Das Herzogtum Trylburg (The Duchy of Trylburg) by kaoruhana
The Austrian Soldier and the Italian Noblewoman
A/N: So- this story takes place around the time of Italian unification, right around the 1820’s (ish). The details I put out aren’t completely historically accurate but I should have gotten most of it right. Sesshomaru comes from the Austrian Empire, the then ruling/dominant power of Europe. Seriously, you did not want to get on the bad side of them! Kagome comes from one of the many Italian provinces that dot the area we now have come to known as Italy. Both the areas they come from are fictional but the situations they find themselves in should be reminiscent of the actual time period (I hope).
Sesshomaru’s duchy is supposed to be a combination of the Tyrol and Salzburg. Kagome’s province should mean Province of Sunset. As for the differing German dialects I mention: it’s kind of like the difference between British English and American English. It’s understandable, but there are a few words or phrases that are just plain confusing to others. (I posted the wrong story the first time- sorry!)
Definitions of terms:
Sorella- Italian, sister
Frau- German, Mrs.
Herr- German, Mr.
An der schönen blauen Donau- German, On the pretty, blue Danube
mia cara figlia- Italian, my dear daughter
Wilkommen Herzogin Trylburg- Welcome Duchess Trylburg.
I don’t own anything mentioned in here (I’ll try to make a list, but if I miss something, the above disclaimer should take care of it). And as always, do let me know if any mistakes are there. And there will be a part II that I’ll put up before the end of the World Cup.
This was done for Stella’s “Feed my Muse Challenge” and was based on Aiko’s “Shades of Love” fanart.
* * * * *
Kagome was acutely aware of the Austrian following her in the garden on her walk. She didn’t know what to make of him and whether to treat him as an enemy or a friend. His people were on her border and were trying to stop her country from unifying. His people were trying to keep their power consolidated within an empire that she and other Italians felt was involving itself into affairs it shouldn’t. She glanced behind her to see him still there, following her in that green uniform required by his people’s army.
“You don’t have to follow me in the garden.” Her words were in French- the one language both understood. She knew no English and he knew no Latin. While she knew German, what she had learned was not what he knew- the dialect differing between them. It was better to communicate this way.
The solider didn’t answer her and she huffed as she continued walking, thinking on why the soldier was here in the first place. When the unification forces had started to gain voice in Italy late last year, numerous provinces and their leaders had been forced to take heed. Her father and many others had to make a choice; they could ally with the unification forces in the South of Italy or bow to the powers of the Austrian (and perhaps a new Austro-Hungarian Empire soon) to the North. Some hadn’t said they would go either way, others offered support vocally and physically for the nationalistic option.
Her father had chosen the more strategic option and chose to ally himself with the Austrian Empire. Even if he had chosen to side with the unification forces the empire would have taken over and invaded this tiny province at the foot of the Alps- close to its own borders. In such a situation, their province didn’t have the ability to protect their people. And the unification attempts were mediocre at best. They were led by intellectuals and not leaders; no politicians offered support and by siding with them her father could have gotten involved in a conflict larger than unification. And a more dangerous one.
Kagome stopped her walk by a bush and watched a bird fly out of it. “You know,” She started as a squirrel scurried up a tree behind the bush, “I doubt there is anything meant to harm me in the garden. And I promise I won’t escape.”
She made a face at the last words. This was the other reason the solider was here. His job was to make sure she stayed where she was while the Duke of Trylburg made his way across the border to visit her and court her. Her marriage would secure her father’s cooperation in an alliance with the Austrians and offer the province protection should they need it. She didn’t know what to make of it. She had known that marriages like this were common but she had never understood that she might be one of the women in them.
Coming to a stop in front of her favorite tree- a towering birch tree surrounded by a mix of firs and maples- she turned and eyed this new soldier.
He was always stoic, to a point, she wanted to do anything to make him react. And he was silent. She had tried to make him talk in the two days he had been here but he seemed to refuse to talk to her and only to her father. And his hair. It wasn’t common- in fact, it was considered out of fashion- for a man to have long hair. Yet he grew his gray hair out enough to make a small queue. It made him look handsome and dashing and she wondered why the style had gone out of fashion. But still, she had stopped here today because she wanted answers, not because she wanted to ogle him.
