Rin was supervising the construction planning for an improved irrigation system when Miria came flying towards her; a scroll in hand. Judging from the sun's low position in the sky, it had to be no later than nine in the morning –too early for mail to arrive.

"We must speak urgently my Lady."

Perhaps it was the tone of urgency in her voice or the slight swell in her eyes that caused Rin to raise her eyes up warily. Had Miria been crying?

Unfurling the letter in her hand, Rin almost smiled at the familiar cursive penmanship before the gravity of its contents took hold of her attention –

Lord Adam had suffered an unexpected death and a state funeral needed to be prepared in time for the various representatives of the lands to pay their respects.

"I will inform the city council to begin preparations," said Miria the moment Rin lifted her eyes away from the letter.

"No."

"What do you mean no?" Miria's had her mouth opened slightly in surprise. "Lord Ulrich should arrive by tonight latest."

Rin glazed her eyes away from Miria's face to look at their surroundings – abandoned houses, crumbling walls, polluted waterways…

The city was not ready.

"We will hold a private burial for my father. Write back to the Lord of the West that his presence is not required."

She was expecting a reprimand or even a lengthy explanation of her duties but Miria simply stepped closer, pulling her into an embrace.

"You've done well Rin... the city is rebuilding, your people have shelter and food…" she whispered, smoothing a hand down her back. "So much in such a short time… you should be proud."

Rin wanted to struggle but the warmth of the Daiyoukai simply made everything melt slowly away.

"Gather the city advisors," she whispered finally, confessing her true fears. "I don't know what to do now."

Releasing her from her embrace, Miria stepped back and bowed low.

"I have already gathered them in the royal court for you my Lady." Of course. Miria was all about efficiency and forward planning. The Daiyoukai had probably prepared for all of Rin's possible responses and planned the next course of actions accordingly.

Grateful that she had Miria by her side, Rin followed her back to the castle. While part of her was sad from her loss, the other was soothing a rapidly beating heart. This would be the first time she would meet the city advisors – men and women who until yesterday, belonged to Lord Adam. Would they see her as an usurper? A strange Youkai-raised human that they ought to be wary of?

As they neared the dreaded doors of the royal court, Miria paused, turning to face Rin with a determined smile on her face.

"If you are planning on impressing anybody in that room, start with the largest bully by the name of Kaito. They call him the teacher of the law. He is the chief judge and temporary commander of household until you've ascended."

Rin couldn't bring herself to say anything but simply nodded as the doors swung open.

Eleven advisors, all dressed in white robes sat in a single row, facing one single cushioned chair in the middle –for her.

When she stepped forward, they all stood but only one spoke.

"Welcome Princess Rin," said the woman left of the middle. She was all smiles and kind eyes unlike her direct neighbour whose frown almost looked permanently etched on his face.

As soon as she sat, the woman bowed and began introducing the advisors but Rin only had her eyes set on one particular person.

She had expected him to be older, almost as old as Adam himself but the chief judge had hair as black as night and matching onyx eyes that have not been clouded with time. Rin chose not to think about all the people he had to step over to get his position at his age. Where others would have wielded a sword, Kaito would have slaughtered them with words.

"Do not think for once that you can do as you please princess," he said, in lieu of an introduction.

Rin sank into her sofa, keeping her back straight and her eyes unwavering at him. Already for their first meeting, he had laid the assumption that she was a reckless, young girl. What a mistake.

"The throne has never been passed onto non-royal members of the family before," he continued; his eyes watching her intently. "As his death demonstrated, Lord Adam was clearly not of sound mind when he made his final decisions. And under these circumstances, the laws have to be adjusted. "

Murmurs of agreement from the other ten advisors.

Rin felt the bubbles of anger brimming to the surface. How dare they assume to know what their Lord was thinking? When the adoption was finalised, it had been documented and signed in their presence with no objections. And now, due to his suicide, they had chosen to revoke its legality?

However, instead of lashing out, she replied calmly, "I'm listening."

His face contorted into what looked like contempt as he leaned forward and studied her.

"Unlike our nonhuman neighbours, our mourning period is only 14 days. After which my Lady, you will be expected to ascend the throne, married or not.

However, seeing that you are not of royal blood, we must urge you to marry and secure an heir presumptive as Lord Adam Tsara has done with you."

