I guess everyone's still on vacation mode eh? Just guessing. Coz I'm on vacation mode as well. (To justify my laziness)

Thank you so much for the reviews! I can never grow tired of expressing my gratitude, really. All of you are awesome.

And yeah, Aizen is one crazy cookie. But why is it that you guys don't call me crazy? I'm the one coming up with these ideas! LOL!

I'm wondering why no one asked where the hell Unohana Retsu is…

(And I'm also thrilled that one of you guys guessed right. A very sublime hint, but was correct!)

Chapter 25

The Dimming Daylights

Kurosaki Ichigo unconsciously moved his tensed shoulder muscles by an inch.

He had been sitting inside his grandfather's spacious study for more than three hours now, listening to the raspy voice of an elderly duke. His clothes were somewhat constricting and his mind was elsewhere. He could not concentrate since he worried a lot about his wife, Orihime.

The Crown Princess had not recovered from her bouts yet. She was still in dire condition and the doctors said that it was perfectly normal. But Ichigo thought that she was far from normal. The usually sweet and patient Orihime became temperamental. She always craved for unusual treats that the servants had great difficulty in serving. He also found himself in silence during the night since she was always asleep. He craved for her company, but her condition did not permit her.

He sighed to himself. He was not one to complain and demand. His wife was pregnant, for god's sake. Of course she should be treated with care. And since he was partly to blame for siring the child, he should not be thinking about himself.

"Ichigo," Barragan Luisenbarn said, alerting his grandson's attention, "are you alright?"

Ichigo suppressed an urge to redden in embarrassment as all the advisers and officials were looking at him with different expressions. He knew that most, if not all, of them were watching his every movement, rooting for him to fail. But he would not let them have that luxury. He was simply worrying about more important things than aristocrats trying to obtain more money from the peasants.

"I apologize," the Prince said. "I was merely thinking about the condition of my wife. Her current state has bothered me to no end."

"Ah," a jovial duke with a silly mustache said, "why of course! I was worried sick when my wife was pregnant with our first child. I was a sweating lunatic the whole day, not knowing what will become of her!"

Much to the orange-haired young man's relief, the whole table laughed at the duke's story. A smaller man piped in, his eyes beady and squinting, "I was more worried of what will become of me around my wife when she was pregnant. Her temperament was so unstable that almost half the staff in my house was gone on the first trimester of her childbearing!"

"I hope the Crown Princess will be better, though," Hirako Shinji, who happened to be there at the moment spoke. His smile was something that Ichigo did not like one bit. He had become more precariously possessive of Orihime especially around well-known perverts and players like Shinji. "It will be a pity to see her in poor condition."

"I am sure my grandson is taking good care of his wife," Barragan said, his laughter booming across the room. "The whole empire of England is rejoicing in anticipation for the birth of a future ruler."

Most of the people in the room nodded in agreement. Somehow, Ichigo felt lighter inside. He just hoped that someday, the people who would be by his side would accept him as a ruler and swear their allegiance to him.

"Now, shall we proceed before we were interrupted with parental concerns?" Barragan said, as the energetic ruler continued on with the discussion.

Orihime almost groaned in front of the stern-looking Duchess of Claremont when the middle-aged woman announced that members of the Royal Family were called by the Second Princess Tia Halibel for tea in the gardens. She had to admit that she was feeling better now, but she was still unsure if she would become sick again if she were to attend the said gathering. On the other hand, she was feeling more embarrassed as the days passed by. She had been holing up in their quarters for almost two weeks now and she was sure that the other nobles were not taking her absence too kindly. Her being sick may not be understood by others who still had their wary eye on her and her husband.

She knew that she still had to prove that she was worthy and capable of being the next Queen, or even Empress, of England. She just had to hold her physical ills for a while. She was a strong woman after all.

"You've taken several beatings, Orihime!" the auburn-haired princess said when she was left alone. "You can take care of this!"

She pumped her fist in the air in a comical manner and grinned to herself. I wonder if Kurosaki-sama will be there.

Of course he would not be there. That much she knew. He was busy attending a lot of meetings with the king and his advisers. He was being groomed and taught to handle these things so that he would be prepared when he assumes the throne. It would be a lot of hard work for him, and Orihime could feel her heart burst with more determination to prove that she was worthy to rule alongside him.

