The Nightingale
Chapter 67: Hunting
Summer — x493 / July 15
They say that Gardelia is the smallest kingdom on that side of the continent, although its extension is actually larger than they say; they own the lands of the Red Desert and the title given to the kings of Gardelia is "The Lords of the Desert".
They also have the Desert Road, which is the only thing that connects the dawn and sunset seas in the narrowest possible area of the continent. On each coast there is an immense port, where ships that arrive from the other side of the sea, unload their merchandise and embark new ones. Many of these goods cross the desert road, arrive from one port to another and are shipped to continue their destination.
A few weeks of overland travel is better than wasting months circling the continent, where traders risked passing through the Broken Lands, where bandits often hide and pillage ships, and where they are always at war.
Gardelia is a commercial kingdom, rich and prosperous despite being, as everyone says, in the desert.
Vayalat sends the soldiers guarding the ports and various areas along the Desert Road to prevent looting. Kisuke said that they were the best trained soldiers in the kingdom, and within them were elite soldiers called Shadows; the only condition Yhwach set was that it would never be revealed who is a common soldier and who is a Shadow.
It's a good alliance, a great alliance, and it was all thanks to Ichigo. Gardelia benefited greatly from them, but Vayalat benefited even more, because they used the Desert Road and the ports as they saw fit.
— Any man at that party will fall at your feet seeing how beautiful you are, Your Highness. — The maid commented with a smile as she placed a few drops of perfume on Yoruichi's neck and wrists.
Yoruichi saw herself in the mirror.
The white pants, made of that fresh fabric that had little sparkles in the candlelight, were beautiful. The upper part, which in the dresses was the corset, was made with the same fabric, adjusted to her figure, and everything was fastened with a black fabric belt that was embroidered with flower motifs in a bright yellow tone. On her left arm she wore a gold bracelet that simulated a snake as well as the fine necklace she wore, in addition to the jewels in the adornment that she wore on her head that shone in the light of the candles.
Yoruichi did not wear crowns or tiaras like they did in the southern desert kingdoms, she wore a metal head ornament that signified that she was part of Gardelia's royalty, as well as the use of pants. Many women in Gardelia, especially those who lived in the harem of the White Palace, wear that type of clothing.
— But I don't want just any man, I know the kind of man I want. — Yoruichi answered and took the vial with that green liquid that the Jade witch had given her.
Yoruichi kept the small vial inside the neckline of her clothes, looked at herself one last time in the mirror, and left the room where she was staying only to meet her brother, who was waiting for her at the entrance to the room where the dance would take place. Her brother was also dressed in white, with the elegance that he had always shown and that he should show as the king of Gardelia.
Yoruichi held on to her brother's arm, and they both entered the room where the party was taking place.
There were a lot of people gathered at that moment, surely everyone who lived in the palace and guests, and Yoruichi wondered if Ichigo knew most of the guests who were there and who were not from his family. She also noticed that there were quite beautiful young ladies chatting together too animatedly, and that inevitably reminded her of Ichigo's other birthday dance.
At that party 4 years ago, all the young ladies invited were there for Ichigo, as was she, but she was the only one who had his attention. They never parted that whole night, he just danced with her and only looked at her. Yoruichi smiled at the memory of that night long ago.
— Why do you smile? - Her brother asked curiously.
Yoruichi realized that he had taken her to the farthest part of the dance floor, near one of the many balconies adorned with curtains that provided privacy but at the same time served to keep the place cool.
— Because I remembered something funny, that's all. — Yoruichi replied.
Yushiru didn't know the whole story, he didn't know about the pregnancy or what Queen Masaki did to Yoruichi, or he wouldn't have volunteered to help her, although convincing him had taken some work for her. The only thing her brother knew was that Ichigo had left her because they forced him to end the relationship and he hadn't refused, and had even gone with the mercenaries leaving her alone after promising to formalize the relationship; and of course, that they had both ended up in bed. An occasional lie didn't hurt.
— They must love Ichigo very much in this place. Look what a dance this big just because it's his birthday. — Yushiru muttered before grabbing a couple of glasses from a waiter who came up to them, and handed one to her.
Yoruichi looked at the party, the people having fun, the tables with food sources and the armchairs arranged in various places so that people could rest from time to time. Everything was luxurious, everything was big and ostentatious, as if they hadn't had a party like this in a long time, and again she remembered that dance where everything was similar. Yoruichi had no doubt at that moment that Kirio was trying to recreate that night for them.
— The king adores him, he is the only son of his only daughter. — Yoruichi drank from her own glass looking at the guests but not paying them enough attention. — And he is the last of the princes, after him no more has been born, only princesses.
— That explains everything. Did you bring what you're going to give him to drink? Because it looks like you're going to catch a nightingale. — Her brother commented with a hint of annoyance because he didn't want her to be with Ichigo, but he wasn't doing anything to avoid it either.
Yoruichi knew that her brother was only supporting her so that she would realize that Ichigo didn't love her as she thought, plus Yushiru really wanted to kill Ichigo for "playing" with her and was just waiting for an excuse to do so.
— Yes, at some point in the dance you take that silly girl and distract her. Do what you have to do, while I'll take Ichigo and give him the liquid to drink. Once he drinks it, nothing will matter anymore, he will look for me and he will not be able to live without me.
—
Kirio had a glass of wine in her hand and observed that the party was just as she had imagined it. Neither the king nor the queen had refused to make it this big, or to invite as many people as she wanted, although they really weren't as many guests as in the huge celebrations they used to do.
The magnitude of that party could be classified as family, since most of the guests were Ichigo's family and friends that he had made while he was still living there. Even Koga and his brother had arrived, although their visit was more for Karin than for Ichigo. Queen Aiko had explained to her that the Second Prince of Jetaiya was interested in Karin and that was why he was here.
She was talking to some servants to make sure the wine was enough, since it was Ichigo's favorite wine that was being served, when she saw Ichigo enter the party room accompanied by that girl holding his arm. That girl had an expression of happiness, wonder and innocence that only reaffirmed Kirio's idea that Ichigo had married a silly girl.
Ichigo looked like a worthy prince of Vayalat, the black pants, the black coat with those silver trims, the black boots and the red sash that kept everything in place made him look really imposing. Kirio's heart filled with that maternal pride that she felt whenever it came to Ichigo, but that maternal joy vanished as she turned her attention to Rukia and saw her outfit.
Kirio could see her sister-in-law's hand on that girl, from the sapphire necklace that she wore around her neck and that clearly belonged to Masaki, to the black and red dress that she was wearing at that moment, with the colors emblem of Vayalat.
