Crossover Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Journey to the City of Endless Night ❯ Chapter Twenty-Eight ( Chapter 28 )

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Sango seethed as she watched the monk blend into the crowd with the strange rat faced thief. Why couldn't he just this once try not to rub her bottom? Why must he always be so lecherous? She stabbed at her food on the plate again, her teeth clenched. That monk was just lucky she wasn't armed. The nerve of him trying to feel her up at an important function angered her.

Polgara leaned over, asking, “Want to talk about it?”

Sango looked up. “Not really.”

“Well, why don't we go socialize for awhile. Maybe it'll get your mind off what's bothering you.” The woman smiled, her flawless features lighting up. “Besides, it's a pity to leave you sitting alone here by yourself like that.”

Sango sighed as she stood up. “Alright.” She reluctantly followed the sorceress into the foray of the crowd. She felt utterly ridiculous in the silk dress the woman had given her to wear. What was she doing at a fancy party like this, anyways? Clasping her hands tightly in front of herself, Sango looked around the beautifully decorated banquet hall. She tried to keep her gaze away from the men.

Polgara said, “You'll be just fine, dear. Just smile and have fun.”

Sango shook her head. That was easier said than done. She saw the monk was over by a group of ladies, being introduced to them. Just what was he up to now? No doubt he'd ask that awful question he always asked any woman he met. She rolled her eyes before glaring in his direction. When would he learn not to be so upfront about his demands. Sango wondered why he insisted on making an ass of himself like that.

She was brought back to her side of the room when Polgara said, “I'd like to introduce you to their Highnesses from Peldane.”

Sango looked over and almost gagged as she tried to hold in a snicker. The couple could not have color coordinated their outfits any worse than they already had. The kinglet was stocky in mustard yellow that completely washed out his skin. His wife wasn't any better as she wore a hideously designed pink gown that clashed horribly with her strange orange hair. Sango wondered who could have possibly picked the outfits for them and for the first time felt grateful for the lavender she now wore. She tilted her head towards the pair. “Your Highnesses, you look wonderful tonight.” She had to bite her lip to keep from laughing out loud.

“And just who is this lovely lady, your Grace?” the kinglet asked Polgara.

“This is Lady Sango. This is her first time in Mal Zeth and I've decided to show her around court.” Polgara flashed a lovely smile towards the pair. “How has Peldane been?”

“It's been well. It's always a pleasure to come to Mal Zeth for a ball, however.” The queenlet smiled and Sango realized that she had no idea how ridiculous she must look. The woman tried to put on airs to match Polgara's natural regal behavior and only came off looking like some absurd copy lacking any grace.

Polgara nodded. “It's always good to have things go well at home when you come for a party.”

Three children ran around squawking as they fought with one another. They didn't even bother to put on airs as they chased each other, wailing with fists on one another's backs. The two parents before her seemed to pay no mind and Sango wondered what she had done wrong to end up in a court surrounded by children screaming. She tried to resist simply reaching out and grabbing one by the collar to put an end to the antics.

Sango stared at the floor to calm herself before lifting her eyes to see if she could find anyone she recognized, other than the monk. She saw Inuyasha stand with his arms crossed as he and the blonde man stood talking with another kinglet. She saw Rin at his side, tugging onto a sleeve. Sango hid a smile as she saw Inuyasha lower his hand to let her hold it. Then she noticed that Sesshomaru wasn't anywhere to be seen. That was odd because as long as they had been traveling as a group Sango couldn't recall any instances where the Demon Lord hadn't been a few feet away from the child. Kagome was also absent and she wondered what could possibly be going on.

Polgara drew her attention again when she said, “Let's keep going. You'll like court, I think. It can be tedious but I think you'll break a lot of hearts if you play things right. Have fun.” Her white lock caught the faint glow of candlelight, reflecting like new snow.

