The Nightingale
Chapter 75: At night
Summer — x493 / August 27
The day Rukia made the dark queen shut up was the best day of her life up to that point; furthermore, that feeling that she was powerful and could have anything she wanted just by taking it, had grown stronger.
Rukia was aware that she lacked a lot of training, nothing was as easy as she imagined and that over the years she would improve like all the bearers of magic that remained frozen in the prime of life until they joined the Shadow; but she could afford to enjoy that small victory against the dark queen inside her.
Queen Masaki told her that this feeling of power was a natural part of her and that it was only enhanced by magic; the more power, the more confidence.
"You must be aware that this power will always be stronger than you, and you must be careful when using it and not get carried away. Respect the magic and the gifts that have been given to you and do not think that you are above them."
Queen Masaki's words, in a way, reminded Rukia of Yuki's behavior when she went to visit her. A part of her hoped that Yuki would react that way because she knew of her cousin's ambition, but another part of her hoped that she wouldn't and would stay loyal. Yuki was living the fantasy of what was easy and pretty and bright, and that only meant one thing: Yuki was not going to come off well in all of this no matter how much she shared a bed with the heir to the throne.
Yuki had no alliances, no friends, and the Kuchiki family, though they had the power to help her, would most likely not move their hands if it endangered the fragile stability they had at the time.
Also, Mila wasn't friends with Yuki, she wanted to be queen but she was taking things easy because she knew that she was the strongest and richest candidate out there. Mila knew that the position of crown princess was practically assured for herself, regardless of whether or not Kaien felt love for her.
The only way for Yuki to become a real danger to the line of succession was if she became pregnant and gave birth to a son, but that was unlikely to happen. Also, Rukia could throw Yuki down the stairs and say it was an accident.
— Tatsuki, do you remember the cookies you made for my honeymoon? — Rukia asked calmly as Tatsuki braided her hair being careful not to touch her.
Her maids knew that she had that peculiar condition on her skin, Rukia had confided in them that secret because she couldn't keep that kind of information hidden from both girls and because she trusted them. The girls had sworn allegiance to her and Rukia appreciated that gesture, however, the one she trusted the most was Tatsuki.
— Yeap. Do you want me to do them again, Kia? — Tatsuki asked curiously before tying Rukia's hair up with an emerald green ribbon. She was getting her ready for bed.
— No, I just want to know who, other than Nelliel, ate them that day. You know it? — Rukia asked, seeing how beautifully Tatsuki had braided her hair.
Rukia was aware that she couldn't ask the queen about those cookies because the queen would investigate and find out that she was responsible for the loss of Nelliel's child, and that was not good for her. The queen had raised Nelliel like a daughter and Rukia didn't want to test the queen's affections.
— I guess Yuki and the queen ate them, because when I was going back to this room to clean it, I saw that Nelliel and Yuki came out of the queen's room at the same time, and Yuki didn't have the cookie box anymore.
Rukia nodded at that answer, knowing that the queen might not be able to have a child again, and that was the only thing she regretted.
It had been a little over a year since then and Rukia realized how much she had changed in that time. From being afraid to hold a baby to causing someone to lose one, it had been a big change. It was a terrible thing, something the queen had done to protect Ichigo and it was something she would most likely do if the rules of inheritance didn't change or if Kaien became king and that put her own children in danger.
Rebellions and coups were not something that happened overnight. They had to prepare the ground, provoke situations, and ascertain everyone's loyalties before making a move. They had eternity, but it was useless if they were caught plotting to put the crown on Ichigo's head and had their heads cut off as traitors.
— I will go see the prince.
Rukia put on a beautiful green, gold and black sleeping robe to cover the black nightgown she was wearing at the time. Tatsuki nodded and went in search of a pair of shoes while Rukia looked at herself in the mirror and lightly patted her cheeks in an attempt to cheer herself up.
— I'm still me. I'm still me and I'm not afraid. I can with this. I am his wife and this is… it is natural and part of the castle rules.
She knew the rules and she didn't like that part, she also didn't like that Queen Masaki had suggested it while they had afternoon tea, but she tried to understand why she had suggested it. Rukia had to understand because it was likely that she would do it in the future with her children, just like Queen Masaki did with Ichigo at the time, but it was hard to take in.
Rukia hated the possibility of mistresses, but she was aware that the possibility could come true in very specific situations. Ichigo had grown up knowing the rules his life was governed by, the rules of duty and pleasure, and even though Rukia knew Ichigo and was aware of his love for her, she still had to ask him that question.
Tatsuki walked her to Ichigo's room in silence and upon arrival, the servants at Ichigo's door announced her presence. She entered the room after asking Tatsuki to wait for her because since she and Ichigo couldn't touch each other, they hadn't shared a room at night. Sleeping together had become impossible, so there was no point in him or her being in the same room.
