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Chapter 3

Sesshomaru was sitting at his desk working before the rest of his house hold was even awake. With the new guests to see too he had less time to take care of other matters. Most people thought lords just sat on big comfy chairs and let others do all the work, while they drank and feasted. Sesshomaru knew the only way to have prosperous lands was to personally attend to them.

So here he sat going over reports and ledgers and figuring out how to make things run even more efficiently. The only problem was he couldn't seem to get a certain little wolf out of his mind. She hadn't said much of anything at dinner and that made him even more curious. She would be the first of the demonesses he would spend time with today, he decided.

Hearing a knock on the door, he looked up to see Kyo eyeing him with a smile. Arching a brow, Sesshomaru motioned him in and to the plush leather seat across from him. "What can I do for you, Kyo?"

Kyo grinned broadly. "My lord, the guard will be ready for you to inspect after lunch, and Rin's tutor wants to go over her lessons for the week. Then we must discuss the timetable for when and how long you wish to spend with your perspective mates. The servants you placed with the lovely ladies have also already began reporting to me this morning. Raina, apparently has already decided she would rather shove her lady off a cliff, than serve her. I of course told her we needed her to stay with Lady Aimi, unless she became physically abusive of course."

Sesshomaru glowered at what he was hearing. "The first woman who lays a hand on one of my servants, lady or no, will be tossed out on their lovely rear end. I can't say that I am surprised by her behavior though. I knew there had to be something wrong with her to not have mated already. The daughter of a wealthy lord does go without a mate for thirty years, after being presented to the youkai court, without a reason."

Kyo nodded before replying, "I think you are right, my lord. Now as to your lovely guests, I have three hours or so carved free this afternoon for them. In what order would you like to arrange your meetings with them?"

Sesshomaru already knew he wanted to spend time with Lady Kimi first, he could honestly care less which order the other two were in. Still hearing the disturbing news about Lady Aimi made the decision easy. "Lady Kimi will be first, then Lady Minako, and Lady Aimi will go last. I would like to talk to Raina tomorrow and get a personal accounting of her issues with Lady Aimi. Tell her to meet me in here before the rest of the house is up tomorrow. It wouldn't do to have Lady Aimi know her servant is actually our spy."

Kyo laughed but agreed with his lord. "Where would you like me to have Lady Kimi meet you at, my lord?"

Sesshomaru debated for a moment silently, "I believe my personal gardens would be fine."

"As you wish. You seem to be pretty fascinated by our little wolf. I must admit she is quite interesting. I did some research on her last night but couldn't find much." Sesshomaru raised his brow at that. "Apparently Lady Kimi's house has pretty much gone extinct. They were a strong and powerful line for many years but have seemed to have drifted out of sight the last few hundred years. As far as I know their lands have been changed over to the hands of another lord but I can't seem to find out who."

Sesshomaru stroked his chin, as he pondered Kyo's words. "She mentioned to Rin that she is an orphan. I would assume that she is the last of her line, so by all rights her family's lands and fortune should go to her. If she were the last daughter of a noble blood line she should have been presented to court. It makes me wonder what she was doing wandering around with no escort. What kind of guardian lets their ward do that? If she hadn't found her way here she could have been taken advantage of." And that unnerved him more than he cared to admit.

"It is most curious, my lord. I would think the man is not much of a guardian and she is better off here. Perhaps she will be more forth coming with information with you, once she gets time to get to know you and the castle? Perhaps she will feel safe here?"

"We shall see, Kyo. You know I do love a good mystery."

Kyo bowed and left the room. Yes his lord was most certainly hooked. If they were lucky, his lord just might fall for the sweet little Lady Kimi.

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Akemi woke to the feeling of soft fur and silks against her skin. Uncle Shigeo had long ago taken those from her to have in his own room. He hoarded money like an old miser, and her people paid for it. While he sat at banquet they barely got by. Hiding her head under the covers she shoved those thoughts from her head. Soon she would see him kicked out and groveling for her mercy.

The sound of feet moving through the room made her peek out from her blankets. Hana was already moving around setting out fresh water for her to wash up with, and laying out a lovely white and dark blue kimono. She hadn't been lying when she had said Sesshomaru would supply her with appropriate clothing while she was here. Day one was starting off to be pretty good.

"Oh your awake my lady! We must get you presentable so that I we can get you down to breakfast!" Hana was clearly in a wonderful mood, but Akemi wasn't sure why. "Once you get done washing up we will see how your new kimono looks on you, and get your hair brushed out."

Akemi stretched supple limbs and crawled out of her warm cocoon. Walking to the wash stand she quickly washed the sleep away before moving to the chair Hana had pulled out. Hana dressed her quickly and efficiently. Once dressed she sat, flipping her long white hair over the back of the chair. Relaxing, she closed her eyes and let Hana run the silver handled brush through the silky locks.

She remembered when her mother had once done the same. She could still hear the sweet sound of her mother's voice, as she sang while brushing out the tangles. What she wouldn't give to have her back. Fighting back the wave of emotion that was threatening to swallow her, Akemi forced her mind to clear for the second time that day.

