The Nightingale

Chapter 51: From inside

Autumn — x492 / October 27 [Kaien, 20 years old.]

Adelaar Castle was divided into several sections; the queen's area, where the queen lived and usually most of the women who were under her care; the king's area, where only the king and the princes who were sons of the reigning king lived; and the common areas, where the other people in the castle who held a high degree of esteem lived.

Orihime and Ulquiorra lived in one of the common areas, the one next to the queen's area.

Within the common areas were the halls for the great balls, as well as small studios and ownerless rooms that were used by those who wanted a private space. The queen was in charge of authorizing its use and the Kahya handed over the keys of that room to the new owner.

There was a small room that was Kaien's favorite, it was in the common area of the castle that was close to The Dome, and it wasn't very big. He had adapted it as his own space outside of the king's area and it was where he used to spend the most time when he was taking a break from the duties he used to have.

Over the years that room was filled with books, some furniture and rugs, there was even a divan where he used to sleep sometimes when he didn't want to go back to his room.

Kaien intended to spend his birthday in that space, enjoying the silence and calm, reading a book or simply existing, but it was impossible for him.

The day of the birthday, when there was no imminent threat or danger to the kingdom, should be a day of rest that was only interrupted perhaps by some celebration to celebrate the day; but that day, very early in the morning, a servant of the king asked him to prepare to go hunting.

He couldn't refuse.

His king, and father, was the one who asked for this, so he prepared himself with the best disposition in him to spend a day with his father.

Kaien wasn't surprised to see that Ichigo was there too, along with some soldiers who would go with them, some high-ranking military chiefs, and the councilors who were friends of his father; a hunting party was something that brought together the men who lived and frequented the castle.

All the guests were standing at the Cliff Gate, together with their horses and some servants who were assisting them at the time, and upon seeing him arrive, they immediately congratulated him, wishing him that the Deities grant him more years of life, good health and happiness. Kaien returned the greetings with his classic smile perfected for such matters and shook a few hands; the only people he hugged were his father and Ichigo.

Protocol dictated that only those with whom he shared blood could approach him in such a personal way in public, other than his wife.

— Eldest brother! — Ichigo spoke, drawing everyone's attention as he stared at Kaien and gave him a big smirk. — I arranged this hunting party, with His Majesty's permission of course, to celebrate your birthday.

Ichigo bowed his head slightly when referring to the king, and Kaien suspected for a moment that perhaps this hunt wasn't entirely to celebrate his birthday. The hunts were dangerous, one mistake and someone could end up dead.

Kaien decided not to express his ideas at that moment and preferred to thank Ichigo for such a generous and entertaining gift.

— And what is the ultimate prey?

— A boar.

The guests at the hunt, hearing that there would be a boar as the ultimate prey, were excited and quickly got on the horses helped by the servants. The king and Kaien, who hadn't moved from their places like the other guests, stared at Ichigo. At that moment Kaien really suspected that Ichigo wanted to kill him on his birthday.

— Is there an adult wild boar loose in the forest, Ichigo? — The king asked, a little confused and quite worried.

Kaien now didn't just have to worry about dying from an accidental arrow; also of a dangerous wild boar that must have been roaming the forest freely, marking it as its own.

— No, father. — Ichigo spoke calmly, looking at the king with respect. — The boar is locked up in an area of the forest. I would not let such a dangerous animal free, besides the hunters are watching it and will only release it if the king allows it.

The king relaxed with that explanation and patted Ichigo's shoulder as a sign that he agreed with what he had done, before preparing for the hunt.

— Where did you get an adult boar? — Kaien asked as they both walked to where their horses were waiting for them.

— I have friends, I asked for some favors and I paid some coins. — Ichigo responded with that sly smile he only showed Kaien when they were in private. — Don't worry, big brother, I'm not going to kill you during the hunt. I already told you, I don't intend to prevent your accession to the throne.

A short time later the horn that started the hunt sounded, and all the guests entered the forest through the Cliff gate, excited to know who managed to get more prey.

