InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The King's Mistress ❯ False Peace ( Chapter 22 )

Title: The King's Mistress

 

Author: dolphingirl0113

 

Chapter Twenty-One: False Peace

 

Rating: PG-13 (for language and, at times, implied sexual situations)

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, nor do I take credit for several of the historical ideas, facts, and realities I have taken and used.

 

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At long last we departed from that inhospitable kingdom of the South, heading for the Western Lands of Inuyasha's brother, Lord Sesshoumaru. I had never been so overjoyed, or relieved (never mind the fact that Kagura would be joining us soon as a guest at the royal wedding), as though some huge weight were being lifted from my shoulders. Everything that had occurred at the castle seemed like one long nightmare…save for one memory, which was more like a beautiful dream that I had to forget.

 

And try to forget it I did; for nearly a week, traveling with the rest of the court, I did my best to forget that night with Inuyasha, to put from my mind the memories of his beautiful eyes and voice as he whispered sweet nothings into my ear as I fell asleep. I tried to forget the fact that he had been willing to postpone, or even cancel, his wedding to my sister if only to explore our budding relationship further, and the fact that I had been stupid enough to refuse.

 

People say now that I have no faults, that looking back they only see a young woman who did right by her sister, and by all those she loved.

 

I laugh at such a thought, for when I look back all I see is a foolish girl who was so intent on one promise that she made to her sister she failed to step back and see what was happening around her…failed to see the spiral of doom she set in motion with that one refusal.

 

Nonetheless, what I did was finished, and all I could do was move on.

 

I was grateful for the fact that the week of travel seemed to soften the court towards my sister as well, as though getting them out of that horrible place was enough to break the spell of cruelty that had befallen us all. Mind you, the rumors did not stop…the courtiers were merely more considerate, only speaking when out of earshot of the King and his friends. They even treated Kikyou with more respect, which seemed to boost her spirits…somewhat…

 

But something had changed in her, I could see it. Where once I had seen nothing but a strong wall of confidence around her, fortified and prepared for battle, now it seemed as though that wall had crumbled, and all Kikyou carried with her was the deep pain and sorrow of regret and immense guilt.

 

I knew that look, for I knew I had worn it, and still inwardly did, whenever I thought about what Inuyasha and I had done. I knew that look, and so was afraid to ask…

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

The castle of the West was the most impressive sight Kagome had ever seen in all her travels. Not even Inuyasha's castle in the center of the kingdom, which she had thought to be the most beautiful place in the world with its white walls and expensive marble fountains and beautiful rose gardens, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, could compare.

 

The castle was like an elegant but firm fortress, its very shadow seeming to stretch for miles, covering all who approached; and yet, somehow, it was not intimidating, but rather seemed to say that it would protect all those who were safely tucked behind its walls. It seemed to announce to all visitors that it had lived through centuries of war, plague, and tyranny, and could withstand thousands more.

 

Built in the old way of gray stone, rather than the new, more expensive way with marble, granite, and alabaster, it filled Kagome's vision, stretching high into the sky as she approached the main gate, which was fortified with metal crossbars over the wood, and surrounded by ten guards with silver shields bearing the rose of the West, posted at the top and bottom of the wall. Two great towers on either end of the structure went upwards, as though to touch heaven itself, and the center was framed by great windows that allowed the sunshine of the day to enter what were no doubt magnificent great halls.

 

As the gates were thrown open and a stream of guards poured forth to welcome Inuyasha and his court, Kagome caught a glimpse of the gardens beyond, which appeared to be well taken care of, pear and apple trees growing proudly everywhere, surrounded by roses, deep green ivy growing up the sides of the walls, along with the twining vines of pink and red honeysuckle. It softened the overall harshness of the stone fortress, like an old, battle-worn soldier who still had a gentle twinkle in his eye, and Kagome couldn't help but wonder who was responsible for such a fete...for surely Sesshoumaru did not care so much for gardening?

 

But she had little time to wonder as loud trumpets sounded, causing all the horses to neigh and backpedal nervously, the three rows of guards before them parting to reveal a long red carpet, at the end of which stood two richly dressed figures, one tall, the other much smaller but no less confident. Kagome's eyes were instantly drawn to the taller of the two who was a man and, by his silver hair, obviously Inuyasha's brother.

