InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Chou Shoki I: Learning from Yesterday ❯ Chapter 33 ( Chapter 32 )

It suits me well to mingle now

With things that never pleased before.

-Lord Byron, “One Struggle More, and I am Free”

 

 

CHAPTER 33

 

1204 A.D ~ late SEPTEMBER

 

“You are telling me that all I have to do is drink this? No one will know who I am?” Sesshoumaru was doubtful.

 

“No one will know. Not even the miko. But remember that this will only last for two days. You must take in mind that once you drink that vile, you will not only look like a ningen, but you will feel like one. All your demonic powers will be gone.”

 

Ujio and Juro both shuddered. They had nothing against humans, but the thought of having to live day after day with your mind as the only strong muscle, was not something they wished to experience. Even for a few hours. Not to mention a few days.

 

Sesshoumaru tucked the vile inside one of his sleeves. “Is there anything else I should know?”

 

The old healer shook her head and literally kicked them out as she prepared her ointments. All three youkai headed back to the Kuroi Hoshi to prepare Sesshoumaru for the celebration. As they helped him pick out clothing that would not have him stand out much, they thought up ideas as to his presence and other helpful information.

 

­­­~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“Lana for Kami's sake, do you have to pull the damn obi so tight! I can hardly breathe!”

 

“Don't whine so much! It's only for a few hours. Really, Kagome. Sometimes you can be such a baby. Not even Eriko complained that much. Now turn around and let me see how it looks.” I turned.

 

The whole day had been a nerve wreck. The entire palace was now occupied with countless guests that included royal family (all from otou-san's side), high ranking daimyo and samurai (which included Hiro, for some reason), one of the mainland's prince, Pei, and five of Nippon's strongest miko. Luckily, I was able to convince my father to keep them all from this side of the palace where I agreed to stay in and to allow Eriko (whom I had passed as an orphaned daimyo's family from another village) to stay at the castle as a training miko. When he was about to protest, I immediately insisted that while I was away, a miko was needed and that Eriko would be a great replacement while I would be gone. He reluctantly agreed.

 

“Dear Kami, you are a vision to behold!” She clasped her hands near her chest and tears were brimming in her eyes. Eriko only smiled from the futon with Kirara purring in her lap.

 

I kept a blank face as I walked back to the futon. “Arigatou. Could you do something about my hair? I don't want to wear it down. It's at times like these that I am grateful that Tanaka-sensei got me used to keeping it in one length. I absolutely hate it when my hair is in my face!”

 

Lana settled behind me and began pulling back my hair. It had been a simple bun, but she adorned it with one of my okaa-san's emerald chain. The chain itself was meant to be worn around the neck but it was long and went around the loose bun Lana had tied with my hair.

 

The emeralds on it matched the olive-colored irotome (short-sleeved kimono) that was adorned with a white sasarindo (gentian perennial), the Minamoto family crest, at its hem. The obi was also white with sasarindo and the thin obi on it were the same olive as the irotome.

 

“There.” She stood and picked up the thin comb. I grabbed the expensive geta father had ordered be made to match the irotome and the tabi to go with them. “I have to go and see that everything is ready. The okami requested that you wait for Hiro to come and get you and Eriko.”

 

“Hiroyaki?”

 

“Hai.” I frowned at that request. Such an unusual command for my father.

 

“Very well. Do you know how long that will be? You know how I hate waiting.” She seemed to go inside her head for a while and then she smiled.

 

“If everything is going as schedule, it should be no more than fifteen or twenty minutes. I will look for Hiro personally and tell him he can come for you now. Good luck.” She shut the door quietly as she left.

 

Eriko was also well dressed. As a miko-in-training and a personal assistant to the princess, she was lavished with the most expensive linens and addressed with the utmost respect. She didn't like it and at times made faces behind their backs. Tonight, though she had promised to be at her best. She was wearing a pale yellow kimono with embroidered white cranes and an amber obi adorning a white sasarindo. The young `miko' didn't seem troubled by what would await her down there.

 

Contrary to what had happened last evening, I really hoped that Sesshoumaru would be here. But after what I told him, I didn't think he'd be back. There had been no sign of the inu youkai since the argument and I was extremely worried that he might never come back. Still, it was safer that he was not around. If bad come to worst, I would not hesitate to take his side.

