Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or the original characters from the story.

Italics mean thoughts, flashbacks, or sounds, ('') means when their beast are talking & ("") Quotes are what the characters are saying

Royal Character Guide

Western Lands

Inu no Taisho or Toga- Sesshomaru's and Inuyasha's father

Inukimi- Sesshomaru's mother

Reo- Inukimi's father and Sesshomaru's grandfather (consider to be an elder)

Sora- Inu no Taisho's older brother and Daisuke's & Taji's father

Rikka- Sora's mate and mother to Daisuke & Taji

Daisuke- eldest son of Sora and Rikka

Taji- youngest son of Sora and Rikka

Touma- Inu no Taisho's younger brother

Northern Lands

Souji- Father of Masahiro (considered to be an elder)

Masahiro- Lord of the Northern Lands

Kukiko-Lady of the Northern Lands

Luna- youngest daughter to Masahiro and Kukiko

Kaito- eldest son to Masahiro and Kukiko and heir to the Northern Lands

Aki- eldest daughter to Masahiro and Kukiko

Benjiro-youngest son to Masahiro and Kukiko

Wealthy Southern Tribe Leader Family

Akira- tribe leader

Bashira- mate of tribe leader

Oki- eldest daughter to Akira and Bashira

Chiharu- youngest daughter to Akira and Bashira

Wealthy Eastern Tribe Leader Family

Kazu- tribe leader

Kei- father of Kazu (considered to be an elder)

Sada- mother of Kei and grandmother of Kazu (consider to be an elder)

Eito- eldest son of Kazu

Haru- youngest son of Kazu

Daichi- nephew of Kazu

Inu no Kyuden

Tarou- captain of the guards

Chapter 16

How Sweet Is Revenge?

A golden hairbrush worked through the thick layers of Kagome's brunette hair. She fidgeted with her claws as she sat on the cushion while the servant prepared her for breakfast. Once the female servant finished with her hair, she quickly went over to the wardrobe to get her a kimono to wear. Kagome gazed at her reflection noticing a few differences in her appearance.

My lips are huge. My face seems rounder today. And my feet are so damn swollen…Definitely need a massage. Kagome glanced at the servant as she appeared behind her to help put on her kimono. It was a silk red kimono that fitted her body like a glove and made her stomach more pronounced. Kagome's hair was in soft curls and she had just a touch of red lipstick to match.

"You are glowing, Mi'Lady." The servant stated while appraising her.

"Oh, you are too kind." Kagome touched the shoulder of the older inu demoness. Kagome moved left to right as she looked into the full length mirror. I guess this will do.

Kagome strode through the winding hallways to the dining hall. She could feel the eyes of the servants and soldiers posted around her. They didn't say a word only stared at her. Everyone knows the truth now. Kagome could see the figure of Lord Toga coming towards her as she turned the corner.

"Kagome, you are looking radiant today. Pregnancy suits you." Toga commented as he gave her his arm to escort her the rest of the way.

Kagome blushed from the compliment. "I wish I felt radiant, Lord Toga." She put her hands around her protruding stomach and huffed. Toga chuckled at her reaction.

"Well you carry it well. How's everything going with you and Sesshomaru?" He curiously asked while glancing in her direction.

Kagome briefly looked down then towards Toga. "I guess better than I expected. He seems to have excepted our situation. We are trying to work towards a better relationship for the pups." She gave him a small smirk.

"Yes I know my son can be difficult…And that's putting it lightly." Toga snorted and shook his head. "But one thing I do know is that he will protect and provide for the pups and you. His beast will demand it. Maybe even one day you and him could be..."

Kagome swiftly turned to Toga with her eyes narrowed. "I hate to interrupt you Lord Toga, but Sesshomaru and I are just becoming more friendly towards one another. We just need to work co-parenting."

"You say that now, but you never know." Toga said with his hands up in surrender.

"I do…Plus it would never work. We are from two different worlds."

Toga just stared into her sapphire golden eyes. "Whatever you say my dear."

Kagome rolled her eyes and gasped out in frustration. "Men."

"Oi, Old Man!"

Inuyasha barged down the hallway towards his fathernot noticing Kagome standing behind him. His golden eyes immediately went to Kagome's form when he got closer.