 

The first son of Inutaisho was clearly a very proud man, his back straight and his golden eyes set ahead, as though he knew his purpose in life and would never waver. His long silver hair, tinted by blue, falling to his ankles, would have seemed feminine on anyone else, but on him only added to his grace, his stride confident. There was no crown on his head, but he didn't need one; dressed in an elegant silver shirt and black pants, an expensive cloak of white ermine falling from his shoulders to drag on the floor, he looked every inch the King that he was…and despite her love for Inuyasha, even Kagome could understand why so many had been shocked when the younger son had been chosen as High King.

 

This lord was magnificent in every way. Kagome found herself literally fighting the urge to fall from her horse to her knees in respect.

 

The smaller figure at his side instantly revealed herself as a woman by her shapely figure clothed in a long, deep red gown of state, her dark hair falling down her back in a tight braid. Circlets of rubies crowned her head, along with rubies on her wrists and fingers, giving her an almost ethereal glow, the skirt of the gown trailing out behind her, her sleeves, surprisingly, loose like Kagome's.

 

She looked…like a Queen. Frankly, she seemed to fit the role, just by appearance, better than Kikyou or Kagome could ever hope to. And with that thought came the inevitable question: who was this woman who walked so confidently at the side of the man who was said to be the most powerful lord in the country?

 

The pair stopped before Inuyasha, who had moved his horse slightly ahead of Kikyou and Kagome, and the brothers stared at one another stiffly for several seconds of breathless silence, as though waiting for something. Finally, seeming to decide not to waste time, Inuyasha leapt gracefully from his horse and stood up proudly (though Kagome noticed he barely reached his brother's shoulder), his hand instantly going to clutch the hilt of the sword at his waist.

 

“Sesshoumaru…” He spoke his brother's name softly, with no warmth.

 

The older demon lord barely inclined his head in return, his eyes cold. “Welcome, Inuyasha, to the Western Lands.” He turned to the woman beside him. “Allow me to introduce to you my wife, Rin,” Kagome could have sworn his eyes softened slightly as he looked at the lady in red, “Who will be responsible for the majority of the planning that will make your stay comfortable.”

 

Kagome heard conversations of shock spring up around her the instant Sesshoumaru said the word `wife', and even she couldn't help but cock an eyebrow curiously.

 

Since when had he married? She had been unaware of this, and she could tell by Inuyasha's surprised look as he gazed at the woman called Rin that it was news to him as well.

 

But the woman seemed oblivious to all of this, instead training her gaze solely on Inuyasha as she swept him a deep curtsy, the gesture almost seeming out of place in her elegant gown, as though he should be the one bowing to her. “Welcome, Your Majesty,” she said, her voice deep and kind. “You are most welcome in our home.”

 

A smile lit her face as she rose back to her full height and turned to face Kikyou, who gazed back with a solemn expression. Kagome wondered why her sister could suddenly not find the heart to play the role of the courtier she was in the face of a woman who practically radiated kindness in every direction. Of all people, this Rin deserved the respect the older Higurashi sister had been trying to bestow on every other member of the court in order to win back their affections…and yet Kikyou did nothing.

 

Something wasn't right…

 

“And to you, my Lady Kikyou,” Rin continued, shaking Kagome from her thoughts. “I have heard much of your beauty and intelligence and must say that, of the former, the rumors are true. I am honored to have you here with me, and hope to know better the woman who is to be my sister-in-law.”

 

It was the most eloquent thing anyone could have said, and even Kagome seemed unsure of how one could respond to that. But, as always, Kikyou came through, despite her otherwise depressed mood, suddenly seeming to wake from a trance as her eyes lit up in an empty gesture of happiness. “I thank you for such compliments,” she inclined her head with a smile, “And can only say the same to you, though I must confess I was unaware of your presence before now.”

 

At that everyone shot their eyes toward Sesshoumaru, silently asking him what had happened, to which the demon lord simply replied by glaring at them all, as though daring them to object to what he had done. He allowed his gaze to rest for an extra second on Kikyou, as though to measure her against some invisible standard, his eyes narrowing slightly. He had only met the woman once before, at his brother's coronation, and hadn't liked her much then.

 

The demon lord could tell his opinion hadn't changed much as he noted how artificial the woman appeared, sitting as she was in her saddle, as though aloof from the rest of the world as she listened to his wife speak to her, a trace of sadness in her eyes.

 

“Rin and I were married a long time ago…as I am not the High King, I did not feel it necessary to alert the entire country, as she and I both preferred a quiet, personal ceremony,” He finally replied aloud, turning his gaze away from the raven-haired woman dressed in her own refined gown of purple (the color of royalty…a less than subtle hint at what she was to become). He had always been a man of few words, stating the obvious truth and nothing more, and this time was no different, the silence that followed not unnerving to him in the least, and he could feel Rin confidently at his side, telling him she felt the same.

