(Originally posted 2/1/2014 * Revision 08/05/2014)

Beta: OveractiveImagination39, Avid Vampire Hunter

Chapter 25: Allegory of Love – Part 1

"Ulquiorra, Orihime - You are both dismissed," Lord Aizen said, as he turned around and walked towards the fireplace. Tier followed him, engaging the Lord of Las Noches in a heated discussion.

Nelliel gave Orihime support as she walked with her towards the staircase. On the way Grimmjow joined them.

"Stay and observe Lord Aizen. If his words are nothing but a hollow promise, Orihime must know," Nelliel whispered in their language.

Grimmjow hesitated, but when Nelliel looked pleadingly at him, he sighed and nodded.

Aziz kept his head bent low and avoided crossing the other knights and court members' gaze. "Master, please, get up," he whispered anxiously to Sir Ulquiorra.

The Fourth Knight continued to stare blindly at the ground.

Suddenly Father Hachigen appeared and dragged the pale knight back to his feet. "Son, hold fast and do not despair. The Lord will be your light and guide you through the darkness that is surrounding you in this moment."

It took a while, but Ulquiorra regained his senses. "With all due respect, Father, what I lost is beyond your imagination. It is not merely light but more a life-giving sun that has been robbed of its chance to redeem the darkness in my soul," he replied flatly without looking at the priest.

The Fourth Knight placed a hand on his squire's shoulder and left the Keep, guided by Aziz like a man who had lost his sight.

Inside his chamber the pale knight settled down on his bed. The room was dark. Grabbing a candle, Aziz walked back out and rushed towards one of the torches mounted on the walls at the entryway. Shielding the hesitantly burning flame with his hand, he slowly returned. When he stepped into the chamber again and looked at his master, his breath caught in his throat. His attention slipped and a sudden breeze killed the candle's dim light.

Sir Ulquiorra was sitting ridged in the dark, his eyes wide, staring at something only he could see. The knight's chest was heaving heavily and he clenched a hand around the amber pearl that Lady Orihime had given to him on Epiphany as a symbol of her love.

The demon was crawling back from the void. Ulquiorra felt him. The beast that was part of his soul moved slowly but steadily. The pale knight heard him as a distant roar like thunder behind the mountains. A storm was forcefully approaching and he was left without the possibility to run and hide. Whatever was coming would hit him without mercy and with all the force it possessed.

"Chain me! Do it fast and proper. Then take my sword and ...," Ulquiorra paused, his thoughts racing. He never remembered what happened with him when the demon took over and was in control, but he had to ensure he would neither endanger his Lady or anybody else. "... Go find Sir Grimmjow, tell him he owes me a favor for bringing him his mate ..."

+o+o+

"By the ears of the Holy Virgin Mary, I had to make the promise, Nelliel. Otherwise Lord Aizen would have sent him away," Orihime clenched the other woman's clothes and hid her face in the maiden's chest, crying harder.

Nelliel held her tight, and soothingly stroked over the auburn locks of her fair maiden and dear friend. The room was almost dark, the only illumination coming from the single candle she had been able to light before her friend had broken down.

Orihime looked up and bit her lip. "This was selfish, I know. But what else should I have done? Yet now I fear, he truly doubts my love." A desperate sob escaped her and she buried her face again.

Nelliel rocked her gently back and forth, knowing that no words could ease the other woman's pain.

Suddenly Orihime stilled. A moment later she yanked upwards and began to pace in front of the maiden. After she had crossed the room multiple times, her eyes fell on the herbs and linen she used for preparing bandages for her beloved knight.

Ulquiorra needed to rekindle his belief in their now banished love and keep going, because despite what he had said to her at the mill, Orihime refused to abandon hope.

The only thing they were lacking was some proof about Lord Aizen's plan to become King. Something that would reveal her betrothed's true intentions, as well as his evil nature. With this in hand they could risk an escape to the Kuchiki castle, and have a good reason to request support from the King.

That was the secret reason why Orihime selfishly had made the promise. Her future husband should think himself safe. By playing along and relenting, she hoped to achieve this goal and fuel his trust in her. Nevertheless she needed to find something substantial sooner than later, for Ulquiorra's time was running short, in one way or another. If he lost his hope and belief in her love, the demon would consume his humanity right away.

If she secretly was able to assure him that her feelings had not changed at all, the demon still would win in the long run. To save his soul would require devoting her body to Ulquiorra's passion, becoming his completely - something she yearned for more than she could say.

However this had to wait. Now it was on her to give Ulquiorra hope. Even if she felt ill prepared for playing such a wicked game, she would do it. From her beloved knight she had learned that she could be much stronger than she believed, and there was a lot she could do to show him her love while staying true to her word to Lord Aizen at the same time.

