III. The Engagement:

Finally, the time had come. In a few hours the engagement between Rukia and the Human Prince would be sealed.

Just as she had done two days ago, Rukia prepared for the ceremony: perfume, hairstyle, dress. She was ready to look like a true Duchess today.

She sat on a stool and wished she could look at herself in the mirror; but vampires were only reflected in bodies of water... she felt conflicted.

Since the ceremony was today, and then they would go on to reside together in a different mansion than Byakuya's tomorrow, she thought it best to give the human prince his space for two reasons: first, he seemed paranoid, as if Rukia were going to sink her fangs into him at any moment.

The second? Rukia was constantly thinking about sinking her fangs into him at any moment. Not on purpose, of course. It's just that she found it hard to think clearly when he was around, because of his essence, it was too sweet, like strawberries... It destabilized her. The lesser symptom was that she couldn't help but say stupid things, like bad jokes or "flirting"...

And the major one... well, she hoped not to end up with the blood of the alliance on her hands, literally.

She wondered if at some point the scent of his blood would become tolerable, or if he would come to fully trust her. The question he had asked her about what would happen if he gave her the wrong object disturbed her a little because, on the one hand, if he distrusted her and gave her something of less value, the outrage against tradition would be fatal. And, on the other, he made her own fears rise to the surface, the fear of being the one who disrespects tradition, the fear of failing...

She sighed and lightly slapped her cheeks; She couldn't continue thinking that way, she had to remember not only the importance of her role, but also the seriousness with which the human had spoken yesterday.

She got up and went to her closet, there she rummaged through some things and took out a small ornate gold box. She took a deep breath and hugged the box, she knew exactly what object give him.

Meanwhile, Ichigo, in his room, prayed with his cross. He had made a decision, and hoped it was the right one.

The Great Hall shone once again in the light of the candles; however, this time the attendance was much smaller. Rukia could only count about thirty vampires in total, and none of the most important noble castes were present.

She hadn't entered yet (she was spying through the partially open door), waiting for Ichigo to enter together. This would give the illusion of being an established couple, even though it wasn't true. She was nervous, pacing in circles; tonight would change her life forever.

Lost in her thoughts, Rukia didn't feel Ichigo approaching.

-Ahem, -he said. And Rukia made a little jump. She turned around and there he was, dressed in a beautiful black gala cape with gray trim and a white shirt, much more formal than the one he wore at the ball, truly fit for a prince.

-Ichigo! I'm glad you're here, you look... magnificent. -She whispered the last part. This time, it wasn't because of the thirst that invaded her when she was near him. She genuinely thought he looked handsome, almost blushing as she looked at him closely.

-You look good too, that dress is beautiful -He replied. And he was right; Rukia didn't fall behind in her outfit: a precious light blue dress, more modest than the one she wore at the ball, leaning towards formality. But that didn't stop Rukia from looking stunning: the color perfectly matched her violet eyes, and the white lace complemented her porcelain skin, making her seem like an angel fallen from the sky.

The two stood there, gazing at each other, thinking it was the magical influence of being different species, the hunter and the prey. Deep down, they knew they were wrong, that something else was beginning to draw them together. However, before they could dwell on it, they were interrupted by Byakuya, dry as ever.

-I'm glad you're both here. Ready to enter?

Ichigo and Rukia snapped out of their brief moment of hypnosis, regaining their formal posture, pretending that nothing had affected them. Then, answered in unison, "Yes."

-Very well -Byakuya responded, pausing before continuing. He looked Rukia in the eyes and seemed to hesitate about what he was going to say. "It's not too late, you know? If you're not convinced or don't want to do this, I won't force you. I can cancel everything and help you escape to safer places.

Rukia covered her mouth, looking at him stunned. -Byakuya! We can't...

But he didn't let her finish.

-With just a word, I can get you out of here. Don't be afraid. Are you really willing to make this sacrifice? Once the ceremony is done, there's no turning back -His eyes showed a concern Rukia had never seen before.

For a second, she thought about telling him that she didn't want this, that she preferred to escape all responsibilities and find someone else to marry. But that wouldn't be worthy of a Duchess. That morning, she had already made her final decision: to do everything possible to end the war, save people, and honor her family. She was about to respond to all of this when Ichigo spoke up instead.

-Our decision is made, Lord Byakuya. We will fulfill our duty as expected, but always of our own free will -He made a small bow towards her brother and then surprised Rukia once again when he gently took her arm. -Are you ready?

Rukia's heart and head were spinning. The contact of Ichigo's arm with hers, even with layers of clothing in between, was, as always, mesmerizing. And the fact that he had the courage to say a confident "yes" in the face of this situation mesmerized her in a different way, proving that he was someone to be trusted. Despite the war, the hatred between species, despite being two strangers committed by a political alliance, Rukia felt there was nothing to fear. So, she nodded, took a deep breath, and they entered the Great Hall with their heads held high, where a great silence fell.

Indeed, the attendance was small, and the onlookers (perhaps as much as the engaged couple) still couldn't believe the situation. Ichigo and Rukia had all eyes on them, some filled with disdain, others curious, and some with a cold indifference.

The tension in the air was palpable; evidently, such a change, such a transgression of the great vampire laws, wouldn't sit well with the other factions. But Rukia thought that having thirty people present was a start; thirty (almost) allies were an excellent number to begin the path to peace.