The dress was red, that was something that could be seen with the naked eye, sleeveless, with a straight neckline and satin fabric that shone in the candlelight; however, the corset was embroidered in black thread, as if it were a filigree on the fabric, giving the appearance that it was wearing some other finer and more delicate garment. The hem of the skirt was also embroidered in black thread, with patterns that seemed to emerge from the floor and rose trying to reach the ones that decorated the corset.
That was definitely a dress designed by Masaki, because she loved the pattern of shadows and blood.
Kirio could tolerate seeing Rukia dressed in the colors of the kingdom, what she couldn't tolerate was that Rukia was wearing the tiara that King Yhwach had given to Masaki for her 16th birthday. That tiara belonged to the royal family, that tiara should be kept in the family vault and not being used by that silly girl.
— I didn't think that my dear sister's tiara would look so good on our dear niece. — Kisuke commented with a smile, playing with his fan, dressed in the same way as Ichigo, only he wore a blue sash a shade lower than the one the king wore.
— Dear husband, did you know about this? — Kirio asked, unable to hide the anger in her voice, squeezing the wine glass and discreetly pointing to where that girl was.
— Of course, dear wife. I gave it to her on her wedding day, my dear mother sent it for her. — Kisuke responded by grabbing a drink from a waiter who walked past them. — Masaki always said that tiara should be for her son's wife, even before she had children. We fulfill her wish.
— And why was I not informed? It is supposed to be one of the jewels of the royal family.
— Do I have to tell you everything I do? — Kisuke asked with a sharp look. — That tiara belongs to my dear sister, and she can do with her jewelry whatever she wants.
Kirio, seeing that look, remembered that Kisuke was still upset with her and preferred to leave the subject alone. During the afternoon they had an argument and Kirio had to accept that her clever idea of bringing Ichigo and Yoruichi together hadn't gone as well as she had hoped.
— My dear wife, I will tell you one last time because I know with what intention you made this party. Leave Ichigo alone or we could lose him. — Kisuke clarified closing his fan.
— Does the idea that you are going to lose the prodigy make you angry? The best son of Vayalat? — Kirio answered, using the same words they had used many times to refer to Ichigo, and letting the tone of anger in her voice be heard.
— I'm not worried about that. Nobody cares because things have changed. What we did for Ichigo is so that the gift doesn't control him and he can have a good life, a quiet life. It was better that he spend it here than in Avanta, where Masaki would not have been able to stop him, or on the battlefield, where he surely would have made a massacre because Isshin is obviously useless without strength. — Kisuke looked at his wife with pity. — What you should worry about is that he stops loving you.
— Ichigo might get mad at me, but he'll never stop loving me. When he understands that what I do is for his own good and happiness, he will thank me.
— Stop interceding, dear wife, or I'll have to tell Ichigo that part of the story he doesn't know.
Kirio said no more, she looked at her husband angrily for that threat, and left him standing there. Kisuke would never tell Ichigo about those details, Ichigo had no reason to know about that pregnancy that Masaki prevented or why they sent him to the mercenaries. Ichigo is smart, and Kirio knows that he will ask questions and find out that she is responsible for that idea if someone says enough about it.
Fortunately, Yoruichi didn't want to bring up the subject with Ichigo either.
Kirio walked to where Ichigo was, who at that moment was talking to the king and queen, and she could clearly hear how the king said "dear granddaughter" to Rukia. It was to be expected that the king and queen would welcome her to the family like that, as a birthday present to Ichigo, but what Rukia did was something that no one expected, and the silence that followed was overwhelming; even the musicians stopped playing.
Rukia was hugging the king like she was a little girl.
Kirio thought that the king would get angry or say something, but the king just smiled and hugged her back, not with the same intensity as Rukia hugged him, but a little less formal. A second later, Rukia was hugging the queen as well.
No one was supposed to touch the king and queen, unless they were immediate family or they allowed their hands to be kissed; and the king, in particular, had never hugged anyone in public, least of all at a party. None of Kirio's children had received a hug in public, although they were the sons of the king's firstborn, but Rukia had the audacity to hug the king and the king had hugged her back.
It was unheard of, and the only name Kirio could think of at that moment was: Masaki.
Kirio swallowed her anger and put on her best happy expression, ignoring Rukia as much as necessary, and approached Ichigo to congratulate him on his birthday, who at that moment was talking to his other family members and receiving more congratulations.
— Happy birthday, my dear nephew. — Kirio congratulated him before grabbing his cheeks and kissing both of them as if he were a small child.
Ichigo answered that greeting with a smile of thanks that made Kirio smile, because Ichigo's smile had always been charming and that filled her with pride.
— Thank you, dear aunt. The party is amazing and the music is very lively. — Ichigo replied pointing to the musicians who kept playing upbeat pieces and making several of the guests dance.
— Only the best for my dear nephew. — Kirio took his arm, intending to take him with her and away from that silly little girl, who was talking to one of the princesses about Masaki's tiara, so she could reunite him alone with Yoruichi. — Come with me, I'll introduce you to some guests.
— Sure, dear aunt. — Ichigo added politely before making her let go of him. Kirio had never seen Ichigo do that, not with her, and she was too surprised when she saw that he walked over to that silly girl and took her hand to get her attention. — My love, our dear aunt wants to introduce us to some guests. Let's go with her.
Kirio smiled, with a forced smile, and again she had to swallow the anger that act caused her. Rukia said goodbye to the person she was talking to without losing her silly girl's smile and hung onto Ichigo's arm with a smile and that naturalness of someone who has done it many times. Kirio had to repeat to herself that if all went well, Ichigo and Yoruichi would reconcile that night and that girl would no longer be a problem for Ichigo's happiness.
— Follow me, they're over here. — Kirio added, leading them to where the king of Gardelia and Yoruichi were.
As they walked, Kirio heard Rukia wonder at some of the things on the tables with the food bowls, as if it was the first time she had seen so much food together, and she didn't know what made her angrier, the fact that Rukia made such childish comments, or the way Ichigo answered her between smiles and patience.
The king of Gardelia was talking to Yoruichi when they approached and that made Kirio concentrate on more important things than that girl's silly comments.
— King Yushiru. — Kirio began making the introductions, first drawing the king's attention to Ichigo, who smiled at her and then turned his attention to Ichigo. — He is my dear nephew, Prince Ichigo, it is because of him that we are having this party. Dear nephew, he is King Yushiru of Gardelia. — Kirio added with a smile, completely ignoring Rukia on purpose. — And I hope you haven't forgotten Princess Yoruichi.