“Tell me about your duke.” He didn’t respond and Kagome had half the mind to ask him if he was mute. Before she could, he spoke up.
“Lord Halbmond is a good man.” Kagome sighed and leaned back against the birch tree not caring about the fact that her dress was getting dirty. It seemed her soldier bodyguard spoke but only about others such as his lord.
“What does he look like?” She probed trying to paint herself a picture of the man she was to try to marry. The soldier seemed to narrow his eyes, whether in thought or something else she wasn’t sure. When he finally did speak, she was just grateful he was giving her an answer.
“He is handsome.” The soldier began prompting Kagome to roll her eyes. Ignoring her actions, he continued. “He is shorter than I by a hair and enjoys fencing. His intellectual prowess is good but he prefers to spend the days outside practicing fencing or traveling about his duchy.”
“Sounds like an idiot.” Kagome mumbled not caring if the soldier heard her. “What else? Does he allow himself to be yet another Austrian puppet?” The soldier glared at her harshly but she ignored it. She was not pleased with his descriptions and saw no point in telling him what she thought. Let him take it how he wanted. She was tired of empires and powerful forces bending others to their will. No one was truly independent these days, not even her own family.
“We are allies to the Hapsburgs.” The soldier grit out his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword. She knew that he wouldn’t draw it. To do so would put the alliance on hold if not terminate it. Still, this action would be taken into consideration. Would she be treated this hostile in the duke’s province?
It appeared the soldier noticed her line of thinking for he let his grip on the sword fall. Hmm, perhaps this soldier wasn’t as stupid as she thought he was.
“The Halbmonds are Hapsburgs through the marriage of Princess Augusta to my father Duke Wilhelm.”
“The King’s cousin?” Kagome asked stupidly. King Francis I was a man who came from a long lineage of power. To even claim relation to him was a feat in itself.
The soldier bowed his head. “Yes, my grandfather was the King’s Uncle.” Kagome stared at the man in shock. She had never known they had such powerful neighbors. Why had none of this information been recorded in her schooling?
“You are a prince then?” She managed out realizing what this soldier was telling her. He appeared to be nonchalant about it.
“Yes. I am Prince Sesshomaru of the Hapsburgs, cousin to the King and brother of the Duke of Trylburg.” And to think he’d been letting her badmouth his brother. She flushed in embarrassment and looked down at the floor. What to say now? Her eyes peeked up at him through her lashes. It was odd that he should be here. She didn’t know how things were done in Austria, but here, even younger sons were allowed to work in the duchy.
“Why are you in the army?” She asked curiously.
Sesshomaru hesitated, not one to talk. She was waiting for him though, so he spoke. “It was the available option.” She titled her head and he waited to see what it was she wanted now. The Lady had been trying to get him to speak for a while and it was only today he spoke. Family pride had forced him to do so. He couldn’t sit back and let her insult his brother and his family.
“Does your family not let you manage affairs in the duchy?”
Sesshomaru shrugged. “I would not have much responsibility. I wanted to do something before then.” Kagome didn’t say anything after that and instead wondered if the Duke Halbmond was as handsome as his younger brother. She hoped he was more sociable than the man in front of her. Being a social person, Kagome dreaded marrying a man who she couldn’t communicate with.
“I’m going inside.” Kagome stated finally. “Follow me if you want.”
It was harder for the soldier to follow Kagome inside the buildings. Preparations were underway for the visit of the Duke Halbmond in a week’s time. Curtains had to be changed to showcase the best velvet in the Tramonto House. On top of the replacement of finery, it was the week of summer redecoration in the Tramonto manor. Paintings and artwork was taken down and replaced with newer ones that reflected the upcoming season. The manor’s windows were open and the manor itself was being aired out getting ready for the warm weather. As a result, Sesshomaru had to dodge several servants in his attempts to follow the signorina Tramonto.
“Sorella.” Kagome stopped and greeted her twin brother who was walking the halls towards her. “Mamma is looking for you.”
Kagome nodded as she took a turn down a smaller hallway and climbed the stairs to her mother’s sitting room. She didn’t like the solider following her and hoped he had enough tact to wait outside the rooms while she talked with her mother. Surely, even Austrian soldiers knew that? Ignoring him as she moved to the door, she knocked first before entering. It seemed Sesshomaru knew manners for he stayed guard outside while she entered the room.
