Hello there, are you surprised? :D :D Hisashiburi... it's been a VERY long time, hasn't it? I haven't done any writing in over half a year! But anyway, just to update you all... I have started work in a hospital from where I stopped my fanfiction writing... and man, has it been a journey. It's been great, the work is stressful but VERY, VERY fulfilling. I have performed a supervised surgery in the major operation theater in the position of the main surgeon (and mind you, I am just a fresh house officer XD) and it was a real eye-opener for me.

I wasn't supposed to write any more fanfiction but I just recently passed my second rotation as a house officer, and that rotation was supposed to be the HARDEST rotation in the hospital so I decided to do some celebratory writing while I am on holiday. :) I write when my mood is good, and when there's spare time... which are a real RARITY nowadays. :P

The 'On Hiatus' tags are still remaining over all my fanfics, I just wrote one chapter out today in celebration. It was a swift one, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. And I hope you missed me. (cheeky?)

Thank you to all who reviewed this fanfiction, I'm really amazed at the interest this fanfic has garnered over the time. :D :D

DISCLAIMER: Bleach and its characters belong to their respective owner. I own the plot.

A stranger at the lake…

Rukia stared at the newcomer as she stood by the lake's edge, her mouth open a little in surprise and awe. He was a very handsome man, tall and lean, dressed in dark blue robes that covered his arms and fell to his feet. His hair was jet black and reached his shoulder, perfect strands falling over one left eye. Thin lips set in a flawless face with a sharp jaw, and eyes the mistiest grey of which Rukia had never seen before. Everything about this man was refined, from the way he lifted his head to the way he easily held a manuscript in his hand.

Just looking at him made Rukia's self confidence evaporate bit by bit.

The palace is really filled with beautiful people.

Who was this man? He certainly was a noble, Rukia could practically sense it by the air around him. Was he one of the ministers? Or perhaps one of the Generals, Shinji did mention that Generals do walk around the garden sometimes when it wasn't training time. Who was he, why was he here?

The man stared at her for a full second, his expression unmoving. His eyes had betrayed the tiniest hint of surprise when he had caught sight of her, but then they had immediately returned to an unreadable cold grey shade. Both of them stood and regarded the other foreign person, unmoving, for a moment.

And then… the stranger walked forward.

Rukia could only watch, frozen, as he drew closer and closer. Unknowingly, her hands tightened around each other in front of her as her heart beat faster. The handsome stranger walked slow with each step and then he…

… walked right past her.

Rukia's eyes widened in shock as the stranger settled himself onto one of the stone seats at the table, without so much as a gesture to acknowledge or greet her. For all Rukia knew, she could have been nothing but a stone pillar in the garden.

The shock easily turned to anger in her veins. Why was everyone in the palace (minus her best friends) so snobbish and cold? Was it a way of life here, to care little for others and only focus on exerting your nobility and class?

This rude man… who cared if he was handsome anyway?

Fine, two can play at this game.

Giving her skirts a swish, Rukia walked over to the table and easily sat on her seat opposite the man. She wasn't going to be the one to move, she had been here first! What if the Emperor came?

For the first time, the stranger showed signs of emotion. He looked up, the subtle surprise reflected in his grey eyes that she had dared take her seat at the table. Rukia only gave him a snobbish 'So what?' look and continued to fiddle with her teapot.

After a while of silence, the man spoke.

"Who are you?" His voice was deep and laced with an overpowering tinge of authority.

Rukia immediately disliked him. He was so rude! He did not even greet her in any friendly manner, and acted as if she did not exist. Sure, they did not know each other, but some social manners would have been acceptable.

"I am the Emperor's consort, Lady Rukia." Rukia purposely lifted her head a little higher, as if to symbolize their difference in position. No need to remind him that she wasn't the Emperor's only consort, like she had made it sound. "And who are you?" Rukia let the blunt question fall out.

The man had stared at Rukia silently as she answered him, his face remaining expressionless. He turned back to the manuscript he was reading. "That will be no matter of your concern."

If murder was possible in the palace, Rukia swore she could have drowned the man in the lake.

Byakuya had been looking forward to a peaceful afternoon in his gardens, the morning meeting had been filled with a lot of arguments between the officials. And so the young Emperor had decided to take the usual route to his favourite West gardens, for the quiet and solitary air.

Only to be met with the unexpected sight of a very young woman standing near his usual stone table.

