Sesshomaru and the Songstress: Passion From Within

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

To Serenity, haha yes, I have watched every single episode of Inuyasha, as well as read the manga. I apologize for the few inconsistencies, but let me remind you, this story is now over a hundred chapters, haha, I tend to forget some details. Thank you for such a well thought out review, it was very well worded and prepared. I'm glad you found the time to read all the way from the beginning to the end. I look forward to more of your reviews!

To White Jem: Hey, everybody, READ HER STORIES! Perhaps if I put enough pressure on you dear friend, YOU WILL WRITE ANOTHER CHAPTER. Lol!

Chapter One Hundred and One: The Deceitful Vines That Bind Us

That evening Great Palace held a grand ceremony in honor of Kiyoshi's late husband. Feasts were spread among every hall and candles were lit to aid his soul into his afterlife. Everyone dressed on robes of silver strands and white fabric, the mourning garb. Only Mayumi did not attend, feigning illness so she could spend the rest of the evening with her dear Haruto. They played among the sheets of silk, tempting the borders but never stepping across the line. Masaru had no clue that the grand ceremonies being held just doors away involved his mother. The Northern Alliance may have made it impossible for the Western family to recognize his origins by scent, but in turn it had weakened his own senses.

When the morning came, the servants found Rumana and Kiyoshi lounging out on the terrace above the gardens. They spoke softly with a hint of laughter, their melodic tones a soothing reprieve from the quietness of the palace. Sesshomaru was shuffled away in his offices, mulling over letters from his father in the South, and the periodic updates from Rin as she enjoyed her honeymoon out East.

The fact that both his previous and current wife now both resided in the palace did little to affect him at all. Years had molded temper, softened rage. He felt no malice toward Kiyoshi, but instead found her quiet presence a relief, a way to bring closure to a life he lived so long ago. Lady Mother, though stoutly arrogant and scarcely forgiving, did nothing to challenge the welcoming of the once heartless harlot. Although she personally did not want to befriend her, Atsuko encouraged her enough to muster a sweet façade of tranquility. As long as Rumana, who was now in a delicate condition, was content why disrupt?

Masaru gazed out of Mayumi's bedroom, guilt tearing him inside for what he knew he had to do. The young princess noticed his aloof appearance, and steadily wrapped her arms around his waist.

"You seem so sad my love. What is bothering you?"

"Nothing…I am just tired of summer. The heat is endless and burning. I look forward to the numbing of snow."

"That sounds dreadful Haruto!"

"Masaru slammed his hands down on the window pane, nearly ill from hearing that cursed name! Mayumi stepped back from him, shocked and hurt. Masaru turned to her, his eyes full of regret.

"I'm sorry Mayumi. I…I'm under a lot of stress right now…"

"It's okay, just tell me what's wrong."

"Her heart was so honest, so caring. Oh how he longed to whisper in her ear, tell her everything about his sins, his thoughts. But if she knew, Mayumi could never be his. Hell, with the Northern Alliance tracking his every movement, he could truly never be loyal to any woman. If only they had met under different circumstances, another place or a different time. Running a caring hand down his face, Mayumi buried her face in his long sumptuous hair. Kissing her gently upon her lips, Masaru smiled.

"I have a surprise for you tonight. Out by the garden's edge."

"Should we really wait till tonight? Why not go now?"

"No! It has not been prepared yet. Just bring your silk shawl, it might get cold."

"Okay…are you sure that you're fine?"

"Yes. Now look I have to go, the guards expect me at the front gate to complete the afternoon rounds. I'll see you tonight."

Giving her one last kiss, he left her alone in the echoing chambers.

Etsu paced in her chambers, her mind spinning frantically. Inutaisho had sent her a message, tracking her the progress she was making towards convincing Shokuzai to marry her. Tears streamed down her face as she realized her failure was becoming more imminent. Clutching her stomach, Etsu knew it wouldn't be long before her condition would be known to all, especially Shokuzai. She was supposed to be married to him by now, this baby was suppose to be his…at least that's what she was going to tell him.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she counted the number of times she had eaten that day. Etsu was clever in the ability to hide her occasionally nausea, and superb in cloaking her morning sickness. Inutaisho had not only sent the Southern Princess as a political arrangement, but as a bold chance for his lover's daughter to save face, hold her reputation. But it seemed that lying was impossible now. Even if Shokuzai did bed her, she was already three months along. A healthy baby born at seven months in the womb? No, the truth would come out anyway.

Etsu sobbed even harder when she thought of the child's father. His name was Jain, a prominent servant in the Southern Palace. They had grown up together, and eventually fell in love. Kissing led to other actions, and before she had the chance to tell Jain of her condition, he was murdered in a skirmish with Northern spies. Once Queen Akemi realized her daughter's situation, she consulted with Inutaisho about a possible solution. This is when the plan to marry Shokuzai came into affect. But now he would know, and he would never marry her. The problem was, Etsu really loved him.

