My head ached from the meeting with the Count. My sore body was worn out from the exhaustion. My waistcoat and top hat felt uncomfortable on my aching body. I sat annoyed and tired in my carriage while pulling down the small curtain on the window to keep the beaming sun away from my eyes. The carriage was small with red leather, cushion seats with dark green and light purple flower designs on the inside. I rested my throbbing head against the cool window and closed my tired eyes. My tiring, busy schedule occupied me every day with constant meetings, planning, parties and arrangements. My life of solitude was worn out by my day to day activities.
I could hear the distant strides of the horse's hooves against the streets as the carriage went along. I heard the busy street markets and the rustle of people as they rushed in the streets and shops. The bumps of the road had caused the carriage to wobble and woke me from my daze as the carriage turned. The busy sounds of the street markets soon died away as I reached closer to my mansion. I eagerly thought of my leisure time and some afternoon tea. I could soon see the white gates up ahead that surrounded my home. I could see my mansion in the distance and my home steward at the front steps ready to greet me. The carriage finally came to a stop and the coach driver opened the door for me. I got out and felt the sun's warm rays beam onto me and the welcoming, familiar stone path to the front of my home.
"Good afternoon Sir." Welcomed Charles as he bowed to me in respect.
"Afternoon Charles." I replied lazily as I walked briskly towards the front mahogany doors, my feet dragging behind me in exhaustion and the gravel and pebbles crunching under my pristine shined shoes.
"How was the meeting with the Count Kuchiki Sir?"
"As tiring as usual." I grinned in sarcasm. He followed me into the white palace and he took off my coat. He neatly hung it and took my top hat and Cain and headed to the closet.
"Lunch and tea will be ready for you as usual Sir." He informed me in a gentle tone of voice that always managed to clam me down after a long, tiring day, then he left. His soft footsteps receding and echoing in the empty hallways.
I walked past the beautiful framed paintings that hung on the white walls, their golden frames sparkling in the sun that radiated from the large windows. The cold marble floor beneath me was washed and cleaned to perfection since I could practically see the outline of my body in the reflection. I headed towards the brown spiral staircase towards my study, the mahogany steeps creaking with strain and the railing was as shiny as the floor after hours of wiping and cleaning.
"Welcome back Sir." Bowed a long, blue hair maid.
I ignored the maid and turned to my right on the red carpet hall towards my room and slammed the door to my study. Inside, the room was once again put back into a neat order. My books no longer cluttered my desk and now rested in the large book case by the curtained window. My brown armchair was free from papers and the fireplace cleaned from wood, charcoal and any residue soot. My cream carpet swept and my pen quills placed away in the cupboard. The fireplace was to my right and the couch sat in front on the fireplace for the utmost comfort. My red Chaise lounge chair sat near the fireplace as well. The large window was at the back of the room and the bookcase beside it to the left. My desk faced me as I stood at the door.
I undid my waistcoat and dropped it onto the lounge chair carelessly, the sudden relief from being constrained in tight fitting clothing was pleasant on my tight, sore muscles. I sat in my wooden chair at my desk and faced the window. I looked out to see the colorful leafs cover the backyard which painted the ground in soft yellows, reds and browns reminding my of the sun at dusk. I closed my eyes and leaned my head against the chair, the chair creaking under the strain. My hand covered my burning eyes and I massaged my pounding head. After a few minutes of peace, I heard a soft knock on my door.
"Come in." I called out in an annoyed tone and sat up more properly in my chair to prepare myself for the sudden intrusion.
"Sir your tea is ready." Charles informed me as he stepped in swiftly and shut the door after himself, knowing that I didn't like to be disturbed whenever I was tired or annoyed.
"Leave it here and leave." I growled. I relaxed in my chair and placed my hands on my desk and rested my chin in the palm of my right hand in both boredom and annoyance.
"Yes Sir." Charles answered softly. He carried a sliver tray with a beautiful flower designed china tea set and placed the tray onto my desk. I watched him as he carefully placed everything neatly and delicately onto my desk and I could hear the small clank of dishes against the wood.
"Sir…" Charles interrupted the tranquil peace and quite that surrounded me.
"Yes?"
