InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A lifetime of Illusion ❯ Chapter four ( Chapter 4 )

 

My dear child, he is starving can you not see. He is starving for you to give him what a wife should… what a mate should.

 

He does not need your body, nor does he value heirs as much as he leads you to believe. He chose you the moment he set eyes on your changed form for the simple reason that he trusted you… implicitly. You have never lied to him; you have never backed down from your word. To him, even when he hated you and wished to kill you, there was no other being he would trust more.

 

My dear one, heartbreaks lasts as long as you want and cut as deep as you allow them to.

 

 

Inuyasha stifled a gasp as she woke up but that instinctive asking still disturbed her mate's slumber and the Daiyoukai tightened his arm around her before growling in warning. She was not to move for his embrace until he permitted it.

 

She wouldn't have imagined herself in a similar situation if she tried. Inuyasha found it impossible to contain the smile that was threatening to grace her lips. There was a strange sort of satisfaction watching her husband sleep with his head comfortably resting on the valley of her breasts.

 

It was a wonderful feeling, having someone so close, holding her so possessively even in his sleep. With a small sigh she ran her fingers through his silk-like hair and smiled unconsciously. Sesshoumaru look untouchable even in such a vulnerable state.

 

For now, she would forget all about the conversation that played in her mind. She didn't want to ponder whether it was true or just a figment of her imagination. Nothing would stop her mother from setting on the path her mother deemed best.

 

Inuyasha was somewhat frightened to know that she was starting to worry about his well-being like a proper wife would do. At odd times of day she would find herself thinking about trivial things like the tension in his shoulders whenever he finished attending to some problem. Some times she wondered if he needed something to drink when he was working late at night in his study.

 

Inuyasha would never have considered those things about Sesshoumaru but suddenly, she had this urge to look after him and take care of his needs even though he was ignorant of them.

 

“You have been whispering in your sleep Inuyasha, you looked distraught.” Sesshoumaru murmured against her skin.

 

“If you noticed than you have been awake.” Inuyasha countered with a frown. “It was nothing but a dream Sesshoumaru.” Her fingers continued to comb his hair in a rare show of affection. They had been mates for two weeks now and no one but the servants and Kouga knew about their relationship. They weren't trying to keep it a secret; both of them were reclusive people so the public displays of affection were absent.

 

She was brought out of her thoughts when Sesshoumaru lifted his head slightly and looked at her with narrowed gold eyes. “The villagers are organizing the annual Sakura festival today. Your friends will be visiting it… we have the entire day to ourselves.”

 

Inuyasha raised a brow in question as she absently brushed an errant strand of silky white hair off her eyes. “What do you have in mind Sesshoumaru?”

 

“A simple outing, nothing more. I wish for you to see the beauty of our lands… which I am sure you will appreciate.” Inuyasha narrowed her eyes in confusion but nodded silently. The Daiyoukai pressed his lips against her collar-bone, his body responding to her naked skin, “We have a lot of things to discuss. I can assure you that we will not return until nightfall… better have some food packed.”

 

“Don't you have work to do? You have been busy lately.” Inuyasha asked as she closed her eyes. Sesshoumaru's lips were tracing the long column of her neck. She leaned her head back to give him more access. She loved these lazy, languid kisses; they were very comforting and led to nothing.

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes darkened in desire when his wife moaned lightly and pulled her closer. She was being more submissive this morning than he recalled. May be it was because of the fact that she was still tired. “A day away from responsibilities would serve us well. I haven't had time to properly enjoy the first weeks of our relationship.” The Daiyoukai raised a brow when Inuyasha snorted. He was relieved to realize that Inuyasha didn't wish to bother him by asking for needless attention. She never disturbed him at work or asked him for affection of any sort.

 

That independence just made him desire her more.

 

Sesshoumaru wanted to give her every thing she could possibly desire just because she didn't ask for it. He wanted to fulfill her every wish that was left unspoken. As he traced her jaw he wondered if the growing number of smiles that she sported these days meant that she was content. He was well aware of the fact that there were many problems they had to solve before they ready to accept each other fully, but he could see that they were on the right path.

 

“Sesshoumaru?” She questioned tentatively. The hesitation caused the Daiyoukai to raise his head and look at her questioningly.