If Kurosaki-sama is doing his best, then I must do my best as well!

With that thought, she hurriedly bolted out of the room and into the adjoining bath area. She quickly stripped and soaked herself into the tub. She huffed out a grateful breath as she discovered that the bath was still warm despite her rambling to no end inside her room. Her ladies-in-waiting really knew well when and how to serve the absentminded princess.

Orihime scrubbed herself clean, admiring for the millionth time the fragrance of the water and the luxurious texture of the soap. She had taken her time and when she finally got out, she felt that her skin had almost become wrinkled.

"Your Highness, are you ready?" the duchess asked from the other side of the room. The Duchess of Claremont now served as the head lady-in-waiting for the Crown Princess, and would be her companion until she became the queen. Orihime was intimidated by her at first, but then she grew fonder of the woman as she acted more like a strict mother than a stranger who just happened to wait on her.

"Yes," Orihime answered quickly.

As immediately as she answered, six women strode inside the bathroom carrying different kinds of cloth and materials with them. Orihime stared in fascination as the women lined up in front of her naked form, quickly going over what was to be done.

At first, the young woman was embarrassed at showing herself in front of people but she had to get used to it eventually. The shyness made way to fascination. She was also grateful that these people really had to be there for her every second of the day to attend to her needs.

The Countess of Peterhoff approached her, her dainty hands covered in a fine-looking towel. She quickly dried off Orihime's body and wrapped her head and hair with another dry cloth.

And in order, everything else was put on Orihime. Everything else put on by people with status in the society who now pledged to assist her. Before she knew it, she was already led to her quarters and was told to sit down in front of the vanity mirror.

"Your hair still amazes me, Your Highness," the Countess of Devonshire commented appreciatively, a smile on her thin but lovely features.

"Thank you," Orihime responded, beaming beautifully.

While the women were busy fixing her hair, Orihime inquired, in an almost anxious manner, "Who will be at the tea party?"

"The Royal Princesses, the Dauphin and Dauphine of France, the Archdukes and Archduchesses. Almost all of them, Your Highness. Except for some who are attending important matters, including your husband," the Duchess of Claremont answered, her icy façade still unbroken.

"Oh," Orihime said, feeling the chilling unease sweep through her body. "May I ask what this event is for?"

She suddenly wished she could disappear when all the women looked at her with appalled expressions.

The Countess of Hartfordshire broke the silence by answering the seemingly offensive query. "It is an annual gathering that the late Queen Erazabeth herself pioneered. It is to commemorate the founding of the Luisenbarn Royal House and the ceasing of the throne from the Inoue family. The queen opted for a smaller and more family-centered celebration instead of inviting the whole empire to preserve the meaning of the historical event."

So I am about to celebrate the day that the English monarchy was taken away from my family? Orihime thought, a bit amused by the irony. But she was not bothered by the politics and bloody affairs that surrounded the past. She was not concerned in taking the crown back for her family. What was the point anyway? She is the remaining survivor of their clan. She had married the Crown Prince of the Luisenbarn family. She was about to become the Queen of England. What difference does it make?

"If I may ask a question, Your Highness," the Duchess of Devonshire interceded, a blush staining her cheeks.

"You may, of course," Orihime said kindly.

"You are an Inoue, am I right?"

Orihime's gray eyes softened. Of course the entire country would know of this. It was an important fact to the Crown Prince's sudden claim and ascension to his rightful place. And she should not be bothered at all. Despite the fact that she abhorred the unnecessary things that surrounded nobility and power, she had learned to accept what she was born with eventually. She had learned to accept the truth and to think that there were people who had it much worse than she did. But she also had to make it clear that she was not at all affected (in a negative manner) that there was this certain history between her clan and the current ruling family.

"Yes, I am," she replied, her smile consistent in its form and sincerity.

This simple and truthful answer seemed to have calmed and reassured something in the ladies' minds. They let the matter pass and went on with their tasks.

"What is the matter with you, Grimmjow?" Tia Halibel asked her brooding son.

The dark-skinned woman could sense a disturbance around Grimmjow, and it was not the usual maniacal disturbance that she had seen so many times. There was an uncertainty in the dauphin's countenance that irked Halibel's curiosity. His electric blue eyes were squinting at everything and everyone but…

At everything and everyone but…

"Ah," Halibel said knowingly, laughing softly to herself. This earned her a scathing look from her son.

