The Nightingale

Chapter 50: Impulsive

Autumn — x492 / October 9

The feeling of emptiness inside the castle was almost as great as the feeling of emptiness within her heart.

Masaki had seen the children of the castle grow up, from the children of the servants and soldiers to the children of noble blood that inhabited Adelaar, and seeing that one of those children left like this, because of a conflict that she could not control, left her heart devastated.

The queen felt herself inside a whirlpool that dragged her deeper and deeper into the abyss, and she felt that she would not get out of there no matter how hard she tried. She needed comfort, but did not want to go to the king, because she would inevitably blame him for everything that had happened inside the castle, and she knew that it was not all his fault.

All the children who grew up inside Adelaar were broken; Ulquiorra, Kaien, Nelliel, Ichigo… they had all reached a breaking point and from there they began to decline. Some before others, but all had an event that had changed them; even she and Isshin had an event that had changed them.

The queen just hoped her little princesses didn't have to go through something like that. She wanted with all her soul to protect them as much as possible, that is why they had not fully grown up in Adelaar, they always spent half a year in the castle and half a year in the Palace of the Sun; hoping that way to protect them a little.

The queen's footsteps led her to the "Cliff Hall", where Ichigo and Rukia's engagement luncheon had been held, and where Kaien's mother had cast that curse. The queen had chosen this place to celebrate the union of her son and his fiancée as a personal way of telling Kaien's mother that her curse had not worked and that she had a son who could be crowned.

— Kala… — Whispered Masaki looking towards the cliff, in the same place where Kaien's mother had fallen because Masaki had crushed her fingers until the woman released her grip on the stone. — How many years have you been dead? Sometimes I forget how quickly time passes, but 19 years is half a life, and you still torture the castle with your shadow.

Masaki sat on the edge of the cliff, on that stone carefully hewn to look like a seat or a low wall, kicked off his shoes, and let her bare feet swing free over the abyss. Her voice, which had echoed in the place, mingled with the sound of the wind coming up the cliff and chilled her skin; she was only accompanied by that memory of the last time she saw Kala there.

— Kala with ebony hair, you were right in saying that I couldn't get you out of this place and that I couldn't kill your son even if I tried. — Masaki slightly shook her head and closed her eyes. — It's all your fault, and I still don't know why. I don't know where you come from, I don't know what you wanted here and I don't know if in some future your shadow will take shape and someone will come to finish whatever it is you started.

Masaki closed her eyes and the wind sounded in such a way that it reminded her of Kaien's mother's laugh.

Kala, her name was forbidden in the castle but Masaki had the right to say it because it was Kala who ruined her life; ever since she came to Adelaar, Kala was there, looking at her over her shoulder, feeling superior to her just for having the crown prince's attention.

— You know something, my dear Kala, I don't need to kill your son, because your son is going to lead the kingdom, the one you wanted so much to have, to destruction. Why did you want a kingdom? It doesn't matter, I suppose for the same reasons as everyone, for power. — Masaki carefully got up from her seat, and put on her shoes. — Your son is driving away all those who could be his allies and in the end he will only stay with my son. Do you know what will happen when the only hand he has to hold onto is Ichigo's? Kaien will fall, just like you fell off the cliff.

The wind sounded like that woman's laugh again, but Masaki ignored it and left the Cliff Hall with that slow and graceful step that characterized her.

— See you next year.

Three curses had been cast by Kala the afternoon they faced each other there; the afternoon Masaki killed Kaien's mother.

The first was that she, Kala, would never leave the castle because her memory would live in Kaien; the second curse was that Kaien would be the only son Isshin would love; and the third was the one that Masaki did not want to tell the queen mother, and more than a curse it was an oath.

Kala assured Masaki that she would never be happy no matter what she did, she would never have happiness.

Nothing was ever the same after living two years in hell, and Masaki knew it perfectly well.

Her thoughts went back to the castle, how much she would miss Ulquiorra now that he was gone, how frustrating it must be that everything he did and that he earned on his own, was of no use because he had been exiled.

Everything to take care of his sister; for trying to save Nelliel's honor.

— Who do you think you are to hurt someone in my family?!

— Me? I'm the crown princess! I have the power to punish those who offend me! And your cousin's bitch offended me!

Masaki heard someone hit someone after those screams. She hadn't been paying attention until she heard the blow, which for a moment she didn't know what to do until she decided to run to find out what was going on.

— Don't hide behind the title of crown princess, if I want to, I put my cousin in Kaien's bed, and we will see how long it takes him to ask for a divorce or you to throw yourself off the cliff!

