Hi all!
I'm truly truly sorry! I was supposed to upload this as an early Christmas present, but this chapter guys... no joke. It took me ages to write this and fun fact, this is only part 1! Chapter 16 will be divided into 2 parts. Otherwise it might be too long to read and that's not good for the eyes.
Also, there are some not pleasant scenes in this. If you are sensitive to violence, or if it is a trigger, please skip some parts.
Enjoy!
Another year passed without finding any trace of the first grandchild of Kurosaki Masaki and Isshin. Both grandparents were extremely distressed about not only their grandson but also about their children.
Every night Ichigo would come home late when Orihime was already sleeping. He looked tired, but most of all hopeless. It had been a few months since Orihime was diagnosed with depression.
It was a cold winter night when they found Orihime lifeless in the garden. Her whole body was cold as she sat in the rain. Eventually, the rain soaked her clothes and made her feel unwell. Her nutrition levels were already low which caused her to pass out. It had been only a few hours later since her passing out that they found her. Soon after the royal physician diagnosed Kurosaki Orihime with depression.
The princess would stay all day in her bed or alone in the tower that was meant for her son. She went days without eating, and she lost a considerable amount of weight, worrying her husband.
There was no point of talking Orihime out of it. Every time Ichigo would try to help her, she would simply refuse and push him away. Each time becoming more aggressive. And honestly, her behavior was tiring him out. Both the search and her harsh words.
"Oi Ichigo, don't you need to go home?" Hisagi asked, walking into the dressing room. They had just finished their evening training. "I'll be going home in a minute." The army commander sat on the bench, staring into nothingness.
"I must be really hard not being able to find Kamari-chan. But don't worry, I have a feeling you will soon." Hisagi patted sympathetically Ichigo's back before leaving him. "I hope so." Ichigo trailed off. He was this close to end the search to his son. A year of searching and not finding anything made him believe his son was dead, or he was brought to another country. He had no other explanation for it.
An internal struggle was forming in his head as he could already hear Orihime's words in his head.
"My son cannot be dead! He's alive! I can feel it."
"Do you even love me?"
"Why can't you let me go?"
"Kurosaki-kun… I hate you."
"You're a monster!"
She had spoken every word he was afraid to ever hear from her. Isshin would always comfort him by saying that she's sick and that she doesn't mean any word she said. But couldn't anyone see it was hurting him just as bad?
I feel like breaking down. I need a break. But first, she needs to know I'll stop the search.
Ichigo came home that night and was surprised to find Orihime waiting on him in her night gown. For the first time in a year she had put on make-up and wore something revealing. Of course, her depression also infected their sexual relationship.
He put down his stuff and looked at Orihime with a curious look. "Something on your mind Orihime?" The look in her eyes was something he could not identify.
"Why don't you take a nice bath, Kurosaki-kun." She said with a smile, one that didn't reach her eyes. "You must be so tired.~" she said in a seductive manner.
For some reason it weirded Ichigo out but then again, it was a first time in two years that Orihime made him a bath. He nodded slowly. "Alright, I'll be right back."
He enjoyed his bath thoroughly but for some reason couldn't relax. He was on edge and the reason was his wife, Inoue Orihime. Never in the past year had she shown any affection, let alone physical attraction to him. She rather started to distance herself from him.
He sighed and tried to drift his mind away from the woman in the other room. After his bath he came fully clothed into the room, making his way to the bed. His eyes soon widened as his wife was now fully naked before him, climbing on top of him, rocking her hips against him. "O-Orihime!" He squeaked, surprised by her sudden mood.
"I-I'm not in the mood." He jumped up, looking away. However, his wife didn't react to his words and slowly unbuttoned his shirt. "Let's make a new baby, Kurosaki-kun." She said in a low voice, a dark gaze in her eyes.
For some reason, the look in Orihime's eyes broke Ichigo's heart, and it saddened him that tears welled up in his eyes. The beautiful flower he met that one day on the side of the road was slowly withering away.
Orihime who was still unbuttoning his shirt slowly leaned down and started kissing his chest. Her own chest rubbing against his stomach. Normally, Ichigo would go insane, but today he felt like broken as he could hear the words from his wife.
"Please give me a new baby. Let's make love every night until we have a new one." She said through her kisses.
"Orihime… I really… I can't." He once again remarked, but the woman was in her own trance. She pushed the sheets away and now even went down to his pants, trying to remove them, but Ichigo then grabbed her wrists, stopping her.
