispered order was heeded without question. Sesshoumaru might not care much about many things, but even he knew the sacrifice her parents were making to allow her to be married in such a fashion.
"Father, mother…" Aika looked like she had shed a few tears but her father looked as he always did – kind and collected.
"Sesshoumaru and Chiyoko, we as your parents, only wish for your happiness," said Masahiko as he got to his knees. "For you Sesshoumaru, I offer my most treasured book of languages so that you may be the master of words befitting of your stature."
Turning to his daughter, he held a palm out. "And for you my love, I offer my allegiance."
There was silence in the room as everyone stood, shocked at the blatant disregard for custom. Allegiance could only be given to the Lord or Lady of the throne; not to their spouse. As the first born descendant of the clan, it was Sesshoumaru who held that honour, even from his elders.
"I accept," said Sesshoumaru as he reached out for Chiyoko's hand to place it on Masahiko's wrist. And repeated it for her mother.
When the bond was completed, he merely nodded at them to leave, saying nothing to either her parents or herself as the next tribute came to offer their blessing.
By the time they were finished with the entire Daiyoukai head of clans and the heads of the Western human villages, it was time for the last two guests – the Lord of the East and the Lord of the South.
Chiyoko had almost forgotten about their invitation and was slightly shivering on the inside as Ulrich of the East stepped up on the altar in front of them. It had been decades since she had last been in his lands and that had not ended well if she recalled. Although the Eastern Lord himself had not been involved, he would surely have heard the rumours.
So when he flashed her a grin, Chiyoko was thankful she didn't have to interact with the wolf Youkai at all for this ritual.
"Sesshoumaru, as I have said to your father before you, I Ulrich of the East, offer you my promise to not take any more Youkai concubines than the ones I already have. But if one so willingly strays into my court…" A flick towards Chiyoko. "Then I will not object."
"That is indeed a very honourable promise Lord Ulrich and I accept. May our lands be bountiful and safe in our times of peace."
Unlike the bonds of allegiance that the clans have given to their Lord, this time, both Sesshoumaru and Ulrich held only one hand out, palm up. Then individually, they reached forward and pressed their free hand over the wrist of the other; a seal between the Lords of the lands.
When that was done, Sesshoumaru turned to Lord Adam but instead of gesturing for him to proceed, Sesshoumaru left the altar to walk towards the human Lord himself, causing another moment of stunned silence in the room.
It seemed that on his first day at the job, Sesshoumaru was already breaking rules and making his own. Perhaps it wouldn't take that long for him to change the laws that had forced them both into this marriage in the first place.
Turning her head towards the two Lords, Chiyoko knew it was a private moment that was not meant for her or any of their attendance. Whatever it was that passed –
"Sesshoumaru!" Every single Youkai in the room felt it, the sudden decrease of the human Lord's life.
Chiyoko ran towards him but Sesshoumaru didn't miss a beat as he caught Lord Adam's frail form in his arms.
"Adam… don't do this to me!" he growled – low enough for only Chiyoko and Adam to hear.
But the human Lord was unrepentant as he looked up at both of them; foam coming out from the side of his mouth.
"Then complete what you must with me… with my daughter instead," he whispered with a bright smile on his face.
"I don't understand…" whimpered Chiyoko as she knelt down to press her fingers against Adam's wrists. "He poisoned himself?"
Sesshoumaru looked down at her, expressionless. "Make the arrangements to have his body brought back to Seurri."
Catching Adam's limp form in her arms, Chiyoko gasped as she felt the old man's last breath leaving his body. Death it seems was a heavy weight to bear for the living.
"Then what about us Sesshoumaru?" whispered Chiyoko, watching as Lady Elisa stormed towards them, no doubt hysterical over the interrupted ritual cycle.
"What is this!" she screamed, pulling Adam by the collar towards her. "Poison? Who would dare do this?!"
Looking around, Elisa's eyes scanned the room before landing on her son; anger evident by the glowing red in her eyes.
"You will respect the dead. Remove your hold," ordered Sesshoumaru in a cool, calm voice. "The ceremony is over."
Lady Elisa was about to jump on her son when Chiyoko pulled her backwards. Couldn't she see that he was grieving? Honestly, was she really his mother?
