The Mischievous Lady by Maria-Salvatore29

Chosen

Chapter 6: Chosen

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

-x-X-x-

-Kagome-

"Where have you been?" Yuka asked as I sat down beside her. She took in my disheveled state and inquired worriedly, "What happened?"

I smiled weakly at her as I shook my head. "Long story," I replied exhaustedly. Seriously, worst first day ever! My arm smarted a little from where the cold golden-eyed youkai gripped me so hard and my energy felt depleted after battling his enormous youki.

For a moment, I thought she was going to insist knowing about what happened but she decided against it. Instead, she changed the subject. "The atmosphere had been tense for a while now."

"I guess it's only natural. Many aspires to be one of the Chosen," I replied, nodding to the demonesses as they nervously talked with their maidservants and on occasion, with each other.

"Do you aspire to be a Chosen as well?" She asked curiously.

"Honestly?" I asked, scanning the crowd of demonesses around us and how they spoke with each other with so much hypocrisy. "Nope." I answered.

On my way here, I swore to prove myself to everyone back in the East. However, just thinking about the politics that I had to play here made me want to flinch and despite my status, I doubt the West would allow a scandal like me to stay.

Yuka seemed horrified at my answer. "No! But why...?"

"It's just seemed—" I was about to explain further when an Elder's voice cut through the tense atmosphere in the air.

"Lord Toga shall be meeting each of you in a short while. Please step up when your names are called." An Elder informed us and his announcement brought about another wave of anxiety throughout the courtyard.

Many more wine and sake were drank and many of the raw snacks were devoured as the demonesses talk. The three Southern Ladies who befriended me excused themselves to get some wine.

Wine would be nice but my exhaustion made me stay on my seat. I leaned back more comfortably, enjoying the warm breeze of the wind, and...

An insistent hand kept poking me in the arm and the buzz of annoyed youki danced at the edge of my senses. I jerked awake only to find everybody's eyes on me. Oh God, I fell asleep!

The Elder seemed very annoyed and huffed when I focused my gaze at him. Lady Ayumi was the one poking me, she leaned down and whispered, "It's your turn to talk to Lord Toga."

Shakily, I stood up and started to walk. There was a strained laughter that passed through the demonesses as I made my way towards Lord Toga. I still walked forward. I passed by Kagura and some of her acquaintances. She smiled sweetly at me and faked a concerned voice, "What happened to your dress, my lady?"

I followed her gaze and found that there was a rip from the hem of my kimono that created a gaping slit. With all the running that I had done earlier, my kimono must have ripped without my notice. With gritted teeth, I tried to close them with my hands.

Another wave of laughter shook the crowd.

I bit my lip and took a step back. Embarrassment. Hurt. Despair. I looked around me and found Lord Toga's gaze. Somehow, his golden eyes, which looked so similar to Inuyasha, brought on a wave of courage and confidence in my heart.

I lifted my gaze to Kagura and returned her sweet smile with the sweetest, most sugar-coated, smile of my own. "Do you like what I did with my clothes, Lady Kagura?"

She raised her brows at me, eyes challenging and mocking, "Yes, of course, very revealing."

They snickered.

"Indeed. I always loved being different, being bold and rebellious. After all, from what I have heard, the Lord of the West is someone with a fierce character. He would not want someone so conventional.” I gave her a smirk and moved my gaze towards Lord Toga. “You are just like everybody. In a crowd of demonesses, he would certainly look at someone that matches his character. Don’t you think we are destined for each other?”

She huffed and her hands fisted in disbelief. “He would not choose a hanyou.”

With a mischievous smile, I flipped my raven hair, which must be looking so wild from all the running I had done to escape the guards. “I am a princess of the East, the closest ally of the West, how could he not choose me?” I gave her a mocking once-over and proceeded to forge forward, my steps lively and confident. Apparently, no matter how much I hate politics, I do have a talent for it.