— King Yushiru. — Ichigo greeted the king with a slight nod of his head in a cordial manner. — It is an honor to finally meet you, and even more so that you are here sharing this night with me, I did not imagine that you would stay here. — Immediately after, he fixed his attention on Yoruichi, who was looking at him with that smile that said they were still more than friends. — Princess Yoruichi, I'm glad to see you again after so many years. Now let me introduce my wife. — Ichigo turned to Rukia and took her hand, kissing it with a charming smile before glancing at the king briefly and then turning his full attention to Yoruichi. All without losing the smile. — She is my wife, Princess Rukia of Avanta.
Kirio fell silent at the way Ichigo had introduced Rukia, with that recklessness of kissing her hand that was not part of the protocol in that type of introduction, and noticing how Yoruichi's smile disappeared at that moment becoming just a forced line on her lips.
— It is an honor to meet you, King Yushiru, Princess Yoruichi. — Rukia greeted looking at the king and then at Yoruichi, making a polite bow, but without lowering her eyes completely as is usually done before royalty.
It was a tense moment for everyone.
Yoruichi looked at Rukia as if Rukia shouldn't even be there, as if she were an intruder, and King Yushiru looked at Ichigo as if Ichigo had offended him in some way, but keeping that expression of cordiality that they should have. Ichigo stared at the king in silence, and Rukia gave everyone an innocent look, as if she didn't understand what was going on.
— What's going on? — Rukia asked after a moment of awkward silence. — I feel like I'm missing something important.
Kirio looked at Rukia, who really seemed oblivious to the tense situation that had formed, and felt like yelling at her to shut up and get away because her presence was ruining everything. King Yushiru changed his attitude to a more friendly one upon hearing that question, and Yoruichi simply fell silent, clutching the glass of wine in her hand.
— Nothing, my love. — Ichigo spoke with a smile before politely pointing at Yoruichi. Kirio was surprised at how quickly he changed his attitude. — Yoruichi is an old friend, the one who sent me the letter congratulating us on our wedding.
Rukia looked at Yoruichi, who seemed confused by those words, and smiled kindly at her.
— Your Highness, I appreciate your good wishes for us. I would have loved for you to attend our wedding. — Rukia really looked like a child in Kirio's eyes because she really didn't seem to notice the situation.
— I have always wished the best for my dear friend, now if you will excuse us, my brother and I must say hello to an old friend.
That was the moment when Yoruichi walked away from them along with her brother, and they got lost among the people dancing. Kirio didn't know what the hell had happened there or why Ichigo had acted that way, that it wasn't disrespectful but it was hostile, and had deliberately provoked that moment of unpleasant tension.
— Dear nephew… — Kirio began to speak before grabbing Ichigo's arm to prevent him from leaving.
— Dear aunt, I hope next time, don't forget to introduce my wife, her name is Rukia. — Ichigo spoke, and Kirio saw anger for the first time in that look that had always seen her with affection.
Kirio let go of Ichigo's arm and let him go with Rukia. The anger in Ichigo's gaze left her speechless.
—
Rukia was sitting in that comfortable individual chair that Kirio had prepared for Ichigo, so that he could sit down to rest during the party, she had a glass of wine in her left hand and was looking at the people who were dancing on the dance floor, trying not to let the anger at that introduction show on her face, although it was something difficult to achieve, and wondering how she had managed to resist it. Ichigo was sitting casually on the armrest to her right, with a glass of wine in his right hand and holding Rukia's hand with his other hand as he played with his fingers.
Rukia had finally given a face to the man who had sent that poisoned wine to Ichigo and the woman who had come back as a ghost. She was annoyed at the way Kirio ignored her presence and the way Yoruichi looked at Ichigo, but what made her smile was the way Ichigo introduced her and the way that stupid smile faded from the Gardelia princess's face.
She was supposed to be a silly girl who bewitched Ichigo and forced him to marry her, and if they believed that, then she was going to give it to them. A foolish, naive and gullible girl.
— What are you thinking about? — Ichigo asked making her stop seeing the princess of Gardelia, who at that moment was talking with Uncle Kisuke's eldest son.
— I think I need some air. — Rukia commented getting up from her seat. Ichigo got up with her and they walked together until they came out to one of the balconies that had a view of the sea. — If I hit her, how much trouble could that bring to the kingdom? Because that little smile and that look with which she saw you, I didn't like it.
Rukia rested her back on the balcony railing, as well as her elbows. Ichigo leaned against the railing looking out to sea, just so he could look Rukia in the face. She was upset, just remembering that stupid smile on the princess of Gardelia made her angry; it was as if the princess was telling her to her face that she and Ichigo still had something.
— Do not attack her until she makes a move, you know that my aunt Kirio appreciates her and is on her side. — Ichigo added, leaving the wine glass on the balcony railing. — They already introduced us, so at any moment they are going to separate us with some excuse that could come from anyone.
— I know. — Rukia drank what was left in her glass and tossed it into the void because she felt like she had to break something. Ichigo emptied his glass and handed it to her to break as well, which made Rukia smile. — Are you going to talk to her?
— I guess I have to. — Ichigo stared out at the dark sea for a moment and Rukia admired his profile in that instant. He is too handsome. — I guess it's something that's eventually going to happen tonight or tomorrow or any day while she's here, she's very insistent. The sooner the better. I think if it were up to my aunt, she would lock us in a room and not let us out until she was sure we were reconciled.
— Your aunt is really trying my patience again. — Rukia looked at Ichigo's empty glass in her hand, trying not to think about what that kind of "reconciliation" would be like or she was going to get mad again. — If she does what she did tonight again, I'm going to hit her for real.
— I also do not recommend that you confront her. — Ichigo spoke attracting Rukia's attention, who for a moment had the impression that he was defending them. — You have just awakened the gift of war, and although it is very powerful in you, my aunt has years of training and is an expert in turning shadow into needles. She could attack you long before you can touch her. With enough practice you can manipulate it as you wish, for example on live animals like spiders or on objects. I don't know if you've seen it, but my mother turns it into arrows.
Rukia had never seen Queen Masaki do that, she had seen the twins handling spiders but never the queen doing anything with the Shadow.
— Things, like the wave you caught your uncle's dogs with? — Rukia asked with real curiosity, forgetting how they got to that topic.
Ichigo looked at her, with that patience that someone who teaches something new has, and nodded.
