Chapter 6

It had been two days since the engagement party.

I had spent all day yesterday moving my clothes and a few items into the Tashio Manson. Once everything was finished, I was left completely exhausted and just went to bed. Now, as I walked down to breakfast, I couldn't help but to feel both nervous and excited. I hadn't been able to see or talk with Lord Sesshomaru since the night of our engagement party; he had been really busy. I found myself looking down at my ring every time I would think of him. Now that everything had settled down, I was looking forward to spending more time getting to know my future husband.

As I walked into the dining room, I see that Lady Izayoi was already seated on one side of the dining table. I pause to take in the beauty of the room. The large glass window in front brought the sunlight in from the morning. I proceeded towards the table and saw that there was already a place set for me.

"Good Morning, My Lady. I hope you slept well." I smile as I take my seat to her left.

Lady Izayoi was sitting at the head of the table. "Good Morning, and please just call me Izayoi. We are already family and I hope we can be close friends. I slept very well, thank you Rin. I hope it was the same for you?"

I smile, but before I can answer, there was a blur of movement from the servers as they bring out our plates, drinks, toast, fruit, and other choices. The lid on my plate was the removed to reveal steamed rice, miso soup, poached egg, and broiled fish. The aroma from the place smells delicious. After everything was placed by the servers, I turn back to Izayoi to reply.

"Yes, very well. If you don't mind me asking, did Lord Tashio already have his breakfast? Was I late?" I asked since Izayoi was seated where I assumed Lord Tashio would sit.

Izayoi's smile slightly falls as she reaches over to drink some of her tea before answering. Her eyebrows slightly scrunch up in a small frown of confusion. "Didn't Sesshomaru tell you? Since they had postponed an important meeting that was scheduled the same day as your engagement, they both left the next morning to continue the negotiations."

My heart sank as I heard her response. I had gotten so flustered with the thought of seeing Lord Sesshomaru again, when all this time he had been out of the country. I think what hurt the most was that he never mentioned anything to me.

'I guess this is how our relationship will be and I shouldn't expect for more.'

"Oh sweetie, don't take it to heart if he didn't say anything to you. You have to remember that Sesshomaru has never had to tell anyone about his business or whereabouts. What you need to do Rin is let him know what you want from him. You will see that he will at the very least compromise with you if not fully accept your conditions."

My eyes widened in shock at hearing Izayoi's suggestion. I honestly didn't think that my opinions mattered to Lord Sesshomaru because at the end of the day, this was still an arranged marriage for business purposes. It was my hope that we could have something more in the future.

"I understand what you mean Lad- Izayoi, but I have to be realistic. Lord Sesshomaru may have made some accommodations for me, but I'm not going to demand things from him. This isn't a normal relationship. He didn't choose me because he wanted me, it was a smart business decision. What I need to do is accept that love is not likely, but maybe friendship is possible." It hurt to say those things out loud, but it did make them more real to me. No matter how much I hoped for something more from Lord Sesshomaru, he had to want it too.

Everything was quiet for a bit, my appetite had vanished but I was forcing myself to eat. I couldn't even taste the flavors. I took a deep breath to calm my rushing emotions. It was my own fault for wishing, however after everything that happened that day at the engagement party I couldn't help but to start having feelings for my future husband. I wouldn't say I was falling in love with him, but I wanted to spend more time with him. To get to know what his likes and dislikes are.

'He probably dislikes this whole marriage contract and that's why he left so soon.'

"You know you're wrong."

The sound of Izayoi's voice broke through my musings, as I frowned I turned to look at her. She had a subtle smile like she knew a big secret and couldn't wait to share it.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"About Sesshomaru not wanting you. No one can make Sesshomaru do anything. If he really didn't want you he would have bought a bride who he didn't have to deal with. What makes me even more sure that he has some affection for you, if not more, Rin is because of your engagement ring."

I look down at my ring finger and stared at the beautiful golden-yellow gem that always reminded me of Sesshomaru's eyes. I stared at Izayoi as she continued to speak.

