Almond by Sereia

Chapter 1

Hanakotoba Matsuri 2023 Week 04: Patience & Forgiveness

Prompt: Almond (promise), Blue daisy (trust), Amethyst, Kidnapped

Level: Blossom

..::**::..

"I do not understand why you are making this a sumptuous affair. Your miko has not responded to your summons—"

Sesshoumaru's glare was reflected in the floor-length mirror as he continued twisting his hair, amethysts lining both ears. "She will be here."

Inukimi scoffed, pigtails swaying as she shook her head. "We are on day three of your supposed engagement. The rest of the court is wondering if it is some elaborate hoax, we both know none of them have a sense of humour."

He growled, finally turning around. "The miko has agreed to be my mate and will be presented as such." He would not give into his mother's taunts—even when doubt had already taken root at the back of his mind.

He had gone over his proposal several times, the words barely leaving his mouth before Kagome had responded, kissing him thoroughly as a means of affirmation. Only the knowledge of what was to come had stopped him from mating her on the spot, promising to make it up to her as her ravaged lips had pulled down into a pout.

He would not give anyone any reason to argue their coupling. She was his, and the world would soon know it.

If she would only show her face.

He'd wanted to bring her to the West himself, not out of protection, but to get it over with quicker. However, his mother had cited tradition, Kagome quickly agreeing as it would give her a few days to put everything in order in her village.

And now, over a week had gone by.

He'd sent Ah-Un on a search after the first few days, returning with a letter strapped to his saddle with words from both his brother and intended that she would be along shortly. It had calmed his heart long enough to get the preparations for her arrival in order.

She will show, he repeated, finishing with his hair and glancing at the bouquet of almond blossoms and blue daisies lying on the vanity.

"There is a line-up of other candidates that I would be more than willing to present," his mother stated, taking a drag from her kiseru, the smoke encircling her head like a crown.

"Enough." He kept himself from slamming a fist down on the table, youki crackling. "I will have the miko and no one else."

Inukimi sighed. "If you say so, my son." She rose to her feet in a single fluid movement, sashaying toward the door. "But do not blame me when she makes a mockery of you. And your infatuation."

..::**::..

The sun had begun to set, and Sesshoumaru had been forced to mingle amongst the crowd, reassuring them that the guest of honour would be arriving momentarily. The food was never-ending, the music soft and gentile, yet the disquiet was palpable, even his brother asking unnecessary questions.

"You should have been her escort," Sesshoumaru said, posture straight even though he wanted nothing more than to through his cup against the wall.

"I told ya," Inuyasha grumbled, stuffing his arms into his sleeves. "She needed to talk to her mother. Like a final goodbye or somethin'. I wasn't gonna interfere. Too mushy for me."

"But it would have ensured her safety."

Inuyasha gave him an incredulous look. "You do remember who we're talkin' 'bout, right? K'gome, Shikon Miko, short temper, completely capable of defending herself?"

Sesshoumaru pursed his lips. "I am well aware of her abilities."

"Yer also aware that if any of us make a crack about her not bein' able to take care of herself, we'll get us fried, right?" His brother sighed, then patted his shoulder. "Look, I know yer nervous—" Sesshoumaru shot him a glare. "—but we both know she doesn't want anyone else. She'll be here."

"I would not be so sure," Inukimi said, a smirk hidden behind her fan. "Rumours are flying, my son. They think you have been rebuffed."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. The demoness was known for causing drama, her favourite hobby being getting under her son's skin.

Sesshoumaru brandished his claws. "You will cease this drivel, Mother. I will not have Kagome's name tarnished before she arrives."

"If she arrives," she corrected. "Your beloved has yet to appear, and night is approaching. Give it up, my son; you are not the one she has chosen."

"Want me to give her a haircut?" Inuyasha asked, hand resting on the hilt of Tessaiga. He didn't even blink when Inukimi shoved her fan in his face.

"Watch your tone, whelp," she hissed, eyes blazing. "You are only here due to wielding your father's fang. Someone of your breeding would never be allowed to set foot within the shiro without my expressed permission."

Sesshoumaru grabbed his mother's wrist, rising to his full height. "I will remind you that this is my home. His invitation has been given with my permission and will continue until I say otherwise." Inukimi looked between the males, then turned with a huff, flipping silver hair over her shoulder as she disappeared into the throng of guests.

"What crawled up her ass?" Inuyasha asked once he was sure she was out of eavesdropping distance.

"The same thing that has been there her entire existence, little brother." Sesshoumaru sighed and turned away, unwilling to give her a second thought. "She wishes to remain at the height of demon aristocracy. Our sire falling in love with a human was a massive blow to her ego—her own flesh and blood following in his footsteps has not helped matters."

"Keh, not like you could've avoided it." Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, but his brother just smirked. "No one can resist K'gome. 'Specially not you."

"Oh? And why was I doomed to fail?"

A fang poked out over Inuyasha's lower lip, his grin widening. "'Cause you tried the hardest not to."

Sesshoumaru's retort was cut off as Jaken came barrelling toward them. "My lord! There is a disturbance at the front gates."

