{Chapter Fourteen}

~Elessandria's point of view~

I smiled as I felt his lips on my own waking me from sleep, god he was perfect, and I loved him more than anything in the world. Last night had been amazing and repeated often, she had started it after about an hour of sleep she awoke ready for more much to his surprise. Each time was as amazing as the time before, he was skilled in ways I didn't even think was possible. I have never felt so alive as I did when I caved to his touch. It's been a week since I caved to my desire for him and I knew that I didn't regret the decision.

"Morning" I whispered against his lips feeling him smirk

"Indeed" He said hotly as I moaned deeply as he slid into me easily, I would never tire of this

I arched me to meet his hard-thrust shivering at the feeling of his skin on my own. He was everywhere, he had taken over my body and my senses. There was nothing so magically and all-consuming as him. I cursed seeing stars when he shifted his angle hitting just the right spot. He held nothing back as he growled and moaned against my neck. Before I knew it, I came violently causing my vision to blur and my head to become dizzy, his growl confirmed that he had come as well.

"You are going to be the death of me" I said with a laugh sitting up from the bed looking at him smirk in response "I love you"

"I love you Kio" He whispered taking me by surprise hearing him say the words and I smiled brightly

"I need a bath" I said with a smile standing from the bed trying to steady my legs

I looked back when I made it to the door to see him frowning looking at me "You care to join me?" I questioned squeaking when he was out of the bed, picking me up, and rushing to the bathing chamber attached to his room in seconds

"Bathing is something mates often do together" Sesshomaru said lowing us into the water and I looked at his curios about it "Allow me to wash you?"

"Of course, I would like that" I said with a smile and laughing as he body relaxed immediately, it always shocked me that he seemed to worry about these things. It honestly made me feel special knowing he had never done this with someone else.

I shivered as he used his hands to lather my body with the soap washing me tenderly. I followed his lead surprised at the intimacy in the action, it was a sense of belonging somehow. I groaned when his hand moved to my core washing me. I moaned as I was suddenly lifted, and I wrapped my legs around his waist as he lowered me on his sliding back into me. As sore as I was, it still felt incredible moving with him. He was gentler this time allowing me to take control. It was over quicker than I thought possible and it if wasn't for his steady hands then I would have fallen into the water.

He washed my hair and my body again gently as I did the same for him. After we had finished he assisted me out of the bath and went over to the second wardrobe in his room surprising me when it turned out to be filled with Kimonos.

"I had these made for you in preparation for after we mated" He stated, and I looked at him with wide eyes

"You already did this? You were so sure that I am the one you want to mate?" I questioned in awe over the information and he nodded "These are beautiful"

The Kimonos were more elaborate than the one made for me when I first arrived in the palace months ago. There was a variety of shades and colors along with many different floral designs. I touched the fabric amazed at the silky and lightweight material. I looked to find there were new training outfits for me.

"They are nothing compared to your beauty but are worthy of the Lady of the West" He said behind me as I took everything in "Is it to your liking?"

"Oh god, these are amazing and too much, but I love them. Thank you Sesshomaru" I said honestly kissing him gently before grabbing a light green Kimono from the wardrobe.

"Allow me" Sesshomaru said taking it from me and I nodded already worried about the multiple ties they seemed to have

I watched as Sesshomaru layered it properly and tied it closely to ensure I would know how to do so in the future. When he disrobed to dress I looked around the room for the first time. It was twice the size of my own room and were decorated in the colors of the west. The bed was larger and higher off the floor. I took notice of the newer furniture that had been added that weren't discolored with age, it was things he had made for me. I smiled at him in realization.

"I love you" I whispered as he approached me, and he smiled kissing me gently

"Come Milady" He said holding out his hand for me to take and I took it without thought knowing that the responsibilities were waiting on us

I smiled as we walked to main room where the Lords were gathering for the discussion on the war. It appeared that it was not normal for the Lady of the lands to attend as well. I was just thankful that Sesshomaru considered me an equal and would not attempt to cage me. I smiled at the lords as I entered the room and the Generals as well. I followed Sesshomaru's lead as he directed me to sit next to him with Juntao on the other side of me. I wasn't just his future mate but the Ally of the West.

I listened closely to the reports from everyone that had gathered feeling sadness for everything they had faced so far. There were several human lords I had not met formally as well as lower demon lords of smaller areas, including the Dragon Lord and the Panther Leader. Inuyasha and Kagome were there as well. I frowned as they started fighting among each other over things from the past. Some refusing to aid demons and others holding judgement for past actions, such as the dragon's hate for the West.

"Enough" I said rising from my seat slamming my hand into the table stunning the room "You bicker while a threat marches on to destroy everything. I do mean everything. You sit here or stay behind an army while your people are threatened or killed. You let these past actions overcome you when the very fate of each of you depends on winning this war"

"What would a human woman know of this?" Rikosu, the dragon lord, sneered causing me to glare at him

"I have seen more then my share of war, I have seen enough innocent blood spilled to last a thousand years. I tire of seeing it all again, hearing you speak of the losing that have been endured while we fight like each of us is new to this. We aren't, all of us in this room are being depended on. If I must fight on my own, I will. If the west will fight alone, I will stand with them. I know what happens when people turn on each other in times of war, I know that is not our blood but the innocent's blood that is spilled" I said seriously my voice steady all my emotion shining in my eyes for each of them to see "I cannot and will not allow that to happen"