Rin considered his words carefully. Unlike the situation in the West where succession was still debatable amongst the living descendants; here, Lord Adam had survived no one for he divorced all his wives and bore no children.

But before she could reply, Kaito held a hand up and issued a gentle warning. "These are troubled times my Lady. Should you be killed without a husband or child, our lands will be thrown into anarchy."

"And adopting is not an option?"

"No, only a man is entitled to as per our laws." He stared at her calmly, tapping his fingers together.

"Then I petition to change those laws!"

When she stood up to protest, Kaito simply raised an eyebrow at her. "Surely you are aware that a woman can bear her own child?"

She wished she could chew his head off at the moment for such insolence –but he had a point. The only problem now was, between a baby and a husband; the latter could be achieved within two weeks. But if she chose the former…

"And will this council of advisors continue to run the country if I ascend without an heir?"

Kaito had his eyebrows raised; his lips parting to form an 'o' before it twisted into a smirk.

"Very astute my Lady. I wasn't expecting you to conclude so quickly."

Narrowing her eyes at him, Rin then stood up, prompting the eleven advisors on their feet as well.

"My father's body will arrive tonight and we must see to his funeral preparations first. After which, I will return to you with my decision."

"Very well my Lady. The provisional government will see to the arrangements in the meantime."

The eleven parted with a customary bow, leaving Rin alone as she watched them exit the room one after the other. It was truly tempting to leave the running of a city to those who have been watching over it for years. But Lord Adam had chosen her and had died because of her –whether she wanted to deny it or not.

How could he have left her like this…

Everything she ever dared to love ended up leaving her. She had barely started to know the city and now she has to run it! Rin couldn't have served herself as a weakling better than now –with the whole world coming to Seurri to bear witness.

Covering her face with her hands, Rin bent her head forward and allowed the tears to fall; her heart aching for the men in her life who seemed to think leaving her was everything they could do to make things right.

The only truth was, Rin would always be alone and unwanted… always.

/

Kagome was tucking Shiori into bed when Inuyasha came into the room looking flustered.

"What's wrong?" she asked instinctively, reaching out for her mate.

"This is sick. That bastard should be doing this, not me! Keh! Do I look like an orphanage?" he complained, storming back and forth in front of her.

"Inuyasha, this is for Rin, not Sesshoumaru," she reminded him sternly before pushing him out of the room lest he wake their baby.

"How can you stand there and tell me this is alright?" Inuyasha pulled her closer by the lapels of her haori, teeth bared possessively.

Kagome raised an eyebrow at him. "What makes you think I'm fine with it? I don't want this any more than you do but Rin-chan has no one else! We both know she will not make it into the next half of her pregnancy if you don't…"

Inuyasha had his ears flopping down in defeat. Kagome knew he was torn – the kindness in his human heart understood the sacrifice he had to make but the youkai in him could not comprehend a claiming of a child that did not belong to his mate. In the logic of the Inuyoukais, this would probably constitute as cheating even when her own human mind considered it as being merciful.

Wounding her fingers in his, Kagome smiled warmly at her mate. "Let's see her together. I think it's time we both let her know what's going on with her body."

For a moment, Inuyasha looked like he was about to say something mean but all that came out from him was a long exhale.

Kagome understood the gravity of such an announcement on Inuyasha, for in the youkai world they were obsessed with lineage and birthright - more so than their human counterparts. She had lost count of the number of times Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru had both been a target of various enemies thanks to a grudge they had with Inu no Taisho. If she had to pick one – the panther tribe was probably the worst.

Upon reaching Rin's chambers, Kagome was about to knock when Inuyasha suddenly held her back.

"Wait." He placed an ear against the door; his brows furrowing as he listened intently. "Something is not right."

"What do you mean! Is it the baby? Inuyasha let me through!" insisted Kagome, trying to push past him.

Her efforts were useless for Inuyasha did not budge and instead covered her mouth with a hand while he motioned for her to be quiet.

"She's crying… I don't understand. Adam is… dead?"

"WHAT!"

Kagome regretted her outburst immediately for the door creaked open slightly with Rin's forlorn face peeking out; more curious than annoyed at her guests.

"Is everything alright?" she asked, looking from one to the other.

