InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Firebrand ❯ Chapter Three - Disruption ( Chapter 3 )

Firebrand

FaTaLfURy

Chapter Three - Disruption

A toast is being made.

The ball was a big success, to the Queen's delight. And after witnessing the pleasure of those who attended, she's giving another one.

This time though, is a little different from the last one.

A masquerade ball.

Beautiful ladies in flowing gowns and handsome lords in dashing ensembles-both of which are according to one's preferred character-and their faces masked `till midnight, locked in an enchanted world.

"Perfect for what we have in mind,"

The Viscount Sedrick saluted as he raised his glass.

"Are you sure this will work, Naraku? If Grey ever finds out before hand-"

"Do not fret, my friend. Everything will turn out according to our plan. Besides, with the three of us-not to mention other accomplices-what could go wrong?"

"That's completely right, darlin'. Just relax, and follow along. Leave everything else to us,"

Yura's sultry voice persuaded him, and he touched his goblet with theirs, sealing the deal…

============================================

Inuyasha stood brooding by the Lady Winters' window, ignoring the lovely scene the rose gardens made below him.

Every night, after every one else has gone to sleep or chose their own form of pleasure, he came to her room. And each night, he made love to her over and over again… until the rosy hue of the sky hinted on the new day's arrival.

And tonight is no different.

The duke sighed loudly.

`Three more months,' he chanted to himself repeatedly.

Waiting is a foreign concept to him.

Patience is not one of his redeeming qualities.

When he wanted something, he goes after it as a predator would its' prey, and makes sure he gets it. He never waited long enough for his wants to come to him in its' own time; he seeks it out and claims it for his self.

But Kikyou is different.

Out of all the things he could have ever wanted, she is definitely worth waiting for.

She came into his life and gradually; she changed him a bit to who he was now. Her influence on him is apparent. Unconsciously, he found himself drawn to her gentleness and goodness, and in the process fell in love with her.

`No other woman would suit me as well as her. No other woman can complete me as she does. She is meant for me… forever,'

But a lingering guilt stayed on his mind.

She did not know of all his secrets. He could not bring himself to tell it all, thinking that what she doesn't know won't hurt her at all. And yet…

He could not help but wonder:

`Would she still be as understanding, as accepting and as loving as she is now if she knew me completely?'

"Pierce? What are you doing there? Do you want to catch a cold? Please love, come over here where it's warm,"

Her sweet and serene voice pierced through his musings. He turned, and sucked in his breath at the beauty she made while brushing her hair.

A surge of warmth and possessiveness rose within him-both of which are totally expected-his amber gaze betraying his love for her.

After all their years together, his desire for her never waned; rather, it is enhanced by time… and her love.

Inuyasha closed the distance between them and knelt down behind her to nuzzle her neck.

"Pierce, stop. I'm not through with my hair yet. Oh God,"

Lady Winters bit back a moan.

"I think it's time we went to bed, love,"

And with that, he picked her up bridal-style and placed her upon the bed, where me proceeded to love her completely…

============================================

A few hours later…

The duke sat, leaning on the massive headboard of his lady's bed. Kikyou is in his arms, her eyes shut and her body lethargic after their activities.

His hands slowly travels up her spine, and down again in rhythmic motion meant to relax her.

"I saw you dancing with Bradon earlier,"

The comment made Lady Kikyou's eyes snap open, and tension filled her body for a moment before relaxing once again.

"The marquis came with my stepbrother, Naraku. It would seem impolite if I hadn't accepted the invitation for a dance,"

"But the man is clearly infatuated with you! And your dear stepbrother would cheerfully push you and his friend in bed together, if it means it would benefit him,"

Kikyou scrambled to a sitting position, and faced him.

"Naraku would never do such a thing! My stepbrother happens to love me dearly, Pierce. Why can't you see that?"

There was a hint of pleading in her voice, but he remained quiet.

"And the marquis may have affection for me, but you of all people should know that it would come to nothing. Everyone in court knows that, and so should you. I love only you, Lord Grey,"

A cool hand touched his cheek caressingly in an effort to make him understand. He said nothing, but held her hand against his face and closed his eyes at the feeling of it.

