It had been a week since Makaira was introduced to Kagome, and the two had quickly become inseparable. Much to Masaru's dismay, his mother had dragged Kagome out of the suffocating walls of the family wing and introduced her to the rest of the Shiro. Each day, his protests fell on deaf ears as Makaira would merely smile, grab Kagome's hand, and together they would laugh and explore the many wonders the palace had to offer.
"Isn't this place beautiful?" Makaira said one afternoon as they strolled through a particularly unique garden. She reached out to touch a violet blossom, her fingers brushing lightly against the soft, velvety petals.
This garden was nothing like the elegant and meticulously manicured one in the family wing. Here, nature ran wild and free. Vines twisted and turned, wrapping around ancient stone statues and wooden trellises, their emerald tendrils reaching skyward. Wildflowers in every imaginable hue carpeted the ground, their vibrant colors creating a patchwork quilt of reds, blues, and yellows. Overgrown foliage spilled onto the path, creating a sense of mystery and wonder.
The air was alive with the sounds of wildlife. Birds of every kind flitted among the trees, their songs blending into a symphony. Brilliantly colored butterflies danced in the sunlight, their delicate wings shimmering as they moved from flower to flower. Bees buzzed industriously; their tiny bodies dusted with pollen as they darted among the blossoms.
"This place feels like something out of a fairy tale," Kagome said softly, her eyes sparkled with wonder. She bent down to examine a cluster of wildflowers, their petals glistening with morning dew as busy bees harvested for their queen.
Makaira smiled, her gaze sweeping over the priestess as she ventured deeper into the meadow. "It does, doesn't it? I love how untamed it is. There's a sense of freedom here that you don't find in the other gardens."
Kagome nodded, inhaling the heady scent of jasmine and honeysuckle. "It's like nature has claimed this space for itself." It reminded her of the woods her home had been surrounded by, the memory of it bittersweet.
They continued their stroll, stepping carefully along the winding path. Occasionally, Makaira would stop to point out a particularly unusual plant or to share a story about the garden's history.
"See that tree over there?" Makaira said, gesturing to a massive willow on a hill just beyond the Shiro walls. Its long, drooping branches swayed gently in the breeze, creating a curtain of leaves that shimmered in the sunlight. "It's said to be over a thousand years old. Some believe it has magical properties."
Kagome's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the tree. It was the same weeping willow she had been sneaking off to each night. Seeing it now in the light of day, she was struck by its ethereal beauty. The soft glow of the sweeping branches was still visible, casting an otherworldly light on the ground beneath.
"I know that tree," Kagome said softly.
Makaira turned to her, intrigued. "Really? I had no idea you'd found it. What drew you to it?"
Kagome hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "There's something about it that feels... calming. Whenever I'm there, it's like all my worries just melt away."
The demoness's green eyes held a knowing twinkle. "That tree has always been special. Did you know it was often a sanctuary for Lord Sesshoumaru when he was younger?"
Eyes widened in surprise, Kagome asked, "Sesshoumaru? Really?"
She nodded, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Yes, he would go there to hide from his tutors and advisors. I remember a time when-"
Before Makaira could continue, a loud growl interrupted her. Kagome's stomach rumbled hungrily, and both women burst into laughter.
"I guess it's lunchtime," Kagome said, blushing slightly.
Makaira chuckled, patting her friend's shoulder. "I think you're right. Come, I now have an excuse to show you the kitchens."
They soon found themselves in the bustling kitchens, a place Kagome quickly grew to love. The air was filled with the rich aromas of roasted meats and exotic spices. Pots clanged, knives chopped, and dishes sizzling and bubbling filled the room. Chefs and kitchen staff moved with purpose, their faces focused and hands deft.
Kagome's eyes widened as she surveyed the shelves lined with ingredients from around the world, some she hadn't seen since the modern era. Jars of vibrant spices, dried herbs, and exotic fruits were meticulously arranged, creating a colorful mosaic.