— Those dogs are called hellhounds, but yeah, like that wave. It was that same wave that blew open the gates of Maranni as we fled from your brother's hail of arrows. — Ichigo paused and then he smiled. — You're definitely cheating with the mastery of the gift, because what you do, it took me months to learn how to do, and look, I'm supposed to be a prodigy. Channeling the gift to some feelings is quite difficult. With what feeling does the gift awaken in you? With jealousy? With anger? Because it is definitely not with happiness or lust.
Rukia blushed upon hearing that last bit, though she hadn't noticed it until that moment Ichigo mentioned it. She hadn't awakened the gift while they made love, but she had felt the magic flutter between her fingers every time Ichigo talked about Yoruichi as he told her about that part of his life.
— I think with anger and a little jealousy. — Rukia replied looking at her hands. — But a moment ago I was angry at the way your aunt ignored me while she introduced you to the king of Gardelia, and I didn't feel the magic wake up. Nor when I saw that smile on the princess of Gardelia. — She said Yoruichi's title in a childish teasing tone that made Ichigo chuckle a bit. — Fuck! Just remembering it makes me angry! She looks at you like she's going to eat you!
— Now I feel like a dessert. — Ichigo commented in a tone that made Rukia quickly forget her anger. — I need a label that says "owned by Princess Rukia" here on the forehead.
Hearing that, Rukia looked at Ichigo as if she had come up with a really great idea, and raised an eyebrow with a mischievous smile on her lips. Once again she looked Ichigo up and down and smiled at how handsome he is, and the best part is that he's all hers.
— That's what you need, my love. A label. — Rukia walked over to him and placed one of her small hands on Ichigo's chest, smiling mischievously as she finished shaping her idea. It was perhaps something vulgar that she would do, but Ichigo is supposed to be hers, and he could erase that "label" if he got angry.
— My Moon, what are you thinking? — Ichigo asked, grabbing her waist almost automatically and pulling her to him. — We can't do it here like we did at the queen's court presentation.
— I know, my Sun, but… I can do this. — Rukia pulled him to her and began to kiss him sweetly, hugging him and gradually making the kiss more intense to the point of giving him a very soft bite on his lower lip.
— My Moon, you will make me take you from the party. — Ichigo whispered, holding her tighter so she wouldn't separate from him, while she kissed his chin.
— But I don't want to leave the party yet.
Rukia knew what her kisses were doing to him and carefully chose a spot above Ichigo's shirt collar to kiss him too hard. Ichigo gasped and held her firmly. Rukia didn't let go of him until Ichigo threatened to fuck her right there if she didn't stop.
— A label that you belong to me. — Rukia whispered looking at that red mark that she had left on his skin, without separating from him or breaking that hug. — Now, when they inevitably separate us and the princess of Gardelia approaches you with her perverse intentions, she will know that you have an owner.
— You're lucky it's frowned upon for a lady to have passion marks on her body, or I'd give you one immediately just for the pleasure of hearing you moan. — Ichigo spoke in her ear with that warning tone that made Rukia bite her lip.
— When the party's over, my love, you can listen to me moan for you all you want. — Rukia promised with that mischievous tone that she sometimes used with him between whispers when they were in public.
— I'm not going to wait that long, my Moon, and it's your fault. — Ichigo took her by the hand and made her walk with him, no matter if anyone saw them or not, and led her into what looked like a room. — It's my birthday, and I want my dessert, my love. Now.
When they got back to the party, the first thing Ichigo did was grab a couple of glasses of wine and hand one to her; they were both thirsty. Ichigo offered her the seat again so that she could rest a bit, and he again sat on the armrest in an informal manner, as if they hadn't disappeared from the party for a long time. As if neither of them were drinking wine to dull the taste of the other in their own mouths.
They were both a pair of scoundrels.
— Here comes the king of Gardelia. — Ichigo commented in a whisper just for her. — I think they already started. Whatever you do, don't drink anything he gives you.
— You don't drink anything the princess gives you either, I don't want to be a widow before my time, or worse. — Rukia answered in a whisper before smiling kindly at the man who stopped in front of them.
Rukia didn't want to say it out loud but she remembered what Kaien's mother did with King Isshin, and although she doubted that the princess of Gardelia was a witch like Kaien's mother, she didn't doubt the evil intentions of the princess to take Ichigo to bed one way or another.
Just thinking about that possibility made her angry again.
— Prince Ichigo. — The man greeted with a kind expression looking at Ichigo, which Rukia thanked because it gave her time to calm her mind. — Will you let me dance with your wife?
— Only if my wife wants it and she's not too exhausted. — Ichigo's tone of voice, which mixed seriousness with a bit of anger, very well disguised that reference to what they had been doing a few moments before.
— It will be an honor, your majesty. — Rukia replied getting up from her seat, holding the hand that the king of Gardelia had extended to her. Rukia smiled in a charming way, like the girl she is supposed to be, and she clung to the king's arm.
— I promise I will return her to you. — Added the king of Gardelia with an amused tone, but Ichigo just raised his glass in response, still looking at the king too seriously.
Rukia really wanted to see that man up close, talk to him and find out if he would have the nerve to pretend that he hadn't sent that wine, but she also wanted to make Ichigo upset because she couldn't be the only one jealous at this party. Rukia knew that the moment would be used by Yoruichi to ambush Ichigo, and Ichigo was right, somehow he and Yoruichi would talk again; they had a lot to talk about.
Ichigo got up from his seat, grabbed a new glass of wine and walked over to where Koga was standing. At that moment Rukia felt the possessive way in which the king of Gardelia grabbed her by the waist before the dance began.
Rukia knew she should stay calm and feign innocence as much as possible, until the time was right, but it was hard to do that in front of the man who had sent that threat to Ichigo and who looked at her like she was an object.
— Princess Rukia. — King Yushiru caught her attention. Rukia looked away from Ichigo, who was talking to Koga, and looked up with a nervous smile, silently praying that she wouldn't forget everything Queen Masaki had taught her.
— Excuse me, it's the first time I've danced with a king, I'm a little nervous. — Rukia lied matter-of-factly.
That comment seemed to please the king.
— Don't worry, I'm just an ordinary man. — The king added with a smile. Rukia came to the conclusion that all kings or men with power smiled the same, or at least very similarly, because just as that king smiled, Kaien smiled, and that gave her a shiver. — What I wanted to tell you is that in person you are more beautiful than I imagined.
The music began to play and the king of Gardelia began to guide the dance, making her move at will, as if he had to do everything. Faking a smile was difficult at that moment, especially when she felt how that man was holding her as if she belonged to him and that was unpleasant for her.
