Chapter 1
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The horse's hooves hit the ground at a steady trot as they entered the town. He signaled to his men to slow down as well as the foot traffic was much thicker. Although, since the time his horse set foot here the road had been cleared. Commoners and working class individuals stared up at him and spoke amongst themselves. He kept his head held high and his eyes set forth as they headed toward their destination.
Uphead he heard deep voices yelling and a woman's scream. Soon three men on foot ran by him and his men.
"Thieves!" an older shopkeeper yelled with his fist raised in the air. His chest rose and fell as he tried to catch his breath, "Stop them!"
He raised his hand to give the command to apprehend the suspects but his horse jolted and shook it's head violently. He pulled the reigns to get the animal back under control and assessed what had caused the commotion.
A boy dirtied with mud and dressed in rags came around to stand by his saddle.
"You let them get away!" the boy yelled. His bright blue eyes lit with anger shown past his dark bangs.
One of his men swiftly came to his side. "Brat! It would do you well to hold your tongue and bow for forgiveness when talking to the soon to be Lord of the West." With one hand on his sheathed sword his other hand pointed to the ground. "Come on now."
The boy glared fiercely flashing white teeth with no intention of moving from his post.
"Let him be," Sesshoumaru stated. He signaled for two of his soldiers from the group to follow the thieves and turned his intention back to the child. "Head back inside now boy, tell your father the mercy I have shown you."
The boy turned his glare to Sesshoumaru before running off in the direction of the thieves. If it had been all the same Sesshoumaru would have punished the brat himself but with so many watching it was a better tactic to look good in the public eye and insult the boy's pride. He was in the southern country to unite the kingdoms after all.
As planned he heard chuckling and praise on his mercy from the crowd who had witnessed the show. His traveling group continued on their way to the manor. Upon entering they were immediately greeted by the grounds servants who took their horses to the stables and began to unpack the carriage. His men stayed pack as he entered the stone castle alone.
Inside he was greeted by their generous host.
"Sesshoumaru! Why it's been too long my boy!" the older lord greeted.
"It is nice to see you again Satoru-sama," Sesshoumaru bowed.
The last time Sesshomaru had seen the man he had traveled here with his father at the age of thirteen. In that time much had changed. At twenty three Sesshoumaru was in peak psychical condition and was considered to be extremely blessed in his handsome qualities. Satoru while still attractive in his age range had started to show his age with slighting wrinkling in the forehead and eyes while his black mustache and beard where streaked with gray hairs.
Satoru waved away his greeting "No need for formalities. You'll be calling me father soon enough anyways."
Sesshoumaru nodded. "As you request."
Satoru smiled and clapped. "Excellent. My daughter should be arriving momentarily. She has grown into such a beautiful young woman since you saw her last."
The last memory of his daughter had been rather unpleasant.
Through one of the open entrances walked in a gracious female. Her walk was delicate and she held her hands clasped to rest on her stomache. Her hair fell down her back in a wave of shining black locks. Though her eyes, bright as the sky was blue, were gentle when they fell upon him. Her once thin body had filled out and but curves in the perfect places. Simply the pinnacle of beauty and a very appropriate match.
Sesshoumaru smiled and walked to meet her. "Much time as passed since we last met. You have grown into a stunning woman milady."
She blushed and a small smile graced her pink lips. "My lord, you compliment me too much. You should save such praise for your fiancé."
Sesshoumaru's eyes furrowed. He thought she had been aware of their arranged marriage after all this time.
"Kikyo," Satoru spoke rather irritated, "where is your sister?"
The female turned her attention to her father. "She should be arriving momentarily father. She simply stepped out for some fresh air to calm her nerves."
Sesshoumaru gazed between the two before looking to Satoru for an explanation.
"I'm sorry Sesshoumaru. This is my second daughter Kikyo. It may not have been mentioned but her and her sister are identical twins."
He straightened his posture. "The information seems to have passed over me."
However, if they were identical twins, it put his mind at ease that his soon to be wife and mate still retained the same image.
Interrupting the conversation, the front doors were pushed opened. In the entrance was the same boy from town who had ran in front of his horse. Although he would not need it, his hand still itched to rest on the sword on his hip out of habit.
Kikyo gasped in shock and her father looked furious, "What are you-"
Sesshoumaru stepped forward in all his glory. "Allow me to take care of this nuisance."
"Father!" The boy called out in his shrill voice.
Again Sesshoumaru was in the dark. Had they also forgotten to mention Satoru had a son? He was told after the man's first wife had passed he had not married again. Perhaps the boy was illegitimate.
Without any regard for Sesshoumaru's presence the boy stomped forward. "I told you that there should be more officers in the town. In the past months there has been more crime."
"We have a guest and you are dressed like this?" Satoru replied with clenched teeth.
The boy turned to scan the room before landing his sights on Sesshoumaru. Those blue eyes became angry once more.
"You! You're the one who allowed the thieves to escape."
"You're the tattered brat who ran in front of my horse. I would encourage you to hold your tongue and be dignified for the Higurashi name."
The boy went to open his mouth in retort by his father interrupted.
"Kagome, that is enough. Sesshoumaru has traveled all this way for you, now apologize."
What? He thought in disbelief.
With wide eyes Sesshoumaru transfixed his gaze upon the boy again. It was possible something feminine hid behind all that grime and foul mouth but for life of him he couldn't see it. This was to be his wife?
The boy—the girl—huffed indignantly and stomped out of the room.
The lord of the house looked much older as he sighed. "I apologize for her behavior. She has always been such an independent and stubborn child. I promise she was raised better than that."
"I do not doubt your parenting. We had an unfortunate first meeting in the town and some of my officers were sent to apprehend the thieves so I would arrive on time."
He patted Sesshoumaru on the back. "You are a good man. Now, please make yourself at home. Kikyo can show you to your quarters and we will see you for dinner."
Silently he followed the more appealing sister up the stairs to what would be his room until the wedding. At the thought, Sesshouamru felt exhausted himself. It seemed Kagome hadn't changed her rough and tom boyish was since the first day they met.
"You'll have to excuse my sister. She can be rather…rough, but once you get to know her she is very sweet and kind hearted. I've known her for nineteen years now after all."
"I will take your words into account," Sesshoumaru replied respectfully.
"Here is your room." Kikyo gestured with an outstretched arm.
"Thank you."
With that Kikyo left him to his own devices.
…
A/N: Another new story! We'll see how long this one takes to finish lol I've been reading a lot of medieval-ish romances lately. I like the old timey setting for this story and because I don't know a lot about Japan during that era the story won't follow history perfectly. The society might be a bit more European in some respects so if that bothers you I'm really sorry but I am giving you fair warning. But, I have been trying to even study to make most things correct. I hope you all enjoy and more of the story to come!