Sango nodded. She followed Polgara as they made their way through more of the floor. She noticed out of the corner of her eye several men glance in her direction, smiles on their faces. She inwardly shuddered to think what might be going through their minds. It was one thing to have a lecherous monk in pursuit, but this many unnerved her. Sango again wondered exactly how she had gotten herself into the situation. She wasn't built to attend such functions. It was not one of her strong suits to say the least.

Polgara introduced her to a pair of young men, one in a rich, red doublet and the other in green. They both flashed big smiles at Sango, but it didn't escape her notice that they weren't aware of how loud they looked in their colors. They seemed to stick out amongst of the rest of the party goers, and for all the wrong reasons. Polgara said, “Lady Sango, I'd like for you to meet their Graces from Jenno.”

Sango nodded in their direction, her eyes remaining cast down to the floor. She still felt out of place, especially without her weapon on her back or her sword at her side. Wearing such a revealing dress didn't help, either, and she couldn't help but feel a slight blush burn her cheeks as she was certain the two young men were sizing her up. She looked up, smiling shyly before casting her eyes towards Miroku again. He was standing with the thief by the emperor. At least she knew what to expect from him. These two peacocks in front of her were unknowns. She choked out, “It's nice to meet you, your Graces.” If they had been given names, she had missed them.

Polgara smiled as the orchestra started playing a song. “Oh, it's been awhile since I've heard that particular tune. I wonder how Zakath knew to pick that.”

Sango looked around, watching as couples began to form. They started dancing an intricate dance and she looked over towards Polgara. The tall woman's gray eyes bled into violet and looked far away. “What song is that?”

“It's an old Wacite Arend song. How did he know to play this? I haven't heard this song in over two thousand years. I thought it was forgotten.” She pulled a handkerchief, dabbing at her eyes. “I'll have to thank that sweet, sweet man later for picking this song.”

Sango listened to its sweeping strings and intricate melody. It sounded flowing, dramatic and melancholy. It almost didn't sound like it belonged in a fancy party, which in her opinion was supposed to be a happy occasion. By the way the sorceress was acting, it must have touched a nerve in her as she stood simply listening to the tune as it crescendoed into the climax of the song. It was graceful and sweet. The strings haunted the room, floating atop the chatter and shuffles of shoes across the floor. The song came to a close, the last note echoing through the expansive hall.

Sango glanced around again at the couples, noticing off to the side stood Kagome and Sesshomaru. Her eyes went wide at that. What would Inuyasha do if he saw Kagome standing with his brother? She noticed that the choker she had wore to the party was missing and now a soft, yellow scarf adorned her neck. The pair seemed to be discussing something and Sesshomaru had a firm grip on Kagome. It wasn't hostile, almost protective. It struck her as odd that Sesshomaru was acting the way he was around her friend. Why would he care what happened to Kagome?

That's when she noticed that Kagome was sullen, if not shaken about something. Had Sesshomaru done something to her? That couldn't have been the case, Sango mused, because if it had been, Kagome wouldn't be standing so close to him, almost afraid to get separated. It just didn't make any sense to her. Sango glanced around, trying to locate Inuyasha but found that she had drifted too far into the crowd to be able to reach him, at least not without putting herself in danger of being accosted by several suitors at once. She saw Kagome lean her head onto Sesshomaru's shoulder briefly before they made their way out of sight. It all seemed strange to her.

Polgara brought her back from her contemplation of the events taking place. She smiled at her, tears still in her eyes. “Well, that was quite lovely. Shall we continue on our way? I think I'd like to speak with his Majesty.”

They swept through the crowd, Sango keeping a close step behind Polgara. The woman was regal in her steps towards the emperor. When they reached him, Polgara leaned over, whispering, “You are a dear, sweet man, Zakath. Did you know that?” She gave him a kiss on the cheek. “How on earth did you know that I love that song?”

“Call it being lucky. Ce'Nedra mentioned it to me, actually.” Zakath smiled, almost boyishly. He said, “I would like to speak with you and your father, however. We've had something come up and as soon as you can, I'd like it if you would join me down in an interrogation room.”