“Mamma,” she began with a smile taking a seat in a plush armchair, “Souta said you wanted to see me?”
“Yes Kagome.” Her mother made her a cup of coffee, diluted strongly with milk and sugar for it was the afternoon. “I know this has happened so fast and I wanted to ask you how you are? Your father and I wanted to press for more time but…” Her mother hesitated and Kagome wondered what was making her do so. “Kagome, the duke wrote to us today asking for the engagement to be announced immediately. He wishes to be married when he arrives and has asked us to expedite the process.”
Kagome sighed as she looked at the cup her mother offered her. Marriage already? She hadn’t even come to terms with the matter of her engagement yet. What was she going to do? What could she do? She played around with her cup as her mother looked on. She didn’t want to get married to a stranger. She wanted to fall in love like her parents had with a passionate, Italian man, not an Austrian who probably had no idea how to treat her.
“Kagome- if that will be a problem we can always tell the Duke to wait.” Her mother’s words were kind but she knew that they were only half true. She was going to be married sooner or later. She supposed she should be happy that he at least wrote to her parents so that she had time to mentally prepare herself.
“It will be fine mamma.” She took a sip of the coffee and relished the taste. She hoped she could get this in Trylburg. Her mother had been from the south and her love of coffee had passed on to her daughter. She didn’t think she could live without it.
“Are you sure Kagome?” Kagome smiled at her mother reassuringly and nodded.
“I will be fine. Should we plan for the wedding now?” Kagome asked trying to make the situation light when it came to the topic of her upcoming marriage.
“No.” Her mother’s words were curt and booked no argument. Signora Tramonto set her own cup down. “We’ll start tomorrow, relax and enjoy yourself today.”
Her words calmed Kagome as she looked on closely at her mother. Signora Tramonto was always graceful and held herself with an air of elegance that Kagome had sought to emulate her since childhood. She hoped that all those lessons and mimicked motions would serve her well in Austria. She wanted to be an elegant lady who would support her husband in Austria. She wanted to be someone he and his people would be proud of. Averting her eyes to the cup in her hands, she finished sipping her coffee.
Neither said anything else during the time they spent together. Normally, these talks were full of excitement and laughter but the rather daunting news of the past few days had dulled the conversation and placed a somber mood on the situation. Still, Kagome appreciated this silent company. For the remaining days she was here, she would enjoy these afternoon coffee hours with her mother and bask in the presence and comfort that always surrounded her mother’s sitting room.
She had less than a month left in Italy. She had to make the most of it.
* * * * *
“Tell me more about your brother.” Kagome demanded as she sat in the library with Sesshomaru leaning against a bookshelf behind her. He had refused to take a seat which she supposed was his own problem with his pride.
“What would you like to know?” Sesshomaru asked noting her subdued mood compared to that of yesterday.
“I know nothing of the man I am to marry. Does he look like you? Does he act like you? You said he enjoys fencing yesterday. Is that all?”
Sesshomaru was taken aback and didn’t know how to answer her. He didn’t know if telling her about his brother’s likes and dislikes would be enough. Inuyasha was a complex man and he didn’t want to tell her something only to have him do something that contradicted his words. He could share stories about his brother. That would give the information she needed while keeping the stories true.
“Inuyasha is a brash man that often got into trouble when we were younger. But he is brave.” He paused remembering the memory of that day which he was describing. He had been eight, following his brother blindly, while Inuyasha ran ahead of him telling him that he had to hurry. They had snuck into the pasture close to the schloss they lived in, despite being warned repeatedly that the sheep dog in the pasture took its job quite seriously.
“We entered a pasture by our schloss and were chased by the sheep dog in the pasture. Inuyasha tried to beat if off with a stick when it attacked me and pushed me through the hole in the fence before clambering out himself. He was bleeding on his arm and as a result, we had to venture back to our home for treatment. Inuyasha took the blame and I got away with a smaller punishment than he did.”
Kagome smiled. “He was looking out for his little brother. That’s a nice man.”
