Worthy | By : whitewavereborn Category: InuYasha > General Views: 6049 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story. |
They stood over them now, Morgan in nothing but her undergarments and Rin in her soft pink kimono. Rin was staring at them in deep thought but Morgan was looking at them with disdain. The more she looked at them, the more she hated them.
Crossing her arms she looked away.
"Maybe I should have brought my own dress," she said to herself.
Rin shook her head.
"They're not pretty enough."
"My pack thought they were."
"You're pack won't be here."
Morgan sighed and looked back at the kimonos feeling more alone and uncomfortable. She longed to be with her pack now, where everything was comfortable and familiar. She and Rin had enjoyed their walk but that had been the only thing. The servants had been kind, even to Rin, but Morgan could feel their eyes burrowing into her back. There was nothing hostile about them, only curiosity that reminded her of the hostility she might be receiving later.
"I'll where the green."
"I don't know."
Morgan looked at Rin and fought to keep the growl out of her voice.
"Why not? I thought you liked it."
"It brings out your hair but it's too dark. It hides your eyes."
"Maybe that might be a good thing."
"I don't like it."
"Damn it, Rin." Morgan walked away from the kimonos and sat on the windowsill. "You haven't liked any dress I've tried on. Green had always worked for me so I'll wear that."
"Wear the black."
Morgan blinked at Rin before narrowing her eyes.
"Haven't you heard anything I said? I'm wearing the green."
"The black compliments all your features and you're bound to be noticed."
"I don't want to be noticed."
"You'll look stunning."
"Rin!" Morgan leaned against the shutter and took a few calming breaths as she stared at Rin who stared back. "I know what you're doing and it won't work. I'm not Sesshoumaru and I'm not Jaken. Ignoring me will not get you what you want. The green is the safest bet."
Rin stared at Morgan before lowering her eyes to the gowns. Morgan gulped and waited for the scent of tears but it didn't come.
"I don't think of you like them."
"What?"
Rin raised her eyes to Morgan and softly smiled.
"You're the first woman I've had contact with other than Lady Kagome and Sango and even they treat me like a little girl. You don't. You treat me like a friend. I know you look out for me and don't always think I can take care of myself and given the circumstances of our first meeting, I understand that, but you never treated me like an invalid or like dirt. If you accept Lord Sesshoumaru as your mate, I know then that I will be your ward as well and things will change but you'll still be my friend and I won't be alone anymore."
"Even if I refuse Sesshoumaru, I'll still be your friend, Rin."
"But you won't live at the castle."
Morgan sighed and shook her head.
"No, I won't."
Rin smiled and bent down and picked up the black kimono. Still smiling, she walked up to Morgan and handed it to her.
"Please wear the black."
"What is so important about this dress?"
"It's seductive."
Morgan blushed and backed away from the cloth in Rin's hand.
"No."
"Why haven't you accepted Sesshoumaru?"
"Enough Rin."
"It's because you feel ignored, right? Because you feel he doesn't notice you but wants you to strengthen his family bloodline?"
"Rin-"
"Am I right?"
Morgan stood, forcing Rin to step back. She took the gown and held it to her but didn't put it on as she stepped past the girl and to the mirror.
"He hasn't even kissed me yet."
"Maybe this will entice him to."
"I don't think this is a good idea."
"What's the worse that can happen? If it goes wrong, it will be him that's being rejected."
Morgan cracked as smile and unfolded the garment.
"I'll need something to wear under it."
Rin smiled in victory and rushed to the chest. Morgan watched as the girl franticly dug through the contents before pulling out a dark navy, under kimono.
"Try this."
After a few minutes and with Rin's help Morgan stood in front of the mirror fully clothed. Rin had been right. The black did bring out her best features and made her look more seductive. She was still uncomfortable about wearing it but she felt a little more confident now.
Shortly after, a servant came in carrying a comb and some hair clips. Morgan cringed but lowered to her knees without being instructed and let the servant comb out her hair. The servant was gentle but Morgan still flinched whenever a knot was pulled. It didn't take long for her hair to be brushed out. She had kept her hair braided all day and that had saved them some effort but when the servant tried to put her hair into the sociable knot, they came to a dilemma. Her hair was too thick and heavy to stay bound in such a fashion. No matter what the servant did, a strand would always fall loose or she couldn't gather it all. She remained silent but Morgan to could tell by the movement of her hands and her expression that she was getting frustrated.
