Author's Note: Short chapter is short! Although, the title of it can be looked as having two meanings. I figured I should write while I had the time during winter break and want to continue to write onto Chapter 8. Hopefully, I can release it before I go back. I also wanted to update Absence of Life, so if any of the readers follow that story as well, please look forward to an update before the end of the year. Please read, review - and most importantly - enjoy! Hope everyone had a nice holiday!

Disclaimer: All characters belong respectively to Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach.

Chapter 7 - Deception Intervention

After concluding her dance with Ichigo, much to her dismay, Rangiku had dragged Orihime away from the peasant boy to make another speech at the dinner table. As she glanced over her shoulder, the orange-haired friend she had just made had turned his back to the ballroom floor. Orihime wasn't pleased with how her aunt had abruptly cut their second meeting short; however, she knew Rangiku was only looking to improve her image further with the people of her kingdom. It appeared that while she was dancing with Kurosaki, the majority of the party had taken their places at the mahogany table that was extremely and unnecessarily long. Although, now it being put to good use as it seemed that the guests had all managed to fit in nicely.

Princess Inoue stood at the very front of the table, along with Matsumoto. No one had noticed their presence yet as people were still being settled into their places. Once the room's noise level got to a certain point where it was much calmer than before, Rangiku jabbed her elbow into Orihime's side. The aristocrat gave her aunt a fleeting look, as she didn't desire very much to make another speech. Silently, Rangiku directed her eyes to the table and encouraged her niece to face her fears. For the most part, the princess had been planning to make one and last final speech when the time felt appropriate. She could sense everyone anticipating a gorgeous lecture from her and that only fed into her nervousness. If she had said one when she had felt comfortable, the situation would have been easy to overcome and conquer.

As she stepped closer to the table, Orihime took a quick look around the dining room. All nobles and peasants alike were sitting together. Maybe not altogether as she would have hoped, but they were all remaining civil on her behalf. It made the Princess' heart swell with emotion. The night could not have gone anymore perfectly than it had already.

After a bit more waiting, the princess finally could sense the attention and focus had been drawn back onto her. The royal wanted to make her words brief; therefore, she wouldn't be overworking herself at trying to make it sound just as perfect as her first one.

"Everyone, as we prepare for dinner and dessert, I'd like to take this moment to thank all who attended my brother's birthday extravaganza," the beauty concurred, "It has been such an honor to speak with you all, and I hope in the near future I can continue to do so with much confidence."

While she observed the people of her kingdom, she couldn't help but to take note of the two men who she had been introduced to during the evening. Aizen Sousuke and Gin Ichimaru were studying her with squinted eyes from afar. Knowing that the two of them were watching her every move made Orihime's stomach turn in knots.

However, she braved through their intense stares and finished her small speech, "In honor of my brother, who raised me after my parents' death as if I were one of his own children, I would like to dedicate a song to him in his memory. If I could ask the band to-"

Rangiku Matsumoto didn't let the princess finish. The simple act that Orihime was going to perform in Sora's remembrance was immediately rejected by her 'lovely' relative. She had gently pushed aside the princess, throwing a daggering glare at her niece in the process. The little singing concert was not apart of the festivities. She didn't have the slightest clue how such an idea had gotten into her niece's head. It was reckless and at all costs, was to be avoided. Besides, Gin's wife had something up her own sleeve that needed to be announced without further delay.

The married woman delicately placed her hands onto the table and cocked her hip to one side. Suddenly, everyone had become intrigued by the outburst the royal had just bestowed upon the fair maiden on the Karakura kingdom.

The strawberry blonde eased the tension with a flirty smirk, "I would just like to make one last announcement before we conclude the night with the fabulous birthday cake. If everyone could just listen very quietly," she directed towards the peasants at the far end of the dining table. They were starting to get rowdy. The sight of gourmet food in front of them had their tongues hanging. It was nearly impossible to contain their growling stomachs. Some of the nobles sitting next to them eyed the lower class suspiciously.

"As you all know, Princess Inoue is of the marrying age. It's time for her to settle down and produce heirs that will someday assume her role. As her one and only relative, I have decided that this matter needs to be resolved rather quickly. Within the upcoming days, a month-long competition will be held at the palace where five men will be the main contenders. The ultimate prize will be Inoue-sama's hand in marriage. The man who is strongest in both body and heart will be the decided victor."

Orihime's face drained of all the color it had. Was she hearing Rangiku correctly? She was going to be married sooner than later. She had not been consulted about the arrangement. Her aunt was bidding her virginity to five complete strangers. Even worse, she would have to choose who would become her husband within a month's period. How was that enough time to fall in love with someone? It certainly made the princess uncomfortable at the mere thought she would be a wife to a man she's only gotten to know in a length's time. All would have to be discussed behind closed doors. Matsumoto had certainly not acted appropriately in consoling to Inoue about her plans.

Chatter began to accumulate around the room, as news of Princess Inoue's courting was made known to all alike. Surprisingly, many were rejoicing in the fact that she was to wed. In the meantime, questions were raised as to the five men who would be taking up residence in the palace. Had the decisions already been made? Were any of the potential spouses in attendance at the Masquerade Gala? Surely, the entire event was going to create nasty rumors and gossip. Orihime hated when people spread horrible lies about her family. Now it appeared she would be at the center of it all. She was going to be made into the spectacle.

The princess nervously looked around for her small staff of friends at the realization that Tatsuki might try to attack Rangiku for proposing the competition. Without a doubt, Orihime was correct in her assumption as she spotted a struggle occurring a few feet away from her. Uryu and Rukia were holding back Tatsuki's arms as she jumped up and down, kicking her feet outwards. Her face was full of a rage her best friend had never quite seen before until now. However, her childhood playmate had good reason to be boiling over with contempt. Life as Orihime Inoue knew it was only just beginning.

