Chapter 11: The real lessons begin

I woke up late this morning, because of Sesshomaru and I's continuous escapades. In the study last night. If it had been just once. I would have been fine, but I'd stopped counting after three. The maids tried their best to wake me up, but I gave them a fight. They had no choice but to listen to me. When I told them to I needed extra time. I would have to apologize for being a jerk later. Besides, I couldn't wake up even if I wanted to, and I didn't want to. My body would not let me. When they finally managed to get me up, I was moving so slowly. When I was bathing, eating, and getting dressed. Now I was the one who was two hours late. We had to move our lessons to the library. The study was... a bit of a mess. I walked into the library almost three hours late. Lady Amélie turned to me with a smile and bowed.

"Good morning Lady Kagome."

"Good morning Lady Amélie," I said a bit sluggish.

She had a seat at the middle table and I joined her.

"If I may my Lady. I attempted to go to the study this morning. However, the maids informed me it was not available. Would our change of rooms, have anything to do with why you are so tired?"

I'd been caught. She had a way of saying things, without actually saying them.

I gave her a small smile. "I have no idea what you mean. However, I do apologize for being late. It was a slow morning."

She smiled and nodded. "Mmm. I see. Lord Sesshomaru will have children very soon how lovely." she teased.

I could feel my face getting hot. I cleared my throat. "Should we begin with the lessons?"

She nodded. "Of course. Do you have the books with you?"

"Unfortunately no. They are in the..." I said trailing off.

She smiled. "In the study?"

I nodded.

"That is quite all right. We can start with a conversation. Before moving forward, what I require is the truth. However, before we get to that. Is there anything you would like to know about me? It is only fair."

"Not at this moment no. Sesshomaru and I spoke about you briefly."

She smiled. "Alright then."

I exhaled. "What would you like to know Lady Amélie?"

"First, I would like to know you will be truthful. I assure you that you can trust me."

"If Sesshomaru trusts you, then so do I."

She smiled. "Please, tell me where are you from."

"Japan, but... I am from Japan five hundred years in the future."

She was surprised by what I'd said, but then again who wouldn't be?

"I know that it sounds strange, but I am being truthful."

"I do not think you are being deceitful my lady. This is a very magical land. Stranger things have happened here. It is just a shocking statement to hear. It certainly would explain why you behave the way you do. How did you end up here?"

"There was a well-house on my family's property. I was looking for my pet when I went inside. I was pulled into the well. By a demon called Mistress Centipede."

"Oh my, that is a name I have not heard in quite some time."

"You know about her?"

She nodded. "Before she died. Mistress Centipede was a troublesome little thing. She wreaked havoc wherever she went. However, one day many years ago, she disappeared. Now, it seems I know why. How did you survive on your own?"

"I wasn't on my own. When I first came here I had run into Inuyasha. Along the way we met our other friends, and started traveling together."

"Sesshoamrus younger brother?"

"You know about him?" I asked shocked.

She laughed. "I am quite old my Lady. I know many things."

"You do not seem that old."

"My Lady I am two hundred and ninety-seven years old."

I almost fell out of my seat.

"What, how!?"

She smiled. "Ladies do not yell, in such a manner."

"Noted," I said touching my temple. "But how are you still alive? You're human."

"I am, but I married and mated a man. A nobleman on these lands to be exact. He is a demon."

I was confused. "I don't understand."

"Has Lord Sesshomaru yet to explain this to you?"

"Explained what?"

"My Lady, when you are a human and mate with a demon, your life spans intertwine. Mating with him has lengthened your lifespan. You will live quite a long time," she explained.

That meant I would outlive my friends. However, I would live long enough to see my family again. It was a double-edged sword.

"If you started traveling with the younger Taisho son. How did you come across Lord Sesshomaru?"

I remembered him trying to kill me the first time we met. I'll touch on that at another time. I thought it would be best to skip ahead.

"Have you heard the name Naraku?"