 

Footsteps - men's footsteps - interrupted my thoughts. The sounding steps stopped at my shoji and I immediately knew it was Hiro. “Kagome-chan, are you ready?”

 

I opened the door and stepped out in the hall. He smiled at me as he took hold of my hand, lifting it to place a feather-like kiss on it. “You look... beautiful.”

 

I smiled back awkwardly. “Arigatou, Hiroyaki. You look very handsome too.” He blushed. And indeed, he did look quite handsome with his midnight blue hitatare and black trousers. His hair had been neatly combed back at the nape. It was a bit odd to see him without his usual red and black armor and mage (samurai hairstyle).

 

He glanced down at Eriko and offered her a smile. “You look lovely, Lady Eriko.”

 

She twirled around once and bowed. “Arigatou, Hiro-nii-chan.”

 

We walked to the top of the stairs with Eriko trailing behind as he stopped me before I began descending. “What is it?”

 

“Emperor Seiwa asked that we wait until we are announced. Don't worry, they are about to begin. See,” he pointed at a servant that went to the bottom of the stairs, “he is coming to announce your father first.”

 

“I would hope so,” came the voice of my father.

 

After bowing respectfully to him, he greeted Hiro, who kneeled and turned back to me again. “Aijou, you look just like Midoriko. She would be proud if she saw you in that kimono.”

 

It had been the only compliment my father had ever given me. Those words gave me enough courage to withstand those boorish people in attendance. “Arigatou gozaimasu, otou-san. I only hope that I have honored you too.” Much to my surprise, he nodded and smiled sweetly at me. He eyed Eriko over my shoulder and nodded in approval at her appearance.

 

“The announcements will be done until tomorrow during dinner so our guests can enjoy their time here. Oh, and before I forget. I received a small scroll at midday requesting permission from another mainland prince to join our celebration. It seems he has heard of you and the jewel and wishes to meet you. I hope that is not an inconvenience. It would do good to form alliances further inside the mainland, don't you think?”

 

Puzzled by his request, I just nodded once. I was about to ask the name of our visitor, when the servant announced him. He winked at me before going down. We were announced just a minute after. Several relatives, whom I honestly wished I had never known, rambled on about the wonderful life of royalty. Father was on my left and Hiro on my right, so I was boxed in and couldn't escape from the `exciting' conversations. I was grateful that Eriko was saved from all this. After about three hours of chasing around with the children in the gardens, she was taken up to her room by a servant. She had, apparently, fallen asleep on a bench outside.

 

An eternity seemed to pass by. That was, until a servant approached my father and whispered something to him. He excused himself and headed towards the front entrance. I wanted to know what had happened but Hiro would not release my hand. It was a rather odd scene. Especially in view of the fact that he had avoided me since our return from the wedding ceremony in Edo. The few times I had come across him, he simply asked how I was. He even stopped following me everywhere I went.

 

From the corner of my eye, I saw my father enter the hall once more and head towards the center. He motioned for the music to stop and raised his voice. “Honored guests, it is with great privilege that I present to you Han, prince of Seoul.”

 

Everyone turned to the entrance to see the prince. A soft murmur followed the man as he made his way up to my father. There was something about him that looked very familiar. When the prince was in front, numerous individuals loomed over him and began bombarding him with questions. My father gave a sign to the musicians to begin playing. All I could see from my position in the back was his dark brown hair swaying when he would nod or shake his head.

 

I ignored the so-called prince. I had no intention of going up to him and getting to know him. Apparently that was not the case with more than three quarters of the single and not-so-single females. He attracted them like moths to light.

 

Hiro must have caught me staring because I felt him stiffen a bit. “Do you wish for me to take you up there with the okami?”

 

“Iiee. He appears to be engaged otherwise. Let him entertain his guests. But I do wish to drink something.”

 

“I will go bring you a cup of water.” He had already left when I yelled at him not to. I let out a deep sigh.

 

Excusing myself, I moved to a more open area near the bottom of the stairs. I really didn't want to be here. Unfortunately, I had no choice in the matter. Trying to see the good in all this, I straightened myself to go back.