"Besides, three months from now and you would have me as your wife, my love. So there's no need to fear and be jealous,"

He opened his eyes at this, and pulled her into his embrace.

"I, jealous? Keh! That would be the day, m'lady,"

Kikyou smiled in his embrace, content to know that he cares for her deeply.

In an attempt to change the subject of the conversation, the duke cleared his throat and said:

"So who is it you're portraying this masquerade ball?"

============================================

The evening of the said ball…

Kagome Rose Woodbine sat patiently before her mirror as her lady's maid diligently worked on her hair. The girl is about her age, and is very efficient and willing to please, so she put up with the mild discomfort of having her hair pulled here and there, just to make the girl happy.

She inwardly sighed at the ordeal waiting before her.

Truth be told, she isn't looking forward to attending this ball, and might have passed upon it, if it weren't for the Queen's own seal at the invitation envelope.

Of course, by then she knew that she had to come. She would never displease the Queen after all the goodness and generosity both she and the King bestowed on her.

But it still didn't make her feel good about coming.

Kagome sighed once again, and decided the torture to her hair is enough. The ball is about to start anytime now, and though it is considered to be fashionable if one is a little late, she hated unpunctuality.

Besides, the Marquis of Montmouth is escorting her, so she would have to hurry a bit more.

Catching the girl's eyes in the mirror, she nodded.

"I think that is quite wonderful as it is now, Emily. Thank you for doing such a marvelous job,"

The girl blushed at her statement, her own pleasure apparent.

"Oh but it is really an honor to serve you, miss! You are really so beautiful and elegant and… why, I bet all of the lords at the ball will swoon once they see you!"

Kagome smiled warmly at the girl's chatter and admiring gaze. She stood up while thinking if she could get the girl to come back with her to America…

"….and the style that I've done to your hair will be a perfect match for your gown! It's one of your best, Miss Woodbine, if I may say so. And the shoes the queen sent for you will be the perfect foil for it. I can see it now, you'll be the prettiest lady there!"

Emily's voice continued to drone on as she dressed her mistress. Every movement, every piece of clothing is treated with care as she and Kagome worked hand in hand to accomplish their goal.

At last, Miss Woodbine is dressed.

She is enchanting. No other word would do.

"You look like a fairy queen, m'lady! Or an angel, or-" the maid fairly gushed in her admiration.

"Yes well, thank you for informing me that I do not look nearly enough like the character I'm posing as. Maybe I should add feathered wings?"

The wry smile on her mistress' lips and the twinkle in her russet eyes eased the maid's mind.

"Oh but you look lovelier than Cinderella, that I can assure you, m'lady,"

As eccentric as it sounds, the idea sparked as quickly as she knew she would be attending the masquerade ball. She had been at court, and the Queen is also thinking of what costume she would wear when she happened upon a pair of shoes.

The shoes are made of fine glass, fit just enough for a dainty pair of feet. The Queen immediately turned to her and said:

"Cinderella!"

But since the King would be insulted to be demoted as a `prince' (even though it is Prince Charming), the Queen decided she would have to be the Cinderella. And the shoe fits so…

She wears the gown the Queen and her designed for the ball, a `Cinderella ball-gown', they called it. It is of gold and ivory, the fabrics soft and frothy for effect. Off-shoulders to reveal her perfectly smooth skin, and the sleeves tapering near her elbows before flaring out in a romantic and lacey design. The bodice is trimmed with elaborate patterns, and the skirt is full, with the drapes accentuated by roses. And the back is a work of art; with a small, cascading train held in place by roses. The glass slippers and a gold and ivory fan complete the outfit.

Her only accessories are the diamond teardrop earrings her grandfather gave her, its' matching necklace-a mixture of teardrop, marquis and round diamonds in an intricate setting; and the several diamonds scattered upon her hair for shimmering effect.

