The Nightingale

Chapter 12: The Night of the Souls*

Fall. Year 491. Kaien, 19 years old.

Ichigo was enjoying the water in the huge bathtub in the king's private baths, he was thinking of Kia, on the beach, her kisses, her little hands touching him without fear. There was no rule preventing him from having a maiden like Inamorata, so as soon as he got the chance, he would seek her out.

Perhaps if he explained well the situation they were in, she would like to be with him, after all it was the only thing he could offer her, to be his Inamorata; if his father decided to make the Accords valid he would have to marry Councilor Kuchiki's daughter and if he decided to fight for the crown then he would have… he would have… he… he could die.

Fighting for the crown was an open declaration of war against his father and brother. They had the soldiers and the alliances, his father with an order could kill him, if he tried to get Kaien out of the way they would know it was him and his father would send him to kill, he was sure of it. He was trapped.

— Ichigo are you still here? You will become a raisin if you spend a lot of time in the water. — Kaien's voice sounded animated; happy enough to be good.

Ichigo looked up, Kaien stopped in front of the bathtub with a towel tied around his waist and his usual smile. He didn't like to see him smile like that, he looked like a snake waiting to attack.

— You are very happy, I see that meeting the Ladies of our mother's court makes you happy. The girls from your reserve, big brother. — He said with a sarcastic smile.

Kaien returned the same smile and with a wave of his hand let Ichigo know that it was his turn to bathe, although the bathtub was big enough to swim in, Kaien preferred to bathe alone. Ichigo got up heavily from the bathtub, the water dripping from the muscles that the training had formed and the scars left by the battles, as well as the tattoo that covered part of his back.

— Our personal reserve, little brother, ours. Remember that you are also a prince and all those ladies will be eager to speak to you closely. — Kaien said before settling into that huge bathtub.

— I am not interested in the ladies of the court. — He responded by drying himself with a towel that he used to cover himself afterwards. — I do not care how interested they are, they will end up like any lover: married with a Lord and far from here, whether we are with them or not.

— You should think we're doing them a "favor." We sleep with the daughter of one of the Lords, the girl spends the best days of her life thinking that she will be a princess if she manages to make us fall in love and in the end, she will end up married to some important Lord. Our father will give a dowry to the girl's family and the Lord will have the honor of marrying such a beautiful woman that she was the lover of a prince.

— You're disgusting, Kaien. — He said turning his back on him to leave, he did not want to continue listening to him speak.

— I am the Crown Prince, the future King of Avanta and the Blue Mountains, I do what is expected of me. — Kaien paused. — I don't want you dressed as a soldier, Ichigo, don't ruin the night; you are my brother and prince of Avanta. Behave as such.

Kaien's warning made him stop at the door but without turning to see him. Dressed as a soldier? Surely he knew about the maid too.

— Yes, your Highness. — He responded scathingly, turning on his heel to give him a bow that made Kaien smile.

If everyone saw the Kaien that he saw when they were alone then no one would want him. Kaien was as disgusting as he was manipulative, he still couldn't believe that his father loved him enough to inherit the kingdom.

He thought of Kia again while the servants were helping him dress; he thought about the possibility of making her his lover and the more he thought about it, the more it seemed like a good idea; he wanted to be with her even though the only way to do it, for the moment, was by being lovers. If he became king then he could marry whomever he wanted and if Kia was willing to be with him then there would be a more lasting possibility.

For a second he imagined himself as the king of Avanta and Kia as his queen.

Rukia did not dress in the room with the other ladies of the court, she did it in the rooms of the Lord of Maranni, where her father had prepared a private room for her. The Kahya had talked to him about her fight with Senna and, in turn, he had talked to her; she hadn't told her father that Senna was bothering her and she wasn't going to tell him but things had gotten out of hand.

At least her father believed that she had been ill on the day of the king's arrival and asked no more; she didn't want to imagine what her father would have said if he found out that she had left the castle with a soldier.