While the familial and clan members have completed their full rites of blessings and allegiance acknowledging Sesshoumaru as their Lord and rightful ruler of their kind; the incomplete ritual meant that the two of them could not proceed to the next stage –the matrimonial rites of exchange.
Chiyoko was aware of this and so did everyone in the ceremonial chambers. However, Sesshoumaru didn't seem as perturbed about it. Walking back to the altar, he drew his Bakusaiga, raised it high in the air before thrusting it straight down into the floor; the blade sheathed in marble.
"As per the customs of the Southern lands, we will observe a two weeks mourning period for the passing of the great Lord of the South. During this time, the South will be sacred land and no one here is to cross the borders with offensive weapons or intentions lest you seek my wrath."
There was no hesitation in the crowd as all mimicked the actions of their Lord – save for Ulrich who walked up to the altar once more and took his old friend into his arms.
"I will personally escort him back to Seurri tonight," said the Lord of the Wolves, turning to Sesshoumaru. "And you?"
"Somebody has to inform the princess."
For a moment, Chiyoko thought she saw a flash of regret and fear in Sesshoumaru's eyes but when she blinked again, it was gone.
"Adam left an heir?" asked Ulrich, looking from Sesshoumaru to Adam; brows raised up high in surprise. "Damn. Didn't know the old man had it in him to sire one this late in life."
His joke wasn't much appreciated by Lady Elisa who slapped his hand with a scowl on her face. She waited until almost everyone had left the chambers before walking up to Sesshoumaru with Chiyoko in tow.
"And what of her?" she snapped. "Don't think for a minute that you could escape it Sesshoumaru."
Chiyoko was expecting Sesshoumaru to chide his mother for her insensitivity but to her surprise, he simply nodded; slipping his hand into his kimono sleeve revealing two silver threads.
"Lady Elisa of the North and Lord Ulrich of the East, bear witness to this moment," he whispered, wrapping one silver thread around Chiyoko's left wrist and gave her the other to do the same on his.
The two elders merely beamed at the exchange and Chiyoko understood that the rituals and feasts were not going to be the package for this wedding. Looking down as the thread slowly hardened into a set bangle moulded around her wrist, Chiyoko couldn't help but blush.
"Aye, now we will just wait until those silver turn to gold eh?" Ulrich winked at her before taking his leave.
"I expect a boy," said Lady Elisa, more to Chiyoko than Sesshoumaru before she too left the chambers.
Watching as the door finally closed, Chiyoko admired the flawless silver of the marriage band.
"It's beautiful Sesshoumaru. But… I would have thought you'd want to wait until –"
She turned and let out a sigh into the empty hall.
/
The remainder of the day was spent preparing the travelling arrangements for Lord Adam's body as well as the entourage leaving for Seurri in the morning. While Sesshoumaru had already drafted an official letter of condolence to the Princess of the South, Chiyoko had separately sent a letter each to Miria, Inuyasha and Rin preparing them mentally for the coming fortnight. It was especially important to protect Rin from the prying senses of the Daiyoukais who would be attending the funeral, urging Inuyasha to complete his imprinting on the child if he hadn't done so already.
Chiyoko hadn't expected to be this worn out on her wedding day and was almost ready to just dive into bed and snore till the morning as she stepped into her room.
But she wasn't alone.
"Do you need something Sesshoumaru?" she asked, closing the door behind her. "I've already sent the letter you wrote and made the necessary preparations. Was thinking of popping by your room to let you know but since you're here…"
Her cousin – no, her husband now stood silently by the window, his face hidden in the shadows. It was in that moment that she realised why he was really there.
Subconsciously, she began to rub the silver bracelet around her wrist, wishing that it could just turn gold on its own without them actually needing to do anything.
"I'll just…" What? Get ready for him? The thought made her slightly sick but she knew that the both had chosen this path together.
"Just get on the bed." Plain words said without an ounce of emotion.
Chiyoko knew there would be no tender kisses or talks of love and romance. He would do what was necessary and right after she delivered his child, Chiyoko would cease to exist in his world.
"We don't have to do it tonight if you don't want to," she whispered. "I can't."