“Oh, is it serious?” Polgara asked, an eyebrow arched. Worry furrowed her brow and her eyes returned to a slate color.

“Yes. Very. But for now, do enjoy the party.” The emperor turned, his dark eyes focusing on Sango. “And how are you enjoying my court, Lady Sango? I do hope it has been treating you well.”

Sango stammered, looking at the floor. She didn't feel comfortable at all being addressed as a lady. She said, “I'm enjoying myself alright, I guess.”

Zakath laughed softly. “I'm glad.”

Polgara tilted her head. “I think it'd be best we keep moving. This one here has much to experience in the court tonight.”

They continued on their way, Polgara leading her past several of the dancing couples as a different melody replaced that of the one the sorceress had been so enraptured by. It was similar but a bit more upbeat to its tone. Sango stared at the floor, trying to keep her gaze away from any of the men in the room. Polgara had stopped by another group of people and Sango found herself running straight into the back of a man with black hose. She lifted her eyes, noticing the dark purple doublet that went with it. She mumbled in apology, “Sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going.”

“Sango?” Of all the people she had to run into at this party, it had to be the lecher. Lifting her gaze a little further, she looked directly into Miroku's amused expression. “Fancy meeting you here.”

Sango pulled back, slightly nervous. She noticed from the corner of her eye that Polgara had a smug smile on her lips. Sango felt mildly set up. She glared at the monk before crossing her arms. “Funny, because the way I remember it, we both came to this party together, monk.”

The large red bearded man standing next to Miroku laughed uproariously. He said, “I think, monk, that's one for her side for sure.” He rubbed his green doublet front. “I have to wonder, with that wit, does she have any Alorn blood in her by any chance?”

The thief laughed, as well. “I don't know, but I think she spent too much time with Polgara tonight That's how they usually get a sharp tongue. Just ask my brother down in Cthol Murgos.”

“Silk, you're an evil, evil man. If Polgara hears that comment she'll string you up by your innards,” the large man replied.

“I do try.”

Miroku ignored the conversation taking place around them. He leaned towards her, whispering, “Now Sango, dear, there is no reason to be so cross.” He smiled wickedly at her. “Would you care to dance?”

“Right and let you paw at me? No thank you.” Sango felt no need to put herself in a position to be grabbed by him.

Miroku sighed and shook his head. “You misunderstand me. I have no intention of being dishonorable.”

“And I should believe you why?” She uncrossed her arms, placing them at her hips. “Every other time you've tried that lie on me you end up grabbing me. No.” Before she could really blow into a full tirade, Miroku had grasped her hand into his, pulling her out onto the dance floor. Sango's eyes went wide. “What are you doing?”

“I believe it's called dancing.” He placed his hands at her hips, guiding her.

“I can see that. But why do I have to be involved?” She glared at him, not caring how much of a scene she'd make. Sango noticed a few of the men she had passed by throughout the night glare at Miroku and a few of the ladies look flabbergasted at her near refusal.

“Now now, I'm not doing anything wrong.” He smiled, winking at someone over her shoulder. She tried to turn to look in the direction but he pulled them further into the crowd away from who ever it was he had winked at. He said, “This isn't so bad, is it?”

Sango sighed in defeat, placing her arms around his neck. She followed his lead. “I guess not, but you really shouldn't just grab a girl and drag her, you know.”

“How else would I ever get them to dance?” He smiled down at her, his dark eyes dancing with glee. “I must say, you're the prettiest girl here tonight.”

“Can it monk. You're not going to get the answer you want if you're leading the conversation in that direction. I'm not falling for your charming act.” She narrowed her eyes at him, trying to figure out exactly what he was up to. Sango didn't mind the dance with him, she just wasn't about to let him know that.

“Now who said I was going to ask you that question?” Miroku smirked wide again.

