AN: Made a bit of a mistake last chapter calling Koga- Pompey (that's his equivalent in historical terms). Sorry about that- I've fixed it and hopefully not caused any major confusion!

Also, I do apologize about the slow updates- life has changed and I'm just rolling with the punches.

Most of this chapter I would say is from Rukia's perspective, there's not a whole lot of dialogue until the end. Ichigo also gets his turn to take it all in and react…

Seducing Setesh

Chapter 6

It was the world's stage. Each step one took on the gold-veined marble was one that was watched in awe and, undoubtedly, scrutiny. The high-ceilinged chamber was designed so that it was impossible not to make an entrance upon arrival. And Cleopatra's retinue was grand to say the least. From priests, to the impressive presence of towering, muscled guards, and maids who doubled as priestesses, the queen's following was a sight to behold. Sanura had outdone herself, discreetly informing the queen's supporters of their return, calling the banners so to speak.

Rukia forestalled a smirk, keeping her eyes straight ahead, her face a mask of indifference. Still she could feel every gaze trailing them- none more so than that of the Domino who waited at the other end of the room on the steps of the dais. His deep red cloak was at his shoulders and his dark hair was pulled back, offering a different dimension to his handsome face. He was subtle in his observation, yet she could see that his attention flickered between her and the woman pretending to be queen.

Once more Rukia kept a wry twist of her lips at bay. Pretending to be queen…

Sanura played the part so well- if it were in Rukia's hands the power bestowed upon her by her former lady's faith would indeed be passed onto the other woman. She allowed herself an internal sigh, then wiped the thoughts away. She continued her silent float just behind the woman flanked by two ostrich fan bearers.

The majority of the gathered crowd was comprised of Seireiteian officers as well as some of the common legionaries. The few people of Alexandria that remained in Cleopatra's camp kept to one side of the room. Supporters of the queen were few and far between and their eyes remained secretive, carefully keeping their stares from following the young former ward of the Ptolemy house.

To Rukia their loyalty was shaky at best; courtiers knew that the wisest stance was to be ambiguously neutral and simply await a winner before putting their weight behind one figure or another. Still she caught the gaze of one or two that seemed to wish to assure her of their preference with a slight nod.

While this was somewhat reassuring, she knew this particular audience wasn't about her campaign for the Alexandrian people, but a show for the Domino's men. If the queen and her retinue could impress the Seireiteian soldiers then the fight ahead would be easier; they needed to know what they fought for.

A breath bolstered the young woman and she came to a halt just behind and to the left of Sanura. She caught the Domino's eye but for a moment before bowing her head and then bending forward at the waist. The whispers around them fell away as the gathering seemed to move as one into obeisance. In the silence the pure white silk banners cascading down from the ceiling fluttered softly and the tall braziers on either side of the dais crackled.

Sanura's lips, hennaed and dusted lightly in gold stretched into a smile, her eyes a deep jade as she met the Domino's stare, offering a hand jeweled with a single dazzling golden serpent ring coiling up her forefinger. His response was instant, taking the woman's hand, grey eyes a study in secrecy.

Rukia rose slightly, just enough to flick her gaze upward and watch as her brother dipped his head to the woman before him, his lips hovering over the hand he still held.

Brow furrowing slightly, eyes narrowing Rukia continued to look on as the two seemed to then stare one another down. There was a long moment in which she felt the troublesome niggling of foreshadowing- the feeling that something would grow between these two enigmatic people and she could not guess at whether it would be favorable or not. She bit her inner lip, dropping her gaze to the floor in sudden frustration.

They're both so very good at hiding their real emotions- yet I can feel the animosity and suspicion practically snapping between them… This does not bode well…

Meanwhile as Rukia mulled over the possible rivalry brewing between the two people she was incidentally most dependent on (whether begrudgingly or willingly), there was a rather bold gaze trained on her. When she finally felt it, the assembly was rising from its collective bow and she had schooled her features as she stood straight. Her gaze was mild and emotionless as she skimmed the row of men along the Domino's side of the room. Even when she finally realized the curious scowl focused solely upon her belonged to a familiar orange-haired lieutenant she managed to look unconcerned.