During the hunt there were a couple of times when Kaien readied his bow with the intention of shooting Ichigo in the back, since Ichigo was a couple of steps ahead, but Kaien gave up on that idea, withdrawing the arrow and putting it away.

Kaien decided to give Ichigo the benefit of the doubt for one reason only: fratricide was punishable by death.

At the end of the hunt, all the assistants returned with at least one colored ribbon tied to their arm. It turned out that each prey that was released into the forest had a ribbon that was worth points; they ranged from 1 point to 5 points, and for some reason the chickens were worth 5 points.

When Kaien asked Ichigo why chickens were worth more, Ichigo replied that catching a chicken was really hard. None of the attendees could hunt the boar, so the hunters who were in charge of watching it, butchered it and distributed the pieces among the guests.

When they returned to the Cliff Gate, the attendees congratulated Ichigo for organizing such a successful hunt and congratulated Kaien on his birthday again before leaving the place with their hunting spoils; plus some extra prizes.

After spending all day hunting, all Kaien wanted to do was take a bath and lie down in bed to rest. He couldn't deny that it had been fun, but it had been exhausting walking through the woods for most of the day and his fingers ached from the constant use of the bow.

Upon entering his room, he found that there was a table with neatly arranged gifts, so he went over to see for a moment what they had sent him that year and did not find anything that was really interesting. There were books, bottles of wine, some fine fabric cuts and various metal knickknacks that were intended to be an ornament; most were things that had no value.

Among all these things were gifts from his family.

The king gave him a new pen to write, it was inside a small box and it was really beautiful, it was black and seemed to shine with the light. The queen gave him a blank book, very much in keeping with the king's gift. His little sisters gave him candied fruits, and Ichigo gave him a bottle of that golden liquor that he used to call "business liquor".

Kaien wondered where Ichigo got that liquor or if he had brought with him a case full of those bottles, because that type of liquor was not produced in the kingdom.

Those were the only presents, there weren't any more, and inside he felt a slight disappointment that there wasn't a present from Rukia, but he ignored it and preferred to concentrate on getting ready for dinner.

When he entered the place where his birthday dinner would be, he found that only his family was there, there were no strangers or people who had come from other places to entertain the guests, and that pleased him because it would be a quiet dinner.

Nelliel was in charge of guiding the service of dishes that were served that night, from the entrance to the desserts. The king chose the wines that were served, and after everyone had drunk several glasses of wine, the atmosphere relaxed.

Kaien was aware that the relationship between Nelliel and Rukia was at a point of distant cordiality; rumors of the fight between Nelliel and Rukia swept through the castle with the wind. Although the rumors of that fight caused him amusement, and some admiration for Rukia's courage in saying those words, he knew that he shouldn't press the situation too much.

Nelliel was a jealous and passionate woman, and although Kaien liked that, he also felt that he was losing his best friend by having to watch his words so as not to hurt her feelings.

After dinner they talked about trivial things, and remembered that the year before they had not celebrated his birthday because they were returning from Verasi after having recaptured the city from the siege of Kuvar. They did not talk about any serious or delicate matters, everything revolved around what was easy, happy and exciting; they talked about the hunt, the boar and the forest that was changing color.

The conversation was so fluid that from one moment to the next they were already telling anecdotes about the cold, the sea and the winter stormy nights, until the queen commented on the fact that Kaien used to play the violin in winter, when there was mist inside the castle.

— I remember that he used to do it at night, when the mist invaded the forest and all the castle grounds. He would go out to one of the balconies, when he was still sleeping in the queen's area, and start playing a tune that was quite beautiful. — The queen commented, with the joy that comes from being under the influence of wine.

Kaien remembered that scene immediately, though he thought he had forgotten it long ago, and was surprised at how vivid the image was in his memory. The balcony the queen was talking about was over one of the inner gardens and he couldn't see the sea, but the mist that somehow spread in the castle gardens, swirled through the bushes while he played the violin.

It was a childhood memory, and he smiled at the innocence in him at that time because he thought it was magical that when he played the violin, the winter mist seemed to dance. No one knew that this was the reason why he played the violin more often during winter days; it was his secret.