— In person? Your majesty, I didn't think you'd ever heard of me, I'm just an ordinary girl who was lucky enough to marry a prince.
— Let's just say I've heard something from you, Princess Rukia. As you know, Gardelia and Vayalat are allies and friends, and some events are discussed from time to time. — The king spun her around before grabbing her waist again and Rukia fought the urge to push him away because she didn't like the way he was holding her. — And if a young prince, the son of a foreign king, is responsible for them throwing such a big party just for his birthday, it's only natural that his wedding be talked about. I must admit I was curious to meet you, and since I arrived I have hoped to see you but somehow you have kept yourself hidden, princess.
— I have not kept hidden, your majesty. I have only been enjoying the quiet days that the beach brings because when I return to Avanta I will have to return to the responsibilities and work that I have always had. — Rukia explained kindly.
— Responsibilities? — The king's voice sounded too surprised. — But you are a princess, you just have to look beautiful, cultivate your mind in the arts, and enjoy the flowers. What kind of kingdom employs its beautiful princesses? Work is for men and servants.
— I think there really are different customs between the kingdoms, your majesty. The princesses of Avanta, like the queen, have various matters to attend to regarding the castle and the cities. — Rukia explained, still following the beat of the music and discreetly glancing towards Ichigo whenever she got the chance. — Doesn't the queen of Gardelia have any responsibilities to the castle or charity?
— In Gardelia there are no queens, my beautiful princess of Avanta, and the responsibilities you mention are taken on by the king's malthai. What you call "queen mother".
—
Ichigo's jealousy ran loudly through his mind just from seeing how the king of Gardelia held Rukia while they danced. During the afternoon he had been jealous of his own imagination, but at that moment, that jealousy was completely real because the king of Gardelia looked at Rukia as if she were a sandwich and held her as if she were his own.
— If he keeps touching her like that, I'm going to cut off his hand. — Ichigo muttered, who was next to Koga because staying alone, looking at the king of Gardelia with the same intensity as a murderer, would not be seen well.
— I agree with you, even I feel angry about the way he is holding her. — Koga added as Rukia gave them a quick glance. Every time the king of Gardelia spun her around, Koga could see a charming smile from Rukia, and that annoyed him too. — Why did you let her dance with that guy? He has a predatory face.
Ichigo looked away from Rukia and turned his attention to Koga, noticing that he was upset as well. Ichigo didn't know whether to be angry at Koga or grateful for his strange kind of support in this situation.
— Because that's what they expect us to do. — Ichigo downed the rest of the wine in his glass and called a waiter to get him a new one. He hadn't stopped drinking since Rukia had parted ways with him and the wine ran like water down his throat. — Rukia and I were talking all afternoon about what could happen at this dance, and we came to the conclusion that maybe they're trying to break us up. The day Yoruichi arrived, a maid took Rukia away and Yoruichi was waiting for me on the way to the beach house.
— Your history with Yoruichi refuses to die.
— Someone refuses to let it die. — Ichigo looked at Koga and then looked at Rukia, who was still dancing with the king. The man kept holding her too close and the glass Ichigo was holding cracked from the force with which he was holding it. — At any moment someone will come to ask me to go with Yoruichi.
— How do you know? — Koga asked, truly curious.
— Because that's what we expect them to do. — Ichigo looked at Koga again, but before he spoke, a servant approached him and whispered that Yoruichi was waiting for him on one of the balconies. Just as they thought it would. — Keep an eye on Rukia, let your obsession with my wife be of some use and take care of her while I face my past.
— I'm not obsessed with your wife! — Koga defended himself against that statement. Ichigo didn't believe him. — But you don't have to tell me twice to take care of her, I'll take care of her and keep her company while you're gone.
Ichigo looked at Koga for a moment, as if making sure that those words were true, and then he called a waiter who approached him with a couple of glasses of wine prepared that he took carefully.
— If I die, don't let Kaien near her. Take her with you to Jetaiya. — He said that giving Koga one last look and went to the balcony where the servant told him that Yoruichi was waiting for him.
—
The music ended and Rukia parted from King Yushiru gracefully. By this time Rukia already knew that Ichigo had been called and had seen him go to a balcony after taking two glasses of wine from a tray. Surely at that moment, Ichigo was talking to Yoruichi.
What they had supposed in the afternoon was really happening, and Rukia knew it was her turn to entertain the king for a reasonable time.
— Thank you for this dance, Your Majesty, but I must return to my husband. — Rukia said that with a charming smile and the king held her hand. Rukia began to question if King Yushiru knew about manners or if the man really treated all women like that; as if they were his.
— Don't deprive me of your company, Princess Rukia, besides I think we haven't finished talking. — King Yushiru pointed to a small balcony in a remote area, away from the balcony where Ichigo was supposed to be with Yoruichi, and Rukia nodded after pretending to consider his offer.
The king offered her his arm and Rukia took hold of him again, walking casually until they both reached the balcony. Rukia released the king's grip and leaned on the railing, admiring the night and accommodating her ideas, trying not to let her mind wander too much and not think about what could be happening between Ichigo and Yoruichi at that moment.
She trusted Ichigo, but she definitely didn't trust the Gardelia princess.
— It is not sad not to have a queen, because the kings of Gardelia have concubines. — The king spoke attracting her attention although Rukia had forgotten for a moment what they were talking about. The man had a couple of glasses in his hand and offered one to her, which Rukia accepted but didn't drink the contents, instead holding it in her hand. — It is a good life for kings, and concubines are given the life of queens. The more sons of the king they have, the better their lives. If you had been born in Gardelia, due to your beauty, surely you would have had a good life within the harem.
That seemed too much to Rukia, who didn't expect such words but she supposed that it was part of what the king had to say to keep her entertained.
— I believe that I could not have such a life, your majesty. — Rukia commented being careful to look away, trying to look like a girl nervous about the king's words. — Not so much because I don't have a crown or queen title, but because I wouldn't want my husband to sleep with someone else. I would feel that I am not enough for him.
They were both leaning on the balcony railing, and the king took advantage of that to get closer to her. The privacy provided by the curtains was enough so that the curious would not see the people on those balconies beyond the silhouettes.
Rukia wanted to get away from him, it was almost like an instinct but she didn't, instead she moved a little in a subtle way to stop King Yushiru's advance, who gently took her hand and kissed it. Rukia looked into his eyes, trying to guess the king's intentions at that moment, although her instinct told her that the man was looking for something more than a talk or to give Yoruichi time.