"Lady Elessandria is correct" Sesshomaru said seriously standing as well "We have summoned each of you to provide input, to share information so a united army could be brought against this enemy"

"Fallen for a human just like your father I see" Rikosu sneered causing him to growl as I placed on hand on his arm

"Do not insult my Lord" I said summoning my power taking him by surprise "Do not test me on my oath, my creed will not allow it and you will not survive. If you cannot accept the past, then leave accepting the future you create for your kingdom without aid provided to you"

"I agree with Lady Elessandria, perhaps you should depart" Lord Kimura said seriously before glancing at me with pride

"Disgusting" Rikosu said pushing from his seat giving us a glare before leaving

"Juntao" Sesshomaru said seriously as Juntao nodded standing to follow him out of the western lands "Now we may continue"

I am not sure if it was my statements or the fight with the dragon, but the meeting went smoothly from there. I could see the respect shining in many eyes and the awe that the humans held. I offered my input on several battle arrangement and pointed out complications as they came out. In the end it appeared to be a good thing as we had a clear-cut plan. The human lords would send soldiers to train with each demon army and would be led by Sango and Miroku or Inuyasha and Kagome. The demons would be led by the Four main lords hitting the east by the three sides. The panthers would be aiding the West. It would take at least a month to prepare to depart and an unknown amount of time to reach the Eastern Palace.

Each army would spill into three to alternate in battle to cut down on the loss of life. There would also be medical camps set up with both demon and human healers at each border for wounded. I would provide each lord with seals for barriers to protect their homeland and soldiers would be stationed at all the villages as well. No one would be unaffected by this war and no one would not be involved, except for the dragons. Harvest would be pushed up and ensure everyone had enough food available.

"I am sorry if I overstepped" I whispered to Sesshomaru as he led me to our chambers at the end of the day

"I am proud of you Kio" He said turning me to face him and kissing me breathless before pulling back "You were perfect"

"I love you" I said kissing him gently as he picked me up "I couldn't bare if something happened to you"

"I am well aware" He said with a smirk causing me to glare at him "What is a creed?"

"My creed is an oath I took with I enlisted, it becomes your life" I explained softly recalling that moment so long ago that happened

He nodded not expecting me to continue as a happy laugh caught our attention. From my position in his arms I could see Rin laughing as Shippo twirled her around. I looked up at my mate to be to find his soft eyes looking at them.

"He is good for her" I whispered catching his attention "He loves her"

"I am aware" Sesshomaru whispered shocking me slightly "I have been waiting for him to gain the courage to request permission"

"You would grant it?" I questioned and he gave him a small smile

"I would never deny anything that make her happy, he is who makes her happy" Sesshomaru explained glancing of them once more before continuing to our room

"How is it that you came to have her in your life?" I questioned not knowing the full story

"After Inuyasha took my arm, she found me injured in the woods and despite not needing it she continued to come offering food or water with a smile" Sesshomaru explained causing my eyes to widen not aware that he lost an arm before "When I recovered my strength, I came across the scent of her blood. She had been killed by wolves. I was disturbed by the sight and used Tenseiga for the first time to bring her back to life"

"That is amazing, I never knew" I said in awe kissing his cheek "You are by far the most intriguing person I have ever met"

"I have to disagree" Sesshomaru said with a smirk "None has held my attention as you have"

"Let's agree to disagree" I said with a laugh laying my head on his shoulder

"Hn" He muttered before kissing my forehead entering our chambers

I smiled as he set me down on the cushions by the fire as if I was made of glass before taking a seat next to me close enough, I could feel his body heat. I was amazed not for the first time that I was courting this male, this perfect demon. I marveled at the strangeness that had become my life these last few months. I couldn't believe that I had finally found a place to belong.

In my time, my powers were hidden and no matter what I did I was always the outsider. I knew that I wasn't made for that world but this one. I was made to stand in this war and spend an eternity at this demon's side. I was content, more then content, with that. I don't think I would ever tire of this man, this gentle yet strong man. I recalled the statement from when I first got here, about the Beast. It was true in many ways; this male was my beast and I could not be happier.

"What are you thinking about?" He questioned looking at me with the deep golden eyes

"I was thinking about Beauty and the Beast" I explained causing him to become confused "It's a fairy tale, about a beast who is really a prince. Kagome and I commented on it many months ago. You are like the Beast"

"Beast?" He commented with a smirk causing me to laugh, of course a male would take it that way

"That too" I said in amusement kissing him gently pulling back to smile "I mean that you are always more then you appear to be, strong and fierce yet kind and gentle with those you love"

"What of Beauty?" He said after a moment with eyes shining

"She falls deeply and madly in love with him" I responded as he eyes shined with happiness

Before I knew it he was on top of me kissing me deeply stealing my breath away. Everything was him, everything around me was completely him. I was drowning in his taste, his smell, his touch, and his warmth. I gasp for air drawing in deep breaths as he worshipped my neck, the spot that he would one day mark me as his mate. I shivered feeling his hands start to remove my clothing before sweet bliss took me over and over again as he worshipped me showing me how much I meant to him.

I didn't need words, I knew without a doubt this man loved me deeply and would never stop. You would feel it in the gently was he touched me. You could see it shining in those golden eyes. You could hear it in the sweet whisper of Koi.

I adored him

I loved him

I cherished him

Somehow, this male thought I was his equal