I have done terrible things in my life: killed, destroyed and tortured…

There is a bare chance of my soul being cursed from these sins.

The devil is probably laughing when I pray or wish for something better than this life,

A wide smirk on his lips and fingers clamped together as he shakes his head.

I know my deathly future in hell is waiting for me, and there is nothing that can change such a path.

But I wish for mercy in this life,

I want the best for those who follow me, and families whom rely on my crown.

I wish for them to not suffer like my soul.

A royal who was taught to keep her head high and face the world with a golden thumb;

Someone who was controlled by the strictest men in the land….

I shall bow…

Get on my knees and plead for your aid…. For all those innocent people that I know breath my kingdom air…

Please save those souls from the devil whom wishes for me to arrive…

I beg of you….

I stood tall as I looked up to the old King, he twisted his beard with his eyes near the royal entrance which lead to the village. He is contemplating.

"Princess Kuchiki", his tone lingered as his eyes locked with them. "What do you wish from my kingdom?"

Pressing my lips together tightly I closed my eyes, father would be shamed if he heard me. "I wish for aid—"

"Non-sense", he interrupted as he stood from his throne. "Kuchiki kingdom is the best kingdom of war", his rough voice made my skin ache like I was being punished for disobeying. "There is no aid for your kingdom, you are the aid".

I know! I know all this….how kingdom's rulers come to my father pleading for his aid, just a few soldiers or a noble member. For the price of trade my father would send knights, land would get them a general, half a kingdom is a noble member and I, their entire army with the granted wish that we will protect them no-matter the kingdom.

There's a truth to our wealth is more than crops.

What should I say? I can't just come out and say: my suitor is plotting a master plan to murder my family, and take over the kingdom with our head-general. Such a story seems unrealistic.

"Princess", the king sighed as he stepped off his throne and walked towards me. "I know you must be in fear for marriage", what?

"I am not—"I would have loved to get married: have someone to love me unconditionally, start a family and have happy moments. Marriage seemed great… but Renji isn't someone who fits that role.

"If you and your suitor just spend time together—"

"I refuse to marry someone who wishes to murder my family!" I snapped as I looked over at Ichigo, I could tell he was uncomfortable with the topic being discussed. "I will marry anyone! A knight, peasant, wood-cutter…. Even your blacksmith…" the king glanced over to Ichigo quickly to see the bright shine in his eyes. "But, I refuse to allow a murderer take my hand".

The king moved back to his throne and grabbed Ichigo by the arm. I watched anxious; there was no telling what the king was willing to do, with the magic wall covering him I could barely read his thoughts. If I got into the barrier the thoughts would come rushing into my mind, and I would know I am safe here.

Father cannot track me nor can a witch from the distant land of magic. I want safety.

"You and the Blacksmith?" he released Ichigo roughly. "That is a shameful act! He is a suited man!"

'Shameful?' the voice questioned in my head, slowly I could feel the ice crawling on my palms and quickly I hide them behind my back.

"Do you not know who his is to wed?!" the elderly man shouted, his composer is lost, there must be some kind of deep-connection to Ichigo's fiancée. "That is my great-great-great grand-daughter!" he yelled.

A royal marrying a blacksmith?

"There is no such frolicking", the King shook his head for my attempt. "Your blacksmith merely came to my aid when I ran from my father".

I could tell the elderly king isn't falling for anything I'm saying, seeing as he's glaring down at Ichigo with no mercy; he seemed like my father during trade or theft violation. I need to think…

"Princess, I shall send you back home", he waved his hand to the guards causing them to slowly approach me. "Your father is probably worried to death for your well-being".

The guards grasped my arms tightly, turning my skin to red from pressure. They were not gentle.

I can't give up… there's so many people depending on me. I'm the last ruler with the true blood of the throne, the one that's the crown of the best war kingdom, I cannot give-up without trying. But, I doubt the king would allow me to stay now, since I and Ichigo have something… this love.

