The Nightingale

Chapter 92: Hidden

Spring — x494 / April 10

Sewing and embroidery were never skills she completely mastered even though she had practiced many times and managed to make a decent design once. Many times she had tried to make something really elaborate, like a dress like Yuki made once, but she always abandoned it because she got frustrated and ended up with sore and bleeding fingers.

Rukia preferred to do other things, like practicing the piano, which was her favorite activity, or reading one of the books her brother gave her, but that day Kana had suggested that she practice embroidery to try to calm her bad mood a little.

The idea had not worked.

When Rukia stung her index finger for the third time with the needle, she put aside the hoop along with the needle and threads. Her mind was everywhere but on what she was trying to embroider, making the activity a waste of time.

Rukia was angry because King Isshin denied permission for her to accompany Princess Karin in the caravan to Maranni.

She had not seen her family in a long time, especially her father who had been banned from entering the capital since he was acquitted of the crimes of treason and conspiracy, and she wanted to visit them, spend some time away from court and allow herself to enjoy a moment in the company of her mother.

Ichigo had agreed for her to travel, he had even told her that he would pick her up when he returned from his visit to the South Military Camp and that he would assign Uryu to take care of her because he was the most familiar with the place, but the king did not approve her request regardless of the guarantees she had put in place to be allowed that trip.

If the king had allowed her to travel, at that moment she would be arriving at the Great House and would be able to see her mother, her father and perhaps Yuki, if she was there and not in Tenjira, where she lived with her family.

The second thing that made her angry was the queen's silence regarding Ichigo's permission to access the Queen's area freely.

Rukia had gone to talk to her, she had brought her some of the best cookies that Tatsuki made and had tried not to seem too pleading, but the queen told her that she would think about it because Ichigo had disrespected her and that still hurt her soul.

Rukia had to bite her tongue not to say something that might make Ichigo's punishment longer and clenched her fists to calm the helplessness she felt. It was as if all the good humor that the queen had in recent days had vanished precisely when she was going to ask her for something.

It was all too frustrating because both the king and queen were showing her all the power they had over their lives, who were also supposed to have power within the kingdom, and that made her angry.

Rukia lay back on the couch and closed her eyes, her head was beginning to hurt from the anger she felt at that moment and she needed to calm down before thinking about how she would broach that topic with the queen again.

Only a few minutes had passed when she felt something small fall on her legs and jump up to her chest. That made her smile because she knew who it was.

― Haru! ― Rukia opened her eyes and found her little bunny on top of her looking for attention, so she started petting its head. ― Are you done with your vegetables?

Rukia settled down on the couch with Haru in her arms, still petting her head and thinking that perhaps Haru needed a companion.

In a way, Rukia felt that Haru was a bit like her and she didn't want her to be alone; so she decided that she would talk to Ichigo when he returned from his visit to the South Military Camp to help her find a partner for Haru.

― Your highness, this is for you. ― Kana's voice made her look away from Haru's little ears to find her maid with a sealed metal tube in her hand. ― A messenger from Vayalat brought it.

― Did he tell you who sent it? ― Rukia asked, leaving the bunny on her lap so she could take the metal tube herself and see the contents.

― It's from Lady Cifer.

The smile on Rukia's face grew huge when she discovered that it was a letter from Orihime and she immediately opened the metal tube to read the contents.

― Pay the courier and tell him to come in two days. I'll send him back with an answer.

Kana obeyed the order and left the room, leaving Rukia in privacy so she could read her letter. She hadn't known about Orihime for a long time and was still a little worried about everything that had involved their last correspondence.

―

Letter from Orihime to Rukia.

My dear Rukia,

It's been a long time since we've written to each other, since what happened with Nelliel, and I think I should apologize for that. Since that time, everything has been an emotional chaos in our life.

Ulquiorra spent several weeks blaming himself for allowing Nell to marry Prince Kaien and swore that if the Shadow ever allowed him to, he would take revenge on him for driving Nell to that state of madness and despair.

You don't know how much it hurt my heart to see him like this, but thank the Deities, he is better now. He still wants to kill Prince Kaien, but I can't blame him for that.