Silence permeated the air as I descended the elevated platform and bowed in respect for the Elders of the inu-youkai clans. I reached the edge of the barrier that surrounded Lord Toga, a barrier that was placed in order to lend him privacy with his one-on-one chat with the demonesses. Taking a deep breath, I stepped close to him.

He looked so regal and powerful but his warm golden eyes kept me from being afraid. With a curtsey, I introduced myself as confidently as I could. "I am Lady Kagome of the East, my lord. But you must have known that already, after all the ruckus." I motioned at the crowd that was watching us carefully.

He smiled at my tight remark. "Please, have a seat, my lady,” he said politely, pointing at the chair placed just in front of him.

I took a seat and held his gaze. "I thought the Lord of the East, Lord Akio, would not be able to send an eligible daughter since he produced more princes than princesses. Fortunately, he did," Lord Toga said with a faint smile.

"Yes, my lord. It is very fortunate, indeed. Or no one would put Lady Kagura in her place," I replied unpleasantly but a smile remained on my face.

After a moment of tense silence, Lord Toga's eyes crinkled in amusement and he laughed out loud, his guffaw can probably be heard across the courtyard.

I looked at him as if he was mad. "You are laughing at me." I accused, my temper flaring even more.

When he calmed down enough to speak again, he shook his head and remarked fondly, "You do have a wolf blood. I have dealings with wolves even centuries before and your kind have always been known for the fierceness of their spirit. You certainly remind me of an old friend—your father.”

At the mention of my father, I straightened and stated harshly, "I am nothing like my father."

His amusement slowly died and he inquired curiously, "Why not?"

Cruel. Apathetic. One who cares about his honor than his child. With a tight smile, I replied, "Father's greatness. I could not be compared to that."

His golden eyes told me that he did not believe me and that he could seemingly able to read my mind and the truth behind my eyes. He gave a humorless smile, his golden eyes burning with intensity. I squirmed under his heavy gaze, reaching out to tap my wild, loose hair.

At the nervous tell, his lips turned upwards in a smirk that, again, looked so similar to Inuyasha. "It is alright, the hair matches your character well enough. You still look very beautiful, regardless."

I raised my brows at his teasing and his gruff compliment. "Beautiful," I repeated. "Should I interpret your compliment as a sign of favor?" I teased back, my eyes glowing with mischief.

"Keh." He huffed. "Your quick wit really reminds me of your father."

I need quick wit to survive Father. "Just one favor."

His golden eyes fixed me at me with curiosity. "Speak, then."

"Never compare me to Father ever again."

Silence filled the air between us again before a slow smile stole at his face. "Very well, my lady." He nodded, picking up the parchment where I had written my answer.

A fresh wave of nervousness attacked my confidence and I tried not to crumble.

He looked at my expression with a smirk and stated, "You are different."

"Different good or different bad?"

"In my opinion, different good."

"That's nice, then."

"More than nice, Lady Kagome. I am quite intrigued with what you have written here." He handed me the parchment and I re-read the answer I had given. It was definitely based in my experiences as I provided a helping hand to the people in the Middle Lands.

He looked at me thoughtfully. "You were asked if you believe you can lead the people of the Western Lands…"

"Uhm...yes…?" I gripped the parchment a little harder, wondering why I even wrote such a personal answer, when they were obviously expecting something that was taken out of a literary book.

“Do not be anxious, my lady. I did find your answer interesting.” There was a glint of awe in his eyes as he recited my answer—the content of my parchment to me.

I do not want to just lead the people.

I want to be close to them and share everything with them.

A ruler must not only know how to issue an order.

A true ruler would be with the people in every way possible,

Trying to learn the contents of their hearts,

And sharing all the burden that they may encounter.

I would fight with them and for them, the way a person in love would.

For when you love, you are willing to make a sacrifice,

And call it a priviledge to have served, even your life.

"Wow. You had it memorized."

"I have read and re-read your answer since it was handed to me. Intriguing, very much so."