But in reality, her heart jumped. It hadn't exactly been a look of recognition- more one of concentration as though he couldn't quite place her. Still, even now that she had nonchalantly glanced away she could feel his eyes studying her from head to toe and put in a quick prayer to the gods that there was no color bursting to her cheeks. One by one her fingers curled into fists at her sides.

Ignore him. He probably does not remember your face- or even your pretend name for that matter. He was always horrible at placing names and faces. She held back a snort. This fool… Even Renji's managed no to gawk- yet- This is where her thoughts stuttered and she forced her mind into silence. There were too many sore spots that had yet to resurface, though it was likely they would soon enough. The woman let the faces before her blur.

Ichigo, however had not given up his perusal of the petite young woman who stood a step back from the queen's side. His brow furrowed, he scrutinized her as best he could from his place off to the left of the raised platform. It was hard to see around the others of the queen's entourage and the Domino besides. Still he tried as there was some tugging acknowledgment associated with her.

As the queen was seated with the Domino's gentlemanly help, the young maid stood to the right of the carved chair that served as the unofficial throne. The others of her party took a meaningful stance behind their lady's chair. Finally as his commander moved to address the hall, Ichigo was afforded a better look.

It was easy enough to tune out the words of welcome, political pandering, and polite platitudes that the Domino laid on the crowd, ever the statesman.

A light auburn brow lifted in interest.

Ah! Could it be…? Well she is tiny- and that skin- Even the shape of her lips…Of course! She must be Sheth's sister- they look so alike! Fraternal twins, maybe? Lucky that they both serve the same household…

Ichigo seemed unable to keep his eyes on her face, scanning downward slowly, taking in the slender arms left bare and the subtle curves accentuated by the cut of her white flowing gown. I almost mistook her for Sheth but… she's definitely a girl! His lips twitched, a crooked smile forming unconsciously. The smile fell however as he realized he had yet to see the girl's sibling. He began to subtly cast around for the small soldier, but even among the queen's attendants and guards he caught no sight of him. After a time he gave a mental shrug and focused on the room in its entirety.

Domino had called on his highest ranking officers to attend this meeting, followed by their most trusted subordinates, and a few of the recognized legionaries. Renji stood at attention on the dais proper off to the right of where the noble general stood. While Ichigo would have normally been afforded the spot next to the red-head, he had asked to take position among the other officers. Even though he might have enjoyed the vantage point from which to survey his surroundings, he preferred a bit of anonymity in this setting.

He stifled a yawn. If this were anything like the other audiences the Domino had hosted, it would be a rather dry and thus boring affair. Slowly, with waning interest, did the young lieutenant begin to inspect the room, knowing exactly where his eyes were wont to linger.

But it was as he was lazily passing his eyes over the crowd that he caught sight of a face he had not seen in almost a decade and had hoped never to see again. Brown eyes that almost resembled his own slid over his features from beneath a heavy hood. The gaze was gone soon enough however as the man hunched his shoulders, beginning to move.

The brown cloak set the man apart- it was a wonder none of the guards had attempted to detain him as he looked as though he had wandered in from the street. Yet he kept to the shadows at the back of the room and managed to obscure himself as he moved beyond the fluttering cloth that draped the hall in coordinated intervals. But this did not deter the young man whose heart beat madly in his breast, colliding with his ribs in a pulse of confusion and resentment.

A fist seemed to wrench at Ichigo's insides. There was no completion to his myriad of colliding thoughts; he tread forward on compulsion.

Hand on the hilt of his sword he set a swift pace, skirting the room, attempting to keep sight of the foreign man, who like a shadow had breached the hall without a stir. It truly was like tracing a ghost, he thought ironically as he meandered through the crowd only to pause as he saw the hem of the brown cape flutter and disappear through the doorway.

Only Renji seemed to notice his fellow lieutenant's preoccupation, following his progress across the room with a frown creasing his tattooed brow. He debated momentarily whether to go after the other man, but he knew if it were some threat Kurosaki was chasing he could eliminate it on his own. He turned his focus back to his lord, trying to shake the look of uncertainty from his features.

Ichigo hit the entryway at a jog, sliding into the hallway, already panting more so with emotion than exertion. The hall was empty, torches the only source of movement as cool air filter through from the wind catching air shafts on the roof.

