Chapter 2

The palace was very big and magnificent and only few selected had the right to enter it - the head officers of the Royal Army, official ambassadors of other countries and guests of royal blood after invitation. Even fewer lived in the palace – the family of the Emperor and his concubines, who every prince of age of 15 and more was bound to have in order to secure his offspring and succession to the throne, and a few selected officers. The biggest room was the Emperor's own and it was located far from the others – a long corridor and guards outside of it. The closest rooms and next in glamour were Rukia's, Toushiro's and Soifon's. Their guardians lived in attached rooms and their responsibility was to take care of their needs.

Toushiro's only guardian was Matsumoto and while it was normal for him to have some male ones too he did not get along with any of them, even though Hisagi was incredibly consistent in his tries to be beside the young master. The reason for this although was the womanly charm of Rangiku.

Rukia first had Ise Nanao by her side when she was younger because of the woman's sensibility and passion for following the rules, but once she became 16 she got close to a girl of the same age – Kotetsu Kiyone – a cheerful, free spirited and kind soul. The princess took two others under her wing – Kotsubaki Sentaro and Hanataro Yamada. The first one she took because she noticed that he was a good friend of Kiyone, even though they bickered all the time. He was a sincere man who quickly liked the princess and was ready to fight with anyone who got in her way. Hanataro Yamada was a kind and shy boy who dreamed of being part of the army but got bullied for his lack of skills and indecisiveness. He accidentally met the princess when he was assigned to clean the horses'stable and was immediately captivated by her strong but kind presence. They met often and she took him for her guardian. Certainly Hanataro was the most attached to Rukia of the three of them.

Soifon disliked anyone who tried to keep her under control and invaded her personal space, but when she turned 9 and everyone became seriously concerned for her boyish behavior Nanao was send to be her advisor. She did not manage to do it effectively but was still the best option for the passionate and aggressive Soifon.

Byakuya spent no time with his concubines having completely abandoned them but contrary to that he held army meetings often. Today was no exception.

"I want to announce to all of you Captains, that soon I will have a new lieutenant – someone young and ambitious, capable with the sword. He will join our ranks and together we shall start my first march as a ruler. If anyone has any recommendations I will be glad to hear them in private."

The head commander of the army was the old but still scary as ever Yamamoto. There were 9 more captains, one of whom was the Emperor himself. The others included highly experienced Ukitake and Shunsui, strange genius strategist Kurotsuchi, loyal and brave Komamura, calm and honest Tousen, rash and loving the fight Kenpachi, strong and admired by all his subordinates Aizen and young just appointed for his incredible talent Ichimaru Gin.

"This is our chance, Gin. We have to act on it." Aizen spoke afterwards when it was just the two of them.

"I don't get it, captain Aizen." Gin calmly answered. "I am already a captain. Wouldn't it be like downgrading if I apply for the lieutenant's place?"

Aizen smiled.

"It will be like hitting the jackpot. Who is closer to the Emperor than all of us? Who is his constant companion? The one who has time to read him and know him the best? And probably the one who will have the best chance to become his sister's husband?"

Gin laughed.

"You are truly the smartest, captain Aizen. You have everything planned ahead."

Aizen moved towards the shelf to take one book out.

"It's all strategy, Gin. Our plan is moving slowly, but it's the outcome that's important. Besides, I have always assumed you were interested in little Rukia-chan judging by the way you look at her." He threw a mischievous glare to the younger one, who answered with the same.

"You can say that I don't mind showing her what I am capable of."

Sode no Shirayuki was the name of Rukia's most loved horse – a present by her brother when she turned 18. The name was given by Rukia, inspired by the pure white beauty with elegant steps. Since then Rukia rarely spent a day without visiting Shirayuki.

"My beautiful friend! How are you today?" She gently spoke and caressed the mane of the animal.

"Princess Rukia, she is truly the most beautiful horse in the whole Empire!" Hanataro spoke beside her. "I swear I have never seen one with deeper eyes and such elegance!"

He was sincere. He admired everything his princess loved and if he could make her happy he always did.

"Can you go and take some apples, Hanataro? I want to feed her myself." Rukia politely asked.

"Of course, your highness!"

He bowed and ran outside to do the task as quickly as possible. Rukia laughed. The loyalty of the boy was endless.

She resumed her actions and spoke to the horse as though she could answer. Maybe she did, but only Rukia heard it.

From the other side of the stable there was someone who was watching the scene with a quickening heartbeat. The tall red-haired man did not want to move. "So this is Rukia now. A beautiful woman with a long green gown and long black hair. Walking elegantly and speaking with grace. But more than all those beautiful deep purple eyes." He could not see them clearly but he was sure they had not changed.