"That ring has been in the Tashio family for centuries. Specifically, it was created for the bride that will become his mate and will be equal to him in all things. That ring used to belong to me and before that to Tashio's mother and so on. It's given to the one that the male can trust. I had my suspicions, but I am glad to see it in your possession Rin."

I was speechless. This ring meant that much! I had so many questions running through my mind, that I guess they could be seen on my face. Izayoi subtly laughed and reached over to clasp my right hand in comfort.

"Let me explain. The ring is special in that it allows the wearer know when her husband is feeling strong emotions. Similar to a mood ring, but this ring only turns one color. Blood red. At that point it means his Beast is close to the surface. Detecting what triggers their Beast to almost completely take over their body is unique to each individual. Sometimes they are able to control it and not let it show, while other times its noticeable. The one who is the owner of that ring will know at all times. The ring also allows for the husband to sense wherever the wearer is. As time goes on, they will become less dependent on the ring because an even stronger bond will form between the two of them. Another special quality is that you will be the only one who can see the color change and no other being can. The second you accepted the ring, you were accepting to have a very intimate bond with Sesshomaru. I had given him the ring when he was contemplating on marrying another female a few years ago but he basically told me he would never give his wife a weapon that could be used against him. Since he gave it to you, it shows that he trusts you not to betray him. So yes Rin, he wants you by his side. It will just take time for him to show it or come to terms with what he is feeling."

I could only nod my head after hearing this revelation. One thing that kept running through my mind was why hadn't he told me something this important? I reached over and drank some of the tea to clear my mind. I would have to talk to Lord Sesshomaru when he got back. At least now I knew that this relationship could work. A warm burst of happiness ran through my body, but stopped cold when another thought entered my mind.

"Can the ring be taken away from the wearer once it's given, like they made a mistake?" I held my breath as I waited for the answer.

"Oh no Rin! Once the ring is given that connection is formed. The ring just acts as a guide in the beginning until you become familiarized with the bond. It's a one time thing, so when the male is going to give it to his bride, he must be confident in his choice. There are no second chances. That's why Tashio gave it to me and not Sesshomaru's mother. Some say that with time you can even communicate telepathically with your mate." She spoke softly. Trying to ease my worry.

"But...I'm not his mate." I whisper as I look up into her eyes.

"That's something you need to speak with Sesshomaru about. But know that you are what he wants, enough to give you something he once called a weapon."

Izayoi released my hand and goes back to eating. I leaned back in my seat, no longer hungry. I found myself caressing the yellow diamond as I think through everything I have learned. Izayoi begins to speak and tells me about what the plans are for me today and I try to listen. As I turn to focus on the conversation, she stopped as the butler came toward us holding a silver platter. He stopped beside me and presented the contents.

"These are for you Miss. They arrived just this morning."

I looked down and saw a card and a brand new cell phone. I take both items, but placed the cell phone on the table. I opened the card to find very neat and sharp handwriting.

Rin

If you feel the need to speak to me about anything, call me. I have put my personal line in your new phone. Always carry it. I will be back by Friday.

-S

A small smile forms as I read the note two more times. I reached over and turn my new phone on. Sure enough he has his phone number in the contacts. I guess this was his way of apologizing for not mentioning his abrupt departure.

"And now you have two ways of getting in touch with him. If he gave you his personal line, know that the only other person who knows it is his father and that's not because he wants him to."

I looked up at Izayoi and my smile widens as she winks at me. I suddenly want to make something special for when he returns. I run a few ideas through my head, but I don't even know what he likes.

'Well, he did say to call him for anything.'

"Ok, if you're finished my dear. We can start our day, I know you have practice at two so we need to move on."

I rose to follow Izayoi, pushing away all my thoughts for now. Once I was done with rehearsals with Takashi, I would narrow my ideas to my top three and run them over with him. After that I'll give Sesshomaru a call and see if anything he said could fit in with my ideas.

I couldn't wait.