It had been a couple days since Sesshomaru had left me at Lady Kimiko's palace. Even now she was placing scrolls upon scrolls on the table.

"You must realize that our part in helping our lords plays a big part. We raise their heirs, watch over the home when they patrol, and help soothe their anger when their tempers get them into trouble. Like any wife we are the backbone behind the men. Thus we must know everything that is going on so that we may give aid to our husbands." She glanced at me and smiled.

"I believe you will be the perfect mate for my son. I know he can be quite controlling and cold but he can be very warm once you melt that ice." A part of me wanted to laugh; this woman was nothing like her son. I reach for a scroll and rolled it open. The contents were things I already knew so I glance over it before adding it to the huge pile behind me.

"Do you really read that fast?" I looked over at Kimiko, her eyes glittering with a hint of amusement.

"No, in truth most of these I have already learned."

"Oh? How is it that you acquired such knowledge?" I blushed, "I learned most of them on my travels. I never stayed in one place for long unless you count the orphanage. I often followed after scholars to hear them debate or talk about topics that interested me." She nodded before calling a servant who had passed by.

"Call Lady Chiyo, have her sent to the sun room." I gave her a questioning look and she told another servant to put the scrolls away.

"Come Lady Chiyo will teach you the proper way of keeping the house tidy and lively." I got up and followed but could already feel that it was going to be difficult.

After hours of torture I was finally in my room. Rin was sitting at the low table, playing with a gift Kagome had given her, something called a coloring book.

"Lady Ariya? When do you think Lord Sesshomaru will be back?" I glanced at her before shaking my head.

"I am not sure Rin. Mostly likely soon I suppose."

"Rin Misses Lord Sesshomaru, Rin wishes he had taken Rin with him." She pouted and glances at the book. I sat beside her and pulled her to me.

"Come now Rin, do not be sad. Sesshomaru-sama wished for you to be safe." She nuzzled me as I place soothing circles along her back.

"My lady." I glance over to the servant who head was bowed at the door.

"The bath for you and Miss Rin is ready." Gently pulling Rin up, I followed the servant to the bathing room. Gathering Rin in my arms I made my way to the bath. It wasn't the first time I had been there, but the size of it still took my breath away. I set Rin down as I glance over the bathing area. The large spring sat in the middle, white mist of steam rose from the water. A large wardrobe in the corner stood there for storage of soaps and oils.

Saphira stood among the water's edge, delicately dipping her tail to test it temperature.

"I don't understand demons and their reason to bathe so frequently. We Dragons have never a need for such a petty thing." I shook my head at her before pulling off the outer layer of my Kimono.

"Your race is quite lucky; you have scales that do not need to be clean as much as our hair and skin." She growled before flying onto my shoulder.

"Still, your need to bathe has to be the worst I've seen yet." I sighed and sank deeper into the water, closing my eyes to relax.

"Lady Ariya?" I opened an eye to glance at Rin who waded a few feet from me.

"Yes?" She looked down and timidly splashed the water that swelled at her waist.

"Could you help Rin? Rin does know how to swim." I chuckled before reaching for and pulling her to me.

"I would but it seems we need to get out, the lady in waiting has arrived." She grinned before racing off to where the towels and change of clothes were kept. I followed after and pulled a towel around my body.

"I wonder why your lord had been absent for so long, Your almost done with your training. That Kimiko was quite surprised at how quickly you caught on about things"

"I know, I am quite worried. Now that the training is complete Lady Kimiko told me he will be able to start the courting." I sighed before opening the door to the changing room; already wear my inner kimono the lady in wait immediately went to work at my hair and arranging my outer layer.

Dressed and ready for bed I followed behind Rin as she skipped to my room. The halls were quiet and cricket could be heard softly chirping in the night. With a giggle Rin opened the door to my room and plopped onto her futon. She nuzzled her face into her pillow and another giggle flew from her.

"You seem quite happy after your bath Rin."