Nothing is perfect but we are happy with what we have.

Some time ago Ulquiorra saw a house for sale in the capital, it is a little far from the town's central park but it is bigger than the little house we have now and it is very nice. He took me to see it and I fell in love with it, plus I'm sure we could do the necessary renovations to put a bakery there.

I like our little farm, but I miss living in the city and the noise. I remember complaining about it several times in the past, but now I miss it. Ulquiorra knows it too. I guess that's why, when he saw the house, he came to tell me about it and used the excuse that it would be closer to his work because he became one of the castle's stationary guards.

He is a soldier, he will never stop being one, but I feel calm knowing that he will not have to go to other places for long periods of time to work.

We were doing the math and our savings, together with the money from the sale of the farm, are enough for us to pay part of the cost of the new house, almost all of it. Ulquiorra says that he is going to talk to the owner to try to reach an agreement and thus pay the missing money from the purchase.

I'm so excited!

I have so many plans in my mind that I feel like I'll have to start writing them down so I don't forget them.

In other news, Kaito is already walking on his own. I didn't know when he learned to do it, but I saw him following the chickens to catch them.

Ulquiorra keeps bragging about how smart his son is and that he has the instincts of a soldier, although I don't know where he can see that. To me, Kaito is an adorable little baby who grows bigger and bigger every day.

Since he learned to walk, I have had to keep away everything that could be dangerous for him because he puts everything he finds in his mouth.

I will never stop thanking you for sending my maid with me, she has been of immense help to me in taking care of Kaito and thus being able to attend to the business, which is getting better every day.

My main clients are the wives of high-ranking military personnel and several noble ladies. It's hard but I'm happy, it's better than spending all day knitting and embroidering, I feel like I'm doing something with my days. In addition, free days have become truly valuable.

Last year we couldn't go to the Day of the Roses or the Spring Festival because I was pregnant, but this year we went to both events.

Although Ulquiorra was still affected by what happened, we still went out to enjoy the day and he gave me flowers. I would have liked to see him participate in the treasure hunt organized by the royal house because the prize was a bag of gold and an extremely beautiful necklace of stones, but I didn't want to pressure him because he wasn't quite well yet.

Maybe next year I'll ask him.

And the Spring Festival was amazing. The streets were full of colorful flags and garlands with paper flowers that went from tree to tree, making everything look so colorful that it seemed like a dream. They sold sweets and foods, also fermented fruit drinks that tasted strange but at the same time tasted good.

I think next year I will set up a table to sell bread at the spring festival, do you think they will sell?

That day we saw a representation of Queen Vayalat and how she came to the kingdom.

I think it was quite fanciful to say that the queen was a daughter of the Shadow, born of a deity, but who am I to judge other people's beliefs. Kaito was baptized under the Shadow religion, after all.

I feel so grateful and blessed with the family we have formed, that I feel like nothing can be better than this.

My dear friend, I hope that you are well in every way and that you will soon be able to experience happiness as great as mine. Good things take time to come, but they always come, and I am sure that very good things will come to you and Prince Ichigo.

I miss you so much, I hope we see each other again sometime and you can see how big Kaito is.

All my best wishes to you,

Orihime.

P.S. While I was writing this letter, Kaito created a work of art with his little hands and ink, so I am attaching the drawing he made. Kisses.

Spring — x494 / April 11

Mila used to enjoy the beginning of spring because she liked the cool weather that there was during that stage of the season and because there was still some winter cold but the heat of the sun regulated everything, making the temperature pleasant.

What she enjoyed most about that season was that she could walk through the Great Gardens of the castle, which were reserved for important events and personal uses of the royal family, and have lunch in those places if she wished.

Her status as Inamorata of the crown prince allowed her that privilege, although it was the only one she had at the moment. She still couldn't organize big lunches like the ones Rukia or Princess Yuzu used to organize, where several important people were invited, but she could eat there together with Kaien, a member of the royal family or her close family.

― When I become the crown princess, I will ask Queen Masaki to allow me to use the winter garden for celebrations. ― Mila commented to her maid, who was walking a step behind her, as she enjoyed the afternoon in the Winter Garden.

