The Heir and the Spare

The Heir and the Spare

The Continent of Japan is in danger; humans and demons are engaged in a deadly war. To avoid calamity Princess Kagome, a human, finds herself betrothed to the heir of the demon-dominated Western Lands, Prince Sesshomaru. Too bad she finds herself falling for her future-husband's younger brother, Inuyasha.

.xx.

Kagome changed into a dark red kimono that had a silver obi. Her hair was pulled into an intricate chignon, courtesy of Sango, and she had minimum makeup applied—just a dab of lipstick and some eyeliner. Sitting on her futon, Kagome stared at the floor as she waited for Inuyasha to come and get her; Sango had already left for her duties with the other attendants and Kagome was left in solitude with only her thoughts accompanying her.

Why does he keep making these plans with me without consulting me? She tried to reason what Inuyasha was doing. Perhaps he's just being hospitable. It's evident that he comes from a good bloodline—save the fact his brother is a complete coward. He's respectful, and came to my aid when Sango and I were being attacked. Kagome twiddled her thumbs. He's handsome, has a sense of humour, can be really romantic too whenever he wants.

Case and point: sunset, and sunrise.

"Ready, Highness?" Inuyasha's voice sounded from outside of her room. Kagome stood up and took a deep breath to compose herself. What was it about her brother-in-law that made her heart race and cause butterflies to flutter about in the put of her stomach?

Kagome opened the doorway and smiled at the grinning Inuyasha. He was wearing the Western armory: the plates that covered his body were a metallic black and his greaves matched the colour scheme he was working with. On the left breast of his breastplate was the Western insignia. To complete his look, he had a rusty sword attached to his hip, and a silky black cape with silver lining.

"Going out to war, Prince?" Kagome said teasingly.

"You never know when one might be attacked when in the presence of the most beautiful woman alive." He responded smoothly, adding a wink to the end of his compliment.

Kagome couldn't help but blush. How was he so good at complimenting and why did he do it so often?! Inuyasha held his arm out for her to take hold of before he began escorting her to where their carriage was waiting. Heads bowed in their direction as they breezed past a few servants; the exiting doorway was already pushed wide open and the driver of the carriage was waiting beside the carriage door. He was ready to open it when the Prince Inuyasha and Princess Kagome arrived.

"Highness," Inuyasha said as he came to a stop in front of the carriage. The driver pulled the door open and Inuyasha helped Kagome get in before climbing in after her. Before the driver shut the door, Inuyasha instructed him to take them to the pier at the Miyaji River. With a nod, the driver shut the door and within a few moments, the carriage began moving.

Kagome was silent, staring out of the window. She watched their surroundings, noticed that it was mostly foliage and not much architecture. It was so unlike her lands, where industrialization was already beginning to take place. The demons, from what she saw, took pride in their relationship with nature. They took pride in being able to use the tools that Mother Nature has provided for them and using it to sustain life and life to the very next day. Other than the highly intricate castle that the Western Lords lived in, all the other architecture in the lands where the demons lived were not complex at all.

"What're you thinking of?" Inuyasha asked. He was sitting across Kagome and was watching her watch their scenery pass by.

"Of the differences between your people and mine."

"Care to explain?"

Kagome tore her eyes away from the forest outside of the window and locked them with Inuyasha's eyes—eyes she had become so fond of so quickly.

In fact, too quickly.

"How your people place an importance on nature and the signs and tools that it proves. Humans tear down everything that has to do with nature to put their mark," Kagome toyed with her obi. "Demons can sleep in trees, take as much as they give, and lets nature regenerate. Humans though… they tear down forests one after the other to use the wood to build more boats… boats to do more fishing, to rip the natural supply of seafood and not give nature enough time to recover."

"Doesn't sound appealing." Inuyasha commented.