The only thing she didn't like about getting dressed for a party was putting on the corset that had to be worn under the dresses, but the maid helped her put it on and squeezed it so tightly that she couldn't breathe without gasping. Before putting on the dress she had to loosen the corset a bit or she was going to pass out in the middle of the dance.

The dress was amazing and although she had already tried it on once, she was nervous because she was afraid of ruining it that night; she again had the help of the maid to put it on, with all the care that a garment of that quality required.

When the maid finished tying the ribbons that held everything in place, she looked at herself in the mirror and was surprised to see her reflection; she had never before her dressed this elegant for a party. At her brother's wedding, her dress was beautiful but the one she was wearing at the time surpassed that dress too much.

Her pale skin contrasted with the plum color of the fabric of the dress, everyone must be dressed in dark colors and, although that dress did not break the dress code, it was certainly striking. She was bare shoulders and her neckline was straight, covering her bust line elegantly, her hair was tied up in a bun and the jewelry that adorned it was made of white stones.

After putting on her shoes, she left her room to the living room where her father was waiting for her; her father was always dressed according to the occasion and that night he was no exception, he was dressed as the Lord of Maranni.

— You are so beautiful, you have the beauty of your mother. — Her father whispered when he saw her leave her room.

Her father's comment made her blush, she considered her mother to be really beautiful and she had never thought that she could look like her. Her father showed her a jewel case and placed it in front of her, opening it to reveal its contents.

— Your mother, although she was against you being part of the Queen's Court, sent this for you to wear on the Night of Souls. — He explained letting her see the necklace that rested on the white velvet.

The necklace was of polished black steel, with a huge garnet in the center and two smaller ones on the sides, all joined in filigree. The shape was simply beautiful, it was definitely going to attract attention tonight and, although it was against what she wanted, the jewel was impossible to ignore; the dress was the perfect accessory for that necklace.

When leaving the rooms of the Lord of Maranni and crossing the stone bridge Rukia could feel the cold air of the sea, as close as if they were on the beach and she smiled for that; she had put aside the idea of seeing the soldier again, she could not stay forever thinking about what it could have been and was not. She was the daughter of the Lord of Maranni, she should behave as such.

The place where the party would take place was decorated with the colors of the Night of Souls: blue, purple, orange and black, all in a way that gave the feeling that in truth the darkness would really fall on them. The chandeliers lit up everything, the music played and some couples danced to the rhythm of the music; the entire court had attended, the councilors with their families, the Generals and one or another Lord who had been invited.

There were so many people laughing, enjoying themselves and dancing, that Rukia was stunned. Her brother's wedding, compared to this party, had been a picnic.

— Retsu. — Her father's voice made her focus on the Kahya who had approached them with a discreet smile. — I would like Rukia to sit with me next to the Councilors.

— Councilor Kuchiki, I'm afraid that's impossible, Rukia must sit next to the other ladies of the Queen's Court. — The Kahya replied a little embarrassed for not being able to allow her father's request.

Her father was about to protest but she prevented him by assuring him that she would be fine and that they would dance the first piece of the night; her father nodded with a slight smile and kissed her head gently.

— The first piece, the second and all. — Her father joked before saying goodbye to her and leaving her with the Kahya.

The Kahya motioned for her to follow her and Rukia lifted her dress a little, so as not to step on the edge as she walked, following her between the people and the tables to the table they had designated for the ladies. Orihime was there and received her with a smile, she had that simple beauty that was adorned with jewelry that she had never seen making her look like a princess, as her name said.

Rukia ignored the Favorites, who were looking at her indignantly for some reason that only they knew, she didn't feel like putting up with their silly comments.

Rukia started chatting with Orihime about what was going to happen that night, about the food they were going to serve and about the people who had attended. It was easy to recognize the Councilors, they all dressed similarly, even their father, they had something that distinguished them; the Generals were men who wore the insignia that showed their rank in their clothes and the common guests dressed in their best clothes, even the women dressed in a way that coordinated with the clothes of their partners but there were some guests who dressed in slightly disregard of the dress code.