Morgan was tempted to tell the servant to leave it down and let her braid it but she knew that the braid would seem low class. She couldn't just leave it down, she knew her hair well enough that it would always end up in her way, that was why she always braided it, but then she thought of an idea.
"Let me," she told the servant and after a few minutes, she had her hair pulled back but still spilling down her back. The few strands that were tied were tightly braided, forcing them to stay out of her face while the rest of her hair would spill down her back like a cape. It was nothing fancy but it would have to do. The servant didn't look really happy with it but didn't voice any objections but Rin nodded her approval.
"It becomes you," she said before turning her back to the servant so she could work on her hair.
Rin's hair was tame compared to Morgan's and much lighter and the servant managed to have it done within a few minutes. Her task completed, the servant bowed and gathered her things.
"I will tell Master Jaken that you are ready," she explained and quickly left the room.
Morgan looked at Rin, confused.
"Why does Jaken need to know?" She asked.
"She's not worthy enough to speak to Lord Sesshoumaru so she must tell a servant who is."
Morgan shook her head and stood. She studied herself in the mirror and frowned. The black garment did complement her and with her hair done this way, she looked like a lady but she didn't like it. She would much rather wear her pants and tunic or even her own dresses, that she usually hated, at least she would feel comfortable in them.
"It's only for a few days," Rin comforted, reading her distress, "and this is the only day you actually have to dress up for."
"Then why are we here for more than one?"
Rin shrugged, "So the men can go over politics I think, I don't know but will have that time to ourselves if Sesshoumaru lets us go on our own."
"Has he ever let you?"
Rin shook her head. "Jaken always had to follow me just in case someone forgot who I was and killed me."
Morgan looked down at Rin. Wearing the pretty dress and her hair done up, she looked more like a woman than a child even though she was still very much a child. Once her body was done maturing, Rin would be a beautiful woman and one of high stature. Once this was realized both humans and youkai would try and win her or worse. Death wouldn't be what Rin would have to worry about now; her honor would be her main concern from now on.
"Promise me you won't leave our side," Morgan ordered.
"What?"
"You'll stay near me or Sesshoumaru."
"What about Jaken?"
"He'll try but he's not powerful enough to protect you. I'll at least do some damaged before they get past me."
"I already promised this to Lord Sesshoumaru."
"And now I want you to promise me. I don't want you hurt, Rin."
Rin softly smiled and nodded.
"Alright, I promise."
Morgan smiled in return.
"Good, now let’s get this damn thing over with."
Sesshoumaru adjusted a fold in his hoari and studied himself in the mirror. He wasn't wearing his traditional colors but a dark blue with a modest cloud pattern. On the back was an image of a white dog flying amongst the clouds, his family crest. He felt strange without his armor and his eyes kept shifting to it but he did not reach for it but both swords were tied to his waist. No male would be without their weapon as a sign of strength and though Sesshoumaru knew this would be a peaceful affair, he was not about to leave himself unarmed. It was the females that had to go without weapons.
Sesshoumaru's mouth twitched at the memory of telling Morgan she was to leave her sword behind. The look on her face had almost been panic and if he hadn't of grabbed her arm and dragged her to the carriage; she probably would have either snuck the weapon with them, or had hid from him to keep from going. Sesshoumaru stared down at the hand that had touched her. It still burned as if he was still touching her. He hadn't even touched skin but he had felt it underneath the cloth. He knew of its softness and its smooth firmness that told of hidden strength.
Thinking of her brought back the memory of her kiss and he licked his lips as if he could still taste her. He growled in frustration then and straightened the final wrinkle in his hoari. How that woman was able to do this to him so easily was beyond him.
He smelt Jaken at the door before he knocked and slowly opened the door.
"My lord, the women are ready," he explained.
