The Nightingale

Chapter 82: Suspicious

Autumn — x493 / October 25

As soon as the reporter left and they were alone in the room where the interview took place, Rukia laid her head on Ichigo's lap and closed her eyes. She was tired, her back and head ached, and all she needed was some peace and pampering from her husband.

In the afternoon, she drank tea with the other Festive Committee members and what they told her was what she expected to hear. The ladies she met previously only wanted to try to get money from the royal house for their own benefit by intimidating her using the rumors.

They told her that they would support her in case those ambitious women tried something against her and also gave her some complaints about the obnoxious behavior of those women in situations involving money.

Rukia had talked to the Kahya and the woman told her that she shouldn't use the information lightly because it was dangerous, she should just wait and, hopefully, the women would forget her daring extortion attempt.

The Kahya also suggested that she use the afternoon interview to announce that she had met with the council members and reaffirm the fact that the preparations for the soul festivities were complete and underway, and with the blessing of the Deities, everything would turn out favorably.

And that was what she had done.

— I don't want to walk. Take me to the bedroom, my Sun. — Rukia was still resting her head on Ichigo's lap as he stroked her hair so lightly it was making her go numb.

— In order to take you, I first need to get up and you are on top of me, my Moon. — Ichigo whispered in an amused tone.

Rukia mumbled a few words because she didn't want to move from that nice position but in the end she did, she sat on the chair and Ichigo stood up.

A moment later, Ichigo was already carrying her through the corridors to the queen's area.

Rukia rested her head on Ichigo's chest, listening to how his heart beat a little faster from the effort of moving forward with her in his arms, and felt that she could fall asleep at that moment. Ichigo was so warm and smelled so good, she couldn't have chosen a better place to be than in his arms.

She didn't know when she fell asleep but when she woke up, Ichigo was sitting in one of the armchairs reading a book. Rukia was about to ask him to join her in bed for a little sleep before dinner, but something in her mind clicked and the dream left her.

At that moment Rukia quickly sat up in bed without taking her eyes off the book that Ichigo had in his hands. Rukia remembered that she had Miyako's diary on the table and she hadn't told Ichigo about it.

She didn't even know if it was okay to show it to him or just mention that she had it and tell him about its contents.

— My Moon, what's up? Are you hungry? Shall I have dinner brought? — Ichigo's questions had that innocent tone that matched his look of confusion.

Rukia's eyes wandered from Ichigo's confused expression to the book in his hand.

— My Sun, what book are you reading? — Rukia's voice had a hint of fear that made Ichigo look at her with more confusion.

— Your book of children's stories. — Ichigo closed the book and showed her the cover. Rukia could clearly see the title of the book in the light of the candles that lit up the room. — Why? Shouldn't I read it?

Rukia felt her soul relax and patted the bed a few times for Ichigo to sit next to her. Ichigo put the book on a table, got up from his seat and went with her to the bed.

— You're nervous, did you have a bad dream? — Ichigo asked before giving her a soft kiss on the shoulder.

Ichigo's kisses burned her skin in such a delicious way, that she could only want more of them; and as if Ichigo read her mind, he began to leave small kisses on her neck until reaching her lips to give her a kiss that went from sweet to passionate in seconds.

Before Rukia could realize it, she was already sitting on top of Ichigo enjoying those kisses and almost completely forgetting what had scared her when she woke up. She had to use all her willpower to break the kiss at that moment and focus on the subject they had to talk about.

— My Sun, if I told you that I have a book that you cannot read but which contains a lot of interesting information, what would you say?

Rukia's question came out on a gasp because Ichigo had refused to stop kissing her and had gone back to her neck, where he was giving very sweet and soft little kisses.

— I'd ask you if you can tell me what's in there. — Ichigo replied after giving her shoulder one last kiss just to look into her eyes. Rukia could see the desire reflected in her husband's eyes. — In case you can't tell me, I'd use the forbidden techniques to make you talk, and if that doesn't work, I'd resign with honor because I at least tried to find out what was in there.

Rukia smiled at those words because she remembered the forbidden techniques and the way she made him beg for a kiss from her as revenge. Although that couldn't even be called revenge, with Ichigo she always lost out.

