Illumination Chapter Five

Kagome frowned as she looked at the table; there were a lot of pieces of silverware that she didn't see much reason for…all you needed for chicken was a knife and fork. The nobles had so much free time they had to invent rules for how to eat…if they had time for this sort of nonsense then why didn't they do something worthwhile – like get actual jobs. At least this part of being 'upper class' was the sort of stuffy irritation she would expect. It wasn't incredibly difficult – different size and shaped dishes and silverware for specific purposes. She could remember it pretty quick she was certain – she just thought it was silly.

The young part-demon working with her was much more polite than Inuyasha or Sesshomaru, Kagome had to admit that perhaps not all of them were completely bad. Just the family she'd gotten tangled up in – all because she looked like one's dead lover. It was too morbid to concentrate on so she listened as the woman explained a few small rhymes that were likely used to help children remember. Kagome couldn't complain, she had so little time and she couldn't know what it was Sesshomaru would do if she failed him…given he could kill her or her mother easily Kagome had good reason to pay attention. Regardless of what happened to her she couldn't just smart off with her mother in the demon's care.

"Kagome." Her name brought her out of her moment of fearful self-reflection and she had to take a moment to realize what was asked of her before pointing at a fork nervously.

"Good," the praise earned a relieved sigh from Kagome. "I think we should pause for now, the Lord will be here before much longer and with you still recovering a break would be in order before you prepare for his arrival."

Kagome smiled, nodding appreciatively to Nadia (the female demon helping her), "I'd like that, oh…that reminds me. What does drinking a demon's blood mean?"

There was so much of their culture Kagome didn't know about and she was curious, regardless of the topic being a tad strange Nadia had already assured her that no questions were off limits unless they were of a personal nature. Kagome figured that didn't really count since she was asking about demons in general.

"That's a good question." Nadia seemed to approve so Kagome was glad she'd asked. "Demons that give blood to mortals to aid them, it makes the human stronger, faster, it allows them to heal much more quickly, slows their aging process and offers some other abilities often based on the demon donating and how long it has gone on. However, only full demons or very strong blooded demons can successfully share their blood, less than seventy-five percent and the blood is not strong enough to offer benefits. It comes with a price however. It ties the mortal and demon for a time; they often experience small reflections of each others emotions and in the strongest cases thoughts. This grows stronger the longer the demon trades with a mortal – there are cases of demons taking human mates that can constantly communicate telepathically because of how long they've been connected. However, such extreme circumstances are rare, particularly in this day and age as there are few demon's with such pure blood that remain."

"Oh…" Kagome understood most of it but she had to concentrate. The idea of it was so strange but it fit with a few of the fairy tales she'd heard considering the royal family. It also explained the extreme reply Sesshomaru possessed when the Doctor suggested giving Kagome blood.

"It sounds really personal." Kagome observed aloud.

"From what I understand it is extremely so, many demons do not blood-share at all so the finer points of what is involved is not known to most of us. I myself am not strong enough to attempt such a thing but I haven't met anyone I would want to. From what I've read most demon's only blood share with those they are interested in mating with or whom they love." The woman continued her explanation in a matter-of-fact manner. "I wouldn't concern yourself with it, it seems highly unlikely that it will come up, in polite society it is not acceptable to ask of who could be involved in such a relationship and if someone asks you it is expected of you to decline to answer. Something of a taboo topic, so speaking of it here is fine but I would not bring it up with anyone else – particularly with his lordship. Bringing up such a subject with a royal indicates a desire to enter into such a pact."

"Ew." Kagome said immediately, then blushed and tried to save herself. "Erm, I mean, that would be what Se…Lord Sesshomaru would say."

It was clear Nadia didn't buy Kagome's pathetic attempt at a lie. The woman smiled lightly and didn't directly challenge Kagome however, just nodding slightly and sticking to topic. "Demons can blood share with each other for similar results – but most do not trust their own kind enough to establish such a bond. It is complicated but I believe you know what you need to for now. As I said, I should take my leave. I have taught you what I can today so I hope your dinner with his Lordship goes well. It was a pleasure teaching you Escort Kagome. I shall return tomorrow so get some rest."

