Thanks as always to everyone who reviewed, and everyone who's read this far - I really appreciate it! Dedicated to The Philosopher's Queen, who has improved my writing greatly.
Kagome and Arashi walked together to the front of the room, under the curious stares of every youkai gathered there, including the Lord and Lady, clearly designated by their places, seated on a raised dias, on grand chairs, ornately decorated.
The Lady of the West was beautiful, that could not be denied, and the phrase a face that launched a thousand ships leaped into Kagome's mind unbidden, but she thought it quite fitting. Still, there was something quite cold and aloof about her, as though nothing could crack the porcelain mask she called a face.
The Western Lord, by contrast, was ruggedly hansome, reminding Kagome of Inuyasha, the same way the Lady reminded her of Sesshoumaru, unearthly beauty and masculine good looks. Arashi seemed to have inherited more of his mother's features, but there were hints of his father in the slant of his eyes and the set of his jaw.
"Mother, Father, may I present to you Ishikawa no Sakura." Arashi announced her formally, sounding nothing like the dear companion Kagome had traveled with these past few weeks.
She offered a formal bow, probably a little too deeply, considering her position as a princess, but she had been brought up to be polite, so strayed on the side of caution.
The Lord and Lady nodded at her in return. "Arashi," he rumbled, deep in his chest, "For what purpose have you brought a human here, to the stronghold of youkai?"
Arashi paled a little at the tone in his father's voice, but bravely continued. "I brought her here to make a point, Father, one I have long been trying to convince you on!"
"Bringing your whore here convinces this one of nothing, save that you have sank even lower than I though possible." He interrupted, leaving Kagome flushed red with anger.