—a/n: ah, we're now on to chapter two. thank you so much for everyone who read/reviewed/alerted/favorited this, it makes me feel loved. (^_^) again, thanks to maggie-chan for beta-ing. yosh~!

(as always, disclaimed.)


the enchantress
the woman is made of lies

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Her violet eyes slowly shift upward, meeting with hers.

Startled, Orihime feels herself panic, carelessly allowing a keen noise to escape from the back of her throat. It is as if she is engulfed in anxiety: her knees buckle, her eyes sting, her ears burn. She quickly shuts her eyes and tries to remain calm. Yet, it is an impossible task while standing in the same room with royalty—with him.

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Even with Orihime's eyes shut, avoiding eye contact from the everyone else in the room, his eyes didn't, couldn't, leave her.

She is a poison, a drug to be exact. Everything about her is addicting, enticing his eyes to gaze in amazement, appreciation. He continues to stare her down, taking in her bright, red-orange hair and voluminous hips, to her long, bare legs and abundant breasts.

It is hard to believe that this person is the enchantress the villagers are heavily conveying about. She couldn't be the same enchantress who curse men and women, who steal from the poor, who abduct infants during the night. The person standing before the prince is but only a shy, timid young woman with an exceedingly alluring figure.

"Ahem." The announcer clears his throat, capturing the room's attention. The prince breaks from his cluttered thoughts. "If you would not mind, Your Grace, we shall begin the hearing."

The prince briefly nods his head.

The announcer continues, "Ladies and gentlemen, the person standing before you is Inoue Orihime, a woman who is charged for the theft of a gold necklace, worth a hundred gold coins. After a cry for her crime from a victim was heard, the evidence was found in her pocket, proof of her offense against the law..."

As the announcer goes on, Orihime remains quiet, her eyes still shut, her body still trembling. The air in her lungs suddenly escapes her body when she hears the prince clear his throat. She opens her eyes, carefully and slowly, at the scene in front of her.

"Is that all?" The prince questions the announcer, raising a brow. The announcer nods.

Then, unexpectedly, the prince's eyes quickly shift to her, and she becomes stiff, the flutters in her heart and the warmth in her checks return. The prince's expression turns soft, concerning, before questioning Orihime. "Is this true?"

She is not sure how to react to his question; the flutters in her heart and the warmth of her cheeks only worsens. Orihime did not commit the crime, she knows it. Yet, if she objects, it will only lead her into more trouble. The remaining choice is to agree to the crime, whether she likes it or not.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The prince's expression returns to its normal state, stern yet inattentive, before he asks the next question. "Do you understand the consequences of your crime?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Do you pronounce yourself guilty?"

Orihime gulps hard, fighting the urge to tell the truth. It dances on the edge of her tongue, pleading for freedom, but instead, she hangs her head so his fierce eyes wouldn't meet her easily intimidated ones.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

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The sky that day seemed to be a mixture between rain and shine, with most of they sky shrouded in dark clouds and the occasional ray of sunlight managing to filter through. This observation was made by Inoue Orihime as she left her small cottage, rested in a blanket of trees and wildlife. She appreciated these days, for she would enjoyed a walk, sinking in the fresh, damp air.

After hours of collecting various items (from flowers to fruits) in the forest, she hastily made her way to the village with her found goods in hope for a trade or two in the shops. The money she would make from the goods wasn't much, but it was enough to supply her with the right amount of materials she needed.

The moment she stepped foot into the village, all eyes are on her. Orihime was relatively used to the large amount of eyes that glared at her, some with curiosity and others with disgust. As she made her way through the crowd, she caught a villager whispering to the others, most likely another rumor the villager has birthed.

Suddenly, her attention was caught by a bright, red apple in a sea of plain, green ones at a nearby stand. She stepped closer to the sweet yet bitter fruit and smiled conservatively, for the apple reminded her of herself.

From a distance, a couple of boys, along with with the other villagers, discreetly observed the mysterious woman. The oldest boy suddenly smirked deviously, the edge of his lips nearly reaching his ears before vigorously tapping the shoulder of the younger boy.

"Psst," he whispered quietly into his ear, "I'll give yer a solid, gold coin if ya sneak this gold necklace in the enchantress's pocket!"

The younger boy's ears perked at this, and his eyes brightened in joy when he stared at the gold coin and necklace in one of the older boy's hand. Before he quickly jumped on the offer, the boy squinted his eyes skeptically, convincing himself that this was mostly likely, definitely another scheme of his.