— Do I have to apply the forbidden techniques, my Moon? — Ichigo asked starting to kiss her neck in such a slow and soft way, that it seemed more like a caress than a kiss.

All of Rukia's skin prickled and she bit her lip, closed her eyes and let out a soft gasp as she felt Ichigo's hands slip under her dress just to caress her thighs.

— You didn't ask me if I could tell you. — Rukia whispered, bringing one of her hands to Ichigo's chest trying to stop him but not really wanting to.

— I like to skip that step and move on to the forbidden techniques. They are more fun.

Ichigo started to loosen her dress very gently and Rukia had to stop him before she forgot what she had to tell him. Ichigo looked into her eyes with that expression of someone who has been denied the most exquisite delicacy in the world and Rukia felt her soul tremble.

— But I can tell you what is in that book.

— Perfect, you'll tell me after I kiss you some more. I still need to make up for all the days I was away from your skin.

Ichigo's words were followed by so many kisses that Rukia forgot she was tired.

Autumn — x493 / October 26

The collection of books that were in the Registry Room was one that could only be accessed by the king and the princes of the kingdom, and which could not be taken out of that room under any circumstances because what had been written in those books was dangerous.

There were names, dates, obscure details and other things that were not suitable for everyone.

The entire history of the kingdom was recorded there, all its dark secrets and all its defense plans. The information contained in those books could unleash wars and deaths in the name of honor.

"This is the book of the Inamoratas. Here's what's missing from the story you told me last night. After lunch I will come for the book. There is a reason why these books do not leave the Registry Room and that is because they are dangerous and should not be read by just anyone. Be careful who sees you reading it, my princess."

Ichigo's words were all the warning Rukia needed not to leave her room from then on.

Ichigo had given her that book because she had told him what Yuki asked her to do and, although Rukia was sure that Ichigo had read the information in it, he preferred to leave her the Inamoratas book for her to read and draw her own conclusions.

Rukia had only shown him what happened in the final days of that diary, from the moment Kaien went hunting with the king until Miyako decided she would do something but didn't say what she did. Rukia had the impression that Miyako had thrown herself off the cliff that day.

The rest that was written was something that did not belong to her to share and did not serve the plans and purposes they had in mind.

Rukia asked not to be disturbed and started flipping through the book.

There were really old records, names of people who were maybe dead or old, and Rukia decided to skip them because they weren't something that interested her. She searched the most recent pages and found Orihime's mom's name.

Orihime had told her that her mother had been the Inamorata of a prince and that she had suffered greatly because of it, even attempting to take her own life because she was forced to share a bed with the prince who chose her.

Rukia wanted to skip the page, but curiosity got the better of her common sense.

—

Lady Tsukihime Shino, from Verasi.

Prince Ganju's Inamorata

March 17, year x466 — July 6, year x467

Lady Shino received a bracelet with four rows made of pink pearls with a central row of gold and rubies as a gift from Prince Ganju on the day she was invited to share the prince's private chambers. The relationship was consummated that night and the Kahya personally made sure that Lady Shino drank the Inamoratas' tea.

Our beloved queen Raiza took it upon herself to personally explain to Lady Shino the restrictions she would have as Prince Ganju's Inamorata, since Lady Emiko still lived in the Kuchiki residence and the engagement was about to be formalized.

After Prince Ganju's death, Lady Shino was sent back to Verasi and engaged to Lord Inoue, in Eikaran. The marriage was celebrated as the laws dictate after verifying that she was not pregnant by Prince Ganju.

She currently lives in Eikaran as Lady Inoue.

—

After reading those words, Rukia fell silent in order to understand what she had read. There was no feeling in the words, just raw information, and there was no record that she had made an attempt on her own life.

— For someone who didn't want to share a prince's bed, she lasted a long time as an Inamorata. — Rukia commented to herself as she read the list of jewels that Prince Ganju had given to Orihime's mother, all marked with a date which must be the reason for the gift of the jewel.

Rukia also noted that her aunt Emiko had to put up with Prince Ganju's Inamorata until the day she died, and again felt how horrible it was to have a political marriage. Emiko shouldn't have told Prince Ganju that she was pregnant, she should have fled the castle with some excuse and hidden in Maranni, alone.

