Every princess meets their one and only at a ball,
he dances her heart into a trance,
making her love him more than they set to say.
Could a single dance make someone love you?
Does the simple action of the waltz take our breath away?
Hand in hand,
touch to touch;
step to step.
Dancing is another form of sex.
Bodies get heated and skin touch for the first time,
if there is a spark then your partner is forever worthy of your hand.
You are clothed and in front of people, but with the right partner you feel as though you are alone,
in a room with only you and he,
hand in hand and skin to skin;
hearts beating as one like your feet.
You may blush and feel exposed because in his eyes, your dance is the most beautiful movement in the world...
Dancing is the first step...
The first step to an eternity of magic sparks...
The castle was screaming, screaming of celebration for the night. Sounds of the band echoed the hallways and lead into my bedroom, it was disturbing. I could hear the laughter of many royals and nobles downstairs, each seemed like the sound of a mockingbird laughing in my face.
My eyes watched out the window to the cherry blossom tree which stood still like my heart, not a wind to move the branches and no bird to sing a love song in its purity. It was silent. Such silence was murderous and unbearable, but I managed to find comfort in it. Somehow I muffled out the band and the mockingbirds only to hear my heart beat. Unlike its normal rhythm it was racing almost like a horse running at full gallop. I was nervous.
I hadn't seen my 'husband-to-be' yet, even when my father arrived home with the man I didn't see him; the carriage man drove him away and left my father in my presence. I don't know why, but my father seemed proud for his choice. Perhaps he and the knight had plenty in common, maybe that was how he choose my suitor.
A man like my father? To me, it wasn't the right choice for someone like me. I was wild and free unlike my father who was disciplined and proper. I and my father would bump heads every now-and-then because we were different; like summer and winter.
The creaking of my bedroom door caused my silent world to vanish and the music to flow through my ears. In the glass of the window I saw my father entering my room, his long black hair with tiny strands of grey held the crown. His crown and kingdoms jewel, something he was willing to give away. " Father", I greeted while he closed the door.
His skin was pale and held a few wrinkles from his age, but he didn't look like an old man. I turned making the cream lace and white silk of my dress ruffle. My violet eyes watched as he smiled at the sight of me, the misty grey orbs were bright as he admired my beauty. " Your mother would be in tears for this sight", I held my breath and nodded. My mother would be in tears, she always wanted to see me on my ceremony night and wedding day just like any ordinary mother.
" Indeed father", I looked over him with his silk velvet shirt and black pants. Upon his shoulders was his royal cloak made of egyptian cotton, wrapped around his waist was a golden belt crafted by the finest blacksmiths. He looked like a King. But the prize diamond of his attire was the large crown on his head, gold rim and peaks, ruby's and large diamonds glistened in the light of the castle. The crown was power and beauty, two vicious murderers. " You look rather handsome tonight".
He shrugged and made his way towards me, the ruffling of his boots on the wooden floor shook my burning frustration. I wanted to scream in protest of the marriage, but he was only doing his duties.
When he was beside me I watched as he opened the window allowing the soft breeze filled the room. " Look out there my dear", I glanced to him and then outside where the village glowed with lanterns of celebration. In the light of the village square I could see couples dancing and having a good time, everything was perfect like it should be. Cheap street music lite the fire of their party and several children ran around with glowing lanterns in their hands. The village was alive. " This village will be yours after you are wed. You shall take your mothers spot at the throne and your husband mine. I know your mother would have wanted such".
In my mind I figured my mother would want me to be Queen, but she would have wanted the King to be my love, not a suitor that was chosen by my father. Could I rule a land without love? Would I be a good queen? I never thought about it. Thinking about being queen was exciting but terrifying at the same time. I didn't know if I should smile or cry in terror.
" Father, the man I am to marry... is he handsome?," my father being the protective and large-headed man he is, was never the kind to look for appearance in a person. He was more satisfied with their personality, which was a good thing but if I were to marry one of his choices then he might as well be good-looking.
He looked at me like I was an enemy, almost as though I slaughtered his pride. " Are you intending that you love for appearance and not personality? I thought I and your mother raised you proper, not disgraceful".
My heart-throb for his thoughts. I was proper and raised right, I just didn't want to marry an old hag by force and have him be the sight of an ass. " Mother would not want me to wear her jewels on such an event, Father. She wanted me to marry for love, not to pass on the crown", he stepped back and was bothered by my argument.
" Rukia... is that how you truly feel for this arrangement?" he didn't sound hurt but angry. My father was never one to understand others feelings, he was just a numb man. Emotions and all.
I sighed and turned away from the window. I had noticed that the Kuchiki noble carriages had pulled up and we were going to be called down soon; there was no time for arguing. " I feel as though I am nothing but a slave being traded for gold. But, I know the difference by now. A slave has more consent in their placement, I do not. Whatever you choose is what I am to do", he stepped forward and placed a hand on my shoulder. Was this comfort or a sign of empowerment?
My eyes lingered to his hand and then to his stern face, several wrinkles had form since I was a child. Aging is never a promising future for a King. " You are to marry this man. He is a good man, with battle skills and honor; the perfect knight. Be grateful for my decision and push past your displeasure for the kingdom", I was silent. There wasn't much to say anymore, he made his mind on the journey home and there was no changing it. He was too hard-headed like a donkey.
Tears perks my orbs and clouded my violets, I was devastated in his decision. My father truthfully saw me as the crown and not the last existing piece of my mother. How could be believe such? " I-I understand, my lord" he wasn't my father in my eyes. He was my King and I was the crown to pass on.
