Chapter 16: The Gathering
Our time at the hotel was short-lived. I wish we had more time there, but once the sun had set. We had to get ready shortly after that. We'd left in the middle of the night. It was a bittersweet trip back to the well, because as much as I wanted to stay here with him. There was a piece of me that missed being there. I missed Rin, and everyone else. Besides I had responsibilities to get back to. I took a peek into the house but, my mother and grandpa were already asleep, and we didn't want to wake them. I quickly wrote them a goodbye note and stuck it to the fridge. We quietly made it into the well-house, back to the feudal era; back to our home, and back to our life.
I'd been able to sleep only for a few hours before the maids came to get me. Tonight was the night. The night of the 'Gathering'. Demon Lords and Demoness of high status would all gather; to see me. To see the human who was good enough to have caught the eye and heart of Lord Sesshomaru; Prince of the West. The preparations began at sunrise. The maids came and Sesshomaru had to leave the room. He was not allowed to be there for the preparation. It was another custom that I had learned about. They scrubbed and washed every inch of me. I couldn't say no, I tried. It was the first time they had been so stern with me. The process stretched painfully long throughout the day. They fed me small portions. It was enough so that I didn't pass out from hunger, but not enough to fill my stomach. I had to look "perfect" they'd said. Styling my hair took about four hours. It was more elaborate than anything they had done so far. My hair had been pulled back so tightly. It hurt to blink. They had decorated my hair with golden combs, with a red honeycomb pattern. That matched Sesshomru's. Three golden hair sticks stuck out of my bun on three sides. With red tassels that dangled from the ends. The maids were kind enough to take pity on me. Every few hours they allowed me a few minutes for a break. So that I could calm myself down, being wrapped in layer after layer felt constricting. Every time I breathed it felt like the clothes became tighter. It made sense why they didn't allow me to talk much. The sun was starting to set. The maids were almost finished with me. They added the finishing touches. They placed dainty pearl earrings in each earlobe and a string of pearls around my neck. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to escape the makeup tonight. They had put bright red rouge on my lips. A light pink blush sat on my cheeks. A single thin line of eyeliner. They'd put a strange mixture on my lashes to make them look fuller.
I was dressed similarly to how Sesshomaru usually was. It was a white Kimono with red honeycomb designs. A white fur shawl draped over my shoulders. With a white veil with red trim that covered my hair. Lastly, they slipped my feet into snug-fitting shoes, with upright curled tips. I had spent countless hours learning from Lady Amélie, for this exact moment. Still, no amount of lessons could have prepared me to walk in these ridiculously uncomfortable shoes. Other than that, I was prim and proper in every other way. Everyone was waiting for me in the great hall. They were waiting to scrutinize me was more like it. The second they saw that I was human. They would already doubt me. I would never be enough for them. Even though I was chosen by Sesshlmaru, It didn't mean anything to them. I took a glance in the mirror, before turning away and walking over to the door. The maids were waiting to escort me. They all smiled at me. Their eyes were bright. They were proud of the work they had done.
"You looked beautiful my lady," they said simultaneously.
I smiled. "Thank you."
I had to admit, I felt beautiful. Uncomfortable for the most part, but still I was beautiful nonetheless. I ran my fingers over the jewel tucked away under the layers of the Kimono. I silently hoped that tonight would go smoothly. I wanted to make a good impression for Sesshomaru's sake. I followed them into part of the palace that I had never been in before. We stopped at large oak doors that had golden knobs. I felt someone grab my hand. I looked up to see that it was Sesshomaru. His hand slipped around my wrist. He held it up, pulling something from his pocket. It was a ring. A golden band. He slid it on my finger. I noticed he had one on his finger too.
Is this what he'd spent the day doing? Did he really pay attention to that comment Eri made?
They didn't wear rings in feudal Japan. It wasn't a thing. So why would he make this for me... for us? He laced his fingers with mine and looked me in the eyes.
