Warning: There is a citrus flavored wedding night ahead. Proceed with caution. (or anticipation)

Chapter 23

Two weeks turned out to be no time for the Western Kingdom. There was a whirlwind of preparation that took over the castle. Servants cleaned silver and china, the grand hall and the best dining room. Rooms were opened up and aired out for guests. Floors were polished and tapestries hung.

Kagome was kept busy with her miko lessons with Kaede, archery practice with Kui and Kikyo, and dress fittings with Jakotsu, Seiuka, and the castle seamstress. She only saw Sesshomaru at night when they went for walks in the garden. He would tell her nothing of what kept him busy during the day and Kagome didn't pry. Instead they spent time just enjoying each others company. Their passion only intensified over the days and they found themselves nervously anticipating their wedding night.

The night before the wedding found then snuggled together under a tree amid the flowers. Sesshomaru was running his claws through Kagome's raven locks. "Thank you." He said suddenly.

"For what?"

"All that you are." The inu replied. "Your presence here has done much for this kingdom."

"Well you have Yukami to thank for me coming here." Kagome reminded him.

"Then her existence wasn't a complete waste." Sesshomaru murmured. "Kagome, I want you to know that things will be…changing…once we are wed. There will be many more responsibilities for the both of us."

"Of course there will."

"WHAT are you two DOING!?" a voice screeched just then. "You are not supposed to be together the night before the wedding." An angry female inu stomped into their privacy.

"Tsubame." Sesshomaru sighed, glaring at his cousin.

"No, Sesshomaru." She retorted. "It's tradition for a reason."

Kagome giggled. "Alright, Tsubame." She kissed the prince and got up.

Sesshomaru caught her hand. "Tomorrow." He said.

"Tomorrow." The miko answered. She smiled and walked off with the other female.

"Okay, so I don't really care about tradition." Tsubame admitted once they were out of demonic earshot. "I just need a favor from you. You're friends with Prince Yuri and I want to meet him."

"When did he get here?"

"Earlier today when you were in the village. He's very attractive."

"He is probably also really sad because we killed his sister."

Tsubame tossed her hair. "Then I'll just have to comfort him, won't I?"

They walked over to the guest wing and knocked on the suite of rooms the Southern Prince had been given. The door was opened by Koga who smiled at them and bowed. "Lady Kagome is here, my lord." He told the prince.

"Show her in."

Kagome entered the room and grinned at her former overlord. "Your Highness." She said and dipped a curtsy.

Yuri strode forward and scooped Kagome into his arms. "I've missed you." He murmured.

"Oh, Yuri, I'm so sorry." The miko said.

"It was inevitable. I'm just glad you're okay."

"I'm fine. Sesshomaru saw to that."

"He is a good ruler and a good choice for you." Yuri responded. "I do not blame him for anything that has happened."

"He will be glad of that." Kagome answered. "I am so happy you came, Yuri. I don't think I could get married without you here."

Tsubame cleared her throat impatiently, and the miko giggled. "Prince Yuri, allow me to introduce Sesshomaru's cousin, Lady Tsubame."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness." The demoness said as she sank into a curtsy. "I want to thank you for the part you played in ensuring the return of my dear friend Kagome."

"I didn't do much, my lady." Yuri replied a little sadly. "I have never been able to do much."

"But you're king now, aren't you?" Kagome asked.

Yuri nodded. "Yes. The coronation will be in a few months. You and Sesshomaru are invited of course."

"You'll be an excellent king, Yuri." Kagome declared. "You've been doing in unofficially for years, after all. Now you will just get the respect you deserve as well."

Kagome and Tsubame called it a night soon after, the wedding looming ahead of them. For the first time in a long time, Kagome slept alone. I was a strange feeling not to have silver hair ghosting over her body and glinting in her vision. She decided then that she was very glad this was the last time she would have to be alone in her bed.

The next morning was perfect. It was warm and breezy and beautiful. Kagome and Sesshomaru woke separately, but equally excited. The wedding was to be at midday.

Kagome's gown turned out wondrously. It was a vision of white silk and pearls. The women were all getting dressed in Kagome's rooms and exclaiming over it and their own dresses. Kikyo had taken charge of her sister's hair and make up. The deep ebony locks were twisted into an updo with tendrils left to frame her face. Her make up was understated, bringing out her eyes more than anything.

