A/N: I Know I had said that I would be updating on the weekends, but I found I have more free time than I thought right now. I have a small shortage of hours at work, so for now, I will be most likely updating more ofter until my hours pick up. I would also like to take a minute to thank all of you for your reviews. I am so happy that my story is exciting and interesting to you guys since this is my first story and I was extremely nervous at first. Now, enough of me wasting your time with all this, on with the story.

The official announcement

Sesshomaru's POV:

I could sense the amusement in Kagome's Aura as she saw the shocked expressions on everyone's faces. I had to admit. It was rather amusing to see my parents with their mouths open just a little. I took this time to make it official. I grabbed Kagome's hand and we both rose from our seats in perfect sync. "Everyone, I am proud to announce that the Miko Kagome has graciously agreed to court me earlier today." It took a few moments before everyone congratulated us and then Kikyo decided she had more to say than just 'congratulations'.

"While I am happy for my sister, and that she has a chance at real happiness, I feel it is well within my rights as her kin to warn you. If you dare to hurt her in any way, I will personally see that you regret it." She stated formally and with an air of seriousness to her. I knew she was well within her rights as she was there in the stead of her parents. That is usually the promise Kagome's father would have made, were he alive. I decided that I would take her statement as seriously as she had delivered it.

"You have my word that I will never do anything to bring harm to her. She is well protected with me." With that Kikyo visibly relaxed and graced us with a smile.

"Okay, enough of all of this, I think it is time we all begin our meal so that those with wards may spend some time with them before bed. They have studies to attend right after the morning meal tomorrow." Inuhime stated with a twinkle in her eye and a small smile on her face. I knew then that she was trying to give the kids more time with us, but also she was giving me more of a reason to spend time with Kagome. I was grateful for that. Now I will get to see how she will be around multiple kids. This shall prove to be interesting.

We ate the rest of our meal in silence, I could tell the kids were getting excited, they hadn't really been able to spend any time with either Kagome or myself since I returned to the castle with Shippo. Once the meal was done, Kagome grabbed both of the kids' hands and we walked to the family rooms in the western wing. Kagome then began to chase the children around the room as I found a safe place to observe the interaction with. I realized almost immediately what she was doing. While to most it would look like she was just playing rough with the kids, she was really beginning to train them how to fight. It will make training that much easier when adolescence finally hits them. That is when true training will begin. Shippo began to rough play with Rin and Kagome took the moment to step back for a moment and sit next to me to enjoy the sight, as well as catch her breath.

"You are a natural with them." I stated, trying to make small conversation.

"Well, I learned that most mothers begin training their young in this way at around this point in their children's lives, so I figured that maybe I should do that, especially since I am raising a kit. Plus, they really seem to be enjoying themselves." then she gently nudged me, trying to initiate the same kind of play that she had gotten the children to partake in. I will admit I was feeling playful at the time, so I nudged her back. Next thing I know I was being tackled by not just Kagome, But Shippo and Rin as well. This went on for about an hour. We took turns tackling each other until both kids seemed to be worn out. Afterwords, Kagome took the kids to her hot springs and washed them up. They were changed into the clothes that I had sent to her rooms and sent to Rin's room for the night. Kagome decided that it would be best for Shippo if he had someone in the room with him. She explained that he often couldn't sleep at night when alone because he'd dream about his parents death. I decided at that point that Rin's room also belonged to Shippo. I would not have my intended's ward feel uncomfortable for even a minute. I wanted him to know that he was officially a part of my pack.

I walked Kagome to her rooms and when I went to give her a goodnight kiss, I was surprised when she wrapped her arms around my neck and started to pull me into her rooms. I went with her because I wanted to know what was going through her pretty little head. I felt like I had to know. She continued pulling me while passionately kissing me until we fell on the sitting area in the first room. There we kissed for longer. I took the chance to deepen the kiss as her lips parted for air. My advance was well received as I smelt her arousal spike and she moaned into my lips. Our tongues danced around each other, both fighting for dominance. I eventually won and broke the kiss so that we could breathe. I looked at her flushed face and then into the deep blue pools of her eyes. I saw so much passion and lust in those eyes that it was hard to control myself.

"Kagome, we can go no farther than this at this point." I finally said, regaining my composure. She then decided the appropriate reaction was to pout. Her lip stuck out just a little and she huffed.

"I guess you are right. I need to know, how long do we have to court before we are allowed to mate?" She finally said. It seemed she was eager, but we had to follow tradition as I was the official heir to the west, once my father decided to step down, or if he was killed, I would take the throne.

"Our by-laws say one must court their intended for at least one month before a mating can occur. We are able to know for sure in that time if the one we are courting is the one we wish to mate or not. All intercourse is forbidden until the time comes that we are mated." I recited our by-law like it was the back of my hand, as my mother had made me memorize it as a child.

Kagome then asked a question that shocked me for a moment. "But Kikyo and Inuyasha have been courting for far longer than a month. How come they aren't mated yet?" She seemed genuinely confused.

"Kagome, Inuyasha is the youngest, As I am the oldest, he is not allowed to mate his chosen until I have taken a mate. Otherwise, I can make his mate mine if I so choose. He is trying to make sure that Kikyo stays his by not mating her until I have mated with you." I stated, making her blush.

"Are you one hundred percent sure that I am the one you wish to mate?" She asked, looking down at the last part of her statement. I knew then that something had happened in her past that would make her doubt her worth.

"I am sure. I have known for some time now. At first I thought that I was attracted to you because you are the reincarnation of my past intended. Now that I have started to know you, I know it is because of who you are, not who your soul used to belong to. Though you do have a lot of her personality, I can tell you are two completely different people and I wouldn't have it any other way. The Kami have brought you to me. I refuse to let you go." It was the most honest I have ever been about the way I felt, even to myself. I could tell that she liked what she heard because she smiled beautifully and looked me in the eyes. As her blue crashed with my gold, I felt something and I wasn't sure if she was even noticed what had happened. It was then that we had bonded. We were connected now. I could feel what she was feeling and her what I was feeling. If one was in distress, the other would know. I knew at that point, we were meant to be. This month wont go by fast enough. I knew then and there, that I had to speak with mother about this in the morning and see what would come of this. I know she will start planning the ceremony and there was nothing I could do about it. She would get the daughter of her choice yet. I walked Kagome to her bed and after giving her one more passion filled kiss, walked to my own bed. As I closed my eyes for the night, I saw those beautiful blue eyes one more time. The lust and passion fulled within them. I was happy. She is the best choice of mate and man or demon could ask for, and she was mine.

A/N: Whew, I guess love songs while writing makes for some pretty intense stuff. Anyways, Please R&R. Don't worry, more Naraku to come, I just figured I would focus on Sesshomaru and Kagome's relationship for a little. Until next time!