"I don't mean to be rude but—you look awful." Charles jabbed in a teasing tone of voice and a soft smile on his old, wrinkled face. His thin pale slips upturned in a small smirk and his withered brown coloured eyes crinkling in amusement.
"HAHAHAHA," I laughed boisterously, "Thank you Charles for that notion, but I'm fine. You may leave now." I ordered calmly.
"Sir?"
"What is it?" I barked in slight irritation. He seemed to like to bother me and always knew that I didn't like to be bombarded with questions, but loved to ask anyways. His long service in my home and his loyal devotion one of the many things that I loved about the man. It was probably one of the reasons why he was allowed to get away with all the teasing remarks that he jabbed out at me.
"A few of the maids have asked for permission to resign." He sighed. His eyes were downcast and his lips down turned. This was a common occurrence in my home; servants came and went by the handful. Most left due to my high demands and their inability to meet my high standards of cleanliness.
"How many of them want to quit?" I demanded. My eyes were stern and my voice was clipped in irritation as I stared him down.
"Well quite a few of the maids Sir, at least five from my count." Charles informed me calmly. His body was strung like a coil and I could tell that the toil of dealing with my anger over the years weighed on him. His hands were taunt and his gloves scrunched up from the pressure of his hold. I could tell he was stressed and tired from the constant changes within the household.
"It's fine let them go. If they hate it so much here, they are free to leave. I have no need for any useless annoyances." I ordered coldly. I closed my eyes and once again leaned back in the chair in resignation.
"Very well Sir. However we will need replacements. Shall I make a few calls?"
"Why not. The more fun for me to tease the new servants." I chuckled devilishly as I turned my attention once back at Charles. My eyes sparkled with joy and I felt a sudden burst of energy. I found that teasing the new maids to be a fun sport and even had a running bet with Renji when we were younger to see which maids would stay under my service. Remembering it now, it was quite fun and even at one period I had won a large sum from Renji. I chuckled lightly in amusement as I recollected our past teasing.
Charles recognized my amusement and smiled lightly and shook his head in mirth. He placed the silver tray back on the trolley and closed the door softly behind him. I sipped the warm, sweet tea and felt the heat of the tea start to sooth my body and headache. I shut my eyes trying to escape my busy life. Why did father leave everything to me? What happened to mother? That bastard of a father never tells me anything. I thought, cursing my painful, pathetic life. I took out my silver pocket watch to see 1:35 pm. and thought of the upcoming dinner party with the Kuchiki's.
The head of the family, Byakuya Kuchiki, insisted that I should come for a dinner party in order to meet and discuss things with his younger sister. I had no interest in dressing up or even meeting shallow women, but as requested I was required to attend. I felt bothered by the thought of wasting time with parties and such. I snarled at the idea and played out the party in my head. Petty shallow women spreading gossip, count Kuchiki and his sister proudly sitting and forcing idea's into my head. I shivered at the thought and it irritated me. I decided I would take a nap before the long, unbearable dinner party. I finished off the rest of the rose tea and took off my dress shoes and threw myself onto my soft bed. I drew the curtains of my bed to avoid any disturbances and slipped under the thick covers and closed my tired eyes.
"SIR! Sir!" I heard a faint voice call out to me as I was in my deep slumber.
"Sir!" The voice grew stronger and more insistent. The tone was desperate and seemed familiar in my foggy state of mind.
"Hmm…" I mumbled. I rolled around underneath the covers and slowly opened my eyes and saw Charles standing by the bed shaking me violently. His face grim and his grey hair swaying with his vigorous movements.
"Sir! Wake up! You're late for the dinner party." Charles shouted. I jolted awake and looked for the time, my old bulova wind up clock resting by my desk showed 5:45pm. I was to meet with the Count at 5:30 for reservations and eat at 6:30. Shit I'm LATE!
"Why didn't you wake me earlier Charles? I've been asleep for four hours!" I gritted through my teeth, as I practically tripped over my bed, the bed sheets tangled up in my legs and I hastily did the buttons on my waist coat and ruffled my hair to attempt to straighten it out to look somewhat presentable.
"Sir you looked exhausted, and you didn't inform me like you usually do. I had to look through your letters Sir. Please forgive me for my impertinence." He bowed and apologized.