"What?" Grimmjow asked rudely.

Halibel ignored the question and pretended not to hear. Instead, her eyes focused on the seaweed-haired woman who seemed to have occupied herself in painting a portrait of Ukitake and his children.

"Stop moving, Yachiru!" Toushirou grunted. "I swear, this is why I hate doing things like this!"

"Grouchy pants," Yachiru said, giggling loudly. In her jolly state, she managed to accidentally punch her father's jaw, sending the sickly archduke into another coughing fit.

"Are you alright, Uncle?" Nel asked in concern. Since the white-haired man insisted that he be addressed with less formality, the princess complied.

"Yes, yes, of course," Ukitake said, smiling and posing once again, this time holding Yachiru in a surprisingly strong grip that held the shocked and suddenly behaved prankster at bay.

Toushirou smirked and held his expression, satisfied that his younger sister was 'suppressed.'

Halibel, who was still observing Nel, smiled wider. As she could see, the young woman was doing a very great job in painting the lively group despite the ruckus. And the Second Princess was also smiling because her son's gleaming eyes seemed to be focused on his wife. He seemed to have contemplated that since his mother was no longer pestering him, he was now free to look at the object of his thoughts. His gaze was filled with anger and confusion, like he was thinking something very deeply concerning Neliel tu Oderschvank.

"Are you going to tell me what is bothering you?" Halibel asked, knowing full well that her son was going to reject her offer at being a mother. Grimmjow had not turned out the way she wanted him to, and she wondered if she should blame it on herself or on the twisted families and environment he was born with and in.

"Tch," was all the answer Halibel got.

"Hali," a vigorous voice called out from her right. It was Kuukaku, dressed in her favorite crimson color and looking as gorgeous as ever.

"Glad you could join us," Halibel said, acknowledging her sister's presence.

"Would not miss it for the world," Kuukaku said almost ruefully. "I remember the times when our dear mother would force us into those restricting clothes and sit here for hours trying to recount to her the full story of how the Luisenbarn family succeeded in taking the English throne."

"It was quite a dreary story," she added, stifling a yawn. "And I was the one who made the most mistakes in telling the tale."

Halibel laughed softly. "Yes. You would accidentally insert Beowulf into history."

Kuukaku laughed along heartily. "Who can blame me? I was a blasted twelve-year-old then! I had a life that screamed for myths, epics and legends rather than boring historical encounters."

Silence enveloped the two as they started reminiscing about the past. Grimmjow, who seemed to have taken whiff of the gist of the conversation, slouched off in disgust.

"Masaki always recounted the story perfectly," Kuukaku said, a ghost of a smile etched on her face. "And she was not even interested in any of it."

"She was always the smartest one," Halibel agreed. "Always so gentle and passionate."

Kuukaku nodded. "While Soi would dictate the whole encounter with such ferocity that made it seemed like she wanted to conquer something as well."

Halibel chortled. "I take it that she will not attend?"

"No. You know how much she hates parties."

"I guess I was hopeful that she would find it in her heart to know that she is not as shunned as she thinks she is."

The raven-haired princess nodded in agreement. "I pity her for being our mother's tail."

"Shush, Kuukaku, do not speak like that," Halibel said, rolling her eyes.

"I was merely stating the truth," the younger woman said. "I am deeply disturbed about how she goes about things. And I have some suspicions about those late night escapades she has."

"Late night escapades?"

"Yes. Haven't you noticed, Hali? Well, if you haven't, then let me tell you that I have seen Soi Fong ride on her own horse in a more than suspicious cloak in the wee hours of the night."

"Well, do you not think that she was just in meetings? You know how busy her task is."

Kuukaku scoffed. "If her business was indeed official, then she would not have to wait until everybody is asleep or resting before leaving. And why the suspicious clothing? Does she not want to be recognized?"

Halibel knew that her sister's suspicions had a point, but she remained silent in stating her own opinions. Silent and quick-witted, Halibel knew that there were many ways in which a secret can be revealed. She chose to act upon her theories herself.