Sesshomaru shrugged. It was true that his elder brother often looked out for him but he had been feeling uneasy about that as of late. Before sending him here to guard his fiancé he had told Sesshomaru his deepest fears were that he no longer had the resources and knowledge to protect the duchy. Sesshomaru was the one who had been around Austria with the army and knew who to ally with and why. Sesshomaru was the one who blended with the locals and managed to get their trust.
Kagome didn’t need to know that though. His brother would tell her if he felt she needed to know.
“What about you?” She suddenly asked causing him to raise an eyebrow in confusion. “Surely you don’t think I only want to know about your brother. You will be part of my new family too.” He hadn’t expected her to be kind and offer to get to know him as well.
“What would you like to know?” He asked unsure of what he wanted to tell her and why he felt happy that she had even asked.
“Oh anything really.” Kagome turned in the armchair she was sitting in, her arms folded across the top and her chin resting on them. It pleased him to note she was getting comfortable in his presence. “How about this- why don’t you tell me a story about the army?”
Sesshomaru adjusted his stance against the bookshelf, thinking on what he could tell her. There was a lot that army soldiers did that he would never like to tell anyone: the drinking and the women being prime examples. He didn’t have many good stories to offer her and had to think long about a subject. When he finally settled on one, he hoped she would find it adequate. It wasn’t happy, then again, most stories that involved him in the military weren’t.
“I was stationed in Vienna two years ago and met a generous family there. They specialized in tailoring ball gowns and tuxedos for the February Waltzes.” He closed his eyes, remembering the scene like it was yesterday. “They took me in because the military barracks were overcrowded and were kind. They included me at their dinner table and treated me as a family member rather than a soldier. Herr and Frau Kraus had been invited to a ball one night and I was left behind to look after their young daughter.”
“How old was she?” Kagome interrupted causing him to open his eyes.
“She was four then, I believe.” Sesshomaru answered his eyes softening as he thought of his ward. “That night, there was a carriage accident and by the next morning, I found that I had inherited a child and a house in Vienna.” He looked at her then to take in the look on her face- shock and sadness.
“What did you do then?” She asked eager and curious.
“I took in the child as my ward and kept the house in Vienna. It will be hers when she is old enough.” He looked out the window hoping she would take note of his actions and not want to pursue the subject. She didn’t say anything and the two sat in silence for a while.
“I don’t know the Viennese waltz.” He turned back to look at her.
“You should learn. It will be summer season in August and balls occur in the countryside by Salzburg. The waltz is a staple dance expected to be known by all nobles.”
“Do you know it?”
“Of course I do.” He watched her face grow curious and for a moment was jealous that his brother got to marry this beautiful and intelligent woman. He squashed that emotion down however. His priority was always to the duchy and the empire. He couldn’t let feelings interfere in them.
“Teach me then.” He made a move to protest but she raised a hand to stop him. “I need to learn before my engagement ball in ten days. Surely, I can master a waltz by then? It would look good if the new Duchess of Trylburg knew the famed dance of her husband’s home country.”
He couldn’t argue with that and inclined his head to hers in a show of deference. As long as she provided the resources, he would acquiesce.
* * * * *
“Follow me!” Sesshomaru growled, his temper high.
They had been attempting the waltz for three days now. The first day, Kagome had followed his movements perfectly but was stiff. The second day, she had broken form and posture leading them both to have a hard time dancing. Today, she was attempting to lead and it was getting them nowhere. He finally stopped, pushing her away and stalking to the other side of the room and going outside to stand on the attached balcony. Perhaps the cool air would calm him.
“Kagome dear,” her mother began as she approached her, “the waltz requires you to trust your partner and maintain intimate contact. If you cannot feel comfortable with Herr Halbmond, how will you ever be around the Duke?”
Kagome sighed as she took a seat on a nearby chair. What her mother was telling her was true but it was hard for her mind to wrap itself around it. She had never allowed any males beyond family such intimate contact with her person and it was hard for her to trust Sesshomaru. She was conscious of his hands and where they were positioned as well as the fact that when he pulled her close to waltz she noticed things. She felt the heat from his hands, saw the subtle emotions he hid in his eyes, and was too aware of the way he held himself.
She was too uncomfortable around him for he was a male. Unless she managed to see him as a close friend, or as her new brother, she would be unable to master the waltz.
