InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ High Magic: Return of the Rogue ❯ Chapter 1
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
DISCLAIMER: I don't own InuYasha or any of the characters associated with it
High Magic: Return of the Rogue
Chapter One
“Ah, Kagome, you look beautiful!”
Princess Kagome Higurashi eyed herself critically in the full-length mirror. The pale ivory dress gleamed under the light like polished pearl, strangely enhancing the smooth creaminess of her naturally porcelain skin. The bodice squeezed her torso snugly, pushing her cleavage into full view. Her raven tresses were piled atop her head in loose curls, held together by a solitary diamond-encrusted tiara.
With a subdued sigh, she turned slowly to face her childhood friend. “I don't want to look beautiful, Sango! I don't want to look like anything.” She crossed her arms over her chest, huffing slightly. She knew she was throwing a mini temper tantrum, but nothing about this night was going to bring her joy.
Sango rolled her eyes and crossed the small space to stand in front of her friend. She placed her hands on the petite young woman's shoulders, giving them a light squeeze. “Kagome, you know this is something that all young women of the royal court go through. You're of age now and it's time you found a suitable husband…”
Her voice trailed off when she saw the look of pure fury flash through the princess's sparkling brown orbs. She mentally braced herself for the tirade that was sure to come.
“Sango, how can you buy into this royal court bullshit so easily? I remember a time when you felt just as I did and couldn't stand the outdated traditions of the Elswynn Court!” Kagome's eyes narrowed. “What's changed your mind so suddenly?”
Sango's hands dropped to her sides quickly, fearful that Kagome would get a glimpse of her inner thoughts. Kagome was not above using mind-taking spells to get the truth out of someone and no one was better at than the princess.
“What? Nothing has changed my mind…I just think that you should do as the Queen bids.” Sango took a step back, her eyes dropping to the floor.
Kagome cocked her head to the side, now more certain than ever that her best friend was keeping something from her. Avoiding physical contact and eye contact…
“You've been matched, haven't you?” Kagome's eyes widened as she stood staring at her friend. She watched as the dark-haired woman's shoulders slumped, her hands clutching at the silky fabric of her long, flowing gown.
“Yes,” she responded in a small voice. Kagome instantly threw her arms around the slightly taller woman. “I'm sorry, Sango! I didn't know.”
Sango nodded, returning the embrace. “Well, it happened just this morning, so I'm getting used to it myself.” Kagome leaned back so she could look at her.
“And who is your future husband?” She asked, afraid of the answer. Although most of the men of Elswynn Court were considered the finest in all of the Mystic Realm, there were those who were considered…less than desirable. It wasn't uncommon for a lady of the court to end up with a man nearly a century older and certain imperfections unbecoming of an Elvin clan member.
Sango inhaled deeply before replying. “Miroku Tensei.”
Kagome tried not to let the pity show in her face. It wasn't that Miroku wasn't attractive; on the contrary, he was considered one of the most handsome men among the Elvin clan. What worried Kagome and nearly every other female in the Elvin clan, hell, the entire Mystic Realm, was his overtly lecherous behavior. Miroku had a definite problem with keeping his hands to himself.
“Well, that's not…so bad,” Kagome commented lamely, biting her lower lip. Sango frowned, knowing her friend was lying by the telltale gesture. Kagome always bit her lip when she was lying through her teeth.
“Don't I at least get honesty from my best friend?” She grumbled, plopping down on the queen-sized canopy bed. Kagome sighed and took a seat next to her. “Fine,” she said with a shrug of her shoulders. “Miroku's a big pervert and now he's going to be your problem.”
Sango glanced at her, irritated. After a few moments of silence, the two women burst into a fit of giggles. Kagome had to hold her sides as her eyes began to tear.
“This…is…not…funny!” Sango gasped between fits of laughter. Kagome shook her head. “You're right, but…but” she doubled over, unable to finish the sentence. They were so tickled by the idea of Sango marrying such a man as Miroku that they failed to hear the door open.