"Being close to the people. That's what I want," I said determinedly. "I don't want the people to fear me, I want them to embrace me, and be loyal to me. Fear is only an illusion. It can easily bend. But loyalty? It would make any lands formidable."

A look of admiration passed through his face and he remarked, "You are very feisty."

"So I've been told."

"I like it. It's time for this castle to have some color in it. I am wishing you the best, my lady," he said sincerely before taking my hand and placing a light kiss on it.

Sincerity. He is giving me sincerity. A shy smile stole at my face and I whispered, "Thank you, my lord."

I stood up from the seat and faced the courtyard, I was about to step out of the barrier when his gentle voice stopped me, "Don't let them shake you, Lady Kagome."

I glanced at him with surprise. Hearing the concern in his voice was very moving, making my heart hurt.

"Being a hanyou does not make you any less," he said, his tone held a buried anger.

I offered a smile, one that came from my soul. "Thank you, Toga-sama."

He nodded at me and I finally stepped out, feeling light and almost happy. His kind words. Even Father never says something so inspiring.

I found Ayumi, Eri, and Yuka in the corner. "He is a little intimidating but kinder than I expected," Ayumi told me excitedly.

"He is," I replied sincerely.

We chatted for a while, drinking some wine, when the Elder announced everyone to settle down. "We would now be calling the names of the twenty-four females who shall take part in the competition. The twenty-four Chosen Ones shall stay at the palace for how long it takes for Lord Sesshomaru to choose," an elder explained.

Lady Kagura passed, sneering at me. "Farewell, hanyou! You wasted your time here."

I glared at her before retorting, "Well, who wanted to be the Lord's slave?"

"What?" She snapped at me, ruby eyes glittering with shock and fury.

I shrugged. "If you become one of the Chosen Ones, you shall be his. He would want you to salivate at his feet forever, using you for as long as he wants. But then I guess, you want that."

"You bitch!" She shot back, claws extended in anger.

"Stop it," Yura, her friend and a demoness who had been part of Lord of the West's harem, hissed. She turned to me with cold eyes. "And shut up, hanyou. You are nobody."

She pulled Kagura away and I stood after them with stunned eyes.

"Lady Kagome?" Ayumi inquired worriedly.

I shook off my shock. "Haters," I said with a fake smile. She grinned, and turned away from me, eagerly listening to names that the Elder was calling out.

"Lady Yura of the North, lady from Lord of the West’s harem,

Lady Kagura of the North, first-born princess of the Northern Lands,

Lady Kanna of the North, second-born princess of the Northern Lands,

Lady Toran of the South, crowned princess of the Southern Lands..."

Kagura scanned the crowd as she stepped onstage, smirking when she found me. I rolled my eyes at her but somehow, Lady Yura's remark actually hurt. Deep inside, I wanted to be chosen. Father would be surprised if I got chosen, Kikyou would be furious, Miroku and Ah Chen would rejoice.

But I couldn't deny what Lady Yura told me. She was right. I was nobody. I did not stand a chance. Why would Lord Toga choose a hanyou for his son? Of course, he would never choose a disgrace. Father thought of me as a mistake. For my sister, Kikyou, I was just a weakling. For everybody, I was...nobody.

I want to be somebody, too. But now, all I wanted to do was run towards my brother's arms, seeking comfort. I want to link my arms with my best friend, Ah Chen, and laugh at all the silly things we had done. I just want to embrace my adopted son, Shippou, and tell him stories that would light up his emerald eyes.

I just want to go home, which is difficult, when I do not even have one.

Meeting that kind lord, Toga-sama, is enough of an incentive for all the troubles I suffered on my first day here.

"Lady Ayumi of the South…" I turned at her, beaming and urging her to strut forward.

She laughed excitedly before bouncing off to the elevated platform with the other Chosen Ones. I smiled. At least, somebody was enjoying this pathetic event. Then I turned away, planning to stop by the Middle Lands to greet Shippou when I heard a name.

My name.

