"When a man dies all his good deeds come to an end except three things; ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous children"- H
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach and anything related to it.
A/N: Names of places are fictional. Enjoy.
The Hairdresser of the Daughter of a Pharaoh
-OPgirl
Chapter 20: Numbered Days
"Masaki-san?" Rukia asked.
Rukia slowly opened her eyes and noticed someone massaging her thighs.
"Your awake, Rukia" Masaki stated.
Rukia tried to seat down but Masaki prevented her from doing so.
"You should lay down Rukia, the strained muscles were still recovering" Masaki informed her.
Rukia remain silent for a while as she remembered the events last night. She felt like someone is watching over her.
"Where is my Byakuya?" Rukia asked her maid. Which in turn look at her in a weird way. "I mean the bunny?"
Masaki smiled in understanding. Rukia just looked away from her.
"I let the bunny roam around in the garden. Won't you like to see your Byakuya soon?" Masaki asked.
"Yeah. I kind of missed him already" Rukia stated truthfully.
"I bet he miss you too" Masaki said.
"I know. I wish I could find another girl for him. So that he won't be lonely" Rukia stated as she relaxed her whole body.
"I think he don't need another girl" Masaki said as she continue to massage Rukia's legs and feet.
Masaki-san is incredible! Every muscles she touched relaxed under her skillful hands. Is this how it felt to have a mother to take care of you?
"Rukia, the master requested that I should prepare you for breakfast" Masaki suddenly informed her.
"What is the time Masaki-san?" Rukia asked.
"It's around 6 in the morning Rukia" Masaki said. Rukia massaged her head for a while.
I guess I should endure another silent hours in his company.
After some time Masaki prepared Rukia's bath and change of clothes. Rukia soaked on the tub for a little while.
"I think I know the essence Rukia" Masaki said as she massage her scalp.
Rukia looked puzzled at her maid. Suddenly she remembered her curiosity about the essence.
"It's made from cherry blossom petals and lavender extract" Masaki said.
"It's a perfect blend" Rukia commented as she soaped herself.
After some time, Rukia changed into the dress Masaki choose for her. This time the design of the dress is quite similar to a kimono in japan.
"It looks natural on you Rukia" Masaki commented. She finished styling her hair by then.
They stood up together and walked towards the dining room. This time Rukia ordered Masaki to fetch her Byakuya so that she could play with him inside her room.
Rukia knocked on the door. The door open. It was Byakuya who opened it personally.
Rukia entered the room without another word as she sat at the same place as she had last night. Just like the diner last night, the routine started and they barely talked.
Rukia noticed that he finished eating his food before she did. As she was going to stand up. He called her.
"Rukia" Byakuya said.
Rukia looked at him for a while.
"In a few days from now, you are going to live at the palace" He said.
Rukia nodded. She already knew about it.
"I assigned your caretaker to provide you with basic knowledge about the dealing inside the Palace" Byakuya stated.
Rukia stared at him seeing as he was trying to deliver something.
"Just as we have agreed. When you completed the mission, I will fulfill my word to you" Byakuya added.
Rukia look at him. She is waiting for him to continue.
"As you have already noticed. I as well as the Pharaoh and the Oracle, we are fully aware of your identity" Byakuya informed.
I know. There is no other way than to follow your protocol. If I missed up, I will endanger not only myself but as well as this whole country. I can't believe they would put such a burden on a stranger like me.
Rukia nodded. She stood up and bowed lightly.
"Your obligation is to act as the Princess for a time being" Byakuya said in ultimatum.
So practically, you are saying that I should not go around wondering without your consent as it was not how a Princess act.
Rukia shook her head and bit her tongue. She is not a fool as to not know her place. She knew that a wrong word could cause so much trouble.
It is better for us both, that we act strictly on business. I can't afford to be hindered by feelings. This place although a very unrealistic one, is the home of the people I've come to like, I don't want it to be destroyed if I have the choice to protect it.
"I will keep it mind. Please excuse me" Rukia excused herself. She moved towards the door.
"Rukia" He called her again.
Rukia stopped midway from opening the door. She looked back at him.
"Do you know how to use a sword?" Byakuya asked.