InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ The Four Houses of Taiyoukai ( Chapter 28 )

“Darling, drink this,” Lady Seiobo ordered as she thrust a glass of wine into Kagome's hand. “You look nervous enough to vomit, and frankly that's the last thing with which I need be concerned.”

 

Kagome took the beverage. “I'm sorry. I'm just afraid I might slip up on something important. I understand how vital the next few days will be.” The Taiyoukai had arrived, and she had been primping all afternoon with Gina and Azami in preparation for the state dinner and was worried that she would forget all the rankings and hierarchies and commit some infraction of etiquette.

 

“I wish I had had time to tell you more about the other three Houses, but there's been so much requiring my attention of late. You'll be fine. It's my mate who worries me,” Seiobo confided. “You see, when he was young, it was always assumed Okuri would succeed their grandfather as the leader of the West. Isamu was trained in military matters, not diplomacy and convention. He is a strong House leader, and I certainly balance him well, but…let's just say he prefers informality. He and General Suzaku have led armies together for many decades, and they have a tendency to get carried away when in each other's company. I'll need to keep him on a short leash.”

 

Kagome knew Seiobo, who had taken great pains at blending her in with the Youkai nobility, was perturbed by the fact that Kagome had begun instructing young Youkai soldiers in archery the day before and, not wanting to displease her mate's mother, obediently sipped her wine. “Are the three Houses of Taiyoukai very different?” She wished she knew more about them and the varieties of Youkai within each, having been instructed at the Sisterhood to think of them all as merely the Enemy.

 

Seiobo, to whom politics was an unmatched passion, smiled at Kagome's interest. “We are all, of course, Youkai at our cores, but yes, there are significant distinctions. The West has always been naturally allied most closely with the House of the East, primarily because our familial arrangements are similar; they also mate for life. The East and the West have traditionally maintained the strongest armed forces, which has historically been known to cause mistrust amongst the other two Houses.” Seiobo paused and adjusted the comb in Kagome's hair. “The dragon Youkai, who lead the South, are situated on the largest, most varied land holdings, command vast natural resources, and are the most wealthy. They also like to think of themselves as more dignified and wiser than other Youkai and are rather aloof, an attitude I cannot tolerate.”

 

“More dignified than Sesshouamru?” Kagome asked. “Are they made of marble?”

 

Seiobo laughed lightly. “They do have many scholars and are great patrons of the arts,” she continued with a touch of envy, “it's the attitude of superiority I hate. The North…tiger Youkai are quite different. They take multiple partners, of both genders, as mates, concubines, and lovers. I still have no idea how they keep the lines of succession straight. Generally known to be fiery and unpredictable in negotiations and on the battlefield, in a way they are the opposites of the dragons. But the North and the West share a long border, and we have come to rely on one another over the years. There are treaties and pacts, some millennia old, to maintain balance. We are all rather fearful of another House becoming too powerful.”

 

The new information caused Kagome's head to spin and she drained her glass. “It sounds even more unstable than Ningen Great Families. I didn't realize your society was so complicated; I've always assumed you were a more monolithic structure.” They heard the sounds of Gina and Azami nearing Seiobo's sitting room.

 

“There is lots of plotting and vying for better position, but we all play well together for the most part. One reason is that, due to interests in blood purity, we've never intermated, though,” she said eyeing Azami as she entered, “I've a mind to test that.”

 

“Am I detecting a hint of deviousness?” Kagome whispered with amusement.

 

“Me?” Seiobo responded coyly. “I'll only say the seating arrangements for the dinner tonight took me days to chart out and produced the most dreadful headache. I'm not sure if you are aware, we are also hosting more than half the main Inuyoukai families tonight. News that the other Houses were arriving here has apparently spurred many Undecideds to declare their support in our favor. It has been a great boon in our struggles against Okuri's machinations, strengthening our position, but I must confess, I'll be happy when it's finished.” She rose and kissed Gina and Azami in greeting.

 

“Hannya, as usual, has worked her magic,” Gina announced. Her elegant hairstyle seems to defy laws of gravity, and Kagome was glad her own was far simpler.

 

“You look enchanting, all of you,” Seiobo proclaimed. “Shall we make our way to the banquet hall?”

