Kagome was led through the labyrinthine halls of the Shiro with Masaru practically glued to her side, his tense expression adding to her growing confusion. Rin had been ecstatic about Sesshoumaru's mother visiting, yet everyone else seemed on edge, as if the Lady Mother's presence was something to be feared. How was it that she hadn't known Sesshoumaru's mother was still alive? She had lived in the Shiro for some time now, yet not once had anyone mentioned Inukimi.
The further they walked, the more familiar the surroundings became. She recognized the path leading to Sesshoumaru's quarters. Masaru must have noticed her puzzlement because he leaned in slightly and murmured, "The Lady Mother prefers to stay in her former quarters when she visits."
Her old room? That means they are going…
They stopped in front of a set of ornate shoji doors opposite Sesshoumaru's room, the ones meant for the Lady of the Western Lands. Two guards from the Sky Palace slowly slid the doors open. Inside and now in her humanoid form, Inukimi sat on a luxurious pile of furs and cushions, looking both relaxed and regal, completely at home.
The Lady Mother was a vision of ethereal beauty. She and Sesshoumaru bore striking similarities, their familial connection unmistakable in the cold of their silver hair, the piercing golden eyes, and the regal crescent moon marking that adorned their foreheads.
Her silver hair was artfully styled into intricate buns and flowing ponytails, cascading down her back like a waterfall of moonlight. Each strand seemed to shimmer with a life of its own. Her kimono was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, composed of multiple layers in shades of white, blue, and purple. The fabric flowed around her in graceful waves.
Draped over her shoulders and arms was luxurious white fur. It billowed around her like a cloud, adding to her otherworldly image.
Kagome hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. She lowered herself to the floor and bowed deeply, Masaru mirroring her movements.
"Rise, little Priestess, and come here. I wish to have a close look at you," Inukimi commanded, her voice smooth and deep, like silk brushing over steel.
As Kagome moved to approach, Masaru's hand shot out, gripping her arm with a look of panic on his face.
"Oh, none of that," Inukimi drawled, her lips curling into a fanged smile that did little to reassure. "I won't bite her. I've already eaten today."
Masaru's hold on Kagome tightened, his protective instincts battling with his sense of duty. But Kagome gently removed his claws, giving him a reassuring look that seemed to loosen the tension in his body.
"I'll be alright," she said softly. "Why don't you go check on the mother and her pup?"
Masaru hesitated, clearly torn, but the directive was echoed by Inukimi's sharp clap of hands. "That is a marvelous idea! Listen to your master, pup."
A growl threatened to escape the back of his throat, but Masaru swallowed it down. Disobeying either Kagome or Inukimi could lead to severe consequences. With a sigh of resignation, he took a step back, bowing to both females before leaving the room.
Once the shoji doors slid shut behind Masaru, Inukimi's demeanor shifted subtly, her eyes gleaming with curiosity and a hint of amusement. "Now that it is just us females, come closer," she beckoned, her voice lilting with a sweet, sing-song quality. "I am curious to see why my only pup is so enamored by a human."
Despite the melodic tone, the underlying insult was unmistakable. Kagome took cautious steps forward, her heart pounding. She had faced demons and danger, but this was different. This was Sesshoumaru's mother, a figure whose approval or disapproval could shape her future in the Western Lands.
Kagome stood before Inukimi, her posture respectful but not subservient. The Lady Mother's eyes roved over her, assessing and calculating. The silence stretched, heavy and expectant, making Kagome's fidget.
"You are different than I expected," Inukimi said finally. "Smaller, but you have some weight on you."
A flush crept over Kagome's face. Did Sesshoumaru's mother just call her fat? Sure, she wasn't as thin as she had been when she was a teenager running around Japan looking for jewel shards, but she was healthy, dammit!
Inukimi had to hide a smirk behind her sleeve. "It is not a bad thing, Priestess. Humans are known to be fragile, frail beings. The Princess, Sesshoumaru's sire was infatuated with, looked as if she could hardly hold a pair of chopsticks." Her gaze wandered over Kagome's body, easily making out her shape beneath the simple robe she wore. "You, on the other hand, appear capable of bearing many healthy pups."
From thinking she was about to be fat-shamed to being told she was built to bear children, Kagome felt emotional whiplash from the demoness's remarks. "I… um… thanks?" she stammered, unsure how to respond.
Inukimi leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Now as you may know I am Lady InuKimi, what is your name, little one?"
"Kagome. Kagome Higurashi," she replied, giving another small bow, still uncertain of how to navigate this interaction.
"Hm. But you are not simply known as Kagome Higurashi, yes? The Shikon Priestess, Spider Slayer, Mother to a fox demon—you seem to go by many names." Inukimi stood and gestured for Kagome to follow her to the veranda, where tea and an assortment of treats were arranged. Gracefully, she sat down and, to Kagome's surprise, poured them both tea. "There is one title I am curious about, and it is the reason I am here."
Kagome sat back, her hands balled into fists in her lap, trying not to let her nervousness show. "And what title is that?"
