Chapter Three Wicked Gentlemen
The scream in the night that had woken the whole house up had been a nightmare, so real that even as Sango rushed through the door followed by Miroku and Koga, Kagome was still screaming and fighting the covers as if they were strangling her. Her insanity had been so intense that Koga sent for the doctor to return and when he arrived again declared that it was only a side effect of her sedatives. He gave her something else to put her to sleep and left again.
The next time Kagome woke up it was mid-afternoon. She dressed quickly ignoring the flustered maid as she pleated her own hair into a tight braid down her back and pinned down any loose strands. She dismissed the maid who raced out of the room with the basin of water she had washed up in.
She found Miroku first and got him started on asking around for the name of the man whose townhouse they were in. He didn't like going out to White's but he left after she threatened to send Koga with him.
"Wake up Sango." She threw the riding habit she'd picked out for her friend on the bed and left to call the maid to bring some hot water.
"Where are we going?" Sango was dressed in minutes waiting to be laced up by the maid before they would be ready to leave.
"For a walk, I need some air, and time to think." Kagome stood as still as possible fighting her balance and the slight limp of her right leg.
"You mean for a ride, you don't need to be walking on that leg just yet." The maid finished up knowing better than to touch Sango's hair, which today she left tied back with a satin ribbon.
"A ride is exactly what I meant. The stable boy is bringing our mounts around to the front. Let's hurry we need to avoid Koga." Kagome had no ability to hurry however as they arrived at the grand staircase and she had to slow to a crawl. Sango assisted her but it still took longer than they were comfortable with.
It wouldn't have mattered either way, Koga was speaking with the stable boy when they finally made it out the front door. "Where are you two going?"
"I need some air, Sango and I are going for a ride in the park." Kagome hobbled down the five steps to the pea gravel that covered the walkways.
"Would you like me to escort you ladies?" He offered with a smile that suggested he wasn't really asking.
"That's okay, we need some time to share our intrigues over last night's discovery, if you don't mind?" Kagome's shy smile and the way she looked at him from under her eyelashes had him agreeing.
"Certainly, I have some of my own business to attend to. If you are up for it we'll attend the Opera House tonight, they are showing the Russian ballet." He didn't wait for her reply, the stable boy had returned again with his own mount and in a quick lithe movement he was in the saddle and off at a gallop down the driveway.
"That was easier than I expected." Sango muttered approaching her own mare and leaping into the saddle.
"He was definitely not pushy like he normally is, wonder why he was in such a hurry." The stable boy had to assist Kagome into her saddle but once she was seated they were off.
They chattered about dresses and flowers and the weather and even some of the more fashionably dressed men until they were a safe distance away from the more popular trails of the park. "I spoke with Miroku about his plan B pack. We were supposed to say the action word every time we wanted it to take effect."
"Oh, does that mean it could still be active? Or since I didn't repeat the command right away it disintegrated?" Kagome thought this over deciding to tell Miroku that he was no longer allowed to have secret gadjets, they needed to practice with all of them before taking them into the field.
"If it's still active we may be able use that to our advantage, but you don't think that man who attacked us was the gentleman of the house do you? He was out of town, surely that was just his footman or something." Sango was finding it hard to believe they'd ever again run into the man that Kagome had been attacked and shot by.
"Whoever it was I have a score to settle. I sent Miroku to White's he's to find out who lives in that house and we are going to find out exactly where he is. We need to find out where he has the jewel." Their conversation fell silent as a group of men approached them on horseback and they greeted the men with curt nods, that kept them from stopping for a word, before traveling on.
"What are we going to do with Naraku?" Sango brought up the one thing that made Kagome itch.
"I'll contact him, tell him there was a block in our progress. He needs me; he'll give us more time." She was saying the words to assure Sango, but she wasn't sure if they were true.
"Are you sure contacting him is a good idea? He's not exactly the negotiating type. Maybe we should have Miroku go, he doesn't want his head on a platter like he wants yours, and besides Miroku always amused him with his gadjets." Sango advised remembering that Miroku had made Naraku a gadjet that he now needed the jewel they were after to operate.
"We can't risk Miroku's life like that, we'll send a courier and then if I need to I'll go speak with him." Kagome didn't have to argue further because at that moment Miroku rode up looking flushed even though his horse had done all the work.
"Why are you all red?" Sango cocked an eyebrow at him.
"I've been all over town looking for you two; I've found our mystery gentleman. He is in town, and he was in his townhouse last night." Miroku's voice puffed in and out of his mouth as he regained his breath.
"Were you running before you got that horse?" Kagome wondered with a laugh at his exertion.
"More like getting a thrashing." Miroku confessed running a gloved hand through his hair. "Do you know what they do at White's when you start asking too many questions?"
"Well seeing as I'm not a man and therefore not allowed into a men's club. No, I don't. Enlighten me." Sango wasn't showing him any pity, despite his beat up state.
"Let's just say boxing isn't my sport." Miroku sighed and Kagome noticed the glint in his eye that quelled her momentary worry.