 

XXXXX

 

Sesshoumaru watched as his nervous-looking mate entered the cavernous room with his mother, Gina, and Azami. She had been fretting all morning about her formal introduction to the leaders of the other three Houses as his marked mate and future Lady of the West and, though he tried to put her at ease, she still appeared anxious. Surrounded by the tall, white-haired females, Kagome, with her black hair, looked foreign, exotic. Her formal kimono was lilac silk with the Inutaisho family crest, a pattern of hexagons, adorning the shoulders and sleeves. The dark violet embroidery caught the blue of her eyes, transforming them into twin pools, large and sparkling, in her clear face. He took her trembling hand and squeezed it reassuringly. “You look beautiful. Relax.”

 

“Will you tell me if I am doing something wrong, before I make a fool of myself?”

 

“Miko, calm down. Your agitation over violating protocol will do nothing but ensure a self-fulfilling prophesy.”

 

They walked to General Inutaisho, who was waiting with the other Taiyoukai. Kagome thought she recognized some of them from the treaty negotiations, but couldn't place any names with faces. Then she recalled with abasement some of the comments she had made in their presence and dragged her feet, earning a glare of disapprobation from Sesshoumaru. Resisting the desire to bolt, she remembered her position. Dammit, she thought, I am the mate of the heir to the House of the West and I will act accordingly. She straightened and, chin held high, took her place beside Sesshoumaru.

 

“Some of you will remember Lady Kagome from the treaty negotiations of several weeks ago,” General Inutaisho began. “Those of you who weren't present, I would like to introduce to you my son and heir's mate, Lady Kagome Higurashi.”

 

Kagome realized it had only been a month since she was told that she would play an instrumental part in the peace treaty; it seemed so much longer. She looked at the floor, lowering her head, then bent at the waist slowly, bowing deeply, sliding her palms down the front of her legs until her hands were just above her knees. The other Taiyoukai bowed lightly.

 

“Kagome, representing the House of the East are General and Lady Suzaku and their son and heir, Lord Noboru, and his mate, Lady Tsubaki.” The Youkai bowed gracefully to Kagome, hands at their sides. They had brown hair flecked with white and steely grey eyes. Takayoukai, hawk demons, she recalled. On their cheekbones were a series of short diagonal lines, and on the foreheads a yellow triangle intersected by a horizontal line. Then General Inutaisho indicated the next group of Youkai, who all had black hair and eyes. “Lord and Lady Seiryu and their son and heir, Lord Haruto, of the House of the South.” They also bowed to Kagome in a similar fashion, and when they straightened she saw they had a red spiral on the forehead and a single gently curving line on each cheekbone. “And Lord and Lady Byakku and their daughter and heir, Lady Nekoko, from the House of the North.” The Torayoukai had rich saffron-colored hair and green eyes, with a green quartered circle on their foreheads and bold black lines on the cheeks. Kagome bowed lightly at each introduction. Then the General, Sesshoumaru, Seiobo, Gina, and Azami all greeted the visiting Taiyoukai, Gina and Azami bowing deeply as Kagome had done, showing deference to superiors.

 

Seiobo looked at Kagome proudly and gave her a little smile. Kagome dared to think it went well. She hadn't bowed out of turn, or too deeply, or not deeply enough, all actions that could be perceived as insults. She recited the names in her mind and was beginning to think she had committed them to memory, but then was introduced to a large group of diplomats, intelligence officers, and nobles and gave up trying. Her mind suddenly felt like a sieve, but she thought she covered her confusion well.

 

They sat for dinner, and Kagome, seated in between Sesshoumaru and Gina, breathed a sigh of relief. Once the meal and drink were served, the mood lightened and Kagome actually began to enjoy herself. The Taiyoukai guests conversed cordially with their hosts, discussing the status of the early stages of trade talks, the return of armies home, the delivery of food supplies to starving Ningen villages. It seemed both races were benefitting from the end to the violence. After the plates were taken away, more wine was brought out.

 

“Lady Kagome,” said Lady Nekoko, seated on the other side of Gina, “I hope you appreciate the debt of gratitude owed you for your participation. I'm not sure if you are aware of our situation. The North is heavily forested, and we have been fighting with Ningen over land encroachment and habitat destruction for decades. Halting the threat to our most important natural resource has made it possible for us to continue our way of life. We are truly thankful for your role in the peace.”