— Thank the Shadow that Ichigo loves me like I love him. — Rukia whispered caressing the rings on her finger.

She knew that if Ichigo had a mistress, she wouldn't be able to resist it, and just thinking about it made her heart ache. Rukia had entrusted her life and her peace to Ichigo, she had entrusted all of her to him and although it was dangerous, she couldn't not do it.

She trusted him like she couldn't trust anyone else.

Once past that point, Rukia continued searching through the records and discovered that a page was missing. It hadn't been torn off, it had been cut so precisely that only the edge that was attached to the seam remained.

That was strange but Rukia let it go because she had no idea who was so cruelly removed from the records that they didn't even deserve to keep their name.

Then she got to the part that interested her.

—

Lady Miyako Aishiro, from Zhilen.

Prince Kaien's Inamorata.

April 9, year x488 — November 14, year x488

Lady Miyako received a four-row diamond choker in white gold the afternoon she was invited to share Prince Kaien's private chambers. The night the dinner was held, according to the Kahya's words, the relationship was not consummated.

Even so, Lady Miyako was made to drink the Inamoratas' tea as a precaution due to the situation with the kingdom's principalities.

Our beloved Queen Masaki explained her duties as Prince Kaien's Inamorata, as well as the restrictions she would have when Lady Rukia Kuchiki entered the castle to make her engagement to Prince Kaien official.

Lady Miyako moved to the king's area, near Prince Kaien's quarters as tradition dictates, and according to the Kahya, the relationship was not consummated until several months later.

Lady Miyako became pregnant with Prince Kaien due to human carelessness and as dictated by the law of the kingdom, our beloved queen Masaki took charge of the situation to prevent our Prince Kaien from suffering the consequences of imposing his will against the king and be declared a traitor to the kingdom.

Lady Miyako did not report the pregnancy to the queen and decided to keep it a secret, putting the prince's life in further danger. The queen discovered the pregnancy due to the girl's examinations for peculiar complaints and the tea was personally prepared by the doctor in the presence of the queen and was given to Lady Miyako under the guise of being a health tea.

Lady Miyako did not take the loss well and her fragile mind led her to try to end her life by cutting both wrists with a broken mirror shard. Fortunately, Lady Nelliel found out in time and Lady Miyako's life was saved.

However, a few days later, Lady Miyako injured herself again and ran to the cliff to throw herself over the edge. The only witness was Prince Kaien, who was just returning from a hunting party with His Majesty the King.

Prince Kaien was in shock, so his testimony regarding what happened was not required by the queen's will.

Lady Miyako's personal belongings were collected and handed over to her relatives.

The diamond choker was never found and it is believed she threw herself off the cliff with it.

Her body rests in the grove graveyard within the castle grounds, by order of the king.

Lady Miyako's date of death: November 14, year x488.

—

The list of jewels that followed that narrative was short.

Rukia knew from what she had read in the diary that what Miyako valued most as gifts were small and simple things. The melody Kaien composed for her was more precious than any jewel he had later given her.

Miyako had only written a part of that melody within the pages of that diary and Rukia hadn't had time to listen to the sound due to all she had to do.

— That's why Nelliel tried to throw herself off the cliff, isn't that right, Kaien? She was playing with your feelings and your fears. — Rukia muttered as she flipped through the pages of that book.

Kaien had had another Inamorata the year she arrived, she hadn't lasted long; just a short time and he fired her.

The last page was Orihime's.

Rukia thought Yuki's name would be there but she was wrong. Yuki had never achieved the title of Inamorata, she had only been the prince's lover, so Rukia assumed that Yuki's name would appear in a different registry.

— My dear Orihime, your presence in the book of the Inamoratas proves that not everything that is written is to be trusted.

—

Lady Orihime Inoue, from Eikaran.

Prince Ichigo's Inamorata.

November 16, year x491 - March 26, year x492.

Lady Orihime received a sapphire and diamond comb set in polished steel with floral motifs the night she was invited to share Prince Ichigo's private chambers. The relationship was consummated that same night.

In the words of the Kahya, the girl drank the tea as soon as she left Prince Ichigo's room and settled in her new room within the king's area, as tradition dictates.