Kuukaku, who noticed the dark look that Halibel's tawny eyes took, knew instantly that her elder sister would find a way for Soi Fong's schemes to be known. They realized that their youngest sister would act like this upon the arrival of Kurosaki Ichigo, his bride, and the Japanese representatives. But they had no idea what exactly it was that she planned on doing.

As the sisters watched the family enjoy themselves, Kaien sat on the quaint chairs that were prepared for them. He lazily swirled the contents of his tea with a small, silver spoon, trying his best not to yawn in the presence of his relatives. His mind was elsewhere though, thinking about Kuchiki Rukia and her current state.

He knew that the Japanese representatives were left in the Inoue estate since they were not really welcomed guests of the English crown. He had been cautious in dealing with them, since he vowed to himself that he will watch over them. He would not have a family member harm the innocent. He knew that there were several in his clan that were ill-willed towards the presence of the foreigners who killed many nobles that attempted to reside in Japan. However, Kaien was different. He always had a deep sense of equality and kindness within him that could only be inherited from his mother.

"Kaien!" a whiny voice said, blocking his vision with her pleading jet black eyes.

"What?" he said, grimacing at the childish antics of his aunt.

Archduchess Lisa frowned. She adjusted her spectacles and looked over her nephew. Everyone knew that Kaien was closest to Lisa, and despite the childish behavior the aunt displayed, Kaien had more tolerance for her than towards anyone.

"What has you down in the dumps?" Lisa asked, putting down the roll of parchment that she was previously furiously writing on.

"Nothing," Kaien answered, looking away.

"Liar," Lisa supplied with a grin.

"Tch. It is really none of your business."

"And when has it ever been none of my business? I always manage to involve myself in your affairs one way or another."

Kaien smiled, knowing full well that there was no use trying to fool Lisa. Despite her unconventional demeanor, she was one of the most intelligent people he knew. She had a gift of digging beneath the exterior of every person that she laid eyes on. She can assess moods and emotions without even trying. She was that much in tune with the human persona that made her into such a good writer.

"What do you think of the Japanese?" Kaien asked her.

"Hmm," Lisa said, tickling her chin with the feather of her quill. "I think they are foolish enough to think that Father is going to honor whatever requests they have brought with them. I also think that it seems that they have nothing more to lose in their current situation. Like a reckless, dying bird flying to its doom…"

"Really, Lisa, enough of the metaphors."

"But it is true," she continued. "And it also seems that the princess they were talking about is indeed in love with the Crown Prince. But her case is already lost."

"What do you mean?"

"The Crown Prince has already fallen for his bride."

Kaien's eyes widened. "And how can you be sure about that?"

"Really, Kaien, are you so silly? Everyone can tell that someone is in love, or has deep affection for one person. It is as obvious as you screaming to everyone here that there is something bothering you," Lisa said, observing her nephew with an amused expression. "And if I were to make my own conclusions, your face has 'affection and concern' written all over it. And if I were to conclude any further, then I would say that this 'affection and concern' is directed towards the Japanese representatives. And if, finally, I were to narrow it down further, you questioning me with details of my opinions would mean that you are more interested in a certain foreigner, and not the both of them."

Kaien groaned inwardly. He would have to learn sooner that there were times that it was a mistake to ask the sharp Archduchess anything, especially with close and personal matters.

"Why the silence, Kaien? Am I right?" Lisa said, amusement more pronounced in her eyes.

Kaien shook his head in defeat. "Why do I even bother to ask you, eh?"

"That is exactly why you keep asking me! You know I can get you right in seconds!"

Neliel sighed to herself as she finally finished the painting she was making. The archduke and his children went over her art piece and praised her for the speed and beauty of what she had made. She rewarded them with a dazzling smile and a small thanks. But her heart was not really into whatever she was doing. She felt empty and alone.

She decided to walk towards the grand yew tree that stood at the corner of the garden. It was serene enough for her to clear her thoughts. She nestled gracefully on the thick patch of grass at the base of the tree and spread her legs apart, thinking that no one would notice her when she was this far away from them.

Nel sighed once more. She realized that she was the only foreigner in the group. An Austrian princess with an unusual accent and a startling speaking voice. But it seemed not to bother most of the Royal Family. She deduced that the only one who seemed bothered by her presence is her own husband.