 

“Hm?”

 

“Do you recall that incident with Souunga?” Sesshoumaru sat up and gazed down at his wife with a frown. He could see that Inuyasha was heading for a serious conversation and judging by her tone, she was unsure. Her behavior told him that she didn't think he was like to hear what she was about to say. “You said that I have never seen father and I don't know what he is like to speak about him.”

 

Sesshoumaru nodded and lay back down. He drew Inuyasha into his arms and buried his nose in her hair, waiting for her to continue. “For a long time I have been hearing things like `he was an honorable ruler' and `he was a gentle and kind person who loved your mother dearly'… I want to know more. Sesshou…” Inuyasha trailed off, her pale cheeks coloring beautifully in a shade of sakura pink. “You said that he always wanted to have a girl child… and that till his death he believed that I would be a girl. That meant he wanted me right? I wasn't an unnecessary burden… was I?”

 

“Don't speak such foolish things.” Sesshoumaru scowled at her; he could tell that Inuyasha was still a little uncertain about their relationship. “If he had been alive, you would have grown up to be a coddled, delicate princess that I wouldn't have mated under any circumstances.”

 

Inuyasha laughed softly, pleased with Sesshoumaru sincerity. “You are an intriguing man anata… confessing such a thing to your new wife. Had I been anyone else, I would have been upset.”

 

“Had you have been someone else Inuyasha…” Sesshoumaru replied dryly. “However, you are Inuyasha… the princess of west who doesn't know anything about being a princess but does an incredible job of being a street rat.”

 

Mirth danced in his eyes at the sight of her mock scowl. Sesshoumaru knew she was not offended. “Street rat huh? My lord, you have chosen a street rat as your mate then.”

 

Leave it up to her to come up with a smart retort. Sesshoumaru silenced that smart mouth with his lips, conceding his defeat for once. Slender arms wrapped around his neck in immediate acceptance and he rolled over, pulling his enchantress underneath him. “From a street rat emerged a beautiful, strong woman that I call my mate.” He whispered against her rose colored lips.

 

Sesshoumaru raised a brow when she laughed softly, “Ah, but beauty is just as dangerous as it is appealing to the eye. You said so yourself anata. You said that wars have been fought over beautiful women.” A slender finger came up to trace the demon markings on his face, “Would you fight a war for me Sesshoumaru?” Her tone was sly, seductive.

 

Sesshoumaru pondered that question carelessly as he parted Inuyasha's legs and easily slipped between them. Lowering his head, he gently bit the soft flesh of Inuyasha's naked shoulder. “I would fight it alongside you.”

 

That single statement made Inuyasha's eyes widen in surprise. She would be a fool if she didn't understand the hidden meaning of those words. She looked up at her mate and cupped his face, caressing the smooth skin of his cheeks almost affectionately. “I appreciate that, Sesshoumaru.”

 

Sesshoumaru hummed in agreement, not really paying attention to what his wife was saying. His attention was solely focused on her peach colored skin. He slipped and arm underneath his wife and flipped them so she was on top of him. She was tired, he could see that and he didn't want to add to it. He rubbed soothing circles on her back and tucked her head under his chin. “You have been busy yourself. Midori was all praise; she says that you do your duties as the Lady of the castle very well.”

 

Inuyasha snorted at the comment. “You know that I do not like to sit idle. Besides training, there is nothing much I can do. I am grateful that you gave me the task to organize the youkai gathering. That gives me something to do.”

 

Sesshoumaru frowned and looked at Inuyasha with narrowed eyes, “I didn't realize, you should approach me if you are uncomfortable Inuyasha, I cannot help if you keep such things to yourself.”

 

Inuyasha laughed softly and shook her head. Raising her head, she looked at her husband with amused eyes. “You are going out of your way to please me Sesshoumaru; that is uncharacteristic of you and entirely unnecessary.”

 

Sesshoumaru traced her faintly bruised lips with his thumb, “That is because you are not open with your needs Inuyasha. I do not know what you want. The other females I have courted are very open with what they want or do not want. I must admit, I am at a loss.”

 

Inuyasha raised a brow at the admission. She understood that it was because of his youkai. As her youkai was forcing her to love him and make sure he takes care of himself, his youkai might have insisted that he protect her and provide her with everything she needed and desired.

