The next evening Yakumo sat in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection with hard eyes. She felt she was at a crossroads. Did she attempt to look as beautiful as possible and greet Sesshomaru with happiness, or did she avoid him and retire to her rooms as soon as she could?
She wished her anger towards him could subside but even after all this time, she still felt a slight hatred towards him.
The last thing she wanted was for him to notice her when she isn't looking her absolute best. Her hair fell below her waist now and she debated twisting it up into a stylish fashion but she decided instead to let it hang loose as she so often did during their childhood. She lined her eyes with thin black lines that made them pop out and appear even more large and beautiful. She painted her lips a beautiful light pink as well.
Her kimono hugged her curves tightly and showed off her tiny waist, though it had a slightly larger flare towards the bottom. She had chosen to mirror the colors of the West, Sesshomaru's colors, to wear for the celebration. The white fabric was adorned with red flowers and she chose a blue and gold obi to complete the look.
Her final touch was securing some of the front locks of her hair towards the back of her head using a gold hair comb Sesshomaru had gifted her on her 15th birthday.
A soft tap came at her door and she popped up from her seat to slide the door open. Before her stood Uri, looking as though she had decided to dress her best for the homecoming party as well.
"You look gorgeous Lady Yakumo!" she exclaimed.
Yakumo blushed slightly and shyly replied, "As do you, my friend. But let us hurry. I am expected to be among the greeting party at the castle gates."
As they walked along the walls of the castle both women could feel immense energy from everyone around them. Their Lord's return was highly anticipated and none wanted to miss his arrival or the subsequent merrymaking after.
Sesshomaru's trusted advisers and council had already arrived and waited patiently before the fortresses outer gates, which had been flung open. Yakumo recognized Madoka, one of Sesshomaru's generals. He caught her glance and threw her a smile. Yakumo blushed deeply and nodded in return, keeping her smile small.
Madoka had shown interest in her before, but she definitely did not return whatever interest it was. Though he was an elegantly built man with a handsome face and high ranking she just could not manage to find herself attracted to him. Before she realized what was happening, Madoka appeared by her side, gently grabbing her hand. He bowed low and pecked the back of her pale hand while winking at her.
Yakumo held back a grimace and fought the urge to snatch her hand out of his. He was being presumptuous in thinking she would allow him to touch her so freely, but she swallowed her annoyance and tried to smile for him.
"You look completely breath taking my lady," he cooed, finally coming to his full height, towering above her.
"Madoka, you are too kind. Your eyes are simply playing tricks on you. Please don't be fooled," she responded, trying to force a giggle, but making more of a short croaking sound. She cleared her throat awkwardly and looked toward the skies.
The general followed her gaze and asked gently, "I am sure you must be thrilled to have his Grace return from his travels."
The girl before him pulled her hand out of his and frowned before answering, "Well, we are all thankful for our Lord's homecoming. But I am no more thrilled than others."
"Of course, my lady," he responded, catching her miffed tone.
Before the two could have anymore awkward exchanges, yells of joy echoed through the crowd of the household. Sesshomaru had been spotted in the distance, zooming to the castle gates on his white cloud of demonic aura.
Yakumo gripped Uri tightly, suddenly feeling a wave of nausea overcome her senses. This was it. After so long without seeing his face, her best friend had returned home. Memories flooded her mind and she remembered the most prominent one of all.
The sun was bright as Yakumo sat in the garden pruning some of her favorite flower bushes. Sesshomaru had helped her plant the blossoms during their lessons in herbs and other foliage. She had meekly asked him if they could plant something that would bloom to be bright pink and the 16 year old had shrugged, his gesture for sure, why not.
Her mind had been lost in itself lately. She was turning 15 in the next few days and she would become of age in the dog demon custom to become betrothed. While she didn't expect it, she almost hoped that her parents immediately put a suitor before her. She enjoyed her playmates company, but at some point she would like to engage with other males her age beside just Sesshomaru.
She heard a rustling behind her and turned to find her mother gazing at her sweetly. The woman had shoulder length silver hair and the same ice blue eyes as her daughter. Her flowing deep purple kimono, glimmered in the sun, showing off a slight sparkle.