 

He loved her all the more for it, knowing that she could have been like any other woman and demanded a more formal introduction befitting her status as a Queen. He would have even granted such a request, as it was her right…but she had, as always, read his desires perfectly, knowing he would have hated such a formality, instead allowing him to address matters in his own way.

 

Gazing into her eyes, his own golden orbs were the only thing that softened slightly on his otherwise stoic expression as he thought, yet again, of how God had blessed him with such a treasure.

 

Thankfully, no one seemed inclined to offer up a cruel objection to such a blunt statement, although Kagome did hear a few murmurs that such a handsome man with a beautiful wife deserved a royal wedding of state…but when she glanced at Inuyasha, she noticed a look of longing, knowing he no doubt also wished for such a luxury, but also knew that, in his position, he could never be granted such a wish.

 

Oh Inuyasha…

 

“I have been alerted to the fact that we are to expect King Henry of England, along with his court, to attend this wedding, correct?” Rin asked, shaking everyone out of their thoughts, including Inuyasha, who blinked and looked steadily at Rin, who was much smaller than he…making Sesshoumaru, in comparison, seem like a giant.

 

“That is correct,” he replied matter-of-factly, “I received a letter with his intentions about two weeks ago.” The hanyou flicked his gaze towards his brother. “But I assume that Sesshoumaru has told you all of this already?”

 

Rin nodded her head. “Naturally.” She looked up at Kikyou. “As someone who intends to help all I can with planning this wedding, I assume you should like to meet right away to discuss what is to happen, my lady?”

 

Kikyou just stared back, seeming somewhat unsure of how to respond, and so, instead, it was Inuyasha who coughed nervously and drew Rin's attention back to him. “Actually, Your Highness,” it did not escape Kagome's notice that he was treating Rin with much more respect than he had any of the other monarchs they had met thus far on their Progress, “My chosen Summer Maiden, Kagome Higurashi, is the one you will wish to speak with.” He turned to look at Kagome, and she didn't miss the way his eyes softened slightly. “She has been planning this wedding now for a few months as a way of helping alleviate the stress for her sister.”

 

All eyes, naturally, turned on her, and Kagome felt herself grow very nervous as she noticed one pair of sharp golden eyes in particular. They seemed to see through her exterior façade and into her very soul, giving her the uncomfortable feeling that Sesshoumaru instantly understood exactly how she really felt about the whole situation.

 

But he said nothing, and she tried to convince herself that such a notion was foolish as she glanced over at Rin, trying to put a smile on her face for such a kind woman. “I would be honored to discuss my plans with you, Your Highness,” she finally acknowledged.

 

Rin smiled back, almost seeming relieved that it would be Kagome she would spend so much time with, rather than Kikyou, and stepped forward slightly, extending her hand and motioning gracefully. “The honor is all mine, Miss Higurashi. Why don't you come down, and we can get started with our plans right away?”

 

Recognizing the invitation, and seizing the opportunity to dismount from her horse (for which her backside was grateful), Kagome roped the reigns around the tip of her saddle and turned to dismount, only to find a pair of strong hands at her waist, lifting her off her mount and to the ground gently but with all the confidence in the world.

 

Fire raced through her belly at the contact, and Kagome knew even before she turned around that it could be only one man that had done such a thing, her eyes meeting fierce amber as her cheeks turned pink with hidden desire and longing.

 

Thankfully, she had the sense to remember that the entire court was watching her now and so, with a soft thank you and a slight curtsy, Kagome stepped away from Inuyasha and towards Rin, begging her heart to slow down its rapid beating.

 

Reaching out to take the hand the smaller woman had offered her, Kagome was thus surprised when instead Rin moved forward and threw her arms around her neck in a generous embrace. Unsure of what else to do, Kagome hesitantly returned the gesture, hearing the sound of ruffling skirts and shuffling feet telling her that several other court members were dismounting as well.

 

“I look forward to knowing you better,” Rin whispered into Kagome's ear, to which Kagome blushed slightly as she pulled back.

 

“I…thank you for that. You honor me.”

 

Rin just smiled again, her entire figure seeming to radiate kindness. “It is no honor, but merely the truth. I have heard much of what you have done since coming to court, and should like to know more about the woman behind the legend you have already made out of yourself.”

 

There was a hidden meaning in those words…a meaning that Kagome could not quite grasp but which had her eyebrow arching slightly nonetheless.