— Each king has the right to choose his own harem, if he wants he can have one or more women, and undoubtedly, my beautiful princess of Avanta, if I had the privilege of having you with me, there would not be a woman but you. You wouldn't be the queen, but you would be the only one I would share my bed with every night.
The surprise on her face was real, so Rukia blushed and looked away not believing what she had heard. That was a very bold proposition that she never thought to hear in her life; she wasn't prepared to hear something like that. She definitely lacked experience with men, because not all of them were as nice as the ones she had met before.
— Your majesty, take care of your words that can be misunderstood. I'm a married woman and if someone listens to this talk, it could get me in trouble with my husband. — Rukia said those words trying not to look up, but she felt the king move even closer to her, and that gave her chills.
— I like you very much, beautiful princess of Avanta, I really like you. Leave everything here and come with me to Gardelia, I offer you the life of a queen. — King Yushiru whispered in a tone that was too intimate and with the gall to caress her cheek. — Being married is not a problem, there is always a way to break up a marriage.
Rukia looked up, the king's face dangerously close to hers, as if he was waiting for a weakness on her part to kiss her. Rukia put aside that blushing expression and looked at him seriously, even smiling with a touch of mischief that could make the king understand that she accepted the offer.
— Like sending poisoned wine to my husband, Your Majesty? — Rukia's question made the king move away from her in a second, giving her a sly smile when he was discovered.
— I didn't think that Prince Ichigo would make you part of that moment. — The king immediately changed his position, putting aside the seduction attempts and that relaxed Rukia. — Your husband is not who you think he is, Princess Rukia. He is a man who...
— I know the kind of man my husband is. — Rukia spoke up, interrupting what could be a rehearsed monologue from the king to get her to get away from Ichigo. — What surprises me is that you know the kind of man he is, even though you met him a few hours ago, and yet you still want to lecture me about my husband. — Rukia took a step towards the king, without losing the smirk that accompanied that angry expression. — I'm also not the kind of person you think I am, Your Majesty.
— That's what I see. — The king added without taking his eyes off her. — Throughout the night I saw a girl, but I realize that I have in front of me, a woman. I like the woman I see.
— I'm not just a woman, Your Majesty, I'm a woman who is really angry that you threatened my husband. — They were both silent for a second. Rukia walked away from the king and walked to the entrance of the balcony but without crossing the curtain, she only looked at the dancers at the party. — I know we're here because you're giving your sister time to talk to my husband, which kind of surprises me because a moment ago you were about to give me a speech about what kind of man my husband is. Isn't he a man to me, but he is to his sister?
— In addition to being beautiful, you are quite smart. I think I really want you inside my harem, princess of Avanta. — The king's voice sounded animated. — It will be fun to see how long your spirit lasts intact.
Rukia turned to look at him with a smile, ignoring that last comment that was too unpleasant and obscene for her.
— King Yushiru, do you know what I did with the wine you sent to my husband? — Rukia asked curiously as she walked back to where he was standing.
— You definitely didn't drink it or we wouldn't be at this party.
— No, of course not. — Rukia walked over to the king and placed one of her small hands on the man's chest, who seemed surprised that a woman was touching him without his consent. — But I thought about one thing carefully, if Ichigo tells King Yhwach that you sent him poisoned wine, do you think the alliance and friendship between the kingdoms will be affected? Because I know that alliance was achieved thanks to Ichigo and just as he convinced them to sign the first time, he can convince them to break the alliance. — Rukia kept looking at the king. A girl, they said. — I have the wine in my possession, it has the seal of Gardelia and it would be easy to send it to King Yhwach, can you imagine that they could find the corpse of a king next to the wine that is the emblem of another king? It would be scandalous.
— Speak up, princess of Avanta. I don't like it when people babble and waste my time. — The king held her wrist tightly so that she would stop touching him.
Rukia could see the anger in the King of Gardelia's expression but she avoided complaining about the way he was holding her even though he was hurting her.
— I thought you did like it, after all, we're here wasting time so your sister can seduce my husband, right? — Rukia made the king release her, her wrist turned red and hurt. In those moments she wished she could control the gift only to hurt him when he had touched her. — My husband was suspicious of the wine from the moment he got his hands on it, I suppose that was your intention, Your Majesty. I have one more question, will your sister be suspicious of what Ichigo offers her to drink?
— What nonsense are you saying?
— I am saying that I hope you bring with you the antidote for that poison or you will have to run very fast to reach your sister if you want to say goodbye to her in this life. Remember that wine and that we're wasting our time here, it's thanks to you.
—
Yoruichi had finally put a face to the girl Ichigo had been forced to marry, and she was just as she had imagined: a foolish girl. That girl would definitely fall for her brother's charms, but she couldn't leave anything to chance, so before Ichigo arrived, she emptied the entire contents of that vial into a glass of red wine that she was going to give him.
There was no need to mark the glasses, hers was filled with white wine, so there was no way to mix up the glasses.
The Jade Witch assured her that the effect would last for a couple of months, but if she wanted to continue having him dominated, she should give him the liquid to drink as often as possible. The spell is so strong that the witch assured her that the man who drinks it would only live for her and only she would matter to him.
Yoruichi waited what seemed like an eternity, and then saw Ichigo enter the balcony where she was waiting for him. Again, she gasped at the sight of him, he looked exactly like he had at that party, only this time the sash was red and not white. He wasn't smiling but he didn't seem upset either, and he also had a couple of glasses of wine in his hands that she assumed would be for both of them.
— For a moment I thought you wouldn't come. — Yoruichi commented as Ichigo approached the balcony railing where she was leaning on it while waiting for him.
Ichigo handed her one of the glasses he was carrying and he took a sip of the contents of the other one before answering. They both stared at each other.
— Why? — Ichigo's question was curious, although Yoruichi was having a hard time reading his emotions clearly at the moment. — My aunt organized this party to remember that night and your brother is entertaining my wife, it is obvious that she wants you and me to talk or go to bed.
— You're right. — Yoruichi approached him, staying at a distance that was not appropriate for either of them, and she could smell a subtle fresh fragrance that was not difficult to distinguish. — You smell like mint, did you change your lotion?
Ichigo smiled like that charming bastard she remembered and approached her, still looking at her and still smiling, to the point where Yoruichi thought he was going to kiss her right then. There he was, her Ichigo. Just a little more and she would taste his lips again, this time she wasn't going to miss that opportunity but Ichigo spoke preventing that kiss.
— I didn't change the lotion, but if for a moment you thought that kissing me would be a good idea, I recommend that you don't, you don't know where my mouth was a few moments ago.