Sesshoumaru nodded his understanding and Jaken left to retrieve the females. Giving himself one last look over, Sesshoumaru left the room and waited for the women to appear. He looked when he heard them and for a moment, he stared. Rin didn't look like the little girl he had brought but a woman but it was Morgan who had his attention. He knew the dress had been Rin’s idea and he was both thankful toward her as well as angry. The only other time Morgan had looked more beautiful was in Inuyasha’s pond, naked and surrounded by her power. The color made her eyes glow a much brighter green and made her skin seem a bit paler. The kimono hugged all her curves but hid enough so it did nothing but tease and he felt his fingers itch to find out just what the fabric was hiding. Her hair was pulled back but fell lose behind her like a cape. It made her look to be on fire. He had an image of her hair spread out beneath them like a bed of fire before he forced himself under control and stepped away from the door.
Morgan was looking at him expectantly but when he said nothing he felt her anger rise. He wondered what he did wrong before she spoke.
"Can we get this thing over with, please?" she asked and almost stepped in front of him before Rin grabbed her hand and held her back. She remembered herself then and stayed beside him, waiting for him to move.
Sesshoumaru stared at her but she wouldn't meet his eyes but stared straight ahead, angry and a little sad. Growling in frustration, he took her arm in his and led them down the hall. He felt Morgan stiffen but she made no attempt to pull away but adjusted her arm more comfortably on his so her hand was resting near his elbow. He almost pulled it farther up but stopped himself before doing so. Morgan was taller than most females but he was still tall enough that having her arm at the proper place would be uncomfortable and eventually painful. He allowed it but covered her hand with his free one. He heard her growl under her breath and squeezed her hand in warning. She pulled away from him then.
Sesshoumaru stopped and glared at her. She met his glare and opened her mouth to say something before looking back at Rin and Jaken. He watched her body shake to get her anger under control and watched her take a few calming breaths before relaxing. She didn't stop glaring at him though but she didn't pull away from him when he took her arm again.
This wasn't looking to go as he hoped it would. The others would sense her anger and understanding there were rough waters between them, the females, Michio's daughters especially, and would take that as open invitation to try and seduce him. They would fail but peace between him and Morgan would ease their stay.
"What have I done to anger you?" he whispered.
"If you don't know, then I'm not going to tell you," she answered.
At least she didn't growl at him but now he felt his anger growing. He forced himself to keep it under control and he continued their journey down the hall. He heard Rin sigh her own frustration but was wise enough not to voice it. Somehow, she understood what was going on better than he. It frustrated him more and he unknowingly squeezed Morgan’s hand in an effort to relax himself. Morgan stiffed and made a sound of complaint and he immediately relaxed his grip.
When he looked down at her, she was biting her lip and looking more troubled than before. He had unknowingly hurt her and he rubbed his thumb on the back of her hand in an attempt to make amends.
“I’m sorry,” he said as he continued their walk.
“So am I,” Morgan sighed and squeezed his forearm. If it was her own attempt to make amends or a motion to gain control, he didn’t know but she stepped closer to him and lowered her voice so Rin wouldn’t hear.
“This isn’t going to be a pleasant evening. Both of us know that,” she told him, “and it is that alone that is keeping me from yelling at you but I promise you this Lord Sesshoumaru of the Western Lands, you and I are going to have a serious discussion when we’re alone.”
He didn’t answer but again squeezed her hand, this time in silent agreement.
Whatever it was that was bothering her, it was time she told him. If he was to become her mate, she had to trust him to fix things for her.
Morgan didn’t step away from him but thought it better to stay as close as she could as possible. If the others were able to sense their upset, they would think it was do to something else and not over their relationship. Maybe that would keep the other females at bay.
They came to the same room they had met the lord’s daughters in but instead of being empty, tables had been placed in square and pillows where they would be sitting were set. The same banner hung from the wall, putting somewhat of a dark mood in an otherwise pleasant setting but of the other occupants in the room didn’t seem to notice.
