The Nightingale

Chapter 55: Winter Rose 1

Winter - x493 / January 14 [Rukia, 17 years old]

The woman's hand seemed to want to reach her, and Rukia, although she was afraid, did not hesitate to reach out her hand to take it. That touch was cold, like the water that comes down from the Blue Mountains in winter, and at the same time it was soft. The woman in front of Rukia had similar eyes to hers, the only difference was that there was something there that Rukia couldn't identify.

"I'm thirsty." The woman spoke in a whisper that Rukia found charming and hypnotic at the same time.

"Who are you?" Rukia's voice sounded curious and confused, but at those questions, that woman simply smiled in a way that Rukia couldn't understand before she started to disappear.

The dream ended abruptly and Rukia opened her eyes quickly, leaving that dark place where the dream had taken her; the first thing she saw was the ceiling of her room, the second thing she saw was light coming through the curtains and the third thing she saw was the ring she had on her hand.

That red stone shone and felt warm.

Rukia had gotten used to feeling the changes in her ring, it was something alive that was filled with a kind of magic that awakened when Ichigo practiced with the ankh; Rukia could tell Ichigo's mood by feeling her ring, but this morning was something completely different.

The ring, when Ichigo was upset or angry, felt aggressive; when Ichigo practiced controlling the ankh, the ring felt agitated, as if it was tired. Every time Ichigo had used the ankh on her, whether it was to heal a wound or soothe her, the ring felt soft; it was like being stroked by a feather.

When Ichigo and Kaien got into a fight in the corridor of the queen's area, the ring felt too hostile and impatient; as if the ring was longing for something promised to be delivered. But today, the ring felt different, it was that kind of warmth that someone felt when they returned to their own home.

The door of her room opened and Tatsuki came in holding an arrangement of roses, behind her came two other girls holding various things on trays. Rukia looked away from her ring only to be met by Tatsuki's expression of complete happiness.

— Happy birthday, your highness! — Tatsuki's animated voice made Rukia forget that dream and remember that today was her birthday. — We thought you'd still be asleep and we were going to put this on the table for you to see when you wake up, but we're late.

At the disappointment reflected in Tatsuki's voice, Rukia got up from the bed with a smile and walked over to her maid, who was still holding the roses arrangement, and took it from her hands to place it on the table.

— It's still a beautiful intention. — Rukia answered and hugged Tatsuki.

There was a protocol to follow, but they weren't visible to each other and it was too early to have any formalities with someone like Tatsuki, who was more than just her personal maid.

— Your Highness, Happy Birthday! — Said the other two girls who held the trays with gifts. They only gave her a respectful bow and Rukia accepted it with pleasure.

— The roses are sent by His Highness, Prince Ichigo. — Tatsuki explained handing Rukia a small envelope neatly folded and sealed with the Second Prince's seal. — The other gifts are from various people inside and outside the castle.

— People from outside the castle? — Rukia asked confused.

Tatsuki gave her a knowing wink and Rukia thought she understood what her maid was referring to.

The maids neatly placed the gifts on the table and all left the room leaving Rukia alone with that note from Ichigo. Rukia was excited to know what was written on that note; even though Ichigo was in the king's area, the idea of him sending her little messages like that was too cute.

—

My winter rose, happy birthday! I would like to spend the whole day with you, but the twins have threatened to fleece Kholtan if I don't let you spend the day with them. The evil in them is great, they know that I would feel all the damage to Kholtan on my skin and it is not pretty. However, the night is mine and I think it will be for the best. I'll see you at dinner, my winter rose. I will be impatient for your arrival. Have fun.

With love, Ichigo.

—

Rukia smiled at the promise to have dinner with him, but not at the idea that the twins had threatened him like that. It was too cruel that kind of threat, especially since Rukia had once plucked a feather from Kholtan by mistake causing Ichigo to collapse on the floor in pain and unable to move for much of the day.

The soldiers were the ones who took him to his room that time, and Rukia had felt really bad for causing him that kind of pain.

— They just had to ask. — Rukia whispered before checking the gifts that she had on the table.

The roses were definitely the most beautiful, they were part of the queen's private garden, because they were incredibly beautiful and large, and their aroma was truly exquisite. She carefully checked the other gifts on the table and saw that her brother had sent her a long and heavy box; so she carefully opened it and discovered a beautiful dagger along with a note.

—

In Maranni, when a princess turns 17, she is given her first weapon. Although after the fall we ceased to be kings, the tradition was not forgotten. This dagger was made especially for you; do not hesitate to use it against your enemies, because the path you have chosen will be full of them.

Happy Birthday, little sister.

Byakuya.

—

Rukia was a bit taken aback by that note and read it a few more times before seeing the dagger that had been sent to her. Although it looked more like an ornament than a weapon, when Rukia ran the pad of her thumb over the edge of it, she got a small cut that began to bleed slowly.

Is a chapter too short? Yes, it is. My internet service has been failing for several days, and I have not been able to complete the translation of the chapter. So I apologize, as soon as my internet service is restored, I will upload the continuation.