"I thought you weren't supposed to talk about newborns," Kagome said, adjusting the infant on her chest. The little devil had been hell while she was pregnant, coming out with her father's markings, but blue eyes had peeked at her through long, dark lashes, and Kagome knew the only person to hold more of her heart was Sesshoumaru.

"Many rules have been broken since you stepped over the threshold between the human and fae world, mate," he replied, laying a kiss on the top of his daughter's fuzz-covered head. "I will not punish them for wishing my kin prosperity."

"Meaning as long as it benefits you, rules don't mean shit."

He feigned outrage. "I have adhered to the rules of the fae court for centuries. They are the building blocks on which the castle resides."

Kagome rolled her eyes, holding onto Mizuki long enough to sit further up in bed. She was almost three months old, but her favourite place to sleep was on the chest of one of her parents. Kagome was more comfortable, but she was more in tune with her fae side, so his power was more soothing.

She nuzzled the girl's forehead, knowing she would be a terror to anyone who crossed her as soon as she could walk, secretly hoping she was delayed in that aspect to give them more time to prepare.

Considering she'd held her head up after only a week, it wasn't likely.

"What did Jinenji say?" Kagome asked, gazing out the window as Sesshoumaru sat down on the bed beside her.

"That she is in full health," he replied. "He requests that we do not travel great lengths until you have healed fully, though."

She blinked in confusion, meeting his gaze. "Are we going somewhere?"

A frown marred the king's brow, and he stroked Mizuki's back. "My predecessor appointed me not long after his princess was born," he replied. "I aim to do the same."

"What?" Kagome hissed, yanking on his hair. "Are you nuts? Why would we leave?"

It was Sesshouamru's turn to be confused, at a loss for words as he tried to remember the logic behind his decision. "I thought to ease the burden of motherhood."

Kagome's snort ruffled his daughter's curls, causing her to stir, tiny hands reaching for Sesshoumaru's finger. "You forget, Your Majesty, the queen has just as much power in the fae court. I don't plan on going anywhere." She intertwined their fingers together. "Are you wanting to leave?" she asked, voice lowering.

He thought about it—she could see the cogs turning in his head as he stared at their child—but eventually leaned forward, kissing her deeply. Kagome hummed in pleasure, fingers tightening around his. "No."

"Good," she said, licking her lips. "I'd hate to have to incite a coup and usurp your throne."

"You would, too."

She flashed him a blinding smile. "And don't you forget it." He settled down beside her, content to watch their child sleep. Kagome's head eventually dipped, resting on his shoulder as she succumbed to slumber as well, and Sesshoumaru couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips.

Kagome was a hailstorm in her own right, cleansing any lasting infection from his brother's hostile takeover. She hadn't required the aid of his youki, and Meikyuu had breathed easier after the final waves of her power had washed away the remaining thorns. She'd already escaped death—on more than one occasion—yet she saw no issues with putting herself in harm's way for those around her to thrive.

And thrive they had.

There had been no lasting repercussions from the unfulfilled wishes. They'd eventually figured out that the reason he'd kept searching for her each time her doppelganger showed up was due to Byakuya's interference with his sleep after each 'victory'. His memories of his interactions had been carefully carved from his mind, leaving him to search for her another day. He'd been meticulously denied the closure of finally defeating her, leaving him to use the full extent of his power every time she reappeared.

His extensive training to feel the ebb and flow of Meikyuu's power had meant nothing when it came to her. She'd shown up when he'd been at his most powerful—his most arrogant—and she'd completely unravelled everything he'd worked for, continuing to rub it in his face every chance she got.

Chuckling softly, his pelt materialized around her shoulders, curling around her body until it covered Mizuki as well. She'd been a risk, but as she'd put it, he was the only one she took risks around, so why shouldn't he do the same with her? The previous king had uprooted his legacy, handing it over to Sesshoumaru as a means of securing his family's safety. Sesshoumaru hadn't thought anything of it at the time, focusing instead on ensuring no one questioned the decision.

He now understood the former king's reasoning, but he'd also like to see who would be foolish enough to go up against Kagome at the height of her power. As overbearing as he was, Kagome resonated warmth and healing, creatures of all kinds seeking solace in her embrace. If there were ever an uprising, she would have an entire army at her beckoned call.

There was a tap at the door, and with a sigh, Sesshoumaru extracted himself from his mate to answer the summons. Shippou poked his head into the room, eyes searching. He'd grown a head taller and secured another tail since their dealings with Byakuya. If Sesshoumaru wasn't careful, he'd end up being shorter than the kit.

"How's she doing?" he whispered, noting their sleeping forms.

"Resting."

The kit stepped backward, then motioned to the hallway. "There's been a wish."

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, silently closing the door behind him. "A real one?"

Shippou nodded. "It's a boy. Showed up by a stream. I think he was in the middle of a swimming lesson or something." They walked side by side as he filled him on the boy's condition, the pull of his brother's regret leading him toward the western gate.

"Fill Jaken in. And have Jinenji look him over to ensure he has no lasting injuries." Shippou gave him a mock salute and disappeared in a puff of green smoke, the shadow of his grin dissipating in the morning sun. Sesshoumaru took a deep breath, pupils narrowing as the thrill of the hunt ignited under his skin.

Today was a new day.