Kagome shook her head. "It's not. I've seen what humans are capable of. It's one of the many reasons our races are at war. And what my people don't understand that they may have the upper hand for a short period of time, but it won't last forever. Their manmade weapons will reduce to nothing and they cannot compare to the sheer strength that demons possess. It's one of the reasons why I agreed to mate with your brother to end the war." She stared intently into Inuyasha's eyes. "So that my people will not be wiped clean out of existence because of their ignorance."

"Sounds very deep."

"I had a lot of time to think about it," Kagome admitted shyly. "Since your family was the only one seeking to have peace between our races, it was the most logical thing to do. The Panthers and the Wolves would never be caught dead marrying a human princess."

Inuyasha had to wink and say: "Well they're missing out, aren't they?"

Kagome rolled her eyes. "So is your brother. Am I ever going to meet him?"

"Maybe. Hey," Inuyasha leaned forward and playfully said, "if he never shows up then you can be glad that he has a younger brother, hmm?"

Kagome fought the blush. "Don't get your hopes up, Prince."

"Too late, Highness."

Kagome could only gape at her laughing brother-in-law. Sometimes she couldn't figure out if he was joking or actually serious about the stuff that he said. Before she had any time to contemplate, the carriage came to a halt and the driver announced that they arrived at the pier of Miyaji River. The door flew open and Inuyasha disembarked, promptly turning around to help Kagome get off as well.

"Shippo," Inuyasha called to the driver. "Can you please find a small boat that's big enough for only the Princess and me?"

Shippo nodded and ran off, trying to complete the task that Prince Inuyasha assigned him swiftly. Kagome raised an eyebrow. "Just us? Then who will be steering the boat?"

"Rowboat," Inuyasha winked, "and I'll be steering it."

"You?!" Kagome said, incredulously.

"Why, have you no faith in me?"

Kagome looked like a fish out of water. "Well… no… I mean yes! I mean—oh, Prince Inuyasha." She groaned, burying her face in her hands. Inuyasha's shoulders shook with laughter and he teasingly nudged her.

"Lighten up, I was only teasing."

Kagome dropped her hands and clasped them in front of her. "You do that a lot, hmm?" She said with a playful twinkle in her eyes. "Tease me or compliment me. Is there anything else you can do?"

"Steer a rowboat?"

Kagome burst into laughter and Inuyasha followed shortly after. Her laughter was contagious and it was the most beautiful sound that Inuyasha had ever heard. It sounded like something from heaven—the voice of a goddess perhaps? Their laughter died down and both were staring into each other's eyes for they didn't even know how long. Their trance was broken when Shippo called for them, saying that he prepared a rowboat for two parties and the oars were ready. It was at the southernmost dock of the pier.

Inuyasha held his arm out to Kagome once more. "Highness?"

She smiled, slipping her arm through his. "You are quite the escort, dear Prince."

"I pride myself in knowing how to fairly treat a lady of you calibre."

"I must say, your future bride might be a little jealous being second to her sister-in-law."

Inuyasha grinned wolfishly at her. "It is a fact of life and the woman that I get married to cannot fight the forces of nature. Face it," he brought his other hand up and squeezed Kagome's fingers, "she isn't as beautiful as you so she cannot be jealous of something she wasn't born in to."

"You're such a sweet talker. I will be standing on the sidelines laughing at you whilst you attempt to woo your future beloved."

"I'll just tell her never to try and compete with my sister-in-law."

"For I am the most beautiful woman alive?"

"You've finally learned."

Kagome laughed and playfully hit his arm. "Prince Inuyasha, can you ever be serious?"

"But I am!"

Kagome fought the urge to make a very unladylike sound. Inuyasha had to be joking; there was no other explanation about it. He was a really sweet character that had an amazing upbringing; there could be no other reason. From what she could tell of Inutaisho, his character mirrored Inuyasha's. Perhaps that was where he learned it: from his father.

Then what about Sesshomaru?

"Ready to board your vessel, Highness?"