"Whose brother recognized your face?" Kagome shook her head as his smirk showed on his face.
"Lady Regina's brother was the first and after that almost every man in there was onto me." Miroku didn't seem displeased with what had happened; he knew he had it coming to him after all the kisses he'd stolen. Despite Miroku's failed attempt at socializing there always seemed to be a gaggle of pretty, young girls around him.
"It's getting late, and I believe we promised Koga we'd go to see the Russian Ballet tonight, they're in town you know." Kagome kicked her horse into a light trot and led them back to Koga's townhouse.
"Oh, Kagome, you must see Brunie, she's brought you this wonderful dress for the Opera House tonight." Koga was right there at the front step as they arrived and his first move was to help Kagome from her saddle. "Sango you too, I had her pick something less extravagant for you, I thought you might appreciate that."
There was a grumble heard from the girl in question that sounded quite a bit like 'shoot me now' but Koga's smiling face was unfaltering. "And Miroku if you would I've been dying for a good game of chess."
Everyone did as Koga instructed because it was necessary to keep him happy and because going to the Opera House really was quite fun. "Does Miroku intend on introducing us to the gentleman from last night?" Kagome wondered in a near silent whisper shared with Sango as her friend helped her to climb the stairs. Kagome was going to need some of those pain killers for the night in order to stay on her feet.
"I hope we have the opportunity. I don't know about you, but I think you might be able to use your charms on him to get us in." Sango smirked at the glare that earned her.
"I'm not a woman of the night, Sango. Stop being so silly, we'll find a way in, and I'm not going to woo him in order to do it." Kagome huffed indignantly.
"Who are we wooing?" Brunie was a tart old woman who enjoyed a good laugh at any man's expense. Kagome had a theory that the woman's husband left her for a younger lady and cast her aside. Not to say that Brunie wasn't a looker, she was however very bossy and very opinionated. Neither were traits a man considered valuable in a wife, another reason Kagome refused to marry. She would not be quelled by a man who wanted his way.
"No one Brunie, I absolutely refuse to waste my time wooing a man who will later want me to rub his feet and tell him how I adore him." Kagome's words brought a smile to the older woman's lips and a hearty laugh that echoed off the walls.
"Right you are, such a strong willed one you are Miss Kagome. I've picked you a rather stunning color for you tonight, I hope it will first knock those men dead and then bury them when you won't fall to their feet and grovel." She chuckled pulling the first gown from the wardrobe. It was a not the deep emerald color that caught her gasp but the daring style. It was definitely a precarious outfit and would not be applauded by the circle of gossips that would no doubt be raging about it the next day, but it was perfect for Kagome.
"Oh, Brunie! What will I wear under it? No way Koga will let me out of the house showing that much of myself." Sango was silent as she admired the dress.
"I have it all settled, just your petticoat will do, the black one miss." Brunie began unbuttoning the front of the dress and then unlaced the bodice while Kagome stripped down to her undergarments. Sango disappeared into the wardrobe knowing she wouldn't need help with whatever dress Brunie had snagged for her. "Step in then." Brunie instructed and in twenty minutes Kagome was laced up, buttoned up and Brunie was fixing her hair.
The dress started at her neck in a high collar with four buttons that ended when that part of the dress did. The collar was extended to the puffed shoulders that tapered off above her elbows and then the rest of the dress began at her bosom. A black lace trim lined the corset at her breasts that then ran tightly over her ribs and down her stomach. Never had she worn so much of her underwear on the outside of her clothes before. The skirt was pin tucked in the back but still reached the floor where the ends dragged elegantly behind her. The front of the dress was a bubble skirt that stopped at the middle of her thighs. Her black petticoat showed where it covered her legs down to her ankles but it looked natural like it was a part of the dress. The shoes that she stepped into rose up and covered her ankles and had just enough heel to make her as tall as Sango. Just when she'd insisted to Sango that she wasn't a lady of the night here she was dressed provocatively and loving it. "If this won't knock them dead, nothing will."
"That'll give those old bats something to howl about, now won't it?" Brunie smiled conspiratorially.
"Sango, do you need some help?" Kagome called into the wardrobe.
"She shouldn't, she doesn't even have a corset to be laced." Brunie muttered slipping into the wardrobe to attend Sango.
"It's all these buttons, why are there so many of them?" Kagome could hear Sango mutter as Brunie started swatting her hands away from the intricate design of the bodice.
"It was this or lacing you up in a corset, and don't even begin to tell me you'd prefer a corset." Brunie's hands flew over the buttons and Sango was all snapped in a few minutes later. Sango's dress started the same way as Kagome's at the top of her neck with four buttons down to her collar bone. Brunie knew about their crim markings and must have picked this collar just for the purpose of concealing them—or because she really wanted a chance to dress their hair in the latest court styles.