Sango shook her head. “Maybe it's your track record.” She smiled wide at him, catching him off guard. “Or maybe it's because I know you too well.”

“Why Sango, are you flirting with me?” Miroku smiled wide at her. He twirled her around in a circle and Sango couldn't help but giggle at his antics.

She caught her breath. “Monk, don't do that! What if we crash into someone?” She smiled back at him, finally enjoying herself for the first time that evening. Who knew she would have such fun dancing with the lecher after all?

He winked at her. “Well, if we crash into someone, so be it. What matters is we're having fun, don't you think?” Miroku pulled her a little closer and Sango blushed.

Sango wondered exactly was going on in his head. He wasn't trying to grope her; he hadn't even moved his hands down to that area. She felt herself pressed up against him, swaying with the sound of the warm strings. Somehow, all the other instances taking place during the evening melted away and she smiled. No one was staring at her, no one was making superficial conversation, and for the first time that night she didn't feel out of place.

Sango looked up, noticing that a faint blush also crossed Miroku's features. She looked back down at the floor, continuing to dance with him. Neither would meet one another's gaze. The sound of the strings drifted over them as they remained silent. She briefly cast her eyes up towards him, noticing that he too was looking down and their eyes locked. As the song came to a close, she saw Miroku lean towards her, his lips brushing against hers. Her eyes went wide and before she realized it, he had deepened the kiss. She felt his tongue push gently into her mouth, twisting with hers. Her eyes fell closed as she moved a hand to his hair.

They jumped away from one another when they heard the thief whistle. He said, “Hate to break it up, but Zakath said he wants us to excuse ourselves for the evening. We've got a lot of work to do.” His eyes flickered with mischief.

Sango pushed away from Miroku, blushing furiously. She glanced at him once before glaring towards the thief. Miroku remarked, “Certainly. We'll do as his Majesty suggests.”



Sesshomaru led Kagome through the throng of people, keeping one eye on his brother's location. He knew that Inuyasha could smell her blood even if they didn't run into one another, but hopefully the scarf he had lent her would dull the scent. It was the only option he had at the moment. If Inuyasha found out now in the middle of four hundred humans that his mate had been attacked, it was very likely that what ever spell the sorcerers had used would be null and void. As long as Inuyasha was engrossed by other matters in the party, he wouldn't know until it was alright for him to react.

Inuyasha stood off on the opposite side of the immense banquet hall, Rin gripping his hand. The Godslayer stood not far away as they conversed with another one of the petty dignitaries present. The glazed look in Inuyasha's eyes served Sesshomaru's purpose well. If his brother was bored to tears by the conversation, he'd be less alert to what was going on with Kagome. He was slightly surprised that Inuyasha hadn't become irate and hadn't exploded by now. A slight smile tinged his lips.

Sesshomaru felt bad for having abandoned Rin as he had, but when he noticed that Inuyasha wasn't all that far away and had seen the man in the purple doublet forcefully drag Kagome off to one side he knew he had little time to react. He figured that Inuyasha would eventually find the small girl or vice versa and the situation would fix itself. It was more important at that time to get his brother's mate away from a potential rival male.

He glanced down at Kagome as she gripped his arm tighter, worry in her scent. Her gold speckled eyes connected with his briefly, anxiety churning in them. She glanced back down to the floor and he wondered briefly if she was nervous around him. She said, “I'm sorry I got in trouble back there. It was stupid of me.”

Sesshomaru blinked. She apologized to him for something out of her control? He said, “Do not speak so foolishly.” It sounded harsher than he had intended and she winced. “You did not ask for such treatment.” Anger coursed through him again at the thought of what might have happened if he hadn't arrived when he had. She may not have been his mate but because she was his brother's, she now equaled what could be considered a sister.