A consort, she had said. This consort was terribly small, she could not have been above twenty years of age. Byakuya had briefly wondered then if the palace legislation allowed for very young girls to be taken as consorts into the palace. She was dressed in pale blue robes with floral motifs and a pink sash around her waist. Her face was oval and small, but the remarkable features were certainly her eyes… they were big, expressive and a beautiful violet colour.

Byakuya had not bothered himself with the foreign presence in his peaceful gardens. He had taken his usual seat at the stone table, an indirect sign to the woman to pack up her things (from what he could see, a teapot set and some buns were already set out on the table – 'surprisingly simple food,' the young Emperor thought to himself) and leave him.

The young consort did not, however.

Instead, she had moved over to the table and sat directly opposite him without so much as a bow or greeting. The gesture immediately offended Byakuya, even if he did not show it outwardly. In all his years as Emperor and previously Crown Prince, no one had ever shown such disrespect toward him.

Does she not know who I am?

The consort (Byakuya had already forgotten her name) immediately confirmed his suspicion. "Who are you?" she had bluntly asked him, her big violet eyes betraying the hostility she felt toward him.

So she really did not know that he was the Emperor.

In that moment, Byakuya experienced an odd mixture of frustration and amusement. The standards for consorts taken into the palace had definitely fallen to a new low. And now, he did not know whether to reprimand her or answer her question and watch her turn from rude woman to an apologetic mess on two knees.

Byakuya chose to wave off the question instead and return to reading his paper… hoping that the consort would give him some peace.

"Hhhmm…. Hhhh… damn…"

Byakuya put down the manuscript, feeling the annoyance easily seep in again. What was with this woman? She was rude, noisy and so unladylike… was she really a consort? Byakuya looked up from his papers, and felt his eyes widen slightly in shock.

The said consort had apparently left her position at the table… and was now attempting to climb a sakura tree.

Her left foot was already poised at an opening in the tree bark, in a pose so unrefined that it hurt the young Emperor's eyes just to look at her. Byakuya reflexively stood up from the table and went over to the consort.

"What is it? You will get down from this tree at once."

Hearing the authority in his voice, she dutifully stepped down from the tree.

"What is it?" Byakuya repeated himself again.

"Err... I just wanted to get some sakura petals for the tea. Shinji says they are really good, but I forgot to take some from my palace today so I thought I would experiment with them now."

Suppressing a sigh, Byakuya reached up and easily plucked three sakura from a branch. He brought his hand down to the consort and offered her the small flowers. Her violet eyes immediately lit up like pretty jewels. "Arigato!"

At least she knew how to thank people.

Without another word, Byakuya turned and walked back to the table.

Rukia dropped a single petal into the hot tea and inhaled slightly. She looked over at the young noble who sat opposite her, his grey eyes fixed on the paper he was reading.

She could not help the comment on the tip on her tongue. "You are so bossy, you know that? It's like you think you own the palace."

The noble did not answer, and for a moment, Rukia thought he had not heard her. But then he finally looked up. "Am I?" His tone was cold.

Rukia nodded, as she took a sip of the sakura-scented tea. It tasted wonderful, the Emperor would definitely like it. If only the cocky stranger would leave her to her waiting…

"Why are you here?" The man suddenly questioned back.

"I…" Rukia narrowed her eyes at the rude man. If he was a General or minister, he would just laugh at her. He might even tell the Emperor if they were close friends!

But Rukia could not find a proper excuse so she decided with the rough truth. "I was hoping to meet the Emperor."

"And have you perhaps ever seen the Emperor before?" The question was spoken in an emotionless tone by the General (she finally decided that he must be one) but Rukia felt herself bristle in anger nonetheless. Was he mocking her?

"O-Of course I have!" Rukia replied, her tone a little too defensive. "He has a very handsome face... and green eyes!"

Rukia watched the General cock his perfect eyebrows in surprise. It was difficult to read the emotion behind those grey eyes, their shade seemed to change from light to hard at different angles of the sunlight, and Rukia seemed to detect slight amusement behind the emotionless façade. So he really was laughing at her?

"And I think you probably haven't met him yourself," Rukia had to retort. "That's why you hang around here, hoping to meet him too."

"I see." That light, emotionless tone again. Rukia decided she hated it. "And what reason would you be seeking the Emperor for?"

"It's none of your business," Rukia grouched and the man's eyes widened slightly.

He returned his eyes to the manuscript. "You should know that such attitude, which one may easily interpret as horrible manners, might bring about a sudden death."