Our beloved queen Masaki personally explained her duties and obligations as Prince Ichigo's Inamorata, as well as the restrictions she would have if the prince became engaged to any lady of the kingdom.

She was sent to Eikaran when Prince Ichigo ended his relationship with her and she was engaged to General Ulquiorra Cifer at the request of our beloved King Isshin. The marriage was carried out as dictated by the laws of the kingdom after verifying that Lady Orihime was not pregnant by Prince Ichigo.

She returned to Adelaar Castle as Lady Cifer.

She currently lives in exile.

—

The list of jewels that were given to Orihime was considerable and Rukia had seen them all when she visited Orihime, several of those jewels she chose for her friend and had them written down as gifts from Ichigo.

What stood out was the fact that Ichigo had given Orihime a house deeded in her name and in which there was a small note made by the scribe highlighting Ichigo's generosity for such a splendid gift.

Rukia had to swallow the humiliation of seeing Ichigo choose Inamorata and hearing that he gave his lover a house, she put on her best face and faced the situation like a Kuchiki because rumors filled the castle for some time. If he hadn't told her the truth behind all those events, she might never have forgiven him for that humiliation.

Again, Rukia focused her attention on the narration of the events of Miyako and her death, and for a brief moment she felt sorry for the 16 year old Kaien who saw the girl he loved die.

— Pity to the wrong person could be the end of me. — Rukia whispered the words that Queen Masaki had said to her when they talked about Queen Kazue.

Mercy was for the weak.

Queen Masaki had told her that Nelliel was ruthless and Rukia didn't doubt it after reading what Miyako had written in that diary. Was there a way to measure cruelty? Did Nelliel have a limit? Rukia knew the answer to her last question was "no".

Nelliel had become the crown princess, but even though she knew the rules that ran the castle, she had still hurt Yuki for kissing Kaien. Nelliel would not have hesitated to impose her own will on the Court Ladies if any of them set their sights on becoming Kaien's mistress.

— My dear Nell, you paid for the Crown Princess's crown in blood. — Rukia whispered as she reread the part where Nelliel had "saved" Miyako when she slashed her wrists. — Did Miyako really cut her wrists in a suicide attempt or did you help her with that?

At that moment, Rukia thought that maybe Nelliel was there to make Miyako's death faster. If Nelliel was cruel enough to visit Miyako, who was grieving the loss of her baby, and tell her that everything she did was out of "love for Kaien", she could also hurt her to make it look like Miyako had slashed her own wrists.

Miyako hadn't written the exact words because they were painful and she couldn't rewrite them. Perhaps Miyako did want to continue living and throwing herself off the cliff was just a desperate act to escape Nelliel's cruelty. How much would Nelliel have told Miyako? If Kaien had returned to the castle a couple of hours earlier, would anything have changed?

The diary was not a detailed record like the book of the Inamoratas, it was Miyako's escape route, who had started living hell without realizing it. Only Nelliel and the Deities knew what had really happened during those days until Miyako's death.

— Either way, you played poorly. You chose me as a rival and I still haven't forgiven you for the assassination attempt. — Rukia closed the book and held it close to her. — Did you enjoy planning my death, Nelliel? Surely you did. All in service to the kingdom you thought you would be queen of.

Rukia was clear that she herself was not a saint, she was not benevolent and she was not a martyr. Everyone was capable of wishing someone dead, few were capable of saying it out loud as if it were an order, and she knew perfectly well that she was just as cruel as Ichigo and that her voice hadn't shaken when issuing a death order because she knew she enjoyed that idea.

"Cut off the soldier's head."

"Kill the king of Gardelia."

Rukia understood Nelliel's cruelty, the only difference between the two was that she had Ichigo and the Shadow for support.

Autumn — x493 / October 27 [Kaien, 21 years old.]

Kaien had a lot to celebrate on his birthday, more than anything not having died from that strange fever that mysteriously burned his neck and shoulders.

He kept thinking that Ichigo was responsible for that illness, but he didn't have enough evidence to blame him because nobody knew that kind of magic and Ichigo could simply deny everything and make him seem too affected by the fever.

