The Nightingale

Chapter 25: Engagement

Masaki was looking closely at the roses in her garden; the winter roses had stopped blooming and only the bushes remained that would decorate the garden of green colors in different shades. The winter roses were not the only roses in the castle, but they were the roses that the queen liked the most, however, the other roses also had some charm.

Resting in her garden was one of those pleasures that gave her peace and the opportunity to think about things that were happening from a different perspective; Masaki knew that she should put aside her anger against Nelliel; the reasons were simple and easy to understand: Nelliel was going to marry Kaien, she would be the Crown Princess and her children would be the immediate heirs of the kingdom; if the queen wanted all to be peaceful and quiet until Isshin died, she had to keep up appearances and calm.

Isshin was happy that his son was getting married, and he liked the idea of Kaien marrying Nelliel; Masaki knew that Isshin, despite having named his bastard son as the Crown Prince, was not going to compromise him with some princess; that's why Isshin hadn't suggested any princess as Kaien's possible wife, and Kaien seemed to be aware of that as well.

But Isshin had told Masaki to give the Queen's Ring to Kaien and Masaki had to do it; a tradition that had to be followed and that could not be changed. To oppose Isshin at that moment would be to make very obvious her intentions to make Ichigo the king, and it was something that she could not do either.

Masaki had many things to do, many things she had to think about and anticipate; she couldn't let Kaien get the throne but she couldn't move anything yet or Ichigo would be harmed; she couldn't allow Ichigo to have a child prematurely because he would be executed for treason and she couldn't allow Kaien to kill Isshin, because then she would lose all the power that she had.

— It is very difficult to be the queen. — She muttered looking at the roses before trying to cut one off and hurt her finger on a thorn.

Common people and some nobles, including Nelliel who had been raised and educated by the queen herself, thought that being a queen was just looking pretty and being with the king. Being queen was not only that, she also had to manage the castle, the public events and the food of all the castle and the town, so that they did not suffer shortages, in addition to good relations with the other kingdoms; the same duties that lords' wives had but on a grand scale. The king was responsible for the security of the kingdom, the wealth of the kingdom, and the strength of the kingdom; and the queen was responsible that everything they possessed was enough for everything they had to do.

The king was the sword and the queen was the voice.

Masaki was sure that Ichigo was strong, he was a sword; she just had to make Rukia's voice strong enough to be heard. Rukia would be the People's Princess if she married Ichigo, and Masaki had to make sure that the people loved Rukia enough so that they wanted to take care of her, protect her, and avenge her, in case something happened to her.

— Mother. — Ichigo's voice snapped her out of her thoughts and she stopped looking at the roses to see her son; Ichigo looked annoyed but his expression changed to one of utter concern when he saw the blood on his mother's finger. — You're hurt…

Ichigo was observant, very observant and, she was sure he had learned that from Kisuke. Her brother had raised him well, too well.

— No, I just cut the rose wrong. What happens? — Masaki was going to clean the wound with her dress but Ichigo stopped her and wiped the blood away with his handkerchief. Masaki smiled at that. Kisuke had definitely done a good job with her son.

Masaki remembered the constant letters that Kisuke sent her, they were always accompanied by Ichigo's letters; Masaki watched as her son's handwriting changed from crude childish scrawls to the handwriting he had at the time: neat and stylized, just like Kisuke's handwriting; and Kisuke was a dangerous man. Ichigo's letters changed from "I miss you mommy" to "I'm getting stronger, mother"; and Masaki, seeing her son turned into the young man he was at that moment, she was sure that he really was strong.

— I know... I know you gave the queen's ring to Kaien... — Ichigo started and Masaki knew that her son and Rukia had a very good communication; she hoped the communication between them would be just as good for everything.

— Yes, I did it. — She said and saw the anger and doubt in Ichigo's gaze. — Your father asked me to give it to Kaien. I can do no more. Refusing would be making it even more obvious that I don't want Kaien on the throne, do you want that?

— No mother. I know I must be patient but... — Her son seemed upset.

— The ring will be Rukia's in due time, patience is a virtue. Also, Nelliel sold Miyako for that ring before she even knew she would have it.

— Did Nelliel sell Miyako? — Ichigo asked but Masaki didn't say more. If Ichigo was smart, then he would go to the Registry Room to investigate what she had said.