“He said such awful things about Inuyasha being my mate--”

“Silence. That stain on your kind has no right. Inuyasha has more honor than that petty assassin will ever hope to have. Do not forget it.” He knew that Kagome would never view her union with Inuyasha as tainted but the idea that someone else would try to convince her disturbed him. He saw her lower her eyes and nod.

Sesshomaru could smell more tears form in her eyes. She whispered, “I know. I just hate it when people frown on him.” She shook her head. “I knew I should have gone with Inuyasha.”

Sesshomaru sighed. “Do not dwell on what has happened. If your scent spikes too much with worry Inuyasha will notice.” It was a half-truth. Inuyasha would certainly notice the fluctuation if he had been paying any attention, but Sesshomaru also wanted her to cease her self-blame. “Try to enjoy yourself as Zakath suggested.”

Kagome nodded. “I'll try.” She flashed a weak smile at him.

The orchestra started again and several couples began to dance. He looked down at Kagome, then towards his brother. Inuyasha was still standing with his back to them, Rin tugging on his hand. Sesshomaru shook his head. The little girl reached Inuyasha's elbow in height as she stood close to him. He knew Rin would convince Inuyasha to dance, even if it made the pair look ridiculous.

He leaned over, whispering, “Would you like to dance?” It'd distract her from finding Inuyasha in the crowd and keep them moving, as opposed to talking with more royalty.

Kagome blushed, her gaze not meeting his. She looked around the hall as the other couples began to dance. “I, I don't know how to dance like that. I'd be a klutz.”

“Nonsense. Just follow my lead. It'd be more entertaining than speaking with more of these overdressed parasites masquerading as nobility.” He smirked slightly when he saw her genuinely smile at his snide remark.

“They are a little full of themselves, aren't they? I feel so bad for Inuyasha. I hope he doesn't kill anyone.” She hid her smile behind her hand. “After that fight with him over those shoes I thought I'd never get him down here.”

Sesshomaru nodded. “He'll be fine. You never responded to my request, however.”

She blushed again. “I warn you I'll probably step all over your feet.” She looked up at him, her eyes full of mischief.

“I can handle it. Quit making excuses. Unless of course it's me you object to.” Sesshomaru smiled, a fang at one corner.

“Are you coming on to me?” She laughed. “What would Inuyasha say? Who knew you were such a flirt.” Kagome smiled. “Alright, I'll dance with you, but you better behave yourself.”

“Only if you do.” He lead her onto the dance floor, his arm sliding to her waist. She tentatively put her arms around his neck, allowing him to guide her as they blended into the rest of the overdressed crowd. Sesshomaru glanced over, noticing that Inuyasha and the Godslayer had been entrapped yet again by another kinglet. It was for the best, he supposed, even if Rin had to suffer alongside. Looking back at Kagome, he noticed that she had followed his gaze.

“Inuyasha looks absolutely bored over there.” She giggled quietly. “I almost feel guilty.”

Sesshomaru shook his head. “Don't. The more they keep his attention the less he'll notice you.”

“You're right. After he acted like such a jerk about those shoes he doesn't deserve my sympathy.” She followed him, her hips swaying to the crescendo of strings. “I just wanted him to wear them for tonight, after all. He didn't have to swear at me like that.” Kagome's eyes narrowed as she remembered the fight.

Sesshomaru shook his head. “I could have told you he'd refuse those shoes before you even tried.” He noticed from the corner of his eye that Rin had coaxed Inuyasha onto the floor, dancing with him. They hadn't attempted to even follow the dance as Inuyasha twirled the tiny girl in a circle before letting her stand on his bare feet. Inuyasha held her hands as they swayed from side to side. It looked as ridiculous as Sesshomaru had envisioned it would be. He tilted his head. “Look.”

Kagome glanced over, her arms never leaving his neck. “Oh dear. I wish I had a camera right now. It'd make the best blackmail.”

“Camera?” Sesshomaru's brow arched. “What's that?”

Kagome blushed. “Forget I said it. It's too complicated to explain.”