"Finally, there is Lady Kagome of the East, second-born princess of the Eastern Lands."

Total silence engulfed the courtyard. Ka-Go-Me. That is my name, isn't it?

"Lady Kagome, please come here!"

I pointed at myself, dumbfounded, "Me?"

"Yes, you, my lady," the Elder said impatiently.

I walked forward slowly. I can almost taste the shock of everyone. But my surprise was also making my brain dysfunctional. Looking around, I saw Kagura's face. She looked like someone just slapped her.

"I did it?" I asked dumbly when I passed by Lord Toga.

"Keh." He huffed in amusement. "Of course, you did."

"Unbelievable!" I exclaimed. Without thinking, I jumped to embrace him onstage.

There was a collective gasp. Probably because of my insolence.

"Congratulations, Kagome." Lord Toga whispered sincerely.

I let him go and beamed. "Thank you," I whispered back, with all the sincerity I felt for him.

I stood beside Lady Ayumi who hugged me in excitement. I saw Kagura and Yura with their deathly glares.

I smiled cheekily. "I wouldn't be a slave," I mouthed at Kagura.

She growled.

I laughed.

"Congratulations everyone!" Lord Toga said in a firm voice.

He searched for my eyes and winked. I winked back. He had given me a chance. He trusted me. I took a deep breath and clasped my hands over my heart.

Kikyou would be furious.

Somehow, the thought made be happier.

-x-X-x-

-Sesshomaru-

I submerged myself in the hot spring and tried to relax.

It was not a good day. First, the swarm of demonesses in the palace made me feel impatient. Second, there was that hanyou who dared to disrespect and attack me. Third, my father had given me knowing looks all day and it was slowly pushing me to the edge. Everyone seemed bent in trying my patience today.

Closing my eyes, I leaned against the hot spring walls when I heard footsteps approaching. Their scents told me that those were the guards I had commanded to bring the hanyou girl to me.

"My lord!" They called from outside the bath.

"Have you found her?" I asked with my eyes closed.

"Yes, my lord," one of them replied, pride in his voice.

Hnn. Good. Or bad, for her. Since she will be the recipient of my pent-up frustrations. I went out of the hot spring and dressed in a robe.

Opening the door to go outside, the guards bowed low in greeting. I glanced at them, a little bewildered at their war-torn appearance. They were bloody, bruised and wounded. I gazed at their battered form with raised brows.

"She fought, my lord. She can be a formidable foe, actually. We summoned a kitsune-youkai to cast a spell on her. For immobilization. We blindfolded, gagged and secured her for you," he informed me, eyes downcast.

Formidable foe. A hanyou like her?

"Where is she?" I demanded.

"Shackled in your bedpost, my lord. That feisty girl." A flicker of respect passed through his eyes.

I huffed in annoyance. Respect for an abomination? Impossible. "Leave."

They bowed and left hastily. Anticipation flows through my veins, the beast inside me wanting to reclaim dominance over someone that dared not to bow low. I entered my bed chamber and found her inside where she lay helpless, but seemed determined to fight. I released my youki to silence her whining yet it only made her thrash around even more.

I wrapped my hand around her throat and growled.

She sank back in fear with a pitiful whimper, which was a reaction that a hanyou like her should definitely show. I thought she would concede defeat then and start begging for mercy like a normal person would. 

To my surprise and glee, even with fear, she started to struggle again with renewed vigor and even growled back at me. She tore the gag away with her fangs and demanded in a rough voice. "I think I have said it many times since we have met but you have to let me go."

"Have?" I repeated, my tone mocking. "This Sesshomaru does not have to do anything for you, hanyou."

Her lips pulled back to reveal her tiny fangs and she struggled at her bindings. When it did not budge, panic and a new wave of fear engulfed her.

I leaned next to her ear and whispered darkly, "A tough hanyou? Hnn. Let's see how tough you can get."

-x-X-x-

Prompt: N/A

Word Count: 2800