She nodded. "All of Japan has heard that name at one point or another."

"Inuyasha and I had been fighting him since I arrived here in this period. No matter how hard we tried to defeat him. He kept getting stronger. I came to a realization. The people we had fighting on our side were not enough. I made a deal. One that was dangerous enough to cost me my life. I came to Seesshomaru in order to save my life. The only way to do that; was to mate with him. I needed my life, and help defeating Naraku. In return, he needed a wife."

"A marriage of convenience," she said.

I nodded.

"Has it continued that way?"

I balled up my fists in my lap. "What do you mean?"

"Please allow me to speak plainly. Has it become more? For you, or our Lord. You two seem to be fond of one another physically. If he has gone out of his way to ask me to be your teacher. He must care for you."

I didn't need this kind of false hope right now.

"He is only doing what is his responsibility. That's all." I said curtly.

"I see. Forgive me for prying. I've heard enough. Please, let us truly begin."

Four grueling hours. That is how long the lesson took. Four hours of learning how to sit, eat, and customs. I had to learn how to not offend any of the other families. Plus how to not take crap from women. I thought balancing books on your head, to learn how to sit was only a thing in fiction. That is until she stacked three thick books on my head and told me to walk. My back, neck, and behind hurt. How much more of this was I going to have to go through? I still had to finish reading the rest of the books. I trudged out to the courtyard. I needed some fresh air. I wanted to throw myself into the grass and sprawl out, but I stopped myself. I could hear her voice in the back of my head. Ladies do not do this. Ladies do not do that. I sighed and just stood there enjoying the breeze. I could at least enjoy this much.

"Why so glum?"

I knew that voice.

I smiled. "Ayame!" I said hugging her.

Ever since I promised her I wanted nothing to do with Kouga romantically. We became good friends. It took almost ten years, but it worked out for the best.

She smiled, hugging me back.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"My father was going to have some documents delivered. I offered to do it. I'd heard Sesshomaru had gone and gotten himself a mate. I couldn't believe it and decided to see for myself. I was too impatient to wait for the gathering, and judging by the way you're dressed. I can see that it is you. The western colors scream Lady of the West. I never thought I would have seen the day. I also needed an excuse to get out. This was all a happy accident." she explained.

"I could use a little freedom. I desperately need to get out of here for a bit." I admitted.

She sniffed me and smiled. "Are you sure you want to leave? It smells like you and your mate are getting along just fine." She teased.

I felt my face get hot. "What!? You can smell that? I've bathed more than once."

"Any demon can smell that, he has marked you in more ways than one. There is no need to feel embarrassed. It's what a mate should do. It lets others know you're taken. You know, to stay away from you. By the looks of your blush. Him marking you is more than welcomed." she said winking at me.

I flicked her arm. "Stop teasing me, and yes I would like some time away from the palace. These governess lessons are taking a toll on me. It's only been one day."

She laughed. "I remembered those days. A real thorn in my side. Still, if you're serious about taking a break. Then let me take you somewhere."

"Where would we even go?"

She looked at me as if I was crazy. "What do you mean? We're in the Western lands. There is nothing but things to do here. Don't you know that?"

I shook my head.

"I can't believe you're the Lady of a land and have never seen it. Well, that changes tonight."

"Where are you going to take me?"

She leaned in close. "The red light district. Also known as the sleepless town," she whispered in my ear.

I wasn't sure what this one would look like, but I knew enough about redlight districts. I had been to the one in Tokyo, but I was curious about what this one would look like.

I grinned. "When do we leave?"

"It's a little while away from the palace, but if we leave soon we could get there by nightfall."

"Great let's go."

"Kagome you can't go dressed like that. You'll draw attention to us. The smell on you is crazy enough, but if you go out dressed in traditional Western garb and colors. You'll give yourself away. Someone will probably alert the palace. Next thing you know, the guards will be taking you back."

"Okay, so what do I do?"

She held up a pack. "I have extra clothes. We can sneak out in them. We need a place to change."

