Author's note: I do not own Bleach or its characters. This is AU.

Under Pressure

With a deep sigh, Nanao slipped into her private chambers. All she wanted was a hot bath and some time alone to figure some things out. Today had been rather hellish, and it didn't help that she was trying to sort out her feelings in regards to marriage. It was clear to her that she could not afford to spend another year in constant power struggle with the Royal Council. It was too draining and could be disastrous in the event of an emergency. Which meant she needed to marry someone who was already past his majority.

The problem was who. Nanao had her own list of candidates which did not match Lord Aizen's. However, part of her problem was who was at the top of her list. At this point the best choice for husband was Shunsui Kyoraku, and Nanao was terrified at what approaching him about it might do to their relationship. Sir Kyoraku was the most important person in her life, and she knew better than to deny it. He loved her, yes, but she didn't know if he was in love with her. Furthermore, if he wasn't, Nanao really didn't want to force him into marriage simply because she needed a husband. If there was anyone who would suffer from a business arrangement style marriage, it would be Shunsui, and she couldn't do that to him.

Slipping into the hot water, Nanao let out a soft sigh. Today had been far more stressful than she had liked, and she had barely any time to herself until now. Things were not going well. Between the fighting with the council and the developments on the borders, Nanao had scarcely had any time to simply rest. If it hadn't been for Retsu's insistence, she wouldn't even have this evening to herself. Nanao closed her eyes and let the hot water sooth her.

The issue of her marriage was not going go away, and Nanao was afraid if she kept putting it off, Aizen might be able to get enough of a majority in the council to force the issue. That was her greatest fear. Nanao knew exactly who Aizen's candidates for her husband were, and she would rather die than marry any of them. General Tousen had left the Shinigami Knights, something which made her suspicious, and she knew that Shunsui did not trust him whatsoever. Lord Kurotsuchi frankly disturbed her, and Count Kira who had barely reached his majority and was very suggestible. Kira was best choice out of them, and he was still a bad choice.

The water was beginning to cool down. Nanao got out of the bath, drying herself and wrapping herself in a pale pink yukata. She smiled at the color.

"Your highness," a maid appeared at the door, "Lady Matsumoto is waiting for you in your sitting room."

Nanao held back a sigh. Hopefully, Rangiku would have some good news for her. The older woman had been doing some investigating for her in hopes of turning up some information that would disqualify some of Aizen's candidates. The more Nanao had in her arsenal against that man the better.

"Rangiku?" The princess stepped into the sitting room.

The young geisha rose to her feet. "Princess. I have some good news and some bad news."

"Start with the good news." Nanao gestured for the woman to be seated before taking a seat herself.

"There is no way the council will approve Lord Kurotsuchi after they find out about what he's done to his daughter. She's your same age, and she's in the care of healers. She's still alive, but they're not sure she'll ever be able to live without a fulltime caretaker." A frown marred Rangiku's pretty face. "It is not a very pretty story, but it will protect you."

"Is there anything I can do for the daughter?"

Rangiku shook her head. "Lady Ukitake had her under her apprentice's care. Nemu can hardly have better care than that."

Nanao nodded sadly. "And the bad news?"

Sighing, Rangiku adjusted the folds of her kimono. "There's nothing to protect you from Tousen or Kira. Kira's a sweet boy, but someone else will be controlling him. There's also another candidate that they haven't offered yet, but they might if pressed. I…you are going to need to figure this out before they offer him. There will be nothing you can object to about him, and it will not be good for any of us if you have to marry him."

The princess fought the urge to frown. There was something about this situation that was making Rangiku very uncomfortable, and it had to do with this latest candidate for the position.

"You need to talk with Sir Kyoraku." Rangiku's voice was soft. "I know you have your concerns about asking him, but I do not think you can afford to put it off much longer."

Nanao sighed. Rangiku leaned forward and touched her hand. "I know you love him, and it does you credit that you don't want to force this on him, but he needs to make the decision. For all you know, he loves you just as much. Don't let fear rule you in this, Nanao. It could cost you everything."

She nodded. The older woman squeezed her hand.

"Good. I don't want to see you forced into something you will regret."

Despite Rangiku's advice, Nanao could not find the courage to address the issue that evening or even the next morning. She went about her duties as usual, trying to figure out just how to approach her champion. The princess had almost come up with a strategy when it came time for the day's council meeting. Nanao took her seat, and the chaos began. It was clear from the start of the meeting that tempers were flaring. Little fights broke out with nearly every topic on the agenda, and when they turned conversation to her marriage, things exploded.

She stayed out of the debate herself and just watched. Aizen too wasn't really participating, but he was egging his supporters on and instigating things further. Even Shunsui had become heated in defense of his opinions. When some of the knights started resting their hands on their sword hilts, Nanao decided that she needed to bring this to a close.

"Excuse me."

They paid her no heed. Nanao tried again.

"Excuse me, gentlemen."

Nanao frowned and began to murmur an incantation. A bolt of kidou hit the wall opposite her. Everyone froze, turning to look at her.

"Enough." Nanao rose to her feet, hands still glowing. "I will have my choice of husband for the council at the end of the week."

And with that, Nanao stalked out of the room.