“I'm not as dense as my brother can be. What is a camera?”

“It's a little box that when you point it at something and push a button, it makes a picture as the item actually is and then you have it forever.” She sighed. “I know that made no sense.”

“I see. So it makes drawings of what you want?”

“Sort of, except it isn't a drawing.” Kagome shook her head. “You won't understand unless you see and my bag is back in my room. My mother wanted me to take some photos so she could see what everyone but Inuyasha look like. She's already met him after all.”

“Ah. I understand.” He glanced around, noticing that several of the men in the crowd had slight pouts on their faces as they passed them on the floor. Apparently they had no inkling that Kagome was not available. They weren't foolish, either, to attempt cutting in, and he was thankful.

Kagome looked up at him, “You know, I think this is the most we've ever spoken. Well, at least not without everyone else around.” She blushed. “That came out wrong, didn't it?”

“No.” Sesshomaru found her embarrassment amusing. “I have no intention of interfering between you and your mate. We're simply sharing a dance and some conversation. I must say, the best I've probably had all night long.”

Kagome smiled. “I suppose. I swear I thought I was going to be stuck with a permanent fake smile on my face if I had to be introduced to one more of those stuffy people. One more 'that's delightful on you,' or 'what a lucky girl you must be,' I was going to scream and pull my hair out.”

Sesshomaru chuckled low in his throat. “Then I suppose you don't want my opinion about your attire?”

“There you go again. I'm going to have to tell Inuyasha and then where will we be?” Her gold flecked eyes glittered with mock ire. “You are a charmer, aren't you? You're going to make some girl lucky some day.” She blushed. “I shouldn't have said that. It's not my business.”

Sesshomaru firmed his grip on her waist. He said, “Cease apologizing for your remarks. As I have said, we are only sharing a conversation and a dance. There is no harm in any of it.”

Inuyasha continued to dance with Rin, lifting his feet as she stood on them. They were going in a circle, Rin's giggles reaching Sesshomaru's ears. He shook his head as he looked back down at Kagome. She smiled, “I guess I can forgive him for earlier with the shoes.” She looked down at the floor. “I'm not very good at this court thing, am I?”

“You're doing just fine. You don't have to be like those prissy toadies.” He looked around the room again, noticing that several of the men were glaring at him, then realized that an equal number of the ladies had also grown jealous of Kagome. He felt smug. So, they were envious of the two of them and they weren't even mates. “If you'll notice, we're the talk of the ball.”

“We are? Oh dear.” She laughed. “Ce'Nedra said I'd make conquests. I had no idea all I had to do was dance with you to make them jealous. Those ladies are green with envy over you, you know. Just about every lady we talked to that didn't have a husband asked if you were available.” Her cheeks flushed with color again. “Does every guy in here have to stare at me?”

“Well, your outfit does draw attention. I must say I find it more suitable than that other one you used to wear all the time.” He frowned.

“You must mean my school uniform.” She smirked. “Inuyasha seems to like it.”

He sighed. “I would suppose so.” Sesshomaru shook his head. He glanced around the hall as the song came to a close and the dance ended. Letting his arm fall from her waist, he once again offered it to her. She accepted, smiling.

A man walked up to the pair. “My lord, his Majesty requests that you meet him in his study. The party will be clearing shortly so you may escort her ladyship to her room if you wish.”

Sesshomaru nodded. “Thank you. Tell him I shall be there shortly.” The man bowed, making his way back through the crowd. Sesshomaru looked down at Kagome, noticing that the same pout that often adorned his brother's face had crossed her features.

She said, “I was just getting the hang of this and now I have to go back to my room?”

He laughed softly. “I'm afraid so. I'll escort you there.” He looked around, noticing that Inuyasha wasn't in the hall anymore. Apparently he, too, had been informed of the party closing and had decided to retire to the suite.

