Kagome stepped inside the room, captivated by the change. Eyes scanning the room, she took in as much as she could. She first focused on the sitting area near the fireplace. There were four purple pillows with one big crimson one in the middle, its size similar to a large floor cushion. They looked soft and velvety, as if one could get lost in their comfort while basking in the warmth of the fire on a chilly night. The shades of the colors were dark and rich- indulgent. She noted that the red curtains were now over-lay with sheer purple ones, the combination looking almost iridescent in the firelight. It reminded her of some of the more exotic coloring of insects that she'd seen in her travels, like the eyes of a dragonfly or the shell of a beetle, the ones at first glance that look green, but then you can see blue, purple, red, or orange from different angles. As a breeze entered the room through the veranda, the flickering firelight only played that much more on the interesting variation colors. The sheets on the bed were replaced with some that she considered to be a royal purple and she could just make out the slight symbols of his house in red stitching along the border. Not so large or distracting that it looked gaudy- instead looking quite elegant. Atop the bed were a few extra pillows, some circular with a pleated patterns and some bolster styled. Looking comfortable settled among the pillows, languidly reclined, was the sexy demon she had come to care for, his gaze fixated upon her as she had scanned the room and her eyes finally landed upon his own. He looked… content with himself as he waited for her response.
She wondered at his pleased look while thinking- when had he done this?
The red and the purple complimented each other just as they did. Where she was rocking in a sea of emotions constantly, he was an anchor, strong and bright. It seemed funny, to her, that the colors they both seemed to like could inversely describe them both. Red was passion, heat and power, love and joy. Purple was royal and sacred, precious and romantic. Kagome found within Sesshoumaru that which was found in her color, and he'd often told her during their time together that he found within her meanings that she knew associated to his. Would it be too much to say, to hope and want to find a permanent place at his side- even though she had kept telling herself that if it were to end quickly, she'd be okay, as long as she had the moment. She was content with time they spent together and she secretly hoped that this would last for a long time. She was no longer worried that he might hurt her, he might not love her but he cared for her. His actions proved it.
"Does this please you?"
Did she really need to answer that? She now felt that the room was no longer his, it was theirs. She perused the room once more. There was no extreme show of opulence in quantity as much as there was in quality of the few items that he had placed within this room to bring their two tastes together. In fact, it seemed as if more of her preferences overshadowed his own, as if in this gesture he was telling her just how much he wanted her to be with him. For some reason she was reminded of the conversation with Mayu. She was sure that he had never done anything like this for any other female.
She smiled gently as she answered.
"Yes my Lord. Did you do all this… for me?" Kagome waved a hand about, generally gesturing toward some of the larger changes.
He had looked on at the woman as her eyes glistened with un-shed tears. She was not sad, that much he could tell. But what eluded him was to know with certainty if she was happy. Truly happy.
What could she be thinking?
Kagome smiled and he thought all was well.
Then she asked was this done for her.
Sesshomaru lifted an eyebrow. Of course. Only she would ask such a question. Who else had shared this space with him? Whom had he spent countless hours wooing?
"Yes, for whom else would this Sesshomaru alter his rooms?"
Kagome lightly bowed, appreciating his efforts and his words.
"Thank you, Sesshomaru. It's lovely."
Sesshomaru rose from his place on the bed and walked to her, their eyes never leaving one another as he came chest to nose with her. He wrapped his hand around her waist, his other raising to toy with a loose tendril of damp hair at her temple.
She raised her own arms to wrap around him, her hands skimming slowly along his back. He noted that her Kimono was thin, maybe only two or three layers. This was not the season for such attire.
Hmm what is my little miko up to?
He would figure it out later. Although the fewer clothes she wore the less he would have to take off to get to… He stopped his thoughts. He needed to get through dinner and make sure she was sated before she was… sated.
He led her over to the balcony, where he had a small dinner set up outside. There was a medium size bowl of rice, and some seasoned beef cut up in squares, hers cooked thoroughly and his almost raw, and a side of vegetables he knew she liked. There was only one place setting and one cushion. There were some covered trays on the other side of the table but she would learn what those were later. He sat down on the single cushion and placed her upon his lap. He gently raked his claws along her thighs, enjoying the shiver she tried to hold back as he grasped her waist and pulled her closer, nuzzling her neck.
"This Sesshomaru missed your presence today."
Kagome smiled.
"I missed you too my Lord."
If he recalled correctly, and he always did, he couldn't remember missing anyone other than Rin. He would not tell her that now though. Now was about getting to the point they both had waited for, thought about for endless days and many restless nights.
"Kagome, this Sesshomaru is ready for his meal."
Kagome rolled her eyes. He liked to be fed, something she had discovered in this past two weeks. She understood why he had to be very careful about whom he showed his real self to, if it got out that the great and powerful Lord Sesshomaru liked to be fed, cuddle, and have his ears scratched, well the west would never see a moment of peace. She picked up an almost raw, seasoned piece of meat from the tray in front of her, turned her torso, albeit a bit awkwardly, and brought it to his lips.