 

Regretfully, she kissed his cheek and smiled, “There is nothing that I desire from you that I do not have. But for now, I have matters to attend to and you, Sesshoumaru, have a meeting with the council.”

 

The Lady of the house slipped out of the bed with the silk coverlet wrapped temptingly around her naked body. Sesshoumaru raised a brow as his eyes darkened in desire. It was quite a task to refrain himself these days. He was now used to the pleasures she provided, he was now used to her warm body in his bed.

 

She was constantly on his mind. Sesshoumaru found it difficult something to concentrated on his work or get her out of his mind, even for a short period of time. Her presence was always distracting to him; her scent and her smile were things that he could not bring himself to ignore.

 

That both annoyed him and amused him.

 

Briefly, Sesshoumaru pondered over the reactions of the other lords when he would introduce Inuyasha to them.

 

Of course, the first issue that would present itself would be the fact that she was a hanyou. That would accompany the accusation that she was not trained enough to handle the western lands alongside him. Then they would complain that her existence was not revealed to the youkai world before he mated her.

 

Of course, he was smart enough not to do that. The Inu-youkai followed a different set of youkai laws. Normally, the woman's consent was not required. She just had to accept whoever was proved the strongest and the most desirable mate amongst the contesting youkai.

 

Inu-youkai gave a higher importance to woman considering they were rare and powerful. Here, it was the woman who selected her mate and not the other way round. It was because Inuyasha had allowed him court her and pursue her that he was her mate. Had Inuyasha refused, Sesshoumaru would have had no choice but to let go.

 

Not many in youkai society understood these rules, which was the main reason behind Kouga's anger. For the wolf prince, Inuyasha had insulted him by not letting him fight Sesshoumaru for her hand in marriage. That alone was the reason for his worry. Their bond was fragile, unlike other mating bonds. The trust they shared was tentative and their love was just blossoming. Vindictiveness that Kouga harbored towards their relationship would harm the bond and Sesshoumaru wasn't about to let that happen.

 

He knew that the wolf prince was driven by instincts. Inuyasha was an ideal female, strong, capable and of a rare breed. Kouga's instincts must have been screaming at him for losing her.

 

“Inuyasha… have you finished with the invitations?” Sesshoumaru questioned as he dressed in a simple yukata. He heard the gentle sound of Inuyasha's movements in the bath and suppressed the desire to join her.

 

“I have nearly finished them. I will complete the rest of them at breakfast.” His wife's voice was slightly muffled by the door, but his sensitive hearing made the conversation effortless.

 

He lips twitched in amusement when he heard Inuyasha's off tune humming again, her soft, husky voice washing over him and soothing his senses. Deciding against leaving, he lay back in their bed and closed his eyes. Whatever song his wife was singing, she didn't seem to know it well. A few of the words were missing and instead she hummed to replace them.

 

The Daiyoukai smirked slightly and waited for his wife of finish.

 

As he stayed in their bed, he pondered over their relationship. He knew that they were hiding under a pretense. He had a lot to make up for and Inuyasha had a lot to forgive. Their physical unity had not changed the sense of falseness that was like a shadow over their budding relationship.

 

Something was missing, he could tell and he knew that Inuyasha could as well. There was a barrier between them that he could not breach. Sesshoumaru didn't know how that gap emerged but he knew that it would destroy them and make their bound lives difficult.

 

He glanced at the shoji door as it opened to reveal his wife with the glow reminiscent to fresh morning flowers.

 

He observed silently as she sat in front of the mirror and brushed her long, rich silver hair, drying it in the light morning breeze that flowed into the room through large windows. Sesshoumaru knew that there were many riches in those drawers made from the wood of Ebony. Beautiful combs that were adorned with crystals and rubies, necklaces of sapphires and diamonds, everything a woman would need and crave, Sesshoumaru had bought for her.

 

She wore none of them except the ring that adorned her slender left ring finger. The ring signified their union and was the physical evidence of their relationship. Only that ring had caused her eyes to glow.

 

“It is unbecoming of you to stare.” Inuyasha murmured teasingly and met his eyes via the mirror.