Masaki didn't know if Ichigo knew Miyako's full story or not, but she wasn't going to tell him, it wasn't something that would be a topic of conversation for such a day; it was more of a warning of what could happen if the rules were not followed.

For almost two weeks Rukia had been with the queen preparing things for Kaien and Nelliel's engagement dinner. The queen had insisted that Rukia be with her, on the premise that she must learn many things and they had little time. It was thus that Rukia knew that the queen was not only in charge of the palace girls, she was also responsible for many things and that the Kahya was of overwhelming importance.

At first Rukia didn't understand why the queen had so many things to do; when she became the Queen's favorite, she didn't really spend the whole day with the Queen, only her classes and some other food; but seeing all that the queen had to do, she was surprised that the queen had not gone mad.

— Many of these things have to be done by the Queen and the People's Princess, but your aunt died very young and all the responsibility fell on me; luckily Retsu helps me. — Said the queen one afternoon while they were going through the guest list.

Then Rukia understood why the Kahya saw her differently when she was part of the court, it was because the Kahya had met her aunt.

Rukia knew what had happened with her aunt Emiko, although she had not met her, her father had told her that her aunt Emiko had become a princess but that some bandits attacked her along with her husband and they both died. In fact Rukia was surprised that Ichigo didn't have more family living in the castle, even the family of his aunt, the king's sister, lived in the Visnia Palace along with the Queen Mother; but the queen had told her, on one of those many afternoons of talk and study, that the minor princes had died in tragic ways and that it was fortunate that the king was still alive.

It was a very great luck. The more Rukia knew the history of the castle, the more sure she was that the castle was a monster that eats all good things, and she was there of her own free will.

—

On the night of Kaien and Nelliel's engagement dinner, Rukia did not have to accompany the queen, her place was with her father who seemed upset about that dinner. If Rukia thought about it, that the future king was an illegitimate son, when Ichigo was the rightful heir to the throne by his birth, it was a pretty great insult to the kingdom; but for her it was fine, because that way she could be with Ichigo.

The maid helped her dress, helped her comb her hair, and put on her shoes. Everything had been chosen by the queen, from the fabric that they were going to use to make her dress, to the tiara that she was going to wear that night; the queen had decided that since her dress would be midnight blue, she must be wearing one of the white tiaras from the royal family's jewelry collection.

— This tiara is perfect, it is simple, discreet and delicate. You will look beautiful wearing it. — The queen told her before handing her the tiara along with the other accessories that she was going to wear that night.

Rukia knew that being the Queen's Favorite had privileges, but she didn't imagine they were such privileges.

When Rukia arrived at the garden where dinner would be held, she was surprised to see how beautiful the place was; it was not yet completely dark, but several of the lanterns and lamps were lit to prevent darkness from covering everything at any moment. The garden was huge, like all the gardens they had in the castle, and the bushes that lined the garden were covered with flowers that had been born in spring.

The queen had said a "small dinner", "only the councilors and the family", but with the amount of tables that there were, that dinner was going to be everything, but not small.

All the councilors would be present with a companion, Ulquiorra would be present but with no other company than Nelliel, almost the entire Royal Family would be there; There were also the 6 commanders of the kingdom, the lords who lived in the palace, some knights and all the ladies of the queen's court, all with a companion; as well as the High Priest who had to be invited because he would be the one who would officiate the wedding when the date was chosen for that.

There were musicians who played soft melodies and the servants went from one place to another with the trays with glasses of wine of different colors and flavors, and there was a small tent where the cooks were dedicated to preparing the food that would be distributed.

"It will not be a dinner, it will be a party."

The guests had not yet arrived, although most of them lived in the castle, so Rukia approached the food tent to see that everything was as the queen had requested. Hisagi and Hanataro greeted her with a smile as they explained what they had prepared.

— We have made enough food, we are not worried about that, what worries us are the beer and wine barrels, we have gotten a few barrels of rum, which some friends left us at a good price, but it will only be in case the beer and wine are not enough.

Rukia listened carefully to what Hisagi and Hanataro were telling her, agreed on some things regarding the drinks and, before leaving, she stole one of the sugary fruits that was on the dessert tray. The cooks pretended they didn't see anything and Rukia approached the Kahya, who seemed anxious.

— Miss Kuchiki, please sit down. Your dress is going to be ruined.