"Rin is very happy! Rin was told by Lady Kimiko that Lord Sesshomaru will be back tomorrow!" I felt my heart start in my chest.

" Lady Kimiko told you?"

"Rin is very sure!" I gulped as I watch her giggle and snuggle into her blanket. I could feel my nerves set in. Worries clouded my mine. Taking a deep breath I shook my head to erase such thoughts.

"Come Rin it is time for bed." She gave a pout before settling in. I blew out the candle and made my way to my own futon. Saphira leapt off my shoulder and curled on her pillow. I closed my eyes and listen to the crickets chirping. I could feel the mixes of youki as they slept within the castle walls.

A knock jerked me from my sleep and Rin murmured before turning over. I gave quiet enter and a female fox demon kneel at the room's entrance.

"I was sent to get you ready for the day, my lady. Lord Sesshomaru is expected to arrive today." Without a word she pulled a box from behind her.

"This was sent from Lady Kimiko, as a gift." She carried it over and opened it to reveal a beautiful black kimono etched with a white dog demon along the ends of its length. Along the sleeves was a sakura patter in blood red.

"It's beautiful." Rin finally awake enough crawled over to view it. She grinned before another knock came from the door.

"Excuse me, but I was told to collect Miss Rin and get her dressed for the day." Rin gave a pout before pulling herself up and over to the demon.

I felt extremely beautiful as I walked the hall to the dining room. When one of the servants opened the door for me, I wasn't surprised to see Sesshomaru sitting at the head of the table with his mother chattering away at his ear. I made my over to his side, and his eyes lifted from his mother to me. For an instant I believe that flashed red before he called my name.

"Ariya." It was deep and husky and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I bowed to him with the reply of "Lord Sesshomaru". I sat down next to him and lowered my eyes to the table. Rin came bursting in with a loud giggle.

"Sesshomaru-sama!" Her voice was a squeal has she race to him and gave him a hug.

"Rin missed Sesshomaru-sama very much. Did you miss Rin?" She a small pout with a eyes full of hope.

"This Sesshomaru did miss Rin. Now please sit so we may begin our meal." She gave a grin before getting up and sitting next to me. As soon as she was done servants entered, holding our meal upon wooden trays. The meal was silent has everyone ate. Rin was the only one who could be heard as she hummed in delight.

When everyone had finished, Lady Kimiko left and brought Rin along with her to take Rin for her lessons. I looked over at him, only to see his eyes bleeding red along the edges.

"Come with this Sesshomaru." I nodded as I followed him down the hall and into a room. Looking around I noticed it contain a desk and chairs along with a chest and other things.

"Where are we my lord?" He growled before pulling me over to an empty chair, pushing me onto the cushion. I looked up at him, confusion filling me.

"My lord?" He let out another growl before place a heat kiss upon my lips. I gasped in response and he took the chance to place his tongue into my mouth. I moaned and reached for his neck. He gave another growl that sent shivers down my spine. With ease he lifted me and walked over to the desk. Breaking the kiss I gasped for air as I looked upon his face.

"Sesshomaru?" He gave my lips a quick peck before he moved to my neck. I was surprised as he gave a nip and a long lick upon my pulse point. I moaned and grabbed at his kimono. A loud knock from the door and suddenly he was gone. Panting I looked over to find him opening the door his claws deep into the wood upon its edge.

"What do you need from this Sesshomaru?" I could smell his anger and the fear of the servant who stood at the entrance.

"Lord Haku is here my lord. He requests your presences right away."

"I will be there shortly." With a slam he closed the door with a bang before turning towards me. His eyes flashed red as he made his way towards me.

"This Sesshomaru will be back shortly, but for first this one has a gift for you." Moving to the chest he pulled out a small parcel wrapped in silk. He handed it to me before place a quick on my lips and leaving. Stunned I watched him leave before placing my eye on the gift in my hand. Curious I opened it to reveal a necklace. It was crescent moon craved entirely out of a deep blue sapphire. It hung upon a velvet ribbon of magenta. I held it up to the light and it sparkled.