Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. I beg indulgence for the license taken with history and the characters.

Seducing Setesh

Chapter 3

The snap of his fingers echoed in the vast throne room against the marble and sandstone. There was no hesitation in his men to back away, they were too well trained.

The beautiful sword was not sheathed however as the figure turned, not yet ready to drop defense.

Had he been any other man he might have sucked in a breath at the face turned to him.

Her gaze was steady and piercing, unrelenting. There was no shyness to that familiar, yet foreign pair of lilac-laced sapphire eyes. She did not drop her head in deference, nor execute a curt yet elegant bow.

But what unnerved him the most, what caused an unpleasant sensation to drip down his spine, was the fact that there was no small smile playing on her lips- no soft welcoming mien to her once porcelain, now olive tinted face.

"Take up posts in the hall." Domino Kuchiki uttered quietly, keeping his sights on the young woman.

This time, there was a pause, questioning glances exchanged.

"Renji."

The red head, still startled by the revelation, also took a moment to respond before he straightened his spine and barked, "Move! Now!"

The shifting of leather and cloth as the men saluted was followed by the steady slap of boots on the stone floors as the officers abruptly filed out.

After a glance the small retinue that had accompanied the queen was dismissed as well. The Nubians bobbed their heads, dark eyes wary despite how they immediately obeyed. The merchant bowed at the waist once more before swaggering out with an amused smile shadowed by his turban.

Golden eyes followed the movement of the man before the cat leapt from the woman's arms to the floor to accompany the disguised pirate.

Before he slipped through the door however the green swathed man passed a glance in the queen's direction to which she gave the barest of nods.

If not for his preoccupation, Domino Kuchiki might have noted this exchange. As it was later he would berate himself for not setting a tail on the merchant as soon the man was to be swallowed up by the city with not a clue to what errand he had been set upon.

Silence descended, tense and waiting.

Finally after a time, the woman at Rukia's back turned to face the room with a smile, "Pardon, Domino. I will excuse myself. I know my way around after all… And I've no desire to intrude upon this reunion."

Before even the decorated captain might order his lieutenant to escort her majesty, the young woman before him spoke.

"There is no intrusion… my lady. My duty is to you." Rukia said steadily, her chin tipped up in pure self-assurance.

Her voice was deeper, not peppered by that sweet girlish tone that had once forced his indulgence, and Byakuya again recognized that he might as well be staring into the face of a stranger. He knew nothing of the life this girl had lived after he had sent her away to this exotic court. Again he could not help but see that admonishing finger wagging at him in his mind, chiding him for his selfish decisions.

"Oh," The woman responded with feigned surprise, "I had thought you might like a chance to reacquaint yourself- with your family."

For a moment, Rukia seemed to falter, eyes flashing with an emotion Byakuya could not discern. But then the young woman simply closed her eyes and stood tall to sheath her sword with sure, practiced grace. She took a breath and turned on her heel toward her charge, the dark locks at the sides of her face that had fallen forward past the cloth swinging with the movement.

"There is no need for such indulgence, your highness. There is nothing to be said. I left no family behind in the Seireitei." Rukia spoke the words with almost no emotion and Byakuya felt truly chilled by her lack of feeling. His stomach fully sank when she added with a hint of animosity, "This is my true home after all."

"Very well." The woman inclined her head in gracious agreement, the smile playing on her lips sly with triumph.

Byakuya felt his jaw clench painfully as the woman dared flash a smirk his way before she too turned toward the door and began to lead his sister away.

The doors closed behind them with jarring finality.

"Domino-," Renji began to protest in earnest.

"I want a two man escort with the queen at all times. She is to be relegated to unobtrusive chambers. Free reign would only invite danger and I believe she is aware of this and will comply." He ordered calmly as though that scene had not just played out before him.

His lieutenant opened his mouth, but thought better of whatever reservations he was about to put forth regarding the man's estranged sister.

He cleared his throat as he nodded slowly, but then questioned quietly, "And if she does not?"

"Then you are to make it clear that she has no choice in the matter." Byakuya slid his stern grey-eyed gaze in Renji's direction.

The feeling of being home was suddenly eclipsed by the rise of memory and emotion she had forestalled for years. The familiar hallways and passages that she walked gave her no comfort as she strode blindly through them, out-pacing even the long-legged Nubians.

"Rukia."

The young woman's shoulders rose and fell even as she slowed and finally paused. Familiar fragrance embraced her just before the most assuring warmth reached for her. The woman slid her arm through Rukia's and started a more leisurely pace down the hall, ignoring the uneasy gazes of the Seireiteian guards assigned to them.