 

The Daiyoukai narrowed his eyes and smirked, “May I remind you Inuyasha, that you are my wife and that I have every right to stare…?” Inuyasha snorted but didn't reply. Sesshoumaru continued smirking at her before removing his yukata. Wordlessly, he walked over to the wardrobe and dressed himself in his day clothes. He watched with some amusement when Inuyasha walked up to him and helped him with his clothes.

 

“You do not seem as impeccable as always my lord.” She whispered as she tied his obi in a precise knot. “There is something on your mind that is proving to be a distraction, care to enlighten me, hmm?”

 

Sesshoumaru looked down at her as she brushed away the imaginary wrinkles off his haori before meeting his eyes. The Daiyoukai lifted his arms and grasped the delicate looking hands on his chest and guided them around his neck, pulling Inuyasha closer. “I believe, aisai, that it is time we stop avoiding the topic of our relationship.” He caressed her supple cheek with his thumb and murmured, “We cannot survive on physical intimacy alone Inuyasha, we need to think beyond that.”

 

The Lady of the west stiffened in his embrace. Her arm sliding off him, she would have taken a step away from him if he would have let her. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at his wife, the gentleness that had graced his face left without a trace.

 

“Sesshoumaru…” Inuyasha whispered, but hesitated at his hard stare. Taking a deep breath as looked at him in the eye sincerely hoping he would understand. “Not yet… I need time, this is all very new to me, please understand.”

 

The Daiyoukai considered his mate for a while. It was unusual to see her less than certain. “You have had time enough already. I have been courting you for over a month now and you have been my wife, my mate for a fortnight.”

 

He pulled her closer and grasped her chin, making sure her enchanting gold eyes meet his. “I cannot feel you.” He whispered against her lips. “You perform your duties as a wife impeccably,” he murmured as his hand slid down her back pushing her into the cradle of his thighs, “Your body has been a delight in my bed, but I can easily get that pleasure from a whore.”

 

Inuyasha winced at the truthful brutality of his words. “But you not my concubine, you are not here to warm my bed but to be my companion, to be someone who I can trust without question. Our souls have not yet bonded Inuyasha, this situation simply cannot continue, I cannot allow it.”

 

“I am not ready to bare my soul to you.” She replied carelessly and flinched when he hissed in agitation against her ear. He was so close; she could feel his deadly claws through the thick material of her kimono. Nothing except his eyes showed how enraged he truly was because of the nature of her response to him. His embrace was deadly this time but Inuyasha didn't feel the least bit threatened.

 

His arms tightened about her pulling her so close that her supple breasts were now pressed against his hard chest. A soft growl whispered against her ear, “Know your place!” he hissed and Inuyasha trembled, her eyes wide. “I am your mate and your lord, you will deny me nothing!”

 

Dear Lord she was trying but this man was insufferable. His demands were impossible to concur with. If he thought that she was just going to let him get away with a statement like that, he was dreadfully mistaken.

 

Faster than Sesshoumaru could even blink, she pulled back and grasped the back of his neck in a forceful grip. Inuyasha pulled the Daiyoukai's head down so that she could look at him in the eye with her own enraged, amber orbs. “You have my respect and my love, husband. I respect you because of your wisdom and strength and I love you for all your strengths and weaknesses and all your flaws. However, if you wish for me to entrust you with my soul to and to permit a soul bond between us, you have to earn it.”

 

She narrowed her eyes and tightened her grip, so much so that her claws created angry half-moons on the pale skin of his neck. “You have tormented me throughout my life, you have shunned me when I was but a child trying to survive in a world that hates my kind, alone and unloved. Your prejudice blinded you against your own blood and the minute you found that I was a female you dropped all those discriminations, all that hate you harbored for me and asked my hand in courting.”

 

Inuyasha sneered, “I am a fool and will always be a fool for you because I love you so. I gave you my hand when you asked it and submitted myself to you. Consider yourself blessed dear one. It takes a great deal of tolerance to love a man as untrustworthy as you seem to be.” The hanyou took a deep breath and stepped away from him, releasing her grip and turned away from those impassive eyes to look at the cheerful morning sky. “I am your mate, yes and most would consider it my duty to obey you but you should know better.”

 

Sesshoumaru was silent and he let her speak. Anger bubbled in his chest and his youkai's desire to put Inuyasha in her place was hard to ignore. No self-respecting demon would let his wife speak to him in such a manner but his wife was different.