After he got ready to start the day, he went through his gifts and discovered that there were more gifts than usual; most were trinkets that he would eventually get rid of during the rest of the year. There was also a big box with a lot of letters of all kinds, in which there must have been congratulations from the people of the city.

Kaien had read the interview that Ichigo and Rukia gave, and they had done a good job of making it seem that the confinement in the punishment cells was one more test from the king so that they would not forget humility and not an extravagant punishment. Kaien had laughed until his lungs ached but admitted that it had been a good move for Ichigo to say all those words about what a wonderful father the king was.

Ichigo spoke about the rumors about that "murder" on the trip and made it clear that the one who had started such cruel rumors would receive an exemplary punishment. Rukia talked about the Celebrations of Souls and said that the queen made sure that everything was in order before leaving, as well as the itinerary that would be followed if everything went according to the times established by the queen. And at the end, Ichigo talked about Kaien's birthday and left the invitation open for anyone who wanted to send him a greeting.

Among the gifts on a second table, which were sent by the royal family and close friends, was a small box that he knew perfectly well and which made him angry because he knew what it contained.

— Yuki, how much longer are you going to play this? — Kaien muttered as he opened the box and found inside all the jewels he had given to Yuki, including the diamond necklace he gave her on the day of the Autumn celebration.

Inside was a small letter, which didn't surprise Kaien because Yuki used to do that every time she returned the jewels with the intention that he would look for her again.

—

His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Kaien of Avanta and the Blue Mountains.

It's a great title when written, I suppose it must be as heavy as it is long. We haven't been able to talk since the day you assaulted me and I thank the Deities for that, as just the thought of being in the same room with you made me feel fearful.

I still feel fear but it is easier to write to you than to see and talk to you.

Needless to say, I am returning the gifts you gave me because they are a memory of you and what you did to me.

The Necklace of Tragedy will look good on Mila's neck, I just hope she doesn't have a tragic end like Nelliel's or mine. That necklace has been bathed in blood and tears, I wouldn't be surprised if diamonds turned rubies.

I have nothing more to say than, Happy Birthday, your highness.

Yuki

—

— How did you know that I will give the necklace to Mila, my dear Yuki? — Kaien asked the letter before placing it back in the box with the jewels and taking the diamond necklace. — The Necklace of Tragedy? That's your name? Ridiculous! A jewel cannot possess that kind of luck.

Kaien returned the jewel to the box, which he placed on the table, and opened the bottle of golden liquor that Ichigo had sent him. Ever since Ichigo returned to the kingdom, he would send him a bottle of golden liquor on his birthday, but at that point Kaien was suspicious of the contents.

Kaien called one of his servants, poured some of the golden liquor into a glass and handed it to his servant. The man's eyes reflected the fear he felt to drink that golden liquor but he did not refuse to drink it because he was not capable of disobeying a direct order from the crown prince.

— For your highness. — Said the servant, knowing that if that was poison he would die giving his life to his prince.

It was an act with which Kaien checked the loyalty of his servant and the contents of the bottle.

— If you die, I will make sure that your family lacks nothing. Now get out of here.

The servant bowed to him and left the room, Kaien closed the bottle and took Ichigo's letter that was with the bottle.

—

My brother, happy birthday.

The liquor has no poison, in case that was one of your initial doubts, it's just liquor brought from beyond the Sunset Sea. That's my last bottle, so it must be quite aged and its effects must be quite strong. Don't drink more than a couple of glasses or you'll fall asleep for days.

See you at dinner. Ichigo.

—

Kaien just laughed at what Ichigo had written there but didn't drink what was in the bottle. Poisons used to be a bit slow, so he had to wait to see if there was any poison in the bottle or not.

Lunch with the court girls was canceled due to his recent mysterious illness, so Kaien decided he would spend the rest of the day in his small private study with a book because no one would bother him unless the kingdom was in crisis.

He still hadn't heard back from Entabeni about a teacher who spoke the Jade Language, and that had him anxious. Ichigo knew about the jade witches, but whether or not he knew about Kala was something Kaien had no way of knowing without giving himself away.

It was more than obvious that the war between them had been fully declared.