Rukia snorted. "I know, I have been through the whole talk by the eunuchs. I can die any day for ridiculous reasons such as dropping a teacup or feeding koi in the Emperor's favourite lake. Such foolish formalities…" Rukia looked out over the landscape, talking to herself rather than the rude man. She had forgotten that Shinji had once advised her strongly to keep her opinions to herself, especially in front of strangers. "Is there anyone that perfect to never have a clumsy moment once? Also, if I happen to feed the Emperor's koi, he should be grateful that I'm keeping his fishes full rather than sending me a death sentence!"

The soft chuckle made its way out of the General's mouth, and Rukia's eyes widened in surprise. It was an almost odd sound, given that the man had such a cold aura and probably did not laugh much. But it was strangely pleasant, that deep baritone… and Rukia felt her dislike for the man give way just a little.

The General appeared to be as surprised as Rukia that he had made such a sound, as if laughter was a rather alien thing to do in the palace. But as quickly as the surprise appeared in his eyes, it was gone and then he was rising from the table, manuscript in hand.

"Leaving already?" Rukia looked up. She did not know whether to be happy or sad. While he was a rather rude fellow, at least the conversation helped kill time and made Rukia feel less lonely. On the other hand, she wanted to be left alone, he was a strange man and he seemed to be getting more answers from her than he was giving out about himself. Also, his careless comments made her angry.

The man did not answer as he turned his back. But after five steps, he stopped even though he did not look back. "I forgot your name."

It was a question in a statement, and Rukia did not want to answer it. After all, he had done anything but answer hers. But as always, his tone of authority and the well-placed statement prompted her lips to move.

"Rukia."

The man kept silent for a bit, before speaking again. "Do not climb trees. It does not reflect nicely on the palace image." With that, the man walked off and disappeared around the corner.

He just had to piss her off one last time.

"How did it go?" Hiyori asked as she retrieved the packed teapot set from Rukia's hands. Rukia had finally returned to the Palace of the Eastern Snow, the place she now called home.

Shinji and Hinamori excitedly gathered around their consort.

"The Emperor never turned up. But I did meet a very rude General," Rukia spoke in a grouchy tone.

"Ah, we get a lot of that in the palace." Hiyori nodded as she went off to wash the teapot. "They just don't have respect for people at all."

Rukia nodded. "He was really rude, and kept reprimanding me over trivial things. He went off though, after an hour. But the Emperor never came to the gardens today, I waited for another three hours. The next time, I'm bringing a book with me."

Shinji laughed. "Oh well. As a reward for your hard work, we have your favourite cucumber and egg dish prepared tonight!"

Unohana lifted the delicate jar of clear liquid and sniffed it carefully. She retrieved a silver needle from a black pouch and dipped the needle into the liquid. After some time, she lifted the needle carefully from the liquid, and immediately noted the blackened area where the liquid had contacted the steel.

"Poisoned… as I suspected," she whispered.

"Another finding?" A soft male voice spoke, and Unohana turned around.

"Jushiro."

The white-haired royal physician smiled as he walked up next to his previous colleague, now second-highest ranking Lady in the palace, only behind the Empress.

"This is the fluid I managed to culture from the dead consort we found a week back. It appears that she was being poisoned as well… and perhaps the process was too slow, they just decided to drown her in the fountain and make it look like a suicide."

"And the motive?"

"It remains unclear. She has never had contact with the Emperor before."

Jushiro nodded. "The workings of the inner Palace is really complicated." He turned to Unohana. "And you at the top, you should really be careful… Retsu."

Unohana smiled. "I will watch my step."

The royal physician returned her smile. "It has been so long since we worked in the same hall, grinding the herbs into fine powder."

"Yes… that was several years before I was selected as the second Lady of the palace by the then Emperor Ginrei." Unohana was lost in thought, a sad smile on her pretty lips. She was the daughter of the then royal physician Unohana Kouhi, and was trained in the medical arts of healing by her father. Kouhi had also taken in a young boy as another disciple, Ukitake Jushiro. Together, Unohana and Ukitake excelled in the healing arts and became physicians in their own right in the palace. Along the way, the pair formed an unbreakable bond and started to fall in love. However, when Kouhi was too old to carry on as the royal physician, Emperor Ginrei had given orders for Ukitake to be made the physician… and for Unohana to be made second Lady, to be in charge of the inner Palace and as wife to his grandson Byakuya.

"The previous Emperor Ginrei was a very smart man." Unohana smiled as she recalled the events. "He made sure that his grandson Emperor Byakuya will be well protected, both in combat and in health. Do you not know what Empress Yoruichi and myself are called? The Fighter and the Healer. One who is supposed to protect the Emperor at all costs, and the other to heal him when sick or injured." Unohana was ten years Byakuya's senior, and never had any romantic predisposition to the young Emperor. But she understood the role she had to play, and intended to serve the Emperor faithfully as his subordinate.