― Lord Stark will be happy to see that his heir achieved what the other daughters of the Great Lords did not. ― Her maid commented in a very cheerful voice before speaking in a confidential tone. ― I heard rumors about the anger of some of the lords because my lady won the heart of the crown prince.

Mila smiled at that comment.

That maid was her personal maid, who came with her from Kirasam to serve her while she was at the Queen's Court and who had been with her practically since she turned 12 years old.

― I don't know if I have his heart, but I definitely captured his passions and soon he will ask me to become his fiancée.

― The winter garden is beautiful but it should be used only in winter because the roses only bloom at that time of year. ― Rukia's voice came from behind Mila's back, interrupting what she was saying and making her feel a shiver down her spine. ― The rest of the year it's just a regular garden.

Mila had not heard anyone walking behind her besides her maid, and from Rukia's words, the princess had evidently heard everything she had said from that point in the conversation.

She hadn't said anything wrong or out of place, but Kaien's words warning her about Rukia were repeating in her mind from the small talk between the two of them outside the doctor's office.

― Your Highness! ― Mila immediately turned to see Rukia and greet her properly. ― I didn't hear you arrive.

Ever since Rukia punished the Cifer girls by making them kneel on the cliff for disrespecting her, no one had wanted to test Rukia's tolerance in that regard. Rukia was the People's Princess and was quite respected both inside and outside the court because since she married Prince Ichigo, she has had a very privileged life.

Furthermore, in those times when there was no crown princess, it was Rukia who was in charge of various social affairs among the nobility families.

― How strange, I was sure my steps were making noise. ― Rukia showed Mila her shoes, which lacked heels and made her look shorter than usual; so short that she even had to lift her face a little to talk to her. ― If you want to use the winter garden, it would be for your wedding. You would look beautiful surrounded by colorful roses but it should be in winter.

Rukia motioned to her own maid, who stood several steps behind them, and then began to walk through the garden. Mila did the same, preventing her maid from following them, and began walking together with Rukia.

― Do you think it's too early to plan the wedding? ― Mila asked, trying to bring an animated tone to the conversation. ― Kaien hasn't proposed to me yet, but I think…

― I think it's too early for you to assume that you will be the crown princess. ― Rukia commented as she stopped in front of a red rose and took out a pair of scissors from her dress bag. ― Until he formally proposes to you, you cannot go around saying that you will be the crown princess. It can be misinterpreted.

― All of us court girls are here looking to be Kaien's wife, there are even a couple who want your position, what's wrong with me discussing something privately with my maid about what's going on between Prince Kaien and me?

Mila became defensive because she didn't like Rukia's comment. Rukia was the one who organized the date with Kaien and put her first on the list of prospects. Rukia was supposedly supporting her because there is a friendship between them.

― To have my position, those girls must first make my husband fall in love with them, plus there is an ancestral contract that keeps us together, so it is a little difficult for someone to displace me. ― Rukia said that with too much calm in her voice, as if she were sure that the prince would never be unfaithful to her. ― I think all this got complicated, I didn't come to fight with you but to offer you an apology for what I said outside the doctor's office.

Mila was surprised.

Rukia cut the rose and turned to look at her face.

― Apologies?

― That day perhaps I reacted badly when you commented about the care you take to be able to have Kaien's child. ― Rukia looked embarrassed and nervous, and Mila remembered that Rukia was the youngest of all the court ladies. ― I thought you had said it with bad intentions but then I thought about it and maybe I misinterpreted it.

Rukia's words disarmed Mila and drowned out Kaien's words that only sowed discord in her mind. Rukia was young but she knew how to recognize when she was wrong, she even apologized when she wasn't supposed to due to her status as a princess, which made Mila stop feeling like she had to protect herself from Rukia.

― It was my fault. ― Mila added, calmer and kinder. ― I made a mistake in choosing my words. I know it's a difficult topic for you and I wasn't cautious enough when speaking. I think it is best to forget that incident, your highness.