"May I come in please Rin? I think we need to talk." Turning to her mate, Kagome narrowed her eyes at him. "Inuyasha will remain outside like a good dog."

He scowled at her but she had seen the relief in his eyes at the thought of escaping another day of not having to tell Rin about the baby. Kagome knew it was only a matter of time before it would be too dangerous to allow Rin to walk around with an un-imprinted baby.

"You've been crying." It wasn't an accusation.

"I've received grave news," she whispered back, relaying to Kagome the contents of Sesshoumaru's letter as well as the accompanying note from Chiyoko.

She had been livid earlier when a letter came from Chiyoko addressed to Inuysha. It had been purely out of spite that Kagome had stuffed it in a drawer somewhere without reading its contents. Surely this awkward situation could have been avoided if she had not been so thick headed!

"I'm sorry Rin-chan. You truly do not deserve all this pain," whispered Kagome, drawing the younger woman close. There was no way she was going to drop another bombshell on Rin now. "And now he's coming here… talk about adding salt to –"

"I know you're thinking that I'm upset about Sesshoumaru's wedding… but I'm not," said Rin, taking in a deep breath and letting out a long sigh. "I have my own wedding to possibly think of."

"WHAT!"

Kagome almost fainted when Rin told her the terms of her ascension. Just how was she going to find a suitable husband in a matter of days? Personally, it had taken Inuyasha more than three years to even take that step!

Now would be the perfect time to tell Rin about the baby… but was she ready?

"Rin-chan, couldn't you opt for the baby route instead? I mean, what if you marry someone and realised later that it was the wrong decision?"

Big brown eyes widened at her before Rin broke out laughing. "Me having a baby? Please! I mean come on, look at this body. It's not built for that!"

"Rin! I'm serious." Kagome pinched Rin's arm playfully, sending the young woman into hysterics. "Marriage is not something you take lightly!"

"And a baby is?" Rin patted her arm gently. "Whatever I choose will be the best decision."

For who? Kagome didn't honestly know but knowing Rin, she would always put others before her, even if it meant getting herself hurt in the process. Just like the time she climbed a cliff all by herself to get medicinal herbs to save Jaken from being poisoned. She had been only eight! She could have died!

"Rin, just know that Inuyasha and I will always be here for you if you need us. You don't have to do all this alone. In fact, you've got a lot more support than you realise. Just don't make any decision by yourself…" said Kagome, gripping Rin's hand tightly.

"I'll be fine. You should go get some rest before dinner. I'll catch up with you later?"

Realising that she had been dismissed, Kagome stood up and left without protesting. Rin really needed time to think – and quite a lot of issues at that.

This was honestly all Sesshoumaru's fault!

When she shut the door of Rin's chambers behind her, Kagome saw in Inuyasha's eyes that he too felt the same. From the look on his face, he had no doubt been eavesdropping –something she had been counting on.

"I'm not breathing in the same space as that Sesshoumaru!" he hissed as they walked back to their room. "That pompous brat got married anyway? And now he's coming here? Idiot!"

"I know you want to leave, Inuyasha but we must stay for Rin's sake. Apparently Chiyoko sent you a note with instructions but I sort of misplaced it…" Kagome looked away, hoping he wouldn't catch the embarrassment on her cheeks.

"Oh you mean this?" Inuyasha held up a small parchment and grinned. "Please. I scented something that didn't belong in our room and hunted it down. Don't think for a moment I was allowing anything foreign near you or Shiori."

Kagome sighed; secretly thrilled at her mate's possessiveness. Guess there was no need to be irrational and jealous after all!

"So what does it say?"

"Uh I don't know," admitted Inuyasha, unfurling the scroll. "I can't read this chicken scratchy."

Snatching the paper away, Kagome was surprised to see that it had been written in human text – probably on purpose so that Kagome could read it too. Now she felt doubly guilty!

"Oh Inuyasha… this is terrible. She needs you to imprint the child now, before any of the guests arrive for the funeral!" A hand clamped over her mouth to stop the sob. "But Rin is not ready! She has so much on her mind… I can't. I can't do this to her!"

Kagome felt the warm hands of her mate curling around her. "That's not the problem."

"What do you mean?"

"I can't imprint on the child – ever."

Kagome pushed away from him to stare hard into his eyes. They had this conversations too many times already!

