The Spell That Binds Us
The Bitter Smell of Deceit
I’m also sorry, I didn’t realize that I was spelling InuYasha…like I did in the beginning of the story. I guess old habits are truly hard to break. Because now, I am spelling his name Inuyasha, and I think I am going to keep it that way.
Therefore, I am truly sorry, I guess I had better go back and fix my errors. I am also grateful that no one noticed…or you did but did not say anything. Hence, I should be thanking you for not flaming me…
Enjoy!
Chapter 8
The Bitter Smell of Deceit
Naraku awoke with someone knocking on his chamber door. He didn’t like to be disturbed during the early morning hours. He scrunched his brow and growled, “This better be important!”
The door opened with a creak as a tall fox demon stepped in the dark room. “My Lord, the kingdom is in an uproar and the people are attacking the guards.”
Naraku sat upright, “What!” Of course, he knew to expect this, since he was the one who raised the taxes. “Wait out in the hall, Shippo.”
“Yes M’lord,” Shippo said and bowed low, then retreated out in the hall closing the door behind him.
Naraku threw the fur covers off him and then stood from his bed. He walked over to his closet and grabbed his clothing for the day. He really didn’t care that his kingdom was starving. However, if they couldn’t pay the taxes owed on the land then they would be brought to the dungeons, or just have them killed. He smiled; he would need to make more room.
Dressing in a black tunic and a pair of black tight fitting pants, he placed his regal garb around him. Finding his boots, he quickly slipped them on tightly. He grabbed the potion that he placed into a deerskin canteen, and then proceed outside his room.
“Shippo,” Naraku said, as he strolled over to the red headed fox demon. “See to it that the villagers are punished for their rebellious uprising.” He began to walk away, and then turned to Shippo again. He didn’t have time to worry about his kingdom. Retaliation was on his brain. It was time for the young prince and his maiden fair to receive his liquid retribution. Without the Prince, the King would be an easy target. He smiled, and then turned to Shippo. “Oh, and fox…make sure you raise the taxes and whoever cannot compensate…kill one of their family members!”
Shippo cringed, “Yes, M’lord.”
Kagome was amazed at the sight of the kingdom, as they rode through the gates. Cruck houses stood together, with their straw roofs. Merchants, sat up around the stone road, selling blankets, fruits, meats, breads, and beads. She so badly wanted to stop and look around, but the knight kept trotting up the stone road ignoring the peasants.
She didn’t know what fate, laid waiting for her inside the castle. She never truly looked at the castle before, and was astonished on how big it actually was. The castle was large, square, and the stones looked perfectly placed. Kagome tried to look around, anything to distract her frantic heart. Would she be facing Prince Inuyasha? Or, would she be answering to the King himself?
Miroku could sense her restlessness. “Milady, there is no need to fret; the prince seems to be taken by you. How did you two meet?”
“It was an accident that I met the prince. I was living with Kaede.” Kagome didn’t want to go into further details, about the well and her time. “When Kaede passed…” She held her head down, saddened at the mention of her friend. “Prince Inuyasha asked me to stay at the palace.”
Miroku wrapped his arm tightly around her waist. “This must be hard for you M’lady. For I was also a friend of Kaede’s, and I know her death caused a great sadness for the royal family as well as the kingdom.” Miroku pulled back on the reins halting his horse. He pulled her closer to him, resting her head upon his metal armor. “I feel your unease. So please do not fear; the Prince’s temper is much worse than his bite.”
Kagome didn’t feel comfortable being so close to the knight. She tried to pull back but his grip was strong, she listened intently on his words, but it left her with no comfort. “I don’t want to face him…how could I after I attacked Kikyo?” She could feel her eyes water, “How can he even look at me after that…” she suddenly felt guilty and remembered Kikyo’s words, ‘a lady never swears…’
Why was everyone treating her like a noble and not like a commoner? It didn’t make sense. Hell, she did not even know the proper way to address a king let alone try to apologize to a prince—especially one as stubborn and arrogant as Inuyasha. She wanted to run away, from here. Kagome could feel her heart palpitate rapidly in her chest. She began to struggle from the knight’s grip. “Let me go!” she screamed, as she managed to get untangled. She did not want to face anyone and the thought of what was going to happen to her danced around in her head. “I don’t belong here…I don’t want to see him!”