 

But Rin merely carried on as though nothing were amiss, laughing and turning to the rest of the court, including Kikyou, who was moving towards the two women. “But before any plans are discussed, I say all of you should be taken to your rooms as you are all undoubtedly exhausted from your long journey.” She clapped her hands, and several servants instantly appeared, some to lead all the horses away to the stables, others to begin the long, tedious process of hauling all the trunks into the castle.

 

All around her Kagome could hear the sighs of relief as the court members began moving towards the large double doors of the castle, Rin moving away from her and leading the rest of the masses with her into the open hallway that greeted them once the doors were opened.

 

The inside of the castle was no less impressive, with great cobblestone floors and high, vaulted ceilings, the sparse walls decorated with richly embroidered tapestries, many of them depicting Inuyasha's father…reminding Kagome that this had been the deceased King's home before he had brought the four corners of the kingdom to a peaceful era.

 

A grand staircase led them all up to the second floor, which held nothing but rooms…but while Rin led all of the court members down the hallway, Sesshoumaru stopped Inuyasha, Kikyou, Kagome, Kagome's Mother, Souta, Miroku, and Sango with a firmly outstretched hand. “You all will be staying on the third floor,” he stated simply to the question on their faces, leading the way up a second flight of stairs.

 

The third floor was much more richly decorated, with long burgundy and white velvet carpets extending down the wide hallways, large polished windows illuminating the space with vast amounts of sunlight. There were fewer sets of doors, but these were much larger and spaced further apart…and Kagome could see why the moment she was shown her chambers.

 

She was greeted by the sight of a large main room filled with plush couches and chairs, huge double glass doors framed by beautiful blue and white curtains leading out onto a generous circular balcony directly across from the main door. The main room was connected on both sides to a slightly smaller room, one being what appeared to be a study complete with a grand mahogany desk, elegantly carved chair, and two generous windows, and the other being the bed chamber with the usual canopy bed, done up in blue and white in honor of her family name, with mahogany bedside tables and large cupboards for her numerous gowns.

 

Upon further inspection Kagome noted, with surprised pleasure, that a large fireplace resided in each room, framed by the same mahogany wood as the rest of the furniture, and on the wall above each hearth was a different portrait of the mighty Inutaisho, the one in the study of him in his transformed figure of a large white dog, the one in the bedroom of him in his human form, tall and handsome with flowing silver hair much like his sons.

 

But the portrait that caught Kagome's eye as she turned around, in awe of the most elegant guest chambers she had ever seen, was the largest, which resided over the main hearth, framed in gold. It was of Inutaisho and his wife, Inuyasha's mother, who Kagome had seen in but a few dusty portraits before...but nothing so well-preserved as that.

 

The sheer beauty of the woman took her breath away, her eyes a deep violet (like Inuyasha's when he was in his human form), her lips full and cherry red as they were curved upward in a slight but kind smile, her raven black hair full and billowing out over her waist and down to her calves. She wore a gown spun of deep purple, almost blue, highlighted in a dark pink around her trim waist, and also around the hem of the skirt and the ends of her sleeves, which were long and loose, just like Kagome's. A round pink jewel rested on her chest, held around her neck by what appeared to be a string of pearls, and as a whole Kagome decided she had never seen a more elegant, refined woman in her life.

 

She could suddenly understand why people still talked about this woman who had been dead for so long…for if she could move her just through a portrait, Kagome could only imagine the effect she must have had on people when she was alive.

 

Suddenly feeling uncomfortable, almost unworthy, under the gaze of such a woman…such a Queen…Kagome turned and hugged herself tightly as she moved towards the glass doors leading out towards the balcony, longing for the fresh air that was waiting beyond.

 

The sight she was greeted by took her breath away, and Kagome found herself gazing out over the vast rolling plains of the West, rising and falling slowly like a great sea of different shades of green, little villages dotting the landscape every now and then, the grasslands carrying on until they finally ended in a horizon filled with mountains…which Kagome assumed were the mountains that surrounded Inuyasha's home.

 

A slight breeze blew through her hair, and as Kagome tilted her head back to enjoy the sensation she thought about how she had never felt so at peace. Not even her own home, a modest place out in the country, had given her such a sense of calm. Suddenly she could understand why Sesshoumaru had perhaps, in the end, been so easily persuaded to accept the role of vassal to his brother and move out to be the ruler of the Western Lands.

 

She certainly wouldn't mind living here for the rest of her life.