Renji sighed and turned to move away before he decided to do something stupid. But as he was not feeling in his right mind now he accidentally pushed one bucket with water. The horses whinnied. Rukia turned her head to the side.

"Who are you?" She shouted.

Renji was standing still, contemplating whether to run away or face her.

"Turn around!"

That was the same Rukia. When it came to a challenge she was always ready to attack. He smiled to himself then turned around.

Rukia's eyes widened.

"Renji?...Abarai Renji? Is that you?"

"Long time no see, Ru…your highness!" He tried to look composed and well-mannered but he was not sure how long he would be able to keep up this game. His heart skipped beat at the sight of her and if she decided to get closer then…crap.

There was Rukia coming closer confidently, her short figure full of dignity and strength he had never been able to keep up with.

"I can't believe it! Renji…what are you doing here?"

He scratched the back of his head like every time he was nervous and answered.

"Well…since I now train under captain Zaraki I live in the barracks next to the palace and I went to see the horses without even thinking of seeing you."

"Damn it! It sounded so stupid!" He cursed himself.

"Ah…I see." She said and he caught the tone of disappointment. "I am happy that you are moving up in ranks! Keep up the good work!"

"Thank you."

They both stayed silent. None of them moving, just looking at each other. Rukia was amazed by how tall he had become and how muscular and manly…and sexy he was. Renji was finally able to take a close look at her. He was not even sure if he was permitted to see and talk to the sister of the Emperor, but he was not able to turn away. Those eyes of Rukia, the smell of Rukia, the long hair and womanly figure.

"Princess, I am back!" Hanataro shouted in excitement and both Renji and Rukia quickly turned their heads to his direction.

"Oh, I am sorry…" The boy smiled and stepped back.

"No. It's okay, Hanataro." Rukia smiled at him and took the basket from his hands. "I have to give my horse…"

"Ah, it's fine. I was just leaving anyway." Renji cut her off and she looked down before replying.

"Good luck with your training!"

"Thank you…princess."

"You are such a coward, Abarai Renji! A coward!"

"Toushiroo!" Rangiku cheerfully exclaimed while going inside his room.

"What is it, Matsumoto? You forgot to call me "prince' again!" He scolded her.

"Oh, whatever! I heard such exciting news that I cannot wait to tell you!" She sang the words while coming closer to the young prince, seated behind his desk. "Leave this stupid battle tactics for later!"

She closed the book right before his eyes and his expression darkened. He opened his mouth to speak or shout…

"You know, my dear prince, that you will soon be 14 years old! In two months exactly! Aaand I heard that your father will present you your first horse and sword!" She smiled brightly and noticed that even the deep scowl started to disappear from Toushiro's face.

"And…as you know soon you will have your own group of concubines. They are being chosen to train now. So many beautiful girls!" She exclaimed again and spun around. "My boy is coming of age!"

"Matsumoto!" He shouted again, but she did not seem to care much. "I don't care about this stupid things!"

She stopped and turned to look at him – amazed.

"How come? You know all boys care about it. And your father got married for the first time when he was just 16. It is normal."

Toushiro sighed and opened his book again.

"I am not interested in political marriage. And not in dancing concubines either."

Rangiku opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out. She felt deeply concerned about the boy she had practically raised up. "All boys that age want sexy girls around them right? But well…he is barely 14. There is still time."

"Excuse me, your Majesty!" Aizen politely bowed and smiled while looking up to Byakuya. "I am here to speak on the matter you revealed to us earlier today."

"I am listening." Byakuya spoke while giving a sign to the other man to sit in front of him.

"If you allow me to give you my suggestion, I think that Ichimaru Gin is the most suitable person for this job."

Byakuya's eyes widened.

"Ichimaru Gin is a talented captain."

"Precisely, your Majesty!" Aizen smiled. "You are looking for someone young and talented. And I cannot think of anyone else that has both experience and fresh young energy. Being your lieutenant is a great honor for any man, so I believe that Gin will not feel downgraded in any way."

Byakuya stayed silent as the words sank into his head and the other man seemed pleased with the result. When he felt confident that his wise suggestions were well respected by the young Emperor he spoke again.

"If you allow me to speak on a more personal matter, your Majesty." Byakuya nodded in approval. "I also think that you are willing to let your noble and beautiful sister Rukia get married soon."

Byakuya was clearly surprised but did not interrupt the man.

"The princess deserves a well-respected but young and spirited man. Someone who feels affection towards her and is ready to protect her." He made a pause while Byakuya looked more and more interested in what was to follow.

"I can recommend Gin with all my heart!"

Hello, everyone! The new chapter is here! Thank you for the reviews! What do you think of Aizen's strategy? Do you think Byakuya will let Gin marry Rukia? Next chapter to come soon and it will be dynamic! :)