The women slowly followed the Guard in; it was becoming late, the light long gone from the sky.

"Stop here," The man said.

The women were huddled together, a little nervous about their surroundings. They didn't even see Lord Inu Tashio come to the balcony above them.

"Well, hello," He said, causing the women to jump back and look up.

"Oh, My Lord, forgive us!" Kagome's mom said as she grabbed the two girls' heads, placing them in a bow.

"Rise, ladies!" He said in a happy tone. He soon, with all his grace, came down from the balcony to them with a smile on his face.

"Well, where is she? " He said, looking at the two young women. He could have sniffed, but he didn't want to alarm them. "Oh yes, my Lord," Kagome's mom said as she elbowed her daughter to look up; she then pushed her to be in front. Kagome fumbled with her hands and tried not to look him in the eye. Even though he was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay older than any of them, he looked very young and very handsome.

"Let me have a look at you," The Lord said, taking her hand and pulling her away from the other women. He walked around her, he had his hand on his sword that was at his side, out of habit, and was walking around her. He stopped in front of her.

"Look up, child," He said, his arms now crossed. Kagome moved her head up and closed her eyes.

"Open your eyes. I want to see them," He said

Kagome did not know what to make of this, but she opened her eyes. He smiled, and his chest rose in pride. Yes, I've done well picking this one out.

"Oh, my dearest she is here!" Everyone turned to see Lady Izayoi, she was still young and still beautiful. Everyone was shocked, wondering how it was she was still so young looking, It had been 18 years since Kagome's mother had seen her, but that would have meant she would have aged, but she had not. Lord Inu Tashio looked back and then stepped aside to let his mate have a look at the girl. She walked up and smiled.

"Oh, she is perfect." She said in her soft tone. Kagome was blushing now. The Lady took both of Kagome's hands in her own. "I think me and you will have many talks while you are here," Izayoi said; she was happy to have another human here.

Kagome could not get this at all, they were making a big fuss over her, and she thought herself to be no different than any other human girl in her village. Yeah, she took more bathes and her hair was cleaner, but Sango was the same way. Kagome fiddled with the dress she was wearing; it was too much. Though she did like the green dress that flowed to the ground and followed behind her a bit it was not something she would ever choose.

She knew how to read and write, not the smartest by any means, but she was somewhat educated. Most girls in her village didnt have the time or the needs.

Still, she didn't know why they were fussing over her.

"The Prince of the West has returned, My Lord," A guard said, walking up quickly with a bow.

Just as he said it, the Prince walked right by, not bothering to stop or look.

"Sesshomaru," His father called. Sesshomaru stopped but didn't turn.

"What," In his none caring tone

"Come here, Son" Sesshomaru gave off an annoying growl but did as he was told and turned.

"I am rather preoccupied, Father," He said, hand on his sword. He then, without moving his head, moved his eyes to the girl and then back to his father.

"Son, you will have some respect, for she is one of the court of intended," His father said proudly.

Sesshomaru's face didn't change, still bored. "I will not take a human as my mate don't waste my time." Then he turned around and began to walk away.

"Well, that's great because there is no way I would mate with YOU!" Kagome said, now pointing at the prince. Lady Izayoi stepped back, giving the girl some room to vent. Sesshomaru stopped his movement when he heard the outburst. This was something else about Kagome that was different than the rest.

"You will not speak to me girl," He said his back still to her a few feet away.

"I will speak if I want to; you don't own me!"

"Kagome!" Both Sango and her mother said in a whisper at the same time. But then Lord Inu Tashio put out his hand, stopping the girls. Sesshomaru turned, and with a blink, he was standing in front of Kagome and had her upper arm in his grasp.

"You will do well, woman, not to speak in such a tone to me, I am not my father," He said, holding her arm tighter as he said it. They were glaring at each other, he dared her to speak, and she dared him to do something about it.

"Let go of me," She said in a calm but demanding voice.

He then dug his claw into her, making her bleed and whimper. But without a second to lose, Lord Inu Tashio grabbed his son's wrist and pulled his hand from her.

"You dare question me, my son? If you want to take it out with someone, you will do so with me, not her she did not come here seeking you out as the others did I brought her here, harm her, and you will be answering to me, for she is under my protection now." He said with a hard tone.

Kagome was not crying, just holding her arm, watching.

"Can I go now?" She asked, looking back at Izayoi, hoping for a 'yes.'

"No, you will stay; please forgive my son; he will be dealt with," The Lord spoke, not taking his eye off his son.

"Forgive me, my Lord, but I really would rather go home," Kagome said.

"Let the human go; she is but a waste of my time," Sesshomaru said, yanking his hand from his father's grasp.

"Tell you what, little one, stay 1 week, and if you still want to go and my son still thinks it a waste, you may go, and you may request anything for compensation,"

"My Lord, I do not want anything. I know it would be an honor to receive something from you, but there is nothing I would ask for."

"Nothing?" he asked shocked.

"Please stay," Lady Izayoi spoke, looking at Kagome.

Kagome hated this; here was both Lady and Lord of the West asking her to stay. She felt bad saying no, and she knew her mother would never forgive her.

"1 week," Kagome said, giving in.

Sesshomaru turned and walked away, with a little more haste than most days.

"Very well, I will send for you a lady in waiting."

"WAIT!: Kagome yelled; Inu Tashio halted,

Kagome whispered to Sango, and they both smiled.

"I will stay if you let her be my lady in waiting and have a room next to mine!"

"Very well, my Lady," He said, was more than happy to give her that.

"I will show you girls to your rooms," Izayoi said, now standing behind them, pushing them in. She grew more excited, two human girls in her keep!

"Bye, mom! Give Sota a kiss for me, don't worry, I will be home in a week!" Kagome said, waving back, Sango doing the same.

Kagome would have never asked the Lord for anything, but now she was glad she did; now she would not have be alone in this. She had dragged poor Sango along with, Oh how they would giggle about this later.