The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Gardens

Chapter 189 - The Gardens

*Winter Landscape* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

Kagome gasped as they stepped outside. The sun was setting but the moon had already risen, both light sources casting a glow on the brilliant white snow. The garden was astonishingly beautiful, even in the winter, and as they walked, Sesshoumaru told her where the flowerbeds were located. He explained what was usually planted where, what Rin had added to the gardens, and where the little girl's favorite places were.

The miko admired the skeletons of the cherry trees, and the various statues and fountains, all while soaking in the sound of Sesshoumaru's voice. She could listen to him talk forever, his deep tone so soft and gentle when he addressed her. It was comforting, soothing, and she almost wished she could talk him into telling her a bedtime story because she knew the sound of his voice would give her sweet dreams.

Sesshoumaru was paying close attention to his angel, watching the color of her cheeks and her lips, wanting to know the instant she had been exposed to the cold long enough. There was so much to show her and tell her about, but it wasn't worth her health. She would be there with him at the palace until the end of time so there was no rush. The snow would melt, spring would come, and she would see the gardens in their full beauty.

*Breaking Clouds* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"So, it's going to snow more tonight?" the miko asked while looking up at the sky. Clouds were rolling in, and the air smelled like it would just before a storm.

"Indeed. Another blizzard approaches. Tonight will be a cold and windy night with a great deal of snow."

"I'm so glad we're not out there searching for shelter again. None of us will be cold tonight."

Sesshoumaru smirked; glad to have been able to make her happy, even about something so small as shelter. "You will be especially warm," he said playfully.

"Will I?" she flirted back. Then the miko sighed. "I hope that witch finds Naraku soon. I can't wait for all of this to be over."

"We will know as soon as she does. She will not fail this Sesshoumaru."

"I'll need to pick a nanny before we can go. I guess I'd better hurry, just in case."

The taiyoukai nodded. "There are several candidates from the palace that you can interview tomorrow. Scrolls have been coming in from the surrounding villages, as well, so you will have more applicants within the next few days”

"Even with the storm?" Kagome asked, surprised.

*Survival on the Street of Insincerity* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"Even with the storm. Youkai are not bothered by the cold and can travel easily, even through deep snow. A position at the palace is coveted because servants here are well compensated. Many demonesses will apply which will require you to be selective." She would, too, because Sesshoumaru didn't doubt the applicants would be willing to lie, knowing that the miko could not scent or sense their dishonesty to gain a position in his home. Perhaps he should sit in on her interviews, just to be sure, but that might give her the impression that he did not trust her judgment.

"Oh, that's not a problem. I'm going to be very picky, and the kids will have input, too. It wouldn't be right for me to pick someone they have to deal with all the time without taking their opinions on the matter."

"The kit will be with you during the interviews?"

"For some part of it, but I think I'll narrow them down first. Otherwise, the kids will get bored and restless."

Sesshoumaru considered his options for a moment before deciding. "I will be with you during the interviews. It will ensure that the applicants give you honest answers to your inquiries."

“I had considered this but was afraid it may look to them like you don’t trust my judgment because I don’t have demon senses.”

“I will sit in the position of assistant while you will sit in the position of dominance. This will show that, while I am present, you are clearly in charge of the situation. I will simply take notes as you go through your interviews, and at the end of the process you can look over what I discovered of each candidate simply by being present. I will not interfere unless I have a question of my own that pertains directly to the interview.”

"Are you sure?" she asked. "But don't you have better things to do?"

"Than ensure that the children are well cared for? No, I have nothing better to do. Come now, you are cold."

"You gonna warm me up?" Kagome asked with a smile.

"It would be my honor."