Sex was the least of it, the absence of sweet caresses was what hurt and frustrated both of them. Ichigo didn't say it, but Rukia could see the anger in his eyes because he couldn't touch or kiss her. The prince was charming and the teacher was patient and kind, but the dangerous man was angry. Very angry.
Because of that, Rukia was really trying to master what covered her skin and she didn't mind ending up with chicken feathers on her hair and blood on her hands; but it was frustrating not being able to put the magic to sleep for more than a few moments.
The dark queen had fallen silent, but that hadn't made the training any easier.
Ichigo was behind his desk when Rukia entered the room, he seemed focused on something that he hid immediately when he noticed her approaching him and he got up from his chair.
— My Moon, I didn't think you would come to visit me so late. — Ichigo couldn't touch her, but it didn't go unnoticed by Rukia that he stopped the movement of one of her hands. It was the dangerous man screaming for wanting to touch her. — Is something wrong? Are you sick?
The concern on Ichigo's face for her health and well-being took away the courage to ask that question. Asking that question was difficult because she knew that Ichigo would possibly get angry, she would get angry in return, and everything would possibly end up in an argument. They both knew that when they were angry they became dangerous to each other.
Rukia used to hurt him physically and Ichigo used to hurt her emotionally.
— Is it a crime for me to want to come talk to my husband at this time of night? — Rukia asked trying to regain control of her own emotions even though her heart was beating uncontrollably.
— No, it's not. — Ichigo smiled at her response and pointed to one of the floor cushions on the balcony for her to take a seat.
Rukia sat up and watched curiously as Ichigo poured two glasses of that golden business liquor. Ichigo walked over to her, handing her a glass, taking care not to touch her, and sat down on another of the cushions to face her. Rukia hadn't tasted that liquor since she had made the deal with the Shadow and it seemed strange to her that he would choose that liquor for them to drink that night.
— What do you want to talk about, my love? — Ichigo asked calmly. — Do you want to tell me about your progress in handling the gift? Do you want us to plan a romantic getaway to the farm? Or do you want us to talk about why I will mysteriously go away with the king indefinitely to visit some cities?
Rukia didn't expect Ichigo to say that last thing, so her expression of surprise at that was all too obvious. She set aside the glass of business liquor and Ichigo took a sip before doing the same. Ichigo had an eyebrow raised waiting for her to say something.
— You leave? — It was the first thing Rukia said. — But if not long ago you did the tour of the cities! And now you tell me you're leaving! When were you going to tell me?!
Ichigo just looked at her, as if he was expecting that reaction from her, and pointed to the glass of liquor.
— Drink it. — He commented calmly, but Rukia didn't want to drink, she wanted explanations. — Have a drink before we talk about this, because this is business.
Rukia complied and drank some of the liquor. That second time she tasted it, its taste became familiar in a way that had nothing to do with the taste itself. It was strange, but she put those thoughts aside because right now she had more important things to think about.
Ichigo said it was business, so it must be really important.
— Before I tell you anything, I need to know, did my mother tell you anything today? — Ichigo asked before Rukia could ask a question. — And I don't mean a casual or common topic, I mean an important topic that includes you and me.
Rukia was silent, thinking about Ichigo's question about some topic that included both of them, and the only thing that came to her mind was precisely the same topic that had led her to make him that nightly visit. Her mind was working fast, trying to understand why the queen said that, and how it related to Ichigo's trip, and she didn't like the first thing that came to her mind.
Before speaking, she took one more sip of the golden liquor to gather her courage.
— We were talking about the rules. — Rukia's mood wavered between anxiety and anger. — She reminded me that, according to the rules of the castle, it is natural for you to have mistresses in or out of court. She said that they would only be moments of pleasure, that I should never doubt who I am and that I should never feel bad about it, because all men have had mistresses at some point. That as long as I have your heart, it didn't matter who you shared your body with.
Rukia finished saying that, her jaw clenched and she gripped the glass so tightly that she broke it on the spot. The liquor spilled immediately and Ichigo, not caring that her touch hurt him, held her hand to make sure she was okay. Rukia saw the blood, she didn't know if it was hers or Ichigo's, and immediately made him release her.
— I'm okay... Are you okay? Did I hurt you? — Rukia asked, clenching her hand into a fist, seeing Ichigo's blood on her skin and his, and feeling pain in her palm. The broken glass had hurt her.
— I'm okay. Do you understand now? — Ichigo asked as he wiped the blood off his clothes and Rukia held out her hand for him to see the wound. Ichigo healed her in that moment, closing the wound and removing the pain, and Rukia wiped the blood with her sleeping robe.