Kagome radiated calm. She thought she would be nervous on this day, but all she felt was happiness and anticipation.

By the time Inuyasha came to lead them to the hall, Kagome was impatient. The hanyou looked especially fine. His usually unruly white hair was shiny and smooth. He was dressed in silk of the Western colors and had his sword on his hip. Kagome didn't miss the appreciative look in her friend's eyes when he gave her a once over. She also didn't miss the tender expression and soft kiss Inuyasha and Kikyo shared before the Captain took her arm.

The ladies were flanked by Bankotsu and Jak, who both looked dashing in their finery. At the entrance to the hall, Prince Yuri intercepted them. He beamed at Kagome and bowed. "It is Prince Sesshomaru's wish that Lord Inuyasha stand with him, and that I escort Lady Kagome down the aisle."

Inuyasha gave the other man an appraising look then nodded. Acting completely out of character, he leaned over and kissed Kagome's cheek before releasing her and heading off.

Yuri smiled at the vision before him. "I am honored to have you on my arm for even a short while, Kagome."

The miko giggled. "I do not know what prompted this change of plan, but I am glad for it." She said.

"Your groom thought that since you have no father of your own, and his will be performing the ceremony, I would be a suitable replacement as one of your oldest friends. Plus, it adds to your train." He gestured behind them to Shippo, Koga, Sota, and Ashiteru who had joined the ranks. "No one will question your right to be here today with all of us behind you."

"Will all due respect, your Highness," Kikyo interjected. "I think my sister is capable of defending her position without the Southern Guard."

"I have no doubts that you are correct, Lady Kikyo."

A fan fare sounded then, and everyone hurried into place. Kagome smiled happily and grasped Yuri's arm. From within they heard the herald call out for everyone to rise for the king. There was another fanfare which must have marked Sesshomaru entering with his men. Finally the doors in front of them swung open.

Bank and Jak walked up first and sunk into bows on either side of the golden carpeted aisle. Tsubame and Kikyo were next. They walked to the front to stand on the other side of the altar from Sesshomaru and dropped into curtsies. Kagome and Yuri walked in last, flanked by their friends from the South. Everyone gasped as the young bride entered, but Kagome ignored them.

She found Sesshomaru's warm golden eyes and was delighted at the pleasure in them. Her groom was resplendent in ivory silk trimmed in royal blue and gold. He looked like a god on earth.

When they reached the end of the aisle, Yuri and Kagome separated. The prince bowed to Sesshomaru and then to the miko before going to sit down.

King InuTaisho motioned for the guests to sit. "Good afternoon to everyone!" he boomed. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of my eldest son and heir, to a most worthy young woman." From there, time seemed to speed by. The king spoke of the friendship between the West and the South and how this union cemented it. He led the couple through the traditional vows and directed them too exchange rings. That done. There was only one thing left to say.

"By the power vested in me as King of this region, I pronounce you man and wife. Kiss your bride."

Sesshomaru didn't need telling twice. He grabbed Kagome and kissed her with all he had. She responded in kind as cheers erupted around them.

"You're mine now." the youkai murmured to her.

"I always have been." the miko replied.

The rest of the day passed in a flurry of dancing, drinking, and congratulations. The wedding feats was splendid and the entire castle retired feeling well pleased.

Kagome had to admit that she was a little nervous as the night got closer. Kikyo had told her of her first night with Hojo and how it had hurt and wasn't enjoyable. She knew that she desired her husband, unlike her sister, and hoped that would make a difference.

The servants with permission from Sesshomaru had taken the liberty of placing several of her belongings in Sesshomaru's rooms. Kagome would be allowed to keep her own suite of rooms for her personal use, but she was expected to sleep with her husband for the most part.

The youkai prince rose at the end of the night and offered his hand to his wife. She gave him a shy smile and placed her hand in his.

"Shall we retire, my love?" Sesshomaru asked.

Kagome nodded. "No time like the present." she replied. Kikyo gave her a knowing look and a wink.

The newlyweds were quiet as they made their way up their rooms. "Do you trust me?" Sesshomaru asked as they approached the door.

"With everything."

A rare smile graced the prince's face. He took Kagome's hand and placed it on the doorknob. There was a moment of pain as her palm touched the poisoned handle, and then a tingling warmth.

