Chapter 3

Kishu and Ryou will be introduced in this chapter. (Sighs.) I LOVE KISH!

Chapter 3

"You're perfect." Deep Blue murmured, stroking her hair, "I want you."

"I-I-I-I-I" Ichigo stammered, terrified. She had to get away from this man. There had to be an escape! Her eyes darted around frantically. A pathetic excuse gushed from her lips.

"You don't even know me!" She cried lamely, squirming against his strength- and failing.

That's when she remembered. Once a week her parents sent her down to help the soldiers in the army, bring them food and supplies. Usually Prince Kishu was there, he always fought along side his soldiers, for his and Ichigo's kingdom were allies and they often assisted each other. In fact the two kingdoms were practically one. Just a couples miles apart and ruled by different people.

Kish often flirted with the cat girl and suggested that instead of helping the poor, tired soldiers, they run off and do, well, um, stuff.

Lately though, he seemed to not only want her body, but her heart as well and finally he had tried to kiss her. In self defense she had slammed her knee up into his, um, 'private parts'.

And that was exactly what she did to Deep Blue. He howled in pain and released her; she wasted no time and fled. Running past trees and bushes, dashing across bridges and down paths until finally the cat girls own kingdom was in view. She wanted to cry in relief , but instead raced to the castle.

Slipping into the front hall the Princess tried not to be heard, she didn't want anyone to know about the encounter, it was too scary. She just wanted to forget it and move on. She was so terrified. She had seen the lust in his eyes and that horrified her.

Ichigo climbed into bed and sank down. She just wanted to forget.

THREE WEEKS LATER-Sunday-4:51 P.M

Deep Blue couldn't forget.

He couldn't forget the girl in the woods.

Ichigo.

She was all he cared about, all he could think about.

There had to be a way to make her his.

He wanted her to love him.

Then it hit him. Ichigo's parent's anniversary was that evening.. He had heard his soldiers talking about it. There was to be a ball and a feast and several small festivals. His princess was sure to be there. He could seduce her into being his if she didn't know it was him. The parties lasted a week.

That gave him plenty of time. He was a sorcerer. He could simply use magic to disguise himself.

Deep Blue concentrated and his appearance began to alter. White skin turned tan and ice blue eye became a warm aqua. His hair lost its color and became blond as his clothing shifted to a slightly lighter color and a less dangerous style.

He made his way over to the twenty foot mirror that stood in his chamber and winced. He was definitely not as handsome as his original self was, but it would have to do.

Now all he had to do was think of name and he had one- the Blue Knight.

Sunday- 5:00 PM

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Ichigo screamed as the seamstress tightened the corset more.

"I can't breath! I can't breath! I can't breath!" The princess yelled as Minto yanked at the ribbons, squeezing Ichigo until she thought she might pass out.

"Well, I apologize for trying to help make you look decent!" the blue haired lady snapped crossly.

"Minto," Lettuce said gently, "Princess Ichigo needs to be able to breath."

"Oh, I suppose you're right." Minto huffed, loosening the corset.

Ichigo smiled gratefully at the green haired girl.

"Yeah!" chirped Pudding, "If Ichigo dies, then Prince Kishu can't propose to her, and everyone knows how much he wants to do that!"

"WHAT?!" Ichigo cried in dismay, "Kish will be there?!"

"Of course." Minto said putting her nose in the air, "He's very fond of you."

"And of course, Lord Ryou will be there too." Lettuce put in, slightly wistfully as she slipped the ball gown over Ichigo's head.

The dress Ichigo intended to wear was gorgeous, bright pink with maroon lace and an identical ribbon tied around her waist. The skirt was full and the top pretty tight. (Much to Ichigo's horror, Minto had sewn the garment and made the torso and chest of it form fitting.

"Yeah, Ryou has the hots for you too!" Pudding squealed, helping Ichigo slip the pink gloves on as she continued, "I heard that he and Kishu got in a huge fight at the last royal meeting."

"Over what?" Ichigo gasped, as she tugged on the flattest and reddest high heels she could find.

Minto snorted as she pulled Ichigo's hair into pigtails and added maroon ribbons.

"You, of course." The blue haired girl snapped, "Prince Kishu claims that you should be his wife because he's soooooo much richer then Ryou, plus he has powers and Ryou doesn't."

"Yeah," Lettuce put in, "But Ryou argued that Kish would spend so much time making out with you, that he'd never take care of the kingdom."

"And Kish said that that was true but at least you'd enjoy it. He says that Ryou's such a pretty boy if he kissed you, you'd choke on the stench of mouth wash." Pudding added.

Ichigo rolled her eyes, she really didn't like either of them.

"Princess Ichigo." Lettuce spoke up, "The ball is about to begin."

"OH!" Ichigo shrieked. She was late! Waving good bye to her friends, she darted down the stairs to the ball room. People turned to look and greet her.

When everyone went back there conversations Ichigo sighed and walked to the diamond punch bowl. Sipping a tiny bit of liquid, she gazed out the huge window. Fear washed over her as she remembered that awful night in the woods, where she had run into Deep Blue. Every time she closed her eyelids, she could see his lust filled stare, feel his strong possessive grip, and hear his words again.

Ichigo placed her cup on the table and took a deep breath. She should enjoy this evening. She was safe. Smiling the princess whirled around, ready to have fun.

And bumped right into Kish.