"Damnit." He growled even as he began to storm down the corridor. His stride increased until he was sprinting his face set in determination. Rounding a corner his efforts were rewarded as his eyes settled on the man's back, just before the intruder turned into another corridor.

Words burst from the lieutenant's mouth in a roar, "Stop! Stop you fucking coward!"

He darted around the bend and came up short. His glare seared itself into the man's back even as he tried to catch his breath. But his anger was still roiling like a living, breathing thing beneath his skin and it seemed he might never slow the furious beat of his heart.

The hood was pushed back now, but Ichigo had already known what face he might glimpse when the man finally turned to look at him.

Emotion made itself plain in the dark eyes, even as Isshin clenched his jaw, preparing himself for the onslaught of his son's fury.

"My son-" He said, an aching quality to the deep voice.

Ichigo cut off any placations with a vicious sneer, "I'm not your anything, Old Man."

Hurt flickered through Isshin's eyes and they dropped to the boy's hand still gripped, white knuckled, around his sheathed blade. He heaved a sigh. I know. I know, my boy… I have a lot to answer for- a lot to make up for- though gods know redemption is likely beyond me…

There seemed to be a hard burning mass in his throat and Ichigo forcefully swallowed it to grit out, "I shouldn't have been surprised that you'd run from me- considering your penchant for it… In case you're wondering I paid off the creditors- you know so the girls would not be burdened by your debts? Though I doubt you're interested."

Isshin took a deep breath. He'd been steeling himself for this confrontation since he'd learned of the boy's deployment. His network kept him well informed; he had known perhaps before Ichigo did that Alexandria would be his destination after Koga's flight.

He let his eyes go dark as he lifted his chin. He'd left when his son was a boy but there was no doubt that before him stood a man. He would have to meet him on his level- no antics- just the facts- just forthright honesty that would hopefully afford the other man some form of closure, if not peace.

Squaring his shoulders Isshin met Ichigo's gaze, "Alright, Lieutenant. Allow me a bit of your time and I will tell you where my interests have lain these last few years. I'm prepared to answer for my actions."

Drawing in a breath Ichigo opened his mouth to spit a refusal, but his jaw snapped shut and he stood scowling darkly at the man across from him.

I don't want his pitiful fucking excuses! He told himself. I don't care where he's been and why he's been there!

Yet he hesitated. The boy inside him paused, hopeful- for what- he was unsure. But somehow he could not turn the man away- at least not without some explanation. What it would mean to him in the end he could not say...

He scoffed loudly, turning his head away, "Tch, say what you want, Old Man."

Isshin nodded his gratitude and started his tale.

…

Meanwhile in the audience chamber, Rukia felt her sense of irritation rising moment by moment. The Domino was yet addressing those gathered and his words felt cold and rehearsed to her ears, though the hall remained attentive, hanging on his speech.

Servants were waiting impatiently on the fringes of the room to outfit it with low tables, chaises and cushions before serving the feast. Rukia could commiserate as she watched their anxious movements.

It wasn't until the Republic's Great General was winding down, about to finish, that the young woman thought she heard the pound of feet in the corridor beyond. Unease bloomed in her heart in an instant, her eyes gluing themselves to the entrance.

"…Therefore it is our honor to be welcomed to this hall in the presence of Queen Cleopatra, whom-,"

The murmuring began- like a riptide throughout the hall and soon it was known who had disturbed the assembly as the doorway darkened.

"What goes on in my palace? And who dares hold audience without the king?" The voice echoed in the chamber, a boy's tone edging the baritone of adulthood.

The Domino who had just paused in his speech looked unsurprised by the gathering of men spread across the threshold of the main entrance to the hall.

A young man stood at the very center of this group comprised of a small contingent of soldiers including the Commander of Pharaoh's Armies, and the portly Royal Vizier, a eunuch with a secretive gaze. A crown sat on the boy's brow, marking him as king, the men at his sides his trusted council.

Rukia's whole body went on alert, anger searing beneath the surface as she beheld the men at the center of the plot that had killed her queen. The burn of bile sat at the back of her throat and she felt rather than saw Sanura shift in her direction in response to the surely tangible waves of animosity emanating from her.