— Your highness, now I'm curious to hear you play the violin. — Rukia commented, who was sitting next to Ichigo. — Since I arrived I have never heard the sound of a violin in the castle.

Kaien snapped out of that memory when he felt Nelliel's hand squeeze his leg under the table, and he let out a sigh. Nelliel had insisted that he play the violin for her but he had never done it, if he played the violin at that time, just because Rukia asked him to, it was very likely that everything would end badly, and Kaien didn't want to have to see a scene of jealousy from Nelliel tonight.

Rukia and Ichigo were calm, with their hands together and playing with their fingers in an absentminded way. A part of Kaien wanted to please Rukia, and another part told him that it was wrong; that little obsession was becoming more and more worrying.

I think I have had too much to drink tonight, and more than playing a beautiful melody it will be something torturous and agonizing for the ears. — Kaien excused himself.

The king was disappointed by this response, but he did not insist further that he play that night. To pass the disgust, Nelliel took out a deck of cards causing everyone's mood to change at that moment. They all liked to gamble, so the rest of the night they spent betting and joking about who would lose the most.

Autumn — x492 / October 29 [Byakuya, 22 years old.]

Byakuya stopped looking at his cane, the one he would have to use for a couple of years until his left leg was completely healed, and got off the carriage that had brought him to Adelaar. The situation was dangerous, quite aggressive actually, but they had had time to think about how to fix the situation they found themselves in.

His father's smile was waiting for him outside the Kuchiki House, it vanished when he saw him advance with the help of a cane. His father didn't know that one of his legs had been badly injured in that explosion, and Byakuya had been careful to hide that information from him.

— It's not permanent. — It was the first thing Byakuya said when he saw his father's worried expression.

His father nodded to his words, although he didn't seem really convinced, and he waved his hand for them to enter the house. Byakuya advanced after him, his cane rattling every time he leaned on it, and Akura, who was Yuki's older brother and Byakuya's traveling companion, dismounted from his horse and entered the house behind them after giving a few orders to the soldiers who went with them.

Byakuya hugged his father before they both sat down on the couches in the downstairs living room, and Akura stood by the door after giving his uncle a respectful look. The king had summoned him to the castle using the dance of souls as a pretext, and Byakuya had the impression that this was not a good thing.

— Koga is in the Great House. The king invited him to the castle. — Byakuya commented, running his fingers through the handle of his cane that had cherry blossoms carved on it. — I think this is the end. Everyone in the Great House is prepared for this and expects only the worst. A group of Jetaiya soldiers are in charge of protecting Hisana, they will take her out of the kingdom in case the king decides to execute us for treason.

His father was surprised to hear those words but nodded regretfully.

— I suppose the king wants to talk to him about everything that happened; after all, you are married to a princess of Jetaiya. — Soujun got up from his seat and poured two glasses of brandy, one for himself and one for Byakuya. — Possibly the king will give the verdict after the Celebrations of the Souls. The king will talk to you tomorrow after lunch, I suppose he is going to question you.

Byakuya nodded to what his father said, he too had come to that conclusion ever since he got the invitation to attend the dance of souls. Byakuya didn't even question why the king was giving him so much time between his arrival and the interrogation, possibly the king had all the evidence he needed in his hands to frame them for treason and was just toying with them.

— I pleaded guilty after he questioned me, that's why a guard always goes with me; I took the blame for your marriage and lying to the Second Prince when he went to investigate. Also for lying in the Dome when I was first questioned. — Soujun drank the brandy in his glass in one go. — If you declare that you did not know what was happening, perhaps the king will let you go.

— Will you tell this to Rukia? — Byakuya asked after a moment of silence.

— No. — Soujun set his glass down next to the brandy bottle. — It's because of her that we're in this situation. She let herself be convinced by the words of the Second Prince, she believed that we couldn't win and… it's better if she doesn't find out about this. She will also be called to testify.

Byakuya nodded.

At that time everyone's life was in danger and he did not intend to expose the life of his little son. If Rukia was caught in the web that the Second Prince had woven for her, he preferred to watch the scene from afar; telling Rukia what was going to happen could make her betray them again.

