Within the war room, Orihime took a seat next to Ichigo at the head of a large, round, oak table that sat in the middle of the room. It was a massive room with three large windows that showed the courtyard along with many maps and plans scattered hung up along the walls. Rukia took a seat next Orihime and the other's filled up the chairs as well, leaving only three of seats open. "Now, before we begin this discussion, I would like to formally welcome Princess Orihime. I know it's been a rough start, but we'd like to thank you for traveling the distance and coming to the Kurosaki Kingdom. I regret not having escorted you here myself," Ichigo said, gently bringing her hand to his lips.

As a blush lit up the princess's face, a snort left Rukia's mouth. "As if you would've been any help," she muttered under her breath, earning a small giggle from Rangiku, who was seated next to her.

The King either didn't hear Rukia, or chose to ignore her as he continued, "And I extend my gratitude towards her warriors, who more than helped my men push back the Espada. We are in your debt, ladies."

Each women bowed her head, "If was nothing, your Majesty," Yoruichi told him, smiling.

"Now, let us move on to more pressing matters," Ichigo stated, leaning forward. "The Espada have become much more daring in recent events. I'm sure they've heard of the engagement and Orihime and I, leaving them desperate to break it apart as quickly as possible. The joining of our kingdoms would strengthen both of us immensely, and they are afraid of that. If they can bring harm to Orihime, they believe they would succeed in creating tension between the Kurosaki and Inoue Kingdoms. Because of that, I'm going to be taking extra precautions." Looking to Renji, he nodded at him to begin.

Renji's voice filled the room, "Toshiro and I have discussed getting new recruits and who will be in charge of Orihime's protection. We believe we have a good handful of good warriors to choose from."

Tatsuki was on her feet, eyes blazing, "Excuse yourself, sir. But Princess Orihime is under our protection. We have served her for many years and I do not care if you believe your men can do better, none of us will stand for that."

"Tatsuki, correct?" Renji asked, trying to sound understanding. "I know where you're coming from, but please try to understand. This is the Kurosaki Kingdom, meaning that all guests are under our protection."

"Objection!" Rangiku shouted, slamming her fists on the table. "I will not be pushed from my Lady's side because we are in the Kurosaki Kingdom! We have each vowed to keep Orihime safe and I'll be dammed if you try to take that away from any of us!" The other women stood as well, their tempers flared. While Rukia was equally as angry, she kept seated, watching the exchange.

Hitsugaya stood as well, his teal eyes locking with Rangiku's, "I must take Renji's side on this. It is our duty to keep all royal guests safe. You must understand that, it really isn't hard to follow."

"Rukia, please tell these simple men that we do not need them to protect Princess Orihime," Rangiku snapped, her grey eyes glaring daggers at the shorter, white-haired man.

Standing with grace, Rukia's violet eyes met Ichigo's over Orihime's head. "Tell your men to stand down. Princess Orihime is under our protection. We've been doing it long before the engagement and just because she has agreed to your proposal, does not suddenly make her your property. I believe my brother would agree with that." Though she was not even a princess, her voice sounded like a Queen's. It caught Ichigo off guard and he could only stare at this woman who dared speak to him as if he were a peasant.

"Stand down, men," Ichigo ordered, though his voice made it obvious this was not something he enjoyed at all. "I will let Orihime decide this."

All eyes turned on the future Queen, awaiting her answer. She shied away from their looked for a moment before she finally sat up straight, her chin out, "My warriors have each taken vows to protect me until their dying day and I will not be the one to break them of that promise without just cause. These women are my sisters and my protectors." She turned to Ichigo, "I must reject your request to keep your own soldiers with me."

Not happy to have lost the battle, Ichigo begrudgingly nodded, "If that is what you wish. However, we will still need extra protection around the border. I want patrols set up along with shifts and Toshiro, you and I will be teaching more recruits than we have been lately. In fact, Shuuhei, Chad, I ask that you help us out as well." His powerful gaze was turned to the female warriors, each of which had regained their seats. "If I can be so bold, I do not believe Orihime will need all of you at one time and I would welcome some extra help, if any of your are willing to."

Yoruichi was the one to answer, "I believe we will all be glad to help. Each of us is skilled in fighting and we have no problem helping your men teach new soldiers, we are also used to long nights and hot days and would have no issue doing patrols." Leaning back against the chair, she crossed her ankle of her knee, "I only ask that you keep Sui-Feng and myself together. She is currently in my care and I cannot allow us to be separated."

Ichigo nodded, "I can agree to that. Any objections?" He was met with silence. "Alright, now that that has been settled, is there anything else to be discussed?"

"Yes," Rukia's voice sounded loud in the quiet room. "Have you spoken to my brother about these recent attacks?" The question sounded innocent enough, but Ichigo could hear the slightly mocking to the black haired woman's tone.

He looked over at her, eyes only slightly narrowed. "Seeing as this is my kingdom, I do not see why your brother would need to be involved with the affairs."

Without missing a beat, Rukia replied, "I simply thought it would be wise to inform him seeing as he has the strongest army available and has been helping with many a problem since the death of your mother."

A deadly silence lingered through the room and just when the other's thought Ichigo was going to lunge, he seemed to calm down. "I will speak with your brother another time." He looked around at the others, "If that is all for the day, you may all take your leave."

"I'll only take two of you at a time while I'm am only going to be in the castle, the rest of you may do as you wish," Orihime said, standing from her seat. "Yoruichi, Sui-Feng, if you would, stay with me first."

Though there was an objection on Rukia's lips, she bowed to Orihime and watched as the woman left with the two warriors. She touched her sword and sighed, ignoring the obvious stare that the king was giving her as she left the war room and decided to explore the castle. It was a beautifully crafted castle, with high ceilings and magnificent windows to show you the outside. Stepping up to one of them, Rukia watched as those under Ichigo's rule moved around the courtyard. Not too far off, she could see a small village of people. They all appeared happy, smiling to those they passed and trading goods. Biting her lip, she began to wonder if may the king wasn't as terrible as her brother always made him seem.

He was certainly strong willed and wasn't afraid to let his opinion be heard. But at the same time, Rukia still wasn't entirely convinced that he was right for Orihime. The Princess deserved someone a little more soft spoken, who would understand her feelings. Ichigo may know what it's like to care for those he fights with, but Orihime was a soft woman. Not weak by any means, but still...

"Would you like to see the village?" A voice asked, causing Rukia turn to look at her silent companion. It was Toshiro, the young man with strikingly white hair that seemed to be spiked in every direction. "I was going to head there myself to visit my grandmother. If you'd like, you may ride with me."

She stared at him for a moment before nodding, "I'd like that."

Together, they walked out to the stables where Toshiro went to a large horse, whose coat was white speckled with large amounts of gray. It made her miss her own horse back at the Kuchiki Kingdom. A light brown one was saddled for her and she thanked the young groom before pulling herself into the saddle and turning towards her guide. "Ready?" He asked, earning a nod in turn. They kicked their horses into a light jog and exited the castle to head towards the village.