— It is night, nobody will notice if the dress has an extra wrinkle; plus everyone will be watching Prince Kaien and Nelliel, so let me help you.

Rukia saw the Kahya hesitate for a moment, but then the Kahya agreed and told Rukia what to do when receiving the guests. Rukia didn't know all the guests; but she had seen them from time to time when she wandered around the castle and it was easy to give them a smile as she indicated where they were going to sit.

When the Ladies of the Queen's Court arrived, Rukia had to take a deep breath; she used to see them all the time, but they hadn't been alone with her, and Rukia guessed that they weren't going to waste an opportunity to make any malicious comments.

— Your table is the one that is there. — She said pointing to one of the tables that was somewhat away from the main table, it was a small pleasure that she had given herself by helping the queen.

— Then lead us to the table, that's your job, right? I see that you were finally able to buy yourself a new dress; but being the Queen's Favorite won't last forever, so save what they give you. — Senna's voice, as annoying as ever, made Rukia roll her eyes.

Rukia didn't understand why Senna kept behaving like this and she guessed it was Senna's way of being, although she could also be jealous; Rukia didn't care much about that but if she could give herself the pleasure of teasing them back, then she was going to enjoy it.

— Yes... the truth is… my job is to receive guests on behalf of the queen; but to guide you to your table is this handsome waiter. — Rukia said after calling one of the waiters with one hand.

— My lady. — The man said in a deep voice full of respect. Rukia smiled upon seeing the angry expression of Senna and her friends.

— Please, guide Miss Senna and her friends to their seats.

— Yes, my Lady. — The waiter gave Rukia a respectful gesture and then made Senna and her friends follow him.

Rukia said goodbye to Senna until Kahya arrived again; the king and queen were about to arrive and, along with them, the other members of the head table; Rukia said goodbye to Kahya and went with her father to enter the garden together.

The king thanked everyone for their attendance and ordered that the food be served so that everyone could eat. Rukia sat next to her father but she kept looking at the head table where Ichigo was sitting; she saw him talking to one of the waiters, and a moment later that same waiter was setting in front of her a plate with a slice of strawberry shortcake.

It was completely different from the first time they had been in that situation; the first time, she was upset with him, but at that moment the only thing she wanted was to be with him. They no longer gave each other angry and tense glances while they were at their respective tables, but rather conspiratorial glances.

Rukia thanked Ichigo from a distance with a smile and, before she could eat some of what had been served on her plate, her father spoke attracting her attention.

— How should I interpret it? — Her father's voice was serious and Rukia turned to see her father, she was somewhat confused and her father spoke again. — I've seen you go out with him, the way he sees you is not just how he looks at a friend. I know it and I think you know it too.

Rukia was silent for a moment before answering, she knew that there her father could not say anything to her in a higher tone than a whisper; but she still made sure that only her father heard her speak.

— Father, in Maranni you told me that you would allow me to choose my future husband. I have chosen. — She said clearly without taking her eyes off her father.

— Has the prince proposed something to you? — Her father asked in a whisper.

— No, and I don't know if he will, but if he does, then I won't hesitate to accept.

— Is it your choice? — Her father's voice sounded like a moan, as if what she was saying hurt him, but Rukia didn't understand why.

— It is, father.

— It's your choice, it's your life but ... but if I ever tell you that you have to get out of here, then you will take your things and leave here without looking back. If your choice of husband loves you, then he will understand your actions without the need for prior explanations.

— Father... is something wrong? — It was the first time that Rukia dared to ask her father directly that.

— No, nothing is wrong. — Rukia stared at her father but he didn't say more.

—

Kaien was pleased by the number of people who had come to his engagement dinner, he knew that Masaki would only invite important people and that was perfect; they were people who would support his reign. After dinner he got up and made a gesture for the musicians to stop playing, it was time to make the proposal, he was the Crown Prince and he had to do many things in full view of the people.

— Nelliel, darling. — He said taking one of Nelliel's hands to get her up. The queen had been meticulous in the way they had dressed Nelliel, she looked like a fairytale princess with that red dress that stood out among the guests; although the Kuchiki girl wore a princess tiara and that made her look charming.

— Yes, your Highness? — Nelliel's soft voice caught his attention.

Kaien stopped thinking about the Kuchiki girl and looked at Nelliel, everyone was waiting for what he would say, and Nelliel was blushing because their engagement would finally be official.

