InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ This Treacherous Heart of Mine ❯ TTH 2 ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: Inuyasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.

Summary: He had always gotten everything he wanted-until he met Kagome Higurashi, the untouchable betrothed of the Emperor.

Special Note: Okay, I feel like I have to explain this even though no one asked, but when I said: Of course, if word reached the emperor of my country about such a thing, my family would be killed for treason, I meant that they would die because back then in England, I don't know...in around 1544, yeah, well, if someone had more wealth than the King, then it would be considered a act of treason because you would be saying that you're richer than the King himself and back then, wealth and possessions are a great sign of power.

So....still with me? I hope so, because I was re-reading the explanation over and I got kinda lost...

Anyway, this is going to be an actual chapter due to the fact that it will explain more things and just the thought of having two prologues doesn't really sit with me. But oh well, it's written in Kagome's POV by the way.

Alright, now that we've cleared that up, let's continue onward to the newest chapter that I wrote to relieve final exam stress.

This Treacherous Heart of Mine

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< br> Chapter 1- (okay...so you caught me, it is another prologue...only it's a very very long prologue... ::cackles::)

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It is no secret that in order to become the Emperor's mistress for just one night, you had to be beautiful, well-mannered, and obedient.

And to say that becoming the Emperor's wife is the hardest thing that a woman can try to accomplish is also no private manner; it was well-known that you have to be truly spectacular to become the person that received that position.

Many would be screaming for joy or bragging shamelessly if they ever found out that they were chosen to become the wife of the ruler of Japan, himself a living legend of being beautiful, seductive and mysterious all in one, and many women would be thanking their gods that they have been given such a wonderful gift.

So why wasn't I, Kagome Higurashi, thanking my gods, screaming for joy or bragging shamelessly?

To say that I was a refined young woman who refused to speak her mind would be a fib. To say that I was someone who possessed impossible beauty and alluring charms would be stretching the truth, and to say that I was someone who wanted a husband to lord over me would be a complete lie.

I have to admit, I have led a wonderful life, being the youngest daughter of Lord Ryu, a noble in the higher-ranks, well-known for his strategic battle plans and quick, concise thinking.

Being pampered throughout my entire life of seventeen years, I have led a life full of luxury and wealth, smothered in fake respect from lower- ranking lords in hopes that my father would notice them, and showered with opportunities that some girls my age could only dream of.

That is why I am now currently betrothed to the young, handsome Emperor of Japan.

Seriously, I never expected to be the 'chosen one'. It was simply...done. My father has never brought me to court; he said that children were to be at home studying and waiting for their father's arrival home, not tramping around at the palace.

But when I turned fifteen, my father insisted me on learning proper behavior, lady-like etiquettes and other unnecessary subjects, like the tea ceremony. That took me forever to learn and I have yet to perform it.

When I was sixteen, the servants were suddenly ordered to place generous amounts of make-up on my face every morning, clothe me in the finest kimonos that money could buy and hair so elaborately wrapped up that sometimes, my scalp would itch and hurt for the whole day.

Through that time, I learnt that I was to attend my first meeting with the Emperor when I reached the age of seventeen, at the time, I did not know why, but I trusted my father, he had never lied to me so why was I to doubt his decisions?

'Practice all your manners and know how to act like the lady you are meant to be,' were his words to encourage me when he saw that I was frustrated with the training.

I took his words to heart and practiced the tea ceremony, how to pour sake properly, and the appropriate way to sit etc. over and over again, until I have finally managed to master it so well that I could perform them unconsciously.

When I reached the age of seventeen, a heavy kimono of pure silk rested on my shoulders, the many layers flowing behind me as I followed my father with my head down, heavy obsidian tresses shadowing me from the other occupants of the room-a proper sign of respect and that I knew what my place as a woman was.

My father had insisted that my hair was let down, he had imported a special soap from a country overseas and shoved it into my servant's arms, telling her to go and wash my hair with it.

After brushing my hair thoroughly, many times, I was finally presentable, face chalked with powder; lips tainted a ruby red, and kimono in place.

When I looked into the mirror, I didn't recognize myself, I looked so different, so regal. I looked fake.

I wanted to wipe away all the make-up and return to my old self, as the youngest daughter of Lord Ryu who scampered through flowers and made mud cakes all day. But my father had knocked on the door and told me it was time to leave.

To say that I was scared when I entered the courtyard would be an understatement, I was petrified. All the women there were lounging around, smiling coyly and batting their long black eyelashes as they peered at me through half-lidded eyes. I felt so small and unworthy compared to the rest of them, all shining with beauty and grace.