Sensing the sudden shift in her mistress, Hana decided to engage her in some conversation. "My lady, I heard you were from the north, what is it like up there?"

Akemi opened her eyes and stared at the wall. "It's beautiful in the winter. The snow makes the land look almost virginal. The children run around in it and have snowball fights, while the women sit around fires laughing and sewing. Then in the spring it shifts to a vibrant green that makes you wonder how it ever was so cold."

Hana smiled gently down at the little wolf. The way she described her home made her feel as though she was actually there. "It sounds lovely. What is your family like?"

Akemi tensed up, she didn't want to answer that question at all. "I don't have any family left. A terrible fever swept through our lands twenty years ago and took them from me. What about you? Have you always lived here at the castle, Hana?" She prayed Hana wouldn't question the change of subject.

How sad, Hana thought. "Yes my lady. My mother works in the kitchens as a cook, and my father in the armory. The servants to the other two challenge winners, are actually my sisters. We all look like my mother so if you see an older woman in the kitchens that's her. My family has served the lords of the Western Lands for many generations."

Akemi wondered if Hana knew just how lucky she was. She not only had her family, but she knew herself, and her place in the world. It had been a long time since Akemi felt like she belonged anywhere. She most certainly didn't belong here.

"There, my lady, all finished! Now let us get you down to breakfast. The other ladies are probably already there." Putting on a sweet smile she escorted her lady down. It made her sad to think of her ladyship all alone in the world. Maybe if they go lucky their lord would choose her. She would surely be better than the monster her sister said she was playing maid to.

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Akemi walked into the nearly empty great hall. As Hana had said, the only other people at the table were Lady Aimi and Kimi. Filling her trencher with food, she tried to ignore their stares.

Lady Minako smiled impishly at her. "So what's your story Kimi? Aimi here is a daughter of a western lord looking to gain stature. I am from the east and want to branch out. What were you looking for by entering the challenge?" Minako sipped at her wine waiting for her answer.

Akemi couldn't very well tell them that she had accidently won the damned challenge. That would assuredly not garner her any favor with these women. She also did not need to have them as enemies if she planned on flying under the radar while here, either. Grabbing her own glass of wine she took a sip before answering her. "I thought it would be nice to see other places. I have spent all my life in the north and thought it was time to find a new place." There a harmless enough answer.

Lady Minako seemed to except the answer easily enough. "So you are a lot like me then. Why didn't you try to talk to Lord Sesshomaru last night? Not that I am complaining of course. If you are too shy then I am more than happy enough to entertain him." The last part was said with a rather high giggle that made Akemi's elfin like ears twitch.

"I was tired and didn't much feel like fighting for Lord Sesshomaru's attention last night." That technically was not a lie, she had been tired after three days of fighting. Still she really didn't have any intention of vying for the great and mighty Lord Sesshomaru's attention.

Lady Aimi rolled her eyes and tossed her long dark hair over her shoulder. "If that is the reason then you do not truly deserve Lord Sesshomaru. He set up the challenge for the sole purpose to find a worthy mate. Not for a little girl who wants to be tucked into bed nice and early. Do you think his people would stand for a weak little girl to be their lady? The position of The Lady of the West is a prestigious honor. Not just anyone can say they are mated to such a powerful lord."

Akemi wanted to laugh at how pompous the woman sounded. She clearly thought she was the only one of them worthy of the tittle. "I believe I showed myself as strong enough to hold the position. I am one of the winners after all." Probably not the smartest move she could make, but the haughty arrogant look on lady Aimi's face irritated her. She would be perfect for her uncle.

Lady Aimi growled low in her throat. "Lord Sesshomaru will never choose you little girl. Do us all a favor and leave him to the big girls."

Lady Minako just laughed at their banter. "Honestly the two of you don't stand a chance. Kimi you are too soft despite your having made it through the challenge, and you Aimi you are too hard. I on the other hand am just right!" Minako was practically preening.

Lady Aimi looked down her nose at them. "Everyone knows foxes and dogs do not get along. I am of an excellent pedigree, Sesshomaru would have powerful full blooded heirs with me."

Akemi snorted, her own bloodline would eclipse Lady Aimi's. She was descended from two powerful artic wolf bloodlines. Had her parents not passed away, there was no doubt her father would have made a very prestigious match for her. Akemi had powers that most artic wolves could only dream of. She could freeze her enemy solid or surround them in a blizzard. She could send a barrage of ice sickles tearing through their flesh, with just a flick of the wrist. She was anything but weak.

Lady Aimi sent her a scathing glare. "Well I am off to my rooms. My maid said Lord Sesshomaru was going to be spending one on one time with us this afternoon and I wish to prepare." Rising gracefully, she left them without a glance backward.

Lady Minako snickered. "She thinks she is just so special. You know the gossip is that she is so rotten no one will take her as a mate, even with her father's money. Her father apparently treated her like a princess and now she walks around acting like one."