There weren’t as many guests as Morgan had been suspecting but she knew that every high lord from the other three lands were here as long as a few other higher ranking lords and ladies that paid tribute to one of the four. Still, despite the low numbers, Morgan unknowingly stepped closer to Sesshoumaru and she felt Rin come closer up behind them. Her heart started beating franticly in her chest and Morgan wondered why the hell she hadn’t hidden somewhere in Sesshoumaru’s lands until after the party. She was a wolf, Sesshoumaru may be the stronger of the two, but she had the keener senses and should have been able to stay at least one step ahead of him.
Sesshoumaru squeezed her hand in warning as well as in reassurance before stepping into the room. Michio was across the room but he caught their sent and looked up just as they entered. All saw a flash of surprise pass through his eyes before the charming smile returned and he quickly approached them.
“Lord Sesshoumaru, thank you for blessing us with your presence. Lady Morgan, you look stunning,” he greeted when he approached. Without approval from Sesshoumaru, he took her free hand and placed a brief kiss on it. Sesshoumaru stiffed at her side and Morgan felt heat rise to her face but she smiled and bowed as best she could since Sesshoumaru had yet to release her hand.
“Thank you, my lord, and I return the complement.”
Michio smiled and looked over at Rin.
“And you grow more beautiful with each moment, my lady. Soon, you will have the heart of every lord, man or youkai.”
Rin blushed and lowered her eyes.
“Thank you.”
At least this lord, who is the father of her enemies, had complemented her dress. Hell, he had even complemented Rin, a human. Surprisingly, she felt a little better.
“Unless I am mistaken, you haven’t met the other lords have you?” Michio asked.
“No, I have not.”
“Then if your lord allows, I would like to introduce you and have the jealousy of every bachelor within the room.”
Morgan opened her mouth to respond but Sesshoumaru quickly cut her off.
“And why would I deny myself that pleasure?” Sesshoumaru asked. His voice was calm and seemingly cheerful, but both Morgan and Michio could see the darkness in his eyes. Michio had overstepped his bounds. Michio nodded in apology.
“Of course you wouldn’t. Now if you please, there is a lord that I wish my daughter to meet.”
Without waiting for an answer, Michio left them and head for his second daughter who was in the company of another female. She looked surprised when her father approached but quickly smiled and took his offered hand. Morgan didn’t stop to see who the intended victim was going to be but instead looked to Sesshoumaru who led them deeper into the room, his eyes scanning everyone.
“I didn’t know,” she said suddenly.
He spared her a glance before focusing his attention back to the room.
“What didn’t you know?”
“That you can get jealous,” she whispered and smiled when he stiffened. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell.”
She really felt better now but she was still going to yell at him later.
“Sesshoumaru!”
Sesshoumaru stopped in his steps and Morgan put herself slightly behind him when two tiger youkai approached. One was much older than both her and Sesshoumaru but his son, it was clearly his son, seemed about the same age. Both were taller than Sesshoumaru and were broader of shoulder, making them giants in the room. They shared their soft golden hair and their eyes were more gold than amber and clearer than the coloring of the dog eyes Morgan had seen in the three she had met. Their eyes looked like glass but looked like they could pierce her soul. Their facial features were also boarder, the father more than the son, but they were both handsome in their own way, with large smiles and laughing eyes. Stripes ran from their temple and disappeared under their clothing but judging by the stripes on their wrists, the markings went all the way down. They both wore a golden kimono with red flames dancing across it. It should have clashed with their hair but surprisingly didn’t.
Sesshoumaru seemed to calm after the two approached and he bowed, nearly ripping her arm out when he forced her to do so after she hesitated. The tigers were powerful; she could sense it clearly, what threw her off guard was the calmness the two radiated. These two just seemed at ease and in doing so, were putting everyone at ease around them. It just didn’t seem right for these two giants.
“Lord Kaemon, Lord Takeo, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
“Enough with the formalities pup,” the elder, Kaemon, smiled. “You’ve known us long enough for those to be forgotten.”
Morgan wasn’t sure but she thought she saw a smile grace Sesshoumaru’s lips for a second before being replaced by his normal stoic face.
“That I have,” he softly answered before gently pulling her forward. “Kaemon, Takeo, this is my betrothed, Lady Morgan.”
The two looked surprised but both smiled and Morgan found herself under the eyes of both men. She blushed again but smiled at them. Takeo broke the silence first and took her hand and kissed it.