"Look at all these spices!" Kagome exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement as she opened containers and breathed in their scents.
"Lord Sesshoumaru likes to keep his Shiro well stocked," Makaira said, smiling as she followed Kagome, who seemed to float about the pantry in awe. "Let's see what the chef is preparing for lunch."
Leaving the pantry, Makaira gracefully maneuvered through the busy kitchen, weaving between bustling the cooks. She stopped in front of a large, stocky dog demon with black hair and piercing eyes. His presence overpowering and expression stern as he worked.
"Chef Raizo," Makaira sang, "I'd like to introduce you to Lady Kagome."
The sour-looking chef turned his gaze to Kagome, his eyes narrowing slightly. "So, this is the human child's caretaker I've heard about," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "Didn't know she was a priestess."
Makaira's eyes flashed with irritation. Without a moment's hesitation, she grabbed a wooden spoon and whacked Raizo on the head with a firm thwack. The kitchen fell silent for a moment, the staff pausing to watch the interaction.
"Mind your attitude, Raizo," Makaira chastised. "Lady Kagome is here as Lord Sesshoumaru's honored guest."
Taken aback by the sudden turn of events, Kagome tried to interject. "Well, actually I'm just—"
Makaira waved the wooden spoon at her while maintaining her stern gaze on Raizo. The chef rubbed the top of his head, looking slightly abashed but still not entirely convinced. "Honored guest, huh? Well, I suppose I can manage to be a bit more... accommodating."
Makaira nodded, satisfied. "Good. Now, what do you have prepared for lunch?"
As they enjoyed a light lunch of grilled fish and vegetables, word spread like wildfire amongst the staff about Kagome being a priestess and an honored guest of Lord Sesshoumaru. The whispers and murmurs grew louder, carrying through the corridors and into the ears of the court.
After lunch, as they began to make their way back to the family wing, a sense of unease settled over Kagome. The hallways seemed livelier, the stares more intense. It was then that a messenger approached them, bowing deeply before presenting a letter sealed with Lord Sesshoumaru's crest.
"For you, Lady Kagome," the messenger said, his voice respectful but curious.
As Kagome took the letter, a couple of high-ranking court females glided past, their elegant kimonos whispering against the floor. They noted the interaction with keen eyes and exchanged glances filled with contempt.
Makaira, ever protective, caught their looks and returned a sharp glare of her own. She let out a bark, startling the ladies. They gasped, faces pale with surprise behind their fans, and quickly hurried away.
"Don't mind them," Makaira said, her tone firm yet reassuring as she turned back to see Kagome's worried face. "The only reason they are still around is because as an unmated lord, Sesshoumaru is required to keep a certain number of females in his inner court. He doesn't pay them any mind and usually avoids them when he can."
Kagome nodded, though the encounter left her feeling unsettled. She looked back at the retreating tall, beautiful demonesses once more, their graceful figures disappearing around a corner, before following after Makaira.
Relief washed over Masaru as Kagome finally returned to her chambers and his mother went to work in the herb gardens. As Kagome settled onto her bed, she couldn't help but feel nervous as she stared at the sealed letter in her hands. The memories of her last correspondence with Lord Sesshoumaru flooded her mind, causing her cheeks to flush with warmth. Had she been too forward? What would his response be?
Taking a deep breath, Kagome carefully broke the seal and before she could unfold the letter, she was surprised to find a set of instructions urging her to continue reading the rest of the letter in Lord Sesshoumaru's private chambers.
After a somewhat awkward conversation with Masaru, Kagome found herself standing outside a pair of imposing western-style double doors. Carvings of majestic dog demons adorned the wood, their fierce visages seeming to watch her with silent scrutiny.
Summoning her courage, Kagome pushed open one of the heavy doors and slipped into the dimly lit room. As her eyes adjusted to the low light, she made her way over to the closed curtains and pulled them back, allowing the golden afternoon sun to flood into the chamber.