"Miss Woodbine, the Marquis awaits you at the carriage,"

"Thank you, Drummond. I will be right down,"

She turned to leave and her hand is upon the doorknob…

"Miss Woodbine! You forgot your mask,"

Startled, she held out her hand to Emily, smiling.

"Thank you so much, Emily. For everything. Imagine, not nearly midnight and I am already unmasked!"

She was still laughing as she descended the stairs.

============================================

At the ball…

The ball is in full swing. The ballroom is nearly overflowing with guests, the music flowing and the champagne pouring. The King and Queen have yet to arrive, so the formality is not over yet.

Lord Grey stood leaning against one of the pillars supporting the room in the palace, his masked gaze roving until they lit up on one person.

`Ah, there she is,'

The Lady Winters stood near the doorway to the ballroom, talking to other members of the ton. She chose to be a Greek goddess, Aphrodite to be exact. She powdered her hair white, to accompany her gown. Like the traditional Greek tunic, it is colored white, the material long and clinging. It made the illusion of being almost diaphanous, but covered her adequately. It has no sleeves; the sash holding it is tied to one of her bare shoulders.

`She is beautiful,'

"There you are, de Monteforte!"

The merry voice came from Lord Miroku Conrad Stilles, Marquis of Winchester. And a good friend of the duke.

"And where has your hands been tonight, Miroku?"

Inuyasha asked drolly.

The Marquis of Winchester laughed jovially, albeit a bit nervously.

"Whatever do you mean, Inuyasha? I am a perfect gentleman,"

"Keep chanting that to yourself and maybe you'll believe it,"

"Anyway, it has been a long time, my friend. I heard you and the Lady Winters are engaged. Is this true?"

"Yes. We decided to make it official. Three months from now and we will wed,"

"But that is good news! Here, have some champagne. I cannot believe you are really getting married. You don't seem the type to like marital bliss. However, I am delighted in knowing that Lady Kikyou will be the next Duchess of Windshire. A lovely woman, for sure. And where is your betrothed, by the way?"

Inuyasha gestured towards the entrance, just as the doors are thrown open and a vision of ethereal loveliness came inside.

"By God, Inuyasha! You truly are one lucky bastard,"

Miroku breathed unbelievingly.

Inuyasha is too stunned to speak, watching still as the lady came down the stairs with utmost elegance and poise. She stopped when someone called out to her.

And that one is Kikyou.

"I don't care if you get jealous. I'm going to dance with the lady, and that's that,"

The Marquis of Winchester exclaimed; a trace of envy in his voice as he continued to gaze at the extraordinary beauty, and then strode determinedly forward as the strains of a new waltz began.

Inuyasha is taken out of his stupor as he heard the last of his friend's statement, and he looks on as Lord Stilles walks towards his love.

A growl wanted to erupt from his throat as he watched Miroku charm the ladies. And the growl did come out when he saw his friend hold out his hand to the masked beauty.

He did a double take.

`Why am I reacting like this? It's not as if Miroku's flirting with Kikyou. It's the other girl he's interested in, so I do not have to worry,'

Even as he reassured himself, all he wanted is to wrench her away from his friend, and claim the dance for his own…

============================================

Kagome accepted the marquis' invitation to dance, and is enjoying herself quite immensely. After all, he has this deep, melodious voice that's pleasant to listen to. And he is quite the entertainer. Not to mention not bad looking at all.

"Are you having a good time, my lady?"

Oh, he is so dashing and debonair.

"Yes, my lord, thanks to you. I never did imagine I would really enjoy this evening. The masquerade ball holds a fascination for me now. All the intrigue and mystery in it…."

The marquis turned her a bit so she cut off her sentence to concentrate on the dance.

"You sound as though you haven't been to a masquerade ball at all, my lady. Surely you haven't missed Lady Carlton's masquerade ball last season?"

The marquis sounded quite surprised at this. Why he would be, she did not know.

"Actually, yes, this is my first attendance to a masquerade ball indeed. And I'm afraid I did miss Lady Carlton's ball. You see, it has only been a month past since I have been here in England,"

They stopped at the middle of the dance floor.