Golden eyes flashed at her in the dark but the Daiyoukai didn't move from his position by the window.
"I said get on the bed Chiyoko."
What? Was he really that desperate to get it over and done with? She hadn't even taken a bath!
Grudgingly, she tugged at her obi and let out a breath of satisfaction when she managed to undo the complicated bow all by herself.
Walking towards her bed, Chiyoko then sat gingerly at the edge before turning to Sesshoumaru.
"Lie down," he ordered, stepping away from the window towards her. "How tired are you?"
Chiyoko crawled to her favourite side of the bed. If he would just let her be, she would doze right there in her make-up, hair and dishevelled wedding kimono.
"Just get it done," she replied instead, lying on her back and staring at the ceiling. She closed her eyes when she felt his weight coming onto the other side of the mattress and prepared for her first foray into ungratifying marital sex.
Her eyes were still closed as she felt him getting comfortable next to her and she waited for the first physical contact.
But none came.
Snapping her eyes open, she turned towards him and found him reading.
"Sesshoumaru?" Chiyoko sat up in confusion. "What are you doing? Why are you still dressed –ah, never mind."
"In a minute."
What!
"No, I'm going to sleep now."
That was when she felt it – the hard knock on her shoulder with his book.
"No, I really need you for this!" he ordered, tugging at her dress. "I've been reading that book your father gave and I think this is it. It's seagull Youkai script."
She could kill him… slowly and painfully. Her body was crying for sleep but her mind was now intrigued by what he was trying to say.
"Wait, you told me to get to bed for this?" she groaned, pressing a pillow over his face in retaliation. "Die! DIE!"
/
Lying next to his cousin, Sesshoumaru knew she was staring at the ceiling as much as he was; neither of them able to sleep. He had initially hoped to do the deed and run out of her room before midnight but he had taken one look at her and knew he couldn't – ever.
"I'm glad you're here Chiyoko." Sesshoumaru almost didn't believe he said that.
"I'm not sure if I like this side of you. Marriage making you soft?" she teased.
"Watch it." But there was no heat in his voice.
Though they now wore the marriage bands, he didn't feel as if there was anything different about them. If it had been any other Daiyoukai woman, she would have demanded that they start consummating immediately to secure her position as the Lady of the West. Chiyoko on the other hand had tried to suffocate him on their wedding night. Lovely.
For a moment, Sesshoumaru's mind dared to wonder what Rin would have done. Possibly along the same lines as Chiyoko if she was as exhausted.
"Do you miss her?"
"Stay out of my head Chiyoko." He had to remember not to lower his guard around her too much.
"Why didn't you tell her about the baby?"
"Because."
"Why?"
He kept his eyes closed. "Don't be nosy Chiyoko."
"I'm just trying to make conversation," she muttered, crossing her arms over herself. "Fine, I'll be quiet and read."
That made him open one eye to look at her. "I thought you were tired?"
But Chiyoko already had her back turned to him, her eyes focused on the minute words on the page scribbled in seagull Youkai script.
"So, what is it about?" He had to know.
Chiyoko laid on her back, the book held high above her. "Strangely, it's about the legends of the wolf Youkais. It's a collection of folk tales really but I like it."
"Fancied a wolf once, Chiyoko?" He vaguely remembered that. Her parents had been appalled.
"Shut up."
"What happened to conversation?"
She snapped her book close, sitting up to stare at him. "That involves me saying something, then you saying something and then we repeat. Want to try?"
"Only if you tell me about the wolf."
Narrowing her eyes, she finally nodded, "And if you tell me about Rin."
Sesshoumaru considered the offer – a lifetime of teasing Chiyoko versus opening up about his human lover? Tough. But then again, it wasn't like he was being subtle about Rin.
"Fine, ask."
This time, Chiyoko crawled towards him; her eyes lighting up in excitement. "Wow! The elusive Lord Sesshoumaru is spilling his secrets! Okay let's start off easy. Why did you take her under your wing? The Sesshoumaru I knew hated humans."
Chiyoko had her face so close to him that he had to flick a finger at her; a gust of wind slapping her cheeks in warning. Flustered, she simply sat back, hands under her chin, waiting eagerly for his answer.