Instead of a v neckline like Kagome's, Sango's bodice was tight fitting across her bosom in a clam shell style. From there everything was buttons, fashioned to look like gears, there were bits of fabric holding it all together somewhere underneath the alluring design, but as Sango walked the gears moved. Her skirts were burnished copper that shimmered with the gears on her bodice. They fell straight down without a ruffle in sight. No woman going to the Opera House wore a dress without the frills and excitement of lace ruffles, Sango's long form however made it look exotic and Kagome envied her friend's lithe form.
"It's stunning for sure." Kagome smiled sincerely, enjoying the blush on Sango's face.
"Now, let me do that hair!" Brunie sat them both down and wasted no time in putting the fashionable back into their outfits through their hair. Sango's in a twisted braid with plenty of curls hanging around her face to capture her beauty and even more of the little gear buttons to crown her hair. Kagome's was done up in a slick knot with her hair plastered into place so as not to move an inch and then an elegantly styled hat—small with a small amount of fishnet that fell over her forehead—perfectly perched off-center and latched on with a ribbon.
The girls escaped Brunie's hold only after she forced pearl ear drops for Kagome and button gear ear drops for Sango into their hands. Once they were free from the woman it was about time to be going. They each went to their separate rooms, each with the same intention of strapping on a weapon beneath the folds of their petticoats-and Kagome with the intention of taking more of her pain killers.
"Never leave the house without it." Sango commented lightly as they reached the stairs. Kagome was forced to strap her weapon on her left leg making her feel less than safe, but if it came down to it she could shoot with her left hand.
"The stairs again." Kagome sighed as they reached the top. Sango was slow and patient, with the boots Kagome was wearing and the folds of clothing neither of them could afford to trip and fall lest they tear their skirts and break their necks—the torn skirts being quite a bit more tragic.
Brunie clapped as they reached the last step and the men were both stuck with their mouths open. Her clap brought them back to reality and each offered an arm, Kagome on Koga's and Sango on Miroku's—as they each would have planned it.
"I see Brunie has again picked the most stunning dresses in all of Westerfield. Tonight will surely be a spectacle. I wonder who will turn the tides first." He commented happy to be seen with Kagome on his arm and looking so stunning.
"Oh I'm sure the gentlemen won't stop rushing in our direction, we must do all that we can to protect these fair birds." Miroku joked knowing all too well that Sango and Kagome could take care of themselves—as they had so many times when he was the culprit.
The Opera House was grand no doubt and quite a bit larger than the Grandville. The grandeur of the outside was nothing compared to the interior. The lobby was teeming with exquisitely dressed ladies and gentlemen and as they entered the room crowds started dispersing slowly heading to their boxes or seats. Some of the more popular crowds stayed waiting to greet all of their friends and acquaintances before leaving at the last second to arrive in their seats.
As soon as Kagome spotted the girl across the room whose porcelain skin and red dress flashed in such contrast she knew instantly they were in for an approach. Or as she would have it they would do the approaching. Miroku was smart and disappeared after muttering that he needed to avoid getting another thrashing.
"Let's just pretend to have a modicum of civility, okay?" Kagome whispered in Sango's direction as the girl noticeably cringed at their direction.
"I'll let you do the talking." She murmured as she pressed a false smile onto her lips preparing for all the nodding she was about to be forced through.
"Lady Kikyo, how pleasant it is to see you." Kagome released Koga's arm taking her full weight on her bad leg, in order to grasp the lady's hand and plant a gentle kiss on each of her white cheeks. As soon as she was released she returned to Koga's side taking his offered arm to relieve her injury from the weight.
"Well, hello Lady Kagome, Lady Sango, Duke Rittevon. How are you all faring this evening?" Her high voice scraped at Kagome's ears as she kept up her smiling façade.
"Quite well, who are you here with? Your sister perhaps? I would love to say hello to her." The one thing Kagome didn't have to lie about was Kikyo's little sister Kaede. She was a sweet young girl who didn't get to attend many events since she was so sickly.
"No, Kaede isn't feeling well, it's this cold wind that's gotten to her, I'll send her your regards though. I am here with the Marquis of Inglewood and his sister Lady Rin." She waved her hand off to the left where the pair stood.
"Oh would you introduce us? I've always envied Lady Rin's hat collection." Kagome was going over the top with her façade but in truth she did wish to meet the Lady.
"Of course." Kikyo's smile was brittle like the rest of her body and she reached out her thin arm to motion to the pair speaking with a couple a few feet away. They came at her signal and upon seeing Kagome and Koga the Marquis paused solid in his tracks.
"InuYasha, Lady Rin, these are some of my acquaintances Lady Kagome, Lady Sango and Duke Rittevon." Sango bobbed a slight curtsy, smile in place as Lady Rin and the Marquis greeted her first.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Kagome bobbed a small curtsy smiling wickedly at the Marquis and then sweetly at his sister who looked nothing like him. Kagome thought for a moment and remembered that she was in fact his sister by marriage, the Marquis' older brother was the Duke of Inglewood.
"Pardon me, I know we've just been introduced but I must know. Where did you get that hat? I am envious of it!" Lady Rin was an instant friend. She stepped forward to admire the hat perched on Kagome's head an awestruck look on her face.