― I think it will be the best. ― Rukia looked relieved, as if she had just finished a dangerous mission. ― But I don't take back what I just told you about going around saying that you're going to be the crown princess. Did you know that a couple of court girls are plotting against you? If I were you, I would be careful with the gifts I receive.

Rukia's scolding surprised Mila, who began to laugh at it, and thus began a conversation about what to do to avoid dying before Kaien proposed to her.

They walked for a long time, talking and laughing, and Mila noticed that Rukia would occasionally stop at a rose and cut it. By the time Rukia said goodbye to her and made her way to the queen's area, she already had a bouquet of flowers large enough to place in a vase.

Mila was left thinking about what had just happened, about the fear that Kaien's words of warning caused her and the way in which the friendship between her and Rukia would have been broken if she had listened to those warnings.

Mila felt peace about Rukia's apology because it was Rukia's way of showing her that no matter who she was with, their friendship was more valuable than the crown. What was beginning to worry her were the reasons why Kaien wanted her to distance herself from Rukia.

Spring — x494 / April 25 [Ichigo, 19 years old]

Ichigo had traveled to the South Military Camp only with the company of Renji and an elite soldier loyal to him, he had resolved the matters that required his personal attention and sent the soldier towards the castle with a message informing the date of his return.

Renji stayed by his side, he was the only man Ichigo needed for that mission because Ichigo only trusted his life to Renji and Uryu.

Ichigo knew that no one would expect his return so soon, since the letter he sent with the soldier said that he would make it to the end of the month, so he waited until nightfall to leave his hiding place and approach the city.

They did not pass through the city, but rather went around it carefully so that the soldiers would not notice them and reached the entrance to the castle grounds where the carts with grain and supplies usually entered. The small moon in the sky was the only light they had to see their way and the only thing that allowed Ichigo to recognize the door through which they had to enter.

Renji knocked twice on the door, followed by a knock that was followed by another solitary knock. On the other side of the door they responded with the same knocks but in reverse and then Uryu appeared when it opened.

― There are two guards at the entrance, as always, but you can enter through the kitchen. Hisagi and Hanataro are asleep, I started drinking with them and since they were tired, they couldn't resist. ― Uryu reported as Ichigo got off the horse and began walking down the long path that led to the king's kitchens, passing near the grain warehouses and corrals.

After making sure that the soldiers doing the rounds in that area had moved far enough away, Ichigo entered the kitchen and went up the service stairs to the first floor. Uryu stayed in the kitchen, pretending to be drunk and asleep along with the chef and his assistant, and Renji stayed at the exit door, taking care of both horses.

The king's area was a three-story C with a view towards the city, although it was difficult to see it from there, and in the center of which was the king's private garden.

The third floor belonged entirely to the king, there he had his private office, his bedroom and a room specially designated for the King's Favorite to visit him.

The princes' rooms were located on the second floor. From the center and the entire northernmost arm belonged to Ichigo, and from the center as well as the entire southernmost arm belonged to Kaien.

The first floor belonged to the minor princes, although their rooms were not as large as those of the heir and the second prince. The king's baths were underground and the only ones who had private access to them were the king, the crown prince and the second prince. The other princes, if there were any, had to use the common entrance or bathe in their own rooms.

The kitchen was on the north arm, ground floor.

Ichigo knew that he couldn't use the service staircase the entire way, although it was the quickest way to get to the king's floor, since there was a chance that he would find someone there and in the darkness and silence of the night, a scream, no matter how small, would attract the guards in seconds.

Instead, Ichigo evaded the guards and slipped into one of the king's security hallways.

Upon becoming the Commander-in-Chief of the kingdom and primarily responsible for the security of the castle, Ichigo had access to the plans of the castle and the land belonging to the royal family. Ichigo knew every secret hallway and corridor that was in the king's area and the queen's area, especially those in the queen's area because that was how he had infiltrated Rukia's room some nights when they were still dating.

After a while of climbing narrow steps that were only illuminated by the light of the small candle he carried with him, Ichigo finally arrived at the king's private office. The entrance was hidden behind a tapestry in the corner, so he was very careful not to make any noise or drop any objects by mistake.