She clung to Ichigo, the only certainty besides her brother in that room, and prepared, as the Noble Duchess she was, to receive the guests properly.

-Welcome, everyone -She said loudly and solemnly, worthy of the Kuchiki clan. -I want to thank you for coming on this special occasion... The officialization of my engagement to Prince Kurosaki.

As expected, there was no applause, but Byakuya looked at her with pride, and, fortunately for her, the awkward silence didn't last long. Someone broke it – a knight dressed in green vest and cape with golden trim, blonde hair tied back; he carried a golden-hilted fencing sword.

-For us, it is an honor, my dear Duchess! Allow me to introduce myself, I am Urahara Kisuke.

-Master! -Ichigo exclaimed, his eyes lightning up in a way Rukia had never seen. -You could come! But what about the battlefield?

Urahara waved his hand nonchalantly. -Don't worry, it's in good hands with Yoruichi and Tessai. I couldn't miss such an important event, could I?

He put his hand on Ichigo's shoulder, and for the first time, Rukia saw Ichigo smile – a beautiful smile.

-Sorry to interrupt the moment. -Byakuya said, as dry as always. -But the sun is close to setting. We must start now.

He was right.

They had chosen sunset to perform the ritual because it was a common ground between both species: the presence of the sun, but without harm to those present.

-Rukia, here. -Byakuya handed her a parasol.

-Thank you, brother.

-I will officiate the ceremony. -Byakuya continued. -Follow me.

So, the three of them headed to the stage, next to a huge window where the setting sun could be perfectly seen. Rukia stood on the left, and Ichigo on the right. And Byakuya began.

He took a red ribbon and tied the wrists of the couple with it.

-This ribbon represents the bond of destiny that will unite you for all eternity. In the presence of all, you must exchange gifts and pronounce vows that demonstrate how seriously you take the life you will share together. Once the vows are finished, the ritual will culminate with a dance in the moonlight. Rukia, you go first.

No one in the audience said a word. There was distrust. And it was Rukia's turn to take the first step in this new union. She took Ichigo's hands and spoke:

-For my dear future companion, the Human Prince, Kurosaki Ichigo. I present this invaluable gift, which has been with me since childhood and carries the only memory I have of someone I lost a long time ago. -Rukia took a small golden box from her pocket, opened it, and the entire congregation could see a beautiful silver hairpin with ornaments of celestial crystal flowers. -I present this hairpin, formerly belonging to my sister, Hisana, who has passed away, as a testament to my hope in this marriage, in the alliance between humans and vampires, in peace, and above all, in you. I beg you to accept it.

Rukia, with great care, fastened the hairpin to Ichigo's chest, and she could swear she felt a cool breeze sweep through the room, as if her sister had made her presence known. She looked up and met Ichigo's warm, understanding eyes. He touched the hairpin with the tips of his fingers and then pulled a five-pointed cross from his neck.

-Duchess Kuchiki Rukia, it is my deepest wish that the end of this war draws near. And if I must open my heart for that, so be it. -He took a silver five-pointed cross from his neck and placed it on Rukia's neck, which pricked her a bit due to the sacred material, but nothing she couldn't endure; she would find a way to wear it without discomfort later. -I am defenseless before you, before all of you, handing over this protection cross, belonging to my mother, who is no longer with us. To regain peace, the only legacy I had left from her is now yours.

Now Rukia definitely felt a breeze, but this time it was a warm one, as if the last ray of sunshine was warming the room; gentle, like a caress.

Finally, the moon rose, Byakuya untied the red ribbon, and the first part of the ritual ended. Ichigo and Rukia looked at each other, both a little sad for the freedom of love they had just lost, but at the same time with that same understanding they shared in the garden, now much deeper, as they each possessed a part of the other.

-At this moment, the Duchess and the Prince will culminate the ritual with the first dance they will ever share-Announced Byakuya.

Ichigo and Rukia descended from the stage arm in arm, and when they reached the center of the dance floor, a beautiful waltz began playing, marking the start of their dance.

The guests did not join the dance (the only one applauding enthusiastically was Urahara); they simply watched, with that doubt in their eyes that everyone had but no one dared to voice: "Is this a good idea?" However, it couldn't be denied that the eloquence of their movements had a fascinating effect, as no one had left; everyone witnessed the moment, standing in their places.

"Enough for now" thought Byakuya, analyzing the crowd. "Hisana, I hope I'm making the right decision..."

The couple continued to move gracefully around the hall, their hands entwined. Rukia smiled. Because since she put on the cross, the scent of blood had significantly decreased, and she could think clearly. She didn't know if it was because of the amulet, the ritual, or her own willpower; all she knew was that she could be by his side without thinking about sinking her fangs into him, which not only was a more optimistic start for the marriage, but perhaps, just perhaps, it meant they could even be friends in the future; Rukia dared to dream.

She looked into Ichigo's eyes, and her smile widened so much that he had to ask, -What's going on?

And she shook her head: -Nothing... Just thinking if we should tell them that this is not our first dance.

-Of course not. -Ichigo returned the smile, feeling more secure around her. -Your brother would kill me.

The music came to an end, and the couple remained in the center of the dance floor, smiling, looking into each other's eyes. The beginning of the connection of two souls, the union of two families, the beginning of what would be a challenging path to a wedding and, finally, the beginning of peace.

The beginning of a story.