“Please M’lady…you must calm down. I’ll be by your side, I promise nothing will happen. Kikyo is not a favorite amongst the Royal Family.” Miroku said with soft words, as he tried to hold on to his charge. He was nervous as well; he knew Sango would be waiting for him. He clicked his tongue and whipped the reins. The black horse whinnied then cantered up the stone paved road.
Kagome had no choice but to hold on. She growled knowing that Miroku wasn’t letting her off easily. Damn him, she complained. She had no choice but to face Inuyasha.
Inuyasha laid Kikyo, in her bed. He was upset, that Kagome had actually attacked his servant. He contemplated Kikyo’s words, ‘that vile woman attacked me, sire. I cannot face her again. Please, your Highness…she’s dangerous and I fear for your safety.’ Inuyasha had to chuckle, dangerous…nah, not Kagome.
Inuyasha looked over at Kikyo who was sound asleep. The other servants were at a loss, as they placed raw meat over her eyes. Inuyasha hoped the meat would stop the swelling, and with any luck get rid of the twin bruises under her eyes. “Rest well, Kikyo…I promise to get to the bottom of this.” He said as he rubbed the side of her cheek and then turned leaving her room. He decided to go to the thrown room, where he knew his family was now.
Sango kneeled in front of the King, with an angry look upon her face. She was getting nowhere with the King, but she had to keep trying. “Sire, how you could say that! I know it was Naraku, behind the killings.” She argued how he could just not go after him…
King InuTashio sat coolly in his thrown, next to his wife and his eldest standing next to him. Sango could see the curious eyes from Prince Sesshomaru. The King arose from his seat, “Sango, my dear. I do not doubt Lord Naraku murdered my people. But, I cannot go attack Lord Naraku, just because you have a hunch!” He rubbed his brow as he could see and smell her tears, “Please understand, I cannot go and start a war! Find me some evidence and then we’ll discuss this again.”
Sango stood and bowed to the royal family, “yes sire.” She knew she couldn’t argue any further. It was utterly pointless.
Miroku barged in the thrown room with a struggling girl to his right. “I know your frightened Lady Kagome, but you need to stop before the King decides your fate for you!” he whispered, he was sure that the King and the elder prince heard him. However, there was no sign of Inuyasha. He approached Sango and kneeled before the family. Of course, he had to yank Kagome down as well, when she just stood there awestruck.
“Please forgive the intrusion your Majesties!”
Kagome looked up, slightly. She could see she was in a spacious room; colorful tapestries hung loosely on the walls. Torches were all around the room, not to mention tall candelabra’s, that lined the red-carpeted isle way—all the way to two chairs that seated the King and Queen. She could feel her arm being tugged; she didn’t know what she did wrong.
“Milady…don’t stare!” Miroku whispered.
Kagome automatically placed her head down, fearful of the wrath she would soon receive. It felt like an eternity, just kneeling on the hard ground, she was thankful for the rug, and the slight comfort it gave her weakened knees. A deep voice sent her out of her musing.
“Miroku…who is the woman you have next to you?” InuTashio asked. He could see she was a very attractive young female, and turned to his eldest, who looked like he was also enamored with her beauty. With a bored yet inquisitive glance he smiled, “You may rise.”
Miroku bowed his head as he led Kagome to her feet. “Sire, may I present Lady Kagome. She was living with Kaede, and Prince Inuyasha’s humbled guest.” He responded confidently, as he glanced over at Sango, noticing her melancholy state.
The queen suddenly arose and stepped down the two stairs approaching the young maiden. “Kagome…you have such an inquisitive name, for such a beautiful woman.” She smiled, as she tilted Kagome’s head up. “I can see why my son’s are suddenly smitten with you.”
Kagome blushed, “Thank You Your Highness.”