However, the guiltless look on Inuyasha's face gave her pause. No, something else was the problem, just as he said.

"I tried to reach into the baby's mind earlier while you girls were talking… and nothing."

"What do you mean nothing!" Kagome was thankful that Inuyasha was half demon for she was clutching his arm so strongly, she could see her own knuckles going white.

"It's not dead! Baka!" he slapped at her hand in amusement. "It's just not mine anymore to imprint."

Kagome blinked back her surprise. How was that possible? Rin still doesn't know that she's pregnant! And by the slender frame of her body, neither could Kagome, if she hadn't already known the truth.

Surely Sesshoumaru…

No, that wasn't possible – right?

/

The night had descended upon Seurri much faster than she wanted for under the cover of darkness, Rin felt the edges of her control slowly melting away.

She had pushed away all efforts to comfort her; insisting that she was fine and that the death of Lord Adam meant little to her. After all, their relationship had been short and recent.

But, when the sledge-wolves came racing past her castle gates bearing the body of her late adopted father, her knees gave way to jellied legs; the rage and tears kept caged all these while broke loose. How dare he leave her? Did he think her stupid not to know his plans?

Adam knew that his death would require Sesshoumaru's presence in the South once more but what's the point? It was too late!

These men – untitled, powerful, selfish men –constantly dictated what she needed or not to do. Should she wish to marry an entire harem of men or none at all, it was her prerogative!

The vases had suffered first –thrown against walls and smashed on the floor as she stormed down the hallway to greet her guest. If she hadn't been so blinded by her own fury, Rin might have been surprised at how effortlessly she had lifted a fifty pound sculpture before chucking it out the window.

Perhaps she should think about asking Miria for some hand to hand combat to ease some of the pent up tension –something to think about later.

Right now, the grim face of the wolf Lord before her signalled a long night of emotionally draining conversation.

"Open the gates," she ordered; watching as the thick silver barricade was lifted, allowing safe passage for the Lord of the East and his carriage to enter.

"Welcome my Lord to the humble lands of the South," greeted Rin politely with a deep bow. "I'm sorry we had to meet for the first time under such dismal circumstances but rest assured that I am truly honoured to have your presence."

"The pleasure is all mine princess," he replied, reaching for her hand and sealing his greeting with a kiss on her palm. Rin had to remind herself not to snatch her hand back. Some youkai men, in her opinion were extremely physical and it wouldn't surprise her if this was a normal form of greeting in the East.

Still, Rin couldn't help the flush on her cheeks. For a Youkai nearly twice Sesshoumaru's age, Lord Ulrich looked barely older than forty – broad shouldered and towering over her. Unlike the Western Lord however, Lord Ulrich wore his gold and silver hair in a short crop; trimmed close to the scalp.

But, it was his eyes that captured her attention. Blue with a rim of gold, Lord Ulrich had eyes that dripped sensuality; his pupils darkening the longer she stared at them.

Well, this was the Lord who had a harem of concubines after all.

"I hope your trip was well my Lord."

"It was an awful long journey but it's worth it now that I've seen you."

Lord Ulrich took his smiling eyes away from hers only to see to the correct handling of Lord Adam's body, currently housed in a makeshift glass coffin.

Thankful for the break in eye contact, Rin turned to inform the guards to find Miria and Emiko for her. The wolf princess would probably see to it that her father was well taken care of while Rin settled the funeral arrangements.

"Would you like something to eat or drink?" she offered when Lord Ulrich returned his attention to her.

He nodded. "Only if you accompany me."

"Of course my Lord." Rin was still feeling queasy but she knew for the sake of politics and decorum, it was a necessity. Leading him to the private dining hall, she then requested for the cooks to see to it that refreshments were prepared for the Eastern Lord and his men.

"What would you like to drink my Lord?" Rin turned to the young kitchen maid pushing a tray of various beverages.

The wolf however continued staring at Rin curiously before gesturing to the bottle of wine. "A glass for me but a glass of warm milk for the princess."

"I'll have a glass with you as well," insisted Rin. Did he think she couldn't hold her alcohol? It wouldn't do to have your fellow noble consider you weak.

But before she could pour herself a glass, Lord Ulrich placed a hand over hers, turning her hand palm up to caress it softly. "Then I will have a glass of milk with you."