The woman studied the girl's face noting the tightness of her jaw and how her nostrils flared slightly with every agitated breath.

Gazing ahead the woman spoke softly, her voice only a murmur that did not carry beyond the intended ears, "This is why I thought it best that you stay with the army. I could have resolved this matter, sent that- man on his way, and then seen you back to Alexandria in triumph."

"And how long might that have taken?" Rukia replied, in a similarly low, conspiratorial voice, "Months. Besides you know my place is here."

"Mmm… The people would likely look for you." The woman conceded.

The eyes of lapis and lavender narrowed, jaw working as though there were a bitter taste in her mouth Rukia stated, "I know precisely how this will play out in any case. Domino Kuchiki will seek to make peace. But you know those fools on Ptolemy's council will only pretend to be in agreement. Soon enough they will have devised a plan and inevitably a battle will ensue. The general naturally will win- and he will again attempt to restore order."

"There is no doubt that will take some time." The woman at her side responded pensively.

"Yes."

Rukia felt the arm around hers tighten and the woman's breath brushed her ear, "Then allow me to expedite the situation, I-,"

The young woman had stiffened and she hissed, "No! I will not entertain that notion."

There was silence and Rukia felt the woman withdraw slightly. After a time in which only the swish of clothing and the quiet resound of sandals against the marble could be heard the other woman spoke, "As you wish. We will simply… wait."

Unable to help herself, Rukia shot the woman a suspicious frown, knowing the other's words had implications beyond simply being patient as the kami moved the pieces of their world according to their will. She sighed.

So many years have passed… I have not felt such a stranger in these halls in quite some time. I fear the influence Domino's presence will have… She cast one more glance at the profile of her trusted friend. I fear that I will be unable to maintain the loyalty that has been sworn to me.

Ichigo buried his hand into his sunset locks to scratch in agitation. The halls were a maze. Each section of the royal residence was interconnected by columned courtyards, the compound stretching for what seemed miles. As it was it had taken some time to organize his men at the docks- ordering them to take up posts in the metropolis that was Alexandria. Hours had slipped by before he could make his way toward the palace, with a few subordinates in tow, to report to the Domino.

Once on the palace grounds he had dispersed his men to stand guard at previously unoccupied entrances. However, on his own he had lost his way at least three times and the servants did not speak Latin. As it was the palace's attendants skirted around him, giving him furtive, fearful, and sometimes scathing glances even as they bowed their heads to him.

He grumbled to himself as he struck out down yet another corridor, recognizing that he was going west as he could see the sun dipping ahead of him.

Admittedly he appreciated the way the white columns caught the light, their colorful etchings seeming to glow serenely. The palace was a perfect example of Alexandria's history. While many of the wings of the complex were more Greek in fashion there was Egyptian influence everywhere. Oddly the mingling of cultures was seamless, exotic as it was to his foreign eyes. He had no idea how to decipher the engravings that adorned the walls and columns, yet he was impressed by their multitude and detail.

It was as he was gazing curiously at a wall depicting a kilted man hunting among the reeds that he found himself colliding with a body. In all actuality the figured had really rebounded off of him, stumbling back in his desert robes.

The lieutenant frowned down at the smallest guard he had ever seen as the other man muttered curses in a tongue he did not know, head- cloth obscuring his sight of the small individual's face.

With a chuckle the bright-haired man attempted to apologize, "Pardon, friend. I did not see you there-,"

He stopped short as the boy's head whipped up to narrow fetching navy eyes upon him.

All he could do was gawk. Dirt smudged the heart-shaped face, but could not hide the clear, silken complexion that would make any of the noblewomen of the Seireitei green with envy. There were high, yet delicate cheekbones beneath that skin and there were pink lips pouted in a moue of distaste. The striking eyes were encased by enchanting lashes of the purest ebony and the black brows over these glorious eyes had a patrician arch.

Ichigo was speechless. He had never seen a boy so… beautiful. He shook himself suddenly at the thought.

The young man's eyes narrowed further as the Seireiteian soldier before him inwardly scolded himself. One of those noble brows arched as the Egyptian watched the man rub at his neck before the foreigner offered a crooked smile.

"Ugh- sorry again. You're one of the queen's guards, huh? Say- you wouldn't happen to speak Latin by any chance? I've been chasing my tail in these halls for a good half hour- just trying to find the throne room…" Ichigo gave another huff of laughter- hoping the flush in his cheeks might seem to be heat induced.

