Chapter 4: It is decided

I took a step back from him. I looked at him as if he had lost his mind because he must have. To be asking me of all people; for something like that.

"A wife?" I repeated.

He straightened up. "Yes, a wife. That is what I need."

"What good will a dead wife do for you Sesshomaru?"

"If you become my wife. As you humans call it. I will be able to save you. That is the only way."

I could feel the hope in me growing. I wanted to live, but marrying Sesshomaru? Was this really the way?

"You need a mate."

"Hn."

"Exactly, how would mating you save me?"

"If we were to mate, your soul would be linked to mine. Therefore the dead Miko would not be able to take it from you. Despite the deal, you two may have agreed to. You cannot take what is attached to something else."

My eyes widened. "A loophole?"

"Indeed."

"Why now? Why do you need a mate?"

"There is a demon world. A world that you and your companions are unaware of. Not of the lower-level demons you have faced. Demons like myself. A higher society, where things such as a council exist. There are correct ways for things to be done. I should have taken a mate many years ago. They have given me a very long grace period. Now, they will wait no longer. They have tried to throw their daughters into my bed in more ways than one."

"Why me?"

"I am familiar with you. Rin is very fond of you, and you are not weak. I would not have asked this of you if you did not show yourself before me."

A marriage of convenience?

"If I were to agree to this. You would have to help us in the battle with Naraku." I said, pushing my luck.

"Hn. That is a given. If you were to die during the battle. It would have all been for nothing. I do not need a dead mate."

I exhaled deeply. "I see."

He took another step toward me. I backed away, but he still came toward me. Until my back was pressed against the door.

"So, do you agree Miko?"

He held out his hand to me. I looked at it. What choice did I have? I had already made the worst deal possible. This one could not be much worse. I took his hand and shook it. Before I could pull away he held onto my wrist.

"Once this is done Miko, there is no going back. Mating is for life."

I took a deep breath.

"I understand."

He released me, backing away. "I will send word to your friends. As well some of my best men will be stationed by the village. You will be spending the night. It will take place tomorrow." he said returning to his desk.

"What will take place tomorrow?"

He met my eyes. "The mating."

My eyes went wide. I did not think that it would have to happen so soon. I guess it made sense. There was no time to waste.

"Do not worry Miko. Your innocence is none of my concern. I do not look down on you because of it."

"That is not it," I said quietly.

"Then whatever is the matter?"

"I have never…" I trailed off.

For a moment he seemed surprised.

"You are untouched," he said in disbelief.

I nodded, looking at the ground.

"I see."

The silence was awkward. I heard a bell ring. I looked up, seeing him holding one in his hand. Before I could speak the door slid open behind me. I moved out of the way. She seemed to be a servant.

"Show her to the room at the end of the hall."

"Yes Lord Sesshomaru."

I grabbed my pack and followed after her, closing the door behind me. Relieved that I Could finally breathe again. This was not the deal I had come to make, but it was a deal nonetheless. One that was going to keep me alive. At least the price was nothing compared to what Kikyo had asked for. We stayed on the same floor, reaching the room in a matter of moments. She slid open the door and I gasped. I had never seen a guest room so lavish. The floor and walls were dark oak. The furniture is the color of Hickory. I had never expected to see a real bed in the feudal era. I went to step forward, but the servant stopped me.

"I am sorry my lady, but you must bathe," she said, gesturing to another pair of doors in the room.

I looked down at my feet, seeing just how dirty they were. I had been barefoot all this time after all. I nodded, avoiding the carpet. I slid open the door. I stepped in, placing my pack by the door. I wasn't expecting there to be a tub, much less one made of porcelain. Or at least that's what it seemed to be made of.

"Please wait here, my lady."

She returned moments later, as did other servants. They carried steaming basins filled with water. They each dumped a basin until the tub was full. They bowed and left. I grabbed my body wash from my pack and mixed it in with the water until some bubbles formed. I slipped out of my nightgown. Using some water to wash off my feet; it was technically the only dirty thing on my body right now. I slipped into the tub, letting out a sigh of relief as the water enveloped me. So much has happened in the last couple of days. I had to take a moment to breathe. I couldn't back out now, even If I wanted to. It was either this or die. I dipped my head back, soaking my hair. I relaxed, realizing the tub was almost three items my size. I heard shuffling coming from the room. The bathroom door slid open, and I quickly pulled my knees to my chest, trying to sink deeper under the water.

He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "I shall ask you this one last time. Are you positive about our agreement? This is the only moment that I will allow you to back out."

"I will not be backing out Sesshomaru."

He came over to the tub, stooping down beside it. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing the markings on his forearms. He took my chin between his fingers, making me look at him. He leaned in closer, touching his nose to mine. His lips hovered just above mine. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I'm sure he could hear it too.

"It is settled then," he said lingering a while.

He pulled away, fixing his sleeve. "I will wait for you, there are some things we must discuss." he left, closing the door behind him.

I washed quickly. I looked around for clothes, but there was only a single silk robe. I slipped it on. It clung to my wet body.

"Jesus, I might as well be naked," I mumbled.

I sighed sliding open the doors. I crossed my arms over my breasts and hoped for the best. He turned around to see how I was dressed. He cleared his throat.

"The servants were to bring these to you. I took them instead. Come."

I went over to him, he draped a towel over my shoulders. Using another to dry my hair. It was strange, this kind of behavior from him. It was… kind. I wasn't used to him behaving this way.

"Why are you doing this?"

"It is something you must get used to." He said. "We have not yet mated, but the deal is set. You are mine. I take care of my own."

"I see," I mumbled.

I was too calm right now. I guess the shock hadn't set in yet. Or maybe I'm relieved that I won't die.

He took the towels from me, setting them aside. He pulled a dress from the basket.

"Rin has taken up sowing. She has made countless frocks such as this one."

I reached out and touched it. "It looks like one I used to wear."

"Hn. You are who she got her inspiration from for these things ."

He handed it to me, turning around. I quickly changed into it. He faced me once again.

"What did you need to speak to me about?"

"I apologize."

I blinked. I wasn't sure if I had heard him correctly.

"You? Sorry? Whatever for?" I asked in disbelief.

"I tried to kill you the first time we met. I feel as though we should get trivial things, such as this out of the way. If there is anything you wish to say to me. Please do so now."

I sighed. "Fine. I think you are an ass. You're a jerk who has always picked fights with Inuyasha to try and kill him more times than I can count. Your hatred of humans is sad and unnecessary. You're emotionless for the most part. You have a lot of unresolved issues."

He quirked a brow. "Is that all?"

I folded my arms. "Well, for now, yes. Nothing else comes to mind."

"My distaste towards humans has dissipated over the years, as I am sure you have seen. As far as my emotions go, I am a man of action. Even if I seem unfeeling, I am not. Those encounters with the half breed, I will not apologize for them, they are in the past. I am not the same demon from all those years ago."

"Is there anything else Miko?"

"Yes, one more thing. My name is Kagome, not Miko. Ka-Go-Me, and do not call me yours. I am not property."

He stepped closer to me, closing the distance between us. He bent down, looking me in the eyes. "I will say this as many times as I need to. Kagome. You are mine and I am yours. That is the deal that we have made."

I bit the inside of my cheek, unsure of what to say.

He walked over to the door. He gave one final look over his shoulder. "I will see you tomorrow night. Kagome."