The Seventh Wife by Kitten

Arrangement

Author's Note: This story, although a SessKag, has elements of polygamy (the practice of having multiple wives). If you are against such beliefs, be forewarned.

Chapter 1

Arrangement

Of all things to be considered, I had hoped to be left out of such negotiations. It seems my wishes had fallen short, sadly, for my father sat within the confines of his study with no other than a potential suitor for me.

How many more of my sisters did he plan on giving away due to diplomacy? My eldest three sisters before me, and now it looks as if I am to follow. Why the gods blessed my father with six daughters plagues me, for all he does is rush off to wed us as soon as we come of age.

I had barely reached my thirteenth year before possible suitors began to rush to our small faction home in the Western province of Japan. Being the daughter of a daimyo certainly was the cause of such a ruckus, but was I to do?

Walking out into the family gardens, I sighed, hoping to alleviate the rising nervousness that came with each suitor to pass through the walls of my father’s estate. I could only hope my father would find this one unsuitable as he did the previous ones.

A warm wind rustled against my hair and kimono, a welcome distraction to the still chilly air of the spring. Sitting on a nearby bench, I watched the sakura blossoms dance with the wind, their performance entrancing.

“It would seem we have not had the pleasure to meet.” I startled, but stood slowly to hide my sudden jumpiness. I turned to see my visitor, and found myself unable to respond quickly.

The white figure next to the botan flowering trees was none other than the Demon Lord of the West—Sesshomaru.

I bowed deeply, shocked at his presence but hiding it well, “It would seem so, my lord. I am Higurashi Kagome of the Western Province; fourth daughter to daimyo, Higurashi Koto. Forgive my talent for invisibility; it is days like this I like to wander.”

I stood straight only to see him standing before me, mere feet away. Demonic stealth and speed---I had never bared witness to it before. “To favor such drifting among these estates…it would seem your floating abilities would reflect those of the sakura.”

Hiding my rising humor, I turn slightly from him to face the aforementioned blooms that still swayed in the breeze. “How so, my lord?”

“You ask for an answer that this Sesshomaru has just begun to indulge himself into discovering.”

Allowing myself a small smile, I knew that this arrangement would be a most curious one indeed.

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Words: 429

Prompt: Cherry Blossom

This drabble was done for Nisou Tenshi’s 14 Symbol Challenge.