“It is an honor, Lady Morgan,” he greeted but there was a smirk on his face and judging by the way Sesshoumaru stiffened, Morgan could guess why.
“You did that to piss him off.” Morgan accused.
Again both youkai looked surprised and Sesshoumaru growled low in his chest and Morgan closed her eyes and sighed. She had forgotten to watch her language.
Takeo laughed, “You have a fiery one, Sesshoumaru. Too bad I hadn’t seen her first and yes little one, I did that to piss him off.” Takeo turned his grin on Sesshoumaru, “The dog could never stand anyone touching his territory.”
No anger came off Sesshoumaru but he seemed to ease a little more.
“And you could never resist touching what isn’t yours.”
Takeo laughed, “That I couldn’t.”
Kaemon chuckled and stepped foreword and took both Morgan’s hands.
“Forgive my son for using you as a way to get to your lord but these two have been friends since birth. They never could resist teasing each other. And I offer you my sympathies.”
“Sympathies?”
“Yes child, for you surly don’t know what you’re getting into.”
Morgan chuckled before sparing glance at Sesshoumaru. “Believe me, my lord; I think I have a relative idea.”
“Good,” Kaemon released her hands and turned on Sesshoumaru, “now where’s the little one. I haven’t seen her in years and I have a gift for her.”
Sesshoumaru stared at Kaemon before sighing and shaking his head and looking at Morgan.
“Has her scent changed that much?” he whispered just of her and the other three youkai to hear.
Morgan nodded, “Not as much as you fear but enough to confuse those who haven’t seen her in a while.”
“What are you two talking about?” Kaemon growled but without heat.
Sesshoumaru stepped aside and revealed Rin who had stayed near them as she was told, looking nervous and unsure of herself.
Both lords stared before Kaemon broke out in a smile.
“I guess I should stop calling you ‘little one.’”
Rin shyly smiled. “Hello, Lord Kaemon, Lord Takeo.”
Takeo didn’t answer right away and when Morgan looked at him to see why, her voice caught in her throat. He was looking at her the same way Cory and Kazuo had looked at her, only a bit more heatedly. Morgan looked at Sesshoumaru and saw that he had noticed as well but looked more frustrated than upset. Poor Rin, even at thirteen, not yet fully grown, she was beautiful enough to make the men pause.
“You’ve grown beautiful, Lady Rin,” Takeo finally greeted.
Rin blushed and looked at the ground, more shyly than she had with Cory and Kazuo.
“Thank you,” she said but after that, words failed her.
She was saved fortunately, for then the doors opened and a woman walked though, looking a little flushed but calm and elegant. Most stopped and stared, mostly the men, but the woman gave them nothing more than a smile before making her way to Lord Michio.
The woman was a crane youkai and though her features were a little too pointed, she was beautiful. She was taller than Morgan but more delicate with milky skin and white hair. Her wings were wrapped protectively around her but Morgan could see the simple white kimono peeking from the feathers.
“I didn’t think she’d show up,” Takeo said.
“Nor I,” Sesshoumaru responded, “She hates these functions.”
“She’s not here for the party.” Kaemon corrected, “She’s here to answer to Michio’s letter.”
“What letter?” Takeo asked.
A loud smack echoed off the walls, disrupting conversation. The woman didn’t seem to notice but spoke to Michio softly enough that no one but he could hear before turning her back on him and making her way out the door.
“Michio’s proposal,” Kaemon chuckled and faced the others. “Apparently Michio is hoping to find a woman who is willing to bare him a son.”
“That is understandable,” Sesshoumaru reasoned.
Kaemon nodded, “I agree but the letter was impolite. I think his words are; you should feel fortunate since few men would be willing to mate with a female of your qualities.”
Takeo chuckled, “Never insult Kei’s pride.” He said to know one. A dong sounded and his smile grew. “About time, I thought Michio was going to starve us.”
AN: I’m hoping to have this done in a few more chapters but who knows. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before I have the next chapter up since I found time and the story is really flowing but no guarantees. I thank you for your support and patience.
Next chapter: after the party, a midnight stroll can lead to dangerous situations.
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