Orihime commented that these people were looking to attract attention, surely so that someone they needed would notice them and they could start a conversation; her friend knew a lot about the behavior of the court, more than she did, and she was surprised by it. Rukia knew the reason for that was her mother who had raised her as far away from the court as she could have; they lived in Maranni and, although she had a very good education, her mother had not given enough importance to several details that at that moment would serve her.

— That man who's talking to your dad, he's my uncle; he's the Money Counselor. — She said pointing to some men who were talking and laughing with a glass of wine in their hands. — The white-haired man is the War Councilor, they are always with the king.

Rukia looked at the men who were talking to her father, she didn't know them but from the title they had it was sure they were always busy with something; Rukia knew that his father was the Peace Councilor, the three Councilors were responsible for the kingdom "flowing like silk", in the words of her father.

—

The ceremony in the Temple of the Deities had ended, only they had attended because it was almost traditional, and now they had to enter the party hall so that it could formally begin. Ichigo had been tempted to ask permission to leave before entering the party but his mother warned him that his father would not forgive a second offense; his irreverence in not receiving him had been taken as a very serious offense.

Their parents were talking animatedly before they were announced and the doors were opening to let them pass. Her mother looked lovely with her light brown hair falling down her back and wearing the War Crown. Each of the stones that decorated the crown represented a victory, either individually or in conquest; the stones had been added since the Queen of Maranni had yielded her crown to the King of Avanta on the Morning of the Fall.

The most recent stone was added by Ichigo when beheading the enemy General in the last battle, something that Kaien had not been able to do; a privilege the bastard hadn't been able to take away from him.

The crown was imposing, it was the War Crown and the Queen's Crown, which was used in those events to remind everyone present that the man who reigned over them was not just any man; it was a way of reminding everyone that he was a descendant of strong and brave warriors, and there was no better way to demonstrate his power than by crowning the queen with him victories.

— Go out to conquer the world, big brother. — He told him with a mocking grin when they were announced to enter the hall.

— You too, little brother. Wear your ring with honor. — Kaien said mockingly but didn't turn to look at him.

Kaien took a deep breath, put on that expression of serenity and charm, which hid that he was a potential tyrant, and went through the same door where the kings had passed; They both walked across the hall to reach the head table, Kaien was smiling and he had hardened his gesture to the point of looking like a dangerous man.

— And to your left, little brother, the Queen's Court. — Kaien whispered, just for Ichigo to hear him.

Ichigo wanted to ignore Kaien's comment but there was something that caught his attention, something that made him turn his head to see the six girls who were standing, paying their respects with their eyes down, like everyone else in that place. He had seen them once, the time he had met Kia in the corridor, but he hadn't noticed them until the world came to a complete stop, again.

It was the second most eternal in his life. There was Kia, dressed as the daughter of a great Lord, looking at him curiously, holding his gaze until her surprise was reflected on her face and gave way to anger. She had recognized him.

The world could go to hell, the Deities were making fun of them. It had to be a joke. It had to be a fucking joke! Nothing that he had thought served, she was part of her mother's court and there was a possibility that she would become her brother's lover if he took notice of her.

Damn laws, damn Kaien, damn Deities.

Ichigo took his seat at the table of kings, growing angry at the possibilities of Kia's fate, knowing that if Kaien took notice of her, she would inevitably end up in his bed and he couldn't do anything about it. The world could go to hell, jealousy was consuming him in such a corrosive way that if he couldn't calm down he was going to hit Kaien right there even though he hadn't done anything yet. He had so many questions to ask Kia that anxiety ran through his body in a cold way, not even when he was in the war had he felt that way.

— Then you didn't show up at the king's welcome because you were with a lady of the court; I thought you said you were not interested in the Queen's Court, you are a hypocrite, little brother.