Kagome laughed seeing the tiny rowboat floating on the water. The oars were prepared for paddling; Inuyasha helped her get into the tiny boat and keep her balance as he proceeded to board. After maintaining the balance of the rowboat, he helped Kagome sit down before taking a seat himself and grabbing the handles of the oars. "Alright, we're ready to take our cruise."

Kagome leaned back and smiled as Inuyasha began rowing. Looking around, Kagome was stupefied when she saw that a light fog began rolling in and the waters of the Miyaji River began sparkling. How was it possible?!

"Told you the river is a lot more beautiful up close and personal," Inuyasha whispered. Just like you. He added as an afterthought.

"It is," Kagome concurred. "How can it sparkle like this?"

"They say a strong priestess, Midoriko, died in the river in an effort to protect her beloved," Inuyasha revealed. "Her powers were so strong that her soul perpetually blessed the Miyaji River—legend has it that true love is found on the surfaces of these waters."

"Truly?"

Inuyasha smiled at Kagome's awe. "It's merely a legend, Highness."

"Do you believe in legends," Kagome gulped, "Inuyasha?"

It was the first time that she didn't add the Prince before his name and, not surprising in Inuyasha's opinion; it made his heart skip a beat. His name rolled so perfectly off of her tongue and she said it so… innocently. It made him go wild.

"Keh," he murmured. "Legends and myths will only remain what they are until I've seen proof with my own eyes."

"Perhaps you should bring the beloved you intend to woo onto these waters," Kagome teased, "but make sure I have a rowboat of my own. You know, to laugh at your failing attempts at wooing."

"You question my skill?"

"I question your skill in trying to woo your future bride into a state of love and admiration after telling her that she is nothing but second best to your brother's wife."

Inuyasha chuckled. "You do make a valid point, Highness."

Inuyasha kept on rowing and the fog slowly began to get thicker. Kagome leaned over and dipped her fingertips into the water; the cold tingling sensation shot up her fingers and into her arm. Smiling, she let her hand drag in the water as Inuyasha continued to row—he seemed to have no destination in mind. He was just going where the waters took them.

"Was Sesshomaru forced to take me as his wife?" Kagome asked quietly and Inuyasha's eyes shot wide open. Well, he wasn't expecting a question like that.

"He was just taken by surprise. Don't worry," Inuyasha stopped rowing and rested the oars. Leaning forward he caught the hand that wasn't dipped into the water. "He'll see the catch that you are and will be more than overjoyed with the fact that he gets to spend a lifetime with you."

Kagome smiled weakly. "It isn't that," she mumbled and Inuyasha found it to be rather endearing and cute. "I'm just trying to put logic behind why he decided to—"

"He's an idiot." Inuyasha said strongly. "I was always deemed the smarter, more intelligent, and better looking brother." Kagome's eyes caught his and he winked. "I'm joking," he admitted. "Sesshomaru and I are actually half-brothers. We share a father but our mothers are different. His mother passed away centuries ago and, not too long ago actually, father found my mother and mated her."

"How long ago is not too long ago?"

Inuyasha grinned sheepishly. "Just over two hundred years ago?"

Kagome's mouth was agape and Inuyasha laughed. "Well compared to the lifespan of a demon, two hundred years is nothing!"

"And how old are you?"

"One hundred and sixty nine."

Kagome gaped and Inuyasha laughed. Again. "I'm still considered a baby!"

"You're triple my age!"

"So you're fifty six years old?"

Kagome paused and glared at him. "You know what I meant when I said triple."

"Yes," it was then Kagome realized he hadn't let go of her hand because he had squeezed it at that moment. "I know what you meant; you're just incredibly easy to tease."

"So I've been told." She murmured dryly.

At that moment the hold on her hand was released and Kagome could feel the cold air against her bare palm. His touch felt so… comfortable that she almost missed it as soon as it was gone. "Well, how old are you?"