— All kings have mistresses and all princes have mistresses… the question is, did you come to give me permission to have a mistress?
— No! — Rukia replied immediately.
Ichigo's questions were full of doubts and a bit of disbelief, but she hadn't come to give him permission to have a mistress. They had made that matter clear before they got married, no mistresses or Inamoratas.
— But you're here and we're talking about this because surely my mother managed to convince you that at some point I'm going to have a mistress and I'll hide behind the rules, right? — Ichigo's voice sounded slightly annoyed and Rukia looked away because there was truth in his words.
— I know there will be a point where… I know the long-term effects of the tea I drink to keep me from getting pregnant, and I know that I may not be able to give you children when the time comes if the tea affects me too much. — Rukia began to speak, looking at her hand that no longer had any injuries and thus avoiding looking at Ichigo's face.
What she was saying was something that had been on her mind since she went to her check-up with the doctor before her birthday, and it was better to bring it up at that moment that the subject would be put on the table again.
— Rukia…
— I know that you are obliged to have children despite being the second prince and I know that if that happens, if the tea affects me too much, then it will be necessary for you to have a mistress who fulfills what I cannot give you.
— I told you once, if I have to choose between you and the kingdom, I will always choose you.
— But the rules of inheritance…
— I will change the rules of inheritance if necessary! — Ichigo raised his voice for a moment before calming down. — Sorry. We both know that eventually Vayalat will conquer us. We cannot oppose the destructive force they have, so it will be better to surrender the kingdom when the time comes. — Ichigo was about to grab her cheeks but stopped. Rukia was a sea of emotions again that could be summed up in despair. — I want to have children, but I want them with you, my Moon. Only with you.
— I need you to hug me. — Rukia whispered with a lump in her throat.
All her feelings screamed to be released in one way or another, she knew that the talk would take that course, but even so it was still something difficult.
— Then let me hug you, because I need it too.
Rukia nodded, closing her eyes at that moment and trying to make the magic that covered her skin return to its origin because she really needed to feel Ichigo even for a brief moment; she needed him, she needed her husband and her partner in crime.
When she was sure the magic was asleep, she hugged him tightly and Ichigo hugged her back the same way. Ichigo's warmth was so sweet and his scent was so intoxicating, that with that hug she felt peace and calm, until she forced herself to break the contact because the magic returned to her skin in a rush.
Ichigo got up from the cushion where he was sitting, and went for a new glass along with the bottle of business liquor, poured a new glass for her and refilled his own.
— This time, try not to break it because we haven't talked about business yet. — Ichigo commented in an animated voice and Rukia smiled at that, she was about to punch him on the shoulder, like she used to do sometimes, but she stopped and lowered her hand.
It was that kind of distance that hurt.
— The king wants me to come with him on a tour of some southern cities, just him and me, like father and son. — Ichigo said after drinking some more of the liquor. — He wants to spend time with me and I can't say no. In another situation, spending time with him would make me happy, but not in this one.
Rukia was calm again, the magic was still on her skin but she preferred to focus on what was happening and the reasons for the queen to remind her of the castle rules just as Ichigo went on a trip with the king.
— Why not? — Rukia asked, because she knew that Ichigo wanted to get closer to his father and have some of his affection.
— Because he is punishing me. — Ichigo said it with a slight annoyance. — I don't know whether to classify it as punishment, but it's the best word I can think of at the moment. The king doesn't take me with him so that we can spend time together, he takes me to get away from you and, with what you've said about your talk with my mother, I dare to think that there will be women on that trip.
— Wait a minute, what do you mean there will be women?
— What my mother told you is more a way to prepare you than a reminder of the rules, personally it offends me that she does not trust my willpower, but she did it so that you would not suffer with what could happen on that trip. She could have kept silent, but if she didn't it was because she doesn't agree with what the king will do.
Rukia clenched her fists and closed her eyes as she confirmed why the queen had such a talk with her.
— Why? — It was the only thing Rukia could articulate, her mind searching for a valid reason for the king to want them apart from each other, but she couldn't find one.
— Because I put you above the security of the kingdom and beat up a king because of it.
— The fucking bastard hit me! How can the king punish you for defending me! — Rukia couldn't take it and got up from her seat only to start walking and try to calm down. All her skin felt vibrate from the magic that was more awake than ever. — The man sent you poisoned wine!
— The king thinks you've put a spell on me...
— And he knows a lot about being spellbound. — Rukia said wryly. That made Ichigo smile.
— And he thinks that you control me and that you will make me commit some kind of crime against the kingdom, and things like that. He still hasn't forgiven your father for the attempted rebellion.