He's probably thinking only of his grand-daughter.

Ichigo stood as they started to drag me out of the throne-room, I tossed and turned, fighting to break-free. I didn't want to kill anyone but my abilities were acting on their own: seeking up the metal of their armor or chilling their breath. It's been acting weird since the King spoke of Ichigo's marriage and myshameful actions.

My heart is aching slowly as well; I know my love for the blacksmith isn't accepted but there is something within me that wants me… that needs him.

Father would be embarrassed and ashamed of my feelings, but there was once a time he loved my mother like this… right?

"Please! I beg of you!" I shouted but the king ignored.

During my fight I caught two grey eyes hiding behind gold curtains: a girl with orange hair like Ichigo's, two blue pins clipped in her hair and skin pale like flour. Her deep grey eyes connected with mine, she seemed kind and confused… there's something unsteadily about her thoughts. Who is this?

"My lord", Ichigo spoke up. "My engagement to Inoue-san will not be effected by the presence of Princess Kuchiki".

"Kurosaki", the king stood over the blacksmith with his crown shinning bright. "Do you think after all the deeds you have done that I would allow such a wo—"

"I understand that my sinful deeds are quiet unforgettable, my lord" Ichigo bowed his head to the king. "But there are many innocent people in Kuchiki village. If the princess's story is correct then, should we not give her a leant ear or hand?"

The King stared down at Ichigo with a stern eye before waving his wrinkled hands at the guards. They instantly retreated from my side and to their original corners to watch with a grim look; it seems like my presence isn't wanted in this kingdom… could I blame them?

"Reader", the king coughed. "Please, step forward".

I could hear the shoes of the woman clicking on the polished floor, she sounds elegant and graceful… perhaps another royal that I have taken down.

"Yes your highness" a timid voice bowed.

Curiosity pulsed through my veins and I turned to meet the reader. She wasn't as I expected, there was no hint of royalty in her appearance, and she looked like a mere villager. But she's beautiful: hair of many nights, eyes grey similar to rain clouds and skin as fair as mine.

From the appearance alone she could be a royal but I could tell by the cheap fabric dress that she is nothing but a commoner.

"Princess Kuchiki", I turned to see the king with a sharp. "If our reader can see what you are claiming I shall give you a chance in my kingdom… but a little hint of a fable and you will be sent back to your kingdom with my guards".

This woman can read my thoughts? No one has been able to do such things since I was born. My mother would catch a glimpse of my thoughts while I was in the womb but once I was born there was a wall.

She offered a hand with a gentle smile. "I do not think this will work…" I muttered with my eyes on her rough palms.

The woman shook her head as I rested my hand in hers. "Non-sense, I can read any plam", her hands were warm on my cold ones.

Closely she closed her eyes as her hold tightened. I watched her expression turn from relaxed to distress… almost confused from these events. I could tell what she may be seeing but I could tell there was something unsettling.

"I cannot read you…" she whispered as she dropped her hands from mine. Quickly I grabbed her arms while she started to faint, but once our skin touched ice instantly formed around her skin.

What is this?

The only time that my abilities acted remotely the same was when I danced with Renji. It was because I could tell he had evil intentions, but this woman didn't have anything evil about her.

"Are you alright?" I asked but she didn't reply.

Suddenly the Captain from earlier flashed before my eyes and scooped the maiden into her arms. The short-haired woman leaned down to the readers nose to hear her breathing, when she nodded I heard the king stomp his cane twice on floor, signaling guards to help the captain.

I watched shocked as they carried the reader away into the shadowing hallways to rest. There wasn't anything that I had done, but I know the king will pin this on me, even if it is just exhaustion.

They will most likely say: I drained her energy to become stronger to defeat their kingdom… or something on those lines.

"It seems as though there is no one who can read your thoughts", the grumbling of the king caused a chill to run down my spine. This isn't good.