A knock echoed the room and broke the sadness which overwhelmed my heart. " My lord", the deep voice of the person startled me and I looked up. The sight of orange hair and amber eyes was shocking to me. It was out of code for a man to be near the royal chambers, unless they're married or related to them. " Your Commander ordered me to come and show you the rings. I believe it could wait, but sadly they are asking for your presence downstairs", I blinked and raised a brow to the blacksmith. How would the Commander think he has the right? Aizen didn't have the power nor the permission to give such an order. Only my parents could do such, even I.
" I shall have to talk to the Commander threlly about this order after the ceremony", I nodded and my father waved Ichigo into the room quickly. " Please enter and present the rings. I must see if they are in order and presentable".
Ichigo entered slowly trying to act proper and pose. I looked at his attire, he wore black pants which suited the baggy white shirt that tucked in his pants. The neck was low and revealed his muscle slightly. My eyes wandered from his chest and to his shoulders where a coat of black sat. He was handsome and fitted for royalty.
He stopped in front of I and my father before taking a red bag out of his jacket. My father grabbed the bag and nodded to him softly before looking inside. I was gawking at how well he could clean-up, he was beautiful. I would never say that out loud and in front of my father, but in my mind it was safe.
I watched as his eyes looked from my father, who was examining the rings, and then to me with a bright daze. She is beautiful... I heard whispered in my ear. I blushed at his thoughts and smiled down at the floor, before fiddling with my golden necklace with my fingers. The gem heart, that was once my mothers, glimmered in my hands and chilled with my icy touch. I was flattered but embarrassed.
Father cleared his throat causing I and Ichigo to look at him with the blush fresh on my cheeks. " Would you like to see his work?" he asked with his eyes tight on the blacksmith. I glanced over to Ichigo and noticed how overpowered he felt with my father glance on him.
" No. I believe he knows what he has done and the rings are the best. There is no need for me to see them", Ichigo looked up slightly and surprised by my praise towards him. Of course I was going to praise a man who entered my bedroom with my father present, also he deserved praising for traveling this far for two rings.
My father didn't seem pleased, but disappointed in my lack of interest for the rings. " It is to be on your finger for the rest of your life, you should glance at them at least", he tried but I locked eyes with the blacksmith; they were beginning to burn with anger for my father. It was degrading his pride that his work had to be checked before the ceremony began. He was a trusted man and his work was the best, he didn't need approval.
I looked over to my father and then to the bag where rings hid from my sights. " Since the ring is to be on my finger for the rest of my life, then I can choose whether I see it or wait for my ceremony. It is my decision after all, Father".
He stepped to the side in shock before handing Ichigo his bag. " Very well", he growled before the sight of Momo came from the door. " Can we be of assistance, Momo?" she blinked and looked at Ichigo puzzled but clued in when she saw the tiny bag in his hand.
" Indeed, my Lord" she stepped in with her blue silk dress that slid on the floor and her gold ropes tied around her waist swung softly. " My Lord, your father is asking for you" father tensed and sighed before look at me. He was to walk me downstairs, but it could wait. " The ceremony can start when you and he are done talking, if you wish", he nodded and looked at the blacksmith.
" Please, Koursaki. You may go and enjoy the ceremonial drinks and food. Your duty is done", with that he left the room and Momo waited for Ichigo to leave.
" Momo, I wish to be alone with the Blacksmith", she watched down the hallway after my father and waited till he was gone.
She turned and looked at the both of us. " Princess, I believe that is not proper" I rolled my eyes and frowned softly.
" Please, I wish to speak with him about his journey back to his kingdom and if he needs any supply", that was enough to make her think before allowing me and Ichigo to be alone.
" Fine, but he must be gone before you father returns to walk you down", I stared as she closed the door slowly and let the creaking filled the room.
The blacksmith smiled and looked over my body with his bright eyes. " Is something the matter, Princess?" I growled at the title and shook my head. I didn't want to be known as princess, I have a name it wasn't princess. I didn't even like the title. I hated being royal.
I glanced over to the window and ignored him. There were too many things wrong with me. I didn't want to give away my frist dance to someone I didn't know or want to be with. Dancing in my kingdom is a sign of love or interest. When you dance with someone you either have an emotion towards them and want them in some way, that was the reason we danced at the ceremony. If two people danced and they're the same gender, it is considered a friendship love. But, a man and woman dancing is either a relationship or sexual intend. I didn't have either thoughts for my suitor.
A sigh left my lips as I returned to the window and looked out at the carriage. The sight of several women being assorted by a man was overwhelming. Did they marry for love or arrangement? Either way, they were here to see me be handed to a stranger. Everyone was here for my torture.
" Rukia, what is the matter?" I leaned against the window and finally looked over to the blacksmith; I wish I got to choose my first intimate touch with a man. Dancing was going to be my all. The suitor would be the first to truly hold me and touch my skin; it made me sick and trapped like an animal.
I wanted more power over my destiny. " I am sorry for my father's behavior towards you. He can be rude at time but, that is how he was raised", Ichigo nodded and walked over to my side slowly. " Any woman you wish to dance with?"
He chuckled while his eyes where out to the village. " I have not looked yet", I was surprised he hadn't seen anyone. There were plenty of women here and he was bound to find a beautiful one to hold and dance with. " Is that the reason you're sad? Because you have to dance with your suitor?"