 

“There you are Aijou. I have been looking for you.” The okami's voice held a joy I did not know he possessed. Turning slowly and putting on a really fake smile, I braced myself for another long and tedious conversation.

 

“Sumimasen, my lord. I just needed so- ” My voice was caught in my throat. Surely what I was seeing was a figment of my imagination!

 

“Aijou, this is Prince Han. He is a great admirer of yours.” I stared. I'm more than sure that all color had been drained from my face.

 

The prince bowed and gave me a smile than looked more like a smirk. “It is a pleasure to finally meet the famous miko princess, Kagome.” I couldn't help keep staring. “Is there something wrong with my person?”

 

I blinked several times and blushed a bit. “Gomen.” The word was mechanically whispered.

 

“I am sorry, but I must attend to my other guests. Aijou, would you be so kind as to entertain the prince?”

 

“H-hai, my lord.”

 

“I leave you in great hands, prince.”

 

“Indeed.” The prince had not even looked at my father when he replied. The okami looked at both of us strangely, but thinking nothing of it, he nodded and left.

 

We stood motionless, until I felt that my father was a safe distance away. I surveyed the room for the miko. All five were occupied in conversation among several of the lesser daimyo. The emperor was also busy greeting and talking to all the guests. Assuring myself and calming my raging temper, I took the prince's arm and led him outside.

 

In the dimly lit garden, I escorted him to the side and to a more darken area. We sat in a small bench. I looked around and found no one who would bother us.

 

I roughly asked. “Why are you here?”

 

“My lady, I have traveled here to meet the protector of the Shikon no Tama.”

 

“Don't you have other things to do? Women to seduce, youkai socials to get drunk at?”

 

He smiled again, less amused and warmer at the same time. “What do you think I'm doing right now?” he murmured, lifting his hands.

 

I stared furiously, my lips thinning. “Sesshoumaru, if you don't tell me wha - ” His hand covered my mouth and instantly. I saw fear in his eyes.

 

“How'd you know it was me?”

 

I bit down on his hand, not hard of course. “I didn't exactly.” Seeing his confusion, I moved to clear my answer. “It's your scent.”

 

“Scent? What do you mean?”

 

I bit down on my lip. “Remember what I told you about some `peculiar' powers? Well, this is one of them. ” He was still looking at me like I was crazy. “Crisp mountain air after the rain,” was my softly spoken response.

 

“Crisp mountain air after the rain?” He leaned in closer, a smile starting to form on his lips.

 

“Your scent - that is how I know it is you.” I glanced away. I was playing with my thumbs.

 

He put both his hands over mine. I looked at my lap where both pairs of hands were clasped together. “I don't understand. How?”

 

I gazed into his eyes. “I guess its part of my powers. Ever since I was a little girl at the monastery, I was able to smell everything around me.”

 

“Hmmm. You're not a youkai.”

 

“You think?!”

 

He laughed softly. “Alright.” His hands went up in defense.

 

My eyes darted around. Many of the guests had wondered out to the gardens and although none were close, I felt all eyes on us. I fixed my gaze on a tightly furled bud of a nearby rose, remembering the thoughts that had swirled around in my head since I had last seen him.

 

FLASHBACK

 

Last night, I had been unable to sleep, attempting to sort out through my muddle thoughts about the inu youkai. But there really wasn't much to sort out. Because everything I had learned in the past few days pointed my conscience in one, singular direction. And I knew that I could no longer oppose the demon's courtship of Michiru. In the past few days he'd proven himself sensitive, caring, and principled. Even, I thought with a glimmer of a smile as I recalled the light in Eriko's eyes when he'd given her his complete attention as she narrated her stories, heroic.

 

He was devoted to family.

 

He'd helped me through one of my phobic attacks with a grace and sensitivity that, now that I could view it with a clear head, stunned me. And the only objection I had to his marrying Michiru was...

 

I swallowed painfully. There was a lump the size of a cannonball in my throat. Because deep in my heart, I wanted him for myself.

 

But that was selfish, and I had spent my life trying to be unselfish, and I knew I could never ask Michiru not to marry Sesshoumaru for such a reason. It wasn't as if he were going to ask me instead, so what would I have to gain by preventing a match between him and Michiru?