"Hence, you shall return home—"

"Grandfather!" the sudden holler of a sweet voice took my attention to a curtain near the throne; there stood a woman peeking through the material. She's beautiful.

The beauty entered the room swiftly, and I could hear Ichigo cursing in his thoughts: this must be the woman he is to wed.

How did he manage to take her hand?

Flipping her long orange locks to the side she bowed to her grandfather. Her softly eyes turned to the blacksmith causing him to look away. "I heard my betrothed had arrived home safely but with a woman whom was claimed to be the heir to Kuchiki kingdom. Once I heard such fables, I decided to come and see for myself", she turned and locked eyes with mine. They were so warm but cold, almost like she hated every fiber of my soul.

I stood tall as she looked over my body.

I'm nothing compared to her: she's tall, big breasted and gentle manned. I am the opposite.

"She seems like the perfect image of snow-white", Orihime looked over to her grandfather. "Do you recall that fabled story you once read to me?" he nodded.

"Hair as dark as night, skin like snow and lips of red rose" the king recalled before he sighed. "Is there something that you need at the moment my dear?"

Orihime nodded before touching Ichigo's shoulder softly. "I heard a story from great-grandmother before her passing. One of soul-bond lovers", my body stiffed for the mentioned tale. How does she know this? I thought it was almost passed on to other royals with a linked mate.

"What does that have to do with this?" the elder asked.

"If you watched the two you could tell they have some kind of connection: thoughts and snickers for the others thoughts", as she began to walk towards me she leaned forward to reveal her large breast. "The blacksmith could not take his eyes off the princess".

The king stroked his beard as he eyed the blacksmith next to him. "Very well".

What's going to happen now? Are they going to allow me inside the kingdom as one of their people, until I can fight my father and Renji?

He grabbed Ichigo by the arm and dragged him towards me. "You two will have to connect… spiritually" he added with his eyes on the blacksmith. "I will connect through Kurosaki to see, and then… I shall make the decision".

I looked into Ichigo's eyes and noticed he's nervous, it is our first time connecting this way, but I think we can manage. If not I could show my thoughts through some ice and water.

The Kings wrinkly hand grasped Ichigo's shoulder.

The intensity around the room could be cut, but there was a tiny voice in my head whispering: blood. Almost instantly, an ice dagger grew in my palm; it glistened bright at the sedated edge.

I placed the blade to my skin and slowly created a cut: thick red liquid pooled into my palm and glowed with a shimmer. There was no pain… just a tingling sensation in my stomach.

The red blood trickled down my hand and to the ground freezing the marble.

Ichigo gripped the blade from me and followed my actions suddenly; how does he kn— what does it matter? It must be done right?

Slowly I placed my palm into his rough hold and watched as white flakes swirled from our clasped hands. There was no chill… only warm in his touch, until a strong rush of heat came from our hands and shadowed mist broke through the air.

Eyes wide watching the event play our, I stared at the shocked blacksmith: his bright orbs filled with fear as black surrounded his amber pupils. I could feel the ice claiming my violet swirls as the memories of dancing with Renji came to life on the floor.

I stood from the distance watching myself and the suitor dance.

A gut-wrenching feel swirled in my stomach as I stepped forward to get closer to the two; my hands burned and heart raced without intention. Quickly I went to move forward and yell to myself but my lips pressed together as I leaned against the polished wall.

I looked down to my hands and noticed something… these are the hands of the blacksmith: callous covered and rough.

Am I seeing this from his eyes?

I looked up to meet my own eyes, they seemed to land on me perfectly as the red-head twirled his victim around. A strange feeling came to my stomach as he touched my body, it seemed almost like Ichigo didn't like him touching me.

As the song continued I became anxious and hot, it was like my body was being set on fire.

Upon the song ended I bolted outside without thinking, and sighed as I looked up to the starry night. The stars in Kuchiki kingdom are perfect, they are exactly the same from the times I and my mother would looked outside from my bedroom window.

