Two Miko's, not quite equal in power, bowed before the Lord's. Their heads graced with gold. Their bodies graced in silk, their wombs right for the taking. They had been summed to pledge themselves to the West.

Inuyasha smirked, he was getting what he wanted. Everyone had been surprised. Not by Kikyo, no, they all knew she put duty before all other things. No, they were surprised by the other, the younger, the youthful Kagome. She had agreed. Lord Tashio didn't question it. Time was changing. Power was diminishing. It was the only reason the eldest son even agreed to show his face at this farce ceremony. No demoness wanted a half breed with half power, but many demons wanted a Miko with full power.

Yet one was not like the other.

Many called her youthful.

Kikyo called her naive.

Kagome just wanted to have his baby.

It had been his father's idea, maybe a half breed with half power could join a Miko and produce something more. It was just a theory. At least that's the excuse his father gave to him; he wasn't totally buying it.

"I do not understand my Lord," A demoness whispered into Lord Sesshomaru's ear.

"She is preferable because of the jewel,"

And only because of the jewel.

"Which is preferable, my Lord?" The demoness smiled slyly.

Sesshomaru eyes the young Kagome. Smiling and hopeful, what a foolish girl, a foolish girl indeed.

He'll they were all foolish. What did it matter about the half breed, it would be he, Sesshomaru, that would be the head of this family and lead it into the future with full power. Of course, if he did have to have human in his clan, under his domain, and under his protection, swollen with child of his blood...then,

"Kagome,"

Was preferable.