I felt so clumsy and childish when the men would look at me and flicker their eyes back to whatever they were paying attention before. I could never say that I was of great beauty, but for the men to not spare me a second glance was plainly insulting.

Of course, I never knew that if they had considered taking a second look at me, they would be dead the next moment.

As I was saying, I had walked through many opened halls and gardens before I reached a set of beautifully carved doors, painted a deep mahogany. In front of the two doors were the guards, all standing stiffly with their spears and weapons in hand, face impassively staring straight ahead.

My father didn't spare them a second glance as he passed through them, head held high while his steps were confident and precise.

I lagged behind him, taking my time to soak in all the beauty surrounding me, the green of the grass, purple and pink of the flowers, a greenish-blue of the small koi pond, and the sparkling orange of the many goldfishes swimming leisurely in the cool water.

My father had turned back to me and narrowed his eyes, snapping a sharp, 'Come' to me as he turned his back and continued his pace.

I obediently stepped behind him, I knew better than to give a show of attitude here, it would noticeably lower my father's position and place in other people's eyes, and it would bring a sense of dishonor to our family name with me being such a disgrace as to yell out in public.

We walked for another few minutes before he opened another set of doors leading to a raised podium, a chair seemingly carved from gold and silver perched on top of the podium, cushions and velvet throw rugs draped all across the raised dais.

On top of the chair was the most stunning creature I had yet to meet, long curly hair framed a narrow pale face, crimson eyes accenting the redness of his lips, contrasting deeply with his pale complexion. Clothed in heavy silks of navy and white, he sat there with a regal air around him, practically screaming out his air of mystery.

A few women were draped lazily at his feet on embroidered cushions, all wearing deep red or white kimonos, the heavy layers all curling around them, making a carpet of silk and cloth at the bottom of his shoes, adding the mysterious atmosphere that seemed to be placed on the beautiful man in front of me.

So he was the legendary emperor of great beauty and wealth.

I peered around from my long lashes; it would be foolish to bring unnecessary attention to myself. I watched as the man closest to the emperor step closer to him and bend down, whispering silently to the young ruler as his long silver ponytail spilled down from one shoulder.

The young ruler of Japan looked up, straight into my eyes and I could barely suppress the shiver that ran down my spine at the sheer heatedness of the gaze. An odd shimmer seemed to have ran through his crimson eyes before he spoke, in a deep sultry voice, eyes turning to my father.

"Ah, Lord Ryu...what a pleasant surprise, who may this fine lady behind you, be?"

My father had bowed deeply, I following his steps, he rose after a few seconds and shot a quick glance at me before replying, "Naraku-sama, this is the youngest daughter of the Higurashi line, I would like to introduce you to my daughter, Higurashi Kagome."

I lowered my head as his eyes burned into my skull, before silently whispering, "My Lord."

"So this is the legendary beauty that all the men at court speak of?" He spoke after a few minutes, the air heavy with tension.

I widened my eyes a fraction, a legendary beauty? I resisted the urge to turn around in a full 360 degree circle to single out this unknown enchantress. When I raised my head a bit, I saw that his gaze was directed to...me?

I gave a soft gasp as the information was digested in my mind, I was the legendary beauty? But...I was of no importance, and I rarely had left the Higurashi house, so why would I be the legendary beauty?

Starting, I looked up at the young Lord draped lazily on the gold encrusted chair as he gave a low chuckle, the laugh filled with once again, mysteriousness and a sense of darkness.

"Yes, yes you," he drawled in his deep husky voice, "You are the wide-known beauty that all men talk about in my court, now that I have personally met you. I could not help but agree with them."

I couldn't help but allow the blush rise on my face, staining my cheeks a dark red even with the pasty make-up.

My father shifted as he bowed again before speaking out loud, "My Lord, was there a particular reason that you have summoned my daughter to present herself?"

Turning hardened eyes to my father, the young ruler replied lazily, "Why Lord Ryu, I am simply curious about the legendary goddess that is the talk amongst my men, and you do realize the more...important reason for me to summon your lovely daughter do you not?"

My father's lips tightened, "I am sure that my daughter would be honored."

I frowned, what was this suppose to mean? I kept quiet however, only glancing up now and then through my hair and lashes to look at the emperor.

"She is indeed incredible, I am sure she is properly taught?" The emperor broke through the silence.

Giving a quick nod, my father pursed his lips, "I have taken to it personally that Kagome is educated and well-mannered, you have no worries Naraku-sama."