Shoving my hands into my pockets I kept my eyes on the sky: the moon is full and glowing almost illuminating in the darkness.

I entered the barn: the dusty smell of hay and sweetness of horse feed swirled over my nose as I made my way to a stale.

Stopping in front of the oak wood door, I met a pure white horse: Sode.

She came closer to me, which is unusually since she never comes near strangers, and nuzzled the blacksmiths large hand. Battering her long lashes she closed her brown orbs and began to relax.

My hand continued to stroke the horse as I looked out the tiny window in the back of the barn: the village glowed brightly through the glass, and the soft whisper of the festival sang throughout the silent night.

"Aizen! I am stuck!" sounded through the air. At first I didn't pay mind, but then a second scream entered the night: "Dammit! What is this?!"

I turned from the horse and looked out the stable; I know what is going on at the moment: Renji and Momo are reacting to my abilities.

"Get me out of this!" I heard as the faint sound of heels came closer to the stables. When I saw myself stop in the entrance. I didn't get the chance to see myself up-close, and noticed that my violet orbs were amber. "Ichigo…" I thought for the sight, and noticed the slight silhouette of the old king.

Quickly I watched myself turn and run towards the bridge, and the vision covered with white ice.

I panted as I released Ichigo's hand, eyes on the king who stood stunned and stepped back for space. Never have I been through such an intense feeling: I could feel all the blacksmiths emotions.

"…That is why you ran" the blacksmith panted as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Everyone— is planning against you".

"P-Princess Kuchiki", the king stuttered as he looked over my presence. "…I have no words"

"Nor did I when everything happened", I glanced over to Orihime who wore a soft relief on her lips as she looked at the blacksmith. Is she happy that he has a mate? Shouldn't she be enraged?

There is something that isn't right about this situation, she should be mad that I am here. Her eyes should be filled with rage and covered in fire… I thought she wanted to marry the blacksmith. Is it all a lie?

"From the things that I have seen and heard just now, I will deem you shelter until you are prepared to fight your father and suitor", I bowed to the elderly man. "You shall live with the blacksmith", he rubbed his beard. "But, he and my grand-daughter are to still wed. Also, if you make any sort of threat to any of my villagers I will have you sent back home".

"Understand!" I firmly answered as I bowed. "Arigato!"

It didn't take long till I and the blacksmith were released from the castle, but there seemed to be a little distance between I and Ichigo.

Glancing over to Ichigo and noticed his lips firmly pressed together, I could see that he's thinking about something but what?

"Ichigo", I touched his arm softly causing him to shake off his thoughts, and look over to me. "What is the matter?" whispering under my breath I searched his eyes. "Since leaving the castle you seem to be off in another world".

He looked down to the ground and stopped suddenly, I followed suit. "There seems to be a lot we do not know about ourselves", I nodded. There is a lot: my childhood and why I was forced to forget Ichigo. "Why?"

"I have the same question as well, but, there is no one to answer such tales".

Ichigo shoved his hands into his pockets while his eyes traveled over the houses. "Will we ever know?"

"I believe in time", I inserted before grabbing his hand tightly. "For now, I must hide and lose this chance of being caught by my father".

He nodded in agreement before pointing to a house in the shadows of the trees: "That is my home".

A little cabin built of dark wood, shadowed by willow trees' and the two horses resting in the small stables next to the cabin. It looked cozy, just enough for a family, but it's a little big for one person. Why did he pick this house if it was only him? Was there someone he was going to live with? Another woman?

"My father, he told me: pick a home that you can see your future family living in" he waved to the cabin and the bright flowers in baskets. "This is the home that I chose".

I walked to the house and ran my fingers over the wood, I could feel the sweat and tears placed into making this home. My eyes landed on the garden; it looks as though it was maintained daily. Did Ichigo?

"My little sister: Yuzu loves to garden", he added as he fiddled with his keys.