"Orihime. Not today. Not when you're like that." He said firmly, but she yanked her arms away and pushed herself on him, kissing him hungrily.
"Please give me a new baby… a new one. Please Ichigo…" She chuckled coldly. "Just this once give me what I want." He pushed her gently away.
"Orihime, this is not normal!" He screamed. Tears filled her eyes as she kept on muttering. "Please Kurosaki-kun, please give me a new baby. I want your baby again. Please…. please."
That's when Ichigo's eyes widened. He had broken his wife, and it was all his fault. He cursed under his breath and stood up from the bed, dressing himself to go out.
"I'm sorry Orihime…" was all he could mutter before leaving his wife behind.
Like something had stung him, Ichigo ran out of the castle, taking one of his horses with him. As soon as he could, he distanced himself from the castle.
After 30 minutes of horse riding he came to a stop and Ichigo finally broke down. He started crying and screaming. Hitting the tree in front of him. All his emotions of the past year came pouring out. The feelings of failure as a dad and husband, insecurity, hopelessness and most of all fear.
In the past year, Ichigo feared to lose his wife after his son, but without him noticing, he was loosing his wife right in front of him.
The whole night Ichigo laid down in the woods, staring and thinking back at his childhood. He was suddenly remembered of the place where Renji, Rukia and he would always gather. It had been a good 5 years since he went there. And before he could think, his body was dragging him to that place.
The sun rose and Ichigo arrived at the place where he spent precious memories with his friends. The only thing that changed was that there was now a little house built on that exact place. And that coming from that house was a woman looking just like Rukia, walking beside a little boy who called out
"Mommy, mommy!" He walked behind her, following her to the laundry line. Ichigo couldn't believe his eyes as tears filled his eyes.
He jumped off the horse and as if he were in a trance, he walked straight to the boy. "Kamari, it's daddy!"
The boy looked up as Rukia's lookalike instinctively shielded the boy. Ichigo met Rukia's eyes, and they were still as violet as ever.
"I-Ichigo, how did you get here?" She said, hiding Kamari behind her back. The boy peeked through Rukia's legs at the tall man who looked identical to him.
"I-I just…" he shook his head and pointed to the little boy. "Isn't that my son?! Why does he look exactly like me?" Ichigo asked in a cheerful tone.
Rukia sighed and slightly dropped her guard. The little boy crawled under her legs and stood in between the two, pointing at the tall stranger. "Daddy?"
Rukia nodded and patted his head. "Yes, indeed. That is daddy." The boy then smiled and started hugging Ichigo's leg. "Daddy!"
Ichigo crouched down as he started to cry from happiness. His only son was alive and well. He hugged Kamari and picked him up.
"I missed you tiger." Kamari then in turn made tiger noises which made Ichigo laugh. Renji joined the three outside and chuckled at the sight of Ichigo with his son.
"Who would've thought Ichigo would be such a sucker for his son." Renji remarked, pulling Ichigo's attention from his son.
"Renji… you're here too."
After the reunion, Ichigo was invited inside and slowly, but surely reality kicked in. His son was taken by his two best friends, and they kept it from him for all this time.
Kamari was now napping and Ichigo and his friends were sitting at the Kitchen table.
"What the heck Rukia and Renji!" Ichigo growled, fist on the table. Renji sighed as Rukia slowly touched Ichigo's hand. He for some reason did not reject her touch.
"W-We can explain." Rukia said, exchanging looks with Renji.
"Look, it wasn't an easy decision for both me and Renji here. Don't you know what we had to give up to pull this?" Rukia said, a moment of sadness in her eyes. "Then why did you do this? It's not like I asked you to take my son as hostage!" Ichigo immediately returned her comment.
"Remember this? We made a vow to never stab each other in the back. Well, this is our way of proving that we're still on your side Kurosaki." The red haired male placed the badge with a special engraving they made as teenagers on the table. It symbolized a promise Ichigo had forgotten about, a grin appearing on his lips.
"Renji is correct. First of all, I would like to apologize for everything Ichigo. But if I wouldn't agree with Nii-sama I would for surely be killed." Rukia bowed her head. "Also, I apologize for the hurt we have caused you the past two years, but letting Kamari growing up in the Kurosaki household is far too dangerous. That is why Renji and I took it upon ourselves to bring him here and raise him."