" This would be easier if I were not in your lap." She said and smiled as he opened his mouth and took the offered morsel between his teeth. She licked her lips, as she always did when she fed him. She knew what those teeth and lips were capable of, she had the bite marks to prove it, and she enjoyed being his chew toy.
He finished methodically chewing the meat, subtly licking a small drop of blood from the corner of his mouth and smirking as she stared at the action. It was so entertaining to watch her reactions.
"This Sesshoumaru could also turn you around in his lap, your legs wrapped tightly around this one, but I do not believe either of us would ever find the time to eat in such a position." He jerked his hips upwards, pausing her actions as she made a move towards more food. Kagome in turn ground herself into him, enjoying the tensing of his muscles as she moved her hand towards another piece of meat, fingers daintily plucking a bite sized chunk and offering it to her living chair. She placed it against his lips and he once again parted them, his tongue darting forward, purposely licking her finger.
Kagome's eyes slid closed… thinking on all that talented tongue could do. His whole mouth was just so talented. He finished with that piece as well, and reached around her for his drink. Taking a sip, he then pulled her to him for a kiss, sharing with her the bitter- sweet taste of the beverage.
After the kiss Kagome went back to feeding him his meal. Once he finished, he turned her, back pressed tightly to his chest as he began to feed her. Her tongue was doing sinfully delicious things to his fingers. At times, she held him there with her lips as she continued to caress his digits. He almost groaned. She needed to eat, so he would endure.
Sesshomaru wanted to make it through the meal as soon as possible wanting to put both their mouths and hands to other she didn't need to eat more until tomorrow. Surely the few bites she had would be enough. She had not seemed exceptionally hungry.
Hmm… she might be tired…Then again, she looked well rested when she entered the room. She didn't look fatigued. They could still…
Sesshomaru curved his thoughts.
Nourishment first. Then all that energy can be put to a good use.
This was going to be one long sexually charged dinner.
*~*
Mayu exited the "harem", her desires being somewhat sated. As she walked down the corridor to the family wing she thought about her interesting day with her Lady. Kagome was intelligent and insightful. She took everything Mayu said and where most females would react and become emotional, she weighed the facts before she reacted. Granted, the Lady had been quite emotional when she first arrived, but the nurturing of that spirit Mayu had heard so much about did wonders. Kagome knew about the females her lord kept and even knew that he had been with herself, yet she still considered them friends, or at the least, agreeable to be around. Some had believed that she only wanted their lord because of his possessions, his standing, but once being around her and knowing her, how she interacted with them all, they came to acknowledge their own folly at the judgment. She could certainly see her lord with the miko for life; in fact she would speak to him on mating the miko as soon as possible- especially with potential threats looming around the corner.
Speaking of...
When she got ready to turn to go down the family wing hall a presence tickled her senses. It was Seiya. What was he doing lurking around when he should be filling in for Lord Sesshomaru in his absence?Mayu wasn't one to hide, she wanted answers and she was going to get them now.
Seiya was looking for any indication on what was going on in the family wing. Over the past two weeks he had not seen the Miko and his dreams of her were becoming too vivid. He had tried to bed many females, thinking he could rut her out of his system, but whenever he came, he saw the miko's face beneath him, her eyes closed and her face contorted in pleasure, calling his name as she came as well. Last night he had to pleasure himself as no other female in the palace would do. As he did it he imagined it was the miko on her knees before him, bringing him the release he desired. He had never come so hard in his life.
He needed to see her and perhaps talk to her. Once he figured out what she liked, he would seduce her and convince her in to leaving Sesshomaru. The miko was too soft to be right for his Lord, to be properly handled.
He was so cold hearted, he would hurt the miko in the long run and while he like his females submissive he didn't want them broken down. The possibility of that happening increased the longer the miko stayed with Sesshoumaru. Yes, he had to get the miko away from Lord Sesshomaru as soon as possible. He was his Lord, but this was… even he did not understand this almost all consuming fascination, but he wanted her.
Seiya was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't notice Mayu behind him.
"Captain Seiya," Mayu said quietly but firmly as she walked towards him. It would not do to disturb her Lord and Lady.
Seiya's back straightened when he heard Mayu speak. This was the last thing he needed, to be seen skulking around the family wing instead of being in his rightful post. However Mayu was Sesshomaru's right hand and could make it hard for him to ever see the miko let alone speak to her. So, he turned and bowed.
"Lady Mayu, I was in search of Lord Sesshomaru."
"My Lord is not to be disturbed. This is something you already know and yet, you are here."
"I am aware, but I have news concerning the life of the miko, it is of utmost importance."
Seiya was made aware of Sesshomaru's plan to prolong the miko's life and he was aware of one way this was possible. He could do it and would tell his Lord of the process, if it meant he would have the miko. He would… in due time.