Briskly Orihime walked over to the sideboard, took a bandage up and pressed it to her heart. "Nelliel, please go and tell Aziz, that nothing has changed. Like in the past the treatment for his master will be waiting here to be collected by him tomorrow at dawn. As first lady of this castle it is my duty to care for the wellbeing of any of my future husband's precious knights."

As long as Ulquiorra was alive, Orihime thought, she would have the strength to face anything.

+o+o+

Most of the inhabitants of the castle had turned in for the night and the Keep of Las Noches was filled with deceptive calm. A calm which was interrupted by low snarls and the constant rattling of chains. Like in the nights before, the eerie sounds came from a chamber located on the Keep's fourth level.

Grimmjow stood before the chamber, weighing Ulquiorra's broadsword in his hand and admiring the weapon that was one of its kind. The shining sword was well balanced and specially forged for the pale knight by the same skillful weapon smith from whom Lord Aizen's own sword had been made.

The Lord of Las Noches had ordered the weapon's crafting soon after he had appointed Ulquiorra as a knight. The sword's blade was sharp and strong; strong enough to cut chainmail, as it was known from Lord Aizen's sword. The perfect weapon to cut down any being in a single stroke.

His own sword was nothing in comparison. The Fourth's weapon in hand Grimmjow stepped closer to the door and listened.

Shaking badly Aziz had handed his master's sword to him. Dutifully the young man then had repeated Ulquiorra's words, "Kill me or anything else that will leave my chamber during the night. Do it fast and without hesitation. My squire will lay witness that you were under my orders."

Grimmjow had taken the sword, knowing honor bid him to acknowledge Ulquiorra's request, though he knew it could cost him his life.

From the chambers inside the rattling of chains and loud snarling breathing increased. Grimmjow gulped and nervously gripped the broadsword tighter. He never doubted that Ulquiorra had a good reason to ask for such a drastic measure.

Among his kin legends about people changing, and become their soul animal were told for centuries. That was what Grimmjow believed was happening to Ulquiorra. He knew how much love could torture a man's soul, and it was obvious that the once infamous Fourth Knight, the man without a heart, had fallen desperately in love with his lord's next wife. And a forlorn love could break the heart and soul of the strongest man. A man with a broken soul could become anything, especially a man like Ulquiorra.

That which Grimmjow had seen in his vision returned to his mind and cold sweat gathered at his neck and began to run down his spine.

A dark and powerful growl came from the chambers inside and the otherwise fearless man flinched. The scratching of sharp claws on stony ground and the high pitched sound of chains suddenly pulled straight with great force, sounded past the frail wooden door.

The rattling of metal increased and he smelled hot air moving from inside the chamber. Grimmjow stepped back, the beating of his own heart thundering loudly in his ears.

Any other man would run for his life. For that what trying to break free was not human any more. In the chamber there now was some angry beast; winged and huge. Grimmjow knew it. The green eyed demon in his vision only could have been Ulquiorra in his soul animal's form, and the shadows he had seen in some other night, only substantiated his believe. Yet he was no coward. He had taken the request and rather would die than not to repay a debt. If Ulquiorra would break free, then Grimmjow feared for Nelliel's life as well. Such a beast would not discern between friend and foe.

Another growl lashed through the air followed by an ear-piercing clank, a sure indication that what was on the other side of the door no longer was chained to the wall.

Grimmjow corrected his stance to have a better angle for the first strike -which had be lethal -because he doubted that he would get a second.

Then he waited.

However there was a long silence. The wind outside increased, howling and shaking the shutters. A breeze came through the holes and fissures, brushing over Grimmjow's skin like deadly cold fingers. The torches flames flickered and the shadows in the entry chamber went wild. Creating images of winged creatures everywhere on the walls

For a heartbeat the fear overwhelmed Grimmjow, but then his focus was called back to the chamber's door by the fast approaching rattle of chains. Summing all of his courage the former Sixth Knight stepped closer. "I swear by the Goddess of the Sea that you never pass by me alive," Grimmjow called out and lifted the Fourth's sword, ready to kill anything leaving the chamber, like he had promised.

+o+o+

At dawn Orihime looked out of the window in her chamber and pulled the woolen scarf tighter. The sun was rising and tinted the sky in a foreshadowing red. Red as the color of shed blood. She shivered.

Like before, eerie sounds had come from the lower level during the night. Yet they had stopped shortly before the bell from the castle's chapel had announced Laudis, the Dawn Prayer. There a shout had yanked her from a restless sleep. Anxiously Orihime had listened into the silence that had replaced the noises she since had become so used to hearing. However, nothing else but the sound of the wind appeared, and this increased her distress.

