Kagome had thought it was best she bow out of any future court meetings, gladly relinquishing her place to InuKimi. Sesshoumaru's mother had practically purred at the opportunity, dragging a thoroughly disgruntled Inuyasha into the chaos with her. At the time, it felt like the perfect escape. Now, as she replayed the aftermath in her head, Kagome wasn't so sure.

Miroku and Sango had been positively gleeful when they heard the story of her court debut. Between gasping for air and wiping tears from their eyes, they teased her mercilessly. Kagome could barely get a word in to defend herself over their cackling.

Then, as if her stress level wasn't high enough, Kohaku arrived astride Kirara. The reunion had started out sweet, filled with hugs and fond reminiscing. But it turned sour faster than milk in the sun when Kohaku began trailing Rin like an infatuated puppy. Shippo, witnessing the blatant competition, was sulking in corners and shooting the slayer death glares from afar. Kagome found herself playing mediator between an oblivious Rin, a lovesick Kohaku, and an increasingly grumpy fox demon.

Rin herself was in a state. The sudden arrival of her court exam instructor had her sequestered in her study, gnawing her nails down to the quick as she furiously tried to prepare. Kagome pitied her but was also secretly thankful she no longer needed to add Rin to her list of people to manage—at least for now.

And then there was Shinobu, her newfound shadow. The bear demon had become a permanent fixture at her side that followed her everywhere she went. While Kagome appreciated his company and quiet conversation, his constant hovering was exhausting. She didn't know how to tell him that she occasionally liked breathing room without sounding rude.

Which was how she found herself in a quiet corner of the palace garden, finally stealing a moment of solitude. The dappled sunlight through the trees and the hum of cicadas provided a rare sense of peace. Kagome leaned back against the cool stone bench, sighing deeply.

That peace didn't last.

"May I join you?" came a rich, feminine voice behind her.

Kagome groaned, half tempted to ignore it. Turning her head slightly, she saw Lady Luanling standing there, a vision dressed in iridescent silk and her long snow white hair falling around her.

"Honestly? I'd rather be alone," Kagome admitted, too tired to sugarcoat her words.

Lady Luanling's pale, painted lips curved into a slight pout. "What kind of hostess refuses the company of her honored guest?"

The pointed question wasn't lost on Kagome. Huffing, she reluctantly sat up and gestured to the empty space beside her. "Fine. Sit."

Luanling moved with the fluid grace of her kind, settling on the bench with an elegance that made Kagome painfully aware of her own outfit—tights and an oversized T-shirt she'd own since high school. The phoenix demoness sparkled in the sunlight, her shimmering robes a kaleidoscope of shifting hues, while Kagome looked like a walking laundry pile.

"You seem… weary," Luanling commented, her sharp silver eyes observing Kagome.

"Weary is putting it lightly," Kagome muttered, leaning back again. "It feels like everyone needs something from me lately. I can't even catch my breath."

The phoenix tilted her head thoughtfully. "Ah, the weight of leadership. I would have thought you'd grown accustomed to such burdens, Shikon Priestess. But perhaps the court is… more than you bargained for?"

Kagome shot her a sharp look, her lips twitching with annoyance. "If you're here to lecture me, you can go."

But instead of a retort, Luanling chuckled softly, the sound almost like a songbird. "Lecture you? No. I came to offer advice, though whether you accept it is entirely your choice."

"And what advice is that?" Kagome asked skeptically.

"Learn to command your space, Kagome." Luanling's voice softened, her fan lowering to reveal her full, striking face. "You wield great power, but power is only as effective as the boundaries you enforce with it. Your enemies see kindness as weakness, and your allies see your willingness as infinite. Both will drain you dry if you let them."

The words hit home harder than Kagome expected. She glanced down at her hands, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, and frowned. "I never thought of it that way." She looked up at the sky and closed her eyes. "I want to be there for everyone… but you are right, I'm draining myself dry."

Luanling rose gracefully, her robes whispering against the stone. "Consider it, then. Even the most brilliant flame can burn out without care. And, Kagome… you are an extraordinary flame."

With that, the phoenix demoness swept away, leaving Kagome alone with her thoughts and the distant rustle of the garden's leaves. Maybe it was time to start setting more boundaries and not feel the need to please everyone.

"Stupid bird." She muttered and pulled her legs up to her chest and smiled.

By the fifth day of dragging out discussions about the fate of the Southern Lands, Sesshoumaru was teetering dangerously close to losing his cool. Each proposed plan felt more ludicrous than the last, and he was running out of ways to politely dismiss them without outright snarling. His true goal was simple: stall until Katsu and the dragon representatives arrived. But the tension in the room was thick, and his patience was wearing thin.

When the grand doors to the main hall finally slid open, Sesshoumaru very nearly groaned in relief. Katsu, accompanied by a small clutch of dragons, strode into the room. Their presence alone silenced much of the idle chatter.

"Why are they here?" Lord Haruto's accusatory tone cut through the quiet, his dark brows knitting together in disdain. He caught himself a beat too late, hastily adding, "With no leadership, they hold no authority and therefore have no place in this discussion."

Sesshoumaru's glare could have melted stone. "This One disagrees," he said and gestured for the dragons to approach the dais. "Have you selected a mouthpiece?"

From among the group, the albino dragon with gleaming ruby-red eyes stepped forward. His ivory scales shimmered faintly in the lantern light, even in his humanoid form, lending him an almost alien appearance. He bowed deeply before locking his gaze with Sesshoumaru's.

"I, Setsuto, will speak on behalf of those in the Southern Lands," he declared, his voice calm yet resonant.

Sesshoumaru gave a single, approving nod before turning his attention back to the gathered lords and ladies. "This One proposes allowing the South to decide amongst themselves. A vote will determine who is to govern the territory."

For a brief moment, the room was utterly silent, Sesshoumaru's words hanging heavy in the air. Then, all at once, it erupted into chaos. Outrage rippled through the assembly, shouts and growls rising from both the Eastern and Northern clans. Nobles who had spent the last few days scheming and politicking suddenly found their plans threatened, and they were not shy about voicing their displeasure.

"This is unprecedented!" one lord bellowed.

"A vote? Preposterous! It's a power vacuum waiting to happen!" another snapped, his voice practically foaming with indignation.

In the midst of the uproar, InuKimi, seated to Sesshoumaru's right, threw her head back and laughed. The melodic, almost theatrical sound echoed through the hall, thoroughly enjoying the chaos her son had unleashed. Meanwhile, Inuyasha, seated on the opposite side, groaned as he flattened his ears against his head and began grumbling to himself.