Part 2

Enjoy!

Ever since the reveal of Amari's relationship with Daichi, she was not allowed to leave the castle. All servants were to hold a close watch on the princess while staying in. Wherever she went there was someone accompanying her, to her frustration.

The only way Amari could have outside contact was to reach out to her two older brothers who both lived outside the castle. Seeing no other chance, Amari decided to write a letter to her second brother. He was foolish enough to fall for her trick and let her meet Daichi. In the letter, Amari asked her brother if she could see him as she had something urgent to tell him regarding the throne. Something their father was keeping a secret for him. In order to speak freely, she needed to travel to him, and he needed to convince the king to let her see him.

Amari was the last child and only daughter in the Inoue household. Before her came Inoue Sota, Inoue Hideki and Inoue Higashi. Her eldest brother Higashi being the next in throne to rule the kingdom. All three brothers were born with small brains and lots of pride, which were an utter disappointment to Inoue Azaki. Whatever they were taught by the royal teacher was too hard for them to grasp, however when it came to physical combat, no one could outdo the two eldest brothers. Inoue Sota, on the other hand, was a totally different type. He was the daydreamer and would often sit in the garden, dream about the silliest things. King Inoue soon made the decision to send him far away where he wouldn't bother him.

Seeing all this made the youngest one, determined not to turn out like her brothers. She worked hard, read a lot and made sure to stand aside her father, hoping to be chosen as the next in line instead of her brother. But soon she noticed the misogynist ways of her father. He never deemed her worthy enough to be succesor, all because of her gender. It was reason enough for Amari to make her decision to leave the palace and live elsewhere.

Soon after the letter was sent Amari was summoned to her main room where her father and brother were seated. An angry scowl on Hideki's face. "Father, brother, to what do I owe this audience?" She said politely while bowing down, noticing her father's everlasting dirty smirk. "Your brother wants to take you with him so that you can rethink your ways. Do you think you deserve to go?"

Amari kept looking down. She knew this was a trick of her father to see how truly sorry she was. Meaning he was going to make her plead and cry to let her go. Never again would she give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry. Amari sighed and looked at her father. "I don't think I deserve to go, but it would be better for my punishment to go. Being locked away in a dungeon without having anything pleasant to wear or look at seems like a better punishment than staying in this beautiful palace." Amari said with a smirk, meeting the eyes of her father.

"That nerve you have." King Inoue grabbed the nearest object to him and threw it at his daughter. "Father!" Hideki cried out, rushing to Amari's side. He patted her back and dusted off her dress. She was after all his favorite sibling. "Dad, let me take Amari and teach her the lesson she needs. I promise, she'll come back a changed woman."

"I'll make her kiss your feet upon return and show her how to be the most obedient woman a man had ever seen." Amari felt her stomach twirl upon her brother's words. It took all the cells in her body to not react to his words. Even containing her expression was hard.

"You know Eliase-san is the most noble woman out there. She has a firm hand and can teach my dear sister." Hideki stood now before his sister, blocking Amari's view as he held out his hand to his father, his other hand on his chest. "You know I won't break a promise."

Amari rolled her eyes. Hideki was her little pawn, but his wife was a different story. How he ever got to marry Eliase was a total mystery, but the woman was just plain horrible. But now this could work to her advantage. Anything to meet Daichi.

"Father, Amari and Eliase never get along with each other. It will be a very difficult task for her to work with my wife." King Inoue chuckled as he thought about how Amari could turn out. Eliase was a blonde beauty from a high standing noble family within the kingdom. Trained to be a wife and future queen. Amari would suffer under her hand.

"I'll allow it. Only under the following terms. You report to me what she is up to every week. I want a palace guard to go with you and oversee her at all times. And bring her back for the feast. Her attendance as yours is required." Hideki smiled and nodded. "I promise father."

That same night Amari was on her way to the estate of her brother Inoue Hideki.