Resisting that temptation to place my hands on my hips and demand to know what they were talking about, I settled for biting my lower lip, allowing the foul-tasting rogue to enter my mouth, ignoring the fact that I would be severely punished if my father caught me doing such an unlady-like act, I darted my eyes around the large room, seeing the smirking faces of the many Lords and nobles.

"-I am sure that it would be a wonderful choice for Kagome, she would be delighted."

I raised my eyebrow a mere millimeter, I would delighted in what?

"Then it is decided, I am sure that your daughter would become a lovely empress beside me, do you think not? Lord Ryu," the Emperor slowly smirked, the words rolling off his tongue silkily.

I watched as my father answered with gritted teeth, "Yes My Lord, I hope that my daughter will manage to behave like the proper lady she was brought up to be."

I shifted slightly as I tried to grasp the meaning of what just transpired between the two.

Wait...back up, empress? Me?

Could you imagine my shock then? It was utterly horrifying, here I was, a mere simple woman from the Higurashi line, apparently now betrothed to the richest man of all of Japan, and all I could do was bend my head in a sure sign of submissiveness and eyes wide?

I dared a peek as I raised my head an inch higher, my father's back was rigid, handsome face firmly shifted into an impassive expression as his hands were loosely clenched at his sides.

Raising my eyes to the young man on the throne, I felt my cheeks flare up as I found myself on the receiving end of his heated gaze.

My father quickly bowed and forced a tense smile on his face, "Yes My Lord, Kagome will be delighted, the Higurashi line is honored to have our youngest daughter marry to one such as you, My Lord."

The young ruler smirked, finely shaped lips curving into a half-smile as his eyelids drooped further down, causing him to look from lazily hooded eyes, "That is wonderful to know Lord Ryu, I am also honored to be marrying a beauty such as she."

I could only turn and follow my father out after bowing deeply at the wave of the Emperor's dismissal; I tried to keep up with his long stride, managing to maintain the lady-like walk that took me forever to perfect. When we reached a particular garden hallway, he stopped and turned around to face me.

"Kagome," he said, "Wait here, I have something that requires my immediate attention, I will be back shortly."

Spinning around in a flurry of green and white cloth, my father left without seeing my answer, so I walked over to the small stone bench and sat down, pushing down the temptation to throw my head back and stretch my arms up high, no. I would be punished if anyone was to see.

Settling for sitting there quietly, in the position that Yumi-sama, my teacher, had taught me, I darted my eyes back and forth, absorbing the vibrant flowers that were splashed with yellow, red and blue. The grass was well-kept, the lushness swaying back and forth in a hypnotizing motion, the thin trickle of a small fountain behind me.

Suddenly a small ball of fluff whizzed by and stopped in front of me. Widening my eyes in surprise, I saw a small youkai, a kitsune? I wove my lips in a smile when his big green eyes looked up into my blue ones.

"Who are you?"

Well, they do say that children seem to be a bit blunt.

"Who are you?" I asked back.

"Me? Oh, I'm Shippou; I'm in charge of watering the plants and flowers everyday. What are you doing in my special garden?" His face blanched, "N- no! I mean His Highness's gardens."

Laughing at his antics, I couldn't help but reach over and ruffle his unruly red hair.

Jumping back, he looked up at me with those wide innocent eyes once again, "Are you here to help too?"

I shook my head, "No, I'm betrothed to the Emperor though."

Suddenly, the full impact of being the future wife to the Emperor of Japan sunk in.

When it did, I was so scared, what did it mean? I was only seventeen, albeit the fact that there were people out there that married far younger than I was, but still...

I wasn't ready for a commitment.

Ever since I was little, I believed in something called love. My sister, Kikyo, told me that I was foolish to believe in such folly. That if there was something called love, there would not be wars, and famine, that the world would experience something called peace.

At the time, I was confused, my mother had always told me that love did exist, that no matter what happens, love will transcend everything.

And I believed her.

I had gotten a silly premonition in my head that I will meet my knight in my time of need, that he would whisk me off my feet and carry me off to safety, that I will live the fairy-tale that all girls lived at a young age.

Then, as I got older, I saw how the girls beside me started to mature, boys would court and flirt with them at the doorways or in the gardens, and sooner or later, there will be little babies running around the gardens.

I knew then and there, that I was going to marry only if it was for love, because...I wanted happiness.

They always looked so happy...that I wanted to be like that too.

'Asuki-chan? Why are you so happy?'

Asuki took a faraway look in her eyes, 'Because Kagome-chan, I love and I am loved.'

'What does that mean?'

'It means that I've finally found where I belong, and one day Kagome-chan, you will too.'