"Um…thank you Lady Nadia. I appreciate all your help." Kagome hesitated often; this sort of language in addressing others around her was going to take some getting used to. More or less being called an Escort – generally they were considered to be a higher level of society than any average commoner – the same as most low rank nobles or high-ranked commoner politicians. She was worried she wouldn't be able to take in all the rules and tiny nit-picky details to social etiquette in the time Sesshomaru had allotted her. Sure, she knew she was smart, but this would be challenging to a genius…and she definitely wasn't that.

Nadia smiled reassuringly and left with her bag of dishes, carrying it with her as though the case she held in hand was full of nothing but papers. Even the female demons were incredibly strong – Kagome silently wondered if they were just as strong as the men or if they were weaker. It was something she would have to ask later. There was so much she still needed to know. Today Nadia had explained that there were many things they needed to go over in the coming eight weeks. How to walk, talk, dress, speak, when to speak, when to bow, when to wait, what sort of actions and address were acceptable where; it sounded like there was an endless list of rules she would have to memorize in such a short time. Things that other escorts learned through years of school…

Kagome had pointed out it might be impossible and Nadia had explained that much of an Escort's years in school were less focused on etiquette and more focused on learning history, debate, current affairs, politics, as well as various arts. Things they could use to keep conversation or entertain the people that they spent their time with, in her case there would be some lessons for such subjects but it would not be a focus because it wasn't necessary for the purposes that the Lord wanted.

"Sesshomaru…" Kagome thought with a sigh. How was it she was supposed to do this for seven years? Was it just a long estimate in case she didn't do as well as he hoped? Her 'benefactor' was still so mysterious; Kagome didn't even know his family name. When she'd tried to ask Nadia she'd been told that it was up to the Lord what was told of his personal affairs. Apparently it was also rude to speak of people's personal business unless you asked them directly. Kagome figured that was logical but these were nobles, she was certain that they ignored any silent rules about gossip – or gossiped about the gossip rules when they were inevitably broken.

Kagome took the small break she had before Sesshomaru would arrive to use the large bathtub she'd been eyeing all day. The water came out a nice steaming hot and she smelled a few of the scents before pouring in just a little of one that smelled like lavender. She could at least try to smell nice for him if he was going to dine with her. That wasn't on her list of rules but she presumed being well-groomed was expected. She was careful not to let her still fresh scar go under the water as she didn't want to ruin the stitches again. It was nice to wash up herself though – she'd been sleeping and learning a lot the past two days and she had started to feel a tad dirty unable to take a regular bath.

It was a task turning to one side and managing to wash her hair but the pain in her bad shoulder was worth being clean since she didn't start bleeding again. Already it was starting to heal and that was good, she had a feeling the sooner she was back on her feet the better. She leaned back after scrubbing off the grime, letting herself relax a few minutes in the now soapy but still hot water before she climbed out to get dressed. Everything had been so stressful, she still wasn't sure she could completely believe what had happened, yet here she was, sitting in the most gorgeous bathroom she'd ever lay eyes on. Would it all be bad? It was the sort of life most people in her position would wish for…so shouldn't she be thankful for her mother's safety? For her chance to learn skills that might allow her a career other than as a seamstress when this was all over? She just didn't know yet.

Somewhere in her thoughts she'd let her eyes slide shut, and before she knew it her body was relaxing, she was drifting into unconsciousness – only her arms hanging out of the tub keeping her head from slipping under the surface of the now murky water.

"She did well, she learns quickly though I do not know if two months will be enough time to make her presentable for one of your station lordship." Nadia commented, she'd paused in the lobby at the demon lord's request to offer a progress report and observations after the first day. "She is intelligent but she is shy or forceful at inappropriate times. I expect if she was given double or triple the amount of time you desire she would do far better and would manage to actually be comfortable in the settings you require. I will do my best however."

