She could feel her pulse in her ears. Rin hadn't done anything wrong but attend to her duties! Yunai had been right, she had to eventually at least act like a Lady. Wasn't entertaining guests part of the job?

If Jaken had been afraid, this didn't spell good news to Rin.

She found herself at the end of the large corridor. It was cold in the space, except for the areas where the lanterns were illuminating. The intricate shoji marked where the Lords quarters were. Rin had never been inside; she had wondered what it was like but would never have dared enter. She knew the Lords quarter had its own garden, built on top of the other tea room. It was apparently gorgeous, but she doubted she would ever find out.

Rin breathed deeply, calming herself. She suddenly realized she still had Lord Hisato's gift in her hand. She hid it between the folds of her obi quickly.

Shyly, her small hand knocked on the door.

"Enter, Rin."

It sent a shudder down her back. She obeyed, entered the room, and closed the shoji behind her.

She found herself in a very simple room. It barely had any adornments, excluding the drying scrolls. His large mat was perfectly made, as if it hadn't ever been used. Rin peaked through the end of the room; the shoji opened toward his private garden. She frowned as see couldn't see much, night falling.

The fire was burning bright, and a tall figure stood in front of the hearth. She didn't need to see his face, for she could feel his demonic aura pulsating. His long hair appeared to be crimson, illuminated by the fire.

In turn, her arm started throbbing. She held her arm as she bowed on the floor in front of him.

"How was your afternoon?"

His voice was colder than she expected.

"I-It was fine, my Lord."

Lord Sesshomaru placed a small log into the fire, burning instantly. He wore his usual white yukata, his haori trailing behind him. He turned around, yet his eyes widened. He looked at her, one of the kimonos he had given her making her look divine in the fires light.

He looked down, taking his eyes off her.

"And any news from Lord Hisato?"

Rin knew there was no news, but conversation between them. And she knew Lord Sesshomaru didn't want to hear that.

"Nothing, my lord."

A silence grew between them and suddenly she felt so far away from him. It didn't matter how much time she had known him, Rin still didn't understand. She knew he was angry, and he had already questioned her and Lord Hisato; it now seemed like envy, but that would be impossible.

She had only done what was asked of her.

Yes, it was completely impossible.

However, this was the time. She had to explain what she knew. But he spoke first, cutting her thoughts short.

"You smell of him. "

The fires light reached her cheeks as she felt embarrassed. Her kissed hand hung ashamedly by her side.

"No, it..it isn't like…..My Lord, I…-!"l

Rin tried putting her thoughts together but she failed. Her arm wasn't making things easier.

He walked closer to her, his face softening a bit. He had been furious the entire day waiting for her, but now seeing her panicked made him feel guilty.

Yes, he was angry but he still wasn't entirely sure why the thought of his ward spending the day with that Lord made him livid.

But he calmed himself. Lord Sesshomaru didn't lose his temper, and he wouldn't with Rin. He told her to rise with a simple movement of his hand.

"Do you recall when you questioned me about trust?"

His voice was gentle but she could tell he was trying to control himself.

She looked above to him, only a few breaths away.

"Then why have you not trusted me with the truth?"

Rin grabbed hold of her arm subconsciously, pulsating again as if Jigoku was listening to everything. Her eyes shifted downward, for she knew he must know about Lady Hajimari, the demon behind all this, everything. She couldn't think about Lord Hisato when this was of grave importance. She couldn't hide anymore.

"I trust you more than anyone, my lord. I just don't want you or anyone to suffer…"

She could hear someone, far away in her mind. It was calling her name, that sinister, deep caress of a voice. But she willed him away. Not now.

His eyes shifted from her eyes to her waist. Strangely, he smelled the demon Lord near her hand and even more oddly, near her waist. His eyes caught the tip of a jade blade. A gift?

Gifts, an afternoon of courtship. That had been it, hadn't it? Lord Hisato was courting her, or attempting to. He could smell Rin's scent, but there was something different about it. Her atmosphere was different.

Lord Sesshomaru looked at her, as if digging for the truth in her eyes. She seemed so small before him.

"Do you love him?"

His question burned into her. The young woman tried hiding her shock, but her mouth stood completely open. She felt naked again.

He was still concerned about the other Lord.

"Lord Sesshomaru…why are you asking me that? I barely know him! I….I…"

She did find him handsome, charming in a peculiar way. But she didn't know him, and her trust wasn't easily gained.