The boy- for that's all that he could be in those pants and boots, sword at his side- cocked his head at the taller man, lips quirking wryly a moment before he shrugged.

The lieutenant sighed gustily, shoulders drooping as he muttered to himself, "Of course not. No one in this bloody place does."

With a smirk the boy bowed his head to the man and stepped around him. He listened as the man sighed again, uttering a curse. Helplessly he paused.

His hands formed small fists at his sides and he took a breath already berating himself for his sense of pity. After a deep breath the small guard cleared his throat.

Ichigo turned to the boy with a questioning look. He stared as the small figure made a careless gesture toward his left. After a couple hasty hand signals, Ichigo realized the boy was trying to direct him. Brown eyes widened in surprise, but the boy had already turned his back to him.

Alone now the orange-haired man shook his head at the odd encounter, but soon a scowl overtook his face as he realized…

"Oi!"

...

Rukia could not help it. Her cupid's bow mouth curled into an indulgent smile as she wound her way through the corridors.

She couldn't believe of all the places in the world they had met here. Oh yes, she knew him. How could she not recall such wild hair? It had been years but that flame-colored hair had remained the same- marking him blessed by the gods- or cursed depending on who you spoke to. No one else could boast hair so vibrant with the exception of perhaps Renji.

Renji… whose gaze could never so cleverly disguise emotion. She had seen it all when she glanced at him in the throne room. There was no mistaking the excitement, or the surprise, the fondness, or the… hurt.

Her footsteps slowed and she turned into another passage, this one only used by servants.

It had been so long since she had beheld either man, yet both were ingrained in her memory. She had met both when she was a child. Renji had often been about the Kuchiki home- always one step behind her older brother. He was perhaps a few years younger than Domino Kuchiki, but older than her by perhaps six years. She had met him the year he had joined the Sixth Legion; she had been eight at the time.

Abarai Renji had been carefully polite upon their meeting- stumbling over his words at times in his eagerness. But as soon as he realized she was not a shy maiden or overly demure for that matter he had easily become an anticipated guest. He often sparred with her brother in the training courtyard and when they were through he would practice with her (with her brother supervising of course). She knew the stances, her brother had started her instruction when she was six. While her brother naturally expected her to emulate a patrician lady in every sense, he did still allow her this indulgence. And with Renji acknowledging her skills with a sword she felt special. The red-head was outspoken at times and carefree, he treated her like an elder brother, though he wasn't half so patient as her Nii-sama.

Her mind faltered. How long had it been since she had used that endearment? Her eyes narrowed as a sliver of pain wormed into her chest. She shook her head, refusing to delve into the reason for her hesitation.

Lifting her chin she strode more steadily forward and her thoughts drifted to her earlier encounter. She was sure the young lieutenant had not recognized her though he had gaped at her for a time.

Rukia smirked. She was sure if the orange-haired man had recognized her he would have let loose a string of curses.

By the time Ichigo arrived in the throne room a great many things had already taken place without him. The buzz about the halls was that the queen had arrived- and in the most shocking of ways as she had entered the palace in disguise right under all of their noses. Shortly thereafter Ptolemy, the young king, and his advisers sought out the general, welcoming him to Egypt- having no knowledge that Cleopatra had already done so, albeit in secret.

However the meeting with Ptolemy had fast turned sour when Domino Kuchiki was presented with a basket in which Koga's severed head was placed. There were still traces of blood on the floor from where one of the Domino's men had lost his temper and gutted one of Ptolemy's guards. As it was it was lucky there had not been more bloodshed as no doubt the enraged sentiment was shared by the lord as well as his men. For lowborn foreigners to take it upon themselves to execute one of the Seireiteian elite- Domino Kuchiki's own rival and blood relation- was unacceptable- a deep affront. Following this the general had issued orders to put the entire palace on lockdown. He had dismissed the little king and wisely dispersed his council to their own chambers, refusing to allow them to accompany the boy. He was well aware of the treacherous inclinations of the men who had once held all power after Auletes death and the Ptolemy siblings' official ascension.

As coolly as the commander must have reacted, Ichigo was sure that his superior was full of ire. He had felt the animosity the moment he had stepped into the chamber and around a servant who was scrubbing the blood from the tiles.

"Bastards." Renji growled, "They'll turn on us as soon as they get the chance."

Ichigo only cast a glance in his direction, sitting on the steps up to the throne, forearms resting on his knees, sword settled just behind his elbows across his lap. While he agreed with the other lieutenant he remained silent, his eyes turning toward his commander.