 

Kagome was humbled at the personal nature of the acknowledgement. “I only hope the peace can last,” she replied courteously.

 

“And that is the reason for our assembly, is it not?” said Lord Seiryu. “We all have great stakes in the continuation of the treaty, and we've been told you, as a Ningen and miko, may be of even further assistance in our eradication of this new danger.”

 

General Inutaisho noted Azami's curious expression. It would be difficult to keep her in the dark about the Ningen weapon, especially since his mate insisted on seating her next to Lord Haruto. Knowing the other Houses had only sketchy information concerning Western politics and intrigue, he sought to change the subject. “Yes, Lady Kagome has been an interesting addition to our household. She's bested some of our finest warriors.”

 

“Oh really?” asked Lord Noboru silkily. “You allow her a place on the training grounds?”

 

“My troops have learned much in sparring with our new daughter,” General Inutaisho said with pride. “Not the least is the necessity of questioning assumptions regarding one's opponent. I began to put her skills at archery to use recently.”

 

“Perhaps we could arrange a match,” General Suzaku said eagerly. “It's been some time since any of my soldiers had their mettle tested against a miko. Though I truly doubt she'd have the same success against the East's far better trained army.”

 

“Care to back your words up with a wager?” General Inutaisho growled.

 

Seiobo was profoundly unhappy at the turn in conversation, wishing her mate had at least a notion of propriety. She hated to see her efforts at Kagome's transformation suddenly tossed aside, but she bit her tongue in submission. She had, after all, been expecting something like this from those two. He would pay dearly later for his alcohol consumption and choice in subject matter. At least she knew Sesshoumaru would never allow such a thing.

 

All eyes turned to Kagome, who inwardly thrilled at the idea of sparring with new Youkai, but said simply, “Only if the Lord General and my mate would permit it.” She carefully kept her face down, not daring to look at Sesshoumaru. She was certain she could feel disapproval radiating from him.

 

“That would be a sight, would it not?” Lord Byakku gleefully observed. “Imagine the novelty of seeing a miko spar with some of our best warriors. How entertaining a diversion!” The House of the North thrived on chaos, and the possibility of the mate of an heir engaged in a sparring match was too good to be true.

 

Sesshoumaru angrily looked at the taunting expressions on the faces on General Suzaku and Lord Noboru. He knew them well, having served in battle together for years, and, aware that no insult was genuinely intended, resisted the urge to take offense. There was simply no precedent for the mate of a Taiyoukai being asked to fight anyone, and he was irritated with his father for responding to the bait. But the honor of the West had been challenged, and he knew Kagome could handle herself. “You have my consent,” he said evenly.

 

Kagome couldn't believe her ears. She looked at him with disbelief, but he merely nodded indulgently. She grinned, unable to contain her surprise and pleasure.

 

Seiobo felt betrayed, first by her mate, now her son. She glanced at Lord Seiryu, smugly rolling his eyes, and fumed.

 

General Inutaisho laughed loudly. “Alright then, once we finish with our business, we'll hold a little contest. But don't say there was no warning when she humiliates you.”

 

Conversation turned back to matters less controversial, and a short time later the visiting Youkai and their hosts were bidding each other good night. Kagome went to Seiobo and apologized.

 

“It's not your fault. I just hope Gina can behave with discretion.”

 

Kagome noticed Gina and Nekoko whispering together in a corner. Nekoko leaned in close and kissed the side of Gina's neck, then they got up quickly and left the room.

 

“Oh good heavens,” Seiobo sighed. “At least Azami is cooperating. She does coquettish nicely.” Azami and Lord Haruto were still sitting at the dining table, talking quietly. “Some of the main families have expressed interest in courting Azami as well. She'll be kept busy with suitors, so that's one less thing needing my attention.”

 

“Lady Seiobo, what did you mean about intermating between Taiyoukai? Are you thinking of arranging something for Azami?”

 

“Perhaps. You see, amongst some of the main families, while they recognize him as the heir to the West, the fact that Sesshoumaru's offspring will not be entirely Inuyoukai is unacceptable. If I can get Azami mated to someone other than a dog, Okuri's position will be weakened, as he can no longer claim that any children Azami may have will be pure.”

