Note:

Hi! It's been a while :) I got a little busy. Also, I am running out of ideas for some reason(s), is this what they call writer's block? Geesh, I actually forgot my plans for this story.

Thank you for those reviews, alerts and faves. Those supports keep me writing ;)

Anyway, I'm open for any suggestions, ideas and the like, truly, writer's block is a nightmare. :o

I think I need a beta, I have horrible grammar, anyone who wants to volunteer? :)

Off with the next chapter!

CHAPTER 9

Renji narrowed his eyes as he carefully eyed the castle at a distance. If the info he received was right, Rukia is held captive by the King of Karakura. He needed to confirm it without arousing much attention since he doesn't want to invoke the king's wrath because of a mere suspicion which might not be true at all.

"Wait for me Rukia." He whispered. "I will surely find you."

Ichigo stared at himself through the mirror, trying to find peace in his mind. It will only take a matter of time before the King of Soul Society will find out that the princess is in his grasp. He knew that what he did was actually selfish but he can't help it, the princess was the first girl who captured his interest. But what he did not anticipate was his dark desire for her which dangerously slowly consumes him, he groaned.

He knew he should not have abducted her without endangering her. He wanted to protect her when he found out that she was going to travel outside Soul Society, outside the King of Soul Society's protection. What good does a captain can do when in fact there are many who desire the princess? Not only simply bandits but also men who are in power wanted her as her status was not the only thing to be considered as a treasure but also with her healing gift which was crucial, especially if used in war. He smiled with the thought, maybe it was a blessing that she is Byakuya's sister, if it were others, she might have been used for her gift.

He sent a letter to request for her hand. He knew he was moving too fast but he has a lot of rivals, only to be rejected. Byakuya was too protective of his own sister. Of course, with Ichigo's reputation, he knew that a nobleman like the King of Soul Society will never accept. He should have thought twice that the said king will never sacrifice the princess to be a political pawn. He really did treasure her. For that, Ichigo's respect to Byakuya increased.

With his spies, he found out that the risk of danger with her travel was not normal. He already sent Ishida to confirm his thoughts of what was actually the plot beyond the bandits and the supposedly kidnapping of the princess. But then again he wondered if she is actually safe within his castle, safe from him. He too is a threat to her.

"Your Majesty." A feminine voice interrupted his thoughts and he glanced to the orange-haired woman bowing at him.

"Lady Inoue, I need your assistance."

The woman's face brightened, "Whatever it is Your Majesty, I'll gladly be of help."

"Accompany the princess in her room and if something dangerous is to happen, protect her."

Ichigo didn't fail to notice the little change of expression on Inoue's face, "Of course Your Majesty," she smiled, "I didn't knew that we have a guest, may I ask who was the princess?"

"It's Princess Rukia."

Inoue paled, "Your Majesty, are you ser-"

Ichigo leaned and whispered to her ears, "Do I look like I'm joking Lady Inoue?"

Inoue bowed recognizing the slight shift of the king's voice.

"I said it well Lady Inoue, protect her, even from me."

When Inoue left Ichigo, he suddenly realized that he was grinning. The presence of fear truly enticed him, he snorted with disgust.

"You are one of the King of Karakura's trusted people?" Rukia asked to the pretty woman in front of her, she can't help but admire her, she could actually be a beauty if not for her sad face that she wore.

Inoue nodded, "Not as much as the captain Ishida though princess,"

"I don't need a guard."

Inoue smiled, "You are precious to his Majesty, of course you needed a guard."

"Stop blabbering nonsense, now tell me, does he treat you well? I have heard of him and saw his side which approved of the rumors."

Inoue laughed quietly, "He is an unstable man, but a good king nonetheless, he will never abandon his duty princess."

"If he is actually a good king, then pray tell me, why am I here?"

Inoue stared deeply in her eyes, "That I do not know, did he asked you something important princess? Like marriage perhaps?"

"He did say I will be his wife, but he should know better."

Inoue smiled, "Then seeing you now princess, I prefer you for his Majesty than those other women, the king needed someone who can actually stand up at him."

"I do not want to be rude but I rejected him."

"His Majesty is quite persistent princess, he wouldn't take no for an answer."

"And if riled up he will do as he pleased to any person?"

Inoue's eyes widened, "Did his Majesty lost his control at your presence princess?"

Rukia nodded grimly, "Almost."

"I apologize, I should not have asked."

"It's alright."

With a hint of a smile, Inoue stared at the smaller woman in front of him, "Give him a chance princess, he is not all that bad. You might even see his kindness. I am not speaking like this because he is my king. I am speaking this to a fellow woman."

"Lady Inoue, I hate to ask this but, why is your king like that?"

Renji narrowed his eyes as he blended carefully within the crowd. He is now within the castle's walls. For now he will listen if there's a chance that the princess is actually staying at Karakura.