Feeling her handmaiden's calm energy kept her from launching a string of vicious accusations at the cowardly villains, but it was the Domino's quiet voice that truly stilled her.

"Your highness, I had asked that you allow me time to deal with certain matters on my own. What brings you here without warning?" There was no true reprimand in the Seireiteian Lord's tone. Even the men closest to him had barely shifted, while those guarding the entrance had been waved away by their superiors.

If Byakuya had already held an audience with Ptolemy it meant the lord had been feeling magnanimous after being informed of Koga's demise. A political heavyweight couldn't afford to hold grudges when in the Domino's position; he was outnumbered and surrounded by a city displeased with his presence. Still…

Rukia's eyes narrowed in suspicion at this. Did he know this might occur? Could he possibly have invited…?

Ptolemy, the thirteenth of his name, drew himself up taller, his hazel eyes snapping to the Domino. The teenager noticeably swallowed, but began a measured pace down the path to the dais. Dressed in a kilt and gilded sandals, a pectoral of gold and precious stones adorning his upper chest, his torso bare, he attempted to call forth the image of the young kings of old, but was somehow lacking.

"This is my palace," He said tightly, hands fisted at his sides, chin tipped up indignantly, "I have every right to be a part of all proceedings that take place within these walls. I am per'aa after all." He stopped then, just shy of the steps. Quite suddenly rage contorted his young features and he hissed jabbing a finger toward Sanura, "And surely you know that this peasanthas no place on that throne!" His words resounded in the hush that had fallen. The tense atmosphere had been ramping up bit by bit and shock seemed to now freeze the face of every bystander in the room taking in the spectacle unfolding.

After a long moment, Sanura still seated calmly, back straight, leaned forward, eyes locked on the young king's face. Her words were low and spoken slowly, but the venom gave proper sting, the ancient language of the Two Lands rolling off her tongue with flawless precision.

Byakuya watched with veiled interest as the young man's eyes rounded and his olive skin paled. The king seemed to shrink under her sharp gaze and even shuffled back a step as the commander of the armies, a man of mixed-blood named Achillas, stepped up as though to shield him from her poisonous stare. Whatever she had said had affected more than just the young monarch as both men of his council glared at her, faces flushed with affront.

"Witch!" Achillas accused as his co-conspirator, Pothinus, made the sign against the evil eye.

The pretender-queen sat back with an indulgent smirk, lounging for a moment before she fluidly rose to her feet. By this point, the Domino had taken a stance to the right and slightly behind his own seat, observing with a shrewd gaze.

"Peasant you call me…" She said quietly, looking down from her height with a small smile filled with condescension. Toying idly with her ring she looked down at her hands, "How true… What else have the true born of this country been reduced to but fellahin?" She looked up then, her lips pouted mockingly, "But you wound me, Cousin… Do we not both share the ancient bloodline of the last of the per'aa's? You may have ties to Alexander's most trusted friend- the first of your dynasty, but… What has that very blood lead us to?"

The entire hall seemed devoid of life- even the men who would disclaim her seemed rapt.

The young queen-to-be licked her lips anxiously as she watched Sanura's face become hard and her jade eyes grow flat.

"Queen Cleopatra is dead. Blood betrayed her."

A collective gasp spread throughout the hall, the crowd awakened by the bold announcement. The Seireiteian soldiers cast confused glances amongst themselves. The drone of anxious voices grew until Sanura continued, raising her voice over the din.

"Yet the gods did not leave the Two Lands without source of salvation! My lady, beloved of Eset, may she reign in the heavens, spoke the name of her successor before she died!"

The buzz had faded only to climb again. Ptolemy's men looked murderous as the young king faltered for words, sweat beginning to form on his skin.

As for Rukia, she could hear every breath she took, every beat of her heart in those moments. She felt as though her very bones were quaking beneath her skin.

Sanura's voice grew low, almost sonorous as she angled her body towards the young woman she served, "Cleopatra Philopater Ptolemy, Seventh of her name held sight few can claim. She knew her dynasty based on fratricide and deceit was beyond redemption… She knew The Two Lands was in need of a different hand to rule."

