InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ Protection ( Chapter 33 )

Sesshoumaru was awake, patiently waiting and watching as the sky lightened, slowly illuminating his slumbering mate as she dozed and recovered from the exertion of the previous day. The entire manor had been up half the night in celebration, but he stayed secluded with Kagome. After spending the day fighting his instincts to protect her from harm and resisting the urge to intervene, the dependent woman in his arms, as he undressed her and washed the sweat and dirt from her exhausted body, was a balm to his need to feel dominance, though he readily admitted he preferred her coherent and impertinent.

 

Kagome rolled over and pressed her body against his. “Sesshouhhmmm…” she mumbled dreamily, still half asleep, “like that… good puppy.”

 

He'd heard enough. “Miko. Wake up.”

 

She came to her senses slowly, a drowsy smile playing on her lips. “Did it really happen? Did I really win?”

 

“You did,” he said. “I hope you enjoyed yourself. I'll never permit it again.”

 

His domineering tone annoyed her. “You're not very fun to wake up to today,” she said, sitting up and stretching.

 

He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “I simply don't want to see you hurt again,” he whispered into her neck.

 

She relaxed into his embrace and moaned softly. “Mmm…much better.” His hot mouth and wandering hands effectively cleared the fuzziness from her head, replacing it with sensual contentment. “And did you really take care of me last night? Or did I dream that?” She vaguely recalled strong, gentle hands cleansing her body and rubbing soreness away.

 

Instead of answering he laid her back and kissed down her body, but the angry sounds coming from her flat belly made him stop. He looked up at her, one brow raised in question. “Hungry?”

 

“Famished,” she replied, tangling her fingers in his hair, “but I can wait.”

 

XXXXX

 

Kagome entered the infirmary to check on Haruto and found him weak but recovering, lying comfortably in the morning sun that streamed through a window.

 

His mother, worry etched on her beautiful, patrician face, rose when she saw Kagome and bowed deeply. “Lady Kagome,” she said, “You saved my son yesterday. I cannot ever adequately express my thanks to you.”

 

“Lady Seiryu—”

 

“Yuri. Please, I insist we lose the formalities.”

 

Kagome lowered her gaze and bowed. It was one thing to be on a given name basis with Sesshoumaru's family members and those of similar rank, but entirely different for the mate of a House Leader to suggest such intimacy. “Lady Yuri, I am grateful my training allowed me an opportunity to be useful.”

 

“Useful?” the dragon demon asked incredulously. “Your modesty is becoming, but you need to realize the import of your action. The South has been spared inevitable succession turmoil. More personally…today I am not a childless mother because of you.”

 

“You are welcome,” Kagome said, unable to articulate more succinctly her recognition of the gravity of the near-tragedy.

 

“I need to fetch Lady Gina. She was tending to my son all night and hoped to get a few hours rest,” Lady Seiryu said. “She told me to wake her only for a change in his condition or your arrival.”

 

After she left, Kagome sat on Haruto's bed and began to study his face for any signs of palsy. “How do you feel? Any numbness or weakness primarily on one side compared to the other?”

 

“I feel weak…everywhere unfortunately,” he replied.

 

Kagome smiled. “Actually that's a good thing right now.” She looked in his eyes and had him follow her finger, checking vision. She covered one eye, then the other. “Is your vision the same on both sides?” He nodded. She carefully tested the strength of both his hands, had him hold up his arms, stick out his tongue, and turn his head from side to side. Once satisfied, she examined the contents of a large glass on a table next to the bed.

 

“Lady Gina's vile concoction,” he commented. “I've never had much of a stomach for sweet things, and the flavor of that is sickening.”

 

She smelled dong quai, ginseng, ginger, and honey. “But you're able to keep it down…no vomiting?”

 

“Only wanting to,” he laughed.

 

“You'll get some real food soon,” Kagome said, laughing with him. “I'm sure Gina has already put the kitchens on high alert for your nutritional requirements.”

 

He regarded her thoughtfully. “I heard the news,” he said, taking her hand. “I'm glad it was you who won. Lady Kagome, I must apologize for something…Noboru and I conspired—”

 

“I heard,” she interrupted. “You don't need to apologize though. Just admit that I am an equal.”

 

His dark eyes narrowed. She was a Ningen woman, considered even by Ningen men as inferior. “An equal? Given what I've seen and heard I will willingly stipulate to your superiority. You did save my life after all.” He squeezed her hand in thanks as she blushed prettily, and he thought about Sesshoumaru's good luck at acquiring such an interesting mate. Rather ironic, he reflected, as all the Youkai with whom he had spoken when the treaty had first been proposed thought Lady Seiobo's idea of a Ningen mate for her son would doom him to a lifetime of unhappiness. “Lady Kagome, have you perhaps seen Lady Azami today?”