In the first weeks she managed to get out a letter to Daichi. Amari was determined to meet him and if possible, move away with him. After 3 months, the day was finally here. She got to meet Daichi.

They had decided to meet in the cold snow near the mountains. It was Daichi's favorite spot. Deep at night Amari fled the estate by climbing from her balcony to the gardens. It took her 4 hours by foot to reach the meet-up place.

"I made it!" She yelled! Her cheeks red and her hair slightly covered with the falling snow. From behind a male immediately took her into his arms, kissing her cheek. "Guess who?"

Amari giggled as it was the one and only voice she longed for. "Daichi-kuuun!" She tiptoed and kissed his swiftly, her hands resting on his strong chest. "Definitely worth the 4-hour walk." He chuckled and brought her to a little house in the mountains.

Daichi managed to arrange a small house for them to stay in while planning out their life together, but it wasn't as easy as it seemed. A huge search ordered by Hideki was carried out. They had to find the princess, no matter what it took.

Months passed and Amari and Daichi lived happily together. Daichi was under strong surveillance at his job, due to the nature of his relationship with the princess, but he managed to keep his housing and personal relationship hidden from his employer and the kingdom.

Spring flowers were blooming and Amari was sitting in front of the house. It was safe now the winter had passed and soldiers stopped patrolling the area. The auburn haired woman was wearing a small hat and a yellow dress. She knelt down to smell the lily's that were in bloom when suddenly a delivery man appeared.

"Delivery for Aizen-sama."

"Oh! You can leave the letter with me." The young boy handed her the letter and immediately went back. Amari looked at the sender name and saw the name of Daichi's father. Hmmm, it's from Oji-sama. How weird. Should I take a look?

From curiosity, she walked to the kitchen to take out a knife and opened the letter. It contained the following:

Dear Daichi,

I hope this letter finds you well.

From the guards here I have heard that you are almost done with the developments of the new mutant variant you developed back in the Kuchiki kingdom. I'm proud of you son. We are forever in the Inoue's debt for letting us stay with them in the kingdom, even though I doubt that King Inoue has good intentions for this research.

Word has also spread about the disappearance of Inoue Amari. Do you have anything to do with this? You know what my opinion is about your relationship. Unless it is a good business deal, you have nothing to gain from this relationship. This can endanger our position in the kingdom! Besides, I have some other news for you.

Dawina has given birth to a healthy son. I named him after the favorite character of the first book you have ever read. Sosuke, a good fitting name for the son that will carry on the name of the Aizen family. He looks exactly like you. Just like his dad, and we couldn't be more overjoyed. Dawina and I are awaiting your return. Don't take too long!

Greetings from your father.

The young princess was confused by the letter and stumbled, loosing her balance in the process as she fell on the ground. Daichi's father mentioned a son? What could that mean? He looks exactly like Daichi, his father. Big honey brown eyes widened as she could feel her heart beat faster, her mind rushing and breath leaving her body.

Immediately Amari ran to Daichi's study and searched through all his stuff, looking for a clue to this Dawina his father mentioned in the letter. The entire day Amari was turning the house upside down, looking for even the smallest hint about a possible affair.

The sun was setting and Dachi came home exhausted, but when he saw the state of the house he immediately looked for Amari, scared that she was taken by soldiers "Amari-chan, Amaaaari!" He yelled, making his way to their bedroom as soon as possible. There he found the princess on the bed, a nasty glare on her face as she held the letter.

"Read this." She threw the letter on the ground, which made Daichi cock a brow, nevertheless he picked up the letter. He read it, but the surprising thing was that he kept the same composure as before, which was unsettling to the female.

"You threw a rampage because of this letter? The Amari I know would've known better." His dark deep brown eyes were ice-cold. He walked towards the bed where she was sitting and leaned forward, so his face would be a few inches apart from hers.

"What does it matter to you that I have a child? Are you willing to let this come between our relationship? What we have is perfect. We're meant to be together. Bearing a son was just part of my duty as the one and only son of our family." Daichi placed his hand on Amari's face, stroking it gently.