"I was about to say the same of yours!" Kagome laughed enjoying the girls face as it lit up in amusement. She caught the Marquis amber eyes and held them with her own, "How are you faring this night?" She sized him up, noting the unusual pale white of his hair, it didn't look powdered, and there were modifications clearly in sight from the ears on his head to the fangs in his smile. She wondered why he'd gotten them.
"Honestly, I can't wait to take my seat." He was still stiff and his mouth barely opened as he spoke.
"Are you looking forward to the show?" Kagome tried to win a smile from him but he seemed as if he'd turned to stone.
"No, I'm not fond of the ballet, and this crowd is not my favorite either." His eyes smoldered at her slight frown as if he was finally getting the reaction he was looking for.
"That's a shame, I find that I envy the less wealthy in this instance." Kagome admitted hoping to strike a nerve. She was also itching to take a seat, but only because even with the help of Koga's arm her leg was becoming quite a pain to her-when would those pain killers kick in? she wondered.
"Why is that?" He didn't have to push the subject, but he did and that was enough for her to believe she'd caught his attention.
"They get to be in the front row, so close to the action. The view must be great." Kagome sighed wistfully, truly wishing she could be so close that she might feel the nylon tulle of the dancers' tutus.
"Isn't that what your lorgnette is for?" The Marquis quirked a brow seriously perplexed by her words and their obvious truth.
"I wouldn't know, I don't have one." Kagome felt strange holding the conversation with the Marquis, especially with Koga and Sango so silent on either side of her. She understood Sango's silence, but normally Koga was much more conversational. Lady Kikyo had been pulled away from their conversation by a pair of acquaintances to her right, and Lady Rin was brushing her hands down her dress in an irritated manner while studying the floor.
"Oh! You must borrow one of mine!" Lady Rin's head popped up excited to have something to say. Kagome wondered if her sharp tongue had bothered the girl.
"That is too kind, I couldn't possibly." Kagome frowned not expecting this act of charity, but Rin was already thrusting a spare lorgnette into her hands. "Thank you, I'll seek you out after the show to return it."
"Oh but you must come to our box during the intermission too!" Lady Rin took her arm after an expectant look between her brother and Kagome that didn't seem to add up. Lady Rin was just strong enough to pull her away from Koga who let her go without a word, but Kagome wobbled on her feet trying to keep up with the now excited girl as she proceeded them in heading to their separate boxes. "I must know more about that hat, you never did tell me where you got it."
"As you wish, Lady Rin." Kagome smiled at the enthusiastic Duchess who kept chattering at her until they'd reached her box. Kagome embraced her lightly pecking each cheek before turning to Kikyo and doing the same.
The Marquis took her hand and took it to his lips for a quick kiss before nodding at Sango and—was that a smirk? Yes it was—smirking at Koga. "Enjoy the show." He all but purred as he left them in silence.
"That's him." Miroku joined them at last the crowds had begun dispersing enough that he must have felt safe to show his face.
"That's who?" Sango finally spoke up but Koga was so near that Miroku didn't comment further.
"InuYasha Drum, Marquis of Inglewood." Koga didn't seem at all thrilled about running into him, he took Kagome's arm back perhaps sensing her weakness and she leaned into him in gratitude.
"You know him?" Kagome glanced up at him as he led them to his box.
"You could say that." Koga grumbled and then wouldn't speak again on the subject. He sat Kagome in her seat and Sango took the seat next to her. Miroku stayed standing while Koga took the seat behind Kagome.
As Miroku paced Kagome wondered what it was he'd slipped off to do, since she knew it wasn't avoiding a run in with an angry brother. "Koga, I'm terribly sorry, but Lady Kikyo distracted me, would you mind fetching me some tea? I would get it myself but I don't know if walking is the best idea, all that standing has really left me sore."
Koga obviously needed the distraction as he eagerly rose and nodded to her, kind as ever. "Certainly, tea sounds a bit weak for me though, I think I'll need some coffee, anything for you Lady Sango? Miroku?"
"I'm just fine thank you." Sango replied as Miroku shook his head declining the offer.
"Right then, I'll be back as quickly as I can with that tea." Koga left silently and Miroku waited all of half a minute before leaning down to speak with them.
"That was him." His voice held frustration as if the thought of Kagome sharing niceties with the man appalled him.
"The Marquis was the one who shot me?" Kagome didn't know what to believe, but Miroku had good sources and he definitely looked every bit as serious as the plague.
"Yes, and I don't like him being so near to either of you, he's a very unsavory gentleman, if I dare call him that." Miroku seemed to bristle at the term his indignation growing.
"Those modifications are interesting." Kagome commented lightly not wanting to upset him further.
"They aren't modifications, they're his punishment." Miroku hissed, and right then Kagome wanted to know just what it was that he knew about the gentleman.
"What is it a punishment for? What did he do?" Sango spoke up, as she was keeping tabs on the door so as to tell them when Koga was to return.