The Lady Mother smiled at the priestess, lifting her teacup delicately. Before taking a sip, she said, "Mate to the Lord of the Western Lands."
"Huh?" Was Kagome's eloquent response.
Inukimi's golden eyes bore into Kagome's. "My son has verbally claimed you in front of the Bear Lord of the East and the Wolf Prince of the North. He is not known to speak such falsehoods."
The human's reaction had not been what she expected which was interesting. It would seem her son had skipped a few steps in the courting process.
"I'm not saying he's a liar… just that…" Kagome stammered. What the hell was Sesshoumaru telling people? They had been flirting through letters for a while now, but she was only just coming to terms with the idea that he might want her in a romantic way.
Inukimi delicately picked up a piece of mochi, examining it between her claws as if it held the answers to the universe. "My sources tell me your fox kit did not refute the claim, seemingly giving his blessing."
Kagome's hands slammed onto the table, the porcelain rattling and a few sweets tumbling to the floor. Inukimi's eyes widened in surprise at the outburst. "What did you say?" Kagome demanded, her normally timid demeanor now bristling with anger. "Shippo was there? In the South?"
The very thought made her blood pressure rise. Shippo was supposed to be at school, not on some battlefield. This couldn't be right.
"Oh yes," Inukimi continued, her tone almost casual. "Sesshoumaru even allowed him to stay in his private quarters. Though I suppose that's not a surprise since the kit is his mate's adopted son."
"I'm not his mate!" Kagome snapped, frustration and confusion bubbling over. Why hadn't Masaru told her any of this? Just when she thought she had a grasp on the situation, Inukimi spilled more tea.
Pulling an ornate fan from her sleeve, Inukimi waved it dramatically in front of her face, a smirk playing on her lips. "You poor thing. How are you so uninformed? With the way Lady Dokugiri has been pursuing my son, I am surprised you have not challenged her." Seeing Kagome's shocked expression, she barely held back a giggle. "As the Alpha Bitch of the pack, you have the right to kill any female seeking to take your male away."
Kagome's mind spun with questions. Who the hell was Lady Dokugiri? Why was the thought of Sesshoumaru with another woman making her feel sick? She sighed deeply and buried her face in her hands, overwhelmed by the sudden flood of information. "I'm gonna need something stronger than tea."
With a snap of her fingers, Inukimi summoned a maid and sent her off to fetch sake. "Do not fret, my little human. My son has turned down the dragon each time. He even sends away Lord Haruto's concubines who try to entice him at night." That last part was partly true. Sesshoumaru had forbidden any of the bear's whores from coming near his tent years ago.
"Lady Inukimi… why are you telling me all this?" Kagome asked, then downed her cup of sake in one gulp, shocking the maid who had just poured it.
Picking up her own cup and waving the maid away, the demoness watched as Kagome took another shot. "When I first heard that my son had claimed a human as his mate, it was my intention to devour them." The air simmered with spiritual energy as Kagome glared at her, but Inukimi smiled. "But then I grew curious. Sesshoumaru is not known for his love of humans like his father was. I feared after he took in his little pet and began to call her his pup, he may have grown soft."
Holy power was now filling the room, and Inukimi could feel her guards outside becoming restless. "Then I witnessed something remarkable. No one other than Toga or Sesshoumaru has dared to take on a nure-onna in these lands, yet you did not hesitate. I was sure the creature would do the work for me and kill you. Imagine my surprise when you emerged with the lost pup." The static in the air began to dissipate, much to the demoness's relief. "It was quite a show you put on. What better way to win over my son's court than to prove your ability to protect them in his stead."
"It was not my intention to prove anything," Kagome replied, growing tired of the interrogation. The demoness was much more talkative than her son, and it was exhausting. "A child was in trouble, and no one was doing anything, so I couldn't just stand by and let them be killed."
Inukimi's playful expression faded as she looked out to the garden, lost in her memories. "It is thanks to you, little Priestess, that there is now one less monster for the mothers to worry about. Poor Lady Tsubasa has already lost two pups and then her mate. I feared if she lost another one, she would perish in her grief." The serious expression on her face startled Kagome. "You are strong, protective, loyal, and hold immense power. It is no wonder my son was drawn to you. Not just any priestess can possess Midoriko's Jewel. You not only destroyed it but absorbed its power, making it your own."
No one had ever seen it that way before. Kagome had assumed the jewel saw her as a vassal and returned to her. She and it were one and the same. But the way Inukimi described it, she made it sound like the jewel saw her as its conqueror and surrendered its power to her.
Finishing her drink and opening her fan once more, a mischievous smile once again spread across the Lady Mother's ruby lips. "Now, if you truly wish to accept my foolish pup's claim or refute it, I shall tell you what must be done. Either way, I think it is best you teach my pup a lesson."
Kagome blinked a few times, tilting her head to the side in confusion. What in the world was this demoness scheming? "Teach him a lesson?" she echoed.