Once at the Sky Palace, they landed in the palace's courtyard, that was big enough to accommodate two true formed inuyoukai. The servants were already there awaiting for their arrival. They were nervous. They were nervous, because they didn't know how their new lady would be like. They heard rumors of her power and many other things, such as, her anger. When they first saw her, they were surprised to find that she was petite. They couldn't understand how she could handle Sesshomaru's larger form. They knew that their lady was human, but she was no push over either, unlike Izayoi. She was so timid. She had always clung to InuTaisho like he were to disappear. When they saw this new human woman, they immediately noticed the difference between the two women, other than the obvious. Their lady wasn't as clinging as Izayoi was. She stood there independently. No clinging to no one. They also noticed how comfortable she seemed to be around other demons other than Sesshomaru and the others, who she was used to be around. When Lady Inukimi told them about Sesshomaru's mate, she spoke of her in the utmost respect manner. She said to them that she was a powerful miko, that in itself surprised them. Also she said that the miko adopted an orphaned kit. What miko would do that anyway? Obviously, that one would. They were totally in awe of her just by listening to the Lady Mother spoke of her. When they heard that their lord and the new lady were coming to the sky palace, they cleaned the whole palace speck and span. They wanted to impress her, too.

When Sesshomaru landed them in the courtyard, Kagome could feel their eyes on her. She wanted to hide from their staring, but she knew that would make her seemed weak. Also that would disappoint Sesshomaru knowing how strong and independent she was. So, she held her head up high. She wouldn't show weakness; not then and certainly not now. She felt like telling them: 'What? You'd never seen a human before.' However, she decided against it. She didn't want her first impression at the palace be a rude one.

Sesshomaru looked down at his beloved mate. He noted her nervousness for being at a new and different place. He couldn't really blame her, but he was proud of her for staying strong. He remembered the visit that Izayoi came. His father had A LOT of nerve to bring his pregnant princess-mate to the Sky Palace. The palace was a gift from Sesshomaru's maternal father. To bring the other woman to the palace that suppose to be a refuge and among other things for the mated couple was an insult in so many ways. It was like he slept with Izayoi in their bed. Sesshomaru remembered the hurt in his mother's eyes. Although, she tried to hide it, but Sesshomaru knew better. On that same day, that InuTaisho brought his human mate to the Sky Palace, was also the day when Sesshomaru and Inuhime's connection began to split apart. They knew then and there that their relationship wouldn't be the same afterwards.

The mated couple walked passed the servants, who bowed to them as they passed by. Sesshomaru, with Natsume, made no acknowledgement, which was expected from him. Natsume shyly hid from the servants, who tried to sneak a peek at the new heiress, by placing her face into her father's neck. Kagome, however, acknowledged them by giving them a smile and a nod. Rin and Shippo smiled and waved at them as they walked by them, which the servants returned the gesture with a smile. Nanami followed them to the palace. One of the servants took Ah-Un to the stables after the family went inside.

Inside the palace...

Kagome looked around as she walked along side with her mate. It had paintings of the Inu royal family. Some were self-portraits and others were family portraits. She idly wondered if they would have a family portrait painted while they were there. Sesshomaru noticed her wondering face. He decided after they settled, he would give her a tour around the palace. He would love to share some of his pup-hood with her. Kagome looked up at her mate and noticed that Natsume wasn't being her curious self. Sesshomaru sensed that his mate was looking at him. He looked down at her with a questioning look on his face. Kagome pointed to Natsume. He looked at his little heiress and then at his mate. He noticed the concern written in her eyes. He took in his surroundings and immediately understood why his mate was concern for their little girl.

He smiled down at his mate and said, "She's in a new and different environment and people. She'll adjust to this place as we will."

Kagome nodded in understanding. She could understand her daughter's shyness and perhaps even afraid of being in a new place. She must felt uncomfortable in the moment.

A servant came and bowed to the couple has she introduced herself, "Welcome to the Sky Palace, Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Kagome. I am Hana, Lady Inukimi's head servant. She has told me of your stay. We already prepared your suites and dinner will be served around six. Come you must be exhausted from your travels. Let me escort you to your rooms."

They quietly followed Hana up the stairs, walking down a hallway, turning a corner, and walked down another hallway until she came to a halt. Hana announced, "Nanami, this will be your room." Hana began to walk once more. They followed her. They turned a few corners and walked down a very long hallway and turned another corner and walked until they reached the first door.

"Master Shippo, this will be your room." They walked across the hallway and down a few feet. "Miss Rin, this will be your room." They then continue on until they reached the rooms to the farther end of the hallway. "Milord and milady, these will be your rooms. I will have a servant to unpack your belongings while you, milord, could give your pack a tour of the rest of the palace. I am certain that you still know where everything is."

"Hn. Are you implying that this Sesshomaru's memory is flawed?"

Hana didn't realized what she said until her lord had said something. She was so used to giving tours that she could tour the palace with her eyes blindfolded and her another senses dull. "A thousand apologies, milord." She bowed apologetically.

If Sesshomaru was his old self, he would had backhanded her for her idiocy, but this was only a mistake. "Hn. You will not make that mistake again."

"I won't, milord."

"Hn."

Kagome asked, "Hana, why is Nanami's room away from ours?"

Hana answered, "Well, milady, Nanami is a servant. Servants don't sleep among the family."

Kagome frowned. "Nanami maybe a servant, but she's the pups' nanny. I prefer her to be near the pups."

"But, milady..."

Sesshomaru interrupted, "Do as she says."

Hana gulped. "Of course. Forgive me, milady. I will have her moved closer to the pups as you requested." Hana bowed and left them to their devices.

They waited until she was out of hearing range. "Well, I am tired Sesshomaru," Kagome said. She looked at Natsume. "Natsume looks like she wants a nap, too. Anata, why don't you take the pups in the gardens to play. Or unless they are tired as well?" She looked at Rin and Shippo. They said in unison that they weren't tired; not in the lease.

"Alright, omae. I'll take the pups out to play while you rest, but later..." He trailed off as he gave Natsume to his mate. It was as if he was promising sweeter things between them. He had that wicked gleam in his eyes.

Kagome looked at her barely awake daughter. She smiled. "Lets get you to sleep my little one." Natsume yawned in response. They made their way to the futon. As soon as Kagome laid Natsume to sleep, she, too, closed her eyes as she sang one of those western lullabies that she learned from her English class.

"Hush, Little Baby, don't say a word,
Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird.
And if that mockingbird won't sing,
Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring.
And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Papa's gonna buy you a looking glass.
And if that looking glass gets broke,
Papa's gonna buy you a billy goat.
And if that billy goat won't pull,
Papa's gonna buy you a cart and bull.
And if that cart and bull turn over,
Papa's gonna buy you a dog named, Rover.
And if that dog named Rover won't bark,
Papa's gonna buy you a horse and cart.
And if that horse and cart fall down,
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town."*

AN: I don't know who wrote, 'Hush, Little Baby'.

Inuyasha (c) Rumiko Takahashi

Fanfiction & OCs (c) ladytari