Her peripheral vision from before she moved to where she currently sat told her that her husband's menacing stare was directed at her. Surprisingly, she felt no fear at whatever angry thoughts were being directed to her. She was more bothered that he was blatantly and rudely looking at her like that. Sooner or later someone would ask her if they were in an argument or something of that sort. She would have to avoid the question then or do something about it. Nel hated lying.

"Stop bending over like that," a voice suddenly growled in her ear.

Nel almost jumped from her seat. She whipped her head around to her side, only to spot her husband's form plopping beside her, his body swift and agile.

Like a panther, Nel thought to herself, giggling slightly.

The sound of suppressed laughter made Grimmjow whip his head in his wife's direction. He glowered at her.

"I told you to stop bending over like that," he said again, his voice more lethal.

"Bending like what?" she asked. Quite unaware of her position, Nel was resorting to her old habit of bending over and reaching for her knees, which gave everyone who had a sharp eye, or any passerby, a very welcoming view of her generous cleavage.

Grimmjow wanted to tear his hair in frustration. It irked him so badly just imagining if anyone could and would lay eyes upon his possessions. Especially a toy as good-looking as Neliel.

"You want to prance around naked?" he snarled, his perfect white teeth almost baring themselves.

Nel's eyes widened in shock. "W-what? Naked?" she stammered, then recovered from her amusement. "Are you alright?"

"What kind of question is that?"

"Well, if you just act normally then I would not have to ask something as silly as that!"

"Just sit properly!" Grimmjow said with finality, his eyes burning. This time, his tone made Nel silent.

What is wrong with you? Nel wondered. There was indeed something different about Grimmjow. The madness in his countenance was gone. It was replaced by confusion. But he was still angry, but it was not a pointless and war-inducing anger like before. It seemed that the anger seemed to be leashed, like he was furious at something he did not know or would rather not know.

As comprehension dawned on Nel, her grin grew wide and playful. She finally straightened her body, which seemed to have earned a quiet sigh of relief from the boiling Grimmjow.

"Are you actually worried that someone might look at me inappropriately?" she finally said, peering at his fierce expression.

Grimmjow, who finally let the previous matter pass without any act of violence, stared murderously at his wife. "I do not like anyone staring at you. Do I make myself clear? So do not ever do something that might be considered as selling yourself!"

"When did this happen? Are you actually jealous?" More amusement.

"Do not provoke me, Neliel."

"Then tell me what is happening. Weeks ago, you never treated me like a human being. You never even looked at me as one. You treated me like an object simply for pleasure. You used me and you were vile to anyone who stood in your way. Why change now, Grimmjow?"

Grimmjow's livid eyes lost their resentment. He just looked into those amber eyes with a blank expression. He did not even realize that he was acting differently around her. He even forgot how he treated her before. He had been pondering over the best course of action to depose Ichigo weeks ago, but now he was not even thinking about his cousin. He was thinking more of this creature beside him who repeatedly stood up to him without hesitation. He never acknowledged her as a thing that could even speak her own mind when he married her. But something in her changed and snapped. And he could not fathom how she had become like this. It was as if she was no longer the besotted pet that she once was. It was like he lost her, and that started a spark somewhere inside of him. He discovered that he was angry that she, somehow, did not belong to him anymore.

That normally would not bother him. He had been with plenty of women before. Women who pined and whined for his attention. But he quickly lost interest in them after getting what he wanted. But Neliel was different. He gained her without even noticing, and lost her the same way. It was as though he missed what he always had. And it was a lightning realization for someone like him.

And because of that, again, he was angry.

"Grimmjow," Nel finally said. She looked at him, unable to get anything. Not even a grunt or a scowl. He looked surprised and baffled.

That was the first time he heard her say his name without any honorifics or titles. Her hair whirled around her beautiful and hurt face like a halo. The surroundings blurred. How many times had he ravaged her? How many times had she stood by his side? They were not together for so many years. They were not even together for half a year. Only months. And now a drastic change in their relationship occurred just because Neliel spoke. Just because she showed him she was worth more than he ever knew.