The lump forming in Rukia's throat could not be swallowed. Time seemed to slow as she watched her handmaiden take the cobra coronet from her brow and turn fully to her. Sanura kneeled, her movements flowing as though under water. Hennaed hands held out the crown now, the maid's eyes imploring as they searched deep into Rukia's amethyst pools.

The blood in her ears made it impossible to hear and thus Rukia trained her gaze on the woman's lips.

"Heir of Cleopatra, Rukia Kuchiki, beloved of Sekhmet, bearer of the blessing of the daughter of Eset, take this crown, with the benediction of the gods of the Two Lands and that of the last true per'aa of the Ptolemy dynasty. Take this crown and promise yourself to the bringing about of prosperity in Khemet."

Her limbs frozen Rukia remained utterly still. The weight of what was being laid at her feet was immense- an entire country came with the glittering adornment before her. While she knew this moment wasn't official- it could not be- it was still a significant moment as it was a declaration to all that gathered the burden she was willing to take on. She took a breath, but it was stolen and became a gasp as she watched the Commander of Pharaoh's Armies reach out…

Achillas roughly grabbed the priestess' forearm and an affronted cry seem to rise from the natives in the hall.

"Witch," He hissed at her again, eyes golden fire. He raised his angry tone to be heard, "You have no authority to offer the crown to a foreign-born girl!"

The gaze Sanura slowly turned upon the man was sharp as ice and she spoke only to him, "Let go of me, Queen-Killer."

Achillas paled momentarily only for a flush of increasing ferocity to overtake his features, his grip tightening.

"Enough." The Domino's command was quiet, but said with an unmistakable trace of heat. When the general whipped his head up to look at the Seireiteian he bore the man's grey eyes with impressive steadiness, but those in close proximity noticed the man visibly tense.

As the tight grip left her arm Sanura felt the sting of the bruise that had formed. She had not relinquished her hold on the crown in that time, but her chest rose and fell with the effort of keeping still and not flying at the man who'd dared touch her with his blood-stained hands. She kept him at the edge of her sight even as he backed down a step, face stony as he watched the Domino step forward again.

Byakuya's greys moved from the three men before the dais to the collection of his own men and the Greek nobility awaiting his response.

Once more he captured the room with his voice and presence, his strength radiating. "This in-fighting has gone on long enough. It divides and, in case of battles, ravages this great kingdom. This feud is not the initial reason that has brought me, but it is the reason I've remained… And the reason that I now put forth a way in which to end it. This land needs unification, not another civil war between parties… An alliance is the way forward… An alliance between houses- between peoples."

Blood running cold Rukia found herself staring at her brother's back anxiously. No. He wouldn't betray me… again?

A cramp of pain she recognized as the twisting of a knife- her perception of betrayal- sank deep into her stomach. Had she been lulled into a false sense of security? How could she have believed her brother would keep his word and give her the throne with a flick of his hand- no strings attached? How foolish.

The lions had never left her door- now they were simply joined by wolves.

…

AN: Next chapter we'll understand the full implication of Byakuya's words.

Also we'll acquire a bit more background on the rift between Isshin and Ichigo and see what played out between them in the hall. Ichigo still doesn't know who Rukia is (what can I say his roots must be blonde)- so I suspect he'll try his hand at playing Casanova. We'll probably delve into a little more of the siblings backgrounds as well.

Things should move a bit more quickly going forward.

Thank you for reading!

Historical Notes:

I mentioned this before but it's been awhile:

After her father's death Cleopatra married her brother Ptolemy the XIII according to Egyptian tradition of sibling marriages to keep the same bloodline in power. Perhaps a few years later did Cleopatra decide to take up the reins of government for herself, using her name for official documentation and having only her face printed on the currency- thus undermining any of her young brother's authority (he was only between 10 and 12 at this point- so he was likely more of a figurehead anyway). This incited some of the courtiers and Pothinus and Achillas became forces behind the plot to oust Cleopatra from the throne. Poor Ptolemy was likely only a pawn in it all, as the two older men would have more sway and be able to manipulate the young king in his decision-making.

Cleopatra and her younger sister Arsinoe fled and thus began the raising of armies in the continuing power struggle.