 

“No,” Kagome answered, surprised and somewhat flattered that he would ask her such a confidential question. “I came straight here this morning, but I'm sure she'll pay a visit soon.”

 

Gina bustled in, Lady Yuri close behind. “Kagome, I'm so glad to see you,” she said kissing her lightly on the cheek. “I suppose congratulations are in order, though I still disapprove of what you did.”

 

Kagome stood to make room for Haruto's mother. “My shoulder is fine,” she reassured her friend. “I healed myself after you left, so there's nothing to worry about.”

 

Gina scowled, unconvinced. “Not only that, though I now will be forced to question your judgment, Kagome. No, the whole tournament is ridiculous, as was proved last night. Friends and allies fighting each other…doesn't it strike you as foolish?”

 

“Uhh…Lord Haruto seems to be doing well,” Kagome said in an attempt to deflect Gina's wrath. “There doesn't even seem to be any signs of apoplexy. That amount of blood loss would likely have been fatal for a Ningen.”

 

“We Taiyoukai are a sturdy lot,” Gina said, reluctantly grinning at Kagome's timely change of subject. “Now if my Lord Haruto will cease his complaints about the taste of my blood tonic and just drink the damn stuff, he'd be ready to travel in a few days.”

 

“Yes, darling,” Lady Yuri urged, handing him the glass, “you really must obey Lady Gina's instructions. We were planning on departing tomorrow, and I'm still hopeful we can leave together.”

 

Gina encouraged a grimacing Haruto to drain it. “Kagome, would you like to help me prepare more tonic?” she asked, once the vessel was empty. “I had some in storage, but I try to make replacements as soon as I can, and with Lady Inoue due any moment I'll have need of more.”

 

Kagome nodded eagerly, and they went into the herbarium and started soaking root herbs. Conversation steered away from Gina's opinion of fighting contests in general and Kagome's recklessness specifically.

 

“Haruto was asking about someone,” Kagome whispered slyly.

 

“I think he may have a less obvious reason for shunning my medicine,” Gina said. “The other Houses are leaving tomorrow, and I'm wondering if he believes he'll have a lovely, white-haired nursemaid named Azami if he's left behind.”

 

Kagome snickered, but then suddenly became serious. “Gina, what of you? Nekoko will be leaving as well. Will you miss her?”

 

“Kagome, you are precious for thinking of me. I've known for a long time to take my pleasure as it's offered and to have no regrets. I'll be fine. And you and Sessh? Your relationship survived yesterday's anomalous events?”

 

Kagome thought of his tender ministrations to her weary body and his possessive, protective intensity earlier that morning. “Alive and well.”

 

XXXXX

 

Sesshoumaru greeted his parents as they made their way to the meeting hall, the final conference regarding Youkai collective intelligence about to begin.

 

“Son, where is Kagome?” General Inutaisho asked. “I need to congratulate her myself. The festivities last night have me suffering a skull-splitting headache, but her performance at the tournament and victory for our House are worth some discomfort.”

 

Seiobo merely rolled her eyes and sighed heavily.

 

“The level of attention has her feeling self-conscious,” Sesshoumaru responded. “She made the choice to stay behind and write letters to the Sisterhood instead of attending this meeting. For someone who craves acknowledgement, she is unusually bashful.” Sesshoumaru had left Kagome ensconced in his study with paper, ink, and brush. He hated the separation from his mate, though he was unsure if it was due to watching her be hurt and his protection instincts or her recent change in scent, which she attributed to burgeoning fertility. “Archery practice is later today, and she's promised she won't hide from the farewell banquet this evening.”

 

“Well, I've just finished troop inspections and meeting with Sato. Seems Kagome may have solved all our problems in one fell swoop,” the General said, sobering. “That little slip of a Ningen girl is being lauded by soldiers, servants, and the nobility alike. The healing of Lord Haruto's wound, her bravery and determination in the face of her own injury, the skill with which she fought have all earned her the devotion of the South and the respect and admiration of the other two Houses. Sato tells me that the remaining Western families who haven't pledged their fidelity to me are now lining up to do so, the Yamaguchi family clamoring to be first. She has won accolades for the House and the Inutaisho clan, our position has never been stronger, and Okuri no longer has any support.” He smirked playfully at his mate. “Ready to admit I was right about letting her fight in the tournament, darling?”