"Where did ya get it?" He questioned, folding his arms and raising a brow, anticipating on the other's answer.

"Stole it from my mother's jewelry box, she won't even notice it was missin'. So, how 'bout it?"

The younger boy hesitantly nodded, staring at the luxurious piece of jewelry before snatching it from other the boy's hand. He took a deep breath to relieve the anxiety that gnawed at the pit of his stomach before causally walking towards the enchantress. Once he was close enough, he discreetly glanced around, checking for any eyes that were possibly watching him. When he saw no attention on him, he stuffed the necklace, quickly yet cautiously, in the back pocket of the enchantress's cloak and continued to walk, as if nothing had occurred.

The boy released a gallon of air in relief before grinning widely at the older boy, holding out his hand for his reward. The older boy smirked, placing the gold coin in the palm of other's hand. The younger boy shouted in joy, eagerly turning to run to the nearest shop to spend his new earnings.

"Hey! Hey!" The older boy shouted, quickly grabbing the younger one's shirt. The boy paused abruptly, turning around to glare at the older one, his eyebrows raised. The older boy sighed before the smirk returned to his face. "You're 'bout to miss the best part."

Before the boy could open his mouth and question the older boy of what he meant, the older one shouted loudly for everyone in the village to hear, "Help! The enchantress, the evil enchantress, has stolen my mother's necklace! The wicked witch must've placed a spell on my mother and forced her to give it to her! I swear it!"

The boy's sudden outburst startled everyone in the village, grabbing their fullest attentions. Some wore a puzzled expression, others are filled with anger, as a group of villagers began to gather around the enchantress and the two boys. Shocked, Orihime remained silent, reverting her eyes from one person to the next, unaware of what was going on. Her eyes widen when she stared at a couple of guards made their way through the sea of people.

"What goes on here?" The tall, robust guard shouted loudly and boldly, finally in the center of the mass.

"The enchantress stole that little boy's necklace!" A nearby marketer shouted. Angrily, his arms flailed about. "Arrest her immediately!"

Nods and shouts of agreement were given, scattering throughout the crowd. The guard noticed the sudden change of behavior in the mass and shifted his attention to the marketer.

"Where's your proof?" The guard asked reluctantly, folding his arms in front of his broad, armored chest.

"Check her pocket!" The boy shouted, interjecting himself in the argument, pointing an accused finger towards Orihime. Her eyebrows furrowed as the attention became fully on her. Her throat became dry as she tried to speak.

"A-Ano..." Orihime nervously started, watching the guards walk closer to her, in complete terror. "I am innocent..."

The guard smirked, "If you are innocent, then shall I have a look in your pocket?"

Orihime hesitantly nodded before turning around, giving the guard easy access to the back pocket of her cloak. The guard, slowly and carefully, extended his hand into the hole of the thick fabric. He slightly stretch his fingers to reach the bottom of the pocket; she blushed when his hand unintentionally brushed against her bum. The guard's hand clutched onto something, removing his hand from her pocket, revealing the precious string of gold, shining bright in a ray of sunlight.

Gasps and shouts spread through the crowd.

"B-But, I didn't put it in there..." she squeaked. Her heart started to race, and her fists clenched so hard that her fingers ache. Her moist eyelashes brushed against her cheeks; the tears are on the verge of releasing from her large, hazel-like eyes.

"Ah, but this," the guard started, holding the gold necklace in front of her mockingly, tauntingly, before continuing, "is the proof that you are the culprit of the crime."

The guard turned, walking towards the crowd, which remained silent. He returned the piece of jewelry to the boy, and the boy whispered his thanks to the guard. Then, the guard shifted his head towards the other guard with a stern expression.

"Arrest her."

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After everyone leaves, only silence remains in the room.

"Do you believe the girl is guilty?" Lady Rukia questions the prince, breaking the silence, avoiding eye contact. Hastily, the prince glances at his fiancée in the deepest corner of his eyes. He slightly shifts in his plush, overly-embellished throne.

"No."

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Three days.

It has been three days ever since Orihime was accused for theft. Three days since she was charged, arrested, and sent to the castle's dungeon for six months as a penalty. Three days since she met him.

So far, Orihime has fairly adjusted in the dungeon in a short time period. Regardless of the clutter that lies about, the room is rather spacious, allowing her reorganize everything in it. Two buckets, one for the use of cleaning and the other for the disposal of trash, are placed near the back of the room. Damp fabric hangs limply from the bars in order to dry. Her personals, including the hairpins that her Onii-chan had given her before his death, are hidden in the very corner of the room.