Queen Izayoi grabbed her hands, “Why your trembling…you poor thing you mustn’t be frightened, I won’t let anyone harm you while you’re staying inside my home.” She chuckled, “Even if they are my son’s!” She turned to look at Sesshomaru who automatically looked down, avoiding his mother’s glare.
Kagome smiled, she could feel her unease dissipate. She was taken with the queen; she couldn’t believe how young she looked. The queen’s bluish-gray eyes sparkled with, love, kindness, and wisdom; the queen looked to be in her early twenties. She could see where Inuyasha got his looks. Not only was his brother and father handsome, but his mother was breathtaking. Kagome suddenly looked up and gasped at the jewels that where imbedded in her golden crown.
Queen Izayoi laughed noticing where the young woman’s eyes wandered. She reached up, and unpinned her crown. “These jewels have been in our family for centuries. I hope one day I’ll be able to pass them down to my daughter-in-law.”
Kagome blushed at the queen’s comment, and then stared at the large rubies and emeralds the queen held in her hands. She in all her life had never seen jewels that big before. “It’s remarkable Your Highness!” Kagome said, in awe.
Izayoi smiled as she placed the crown on her head, tucking the black strands around it to hide the pins that she re-secured. Grabbing her silver gown, she turned grabbing Kagome’s hand. “Come, you must be famished!”
The king rose, “Not so fast dear!” Of course, InuTashio let his wife do anything she wanted, even when she scolded him. He smiled; she must do that on purpose. For her retribution always left her in a compromising position and hours of frolicking in the bedroom. That is the only place she would ever submit to him. However, he never complained and always left the room with a grin.
Inuyasha sped up his pace, when he could smell Kagome in the palace. The voices he could hear in the thrown room where muffled. He was furious with her, and she was soon to feel his wrath.
“But, love…” Izayoi spoke, hoping that she would get her way.
InuTashio arose from his seat once again ignoring his wife’s pleas. “She stays!” He roared, growling.
Shippo swished his long red tail back and forth, looking at the thick black book—also known as the Doomsday Book. He hated taxes and hated what he must do. Reading the list he wrote with an ink soaked quill, the names of the unfortunate people whom where so behind in dues.
Shippo was stressed, as he rubbed his forehead. His green eyes intent with the list, there was just too many. He could only hope that he could save the unfortunate souls, from his lord’s wrath. Unfortunately, two of the people he wrote on his list where his friends and the young girl of sixteen was someone he’d became infatuated with. The other person was a wolf demon named Koga. He wouldn’t be able to save them all, but he would sure try to get the two he so cherished out of the monster’s kingdom.
After making sure, he took care of the unfortunate souls in the dungeon. Naraku ordered someone to ready his mount. He decided to head towards the Castle where King InuTashio resided. He would disguise himself as a cook, and place the potion in their drinks. He was pleased with his plan, the liquid was unscented, and the prince wouldn’t be able to smell it. Besides, he was the only one who knew how to break the spell. Of course, he knew that his plan could backfire, if the glasses where accidentally mixed up.
Fortunately, for Naraku he knew one of the serving wenches and surly would pay well for her trouble.
King InuTashio approached Kagome as she curtsied. “Lady Kagome? What Kingdom did you say you where from?”
Kagome’s eyes widened in fear once again, she should have expected this. What was she suppose to say. With her head bowed, she answered softly, “I come from a place far, far, away… sire.” Of course, she was grateful that they had no idea about the movie: Star Wars.
“That is not an expectable answer!” He said sternly, watching her squirm under his intense gaze.
“I’m sorry M’lord, but that is the only answer I can give you.” Kagome tried to plea with him.
“InuTashio—” The queen scolded, “Hasn’t she been through enough…can’t you inquire about this later.”
The king growled, but complied. “Very well, go and rest my dear; we can discuss this later.”
Sesshomaru just stood there in awe. “Mother, may I join you. I too would like to get to know the Lady Kagome.” He said with a slight blush.