Domino Kuchiki stood with his back to the room, his figure outlined by the sun, blazing hot still as it descended over the capitol city.

His gray eyes slid along the buildings below and out to the bay where the sea was a dazzling darkness in the slowly waning light of day.

None could say what he might be thinking- feeling as the afternoon fell into evening and the scent of lamps being lit started to pervade the air.

Finally he spoke, "I am told there are barracks on the southern grounds, make sure those off duty take shelter there until their rounds. I want a full force on watch, however it would do no good to have weary eyes on lookout; ensure they take at least four hours of rest. Lieutenant Abarai, Kurosaki, you will find quarters near my own and alternate command in shifts."

"Sir." Renji immediately responded, standing at attention.

After a nod, Ichigo languidly rose to his feet, sword in hand. He cracked his neck from side to side before he re-strapped his blade to the leather belt at his side. He replied, "Ita."

"Dismissed." The Kuchiki noble intoned, sights still on the horizon.

After a simultaneous bow in their commander's direction Ichigo and Renji turned to the doors, falling into step side by side.

...

"Well this is going to be a pleasant occupation." Ichigo scoffed as they set pace down the hall, red cloaks swinging as they caught the breezes that now swept the palace as the heat ebbed.

Renji snorted at this giving the other man a wry glance, "Aa well if it weren't for those blasted Ptolemies at each other's throats we'd be on our way with fresh supplies and a good deal of gold in our pockets."

"In order to do any of that now we gotta make nice- at least settle the unrest here. To leave the richest nation in the world to destruction would be foolish. To return to the Seireitei with more than our arses we have to have an ally here." Lieutenant Kurosaki commented, giving a nod to the saluting soldiers they passed at each corridor.

The redhead blew out his lips with a roll of his eyes, "Should just take it all if you ask me. No point in being friendly with people who obviously feel no good will toward us. We should take what we need and get the hell on- back to Seireitei."

It was Ichigo's turn to roll his eyes at the brash ideas of his fellow lieutenant, "Idiot. If you haven't noticed we're pretty well surrounded. The minute we took to shore we were risking it all. They had no qualms about taking Koga's head after all. We've an army on either side of us- we may be the better force but we're outnumbered if they turn on us- unite to take us out instead of each other."

Renji's face grew stormy as he thought on this fingering the hilt of his sword absent mindedly. Suddenly he seemed to be casting about furtively and Ichigo frowned.

"Lookin' for something?" He lifted a brow.

But the redhead glanced at him askance, "Maybe."

A smirk tugged at Ichigo's lips as he stared forward again, "I can take the lead first if you'd like. I saw plenty of the palace women who seemed to appreciate our uniforms."

Renji's own lips twisted as he gave the other man a look, "Unlike you I ain't interested in lifting every skirt that catches my eye." They had been in service together a long time and though they tended to at times act as rivals they knew each other quite well. Ichigo's penchant for being companionable with beautiful women was well-known in many circles however.

The younger man chuckled in response, "Maybe not, but you seem to be looking for something- or someone."

Again the other lieutenant darted his gaze away and only replied with a noncommittal grunt.

Ichigo tipped his chin back a bit as they entered a courtyard, the last of the sun's rays winking through the columns. His countenance was pensive even as his tone came out teasing, "I saw some interesting looking guys about too…"

"Shut it, Kurosaki." Renji glowered.

The evening fell swiftly and Domino Kuchiki found all his orders dispensed and his strategies planned. He knew very well what danger he'd placed himself as well as his legions in. Thus he had gone over every eventuality in hopes of preparing for whatever the coming days might bring. He had scoured maps of the city as well as those of the palace itself. Treachery could come from any side- it was really only a matter of time.

The time escaped him, until it was well into the hours of late night before he found himself in the chambers of the late King Auletes. He'd called for wine and a light supper and since finished his meal. Yet there was still a cup in his hand. He eyed it as he sat back in the chair at the end of the table. It was an exorbitant thing, pure gold with well-crafted images of the king engraved around it.

He scoffed. The opulence of the Alexandrian palace was somewhat galling to him who came from noble stock and knew a life of comfort. The Ptolemies, like the kings of old, had no qualms about putting their wealth on display. It was far from the Spartan personal quarters he kept in his homes in and outside the Seireitei.

If he were to concede to truth he would have to admit that he sorely missed the Republic of Seireitei. He had been chasing Koga for so long that he could barely recall the last time he had stepped foot in his own plain rooms.