For some reason Ichigo couldn't be mad at his friends. He was already moved when he saw the badge coming from Renji's pocket. "So Byakuya doesn't know you guys are here?" Ichigo asked. "No, he doesn't. He is still looking for us. Especially after you confronted him at the kingdom." Renji chuckled, shaking his head. "Not a brilliant move of ya, Ichigo."
Ichigo scoffed and shook his head. "How should I have known this was your little plan! Don't you guys know how much pain we suffered!" Rukia nodded. "I know. Do you know how much pain I have suffered to hurt us both? But sometimes we have to make sacrificed for the things we believe and love."
The crown prince of the Kurosaki kingdom pulled his hand away and rubbed his temples. "I can't believe you bastards. Why? Why wouldn't you involve me and Orihime?" Rukia stiffened at the sound of that name.
"Because you're dangerous Ichigo. Also, this was our way to protect you from the future Byakuya has planned." Renji was a very thoughtful friend, more than he let on and he knew Ichigo was an emotional person.
"What a way to protect me. It's about my son, you know." He scoffed once again.
"This is our way to keep our promise. Now, all we ask from you Ichigo is to keep this a secret. We can't afford anyone to find out that your son is here. Especially since Nii-sama is on the hunt for him." It took Ichigo several moments before he agreed.
A couple of hours later Ichigo was sitting in front of the house with Renji. It had been a good while since the childhood friends spent time together like this. It felt as if there wasn't a care in the world.
"I heard ya got married to that Inoue chick. I should say congrats." Renji smirked, patting Ichigo on the back. "Hmm, yeah. We've been married for a while now, but things haven't been easy." Ichigo admitted. "
"Sorry. It's all because of us." Renji said, the remorse could be heard in his voice. "How is she holding up?"
"Not well. She's been acting strange lately and honestly..." he sighed. "She hates me. Last night…" Ichigo was so shocked by the events of last night that he couldn't even finish his sentence, but it looked like Renji understood him. "I don't know how to carry on." He admitted. It was nice for once to talk to someone else besides the people in his inner circle.
"But now I'm just glad I know Kamari is safe and sound with you guys. It takes a weight off my shoulders."
"Rukia…" Renji started. "You know she kind of still has feelings for you?" Ichigo sighed once more. Just when he thought he dealt with one problem, another resurfaced. "I don't have time for feelings right now Renji. Life is already as hard enough as it is. Keeping this a secret from Orihime will already be a challenge."
"Hm, I'm not telling you to deal with it Ichigo. It's just warning. What I'm trying to say is, don't give Rukia unnecessary hope in our alliance, alright?" There was somewhat a threatening tone in it.
"I will do my part. Just make sure you do your part as well, Renji." Ichigo said, grinning at his friend.
It was 5 in the afternoon and Ichigo finally came back to the castle. He happily said goodbye to his friends and son and made his way back home. It would be hard for him to keep this a secret from Orihime, but he knew it was better to keep her away from danger.
Ichigo walked into the room and saw a small figure under the covers. "Orihime, I'm home." He said softly, not knowing whether she was awake or not. His eyes once again saddened as he received no reaction, and he made his way to the bathroom.
Orihime now heard her husband coming in but did nothing but to stare to the window and view in front of her. After Ichigo left her, she laid down naked into the bed. Sleep wouldn't come to her and now her body was frozen into one spot. Even when Ichigo came back from the bathroom, she wouldn't even move an inch. The female was in her own little world.
Orihime's thoughts.
"Mommy!" the little boy ran towards his mother, the most beautiful smile she had ever seen in her life. "Cookie!" He pointed to the cookie she was holding in her hand and broke a piece off and gave it to the love of her life. "Here you go sweetie." She kissed his cheek which made the little boy giggle harder than ever. Orihime even tickled her little wonder and held him in his hand while he was now eating his cookie.
Just the two of us is more than enough…
It was then that Hinamori Momo discovered a naked Orihime in bed and screamed. "Orihime-sama, are you alright?" Orihime looked lifelessly at her maid and gave her a stern nod. "No no no, Orihime-sama it's time we're going to do something about this."
Momo took the time to wash Orihime and told her all sort of funny stories. From time to time, Orihime would faintly smile, but a real reaction was hard to get from her. After the bath Momo made tea and sat Orihime down in the garden. Together, they were seated in the enclosed garden to drink some tea.
"Orihime-sama, I'm worried about you. Lately, you've been losing a lot of weight." Momo poured in some tea for her. "Momo-chan." Orihime said softly. "Thank you for being so kind to me and worrying about me. You and Masaki-same are fantastic to me."