They ascended the ornate spiral staircase, leaving the party behind. Sesshomaru wondered why Inuyasha hadn't come looking for his mate at the end of the party, but figured perhaps that he had been informed on Kagome's whereabouts. He sighed. It had been an entirely drawn out affair, one Sesshomaru was thankful to have end. They made their way back through the maze of hallways towards the suites the group had been assigned. Several other attendants bowed as they passed and other party revelers passed them.

As they stopped in front of the suite that Kagome shared with Inuyasha, he noticed that she had her shoulders slumped. She sighed. “I was still having fun towards the end.” Startling him, she stood up on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Thank-you for everything. I still say you're going to make some girl very lucky some day.” Kagome smiled and winked. She waved her hand before entering the suite.

Sesshomaru shook his head as he watched the door click shut. His eyes narrowed as he thought of the man who had harmed the young miko and turned on his heel, making his way towards a servant. “You, lead me to his Majesty's chambers. I have an appointment with him.”

“Yes, my lord. Right this way.” He shrank back from the angered Demon Lord.

Sesshomaru followed, furious that it had taken this long for the matter to be dealt with. They arrived at a large oak door and the servant knocked, waiting for admittance. Zakath's voice sounded strained, “Yes.”

“He, he's here, your Majesty.”

“Send him in.” The door opened, revealing an immense study lined with bookshelves and upholstered chairs in various colors. Several of them had cats or kittens lounging in them. Small end tables were scattered about them. Sesshomaru stepped in, the door closing behind him. He glanced over towards the emperor, noticing the tired expression. “Sit. We have much to discuss.”

Sesshomaru glanced around, locating an empty chair near the large desk. He sat down. “What have you done with the would be assassin?”

“He is currently in the dungeon. I think we should inform Belgarath and Polgara of the situation and let them talk with this fellow. He knew what you and Inuyasha were, right?”
“Perhaps not at first, but when he discovered the mark on Kagome's neck he figured it out. He claimed that he wanted to use her to get to the Godslayer.”

“Garion? Why him? He wouldn't kill me. If he had wanted to, he would have done so a long time ago. What purpose would it serve to get close to him if he wouldn't kill me as he asked?” Zakath paced. “It doesn't make sense. Something is severely off. Do you think perhaps this man might have meant to target someone else and made a mistake?”

“Perhaps he wanted access to poison the Godslayer and create a riff between your two lands. It may have been a diversion entirely.” He narrowed his eyes. “However, he chose the wrong person to assault. You will let my brother handle him when the time comes. It is his place to discipline this human filth as he sees fit.”

“As soon as Belgarath and Polgara allow me to do with him as I please I shall do as you request.” Zakath passed a hand over his eyes. “Why can't things ever just be simple? Why must there always be political intrigue?” He sat down in his desk chair. “I have already informed Silk of the matter and he has agreed to ferret out any other potential spies. If anyone can catch a spy it'll be him.”

Sesshomaru nodded. “Good.”

Zakath laughed. “If that man had managed to poison Garion they would have been sorry. That boy could probably change his own blood at will if he wanted. For all I know he might be able to send that poison back to the person who issued it. He may not look like much but he certainly isn't one I'd pick a fight with.” He sighed. “I'll never forget the time he and I had a screaming match and he blew my door frame to bits. It was the first time that I realized I was in over my head.”

“I see. Is there anything else you wish to discuss with me?”

“Try to keep your brother from killing anyone unnecessarily. He has had a tendency in the past to over do it a little, I've noticed. What will his reaction be when he discovers that Kagome has been attacked?” Zakath slumped, as if withering.

“I suspect he could potentially go into a rage if he feels that the threat to his mate was enough to warrant it. That is why I kept him and Kagome apart as long as I could. They've not been mated for long so he may feel threatened by this. However, Kagome may have more control over him that either you or I could ever hope.” Sesshomaru stood, staring out the large window to the cherry trees below. “We are not like humans. Even though Kagome is, she will know what to do to keep him from raging too much if need be. He will most likely feel the need to dispose of the rival male immediately so do proceed with your interrogation of the assassin soon.”