 

Nothing except the agony of having to see him married to her. And that would fade in time, wouldn't it? It had to. Especially now that I had come to my senses and, despite what I had confessed to Lana days ago, Sesshoumaru would never be mine. Could never be. The Kami would make sure of it.

 

END OF FLASHBACK

 

“Oi, wench! What's wrong?”

 

He waved a very human hand in front of me. I blinked twice before looking into his eyes. His face looked so much like in my dreams, irritated and impatient.

 

Regaining my courage, I glared back at his comment. Through clenched jaw and a forced smile, I said, “Do refrain from referring me with that term you seem so fond of, my lord.”

 

He grinned. “This is killing you, isn't it?”

 

“Being nice to you?”

 

He nodded.

 

“It's not the easiest thing I've ever done.”

 

His expression changed slightly, as if he might be done teasing me. As if he might have something entirely different on his mind. “But it's not the hardest thing, either, now, is it?” he murmured.

 

“I don't like you...my lord,” I blurted out. A small group of young women passed by and giggled when he bowed his head in acknowledgement.

 

“No,” he said with an amused smile. “I didn't think you did.”

 

I started to feel very strange, much like I had in the dojo, right before he'd kissed me. My throat suddenly felt a bit tight, and my palms grew very warm. And my insides - well, there was really nothing to describe the tense, prickly feeling that tightened through my abdomen. Instinctively, and perhaps out of self-preservation, I stood up.

 

He looked amused, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking. Another group of women passed by and stopped a few steps from us. I narrowed my eyes at them and they scurried like rats. Probably sensing that I had something serious to say, he wrapped his hand around my wrist, effectively cutting off my escape. Without asking, he maneuvered us to the side of the palace where my `cabin' was situated but stopping a few yards from its entrance.

 

Immediately his attitude changed mode. “So, you haven't said anything about this new... er... look.”

 

I shifted where I stood in the center of the garden to glance at him more slowly. His hair had changed from the beautiful silver to a shade of brown darker than mine. His eyes were just a bit darker than their usual gold, but they still stood out handsomely. His magenta stripes and gengetsu were gone and yet his face was just as beautiful. All in all, he was drop dead gorgeous. Oh, and the white hitatare with green diamonds at its edges...I could go all night admiring him!

 

“You look good.” Okay, so it was an understatement!

 

“Just good? “ He teased.

 

I should have been angry, but I just couldn't. Not after this. He changed for me. He changed to be with me. “You know you're very handsome.”

 

“Just one `very'? I think the ladies out here would beg to differ.” He shrugged.

 

I put a hand to my heart dramatically. “Ah, me! In sooth he was a shameless wight, sore given to revel and ungodly glee; few earthly things found favor in his sight save concubines and carnal company.”

 

(A/N: This is an excerpt from Lord Byron's Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, Canto I)

 

“You give me too much credit. However, given those fitting words to my person, and the way you said them, I would dare say you are jealous.”

 

“Now you're just pushing it.” I put my hands on my hips. “But if you want to ask them, go right ahead. In fact, I shall personally take it upon me to introduce you to every available woman. I certainly don't want to be the cause of any affairs.” My appearance was of complete tranquility, but inside I was ready to chain him to me and kill any woman who dared look at him.

 

“There is only one available woman I'm interested in.”