"Of course! You are my lady. I wouldn't want to take care of anyone else but you!" Orihime chuckled weakly and took a sip of tea. Momo then fiddled with a piece of her dress, looking quite nervous.
"U-Uhm, well, Orihime-sama. I would like to suggest something that helped me when I was feeling really down and depressed." Momo took out of her little pouch a pile of letters. "These are letters I received from my pen pal. Writing to a stranger really helped me out during the hard times. And guess what, we even met up and right now, we're not only pen pals but also real life pals. Isn't it exciting?"
Orihime took the letters and repeated Momo. "Pen pals…?" Momo nodded. I thought maybe it would be fun to try it out." Orihime analyzed the paper and seemed to be hesitating. "I'm not sure… who would I write to?"
"Don't worry! My friend has another friend who is also looking for a pen pal. Perhaps I can match you two? His name is Hōgyoku Admiral. Do you like it?" She giggled. "Well, that is a strange name for an alias. It's also interesting at the same time. Hmmm, what should I go by?"
"Hmm, what about the Weaver princess? You kind of look like one and obviously, your name." Orihime chuckled and nodded. "It does sound fitting."
And from that moment on Orihime started to live a little again. Each week she would write letters to this Hōgyoku Admiral. Her first letters being very formal, but eventually, they became more and more personal. She would hand her letter to Momo each time who made sure that her pen pal would receive the letter.
It was her favorite time of the week when she would receive a letter from her mysterious pen pal. While Orihime was finding something for herself, Ichigo was occupied with visiting his friends and son. Twice a week, he would visit his son and every time he left he would feel recharged, ready to take on the world.
But Orihime and Ichigo's relationship? They still were very distant. Each sleeping on their own side of the bed. When Ichigo would wake up, Orihime was already gone and when Orihime would go to bed, Ichigo was already sleeping. They were married only in name.
While both were busy with their own occupations, Kurosaki Masaki was busy of her own. The way Orihime was perking up reassured the Kurosaki parents and all the staff working for the Kurosaki family. It gave Masaki the chance to finish her research about Orihime and her past.
The only thing Masaki was worried about was that she didn't know when the time was right to tell Orihime about her background. But then the day came where Masaki found an opening, and it was through Orihime's mysterious pen pall.
"Masaki-saaan?" Orihime was standing in Masaki's study, holding a letter in her hand. Masaki was nowhere to be found, so Orihime sat down in the seat in front of the desk. She just received another letter, which wasn't very special in itself. On and off she received about 15 to 16 letters in the past few months, but things were getting more personal. Orihime never disclosed her identity but did tell her friend about her exceptional difficult situation she was in.
Now she was here asking Masaki for a favor. The only one who was truly on her side. Finally, the queen arrived. A bright smile appeared on her face when she found her daughter-in-law in law waiting for her. Immediately she told court maiden to leave them be and closed the door.
"Orihime, my child. To what do I owe this honor to be graced by your beautiful face on this early morning." The female who was nearing her 20th birthday giggled at the comment of her mother-in-law, hiding the blush on her cheeks. "You're making me blush, Masaki-san. My beauty is nothing compared to you." Masaki sat down behind her desk and immediately leaned forward, looking deep into Orihime's eyes. "I sense that you are speaking the truth. What did I do to deserve such a sweet daughter? I thought things couldn't get better than having Yuzu and Karin."
"You really sound like Isshin-san." Orihime commented. "Ah, I must be influenced by him again." Masaki sighed, resting her face in her hands. "That big goof… I don't know what to do without him." A gentle and pure smile appeared on Masaki's visage accompanied by a soft gentle look in her eyes. Orihime smiled warmly as she could feel the love Masaki had for Isshin from her expression. Unfortunately, currently she could not say the same about her own husband.
"I'm sorry Orihime. I was a bit distracted talking about useless stuff, while you're here to ask me something, isn't that right?" It always amazed the auburn haired girl that the older female could read her like an open book. It was as if she could look right through her.
"Yes." "Orihime nodded, taking out the letter. "You know that I've been writing lately to someone." Masaki nodded, full attention on the girl in front of her. "W-Well… it's been over a few months and this person is really something special. Without having even met it feels like I received someone new on my side. He understands me and shows me support by sending me kind words."
Masaki's eyes narrowed but remained silent, listening to the girl in front of her. "I know it sounds bizarre, but I think I might really have a connection with this person." Orihime smiled shyly.
