There is a fortress in the desert; one so massive that it can be seen for miles across the arid, white sand. I stare in awe at it from behind the shade of the Norimono, unsure of whether it is an illusion or not. No structure can possibly be this large, but Yama – my twin brother – claims the Seireitei pales in comparison. I don't necessarily like it, but unfortunately, I cannot object to orders.

That is the reason I am here; far from home.

A summons lies in my lap; a beautiful handwritten letter that asks for me by name. The only reason I have it on my person is because I take pleasure in reading people. It's a skill of mine, and the reason I feel anxious about visiting Las Noches.

Did I mention that I will be on my own? No … well it's unfortunately true. No older brother and no way to escape, only me and Sōsuke Aizen for a period of two weeks. I hear that he has ten children – not biological – but I doubt any of them will help my time at the palace go by any quicker. None of this is relevant; just a thought.

How should I feel if not anxious? Exhilarated? Content? I honestly feel stranded; a nervous wreck. I have no idea what I am doing here, but if the letter in my lap is any indication, then I am here because Aizen is smitten with me.

That is an understatement, I sneer to myself. He is obsessed.

My clan – the Omura – sees this as a political alliance. I see it as a disaster waiting to happen. Since I first met Sōsuke, at the one-week festival hosted by my clan, to celebrate the last snow of the winter season, I knew that he was up to something. He asked me questions too personal for my liking and spoke like our encounter was predetermined. I tried to stay away from him, but like a leech, he attached himself to me.

Then after the week passed by, I received a summons from him. My father responded almost immediately.

Releasing the shades of the Norimono, I pick up the letter and read over it again. It's written in small, black letters that are pressed so deep I imagine the ink bled through to the next page. There is no indication of a slant, but the "I" is slashed in every word it is present in. Sōsuke Aizen, I assume is a hard to please man; extremely focused and logical too. My theory about him being obsessed seems almost out of character for him, and if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would not have believed that he was like this.

He unnerves me, and I have yet to arrive.

Speaking of which. I lean forward and knock gently on the wall of my transport. The door slides open just a bit and a head peeks in.

"Are you in need of a rest, My Lady? I can have the Porters set you down for a little bit if you'd like to get out and stretch your legs."

"I'm fine, Shigeru. I was just curious on how long it will take before we arrive at the palace," I say with a smile.

Shigeru hums. "Not too sure, but we seem to be getting closer. The palace is much bigger than it was before and Runuganga mentioned that if we follow his allotted path then we should not get lost."

I certainly hope not. Without Runuganga we surely would have been lost hours ago.

Excusing the escort to his duties, I lean back in my seat and wait. Hours seem to pass before Shigeru knocks and leans his head in again.

"We've arrived."

He offers me a hand. I take an uneasy breath, taking it as he escorts me from the Norimono. The sand sinks into my zori sandals, but I am too enthralled with the massive size of the palace to care. It's stunning; carved from pure marble.

Shigeru stands at my side.

"Nervous?"

I agree with a nod. "Anywhere but home unnerves me."

"I know the feeling, but remember, I am here to protect you."

His words ease me a little, but I still feel anxious.

As we near the palace entrance, the doors open. A person emerges, wearing a skull on their head, dressed in black and white. I stare in awe at them until they clear their voice to speak.

"Welcome to Los Noches, Lady Omura."

He bows. "My name is Rudbornn Chelute; leader of the Exequias; a division tasked with guarding Las Noches."

"It's a pleasure," I say in uncertainty.

Exactly what is he doing here? I have an invitation, and though Rudbornn seems gracious, there is a hint of annoyance to his voice.

He leans up. "Lord Aizen asked me to escort you around the palace. There will be dinner in your honor and he insists you freshen up before attending."

Heat burns my face. I've attended dinners before, but none in my honor. It's a bit much. Regardless I agree.

Rudbornn motions me to follow, but as Shigeru and I draw near, he brings us to a halt.

"Lady Omura alone was granted permission to enter. I have to insist that all others stay in the guard bunker; my followers will escort them," he curtly explains.

Shigeru too? I narrow my eyes.

"I have to insist otherwise."

Shigeru objects. "It's fine; I'll be fine. Please don't worry about me, My Lady."

I beg to differ. How is he to protect me? Did Aizen plan this?

Whatever.

I reluctantly agree, leaving him and the Porters to the mercy of the Exequias as I follow Rudbornn into the palace. The doors slam shut behind me. Rudbornn says nothing more as he escorts me through Las Noches. I stay close; the halls appear the same; white marble and vacant. Where are the residents? Perhaps at the dining hall. I want to ask, but I remain silent as we move along.

Rudbornn eventually halts before a door and opens it, motioning me inside. The room is spacious; an L-shaped studio with a bed and a love seat. I assume the bathroom is behind the door near the kitchen. It's charming at least.

"I'll be outside," Rudbornn mentions. "There's a dress in the bathroom. Lord Aizen insists you wear it to dinner."

He bows and leaves me to freshen up.

I drop onto the love seat, taking a deep and uneasy breath. Aizen can wait a moment longer. This is too much for me at the moment. Taking out the handwritten letter, I read over it again.

Sincerely yours, it says.

Seems impersonal to me.