"Twenty three," she admitted with ease. "My younger brother was trying to argue that I shouldn't get married and should remain at home since I am older and therefore have more knowledge in how to run a kingdom. In other words: take over the throne to the North."

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. "And the young Prince's argument was in vain?"

"How could you guess?" Kagome mumbled teasingly.

"I applaud your sense of humour," Inuyasha grinned. "I have never met anybody that was able to match my sarcasm so well."

"Well you've met your maker." Kagome returned the grin. "I am fluent in the language of sarcasm."

"Good to know, because so am I."

"I can foresee many conversations between us in sarcasm."

"It'll make Sesshomaru go crazy."

"Punishment for running away before my arrival?"

"I love how you think."

Kagome leaned backwards and smiled at Inuyasha. "I can see this budding into a beautiful friendship, wouldn't you say, Prince Inuyasha?"

"I say that's already budded and it's blossoming." He winked playfully at her and Kagome looked away from him. He made her blush so easily it was kind of infuriating. Pulling her hand out of the water, Kagome wrung it so the excess water would fly off before folding her hands on her lap.

My brother's bride.

My brother's bride.

My brother's fucking bride!

"So this river is supposed to have mystical reveal-thy-true-love properties?" Kagome wanted to get off the topic of budding friendship with Inuyasha. It was bad enough he made her heart race and occupied her thoughts for endless hours into the night.

"Correct," Inuyasha nodded as he picked the oars up again and began rowing. "I have yet to see if the allegations are true."

"How does it work?"

Inuyasha gawked. "Work? What do you mean work?"

Kagome shrugged. "Anything that has some form of mystical property requires a trigger for it to work."

"How would I know?"

It was Kagome's turn to wink at him. "You should find out if you wish to woo anybody on this river."

Inuyasha was just about ready to kiss his sister-in-law's face off. Not only was she beautiful and witty, she was sarcastic and funny and was able to stand her ground when she needed to. Why was this perfect package of pure femininity going to his brother?! What the hell did Sesshomaru ever do to deserve a woman like Kagome? Hell, he ran away with his tail between his legs when he learned that he was betrothed to begin with! Inuyasha was a definitely better catch and he was pretty sure Kagome knew that as well.

"Inuyasha!" She called and he broke out of his reverie. "Look!"

Inuyasha looked over and was surprised to see dolphins. "Looky," he grinned, "it's our friends."

Kagome laughed and leaned slightly over the rowboat. "Hey there," she cooed and Inuyasha manoeuvred the boat to get closer to the dolphins. "Aren't you the most beautiful dolphin I've ever seen?" She whispered as one of the dolphins allowed Kagome to stroke its fin.

"Don't lean too much, Highness." Inuyasha instructed as he felt the balance shift in the boat. Kagome was deaf to what Inuyasha was saying as her attention was fully on the dolphin she was betting.

"Highness." Inuyasha said again, stronger this time. Without warning, a dolphin head butted the rowboat from the other side and Kagome went flying over with a loud shriek.

"KAGOME!" Inuyasha roared as the boat rocked uncontrollably. Tearing his breastplate off, he dove into the water exactly where Kagome had fallen. The dolphins dispersed in the commotion with only a few lingering to watch what was happening. Inuyasha forced his eyes to open under water and saw Kagome sinking fast. Bubbles were coming out of her mouth and he cursed inwardly; she was subconsciously attempting to breathe and only putting more water into her lungs.

Kicking his feet in an effort to propel himself faster, Inuyasha raced towards the sinking Kagome. His heart was pounding against his chest as he could only concentrate on her falling faster. Feeling the adrenalin pound through his veins, Inuyasha was able to defy physics as he barely caught Kagome around the wrist. Pulled her straight into his chest, Inuyasha shot for the surface; his owns lungs were about to give in. Breaking the barrier, Inuyasha inhaled deeply before turning his attention back to the woman in his arms.