— As if I could put a spell on someone. — The irony in her voice did not disappear.
— I must admit that the king is right about one thing. — That made Rukia stop walking and focus her attention on him, waiting for a logical explanation before hitting him for saying that. Maybe she couldn't touch him, but pillows would be a good weapon. — You have me completely spellbound and we will commit treason against the kingdom. Wait, it's two things.
Rukia at that point didn't know whether to stay angry, calm down or hit Ichigo for that last sentence. Everything was a cluster of emotions that stirred and altered the magic on her skin. Ichigo motioned for her to sit back on the cushion and Rukia, after taking a couple of deep breaths, returned to her seat a little calmer.
— For the Shadow! — Rukia brought both hands to her face feeling that she was really starting to hate the king. — And what will happen on that trip? If there will be women it means that eventually you and those women…
— Now I feel offended that you suggest it. — Ichigo didn't seem that angry at the moment and Rukia guessed it was because he had had more time to think about all of this. — But on the one hand you're right, if there are women, eventually the king is going to suggest that I take one to bed and...
— I can't believe I'm hearing how you're going to be unfaithful to me. — Rukia complained, but didn't get up from her seat. He forced himself to stay there because they had an agreement, to always speak the truth to each other.
— And I'll put her to sleep. — Rukia stared at Ichigo for a moment. — I'm good at putting people to sleep, I passed you out twice before, it's easy. It's also easy to screw up their minds and make them believe things that didn't really happen. I have improved a lot. There are things that I can't prevent from happening, but there are definitely others that I can avoid.
— I don't need details of that. — Rukia whispered, because she could imagine the things that he couldn't avoid, and it was better not to listen to them.
— And I don't need mistresses. — Ichigo answered calmly. Rukia sighed as she saw him try to touch her and stop before he did. — They are afraid of us, my Moon. There is something in us that causes fear of the king or Kaien, and the best way for them to ensure peace is to make you and I stay away. Can you bear it, my love?
Rukia stared at Ichigo, wishing he could touch her because she felt like she needed a hug right now.
— Do I have a choice?
— There are always options.
— I can't think of any at the moment. I need to touch you. — Rukia whispered raising a hand but stopping before caressing his face.
— Try it, my love. — Ichigo whispered getting as close to her as he could without touching her. — I don't want to leave without carrying the scent of your skin on me.
Rukia nodded and closed her eyes.
Ichigo was too close to her and she could feel his hot breath brushing her lips, it was such a temptation that she tried to return the magic to its origin as fast as she could. The moment her skin felt free of that sensation, Rukia grabbed his arm and Ichigo kissed her with too much desire.
She enjoyed that kiss as if it were her first, but the magic was released after a few moments and her skin was covered with it again. Ichigo broke the kiss at that moment, Rukia felt the taste of Ichigo's blood on her tongue, but when she fixed her gaze on his lips, there was no trace of hurt.
— Again, my love. — Ichigo whispered and Rukia didn't hesitate to obey him.
If the prize for maintaining control over the gift was kisses, then she wouldn't hesitate to try again.
Summer — x493 / August 28
Kaien was still upset about what happened the day Ichigo came back to the castle. It bothered him to know that Ichigo actually knew so many people, that he had friends in different kingdoms, and that he seemed to influence decisions that were really important. Kaien had the kingdom but Ichigo had the clout, and that bothered him too much.
The only good thing about Ichigo being back in the kingdom was the fact that Kaien could take care of his own things and had more free time, although in that free time his mind kept reminding him of what Ichigo had said about Rukia.
Ichigo had hit and threatened to kill a king just because that king hit Rukia. Kaien didn't know if he would be able to do something like that, but he definitely found Ichigo's actions surprising, because just by defending Rukia he risked the safety and integrity of the kingdom.
A war because of a punch was something absurd but it could happen because anything could be used as an excuse to unleash a conflict.
Kaien wondered what Rukia had done to dominate Ichigo to the point of being the only thing he wanted, and also wondered why he himself wanted her so much. Rukia was just a woman but Kaien couldn't help but think about her from time to time or fantasize that she was in his bed when he slept with Yuki.
Maybe it was the way Rukia didn't lower her gaze in front of anyone, the way she talked, or maybe the feel of her body against his, although the only time he could fully feel it was when he rescued her from the graveyard and she hugged him looking for security. Many times he had wondered what would have happened between them if Rukia hadn't returned to Maranni and all those times his mind had thrown back the image of Rukia moaning on his bed.
Kaien wanted to have her and find out what she did to have Ichigo bewitched in such an overwhelming and forceful way, because there was no other explanation for him other than that Rukia had bewitched Ichigo.