I didn't understand what she meant, but I had laughed and watched her toddler crawl on the floor in front of us.

"Miss...are you alright?"

I looked up, Shippou was still there now with grass covered hair and clothes, he looked so utterly adorable, that I couldn't help but laugh at his innocence.

He looked up and grinned, then shook his head, shaking off all the grass from his hair, "What's so funny Miss..."

"Kagome," I offered as my giggles subsided.

'You can't get happiness by just wandering around in the dark Kagome-chan; you have to look for it.'

'Where should I look Asuki-chan?'

'Follow your heart; it'll eventually lead you there.'

"So, Miss Kagome, is it true that you're going to be the new Queen?" Shippou asked in his cute voice.

I shrugged, a very unlady-like gesture, "I suppose so Shippou-chan, it's all so new to me and I don't know anyone here."

Little Shippou puffed up his chest, "I'm your friend! I'll protect you if you're scared!"

Smiling, I nodded slightly and looked around the garden, "It's a very nice garden Shippou-chan."

His chest puffed up even more, "I know, okaa-san told me once that it was beautiful, she was very proud of me..."

I watched as he trailed off, "What happened to her?"

"She followed Father to somewhere that I can't be at the moment."

Not knowing what to do, I sat there in silence, until he spoke up, "It's okay though, because they're in a better place, they promised me that I will see them again one day, and if that's what they told me, I'm gonna believe in it because okaa-san never lies to me."

Smiling at his unusual maturity, I could only brush aside his thick bangs, revealing a pair of shimmering emerald orbs.

"Oh Shippou-chan..." I felt my eyes water.

I watched as he shifted uncomfortably, he looked up with those wide wet eyes again, "So, would you like to see me perform a trick?"

"Sure Shippou-chan."

He locked his hands together and in a puff of smoke twirled out, creating a miniature animal-a fox-to whirl out, in a smoky shape, the figure dissipating after a while.

Clapping my hands together, I grinned at the little kitsune, "That is beautiful Shippou-chan; it's the most wonderful thing I have ever seen!"

He smiled, cheeks flushed from the compliment and big eyes glowing with pride, "Do you want to see more Miss Kagome?"

I nodded, as he conjured up more animals for me to see.

Suddenly, I felt something on my back, someone was looking at me. I bit my lower lip, the rogue tasting bitter on my tongue, if it was my father who caught me laughing like an immature child, I would be punished.

Slowly turning around, I sucked my breath in; did I once say that the Emperor was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen? It was nothing compared to this, silver hair with the sunlight reflecting on the silky strands, golden eyes narrowed and piercing through half-lidded eyes as he stared at me. One word: Beautiful.

I couldn't help but shudder slightly at the predatory look he gave me, who was this?

'Is it too painful?'

Asuki pursed her lips, face scrunched up in pain, 'No Kagome-chan, the fact that I am allowed to bring life is something that is helping to ease the pain, even if I have to die for this, the baby will live.'

'But-this is the reason you're dying!'

'It's alright, because now I am going to another place...'

She trailed off.

'Do you regret this Asuki-chan?'

She shook her head painfully, 'No, no I do not regret having this child, but I do regret that I have to leave him alone.'

'But...he's the cause of your pain.'

'Does it matter Kagome-chan? At least my death is not for vain, my husband went off to war and died, his sacrifice was for vain.'

'But...Asuki-chan...'

'Do you not see Kagome? You cannot fight for peace in this world. There will never be such thing as peace.' Her breathing become labored

'A-alright Asuki-chan, rest now, the baby will be safe.'

Asuki sighed, 'Thank you Kagome-chan, I'll see you in the morning.'

I nodded as she closed her eyes.

They never opened again, as for the child?

'Oh Asuki-chan, I think your death was in vain...' .

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A/N: Okay, I really don't know what to say, I had so much trouble writing this chapter, if you're wondering about the whole 'Asuki-chan' thing, they're flashbacks to where Kagome was with her best friend Asuki, apparently, Asuki had gotten married before Kagome and was having her...second child when she died, but throughout, Asuki had taught her a lot of stuff.

If the flashback didn't fit with the last 'One word: Beautiful' thing, don't mind it, the flashbacks are just to tell you how Kagome sees life now.

In the next chapter, it'll return to limited third-person narrator in Sesshoumaru's point of view, and for those who don't know or have forgotten what limited is, you better go to http:courses.nus.edu.sg/course/ellibst/lsl11.html#third-person and brush up your grammar skills...or whatever skills they are.