"Kagome?" He shook her gently but there was no response. "Kagome!" He said more urgently. Cursing, he began swimming at full speed toward shore. He wasn't going to trust the damn rowboat—he could probably swim faster than he could row anyway. After what felt like an eternity, Inuyasha arrived at the shore and lay Kagome down on the wet sand. Crouching down beside her, he placed his hands on her chest, between her breasts, and began pumping.

How did this thing go again? He thought wildly. His mother had taught him and to do this thing once a long time ago.

Twenty? Thirty? Fuck, I'll do it twenty-five times. After counting to twenty-five he gently clasped her chin and pulled it upwards. Staring at her for a split second, Inuyasha swooped down and covered her mouth with his own and tried to ignore the fireworks that exploded around him.

He breathed into her once, and then again. Pulling away, he growled loudly before going to give her most chest compressions. Dammit, you cannot die on me wench! He thought in a rather unprincely fashion. I will never forgive myself.

Again, he gave her twenty-five compressions because he was unsure of the number and then went back to give her two more puffs of air. As he released the second puff of air into her mouth he felt her inhale deeply. Pulling away, Inuyasha was ready to hold her: his left hand was curled under her neck and his right hand was holding onto hers. Just as he predicted, Kagome coughed and out came much of the water she swallowed.

She struggled to inhale and at that moment Inuyasha helped her sit up and cradled her into his chest. Tears streaked down Kagome's eyes as she fought to control her breathing and coughing. All the while Inuyasha ran a hand up and down her back in an effort to help her calm down. After a few moments her breathing returned to relative normalcy but that didn't stop Inuyasha from holding onto her. He held her, for as long as he deemed suitable, with his hand still running up and down her back.

Kagome was clutching onto the thin silk material he was wearing—his breastplate was missing and she could only assume he tore it off before diving in after her.

"I'm sorry," she strained out and Inuyasha stopped rubbing her back. Looking down at her, he saw her blue eyes blink up at him. Without thinking he placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"For petting dolphins? Don't be ridiculous, Highness," he said affectionately. "It was that rowdy dolphin that knocked you over. I should go back to teach him a lesson."

Kagome laughed, despite the situation. "My hero."

"Damn right," he smirked. "But let's not tell anybody that you almost died, hmm?"

"Right. We just decided to take a dip in the river, right?"

"… I forgot that we were dripping wet."

Kagome laughed and playfully punched his chest. "How about we think of excuses on our way back to the palace? Shall we call Shippo?"

"Nah," Inuyasha swiftly stood up with Kagome in his arms bridal style. "It'll be better if I run us back. Perhaps we can dry off and not have to think of an excuse?"

"Then why is your armour missing?"

"Dammit! I forgot that too!"

Kagome only smiled and Inuyasha returned it. Between them, at that moment, was an unspoken understanding; a bond had formed between them and neither of them regretted it at the least.

Too bad she's my brother's bride.

Kagome buried her head in his chest as he began running. Why is he my brother-in-law? Why couldn't he be the heir?

"What about a giant sea snake attacked us?" Inuyasha suddenly said and Kagome burst into laughter.

"How about the truth?"

"Do you know how badly I'll be punished for letting a dolphin knock you into the water?"

Kagome smiled but still kept her head in his chest. Despite just diving into a river to save her, he still smelt of a rugged earthy masculine scent. "Doubt it'll be worse than the punishment your brother has to endure."

Inuyasha grinned. "I got it! We'll say you fell and I saved you—"

"Otherwise known as the truth?"

Inuyasha ignored her. "And if they yell at me, I can just say that at least I was there to save you!"

Kagome decided to release her unladylike sound and snorted. "That's your go-to excuse now, isn't it?"

"Precisely."

The rest of the journey was in comfortable silence—Kagome's mind was going back to what he said to her before she fell into the water:

Legend has it that true love is found on the surfaces of these waters.

.xx.

I know, when I'm inspired I just can't help but update :)