He made it seem like it wasn't a big deal, but the truth was it was a huge deal. " Ichigo, this is going to be my first dance. The first time a man besides my father has touched my skin. Your kingdom may not have the same customs, but here it is a be deal", not all kingdoms had the custom only a few did. It was understandable if he didn't know about it and the thought put in the dance.
" How so?" his glance stuck on mine and he began to ponder. There weren't many things spectacular to dancing, it was just two people moving to the band.
" Dancing is like sex. Two bodies moving together as one. In this kingdom people dance as a form of affection or intimacy. A woman untouched by a man is considered a virgin and pure, when she dances with a man they are testing their worthiness of her hand. If they bring her happiness and a spark to the dance, they are to be lovers or married", he seemed confused. It was complicated. " In general, I'm being forced to have a man touch me".
He was silent but in his mind he was putting the pieces together. " Its a purity given to your one and only", he commented. I nodded and looked out to the village. Envy began to creep in my heart for all the poor, they had something I wanted. Freedom. They choose their first touch and first dance, I was just being forced. I didn't want to dance it was frightening; I have only danced with my father and wasn't very good.
" I wish I was not a royal", I whispered but Ichigo heard and smirked. He probably thought I was being ungrateful for what I have. But, he didn't know the duties of a royal and the truth. " You do not understand".
His glance was daring. " Enlighten me princess", he mocked my title and was trying to get me angry. Perhaps I was ready for a fight and a good one. I truly wanted to grab a blade and slice someone in half with my anger, frustration and hatred.
I glared at Ichigo causing ice to creep in my orbs, it always happened when I was angry. " All peasants have to worry for is necessities. I would rather work and be weeping around about food or water, than having to walk down and get myself to some man I would never glance up. Royals have to push themselves to the side and take care of the village before they care for their wants", I could feel the sorrow building in my heart. There were many things that I didn't have when I was a child, because of my father's title and duties. I barely knew him. My mother was the only one I really had.
" From the outside it looks like royals get everything they want, but it seems that it is nothing but a showcase", I nodded. I could tell he noticed he hit a nerve in my heart for the topic. I closed my eyes causing the soft layer of ice to vanish and my orbs to be normal. " Now I understand why you are such a rebel", he chuckled.
I smiled softly and glanced towards him to see a bright smile painted on his lips. His smile reminded me of the sun during the winter; it rarely appeared and when it was seen there was a cloud to cover the warmth. Ichigo was the winter sun of my cold life, he was my little piece of comfort and hope for a better future. " I'm like my mother", I told him. I never really told anyone about my mother or what happened to her, not even my father really knew what happened to her. Only I truly knew, but I wasn't going to tell the tale so soon; I needed to know I could trust him.
" Well then, you should be a fine Queen" I looked sadly down at the cherry blossom tree below. I didn't want to think about being queen and all the things I was going to do. I would have to lead my 'husband' and support his decisions. But, how could I support someone I didn't want? I couldn't even see myself dancing with him, I would have preferred to dance with Ichigo. At least I knew him slightly.
The thought gave me an idea, an idea that seemed to give me a little pleasure and power for the situation. " I have an idea, but it could get you beheaded if my father finds out" I muttered. Ichigo caught my words and held his breath.
" What is it?" I blinked. He could hear me? He was an excellent listener then.
" Be my first dance".
He seemed surprised at my idea. " Rukia, I am flattered but I can not do such", I understood the risks and the laws I was willing to break, but I didn't want to be pure if I was going to be given to someone I didn't want.
" Please", I whispered as I stepped forward and gripped his arm. I looked up at him, eyes shining with tears and sadness dripping from my lashes, hoping he would agree and dance with me. He searched my orbs and looked over my pale cheeks, then to my raven locks that were perfectly curled and braided. When he saw the crown on my head he closed his eyes because of the power it held.
As he admired my face and thinking about his choice, I grabbed the crown from my head and tossed the metal on the bed. I didn't want him to think he was dancing with the princess of Kuchiki kingdom, but with Rukia, the girl who is a rebel and free.
He seemed shocked at my actions. I looked away from his face and to the hand he had placed on my cold cheek; it was warm and caused goosebumps to cover my arms. I never felt such warmth and tender touch, I was usually cold from my abilities. My hand covered his and my eyes glances over the large fingers and palm resting on my skin. His calluses were rough on my soft flesh, but it was refreshing and thrilling. I liked it.
His hand covered mine and his other wrapped around my waist, before he lead me to the middle of the room, so no one could see us through the window. He lowered my hand from my cheek and held it softly in the air. I took the motion in mind and place my other hand on his shoulder.
I felt his fingers wrap around my waist and softly fiddle with the cream lace. " I might be bad at this", he whispered. I smiled and began to sway with the soft music downstairs, he followed and took the lead slowly.
My dress moved softly on the ground with my cream silk train gliding on the floor while Ichigo brought me to the left and spun me around slowly to take in my full body. I blushed when he caught the sight of the back, the silk was throughout the dress but not on my back, where lace covered my skin. I felt exposed and naked in his eyes.
I looked in his eyes and felt the emotion melt to my soul; I could feel his worry and happiness in the dance. When he looked down at our feet I laughed softly " Just look at me" I said softly before his eyes locked with mine. His worry slowly disappeared and my sad followed with it. He was making me happy and causing me to forget about the ceremony.