She walked over to the sideboard where she stored her healing utilities. Orihime unfolded and folded the bandages again, arranged the boxes and bottles, and stirred the healing balm once more.

Nelliel approached her from behind. Like Orihime the maiden only wore her white linen underdress and had pulled a woolen scarf around her shoulders. "It is time to get ready. Shall I take the honey colored Bliaut and the dark green stomacher out?" she asked, opening Orihime's braid and brushing through the thick auburn locks with her fingers.

Orihime gave no answer, her hands clutching the bowl with the balm.

Tenderly Nelliel touched her lady's ashen cheek, "The Bliaut's warm color will hide that you have not slept much last night. No one should see your distress."

Orihime placed the bowl back and nodded.

Sometime later, when both women were dressed and Nelliel was busy fixing a rectangular veil with a small golden circlet on Orihime's head, Aziz knocked at the door announcing his presence.

Interrupting Nellie's doing Orihime summoned the young man to enter.

Leaving the door open Aziz came in and bowed. Before he stood upright again, Orihime already had gathered the bandages and rushed towards Ulquiorra's squire.

"If you need anything else, please do not hesitate to ask," she urged.

Wearily Aziz took the pieces of cloth, all lovingly cut into evenly shaped, long bands. Lady Orihime always used fine weaved linen which made it easy to wrap a wound properly. The bandages Sir Szayel used were rags in comparison.

However, not even these bandages could fix the done damage, Aziz thought sadly, remembering the bloody mess in his master's chamber. Bram was on the way to get Father Hachigen, which was all he feared was left for them to do.

"Good morning, my dear Orihime. The Bliaut suits you very well. It was one of my second wife's preferred dresses. The poor girl suffered so badly before she died," Lord Aizen's voiced sounded pleasantly from the chamber's entrance.

Ignoring the aghast looks, the Lord of Las Noches sauntered in. Two women in tow, clad in colorful silk gowns.

Aziz moved out of the way and bowed deeply.

Lord Aizen stopped before the squire. "Aziz? Was this your name, boy? Always so dutifully and devout. Ulquiorra truly has rubbed off on you. I might consider to take you as my personal squire instead of letting you share his unfortunate fate."

Laughing lightly the lord turned towards his future wife, "Truly Orihime, you are making me weak. Usually I do not revoke my rulings once they are issued."

Unsure of what to answer Orihime stayed silent but tried to smile, if only to hide her rising anxiety. If something was wrong with Ulquiorra, Aziz would not be here to get the bandages, she tried to reason herself, until she realized that she had not even given him the possibility to speak his mind.

Ice-cold fear gripped her, making her numb. Orihime shot Aziz a glance, but the squire avoided her gaze. The fact that Lord Aizen once had bonded Aziz's and Bram's lives to Ulquiorra's struck her hard, and then the night before dawn had been so awfully silent. Suddenly she felt lightheaded and the ground under her feet began to sway. Orihime threatened to fall, but an arm encircled her waist and steadied her.

"How inattentive of me. I just realize that you are completely unaware of the night's events and the alliance that was formed between your maiden's mate and your former loyal knight," Lord Aizen said while he gave Orihime support.

Behind them the two women who had come with the Lord of Las Noches giggled.

With tears in her eyes Orihime gazed at Ulquiorra's squire.

"Aziz, as you are the alliance's bearer, please tell us about the outcome. I made a bet against Sir Aaroniero that neither of them are breathing today. And I usually do not make a bet I am endangered to lose."

Aziz gulped and forced his gaze away from Lord Aizen. By God's eyes he could have sworn that nobody had been around when he had delivered Sir Ulquiorra's request to Sir Grimmjow. The former Six Knight as well had taken good care nobody watched them, and that Sir Grimmjow had let Lord Aizen into his arrangement with Sir Ulquiorra was out of the question.

A cold shiver ran down the young man's spine. It was impossible to keep a secret away from Lord Aizen when even the walls in Las Noches seemed to be his eyes and ears.

"Sir Grimmjow did what my master wanted him to do," Aziz said tonelessly, pausing for a heartbeat when he noticed Orihime and Nelliel becoming unhealthily pale.

"My lord, maybe it is time to introduce my sister and me. It seems Lady Orihime is not feeling well and therefore requires our assistance," the black haired of the two women interrupted.