"My daughter, you seem absent from here lately. Is something on your mind?" her mother questioned with a frown.
Yakumo let out a laugh,"Actually, mother there has been something on my mind lately. With the coming of my 15th birthday I have been thinking of the next stage of life for myself. I will be considered of age to marry and continue our strong bloodline. The thought of a young suitor excites me," she explained.
It was now her mother's turn to laugh. "Yakumo, really dear? You already have a suitor."
A look of confusion wrinkled Yakumo's face and she raised her eyebrow inquiringly at her elder, "Who?"
"Well, Lord Sesshomaru of course. It has been set in stone since you were born. There was never going to be another suitor darling. The blood between our two families is the strongest of all the dog demons in the Western Lands. You shall both rule together and continue the strength of our families," her mother explained. A slight concern rose on her face at the fact her daughter had never caught on to the plan set in place so long ago.
Yakumo's breath was knocked out of her. Sesshomaru was her dearest friend and confidant. She felt confused by the new title placed on their relationship.
"Did you really never realize?" her mother questioned.
"I never gave it much thought. He has been my one true friend since I was a young child," she replied.
"Well dear, just give it time to sink in. You both already have a deep love from your friendship, and from this love you will grow into a wonderful couple," her mother said with a smile. She patted her daughter's shoulder lovingly before strolling away.
Yakumo stood and went in search of Sesshomaru. She burst into his quarters, ready to spill the news, but she stopped when she saw another demon in his room.
"Yakumo?" he said, raising an eyebrow inquiringly.
"I'm sorry Sesshomaru, I did not realize you had company," she spouted out awkwardly, turning pink.
"He was just leaving," Sesshomaru responded, giving the servant a look that told him to leave.
As the man shut the door behind himself, Yakumo finally exploded, "WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE GETTING MARRIED!"
"Oh, yes," came Sesshomaru's lackluster response.
Bewilderment came across Yakumo's soft face and she stepped closer to him.
"You knew?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest, suddenly feeling foolish.
"Father told me a few years ago," he responded nonchalantly.
"You never thought it relevant to mention to me?" she shot back, letting her anger show in her voice.
The young lord took a step closer to her, gently placing his hands on both her shoulders and staring into the pouting face she was now giving him.
"I did not give it enough thought to bring it up. It had already been decided and I just assumed you knew or would come to know. And now you do," he explained. "It makes sense and I have no issue with it, do you?"
Yakumo's eyes dropped to the floor. No, she supposed she didn't hate the thought of marrying Sesshomaru. She was already comfortable with him, respected him, and felt love for him in some capacity. She could see herself falling in love with him one day if she really was honest with herself.
"No, I suppose I do not. I'm just a little nervous to have a different element added to our friendship," she admitted.
Sesshomaru tilted his head at her and nodded his understanding after considering her words for a moment.
"I see," he responded before adding, "I have a gift for you. Consider it an early birthday and betrothal gift."
Yakumo's head whipped up, an excited smile spreading across her lips.
He went to the chest of drawers against the wall and opened a drawer. After a moment he stepped back to her, holding a small box. He offered it to her with an encouraging nod.
Yakumo pulled the box to her and opened the lid. Inside sat a beautiful gold hair pin with flowers along the top. The flowers were also gold but their centers held bright blue sapphires. She gasped and clutched the beautiful gift happily.
"Thank you Sesshomaru!" she yelled, throwing her arms around his neck. As she started to pull away, Sesshomaru's arms caught the small of her back, forcing her to remain close. Their faces hovered inches away from one another. Before she knew what was happening, the boy had leaned down and brushed his lips gently against hers.
With her face flaming into shades of red she didn't knew existed, Yakumo shut her eyes tightly. But the kiss ended as quickly as it began. Sesshomaru simply gave her a nod before saying,"We will be fine, Lady Yakumo."
Yakumo's hand flew to the gold hair piece that currently held a section of her hair back. The sapphires still sparkled just as much as the day he gave the hair pin to her. She smiled, a taste of bitterness in her mouth. When she looked up, it was just in time to see the demon lord's black boot touching the surface of the earth.
The crowd erupted into cheers.