—

The reason why Rukia decided not to send the diary to Kaien was because it could disrupt the celebrations of the souls and that was not convenient for anyone, especially for her because she was the one in charge in the absence of the queen and she wanted to make a good impression. However she had set a new delivery date because that diary would definitely reach Kaien's hands.

Rukia was aware that what they did to Kaien and Miyako was the same as what they did to Ichigo and Yoruichi, the difference between both situations was the feelings they had. Ichigo was just hanging out with Yoruichi but Kaien, he loved Miyako.

Or so it was recorded in the diary.

They had no way of knowing if Kaien was suspicious of the king or if he believed the queen had taken advantage of this hunting trip; so they were both betting that Kaien was unaware of that detail because the idea of creating friction between Kaien and the king was the best they could do to shift the blame for the king's death onto Kaien.

Planting the evidence and getting witnesses was the next part of the plan, but it would be executed when necessary.

— Your Highness, the Winter Diadem or the People's Princess Tiara? — Asked her maid, who was helping her get ready for dinner.

Rukia had organized Kaien's birthday dinner, as protocol dictated as she was the highest ranking woman in the castle at the time and because Kaien had neither a wife nor a fiancée, and it had not been her favorite thing to do. She had to do it because the rules dictated it and because she couldn't show any kind of hostility to Kaien if they wanted everyone to think that she and Ichigo were trying to maintain good brotherly relations.

— The People's Princess tiara, it is a formal dinner after all. — Rukia commented without much encouragement.

Rukia was trying to relax because she still wanted to hit Kaien for what he did to Yuki, but hitting the crown prince on his birthday would be a scandal they couldn't afford. The days of fever that Kaien spent under the effects of the spider were not enough for her but she had to be patient.

One of Ichigo's servants appeared in her room with a jewelry case that he opened in front of her, revealing a necklace made of pink diamonds of various shades and sizes that matched the tiara she was wearing at the time. The necklace was beautiful and had a single black stone in the center that drew attention to it.

Rukia thought it looked like the White Soul she wore to her wedding, but black and a bit smaller and more delicate.

— Prince Ichigo requests that you wear it for dinner tonight, Your Highness.

Rukia ordered her maid to take the gift and the servant left the room. Rukia immediately took off the jewelry she had chosen for that night and put on the one Ichigo had sent.

Kaien had a birthday and she received the gifts. She liked that.

Rukia knew that Ichigo was angry and that the fact that he had sent her a piece of jewelry with that particular phrase on it could only mean one thing.

— I won't sleep here tonight, so pack my things and take them to my husband's room.

The maid nodded and Rukia dabbed some rose balm on her lips before placing the container in her dress pocket. She looked at herself one last time in the mirror and fingered the black stone on the necklace.

A Black Soul or a Shadow Gift, whatever its meaning, it suited her and the situation.

The castle changed people and she was changing.

—

Ichigo's mood fluctuated between anger and jealousy, all because Rukia had organized a celebration for Kaien's enjoyment and happiness.

Ichigo knew that Rukia had to do it because it was part of the protocol of the royal house, his rational side told him so. However, his jealous and possessive side, the one that used Kholtan to spy on his wife when she left the castle, was seething with jealousy.

And he, as a truly possessive and jealous being, sent reason to hell and let jealousy wash over him like a tidal wave of lava.

As soon as he was dressed for dinner, if he headed to his Moon's room with the intention of kissing her, maybe making love to her just to reassure her that she belongs to him and calm the beast inside him, but the maiden was coming out of his Moon room with some things in her hands.

The girl immediately informed him that Rukia was in the banquet hall, and the beast inside Ichigo growled at that. He immediately retraced his steps and headed for the hall designated for the celebration.

Walking in, he thanked the Shadow for the fact that only Rukia was there.

He motioned for the servants to quietly exit and he approached his wife from behind, taking advantage of the fact that she was busy with something on the table.

— You look beautiful with that Black Soul, my Moon.

The whisper was accompanied by a very soft and suggestive caress in his moon's arms, and ended with a kiss on her neck. Ichigo smiled as he felt Rukia tremble at that greeting.

— Are you still upset, my Sun?