"Kagome…I have been meaning to talk…" He couldn't finish his sentence before Kagome stepped forward to silence him.

"Thank you Lord Toga for escorting me. If you'll excuse me." Kagome curtseyed to him and turned to open the doors to the dining hall.

"Kagome…Wait." Inuyasha softly told her, but it fell on deaf ears as she had already entered.

His ears drooped in disappointment. Toga glanced his son's way.

"Don't force it, boy." Toga patted Inuyasha's back before entering the dining room.

All I wanted to do was apologize... Inuyasha's dejected form walked in behind his father and sat beside Daisuke.

"It'll be alright, Inuyasha." Daisuke whispered. He glanced between Kagome and him. This is definitely not Inuyasha first time messing up nor his last. He shook his head. I think it's the first time that he truly has felt the heat from his fuck up.

"Kagome, are you okay?" Rikka asked as she looked her way noticing her fluctuating aura.

"Yes, I will be fine, Lady Rikka. Someone just won't leave me alone." Kagome muttered the last part while shoveling a piece of anpan into her mouth. I just don't want to be bothered. I wish he would leave me alone. I'm still upset and he's only making it worse on himself by trying to make me not be mad anymore.

Rikka giggled a little at Kagome's perturbed facial expression. "You're definitely not one to be messed with Kagome. Men should beware."

Kagome laughed at her comment. "They should." She glanced back at her.

The clinking of a glass notified the inuyokai in the room of an upcoming toast. The elder of the Eastern Tribe, Kei, stood up from his seat. His reddish-brown hair flowed down his back. Kei's forest green eyes looked at the occupants of the room as he cleared his throat.

Click.

I was wondering where he was. Kagome looked at Sesshomaru as he walked in. He seems….

Aki, the eldest daughter of the Northern Lord, strutted in behind him with her long silver hair trailing behind her. Her light blue eyes connected with Kagome's before promptly sitting down in her seat.

Bitch. Kagome grinded her teeth together in frustration. I don't care who he fucks with as long as he takes care of his pups.

"If I may have your attention once more." Kei announced.

"Lords, Ladies, Princes, Princesses, Tribe Leaders, and their kin. I want to propose a toast. Although we might have conflict at our doorstep, we are still the mighty force that continues to retain power and influence all over the lands. We don't falter under pressure. We continue to push forward. Our numbers are astounding and they continue to grow each year. A toast to the best leaders and soldiers other lands should envy. Kanpai."

A resounding "Kanpai" was said around the long wooden table.

Kagome grabbed the porcelain cup of mugicha and took a sip of the nutty tea-like drink. This sure does have a funny taste. It's not suppose…Kagome abruptly pushed her seat from the table and stood. Her body started to convulse. Oh My God!

"Kagome!" Rikka yelled in concern. She got up and raised Kagome's head that had bowed.

Gasp.

Her red gleaming demonic eyes stared blankly back at her.

"What's going on?" Rikka asked. The inuyokai around the table started whispering loudly as they took notice of her condition. Sesshomaru walked over to stand near Kagome.

What is this feeling? I…I…I… can't control…Kagome started to spew out a thick black substance from her mouth. It went all over the white marble floors and onto her kimono. Did someone poison me? Her shaky hands touched the substance. Oh No…

Sesshomaru frowned as he smelled the black liquid. He quickly went over to grab the cup she had just drunk out of and sniffed the inside of it.

Growl.

His eyes started to pepper red in fury. His snarl bounced off the walls as he glanced around the table, but before he could voice his thoughts.

"Someone poisoned me!" Kagome gasped out in anger. She could feel the distress of the pups. They moved around fitfully as she felt the effects of the poison move from the back of her throat slowly down to her chest area. "Whoever did this will pay with their life." She finished with a threat full of promise as her yoki rose rapidly. She could see Toga and Daisuke move closer to her.

"Bring the healers NOW to the Western Wing!"

That was all she could hear before her eyes rolled to the back of her head. Sesshomaru held her within his arms protectively as he looked into the eyes of his father. His beast was in full control as he barked out his commands. He could feel the pups shift closer to him within Kagome's belly. He was nothing but a blur as he exited.

"Who would poison her?"

"I hope the pups are okay?"

"The security in the palace must be strict! Who knows which one of us will be next?"

"This is an unforgivable act!"