"You are right. And you have to forgive me, my manners this morning are not the best," Lord Aizen admitted softly. He waved the two women to come closer. "Orihime, as Father Hachigen pointed out some time ago, a lady of rank needs suitable company, and one maiden is not at all enough for my wife. Therefore I have announced Lady Aivirrne and her sister, Lady Mallia, to be your maids of honor. "

Grinning almost wickedly, both ladies curtsied before Orihime, who still hung in Lord Aizen's arm and was on the edge of losing consciousness.

Orihime had heard enough to believe that either her beloved Ulquiorra, or Sir Grimmjow, or both, had found death last night.

Author's Notes:

If you have not recognized them, Lady Aivirrne and Lady Mallia are Loly and Menoly. I used their last name, which does fit better into this story.

To LeLeLovb who has ask in his review why Aizen has not taken Orihime's virginity:

When in chapter 17 the priest was killed by Nnoitra, Starrk mused about how Aizen could be forced to keep his promise and marry Orihime, for whom Starrk has a soft spot, before taking away her virginity. Starrk decided that it would be the best if the weak and now also dead priest would be replaced by someone with more influence. So he wrote a letter to the pope.

In chapter 20 I introduced Father Hachigen, the new priest who is a cousin of the pope. If a man directly related to the pope suddenly would die, questions would be asked and in the middle ages it was the pope who crowned a King. So every lord who wanted to become king should make sure to stay in the pope's good grace.

And to anger a priest, with a direct connection to the pope would be a bad thing. In the same chapter Father Hachigen reminds Aizen, that the pope recently had requested the nobility to give a good example and marry first before enjoying the corporal love.

The part with Alia and the baby will become important in the next chapter.

But I had some reason for writing it. The birth and dealing with a death of a woman Ulquiorra had a vague sympathy served as a trigger for his demon to rise to the surface. In the chapter his vision turned red for the first time and for the first time while being conscious, he lost his grip on reality.

Henna has to be brought back into the plot as well and Ulquiorra also needed to spend all the money he had saved for Alia's burial. By that I strip him of his resource and wanted to remind the reader that the knights are not only bond to Aizen because of their oath but also in an economical way.

Grimmjow also complained about that it was a bad decision to take a sword and armor form Aizen some chapters ago.

In the middle ages it was common that a lord provided his servants with weapon and armor. Both items of great value and worth more than most of them ever could earn in their life. So a knight also severed a lord to repay his debt.

I know by now that my storyline for a fanfiction or better to say for a story that is published chapter by chapter over a (embarrassing) longer time with long periods between updates is too complex. The hints and foreshadowing in the plot are therefore disjoint from the event they are referring to. I am taking this into consideration now.

When I created the plotline I did in a way that would be suitable for a story you are able to read chapter after chapter until the end.

As for the lemons. Even the M rating does not allow a detailed scene with sexual content. In fact if you stick to the rule of this site or better to say to the US laws and regulations that protects minors from porn, a lemon is not allowed at all.

Because so many stories are badly violating the M rating and because our rating in Germany is not as strict with sexual content as in the US, it took me some time to realize that.

I like writing and reading lemons and as long as a story does not violent what is forbidden in my Country, and what I consider dangerous for kids, I do not report such a story on ffnet. But at one point I decided for myself that I will try to stick to the rules.

To make sure I understood the limitation correctly I checked back with Critics United, a group here on ffnet which takes care that authors stick to the rules. After that I have rewritten the first and so far only existing two lemon parts. Both featuring Grimmjow.

I know that even the rewritten version of these parts as well as the new lemon scenes lightly exceed the M rating if you look closely. But I think I can live with that.

The original version can be read on where I published the story as well but with MA rating.

Which reminds me that I need to include a link on my profile.

So, I have to disappoint you, because a steamy lemon will not happen in the story.

To answer your question about Orihime's age: She is 19 when Aizen requested her hand in marriage. In those times the usual age for a girl to marry was 14-16. Well, better to say to be promised to a man. Marriage as we know it today, was just a growing custom enforced by the church at the beginning of the 12th century. You have to take in mind that the majority especially of the peasants did not became older than 40.

I hinted in the first chapters that Orihime was not married because she wanted to wait for her brother to return home and she hoped that Ichigo might the one asking for her hand. Also she had no Dowry and did not want Isshin to burden with such a thing.

Most of the time, there is a reason why things happens :-) But I have to admit it not always as obvious as it should be. I know that I sometimes struggle with getting to the point and keep things snappy. I still try to improve my story telling and my grip and understanding of the English language. But like Ulquiorra and Orihime my journey is an ongoing.

Oh well - if you have not fallen asleep while reading my rambling, please leave a review and let me know your thoughts. Otherwise thanks for reading and I hope you will return and read the next chapter as well.