 

The sound of the door opening behind her caused Kagome to turn, and she was relieved to find that it was merely her mother…for she could not have handled Inuyasha, or Miroku or Sango and their inquisitive questioning, and she was especially not in the mood to speak with Kikyou, who had seemed so flighty and nervous of late.

 

At first the Marquess didn't speak as she simply moved to join her daughter on the balcony, the wind offering her its caress as she gazed out at the view before her. When she finally did speak, Kagome welcomed her voice, calm as it was…it always managed to sooth her. “Such a beautiful day…”

 

“Mm…” Kagome mumbled her agreement, closing her eyes and relishing the sun on her face. It was as though God had finally answered her wish in all of the praying she had done since Naraku had arrived at court and turned her world upside down…He had given her a chance to feel happy and peaceful at last.

 

The Marquess turned and observed her daughter carefully for a time, noting the worn lines on her forehead and the circles under her normally cheerful eyes, feeling her heart tighten knowing all she had gone through in the past few months, but most especially since Naraku had arrived a little over six weeks ago.

 

Knowing all of that, the older woman hated to ask what she knew she must, wishing she could avoid burdening her daughter with any more troubles. But this was important, and so Kagome would have to put on her armor once more for this battle that was quietly being waged.

 

A war of words, the Marquess decided, was the best title.

 

“Kagome, there is something I have to ask of you,” she finally stated simply, noting the way her daughter instantly became tense and wary. She cringed inwardly, but continued on. “You know I would not trouble you unless it was necessary, and I'm afraid this is necessary.”

 

Tightening her hold on the railing, Kagome sighed and looked out at the endless blue sky dotted by white satin clouds. “What is it?” She was too tired even to be formal any more…not that such etiquette was really necessary around her own mother.

 

The Marquess inhaled a deep breath and took the plunge. “I need you to go and speak with Kikyou.”

 

Kagome tensed instantly and hissed audibly, a scowl coming to her face. “Kikyou again, is it?” She looked over at her mother. “Will I ever be allowed to just live my own life any more?”

 

“Kagome, please…”

 

“I know, it's my duty as a sister to help her,” Kagome recited the lines as though reciting what she had learned so long ago on her first day of communion, her voice a little too high and her eyes full of sardonic light. “So what must I do for her this time? What must I say to the people of the court to get them to shut up about this Naraku business?”

 

The Marquess sighed and put a hand on Kagome's shoulder, seeing how the gesture instantly caused her to relax…somewhat. “It is nothing like that, daughter. I would never ask you to do any more of that than you already have. What I need you to do now is just be a sister to Kikyou, like you once were.”

 

At that Kagome acquired a very confused expression, turning to look at her mother as she cocked her head to the side. “I have always been a sister to her…I'm not sure I understand what you mean.”

 

“Go and talk with her,” The older woman clarified. “Something is troubling her; I have seen it now for over a week, but she will not talk to me. I though that perhaps…”

 

“She would tell me what is wrong,” Kagome finished, feeling that annoying tug at her heart at the thought of her sister needing council and help. Damn it all, just once she wanted to be selfish and enjoy this peaceful setting she had been placed in. Just once…

 

“Very well,” she finally replied verbally, inclining her head slightly in a gentle nod. “I'll go and speak with her…but I'd better do it now, before Rin comes and decides to start planning out this wedding.” And with that Kagome turned slowly, heading back towards the main door.

 

The Marquess watched her daughter with sad eyes, wishing she could protect her from the world, and knowing that was no longer possible. Kagome was a young woman who made her own decisions.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

The vast hallway was very quiet, no doubt because everyone was either in their respective chambers settling in, or had already left to go back down into the Great Hall for an early dinner. Kagome could hear her steps echoing against the floor, though the sound was softer thanks to the muffling of the carpet as she moved towards the room her mother had said was Kikyous…the third door on the left, directly across the hall from Inuyasha's chambers.

 

For several seconds Kagome simply stared at the door that separated her from her sister, contemplating just turning around and heading back to her room. After all, she was not obligated to do anything…and she had already done so much. Surely God would forgive her this one time if she chose to be selfish…

 

But she could not walk away, just as she never had been able to turn her back on those she loved. She always helped Inuyasha when he asked her, and could never ignore Kikyou in her time of need (and she was, clearly, in a time of need). And so, with one final deep breath, Kagome reached forth and turned the knob of the door, pushing it open slowly so as to give Kikyou plenty of time to realize someone was coming in.