But the princess wasn't having it as she pushed his hands away, a stern look in her eyes. "Who's that woman your father referred to?" Daichi rubbed his face as he took a step back and let out a sigh that he didn't know he held back. He remained silent. "Tell me who she is!"

"My wife." It was quiet in the room. So quiet that you could hear a needle fall to the ground. Amari's chest was pounding once again. What she was suspecting became her reality. "B-but how?" She asked dumbfounded.

"Back in college we met. She and I got along greatly, so my dad pressured me into marrying her. There were always big expectations for my life. As soon as my dad discovered that I had this genius brain, he wanted to make sure that I would get a child that would inherit my DNA. He wouldn't allow me to work in the lab until I made sure I was married and got a son."

"Didn't we meet when you were just graduated? Was this when you just married her?" The shock and confusion was noticeable in Amari's voice despite trying to stay calm. "Yes. You and I met just a week after I came back from my honeymoon."

"But you weren't wearing a ring."

"I don't wear rings. That's prohibited in labs."

"Why did you approach me then? What did you see in me when you were happily married?"

It was on that moment that Amari couldn't hold it anymore. Tears started to well up in the youngest Inoue's eyes, something that rarely ever happened. More than anything, Amari hated to cry.

"It was… love. The moment you entered the room my normal world turned bright. It was as if the sun started to shine. Besides, you are a daughter of the king. Who wouldn't want to be with such a privileged person."

"Privileged… you must be joking, right?" Her voice was now breaking down. Was her first love a lie? The love she thought would last forever was corrupted? Did she really fall for a married man who sneaked and laid with me behind his wife's back? All the values she stood for, all the things she believed came crashing down.

"A daughter of a king is always like the sun. That is the reason why you brightened up my world. My father was right. Royalty is a class on its own. Together, I wanted to be by your side, working for the kingdom. I felt truly lucky when you returned the gesture and expressed your feelings. To this day, I'm still grateful."

"Are you saying that you only love me because of my background?" Amari finally managed to stop her tears, her sadness replaced by fiery anger. "Oh Amari. I have never seen you as the foolish type. Among your brothers you are the most intelligent one. Outspoken, fierce and daring, but you're still so naive." Daichi snickered.

"Being blinded by love. I have to say that I also love you dearly. I don't merely love you for your background, but because you bring the best out of me. When I'm with you that beast in me calms down. The way you take charge of matters tingles my senses and excites me. For the first time in my life I have found someone who matches me in every way." Daichi sat beside Amari. A dark aura flowing from him as it intimidated the female. Never ever had she seen him like this.

"D-Daichi, you're confusing me." she stammered. He smirked as she leaned down. "Inoue Amari, let's forget this letter ever happened." He tore the letter apart and started to kiss her feverently. The female pushed him away and wiped her lips. "N-No! I won't forget what happened. I was deceived by a married man! Don't you know how I feel?"

"I'm disgusted with myself! All this time I kept myself pure because I believed I was better than all these nobles having mistresses on the side. I wanted to thrive and make a name for myself…" She walked out of the room and ran to the front of the house. The feeling of betrayal overshadowing their relationship.

The usual Daichi would leave Amari alone when they had an argument, but the dark Daichi that came out ran outside and dragged Amari back in. He carried her to his study and forced her to have intercourse against her will.

The next day came and Inoue Amari was sitting naked beside Daichi's sleeping form, her whole body sore from the happenings of last night. Hate started to seep in her mind as she looked at the man, thinking back of her cries and pleads of last night that only reached the ceiling as he was forcing his way into her. Immediately she could hear his loud groans and shouts from last night. "Don't you dare leave me Inoue Amari!"

"You're mine and mine alone!"

"No one can handle you like I can."

"If someone else were to have you, I will catch them and slice their throat."

"You belong to me."