Autumn — x492 / October 31 [Rukia, 16 years old.]

This year there were more people attending the Ball of Souls; from the usual guests of every year to the families of the Ladies of the Queen's Court. That year was their last year in their castle, the following year, after the spring ball, all the remaining girls from the Queen's Court would return to their respective homes.

If they had done well serving in the queen's court, the Ladies of the Queen's Court could decide on their own life; they could choose between working in the castle or starting their education to be a doctor or a teacher. If they weren't talented enough, they would return home with a potential marriage proposal that would secure their lives for the future.

Not only the family of the Ladies of the Queen's Court was there, but also the family of the Queen's Favorite; they were busy talking to a man who seemed to be very important and who saw Senna as if she were a piece of meat. Rukia knew that the queen had already found a husband for Senna and that on that night they would see each other for the first time.

The man who saw Senna was from Neikel, just like her, and he belonged to a noble family, so marrying Senna to him would be easy. That was a bit creepy, especially since Senna, even though she was smiling, looked uncomfortable.

— This is how a fantasy ends. — Kaien whispered into Rukia's ear, startling her a bit by taking her off guard. — Where is Ichigo?

— It's a horrible fantasy. — Rukia replied looking at Kaien, having him so close made her uncomfortable. — He's solving a last minute problem and will be back any minute. Did you need him for something, your Highness?

— No, I just wanted to come say hello. — Kaien seemed upbeat and happy, and again that made Rukia uncomfortable. There was something in Kaien that she didn't like, but she didn't quite know what it was. — I haven't seen your brother in a long time, I thought he'd come with his wife... I guess it's for the best.

After those words Kaien returned to his chair and Rukia could see that Nelliel was upset with Kaien. That was weird, but Ichigo came back moments later and he didn't seem happy either, so Kaien's words faded into the background.

— What happened? — Rukia asked, a little worried by Ichigo's expression.

— Koga is here.

— What? Why? — Rukia freaked out at that revelation. She didn't know if the presence of Hisana's brother there was good or if it would end up sinking her family.

— I don't know, but the king doesn't want it to be known yet. I guess he'll treat him like a state visit. — Ichigo drank what was left in his glass in one go. — I didn't know that Koga would come.

Rukia looked at her father and her brother, who had arrived a couple of days ago, and knew that last Kaien's words had been meant to warn her that something was going to happen to her family.

— Kaien did know. — Rukia whispered looking at her brother. — Let's get out of here.

The day had been long, and with that news Rukia didn't feel like staying at the ball, so they left the Great Hall after saying goodbye to the king and queen, who were once again sitting together.

It was obvious what the king was doing, and Rukia could only pray to the Deities that her family would not be so affected at this time. If the king decided to destroy her family, it would no longer be necessary for Ichigo to come to the throne for him to end the agreements of the fall, because there would no longer be a Kuchiki to subdue. It would be a very high price to pay and she would be involved in all of it.

It was her selfish decisions that had triggered everything that was happening at that moment, but she preferred it that way to having to see a war that would devastate everything and end her family in a cruel way.

At that moment Rukia realized that Kaien's opening sentence wasn't referring to Senna and her arranged marriage, he couldn't even have been seeing Senna at the time; that phrase was for her. If her family was accused of treason, she could also be accused of conspiring through her marriage; especially since despite breaking off her engagement to Ichigo, they got married.

Anything could be taken as malicious, and it would be her word against the king's.

Kaien was right, that's how a fantasy ended; but she had chosen it and enjoyed it. So, she would face the consequences of her selfish decisions, just as she had warned her family when they arrived for her wedding.

— Okay, this is where you're supposed to hit me. — Ichigo's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. Rukia blinked a couple of times as she turned to look at him not understanding what he meant. — But I prefer that the blow is not so hard this time, last time even my teeth shook.

Rukia took a moment to understand that Ichigo was referring to last year's dance and then she began to laugh softly. They were standing in the middle of a corridor between the Great Hall and the king's area; the year before they were standing between the Great Hall and the Kuchiki house.

— Just to keep the tradition of hitting you up on the most magical night of the year. — Rukia whispered and very lightly slapped Ichigo's cheek, who was waiting for the blow with a smile.

