Slave of Love

Disclaimer: I don’t own Inuyasha. It belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor the book “Enslaved” by V. Henley.

Chapter 4: “Kagome’s Debut and Meeting Koga”

That afternoon Naraku called Kikyo to the library. He was standing next to the window when there was knock on the door.

“Enter.” He said

“Father. You wanted to see me?” Kikyo asked.

“Yes daughter, come on in. Please, be seated.”

Kikyo sat on the chair and waited patiently for her father to speak.

“You know that young lord I asked you about the other day...” He started.

“Yes, Koga Shinda. His step brother is pair to the kingdom. Why? What about him?” Kikyo questioned.

“He will go to Almack’s today, I want for Kagome to dance with him. See to it.”

“But, father-” Kikyo began saying.

“But nothing.” Naraku cut her “I want for her to fall for him. You must help him, introduce them properly. He is quiet charming as you will soon find out.”

“Why make Kagome to fall in love with him?”

“Because, that way we can get her money.”

“And how, making Kagome fall for him, will helps us get her money?”

“I have come to an agreement with the lad. He is going to show some interest in Kagome, he will enamor her and wed her if everything goes according to my plan.”

“And how is that convenient for us? He will be the responsible of her money if he weds her. He might change his mind and decide to call off the deal. What exactly is the deal?”

“I have everything arranged, my darling, do not fear. That boy will be my puppet, and I will be his puppet master.” He said giving her an evil smirk, that soon became laughter.

“I hope you are right, father, for our sake. And about tonight, I will try my best. Just pray for Kagome to be in a good mood.”

“Worry not my child, she will. After all, is this not her first presentation in the high circles?”

“It is, but with Kagome you can never be certain.”

“You may go now.” He said biding her goodbye.

“Just one more thing father,” Kikyo said. “What about uncle Kano’s books collection?” She asked referring to the large library that Kagome was so fond of. Her uncle had been president of the court judges and a known erudite to whom the king had given the title of “knight”. Kikyo knew that Kagome had been well instructed in the classics readings and her father had thought her French, Italian and Latin.

“My brother’s collection is worth a fortune. I am trying to get a buyer for the complete library. What about it?” Naraku asked.

“That is brilliant! That was what I was going to remind you. Besides, they are a bad influence for Kagome and if the rumor of her being a literary lady, well...not even Koga Shinda will want her.”

“Don’t worry about him, or the library. You just focus on Kagome giving Koga a chance.”

“All right. If that is all, I must go get ready for tonight. Will you come with us? Or shall I take Kaede?”

“Take your governess, I have a client tonight.”

“Very well. I will see you later father.”

“Have a nice evening, daughter.”

“Thank you.” And with that said Kikyo walked out of the room to get ready for tonight.

*********

Kikyo had chosen an apple green dress, while Kagome, for the first time given the option of choosing herself, chose a blue dress. It was not a dark blue as she would have liked but fortunately it wasn’t near a “sky blue” either. While she picked her cashmere shawl and followed Kikyo and her old governess to the carriage, she couldn’t help but to feel certain enthusiasm about her debut in society. However her enthusiasm fade away as soon as her cousin decided to take advantage of the trip and started reciting the rigid rules catalogue and concluding:

“In no circumstance you must attract improper men. You have to protect yourself from the libertines and the ones that only want you for your money.” ‘God, anybody who would hear me would think that I worry about her, but it’s just that she looks so damn lovely tonight that men will feel attracted to her like moths to the flame. And then, she will attract a wealthy noble man and father and I won’t be able to get her money. I have to be attentive and discourage any suitor with a nobility title and wealth. I’m so glad that wigs are in nowadays fashion, because her beautiful midnight hair would leave any man breathless. God I envy her!’

When they arrived to Almack’s there was line to enter. The place was full. At the door Lady Melbourne greeted them, next to her, her daughter and a friend of Kagome, Eri and her son Hojo Lamb, who immediately approached Kagome.

“May I have the honor of the first dance, Lady Higurashi?”

“Of course, good sir.” Kagome answered him. It was so ridiculous not to call him Hojo. She had known the insipid boy her whole life. She wrote his name on her card, and they entered the ballroom. Kagome felt relieved as she heard Kikyo’s governess, Kaede, say:

“Go have fun, young ones. My hips don’t allow me the pleasure of dancing.”

Kagome, with out a look at Kikyo, went to where her friends were gather in circle. It was their first debut also. Ayumi, Yuka and Eri, they all had come with their mothers to see if they could go home with a husband in their pocket. The three had been instructed in the art of charming the opposite sex.

Kagome’s dancing card was filling quickly. The young earl of Cowper, Hiten Thunder, rich as Croesus, showed great interest in Kagome, but common sense told him his parents wanted for him to marry the daughter of a duke. ‘And thank god for that.’ Kagome thought gratefully. ‘He gives me the creeps.’

When Kalek Ponsoby approached them, Kagome concluded that the girl was always near the hysteria. She laughed to loud and showed an unnatural passion for every little thing.

“Who is that elegant fellow, who is wearing an infantry uniform?” She asked Kagome.