And now Koga was dead. He was essentially trapped in a foreign city. And he was suddenly bombarded with sentiments he had put aside.

Rukia… The name sought out the deepest places within his heart.

How had I forgotten of her presence here? Have I been so preoccupied that I did not even think I might cross paths with her here where I relegated her?

Byakuya closed his eyes and felt a breeze from the harbor drift in from the long windows.

He tensed in his chair as the salt-fresh scent became sweet like lotus blossoms. His eyes flicked to his sword, resting in his belt on the table.

"No need for that Domino." Her voice was a purr to his left and he whipped his head in her direction to find her standing next to a passage hidden seamlessly in the wall.

He gritted his teeth, giving her his profile as he spoke stiffly, "Your highness… I did not expect you to approach me again so soon."

Her smile was not so diplomatic as it had been in the throne room, there was an edge to it- something he might think bordered on loathing.

"Why are you here exactly?" She asked without preamble.

He took an inaudible breath, "To settle the dispute between King Ptolemy and yourself."

"That is not what I was referring to," The tone of her voice had lowered, he could hear the sharp taint of frustration, "Why are you here in the per-aa's rooms?"

"Per-aa?" He repeated the word with care.

"The 'great house'. The king." She explained.

This time he cast his gaze on her and held her eyes, "Do you really not know?"

Green-eyes flashed beneath kohl-painted eyelids, "No."

He rose with the utmost grace to his feet. He took unhurried steps until he stood a step away from her, towering over her willowy form.

She had redressed, exchanged her disguise for the soft breezy linens of a Grecian noblewoman. White linen formed a Doric chiton, a belt of gold at her waist and one beneath her bust to hug her figure before flowing elegantly to her feet. There was eastern influence to the gown, however as there was no neckline, the fabric gathered so that it simply came up over her breasts clasped by golden ankhs at the shoulders. Her arms were bare and the valley between her peaks exposed, offering a tantalizing glimpse of their round golden flesh. He had seen women in less throughout his travels and yet none had been so tempting…

His eyes snapped back up to her face. She was painted and her hair pulled back, carefully coiffed into ringlets that spiraled down her back.

"I've come to ascertain the truth." He finally said.

"The truth of what exactly?" She countered instantly and his eyes helplessly lingered on her lips.

Eyes of hematite narrowed, his tone cold, "Who you really are." His eyes swept her dusky skin again.

Her lips parted in laughter, "Is that meant to be a philosophical question?"

His teeth flashed and his voice lowered into a growl, "You dare toy with me?" The day had dragged on, and with all of its revelations he was in no mood to brook words. A headache was forming behind his eyes from lack of sleep.

She tipped her head back into shadow, making her eyes dark and inscrutable, "Toy with you, Domino? Oh no… I would not dare to incur your ire… We both know that the Republic's dogs once unleashed will tear out the throat of even the innocent." The taunt was not lost on him.

She made the slightest of sounds as he pressed her back into the wall, the pressure of his body against hers making her back ache. His hand hovered over her neck, strong fingers flexing as though to take hold of her flesh in a relentless grip, "The throat, you say? Cease this game and tell me who you are- for you are certainly no innocent."

Again her face betrayed her animosity toward him and she replied, "Is it not you that toys with me now? I am Cleopatra Philopater Ptolemy. I am the seventh of my name. To put your hands on one of the gods' choosing is a death sentence."

The noble general's lips twitched, threatening a smirk as he eyed her, "I do not fear false power… Especially when I am certain you are not who you say you are." He shifted forward the slightest inch and could practically feel the outline of her ribs and the pulse of her heart.

She breathed through her teeth now, "I am 'the one who is all', the 'lady of ten thousand names', 'the giver of life.'"

"Superstition." He sneered, "You are no more the daughter of a goddess than I am the blood of Venus." One by one his fingers descended to imprint in her flesh, "Enough of this. Tell me who you are."

There was silence as the woman glared at him defiantly, daring him to squeeze. But he heard the passage slide open this time and he turned his head toward the new intruder.

"She is a sacred priestess; she serves Eset. I'll ask you to unhand her, Domino."

AN:

Notes:

"Ita"- What Ichigo says in response to the Domino's orders is Latin for "it is so"- from what I understand there is no word that directly translates to "yes".

"Per-aa" does indeed mean "great house". The Greek interpretation is "pharaoh".

"The one who is all", "The lady of ten thousand names", and "the giver of life" are all references to the goddess Eset- or Isis- her titles as it were.

If anyone has other knowledge please feel free to share!