Prologue: You are Cordially Invited

Prince Sesshomaru, the first son of Inutaisho, found the entire affair absurd and unnecessary. He, the daiyoukai son of the most powerful demon of the West if not the Land, had no need of something so frivolous.

And as Izayoi, his queen and his father's mate, elaborated the details of such an important event, Sesshomaru actually scoffed. What a silly human she was to think that he would care. At his response, Izayoi sighed quietly.

"Prince Sesshomaru, I know that you take no pleasure in such human events like a ball. However, it is important for you and your father to connect with both your demon and human business associates. By holding a ball, it will be seen as a sign of friendliness and common ground on which you and the humans can relate to one another –,"

"It is meaningless. Foolish humans should obey me regardless of my actions for I am the future Lord and the West and King of these lands," Prince Sesshomaru cut in.

"And," Izayoi continued as if the prince had not spoken, "you may find the one. You never know, Sesshomaru. Your father and I met under similar circumstances," she smiled sweetly at her stepson. Although his stubbornness was frustrating, at other times it was endearing as it only could be to a mother.

As she went to leave Sesshomaru to his thoughts, she handed him the invitations to be sent out. Her parting advice to the prince being, "at the very least, strengthen your connections at present so as not to lose them to that bothersome Naraku."

"As if some half-demon filth could ever be a threat to me," retorted Sesshomaru, causing Izayoi to stiffen as he took the invitation from her hands. The invitation was dainty and the first words brought a sneer to Sesshomaru's face as he growled, "you are cordially invited to the first ball of the Inutaisho and his family…" What disgusting drivel. He, Prince Sesshomaru, was to be one of the most feared demons of the land and his daft father and stepmother were sending out party invitations. Disgusting, as if any connection to the human world would be desirable to this Sesshomaru.