"Damn it all to hell!" I quickly finished with the last button and ruffled my hair, then pressed it down to avoid it from sticking up like it usually did.
"Get the carriage ready. I'll be down in a moment." I ordered as I ran about the room looking for my hand gloves, top hat and hand cain.
"Yes Sir." Charles sped out of my room. I hastily grabbed my Cain, top hat, and white gloves and zoomed out of my room slamming the door behind me and ran down the stairs. A few maids and servants watching in shock as I ran, some stopping in their activities to watch me as I made a skeptical out of myself. I reached the front door and before anyone could even reach the door to open it for me, I burst the door open and ran out into the chilly night air.
"Have a safe trip master." Two maids bowed behind me as I slammed the front door.
I nearly jumped into the carriage and told the coachman to drive fast. The horses bucked and dashed. The street lamps started flickering on and I checked my pocket watch. 6:00pm Damn, I'm nearly there. Lights from stores and houses shone brightly in the dark as my carriage sped through the streets. After nearly fifteen minutes, the carriage finally came to a halt. I sprinted out before the driver could open the door and I burst open the restaurant doors and speed walked past people as they whispered and gossiped about my rude entry. I finally found the table where the Count sat and rushed over, his long raven coloured hair making it easy to spot him in any crowd.
"Forgive my rudeness. It seems I had a little mix up in timing." I apologized panting out of breath as I bowed in politeness.
"Late as usual Mr. Kurosaki." Byakuya said dryly. He sat poised at the table with a cup of tea and an assortment of deserts splayed out before him. His legs were crossed underneath the table cloth and his pristine charcoal coloured suit stuck out and made him look powerful. His face remained passive even as I rushed over to take off my hat and gloves and sat down trying to avoid any more attention.
"I have called you here for an urgent matter that I need to discuss with you." He began. Not even pausing for a moment after I had sat down. He wasted no time as usual and his brisk manner of talking always managed to grate on my nerves. He was always on the clock and never seemed to waste his precious time more than he needed, which only served to show off how arrogant he could be at times.
"If you have heard, our family's legacy is dying along with my family's fortune," Byakuya paused as he took a sip of his tea and continued, "Therefore I have discussed with my sister and have decided that you are the perfect candidate for marriage to my sister." He finished. His face seemed to show some form of reluctance and irritation at the mere suggestion of marriage. His nose was scrunched in what looked like disgust and his dark eyes were cold. I sat in silence for a moment trying to process his words.
"I'm sorry?" I croaked. I was baffled that someone as arrogant and pig headed as Byakuya would even suggest something like marriage to me. I knew that he always hated me and the tension between us was not a secret to anyone who knew of our long-standing disgust. Our relationship was strained at best and having to deal with each other was an uncomfortable ordeal.
"Due to the fact that your family is wealthy and given your reputation, I'm choosing you to marry my sister to save our family's name and reputation." He finished in a flat tone of voice. He placed his teacup back down onto the saucer and looked up at me in anger.
"I'm sorry but I cannot carry out your request. It is not a matter of my concern and I do not intend to marry at my current age." I argued. I felt my blood boil at the idea of even marriage and to have to see Byakuya's face on a regular basis if I were to marry into his famil was NOT something I could digest.
"Oh? Men of your age should marry. You know Mr. Kurosaki, people have been saying nasty things about your social life style and manners. You should mingle with others your age. Men your age are already married and even have a few children." He threatened. "Otherwise you'll be the target for gossip."
"What others think of me is not my concern, Mr. Kuchiki." I spelled out in rage that was boiling up. My hands curled underneath the table cloth in anger.
"It will concern you if you want to keep that reputation of yours." Byakuya looked at me sternly and called for his sister. She was petite for her age, and her shoulder length, raven black hair was just as he had remembered it. Her deep purple eyes were still bone chilling and she wore a pink bodice with frills that trailed down for tonight's occasion. Her skin was pale, milky white and her face was morphed into one of amusement. His ruby red lips turned into a smirk and her eyes shinning under the low lighting.
"I'm sure you remember my beloved sister, Rukia." He announced. She smiled proudly and sat down. I felt sick and annoyed at the very thought of marriage and especially since we had grown up together. Although we were friends when we were younger the mere thought of marriage to her was sickening. I only saw her as a dear friend and seeing her as a potential partner, let a lone a woman, was disturbing.