"Follow me," I said standing up.

I grabbed her hand and led her back to my bedroom.

"Sesshomaru is off patrolling somewhere. He leaves early in the morning. He won't be back until later. So that gives us some time, to put space between us and the palace."

"What about the guards?" she asked.

"We will have to go through the window. We can't exactly walk out through the courtyard."

"If we get caught, I'm leaving you with Sesshomaru." She joked.

We quickly undressed and slipped into the close she had brought. They weren't commoners clothes. They were nice enough to go out in. I

"Why do I get the sense you have done this before?" I asked.

She just looked at me and smiled.

She has definitely done this before.

I hid our clothes in the wardrobe and grabbed a more comfortable change of shoes. I got rid of the extra jewelry and left only the pearl earrings. I pulled a thousand pins from my hair, letting it fall. Ayame went over to the window and climbed out first. She yanked me right out after her. I forget that she is a demon and can toss me around as she pleases. She threw me over her shoulder.

"Brace yourself for impact," she warned.

She jumped from the top of the palace and aimed for the trees. I would not have been prepared. If I didn't spend the last decade, being thrown around by Inuyasha. She jumped from branch to branch until we hit the ground.

"Come on," she said. "Climb onto my back."

I slid off her shoulder and hopped on her back. She wasted no time speeding off. My hair whipped all around me. I smiled so hard my face hurt. I felt so free. I felt like I did before I came to the palace. There were no guards, no maids. It felt nice not being watched for once. No responsibilities. For tonight, I would be a girl in her twenties, who just wanted to have fun.

Ayame had been running for about two hours, before reaching the redlight district. She set me down by the trees. We fixed ourselves, before heading over to the large black arch. It was covered with red spider lilies. She smiled at me and pulled me along. My eyes went wide. It was beautiful. The traditional Japanese building. They were red with black roofs and accents with specks of what looked like gold. The streets were large and made of dark gray brick. A small river sat in the middle, where I could see boats passing through. Paper lanterns were everywhere. There was not a single corner that wasn't lit. People were in the streets. There were stores, shops... even brothels. I'm sure some of these places were meant to be nightclubs but just went by a different name. Ayame turned around and stopped me in my tracks.

"So, what do you want to do first?" She asked excitedly.

Before I could say anything, my stomach growled.

She smiled. "I guess that answers my question. Come on, this place serves some good food."

I followed down the street into what looked like a restaurant. She just walked in and sat down.

"Don't we need someone to give us a table?"

She shook her head. "Not in a place like this you don't. All we have to do is wait a bit, and someone will come to us."

I nodded. "Got it."

I looked around the place. It was stylish. Places like this in the feudal era were made from quality wood. As well as all the furniture in it. Certain areas of the restaurant were a little more upscale. For the customers who you could tell, had enough money to spend. A VIP area if you will. Like the demon who sat in the far right corner. He had beautiful women hanging on both arms. I was surprised to see demons and humans mingled together. They even had live music playing. Ayame was right eventually someone did come over to us; a young woman.

She bowed. "What can I get for you both."

Ayame grinned. "You can bring us one of everything on the. You can bring it out as it's ready. There is no need to deliver everything all at once. As for drinks, one gourd of water, and one of gin. Please and thank you."

The woman smiled, bowed, and walked away.

"Ayame what happened to not drawing attention to ourselves?"

"We are. That's why we look like this. However, I refused to eat poorly."

I laughed. "You are absolutely ridiculous."

"You love it." she winked.

About thirty minutes later the food started coming out, along with the gourd of drinks. I thought the food would be a lot, but I'd forgotten portion sizes were different here than in my time. I wasted no time eating while Ayame poured us drinks. The food was good. It was no palace food, but it would get the job done. I took a sip out of my cup and realized it was water.

I looked over at her. "Water?"

"I've already snuck you out. When I get you back and if you're drunk. Sesshomaru will kill me."

"Oh come on, he won't."