“What's going on in here?”
Kagome wiped her eyes, glancing at the figure standing just inside the doorway. “Rin! Come join us in celebrating Sango's joyous news!”
The much younger girl stared from one woman to the other, her brow knit in confusion. “Huh?”
Sango glared at Kagome in mock anger and swatted at her lightly. “Don't listen to your older sister, Rin. My news is anything but joyous.”
Rin rolled her eyes, not bothering to figure out what the two were talking about. She'd learned long ago that her sister and her friend were two of a kind; both completely insane. “Well, you can tell me about it at the banquet. The Queen sent me to fetch you two.”
The two women were instantly sobered. Kagome's earlier feelings of anger and helplessness returned. Both Rin and Sango caught the panicked look that crossed her face. Sango wrapped a comforting arm around her friend's shoulder. Rin crossed the room to kneel in front of her.
“It won't be so bad,” Rin tried to reason, her eyes holding a hint of doubt. While it was tradition that once a young woman of the court was of age to wed, a husband would be chosen for her, Kagome's situation was of slightly more importance. She was Princess Kagome Higurashi of Elswynn and just anyone wouldn't due for a royal. Plus, there was the added bonus that Queen Danai would be the matchmaker…
Kagome saw the emotions that passed over her younger sister's pretty face, her lighter hazel eyes mixed with worry. She pasted on a smile, shaking her head slightly.
“You're right. I mean, I'm not the first to go through this nor will I be the last.”
Rin and Sango exchanged looks, not knowing what to say. Kagome stood abruptly, her face a mask of determination. “Well, we can't keep the Queen waiting, now can we?” She swept up the folds of her ivory dress, clutching them tightly as she walked from the bedroom. With heavy sighs, Sango and Rin followed after her.
<<>>
As Kagome entered the heavy oak doors that led into the grand dining room, she had to steady the rapid beating of her heart. She knew that the minute she entered the room, all eyes would be on her. She was surprised when she felt a small hand grab her own, gripping it tightly.
Rin stood at her side, a slight smile on her face. “I can't let you enter the lion's den alone,” she whispered with a quick wink. Kagome smiled gratefully and glanced back at Sango. Although Sango was a member of the royal court, she wasn't an immediate member of the royal family and therefore was relegated to the lower tables which were reserved for the lesser nobles such as lords and ladies. As Kagome and Rin made their way to the raised platform specifically designated for the royal family, she glanced out at the crowd, faltering slightly.
“What is the Demon clan doing here?”
Rin followed her gaze, just as surprised as her sister. She shrugged and gave Kagome a slight shove forward. “Who knows? Maybe Queen Danai invited them so they could see who your match would be. After all, someday you'll be queen and your potential husband would be king.”
Kagome nodded, but a small doubt nagged at her. It wasn't normal policy for the demon clan to attend ceremonies like these…
“Ah, my two daughters have finally decided to join me.”
Both Kagome and Rin visibly tensed at the sound of the smooth, frostily polite voice. There was none of the motherly warmth or affection that usually accompanied such greetings. But then again, there were no familial ties that bound the three.
Queen Danai was Kagome and Rin's step-mother and she made sure to remind them of that every chance she got. Not that either of them needed reminding. Not a day went by that they weren't reminded of their own mother, a loss that was a constant ache within the girls. The only reason Danai was queen now was because their father had been forced to remarry after his own mother had pressured him into it. Luck of the draw, as they say.
Kagome lowered her head in a slight bow, acknowledging the Queen's presence. Rin followed suit, her expression neutral. Queen Danai nodded her head and gestured for them to take a seat on either side of her. Kagome sat on the right while Rin moved to the left.
Danai turned to Kagome, a slight smile on her thin red lips. “How are you feeling, dear?”
Kagome fought the urge to voice exactly what she was feeling, but instead she kept her expression blank as she responded, “Fine, Queen Danai.”