My hand on his shoulder ran down his strong muscular arms and into his palm. He pulled me out and spun me softly before pulling me back. My back pressed against his chest causing chills to covered my spine from the warmth, the beat of his heart was fresh in my ears. It calmed my fluttering heart.
A hand traveled down one of my arms, that were covered in silk and lack, but it felt bare and like his fingers were on my skin. This was how the dance was supposed to feel. His large hand reclaimed my small one and he spun me around to our original position. My eyes went to his.
I felt free in the moment and in power of my future with Ichigo. I felt like I was myself and not the princess. He smiled and dripped me softly but our eyes never left each other. I felt him leaned down with my body and his breath on my lips. They tingled with his breath and my stomach burned with fire.
He brought me back to my feet and began to guide me back to the middle of the room where he spun me again and slowly grew the confidence to pull me close to his chest. My breast, that weren't perking up like before, touched his chest and our skin touched softly.
When the sound of the song ending went through the room, we were left nose to nose to nose, eyes locked, breathing together and chest to chest. " Thank you", I whispered under my breath.
He searched my eyes and slowly slide his hands off my body, trying to remember how I felt under his hold. " My pleasure", I smiled and ran my fingers to the back of his head. The soft texture of his orange locks through my fingers felt right.
We leaned forward to touch lips and eyes fluttered shut, but there was a knock on the door causing us to part quickly and Ichigo to move away from me. I scurried to my bed and sat down with the crown in my hands. We looked normal. " Come in", I demanded and the door opened.
Momo looked at Ichigo and then to me as I stared down at the crown trying to hide the blush on my cheeks for the moment. " Princess, your father is coming. The blacksmith must leave", I nodded and looked up at Ichigo who seemed surprised but disappointed.
" What we have discussed is clear right, Blacksmith?" he locked eyes with me.
" Indeed, Princess" then as he left I heard " Save me a dance, Rukia" whispered in my ear. I smiled and closed my eyes as I imagined his hands on my body before replying. " ...Of course".
Momo watched as Ichigo walked down the hallway and to the stairs. When he was halfway down and to the party she walked in the room. " Princess, why is your crown removed?" she seemed to be puzzled but she should have known I never liked wearing the crown.
I looked up at her with bright eyes from Ichigo. " I wanted to be Rukia before I go down and become someone else", Momo stuttered and blinked before grabbing the crown from my hands and placing it back in my hair.
" You shall always be Rukia, Princess" I closed my eyes and felt my heart sob softly. In my mind I wasn't Rukia with the crown, I was the Princess. Only without my crown I was myself, where I can be free and feel passion for life.
She stepped back and smiled at my appearance, I was beautiful. Her hand grabbed mine as she pulled me to my feet. I heard the crackling in her hand and looked down to see the ice creeping on her flesh quickly, that was unusual. My touch was slowly. Quickly she pulled her hand away and cupped her palm.
" I-I am sorry, Momo" I stuttered. I didn't know what was going on with my touch. With Ichigo my touch didn't affect him, well during the dance, but with Momo it was moving faster and more powerful. What was going on?
A smile covered the maids lips before she grabbed my hand again and brought me to the mirror. " You must be nervous" she giggled while she looked at my reflection.
I was silent while I looked at my reflection. My slim figure was fitted by the gown, small breast in place and not perked. The low neck of the dress shoulder my bare chest where my mothers necklace sat. On my head was the crown with its white gold rim and beautiful diamonds sparkling in the light. I looked like a princess but felt like a slave.
Looking down my lace sleeve with the lace design and silk smooth against my body I eyed my head where a soft layer of ice sat. My abilities were showing and worried for what my suitor would say. Would he notice?
I kept my eyes on my palm even when my father walked in the room and Momo greeted him with a bow. I stood there staring at my palm and moving my fingers softly causing the ice to glimmer and shine brighter.
My shoulder placed a his arm out for me to take, but I was worried I would freeze his flesh. I wanted to warn him but bit my tongue and took a hold of his arm softly. " This is it" I mumbled before walking with my fathers pace.
With the sound of my heels clicking on the wooden floor brought me devastation. I wore a mask like my father and stood talk with my head high, facial expression blank and eyes cold. No one was to see my true emotions. Not my father or the suitor, not even Ichigo.
As father guided me down the stairs I looked down at the guest gawking at my beauty and my fathers handsomeness. Quickly I broke my glaze from them and looked for orange in the crowd; when I didn't see the colour my heart squeezed and eyes grew dull. The sight of Ichigo would have comforted.
Crackling was heard from my father and I looked over to my hand where frost was forming softly. " Calm down, calm down... he is here somewhere", I thought. Soon the frost vanished and my palms were clear of ice.
To keep my nerves under control I looked to the paints of myself and the vases filled with flowers from the land. The painting of my mother made me grin softly, I would like to think she was watching over and wishing me the best. Perhaps her spirit was here and watching me with tears. Just maybe, she wasn't gone.
Soft pinks, greens, blue and yellows of the flowers reminded me of the rides I would go on with my horse. I could feel the wind in my locks and the hear the gallop of Sode running through the fields. Rides were calm and peaceful.
When we reached the bottom of the staircase I smiled brightly at the guest. Most of the women were looking over my dress and crown with their large red dresses, while men watched with boredom and hunger on their minds. I wouldn't blame them, the ceremony fest was nearly ready and the scent was in the air.
I looked over the other women with their large dresses and bulging breast, trying to get the attention of men in the room. They were the type of women I never wanted to be. Trying to make themselves something they weren't and all for a man. If it were true love then they didn't need to have big breast. They could be themselves.