 

~~~~~~~~~~

 

“There is only one available woman I'm interested in.” Sesshoumaru wondered what her reaction would be if he pinned her to the plain white wall behind them and kissed her. Nor would he stop there. When he saw her inside as he first came in, he had to force himself to keep his gaze in front of him and not stop. Once he got his hands on her and untied that prim obi and slid off the outer layer of her irotome, he would continue his explorations of her slender naked body until he'd figured out why she aroused him. “And she's standing in front of me.”

 

Heat rose in Kagome's face, but she refused to look away. For a moment all she could do was look at him. She'd been proposed to and propositioned, but never by someone like... him. “You are hardly my type and my standards are extremely high for someone like you.”

 

His smile quickened for a heartbeat, then faded again. “Well, then, by all means, enlighten me on this `type and standards' of yours.”

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“And she's standing in front of me.”

 

I kept forgetting to breathe in his presence, probably because my heart began pounding in my throat the moment I considered approaching him anytime. “You are hardly my type and my standards are extremely high for someone like you.”

 

He didn't laugh in my face, but the cynical humor in his eyes deepened. I kept my own expression stern and serious. “Well, then, by all means, enlighten me on this `type and standards' of yours.”

 

I lifted a brow. I smirked at the request. “First, never interrupt a woman when she's speaking to you, as if what you have to say is more important. Second, if you ask for an opinion, expect to receive one, and don't make fun of it. Third, gentlemanly behavior isn't just opening doors; to make an impression, you have to be concerned over a woman's needs at least as much as your own. And fourth, don't assume, when a woman wants to take up a task or a cause, that it's just a `hobby'.” As for my type, well that's easy - it's you.

 

But I would not admit this... ever.

 

He gazed at me for another moment, his wicked, sensual mouth turning upward in the faintest of smiles. “I shall try not to disappoint you.”

 

For a moment there, it was as if he were really trying. And as I felt myself growing more at ease next to him, almost as if I could sink into his side and bury myself against the warmth of his body, I knew that I could put off my task no longer. I had to tell him that I'd withdrawn my opposition to his intent on mating with Michiru. It wasn't fair to anyone to keep it to myself, just because I wanted to believe that I could ever have him, if only for a few perfect moments right here.

 

I took a deep breath, straightened my shoulders, and turned to him. He looked at me expectantly. It was obvious, after all, that I had something to say.

 

My lips parted. But nothing came out.

 

“Yes?” he asked, looking rather amused.

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru,” I blurted out.

 

“Sesshoumaru,” he corrected gently.

 

“Sesshoumaru,” I repeated, wondering why the use of his given name made this all the more difficult. “I did need to speak to you about something.”

 

He smiled. “I'd gathered.”

 

My eyes became inexplicably fastened on my right foot, which had left invisible half-moons on the packed dirt on the path. “It's...um...it's about Michiru.”

 

Sesshoumaru's brows rose and he followed my gaze to my foot, which had been drawing half-moons and was now tracing squiggly lines. “Is something wrong with Michiru?” he inquired gently.

 

I shook my head, looking back up. “Not at all. I believe she might be in her home, writing another letter. She has been writing to me since the day we left your home. I never write back. Ladies like to do that, you know.”

 

He blinked. “Do what?”

 

“Write letters. I'm not a very good correspondent myself,” I said, my words coming forth in an oddly rushed fashion, “as I never have the patience to sit still at a desk long enough to write anything. Not to mention that my penmanship is abysmal. But most ladies spend a goodly portion of every day drafting letters.”

 

He tried not to smile. I jumped from one thing to another - a habit I had since I was child. “You wanted to warn me that Michiru likes to write letters?”

 

“No, of course not,” I mumbled. “It's just that you asked if she was all right, and I said of course, and I told you where she was, and then we were entirely off the topic and- “

 

He grabbed my hand. “What is it you needed to tell me, Kagome?”

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

He laid his hand over hers, successfully silencing her. “What is it you needed to tell me, Kagome?”

 

He watched with interest as she steeled her shoulders and clenched her jaw. She looked as if she were preparing for a hideous task. Then, in one big rush of a sentence, she said, “I just wanted you to know that I have withdrawn my objections to your suit of Michiru.”

 

His chest suddenly felt a bit hollow. “I...see,” he said, not because he did see, just because he had to say something.

 