 

“Kikyou?” She called out hesitantly, poking her head around the door and trying to get a sense of what was where. The rooms were similar to hers, it seemed, only larger (if that were possible), with more furniture and everything burnished in gold, befitting the betrothed of a King.

 

But there was no response to her question, and so Kagome tried again, stepping fully into the room. “Sister, are you here?”

 

There was the sound of ruffling skirts followed by a deep sigh, and Kagome's eyes were drawn to the back of a luxurious couch of purple trimmed in gold cloth, where she could see Kikyou sitting facing the windows out onto her balcony. “I am here, Kagome.”

 

Her voice was tired and drawn, and Kagome instantly felt her heart soften towards the older woman as she moved forward, stepping around the end of the couch so she was facing her sister, who had taken the pins out of her hair, allowing it to fall freely over her shoulders, covering parts of her chest and abdomen. Her dark eyes were full of sadness, her skin pale, and there was something about her tense posture that reminded Kagome of a frightened deer…ready to fly away at the first sign of danger.

 

But what had Kikyou Higurashi, who always acted so fearless and confident, so frightened?

 

Falling to her knees, her blue skirts billowing out around her, Kagome placed her hands over Kikyou's which were resting in her lap, shocked to feel how cold and clammy the skin was. “Sister,” she began, her voice gentle, “Will you talk with me?”

 

Kikyou sighed and looked down at Kagome, a flicker of tenderness behind the exterior façade of strength and sorrow. “About what, Kagome?”

 

“Whatever it is that seems to be troubling you.” At that Kikyou snorted indignantly, to Kagome's surprise, and she blinked, trying to regain her balance in her attempts to adjust to this new woman before her.

 

“There is much that troubles me, Kagome,” the older woman finally replied, her voice soft as she removed one of her hands from Kagome's grip to place under her chin for support, looking out once more towards the plains of the West. “But it should not trouble you. I have burdened you enough.”

 

Kagome swallowed, a part of her saying she should just accept that answer and walk away, knowing she had tried to help but had been turned away. After all, she didn't need any more grief.

 

But she just couldn't…she couldn't leave her sister like this. This was Kikyou, after all, whom she had loved and admired all her life, and while some of that admiration had perhaps dimmed over the years, the love was still there, as strong as ever.

 

“I want to know, Kikyou,” Kagome tried again, hoping she sounded genuine, and not like someone fishing for information. The older woman turned and looked at her in obvious surprise, seeming suddenly unsure, and Kagome tried to ease that uncertainty with one of her kindest smiles. “I want to help you…if you'll let me.”

 

“Oh Kagome…” Kikyou fell forward and placed both her hands on either side of Kagome's face, feeling the flawless smooth skin under her fingertips, her lips trembling with unshed tears. “I have already hurt you so much. I…I don't know if I can…” She couldn't finish what she wanted to say.

 

But Kagome seemed to understand, because she just layered her hands over Kikyou's, squeezing slightly in reassurance. “Tell me, sister…after all, what am I here for if I cannot be your trusted confidant.”

 

A long silence stretched between them, broken only by the sound of rustling curtains in the bedroom where a window had been opened. Kikyou gazed at Kagome steadily, seeming to try and determine how best to say what was in her heart, and the younger woman waited patiently, trying to assure her sister that everything would be alright.

 

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Kikyou collapsed, burying her head in her hands and rocking back and forth as sobs wracked her body. “Oh Kagome…I have done something terrible! Something awful…something that could ruin me…”

 

The ice cold fingers of fear began to creep into Kagome's heart, and a small part of her began to doubt the wisdom of asking for such information. She had never seen Kikyou like this…so out of control…and dreaded finding out what could cause such a normally noble woman to be so wild.

 

“Kikyou…” She reached forward, trying to touch her sister's fingers, but the woman jerked back with a wild cry.

 

“Don't!” She screamed. “Don't touch me!” Her eyes were fierce and untamed as she looked up. “I'm not worthy to be your sister! Not after what I have done!”

 

Kagome felt her hands begin to tremble. “Kikyou, what have you done?” She all but whispered, unsure of what else to say.

 

The older woman laughed to herself, as though she had lost her mind. “I have betrayed you, Kagome…I have betrayed the one person who has only ever done right by me. And I have betrayed him too. He will never want me now. He cannot have me…the court will forbid it…”

 

It sounded like the ravings of a woman gone mad, and Kagome felt the trembling in her body increase as she rose to her feet and took a step back, placing a hand over her heart to steady its rapid beating. “Kikyou…what have you done?” She reiterated the question, now desperate to know and fearful to hear the answer.

