A/N: Hello! A new fic! The first chapter is the same as Chapter 20 of my 'There Was Once When' collection. Thanks so much for all your reviews guys and a special thanks to the three lovely people who voted in the poll on my profile page for me to continue.
Disclaimer: Bleach = Not mine. And neither is the cover picture.
Rating may go up.
Enjoy!
Chapter – 1
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A scream tore through the silence. There had been an awful tension hanging over their heads for weeks now and finally the dreaded moment had come. The auburn-haired woman stayed right where she was, standing in front of the royal shrine. She knew that she would only be putting others in danger by trying to run. Besides, she was by no means a coward.
Predictably, a loud crash sounded from behind her as the large wooden doors were knocked down. She slowly turned to face a squadron of soldiers, their swords held towards her throat.
"Their leers really are off-putting." She thought to herself.
'Got you now, Princess.'
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The world was a dark, unpleasant place. Not because she was dead, but because there was a bag over her head. Her hands were tied behind her back and she was being prodded to move forward. She was also gagged but she thought the action was futile. She didn't really have anyone to call for, now did she? They'd already slain anyone who could help. A wind blew through what she presumed were open windows and she felt a little relief from the stifling heat. She wore a thin, white dress that was by no means helpful but was exactly fit for royalty. It had full sleeves with embroidered golden edges, a modest neckline that dipped in the center exposing only a little of her bountiful breasts and a flowing skirt that trailed along the lines of her figure until it reached the floor. An intricately carved, ornamental belt of gold adorned her thin waist.
'You'll like this.' A horribly sleazy voice said. Or maybe that was just her opinion.
The bag was ripped off her head and the sudden light blinded her for a moment.
The first thing that met her gaze were intense eyes the color of the darkest coffee. And then she realized that they belonged to a man. A man with shockingly bright orange hair. She blinked. He was tall, with strong, broad shoulders and large hands. The sleeveless black garment that covered his chest did nothing to hide his hard, sculpted chest. The same was the case with his pants and the high boots he wore, that only further showcased his impressive physique.
Having finished examining him, she boldly met his eyes again.
'What?' he growled and she swallowed heavily. His voice was deep and smooth as silk.
'She's a present for you, Ichigo.' The sleazy voice from before said and she saw a man with brown hair, a tendril of which fell over his face and sly, calculating eyes. She recognized him immediately from pictures that her spies had drawn. Sousuke Aizen. The one responsible for attacking her country to increase the size and power of his own. Correction – Emperor Sousuke Aizen. Which meant that Ichigo was the Prince Ichigo Kurosaki. She bitterly noted that they were all in what had been until a few hours ago, her throne room.
'She's a good one, isn't she?' Aizen asked and she wanted with all her might to strike him for his disgusting words.
'Yes. Thank you.' Ichigo said and a new level of fury awoke within her. How dare they? How dare they discuss her like she was now their property? She was Princess Orihime Inoue of Karakura and defeated or not, they had no right to disrespect her like this. Although, she was talking to these despicable Sereiteians so she should have expected that.
'Could I have a moment?' Ichigo asked.
'Of course. Take all the time you want.'
There was a signal and everybody left. Except Ichigo, that is.
He walked over to stand behind her and she felt scraps of cloth give way as her hands were untied and the gag was removed. She was about to speak when his hand came up against her mouth, preventing that.
'Please listen.' He whispered in her ear and she grudgingly nodded.
'I know you don't want this.' He said and she held back a derisive snort. 'Aizen wants me to keep you and he will not hear otherwise. There is one way out if you wish to save your dignity.'
He let her go and she turned around immediately.
'I will not hurt you.' He continued, 'I will keep you safe. And I will never touch you without your permission.'
He drew in a deep breath.
'Will you marry me?' he asked.
She blinked. And then understood. The marriage was a means to grant her respect. It would still leave her with a little power. Without that, she would have absolutely no control over her fate. She realized that she might have had the wrong impression of this man. Very wrong, if he spoke the truth. Even if he wasn't, this was her best chance.
'Yes.' She said.
His molten brown eyes bored into her and she was taken aback by the seriousness in their depths.
He spoke but one sentence.
'I will protect you.'
And for some unfathomable reason, she trusted him.
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A/N: Tada! I hope you liked it! Lemme know your thoughts! Please review!