When Shokuzai came into the room, he ran to Etsu in concern, not understanding her falling tears. Withdrawing from his grasp, she slowly explained the situation through sobs and cries. When she finished her tale of deceit, Shokuzai smashed the corner wall in anger, feeling foolish and used. Etsu curled up like a ball in the bed, her guilt a monster in her soul.

After smashing a few tables and chairs, Shokuzai stood in the middle of the room, his breath even and controlled. Turning to Etsu, he coldly stated his decision.

"We're getting married immediately. Not many will believe your stroy about an illicit relationship with a servant. I cannot allow my name to be tainted like my brother's, I would never bed a woman without honoring her with the rites of marriage. This must be done soon, enough time has passed thanks to your treacherous actions."

"Shokuzai! Please, I truly do love you. You make me so happy, I never thought anyone could do that after Jain died. Where is the compassion in your soul? Do not forsake me with a loveless marriage!"

"You have no choice here Etsu. Go get your maids and prepare for a small ceremony. We will tell my parents that we married in secret months ago. I'm sure Inutaisho would be pleased with that bit of lies."

"No! I will not!"

"Yes you will! When you stepped into my chambers I assumed you were an untouched lady! But not only are you not pure, you carry the seed of another man in your womb! And was going to trick me into believing that it was my own! Oh no, hell no! I refuse to send you home! You will not pull the strings on my life, I am the Crown Prince of this land!"

Slamming the door shut, Etsu meekly rose from the bed, allowing only Satsuki to come in and help her dress.

"You did what?" Rumana said, shocked by her son's words. Shokuzai nodded his head.

"I'm sorry Mother, I should've told you."

"Yes you should have! And you say Etsu is with child now?"

"Yes. Almost three months."

"You didn't wait very long did you?"

"No Mother, I apologize for my dishonorable behavior."

"Oh honey, please don't. You are in love! Enjoy it! You have a baby on the way, this should be a very exciting time. Sure, it's a bit fast, but you both are of age."

"Thank for your kindness Mother, it is unending."

The soft sadness in his eyes raised flags of alert in Rumana's heart. Taking his hand, she ran her fingers down his long silky platinum hair.

"Is there something you are not telling me Shokuzai?"

Gently he shook his head no, and placed a kiss upon his mother's hand.

"No."

"The time of transition is upon you. Now that you have a child on the way, you must decide your own future. Demon or Akarui?"

He nodded and turned to leave.

"I will think of it Mother, but I must return to Etsu."

"Oh yes, please, go ahead. I will visit with her tomorrow. I cannot wait to see the child brought to the earth and at nearly the same time you will be having a new brother or sister. Life is so blessed is it not?"

"Yes Mother, very blessed in different variations. Good night."

"Good night."

He walked down the hallway where Etsu was waiting with Satsuki and a privately paid priest. The ceremony was over within minutes and the priest paid to eternal silence. Satsuki said nothing as she left, for Kaemon would wonder about her absence, she had no time to talk. Returning to their chambers, Shokuzai barely glanced at his new wife.

"You will be staying in this room from now dear wife. Father does not approve of married couples sleeping in separate chambers."

"I love you Shokuzai…"

He looked at her and said nothing, rather he stripped her of her wardrobe.

"What are you doing?"

"Consummating this relationship. A deed that should have belonged to me, not some poorly servant."

"Shokuzai no, please I beg you, not like this."

"What is wrong? It's not as if this is the first time you have experienced bed business with another man. Who knows, maybe there's been more. I wouldn't know, I cannot believe anything you say now."

"Stop it! Stop!"

Tearing away at the delicate fabric, he finally saw the nude of her skin from underneath the dim lighting. Angrily delving into the dip of her neck, he placed rough kisses down her shoulder to her collarbone. Etsu cried as his hands explored against her will.

"Why so upset? I don't remember you being so against this act before. Oh, that's right, you were trying to cross me into believing the child you have in your womb is mine."

"Shokuzai…please…I love you…"

He pushed her down onto the bed, removing his own garments in the process. Etsu squeaked in protest as he continued to place kisses down her abdomen. He wanted to cast her away, never see her face in his presence again. But he cared so much for her, had grown to love someone that didn't exist. Wasted time, useless emotion.

Positioning himself above her Etsu placed both hands on his face and abruptly kissed him with every bit of passion, caring and love she felt. Staring into her eyes, Shokuzai knew that he could not continue with the act. Rolling over, he turned away. Etsu did the same, her shame clouding the room with regret and pride. Shokuzai longed to take her into his arms, tell her that he could forgive her, understand that mistakes can happen. But pride stopped his kind words, and thus they spent the night in lust less fervor, broiling with emotion and angry restraint.