“I admit to a strong prejudice against you,” she continued quickly, “but I have some to know you since my monthly pilgrimage, and in all conscience, I could not allow you to go on thinking that I would stand in your way. It would - it would not be right of me.”

 

Sesshoumaru just stared at her, completely at a loss. There was, he realized dimly, something a bit deflating about her willingness to see him mated to the ookami demoness, since he'd spent the better part of the last two weeks fighting the urge to kiss her rather senseless.

 

On the other hand, wasn't this what he wanted? Michiru would make the perfect mate. Kagome would not. Michiru fit all the criteria he'd laid out when he'd finally decided it was time to mate. Kagome did not.

 

And he certainly couldn't make Kagome his mistress as he'd once planned after he mated the she-wolf. After spending time with the miko and getting to know her like this...she just deserved better.

 

She was giving him what he wanted - exactly, he reminded himself, what he wanted; with the miko's blessing, Michiru would mate with him next week if he so desired.

 

Then why the devil did he want to grab her by the shoulders and shake and shake and shake until she took back every bloody little annoying word?

 

`Because you're worst fears are beginning to come true!' cried his inner demon.

 

And that was why when Sesshoumaru finally reacted to her words, he didn't yank her to him and kiss her until she was gasping, and he didn't press his lips to her ear and burn his breath against her skin, making sure she understood that he was on fire for her, and not the demoness.

 

Never the demoness.

 

Then again...

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

In under a minute, Sesshoumaru and I had moved further from the palace gardens. He turned to face me; I'd stiffen and taken a few steps back. “I think,” he murmured, slipping his arms through mine, “that we ought to consider moving out of sight of the guests.”

 

His steps were long and purposeful, and I stumbled to keep up with him until I found my stride. “Sesshoumaru,” I asked, hurrying along. “I don't think that is wise.”

 

“You sound just like Ujio,” he pointed out, not breaking his pace, even for a second.

 

“Kami forbid,” I murmured, “but the truth is that.”

 

“I do think it's very wise,” he replied, pulling me into my `cabin' and closing the door. There were no windows and only a small candle was lighted, giving us privacy.

 

“But- “

 

He smiled. Slowly. “Did you know you argue too much?”

 

“You brought me here to tell me that?”

 

“No,” he drawled, “I brought you here to do this.”

 

And then, before I had a chance to utter a word, before I even had a chance to draw a breath, his mouth swooped down and captured mine in a hungry, searing kiss. His lips were voracious, taking everything I had to give and then demanding even more. The fire that glowed within me burned and crackled even hotter than what he'd stoked that night on the cave, hotter by tenfold.

 

I was melting. Dear Kami, I was melting, and I wanted so much more.

 

“You shouldn't do this to me,” he whispered against my mouth. “You shouldn't. Everything about you is absolutely wrong. And yet...”

 

I gasped as his hands stole around to my backside and pressed me harshly against his arousal.

 

“Do you see?” he said raggedly, his lips moving along my cheek. “Do you feel?” He chuckled hoarsely, an odd mocking sound. “Do you even understand?” He squeezed mercilessly, then nibbled the tender skin of my ear. “Of course you don't”

 

I wanted him. Oh, how I wanted him. I shouldn't want him, shouldn't desire this man who was kissing me for all the wrong reasons. And yet I wanted him with a desperation that left me breathless. It was wrong, so very wrong. I had grave doubts about his presence in my life, and I knew I ought to maintain a clear head. I kept trying to remind myself of that, but it didn't stop my lips form parting to allow his entry, not my own tongue from shyly flicking out to taste the corner of his mouth.

 

“I shouldn't be doing this,” I whispered, more for my own ears than this. “This is wrong. I am wrong for you.”

 

But he heard me and his voice was hot and moist on the skin of my cheek. “No.”

 

He moved to my ear and made me listen more closely. “No.”

 

He traveled to my lips and forced me to swallow the word. “No.”

 

I felt my head fall back. His voice was low and seductive, and it almost made me feel like I'd been born for this moment. “You're perfect,” he whispered, his large hands moving urgently over my body, one settling on my waist and the other moving up toward the gentle swell of my breast. “Right here, right now, in this moment, in this garden, you're perfect.”

 

I found something unsettling about his words. It was enough to break the spell. With great reluctance, I tore myself away from him, letting my hands drop to the side. We stood there that way for a full minute, both catching our breaths, until Sesshoumaru finally let his arms drop, and we each took a step back.

 

“We shouldn't have done that,” I said. He nodded absentmindedly.

 