Yuki was asleep when he left the room, he had no intention of spending more time than necessary with her that day because he had more important things to attend to, including lunch with Rukia to talk about the affairs of the queen's court. Rukia was the one in charge on behalf of the queen, and Kaien suspected that perhaps the meeting was to schedule his dates with the girls in an effort that they all have at least one moment with him.
That was part of the protocol although he had put all his intentions in Mila. Kaien did not need to be a conspiracy genius to know that she was the best candidate for a wife because, although all the girls in that court came from important families and with whose union in marriage the kingdom strengthened its power, Mila's family was, without a doubt, the best.
Rukia's voice distracted him from his thoughts regarding what might happen at lunch and how wise it would be to have a spring wedding, so he looked out the balcony of that first floor where Yuki's room was located and he could see Rukia returning in the company of her personal maid.
Kaien stared at her from his position, listening to her voice and seeing her walk in a sleeping robe so long that it trailed slightly on the floor. The sleeping robes worn by princesses were long, with long, wide sleeves, and looked like a dress because the fabric was thick. It wasn't the first time Kaien had seen Rukia dressed like that, however, the colors she was wearing at the time, along with her hair down, made her look beautiful and wild.
It was another image that would stay in his mind as well as the mint scent he had felt on her and the sound of her moans from all those times he had seen, or overheard, when Rukia and Ichigo were together. The look of pleasure on Rukia's face when he found them in the king's bathroom was something that never left his mind.
— The prince was too domineering last night. — Kaien heard Rukia's voice as she started up the stairs to the first floor.
— He tied you up with the ribbon I put in your hair, didn't he? That's why you have it tied to your wrist, right?
— He tied me to the bed and wouldn't let me touch him. — Rukia muttered like a scolded child.
— You liked that the prince tied you to the bed, right? — The maid's voice came out malicious.
— Tatsuki!
— I'll put thicker ribbons in your hair when you go to bed with the prince.
— Soft ribbons please…
Kaien, who had stopped by the stairs to listen to this talk that he found curious, began to walk gracefully, pretending he hadn't heard Rukia say that she liked being tied to the bed at night. He found them on the landing of the stairs and, with his best smile, he greeted Rukia as the protocol indicated. She returned his greeting with a bow, as did the maiden who stepped back to pay her respects, and Kaien could see that Rukia had a small bite mark on her lip near the corner of her mouth.
— Little sister, don't be late for lunch. — Kaien commented, still pretending he didn't notice the ribbon tied around Rukia's wrist and that the reason she had her hair down was because she had had a very rough night.
— I won't, big brother. — Rukia answered with a smile, although she had a nice blush on her cheeks. — The queen expects us to get this started, at once.
— My dear mother, always so worried about the kingdom. — Kaien added with a slight sarcastic tone before saying goodbye to her and continuing on his own way.
The mental image of Rukia tied to a bed, moaning in that lovely voice, was another thing that wouldn't leave her mind.
—
The first thing Rukia did when she got to her room was drink the tea she used to drink every week to avoid getting pregnant. Ichigo had tied her to the bed and prevented her from touching him while he said a prayer to the Original Mother between her legs. Tatsuki was right, she liked that Ichigo tied her to the bed and made love to her.
Perhaps, tonight, she would tie him to the bed.
The magic in her skin had fallen asleep and Ichigo explained that it wasn't as simple as she thought because now that she knew how to make the magic return to its origin, she had to invoke it at will, dominate it in every possible way to direct it only to a specific point on her skin, and put it back to sleep. She had to make it precise, fast and effective, before she could afford to cut the next thread, which at Ichigo's suggestion, should be the one that allowed her to heal herself.
But last night, choosing between kissing her husband and training magic, she had definitely gained the desire to kiss her husband.
They slept in each other's arms and when they woke up, they made love again, this time more gently but just as pleasantly.
"I should leave hickeys on your neck, just like you did with me at Vermist, but I won't. If your legs tremble when you walk, I will be pleased." Ichigo had told her when he was healing the marks he had made on her body while they made love.
Rukia took a while to realize the meaning of Ichigo's words, until she remembered that she had a private lunch with Kaien that day and Ichigo knew it. Rukia smiled at that little show of jealousy in disguise, and turned in his arms just to forbid him to erase the marks she had made on his neck and shoulders.
Her legs didn't shake as she walked, but remembering everything they had done the night before, and in the morning, inevitably made her want to go back to bed with Ichigo.
When it was time for lunch, Rukia was accompanied by her second maid to the king's area, to the king's private garden specifically. That place was the most private place where Kaien and Rukia would be, because no one could enter there without the king's permission and Ichigo could put the necessary guards to watch her.
A lunch in Kaien's private quarters was definitely out of the question, no matter how private the subject was between them.