So she became the second Lady in the palace… and waited patiently for the time when she would be released from her post. Because when that time came, she would happily return to the halls of healing in the palace… and to Ukitake. It was an unspoken promise between the both of them, and it was the most beautiful thing that way. They never touched, they understood the boundaries of their positions in court… but they would wait for each other as they served the Emperor together.

"Well then… I will leave you to your work." Jushiro smiled as he started to turn away. "Do not tire yourself, get enough rest, Retsu."

"You too, Jushiro." Unohana smiled.

Both of them shared a final glance at the other, and then smiled. "Be careful."

"Lady Orihime, your needlework is beautiful!"

"You think so? Arigato!" The young, beautiful consort with orange hair and brown eyes smiled sweetly at her maid. She had been engaged in embroidery for a while now, one of a pink chrysanthemum and butterfly.

"Yes, but they are second to your looks! You will definitely captivate the Emperor!" The maid clapped her hands excitedly, as Orihime smiled.

"I don't know if that is true… but I really do hope to serve the Emperor and…" A slightly blush tinged the consort's cheeks. "… bear a royal heir for him."

Her maid giggled, and Orihime did the same.

Inoue Orihime was the beautiful sister of the court minister Inoue Sora. Their father had been an influential minister in his prime years, but had since retired. Sora had taken on their father's position, much to the pride of the family. When she was of age, training for Orihime to become a palace consort was initiated. Her selection as palace consort was already expected, and the young woman wished to bring honour to her family as her beloved brother did.

"Well… we have to work harder then!" The maid smiled. "His Majesty hadn't summoned any of the new consorts to his chambers yet… so that must mean he hasn't met any of them yet! Everyone will have an equal fighting chance!"

Orihime smiled and nodded. "I hope so."

Rukia cuddled in her warm bed that night, full and contented. Hiyori had made sure to warm the blankets toasty for her comfort and despite her insistence that they all slept in her chamber as well, her friends had all retreated back to their quarters for the night. Shinji had lit up the red lanterns outside their palace, which he had told Rukia was a must for all consorts. The red lanterns were a sign that the consort was waiting to serve the Emperor and must be kept lit all night.

Rukia had not really bothered with that, Shinji had promised her that they could start working on the vegetable patch tomorrow… and she was really looking forward to it. The rabbit she had received as reward during the palace selection was kept in a woven box in her chamber, and Rukia had christened a name to the little cute fluff – Ruki.

Rukia turned over in her bed, a soft smile on her lips. Her life had taken a turn for the better, and she was really grateful for it all. She was grateful for the presence of Madam Kukaku in her life, her newfound friends in the palace, and enough food and clothes to wear – something she had never thought was possible in this lifetime. It didn't even matter to her if she never met the Emperor once, she didn't feel any need to go out of her way to acquaint herself to the Emperor or fight her way to get his affections. She was already content with what she had, and they were more than she could ever wish for. Rukia closed her eyes and whispered a silent thanks to the Gods for her blessings.

Do not climb trees. It does not reflect nicely on the palace image.

Rukia frowned immediately, as she heard that deep voice resound in her mind. Why was his comment suddenly appearing in her head all of a sudden? Rukia made a face in the dark, and started to imagine a satisfyingly funny scenario of her kicking the snobbish General into the lake.

She chuckled softly and turned again in the bed, wrapping the wonderful covers around her body. Soon enough, her eyes closed and the young consort drifted off to sleep, handsome strangers easily banished from her mind.

And there ends the latest chapter for 'The Emperor's Last Consort'. :D Byakuya and Rukia had had their very first meeting... but it isn't all very flowery and romantic, is it? If you squint though, there's something special going on between the two already, in between their less-than-polite exchanges. XD But if you know my writing style, you know NONE of my ByaRuki interaction starts off with romance-in-your-face. Sometimes, they don't even get romantic till 10+ chapters. Evenstar style doesn't run that way... but it's very frustrating sometimes, isn't it? *evil laughter*

A few new characters and past bonds are unveiled here in this new chapter as well, and they will be important later.

So anyway, I still hope you enjoy this short little offering from me. I still hope you did miss me, because I will say that I really did miss writing and ByaRuki.

So... do pop me a review about this chapter - comments, suggestions, feedback, anything! :D :D Or if you want to update me about yourself, go on ahead! (I don't know if the old readers still stick around anymore...)

Keep spreading the ByaRuki love, guys! :D