— You shut up! That little bitch deserved me to break all the fingers on her hand! — Nelliel yelled and a Rukia slapped her, again. — Who do you think you are to treat me like this! I'll have your hand cut off!

— I'm Rukia Kuchiki, daughter of one of the 13 Great Lords of the kingdom! I'm a descendant of kings! Through my veins runs the blood older than the kingdom of Avanta! — Rukia paused. — And now go cry in the arms of Kaien; that the only thing you know is to shield yourself behind the crown!

— You shut up! You are only the daughter of a traitor! A man plotting against the kingdom! — Nelliel yelled.

— Enough! — Yelled Masaki, who had witnessed the latter. She didn't know since when they had been arguing, but it was obvious that Rukia was well informed of all the events in the castle. — What's going on here?

Nelliel, still holding her bruised cheek, immediately walked over to the queen and stood behind her, as if seeking protection. Rukia, seeing the queen immediately made her an elegant bow, but she did not speak, she only looked at Nelliel as if she herself understood something at that moment.

— Rukia came to complain to me because I punished Yuki for trying to sleep with my husband. — Nelliel replied, proud of her own explanation.

— You don't have the right or the authority to punish one of the ladies of my court. — The queen's voice was cold and full of the authority that was in her. — The ladies of my court are daughters of respectable lords and they are under my care. Do you know how what you did to Yuki makes me look? Have you thought about? For a while I thought she injured her hand in an accident, now I realize that you were the one responsible.

— But Your Majesty, she tried to... — Nelliel tried to explain herself, moving a bit away from the queen until she was in front of her but far enough away from Rukia.

— I told you clearly that day. The castle has rules, and if Kaien wants a woman from the court, or from the town, or wherever, he will have her. The same goes for Ichigo, if he wants he can have the lovers he wants and Rukia will have to accept it.

Nelliel lowered her gaze and was silent.

Rukia was still silent, waiting her turn to speak, so the queen waved her hand and Rukia cleared her throat before speaking.

— I consider what the crown princess has done to Yuki to be disrespectful. I know exactly what kind of person Yuki is, but she is still my blood and I will not allow her to be humiliated like this. Since I arrived, the rules have been explained to me over and over again, so I know she didn't break a single one; Yuki even accepted Prince Kaien's gifts, knowing what they meant. — Rukia looked at Nelliel and then at the queen. — Also, I'm not going to apologize for the hit as Nelliel has insulted my family, hurt Yuki, and accused my father of treason. I personally feel aggrieved, but if my behavior merits punishment, I'll receive it.

— You will not receive any punishment, withdraw my daughter. — Masaki added and Rukia bowed before leaving. Masaki stared at Nelliel, and only spoke until Rukia was out of sight. — Did you send the archer to Visnia?

It was a simple and direct question that made Nelliel shiver at that moment.

Masaki was aware of what had happened in Visnia, it was Rukia and Ichigo who told her what had happened and the reason why they had taken so long to return, that is why she was surprised by the accusation that Nelliel had launched. Nelliel had sounded too confident speaking.

Nelliel didn't respond, didn't even try to defend herself. Masaki felt disgusted with the type of person Nelliel had become.

— I should throw you off the cliff right now, but I won't. I swore before the Deities that I would protect you and your brother, and I cannot break that oath, but I won't protect you anymore. At this time the king must be aware of the situation, so if the king discovers that it was you, you will be executed for treason; if Kaien takes the blame for you, he will stand trial just for being the heir, and if he is found guilty because of you, he will be executed for treason. — Masaki took a step closer to Nelliel, and Nelliel trembled with fear. — Try to hurt Rukia or my son, and you will know why they say I'm a cruel queen. This is not an empty threat, remember that I have the power to lift you out of bed in the middle of the night and throw you off the cliff without anyone noticing.

Nelliel could only nod to what the queen was saying, silently and completely terrified, but without looking up. The queen could go and tell the king directly what was happening, but like everything to do with Kaien, it was possible that the king would dismiss the accusation; it was better if the king discovered this conspiracy himself.

— Now get out of here, I don't want to see you again for the rest of the day. — The queen ordered and Nelliel left in the direction of her own room.

The queen knew that Nelliel was ruthless, but did not imagine her going to those extremes. Rukia hadn't offended Nelliel, but Nelliel decided that Rukia was her enemy.

The peace within the castle was fragile, and Nelliel was wearing it out because Rukia's patience could run out, and the queen was aware that Rukia was fully supported by her own family.

Autumn — x492 / October 12

The ringing of the noon bells woke her up. Rukia felt lazy and tired, as if she had done a lot of exercise in the last two days, and she stared at the ceiling of her room, feeling the warm sheets that kept away the cold air that entered through the half—open doors of her balcony.