"If it a messenger from another territory, tell them to—"

"I would not bother you with such trifling matters, my lord," Jaken cut in. "But it involves the miko, and—"

Both males immediately perked up. "She has arrived?"

"Well, yes," Jaken hedged, gripping his staff. "But she is out of sorts and is demanding to be let into the ballroom."

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Why are you questioning this?"

"Forgive me! But she is not dressed for the occasion. I only thought she may want to freshen up before seeing you." Inuyasha's elbow dug into Sesshoumaru's ribs before he motioned to the other end of the room. A crowd had gathered, and they could hear Inukimi's voice over the din of the guests.

Sesshoumaru stifled a groan. What had his mother started now? Ignoring Jaken's pleas, they made their way over to the centre of the commotion, eyes widening at the sigh before them.

Kagome stood just inside the doors, hands clenched into fists, her robes matted with dirt and torn in several places. Leaves and twigs littered her hair, and there were several purple splotches on her hakama, blood having stained the blue fabric. Inukimi alone blocked her from entering the room further.

"Oh, come now. You will not be allowed to partake in the festivities looking like—"

"You're the one who tried to stop me from coming, you bitch!" Silence descended upon the ballroom, no one daring to breathe as Kagome pointed an accusing finger at the demoness.

Inukimi's eyes narrowed. "You overstep, miko."

"Do I?" she challenged, aura spiking. "You can hide behind glamours all you want, your highness, but power doesn't lie. You pretended to need help, and then I wound up chained to a wall with you parading around in yet another disguise, claiming that Sesshoumaru's proposal had been a joke and that he'd already mated someone else!"

The murmurs started at the back of the room, rising in volume and validity as they encroached on the two females. Inukimi looked aghast. "I would never—"

"Don't lie!" Reiki overflowed, those closest jumping back with a yelp as it burned through their shoes. Kagome's eyes blazed, hair tangled and tousled as it lifted from her shoulders. She had no weapon, but she didn't need one, pearlesque flames licking at her heels.

Inuyasha moved to intercede, but Sesshoumaru held him back, his eyes on his intended. "This is necessary," he murmured.

"But she could be—"

"Were you not the one singing her praises earlier?"

"That's different. Your mom is a conniving cockroach."

"I am aware." Sesshoumaru maintained his stance. "And she will be dealt with. But not by us."

"Now hear this," Kagome bellowed, addressing the entire room. "Your lord has made his intentions clear. He has chosen me above all others, and I have accepted." Any protests were met with a fierce glare, her power only rising as she turned back to Inukimi. "If there is anyone who opposes this union, step forward now and state your claim."

Sesshoumaru half expected his mother to say something, but she stayed quiet for once, understanding the verity of the situation. Kagome smirked but didn't diminish her power, facing the crowd.

"You have seen what I'm capable of. Know that I will defend the West with this power, but my loyalty serves Sesshoumaru first." She finally met his gaze, determination and adoration swirling in tandem within sapphire eyes. "He is mine."

His face remained stoic as he approached her, though only barely, reiki parting to allow him passage. "You have made your point, Kagome."

"Have I?"

"Indeed. Now allow me to make mine."

Kagome frowned. "But they already know how powerful you—" His lips covered hers, one arm wrapping around her waist, ravaging her mouth for all to see. Kagome's gasp only gave him better access, and he slanted his head, her hands gripping the collar of his haori.

When he finally pulled back, it was out of obligation, not choice, especially with the dazed look on her face. Sesshoumaru pressed their foreheads together, relishing in the proximity before straightening. He was not surprised to find most of his guests bowing in respect. A few were missing, his mother's absence being the most obvious, but it mattered little—she would not be welcome back inside his home.

Inuyasha was the first to approach them, ears twitching. "I shoulda waited for ya at the well. I thought—" The muscles in his jaw rolled as he swallowed, but Kagome shook her head.

"I probably would've told you off for not trusting me to get here myself." She punched his arm lightly, knowing how it would look if she suddenly hugged him. "But I appreciate the sentiment."

He crossed his arms. "Keh! I knew you'd handle anything that ya came across."

"Indeed," Sesshoumaru cut in. "He was the one reminding me of your strength." Kagome raised a questioning eyebrow at him, and he leaned down, lips brushing her ear. "Being away from you makes This One nervous."

A delightful blush spilled onto her cheeks, but she graced him with a dazzling smile. "I'll keep that in mind the next time I go for a walk and get kidnapped by your mother." Two sets of golden eyes narrowed, and she doubled over in laughter. "It was a joke!"

"Your sense of humour is no better than that of the court," Sesshoumaru said, unamused. "But I will forgive you, given the circumstances."

"Speaking of which—" Kagome motioned down to her torn robes. "—any chance you have anything in my size here? This wasn't what I'd planned on showing up in."

He nodded, arm tightening around her waist. "I trust you will be able to handle things in my absence?"

Inuyasha scoffed and waved them off. "Yeah yeah. Go make her presentable and shit." They'd only made it a few steps before he yelled, "But if you're not back in fifteen minutes, I'm sendin' Jaken after ya!"