He stepped in front of her, so very close. His anger was boiling, so close to exploding. The young priestess could hear his breathing course and rapid.

"Do not dare lie to me. I see that blade, and I smell HIM. Tell. Me."

Lord Sesshomaru had everything. He had an empire, willing and faithful servants. A growing kingdom.

But he didn't have her.

Rin was afraid; it was difficult not to be shaking in front of such a powerful demon. Yet, deep down inside her, she knew her Lord wouldn't hurt her.

A thought occurred in her mind, one that, once inside, wouldn't ever leave her.

Was he actually envious of Lord Hisato?

Rin found her words, trying to appear strong in front of the only one she truly ever loved in her life.

"No. I do not. "

He hadn't moved, but his eyes narrowed, surveying her. She wasn't lying.

The priestess wanted to say her true emotions to this Lord, her only lord, but her heart wouldn't let her. She didn't want to get hurt. But she wondered, what did Lord Sesshomaru feel?

"My Lord, I….I only...lo-

Unexpectedly, the pain again.

The aching in her arm was growing, almost an unbearable pain. She backed away slowly, as she winced in discomfort. Lord Sesshomaru's eyes widen in concern, her arms grabbing her shoulders lightly.

"Rin! What is happening?" his calm tone turning into shock.

So this is the one you love? A powerful, worthy love indeed….

Her legs buckled with the pain.

Why now?

Why did he choose to torture?

"My Lord, he's here …a…and I can't stop him…"

She fell unto her floor. The Demon lord seized her firmly and held her. He wrapped his arms around the small priestess. His palm reached her forehead, the skin burning to the touch.

"Jigoku..", she uttered, fear in her eyes.

And she heard him again, clear as day.

Utter another word, and he will be the first to die.

She suppressed a sob. Her face buried into his chest, his arms enveloping her completely. Rin was helpless as he held her, his lips speaking into her ear.

"I am here…. I am here..."

Her arms were against his broad torso as he calmed her.

Rin wanted time to stop right in this moment. Her arm was burning in pain yet she was in a tortured bliss, as she smelled his wonderful scent around her and his voice comforting her so seemingly far away.

I am the one here forever, my dear. Do not forget. Do not forget about the lives on your hands.

Do not forget about your beloved.

Slowly, the pain in her arm left her. His power can only reach so much. In a few moments, there was silence.

Rin slowed her breathing, grateful the voice has ceased. Lord Sesshomaru caressed her, soothing her.

"I….I'm sorry, my Lord…"

She had no other words left to say. She wanted to explain everything but how, when the one she loved could die because of her?

Love.

Even Jigoku knew. She had loved him since she first laid eyes on her Lord.

An impossible love.

"Jak-!"

But her hand softly stopped the Lord from calling his advisors and for help. The priestess cupped his cheek as he had done before. It was perfect like marble yet warm as the fire. She smiled weakly, not wanting to involve anyone else in this chaos. She just needed rest.

" It's alright, my Lord. He's gone. Just stay here, please. "

Rin whispered against his chest.

Suddenly, his arms lifted her as if she weighed nothing. He carried her over before the fireplace, the comfort of the fire warm and inviting. He sat down with her, not letting go.

He looked upon this beautiful woman, one he couldn't bare losing. He couldn't lose her again.

His temper rose again as he now knew some abomination had been causing all of this. And this young woman was trying to protect him.

"I will always protect you. I will solve this. And I will rid you of this Jigoku and of this pain. I swear it."

Her blush returned to her cheeks, as her lips parted, speechless. Her eyes met his; the fire danced in his iris and his beauty left her in silence.

She was so very tired. Rin felt her eyes close against the cloth of his chest. She just wanted peace.

And he just wanted her. The realization hit me sharply.

He wasn't thinking. His actions spoke for him, as he couldn't control himself.

His lips nestled against her face, kissing her supple cheek as she drifted into a dreamless sleep.

.

...End of Act 2...

.

Well I didn't think this would be long, but I guess I was wrong lol. Theres much more to come.

So that ends Act 2; thank you so much to all the reviews and support.

Please continue to read and review! They help a lot.

To my spanish speakers: Muchisimas gracias por los reviews! Aprecio el apoyo. Saludos de Puerto Rico. :)

Act 3 will start soon.

Thanks to all, and much love~