"Rin saved me. And I in turn saved her life."
Chiyoko scoffed. "I don't believe you. You, a Daiyoukai in need of saving?"
Sesshoumaru gave her a sideward stare. To be honest, he didn't know why himself. He had found her in the Eastern forests of the wolves but she had been alive then, while he was badly injured from a brutal fight with his brother nonetheless. It had been stupid of him to try and use Tenseiga then as a test; a training for the blunt sword. It nearly cost him his life.
But she had come to him, night after night with her minute offer of food and water – even when she hadn't had enough for herself. She never spoke; cowering a distance away even as he growled at her, bared his fangs at her.
"I told you, I don't need anything from you."
Still, she had pushed an offering of fish and water towards him before running off.
When she came back the next day, Sesshoumaru had his face away from her but he had scented something different about her –blood.
"Who did that to you? Those bruises?" He was merely curious. He didn't care.
But then Rin did something no one ever did for him –she smiled. A wide, toothless smile that was pure and innocent.
And from that moment, he was hers.
"I've answered your question. Now it is my turn, if I remember the sequence correctly."
Chiyoko raised her hands in defeat. "You barely spoke two words!"
"Ten."
She threw her book at him. "Fine! What do you want to know?"
"Have there been offsprings between us and the wolves?" He knew it was impossible but –
"No. It is impossible for the youngling to have survived beyond childhood," she replied sadly. "Trust me, I've researched it intensely."
Sesshoumaru nodded silently. It was perhaps why Ulrich, the Lord of the East preferred his harem of Inuyoukais. What better to enjoy your women when they would never father your seed?
"Was that your question? That hardly counts as personal," said Chiyoko, rubbing her palms in glee. "Now, my turn. What's it like mating with a human?"
Sesshoumaru flicked her a warning look. Did she really think he was going to discuss that? "Pick your questions wisely cousin."
"No. Let me guess – she's sweet and mild tempered, never pushing you aside, always welcoming your touch."
"She is not a pet." Another warning stare.
Chiyoko had the cheek to laugh. "I am not saying that. It's just, many Daiyoukais have sought human mates for that reason."
Perhaps…
"And this wolf of yours. Who is he?"
This time, she turned away; the laughter dying in her eyes. "I'd rather not say."
"As you wish." He would know eventually. Sesshoumaru made it his business to know everything that happened to his clan. He had sensed her discomfort when Ulrich has come to the altar earlier and knew instantly that it had to be a wolf high enough in the hierarchy that she feared recognition.
"I will leave in the morning," he announced. "Stay and hold the fort."
She murmured her agreement.
"And Chiyoko?" He gave her one last glance. "Warn me beforehand, if I'm about to behead your lover. It would be a shame."
"Get some damn rest Sesshoumaru."
He closed his eyes but sleep was the last thing on his mind.
/
Head of the Youkai clans and human villages of the Western lands were already waiting for him in the main courtyard that morning for the departure to Seurri. Considering the fact that not everyone was able to fly autonomously, they had to ride on horses as one delegation to the south. It would take them at least five days to get the southern castle at this rate!
It was a good thing that Ulrich had already left the night before, carrying Adam's body using his own sledge-wolves. He would have gone with the Wolf Lord if not for his duty as the head of the representatives.
"Barely married a day and you're thinking of your lover Sesshoumaru?"
His golden eyes turned red at the sound of his uncle's voice.
"You've overstayed your welcome here Inu no Jiro."
He felt his uncle moving to stand beside him; both looking out onto the courtyard. "You do not deny it then."
"What have you done to your hyenas?" Sesshoumaru should have killed him when he had the chance. But an Ancient had forbidden it and rightly so. Killing a family member was a direct violation of their clan law and Sesshoumaru couldn't risk expulsion from his family or his birthright.
"It's too sombre an occasion to speak of such exciting developments Sesshoumaru," said his uncle slyly. "I would love to share all my evil plans with you but I fear your mate is waiting for you isn't she not? We wouldn't want to keep the Lady of the South waiting too long would we?"