The ladies of court gathered in the hall awaiting the condition of Kagome. Chiharu stood posted up on a nearby wall as the women gossiped back and forth. As if they cared what happened to her…Huh…Let the fake concern begin. She huffed and rolled her eyes. I on the other hand actually like Kagome. Although we spoke briefly, she seems like a good person. Who knew she was pregnant by Sesshomaru? I might have slept with him occasionally, but I knew not to get too caught up in my feelings with him. Maybe she has a chance. Chiharu looked over to where Aki and her loyal followers stood idly chatting. If someone else doesn't get to him first.

Daisuke and Sora walked past them under the archway into a glass ceiling sitting area where the other Lords, Princes, and Tribe Leaders waited.

They greeted them with a head nod and began to speak.

"Kagome is still trying to pull through the effects of the poison. The pups are under distress, but the healers say it hasn't progressed to them yet." Sora stated to the crowd that gathered around them.

"Have you found out who did this?" Kazu, the eastern tribe leader, inquired as he rubbed his chin.

"Tarou is questioning the kitchen staff and anyone who was in the vicinity right now." Daisuke answered solemnly. He let out a sigh before speaking once again. "Truly I don't believe we will have to look any further. I have a gut feeling that it was the dragons again. They are trying to make their presence known to us by attacking our most vulnerable."

"Then we must let it be known that their actions will be met with dire consequences. For I will have no mercy." Sora finished.

"They are getting bold to attack so soon after Prince Taji. They must be preparing for a full force attack on us." Eito suggested as his green eyes landed on Sora.

"A foolish move on their part." Kei, the father of Kazu, stood up and walked around the room. "Obviously, they have been watching us for sometime and have been taking notes of our movements by planting spies in our own dwelling. We have been too lax over the years with the dragons. That is our fault and we must correct it now."

Souji cleared his throat before chiming in. "We must order the elite guards to evaluate each servant, cook, doorman, soldier, or any other attendant of Inu no Kyuden. And any who don't pass the test of loyalty a swift death shall suffice."

"How about we give them a welcoming gift." Masahiro deadly fangs gleamed.

Please…Please

Sweat dripped down Kagome's forehead as the healer wiped it away. Her skin was flushed with fever as she tried to fight against the effects of the poison.

If only I could use my miko powers…I wouldn't be going…through…

Kagome groaned in pain. Her veins started protruding from her skin and slowly begun to turn black.

I must protect my pups.

Ssesshomaru's red eyes carefully watched each of the healers' movements around Kagome. He placed a hand over her belly and eased out his yoki to his pups hoping it would help ease the effects of the poison.

"Is this really all you can do?!" Sesshomaru snarled out at the frightened healers.

"Mi'Lord we can give her an herb to make her go into a coma like state. But it will only last for so long. She will get the rest she needs." An elder inuyokai healer hesitantly proposed.

"Do whatever needs to be done, NOW!"

The women leaped into action as Sesshomaru's patience was wearing thin and his displeasure started to show even more.

A knock sounded at the double doors.

"Sorry for the intrusion, Mi'Lord. But we have the suspect." Tarou bowed low at the waist.

Sesshomaru gave one final look at Kagome and exited the room.

"Father, I trust you with her care in my absence." Sesshomaru growled out before walking swiftly down the hall with Tarou following close behind him.

Sesshomaru's yoki permeated through the halls as he finally made it to the courtyard where the demoness was chained to the ground. She started to chuckle once she saw Sesshomaru's boot.

"You dogs are so arrogant. You feel as if every being should bow at your feet. We should kiss the ground that you walk on…How fool…" Her speech was cut short as she started to choke on her own blood in shock. Sesshomaru had plunged his claws through her chest.

"This was just a war…ning." She took her last breath. The charm that made her look like an inuyokai wore off and there laid a dragoness lifelessly on the ground.

Sesshomaru finally spoke after a few seconds. "Did she act alone?"

"Yes, it seems that way, Mi'Lord."

"Hn. Kill them."

"Who, Mi'Lord?"

"The entire kitchen staff."

I know…I know…Something is always happening in the dining hall. Lol I promise no more drama there. I hope you enjoyed the chapter still. I will try to update as soon as I can. Review! Review! Remember this is my first fanfiction! lol Till Next Time Guys!