Hey guys! Sorry if I have not updated in a while due to life keeping me busy as a stay-at-home mom along with trying to plan a wedding! So, there is a chance that Serafina's mother and Sesshomaru's mother and maybe a little romance? Well, you will find out soon! Keep those reviews and comments coming!

Chapter 16

Alina was planning the ball and telling servants and chefs what needs to be prepared. Sesshomaru chose Serafina as his intended and announce it to everyone. Alina talked with Sesshomaru who told her everything about his mother; Alina remembered her as Toga always told Haru how he did not love her and only married for politics and to give him an heir. She hoped maybe when Inukimi sees how powerful Serafina is, she would eventually accept her. She hoped there would be no violence and continued with planning the ball.

Serafina was pacing her bedroom. Sesshomaru told her a lot about his mother and knew that she would not be an easy woman to please. She hated humans and half-demons; she hoped she could change her future mother in law's mind about them although Inuyasha told her that would be like asking Sesshomaru to wear a princess costume. Serafina was so busy pacing that she did not sense Sesshomaru in her bedroom, watching her with slightly worried eyes.

"Is something bothering you, my fire bird? This Sesshomaru sense your anxiety" he said.

"The ball will be in two days and your mother will be arriving tomorrow so yes, I am nervous. How will she treat Syuri, your brother and his mate along with my family?" said Serafina. If Serafina knew one thing about her mother was that she was someone who do not want to get mad especially when it comes to her family. Sesshomaru knew while yes Alina was a human, she could be just as scary as a demoness.

It would be interesting to see Alina and my mother have a showdown. Maybe Alina can put my mother in her place. Not many people would do that since they fear her so much, but hopefully it would not get to that point thought Sesshomaru. Serafina stifled a giggle. That would be interesting to see. Sesshomaru smiled as well as he held her in his arms.

"I told you, my love. If it comes down between you or my mother, I will choose you always. My mother dislikes human because my father fell in love with one and resulted in Inuyasha being born. My father and mother did not love each other for it was only for politics and needing an heir. My mother did not show me compassion the same way Inuyasha's mother did, so I became the cold-hearted lord I am today; However, Rin came into my life and changed everything then meeting you. Love is still foreign to me, but I promise to be the best mate and father. I look forward to the rest of our lives together" said Sesshomaru who kissed her lips. Serafina moaned as she roamed her hands across his chest and pushed him against the wall.

The kiss was passionate as Sesshomaru's eyes kept bleeding from gold to red, fighting for control. If they did not stop, he would mate her right here and there. He gently pushes her away. "Serafina, we need to stop before things go too far. I want you as much as you want me but let's announce our mating first" said Sesshomaru.

Serafina pouted; after seeing him strip out of his clothes while he was bathing in the springs one time, she was a physique that would put the gods to shame, stripes on his wrists and waist, looking forward to licking those sexy magenta stripes. Sesshomaru could smell her arousal, but he knew he had to be patient for he too wanted her. Those brown eyes, caramel skin, curves that would make any human woman, demoness, and goddess envy her. She smiled as he left to go take a very cold dip in the water. Serafina smiled. I look forward to our mating, my handsome lord she thought as she went towards her wardrobe to pick out a kimono for her to wear today. Her mother was going to bring a seamstress in for a formal kimono fitting, tasting foods for the ball, and other events concerning the ball.

"Looks like Sesshomaru and Serafina were getting a bit frisky. Poor guy, he has better self-control than me because I would be pounding Kagome into next year" Inuyasha mumbled to himself as he walked by Serafina's bedroom. Sesshomaru's mother was coming tomorrow and Inuyasha could not but wonder what would happen especially since Alina did not like Inukimi due to how she treated her son and the fact she always thought she was superior to others. Inuyasha promised to Kagome he would be nice but if Inukimi dared to insult his family and future in-laws, she would have to deal with him, regardless of her being Sesshomaru's mom. He headed into the bedroom where Kagome and the kids were. His heart skipped a beat as she held their twins while Shippo slept in her lap.

"I heard Sesshomaru's mother is coming here tomorrow. I hope there won't be any bloodshed. Inukimi should be happy that Sesshomaru found someone to love. Why can't she just let the past go and see beyond her own prejudice?" said Kagome. She sighed. Inuyasha told her how his mother told him about how much she loved his father despite their heritages; before she died, she told him to not be ashamed of who he was because he was made from love along with making amends with his brother. Sesshomaru deserved to be happy just like her husband because although he seemed cold and insensitive, once you got to know him, he was a good protector and father to Rin. She could hope Inukimi would give Serafina her blessing to be with Sesshomaru.

Inukimi read the scroll from the messenger about her son finding a mate. While she wasn't surprised, she did not know how someone like her son could find a woman who could put up with him. Many women only wanted to mate with him for status, money, and something to brag about. He also adopted a human girl as his daughter so many of them left. He had his fair share of concubines, but no woman could satisfy him. She had to meet the woman her son chose to see if she was worthy of her son. As her carriage was approaching, she saw Nadinia. The kingdom was beautiful, people of all species walked the streets, and everything looked lovely. She was close to the kingdom. Soon, I will be meeting my possible future daughter-in-law and let's hope she prepared because I will not be going easy on her she thought as she made it to the steps of the palace.