She shuddered as his voice echoed through her head. This man was starting to look a lot alike to her father, and it made her even more sick. That is when she made up her mind. She had to go back and find a solution.

In the next few weeks Amari acted like all was peaches and cream. After that incident Daichi returned to his normal self and Amari decided to wait for the right timing to leave. Finally, one day after Daichi left for the lab, the young Inoue decided to make her move. She went to the village and created a scene so that the guards would notice her. Immediately, she was transported to the Inoue kingdom.

Back home Amari was immediately thrown in a dungeon by her father. Visitations were forbidden, even from close family. King Inoue was furious with his daughter and couldn't care if she were to die. Until all things changed.

Due to the marriage being called off, the Inoue lost an important ally, but most of all the support of the Kurosaki kingdom. The main reason for marriage was to establish support and loyalty. Inoue Azaki's greed was always big and without the alliance with the Ishida family he felt threatened. But with the new mutant drug designed by Aizen Daichi, which turned good soldiers into big monsters with enormous strength, King Inoue decided to try his luck.

He planned to attack the all kingdoms in an attempt to overthrow them all. Which eventually led to an all out war where the lives of the Inoue family were endangered. It was a three-year-long war and in between the three years Hisaghi took over the throne, hoping to make finish the job his father couldn't finish.

For two long years Amari was still kept in the dungeon. Her beauty fading as she slowly turned crazy. The hate for her father increased after hearing about his passing. Her brother Hideki freed her after his passing, but she could never forgive him for what he did to her.

"Amari, things are not looking good. I want you to leave with one of my good trusted friend Torio." She looked up at a tall man with dark blonde hair and light green eyes. He smiled fondly at her, but Amari didn't respond. "Princess Inoue, please stay with me at all times." Amari, of course, did as she was ordered without throwing a tantrum. Being held in a prison for two years had calmed her down.

Soon after they left for the border of the Inoue kingdom and settled in a small place where no one could recognize the princess.

[ back to present]

"After hearing the whole family was beheaded I was in utter shock. I wasn't allowed to do research or even reach out to anyone from that kingdom." Masaki's eyes were filled with tears. "My friend… I really thought she was dead then."

Isshin stood up from his seat and walked to Masaki to give her a big hug. "It's okay sweetie." Masaki sniffed and continued her story. "I never knew she was alive until I read the diary of your brother. It seemed he had hidden all the letters somewhere in the woods under the ground. Your brother was really thoughtful…"

Orihime didn't know how to respond to the story of her mother. In her hand she was holding two pictures. One picture of her mother together with Ryuuken and Isshin, in the other one was a picture of the Inoue royal family. For some reason, there was no emotion.

"Here are the letters of your brother. It mainly explains the rest of your mother's story. Hesitantly, Orihime took the letters and started to read.

Dear Uncle,

I am delighted to hear you are alive and wishing to be our aid in these difficult periods. It must have been hard tracking me and Orihime down. A year ago, my sister and I left that toxic place and decided to start anew. The abuse Orihime and I suffered was endangering our lives. Mother told me in her drunken episodes the reason why she is unhappy with her life. The reason she is taking this out on us?

Right now, tears come to my eyes when I think about the reason. I'm not ready to tell it, yet but the time will come. I don't regret any decision I made. We're looking forward hearing from you.

Reply from Inoue Sota

Dear Nephew,

It breaks my heart to learn about my sister and her children's whereabouts and what you have gone through. The two years that your mother had been locked away did her not do any good. Please keep the hope alive. You need hope to survive, both for you and your sibling. Unfortunately, this is the only way of support I can offer, but please make good use of it.

When the time is right, I am sure you will open up to me and tell me what happened. Your uncle is always here for you.

Orihime went through all the letters, and then there it was. The letter she was hoping to find. The reason her mother turned into the monster of her far distant memories.