"He is courting Lady Kikyo." He avoided the question which wasn't like him. "I know you two don't like her very well, but it would be best for you two to maybe work your way into his circle of friends, using her will be easy, and Kagome it seems like Lady Rin is quite impressed with you. Just whatever you do don't be caught alone with him, got it?"
"Miroku stop keeping secrets, what are the modifications all about? What was he punished for?" Kagome had just gotten the question out as Sango swirled in her seat and patted her shoulder their signal for silence. Koga swept through the door balancing the tea and coffee. Hiding her confusion Kagome smiled up at Koga taking the tea. "Thank you."
"The show is about to start, I'm glad to see I made it back in time." He took his seat sipping on his own beverage as Miroku settled into his seat.
Feeling annoyed Kagome sucked down her tea and then picked up Lady Rin's lorgnette which had lain in her lap. It was very beautiful; it seemed to be made of ivory with gold plating around the handle and the rims that reflected off the shallow light. There was a small animal carved on the side a wolf maybe, or a really large dog. It was the Duke's crest she realized.
As the show started the orchestra fired up the noise was just enough for her to lean over and speak with Sango. "I'm worried about Miroku."
"Me too," She whispered in return. "And about Naraku, how much time do you think he'll give us, we have till the week's end but we're not going to have it by then."
"I don't know, but I doubt he'll absolutely refuse to give us more time, after all we're the only people who know of this jewel's existence." Kagome reasoned, hoping this were true.
"Aside from the Marquis' family." Sango pointed out the flaw in her reasoning.
"Maybe we should go back in, take another approach." Kagome knew how risky it was, but she needed something to work out.
"It's much too dangerous, they weren't expecting us last night and we almost didn't get out of there alive, how do you think it's going to be now?" Sango was always good for keeping things in order and seeing all the bad in every situation.
"Okay then, we'll just wait to see what Naraku says. Then we can decide on how to take it from there." Kagome didn't want to mention the dreaded thought that was tickling the back of her head but she knew Sango would be thinking the same thing. "We might have to run."
Sango reached out to take her hand and grip it tightly. They both knew what running meant, and the idea didn't suit either of them. Running meant leaving Miroku behind, he wasn't a crim, he was innocent except the stupid mistake he made by making that device for Naraku. If they left, Miroku would get left behind and that might lead to Naraku taking him and torturing him till he was dead. It wasn't pleasant to think about so instead they turned their attention to the stage and took turns watching through Lady Rin's lorgnette.
Koga excused himself five minutes before the interlude giving Kagome the chance to ask a question she'd been dying to have answered. "Miroku, about the plan B, if he still has it on, will it still work?"
"Only at the sound of your voice using the action word." Miroku nodded sitting perched on the edge of his seat still unhappy.
"So if I just let the word slip out we'll know if it's still on him?" Kagome raised her eyebrows at him waiting for his answer.
"Yeah, just don't do it when you're talking to him, it'll look suspicious, just say it loud enough to the reactor beads hear it. You can pretend to talk to Lady Rin or Lady Kikyo." He suggested rising as the lights burned brighter.
Koga returned as Kagome rose from her seat and she took his arm allowing him to lead them back down to meet up with Lady Rin, Lady Kikyo and the Marquis.
After a tense moment of short hellos Kikyo offered to take Miroku to see Hideki Rosenthal—a boy genius that wished to meet Miroku while at the same time Miroku wished to meet the boy. Sango left with them and for a moment Kagome thought things were going to get tense again but then Lady Rin smiled brilliantly. "Now that I have you to myself you must tell me about that hat!" She pulled Kagome away from Koga who had been propping her up and they left the men to their devices while they went off to chat about the hats.
"Koga, how did you manage to find that one? She seems very attached to you." InuYasha appeared civil for all intents and purposes.
"Kagome and I have been friends for a while, she's staying with me while she's in the area, though I have a feeling they are about to depart for the next metro city soon enough. She enjoys traveling with her brother and friend." Koga replied hiding well his nearing disappointment.
"Just friends is it? She looks quite stunning, I don't suppose you picked that dress for her?" InuYasha was doing a poor job of keeping his eyes off of Kagome.
"No, I had no hand in picking it, my housekeeper is quite the fashionista and an evident trend setter." Koga appraised Kagome's looks again her dress making her look more radiant as she and Lady Rin swapped hats and assisted one another in securing the new additions to their heads.
"So then she is your mistress. I knew friends was not what you were after with such a beauty. Why is it you don't marry her?" InuYasha smirked at the anger flashing over Koga's face as the man's teeth snapped his mouth into a grim line.
"Kagome is not my mistress, and don't you dare insult her like that again." Koga snarled through clenched teeth.
"Well I guess it won't be as much of a challenge then when I steal her from you like my brother stole Rin from you."
(O.O) Oh no he didn't! (^.^) Oh yes he did!
Miroku placed a hand over Sango's where it sat on his arm. "You should try being a little more relaxed."
"I am relaxed thank you, I just don't know how to be friendly." She snapped at him wishing she could take her hair down from its massive pile on her head and run a hand through it to relieve her aggression.
