Back within the walls of his castle, Ichigo and Renji dismounted at the stables, handing their horses to the stable boy. Staying for a moment, Ichigo patted the black horse's long neck, smiling, "Thank you, Zangestsu." He looked to the stable hand, "Give him a few extra sugar cubes after he's washed and fed." The young boy nodded and Ichigo lead the way out of the stable.
"They're becoming much more daring, my lord," Renji started, his voice only hinting at the worry he felt. "This is the second attack within the last month. If we do not act soon, they may try for an invasion. You and Princess Orihime need to marry quickly and join your forces. Don't you think it is only right? You, know for your sword, the Inoue's, know for their shields. It is as if you two were made to be married." He was quiet for but a second, "And Byakuya is going to want to hear of this."
Ichigo's eyes flashed, "No one is made to marry, Renji. It is an option." On the inside, he knew his friend was right. The Kurosaki's and the Inoue's would be an unbeatable match, which is probably what caused the Espada's had attacked. They knew of the engagement and were hoping to kill the princess in hopes of creating a rivalry between the two kingdoms. "We'll speak of it later, with the others." Renji nodded in agreement.
Entering the great hall once more, Ichigo found Orihime pacing with Momo. "Princess Orihime, are you alright?" He asked, stepping up to her.
She turned to him, her shield flashing and for a moment it almost appeared transparent. "What? Oh yes, I'm well. I'm just wondering where my warriors are is all. Did you see them during the battle?" The King stared for a moment, shocked by the woman's obvious concern for her soldiers. It was touching, to say the least.
"I believe I saw one, a small one, dark hair, violet e-" His words were short as the door was thrown open and a small force of women rushed in. At the lead was the woman he'd spoken of. "That's the one."
The women didn't stop as they made their way to Orihime, giving her a look over to ensure that no damage had been done. "I'm alright, ladies. Really," Orihime reassured them, laughing lightly. "You did well."
Behind them, two of Ichigo's solder's rushed in as well, "Sorry, my lord. They would not listen to reason, they demanded to see Princess Orihime." The man speaking was Shuuehi, a longtime friend of Ichigo's.
The orange haired man shook his head, "It is no problem, Shuuhei. They were worried, it is understandable." Shuuhei nodded and stood next to Chad, another friend and warrior. Ichigo turned to women, letting them all speak to each other. It made him smile to see such loyalty and he took a moment to look at his men. Shuuhei and Chad spoke in hushed tones, the former grinning as he let his eyes roam over the women. Chad snorted at something he said and nudged the shorter man. Looking at Renji, he friend the red head talking with Toshiro who had appeared only moments ago. Toshiro had a small smile, nodding to Ichigo as if to reassure him that the other wings were safe.
Orihime stepped forward from her companions, bowing her head slightly. "I'm sorry for that, King Kurosaki. My warriors and I are quite close and well," she shrugged, meeting his eyes. "I've heard stories that you know what that's like." The King nodded his understanding and she continued, "Allow me to introduce them. My sister's in arms." She stepped to the side and began, "Tatsuki of the Inoue Kingdom, a good friend and my chamber maid."
The woman bowed at the king, a smile on her face. "Pleasure to meet you, sir." Ichigo nodded in return.
"Rangiku of the Soul Kingdom," the Princess continued, still smiling.
The large chested woman beamed and bowed deeply, "You're just as handsome as they say, King Ichigo." Her words caused him to blush and clear his throat.
Orihime chuckled softly, "Momo, also of the Soul Kingdom, our newest member, but quite skilled."
Stepping forward, the young girl bowed quickly, "Nice to meet you," she said softly, earning a small smile from the King.
"Yoruichi, our mother-like figure and her protege, Sui-Feng," Orihime introduced.
A dark skinned woman came forward, a relaxed air about her and she winked at the King before bowing, "Ah, pleasure to see you again, King." Ichigo rolled his eyes. He'd met Yoruichi a few years back after his mother's death. She'd been called in to help him and his father cope. But that was a story for another time. Beside her stood a bit shorter woman who bowed as well, though she said nothing.
"And lastly, of the Kuchiki Kingdom, a woman who's been like a sister to me, Rukia Kuchiki," Orihime said and Ichigo was not deaf to the prideful tone that lingered in Orihime's voice.
The woman was short, and while Ichigo had thought she was small on a horse, she seemed even smaller now that she was on foot. Her violet eyes dared him to say something and he didn't even realize she hadn't bowed. "You!" She shouted, shocking him from his thoughts. "You almost got yourself killed on the battle field! Only a fool of a king would allow his attention to be anywhere other than the fight at hand. I certainly hope you run this kingdom better than you fight!" She was pointing at him now, those intense eyes glaring down at him as if there wasn't over a foot in height distance.
His eyes widen and he looked at the Princess, raising a brow. Orihime blushed, her hands gripping her shield, "Lady Kuchiki, please!"