Danai's icy façade faltered just a bit at Kagome's formal title. While she didn't care to show affection toward the girls, she at least wanted to keep up pretenses. “Kagome, dear,” she hissed, lowering her head so that only Kagome could hear, “what have I told you about calling me that in public?”
Kagome stared out into the crowd, not focusing on any one person in particular. “Well, I remember what you told me to do,” she answered blankly. “But I never remember you asking.”
Danai jerked back, her violet eyes turning a deep purple until they were almost black. Although Danai was considered a great beauty by Elvin standards, with her smooth, unblemished skin, tall stature, classic golden locks and perfectly pointed ears, her anger changed her demeanor drastically.
Now, Kagome could see the faint wrinkles that spread from the corners of her eyes and mouth. While elves were typically an immortal bunch, anger did wonders to age the skin.
“We'll see how flippant you are when you see what I've got in store for you,” Danai whispered hotly, leaning back to her original position. Kagome felt a stab of fear, knowing just how vindictive the Queen could be. Once she was crossed, it was best to steer clear.
Kagome found Rin's worried gaze and tried to put on a brave face but she glanced nervously at the Queen, wondering at her dire warning. She didn't have time to dwell on the Queen's message as Danai turned to face the crowd, her expression as pleasant as a summer's day. She raised one slender white hand and the chatter immediately ceased.
“Welcome Elswynn nobles and honored guests of the Demon clan. Tonight is a very special occasion, as many of the royal court know.”
Danai's gaze slipped to Kagome for a brief second before returning to the crowd. Kagome clenched her hands in her lap, not trusting herself to look up for fear that her expression would be one of absolute hatred. Oh, Queen Danai was a master at keeping up appearances, just was one of the reasons she was so well-suited for the royal court.
“Tonight my step-daughter, Princess Kagome Higurashi of Elswynn, is to meet the husband that I have chosen for her, her match. However, this night is momentous for another reason as well.” Queen Danai smiled and her gaze settled on the demon clan seated at the far end of the large room.
Kagome's mind raced. Who had Danai chosen for her? Out of all the possible choices, Kagome could deduce that the most likely would be Hojou, son of Lord Fujoku and also, like Sango, a childhood friend. Although Kagome had once harbored feelings for him in their younger years, all she felt now was a friendly sort of love. But still, she would rather be married to her friend than some stranger.
Kagome's attention was brought back to the present when Danai suddenly stood.
“As you all know, the two clans of the Mystic Realm, Elvin and Demon, have shared a rather…tenuous peace at best. It is no secret that our two factions have warred with one another for many, many centuries. Recently, however, both clans have suffered a loss with the assassination of Lord Tuso Ikayoi of the Western Lands.”
A feeling of suspicion crawled over Kagome's skin like a living, breathing thing. What did this have to do with the matching ceremony? True, news of the Lord of the Western Lands' death had spread like wildfire; igniting many a conspiracy theory as to who was behind it, but this was not the time for talk of politics…
“Tonight, I hope to forge a stronger, more everlasting peace between the Elvin and Demon clans as a show of unity,” Danai paused, turning her gaze to her eldest step-daughter. A flash of glee flitted through her lavender orbs before being replaced with that polite blankness. She kept their gazes locked as she uttered the next words.
“With the joining of my step-daughter and the new Lord of the Western Lands, the eldest son of the late Lord Tuso, Sesshomaru Ikayoi.”
If the whole world had come crashing down around them, Kagome wouldn't have been more shocked by what she'd just heard. Not a sound could be heard throughout the entire room as Danai's words sunk in.
An Elvin princess and a Demon lord…joined in marriage? It was unheard of!
Kagome slowly stood on shaky legs, her hands braced on the table in front of her. She was about to tell her step-mother where she could stick this supposed peace treaty and how far when she suddenly swayed on her feet, a swirling blackness overtaking her.
Kagome felt herself succumbing to gravity as she seemed to float to the ground in slow motion.
This certainly wouldn't look good for the Elvin clan.