Her maid stood with Uryu, who was mysteriously standing at the entrance to the garden, and Rukia sat on a chair to wait for Kaien. It wasn't long before Kaien arrived accompanied by a soldier, and it was evident from the way Kaien's soldier and Uryu looked at each other that the dislike between these men was mutual.
Rukia got up from her seat and bowed to Kaien, just like protocol, and Kaien gave her a friendly smile before motioning for her to sit back down and they could start lunch. The meal was served in somewhat awkward silence, and neither of them said more than a few polite words before they began to eat.
When the plates were cleared away leaving only the wine glasses, Rukia motioned for her maid to come over and hand over her notebook.
— Older brother. — Rukia began by opening her notebook and attracting Kaien's attention, who seemed curious about what she had written in that notebook. — I've been talking to the queen about your future wife and your upcoming marriage, and after consulting some expense books, we've come to the conclusion that it would be wise to have your wedding in the fall of next year. There were two big events last year and the coffers are still recovering from the waste of money, plus it wouldn't look good if you got married so soon.
— But I haven't chosen the girl I'm going to marry yet, little sister. — Kaien commented with an animated smile, but Rukia noticed that his eyes wandered from her face to her collarbones from time to time and that was slightly uncomfortable.
— We know it, but it is preferable that you are aware of it, dear brother. — Rukia left the notebook open to a page that showed the names of the court girls, and on which Yuki's name was crossed out.
— Just to tell me this we meet to eat? — Kaien asked setting his wine glass aside. — Or does the queen have other plans for me?
Rukia sighed.
She didn't know if Kaien was making fun of her or referring to Queen Masaki, so she decided to ignore the sarcastic tone in Kaien's voice as he asked that question.
— It was not only for that, big brother, I also need to know your schedule to prepare the dates with the girls of the queen's court. — Rukia clarified calmly. She didn't touch her glass of wine again.
— Do you think I'm not capable of getting a wife? — Kaien asked with a slight dose of humor and annoyance, and Rukia had to bite her tongue at the comment she was about to blurt out.
— Big brother, I know very well that you are able to choose your wife, but I also know that you are a busy man and it is preferable that the meetings with the girls are scheduled so that they will also be ready to make the meeting enjoyable. — Rukia paused. — Also, they were all dated here to be candidates for your wife, so you have to date at least once with each of them or it would be unfair to the girls.
— It will be unfair to the girls anyway, since I will marry one and the other girls will be sent home after the wedding. — Kaien commented with that smile that Rukia didn't like.
— Will Yuki also be sent home after the wedding?
— Likely. — The very relaxed way Kaien responded confirmed to Rukia that he was just playing with Yuki and that Yuki hadn't gotten into his heart. — I know who of all the girls will be my wife, I chose her from the moment she came to the castle, but you are right, I must fulfill my duties as stipulated.
Rukia nodded slowly and circled Mila's name first for dating Kaien.
— Does Yuki know that she will only be a lover? — Rukia asked without looking up, she was focused on giving numbers to the ladies of the court for the order that she would arrange the dates.
— She knows what she should know. Will you tell her I won't marry her? — Kaien asked before taking the notebook from her to see what she was writing. Rukia didn't stop him from doing it.
— No, she can continue to live in fantasy. It's what she wanted, to have a moment of fantasy before having her life comfortable and carefree. — Rukia replied and she could see Kaien smiling. — Do you like the order of the girls? I put the Cifer girls in last place, as you requested.
— I like it. — Kaien returned the notebook and Rukia made a couple of notes so she wouldn't forget them. — I thought you had a good relationship with her. I have seen you defend her with a lot of passion. Did you two have a fight?
Rukia closed her notebook and took a sip of the wine before answering. She definitely couldn't tell him what had happened between the two of them, but she couldn't lie to him either because obviously the prince would ask Yuki for her version of events.
— It could be said that our relationship is no longer the same since I became a princess. — Rukia commented calmly. — And when I went to visit her she was rude to me, I think she thinks that because she's your lover, she's on my level. Evidently Yuki doesn't know where she stand.
— And do you know where you stand, little sister? — The malice in Kaien's question didn't surprise Rukia.
— I know it. I know I'm a hostage keeping my father from rising up against the kingdom, though honestly, I don't think I'm much use to them because my father doesn't care for me. — Rukia got up and Kaien imitated her, she was ending that meeting.
— I will send you a copy of my agenda book every week along with some notes for you to plan my dates. — Kaien commented as they both headed for the exit. — I don't have to say it, but I will say it. Protect Mila, I know you and she are friends so I hope you protect her and have a good relationship.
— I like her more than Nelliel, so rest assured I'll take care of my future sister.