Kuchiki. Ichigo almost broke his neck as he looked at the fiery girl again, "Kuchiki. As if, Byakuya Kuchiki?" Buyakya had been a large factor in what had kept the Kurosaki Kingdom afloat after the death of his mother and the mental troubles of his father. While the man made Ichigo want to rip out his own hair, he knew that he owed him a lot. Not that he'd admit it to anyone.
She scoffed, "Do you know many Kuchiki's?"
"Enough!" Orihime ordered, shooting Rukia a glare. "Please, Rukia. You promised." Bowing her head in apology, the Kuchiki woman took a step back into the other line of female warriors. Sighing, Orihime immediately felt guilty. "I'm sorry Lady Rukia, I didn't mean to snap like that." Receiving a small smile from her friend, Orhime felt better.
Watching the exchange, Ichigo made a mental note to speak with Rukia in private. Something about her...he needed to speak with her, was all. "Please Orihime, let us get you and your group settled. Then, we can make plans tomorrow. I'd like to speak with my warriors about the attack."
"Of course. Let us know when you plan to speak of it, my warriors and I would like to be there for that." Her voice left no room for argument and Ichigo could only stare for a moment. These women were a strange group, that was the only thing he was certain of when it came to them.
"Right. I'll send for you. It won't be for another few hours. I'd like to give you each time to get your things in place and make yourself comfortable." He turned to his men, "Chad, escort these ladies to their rooms, please." He looked back at his quests, "You may choose whatever rooms you like. We've decided to give you one of the empty wings so that you'll have as much privacy as you like. There are about twenty rooms to choose from. As always, Princess Orihime, please choose first and then your soldier's may choose after." With that, he gave her a bow and turned to Renji. "I want to speak with Karin and Yuzu about my father. Please make sure that the kitchen staff has a feast prepared for tonight."
Taking his leave, he did his best to avoid the gaze of the short woman that would soon become a plague in his mind.
Rukia watched as the King left and relaxed. While the two had never met face to face, she had snuck into the meetings between him and her brother. But having him notice her was much different. He was still a fool however. "Well, show us to our room, right?" Rukia asked, turning to the soldier Ichigo had left the task to.
"Yes, Lady Kuchiki." The women were lead off towards the wing, leaving Rukia and Yoruichi to take up the rear.
Sensing the younger woman's obvious frustration, Yoruichi asked, "What's got you all glum, Rukia?"
Sighing, the lady in question shrugged, "I am unsure. I just do not think this king is a good match for Orihime. I know their kingdoms would benefit, but something about him..." It was hard to explain and she shook her head. "I do not know, myself."
Placing a hand on her friend's shoulder, Yoruichi smiled, "Ah, do not be so hard on him, Rukia. Ichigio can come off gruff and well, to be blunt, a bit stupid, but he is a good king and a great warrior."
The words didn't make Rukia feel any better and she said no more. They arrived in the wing's hall and Orihime was shown each room. It took her only a moment to choose the one that held a large bed with a sheer gray drape that hung down and around the bed. "Oh, it's lovely!" The bed was covered in light gray sheets and the room held two large dressers, one was complete with a mirror. Another mirror was full length and hanging from the wall.
Momo chose the one next to Orihime's. It was much smaller in comparison, but had a bed just Momo's size and a dresser that would easily hold all her belongings. Yoruichi and Sui-Feng chose bedrooms that connected, each with a bed that had a drape like Orihime's but only one dresser and mirror each. Rangiku took the next largest room that was decorated extravagantly with beautiful, bright colors and paintings.
Across from Orihime's room, Rukia took a deep purple room that held a balcony that looked over the back of the Kurosaki's land. There were no drape over her bed, but the sheets were a beautiful violet and she wanted to know where they had gotten them. She made a mental note to ask later. The room next to her was taken by Tatsuki, who enjoyed it's darker tones and large bed that was next to a large window.
Inside Orihime's room, they all gathered. While Rukia wanted to discuss plans and the attack, the other's were more interested in talking about the king and his little band of misfit warriors. Her heart was only half in it and instead, she kept to the background, waiting for the one who would come and let Orihime know that it was time for them all to meet up and talk about the Espada. For now though, she tried to keep a smile on her face.
What seemed like hours finally passed and there was a knock on the door. Orihime's warriors popped up almost as one, their hands instinctively on the hilts of their weapons. "Princess Orihime? King Ichigo has called for you in the war room," a voice said through the thick wood of the door.
Stepping forward, Rangiku was the one to open it. A short man stood before her and bowed at the waist, "I'll be escorting you there myself, if you are all ready." Rukia was at Orihime's side in a moment, helping the Princess of her bed and making sure her dress wasn't rumpled.
"Of course, please, lead the way," Orihime said, smiling brightly as she walked up behind Rangiku.