Akemi didn't say anything to that. Gossiping really wasn't much her style. Aimi's actions and words showed just who and what she was, a spoiled brat with a rotten heart. It actually was kind of sad when she thought about it. Shaking her head she finished her breakfast and went to take a walk in the vast gardens behind the castle.

The gardens soothed her, and reminded her of how her mother used to smell. Breathing in deep she let herself relax. Letting out the breath, she began exploring. Flowers and trees seemed to bloom in abundance along either side of the path. There was so much color she was amazed. She didn't know that flowers came inn so many.

It wasn't long before she came to a locked gate. Frowning she peered through it and saw that the garden seemed to continue on. She wondered vaguely why for a moment, then went to turn around when she heard a child's giggle. Pausing she looked back at the gate, finding Rin staring at her with her big brown eyes.

"Hello Rin. How did you get in there?"

"Hello Lady Kimi! This is Rin's special garden. Lord Sesshomaru allowed me to take it over because it wasn't doing so well and I love flowers. Now it is beautiful and perfect. Come and walk with Rin! I have plenty of time before lessons!"

Akemi laughed and walked through the gate Rin opened. "I would love to Rin. You know I used to hate my lessons. My father said it was important for me to learn how to read, write and do sums. He said if I was ever to inherit his castle and lands I needed to know how to maintain them. One day you will be someone's wife and you will benefit from the knowledge you have learned."

Rin frowned. "That is what Lord Sesshomaru said! Ever since Rin came back to the castle after living with other humans, Lord Sesshomaru has asked me what I want out of life. I told him I wanted to live with him forever, but he said that when I grew up I would start a new life with someone. I told him I didn't ever want to grow up or leave. Why does Rin have to leave again?"

Well this was getting interesting. Reaching back in her memory, Akemi remembered having a similar conversation with her own mother. "Well Rin when women grow up they marry and move away to start knew lives with their husbands or mates. You will be a partner to someone and help them grow and build a home, have children, and grow old together."

Rin nodded seriously and linked her hands behind her back as she walked. "I turn twelve soon. Lord Sesshomaru says that humans marry young because we do not live as long as demons. Is it true humans can live longer if they mate with demons?"

And the conversation just turned awkward. How was she supposed to talk about this kind of stuff with a kid? "Perhaps you should talk to Lord Sesshomaru about that."

"He said he would support me no matter what. If I mated a demon when I was old enough though, then I could live longer and maybe not have to be away from Lord Sesshomaru forever."

Akemi stopped and caressed a blossom, "Rin why do you want to stay with Lord Sesshomaru so bad?"

"We take care of each other. Rin would be dead if he hadn't saved her. That makes us family and family should stay together."

Akemi stopped and stared at the girl in front of her. How could someone so young have such insight? "Rin if you mated a demon you could live longer, but don't make your decision based on that one thought. If you marry or mate choose the person that makes you want to spend the rest of your life with them. You need to respect them and care about them, as they should you. Promise me when the time comes you will marry for those reasons."

Rin's eyes filled with tears and she threw her arms around Akemi. "Rin promises. Thank you for talking to me. I don't really have anyone to talk to about some things. Everyone is nice to me but I know most don't like the fact that Lord Sesshomaru keeps a human around."

Akemi stroked the girl's dark hair soothingly. "Any time you need to talk Rin, I am here for you." Rin wiped the tears from her eyes and gave her a watery smile, and then dashed off back to the castle.

Akemi sank onto a stone bench under a tree. She had only been in this castle for a day and already so much had happened. But hadn't her life changed the minute her parents had died twenty years ago? And it just kept changing on her. She had made the decision to escape, and hadn't that taken courage? She traveled from the north alone and then won a mating challenge. She was a badass. It was time she acted like it. Smiling she got up and wandered back to the castle.

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Kayo hadn't said a word about where her mistress had went. Like she would ever give her up. She had made a promise to her parents to take care of her, so she had. She'd packed the few prized possessions she had managed to hide from Shigeo and snuck them and Akemi out the first chance she got. Yes she knew where Akemi eventually planned on going but not where her little charm would take her first.

Kayo hadn't been exactly truthful about the charm she had given her lady. She had crafted it to hide the girl's aura and scent for a while but she had also slipped a little something else in. The charm would protect the girl and guide her to true love. Akemi deserved the same happiness her parents had shared together. Not a hollow union with only years of misery to look forward to.

Akemi probably would end up making it to her cousins, and he would no doubt protect her and help her win back her birthright, but it couldn't hurt the girl to fall in love along the way. Kayo prayed that the girl would find a strong honorable mate and that he help her cement her claim to her rightful inheritance. With a mate and her cousins backing there would be no other choice but for Shigeo to back down and hand everything over. The men at arms held no loyalty to him.

She would dance a jig as they threw the bastard out on his rear end. Until then she just had to stay strong. Shigeo could beat her as much as he wanted, she couldn't give answers she didn't have. Her girl was smart and would come back and set them all free soon. They just had to hold it together a little bit longer.