Firebrand

Firebrand
FatalFury

Chapter 13, Part II - Homecoming

As Myouga unwittingly referred to her embarassment, Kagome turned a deeper shade of red, if that was possible. But aside from the teasing, she thought that she was going to enjoy it here. The atmosphere was pretty much the same as in her grandfather's plantation in America. Her grandfather abhorred slavery and didn't own a single slave. The servants were treated equally, and with familiarity, although their respect was of utmost importance to her grandfather. Just like the way her husband was treating his staff.

Kaede was quick to correct her faux pas.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Your Grace. I never meant to--"

Kagome shook her head at Kaede, smiling reassuringly to alleviate her fears.

"It's quite alright with me, Kaede. I'm quite used to being teased by a housekeeper. Ours do that all the time,"

Kagome surprised them with her comment, unknowingly winning her husband's staff over. Kaede presented her with a wider smile as she and Myouga led the way to the castle doors.

"Is that Lady Kikyou, the master's intended? She sure is beautiful,"

A girl's voice said with a wistful sigh. Everyone froze and turned to the silly servant girl who said that.

Unfortunately, the newlyweds weren't out of earshot yet, and Kagome stopped dead in her tracks, eyes widening in shock... and hurt. Inuyasha's eyes turned to slits before he realized he was partly to blame since he didn't say her name when he made his announcement.

'Stupid Inuyasha!'

Inuyasha mentally thumped his self in the head for that blunder. He dragged his wife back to the top of the stairs where he bellowed with all his might.

"My wife's name is Kagome! KA-GO-ME! Do you understand?"

His staff was cowering in fear of his wrath now, with the girl at fault crying earnestly. Kaede curtsiedapologetically to Kagome.

"I'm sorry, Your Grace. The girl is a recent addition to the staff, and doesn't know better. Tomorrow I'll be packing her things myself and sending her home,"

"Yes, do that, Kaede-ba. I don't want to see the girl here ever again,"

Inuyasha furiously stated, but his wife interferred. Shrugging off his arms with all her strength, she succeeded in surprising him that his hands fell to his side.

"Kagome?"

"Don't fire the girl on my behalf, Kaede. It was an honest mistake to make, and I do not blame her. I want her to stay on,"

Kagome said authorititavely, a hard edge to her voice. Kaede nodded unhappily in agreement.

"Now then, I find that I am extremely exhausted by our travels. I trust you would excuse me if I didn't join you for dinner, Your Grace?"

'There's that 'Your Grace' shit again,'

"Kagome, I--"

But she didn't stop or bother to look back as she went ahead and entered the castle, Kaede coming quickly to her side. They mounted the stairs and disappeared to the eastern wing.

"Damn it!"

Inuyasha swore loudly, causing his staff to jump in fear. Afraid hebwould lash out at them, he signalled Myouga to dismiss them. Then he strolled purposedly in the direction where Kagome disappeared.

He wasn't spending their wedding night alone!

Before he could bound up the stairs however, his butler's voice stopped him cold.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Your Grace. Your wife is livid at the moment. Let it go for now,"

"But she's mad and it's all my fault--"

"That she is. And you are at fault indeed. You've hurt her feelings, you know,"

"Damn it, old man--"

Myouga held up his hand to interrupt his master.

"I am just advicing you, Your Grace. When did you ever stop to listen to what I say? Do you mean to start now?"

Inuyasha gave Myouga a mischievous grin.

"Wish me luck,"

He called to his butler before bounding up the stairs again.

"Have a bath first, Your Grace. Mayhap it will aid you in your quest,"

Myouga had to raise his voice considerably for his master to hear. He had to shake his head in despair.

What a wedding night it will be.