 

He knew that.

 

His lips thinned and his fingers fisted in an attempt to control his anger. He prayed to the Gods in heaven that she does not open her mouth once again, use that vicious tongue of hers, lest he submit to his carnal instincts, and raise his arm against her.

 

Sesshoumaru was unpleasantly surprised at his urge to use physical violence against his delicate looking wife. Those instincts disgusted him and brought a snarl to his lips.

 

He was a Royal Inu-youkai. He had been taught to respect woman of their kind and he knew that it would be an end to whatever trust they had managed to accumulate if he lost control.

 

“Anata…” her soft voice whispered and just like that all his anger left him, making him feel mildly ashamed of his violent thoughts.

 

He had enough dignity and intelligence not to deny something that had been staring him in the face for a while now. He loved his woman, he was in love with her and he knew it. “It is difficult for me can you not see?” She whispered in a tone that shredded his heart into pieces. “How can I forget that my happiness is always overshadowed by danger and malice?”

 

Sesshoumaru stood still as she turned away from him. “Not until it is safe for us Sesshoumaru. I will not concur to your demands until I know it is safe to do so.”

 

The Daiyoukai's eyes widened as he realized something. She had been lying to him. She was not willing to permit a soul bond because of its consequences, not because she did not trust him yet. That was a revelation.

 

A soul bond connected lives, souls, destinies of the mates.

 

Inuyasha was not worried about herself; she was concerned for him, for his soul, for his life and for his destiny. She did not want to share that burden with him.

 

Sesshoumaru knew that he would not be able to convince her otherwise.

 

Disbelief coursed through him. Inuyasha never lied. She told half-truths and evaded questions but she never lied. Now he understood that which was bothering Inuyasha and all his anger and skepticism vanished.

 

She was afraid of constructing a soul bond between them because she knew that their future was uncertain, at least until both Naraku and the Shikon No Tama were taken care of.

 

“Inuyasha…” he murmured with a slightly rueful shake of his head and stepped forward. He wrapped his arms around the newly familiar body of his wife and looked down at her bent head. “Why do you lie to me?”

 

The hanyou stiffened in his embrace and Sesshoumaru tightened his arms. “I will not apologize for demanding a soul-bond for you Inuyasha, it is well within my rights to do so. But I would have understood your reasons had you explained it to me.”

 

“Would you have consented?” She whispered against his chest.

 

“No.” he answered smoothly, without hesitation. “There would be no point, my dear.”

 

Inuyasha looked at him questioningly, “A life without you would have no meaning to me. I know that this sounds uncharacteristically romantic and false, nevertheless, what I say is a fact. Despite your existence and the responsibility of your upbringing, your mother did not survive for long after father's death, did she? She managed 20 years and after that she gave up, despite your existence, her life held no meaning for her. And they didn't have a soul bond.”

 

Inuyasha sighed, “You are not going to convince me otherwise.”

 

“I do know that aisai.” Sesshoumaru said, amused. “However, if you must be stubborn, I can be equally persistent, and I do believe that I have methods to convince you that you might thoroughly enjoy.”

 

Inuyasha raised a brow at him, “And what would they be my lord?”

 

Sesshoumaru stepped away from her, “You shall see.”

 

The Lady of the house narrowed her eyes at him before straightening her robes and walking towards the doors, “May be I shall, but for now, we have our duties to attend to before we leave the castle to explore the lands.”

 

She walked out of the chamber swiftly and Sesshoumaru let himself relax with an amused smirk, “Why must you always keep me on my toes my beloved?” He shook his head slightly and walked out of the room mimicking his wife's swift and elegant stride.

 

Inuyasha was not an easily woman to control. She was fiery, possessed a tongue that could strip him of his dignity with vicious words and she never let him forget that they were equals.

 

Sometimes he wondered who really was in control of the relationship. Was Inuyasha's compliance to some of his orders was simply an illusion of submission.

 

Sesshoumaru did not know.

 

What he did know was that his wife had survival instincts that he could not even comprehend. She knew how to make the worst of situations aid her. Sesshoumaru knew that he would have to grit his teeth and bear the fact that she would not be as obedient had he had hoped his mate would be.