With the room now bathed in sunlight, Kagome's breath caught in her throat. There was no mistaking that she was in Sesshoumaru's private quarters. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting ancient battles and picturesque landscapes. Various demon weapons and suits of armor were proudly displayed throughout the room. A magnificent armoire stood sentinel in one corner, likely filled with the finest silks and fabrics.
But it was the centerpiece of the room that truly captured Kagome's attention: a massive bed adorned with luxurious furs, plump cushions, and an assortment of books and scrolls scattered around.
A soft smile tugged at Kagome's lips as she took in the scene before her, the thought that even the Great Lord Sesshoumaru indulged in the simple pleasures of reading before bed was endearing to her.
Eagerly walking over to the lavish bed, Kagome couldn't resist the temptation to experience its comfort firsthand. With a playful grin, she hopped onto the plush mattress and spreadeagled herself, reveling in the sensation of being enveloped in Sesshoumaru's masculine scent.
As she settled onto the bed, the crinkle of paper in her hand served as a reminder of the purpose of her visit. With a quick flip to lay on her stomach, Kagome unfolded the letter and began to read.
Dearest Kagome,
Were you a good girl and did you follow my instructions?
Heat surged across Kagome's face, a blush spreading from her cheeks down to her lower belly. With just one sentence, Sesshoumaru had managed to send her senses reeling, her body responding instinctively to the subtle command. A shiver raced down her spine, and she found herself squeezing her thighs together, unable to stop the arousal that pulsed within her.
You wish to know more of my markings, of the lines that adorn my flesh much like those upon my face, hips, and wrists. Indeed, there are stripes on my thighs and calves, as well as other places waiting to be discovered by your hands. I welcome the thought of you tracing the patterns of my skin with your fingertips.
Now that I have rewarded you, I am left to wonder: what do you plan to do with this newfound knowledge? Will you indulge in more of your "stress relief," as you call it, while imagining what it would feel like to run your hands over the contours of my body? Or perhaps you have other, more daring ideas in mind?
Kagome found herself turned over on her back, a hand dragging down her body until she reached the covered sex between her legs. With each passing moment, the heat between her thighs intensified, aching to be touched.
Your letter had me seeking relief as well. Touching, stroking myself as I imagined exploring your body with my mouth, tongue, and fangs. I find myself doing things I never considered before when it comes to you.
Sesshoumaru's voice echoed in her mind, sending a jolt of electricity straight to her core. The thought of him touching himself, his hand exploring his own body as he imagined her, it was fueling her own desire.
Unable to resist the temptation any longer, Kagome's hand slipped past the fabric of her robes, her fingers finding the sensitive folds between her legs. With a gasp of pleasure, she began to touch herself, mirroring the sensations that Sesshoumaru described in his letter.
Tell me what else you desire, Kagome. I wish to know all of your darkest fantasies so that I may fulfill them for you.
With each word, the need grew more intense, building to a crescendo that threatened to overwhelm her. And as she reached the pinnacle of her climax, Kagome couldn't help but cry out, her release crashing over her in waves of pure, unadulterated bliss.
My chambers are yours to enjoy until my return.
I await your response.
Sesshoumaru.
The warm hues of the fading sunlight cast a soft glow across the room, illuminating Kagome's flushed cheeks and heaving chest as she lay sprawled across Sesshoumaru's bed. The lingering scent of sex hung heavy in the air, mingling with the musky undertones of leather and sandalwood that permeated the room.
As the last tendrils of pleasure began to fade, Kagome's senses slowly returned to her, and she shot up in realization. Her heart hammered in her chest as the gravity of her actions washed over her like a tidal wave. She had just masturbated—in Sesshoumaru's room, on his bed, to his words.
With a shaky breath, Kagome pushed herself off the bed, her legs feeling weak beneath her as she stood. She hurriedly straightened her clothes and smoothed her disheveled hair.
As she slipped out of the room and into the corridor beyond, Kagome was too distracted by her own embarrassment to notice the pair of blood red eyes watching her.