"Are they alright?" Orihime asked Tia Halibel, who was the first one to talk to her when she arrived. Her stormy gaze was attracted by the lovers who sat under the intimidating yew tree. Seconds passed when she realized that the supposed lovers she referred to were Grimmjow and Neliel, the Dauphin and Dauphine of France. People with whom she had a less than cordial encounter weeks ago. She had met them several times after that, but the tension was so high in these meetings that she did not desire to cross paths with them again, especially Grimmjow

She did not know much about the two but one thing was certain. Grimmjow did not treat his wife the way he was expected to. She even doubted that he treated anyone with kindness. He seemed to be furious at her husband's assumption of his birthright. Ichigo subtly told her that Grimmjow married because he had married. The sapphire-haired man was competing with Ichigo in every aspect of his life.

But there was a different air surrounding the two from what she could see. And she knew she had no right to ask Grimmjow's own mother, but the older woman seemed to have her attention focused on the pair as well.

"I think they will be fine," Halibel replied, smiling at her. "I think I should ask you if you are well. I guess I failed to inform your lady-in-waiting that you have the option to decline this invitation since you are with child and of delicate health at the moment."

Orihime smiled back at the kindness of the princess. "I'm fine, Your Highness. I think that my soul has missed the outdoors. I do not think it will do much harm to my health. I think I need it more than anything."

Halibel nodded in agreement. "But please, do not overexert yourself. After all, you are bearing the heir to your husband's throne and fortune."

I know, Orihime thought, knowing full well the duties and burdens being the Crown Princess entailed.

"Princess!" a loud voice said from below her, tugging at her skirts. When she looked down, she was surprised to see a pink-haired girl bobbing up and down, trying to get her attention.

"Yachiru," a white-haired adolescent said from behind the girl. "Stop bothering people."

"I'm not bothering anyone, Toushirou," the girl retorted with disrespect, much to the chagrin of the Second Princess who overheard their exchange.

"Oh, she's no bother at all," Orihime said, scooting down and smoothing the girl's unruly hair. "What do you want, Yachiru?"

"You want to play?" Yachiru said, nibbling on the sweet she held with her left hand.

"Your Highness," Toushirou interrupted, "I apologize for my sister's rash behavior."

"Do you want to join us, Toushirou?"

The boy reddened considerably, making Halibel and Yachiru laugh out loud. He was glaring at Orihime as if she had grown two heads and a tail. The auburn-haired woman stared back at him with puzzlement, unaware of what she had done wrong.

"Toushirou doesn't like to play," Yachiru explained, giggling uncontrollably.

The subject of the conversation merely closed his eyes as if to calm himself and walked away from the embarrassing situation.

"That boy needs to lighten up," Halibel added.

"Why? What's wrong with him?" Orihime asked in concern.

"He is just like that. He just thinks ahead of his age. So no one has ever asked him to play or have fun before. It is," Halibel said with a pregnant pause, as if pondering the term, "regretful that he is trying to grow up too fast."

"I see," Orihime said. It was not really strange for her. She also forced herself to grow up fast because of her family's death. She also had to take care of the friends she had grown up with. Living in reality forced everyone to grow up faster than they should.

Halibel noticed the sudden silence to the usually talkative princess. She smiled knowingly.

"Princess, let's go and play with Grimmy," Yachiru said. Before Orihime could object, the girl dragged her almost effortlessly towards the serious pair who was talking under the tree.

Nel, who was still waiting for Grimmjow's response, looked up when she heard sounds of rushed footsteps towards them.

"NEEELLL!" Yachiru was yelling before Orihime could even attempt to stop her.

Grimmjow felt another surge of anger at being disturbed. His sharp gaze landed on the unexpected pair that went over to them. His eyes widened when he recognized his infuriating cousin together with a young woman he had never seen before.

Wait, no, I have seen her before. His serious frown was now gone, replaced by a scheming smirk that was not unnoticed by his wife.

Oh no, Nel thought.

"Play with us!" Yachiru said when the two of them finally reached their destination.

"Uhm, hello," Orihime said bashfully, trying to gather her wits from the sudden run.

"Good morning, Your Highness," a drawling voice said. Orihime knew that the menacing creature from beside the beautiful green-haired woman was awakened at her arrival. She barely suppressed a wince when she heard him.

Grimmjow, like a predator smelling the fear of his prey, smirked wider. He quickly stood up with a frightening lethal grace that rooted Orihime on the spot.