"I can see you are notably doing better. This person… I am really thankful for helping you get better. But why are you coming to me?" Masaki asked, her eyes never leaving Orihime's face.
"He wants to meet up and talk for a bit… I know that Kurosaki-kun doesn't want me to leave the castle, but please!" She bowed down, hoping that Masaki would not turn her down.
"Does he also have a name? We can't guarantee your safety if we don't have a name." Orihime immediately sat up and smiled brightly, showing the latest letter she received.
Aizen Sosuke.
Masaki's eyes widened. Why is someone from the Aizen family trying to come in contact with Orihime? Do they know about… they can't, can they?
"Masaki-san?" The older female shook her head and turned her attention back to the female in front of her. "Can I go out once and meet this person? The castle is suffocating me."
I guess it's time.
"Orihime, sweetheart. I'll let you meet him, only on one condition."
Days after the talk with Orihime, Masaki was meeting both her husband and daughter-in-law in the library. On the table there was a pile of books together with a bundle of letters which looked like they had been written over 10 years ago.
"I invited you here today because I, Kurosaki Masaki have something to disclose."
"Masaki…" Isshin looked at his wife who shook her head in return. "I have to do this. For me, for Amari and for Orihime." The auburn girl looked quite puzzled but remained quiet.
"Orihime." Masaki turned to her new beloved daughter that she loved just as much as her own children. She placed her hand on Orihime's hand and smiled sadly. "Today I want you to learn more about yourself, but most of all the history that is hunting us down until this day."
[Start of the story]
"Masaki, let's hide!" Inoue Amari, then a beautiful young teenager with auburn hair, dark brown eyes and pink cheeks ran after the then 16-year-old Kurosaki Masaki. Inoue Amari was around 160 cm but looked mature and well gifted for her age. Anyone in the entire country could see that these girls were carrying the beauty of the country.
Masaki and Amari, two best friends who were both a respective princess of their own kingdom. Kurosaki Masaki, crown princess and only daughter of the Kurosaki family. Inoue Amari, the smart and mischievous princes of the former Inoue kingdom. She was the fourth in line for the throne, having three older brothers before her.
Right now, they were running through the corridor of the Kurosaki estate. Running for a certain silver haired male. "I can't believe you're ditching Ryu-chan, against the wishes of your father. Aren't you afraid of your dad?"
"Nah. He might scold me for a while, but I really don't want to marry someone who I don't have feelings for. Ryu-chan is nice, but just as a friend. He's too lame!' The lively Inoue female was supposed to go on a date with her future husband, Ishida Ryūken, Masaki's nephew. It was supposed to secure the bond between the Kurosaki kingdom and the Inoue kingdom. The Ishida's were a powerful family that backed the Kurosaki family in all their decisions. Ryūken, the heir of the family was content with the decision and decided to go along with the marriage arrangement. It was however Amari that refused, despite the will of her father the king.
"But I'm sure you guys will be happy. Besides, we will really become family!" Masaki said in a loud whisper. They were still looking for a place to hide. "I don't need to marry into the Ishida family to become your family. Friends over blood relations." Amari grinned, pulling Masaki into one of the unoccupied rooms.
"We're safe here." It was a cleaning closet. The girls squatted on the ground, listening to the sounds of the castle. "Ryu-chan must be looking for you Amari-chan. Gosh, I feel terrible."
"You're just too kind Masaki. Not that it's a bad thing. Probably one of the main reasons Isshin fell so hard for you." She burst out in laughter while Masaki was turning red. "N-Not true…" She muttered while pouting.
"I'll just reject Ryu-chan nicely and ask him to play along with my plan. I think that's the only way for me to become free." Inoue Amari looked at her friend, an unfamiliar expression on her face. It was as if she were sad, but she soon masked it with a smile.
Ishida Ryūken was now walking through the big garden of the Kurosaki estate. It was the garden he spent hours with his future spouse as children. Amari was the first girl he held close to his heart. The beautiful smile she would display when she was truly happy. It was like a sun that could not be hidden by any darkness. The way she would sneak out at night to get snacks for him and Masaki. Amari was lively, brave and beautiful, just like his cousin. Both women attracted everyone in their surroundings to them.