 

A slow smirk formed on his lips. `How terribly dreary our relationship would have been had she been as submissive as most wives are.' At that last thought, he entered the Chamber where his council had assembled for the first time since he mated.

 

He knew they would have questions and let not forget, objections towards his choice. They would demand to present Inuyasha before then and he absolutely had no intension of doing so.

 

The entire chamber fell silent as he entered the room. The moment he sat himself the most ancient member of his council, Lord Katsuya, who was his father's closest advisor and his uncle smirked at him, “Princess Inuyasha eh child?”

 

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at the blatant disregard of his title but he did not say anything. “Well, I have had the pleasure of speaking to her briefly when she was relaxing in the castle gardens. Fine choice, Lord Sesshoumaru, indeed a very fine choice. She has intelligence and courage that far surpasses her beauty… and what a beauty she is… I dare say you are most undeserving of such a jewel, my boy.”

 

Sesshoumaru sneered, “Undeserving as I may be uncle, she is my mate and I shall consider no objections against by decision.”

 

By now, the council members were used to the eldest member's crass nature towards his nephew but they did not agree with either of the Inu-youkai's decision.

 

“If you are so unwavering in your decision to keep a hanyou as your mate, let us test her worthiness.” Another council member said, ignoring Lord Katsuya's glare. Sesshoumaru raised a brow and glanced at the other members of the council. He could see that almost everyone was of the same opinion.

 

Sesshoumaru knew that his uncle was so impressed and approving of his choice because he had already been subjected to Inuyasha's mysterious charm. Sesshoumaru was not going to speak on his wife's behalf. He wanted to see how Inuyasha would handle the situation. A slow smirk formed on his icy visage, making everyone in the chamber uncomfortable.

 

The Daiyoukai summoned a servant and glanced at his council emotionlessly. “Midori.” He whispered to his wife's maidservant. “Where is Lady Inuyasha at the moment?”

 

Midori kept her head bowed and frowned. “My Lord, your charge, little Shippou and his young friends are being reprimanded by Lady Inuyasha for bad behavior.” Midori hesitated a little, “My Lady is in a rather unpleasant mood this morning Sesshoumaru-sama.”

 

Sesshoumaru raised a brow and concealed his amusement very well. He knew of his wife's temper but his council did not. It would be amusing to see them being cut down to size by his Lady.

 

“Inform her that she is required in the council meeting.” Sesshoumaru commanded and Midori nodded.

 

The Daiyoukai crossed his arms imperiously and looked at each council member with a keen eye. He knew each one of them very well. He knew that they were immensely loyal to him but also rather opinionated. Sesshoumaru could not say that he disliked it. They were good councilors, they could make decisions that they knew he would approve of, without his permission. It helped reduce his workload.

 

However, it was their insistence to get involved in his personal life that irked him. They have been persuading him to get a suitable mate for two centuries now and when he finally meets the one he desires to send an eternity with, they wish to test her competence.

 

It would be entertaining to see how his wife handles the situation.

 

He did not have to wait long.

 

The door to the chambers slid open and Inuyasha walked in swiftly with a very displeased scowl on her soft features. “Sesshoumaru?” she questioned but there was no mistaking the displeasure in her eyes.

 

The Daiyoukai gestured towards the seat, silently asking her to sit down before glancing at his silent councilors. His perceptive wife followed his gaze and raised a brow. “What is this all about Sesshoumaru?”

 

“It would seem that my council is rather displeased with my decision to mate you and would like to test you for your worthiness in being my mate.” Sesshoumaru drawled and smirked inwardly when his wife's eyes flashed dangerously. She was exquisite when she was angry, her eyes blazing with hellfire and her pale face flushed.

 

It was been tempting. Starting fights with her just to see her furious and dangerous. It thrilled him to the core but it was so much better when that fury was directed at others. Fighting with her was an exhilarating experience and making up was even better.

 

Unfortunately, Inuyasha was able to figure out the reason behind his constant provocation and had reigned on her fiery temper with astonishing ease. `Much to my disappointment.' He thought idly as he sat back, waiting for her reaction.

 

“And what if I refuse?” She asked carelessly and raised a brow at them, “After all, I am the Lady of the House now and I have nothing to prove. Or is it…” she smirked suddenly, her eyes sharpening, much to the discomfort of the people in the chamber, “…that you do not trust Sesshoumaru's judgment?”