She stared out towards the balcony where Sesshomaru had disappeared. After their conversation three days ago, they hadn’t had another one. Her mother had kept her busy with wedding plans and the organization of her new trousseau. As it was, she was travelling with her to Milano tomorrow- a three hour trip in the carriage- to buy some material for her trousseau and wedding dress. She had hoped to master the waltz by then.
“I’ll try one more time.” Kagome resolved getting up and making her way to the balcony. She encouraged the soldier to enter again and soon they were back in the middle of the empty ballroom and in the position required for the start of the dance.
A servant nearby began to play the music and Kagome focused her eyes on the green uniform Sesshomaru wore as he led her. This time, she didn’t count in her head and instead trusted him to make her look elegant and graceful on the dance floor. It was easier to dance with him this time, her movements following his in tandem and before she knew it the servant had stopped playing and her mother stood to the side clapping.
“Oh that was beautiful!” She gushed. “And the song was perfect.” Kagome flushed a little at the praise and curtsied lowly to Sesshomaru.
“I think it was Das Schon Bleuen Danube.” She answered for her mother.
“Nein.” Sesshomaru cut in. “The piece is called An der schönen blauen Donau.” He looked away feeling a little awkward at having corrected her so quickly and brusquely. Still, he supposed that it was better that he did so here rather than having her face the same problem in Salzburg or Vienna in front of other nobles.”
“Oh- thank you for the correction.” Kagome smiled at him and averted her eyes to the floor, clearly embarrassed.
“Signora Tramonto.” Sesshomaru began again before the silence grew awkward. “May I suggest adding another waltz to the music for the night of the ball?” The lady inclined her head, asking him to continue. “The Edelweiss Waltz. It is a particular favorite among Austrians and is a must at all the soirees occurring in both Salzburg and Vienna.” Kagome’s mother made the servant take note of it and promised him that it would be on the list of dances that would be seen at the ball.
“I believe we should all retire then.” Signora Tramonto announced. “We are due to head out early tomorrow to make it to Milano on time and I suggest we all get some rest tonight. I shall have the cook ready dinner earlier tonight.” Sesshomaru bowed.
“Of course. I shall take my leave then, Signora Tramonto, Signorina Kagome.”
The next morning, Kagome was bundled in her shawl and peering out the window of the closed carriage as they neared the city of Milano. She had been there before but this was the first time she was going for a day trip. Often, she and her mother spent the day with her Aunt and cousin and then the night at their townhouse in the city before going home the next day. This time however, her aunt’s family had gone to vacation by the sea and so they had planned this trip to be short and quick.
The carriage lurched to a halt a little inside the city next to one of the canals and Kagome peered out the window to see that they had reached the tailors. She waited for Sesshomaru or the driver to descend and open the door. Even though they had offered him a seat inside the carriage, the Austrian had insisted on riding with the driver. A moment later, she heard the click of a latch and bright light flooded the interior of the carriage. She allowed her eyes to adjust as a hand appeared.
It was gloved, letting her know it was Sesshomaru’s. She took it and he helped her down out of the carriage. Moving out of the way she watched him do the same to her mother. Signora Tramonto smiled reassuringly at Kagome and led her to the tailors with Sesshomaru following them.
The tailor shop wasn’t busy; it seemed that they had beat the morning rush. Carla- the seamstress that Kagome had known for as long as she could remember- was at the front making some notes in ledgers. She looked up at the sound of the shop bell. Her eyes warmed when they saw Kagome and her mother and then dulled when she noticed the man accompanying them- an Austrian solider. She had heard of the alliance that the Duke had made but hadn’t realized they had sent some soldiers here already. She just hoped that the solders didn’t mean bad things for her business.
Signora Tramonto greeted her with a look at Sesshomaru. “Pay him no mind Carla.” She stated in Italian. “He’s merely here as a bodyguard. We’re here to buy for Kagome’s wedding and her marriage trousseau. Come show us the new cloth you received. And tell us all about the fashion in Vienna. We must dress her trousseau accordingly.”
“Certainly!” Carla led them to a corner of the room where bolts of fabric lined the walls. She picked three bolts- one white, two a creamy gold, from the wall- and set them down in front of the ladies.