His niece was lucky that her father would allow her to marry anyone she fancied, as long as he was from a noble position. But for him, he was promised as a husband for the girl he loved his whole life, Inoue Amari. But Ishida Ryūken wasn't a man of low intelligence. It was quite the opposite. Deep down inside he knew that his charming friend wasn't in love with him and dreaded the marriage. But Amari never properly faced him and denied his love, she rather reacted reserved when it was announced that the two would become husband and wife. It threw Ryūken off. And now he was here, going on a date with her, just like his parents wanted.
The silver haired male looked up and was surprised. Amari, who spend hours running away from him stood before him. Her arms crossed while peering at him, biting her lip. "Amari?" Ryūken walked towards her, hoping she wouldn't run away. "Finally, you're not running from me again. Did you have fun with Masaki teasing me?"
The female snorted and nodded. "Yeah. We just had some things to discuss. You know, girl stuff." A grin formed on her face as she leaned forward, staring deeply into Ryūken's eyes. "Ryū-chan. Thanks for being such a good friend." A soft blush appeared on Ryūken's face as he backed away from her, adverting his gaze to the flower beds near them. "W-why suddenly?"
Amari's happy face once again changed into a serious one. "Ryūken I really admire you. In all these years you have always been on my side, a strong companion and ally I can trust. For once, I wish I could do the same…" Amari's voice trailed off as big tears started rolling on her cheeks. She leaned down and rested her hands on her knees, looking at the ground. Ryūken's eyes widened at the sight of a princess bowing down to him.
"B-But… I can't!" she said loudly. "I really want to give you my heart, but you know that I can't become what you want me to be. What I truly want is to be free… and the truth is, I found someone whom I can truly be myself with." Tears were still falling, but Amari managed to control her breathing. "Ryu-chan, I'm r-really sorry."
He pushed up his glasses and looked at the sky, his two hands sliding in his pockets as the evening wind gently blew the cold on them. A sad smile appeared on his face. "Amari…" Ryūken looked at Amari with his smile. The female he had ever so loved finally was being honest to him. For some reason, he couldn't be any happier.
"Thank you for being honest. I thought you were never going to let out your feelings and just marry me. It really made me uncomfortable. Breaking a marriage is harder than preventing one." Amari looked up with a shocked expression. "You knew then?"
Ryūken nodded. "Amari, we've known each other since we were little. How can I not know your feelings? You're quite easy to figure out though." He laughed as Amari bit her lip. How could she not sense that Ryūken was aware of her feelings? Once again, she felt as if she was failing as a friend.
"Who's the lucky guy?"
"What lucky guy?"
"The one you referred to, just now."
Amari looked puzzled, but then it came back to her. "Oh! You mean Daichi-kun?"
Ryūken's brow lifted in surprise and sighed. Sometimes his friend would be such a scatterbrain.
"His name is Daichi and he's spectacular! A very smart guy and the most important part is… he likes me too! Can you believe that such a hunk is in love with, me!" Amari's signature smile appeared on her face as her hands clasped over her heart. "He has thick brown hair and deep and intense brown eyes. It's like swimming in chocolate. I can watch him for hours."
"Thick brow hair, deep eyes?" Ryūken whispered as he rested his index finger on his chin. "Are you referring to Aizen Daichi?" Amari happily nodded and grinned. "You always figure things out so fast Ryū-chan. So smart!"
She patted his head, but he immediately shoved her hand away as he almost yelled "Are you crazy?! Do you even know who that is?!"
"Ryū-chan…" Amari pouted, her arms folding once again over her chest. "Please, not you too! I haven't even told Masaki yet."
"I bet you'll receive the biggest scolding of her yet!"
"That's why! Please keep it a secret. From Masaki but most of all from my family. I don't even want to image what my father might do to me if he finds out."
"Amari, you want me to keep a secret that you're in love with the only son of the notorious Aizen family that has been kicked out by the Kuchiki's?! Your dad only let them stay in your kingdom so that they can provide him with research to increase army forces. That means they are seen as nothing more than the lowest of the lowest."
Immediately Ryūken started pacing nervously, scratching his head. "How did you even come in contact with that guy?"
"We met when he was invited to the palace by my brother. Apparently, they just came out with a new armory. There was immediately a click during our first encounter."
"Amari, I don't know if I can do this."
'Ryū-chan, please. There is no one else I can entrust this to. You are supposed to be my fiancé. Please keep this a secret for my dad and tell him you fell in love with someone else. That way he won't force us into this marriage."
"How can I say that?!" Ryūken rubbed his head, frustrated by it all. But when he saw Amari's expression he once again sighed. How could he not help the dearest friend to his heart?