"What brings you here?" he asked, his eyes growing more feral by the second. "It is a bit unusual to see the Inoue heiress in a quaint celebration to remember the day that they were defeated by our family."

"Grimmjow," Nel said in warning, giving the surprised Crown Princess with an apologetic smile.

Orihime was mildly taken aback by Nel's sudeen display of kindness towards her. From their previous encounter, she thought that the woman did not like her.

As if suddenly disturbed in his attack, Grimmjow's predatorial stance broke as he looked sideways at Nel, who was laying her hand on his tensed left arm.

"What?" Grimmjow grumbled.

"Please stop," Nel said. "I apologize for this, Your Highness."

"Eh heh, it's alright!" Orihime said, waving the apology off with both hands, a gesture that actually made Nel laugh.

"I think we have not been formally introduced," Nel said, suddenly curtsying. "Neliel tu Oderschvank. Please, call me Nel."

"Nel," Orihime said fondly, curtsying back. "Kurosaki Orihime. Please just call me Orihime."

"Touching," Grimmjow scoffed, suddenly walking away.

"Well, that was Grimmjow," Nel said when her husband finally left. "I'm sorry for that. He has always been like that."

"It's okay."

Yachiru, who sensed that the conversation was becoming boring, sighed and ran off. Orihime tried to follow her but was stopped by Nel.

"I guess we should let her be," the taller woman said. "I think we need to talk more. I think I can relate to you more than anyone here."

"What do you mean?"

"We are more of outsiders here," Nel said, laughing slightly.

Orihime stared at the woman with astonishment. The way her amber eyes suddenly went crestfallen told Orihime that she was telling the truth. From what she had heard, Neliel was an Austrian princess that Grimmjow was forced to marry because of Ichigo's marriage. It seemed like a more horrid case than Ichigo and her. To be married to someone like Grimmjow…

But something told Orihime that Nel was not entirely unhappy.

"I know we just met, but I have no one else to talk to," Nel added. "Are you happy with the Crown Prince?"

Happy?

Am I?

Orihime's senses stopped at the question.

The time that her friends were being abused by the town.

The time that she was almost beaten herself.

The time when Urahara Kisuke rescued her.

The deal…

The deal to be married to the potential Crown Prince of England.

Her marriage, her wedding night…

His demon… her sympathy…

His fall… her awakening…

His affair with Kuchiki Rukia… her heartbreak…

Her heartbreak… her love…

Love.

"I am," Orihime said, her voice barely audible. "I am…"

Nel smiled. "You love him."

I do.

"I do," she responded automatically.

"Love makes any woman so beautiful," Nel commented, looking afar. "It brings out the best in her. It brings out the most beautiful in the ugliest and most tormenting of situations. It makes everything colorful with emotion. Even the most tragic… the happiest seem happier than happiest…"

"Are you in love, Nel?" Orihime asked, smiling gently up at her.

"I am," Nel said. "But it hurts when you think your love, like your beauty and being, is being thrown away."

Orihime then knew. She knew exactly what to say to Nel. "It hurts for a while. Because in the end, no matter how much we deny it to ourselves, there is an aspect of life and love that is selfish. Man cannot deny selfishness. We want to be loved as much as we love others. It feels unfair to us when we are not given our worth. When we are not given what is due to us. But when we realize the true extent of our love and its capability, like what you said about it beautifying every woman, then it does not waste. It will never waste. In the end, we will realize that whether or not we are not loved back, the person we give our affections to will and do accept our love whether they like it or not. They feed off our love and they become inspired by it. And who knows, we might teach them how to love? Even if that love is not directed to us… at least we did our part."

Nel listened, astounded by the wisdom and maturity of Orihime's words. Like a woman who has gone through it all…

"So if you love your husband," Orihime continued, "then do not give up. Love him until it engulfs both of you. Love him until he loves something, or someone, or you back. Hold on to your heart, because someday he will try and hold it for you."

"I think he's already starting to."

With these final words, Nel felt a surge of warmth within her. Like a renewal of something that she always knew. She looked at Grimmjow, who was seated next to Kaien. He was looking at her. When their eyes met, he suddenly looked away, a blush on his face.

Orihime giggled. "See?"

Nel blushed as well, unable to respond.

I hope you liked this chapter. Please leave a review! =)

Ok, I'll be going now. Writing the new chapter. :D