“Gold is the rage in wedding dresses these days Signorina.” She addressed Kagome. “It’s all the rage in Venezia this year I hear.” She held the gold cloths up to Kagome. One was more golden yellow and the other a color that Kagome could only describe as a soft brass. It was more muted, darker, but retained the shine that a golden cloth would have. If she had to choose a color for her wedding dress, she would choose the darker one.
“Are you sure you want that Kagome?” Her mother asked taking note of her admiration of the fabric. “It does go wonderfully against your skin.” She nodded to Carla who began to unroll the large bolt and count the length she would have to cut. “Tell us Carla, what have you heard of Vienna fashions?”
Being as close as they were to the Austrian border the fashion in Milan tended to mix the fashion of both Italy and Austria together. As a result, Carla was always knowledgeable in Austrian fashion as well as Italian ones. The seamstress hummed as she cut the cloth she needed.
“They are favoring white and red in Vienna these days.” Carla answered as she put her scissors away. “And these silly dresses with extra details on the side.” She looked at the elder Tramonto woman. “It’s the style of your wedding dress Signora.” The elder woman made a face. She remembered the frou frou design she had used then, as it had been in fashion. It was a dress style that she promised she wouldn’t ever willingly try to use again.
“I suppose we’ll have to give Kagome one or two to be part of her trousseau so she can say fit into Austrian society.” She looked at her daughter who made a face. She had seen her mother’s wedding dress a few years ago and didn’t ever want to wear a dress with so many frills and layers.
“We’ll choose good colors.” Carla commented noting the look on the Signorina’s face. “Red is a good color, we can do the frills in white lace.”
“Not all of it I hope?” Kagome commented moving forward as Carla began pulling down swaths of red cloth. “We could do lace around the collar but I’d like the rest to be white embroidery. We can use that white cloth you showed us earlier.” Carla nodded as she set the red cloth down.
“Of course.” She unrolled a swath and when Kagome shook her head, placed it away, and pulled out another shade of red- this one closer to a maroon than a red color. “The frilly dresses are generally full sleeves, are you okay with that Signorina?”
“Yes.” Kagome answered thinking of the winter that would approach later that year. “But only for those. All my other dresses are to be the regular length.” Her mother approved of her decision. Kagome was still young enough that she had no reason to dress so confined.
“That sounds good. Do you like this red signorina?” Kagome nodded as she pointed to a bright green cloth, the color of mint leaves in the spring. “Bring that one down as well. I would like to have two dresses in that color. One in the Austrian style and the other in our style.” Carla nodded as she cut the red cloth, a larger piece this time.
In the end, Kagome chose ten dresses. Three were made in the Vienna style and two as ball gowns for Salzburg. Her mother had informed her that the season would come only a month after her wedding and it was best for her to be prepared ahead of time in case she didn’t find a seamstress in time. Kagome had agreed with her mother for it was true that after returning to her husband’s duchy after her marriage vacation she would undoubtedly have only a little time to get ready for the Salzburg season. There would be no time to get a ball gown stitched.
It was nearing noon when they left the seamstress. Sesshomaru greeted them and offered his arm to the ladies. Signora Tramonto refused his offer and instead walked with the driver who had waited outside the seamstresses shop. He grabbed a picnic basket before he took his Signora’s arm as he led them to a nearby park. The park was a public one, modeled on ones based in England and bordered the canal on the east side. They found a grassy knoll where they ate the cold, packed lunch that their cook had packed.
By the time they returned to the manor it was nearing dinner time. The signora left to her rooms in order to rest a little before dinner while Kagome fled to the gardens, wanting to get a bit of respite and peace after the day. She had gone shopping so many times before but this time, realizing that she was buying her wedding dress and her marriage trousseau had forced her to look at her clothes in a new light. She had picked each dress thinking and hoping that the dress would flatter her and make her look beautiful for her husband.
She was going to be married soon and she had finally accepted it.
* * * * *
Sesshomaru adjusted the blue coat of his uniform one last time before looking at his brother who was grumbling from his position at the bed. Sighing, he walked towards him where he was struggling with a cravat and swatted his elder brother’s hands away. In swift movements, he succeeded to tie the cravat much to his brother’s chagrin. It wasn’t Inuyasha’s fault that he had trouble with it though, the cravats were an Italian fashion and one that he was unfamiliar with.