 

Seiobo glared at him. “Need I remind you, the dear girl would not be here in the first place had it not been for my innovative idea? That is so typically like a male, willingly to claim credit for—”

 

General Inutaisho silenced her with a rough kiss, making her face redden at the public nature of his action. “I'll be the first to declare you brilliant, Seiobo. Only you would bring a Ningen into our household…a Ningen who could prove to be our savior. Now Okuri will leave us be, and we can concentrate on the destruction of kayaku and the continuation of the peace treaty.”

 

He kissed her again. She smiled at him, enchanted, and they walked arm in arm into the meeting hall. Sesshoumaru followed them, glad to see his parents so happy, but ruefully thinking that it couldn't possibly be so simple.

 

XXXXX

 

Kagome stood in the aviary, reading through her letters to the Sisterhood one last time before attaching them to the messenger birds. Her letter to Kaede was difficult to write. She offered reassurances of her wellbeing, asked about affairs at the Sisterhood, and gently probed the matter of miko loyalty to Generals Akagawa and Kurono, all the while trying to give nothing away regarding Youkai knowledge of kayaku. She trusted Kaede completely, but also knew that chances were great that the older woman would not be the only one to read it, and Kagome knew of the precariousness of the present situation. The missive to her closest friend contained similar information and queries, but also had an outpouring of personal details.

 

My dearest friend Taka, First I need you to know that I am fine, but more of that below. I miss you all so much and think of you often; I can hardly believe five weeks ago I was with you and had no clue how much change awaited me. In some ways I feel I've never left, but in so many others my life at the Miko Shrine is a distant and treasured memory. I hope you are well. Have you heard any news from miko in service at villages and strongholds? How does War's End affect Ningen daily life? I so fervently wish that the refugees are able to return and rebuild, that miko can be healers instead of weapons, that our societies can work together for the good of all, that this peace will last. Please write me back with everything you can learn; I am so anxious to know. How are miko adjusting to the new way of thinking, and for that matter what of Leiko and her friends? They always professed such a bloodthirsty eagerness to kill Youkai; do they consider the peace a denial of their expected revenge? So sorry to fill this letter with questions…I've been isolated for a month; my curiosity gets the better of me. I receive some information here, but I long for specifics, especially from a miko's perspective.

 

As for my life…I'll start by affirming that I'm fine. Better than fine, really. Taka, I'm happy. When I first was told I would be wed to a Youkai, it was like being handed a death sentence. I was certain I'd never again experience happiness, but Taka, I've found it here. My husband's name is Sesshoumaru and is the heir to the House of the West. It's odd to think husband…spouses are referred to as mates among Youkai, and I've heard the term so many times that it's second nature to me now. Sesshoumaru and I had a rather rough start…well we also had a bit of trouble two weeks ago…okay admittedly we argue nearly everyday, but he's good to me. He treats me with respect and… I'll simply say he is nothing like the cold, cruel, arrogant demon I first thought he was. His mother is elegant and vivacious and thinks of me as one of her own children, something for which I'm immensely grateful. His father is wonderfully uncomplicated, a true military man, and I think my favorite member of the household…an irony in itself, but I'll spare you the details. And I've discovered a friend in my husband's cousin. She is the healer here, and we've taught each other much herblore. I am also continuing physical training and have started to help the younger archers with their technique. Not too different from daily life at the Sisterhood when I think about it. Really we are all more alike than dissimilar. They too wish for peace in which to raise their families in safety and good health, just as Ningen want the same for their loved ones. After believing them to be the enemy for my entire life, I'm fitting in so easily that I understand now our hatred need not be the rule. Please send my heartfelt greetings to Sakiko and Kita and Ume and everyone. Tell them I've been accepted with kindness, I'm happy, and I miss you all. And please, Taka write back to me. We now have several messenger birds trained to fly into Ningen territory, and I so hope we can be in regular contact. I need to keep you in my life somehow, dear friend. Please tell me all you can about events in Ningen territory and news from the Sisterhood. Perhaps if this fragile peace can take root and become strong, I may even be able to travel and visit you one day. Goodbye for the present, Kagome

 

Kagome wistfully rerolled the little scrolls and handed them to the aviary attendant to be affixed to the leg of a bird. As she made her way down the winding steps she nearly bumped into Azami, who looked like she had recently been crying. “Lady Azami, is something wrong?” she asked with concern.

 

“Nothing more than usual,” she said. “My father keeps me under his thumb from a distance as well as when we resided together.” She smiled weakly. “How is Lord Haruto? I heard he was recovering rapidly.”

 

“Yes, he is doing very well. But you should go see for yourself. He asked about you this morning.”

 

Azami's expression was one of profound sadness. “It's not allowed. My father…I don't know how he even heard…he sent a message late last night forbidding me from consorting with anyone other than an Inuyoukai.”

 

“But…I am so sorry, Azami.” There was nothing more she could say.