The king's office was dark, but with the help of the light of the small candle he was able to find the table with the king's bottles of liquors and wines, so he hurried to it and placed the candle inside a glass so that the wax wouldn't drip and stain around it or his plan might be affected.

Ichigo took a moment to breathe and calm his nerves because what he was about to do required a lot of bravery and precision.

The whole way Ichigo had been wondering about what he was about to do and if it was right to do it, if that was the best way to kill the king and he even questioned if that was the only way to get what was supposed to be his, and the only answer he got was "yes."

The resentment against the king was still there, within his heart, growing with each passing day and becoming bigger with each action the king took against him and Rukia.

Ichigo was tired of having to watch what came out of his own mouth and what he did so that things weren't misinterpreted, of watching his back from the hand of Kaien and the king, who preferred the bastard over him, and of having to pretend that he didn't want the throne that was promised to him since he was a child.

When Ichigo managed to calm his racing heart a little, he opened the bottles in front of him one by one, always trying not to move them too much from their proper place, and poured into them a few drops from the small bottle of poison he carried in his pants pocket.

Ichigo knew that he had to be careful with the dose of poison he put in each bottle so that the king would die at the right moment, and because Rukia did not want to have to wear mourning clothes on their wedding anniversary.

It would have been easier to kill him like he killed the king of Gardelia, but he doubted his mother would stay out of that whole situation if she realized what was happening, so using poison was better.

Poison was the only thing the gift couldn't cure.

When Ichigo sealed the last bottle of liquor, the candle in the glass had almost completely burned out, so Ichigo decided to take the glass with him. It would be easy to think that someone forgot to put a glass in, so taking it with him wouldn't be a big problem, plus no one paid attention to the glasses.

Ichigo said a few things to Uryu as they said goodbye at the supply gate, and got on his horse at the same time as Renji, who had fallen asleep at some point during the night and was awakened by a blow to the head from his commander.

It was almost dawn but it was done, Ichigo just had to reapply the same dose the next week and wait for the results.

The poison he was using was different from regular poisons because it did not take effect when drunk, but rather accumulated in the body until the dose was enough to make the person sick, drive them to madness, and then death.

It was an expensive poison, difficult to obtain and impossible to detect with silver, but it was what he needed because a part of him longed to see how his father suffered until death.

Spring — x494 / May 1

Horseback riding in the cliff forest was something Rukia enjoyed doing with Ichigo. They both spent hours walking through the trees and talked about any topic that came to mind at the time, such as what he had done when he infiltrated the castle at night or the need to give Haru a little brother so she wouldn't feel so alone when she couldn't play with her.

― Do you know why the phrase "they reproduce like rabbits" exists, my princess? ― Ichigo asked as he rubbed the pads of his index finger and thumb together, and threw a shadow thorn towards a small arboreal lizard climbing a log.

Rukia saw the lizard squirm and she tried to do the same as Ichigo, but the shot only reached the ground. Not only did she have to be able to manifest a thorn made of shadows, she had to have good aim for it to hit the target.

Doing it was difficult but Ichigo made it look so easy that it caused envy.

― Because they have many children? ― Rukia replied, doubting her answer a little because she knew what Ichigo was referring to.

― Exact! ― Ichigo made the shadow thorn disappear and the lizard fell to the ground, dead. ― My princess, if we give Haru a companion, then in no time we would have an army of bunnies all over the castle and gardens.

― It would be cute. Lots of fluffy balls everywhere. ― Rukia added, understanding the point but resisting it. Rabbits were her favorite animal.

― Kholtan would have an unlimited supply of food. ― Ichigo commented and launched a new shadow thorn at a falling leaf. ― My eagle likes to eat rabbits.

― Hey! That's very cruel of you. ― Rukia complained as she imagined Kholtan hunting Haru's kits for lunch. Ichigo just laughed at that. ― It's ok I understand. Can we get her a sister? This way she won't feel alone and they won't have babies until we flood.

Rukia tried to hit a falling leaf and this time she almost succeeded. That made her feel happy.