 

“But would he agree to such a mating?” Kagome asked.

 

“Mate of the heir to the South is a great honor. The South has enviable wealth and power. If it were proposed no one would say a word against it.”

 

“But what of Lord Seiryu? You seemed to imply the dragons like to keep to themselves.”

 

Seiobo smiled wickedly. “The lovely thing about Ryouyoukai is they are incurable romantics. If my dear Lord Haruto were to develop feelings for Azami, their love match would not be rejected. Convenient he isn't mated already, isn't it? And so handsome,” she giggled. Kagome had a sudden new appreciation for Seiobo's cunning. “Darling, I know how to dispose of a rival as well as Okuri. My way is just much tidier.” She suddenly scowled as her mate approached.

 

“Kagome, I hope we didn't step on your toes with this sparring match,” General Inutaisho said with excitement.

 

Kagome saw Seiobo glower. “Umm…”

 

“I didn't think Sesshoumaru would give his approval,” he laughed obliviously.

 

“I doubt you thought that far ahead! I can't believe you!” Seiobo scolded.

 

“Darling…” He knew it was pointless arguing and sought to change the subject to something more important. “Now then, the first meeting will begin early tomorrow morning. Our intelligence reports will be compiled and compared, and we hope to determine the precise situation. I hate to make such demands on your time, Kagome, but your presence will be required at each step. Masako Inoue told me your contribution is invaluable.”

 

“I only hope I don't disappoint,” Kagome replied.

 

“Nonsense,” the two Youkai said simultaneously.

 

XXXXX

 

When Sesshoumaru came to bed, Kagome was waiting, lusty at the thought of finally being alone with him.

 

“I will see personally to your training,” he said as he slid between the sheets. “I've fought alongside Eastern warriors for years; I know their strengths and weaknesses. I think they will probably start a soldier named Kenta, though I can almost guarantee Noboru will want a chance himself.”

 

“Interesting pillow talk,” Kagome said as she chewed lightly on his neck and slipped her hand down his flat, firmly muscled abdomen. “Why did you say yes?” she asked, sucking an earlobe.

 

He groaned as her fingers teased lower and lower. “The alternative wasn't nearly as interesting.”

 

Smirking, she stroked him slowly. “You know, it's you I really want to fight.”

 

“Kagome…” He captured a breast and squeezed lazily, gently pinching the hardening peak. “You don't stop trying do you?” he asked breathlessly.

 

“Never.” She moved so she was lying atop him, straddling his hips with her legs. Kissing up his torso, she began to inch down so his erection was at her entrance.

 

“Miko, what are you doing?” The bottom position during mating was very submissive. “Inuyoukai females are never on top.”

 

“How many times do I have to tell you,” she said impaling herself on his length, one inch at a time, “I'm not a Youkai.”

 

He moaned as she moved her wet heat down and licked up the side of his neck. Her warm weight on him, her heavy breasts were incredibly sensual, but it was nothing to the careful, slow, circling motions of her hips. She guided his strong arms above his head and pinned them down, never stopping the rhythm of her body on his. He knew he could flip her over on her back and regain the dominant posture, slamming into her, but he enjoyed her mastery, her complete control of him. She kissed his mouth and bit his bottom lip, mimicking the things he did to her when she was whimpering underneath him. The newness of her command over him though, was quickly lost in her need for more. More speed. More intensity. More wanting to consume him so fully, so perfectly. Panting his name, she moved faster, arching her back. Soon her breath grew ragged, and she buried her face in his hair. He felt her nails dig into his wrists and her hot wetness tighten around him as she reached her climax, sending him spiraling, falling.

 

They lay together quietly afterward, reflecting on this new dynamic between them, both content in the trust they had in each other. Through the window they saw a far-off flash of lightning, somewhere beyond the mountains. Many heartbeats later, a low rumble of thunder was heard. “A storm is coming,” one of them said.

 

XXXXX

 

A lone figure left the rookery, unseen and unknown to the sleeping inhabitants of the stronghold, the sole witness to the messenger bird as it flew across the night sky, speeding toward Lord Okuri.