Ichigo tried to ignore Kaien's voice but the way Kia was looking at him, with an anger too palpable to be ignored, and the way he was looking at her, must have been too obvious to Kaien who was only looking the way to provoke him; he just wanted to go to Kia and ask for an explanation.

He needed an explanation, surely she needed it too.

He was so involved in his ideas that he did not listen the welcome message that the king had given, he was only aware that the king had said something because all the guests had begun to applaud and he did the same only out of inertia; his body was there, but his mind was elsewhere.

— I recommend that you do not go with them, the ladies of the court are beautiful, but you must wait for the formal presentations to be made. It doesn't matter if you already knew one or not. — Kaien warned him as the servants filled the wine glasses at the head table.

— I don't want to go with them, I don't even know them. — He lied automatically.

Kaien taunted him a bit more, but was careful enough to be ambiguous in his words and not arouse suspicion from the queen who was near them; Ichigo just ignored him and drank the wine that the servants served him. If Kaien didn't shut up, he would take care of turning him into a "soul" that night.

The butler approached the table when his parents had finished eating and, with the king's permission, began the "traditional" presentation of the ladies who would accompany the queen during those years. Ichigo watched as they were introduced one by one, noticing how they all wore a similar ring and gave Kaien a look that mixed adoration and gratitude; the bastard had started giving things away and he was afraid that Kia had accepted something.

Kia was the last to be introduced and Ichigo could see that she was moving with the elegance of a lady, the anger that he had seen throughout the banquet was no longer on her face and he could appreciate the beauty that was in her beyond her eyes that had caused him so many sleepless nights.

— Miss Rukia Kuchiki of Maranni in the Blue Mountains.

Rukia Kuchiki was there, the same Rukia Kuchiki who would have to marry him if his father decided to make the Accords valid, relegating him forever to be the second prince without the possibility of regaining his right to the throne.

He had fallen in love with the one woman he should not fall in love with if he wanted to be king.

For a moment he thought that Rukia would not turn to see him but she did and gave him a look so cold that it looked like a sword piercing his chest. The surprise on his face did not go unnoticed by Kaien who gave a small laugh when Rukia turned her back on him.

—Your future wife. — Kaien added amusedly before drinking some wine.

— She is not my future wife, I am not going to marry her. — Ichigo replied and drank the rest of the wine in his glass. The servant refilled his glass at the time.

— Are you sure? You are the second prince and she is prettier than I thought.

— Don't you have anything else to talk about? Like for example, when did you give gifts to the ladies of the court? That is not allowed before the presentation.

— Before, after, what difference does it make? I already did and they all accepted them, so they all know the position they are in. — Kaien's voice was mean, like his gaze at that moment. — If you don't intend to marry her, then I'll make her my lover, I can't wait to see her face when I fuck her.

Kaien said that, drank the last of the wine that was left in his glass and got up from his seat to address Rukia who was dancing with one of his father's councilors. Ichigo just clenched his fist in anger, he wanted to hit Kaien for that, he wanted to kill him right then just for saying those words.

The only thing Rukia wanted was to leave there and she had been about to get it when one of the princes had arrived to ask her to dance, it was one of those things that could not be denied, not the heir to the crown and her father just encouraged that dance by speaking for her and saying it was an honor. She hated that, she hated that everyone decided for her, and she hated that she was forced to dance with one of the princes.

— Miss Kuchiki, may I ask why I didn't see you on the day of my arrival? — He said with a friendly voice and a curious grin, avoiding any hint of hostility on his part when they were already dancing.

He had noticed that she was not wearing the ring he had sent to the court girls but decided not to say anything. Nelliel hadn't said anything to him about it, after the dance he would talk to her.

— Your highness, I was sick. I did not want to be in the presence of the princes in that health condition, I did not want to give a bad impression. — Kaien could not decipher Rukia's expression, it was somewhat confused because in her eyes he could see an anger that he did not understand and in her voice a kindness typical of a lady.