― That's more reasonable. I will look for a female bunny to keep her company, although I doubt they will become friends. Haru will stop being the only one and maybe she will get jealous.

Rukia rolled her eyes, frustrated that her shots weren't going the way she wanted and that her husband seemed to be more negative that day than ever.

They left the topic of the rabbits alone and Ichigo explained to her again how she had to create the shadow thorns and how she should throw them to hit her target. Rukia was learning how to manifest things and Ichigo considered thorns to be the easiest thing she could do, which was true but it was still exhausting.

On the way back they were talking about the gift and how much training was needed to master something as simple as thorns, but Ichigo told her that it depended on what level she wanted to master.

― My aunt Kirio is an expert at turning shadow into thorns. Throwing them like we are doing is nothing more than throwing a stone into a lake and watching it sink. She doesn't even have to move her hands for the shadow to take shape and attack you. It was impressive to see her when she did it.

Rukia noticed that Ichigo spoke with admiration about his aunt, despite everything she did to him, Kirio was still his aunt and his soul mother, and she must have also been his teacher in the management of the gift. There was no way he would hate her, but it was a fact that the affection was no longer the same.

Ichigo moved his hand in front of him, making a semicircle that transformed into hundreds of very thin thorns that were suspended in the air, which with a single movement of his hand shot out and stuck into everything in their path.

Again, Rukia found it fascinating and at the same time, overwhelmingly dangerous.

― How do you defend yourself from an attack like that? ― Rukia asked, trying to do the same as Ichigo but without much success.

― You manifest a shield that absorbs them, and if you have enough skill, returns them in an attack.

― Teach me how to make a shield.

Ichigo seemed surprised by the request but agreed to do it, and by the time they reached the cliff gate, Rukia already had the basics about shields and had managed to manifest a small one. Ichigo congratulated her for that and told her that next time they would train in the cliff room to test her shield's resistance to shadow attacks and normal attacks.

― How do you feel? You are tired? ― Ichigo asked as they walked down the hallway of the king's area to his room.

The queen still did not allow Ichigo to enter the queen's area, so if she wanted to spend time with her husband it had to be in the king's area. Rukia was seriously considering starting to beg for that permission, although the idea of humiliating herself in front of the queen did not please her.

― I'm hungry, do we have time to eat something?

― I have to do paperwork but I can always be late. ― Ichigo gave way for her to enter the room first.

― Good, because I'm very hungry.

Rukia had planned to seduce her husband so that he would do more than give her little kisses that tasted of guilt and fear, but as soon as she lay down in bed, she fell asleep.

―

Yoruichi saw her mother sitting on the throne of the Lords of the Desert, with her crown on and a calm attitude, as if the food in the warehouses were not about to run out or as if the people of the city were not shouting at the gates of the White Palace to surrender the siege so that Chika could be crowned king because hunger was beginning to be felt more and more.

She had the impression that her mother's mind had collapsed at some point between the first revolt within the city due to the overcosts of products and the arrival of the armies from the other cities, who instead of lending their help to break the siege and eliminate Chika, had allied themselves with him.

Perhaps her mother's mind collapsed long before, when Yushiru died and left them alone in a palace and a kingdom that preferred the rule of a man over that of a woman.

Yoruichi knew that her mother desired power and that was why she had placed all her hopes in Yushiru and the prominent reign that was seen for him as the new Lord of the Desert. In the reign that was taken from them by that shadow sorcerer who killed their brother.

― Mother, we must ask Vayalat for help. They are our allies and will be able to help us keep the throne. ― Yoruichi pleaded that day, as she did every day since food began to dwindle for everyone and reports of riots within the city became more frequent.

Her biggest fear was that her little brother would get sick, followed by Chika killing him in cold blood once they were conquered. She didn't want to be pessimistic, but if everything remained as it was, Chika would take control of everything once the last fruit was consumed.

― We won't do it. I'm sure the armies sent by the city lords are waiting for the right moment to betray Chika. ― Her mother spoke calmly. ― One of my informants said that in the next few days the siege will end and Chika will be begging for my mercy.