"Welcome Lady Inukimi to Nadinia, home of our Empress Serafina. May your stay be pleasant. I am Tara, Empress Serafina's top servant. Shall I escort you to the throne room?" she asked. Inukimi scoffed and dismissed her.

"I do not need help from the likes of you. Take me to my son. He needs to know his mother's presence. Tara quietly rolled her eyes and led her to the throne room. She had a feeling that tensions were going to be high because while yes, she was Lord Sesshomaru's mother, she was in the Empress' home and disrespect would not be tolerated. Making her way up the steps, her servants carried her things while she held a fan to her face. Things were about to get interesting. She made her way into the throne room and stared at the gold throne adorned with phoenix statues. Hmm… she has taste. Her palace is bigger than mine. Well... she better not keep me waiting since I am her intended's mother Inukimi thought. A woman walked into the room wearing a white, silk kimono with golden peacocks, her hair adorned with a golden comb, and golden sandals. She stared at Inukimi with a look that said, "Tread carefully". Inukimi growled at the nerve of the woman.

"Hello Inukimi, my daughter is upstairs getting ready. I am Alina, Serafina's mother. I am human but due to my daughter's power, I live longer. Now, you listen here, you are in my daughter's house and know this, you will not bully my daughters, my grandchildren, any servant or person who resides here because if you do, this human will have no problem kicking your ass" Alina hissed. Inukimi was stunned. No human or demon dared talk to her like that and lived. Tara quietly left the room to find her Empress. If things did not calm down, there was going to bloodshed. The women stared down at each other, neither one backing down. Haru watched behind the scenes.

"I better try to get things to cool down. My daughter nor the children do not need this kind of stress" he said and walked into the room. He greeted Inukimi and kissed his wife's lips and complimented her which calmed her down a bit. Haru was not fond of Inukimi as well, but for his daughter's sake, he was willing to tolerate the demoness. Inukimi had to learn that she was not in the Western Lands anymore and nor would be bully anyone here, much less his daughter. Haru hoped that the women could get along before the ball. This was about his daughter being mated, not some demoness who wanted to go on a power trip. He whispered to his wife to calm down and enjoy some time in the garden to relax.

"Haru. It has been a while since we last met. Your wife needs to know her place. I hope your daughter can live up to my standards because even if my son loves her, I am his mother, and he will always put me first! I suggest you comply as well" she sneered. Alina was about to strangle the woman with her telekinesis powers until her husband's voice boomed loudly.

"Now you listen here, you little, pompous, arrogant, frigid bitch! I am not one of your servants! If Toga was still alive and saw how you were treating his old friend, I would not be surprised if he backhanded you to the next century. You will not disrespect me, my wife, my daughters, nor anyone here! This old man will have no problem in putting you in your place or would you rather my wife uses her powers to make you calm down?" he said. Inukimi huffed and grew quiet. Haru heard footsteps and saw Lord Sesshomaru making his way down the stairs. Chung came towards the edge of the stairs.

"Presenting Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands and Empress Serafina with her daughters Princesses Syuri and Rin" he said. Inukimi saw a woman wearing a golden tiara with a phoenix emblem, silk black kimono with a golden dragon pattern, and golden sandal heels. Inukimi glared at the woman. So, this is their Empress, and she has a half-breed daughter. I wonder would see ever give me a grandson in the future. She is not too bad looking although she will work very hard to earn my approval scoffed Inukimi. Serafina narrowed her eyes. The woman had the nerve to disrespect her family. Serafina put on her best smile and bowed to her future mother-in-law.

"Lady Inukimi, it is an honor to meet my soon-to-be mate's mother. I heard much about you, and I hope to get to know you and earn your blessing. Rest assured, I will give Sesshomaru an heir and much more" she said. Inukimi was stunned at how Serafina knew what she was thinking though she did not know Serafina could read minds. She would tell her in due time.

Inuyasha and his family arrived after watching everything that happened. Shit is about to hit the fan thought Inuyasha. Serafina stared at the woman and now see why Sesshomaru became the man he is today; this woman wanted to control everything even though her son was an adult. Inuyasha could not help but feel bad for his older brother because Inukimi only cared about her image and did not give her son a mother's love. Not many demon parents give their children love like Kagome's mom gives to her children, so Inuyasha could only hope that Sesshomaru would not parent the way Inukimi did him.

"Inukimi, while I cannot fucking stand you, I will show you respect due to you being my older brother's mom but know this old bat! If you insult my family, Sesshomaru's intended, or anyone here for this matter, I will have no problem in kicking your ass to the curb!" said Inuyasha. Everyone was stunned even Sesshomaru (his eyes showed it) because normally Inuyasha would try to attack then talk but Sesshomaru knew that while Inuyasha is a half-demon, he knows manners when needed. Inukimi growled but Kagome's hand formed a purified energy ball and glared at Inukimi.