I clasped my hands behind my back. “We should go inside. People will begin to talk.”

 

“Since when do you worry about what people say?”

 

“Kesshite (never). But then, I'm never in public with my father.”

 

Then without another word he turned on his heel and strolled out and toward the palace. I let out a breath I'd been holding. Before going in he waited for me to join his side and then wrapped my arm in his. When we walked in, several people glanced at us and began murmuring, but none made any gesture to question our whereabouts for the last half hour.

 

“Wait here,” I said to him.

 

He held my arm tight. “I will not let you leave my side tonight or tomorrow. Have you noticed how these males look at you? You will be escorted for the entire duration of my visit by me.” He was sizing up every man in the room.

 

I took in a deep breath. “Look Han, I am capable of defending myself.”

 

He blinked. “I agree.”

 

“And...” he continued, that slight sensuous smile touching his lips again, “you will dance with me.”

 

“A... a dance?” I squeaked.

 

“A dance.”

 

If I could put him off until after he agreed to leave as soon as possible, perhaps I could avoid it entirely. “I'm spoken for this evening, of course, but I'm sure I could save a dance for you this season.”

 

He shook his head, a dark strand of hair falling across one eye. “Tonight. Now.”

 

“But I told you, I'm spoken f―”

 

“The next dance is mine, or you and your pretty bottom will have to put up with me for more than two nights. I might decide tell your father that I could stay for another month. I'm sure he would love to form an alliance with a prince of the mainland.”

 

So the inu youkai was making declarations again, hoping I would run like a scared rabbit. Well this wasn't about him; it was about me and about how I would keep those females with hungry eyes looking at him like a piece of meat.

 

“Very well, I said, squaring my shoulders. “I will inform Hiroyaki that I will be with you all night.”

 

Something unreadable touched his gaze for a fleeting moment. “No, you will not.” As if waiting for his cue, the music began out on the large hall. He gestured towards the main room.

 

“Now or never, Lady Kagome.”

 

“Now.”

 

The prince led the way to the crowded dance floor, declining to take my hand and no doubt hoping I would take the opportunity of his turned back to flee. I was tempted. At the edge of the floor he faced me, and with the last strangled breath I joined him there. His hand slid slowly about my waist, drawing me still closer while I waited for lightning to strike me dead.

 

Hiroyaki appeared, but whatever protest he'd been about to utter vanished in a convulsive swallow as my father whispered something in his ear. Sesshoumaru merely looked at the samurai and abruptly Hiro walked away, scurrying off as though he'd remembered the immediate need to relieve himself

 

“Changed your mind?” he asked, taking my fingers in his other hand.

 

This close his scent was even stronger. My eyes were at level with his crisp white neckline, and I didn't want to look up at him. This close, he... overwhelmed me, every scandalous tale I'd overheard about him swirling about in my mind. What was I doing, standing in the embrace of the inu youkai Prince of the Western Lands?

 

With a shift of his hand, he guided us into the dance. I'd danced with him before so I wasn't surprised that he moved with elegance and grace. And light as his grip was, I felt the steel beneath. I had no doubt that I wouldn't be able to escape unless he let me.

 

“Look at me,” he murmured, his soft breath in my hair reminding me of our intimate moments following the encounter with the snake youkai and at the cave.

 

Swallowing, I lifted my chin. “You're evil, you know.”

 

“I only asked for a dance. I might have asked for something much more intimate, you know.”

 

I decided I might as well blush. He probably thought beet-red was my natural coloring, anyway. “You have and I refused you.”

 

The western prince chuckled, the sound unexpected and warm. Even his eyes lit just a little and I wondered for a fleeting moment why he seemed so determined to be jaded and cynical more often than not.

 

“Sharing my futon was a suggestion, not a request. A very good suggestion, by the way.”

 

“No it wasn't. I don't even like you. Why would I want to... become intimate with you?”

 

For a moment he looked genuinely surprised. “What does liking someone have to do with anything? It's the act that's pleasurable.”

 

Oh, Kami, now I was going to faint. Discussing sexual intercourse in the middle of a ballroom with the inu prince was akin to a demand to be ruined. He'd kept his voice low, though, and I hoped no one had overheard our discussion. As for what else anyone might think I could possibly be chatting about with him, I would worry about that later. “I admit to ignorance about the details you discuss,” I returned, “but I would think any interaction between two people would be... nicer if genuine affection were involved.”

 

“Your innocence is truly remarkable,” he said, then lowered his head to whisper, “and I would be happy to relieve your ignorance.”

 