— Let's go to the room, my love. This is the night that I will take revenge for the blow you gave me last year; so put all distracting problems out of your mind. — Ichigo took her by the hand and started to walk quickly taking her with him. — I won't let anyone harm you, even if I have to face my father directly.

Rukia felt Ichigo's hand tighten on hers, and she smiled as she squeezed Ichigo's hand. Her heart fluttered in her chest with happiness. Being with Ichigo, nothing would hurt her.

Arriving at the room, the servants who were supposed to be guarding the door had been changed, in their place stood Renji and Uryu, in their usual uniform but with a sleepy expression. Perhaps it was really late and they needed to rest, after all, the day had been quite tiring since morning.

Ichigo gave a couple of instructions to Renji and Uryu, who nodded at the same time, and opened the doors to the room that was completely lit by candlelight.

— Why are they guarding the entrance? — Rukia asked when they were both inside the bedroom and the door had been closed by Uryu.

— Because if the usual servants were there, when you screamed in pain, they would be alarmed and enter the room, interrupting the ritual. Renji and Uryu know what the ritual is like because they've already been through it, they know the pain it causes, and they know they can't interrupt us. — Ichigo explained as he poured a couple of glasses of "business liquor".

Rukia glanced quickly at the closed door once more and took the glass that Ichigo was handing her at the moment. The room was well lit, so Rukia could clearly see the golden liquid in her glass. It was the first time that she would drink of that liquor and she was excited.

— You still have time to take it back, this will be painful and once it starts I can't stop. You must be completely sure of what you are going to do, a tattoo is a contract with the Shadow, even if you are not descended from Queen Vayalat, you will be taken as a tribute and the Shadow will bless you with their gifts. — Ichigo explained without taking his eyes off her, completely serious as he spoke.

Rukia was aware of that.

Ichigo had explained it to her clearly, and although the gifts were tempting, they were just a way to enhance the natural abilities of each person; that's why the soldiers that Ichigo personally trained were so good, because they were a weapon that the Shadow finished polishing.

Rukia didn't know what gift the Shadow would give her; she was only aware that she had a good hand with plants, and she didn't know how she could be of use to the Shadow. Everything was different with Ichigo, he was born with the gift of war and when he was given to the Shadow, it was more like walking him back home.

— I'm sure. — Rukia spoke raising her glass with the business liquor. — You have one, our children will have it, and I want to have it too.

— Then... — Ichigo clinked his glass with Rukia's, toasting and sealing the moment with a sly grin that made Rukia's legs shake. — This is officially a business, my love.

They both took a sip of the liquor and Rukia felt the alcohol vapor rise up her nose to her forehead. It was a really strong liquor but it had a flavor that was completely different from anything Ichigo had given her to taste before; after a couple more sips, Rukia decided that she liked the taste.

Ichigo put down his empty glass and took Rukia's hand, making her walk until they were both in front of the mirror. Rukia could see her reflection with Ichigo's, he behind her and her with the glass of that liquor in her right hand.

Rukia understood that Ichigo was starting when the candle lights began to dim, and the ring on her hand woke up even stronger than other days. He had told her that this was the best night to get those kinds of tattoos, so she wasn't surprised when the mood inside the room changed to something dark and intriguing. Ichigo hadn't told her how those tattoos were actually done, but that she would find out tonight.

— Don't stop looking in the mirror. — Ichigo whispered from behind her, putting his right hand on her waist and gently holding her left hand with the other. — What you will see will be only for you, you will see yourself as you really are, as you could become. This ritual is for the couples of the bearers, it will make the bond between us bigger.

Rukia nodded, feeling nervous and excited at the same time.

The liquor glass was still in her hand but she kept seeing the reflection, as Ichigo had said. There she was, with the black dress with silver thread embroidery that she was wearing at that moment; with the pink diamond tiara that distinguished her as People's Princess, and with that set of amethyst necklace and earrings that her Queen Mother had given her on her wedding day.