Mayu was intrigued, but was well aware of the method he was speaking of, having attempted to do so for her mate before he was killed. However the process had already begun, Lord Sesshomaru only had to admit it to himself. No one could tell him, he only had to declare the Lady as his and she would be tied to him. It was about power, and between the Lady and her Lord, they could remake the world if they really wanted to. Soul binding was an ancient ritual that used to be performed by the gods and while it was dangerous, she was sure her Lord and Lady would be able to endure it. They just needed to figure it out for themselves. Why would Seiya be so intent on sharing this information, considering how infatuated he seems to be with the Lady, unless…
She leveled the captain with a straight face.
"I know of what you speak and he cannot be told."
Seiya was sure her heard incorrectly. She was the most loyal of his Lord subjects and he could tell she lusted for the Miko as well. Surely she would want her around as long as possible.
"Truly it is not your intention to knowingly withhold information from our Lord?"
"Do not be ignorant," Mayu snapped back, "To tell him would have negative effects, he must figure it out for himself. Every demon that has been told how has unexpectedly had their love taken from them including myself."
"Of this you are sure."
"I am proof. The Gods meant it not for every demon that wished it, but for those who were truly content to be with their human loves, no matter the time. When he realizes that he wishes to have the Lady Kagome no matter how much time she has left in this world and declares her as his own, then will his wish will be granted and her life will age as slowly as his- as long as he wishes it. I did not understand this till it was too late."
Seiya took in this new information. This might be a problem but he could deal with it later. According to Mayu, now that he knew
this information, the same would not work for him. However this was not the method he was speaking of. If the miko would sacrifice her humanity, she could be turned into a demon. The backfire to this was that the person was never the same. Human miko will not be the same as demon miko. Personalities, likes and dislikes will obviously change. The process had also never been done before with a miko, it was only a possibility. Now though he had more to think on..
"I am glad you have stopped me then. I would have been making a grave mistake."
"Yes, through no fault of your own. Go now I will guard my Lord and Lady in the shadows.
With that last statement Mayu disappeared. He wouldn't get close to the miko now. Mayu was very powerful and if not for her need to be independent, he would have considered her for a mate. Before the miko got here he was thinking of pursuing her anyway, however things had changed. His sight was now focused on another.
Seiya walked out of the family wing his thoughts only on the miko.
Mayu watched as the captain strode away. She was no fool she knew that he harbored feelings for the miko. She had believed his information was not to benefit her Lord, but himself. Seiya was very much like her lord had been, desiring multiple females to bed and fuck, but unlike Seiya, her Lord knew how to control his desires. He had found the one he wanted above all. And thought Mayu herself may not enjoy the personal company of Kagome, her Lord would not be denied. She would warn the miko when the moment presented itself.
Seiya would not mess this up, however she figured her worries would be for nothing. Kagome was not Kataru. Her Lord had finally found a suitable match and if Seiya tried to mess it up, well then she would kick his ass.
~~*~~
Some miles away, a demoness sat looking out at… the same dull thing she saw everyday
.
She was bored.
Kataru stared out of her room at her new Lord walking in the courtyard. He was… handsome, but he did not want her. That idiot was devoted to his mate so he never took any interest in her. This meant that unless his bitch was disgraced or died, there was no room for her to move up on the proverbial social ladder. She would have been content with his avoidance, of not being able to use him to rise higher, if she had other opportunities to do so with other nobles of his house, but none would touch her.
She had not been laid since she presented herself to the Lord. After her impromptu romp with the soldiers, no one had touched her. Word got around about her sexual exploits and no male wanted her, she was an outcast. She was beginning to think maybe she had not appreciated her life in the west enough. Then, she had her own rooms and was able to be pleased by any she wanted. No one looked upon her with disdain or thought her beneath them because of her sexual appetite. Here, the women talked about her and shunned her because of her insatiable need to be filled. The males avoided her like a plague. She wanted back with Lord Sesshoumaru.
She wanted to be lady of his house badly, but she should have gone about it in a more subtle way. How long would he keep that little human around? Not long. The human is just an amusement. Surely she could have waited it out and then continued to pursue her Lord once he tired of the wretched creature. But subtlety was not Kataru, she went for what she wanted.
She turned to critique her room.
The palace while small was elegant once you got inside. There was enough gold to show the wealth of the kingdom, and all the servants wore clothing that was more than appropriate for their stations, some even donning small, rare jewels. However, what bothered her most about this place was not the grounds, but the inhabitants.
She just wanted to kill them all. But she had learned a lesson, which she found harder and harder to stick to everyday. Keep quiet. She had nowhere else to go just yet. She would take this over being destitute. This lord had stated that he could and would release her, but when? Where would she go once he did? She had no permanent home and her belongings still had not arrived from the western palace yet. She received word two days ago that the west was sending her belongs as well as a nice purse of money. Perhaps once it arrived, she would continue to think on how to return to the west, to be rid of that human, and become her Lord Sesshoumaru's Lady. Then, if this lord had no set time to release her, she would petition for an early release. Yes she would leave this wretched place and go find the younger son of the great dog demon. Then she would take the steps to restore her place in the western fortress and then at her Lords side. Subtlety was definitely not her style.
She looked once more to the courtyard and sighed in frustration.
For now, this was her life. She would have to endure… for now.