Yoruichi doubted the veracity of that informant's words but preferred not to contradict her mother, who had her fingers clenched on the armrests of the throne due to anger at the suggestion she had just made.

― It's okay, your majesty.

Yoruichi bowed to her mother and left the throne room, thinking about how to get out of the capital with her little brother without anyone seeing them.

Masayoshi had sworn his sword to the little king, so he would travel with them, and Sui Feng would definitely go with her on that trip. Yoruichi couldn't, nor did she want to, leave her jade witch to her fate after everything she had done for her.

As she walked through the halls and headed to the harem, where fortunately her husband could not enter, Masayoshi approached her with a paper in his hand and a worried expression on his face.

That couldn't be good, although none of the news over the past few months was good.

― What's wrong?

― The Lords of the Harbors sent provisions for Prince Chika's soldiers. ― Masayoshi informed with concern evident in his voice. ― From the battlements we saw how the carts stop and deliver food to the soldiers.

Yoruichi felt like they were doomed.

The Lords of the Harbors had no army other than those who made sure to keep the transport of goods, ships and merchants safe. They were even supported by the soldiers of Vayalat who were responsible for ensuring that everything was in order throughout the journey, so sending soldiers to support a siege was not prudent.

Sending food, on the other hand, was something they could clearly do without being affected.

The Lords of the Harbors knew that, above all else, they had to keep the economy flowing.

― Everyone wants us out of this palace. ― Yoruichi murmured as she leaned against the wall to get some rest. Her head hurt and she felt dizzy from the whole situation, but showing weakness was not an option if she wanted to get out of there alive. ― Surrendering is not an option, but the Malthai does not want to ask Vayalat for help.

― Then you ask for it. ― Masayoshi took her shoulder, even though there was not supposed to be any kind of contact between them in public. ― Write a letter asking for help and I'll make sure it gets out of town. I will look for loyal men and find a way to get them out of the city without Chika's army noticing. It's obvious that Malthai, that her mind, is not right.

― Don't say it again. We don't need rumors or more problems than we have. ― Yoruichi took Masayoshi's hand and squeezed it gently. ― I will write the letters and hope that the Deities will be merciful to us so that help arrives soon.

Masayoshi said goodbye to her after promising once again that he would make that letter leave the city, and Yoruichi continued on her way to her room.

Barragan was still meeting with what was left of the council, those who were still loyal to the Malthai and the little king, but she believed that such meetings were useless. Barragan never told her what those meetings were about and only told her that everything would be fine, but she only saw how people gathered in front of the main entrance of the White Palace and asked for food.

No one ever thought they would suffer a siege, so they were doing what they could with what they had.

The city was in chaos where the guards had begun to burn the corpses of those who had died from illness, street fights or hunger. The siege took place just after winter, when the cellars were almost empty and the first crops had not been harvested.

Chika was quite a clever man.

For those who don't remember, which usually happens because even I forget, Sora and Orihime's mother was Ganju's inamorata.

And in case you don't remember, Ganju was married to Emiko Kuchiki, Rukia's father's sister and the reason Rukia's father betrayed the kingdom.

Everyone had to have suspected Isshin. Soujun should have suspected Isshin, even his father, who was still alive at the time, should have suspected the viper that Isshin was; but no one did, and the wedding took place.

Emiko knew the rules by which her marriage was governed; she knew that she shouldn't have a child, because of her despite being married, the descent of the Second Prince was ruled by the descent of the heir to the crown.

Stupid rules, old rules, but they were rules that had prevented the bloodshed of the cherished sons of queens past.

Everything was fine, everything seemed fine, until Soujun received a letter from his sister with a single sentence:

Hide us.

Soujun didn't know why his sister would ask for such a thing, as if she were a criminal, and he didn't understand why she was using the plural. Us? What had happened in the castle for her sister to send that letter? Whatever it was, Soujun loved his sister and if he had to hide her, he would.

However, Emiko did not arrive at the Great House, but a retinue directly from the castle led by a messenger, which brought a message that Soujun would never have wanted to read: Emiko was dead, and the Second Prince had died with her.
- Chapter 23 -