I hope that this chapter was...satisfactory, because it seemed so...blah. If it didn't make sense (and I know, it kept jumping from one topic to another), please forgive me, because as I said, this fic is for me to vent my frustrations out because I couldn't understand the formula to finding the surface area of a sphere and whatnot, so yeah.

Also, I really, really, really want to thank all you people out there (all 30 of you) that reviewed for me. I absolutely love you all! ::blow kisses:: You guys are the absolute bestest of best!

Responses to my beloved reviewers:

JojoBlond, Ayrith, Sarcasm Girl8, Duke-of-Spades, fireangel, JovanNA, .,Animegirl55, silverstargazing, MoonlitSorrow: Thanks for that comment, is this update quick enough?

silver-celestial: Thank you, and personally, I'm a major fan of Sesshoumaru too! Small world isn't it?

robin's-hope: Shalack eh? I like that word...sounds kinda, Arabian-ish you know? Or is it just me? --'' ...and thanks a bunch and a half for giving me the warm fuzzies, I feel well, fuzzy all over now!

loverofangelus73069: Oooh! I love that word: potential, makes you sound sophisticated eh? Kind of like the word: oodles. And...well, sure, I'll try to remember to send you a e-mail for every chapter I put up...keyword here: try. So...if I forget, I'm sorry...I think your safest bet would be to check back once in a while. =)

Kwool-sesshou-fan: ::Blushes:: Oh golly, you're such a flatterer, thanks!

CrimsonMoonInTheSky: Thank you! He does seem somewhat spoiled doesn't he...::sigh:: and well, Kagome is entranced by him...his beauty at first and then it'll eventually lead to more. Yup yup.

Soudesuka-Shurikens: Oh, well, I was thinking along the lines of blood and gore, but hey! Everyone has their own rights to believe in what they believe in!

mituru adachi: Oh, thank you! I've never written...an actual prologue, so yeah, its nice to know that I can write prologues...heh heh...

Dana Daidouji: Ooooh! You said 'Greetings', I love how martian-ey that sounds! Anyway, there will be bloodshed, because face it. Is Naraku, Naraku if he doesn't go on a killing spree trying to keep what 'rightfully' belongs to him? And thanks, its my first try in writing a prologue...

Sky: It does! It does make me feel warm and squiggly inside, heehee, anyway, I'm glad that I could make you say wow; it makes me feel so special. =) thank you!

Blackrose: They do seem like such a wonderful couple don't they? ::Wistful sigh::

ravensflying: Don't worry, Kagome is going to be spunky in this story, she just knows when to shut up because back then men are supposedly superior to women and women are suppose to respect them and blah blah blah, and she kinda has to show respect to her father because...because he's her father! I'm not sure what your 'accurate, but loose, unlike those stories, like Shadows Against a Shoji Screen and such).' quote meant, but I hope it's a good thing. Thanks for your review!

Deadly Tears: Aw shucks, thanks, I'm glad that my friend burnt the song for me too, it got such wonderful responses from you guys!

drow goddess: Well, if you did read my author's note above, you'd find out that I'm starting next chapter because..well...yeah, this is a second prologue kind of thing, which doesn't really sit well with me, but I had this sudden urge to write in third person all of sudden but I was already on my seventh page when I realized that fact.

HazelEyed Freak: Haha, I know eh? Fanfiction should have this thing for reviews where we can all sign our names in curvisey writing and all that stuff.

DumbAssPunk: Well, yup! You can see that it keeps alternating between the two point of views, and...well, I might add the others soon.

Sessyslover: I suppose, he is pretty good-looking after all...::giggles childishly:: who am I kidding? He's hot! And the whole Naraku business stuff, well...he has to go down somehow, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it...which won't be for about another few chapters.

Sakura Sky: Ooh! Thanks! I've never had the honorific -san behind my name before, but...I like it! Thanks! =)

jaded:soul: I don't know...is he out of character or in? Out or in? I'm having trouble deciding as well...::sigh::

Youkai Yume: I can't believe you reviewed for me! I love your writing! ::squeals in delight:: Anyway, thank you for calling my writing beautiful, I'm sure that if it had a face, it would be blushing right now.

inuyasha-n-kagome-rox142: Coke does have a tendency to make me hyper too...although it has never calmed me down, but thanks! I still remember my grade one teacher saying that I was having difficulties in spelling and grammar techniques on Parent's Night, which led to tutoring sessions at Kumon(I think that's what they called it), so...in your face Grade-One- Teacher!

Thank you all once again because they are such brilliantly written reviews!

Anyway...remember to do what we all love to do; push the purple button and review, review, review!

...That kinda rhymes doesn't it?

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