"You don't have to be friendly, just open your mouth and tell everyone how you enjoyed the ballet." He insisted propelling her forward as they walked with Kikyo and a few more of her ever-endless posse.
"I can't do small talk, I'm worried about Kagome, you do realize we left her alone with the man who shot her don't you?" Sango pushed her elbow into his side with a quick unnoticeable jab that was meant to get him back for the sardonic patting on her hand.
"Don't worry! Do you think Koga will let her out of his sight?" Miroku turned his attention away from her to respond to Kikyo who asked him a quick question.
"Oh, so now we trust him? I thought we decided he wasn't going to be in on this scheme." Sango murmured heatedly.
"I'm not saying he's in on the scheme, but Kagome trusts him, and so should you." Miroku's advice didn't settle well in Sango's mind it just managed to irritate her more.
"Look, could you pull out one of those clockwork trinkets you carry around and create a distraction? I'm going back to check on her." They had just arrived at Hideki's box and now was her best chance to get away from Kikyo's demanding grasp.
"Yeah, fine, just don't pull out that weapon unless something is actually going down, got it?" The pat on her hand sent her reeling as he narrowed his eyes at her.
"I'll think about it." With that she disappeared from his side leaving him a bit cold.
Sango wasted no time in backtracking to their box and by the time she arrived she almost couldn't resist the urge to pull out her weapon. There was something going on by the shouts coming from behind the doorway and it made her heart pound loudly in her ears when she heard the malicious growl.
(O.o) Hate me yet? (=.=) Cause I do! (Even though I know where this is going.)
Kagome smiled affectionately at Lady Rin as she fastened the ribbon around her head making sure the hat was properly askew in a lean to the left perch. She pulled a few extra pins from her own hair to secure the ribbon and then pronounced it finished. "It looks lovely on you, you should keep it."
"As does mine on you, perhaps we should exchange them and upon meeting again bring a new hat to exchange, it could be our secret game." Lady Rin almost squealed as she spoke but Kagome wouldn't feel right keeping this long term front up when in fact she would be leaving town as soon as she could manage.
Instead she evaded it and kept it from her mind. "Ah, then we shall have a reason for leaving a group to find a secret place to make the exchange."
"Oh, how exciting would that be! And we could tell just how many men were paying attention if they noticed the swap!" Being a married woman, Lady Rin wasn't nearly as single minded as Kagome expected, which was astounding. She wasn't under some mind control that all other women seemed to adopt after being wed.
"I'm quite certain that shall be a fun game." Kagome agreed conspiratorially with a wink.
Lady Rin reached up adjusting the new hat on her head not liking its former position for some reason and Kagome stooped a bit to help her reach. Stooping wasn't the best idea, as Kagome's leg was already feeling weak the pressure and weight sent her off balance. She stumbled into Lady Rin reaching out her hand to steady herself.
"Oh! Are you okay?" Lady Rin was holding her keeping her balanced. "What happened? Is it a leg cramp? Oh how I hate those irritations."
"No, I'm rather clumsy, and I fell down and hurt myself just last night, I'm fine though." Kagome looked behind her judging how close InuYasha was and how likely it'd be to set off the plan B sensor. "Maybe we should sit." She said the word with force and after it escaped her lips things fell into action quite literally. Kagome should have asked Miroku what was going to happen upon setting off the sensors so she'd be prepared.
The Marquis went crashing to the ground and the fist that Koga had raised wasn't making him look so innocent. Lady Rin rushed to the Marquis and Kagome went to Koga wondering if he'd hit the Marquis and that was why he was now sprawled on the floor.
"What happened?" She searched his eyes for a lie but he just looked confused.
"I didn't hit him." He grumbled seeming disappointed.
Kagome turned and knelt by the Marquis' side searching his neck for the device. Kagome hoped it wouldn't disintegrate too soon she still had a use for it. It peeked out from behind the collar of his coat as she pushed his hair aside, it seemed that the fall had knocked him out cold. Lady Rin was hysterical so Kagome patted the Marquis face trying to wake him and as he came to a malicious growl escaped his lips. He was on Koga faster than Kagome could move out of his way.
"Oh!" Lady Rin wasn't used to altercations like these and her eyes fluttered as she fainted. Kagome swept in to rescue her falling body just as Sango punched through the door.
"What's going on?" She shouted weapon raised.
"Put that away!" Kagome hissed gently laying out the girl in her arms. "Gentlemen, back off!" She pushed herself between the brawling men earning herself the harsh end of a backhanded slap that was intended for Koga. That stopped the fight instantly.
"Bloody hell." The Marquis turned to her gently cupping her unharmed cheek. "Let me see it." He brushed away her hand that was tenderly cradling her reddening cheek. The welt rose fast and the tears burned her eyes, but it wasn't the worst that she'd endured.
Koga's glare burned everything in sight and it was clear that he was seconds away from losing it. "I need ice Koga, please." Her watery eyes pleaded with him and his clouded vision snapped and he nodded curtly before disappearing in a rush from the room.
Sango stepped up next to her examining the cheek with the Marquis. "That's going to make Brunie mad."