"You will be fine," he reassured.
The doors opened while we were looking at one another. I held eye contact for a few seconds longer before looking away. We turned our attention to them. As soon as we stepped in, the whispers started. No doubt they were talking about me being human. I could visibly see the look of disgust on some of their faces. Especially the demoness'. Others were curious, and others showed no emotion at all. They only watched us. We walked down the staircase hand in hand. I could practically feel their jealousy from here. It was stifling.
"Continue," Sesshomaru ordered.
On cue, they began to mingle. Music began to play on instruments I had never seen before. He kissed my knuckles, letting his lips linger for a few seconds. He held eye contact with me. The mark on my neck felt hot.
Was he doing this for them?
He let my hand fall, coming closer to me. He leaned down to my ear.
"I will be close, even if you do not see me. I am here. Do not bend to any of them." He whispered in my ear then disappeared.
The moment he stepped away the demoness wasted no time flocking to me.
"Well, look at Lord Sesshomaru's little human." one said.
Oh, I see. That's what he meant when he said, for me not bend to them. They were just the mean girls of this era. Is this what my lessons were supposed to prepare me for? I'd faced worse than this.
I lifted the veil, with a smile. "Lady of the West." I corrected her.
She clenched her jaw and cleared her throat. "You must be quite the woman if he has chosen you over countless demoness."
"Indeed. Or perhaps our Lord has singular tastes." another one chirped.
"Well of course. The Lady of the West cannot just be anyone. I wasn't aware so many others wanted my mate. He has never mentioned any of them. I assumed that must mean he never really gave them any real consideration. As far as his tastes are concerned. He only wants the best, and he has it."
I could see that she was getting frustrated. They all were. She was trying to find a way to put me down and it was not working. I've met middle schoolers in Tokyo who were meaner than she was. "I wonder how you managed to convince him to mate with you. Please, share your methods."
I smiled. "Convincing? Methods? No such thing was needed. Is that a tactic in your arsenal?" I asked sweetly.
Her face fell.
"No it is not," she said through clenched teeth.
"Anyhow, I didn't need to convince him of anything. It was he who asked me for my hand. Sesshomaru wanted me."
I could see the shock on all of their faces. It served them right for trying to pry into my business and pick a fight with me. I would wound their pride all night if that is what it took.
"He said I was the best choice to become his mate. I cannot help but wonder what subpar demoness' he has come across. To make him say such a thing." I said with a smile.
I could see the veins on her neck bulging out. She tried her best to regain her composure, and she was failing.
"You are just a human," she said
It was the only thing she could say. It wasn't even an insult, just a fact. It was sad really. She was trying so hard and failing.
"Yes, I am human. I am not only a human, I am the human who won Lord Sesshomaru's heart. The human who the rest of you lost to. I am the human who sleeps in his bed every night. The human who will bear his children, and help him lead the West. The human will turn your tongue to ash if you continue to use it to insult me again. I have been nice enough and that is more than you deserve. You need to remember where you are and why you are here. This gathering is for me. You are here to see me. You are of no importance. Your jealousy is wasted. I suggest you mind your manners before I get offended. If you offend me, you offend Lord Sesshomaru. Ultimately offending the West. Use your pretty little head to think before you speak next time. I would hate for you to lose it." I said calmly.
What I had said to her was the final nail in her coffin. She turned on her heels and stormed off. Her little group of lap dogs followed after her. I guess I would have to threaten a lot of people if I wanted to survive in this place. I could at least manage that much.
"Don't mind her. She's been in love with Sesshomaru since they were children. He has rejected her more times than anyone can count. She's a wounded dog, that's all."
I smiled. "Ayame!"
She smiled and hugged me.
"Hello, Kagome."
"It's nice to see you again after you abandoned me."
