Author's note: Sorry for the late update. I was really busy these past few days.

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.

Chapter 12: consequences

While Renji was driving the princess to her university, Rukia remained silent the whole time thinking about Ichigo. Her childhood friend felt awkward an started a conversation, "hey, Rukia! Tell me. How do I look like now?" He said wanting her to speak up.

"Well, you've gotten taller but you face also got scarier." She replied in a scornful way but soon her lonely face came back. Then, she took her phone and called one of her group mates.

"Hello, Mimiko-san." She said.

"Oh, Rukia-san! Where are you?"

"I'm not feeling well today so I don't really think I can join you there. I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I wish you'll get well soon and don't over do it, ok. We can take care of things here." And the two ended the call.

"Renji, will you just take me back to the palace." She said with a restless voice.

"Are you alright? You said you're not feeling well. Is there something wrong?" he replied in concern for his friend.

"I'm fine.", she continued "We can't have a chat today. Gomen." Without further questions asked, he changed their direction and head back to the palace.

----------ooo000ooo----------

Inside the palace…

"Rukia-hime is here to talk with you, Your majesty." The queen's assistant, Matsumoto informed her as the princess waited beside the door.

"Please, let her come in, Lady Rangiku." Then, rukia stepped inside and Matsumoto left the two.

"Please take a seat, princess Rukia,", and she did so. "What can I do for you? It's very unusual of you to talk with me on your own free will."

"Tell me if what you announced in my party was true?" she asked clasping her hands nervously on her lap and soundlessly waiting for the Queen's answer.

"That depends." She took a sip on her tea and continued, "If Renji-san will agree with your engagement, then, it'll be official. That's what the King and his father talked about."

"Does Renji know about this?"

"I don't know but it also seems that he doesn't know it. Why? Is there something bothering you?" she asked concern for her only daughter. "Listen to my word, princess. We have to find you a husband as soon as possible." She then took another sip of her tea. "Not long, the crowned prince will also marry someone to be the crowned princess. Together, they'll have a family and be the next generation to reign in our country. According to the palace's rule, by that time, you can't stay here anymore. That's why we think Renji-san is the perfect one to accompany you in your life outside the palace."

"Why?"

"He is such a good man. He came from a well-respected and known family. If you stay by his side, you won't have difficulties adjusting in your life. All I wish is your happiness, princess."

----------ooo000ooo----------

Rukia sat in silence in one of the benches in the palace's garden thinking over the things that got beyond her control. She knew that this will happen someday but it was so soon. Suddenly, Matsumoto noticed the princess and went near her. "Your highness, why are you here?"

"Lady Rangiku."

"What's wrong, princess? Are feeling well?"

"I'm fine." She replied as she stood up to go inside.

"Wait, princess." Matsumoto saw the princess's necklace and felt familiar to it. "With all the respect, your highness. May I know where did you get your necklace?"

"Ichigo gave me this." She whispered.

"Huh?" the queen's assistant was all puzzled and curious on why will her nephew give her sister's necklace to the princess.

----------ooo000ooo----------

Inside Ichigo's house…

"I'm home." Ichigo came home carrying a depressed face. He was surprised not to find his friend in the living room. "Inoue, where are you? Inoue…", he then, continued to walk inside as he tried to look for her. He heard some noise in the kitchen and quickly got there. "Inoue!!!"

"Oh, Kurosaki-kun! Welcome home." She said while cooking something in the casserole.

"What's that?" he asked pertaining to what she was currently doing.

"It's mixed vegetables. Just wait a moment and I'll be finish with this soon."

"You don't have to do that."

"But I want to say thanks to you for letting me stay here." She said with a smile.

----------ooo000ooo---------

"WHAT?!!" Matsumoto cried in shock. "I'm sorry, your highness, but what do you mean? Ichigo and you?"

"Yes." She answered calmly. "We love each other and he was the one who gave me this necklace."

"But, princess, your love is forbidden. You're a princess and Ichigo is just…"

"I know but… but…. I love him! I want to be with him!!" the princess cried desperately. "Please, help me. I'm begging you…"

"I'm afraid to say but your wishes will never come true. I understand you but…" she felt pity for Rukia. She was struggling so hard for her happiness. "Princess, if you go with Ichigo, you'll have a tough life. You'll live an ordinary life. You'll sacrifice everything you have. Do you understand that?"

"I'll do anything just to be with him."

"I understand your feelings, princess. But how about the royal family? If you go with Ichigo, you'll put them in such disgrace. Can you do that?" All of the sudden, the princess can no longer answer back. After all, what Matsumoto has been saying the whole time was true.

----------ooo000ooo----------

Ichigo unhurriedly chewed Orihime's cooking and finally swallowed it. "What does it taste, Kurosaki-kun?" she asked excitedly.

"It's great." He said proudly. "I'm sure that you're future husband will be very lucky. You're an awesome cook." The complement made her blush.

"Really?! I'm glad you liked it." And they continued eating while sharing stories.

Author's note: I made this chapter for more than two hours. It's really hard especially when I'm running out of ideas. Don't worry. That's only applicable for this chapter. I already thought of the next one. Thanks for reading and please submit reviews.