“Are you ready now?” He asked straightening and adjusting the sword he wore.
“I suppose so.” His brother sighed and didn’t get up from his seat on the bed causing Sesshomaru to raise a brow.
“What is it now?” He asked, his temper being tested.
Since Inuyasha had arrived two days ago things hadn’t been that well. He had tried to befriend the signorina but for some reason whatever words they traded ended in arguments that often tested the limits of their patience. It made Sesshomaru intervene on more than one account to preserve the peace. At this point, he was worried about the alliance. If the marriage was not a happy one, he would have a problem on his hands.
“I don’t think I can marry her Sesshomaru.” Inuyasha confessed his eyes darkened with an emotion the younger brother couldn’t place. “The duchy is…I hate to say it, but it’s getting harder and harder for me to think of ruling. I want to experience Austria- I want to travel and be in the army, learn what it is like to live with the people.”
Sesshomaru clenched his fists. “Why do you tell me this now Inuyasha? You have wasted enough time, get up and do your duty!”
The elder brother stood, his own fists tightening. “You think I don’t know that? I just… I can’t get married now.” Inuyasha turned and punched the bedspread. “I want to so bad Sesshomaru. I want to make this peace and alliance but I can’t. I want to give up the duchy to you.”
Sesshomaru backed up, his legs hitting the edge of the dresser and his face full of shock. What was his brother saying; was he stupid? The duchy was important to Inuyasha and he had worked so hard to become a just ruler. For Inuyasha to give this up meant a lot. His brother had told him of his fears before but he had always thought they were just small insecurities and not this deep. He took a deep breath and cleared his head.
“What do you want to do now brother?” He spat out. “This was a decision you could have made long ago. Saying these words now means nothing. What can we do now?”
Inuyasha shrugged. “I just… I thought, the Fraulein Tramonto seems to get along better with you than with me. We could just say that you’ve been here courting her and that in a month, you’re going to take over the duchy. You just wanted to be married before that.”
Sesshomaru growled. “And what of the duke? What will you tell him? And the Signorina? Are you telling me you were lying to them all along?”
“No!” Inuyasha exclaimed before sighing and sinking onto the bed again. “It wasn’t supposed to go on this far but I can’t… I can’t saddle that young lady in this marriage when neither of us wants it.” He looked up at Sesshomaru.
“I’ve made up my mind Sesshomaru. Get the duke and ask him if I can talk to him in his office. Bring mother and the rest of the Tramonto family if you want.” Sesshomaru grit his teeth and glared at his brother.
“Think one more time, are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes.” When Sesshomaru still didn’t move Inuyasha spoke again. “As your duke I’m telling you. Do this final duty to me Sesshomaru.” The younger brother glared once more at the older but nodded, leaving the room and doing his appointed task.
A half hour later, the Duke roared in his office, angry and frustrated. He was grateful for the fact that the Duke of Trylburg apparently sought to save his daughter from a marriage that she didn’t care for. But that was where his happiness ended. The Austrian Duke had been disrespectful, sharing his thoughts only now. How dare he drag them on this chase while he was not sure of his own feelings on the matter? The Duke would have agreed for his daughter to marry Sesshomaru to secure the alliance if he had known of the concerns.
Now, he had no choice in the matter and he felt as though he had been manipulated into the situation.
“Inuyasha,” His mother pleaded, “are you sure of this? Why…” She trailed off but everyone in the room knew what she was asking. Why had he done this? Why hadn’t he told anyone? If he had only spoken sooner this all could have been avoided. The Austrian Duke flinched and continued to look at the ground. He didn’t know what to say.
“Do you mean what you say?” All heads in the room turned to Kagome who fought to hide her face of hurt. She had no feelings for either brother but her feelings for her supposed fiancé were now nothing but disdain. “Will you promise to leave Herr Sesshomaru alone if I tell everyone I will marry him? If I tell everyone that he has been courting me this past month?” Inuyasha hesitated, shuffling his feet but nodded and waited to see what she would say.
“Then I will marry Herr Seshomaru Halbmond.” She stated looking at Sesshomaru. “If he agrees to my request.”