 

“I…” Kikyou looked up, her eyes suddenly empty as her hands fell limply into her lap. “I have…we…Onigumo…no, he is Naraku…”

 

Kagome cocked her head and furrowed her brow, trying to make sense of what her sister was saying, when suddenly it all clicked into place. The flightiness, the guilty look she had been wearing beneath her cold exterior for over a week…a guilty look that Kagome knew all too well…the way Naraku seemed to have finally ceased bothering her, for the time being.

 

But…no…

 

It couldn't be.

 

Surely Kikyou would not have been so foolish as to…

 

“Kikyou, you didn't,” Kagome found herself whispering, knowing it was the worst thing she could have said, and yet unable to help herself. “Oh sister…what have you done?” This time it was a rhetorical question, meant more for God, for only he knew what would now befall the older Higurashi sister as punishment for such a crime.

 

After all, while affairs were an open acceptance at court, and while every man had a mistress and every woman seemed to have a man on the side, there was one woman who was not permitted to have such a luxury…and that was the wife of the King. Kikyou was basically Queen already, her wedding a mere three weeks away. What would the court think of her now? What would they do to her?

 

“Oh God, Kikyou,” Kagome suddenly cried out, whirling around and clamping a hand over her mouth to prevent any further loud outbursts, for that would do no good either. She couldn't describe the rush of emotions in her breast…the disbelief, the bitter knowledge of being let down yet again…but more than anything, the tremendous fear of what would now befall her beloved sister.

 

She could hear Kikyou taking deep breaths behind her, hear her shifting, rising to her feet, and was not surprised when she spoke, although this time her voice seemed much more serene, as though she were gaining control of herself once more.

 

“Are you ashamed of me now, Kagome?” She asked simply, as though that one question was all that mattered in the world.

 

And perhaps it did…Kagome would never know. All she did know was that she found it very difficult to remain angry with Kikyou when she herself was not innocent of such a crime.

 

Images of Inuyasha's face, his hands, his voice…they flooded her mind like a tidal wave, an onslaught of new emotions filling her soul to the point that she feared it would burst. She had already broken her precious violin…what would she lose this time if she lost control?

 

“No, Kikyou,” Kagome finally managed to stammer out slowly, as though she were a mere child learning her basic words once more. She turned to look at her older sister, who stood before her tall and regal, her eyes lined by red, and her cheeks puffy from tears. “I am not ashamed…but I am afraid for you.”

 

The older woman sighed and looked past her towards the plains beyond. “There is nothing to fear.”

 

“Nothing to fear?” Kagome exploded, feeling rage replace her anxiety. “Kikyou, how can you say that? What you have done is considered treason! The highest treason a person can commit! Treason against the King! They send men to the scaffold for less than what you have done!”

 

She began pacing, gesturing wildly with her arms as she tried to block out the image of her sister being led up the wooden stairs to the scaffold, her beautiful hair pulled back into a tight bun, a black dress hugging her slim figure, her eyes covered by a black blindfold. She could see the axe falling…falling…

 

“No!” She screamed, covering her ears and shaking her head. “I won't let them kill you! I won't! I won't!”

 

“Kagome…” This time Kikyou seemed to have the voice of reason amidst chaos as she stepped forward and took the younger woman in her arms. Kagome fiercely clung to her slight frame, wrapping her arms around Kikyou's waist and burying her head in the crook of her shoulder.

 

Feeling her sister's hot tears running on her skin, the older woman sighed and began running her hand through Kagome's long ebony hair, the gesture equally as calming for her. “Hush, Kagome…it will be alright…”

 

“No, no it won't,” the younger woman wailed, shaking her head. “I can't save you from this…not if they find out. Kikyou, you will…will…”

 

“I will accept the consequences of my actions,” She finished, knowing that was not what Kagome wanted to hear, but also knowing it was the only possible option remaining. She sighed and chuckled bitterly. “Though a part of me wants to fight this, if only for the reason that I feel Naraku planned this from the beginning.”

 

Kagome's body went tense, and she pulled back far enough to look Kikyou in the eye. “What?”

 

The older woman shrugged her shoulders, feeling strangely calm. “He pursued me every moment of every day since he was first reintroduced into the court…and yet, now that I gave myself to him once, he has left me alone, though I can feel him watching me from the shadows.”

 

A bitter, vile taste was beginning to pool in the back of her throat, and Kagome felt the first seeds of hate plant themselves in her belly. No one did that to her family…no one, that is, save for a cruel, desperate man.