From Inoue Sora:

Dear uncle,

I greet you well. The holidays are drawing nigh here in western kingdom and Orihime and I are doing well. It has been years since we have felt so comfortable. My little sister is experiencing true friendship for the first time and I feel warm inside just looking at her interacting with her friends.

Since we are becoming happy I decided to leave the past behind and focus on a better tomorrow. That means I will have to deal with whatever is bothering me and ask the one question that is bugging me. Are our parents still alive? Somewhere in my heart I hope they are doing well and found happiness, but there is another part that is mad and wants to be compensated for the tragedy we had to experience.

Uncle, can you please help me? In return, I tell you the one thing you wanted to hear the most. The reason for her abusive behavior. It is hard to imagine my mother as a caring soul. From the moment I was born my mother neglected me. Both my parents just fed me and left me alone to the wolves. As soon as I turned 10, I had to start stealing and running errands for my father. My mother was usually not home. She was in the brothels, earning money for the house. Back then, there was no sign of abusive behaviour, rather it looked like she couldn't care less. It was her instead that received hits and punches from our father. I didn't even bother to protect her. She never did the same for me.

But then one day she came home and found out she was pregnant once again. 9 months later she gave birth to the most just beautiful girl. Auburn hair that looked more like orange, grey large eyes and a cute smile. That is when it all started. My mother abused Orihime by hitting her, strangling her, trying to push the life out of her. One evening she told me in another drunk episode that Orihime's eyes reminded her of her father. She had the exact same eyes. Those eyes she despised more than ever. It was because of her father she turned into a failure, and she was going to take revenge, by killing Orihime.

Uncle, I'm shaking while writing this. I am writing my mother because she's not even worth being called a mother to Orihime. Despite her wrongdoings I still want to know how she's doing.

Awaiting your letter.

Reply from Inoue Sota

My nephew,

It is good to hear from thee. What an utter shock to hear from you what your mother has become. My one and only dear little sister. Once again, my heart is crying while writing this to you. Upon your request I have looked into where my sister could be. I am in deep sorrow as I write this. Inoue Amari, your mother was killed not too long ago. The loan sharks took their belongings, but the income was too little. They took the life of both your parents.

I am truly sorry once again. This is not the news I wanted to bring.

Hoping all is well.

Orihime was crying as she went through the letters. The pain, the suffering and the memories of her childhood flooding back. Isshin offered her some tissues and patted the girl's back. "I'm truly sorry Orihime-chan."

"W-What happened to my uncle?" She asked, looking at her mother-in-law. "Sota-san passed away short after that letter. It seemed he was incurably sick. It's all so unfortunate." Masaki sat back down in her chair.

"Thank you Masaki-san for disclosing my whole background to me. This is a lot to process, but I understand why you had to do this." Orihime wiped her tears.

"You want me to be careful while meeting Aizen Sōsuke." Masaki nodded, glad that Orihime saw the reason for this long talk. "He might be aware of your background. We can't take any chances."

"Who is the person that brought in contact with him?" Isshin interrupted. "Momo-chan…" Orihime gasped as she started to connect the dots. It was then that a new determination came to Orihime as she changed the look in her eyes, her cheeks still red from the crying she had done.

"I'll be careful Kurosaki-sama, Masaki-san. Thank you, once again!"

Orihime stood up and bowed down. After that, she turned around and left the room. A huge smile appearing on Masaki's face.

That look reminds me of your mother. You go my girl, I'll be here to protect you at all costs.

Girl power! Hahaha that was literally what I was thinking when I wrote the last line. Phew phew. I'm glad this is over! However, this was really really fun to write. I even had to hold myself back from diving more into Amari's backstory. But it will take up too much of my time. Please let me know what you think and how you think the plot will evolve. It's always interesting to read your thoughts and opinions.

Alsoooo Merry Christmas for those who celebrate. I hope you will have a good time celebrating. I will try to upload the next chapter as soon as possible. Hopefully on boxing day, when the final episode of the first course of Bleach TYBW airs. But I can't make any promises :)

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