Kagome would have smiled but she knew that would only lead to more pain. "Let's not tell her then."
"I don't think you'll get through the doors without her finding out." Sango sighed, turning to Lady Rin, who was laid out on the floor and starting to rouse.
"I'm so sorry." The Marquis' amber eyes looked frustrated and Kagome knew it was directed at himself.
"It's alright, I'm sorry for whatever happened to cause such a fight. Maybe it's best if we leave now." Kagome closed her eyes as his finger ran over the swell of her cheek her legs were wobbling from all the excitement and movement. Her injured leg burned as much as her cheek now.
"No, we'll wait for the ice, do you need to sit down?" He took her arm noticing her wobble.
"Yes, please." She avoided the 's' word not wanting to start another round of injuries.
She sunk into her seat and he knelt next to her still watching her face as it swelled up. Lady Rin was back up and as she came around the chair she gasped at Kagome's face.
"Oh dear! What happened?" She swept in closer kneeling next to the Marquis.
"I hit her," His face was shamed as he admitted to her and she sucked in an urgent breath. "It was an accident, I'm terribly sorry."
"InuYasha I can't believe you! Getting into a brawl like that without having the decency to take it outside!" Lady Rin was furious as she glared at her brother. "You must have that looked at by a doctor."
"Oh, don't be silly! The show will be starting back up in a few more minutes, and Koga is bringing some ice. He'll be here in a second. It's fine really." Kagome tried to console her new friend but the girl wasn't having it.
"InuYasha you must go for the doctor. We have a townhouse just a few minutes from here, he can treat you there." Lady Rin was a woman of action but Sango was smoother than warm butter.
"If I may, Kagome has another injury that also needs looked at by her own physician. We'll have him sent for and see her home ourselves." The glare she sent InuYasha was no nicer than the one Lady Rin had given him. "It is very charitable of you to offer but she has a problem with doctors and its best that her own physician cares for her."
Lady Rin took the lie with grace and a nod. She rose to her feet and moved around to the door. "I'm going to go find Lady Kikyo, I think I need to speak with her." Sango and Kagome let her go not knowing what her words meant, but guessing that she needed to get away from her brother—who she was more than angry with at the moment.
Koga came through the door seconds after she'd made her exit with a towel filled with ice. His abrasive eyes raked over the Marquis proximity to Kagome and he seethed. Kagome offered him the smallest of smiles to let him know she was going to be okay, but he didn't like even that—or the flinch that followed due to the pain.
"I sent my man for the doctor, he'll be to the house within the hour." Koga took Lady Rin's place before her and gently held the ice to her face. She leaned into it closing her eyes as the pain ebbed away.
"Thank you." She whispered there was movement behind her as Sango stepped out and the Marquis reluctantly stood.
"I am truly sorry for this accident, perhaps it would be better for us not to run into one another again." He sounded like a snob and worse than that he sounded like he was blaming Koga.
Kagome didn't like it and she had an instant churning in her gut. She wanted to glare at him and tell him off but they were in his box and she had been the reason for the fight. "Let's go Koga, I wish to finish the show."
"But Kagome—" He started to object.
"The doctor will wait for me. Please, let's just go." She was watching his face now and his eyes as they weighed the options. He stood and took her hands. She allowed him to lift her and then leaned heavily on him as he led her to the door.
The Marquis was silent as they left and outside the box Sango was just returning with Miroku on her trail. "What the hell happened?" Miroku growled.
"It was an accident." Kagome gave him a look that spoke volumes and he resisted the urge to question them further. The ice pressed to her face was enough of a hint for him.
"We're leaving." He wasn't waiting for an objection and he wasn't giving them an option.
"Miroku, please." She pleaded with him but Sango and Koga were both on his side in this one.
"Don't even start with me, we are leaving and that's final, return to the box and get your things." He ordered his face turning red from his fury.
Sango led him away sensing his destructive mode and Koga helped her walk back to his box. "I'm so sorry." She mumbled to him making him stop in his tracks.
"Why are you sorry? You have no reason to be sorry, you did nothing wrong, you understand?" His eyes were molten lava burning up in their sockets.
"What happened? What started that whole mess?" She winced and her momentary pain softened his eyes. He pressed the ice to her cheek again.
"You started that I'm afraid, but it's not your fault. He was insulting you and I wouldn't stand for it." The thought of Koga being her champion was endearing and it brought a painful smile to light up her face.
"That's sweet. What did he say?" She wondered her curiosity getting the best of her.
His chest rumbled with a suppressed growl at her question. "He assumed you were my mistress, or worse."
This hurt Kagome, but she didn't understand the feeling. "Oh." She felt deflated and enraged at the implication.
"Please don't dwell on it, next chance I get I'm going to defend your honor." Kagome knew Koga's metal fist was probably a very useful weapon but InuYasha also had modifications and she didn't know what most of them were. She fell silent and continued on their way walking on her own feet and feeling the soreness. She reached the room without Koga's help which felt good on her ego. Gathering up their things—Sango's shaw, Miroku's top had and her tiny handbag—she remembered she had Lady Rin's lorgnette.
