A/N: So I had a few bad reviews on the last chapter and really, I don't care. This is how I felt I wanted the story to go. And if I lose fans because of one chapter not going the way some people wanted, oh well. Now then I've decided to do a follow up story to this one call "New Beginnings". I invite everyone to take a look when I get it up. Thank you to all who continued to support me to the end with this story.

Chapter 19 epilogue

The return to the castle was a quiet one between InuYasha and Kagome. After confessing her love for him neither knew what to really say. Deep down Kagome knew she couldn't have both brother's, though it wasn't uncommon in these times. Many Kings would have more than one wife. So why couldn't a Queen have two husbands? Than there was the other problem at hand, InuYasha was still banished by his brother. At the moment that was the biggest problem they had.

As the three walked onward, Kagome moved closer to Kikyo. She wanted to ask her a few questions, especially about the paper Sesshomaru wanted her to sign. "Lady Kikyo, can I ask you something?"

Kikyo bowed a little as she continued walk and answered. "Of course dear, I'm sure you have lots to ask. And I'm sure the biggest question is how to get InuYasha back into the kingdom. Well don't worry, you have power as the new queen as well."

"I do?! Kikyo, I thought the king had more power then the queen? Does this mean that I have a say in InuYasha being banished?"

"Yes you do, Kagome. The King is mainly in charge of his army and kingdom. You Kagome, are the queen of the same kingdom. You are in charge of keeping the peace and backing your king. And in a case of someone being banished, you have a say as well."

Kagome sighed in relief, at least she had a say in this. The thing was how do you even start the conversation about it? 'I can do this, I know I can. I just need to keep my mind set and not show weakness.' A hand placed on Kagome's shoulder, pulled her from her thoughts.

Seeing her deep in thought, InuYasha decided maybe it would be best not to go any further. After all he didn't want to cause problems for her. "Kagome, we don't have to do this. I can stay here inside the village. I just need to cover my scent, you know how Sesshomaru is. There's no need to start an argument over me. Besides it might be best if I'm on my own for awhile, I need to learn to fight and master my father's sword." He moved her so they were now facing each other. His golden eyes staring deep into her brown. "It might be best if I leave you till things become more clear to you. Your feelings, for one. His clawed hand reached for her's and with his fingers intertwined with hers. He pulled her in for a hug, her head was now resting on his shoulder.. "I know you love me, but I want to give you some time to think. You know I love you Kagome, and that's why I need to go. If I stay things will not go well, you need time to adjust to your new life. I'll return when the time is right, maybe I can over come this demon inside me on my own."

Tears soon filled her eyes, she knew he was right. Still she knew he needed her, she could feel something in her heart breaking from his words. And in an instant she embraced him tightly. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she hugged him. "You better come back, promise me you will. I swear I'll come looking if you don't."

He held her for awhile as she cried. Once her tears slowed he moved back and wiped a few tears from her cheeks. "Go on Kagome, I'll visit you once a month. We can meet here under this tree, I'll send words of my visit before the time." He lifted her chin with his clawed finger and smiled. "Be strong Kagome, I know you're very powerful. And if you still love me when I return, I swear I'll be yours forever." InuYasha said, before leaning down and kissing her lips.

When his lips touched her's, Kagome wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. As much as she hated to see him go, she knew every word he spoke was true. Did she really love him, or was it as she said before? 'Do I really just love him as a friend or is it true love?' Kagome thought. 'Yes time was the best option at the moment. I know it is.'

Kikyo cleared her throat, to get their attention. "I do hate to interrupt, but Kagome we should be on our way. Sesshomaru will surely come looking for you if you're missing from the castle for to long."

Kagome parted from the kiss and agreed. "She's right I need to go." Slowly she released her arms from his neck, as he released her hand. "Good bye InuYasha, please don't be gone to long."