Behind her was Ichigo, dressed as the Second Prince, holding her firmly, with his eyes closed and reciting something she couldn't understand; she knew that he was reciting something because she heard the whisper of his voice and saw in the reflection that he moved his lips, but only that, until she realized that there was something strange with the mirror.

The room was dark, the candles had burned out but she could still see herself in that mirror, and she could see Ichigo with her.

The Rukia in the mirror smiled at her and raised the hand that was holding the glass of liquor, drank some and reached back, bringing the glass closer to the Ichigo in the mirror who widened his eyes with a smile. His eyes had changed, they were different, they were black and yellow but in a way she couldn't explain. That Ichigo drank the liquor from the glass without taking his hands off the Rukia in the mirror.

— This is a business. — That Rukia and that Ichigo spoke at the same time, blending their voices in an unnatural way; the glass in that Rukia's hand disappeared at that moment. — A deal you have to keep.

Rukia couldn't stop herself from seeing what was happening in the mirror, it was hypnotic and attracted her in an inexplicable way, that even if she could look away, she wouldn't. Rukia nodded to what the people in the mirror said, and both that Ichigo and that Rukia smiled with a different sparkle in their eyes.

Ichigo had told her that the person she would see in the mirror was her as she really was; as she could be. The woman Rukia saw in the mirror was her, or at least she looked like her, but the smile and look on her face was completely different from her own. That woman radiated a confidence that was overwhelming, as well as an authority and power that would rival that of the queen herself.

Rukia liked that woman; she liked what she saw. Rukia wanted to be her.

That Ichigo, the one in the mirror, smiled and kissed the hand he held of that Rukia with an inexplicable devotion; he left a path of kisses on that Rukia, from the tips of her fingers of her left hand to her shoulder, and when he wanted to kiss her cheek, the hand where the glass of liquor was before, stopped him.

— Say it, my love... — Ichigo's voice, her Ichigo, came rang in her left ear causing her skin to goosebumps completely as she felt the heat of his breath brushing her skin. Her heart was pounding and her breathing was ragged, she could even feel how her mouth was slightly parted.

— I… Rukia… willingly surrender myself to the Shadow… — The words came naturally from her mouth causing the Ichigo in the mirror to smile and leave kisses again from the shoulder of the Rukia in the mirror to the tips of her fingers, while Rukia recited some words that only she could say.

When that Ichigo reached the tips of that Rukia's fingers, Rukia felt a sharp pain in the tip of one of her fingers and groaned very softly; she tried to move her hand, but Ichigo held her firmly in her place.

— Don't stop looking in the mirror. — Ichigo whispered, preventing her from looking at her injured finger.

In the mirror, one of her fingers was bleeding and that Ichigo smiled as he looked at the blood. That Rukia was calm, immovable and without showing any kind of fear or trepidation. That Ichigo licked the blood from that Rukia, and that Rukia closed her eyes with an expression of absolute pleasure.

Rukia was enthralled with what she saw in the mirror, she really couldn't look away from that image, because that Ichigo was kissing that Rukia with a passion that was too erotic. That Ichigo's hands ran over that Rukia's body until one was placed on that Rukia's right ribs.

As soon as Rukia realized that hand was not moving from that spot, a searing blast of pain hit her making her cry out and close her eyes. It was hot and cold at the same time, it was too intense; she felt as if every part of her body was separating and coming together at the same time.

Ichigo hadn't lied to her, the pain was great but it was fast, and as it came, so it disappeared. Still, Rukia didn't have the strength to stand up and Ichigo held her up so he could carry her to the bed.

— I want to see it. — Rukia whispered.

— You'll see it tomorrow. Now rest. — Ichigo whispered kissing her hand before helping her remove her tiara, jewelry and shoes.

Rukia nodded, she didn't know what form that tattoo had taken but she was too tired to contradict Ichigo at that moment. He was right, she could see it in the morning.

Hi all! Sorry for the delay, writing this chapter took me longer than expected. There were so many things I wanted to write but I wasn't entirely convinced. Thanks to everyone who continues to read this story, and many more thanks to everyone who leaves reviews.

Happy New Year to all! (again)

The next chapter will be published on February 4.