— Nelliel, darling. We have grown up together, we ran through these gardens and smashed some of the queen's most precious flowers. We were children and we grew up, and I feel that I could not live what I have lived with you with someone else. You complement me in a way that I didn't think was possible, so I'll risk doing this… Nelliel, do you want to marry me?

The silence in the place was absolute and the second it took for Nelliel to respond seemed to Kaien eternal.

— Your Highness, I would be honored to marry you. — Nelliel said and Kaien smiled as he placed the Queen's Ring on Nelliel's finger.

The guests applauded and then the real party began. The servers began to pass by with mugs of beer and wine for the guests, the musicians began to play more upbeat tunes, and Kaien took Nelliel by the hand to guide her onto the dance floor.

Kaien knew that everything he had said was a lie but Nelliel was a safe bet, she was beautiful, she had her charm and a personality that sometimes rivaled his, but he did not love her; however every time he thought of the Kuchiki girl and remembered the mint scent that emanated from her, it made him feel that he had made the proposal to the wrong person.

When he saw Rukia dance with Ichigo, he wanted to push his brother out of the way just so he could be the one with Rukia. Again, those jealousies that he had felt as a child, and had not felt since Ichigo had been sent to Vayalat, reappeared in him.

He would have the kingdom, he would be the king and he would have control of everything that should have been Ichigo, but at that moment, Kaien wanted Rukia, he wanted her to smile at him while dancing, just like she was doing with Ichigo.

Spring - Year x492 / April

Ichigo felt that Rukia had power over him, power that was not like magic but was just as powerful. He knew about magic, Kholtan was living proof of that and in Vayalat they used magic in a way that he couldn't explain. Vayalat was the last kingdom, on that side of the Red Desert, that had magic, and only his maternal family could have access to it, but Rukia had a certain influence on him that made him forget many things.

Ichigo was amazed at how much he had changed in one year, from the person who had come to the castle after studying and training in his grandfather's kingdom, to the person he was at that time. He knew that he had changed, not only was the image that the mirror returned to him of a more mature person, but he felt that something had changed within him.

He was sure that he himself had changed when Renji asked him if he loved Rukia as much as he wanted to be king. His friends were with him, whether he was the king or not, they were with him because they had taken a silent oath that was only done between friends, but that question left him thinking for days.

Ichigo loved Rukia, and he was completely sure about his feelings for her, just as sure that he wanted to have a life with her; but wanting to be the king meant that he would endanger Rukia's life and it was something that he was not willing to let happen.

He had made alliances and his grandfather had warned him that they would attack Avanta if he did not become king, because in the eyes of the Great King Yhwach, that King Isshin had put his own bastard son in a direct line to the throne, it was a very great insult to the alliance and the treaty they had. Ichigo had friends and time to perfect his plan to make his claim to the throne when his father died; but for King Isshin to die it could take decades.

Ichigo could do everything he had planned with Rukia by his side, she herself had said that her duty was to be with him to light his way; but if he had to choose between keeping Rukia safe and obtaining the kingdom, he wasn't going to think much about it. If he had to choose, he would always choose Rukia no matter what.

Rukia was the light that illuminated him in the middle of that abyss in which he was stuck and he was not going to allow anything or anyone to harm her; he would kill with his bare hands whoever harmed Rukia.

So, with that thought, he headed to the Dome that day.

His father had appointed him a seat next to him and he participated in all the council meetings, either giving his opinion or just listening to what was said; It was known that if the heir died leaving no descendants, the Second Prince ascended the throne, but that had not happened in more than 50 years. The kings made sure that his descendants were assured of survival.

The Council meeting lasted less than usual, there were few topics that were discussed this time so, before all the councilors left, Ichigo spoke.

— Your Majesty, I have a question. — He said looking at his father, who was looking at him curiously and made a gesture with his hand to encourage him to speak. — I know that, as the Second Prince that I am, my destiny is governed by the actions of my older brother, but I don't know if what I intend to do complies with that rule.

Ichigo had carefully chosen the words for that moment because he wanted the answers given to him to be clear enough so that he wouldn't get into trouble later.

— And what do you intend to do, which requires the presence of the entire Council, my son? — The king asked intrigued.