Yoruichi walked away from him the moment Ichigo said those words that made her angry. Ichigo just smiled, as if he had made a cruel and funny joke, and ran his hand through his hair just to look at her with that funny gesture, as if he was playing with her.
No, that man in front of her was not her Ichigo.
— You…
— Me! — Ichigo approached her quickly and grabbed her around the waist with force, almost violently, and with a kind of evil in his eyes that Yoruichi hadn't seen before. It wasn't a look of mischief, it was of evil, but still she didn't push him away from her. It was confusing because that Ichigo scared her and at the same time attracted her. — Why are you angry, my dear Yoruichi? You said you wanted to live this hell with me, this is the part that belongs to you. Let's be clear, okay? The only thing you could be from me is my mistress, and you would always be in the shadow of my wife.
Ichigo's gaze was truly terrifying and the smile on his face only increased that effect. Yoruichi couldn't tell if those words were completely true or false, she didn't know the man in front of her, even so Yoruichi held his gaze and put both hands on Ichigo's chest, knowing that in that position she could hug him, pull him in and kiss him, but the warning about where his mouth had been before, made her feel a kind of revulsion towards him.
She didn't want to be the mistress, she wanted to be the wife.
They stayed in that position for a long minute, Yoruichi kept looking into his eyes until she looked down at his neck and saw a red mark. Ichigo moved his head a little and Yoruichi could see that red mark better, it was the mark of a very intense kiss that made her clench her jaw in anger.
Ichigo released her, ending that game, and took a few steps away from her just to drink some more from the glass of wine he had brought with him. Yoruichi knew at that moment that he had only hugged her so she could see that red mark; that made her angrier. Ichigo was really playing with her and she didn't intend to let him play any longer.
— You never let me mark you like that, even when I did, you erased them right away, and now you're wearing that mark like it's a war trophy. — Yoruichi complained pointing to his neck, angry but trying to contain all her fury because she needed Ichigo to want to drink wine with her and she needed to guide the conversation to where she wanted.
She needed him to drink that green liquid mixed with the wine, even if it was just a sip.
— Rukia is my wife and she can do whatever she wants with me. — Ichigo added without moving from his place, neither to approach her nor to get away from her, he just stayed there, leaning on the balcony railing.
He wasn't smiling anymore, he was serious again, and he looked at her as if he was there against his own will.
— You and I were supposed to get married, that I was going to be your wife! — Yoruichi yelled, annoyed at the way Ichigo rubbed it in her face that he was married to that little girl. She did not approach him again either. — You promised it!
— Of course I promised. I remember the day I did it, I remember the sheets, I remember the wine and I remember how I allowed you to guide the conversation to get to that point. — Ichigo gave her a strange look, he wasn't charming; it was as if he was explaining something very obvious to someone very stupid. — But you blew it, you made the one mistake you shouldn't make.
— Don't you dare call it a mistake!
— I call it what it is. A mistake. — Ichigo downed the last of his glass and set it aside. — Do you want to know why I got so mad that time? It wasn't because of the pregnancy, because if you had told me, I would have made you lose it so that nothing would be ruined. You knew that at the end of that year I was going to return to the kingdom, and I had planned to present to the king "our dream" of uniting the two kingdoms with our wedding and then I was going to take you with me. That was the plan, it was simple, straightforward and without errors. Unifying Gardelia and Avanta into a single kingdom would have secured the throne for me in a way you have no idea, but that didn't happen. I had to go with the mercenaries for a year and when I came back I was no longer the heir.
Yoruichi was just listening to him, not being able to believe everything he was saying and feeling how her heart was beating so hard that it seemed like it would break at any moment. Ichigo really was a bastard, and Yoruichi didn't know what hurt her more, if discovering that he himself had made her lose her son, or that it was all part of a very elaborate plan of his that he hadn't even told her.
— You used me. — Yoruichi whispered breathlessly. — I loved you and you used me.
— No, I didn't use you. Everything was going fine, but you made a mistake and ruined everything. — Ichigo closed his eyes after that sentence. Yoruichi could see the anger in his expression and then saw how he calmed down almost immediately, leaving only disgust. — Yoruichi, I'm sick of this damn topic, it's the only thing we talk about and it's not something I like to talk about. It's not something I want to keep talking about. I made my life, and it's something you should do, because what was between us, our friendship, which is the only thing worth rescuing from that past, can never be recovered.
Yoruichi stared at him, he wanted to leave that topic but she didn't want to, she had waited four damn years to face him and she wasn't going to drop the topic just because he said "I'm sick of this".
— How easy it is for you to put all the blame on me. A mistake, you say! But we both know that those "mistakes" don't just happen, it takes two to happen. — Yoruichi approached him and grabbed his coat with the intention of pulling him but Ichigo didn't move more than a few inches. Ichigo was upset again, that was perhaps the only feeling that she could distinguish well because it was the one that had been most present at the end of their relationship. — If you had spoken to me clearly, none of this would have happened!
Ichigo grabbed her wrist hard with the intention that she let go of him. Yoruichi shivered as she remembered that he had hurt her many times just by touching her, but she still didn't let go.
— I did it! I was clear with you! You said you understood. You knew that I was going to return to the kingdom. You just had to wait! You were supposed to be drinking that tea every week. My aunt was supposed to be taking care of you!
It was a second of silence after that sentence, but in that second Ichigo relaxed his grip on her wrist and released her. Yoruichi was surprised because she didn't expect that to happen, but she could see in Ichigo's eyes as if a truth was coming with the force of a wave. If he came to the conclusion that his aunt was also to blame for that "mistake", Ichigo would leave to face Kirio.
Yoruichi couldn't let him go, not until he drinks that wine.
— You're right. — Yoruichi spoke, drawing the attention of Ichigo who was looking at the curtains that separated the balcony from the party room. — Our friendship is irreparable, I thought we could reconcile, discuss what was happening and solve it but I just realized that there is only resentment between us. So you're right, starting tonight, if I ever saw you, it was only protocol.
Yoruichi took her glass and the glass with the mixed wine and held them in her hand, because she was willing to give it to him anyway. Ichigo would be hers but not for him to love her, but to ruin his life, because she couldn't be the only one who had suffered because of that relationship, Ichigo also deserved to pay his share of guilt with the universe. He also deserved to feel the same kind of pain she did.
Ichigo also deserved to feel what it was like to lose someone he loves because of a mistake.
— The night that started it all, you gave me a glass of wine. At least let me end this relationship the way it started. I promise you it will all be over when we drink the wine.