“Son, not you too?” the King answered, he sighed and turned his attention to Miroku. Anything than dealing with the strange girl and his family’s warm behavior towards her—what was with this girl.
“The hell you will Sesshomaru!” Inuyasha roared, as he entered, the room.
Oh, shit! Kagome thought. She needed to flee, as fear filled her now widen eyes. “Excuse me…,” she said, while bowing quickly. She turned and ran toward the doors that she and Miroku entered earlier.
Her bare feet padded loudly as she reached the door, trying to thrust the heavy doors. She turned only to see the prince stalking her slowly with a menacing look upon his face. Come on, she thought pushing the wide double doors. She smiled when she finally got them open then ran outside passing the two sentries that stood guard. Kagome pulled her dress up slightly so she wouldn’t trip over her feet. She could feel him right on her heels.
Kagome ran swiftly down the street and then turned a sharp right; she had no idea where she was going, but anything had to be better than enduring his angry wrath. She had no idea what punishment the prince would bestow upon her and apparently, the King and Queen had no idea about her recent scrapping with the servant girl. She was pleased, because she became fond of the queen and really didn’t want to disappoint her.
“Leave me alone!” she shrieked. Kagome could see he was catching up to her quickly. Her bare feet scraped along the rough path. “Help!” she yelled again, hoping someone would hear her request. She looked around frantically, pushing the townspeople out of her way.
The young prince growled, as he sprinted forward. The pursuit excited him in such a feral way, he’d never experienced before. With a swift leap, he jumped from home to home until he landed in front of her. He snarled when she outsmarted him and once again escaped.
Kagome yipped almost running into Inuyasha. She took a hard left avoiding him once again. She wished she had a horse, because she was tiring. She could feel the beads of sweat trickled down her face. Her feet where killing her, from the sharp stones that scraped the bottom of her soles—not to mention trying to avoid the piles of horse manure.
Kagome veered another left; she was lost in the maze of houses. She couldn’t find away out, and knew she would soon be caught by the enraged half dog-demon.
The townspeople stopped their daily chores watching the pursuit intently. It was truly a rare occasion to see the Prince out of the palace—chasing a woman, they’ve never seen before. It didn’t take long before the gossiping started. They where patient folk and couldn’t await for the announcement that the young prince would take a bride.
Some of them even tried to stop the frantic girl; unfortunately, she was strong and pushed past them.
Inside the palace, the royal family and the two knights stood their in utter shock. Sesshomaru was going to follow Kagome. However, his mother stopped him. “My son, it looks as if your brother has already made a claim on her.”
Sesshomaru nodded, “It defiantly seems so.” He was disappointed, and a small amount of jealousy ran through his blood. He laughed; his brother deserved her, and her fiery spirit. He laughed whole-heartedly. “That’s if he even catches her.”
“My son, has your brother ever come home empty handed from a hunt? She is no different.” InuTashio said from afar. He looked over at the two knights, “Come, Miroku…Sango. We can discuss Naraku in the dinning hall.”
Inuyasha had to admit she was quick and outsmarted him several times. He was tiring of the hunt and needed to end it quickly. He observed, as she ran through the small alley in between the houses. He ran after her again, this time jumping over the houses so he could have a better view to where she was heading. He laughed, as he watched her take another right and into a dead end. Inuyasha landed behind her, leaving no means of escape.
Kagome couldn’t believe that she ended up at a dead end. There was no escape the large stone barrier prevented that. Taking in a deep breath, she turned and ran into something hard and somewhat soft. She realized too late that something was the prince, who grabbed her arms tightly. She tried to free herself but it was in vain. “Let me go…!” she said sternly, trying to squirm out of his stronghold.
Inuyasha laughed, “I don’t think so…M’lady!” He said snidely. He watched her intently and the look in her eyes, ferial. “Why did you attack Kikyo?”
“I don’t have to answer to you…you self-centered egotistical asshole! That is between me and Kikyo!” Kagome hissed, finally managing to get out of his tight hold. She tried to run past him, but it was effortless.