“I bet he is a pedigree puppy. There are three hundred of infantrymen here, when only half a dozen of them were honor with an invitation.” Kagome didn’t bother on turning around while she made that insolent comment, so she lost the amazing pair of sapphire eyes that looked around the room and increased their size as they rest upon her.

*********

Koga Shinda was trying to find out which of the young girls of the group was lady Kagome Higurashi. His experience had proved him that, the wealthier the fortune, the uglier the heiress. So obviously, it wouldn’t be that gorgeous creature of sensual body. His eyes scanned the place only to stop on the irregular form and equally irregular face of a girl. ‘I bet ten to one that she is my objective’. He almost lost his courage. It wasn’t a surprise that his older step brother, the earl, always tease him saying that it would have to be Koga the one who got married and produced an heir. ‘Of course, that mutt can allow himself being cynic about women and marriage, but I cannot! I don’t have a fortune nor title of my own.’
With resolution, he walked to that fat pudding, made a slight bow and asked:

“Lady Kagome?”

“Yes?” A female voice at his back answered.

Koga turned around and stared into a pair of gray-blue eyes. He held his breath so that the lovely vision in front of him wouldn’t fade away. When he realized that she was waiting for his response, he asked in a soft voice:

“Can I have this dance?”

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible, sir. I already have a partner.” Kagome informed him.

“The next one then.” Koga insisted.

“I am sorry but my dance card is full.” Kagome’s eyes shone with amusement and a little of pity.

“I don’t believe it. Let me see.” He insisted.

Kagome didn’t offend. She laughed and gave him her card. He immediately wrote his name down, above the other aspirants, and returned it to her.

“You are very bold, Mr. Shinda.” Kagome commented, reading the name on her card.

‘Oh, you have no idea how’ “Yes.” Koga replied. And low enough for her only to hear, added, wanting to see if she understood his words or not “.... Among other things.” When he saw Kagome’s confused face he realized that she had not understood. ‘She is a virgin.’ He thought, and just that thought made his blood boil. ‘What an unexpected pleasure!’

Kagome saw Hojo approaching, looking for her:

“Here is my partner.”

Koga gave her a wolfish smile.

“You can not prefer that wonder of insipid boy instead of me!”

Kagome examined him openly for a moment.

“Actually, I do.” She took Hojo’s arm living Koga Shinda by himself. ‘Liar.’ A voice inside her head protested.

*******

Next morning while she drank her hot chocolate, Kikyo questioned her cousin about all the details of the evening.

“Let me see your dance card.”

“Err... I didn’t keep it.” Kagome lied.

“You didn’t keep the memento of your debut at Almack’s?” Kikyo freaked.

“It was full. I danced with Hojo Lamb, lord Ashley, and lord Granville.... Oh, yes, and with Koga.”

“Koga Shinda?” Kikyo asked avidly.

“No. Koga Ookami.”

Kikyo was alarmed. ‘But I saw them talking, and he wrote down his name... Did I see wrong, that was some other? Just when we had him eating of our hands.’

“Koga Ookami? Is he not that young man with only one facial expression?”

‘Look who’s talking.’ Kagome thought. “You mentioned Koga Shinda. You know him?” She asked Kikyo casually.

“Well, not quite. Father handles some of his business.”

“Oh, I see.” Kagome answered.

“Did you dance with him?”

“No.”

“Didn’t he ask you?”

“Yes” Admitted Kagome.

“Then why didn’t you dance with him? His a very respectable young man.”

“Really?” Kagome frowned remembering last night. ‘He certainly look like everything but respectable.’

“I can not believe you rejected him!”

“Well if you like him so, why didn’t you dance with him?”

“Oh, don’t be ridiculous.”

“Actually, I wasn’t sure of be a good dancer. With Hojo and the others it did not matter because they are very young, but with Koga Shinda was different.”

‘Thank god. She feels attracted to him, if not, I wouldn’t know how to tell father’.

“Well then, you need to spend more time with Miss Jurei.”

“Yes, I’ agree. She told me I could go this afternoon, so I will.”

*********

Kagome was completely hypnotized by the vision on the mirror room. The white tunic was as light as a feather. The skirt made of crapes, fell to her thighs, right above her knees. It let one round shoulder boldly naked, matching wonderfully with the silver amulets in her bare arms. Tied to her back there was a small silver quiver with a matching arrow that went under her breasts heightening them. Her legs seemed longer than they already were because of the silver long strips sandals that embraced them. And on top of her head a tiara coupled her glorious hair falling to her waist in a “v” shape. Not only she looked like a queen; she felt like one.

“The mask ball is on Friday night.” Yura tempted her.

“Oh, I won’t be able to go.” Kagome refused.

Yura hand her a mask made of pigeon feathers. When Kagome tried it, she realized that nobody would recognize her. The seed that had been planted by Yura suddenly grew.

“Would you come with me? How will I get rid of Kikyo? Uncle Naraku is not a problem, for he is never at home, but Kikyo is a different thing.”

“I will take care of that.” She said waving her hand like a magic wand.

A/N: I hope you guys liked it. Next chapter, the ball and meeting Inuyasha. I won’t be updating anytime soon ‘cause I’m going on vacation. Please review!!!!! Ja!.