"I know you will Nadia." Sesshomaru remarked, nodding at the observations the woman offered. Nadia had been a teacher for quite famous escorts for many years, it had been expensive to acquire her services but there was little cost the demon wasn't willing to pay if it would allow him to kill his younger sibling. Inuyasha continually attempted to bring shame to their family and Sesshomaru would see him dead the continual babysitting the half-breed required. "We will continue as planned for the time being."

"Of course my Lord, excuse me, I must get home to my children." Nadia offered a bow and headed away when Sesshomaru didn't pause her exit. The demon lord was already considering her words. It would greatly slow his plans if Kagome couldn't make an appearance in Autumn…his other target would not be present during the Winter Solistice celebrations and Sesshomaru wanted more than just Inuyasha drooling over his latest acquirement. If this worked out exactly as he hoped there would be two birds felled with a single stone.

He sipped at the drink he'd ordered and looked back down to the paper's he'd brought with him. Thus far he didn't think Inuyasha was aware of where he'd stashed the girl and he was actually glad he'd decided to keep her here as it was a hotel he frequented on occasion when he had lots of work to accomplish. It covered his presence neatly and he could safeguard his new investment – though if Inuyasha was foolish enough to attack Kagome openly he would die. Kagome was Sesshomaru's property by law, he had finished the paperwork that afternoon. If any other demon touched her without permission he could challenge them to trial by combat – and there was no other demon he feared on the battlefield.

Sesshomaru wrote his name on a paper – one of the city districts requested extra stone to fill in areas of street and they rarely asked for things from the government so he put little thought into it. Though the next was a request for grants for businesses from the market district – it was a monthly request. He ripped it up and moved along, the city didn't need to support the richest merchants. His policies didn't get him much support with the city much of the time but that didn't matter to him. Sesshomaru would do what he felt would keep the city in the best order, and the people would find things to complain no matter what was done. He had a fair amount of sway and if he didn't keep on top of things those beneath him would try to slip in things he wouldn't agree with without scrutiny under his nose. There were simply too many nobles whose positions he couldn't refute with the power to make requests of him. A pity he couldn't kill more of them but there was no way to trick them as easily as his half-brother.

By the time he finished it was a bit later than he'd planned to attend Kagome upstairs, he put the files into a briefcase so he could pass them off to his secretary later and walked up to her room. Knocking and waiting for a few moments before knocking and poking his head into the room. She wasn't in the main area and the bathroom was partly closed so he didn't immediately chastise her. He stepped in and took off his suit's jacket, hanging it near the door where there were hooks for such a purpose. The meal would be up in about ten minutes so he could speak with her a short moment. He was walking toward his seat when he glimpsed her in the tub from the crack in the door. His lips twitched downward slightly and he adjusted his path to walk to the bathroom, pushing the door open and sighing when he noted she was asleep. Was the girl suicidal? Falling into slumber in a bathtub was foolish.

At least she was attempting to make herself presentable before her bout of narcolepsy. He could smell the soaps in the water, lavender, other floral scents, they weren't his favorite but it was light enough to be pleasant. She hadn't doused herself to the point of stinking like some women who bathed in perfume. Her body wasn't unpleasant, for a human, she was still so young there was no fat on her frame. She was thin but not sickly, her body retained enough curves to be pleasant to the eye. Her breasts sported the pale pink nipples that showed her to have never had children. Her hair was still wet, the long raven locks dripping on the tile of the floor or hanging in her face. Her expression was relaxed in her sleep – much more attractive than the angry expression that often soured her pretty features. Inuyasha didn't have completely poor tastes; that was perhaps the only compliment Sesshomaru could offer him.

"Were you planning to sleep the entire evening? I imagine it would be rather unhealthy for your skin to stew for that long." Sesshomaru had remained outside the door looking in, his voice raised though after the first word he could tell she'd started and nearly slipped into the tub. Her eyes were wide when she turned her head to look at him, drops of water flying as her head swiveled. "You are planning to attend dinner with me yes?"