Sesshomaru flinched at the way the eyes in the room seemed to beg him to do as she asked. He had no choice in the matter now. In fact, he had known he had no choice in the matter ever since he had left his brother’s room to go find the Duke Tramonto. He closed his eyes for a moment before opening them and nodding.
“I shall marry her and take over my duties.” He hesitated and then spoke. “Do you still want to marry me now? We can wait longer if you wish Signorina.”
“My wedding dress is already being stitched.” Kagome stated her eyes a little misty. “I see no point in letting in sit.” Sesshomaru nodded again, his eyes now meeting Duke Tramonto’s.
“If it will do, I will take the position my brother has abandoned.” Sesshomaru began bowing at the waist with a hand over his heart. “I shall marry the Signorina and assume the position required by me.” The Duke nodded and sighed, sinking his head into his hands.
“Very well. We’ll discuss this more tomorrow after the ball.” He stood from the desk and smiled at them all. “Let’s not keep our guests waiting shall we?”
* * * * *
Kagome smiled all during the reception, her face now paining from the smile that she had permanently worn for so long. She was a little grateful that her new husband had been so accommodating of her during the wedding. And she was happy that she was marrying a friend, someone she knew would treat her well. His arm tightened on hers and she glanced up at him briefly as he subtly nodded to the corner where their parents stood with their siblings and his ward.
“I believe we may be able to leave soon.” He murmured his eyes soft. As he spoke, Souta made his way to them and Kagome smiled politely at another noble who was congratulating her on her wedding.
“Herr Halbmond, sorella.” He addressed them. Sesshomaru inclined his head and Souta continued. “Mother says the carriages are ready. She wants to speak to you and say goodbye before you leave.” Kagome nodded, her hand tightening on his and nodded her head.
“Of course.” She let Sesshomaru lead her to where the families were. Her mother came forward and hugged her, kissing her cheeks and smiling through her tears.
“Oh, Kagome, mia cara figlia, I love you. I know you will be taken care of in your new house and I wish you and Herr Sesshomaru the best of luck in your marriage.” Kagome nodded and her father hugged her as well, repeating the words of his mother. Sesshomaru said his own goodbyes to his family, patting his ward on the head and letting her know to behave, before he tugged her away from them and towards the awaiting carriage outside.
As Kagome stepped into the carriage and took a seat across from Sesshomaru, she offered him a small smile. This wasn't a love match, but it was enough for her to be happy regarding marriage. She trusted the man she had married and was ready to accept her role as the Duchess of Trylburg. He smiled back and she felt a little better about her situation. As the carriage rolled and the trunks on the floor jerked, she looked out her window at her hometown one last time.
“We’ll come back.” Sesshomaru assured her, his voice soft.
“Of course. Thank you.” Her eyes didn’t stray from the view and only when the daylight finally left did she close the curtains and look back at him. They had passed an hour into their five hour carriage ride by then.
“You were beautiful today.” He told her, his eyes softening. “The gold suits you.” She flushed as she looked at the dress she was wearing.
“Thank you.” Her eyes found his. “Are we going to the schloss?”
He nodded. “I apologize for not being able to offer you a trip. It is believed that we can spend a few days together in the schloss and then I shall have to take over the duchy.” He looked away from her, a small flush taking over. “We have no need to consummate the marriage before then.”
“Of… of course not.” Kagome stated blushing. She played around with the hem of her dress. She wanted to talk more but she had hardly gotten any sleep the night before and a yawn escaped her.
“Go to sleep.” She wanted to protest but another yawn escaped. “Sleep, I shall wake you when we arrive at the schloss.” Kagome nodded this time, too tired to argue. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the carriage window attempting to get comfortable. Minutes later, she was fast asleep.
When they arrived, she woke to a hand on her shoulder and a gentle voice telling her to wake up and see her new home. As she took it in, she listened to her new husband describe it.
The schloss, he told her, was a smaller version of the ones that dotted the German landscape. It was still grand, beautiful, and her new home. With a smile, she turned to look at Sesshomaru and was startled when he looked at her with a fond expression on his face. The carraige had stopped but neither made a move to leave yet.
His eyes softened and a genuine smile appeared on his face.
“Wilkommen Herzogin Trylburg.”