— Your Majesty, I would like to know if, since my older brother has proposed to Miss Nelliel, I could do the same with the person I'm interested in. — He said calmly, shifting his gaze between his father and Kaien.

The councilors started whispering amongst themselves about that situation and Ichigo knew why; he knew the rules but the rules did not say when he could do it, they only said that the heir did it first; As far as Ichigo was concerned, he could propose to Rukia the same night that Kaien proposed to Nelliel with no problem.

— There is no rule that prevents His Highness, Prince Ichigo, from choosing his fiancée. His Highness Prince Kaien is about to get married and after that wedding, His Highness Prince Ichigo is free to choose his wedding day. — One of the council men spoke in a calm voice. — We only have to remind His Highness, Prince Ichigo, of one thing, and that is that his highness cannot have children until His Highness Prince Kaien has his first child. The rules are clear and strict.

— I understand perfectly, councilor. — Ichigo clarified before seeing his father nodding his head.

The rules of not inciting a revolution and division of the kingdom by having a son before the heir, or he could end up beheaded for treason.

—

Soujun watched as Prince Ichigo got up from his seat and addressed him with determination on his face; he knew what the Prince was going to say and for a moment he was tempted to refuse, but he knew that the Prince could make use of the Accords, despite having broken the engagement, and that he was of no use refusing. Soujun got up from his seat when the Prince was in front of him.

— Grand Councilor Kuchiki, I know that my decisions could be questionable, even after agreeing to break off the engagement with your daughter; but your daughter and I have taken the time to get to know each other, and have come to the conclusion that despite the way our relationship began, that our destiny to be together. So I will do this the right way. — Soujun could see the determination in the Prince's eyes, he was more mature than he thought. — I want to marry your daughter, and I hope you agree to that.

— What if I refuse? — Soujun asked while still looking at the prince. All his emotions bubbling uncontrollably.

— I will marry your daughter anyway, but it would not be complete happiness for your daughter.

— I will not force my daughter to do something she does not want, so I'm not responsible if she rejects the proposal, Your Highness. — Soujun said that and held out his hand to the Prince to shake.

His daughter wanted to be with Prince Ichigo, and the Prince seemed sure of wanting to be with her; maybe when the prince was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the kingdom it would be easier to get Rukia out of there before something bad happened. Soujun consoled himself with that idea and felt the Prince's handshake; he didn't know whether to trust him or not, he didn't trust royalty, but at that moment he had no choice but to do so.

Rukia contemplated the cliff from the balcony of her room, the spring days in the castle were beautiful, there was no longer a trace of the winter cold and there was only the sea breeze that in a short time would become warm and pleasant; she was barefoot, she had taken off her dress and put on one of her old dresses, she was doing it to go to bathe and return to her room; her old dresses were comfortable, and they were totally opposite to the ones she wore as the Queen's Favorite.

Senna was right, they looked like peasant dresses.

Rukia had loosened her hair, all the ornaments she used, along with the jewels, were on her dressing table, at that moment it was just Rukia and she was waiting for the maid to arrive to let her know that she could go to the bathrooms to bathe.

She heard someone knock on the door and went to open it, for a moment she thought about the maid until she saw that Ichigo was standing in front of her door and had his hair covered by that cloth he used when he pretended to be a soldier. Rukia smiled.

— Kon, what are you doing here? Are you looking for Miss Kuchiki? — She asked with a smile and saw Ichigo's eyes shone as she said that.

— Kia, no. Miss Kuchiki is on the cliff with Prince Ichigo. I was looking for you. — He said with a smile before moving forward and making them both stay inside the room.

Ichigo subtly closed the door behind him.

— So, what were you looking for me for? — Rukia was smiling but Ichigo looked nervous.

That was funny, he looked like a nervous soldier and she looked like a barefoot peasant. If they had planned it, then it would not have turned out so well.

— I should make a speech, but I think I've told you everything I can tell you. I did not want to make a circus of something that only belongs to us, I know you do not like to attract attention, but being with me, attracting attention is what you will do the most, however what I will do is still private and ours. — Rukia listened to what Ichigo was saying, she got nervous and she didn't know what to say; then Ichigo knelt in front of her, like on the Day of the Roses, and took out a small wooden box. Ichigo opened the small box and inside was a ring with a large red stone that shone unnaturally. — Rukia, do you want to marry me?

— Yes.

Love, LunaticR