"GET OUT!" She screamed suddenly, holding hands over her pale breasts as though seeking humility though it was clear he'd already seen everything. She sunk down to try to escape his sight and the glare he was growing accustomed to creased her forehead. "What the hell are you doing?! Get out!"

His lack of immediate movement seemed to only further frustrate her as her voice went up a few octaves with the repeated demand. Sesshomaru only stared as she tried to hide and let out a half-growl of frustration at his failure to do as she asked. "Your human sense of humility means nothing. You belong to me regardless of your state of dress. If I meant to take advantage of you it would have happened already. As you are now conscious, get out of your soak and make yourself presentable, the food will be here soon."

She got out while he was speaking and she stalked toward him, slamming the door in his face which. He narrowed his gaze after a moment and reached down to open the door again, gritting his fangs when she held the door closed.

"Will you get out? I'm trying to get dressed now! It'll take longer the more you fight with me…I'm not comfortable with you seeing me naked even if that's fine with you. I can't…Ahhh!" Kagome was pulled suddenly forward as Sesshomaru's greater strength brought her with the door she'd hoped to fight with him against, tumbling right into his chest and glad she'd at least managed to put on a towel. She blushed as she realized how close they were, he was taller than her but this was still the closest to his face she'd ever been. It was incredibly unfair the way her heart started at the proximity, how were demons so devilishly handsome? Shouldn't they just be called devils then? The moment of closeness brought pause to her loose tongue, and she gasped as he pulled the towel away from her a moment later, spinning her into the bed and then pressing her down so quickly her eyes couldn't follow his movement.

She was suddenly fearful again; images of her clothing being cut away by similarly clawed nails flashed through her mind. She couldn't help herself, between the cold and the instant terror her body began to quiver. Yet her pathetic display didn't seem to alter the artic chill in the demon's golden eyes.

"Kagome, the sooner you understand this fact the better off your life will be. I am the master here, you will do as I order, you will not protest, you will not question, you will not complain. You are mine to do with what I desire, it is your choice to make this easy or to force me to break you – but know this; my will is stronger." Sesshomaru spoke so calmly and yet the threat was crystal clear. It was a stark reminder of what little she could do to a demon so powerful. The way he pushed her around like a rag doll, made her mind go blank when he leaned too close, he was something much more than human. Still, it drove her insane that he was so informal with her, that he was pressing her into the mattress when she didn't have an inch of cloth to cover her body. Some part of her liked it, but that part was quickly smothered by the rest of her fears and reservations.

"No." Kagome said with a bravado she didn't feel. "I'm not a slave, and I won't just do anything you want. If you can't compromise with me then…"

Then what? What could she do exactly? The way he perked a brow at her she knew he was about to ask the same question so she rushed forward before she could stop herself.

"…then I'll tell your half-brother what you have planned the first chance I get."

It was more than a little bit of a gamble. He could have killed her then and there but Kagome didn't like the idea of being pushed around for this entire exchange – she refused to be a slave even if the rest of the world had to see her like one. What she didn't expect was a slight challenging smirk to come to the demon's face, or the door to open with the people bringing the food…

End Chapter

Hahaha poor Kagome. No luck for her. I guess some people will think Sesshomaru is being a dick but well I like him as a bit of a jerk. I hope folks continue to enjoy my fiction.

-Aura

To my reviewers:

LoveintheBattlefield – I update when I can/my muse allows. My life has been pretty busy lately. I enjoy this story but it took me a while to come up with what I wanted to have happen next.

Kagome's Blossom – He wasn't mean to Kagome's mom – he's protecting her. Actually I think he likes her mom more than her atm. He is a jerk – that isn't really why though.

Kittenyoukai – Thanks. I wanted to do something different with the one-shot; I haven't done much in this sort of a setting but I like the concept. Then it just continued from there.