Despite the dark, putrid room, it is peaceful, quiet. In fact, she has come to take a liking to the dungeon. There are no villagers around to make sport of her, to mock her. Not to mention, the food the guards serve is passable without cost: cooked goat, tap water, and stale bread. She even thinks that life in the dungeon may have been possibly, most likely more favorable of her previous one.

Somehow, that thought doesn't bother her at all.

Suddenly, her train of thought is cut off when there is a loud noise emanating from the bars. Orihime shifts her head towards the source, her eyes transforming into disgust. There, on the opposite side of the bars, is a guard. Like the others, the guard must have been there to bother her, torture her. Unfortunately, her assumption is correct.

"Hey, b-bitch!" The guard shouts, his words slightly slurred.

Orihime's nose scrunches at the sudden scent of sake that flooded through the room. The odor leaves Orihime to assume one thing: the guard must have been drunk. She huffs and turns her head, ignoring the drunk guard, hoping he would leave her be.

"H-Hey! HEY! I know you c-can hear me—"

"Release her."

Orihime's breath suddenly ceases, for she recognized that voice. She snaps her head around, and there he was, in front of her dungeon cell, facing the guard. The guard, quickly and shakily, nods his head and parts his distance away from the bars of the cell. He jumbles in his front pocket before withdrawing a large, sliver key in the palm of his sweaty hands. It wasn't long before the key is inserted into the lock on the door of her cell and the door slides, giving Orihime easy access to escape.

Yet, she continues to stare at the two in disbelief, her legs tangled and her hair frayed about. The prince walks slowly into the cell, reaching closer and closer to Orihime, who watches his steps with a wide-eye expression. When he is close enough to her to the extent that is unbearable for Orihime, he extends his hand out towards her, and lets words escape his (perfect, kissable) lips.

"Come with me."

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"Y-Your Majesty, why did you release me?"

Orihime struggles to ask, for she is breathless from walking at such a brisk pace. She is suddenly nervous from the presence of the prince; there's a sudden spasmodic urge to throw up, yet she bites it back.

"Because you are innocent of the accused crime," the prince returns, his eyes never meeting hers, as a scowl reaches the edge of his lips before mumbling under his breath. "And no need for the formality."

Orihime quickly nods her head in apprehension, continuing to struggle to walk in sync with him. Discreetly, he observes her from the corner of his eyes before scowling. To him, she seems too pure, too perfect to be the enchantress. Yet, here she is, the actual enchantress in the flesh, next to him. The desire to question her consumes him, but he resists the urge and shifts his eyes elsewhere.

In a distance, he notices several servants scattered throughout the hallway, staring and glaring at the two. Some even pass a whisper or two to one another. Prince Ichigo scowls, realizing that the servants are conversing about them. When his hardened gaze meet theirs, the servants immediately disperse and continue their work, in fear of experience the wrath of the prince.

Orihime is bothered by the attention the two are gaining and thinks it wasn't the best idea for them to walk alone. She is beginning to grow bothered, paranoid by the servants nearby.

Finally, they reach the end of the hallway where two large doors sit. Prince Ichigo clears his throat before announcing to Orihime. "Lady Rukia and I would like for you to have dinner with us."

Her eyes suddenly widen in surprise. Before she could have the chance to politely refuse the offer, the doors swing open to reveal a grand room with a table settled at the center. A gasp escapes Orihime when she realizes that there are others waiting besides Lady Rukia. The entire royal family sit at the dining table: the newborn Princesses Kurosaki Karin and Kurosaki Yuzu, Queen Kurosaki Masaki and King Kurosaki Isshin.

Orihime avoids looking directly at his family members as she quietly takes a seat beside Prince Ichigo. The servants appear and begin passing the freshly made food. When the first dish reaches Orihime, she is mesmerized by the enticing smell and appearance. With great fever, Orihime enjoys the most delicious meal she has ever tasted, savoring each bite.

As Orihime eats, light conversations scatter around the table. Her ears slightly perk up when she catches Lady Rukia's and Queen Misaki's exchange of words. They speak of Prince Ichigo's and Lady Rukia's upcoming wedding and the details leading up to it. Curiosity grows within Orihime, yet she doesn't have the heart nor courage to speak up and ask questions. An arranged marriage is such a strange concept to Orihime that the idea remains in the back of her mind.

Once everyone finishes their meal, the servants quickly gather the empty dishes and scurry out. As they do, a few eyes land on Orihime before everyone is staring at her.