— Glad to hear that you are feeling better now, my lady. — He added and Rukia just nodded gracefully.

Kaien made her dance and twirl in his arms to the beat of the music. Dancing with Rukia was easy and he liked the anger in her eyes even though she didn't refuse to follow the orders of the music that was playing. There was a force in her that attracted him.

Little by little he brought her closer to him, with a clear intention to feel her body better but Rukia moved with an elegance that repelled him in a subtle way. She was resisting him and he loved that, a challenge he had to complete.

The music stopped and he heard someone clear his throat next to him, there Ichigo was, with his serious expression but with his hand extended asking Rukia to grant him a dance piece. Kaien broke away from her and took one of Rukia's hands to place a kiss on the back of her hand.

— You dance wonderfully, my lady, I hope to share a moment with you again. — He didn't let Rukia reply, he pulled away from them and glanced at Ichigo before walking away.

He could see the jealousy in Ichigo's eyes; that was fucking funny. No matter what happened, he was going to have fun at their expense, nothing more than entertainment before consolidating his power because the only one who was really going to win there was him.

Rukia turned to see the king's table when Ichigo asked her to dance and she could see how the queen's gaze was fixed on her, at that moment she remembered what she said the day before and accepted that she had to behave at the height of the situation. She was a lady, daughter of a great Lord, descendant of kings and she was not going to let the situation overtake her as if she were a little girl.

— I'm sorry, Your Highness, but I'm feeling tired. If you will excuse me, I will retire to rest. — She bowed to him and turned her back on him.

She couldn't refuse to dance with the heir to the crown but with the second prince she definitely could, they couldn't force her and the last thing she wanted was to dance with him. She didn't even want him to be near her.

Rukia began to walk, away from the dance floor and ignoring the possible looks that what she had just done attracted, she did not care what the queen had told her; all she wanted was to get out of there and get to the stone bridge that led to her father's rooms.

Seeing Ichigo made her feel annoyed, silly, used and sad; his presence bothered her so much that it was difficult for her to breathe normally. She had believed that he was a soldier, she felt really stupid.

Rukia left the ballroom and began to walk through the corridors that had led her there, the music was so far away that it was a murmur. She still didn't know how to react, she just felt a lump in her throat that was getting bigger and bigger.

— Kia! We need to talk! — He called her by that name. How dare he even call her? How had he dared to follow her?

— Kon! I didn't know you were around, I thought you were gone. You told me you'd go. — Rukia turned to stare at him.

The sarcasm in Rukia's voice and anger in her eyes hit him as hard as a real blow; that made Ichigo relax the serious expression that he had but Rukia continued with that angry expression, and with reddened eyes, that he felt his heart squeeze with force.

It was painful.

— Kia. — He mumbled and approached her trying to hold her hand but Rukia moved away from him.

— No. Don't touch me. — Rukia backed away from him with an indecipherable expression on her face.

Ichigo ignored the warning and tried to get closer to her again but Rukia was quicker; she raised her hand and dropped it hard and fast, making the sound of the blow to his face sound sharp and dry.

— You Lier. You lied to me! And I stupidly believed you. — Rukia was pointing a finger at him but Ichigo didn't move, he just listened to her; the slap had turned his face a little. — Don't follow me, if you do I will hit you again, I don't care that you are a prince, I will hit you. I swear.

Rukia left without looking at him. Ichigo watched her go and again cursed at the Deities.

Thank you for reading.

*The Night of Souls: It is a celebration dedicated to the death, similar to Halloween or "Dia de Muertos". The celebration begins the night of October 31 and ends on November 5.

As the story, at one point, progresses through the years, I will tell you the age of the characters until the Night of the Souls. Rukia (15), Ichigo (17), Kaien (19), Orihime (17), Nelliel (18), Ulquiorra (24), Favorites (16 - 17), Karin and Yuzu (14), Yoruichi (17).