The further the autumn progressed, the cooler the interior of the castle felt.

Ichigo left for Eikaran the day before, at dawn; they had slept in her room and were still covered in darkness, when he left that room so that he could prepare for his trip to Eikaran. He would not go alone, he would go with Uryu, a guard of several soldiers, and a messenger from Kaien. Rukia didn't trust Kaien's messenger, but Ichigo had told her that Kaien was sending him to deliver a personal message to Sora.

— If the king wants Kaien to inherit the throne, there can be no evidence that he tried to kill me; so I'm not worried about the messenger at the moment. — Ichigo commented calmly, but Rukia wasn't so sure. She maybe she was getting a little paranoid with everything that had happened.

Rukia wanted to make the trip to Eikaran with Ichigo but couldn't due to the responsibilities within the castle; however, she reported sick and had been hiding in her room since the day before. The last thing she wanted was to meet Nelliel again after that fight.

When she decided it was time to get out of bed, the first thing that attracted her attention was a huge bouquet of flowers, so large that it almost completely occupied the table. Rukia was surprised and smiled immediately when she saw that many flowers that were for her. It was not the first time that she received flowers from Ichigo, but that bouquet was incredibly beautiful, so much so that it had a red rose in the center, completely dominating the view.

Rukia came to that bouquet of flowers; the scent was simply exquisite, but the scent of the red rose was even better than any flower. She discovered that among the flowers was a small envelope and smiled as she took it.

It was a message from Ichigo.

—

My princess, I must be leaving for Eikaran at this time. I have sent you this bouquet of flowers today because it is the first day that we have not been together since we got married. There is supposed to be a flower for each day that I will not be by your side, but there are many more because each day away from you is infinite. I'll be back as soon as I can, I'll send you a letter after I talk to Sora. I love you, my princess of Maranni.

Ichigo

—

Rukia smiled at what the note said, it was short and it was beautiful; again she approached the red rose, enjoyed the aroma of that flower and felt her heart beat with force. It wasn't difficult for Rukia to assume that the note and bouquet were prepared before Ichigo started his journey; Rukia smiled at that detail.

Autumn — x492 / October 19

The flowers Ichigo had given her were wilting, so Rukia took the red rose and placed it between the pages of a book waiting for it to dry; it was the only flower she wanted to keep.

Rukia was placing the book with the flower on the shelf, when Tatsuki entered the room carrying a bouquet of white roses that were incredibly beautiful, and a metal tube that contained a message. Rukia smiled completely excited about that bouquet of flowers, but she was more excited about Ichigo's letter.

—

I miss you madly, my autumn moon. I need you by my side; I miss your warmth and your aroma and your laugh… I miss you completely, my love. I'm about to commit something crazy, but I hold back because I know I will see you soon and that prevents me from leaving work halfway; every day I want to take my horse and go for you.

I was talking to Sora and he is upset, he blames me for what happened with Orihime and he is absolutely right, it was my fault. I explained where she is and assured her that she would be fine, but the anger is persistent. She can come back whenever she wants, but I'm afraid she won't unless it is with Ulquiorra or for some truly strong reason.

The agreement we had was broken, that was something I already knew; I think we should put the plans aside for now and have a little fun. I long to see you again, my moon; I will leave soon for Adelaar, I will just finish the report and start the return trip.

White looks good on you, my love. It is like seeing the goddess of the moon on earth.

Ichigo

—

Rukia smiled and read the last line of that letter a couple of times; she liked what he said about her as the goddess of the moon.

— Tatsuki, tell the queen that I will spend a few days at my father's house. Tell her that I feel sad and need the company of my family. Also tell her that Ichigo will be back in a couple of days. — Rukia spoke, taking one of the white roses to place in her hair, checking if the white really made her look like Ichigo said. — And then you help me prepare.

Autumn — x492 / October 20

The closer to the Night of Souls they were, the more terrifying the night became; the belief that souls arose just on the October full moon was something that was deeply ingrained, and shrouded all places in an aura of mystery.

Just like that night, where the full moon was shining brilliantly.

The soldier was not happy doing the night watches, he preferred to do the afternoon watches, but he had no choice but to do them because that was his job.

The Commander's carriage was parked on the outskirts of the town that they used to occupy as a rest when they made the trips to Eikaran. They had even built a small house that served them to rest in a more comfortable way despite being only one night.