I stuck to his side as he opened the door and stepped to the side to allow me inside. "Ladies first".

Stepping inside I was welcomed to a large living area: wooden floors, book shelves, a feathered couch, fireplace with a wool rug in front of the flames. There is two glass doors leading to the backyard where a little pond and cherry-blossom tree rested; you could see it perfectly from the deck.

I walked in further and spun allowing the sweet smell of the blacksmith to overwhelm aroma.

The kitchen was linked to the living room: a wooden table with four chairs and candle lights hanging from the ceiling. It isn't like the kingdom but its' perfect.

In the kitchen is a sink, counters, wood-stove and wooden box filled with ice.

"Welcome to my palace", he chuckled from behind me.

I turned to meet his chest and looked up with a dusty blush: "It is perfect", I giggled with a smile on my lips. "It will be like we are playing house—"

"We are not playing, Rukia" he interrupted. "Since you will be staying with me, you will have to do something's around the house: laundry, cleaning, cooking, horses and shopping. Do not think I would allow you stay without pulling your end".

"What? I am a princess—"I tired.

"No, for now you are Rukia: you were running from your family back in the village of Kuchiki kingdom because your father was an abusive man, who traded you to me for alcohol that I got from the princess's ball", the story seemed unbelievable. Who would fall for that?

"Am I worth alcohol? I believe I am worth much more", baffled I batted my lashes.

"Fine, how about: you were a maiden I ran into from Karakura village. I found you in the forest laying on the ground sick and took you in for the night; then you told me that you had no-where to go and I decided to take you in", why do I need a story?

"It is better than the last fable", I guess my true identity can't be shown. I wouldn't want to start a quarrel in the village. "Someone will start questioning my place in your home, seeing as you are to wed".

He waved the issue away and headed towards a hallway. "I can handle such rumors".

"Ichigo", I started while following behind him. "You are to marry a royal. This is a huge deal for kingdoms. Usually peasants and royals never marry, it is against all traditions".

He pointed to a large room with a bed and bathroom. "This is my room. Do not enter unless you are putting away my clothing, making the bed, cleaning or I bring you inside".

"You are not listening to me!" I exclaimed. "You will be the first blacksmith to wed into a royal bloodline; especially one that has not been disturbed before".

"I do not understand what the big deal is", he groaned. "Orihime is a distant ro—"

"Who seems to be close with her grandfather", interrupting I stepped in front of him. "You could be the next king of Soul Society—"

"Like hell", he snapped. "The king is old and strong, there is no way he will die in my life time".

"You never know".

"I don't think so", he pushed pasted me and further down the hall. "Besides, I do not wish to be the king of this kingdom".

"Why not?" I pushed. "It is a strong kingdom".

"One that is still under Kuchiki kingdoms thumb", he stopped.

"What do you mean?"

"Rukia, I was sent to your kingdom to repay old war debts" he smirked. "This kingdom may be large and seem strong but, we are still under the thumbs of your castle".

I went silence for the news. I thought my father ordered Ichigo because he wanted a professional to make my wedding rings, also Soul Society has the more skills in the trade. When did my father have to help this kingdom in war? Was I called to the battle field?

Following Ichigo to the bathroom he pointed and told me: "This is the bathroom you will be using. The bath holds water and runs from metal taps, but you may need to fetch water from time-to-time".

Then, he came to my room where the bed was bare and dresser empty. The only clothing that I currently own is on my back, from the looks of me I seem like a woman who's on a journey. Such attire isn't meant for someone who's living as a servant.

"What about my clothing?" the blacksmith looked over my body and sighed.

"I will go visit my sisters and brothers", I tilted my head to the side like a puppy, curious for his thinking.

"They are married, and I know my sister's kept some of their old clothing, it should fit you. Also, my sister-in-laws must have some stuff. Maybe undergarments or nightgowns", he shrugged before looking around the room. "I shall do that later".