 

One elder narrowed his eyes on her, “It is not that we do not trust Our Lord's judgment, child. We do not trust you to not use your status as a woman and an Inu-youkai princess to sway his judgment.”

 

The well-concealed gibe at her integrity was not lost on her. Despite her temper, she did not rise to the bait.

 

However, Sesshoumaru, it would seem, did not take well for his mate to be insulted. “You will hold…”

 

“Sesshoumaru.” Inuyasha interrupted him softly and placed a gentle and calming hand on his shoulder. The elegant Lady of the West turned to the elder and pierced him with her extraordinary eyes, “Politics is but a play of words, a field of trickery and deceit and you are politicians while my husband is a Lord and a warrior. Tell me, council members, how trustworthy your word against mine is when I am his wife and his chosen mate. His well being is my primary concern but it is not yours.”

 

“As your minds age, you grow more skillful at this game of words.” Inuyasha said calmly, “Nevertheless, I have not survived in this world without gaining a wisdom that you do not possess. I can see how many of you are truly concerned about the welfare of the West.”

 

Sesshoumaru watched with well-concealed surprise as his wife stood and walked around the room, pausing in front of each council member to look at them in the eye. “I shall not lower myself to perform in these tests of yours. I have a mate to vouch for my integrity and sincerity and that is all that I require.” She narrowed her eyes shrewdly and smirked dangerously, “After all, he is the one who took my maidenhood the day he made me his wife. And if you do not trust his word in the matter, then you are not worthy of the position of honor my husband has so kindly bestowed upon you.”

 

The entire chamber rang with stunned silence and Sesshoumaru looked at his mate in silent pride.

 

Through the empathy they shared as the consequence of mating, he could feel her restraint. He could see as clear as day the annoyance and distaste Inuyasha felt the moment she entered the room.

 

She had known that something of this sort would have happened.

 

And she found it amusing the moment she started speaking and toying with them.

 

The silence in the room was disrupted by a frantic knock and the scent of blood and death. Both Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru narrowed their eyes, “Enter.” Inuyasha spoke, her voice tight with command.

 

The guards brought in a severed head and suddenly Inuyasha found it difficult to breathe.

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes iced immediately as he dismissed the council and they swiftly walked out of the room. The guards were still, the severed head on a plate and a missive in one of the guards' hand.

 

“Kohaku…” Inuyasha whispered in horror and leaned unsteadily into Sesshoumaru's arms. “Oh Lord, Sango…”

 

“Shhh…” Sesshoumaru whispered against her ear. He knew that she did not care much for the boy but she was afraid for the reaction of her friend Sango. Of course, she did not cry or shed tears as many females are known to, but she did look distressed.

 

Sesshoumaru turned her away from the gruesome sight knowing that she has seen much worse in her life; nevertheless, he refused to let her be subjected to any more pain when she was under his protection.

 

He pulled her into a tight embrace, as she grew more worried about her friend. He looked at the guard and asked him silently for the missive the accompanied the severed head.

 

The Daiyoukai kept one arm wrapped tightly around his mate while the other held the missive.

 

Dearest Lady Inuyasha,

 

What interesting secrets you hold. I would have never presumed you to be a woman, much less a stunning piece of art that you are.

 

You are a wonderful jewel to possess and I shall possess you. Oh, I know you will struggle; you are a defiant creature are you not? Nevertheless, I shall have you before Prince Kouga and Lord Sesshoumaru do.

 

Except my first gift of Courting and know that it will not be the last.

 

Your slayer friend asked her brother to be returned to her and I have done so. Albeit, it is just a part of him, however, it is enough to be content. After all, she should have known that her brother was a mere puppet and should have not let her hope lead her astray.

 

Alas, common sense does not seem so common after all, does it?

 

Guard your pack well; you might not know when one should disappear from right under your nose.

 

With all my regards,

 

Naraku.

 

Sesshoumaru snarled and tightened his grip on his wife. He knew that it would be only a matter of time before Naraku tries something else.

 

As he pressed a firm kiss against Inuyasha's temple, he promised to himself that he would protect his mate's pack even if it meant sheltering humans.

 

He would to anything to keep her at peace.