Her cheeks were unbearably red but she took her drink without complaint – secretly relieved at the comfort the drink brought to her stomach. It had also served to calm her nerves for Rin had been worried that she would appear extremely ignorant of Eastern land business – she didn't have enough time to study their mutual treaties yet!

But the Lord of the East didn't seem to be interested in that; his attention focused on the her hand in his, behaving as though it was the most natural thing for him to be petting her this way.

"You've done well on the rebuilding front princess. My daughter tells me you've been most pleased with my red wolves."

Pulling her hand away, Rin nodded. "I have offered them a plot of land to rebuild their homes. It was the least I could do for everything they've done."

Lord Ulrich was smiling with his eyes again; the corners tilting upwards into an upturned crescent moon. Rin somehow found her hands in his again but this time she gave up trying to take it back. Instead, she allowed her attention to drift to the spartan spread before him.

It had been fine for her to be fed with gruel, bread and butter and eggs for the past weeks for most of the food storage had been distributed to the city. But to serve this to their esteemed guests was just… embarrassing.

Even with the increase in food imports that she had sanctioned, it would still take some time for Seurri to be self-sufficient once more. The ports have to be rebuilt before fishing could resume and the crops that were replanted would take a year to grow back.

"I'm surprised you haven't asked me anything about him."

The silky voice of the wolf Youkai brought her slowly out of her thoughts; her eyes trailing back to the handsome face of her guest.

"About?"

Lord Ulrich leaned back in his seat and gave a low laugh as he resumed stroking her hand. "No, forget it."

When her brows furrowed in confusion, he merely continued to smile, watching her intently from his seat until Rin was sure he had memorised every line on her face.

"Have you been to the Eastern Lands, princess?"

Of course, how could she forget? Chased by bandits and nearly left for dead, Rin would not have been alive if not for Sesshoumaru who had brought her back to life and allowed her to join his wandering party.

"I don't remember much of my time there. I was only eight when I left." It wasn't the complete truth but Rin didn't want the unnecessary need to explain about Sesshoumaru in her life. Therefore it came as a great relief when they were interrupted by two brief knocks on the door.

Placing her own hand on top of his, Rin stilled his caressing motions before pulling away and standing up.

"That must be Emiko."

Lord Ulrich however, had other plans; a hand gripping her by the wrist and pulling her back into her seat.

"I can see my daughter anytime. But you my lovely –I must have my share before a certain someone else steals your attention." He brought her palms to his lips. "Though it seems you have been claimed, I however am not the jealous type."

"I assure you my Lord that I have no intentions of giving anyone –including you any more attention than necessary. I should leave."

Her attempts at escape failed once again for he refused to release his grip on her.

"I will allow you to go on one condition."

Rin didn't like the tune of his conversation but she nodded nonetheless; her eyes cautious as he grinned.

"The people of the South would prosper greatly if our lands were to be united as one entity. Your lands have been ravished below survival point and while you're importing necessities from the East, why not go a step further and allow free trade between our lands?"

A treaty would suffice for that but Rin kept quiet, allowing the wolf Lord to continue. She knew what he was implying and while the thought distressed her, Rin knew she should not disregard the option. After all, it was now her duty to put her people before herself.

"I have my entire army at your disposal and what these walls cannot keep out, my men will.

But more importantly my lovely –my wolf Youkai kind would never look down on any human or half human child."

His fingers reached out to cup her chin; his smile reaching his eyes. "We celebrate all births, especially ours. So consider this, my proposal to you princess of the South."

Rin forced herself to smile at him before taking a step back towards the door. Relief at the sight of Emiko and Miria steadied her nerves enough for her to take one last look at the Lord of the East.

"You will have my answer by the end of the week. Have a good rest my Lord and I will see you tomorrow morning."

She left with a nod towards the wolf princess before taking her leave with Miria at her side.

It seems like the two weeks ahead were going to be long and difficult.

/

A/N: Gosh! I keep spinning and spinning this story! I must say I'm enjoying writing it as much as I hope you're enjoying reading it! I wasn't expecting to write a scene with Ulrich like this but somehow after I've written it, I'm wondering if perhaps it would be a good idea for them to get married. Let's see how Sesshy deals with this in the next chapter!