" Where the hell is that idiot King and his daughter!", the deep thought echoed my mind as I and my father rounded the corner.
Who was this person? My father didn't have friends or allies who were rude and arrogant , they were proper and pose like their status required them to be. This person was rude and ungrateful for the ceremony, as though it was a burden to their life. Such behavior was unusual, even for the mind, during a royal party.
I grew anxious for the thought that seemed to be fogging my mind. Royals and nobles are kind and strict people, not rude and disrespectful. Perhaps the person was a knight or maid; someone with a low status.
When we entered the dinning room I glanced towards the ceiling where candles sat on curvy brass holds dangling. I could still remember my mother staring at the light fixture when we ate dinner, she would ask me about my father and what I thought he was doing. She usually asked me those question when father was out at war or visiting other kingdoms to discuss trade. Mother would always worry about father, even when they were in the same room. I could hear her. She never seemed relax in her thoughts there was always something going on, which made it heard for me to be around her but I managed.
I looked to the table and there he sat. Hair as bright as fire, strong facial structure suited for a knight, black marking which made my stomach clinch; but the worse of all were his eyes. Dark as night and completely cold like demons. There was no life, no happiness, just a dark and cold man.
" Father", I squeaked. The king looked at me as he walked me closer to the man. " Is that... my suitor?" he smiled and nodded. This was the man my father traveled so far to retrieve? Was there the other knights tree's? Of all people it was a red-headed cold demon?
" His name is Abrai Renji", my palms froze his arm for the name. Renji? Renji?
I remembered the name. Renji was the name of Aizens nephew. He would visit Aizen and we would play in the garden when my mother was busy in the castle. I could remember him being happy and kind, but when his Uncle was around he was cold and cruel to me. It was like he and Aizen had something against the Kuchiki's. Even my mother felt the same.
My mother wouldn't want me to marry this man but my father was a different person. He only wanted the best for the kingdom, not his daughter and wife. Sometimes I would wonder why my mother would marry such a man, but then I would see the way they were before crowning. They were normal and romantic.
We stopped in front of Renji. My eyes were on the floor trying to avoid him. I didn't want to see such coldness. " Pleasure to meet you... Princess", my head throbbed at the sound of his voice. It wasn't like Ichigo's that was like a beautiful melody. Renji's voice seemed to be a murderous doom, with battle cries and blood covered fields. There was nothing peaceful and elegant about him.
" Pleasures all mine... Abrai-sama", the name was like poison on my tongue. Just to think that I was going to be Abrai Rukia, made my heart squeeze in pain and throat burn of vomit. " Was your journey pleasant?"
My father unwrapped his arm from mine and walked away to give us privacy. I wish he stayed and didn't leave, I didn't want to be alone with Renji.
He shifted slightly at the question and smirked. Was I amusing? " It was fine. Most of the journey was spend listening to your father go on and on about the crown", he complained. A spark lite my heart and hands clamped together. If speaking about the crown was his displeasure, then he shouldn't have agreed to be my suitor.
" I am sorry to hear that?" he raised at brow and looked at me coldly. " Do you even wish to be King?"
He huffed and glared at me. " How can you say such a thing? I agreed to marry you, did I not?" I was taken back. Was he scolding me? Where did he get such an idea? Why did he agree to marry me, if he hated hearing my father speak of the crown? " Perhaps you need to learn your place".
I gawked and shook my head. " Where are you Ichigo? I need someone to make this knight shut-up", I thought to myself. I needed some comfort and tender emotion.
" Please take your seats my guest!", I have never been so happy to hear my father yell an order before. " The first dance is about to commence!". Nevermind, I take that back.
Renji chuckled when he saw my displeasure. I didn't want him to touch me in any form. " Do not be soar. I shall be gentle... for now".
What did he mean by 'for now'? Was there going to be another dance after this one? I know the wedding consist of dancing but we where going to be in front of people.
Then it hit me. He was referring to sex and other things. " This is going to be fun! I shall have the princess in my arms and fragile, since she is pure of touch" I groaned at his thoughts and looked over the floor.
There were many guest scurrying to their seats and trying to get in order for the dance.
I wanted them to take their time so I didn't have to be touched. But these are Royal's and Nobel's; they knew how to move quickly and swiftly.
I flinched when he took my hand in his. A cold shiver ran down my spine while he tugged me towards the dance floor, he was rough and cruel with me. It was nothing compared to the blacksmith. Ichigo treated me as though I was a rare flower and touched me with meaning, not like I was a rag doll.
Holding my breath I looked over to my father who was smiling at the sight before ordering the band to start and the dance to begin. How could he be happy for this?
Renji held my hand tightly and dragged me in his steps. When I looked in his eyes I noticed bright orange in the distance. I quickly glanced behind me to see Ichigo standing in the far corner of the room, a drink in his hand with his eyes on the dance.
A smile covered my lips at the sight of Ichigo. He seemed to put my displeasure in the shadows. My smile faded when I heard the crackling of my hands in the music. I looked down and there on Renji's hands was a solid layer of ice, freezing his palms.
He hissed in pain and glared at my hands for my ability. My royal blood was trying to freeze him. Why?
" What the hell is this?" he growled while trying to tug my hand away from his.
I smirked and closed my eyes only to see the sight of Ichigo and the dance we had back in my chambers. Slowly the ice ran back in my skin and our hands were free. He spun me around but his eyes weren't on my body but on my hands which glowed slightly for my abilities activity.