"I told you that I would. I had to save my hyde. Sesshomaru wouldn't do anything to you, but to me is a different story. I kidnapped his precious mate and he let me off with a warning. I took it and ran." she said in defense. "Besides, my father chewed me out once I returned home. I had dealt with enough."
I sighed. "Fair enough, but I'm tired of women not liking me for petty reasons," I admitted.
"I didn't like you. It was for a petty reason. For that, I apologize, but I am a wolf. We are a territorial species. However, these women are just being nasty. They want the power and the status. They could not care less about the man. Or the woman that stands between them. You're just an obstacle to them."
In that case, I will be the biggest obstacle they've ever seen.
"How does that puppy you traveled with feel about all of this?" she asked suddenly.
"His feelings don't matter anymore. They haven't for a while." I said plainly.
"Ah yes. There's only one man's feelings you care about now." she teased.
She grinned at me, hooking her arm in mine. "You're different from the last time I saw you. You're tougher; meaner. I like it. If you keep it up maybe you can be just as frightening as the previous lady of the west."
"The previous Lady of the West? You mean Sesshomaru's mother?"
She nodded. "The very one. The picture of perfection that one."
"Where is she? Is she here?"
"Here? She would never step foot in this place again."
"Why? What-"
A man approached us and I stopped talking.
He bowed to us both. "Lady Ayame. Lady of the West," he said with a smile.
I was annoyed. I needed to hear what Ayame knew.
He was a handsome man. Blonde hair, blue eyes. He looked like the kind of man I'd see in a magazine. His ears were pointed. That's when I remembered where I had seen his face. There was a portrait of him in the book I'd read. He Akio Lord of the East. He seemed to be about as tall as Sesshomaru. His clothes were all white with blue trim. There was a single sword strapped to his side.
"My Lady," he said, holding his hand out to me.
Even though I did not want to, I had to take his hand. It would be considered rude if I didn't. I put my hand in his. He placed a quick kiss on the back of my hand. I know this is how they did things here. Still, I didn't like another man's lips on me.
"I am the Lord of the East, my Lady. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
I caught myself before I nodded. I could hear her voice in the back of my head.
"That is not lady-like."
I gave him a small smile. "It is nice to meet you as well Lord Akio," I said, remembering not to be too casual.
"Excuse me, but may I borrow her Lady Ayame?"
She nodded. "I will find you later," she shot me a smile and walked away.
"Would you do me the honor, of giving me this dance my lady?"
According to customs, I could not refuse. That too would be considered disrespectful. A servant removed my fur and the veil. I took his hand, and he led me to the floor.
I hoped the dance lessons I took were going to pay off. They had better with the amount of hours I had spent practicing. We swayed to the sound of the music. It was quite boring. I found myself trying to find Sesshomaru in the room.
"You look incredibly beautiful tonight my Lady; ravishing. I can not help but admire you. The rumors do not do your beauty justice." he said.
He was laying his suave act on a little thick. Was this actually how he was? Or was he doing this because of me?
I tried to hide my nervous laughter.
"Thank you."
"I truly mean it, My Lady. You are stunning. More than most demoness in this room."
I didn't like the look in his eyes. It made my skin crawl. I wanted this dance to be over.
"Thank you, Lord Akio. However, you have already mentioned that."
"Lord Sesshomaru should count himself lucky to have such a beautiful mate."
"Thank you for your flattery. I agree, he is very lucky."
He was boldly flirting with me, and it was starting to get on my nerves.
"I do not mean to pry, but how did you and Lord Sesshomaru meet?"
It should be a simple enough conversation.
"We met many years ago. We didn't get close until recently." I said vaguely.
He smiled. He had a look in his eyes that made me uncomfortable.
"I am surprised Lord Sesshomaru took a mate. We all are."
"You seemed to be very interested in Sesshomaru. Would you perhaps like to dance with him instead?"
He chuckled. "You are capable of jesting as well."
Were the women not funny here?