Ichigo nodded and reached out with the intention of taking the glass that Yoruichi was offering him, but at that moment the king of Gardelia came in so fast that Yoruichi didn't realize what was happening until she saw her brother empty the contents of the glasses on the floor.
— What the…
Yoruichi couldn't understand what her brother had done because he was supposed to be supporting her in that plan, and just then he just completely ruined it. Not only had he prevented Ichigo from drinking the wine, he had also emptied it onto the floor.
— Yoruichi, tell me you didn't drink the wine he gave you! — Her brother demanded, holding her tightly by the shoulders. She could see the fear in her brother's eyes, real fear and it couldn't be compared to anything she had ever seen in him before. — Tell me you didn't drink anything Ichigo gave you!
— No. — Yoruichi answered, coming out of that slight daze caused by her brother's questions. — I have not drunk anything. What's going on Yushiru?
— Your brother thinks I was giving you the glass and that I was going to poison you with the wine. — Ichigo's animated voice made her look away from Yushiru. Yoruichi, who was still being held by her brother, looked around for Ichigo and found him standing there, holding the glass he had handed her upon arrival. — The truth is I don't know where he got that absurd idea from, why would I want to hurt you?
Yoruichi turned to see her brother, who at that moment seemed more annoyed than scared, and then she heard liquid spill on the floor. She again looked for the source of that sound, and found Ichigo spilling the wine from the glass on the floor with a smile on his face.
Yushiru released her and moved away from her only to go over to Ichigo and try to grab his coat, but Ichigo dodged the grab too quickly.
— King Yushiru, I must thank you for the poisoned wine in the afternoon. — Ichigo spoke, he had one hand inside his pants pocket in an overly relaxed posture. — Years ago I helped Gardelia to make the Desert Road safe, now, thanks to that wine, I will let King Yhwach know what kind of man the new king of Gardelia is.
Ichigo turned around with the intention of getting out of there. Yoruichi was trying to understand that conversation and needed answers, because she didn't like what Ichigo was saying at all.
— Stop! — The king of Gardelia shouted. — What do you want? What do you want to get rid of that wine?
Ichigo stopped and tilted his head a little, looking at them out of the corner of his eye.
— What do I want? It's easy, make your sister leave me alone.
—
Koga had done exactly what Ichigo had asked him to do, but not because he was obsessed with Rukia, but because he really appreciated her. Rukia is strong, very intelligent and cunning, and he verified it as he spied behind the curtains the talk she had with the king of Gardelia.
He still didn't know if that talk between Rukia and the king was part of a really elaborate plan or if she had been improvising it along the way, but that didn't stop him from being surprised by her ability to trick the king; even she made the king get out of there too fast.
However, the king of Gardelia did something that no king should do with a lady. The bastard had punched Rukia in the face.
Koga had heard a blow towards someone, but he thought that Rukia had hit the king for trying to take advantage of her, but it had really been the opposite. So when he entered the balcony, noticing that Rukia did not leave that place, and Koga saw Rukia with a hand on her face, trying to contain the blood that dripped from her nose and lip, he immediately wanted to go beat up that guy.
However, Rukia stopped him and asked him for a handkerchief to try to wipe the blood that was dripping from her face.
The urge to kill the king of Gardelia for hitting Rukia was neutralized by the urge to help her, so he approached her and handed her his handkerchief, but when he wanted to help her wipe her face, Rukia raised her hand preventing him from touching her. Koga thought for a moment that he had done something wrong, but when he saw Rukia's hand he saw something strange that seemed very familiar to him.
— I need to get you out of here, get you checked out by a doctor, Rukia. — Koga commented, worried about her but not trying to touch her.
— It's not necessary, if I go out like this everyone is going to talk, and I don't want that to happen because it would ruin the party. — Rukia added without letting go of her own face.
At that moment, she was leaning against the balcony railing, trying not to let the blood that came out of her nose and mouth stain her dress and holding the handkerchief that Koga had given her to clean herself.
— Who cares about the party? Rukia, that bastard hit you! — Koga tried to talk some sense into her, but Rukia refused to get out of there and go to the doctor. — You must denounce him to the king.
— And what are they going to do to him? He is the king of another kingdom, he is not someone who can be judged and punished and you know it. — Rukia's words puzzled him.
Even so, with a blow to the face that made her bleed, she was thinking about that, about those details that he hadn't really considered. Koga wanted to kill the king for hitting Rukia, but among everyone there, the king of Gardelia was one of the few who could be punished. Yushiru was the goddamn king of another kingdom, what were they going to do to him?
— They have to do something to him. Ichigo has to know, Yhwach will definitely do something. Rukia, let's get you checked out by the doctor. — He insisted again, but Rukia slowly shook her head.
Koga couldn't understand why she refused to be helped. He was about to insist again, when he saw Rukia look away towards the curtains that served as a door to the balcony; Koga followed Rukia's gaze, and found Ichigo standing there, not moving, completely serious and with his jaw clenched, as if he was taking in what he was seeing.
No one spoke, it was a tense moment because Koga knew that look on Ichigo; it was the look of a killer.
Ichigo entered without saying a single word and gently held Rukia's face, moving away the hand that she still had holding her own cheek, her lip and her nose. Rukia just made a whining noise but didn't speak, just letting Ichigo check her out and wiping the blood off her hand with Koga's handkerchief.
Koga hadn't seen the blow to Rukia's face until Ichigo made her pull her hand away, and seeing it at that moment, he realized that the bastard had broken her lip from the blow, surely he had hurt her cheeks inside her mouth and nose. Rukia was small, a blow like that would definitely have to hurt her severely and make her bleed the way she was bleeding.
The music from the dance was playing in the background, but on that balcony the silence was overwhelming.
Koga didn't want to leave until he knew that Rukia would go to the doctor, but it wasn't necessary. Koga again witnessed that magic when he saw how Ichigo gradually began to heal Rukia's wounds just by gently caressing her face. Rukia had her eyes closed, enduring the pain that those simple caresses caused her, until the only thing that remained of that wound was the blood that stained her face.
Ichigo gave her a handkerchief for her to wipe off the blood and walked away from her a bit. Koga could see at that moment Ichigo's internal struggle between going after the king of Gardelia or staying there with Rukia. Everyone was still silent, and for a moment Koga thought that Rukia would start to cry, but she just looked at Ichigo with an anger that Koga somehow found familiar.
— Kill the king of Gardelia.
Special regards to diah77 and jobananasan. Thanks to everyone who keeps reading this crazy story.
I'll upload the next chapter as soon as it's ready.