"This door will recognize you now. I want you to feel as home here as I do."

"I do." Kagome assured him. They walked into the rooms and passed by everything to get to the bedroom. Kagome made herself comfortable on the bed while Sesshomaru crossed to the wardrobe to remove his finery. Still neither of them spoke.

At last Kagome broke the silence. "You're happy, right?"

The youkai could smell his new wife's nervousness in the air and climbed onto the bed. He took the miko's hands in his. "I am the happiest being in this world right now." he said fiercely. Without a second thought, he leaned forward and kissed her hard.

Kagome moaned into her husband's mouth. She placed her hands on his bare chest and pushed him back. Slowly she stood and began to unlace her gown. She was nude under it, and unembarrassed as she went to hang the silk confection in the wardrobe. The naked appreciation in Sesshomaru's eyes sent pulls of warmth through her, and suddenly, there was nothing but want.

She got back on the bed and pressed her lips against Sesshomaru's with burning passion. Her husband's hands were on her body in an instant. He tried to reign in his excitement so as not to frighten her, but it was hard. He wanted her so bad.

Kagome sensed that want, and felt the same. She pressed herself in closer to the youkai and gripped handfuls of his hair.

This was a new experience for the demon. He was no stranger to having women want him, but this was the first time he reciprocated the feeling. His wife smelled so good and her skin was so soft. Sesshomaru longed to bury himself inside of her. In a burst of demon speed, Sesshomaru had Kagome pinned under him. She gasped as the youkai took one of her erect nipples into his warm mouth. Her back arched and a throaty moan burst from her lips.

Sesshomaru moved to the other bud and nipped it gently with his fangs. The smell of his beloved's arousal was driving him mad.

Kagome felt his more animalistic side trying to take over, and lifted Sesshomaru's head from her breast, forcing him to look her in the eye. "I need you inside me." she panted. "I need it as much as you do."

"I fear it will hurt you." the prince warned.

"I know it will. But I want you to do it."

Sesshomaru nodded and readied himself at her entrance. First, he pushed two fingers inside and marveled at the tightness of her sheath. "I'm going to mark you as I enter." he told her.

Kagome nodded in return, too wrapped up in the sensations to speak.

Silver hair cascaded around her as Sesshomaru moved above her. He nestled his mouth into the junction of her neck, and his hard length between her legs. There was one tense moment while Sesshomaru prepared. Then there was a mighty thrust and Kagome screamed.

There were so many feelings she didn't know what to focus on. Surprisingly, pain was the least of them. Her entire body was electrically charged and could feel her aura swirling to mix with Sesshomaru's. Her shoulder stung where the fangs were buried in it and she felt fuller than she ever had before.

Her husband waited for a few seconds to give the miko time to adjust to his size and their position. When Kagome's hips began to move, he knew she was ready.

Sesshomaru removed his fangs from her shoulder, and moved inside of her. With every thrust they became more tightly bound to each other. Before either of them anticipated it, they were close to release. Their mouths locked together as the sensations washed over them.

Kagome gasped, and screamed Sesshomaru's name into his mouth as she came. The prince followed soon after, filling his only love with his currently infertile seed.

They lay there after, wrapped in each other. Sesshomaru stroked Kagome's hair and nuzzled the place where he had marked her. "I love you." he murmured gently.

Kagome giggled. "I knew you would say that." she said. "I could feel it."

"That would be our mating bond at work." Sesshomaru told her. "It allows us to sense each other's feelings, among other things. We are bound together for all eternity now."

"I'd have it no other way." Kagome replied with a yawn.

"Sleep, my beautiful bride."

Kagome yawned again. "I don't want this day to end."

Sesshomaru chuckled. "Yet end it must. We will have everyday together, my dear. Sleep and know that I will be here when you wake. I am yours and yours alone."

The girl snuggled closer to him and smiled sleepily. "I never thought I'd be here. Living the Lady's Fantasy. I can't believe I've married my prince." She closed her eyes, ready, at last, to end the first day of the rest of her life.

A/N: (Deep breath) IT'S OVER!!!!!! I am so sorry for the wait on this last chapter. It's been written for weeks, I just never had time to type it. But I am on break now, so I can get some work done on the sequel as well. Please please please let me know what you thought of this. Thanks you so much to everyone who has reviewed and read this story. I have never had such a well received story on this site.