Exiting the room he went to his bedroom, and then called out: "For now: we will dress your bed and unpack the horses. Not to mention, I must do shopping".

Shopping? Dressing a bed?

These are things that I am unsure about. Usually the maid did all that, even when I snuck out of the castle and to the village for a little walk. I never had to buy anything, people who give me things: jewelry, fruit, meat and etc.

"What can I do?" I asked as he entered the room with sheets.

Ichigo looked over with a snickering eye. "You can help me with the bed first, then unpack the horses and dust the house".

"You make me sound like your maid", I growled while pulling the sheets to the edges. I have seen my maids do this before, it didn't seem too hard.

He leaned in quickly, stealing a kiss from my cheek and smiled. "Non-sense, for now…." He trailed off while fitting the final sheet. "You are my wife".

Wife? I'm his wife?

A deep blush sparked my cheeks as he flopped the pillows onto the bed, and smoothed out the sheets.

"B-But your engagement" I squeaked.

"What about it?"

He's so causal about it. Why?

"Ichigo, you sound as though you do not wish to wed this girl", I admitted.

Avoiding my eyes he scratched the back of his head and stretched. "Maybe I do not wish to wed her", he whispered before leaving the room. "Do not forget to do as I told you", he called out.

When Ichigo left I started to do as he told me, starting with the dusting of the house and then moving to the horses.

I groaned while unpacking Zangustu, most of his equipment was heavy and metal, which is to be expected when it comes to a blacksmith.

Lifting the large blade that Ichigo wield I walked into the little blacksmith shop he had off to the side, probably to finish work at home. I laid the blade against the wall and looked around the shop: there were different swords, rings and other things that I have never seen before.

It seems like he enjoys his work but from the different swords, it seems like he dreams for the battle field and not settlement.

Perhaps that's why he doesn't care about his engagement.

"Or… he could wish to wed you", the tiny thought made me blush and scurry back to the horses.

I know there's a deep connection with Ichigo and I, but he wouldn't wish to marry me. Besides, to marry someone like me at this time would only place him in a bigger mess.

My father would want his head on a stick, and Renji would be losing his mind since his little plan didn't work. There would be war throughout the land, many people would die, but either way there would be a battle that I must fight: whether I marry Ichigo or not.

Come to think about it, I need to get stronger in my swordsmen ship. If I were to fight my father with my blade I would lose quickly; he's been training for years to become the best of the knights, also to protect his throne properly.

I need to train…. But where can I do such. Also, there's the chores that Ichigo expects me to do.

It just seems like there is a lot to do, but not enough time. What am I talking about? I don't even know when I am going to try and return home; for all I know I could return in ten-years or six-seasons. I could never return.

"Rukia", I looked over to see Ichigo with a basket in his hand along with a little bottle.

"What is it?" walking over covered in sweat I gripped the bottle he waved in my face. The liquid is blue and swirled with white, almost like some-kind of power.

"This is the potion that the kingdom takes", he stared. "Drink it all and you will be connected to all the lands thoughts, and hidden within the barrier".

I pulled the top off the bottle and smelt the liquid, it was similar to a thick wine.

"Your father cannot track you", with such words I gulped the drink and the liquid chilled my throat.

I could feel my body pulsing slowly as the swarming thoughts of the kingdom came to my ears: "Will it rain soon?" "I am not sure whether I can marry him" "I am in love with someone else than I am supposed to be" "I wonder if mommy is okay" "Where is daddy?" "When will the king step-down?"

Feeling woozy I swayed as my vision blurred.

Ichigo rushed to my side as I fell into his arms, the murmuring words echoing my thoughts as he called my name over and over; but I couldn't hear him.

Looking into his amber eyes I could see the worry but mostly the image of my father and Renji side-by-side. They are in the shadows now, and I am safe… this is a new feeling…. One that I wish to hold onto for a while.

者と妻 -Readers and wife.