When I was pressed against his body once again my heart ached. I released a sigh only to see my breath from my body chilling. This hasn't happened before. It didn't happen with Ichigo, but I did feel... the spark.
My eyes widened as I put the puzzle together. From when my father was walking me down the stairs and his sleeve freezing slowly. To now with my abilities trying to freeze Renji within minutes. My Royal blood was rebelling others.
" Think of something that will suppress this..." I thought to myself. I took a deep breath and pictured dancing with Ichigo. His hands on my body and eyes looking in mine. The heat of his breath on my cold skin as he held me close.
The icy glow of my hands vanished as Renji stared in my bright orbs. I pictured his red hair as orange and his skin tanned like the blacksmith. Brown eyes to amber. Soft hands to callused covered palms. I was slowly changing the knight to a blacksmith.
He seemed to noticed that I was off in my world with someone else and didn't enjoy the sight. " Who are you thinking about?" he growled in my ear.
The image of Ichigo melted away and the sight of Renji covered my eyes causing the ice to form quickly. " I am seeing my first touch", I knew that would bruise his pride and make his angry. I was hoping he would call off the marriage if he knew I wasn't pure anymore.
He smirked and rolled his eyes. " Do you really think I care? I bedded a woman before, you will be nothing but practice", he hissed when his veins began to freeze from my touch. I was angry and hurt; I was no easy woman and I deserved more than him. What was my father thinking?
" Why do you truly wish to marry me? You obviously do not care for the kingdom", he smiled and chuckled. In my mind I could hear him chripping about how he didn't care for the castle or the village, but mostly how I felt and wanted things to be. He was set on something else.
He dipped me and leaned down to my ear. His breath was cold from the ice making his blood thick and cold. " When I am King. I shall destroy your family with my own".
My violet eyes widened as flashes of his fantasies covered my eyes. He wanted to kill my father after he was crowned. Give the crown to Aizen who would make my kingdom a war zone. I would be turned to a whore and my family would be slaughter.
" And there is nothing you can do to stop this marriage... Honey", his voice was echoing in my skull.
He was right. I couldn't stop the arrange marriage, I could only follow through with my fathers wishes. But, I couldn't be apart of my fathers destruction and my families murder. Where did he get this idea?
The music ended and the Renji pulled his hand from mine. I looked down at the ground to see the ice fall and shatter on the floor. This was the reason for my abilities rebellion.
I touched my waist softly as I walked over to the dining table where my father and family sat. I could still feel the cold touch of Renji on my body, the bruising touch of his finger and the dagger in my heart for his plans. I wanted to tell my father about it all, but he would just think I was telling tales, so I wouldn't have to wed the knight.
What am I going to do?
" I saw the spark, darling" I snapped my eyes over to my great-grandmother. Her grey hairs braided back in a bun. She wore her red gown and large gold necklace on her wrinkled skin. " He is the one, indeed" she smiled.
I wanted to cry. My mothers own mother thought there was something. There was nothing but a murderer on the dance floor.
" What are you speaking of Grandmother?" she chuckled and looked in my eyes with her bright blue orbs.
She seemed happy for the ceremony like she was ready for me to get married. Only if she could read Renji's thoughts and see the blood the wedding was going to bring. He wanted to be brutal and monstrous to them all.
" You and the knight. I never saw you so happy. That smile you had been of love", she gripped my hand tightly in hers. My cold touch swirled on her hands and she shook my hand softly for comfort. Did she think I was calming down from happiness? " That was the same look your mother had when she danced with your father at her ceremony".
My lung froze and my heart stopped. I wasn't thinking of the knight I was dancing with, I was thinking of the...Blacksmith.
" Grandmother, please do not say such tales" I whispered. I can't love a peasant. If I loved a peasant I would be uncrowned and put in the dungeon with all the other royals would went against the law. We were only to love royal blood or nobel blood. Peasants are considered dirty but I saw them as people.
She chuckled and throw her head back slightly causing her ruby crown to shift in her hair. " Please Daring, you are supposed to feel the spark of your suitor. If not, you shall have a bad marriage".
I slowly felt a throbbing pain in my head for the images Renji was thinking. I looked over to see he wore a smile as he thought of my grandmother being be-headed and the blood draining her body.
I gripped my head tightly and hissed in pain while chefs poured out of the kitchen with food for the guest. I leaned over the table and groaned while Renji smiled. A gasp left my lips as the pain shot from my head to my neck. His murder plans were vivid and realistic.
" Darling, are you alright?" she asked me softly. I felt her hand touch my back softly causing me to feel blood covered my skin and her nails to dig in my flesh. My abilities were letting me feel her death in his mind. Her last moments of horror and fear.
" S-Stop thinking", I muttered to Renji who laughed softly at my father. My grandmother looked at me with worry and then to my father who was telling jokes to the knight. I knew Renji wasn't laughing at my fathers jokes, because he was amused with the death he plotted for my father.
Horror covered my heart and terror filled my mind as he continued to think.
Aizen watched me as I trembled with pain. He raised a brow before looking over to Momo who was silently looking at me as well. " What is the matter with her?" he whispered to his wife.
" Please tell me you told Renji about her gifts", she told her husband. Aizen looked at her puzzled and then to his nephew. He hadn't told him about the royal gifts. " Aizen " she growled before glaring towards me. " She can read the mind ".