"Koga would you meet me out front? I just have to return Lady Rin's lorgnette." She didn't want to risk taking him back near the Marquis and even though she really didn't want to run into him again herself she had a feeling Lady Rin was with Lady Kikyo.
"I can come with you." His offer seemed more like a demand.
"No, I'll be fine by myself." She smiled at him without wincing and he took the ice pack and left. Kagome was quick about returning the lorgnette, her leg was tired, her cheek hurt and the show was getting ready to start back up so the halls were crowded with people returning to their boxes. She met up with Lady Rin and Lady Kikyo just as they arrived at the door to their box.
Lady Kikyo's sharp gasp told her what she looked like. "Oh dear, are you alright? Lady Rin has told me what happened, I'm terribly sorry."
She sounded very sincere and Kagome didn't want her feeling bad on behalf of the Marquis. "I'll be good as new in a few days' time, honestly. Here, I almost left without returning this." She handed Lady Rin the lorgnette before embracing the girl lightly and kissing her cheeks careful of her own inflamed cheek.
"Good bye Lady Kagome, I really hope this doesn't ruin our friendship." Lady Rin seemed despaired.
"Oh no, of course not! When will you be out for another engagement such as this?" Kagome asked hoping an offer to see her at their next outing would settle the girl.
"Three days from this night, there is a masked ball at our residence, do say you'll come, you can meet my husband, and of course your companions are welcome to join you." Lady Rin was excited again at the aspect of more guests.
"I would love to. Thank you for the invitation." She said her goodbyes and then was back down the hall heading to the front entrance. The halls were silent as most of the guests were gone—back into their boxes for the show's second half. There was a man up ahead turned away from her but he seemed to be the only person in sight.
As she maneuvered around him to pass his hand snaked out and grabbed her. She hadn't recognized him from the back but now that she was face to face with him she knew the sneering of his lips. "Hello my little Kagome, I know something went wrong."
"Naraku, what are you doing here?" She was frantic as he pushed her into the wall bracing his arm over her collar bone and the rest of his body along hers to hold her in place.
"I've come to make sure you know your place." His finger trailed over her bruising cheek inflicting pain as his nail dug into her skin. The tears were rushing to her eyes and her vision began to cloud.
"We had a minor delay, we're going to need more time." Now was as good a time as ever to ask. Or so she thought.
"More time? I think you can work your way into his bed in three days and get my jewel to me before the end of the week." His hand reached down sensing where her other injury was. He didn't bother checking if the hall was empty and she wasn't going to scream, she wasn't worried about her life, it was the threat of her real brother that kept Kagome quiet.
"Please, five days, that's all I'm asking." Kagome shook as her thin petticoat did nothing to protect the bandaged leg he was prodding at. He liked to make her squirm and he liked to find her weaknesses.
"Done, oh and Kagome, you're bleeding." He vanished in a few tiny movements and she collapsed to the floor trying to regain her control. Her breathing was ragged and she was beyond reason as she rose and stormed through the hall making a beeline for the door. The Marquis stood in her way and at the last minute she realized she had to stop in order to avoid hitting him. She got herself stopped but she couldn't bring herself to look up at him.
"What's the hurry? Are you okay?" He frowned taking in her appearance—which was likely disheveled—then took in a large breath of air like he was about to yell. "Are you bleeding?" He poked his finger under her chin and lifted her face to inspect it looking for blood. His finger brushed over her sensitive skin as a tear slipped down it. "Kagome?"
She gasped at his boldness in using her name so informally. And quickly reminded herself that she wasn't on good terms with him after his assumption and his anger at Koga. "I-I'm, I fell that's all. I'm f-fine." She averted her eyes as his were boring holes into her sole seeking the truth. "My ride is waiting for me, they will leave without me."
This brought a chuckle to his lips. "Oh, I highly doubt the Duke will leave behind a jewel such as you."
"I beg your pardon?" Kagome scowled remembering what Koga had told her about him thinking she was his mistress.
"I wasn't aware the duke had a mistress." He commented off-handedly as if he had read her thoughts. He stood solidly waiting for her reaction.
He doesn't, at least not that I'm aware of, and no I'm not his mistress. Not that that is any of your business." Kagome was too close to the edge of sanity to argue with the Marquis, and she felt sick, ill to her stomach after the way Naraku touched her. If he didn't watch it she was going to lose her supper down his front.
"I see, have I offended you?" It wasn't enough that he had to be rude one second and apologetic the next, but his eyes glinted in mischief and his smile hinted at a smirk.
"Do you even need to ask?" She glared up at him not enjoying his tormenting her.
"No, but I quite enjoy the outrage on your face." He was laughing at her and she had had enough.
"Sit." The word on her lips was low and vile and as she said it he fell to the floor face first. She left him like that as she hurried out into the night and into Koga's waiting arms. He would take care of her and make her feel safe, she told herself shaking and shivering but not because of the wind.
End Chapter