He got a priestess for a mate?! I am going to have to be careful or this girl will purify me without question. I am going to have to play nice, but no one dares to embarrass me! Inukimi thought. Serafina glared. If Inukimi wanted to play mind games, she would make sure to stay on her guard since Sesshomaru told her to not underestimate his mother and that if his mother dares to hurt her or the children, I would have no problem putting her in her place. Sesshomaru sighed and approached his mother, sensing while she was still defiant, she calmed down a bit.

"Hello Mother, I would think this Sesshomaru would not be seeing you until tomorrow. What brings you here so early? Before you speak, please understand that Serafina is the woman I have chosen as she has proven to this Sesshomaru time again that she is worthy and she loves Rin, accepting her as her daughter as well. You will disrespect her nor anyone here or I will have Inuyasha remove you from the palace. Is that clear?" he said. Inukimi sighed and agreed but she would not let anyone make a fool out of her. Tara escorted Lady Inukimi to her room while the other servants carried the rest of her things. Sesshomaru kissed Serafina who was slightly shaking out of both anger and anxiety while holding her. Syuri and Rin looked at each other then went to comfort her.

"Thank you, my darlings. Now I see why Toga sought comfort from another, but rest assure Sesshomaru. No other man but you will have my affection and attention. You and Rin mean everything to us" she said as her beautiful, brown eyes stared at Sesshomaru's golden eyes. He smiled slightly and told her that everything will be okay. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief but knew this was not over and hoped that this ball would go smoothly and not horribly wrong. It was time for lunch, and everyone headed to the dining room. Serafina asked Tara to check on her future mother-in-law and request her presence at the dinner table. Tara bowed and headed to the room Lady Inukimi was staying and knocked on the door.

"Enter" said Inukimi. Tara walked in and told her that Empress Serafina requested her presence at lunch. Inukimi hmphed and rolled her eyes. She looked at Tara and wondered why a servant dressed so nicely. Her servants were lucky enough to have jobs and at least a bowl of rice and vegetables. Tara kept her temper in check and inwardly smirked. I look forward to putting you in your place, Inukimi. Tara remembered Lord Toga for being kind to her and her family. When he died, she felt like she lost another parent after her parents were killed, leaving her an orphan until Serafina and her family took her in. She saw Serafina as a sister.

"I hate the room color. I was expecting maybe a royal blue and gold room along with items worthy of someone of my status. Fine, I will be down, but the food better not be horrible. So off you go, servant. Next time when you come to my room, look at the floor instead" she said. Tara was about to leave until Inukimi told her do not move and to escort her downstairs. As they walked together, Inukimi growled.

"Stand behind me, never by my side. Know your place" she hissed. Tara announced Inukimi's arrival. Inukimi wore black kimono with silver dog patterns with a black fan. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow while Alina was trying not to telepathically knock the demoness on her ass; His mother was trying to upstage his intended in her own palace and he was not having it. She sat down and glared around the room as chefs and servants brought assorted foods, teas, and other foods. Inukimi picked at her food. Serafina cleared her throat and spoke up.

"Lady Inukimi, I hope you loved your room, and this food is made from the finest chefs in Japan and Nadinia. Enjoy" she said. Everyone dug in until Inukimi saw some of the servants eating the same food they're eating and slammed her chopsticks down.

"Servants do not get to eat good food. Rice and vegetables are what you should get. Your Empress obviously does not know servants' roles in the palace are" she yelled. This time, Serafina stood up. She had enough of Inukimi being an arrogant bitch and trying to make everyone else unhappy. Sesshomaru along with everyone watched with keen eyes.

"I JUST ABOUT HAD ENOUGH OF YOU, INUKIMI! SESSHOMARU IS MY INTENDED MATE AND I WILL BECOME HIS! YOU ARE NOT IN THE WESTERN LANS ANYMORE SO DO NOT TELL ME HOW TO BE A RULER! My servants are people with families so they will be paid well, fed well, and clothed well. Tara told me how you treated her, and I will not tolerate it! Now, you will eat the food my chefs have worked so hard to prepare or return to your room and starve! Your choice, my Lady" Serafina seethed as the flames from her mouth started to come out and her eyes turning red with her claws showing. Kagome took the children as they started to cry. Sesshomaru held his intended's hand.

"Calm yourself, my love. The children are getting scared, and I am worried for you. Please mate" Sesshomaru said with pleading eyes. "Mommy" she heard Rin and Syuri said. She calmed down and hugged the children.

"Forgive me, my darlings" she said, and they hugged her. Inuyasha was furious but kept quiet while Sesshomaru glared at his mother, mouthing that he will talk to her later while soothing his intended. Lunch was over and everyone except Serafina and Sesshomaru left. Sesshomaru comforted her and decided to head to his mother's room. It was time to speak his mind.

Well… Things are getting a bit tense. The ball preparations are almost done and there might be some drama between the mothers! Will Sesshomaru speak against his mother or will Inukimi try to keep taking control? We will see in the next chapter. Keep the reviews and comments coming.