Inuyasha blocked her escape several times, as she tried to run around him. “And where do you think you’re going?” he asked. Inuyasha had to admit he’d never heard a woman swear before, and couldn’t help but ask. “Is it common for women to use such vulgar language where you come from?”
Kagome huffed, “It is when running away from eccentric men like you!”
Inuyasha laughed as he started approaching her. He could smell her fear as she backpedaled away from him. He knew there was no way to go and she was trapped. “I guess, that I’m a bit odd…it must be the ears.” He stated, as his dog-like ears twitched on top of his head. “But you’re still going to answer me…why did you attack her?”
Kagome looked around frantically, as she felt the wall behind her. She looked over to her left and found a cart filled with fruit. She grabbed an orange and threw it at him. “Stay away…I’m warning you!” She watched him swat away the fruit, as she grabbed another, then another. Shit she cursed as she watched him avoid the throwing fruit.
Inuyasha had enough of her game, and with lighting speed, he pinned her to the wall. He grabbed her flailing arms placing them above her head.
Kagome grunted feeling the hardness from the wall, she couldn’t believe that he had her pinned, and she knew this time she could not escape. She was trapped.
Inuyasha gazed into her eyes fiercely; as he watched, her bosoms rise and fall with every breath she took. Her hair tousled wildly around her angered face. The closeness of their bodies sent shivers down his very spine, and anger soon turned into lust. However, he still needed his answers, and he had ways of making her talk. “Well, well M’lady, it seems that you’re in a quandary!”
She turned her head away avoiding his amber eyes. “I’ve already told you…it’s none of your business!”
Oh, but my dear it is…see Kikyo is a dear friend and I care about her immensely. Therefore when she is attacked, I come to her aid.”
Kagome felt a hint of jealously spread throughout her body and she couldn’t understand why. She didn’t have any feelings for this man—at least that what she tried to tell herself. Hence, the angry words of denial made their appearance. “Even, if your so-called-friend left me for hours all alone with nothing to wear; or, how about provoking me! Did she bother to tell you that?” Kagome couldn’t help the anger that radiated through her voice. “How about calling me stupid…that bitch deserved what she had coming to her!” Kagome could feel the tears brim her eyes, but desperately tried to steel them back.
Inuyasha was taken back at her harsh words and his eyes narrowed slightly; did she actually say these things to Kagome? He couldn’t help but wonder. He didn’t smell any deceit on her breath. It shouldn’t have taken that long to retrieve a dress—the stream was only a short distance away. He growled; why the seven hells would Kikyo deceive him. She knew that they were just friends and nothing more…could she have been envious of Kagome. He was brought out of his musings, by her angry voice once again.
“Are you done…Your Highness? Are you satisfied with your answer?” Kagome yelled loudly.
“No…” he said softly as he kissed her.
Kagome squeaked feeling the soft lips from the prince, upon her mouth. She sure didn’t expect this reaction. She tried to turn her head away, but his passion prevented such. She so badly fought his attention, as she could feel his warm tongue try to enter. “Inuyasha…” she tried to protest, unfortunately for her it was her downfall, as she felt him slip his tongue enter into her mouth. Once again, temptation gave way, as she thought about the first kiss they shared not but hours ago. Moreover, here she was again…kissing him back. She was thankful that he was holding her up, because she was certain her legs would give out. The kiss was far better than her first, as she closed her eyes giving into him fully.
Neither of them noticed the audience, which came and watched the passionate couple. That is until they heard applauding and cheers from the townspeople.
Inuyasha immediately pulled away from her now swollen lips, blushing slightly. He growled out of annoyance, and grabbed Kagome’s arm, bringing her closer to his body. He would take care of Kikyo for good this time and her lying ways. He growled again, how could he have been so deceived? Anytime someone lied, there would be bitter scent left behind from their breath…but with Kikyo, there was none.
“Are you ready?” Inuyasha asked, as he lifted her into his arms, cradling her body tightly to his. He looked up towards the roof and jumped up, suddenly feeling her arms wrap around his neck. He chuckled as he headed towards the castle.