The soldier yawned closing his eyes, completely bored to be in his position, and when he opened them again, a girl with white hair was in front of him with a basket in her hand. The soldier was frightened, he thought it was a ghost that had come out in the same way that the stories related, and he was about to draw his sword to drive it away, until he noticed the girl and discovered that she was the same girl they had seen on the road when they were going to Eikaran.

The girl was standing there in front of him without saying anything, she had even moved away a little when she saw the scared reaction of the soldier.

— What do you want? — The soldier asked that girl. — We are not giving alms.

Up close, that girl was pretty. When the commander saved her from the guy who wanted to take her away by force, he could only see her from a distance. Looking at her closely, the soldier understood why the commander had taken the girl with him on his own horse.

— I don't want alms, I want to see the prince. I want to thank him that he saved me the other day. — The girl lifted the basket she was carrying.

The soldier could see that inside the basket were red and green apples. Apples weren't cheap, and the girl was most likely a thief, as she appeared with a basket full of apples in the middle of the night. The soldier aggressively took the basket from the girl.

— Where did you get this? — The soldier asked with the intention of intimidating the girl. — Stealing is a crime, and you don't look like you bought them.

Stealing apples wasn't a big crime, but if he intimidated her enough, he could keep the apples and maybe the girl. It would not be the first time that things had been arranged that way. The girl was really pretty, and the soldier wanted to know if all her hair was white or just the one on her head.

— I got them honestly, I worked for them, and they are mine! Give them back to me! — The girl tried to take the basket of apples from the soldier, and the soldier held her around the waist tightly. — Help! Prince Ichigo, help me!

The girl screamed, and the more she screamed, the more the soldier held her down. The soldier began to smile, about to drop the basket to take the girl, when someone took the basket from his hand.

— What's going on here? — Uryu's voice made the soldier immediately let go of the girl and grab her hand, showing her as a prisoner. Uryu was surprised to see the girl and immediately made the soldier release the girl. The panic on Uryu's face was masked by the anger he was feeling at that moment.

— This girl says she wants to see the prince; I surprised her with stolen apples.

Uryu looked at the guard, who seemed very proud of his work in catching a defenseless girl with apples.

— Get out of here. I don't want to see you around this girl again. — Uryu's voice was charged with that authority that the rank of General provided, and the soldier, who did not understand what was happening, left there. — Follow me, His Highness is asleep. I advise you to tell him what just happened; we don't need such soldiers within our ranks.

— Cut off his hand, what's more, cut off his head, which seems like he doesn't need it. — Rukia spoke as she stood in front of Ichigo's room door.

— As Her Highness orders. — Uryu bowed to Rukia and returned the basket of apples. Rukia entered Ichigo's room and Uryu went to the main entrance, where this whole thing had happened.

Renji was standing there, his traveling cloak draped over his shoulders and the hood covering his red hair. Uryu stood in front of him and raised a questioning eyebrow.

— I can explain it. — Renji defended himself at that moment. Uryu just looked at him hoping for an explanation that would be convincing, because the prince would not be in a good mood when he found out about everything that happened. — The princess forced me. She told me that if I did not accompany her, she would take a horse and make the trip alone. Ichigo ordered me to take care of her, I couldn't leave her alone; if something happened to her on the way they would cut my head off.

— First the farce of the road, now this. Are you digging your own grave? What do you want your epitaph to say? "Here lies a fool who can't take care of a princess"?

— It wasn't really a sham, I was trying to bring her back to the castle. I regretted having accepted and I was afraid, but I could no longer make the princess want to return, and then the commander saw us and the rest is history. — Renji justified himself. He was really worried about what Ichigo might do to him; Uryu on the other hand, was upset by that soldier.

— Come on, let's have a drink. I invite you your last drink. — Uryu sneered, but Renji smirked nervously.

Renji knew he was in trouble, but Ichigo wouldn't do anything to him, or so he hoped; after all, the princess was the one who basically forced him to go with her. Uryu on the other hand, was thinking about whether to execute that soldier right now or wait until dawn. From the way that soldier had dared to touch the princess, surely Ichigo would torture him until he begged for mercy for his own existence.

However, that soldier did not get to see the sunrise and Uryu did not have to stain his hands. Ichigo saw to it that the soldier who offended Rukia moments before, became one more soul who would return the following year with the light of the October full moon.

Author's note:

Thanks to all who have followed this story throughout this year, to all who read it, leave reviews and leave their opinions. I wish you all that the coming year will be filled with many successes; I also send good wishes to everyone. Have a good end of the year.

Lots of affections, the author.

See you in 2022.

XOXO jobananasan, diah77, Guest, reesen555, FafaCute, Inverse L. Reena and aCloudOfUnknowing