Kaien let out a small laugh before getting out of there and leaving followed by his soldier. Rukia stood there and let out a sigh that got Uryu's attention.
— You can tell Ichigo that everything is fine. — Rukia whispered tiredly.
Uryu nodded before leaving, and Rukia returned to the queen's area to change her clothes because that day she would have to go out for tea with the noble ladies.
Summer — x493 / August 29
The day came with bad news for the women living in the harem, as one of Yushiru's concubines, the one closest to giving birth, had gone into labor. The birth was about two months away, and the midwives who were caring for her were worried about the baby's life. Those women had tried by all possible methods for the baby to remain inside its mother for as long as it needed, but nothing had turned out well and the birth had been brought forward.
They had not allowed Yoruichi to enter the concubine's room, she had stayed outside along with the girl's father, who seemed too worried and nervous about the situation. The Malthai was there, as a representative of the king and as the woman with the most power in the harem, supporting the concubine at that time.
Yoruichi could hear the cries of the concubine who was in labor, as well as the words of the midwives encouraging her not to give up her attempts to bring the little baby into the world.
From one moment to another, the room fell silent and a moment later, the heartbreaking scream of the concubine who was denying the news she had been given was heard. Yoruichi didn't want to say anything, but the concubine's father demanded an immediate explanation of what was happening inside the room and why his daughter was screaming that way.
The Malthai left that room with a sad and defeated expression, and the concubine's father urgently approached her to ask if his daughter and baby were healthy.
— I'm sorry, my lord, but the baby was stillborn. — The Malthai spoke in a solemn tone, the one that such situations required. — It is a tragedy, because he was a little prince.
The concubine's father denied those words and entered the room regardless of the fact that everything was still a disaster, just to check that the Malthai had told the truth.
Yoruichi looked at her mother in silence, not knowing what to say, and bowed to her before leaving.
—
When Yushiru received the news that one of his concubines had gone into labor, happiness and fear washed over him; happiness for the birth of his child and fear because it was too soon for the baby to be born.
Masayoshi, who had been working on the necessary preparations for Yushiru to secure his family's legacy, from Yoruichi's marriage proposal to the rooms in the palace where the pregnant concubines would be sent to live, accompanied him to the harem to find out what was happening with his wife and child.
It was thanks to Masayoshi's vigilance that Yushiru found out that the concubine's father, who was in labor, had been visiting women who had the same time of pregnancy as the girl; so it was quite possible that the man was planning to present them with a male heir one way or another.
— Do you think the other concubine was responsible for the early birth? — Yushiru asked as they walked through the halls of the palace. At that point, Yushiru was suspicious of everyone.
Sui Feng's remedies were helping him in a surprising way because the pain had not returned and although the wound seemed to continue to increase in size, it no longer stank or ooze. He only had to use a cane when walking.
Yushiru used to say that he was drying up like he was a grape in the sun.
The line the doctors drew below his knee was still there, as a reminder that if the situation worsened, they would cut off his leg to save his life. But he knew that cutting off his leg would not be the solution to save his life, because most likely his blood was poisoned with that curse, and the small bruises on his body told him so.
Sui Feng told him that he still had time and to keep doing what he had to do, not to worry about the pain because she would make sure to prepare the drugs correctly, and it was what he needed to finish his unfinished business.
— It could be, but we have no way of knowing. The girl's father maintains a correct behavior, we have followed him for days but it seems that he does not plan anything.
— Keep an eye on him. — Yushiru was silent for a moment. — I would like to know the day I am going to die so that I can be certain of something.
— You're worried that the other girl's labor will be premature when she finds out about… — Masayoshi left the sentence incomplete but Yushiru understood what he meant and just nodded.
They spoke no more on the subject, and when they reached the harem, it was the Malthai who broke the news to Yushiru that her son had been born dead. Yushiru supposed that something like this would happen but that didn't prevent the sadness for the loss of his firstborn from settling in his heart.
— I'm so sorry, my son. — The Malthai commented trying to comfort him.
— It was the will of the Deities. — Yushiru answered in a dejected voice, remembering that he hadn't prayed for his children. — Let them prepare a funeral for the little prince. I'm going to see my wife.
The Malthai nodded to that order and Yushiru entered the concubine's room, only to find the girl crying inconsolably for the loss of her son. It was inevitable that he would comfort her, although that level of affection was not like him.
Summer — x493 / September 2
In the same way that the shadow woke up the first time, in the same way it woke up that night, when everyone was already asleep and silence was the only thing that filled the king's room. The shadow serpent crawled on its belly and climbed back onto the king's bed with the intention of completing the mission it had been ordered to do.