Orihime squeaks from the sudden attention. "A-Are you going to send me back to the dungeon?"

The table bursts into a fit of laughter, except Orihime who nervously glances about, reverting her eyes from one person to another. She is puzzled, yet alarmed from all of the sudden noise. "H-Have I said something wrong?"

Suddenly, she feels the prince brush against her, placing his gloved hand onto her shoulder. She squeaks in surprise and slowly faces him, her face flustered. The prince flashes a soft smile (and it feels like she melts from the sight of his bright, radiant teeth) before informing Orihime—

"Lady Rukia would like to escort you to her room."

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"Have you heard?"

"The enchantress was arrested and sent to the castle for theft—"

"—and ate dinner with the royal family!"

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The room is exquisite, just like the rest of the castle.

Her eyes closely examine every feature in the room; they freeze in the center of the room to the large portrait of Lady Rukia and Prince Ichigo planted onto the wall. The portrait reminds her of the conversation Lady Rukia and Queen Masaki shared regarding the marriage, the arranged marriage, between the Prince Ichigo and Lady Rukia.

Suddenly, the subject returns to Orihime's mind, nagging her for attention. Timidly, she calls, "L-Lady Kuchiki-san?"

"Yes, dear?" Lady Rukia replies inattentively with her back towards Orihime as she begins to unfold various gowns, one completely differing from another, onto the bed.

Orihime emits a long breath, clenches her fists. "Do you love Prince Kurosaki-san?"

Remaining silent, the petite woman pauses from unfolding the gown in her hands. Lady Rukia shifts her head directly towards Orihime, giving Orihime her full attention, as her face fills with bewilderment. "Why would you ask such a thing? I love Prince Ichigo very much."

As the woman resumes to unfold her gowns, Orihime continues to carefully stare at her movements. She is slightly in shock of her answer, for her words seem and felt as if they were false. Orihime vividly blinks her wide eyes, bringing herself back to reality and away from her train of thought. "W-Well, I heard you talking about your arranged marriage with Queen Kurosaki-san... Were you not forced to marry Prince Kurosaki-san? Do you think that it is fair for them to tell you who to marry, who to love?"

This time, her face remains hidden from Orihime and she slowly drops the final unfolded dress onto the bed.

Immediately, her head snaps around, her face bright with a radiant smile, as she ignored Orihime's question. "Why don't you get dressed, dear? I have the gowns laid out for you. Pick which one that pleases you."

Orihime quickly blinks her large eyes before scrambling out of the embellished chair. She quickly grabs a white gown, long and flowy, before murmuring her gratitude to Lady Rukia.

Orihime is embarrassed, she feels her cheeks become warm and her stomach tie in knots. Her mind swarms with remorse; she shouldn't have stuck her nose into Lady Rukia's business, especially for all they have done for her. She feels silly for being so disrespectful, so blasphemous, towards the royal family.

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Only two remained in the dining room.

"That girl..." King Isshin starts, rubbing his stubbly chin, grabbing his son's attention. "Is she the"

"Yes," Prince Ichigo quickly answers, avoiding such a subject with his father, his facial features rather disturbed. King Isshin raises an eyebrow for his son's quick answer, waiting for an explanation. Yet, the prince only gives the king a blunt reply. "She's innocent."

The king chuckles lightly, mockingly. "Do you have proof of her innocence?"

Ichigo remains silent and dodges the question, absent of any proof. "She seems too innocent for her own good."

"Ah, she seems innocent, unlike the others who are thrown in the dungeon," King Isshin indirectly jokes, yet is filled with disbelief at the same time. "Are you saying that the villagers' accusations of her are false?"

The prince is hesitant with his answer, a scowl plasters his face. He does not enjoy the fact that his father is taking the subject lightly. Containing his frustration, his breathing slightly shifts before answering. "Yes."

King Isshin sighs before standing, signaling for his slumber. He eyes his son one last time and turns around, his back towards the prince, making his way toward the doors. He opens the door before projecting threatening words across the spacious room. "Look, I do not want any trouble from her stay!"

"There will be no trouble," Prince Ichigo assures, as he, too, stands from his seat. A yawn escapes his lips and he stretches his arms outward before returning them conservatively at his sides.

"That, I promise."

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to be continued.


e/n: oh, poor ichigo. what has he got himself into? *sigh* anyways, like or no? some of your lovely feedback would be nice, thanks. (^3^) by the way, in the future chapters, i will go in more depth with the characters that are introduced in the story so far. each character has a significant role, so no worries.

-audrey