Alright, I'll help you. he said with a disappointed look on his face as he grabbed her hand and placed it on his chest saying;
"I wish things could be different, but I'll cover for you if you promise me that you always tell me what is on your mind and if you are in danger I'll make sure you will be fine."
Amari looked at him and nodded, a grateful look in her eyes. "Thank you, Ryu-chan. I appreciate you doing this for me."
After Amari left the garden and made her way home back home her parents were waiting patiently to hear about the date she was supposed to go on. Immediately to her father's quarters and briefed him about the date.
Because Amari knew the way her father was thinking about her, she didn't regret hiding the truth from him. Everything was better than saying she was seeing someone that her father would not approve of.
Months went by and Amari kept on seeing Daichi in secret while Ryūken was covering for her. Until one night, Amari was discovered by one of the guards. Near the Inoue palace there was a little valley where the princess would often meet up with her lover when she couldn't go far away from her home.
"Daichi-kun." Amari arrived at the valley, the sound of the water trickling down the stones filling the night air. Her eyes shimmered as she saw the tall male with thick hair leaning against a stone wall, smiling faintly at the girl. Sosuke Daichi was a 21-year-old researcher, scholar and aspiring politician. His interests were besides his physique the main thing that attracted Amari to him. The young girl learned from her mother to be knowledgeable from a young age.
The young Inoue would often sneak into the lessons of her brother to learn about kingdom politics, war strategies and welfare. Her mother made her read each day and much to her mother's relief Amari took a liking to it.
Soon, all the talk of the noble women and young maidens in her kingdom started to bore her. Mainly because they only discussed superficial matters. Who cares how to run a family or how to be a submissive wife when you can become a ruler of a kingdom? That was always in the back of her head.
In Masaki she found an equal partnership and friendship. Both girls weren't like average noble maidens and dreamed of becoming more than just passive wives and mothers. Just like the noble women, the males in the kingdom weren't much different. The noble men were just typical stuck up men, believing that after marriage their lives would be complete.
Despite being betrothed to Ishida Ryūken, who wasn't at all like the other males, Amari still had something in common with the noble women. Her dream was to marry for love and not for the kingdom.
Love, something her mother never got to experience. Something so precious that people wrote so easily about but seemed impossible to obtain for nobles and royals. The more it looked impossible, the more Amari was drawn to the concept of love. Giving love and receiving love. Growing up in a household without love, seeing her mother longing for it made the girl determined. No matter what, she would marry for love.
And then on her 16th year of life, Amari met the one male that swept her off her feet. The one man who did not only make her heart beat faster but even intellectually challenged her and made her brain tingle with excitement.
"Amari-chan, you're late. I worried something might have happened to you." The young maiden hugged Daichi and shook her head. "There was just a meeting I couldn't get out of. I'm sorry." He gave a short peck on the lips and ran his hand through her auburn shoulder-length hair.
"How was your day? It must've been an exciting one?" She pressed her head against his chest, gazing at the streaming water of the nearby rill. "Hmmm, it was. Father and I finally managed to book some successes with the mutant serum. It'll be a great hit once we pass the testing stage."
"Isn't that wonderful. I just wish I could help you and your father more. The knowledge you have is so much that it can strengthen us as a kingdom. I can't understand why my dad won't restore your noble title." Amari pouted while Daichi just flashed her a smile. She looked adorable taking his side.
"Things are not that easy, my love. What my father is accused of is not a light thing. It's better not to know of the details." He leaned down so that his lips could reach her ears, so that only she could hear him. "Knowing can endanger both our lives."
His soft whisper made her shudder over her body. She knew his words were meant as a warning, but her body reacted differently. Amari cleared her throat and broke the hug. "If you say so…" Her cheeks flushed, while looking away.
The rest of the night they had a nice dinner together under the summer moon until a sudden loud voice could be heard. "Princess Inoue Amari, how could you!"
Amari and Daichi were holding hands but immediately let go of each other upon seeing an army officer, dressed in uniform standing before them. It was just their bad luck that it was one of the officers that served directly under Amari's father. Both were speechless as the officer approached them and dragged Amari by her wrist.
"I don't know what the meaning is of this, but I'll be taking the princess." It was then that Amari awoke from her moment of surprise and yanked her wrist away, pressing it against her chest. "N-No, you can't!"
"Why yes I can. Orders from the king are to get you home safe and sound. I'm ashamed to find you holding hands with this thing right here!" The officer said in a disgusted tone, his gaze matching his tone as he looked at Dachi from head to toe. Amari once again wanted to rebel against the officer until Dachi interrupted the two.