The shadow serpent opened its mouth, its fangs dripping with venom before burrowing into the skin of the king's neck, in that soft, squishy area below the ear, where it left the last dose of venom.
Everything was as fast as a whiplash and before the king could cry out from the pain of the bite, the serpent disappeared into the shadows and returned to the origin.
—
Rukia was practicing with the gift while waiting for her guest to arrive, she made it flow through her skin and returned it to the origin, she still couldn't focus it on a specific point of her skin but managing it was getting easier.
It was late and everyone was supposed to be sleeping, but it was also the best time to have a late-night meeting with people she's not supposed to be talking to.
For a moment, Rukia thought the girl wouldn't make it to the date, but a couple of soft knocks on her bedroom door let her know she was wrong. Tatsuki was the one who answered the knock on the door and the girl entered the room as fast as her feet could carry her.
Rukia smiled seeing that the girl was there.
The girl was Yuki's personal servant, the one Kaien had assigned to take care of her from the other court ladies, and the one Rukia needed to keep an eye on Yuki. The only problem was that Rukia didn't know where the girl's loyalties lay and she couldn't trust her completely.
— Your Highness. — The girl greeted her while bowing to her. — How can I be useful to you?
Rukia looked at the girl for a moment, she was really pretty; she had brown hair and a nice voice. If Rukia put her in a pretty dress, combed her hair, and put jewelry on her, the girl would look like a noble's daughter.
— In many things, if you speak to me with the truth. — Rukia got up from her seat and approached the girl. — Miss Yuki talks about me?
— Your Highness…
— Don't lie to me, I don't like people who lie. — Rukia clarified before the girl started to speak.
— Miss Yuki talks about you, your highness. She doesn't say nice things. Miss Yuki says... she says... — the girl hesitated for a moment before working up the courage to finish her sentence. Rukia could clearly see how nervous the girl was. — She says that your highness is a tyrant, that you are evil and that you are dangerous.
— Do you believe what she says about me? — Rukia asked undeterred by that answer. Yuki was actually living the fantasy that Kaien fed in her head.
— I don't believe what she says, your highness. — The girl spoke quickly, as if she was afraid that Rukia would get angry with those words. — Your highness is a good person, you take care of your maids and those who serve you, and you are kind. In the city they say that your highness is a kind person who visits orphaned children and tells them stories, and that you help in the community kitchens.
The girl's answer pleased Rukia, because knowing that people saw her that way was a personal triumph. She was the princess of the people, so she must be loved by the people, both by nobles and common people.
The affection of the people was a powerful thing and if she managed to make the people love her, it did not matter who could be against her because she knew that she would be defended by them.
— If you serve me, I can take care of you and secure your future. — Rukia took a step closer to the girl, who was still looking down. — I know you have a younger brother in the orphanage, I can also protect him and ensure his future. Would you like that?
— Yes, your Highness. I would like that. — The girl's voice seemed affected by emotion. Rukia knew that the boy was about to be taken out of the orphanage because he was about to reach the age limit, and if he didn't have a way to support himself, the boy would most likely end up living on the streets, stealing, or joining the army. — Your Highness, what do I have to do?
— I want you to take care of Yuki. — Rukia answered calmly. — And let me know what she does or says. She is the lover of Prince Kaien but the prince will start dating the girls of the court and I fear that, in a moment of jealousy, Yuki will try something against one of them. I want you to let me know if you see anything suspicious so I can be prepared. I don't want our future crown princess to be hurt in any way and Yuki to be blamed. Can you do it?
— Yes, your highness, I can do it. I will take care of Miss Yuki and report suspicious behavior to you. — The girl promised. — I will do whatever your highness asks of me to repay your kindness.
— All right, that's all.
Rukia held out her hand so the maid could kiss it, as a show of loyalty and respect, and so the girl did. Tatsuki then handed Rukia a metal hair pin, with small crystals that reflected the light from the candles that lit up the room, and Rukia handed it to the maid.
— You are now under my care and protection. — Rukia spoke as the girl held the hair accessory in her hand, contemplating the beauty of what was new, pretty and shiny. — I highly value people's loyalty, don't forget that.
— I will not betray your trust and kindness, your highness. I swear to the Deities. — The girl made the symbol of the Deities on her chest, and Rukia smiled pleased at that.
— You can get out of here. When it's your rest day, tell me with Riruka and I'll send you with a letter to the orphanage so you can bring your brother to the castle. Depending on his abilities, I will place him in a position within the castle services or within the militia.
The girl again thanked for what Rukia said, kissed her hand again, and left that room protected by the darkness of the night.
Author's note: Thanks to those who decided to be part of this story, you will soon know about your OC. Thanks to everyone who continues to read this wild story.