"It's very nice see you again, Ichigo. I hope that we can get along." She smirked as she played along. She was clearly enjoying my annoyance and confusion about the whole situation. I abruptly stood up, the chair screeching under the floor disrupting the soft strum of violins in the background. I took my coat, hat and gloves off the table and stepped away from the table ready to leave.
"Please excuse me; I have more—important matters to attend to." I emphasized, then bowed and swiftly turned around, turning my back towards the both of them.
"Mr. Kurosaki, we still haven't finalized our arrangement. I find it awfully rude to have you just leave in the middle of my plans." He countered, his voice low and icy cold.
"I will inform you of my decision on the matter, later. It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Kuchiki." I stressed, forcing a smile then left. Rukia looked delighted with the turn of events and her brother looked irritated. A small smirk crept in the corners of my mouth as I left.
The ride back was quiet and peaceful compared to my busy life. I recalled the dinner party and refused to marry. I felt exhausted, and yearned for some kind of interest in life, for a chance to escape the world of responsibility and work. I longed for freedom and kind parents that should have taken care of me. I stared outside the carriage window and saw the world being consumed with darkness of the night. My eyelids felt heavy and I felt weak. I just want a normal life. I clenched my hands into fists and felt anger boil in me. The carriage came to a stop. The coachman opened the door and I stepped out. The night air cool and refreshing after being inside the carriage for so long. I lazily opened the front door and six maids and six servants bowed their heads and welcomed me home. They took my hat and coat and I hastily sped to my resting quarters. Rushing up the stairs I opened the door to my room and quickly took off my clothes, and opened my wardrobe and took out a long, white linen nightgown, the top buttons suffocating me and the trimmed lace and long sleeves wrapped around my arms. I roughly pulled the covers of my bed and hopped into bed and rested my head onto my pillow and thought. I've had enough. I closed my eyes and let darkness sweep over me.
The sounds of birds chirping loudly and beaming sunlight in my eyes woke me up and I cursed the interruption of my long, overdue slumber. I slumped back down onto the bed and heard a soft knock against my door seconds later.
"Come in." I barked as I didn't even bother to move from my slouched position in the bed and lay lifeless. A maid came in rolling a cart with a tray with my tea and breakfast on it. The smell of freshly baked bread and hot tea sharpening my senses. Charles followed in after the maid and he stepped in as he usually did. He reminded me of a cat, always there but never letting his presence known until he wanted to.
"Good morning Sir." He bowed, his usually polite smile plastered on his face.
"Tea and breakfast is ready for you Sir." Chirped the maid, she then bowed and left shutting the door softly behind her leaving me alone with Charles.
"What time is it?" I grumbled. I rested my hand over my eyes to shut away any sun light and only peeked my eyes out from under my forearm to give my darkest glare to Charles.
"A little past 8:30." Charles informed me, his smile not faltering even a little seeing as how he was accustomed to my usual glare and threatening looks.
"Get my clothes." I ordered.
"Yes sir, but after you eat please." Charles insisted in amusement. I mumbled under my breath in annoyance and sat up in my bed, the multiple feather pillows behind my back supporting me as I rest against the headboard and he placed the tray onto my lap and poured the tea.
"Sir, I made some calls regarding the lack of staff as you had requested yesterday afternoon." Charles explained as he continued to serve me and buttered the bread and toast to my liking.
"Oh yes. How did that go?" I asked stuffing toast into my mouth. The bread being baked to perfection and crunchy just like the way I liked it.
"I have found you two maids and one butler who seem interested to work for you Sir."
"Hmm… good, we have been lacking in maids. Thank you Charles. These past twelve years you have proven your loyalty." I expressed my small form of gratitude.
"Thank you Sir." He bowed.
"When do I get to meet these candidates?" I impatiently asked as I held the warm cup of tea in my cold, rigid fingers.
"Today Sir. I have arranged a time for them to meet you and get your approval. They will meet here and will been given tasks to prove their skills." He laid out his plans.
"Sounds interesting. Looks like I'll finally have some fun." I grinned devilishly. "Lots—of fun."