"Amari-chan. A princess and a noble should always listen to those with authority. Right now, the officer is acting on behalf of your father. Obey him."
"B-But Daichi, he's calling you a thing. You're not a thing, you are a human being. How can I listen to someone who doesn't even respect you?"
Daichi walked to Amari and caressed her cheek with his thumb, with the other hand pushing the bangs out of her face. Amari's eyes were shining brightly with sadness, something Daichi hated to see. The officer was taken aback by Daichi's gesture but couldn't do anything to stop him. "Whether someone respects you or not, I want you to always be the bigger person. Until it is your time, show respect and obey." Amari looked away while biting her lip, an unhealthy habbit of hers. At least, that is something Daichi often told her.
She gently pushed his hands away and turned to the officer. "Let us go home."
Back home Amari was immediately escorted to her father's quarters and seated in the middle of the room. King Azaki was now kicking chairs around in his office, screaming as he saw his daughter.
"YOU! YOU! HOW COULD YOU?!" He stormed off unto his daughter and grabbed her hair, pulling her off the chair and throwing her unto the ground, which resulted in Amari crying and pleading. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MAKE ISHIDA WITHDRAW FROM MARRIAGE?!" Her father yelled, Amari now shielding herself from her father attacks by holding her arms in front of her face.
"Tell me." Her father was now standing in front of her, looking down on his daughter laid down on the ground. "How did you play Ishida and end up with that failure of an Aizen!" Amari's mind was rushing as she couldn't understand what could've happened to her deal with Ryūken. Something was amiss and she needed to find out before her father would kill her.
"F-Father please, I don't know what you are talking about. I-Is there something wrong with my marriage with R-Ryu-chan?" King Inoue smirked darkly at his daughter, kneeling down over her and started slapping her with the palm of this hand. "So you want to play dumb, huh? I thought you were the smart one of the bunch!"
Amari yelled out from the pain, but tears couldn't come out for some reason. The curiosity as to what happened was bigger than her pain. "Ishida called." her father said while continuing to slap Masaki on her arms, shoulders and face. "They said that they will cancel the marriage immediately because of that little deal you had with their son." Amari still couldn't comprehend and tried to push her father off of her, but without any luck.
"You children never cease to amaze me, and that's a freaking compliment!" The king knocked Amari out with his fist, and the last thing she could remember was his silver hair being lightened by the moonlight, while his gray eyes were filled with anger.
Days later Amari was finally allowed to visit her friend Masaki. Thankfully, Masaki was willing to invite Ryūken as well so that they could talk things over.
"Ryu-chan…" Amari said rather curtly, a stern gaze in her honey glazed eyes. Ryuuken bowed down in front of her. "I am truly sorry!" The auburn haired folded her arms over each other as she turned her head disapproving.
"Ryu-chan, Amari is seriously hurt. Look at her black eye and bruised arms. How could you!" Masaki interrupted while standing up for her friend. Amari felt self-conscious and tried to hide the bruises on her arm by pulling her vest.
"Ishida Ryuuken, I forgive you." The female sighed. It was her dear friend that she trusted with her life and there must have been a good reason for him disclosing their deal to his parents.
"Just tell me what happened." Ryuuken looked up and sat down in the chair across the two girls, looking uncomfortable.
"Eh… well." There was an awkward silence. "My parents caught me with Katagiri."
"Eeeeh!" Both girls cried out, covering their mouths. "Y-You mean… being caught doing something naughty?" Masaki whispered, which in turn made Ryūken turn red.
"I-I'm not proud of it… but lately, she just seems to understand me and I needed someone to be there for me."
"Don't feel bad Ryūken. I know like no one else what it is to be in love." A sympathetic smile on her face, in her eyes a new determination. "Thank you for covering for me. I wish you all the best of luck."
She hugged him tightly. "Amari…?" His tone sounded concerned. "What are you plotting?"
"Don't worry! It's time to fight my own battle." A wink found its way to the male while Amari was hugging Masaki tightly. "I wish you and Isshin all happiness."
Masaki looked puzzled at her friend. "W-What do you..?" Before she could finish her words the brave and now determined princess Inoue Amari walk away and went back to her kingdom.
Both Ryūken and Masaki never saw the princess again from that day onward.
Uwaaaaah! The end of part 1. I hope it was to your liking. Please read the next part as well!