His lips brushed my ear, feather-light, and I shivered. He's just playing with me, I told myself desperately. He's bored, and he's trying to keep himself entertained. “Stop that,” I commanded, annoyed that my voice shook. “Weren't we just talking earlier about you mating Michiru?”

 

His eyes hardened. The music stopped and he released me before I could pull away. “Come. Let us join your father before that idiot wanna-be-samurai tries something.”

 

“Hiroyaki could never hurt you, even in your present physical state.”

 

He grinned mockingly. “I said he'd try.” I hid a smile, knowing well he was right.

 

My father smiled politely at him. “Prince Han, I see that my daughter has kept you entertained. I hope that our traditions and form of celebration are of your liking.” The emperor was really forcing himself to speak. His appearance was normal to the naked eye, but I knew that something had bothered him about Sesshoumaru.

 

Either Sesshoumaru didn't care or didn't notice, but he nodded his head. “Lady Kagome is a wonderful young woman. She talks greatly about you, my lord.”

 

I stared at my father and waited for his response. “Arigatou for your great words. If you don't mind, however, I would like to talk to you in private.”

 

“Of course.” Even though my arm was the only part of my body in contact with him, I could almost feel all his muscles tense.

 

“Follow me then.” He turned and bowed to me. His mouth moved soundlessly forming an apology. I bowed to both of them and watched them move in the direction of my father's study.

 

“I don't like him. His sudden appearance and interest in the jewel is too suspicious.” Hiro stood next to me. His every facial muscle hardening as he spoke of the prince.

 

“You don't like him because I was dancing with him and not with you. You know nothing about him. For all you know, his interest in the jewel could be passive and innocent. If the jewel falls in the hands of evil, not only Nihon will be in danger, but the entire known civilizations.” I tried to sound as objective as possible. But I was angry that he was ready to judge Sesshoumaru without giving him the benefit of the doubt.

 

He was gazing down at me. The genuine shock in his face at my defense of the inu youkai brought me back to reality. If I didn't at least try to explain why I defended Han, then he might begin suspecting. He replied. “I will admit that I did not like him dancing with you. But it was only because we know nothing about him. Believe me. Not even Prince Pei has heard of him.”

 

I rolled my eyes. “And you trust Prince Pei because he knows everyone in the mainland, right?”

 

He was at a loss for words. “Well... no... but―”

 

“But nothing Hiro! All your assumptions and accusations are being fed by your jealous insecurities! And as far as not knowing him? Well, let me tell you this before you accuse him in front of everyone here and make a fool of yourself!” I spat through clenched teeth. Calming myself enough so I could push him to the empty hall outside the crowded room, I continued, “I do know him! And I know for a fact, that he has no interest in the jewel. Oh, and just so you know? I invited him because he is an intimate friend.”

 

I left him dumbfounded and wide-eyed. I hadn't meant to say that last part and I was now regretting it. He was sure to tell everything to my father and that was the last thing I needed right now.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“Please, take a seat.” The okami served two cups of tea and gave one to the prince. They both took a small sip and set their cups down. Emperor Seiwa didn't fail to notice the gracefulness the young prince possessed. Just like he did not fail to notice the way he looked at the hime.

 

Han looked at his host. “Hai.”

 

The emperor lifted an eyebrow and smiled amusedly. “I beg your pardon?”

 

Han straightened more and took another delicate sip of his tea, which surprisingly was very good. “You brought me here to discuss your daughter, or rather my interest in her. And before you object, I wish to make it clear that I will respect what you decide AFTER you give me the opportunity to court her.”

 

“I will not object. You are free to court her. I have given every one of the men who have wanted to court her, the same opportunity. However, I must warn you that my daughter has already chosen her intended.”

 

“Hm.” The prince took another sip. His appearance remained calm. “I suppose we are all allowed a change of mind.”

 

Emperor Seiwa laughed. “I like the way you think. Perhaps it would not be bad if my daughter changed her mind. But that is all up to her.”

 

“Arigatou.”

 

“However, this isn't the only reason I asked you to talk in private. I was hoping we could form more about plausible political alliances.”

 

If it was possible, Han would have rolled his eyes. He instead nodded and let the okami talk... and talk... and talk...

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Well guys, that's it for now. Make sure you review! I need them at the moment. Have a nice week.