Zakath drew his mouth into a tight line. “I was afraid of that. I will ask for Belgarath's assistance immediately. Keep your ears and eyes open for any other potential treasonous individuals. Zelleth may have more friends and I'd like to know exactly who they are.”

“Certainly.”

Zakath sighed. “I apologize that this had to happen when you visited my city and attended my ball. I had no idea that this matter with Naraku and the Malloreon church had reached my palace. If I had, I would have prevented the events that occurred and put a stop to their antics.”

Sesshomaru turned around. “No need to apologize. It was not done with your knowledge.”

“You know, for a demon you're not all that bad. I'd trust you a lot sooner than some of those boot-lickers we had tonight. You out maneuvered them beautifully, I'll admit.” He smiled, although it didn't reach his eyes. “If I didn't know you already had your own lands I'd offer you a position in my government. You'd run circles around most of these aspiring spies.”

Sesshomaru let a slight smile tinge one corner of his lips. “I have no interest in the business of human government. It serves no challenge for me. As the men around you will pass away in about the same amount of decades as yourself, those that work for me will be there for centuries to come.” He sighed. As much as he knew his lands were without their lord, it also didn't bother him as much as he thought it might.

Zakath stood, unceremoniously depositing a sleeping kitten to the floor. He paced. “Why is it all you immortal people talk the same way?” He stopped, picking up the kitten, placing it back into the chair.

Another kitten ran up, latching onto Sesshomaru's ankle. It was all black and had green eyes. It rabbit-punched the Demon Lord's foot and Sesshomaru picked it up, holding it by the scruff of its neck. He glared into the kitten's eyes and it squirmed. Setting it down onto the floor, the young cat ran off towards another pile of sleeping kittens, waking them. Immediately they began to mew.

“I should have warned you. One of my cats was unfaithful to me again and I must find homes for these kittens.” He smiled, picking up one of the now awake kittens, a small gray tabby. He stroked it between the ears and it purred. “I don't suppose you'd be interested?”

“No. I'm afraid I'm not much for felines.” He bared a fang.

“I suppose, being dog demon and all.” Zakath let this kitten go as well and it ran off to pounce on the last remaining sleeping kitten, one that was all white. “Other than Kagome being attacked and the disaster that is your brother, I'd say this party went well as it could have, I suppose. It's always a bore to spend so much time with those people.”

“You must mean the half-breed's reaction to supper.” Sesshomaru sighed. “Yes, I must say he's never been one to hold back his expressions.”

Zakath laughed. “I sometimes wonder if you even like one another sometimes.”

“We've had our differences, yes.”

A knock came to the door and the portly man from earlier peeked in. “Your Majesty, Belgarath is here. He said you wanted to speak with him.”

“Certainly.”

Belgarath came in, his gray robe still on. He unceremoniously sat down into a chair. “Any of that wine left, Zakath?”

“Plenty.”

Belgarath accepted a glass. “I hear that Kagome had a little mishap tonight. What exactly did the fellow say? I'd like to know before I send Pol down there to terrorize him.”

“He said he wanted to get close to Inuyasha to get close to the Godslayer. It was a plot to get close to Zakath here to kill him.” He frowned. “He then recognized that Kagome had been claimed by a demon and knew I was one as well. Zelleth claimed he was sent to do this in Torak's name.”

Belgarath drank from his glass. “I see. Sounds like some of the others we've come across in the past. I'll let Pol do this. She's always better at interrogation than I am. I just scare them, she gets them to talk.” He sipped more wine. “Good as always, Zakath.”

“Thanks.” He turned. “Would you like some, Sesshomaru?”

“No thank-you. I think I will return to my suite for the time being. Let me know what happens and remember, Zelleth belongs to my brother when you are finished.” He stood, exiting back into the sweeping hallways towards his suite.