 

“I thought I was gaining a measure of choice in my life,” she sighed. “I should have known better than to think my lot was anything other than use as a political pawn. These three weeks here at the manor have softened me. I never used to feel self-pity, but now all I want to do is cry.” Her face hardened. “I shall see you this evening at the banquet.” She brushed past, and Kagome could do nothing but empathize, having been a pawn herself.

 

XXXXX

 

Kagome lay back, trying to stay still, as Sesshoumaru, engaged in one of his favorite pastimes, divested her of her clothing. The game they played was simple. While he stripped away layer after layer of silk, teasing and tickling, she was not to move or speak. Any violation on her part resulted in torn fabric and the risk of irritating Seiobo, something Kagome intended to avoid. When he had finally gotten the elaborate costume down to last article, the thin undergarment, she heaved a sigh of relief, earning her a sharp look of disapproval. She always protested when he caught her and began to undo ties and belts, but it was a pretense. She would have preferred to cut to the chase and undress quickly. However as the anticipation of being naked built, so did it heighten her desire, and she indulged his need to be in control.

 

The banquet had gone well. Kagome acquitted herself graciously, acknowledging the compliments and thanks with proper decorum, but now he was happy to have her all to himself. Slowly sliding silk off her shoulder, baring skin, he began his other favorite game, a cataloguing of her scars. He had learned and memorized the origins of all but one, an intricately patterned, slightly raised mark on her upper arm that he had saved for last.

 

“What type of Youkai made this scar?”

 

“Oh, may I talk now?” she asked impishly.

 

“You have my permission,” he responded, voice impassive.

 

“No Youkai…I received that wound fighting another miko.” He quirked a brow, awaiting an explanation. “Every few years the Sisterhood holds an exhibition to showcase our abilities, primarily for the Great Families, though most of the Ningen feudal lords attend,” she explained, as he continued undressing her. “You see once a miko takes her vows, she is sent to a village or stronghold. The placement is ultimately determined by Kaede, but the feudal lords are able to make requests, based on impressions formed during this exhibition. There are tours of the infirmary and Shrine Grove, demonstrations of skills, and a tournament. It is considered a mark of prestige for a feudal lord to be given a miko who did well in this tournament. Oohh, don't stop.”

 

Sesshoumaru, who had turned his attention to her breasts, looked up. “Somehow I think I know where this is going.”

 

“Two years ago I made it to the final match. My opponent was a woman named Leiko.” Kagome paused, reflecting, and then pushed his head back down to her chest. “Mmm,” she moaned, then began speaking again. “She had arrived a few years before, and we had a lot in common—same age, families killed by Youkai, similar fighting styles. I suppose it was natural there would be a rivalry, but she kind of…hated me. I never knew why, though one often doesn't need a rational reason. My friend Taka said it was because I was just a little bit better than she and jealousy was the motivator. That tickles. Anyway…the final round was traditionally fought empty hand, each miko given two lengths of thin rope, equal to her height, to be wrapped around her hands and forearms. This rope was then coated with wax and dipped in crushed glass.”

 

“Good gods. Why the barbarism?”

 

“Ridiculous really…it was a true test of one's ability, meant to impress the feudal lords and keep their confidence that we were tough enough to handle the defense of an entire village. The final match was usually plenty bloody, but the year I fought, we achieved a whole new level of violence.” She noticed Sesshoumaru, propped on an elbow and eyes curious, was no longer pretending disinterest. “Leiko and I were evenly matched…same size, same soft style, we'd been training together and knew each other's strengths and vulnerabilities…our fight lasted twelve hours without pause, until we were both exhausted, beaten, and had lost so much blood that we could barely stand. Kaede intervened, lest she have two of her most promising students dead, and I was declared the victor because I stubbornly remained conscious long enough to leave the grounds on my own power. It took us days to recover. We were both covered in abrasions and lacerations that bled freely because the fighting reopened and deepened them so many times. This scar on my arm is from a wound that had glass embedded in it and became badly infected.”

 

His face darkened, and he gathered her near, as if to shield her from all past hurts, erasing damage done.

 

Kagome felt him bristle at the tale of the injury. “Why does this bother you more than the other scars that I received battling Youkai?”

 

He swallowed criticism of dangerous boldness in tournament fighting, knowing that he risked sounding like his mother and cousin. “I don't know, but it just makes me want to shelter and coddle you.”

 

She smiled softly as she rolled her eyes and hooked her leg around the back of his, grinding her hips against him. “Shelter? Coddle?” she murmured. “There are far better things for you to do to me.”

 

Her wet heat pressed and tantalized his senses. “You're right,” he growled, just before he roughly flipped her over onto her knees.