I looked at Momo as Aizen stood from his seat and walked towards Renji as he laughed. How did she know about my abilities? Did my mother tell her? Did my father?
" Excuse me, My Lord. But may I speak with my nephew?" he smiled falsely at my father.
I turned to my grandmother and held in a pant for the energy the visions took from me. " I must go to the washroom. Please give me a moment", she nodded.
I stood from my seat and quickly walked towards the garden doors. The pictures of my mother were covered with blood in my mind. I was glad she wasn't here. If she was here she would be the first person Renji was to kill. After my mother it was my father and then the rest of the Kuchiki's.
My heels clicked on the floor while my dress fluttered in the air. I could hear the screaming of his thoughts and blades slicing their flesh. I couldn't hold myself anymore. If I married the knight I would kill my family and be the reason the kingdom was a nightmare. Guilt would be on my heart.
In the shadows I could see Renji's face splattered with blood and bright smile on his lips. His blade was covered with my families royalty. The crown on his head was filled with crow feathers.
When I went to round the corner to the bathroom I heard two voices and slipped to a wall. The moon shimmered through the garden entrance as I looked to the hallway.
My orbs filled with fear when I saw Renji and Aizen together.
" What is it now Uncle? I am to marry that whore as you wished", Renji seemed angry at the thought of marrying me. He didn't want to.
Aizen glared at the young man and looked around the hallway, causing me to cling to the wall. " You need to keep your mind clear of our plans. She can read them"
Renji laughed loudly causing my hands that rested on the wall to freeze the stone. " Please. You have had too much to drink".
" Nonsense" a new voice entered the hall. The sound of bathroom door closing entered my ears. I looked over to see Momo as she wiped her hands gracefully. " I have dressed that girl enough. She has the skin of winter and touch of death. I was warned by her mother when I start to make sure my mind was clear because she can hear my thoughts", the maid growled under her breath.
Renji was shocked and wide-eyed. " She a witch?"
Momo smirked and looked over to her husband. " No, she is from two pure bloods".
Aizen looked at his nephew. " Now you see why I did not want to kill her"
" Nonsense. You did not know until I told you", Momo snapped.
Renji sighed while leaning against a wall. " Uncle she probably knows all now-"
" What?" Aizen growled.
Momo shivered with anger. " You were thinking about the plan and the murders were you?"
" Indeed. Very vividly", he seemed proud of his thoughts.
Aizen sighed and wrapped an arm around his wife. " Well then, this leaves us with only one thing to do..." I held my breath as Aizen looked over to Renji. " We will have to kill her after the wedding".
" They were going to kill me?", I felt tears dance down my cheeks as I heard them walking towards me. My mind was scrambling with thoughts of what to do next. I didn't want to die.
Quickly I opened the garden door and closed the heavy door.
The night was covered with dark clouds but the moon glowed over me, I backed away from the door. I turned around to see the blacksmith's shop filled with light. The stables were open and I could see Sode with her white mane. I had to run.
" Princess?" I turned to the door to see Momo. Her eyes followed mine to Sode and then a smile covered her lips. " So, you heard the discussion", she laughed.
My fingers tingled at her laughter and a brisk breeze filled the air. " Momo... why?" I whispered.
She opened the door to show the two men smiling. " Because, I wish to be Queen. You and your family are the only things in the way", she stepped forward. I backed away until my back pressed against a rose-bush. I gripped one of the vines causing my palm to bleed.
" You know I do not wish to be Queen", my fingers rubbed in the blood covering my palms.
Momo chuckled as Renji closed the door behind his Uncle. " Oh I know. But taking the crown will cause a war that is un-needed. Just killing the Queen and the King is much simpler".
A white glow covered my hand while my hand dripped of snow. I stepped to the side and looked over to the stables. " Enough with the chat, Princess" I looked over to her again. " Get her".
I lifted my hand and the snow busted through the air. The drops of blood on the stone quickly covered the area and turned to a thick layer of ice. I turned and saw the rose crackling with ice creeping up the vines.
Momo went to lung at me but fell on the ice causing the ice to slowly covered her hands and dress. " Aizen! I am stuck" she yelled.
The knight went to step but noticed his boots were covered in ice. " Dammit! What is this?!" Renji screamed. I watched at the moon light covered the three completely and tiny flakes of snow fell in the light.
The maids eyes widened at the sight and snapped her glaze on my hand. " Get me out of here!" she screamed.
I held my breath before running towards the stables.
My heels clicked as ran faster and looked in the stables to see Ichigo petting Sode. I looked over the wooden poles and oak doors which held the horse.
There were piles of hye throughout the building and saddles hung with care.
" THE PRINCESS IS ESCAPING!" I looked over to the roof to see knights.
Ichigo blinked when he saw me standing there. He went to speak but I ran to the castle bridge where I saw a black horse resting. I needed to leave the kingdom.
Knights poured out of the castle with their armor and swords. But they all stopped when the moonlight turned solid and a cylinder of ice formed in the garden where the three were trapped. The scream of Momo filled my ears as I leaped on the horse causing the animal to wake and whinny.
The blacksmith ran out of the stables and stopped when he noticed something. " Stop! That is my horse!" he screamed.
I ignored and dug my heels in the beast causing the horse to run down the bridge leading to the village.
My hair whipped in the air as I looked over my shoulder to see the castle slowly getting smaller. I could see the ice crack and then shatter in the air. I turned back to the horse and pulled on the hair making it turn in the village.