 

“Then we will fight this,” She proclaimed suddenly, to which Kikyou opened her eyes in surprise. “We'll fight this, Kikyou.”

 

“How…?”

 

“By carrying on with the wedding, and not saying a word to anyone in the meantime. If he dares say one word against you, we can deny it…and it will be our word against his. They have no proof of what has happened, after all.” She checked herself. “Do they?”

 

Kikyou sighed, recalling the one factor that had her frightened. “There is no proof now, no…” Kagome relaxed, but Kikyou shook her head. “But there could be in time.” She looked at her sister steadily. “I could be pregnant, Kagome. And while I will not know if I am for at least two months, if I am than people will eventually do the math in their heads and realize that this child will be too early to be the King's. And when that time comes, I would not put it past Naraku to speak out.”

 

Kagome sucked in a sharp breath at such a reality, knowing it was true, and something she had not even thought about….for herself either, though that fear was past as she had started her courses two days ago. Still, she hadn't even thought about such a complication from her actions with the King…but that would have to wait. For now, she had to focus on Kikyou, and on protecting her beloved sister from the cruel mob that would tear her down and rip her to pieces if given the opportunity.

 

“We'll just have to deal with that if that reality comes,” she finally stated firmly. “After all, it is not uncommon for a King to, um,” she couldn't quite bring herself to say it, “You know, be with his Queen before they are married. So we can say that is what happened.”

 

“But Inuyasha will know that is not true,” Kikyou reminded her, and Kagome blushed at the implication, though she managed to refrain from mentioning the fact that she would know too...from personal experience. Kikyou had confessed her sins, but Kagome was still not quite prepared to confess hers.

 

“He'll understand,” She finally stated simply, knowing she was putting all her faith into one man. “But he cannot know yet. If he never has to know, that would be better.”

 

“But Kagome, if I am pregnant…”

 

“We'll deal with that when the time comes!” Kagome snapped, unsure of what else there was to do. She had to protect Kikyou…that was not even a question…but she couldn't ignore the bitter taste that was left in her mouth at the prospect of lying to the one man who trusted her to be honest above all others.

 

If he ever found out she had kept something like this from him…

 

Kagome shook her head. That didn't matter. He was not hers to lose, after all, so this would have no effect on their relationship. By the time any of this came to light, Kagome would have officially signed her engagement to Kouga, and would be making wedding plans of her own, and Kikyou would be a Queen and secure on her throne.

 

“Are you sure you want to do this, Kagome?” Kikyou asked, voicing the younger woman's own inner doubts about taking on such a huge secret and keeping it all to herself.

 

For an instant that was completely silent, Kagome actually considered taking back everything she had said, but just as suddenly, it disappeared, and all she was left with was the certain knowledge that this was the only option. She would protect Kikyou…her family would always come first. Always.

 

“Yes, Kikyou,” she finally affirmed aloud. “I'm sure this is what we need to do. It's not even an option.”

 

The two Higurashi sisters gazed at one another for several seconds in silence, as though measuring each other in a new light, before a smile came to Kikyou's face as she pulled Kagome into her arms and held her tight. “You are an angel from heaven,” she whispered into her ear. “I shall never forget this for as long as I live, Kagome. Thank you…thank you…”

 

Kagome clung to those words as her only saving grace in a world that was slipping further and further out of her reach. Gone were the days of innocence in the country, when all she had to worry about was whether or not she could still beat her brother on horseback, and when she didn't even know that there was any other way to have milk besides fresh from the cow. Never again would she wear gowns spun of home-made silk and satin, or refuse to wear corsets or makeup because it was uncomfortable.

 

Now she moved in a world of intrigue and scandal, where new gowns were as common as an everyday meal, and where the amount of jewels on your fingers determined how important you were. Where banquets involved seven course meals, and where the silverware was polished to a sheen every day by numerous servants.

 

She had become a part of the very inner workings of the court that she had so despised when she first arrived, and the thought both shocked and amazed her as she thought back on it.

 

Everyone always wondered what they would do for those that they loved. Mothers claimed they would sacrifice their very lives so that their children could live, and brothers said they would duel any man to defend their sister's honor, but no one ever knew the true answer to such a question until pushed to the limit.

 

Well, Kagome Higurashi had been pushed to her limit and beyond, and could now, with honest clarity, answer that question with surety. What would she do for her sister?

 

Anything to keep her safe…no matter what the cost.