"You just arrived in England?"

That sounded suspiciously as a croak.

"Yes. Why have we stopped, my lord? People are staring,"

"Who are you?"

Before she could reply to the blunt question, another couple came by and stopped right beside them.

"You wanted to dance with my fiancé, Miroku?"

A deep baritone voice laced with amusement interrupted them. It belonged to none other than the Duke of Windshire.

Kagome's smile waned.

"But-but-"

Before the marquis could finish his exclamation, the duke gracefully swung her into his waiting arms, and deposited the Lady Winters in the marquis'.

A perfect switch.

`Great,' Kagome thought dourly.

Inuyasha noticed her reticence.

"Are you not enjoying the dance, mistress?"

The duke asked innocently.

Mistress Woodbine gnashed her teeth in time with the strings.

"Hardly, my lord,"

"Whyever not, Miss Woodbine?"

After posing the question, the duke proceeded to swing and dip her into the intricate steps of the waltz.

After which the momentum has her careening hard onto his body.

She gasped at the contact.

"Will you stop that! People are gawking at us! Not to mention Lady Winters,"

Kagome exclaimed angrily through clenched teeth, while trying to maintain her smile.

"Is it my fault you are hardly familiar with the steps of this waltz, Miss Woodbine?"

The taunt was said with a sardonic smile.

It made her itch to slap it off his face. Instead, she concentrated all her talent and energy into the dance, just to prove him wrong.

And wrong he was. They moved around the ballroom, their actions fluid and graceful. It was as though they choreographed the dance itself, so attuned they were to each other.

Until the ballroom cleared for them both, them being the only ones left dancing. Everyone is awed at their performance.

"Who is that on the dance floor? Some professional dancers the king and queen invited?"

"No, I think it's the Duke of Windshire with the Woodbine heiress. Aren't they just lovely?"

"Yes, the perfect match!"

"The Cinderella and her Prince Charming,"

All the comments made were said with an envious and romantic sigh.

"Perfect match, my eye!" Kagome muttered under her breath, hearing the last comment.

"Did you say anything, mistress?"

Kagome smiled tightly.

"Nothing of concern to you, my lord. The marquis, the one I was dancing with earlier, do you know him?"

"Yes," came the non-committal reply.

"He was saying strange things to me. Like he knew me personally,"

"That's because he thought you are Lady Winters,"

"What!?"

"Yes. I made the mistake of not explaining fully when both you and her appeared on the entranceway. He mistook you for her,"

`Wonderful. So someone danced with me just because I looked like Lady Kikyou,'

Kagome thought grimly.

And another thought popped into her mind.

"You don't deserve her,"

She blurted out of the blue.

An elegant eyebrow rose in inquiry.

"Lady Winters. You don't deserve her,"

"Why not?"

"You're arrogant, overbearing, pompous, chauvinistic, and a scoundrel! You are the exact opposites. The Lady Kikyou is one of the nicest and pleasant people that I know,"

"Apparently,"

"So how come she loves you? I certainly fail to understand the logic behind it,"

The duke gave her an amused smile.

"So are you by chance insinuating that I am better off with someone else and leave the pure Lady Winters alone?"

"Yes,"

She nodded emphatically so he'd know she's serious.

"Someone who's somewhat like me, Mistress? Someone more attuned to my behavior, as you put it?"

Again, she nodded.

"Why, I do think you are referring to yourself, Miss Woodbine!"

Her mouth formed the perfect O. No words could escape her lips at hearing that.

"I am touched by the offer, Mistress, but I rather like the one I'm with compared to you, thank you,"

"Why you-"

"Temper, Miss Woodbine. I told you it would not do. You are a spitfire, and I am forever thankful that I am gifted with the serene Lady Winters to grace my person and be my wife, rather than be wed and shackled to a wench like you,"

The song ended, and they stood perfectly still; still staring into each other's eyes, but with different emotions.

Her russet eyes blazed with anger and indignation, while his amber orbs exuded mockery and amusement.

Then the fireworks exploded…