With a grin he replied. "I'll try not to be. And Kikyo, keep her safe." With a quick wave, and a powerful jump he was off. He wasn't sure where he was going, but he would find shelter and learn to be a fighter, and someone who could live on his own in the world. Who kmows, maybe he'd start his own kingdom.

After parting with InuYasha, Kikyo and Kagome headed back to their places at the castle. However it didn't go unnoticed, when both of them turned up missing earlier he had a good idea just where they were. Kikyo forgot one important step when returning, a mistake he pointed out as soon as she was in her room. "So you have returned Lady Kikyo, and is it safe to say Kagome was with you as well?" Kikyo turned to see Sesshomaru standing in the doorway. "Can you tell me the reason you both took it upon yourselves to seek out the one I have banished?"

"And why do you think we went to your brother?" Kikyo asked, showing no fear to the new king.

"Because you smell of the vermin. I'm surprised at Kikyo, going behind your new King's back." Sesshomaru said, moving closer to her. He was angry, but kept his cool in the moment.

Kikyo bowed after stepping back a little. "It won't happen again my King, but as your father's close friend. I did promise years ago to protect both his sons. And in defense, I was staying loyal to his wishes. Surely only seeing that InuYasha is well is no crime?" Kikyo bowed again to Sesshomaru. "Now if that is all I have a few things I need to do before morning, my King."

"Very well Kikyo, but if I find you have come in contact with that half breed again. I'll kill him for good! The same goes for Kagome, I will not have such mutiny in my kingdom." Kikyo nodded she understood, then started working on mashing herds.

Sesshomaru was not one to let things go unnoticed, not only did Kikyo disobey, his new mate had as well. The closer he got to his room, the more he could smell InuYasha's scent. He throw open the door growling when he saw Kagome. "So how is the patetic half demon, I no longer call brother?"

Kagome froze at his words, but did not lie. "My king, I only assisted Kikyo. After all I am the new Queen and my job is to keep my people happy." Kagome moved away and went to the bed to sit. Once there she sighed heavily and started undressing. "Look mate, I know you hate InuYasha, but is banishing him from the kingdom a good idea? What if we need him for battle someday. He does carry your father's most powerful sword. What happens if we need that kind of power in battle some day?"

He was impressed with her words and found it hard to disagree, however he would not let her know this. "I'm not interested in siding with that murderer, I have more power than he will ever have. And I see no reason for you to be following Kikyo around. Your place is here in the castle and not beyond it's bonderies." Sesshomaru stated, giving Kagome a cold look.

Kagome decided to drop the subject for now, she could tell he was angry and didn't want to make things worse. "Very well mate, in the morning, Kikyo will read the letter you wish for me to sign."

He nodded his approval and turned to leave the room. "I will return after a bit."

As promised when morning came, Kagome and Kikyo went to the study to read and sign the paper. After telling her what was said, Kikyo left to do her rounds. Leaving Kagome there to sign the paper, afterwards her and Sesshomaru would take care of other business. The day went well and soon all was back to the way King Taisho had run the kingdom. A statue was build in his honor and even InuYasha managed to see it, before he left to travel the country side. He met with Kagome once a month for about ten minutes, afterwards she would bathe to rid herself of his scent. They only talk, but never went to deep into their relationship.

One year had passed when Kagome announced she was with child that InuYasha stopped visiting. Kagome figured it was to much for him, knowing she was carrying Sesshomaru's child. It was after that Kagome realized he more then likely moved on. As much as she wanted to go and find InuYasha to know for sure, Sesshomaru had her under strict watch. She never left the castle and mostly stayed in their room or the study. She still held the Shikon Jewel close to keep it safe. She spent most of her pregnancy researching the jewel.

It was on the ninth month of Kagome's pregnancy, that she gave birth to a baby girl. It was late one night while feeding their daughter, that Kagome swore she saw InuYasha, but knew she had to be wrong. She never told Sesshomaru of her feelings for InuYasha and probably never would.

The End