Chapter 13-Of New Knowledge & Acceptance

Kagome looked up at the demon lord working on reports not far from her. She was in a state of shock. True to his word he handed over scrolls relating to her heritage, or as close as he could get, and she had been reading one on mating rituals and procedures. That's what shocked her.

"S-Sesshomaru-san…" She stuttered.

Sesshomaru, who had been enjoying the emotions he had been reading from her scent, looked up acting like he had no idea what she would say next.

Kagome blanched when he looked at her. She wasn't sure how to ask this, nor if she should. Bolstering her courage, especially since she'd never feared being blunt before, asked what was on her mind in a still stunned voice.

"Sesshomaru have you been courting me?"

He couldn't help but smirk which only made her blush. Seeing this he smiled more and put down the brush he had been about to use to sign a treaty. He knew this would be a shock for her and so he went over to where she sit. Getting as close as he dare without overwhelming her he sat on the cushion of his choosing.

"Kagome, please do not be offended that I had not told you. I wasn't sure how you would react since we had not been on friendly terms before, and you did not know of your true being. I wanted to try and show you that you were one who I wanted before the truth was out so to speak. I didn't want you to fear my decision in mate was only because you would be turning demon soon." He stated watching her for any reaction.

True to her nature her eyes flashed with not only surprise, and happiness. She also seemed to go deep in thought. She considered his words and actions, and remembered that he only was the way he was because she had been allied with his half-brother. Knowing what she did she couldn't fault him for his decision. Yet, he KNEW she was demon, but then he didn't know did he? More confused than anything she put down the scroll and turned to him fully.

"Sesshomaru… I do not know if.. I mean it was what our fathers wanted but…" She stopped, not knowing how to proceed.

"I didn't do this because of our fathers Ka-go-me. I did this because I want YOU." He stated firmly, sounding angry at the mere thought of being controlled by parents who were long dead.

Kagome started in surprise and mild fear. She knew he wouldn't hurt her like InuYasha but she couldn't help her reaction, usually when he smiled someone either died or was near death. She almost laughed as his face frowned, she knew he scented her fear and almost predicted what he said next.

"Kagome, I'm not going to hurt you. There is no reason to fear me. I would never do you that dishonor." He said, hoping to rid her scent of fear. Wishing he could touch her, hold her so she knew the truth to his words.

Kagome smiled and started laughing. "Well then Sesshomaru what is next? You've stated your intent and given protection. Proved you can provide, shown your home and opened it for my use and pleasure. There are other ways to go about this, but what next?"

He tilted his head in confusion, "Then you do not doubt me about wanting you as you are?"

Kagome laughed again, "Sesshomaru, if there is one thing I DO know. You are an honest demon. Honorable as well. If you say that you want me as I am, and not even knowing if I was who our fathers chose, then I believe you."

Sesshomaru stood and pulled Kagome with him, he was almost fierce in his actions but his eyes and smile were gentle. Kagome knew they were for her alone.

"Kagome, Miko of the Shikon-no-Tama, Lady of the Southern Lands, keeper of my heart, would you please accept my proposal to be my mate?" Sesshomaru asked, taking her hands in his.

Kagome, stunned to know what lands she owned, was shocked that he had asked. From what she read it was a rare thing once a male's beast had chosen. She smiled and touched his haori where his heart was with her left hand.

"This Kagome, Miko of the Shikon-no-Tama, Lady of your heart accepts Lord Sesshomaru."

He smiled and pulled her in just to hold her close. He pulled her head up with his hand on her jaw tenderly kissing her.

Kagome was on cloud nine. Not only did she find someone to love her possibly, but it was someone she'd never expected.

"Come, you must see the kimono I took the liberty of having made for you. It is in the West's colors, it would please this Sesshomaru if you would wear it at the ball to be held on your birthday." Sesshomaru said, hoping to entice her curiosity enough to disregard his other words.

'Ball… Birthday… New Kimono?' Kagome thought as she followed him, not even realizing he still held her hand as they walked the halls.

Upon arriving at his room she noticed that there was a kimono displayed in the sitting area. She smiled before looking at him.

"This is mine?" She asked.

He nodded, "If you would have it so."

She laughed and walked to where it was. The inner kimono was a deep black, the second layer was an ocean blue, the outer was a striking silver that had a black pattern much like his on the left shoulder. It also had an obi in blue with silver and black crescent moons on it. There was a red obijime, black slippers, red tabi, and silver hair pins and comb with sapphire and onyx gems and an intricate design were on a low table next to the kimono.

"Sesshomaru this is too much." She said stunned by the beauty of it all.

"Nothing is too much for you Kagome, you're worth all of this and more. Please let me show you, give them to you." Sesshomaru stated as he came up to hold her.

She stepped back and took the Tessaiga from its place at her side. She had used an obijime to keep it on her person. Feeling a warmth come from the sword she held it out to Sesshomaru.

"It is all I have in this world that has any value. Nothing else I have would honor you as my intended. Please take it as a sign of my protection and carry it with pride as my mating gift." She told him.

Sesshomaru had a feeling she would give him Tessaiga eventually. But so soon, he had not been expecting that. Taking the sword in his hands he bowed to her, "This Sesshomaru accepts your gift and knows you have accepted him in your heart."

He then growled as Jaken appeared at his door.

"Sesshomaru-sama, there is trouble at the gates. The Eastern Lord has arrived early and is asking for Kagome-sama personally. We had no notice he would be here m'lord." Jaken said shaking.

Sesshomaru wanted to swear, instead he put Tessaiga in his sash with the other swords he carried, the Tenseiga, and Tokijin.

"Kagome, whatever happens do NOT leave my side." He told her as he took her hand and started towards the gate.

He better not interfere. I will NOT lose her now that she is mine. My Kagome…