The hovers echoed the celebration as the beast ran through dancing people. Many gasped and moved out-of-the-way. Some men grabbed their partner and jumped out-of-the-way.
I looked at the stone houses with hay tops. This was the place my mother created and my father ruled. Her home and his kingdom. I couldn't let them destroy my families hard work.
When I saw children hugging their parents my heart squeezed. They would be tortured and killed if I stayed. Renji wouldn't want any chances of his crown being taken away from him. Knowing Momo and Aizen; they would only let people their trusted in the kingdom.
As I exited the village I saw hills upon hills of free-land. This is where they trained knights to fight and readied for war.
I looked to the castle to see the archers readying their bows. My father stood on the roof with Aizen holding up his terrified wife. They spoke a single word and hundreds of arrows were sent towards me.
In my head I could hear them chripping about how they wanted to get the horse down. Why not hit me and have me wounded? I couldn't run or hide if I was wounded. Perhaps they thought I would think there was no escape. The sad part is I thought the same.
On foot it was nearly impossible to escape Kuchiki kingdom. We had the fastest horses and best riders in all the lands. It was the main reason we won wars and kingdoms bowed at our feet for help. Without the horse I would have been caught and back in the castle by now.
I heard the arrows cutting the air and becoming closer. Looking around the horse there was nothing, not a shield or any form of protection just a large box strapped to the side.
With little time and options I choose the one thing that I could rely on to protect me. My ablities.
The breath of the horse became fog and the air around us started to crystallize. Tiny flake fell and connected together creating a small barrier the size of my palm.
An arrow sorrowed past my ear and shattered was the shield covered the weapon. Ice blew through the air and danced on my cheek as the arrow vanished.
I felt the horse pick up its speed as I blocked the arrows and protected the beast. Why? Perhaps the horse trusted me now and knows I was not a threat.
My eyes glanced over to the village which looked like a dot now. The arrows were still coming towards me, but they froze with the air. Looking at the path leading out of the village I saw a white horse running towards me.
The shield vanished when my eyes widened at the sight of Sode.
Her long white mane whipped through the air like thick fog. Hooves cursing the ground with her speed and skin like snow. With her speed she looked like a white phantom or blowing snow in the breeze.
" Sode!" I screamed. I knew she heard my scream because she ran faster and harder than before. My voice was her encouragement to have more speed and to beat the rest.
" GATE!" I turned to the front to see a large fence. Once I pass this fence, I am free from Kuchiki kingdom.
I tightened my grip on the horse mane causing him to speed up. " We can jump this", I thought to the animal. He looked at me with his dark grey orbs, I could see he was in disbelief.
As the fence got closer I looked back to see Sode rounding the next hill. I turned back to see the fence too close and the horse flipping over the fence.
My body swirled in the air and my eyes looked down at my body where an arrow stuck from my hip. I didn't know I was hit. When did that happen? Probably when I was staring at Sode and not paying attention.
I yelled when my body slid on the ground and my dress was covered with grass, blood and dirt. The pain of my flesh scrapping away was terrible but better than being killed.
The dust-covered my eyes as I slid and I felt the grass ending. I looked over my shoulder to see I was sliding down a cliff. " No! No! Help!" I screamed as I desperately tried to grab the ground.
I closed my eyes when I reached the end of the cliff and I began to fly.
This was better. I would rather die this way, without any regrets or worries. I tried to escape and I succeeded.
I groaned when my body tumbled and rolled down the grass of the bottom. When I stopped rolling I opened a weak eye to see the moon in the sky and several trees covering me. I was in the woods.
A pant left my lips as my vision began blur and tears swelled from my eyes. I made it. My kingdom was safe and the marriage was going to be delayed. I won and Renji lose.
I chuckled weakly and felt the ice of my palms crept up my arms and to the tree I rest on.
My breaths became light and my eyes grew heavy. I felt my head droop to the left and my eyes close as the darkness took over. The beating of my heart began to slow down as I drifted to sleep without a clue for if I would wake up or not.
反政府勢力のダンスと盗まれた馬 means Dance of the rebel and stolen horse
I needed to write this cause I have a lot going on right now and need to release all my emotions. Thank you to all the reviews. I love it.
Xsamxp: Well you got two alerts from me. HA-HA well I choose Renji because he seems closer to the Captains and Byakuya is treated like a god with Renji. Why not have a little twist? Now you see where the story is heading and tell me what you think.
MugetsuIchigo: Here an update. Tell me what you thought of the chapter and the pairings/choice King Kuchiki made for his daughter. I hope to hear from you soon.
vampiregirl :I was trying to hook people/fans. I hope you stay with the story there is a lot that is going to happen, I have it all planned out to a key. I even have a helper from one of the popular users on Fanfiction. She's reading Sakura Ai too, but she's a huge help.
majrob: ha-ha I got you! I showed you just the first half because that is always the most important part of a story. The beginning sets the mood for the whole story. If the beginning doesn't draw you in, then the story is no good. Well tell me what you thought of Rukia's great escape and what you hope will happen next.
CrystalShardsOfRain: Again thank you for helping me with editing. We will need to get this chapter edited soon, I guess.
Well, I hope everyone like the chapter. Tell me what you thought of it in the reviews. This will be edited soon. I and CrystalShardsOfRain will be working together in person to edit. She is going to be showing me how to edit and make my writing better for all of my fans.
Love you all, Bleachlover2346.
I'm sorry for the OCCness with Renji. But he is the villain in this story.
What do you think will happen next?