Rukia tilted her head and he could see the gloss on her lips so characteristic of that balm. They were so close that he didn't need to kiss her to taste the scent of roses, but he did it anyway because the beast inside him screamed for a kiss from his woman.

The kiss was aggressive, charged with desire and passion, and the taste of roses filled his tongue and lips. Rukia clung to him in the middle of that kiss.

— Now not so much.

Ichigo took her by the waist, turned her so that they were both facing each other and brought her closer to him with that possessive touch that dominated him when he was close to her. His Moon bit her lips in that way he loved and he didn't resist kissing her again.

This time he felt Rukia's tongue entering his mouth and her fingers clinging to his hair, and just because they were in a hall waiting for guests, he didn't lean her against the table to make love to her right there.

— Now I want to get you out of here and into the room. Do you only have it on your lips? Tell me no, my princess. — Ichigo whispered after breaking the kiss against his own wishes.

— You'll have to wait to find out, my Sun. — Rukia gave him another kiss and backed away from him a bit. The beast inside him growled at that distance.

He didn't want to walk away from her.

A servant cleared his throat and broke the intimate atmosphere that had formed just to announce that the guests were about to arrive.

— We will finish this talk in the room, my rose.

— You are going to speak, my prince, because I will have my mouth busy.

Rukia's statement made Ichigo have to use all his self-control not to pull her out of there at that moment.

—

Kaien was enjoying the attention and detail of the dinner that he hadn't expected to be so splendidly organized. As far as he knew, Rukia was mad at him and wanted to cut off his hand, but instead she threw him such an exquisite birthday dinner that even the High Commanders of the Kingdom were present.

If that's what Rukia did when she was angry, he didn't want to fantasize about what Rukia would do when she was in a good mood.

His chosen partner for that night was Mila and she was the one who stood by his side and held his arm. Mila was the best to discuss any topic that arose because as the daughter of the lord of Kirasam and an immediate relative of the Grand Naval Councilor, as well as the heiress to one of the Great Families of the kingdom, she had a rigorous education and was versed in various subjects.

Mila could be the perfect queen. The only problem was her friendship with Rukia.

Mila and Rukia being friends was a double-edged sword, because as Mila could get information out of Rukia, Rukia could do the same with Mila, and Kaien had to first make sure that Mila was completely loyal to him before he officially took her to bed.

Between the pleasant sounds of the talk, the sound of a cutlery being hit against a glass made everyone pay attention to where the call had come from and keep silent.

Rukia was standing on a stool because she was the shortest of all there and Ichigo was standing next to her in that position that said that Rukia belonged to him and whoever looked at her for more than five seconds in a row would lose his eyes.

— Thank you all for coming to this celebration dinner for our older brother. — Rukia started a speech that was adorned with a huge smile. The servants began to hand out glasses of sparkling wine to all the guests. — Last year, Prince Ichigo gave our older brother a forest hunt filled with exciting targets, and this year it was my turn to treat the honoree to something worthy of him. So I hope our older brother, Prince Kaien, enjoys this dinner and tonight. Happy birthday to the heir to the kingdom!

— Happy Birthday!

All the attendees shouted raising their glasses in the direction of where Kaien was and he had the modesty to be humble and grateful.

— Thanks little sister, it's the best party I've had so far. — Kaien commented with that charming smile that he always showed everyone in public, the difference at that moment was that he was really enjoying the night.

Rukia just smiled at him, said a few more words that were about the party and the banquet, and then disappeared into the crowd with Ichigo, who wouldn't move away from her or let go of her waist.

Kaien focused on enjoying the dinner and the talk with the invited people who were looking for a moment with him, but he couldn't help turning from time to time to where Rukia was. Rukia was dressed in a charmingly sensual way, her shoulders were bare and her collarbones stood out against her skin in a way that was a terrible invitation to be kissed; however the fantasy ended when he realized Ichigo was looking at him and pointed a finger at the floor.

Kaien just stared at him and returned his attention to his guests.

He didn't have to look at the ground to understand the message Ichigo was giving him, it was a silent warning that included a threat and his own shadow.

Hi everyone!

Can you feel it? I know you can feel it.

Can anyone guess whose sheet is missing from the Inamoratas registry?

That's all for now, see you soon.