"You are a surprising woman my Lady. However, I must admit. I am curious about you. One day you were not here and then suddenly you were. You are very mysterious. Everyone is wondering about you."
"Perhaps they should come and speak to me. Since they have so many questions. I would be happy to answer any question."
"You are strong."
"The Lady of the West must be strong," I said plainly.
The dance lasted longer than I wanted it to.
"My Lady, can I tell you a secret?"
"Of course," I said pretending to be interested.
Even though I could not care less.
"Since I was young. I have always tried to compete with Lord Seshomaru in everything. He has always been the golden standard. He excelled in fighting. He showed promise as a great leader. He was also very popular among the women. There was nothing he was not capable of. It made me and many others jealous." he admitted.
To anyone not really paying attention, you'd think he was just praising Sesshomaru. To me, it sounded more like some hidden jealousy.
"That's understandable. He is great." I said matter of fact.
Lord Akio smiled, but this one was different. It was forced.
"Yes. That he is."
I hadn't been here that long and I was over it. I was tired of talking like I came from the 17th century. While I was lost in my thoughts, I felt his hand get closer to the small of my back. Before I could react, he pulled me closer pressing up against me. His fingers grazed my ass, while the other gripped my wrist so I could not move. He leaned in towards me and inhaled deeply.
"He is a lucky man indeed. I am jealous more now than ever." He said huskily, his hand fully cupping my behind.
I grabbed both his hands, burning his wrists with holy energy.
"DO NOT TOUCH ME!" I screamed.
He dropped to the ground writhing in pain, as he held his charred wrists against his chest. I could see everyone circling me. The music had stopped and everyone was dead silent. I felt my stomach in a knot. I had done the one thing I wasn't supposed to. I had caused a scene. I could see the crowd of people being parted. It was Sesshomaru pushing through everyone. He rushed to my side. He held my chin between his fingers, making me look at him. I blinked my tears away. I would not let them see me cry. I would not let them see me being weak.
"What has he done?" he asked angrily.
I whispered into his ear what Akio had done. I could see the red flood into his eyes.
"BOTAN COME!" He ordered.
The guard came running forward.
"Take his hands!" Sesshomaru ordered.
"MY HANDS!? ARE YOU MAD!? ALL THIS FOR SOME WOMAN!?"
Botan acted without a second thought and severed each hand swiftly and simultaneously. The crowd made no noise in reacting to what had happened. As if they were used to seeing this kind of violence. Akio screamed in pain, laying in his that blood began to pool around him.
"Let this be a lesson to anyone who dares to even think of insulting my mate in any way. Botan, make sure to throw this garbage outside. THE REST OF YOU LEAVE. NOW! "
They took no time scattering. Botan dragged him away, leaving a trail of blood behind. The servants took no time cleaning it up. He held me close to him while everyone quickly left. We were the only ones left in the room. He stroked my hair.
"Are you alright?
I nodded. "Yes, I'm just a little shaken is all."
"He did not expect you to do anything about his lechery because you are human."
He sounded calm, but he had this look in his eyes. He was furious. The mark on my neck tingled, and for a moment there it was. This white-hot rage, but it was gone in a split second.
"They look down on me because I am human."
I could feel my eyes starting to gloss over.
"Do not waste your tears on them," he said. "You are not weak. Remember that, and just as you did not bend to them earlier, do not bend to him now. Come."
He took me by the hand leading me out of the grand hall and back to our bedroom. It was dark, and I was grateful it was. I did not want to be seen right now. I held back my tears, but I did not know how long it would last. He started to remove his armor, leaving only his hakama on. Sex was the last thing on my mind right now. I was in no mood to perform my wifely duties He removed my shoes, earrings, and the outer layers of my kimono and pulled me to the bed. He did not touch me in that way, nor did he kiss me. He only held me close.
"Just this once." He'd said.
"What?" I asked, my voice trembling.
"Cry just this once."
I buried my face into this chest and just cried, and he said nothing, and I was grateful.