His hands reached instinctively out to clamp around his uncle's throat, not caring if there were onlookers. Filth of the earth shouldn't be allowed to live and he was going to choke the life out of Inu no Jiro…
"Sesshoumaru! Enough!"
His mother's voice was hoarse as she tugged his hand away from Inu no Jiro. "You stop this right now Sesshoumaru!"
When he didn't stop, she sent a spiral of fire towards him –the burn causing him to jump backwards in surprise.
"You just got the throne. Don't be stupid and waste it away on him!" she hissed. Grabbing his arm, she then pointed to the still silver band before tossing his hand aside. "What is the meaning of this Sesshoumaru? Have you not slept with her?"
"It is none of your concerns."
"Of course Elisa, didn't I tell you? It is all a sham! I told you, I begged you didn't I? Not to let this happen? But did you listen?"
Sesshoumaru didn't want to hear it anymore. Stepping in front of his mother, he drew his sword and pointed it at Inu no Jiro.
"Leave."
The sight of his healing sword left his uncle roaring with laughter; one hand thumping his chest heavily. "Are you seriously threatening me with that useless piece of crap? Such a stupid sword that cuts nothing!"
Stepping right into the blade, Inu no Jiro's laughter continued to echo before he suddenly stopped; his lips inches away from Sesshoumaru's ear.
"It's a matter of time nephew. I'll expose this lie and claim the throne as was rightfully mine. You'll regret everything you've done towards me. I promise you."
Sesshoumaru could only grit his teeth for the next second, his uncle had disappeared in a flash of silvery dust.
When he turned away, he saw that his mother was standing very still; face white with worry.
"Go to Seurri and return quickly Sesshoumaru. Inu no Jiro is a sickness even I cannot stop." She stepped closer, one hand resting on his shoulder. "You are now the Lord of the West. Nothing makes me happier. I do not care if your marriage is a lie or not. What matters is that you have inherited what your father and I have built for you."
Coming from his mother, that was as close to an apology and praise as he would get. With a slight bow, he left his mother's side, walking towards the horse carriage that was prepared for him.
Finally alone, Sesshoumaru allowed himself to breathe out slowly –the anger and worry seeping out of his body. He even kept the drapes of the carriage window down until he was certain that they had passed the castle grounds itself and onto the open road towards the south.
He had thought that Rin was safest away from him but now it seemed Inu no Jiro was relentless. Perhaps, it was time to make a trip to the central mountains to visit the Ancient after all.
But first, there was something he needed to be sure of.
Closing his eyes, he reached down to open the mating bond once again. It had been awhile since he last looked at their connection and what hit him was a bitter blast of sorrow – this time not directly because of him.
Rin had probably just received the condolence letter. He could feel every punch of her anger and sadness, so much so that it left him breathless from the unbearable pain.
Why do humans have to hurt so much? They knew that death would claim them eventually so why didn't they prepare their hearts and their minds beforehand? It was something he could never understand.
But the one thing he understood was that his mate was in so much pain and she didn't call for him, again. Looking further down their bond, he tried searching for the exuberant consciousness of his son but found nothing.
No… surely not! He would know; he would have felt it… right?
Kenta?
Nothing.
Risking it, he sent a pulse of power down the mating bond. Such a blatant effort from his end would surely be felt by Rin but he didn't have a choice. Her sadness had begun eating away at the boy's spirit, the lively child now cowering in fright at his mother's sudden shift in emotions that he had shut down everything around him. It was truly remarkable how an unformed being could possess such a consciousness. Surely it deserved to live a little more?
As though agreeing with his thoughts, a small kick of delight came crashing down the bond, followed by soft, almost tentative heartbeats.
Sesshoumaru didn't know what to say or do. This being wasn't even aware of the world. How does one explain death to something that is barely a life?
So he did what he thought was right.
Keep your mother happy. I'm… I'm coming.
/
A/N
Some explainations:
Just to clarify a few things. Zahara and Etienne are connected by their great-grandfathers which makes them cousins I don't know how many times removed, so technically they can marry -it is not uncommon for cousins to marry in royal families. But, like many traditions, a marriage can be annulled if it's not consummated so *cries* there is a light at the end of the tunnel for our HEA!
I've enjoyed all your reviews so far, so do keep them coming!