She laughed. "Fine if you say so," she said pouring me a cup.

I took a swig, and it burned going down. It was a good burn. I couldn't remember the last time I had some quality alcohol. We ate, drank, and chatted. Stacking our plates as we finished eating. I ran my fingers through my hair. I was on my third cup of gin. Luckily for me, I could hold my liquor. Ayame, who was babysitting her second cup was having a hard time. I could see her slightly rocking from side to side. I took it away from her.

"Hey! Give that back."

I laughed. "Definitely not. You've had enough, and you're my ride home. I can't have you too drunk." I joked.

She put her hands up. "Okay, okay fair enough. So," she rested her chin on her hand. "Has Sesshomaru told you he's madly in love with you yet?"

I laughed out loud. "Ayame what in the world are you talking about? Why would he do that?"

"I mean think about it. Why would he have married you? You're a human. He could have had his pick of anyone he wanted, but he chose you. The smart thing for him to do would have been to marry a powerful demoness. The man has you watched day in and day out. I know you can't smell it, but how he has marked you is ridiculous. It screams I want the world to know who you belong to. Also, please bear my children. That is what his behavior says to me."

I took another gulp. "You really are drunk. He's just doing his responsibility is all," I said softly. "Nothing more nothing less. I promise that you're reading into things. I'm just a regular person. That's probably why he chose me."

This is just a marriage of convenience, but I couldn't tell her that. That is two times I was given false hope today. I would need that to stop.

"Regular? Kagome, there is nothing regular about you. You're a powerful priestess. You basically led the fight to defeating Naraku. After you had already been fighting him for about a decade. You're kind and sweet, even when I was terrible to you. Men easily fall for you. So you shouldn't sell yourself short Kagome. I mean if I was a guy I'd go for you too, and I'm sure there have been men before that. It'd make total sense that Sesshomaru would fall for you. If you can't see it. Either you're in denial. He's in denial. Or the both of you are."

I laughed. "You're definitely drunk."

She grinned. "I could be worse."

Someone came and sat down at our table. It was the demon who was with all the women. I peered over his shoulder. i could see the women glaring at me from the table. No doubt they thought I had stolen their big catch. He was smiling at me. Ayame and I just stared at him.

"May we help you?" I asked him.

He smiled. "My name is Yu-yoh. It is a pleasure to meet such beautiful women. You, especially." he said gesturing to me.

"I'm sorry, but do you need something?"

"I couldn't help but notice how beautiful you are. Truthfully you caught my eye the moment you walked into the establishment. I can tell you are no common woman. No with the way you carry yourself. I also love a woman who can hold her alcohol." he said, pointing to my empty cup.

Damn, the governess lessons. They were not supposed to come in handy in this way. I noticed Ayame was watching him just as closely as I was. She was drunk, but she was alert.

"That you, but I am not interested. I am ma-"

"Mated?" He said cutting me off. "I am aware. I can smell it on you. Your mate has marked you in a very intense way. It makes me curious. How amazing of a woman are you, to be claimed so fiercely. However, that will not make me quit. I have a habit of getting what I want. Especially things that people want more. What family are you from? I would like to extend an offer for your hand, tonight."

I looked at him like he was mad. Ayame was trying not to laugh. No doubt because he had no idea what he was doing.

I smiled. "I assure you. I will never leave my mate. Mating is for life, which I'm sure you're aware of."

"Not if the other party is dead," he said with a smile.

I was starting to lose my patience.

"Extend your offer to one of the many women at your table." I snapped.

His smile fell.

"I do not take rejection well. You can come willingly, or I can make you," he said trying to grab my wrist.

The moment his fingers had grazed my skin. I had shocked him with holy energy. He quickly snatched his hands away and looked at his burnt fingertips. He looked at me with wide eyes and a fang-baring grin.

"A priestess? I want you even more now! You will be mine. No, you are mine!"

"Whom are you calling yours?"

I looked behind him.

Crap.