As the party started to whine down and as the guests slowly embarked on their way back home, Ichigo and his father agreed for once that it was time for them to leave the palace as well. The night turned out unexpectedly well with no fights having to be broken up or a collection of silverware being thrown across the dinner tab;e. For Ichigo, he was just glad he didn't start any arguments. He was confident that a noble would say one wrong thing to him and his temper would burst from its seams. Fortunately enough for him, no one had spoken with him excluding Urahara, Yoruichi, and the Princess. His alter ego - for the most part - had been carefully managed. It hadn't shown itself to the party. His main concern acted very well as opposed to the last few days.

The three men met with humid air as they departed from the quiet palace. The moon's light had shined perfectly on the ravishing staircase that would be easier to climb down as compared to walking up earlier in the evening. Ichigo, Renji, and Isshin tiredly began to descend downwards as they spotted their carriage in the distance. Their feet hurt but their stomachs had been graciously filled. Isshin had even managed to steal a few sweets for his twin daughters. He felt slightly guilty for eating so much food; he couldn't help seeing his children's adoring faces looking with disappointment in their eyes as he stuffed his face. The father of three was positive they would enjoy the delicious snacks he would be bringing home to them.

"Excuse me," a voice called out in the darkness.

Ichigo's head whipped back as he immediately went on guard. Renji and Isshin hadn't heard the voice for they had continued down the stairs.

"Hey, idiots!" Ichigo barked, "Didn't you hear a guy's voice?"

The red-haired man glanced over his shoulder and gruffly answered, "What are you talking about, Ichigo?"

"I believe the person the young man is referring to is my friend over here," a different voice intervened.

Ichigo's eyes finally spotted two well-dressed men joining himself and his group from above the staircase. They moved with elegance and didn't speak while they descended downwards towards them. Renji and Isshin had positioned themselves behind Ichigo, as they now knew what had caused Ichigo to yell out to them. When the two nobles stood face to face with the party, the silver-haired one cleared his throat to speak.

"We're sorry to have stopped your departure, but there is a question we would like to ask of the two young boys."

Isshin touched Ichigo's shoulder and warned him to fall back. The father of three didn't want his son to start a conflict without good reasoning. With much displeasure, Ichigo did as his father told him. Mr. Kurosaki was much more experienced in dealing with upper-class citizens compared to Ichigo. He had never seen a noble before and his first encounter with one was when Princess Inoue had snuck into his village without anyone even being aware of her presence.

Ichigo's father lamented, "If you nobles are looking to start trouble, we were just taking our leave."

Gin's eyes fluttered open as the moon's glow highlighted his pale features. A devilish smile extended across his face. On the other hand, Aizen remained silent as his puppet performed his tasks accordingly.

"Please do not say such things about people you barely know. I must insist that our intentions are simply pure. We just wanted to extend an invitation to the young men behind you to the competition that is being held at the palace in two days. I'm sure you heard the announcement earlier from my wife. I sincerely hope that they will accept the kind gesture," Gin informed in an easy tone.

Was the noble pulling his leg? What in the world would posses this man to ask Renji and himself to become a part of a game that toyed with the emotions of the heart? For that matter, it was the heart of a powerful princess! They were trash compared to her, the bottom of the food chain. What could they possibly offer to make themselves appealing to her?

Absolutely nothing.

The peasants and aristocrats may have mingled together for the evening, but that was as far as it should have ever gone. A person of lower status was meant to stick with their own kind and not strive to be with someone who wasn't apart of the same social class as they were. The idea still sounded just as ridiculous to Ichigo after he had contemplated for himself the noble's thought process following the scheme.

Ichigo snapped at the two strangers from behind his father, "Why the hell would Princess Inoue want anything to do with the two of us?"

The other man with the dark hair leaned slightly forward and gave a phony grin, "Oh? The commoner boy didn't notice everyone staring at him while he danced with the fairest maiden of the land. Then, what a shame for you."

Renji, for the first time since the argument had begun, finally spoke up, "I'm confused as to why I'm being dragged into this. I didn't dance with her."

Gin poked his head around Isshin's massive build, "You seem just as good of a contender."

Isshin pushed Gin back into his place, although he was well aware he was stepping out of his boundaries. A peasant touching a noble without their consent was deeply frowned upon. Nonetheless, the two men had confronted them with the matter and therefore, his actions were justified.

"Alright, that's enough," the doctor irritably warned, "The boys will carefully think over your invitation during the next few days."

As the group started to turn the backs from the mysterious aristocrats, Gin opened his mouth to ask one final question he had for the possible participates before they left from his sight.

"How will I know whether or not they've accepted the proposal?"

Isshin laughed heartedly, "You may never find out!"

The party had ended very late into the night. By the time everyone had left and the rooms that had been used were cleaned spotless, the night sky was already preparing for the morning. Orihime was thankful her aunt had finally allowed her niece some alone time. Being surrounded by strangers for the most part of the evening had stressed the princess out; she had never talked so much in her life! Socializing with others brought new diversities to Orihime's small spectrum. It was nice to speak with fellow aristocrats and notice some of their mannerisms. She would have to practice them well so she could do the same with perfected elegance.

After stepping out from a warm bath, Rukia was close by with a soft white robe. Orihime stepped into it comfortably and then slung it over her shoulders. Her wet hair hung in beautiful tendrils and her face felt bare since she cleaned all the make-up off. However, even if it was the middle of summer, a nice hot bath always seemed to relax her nerves.

Subsequently, Rukia moved away from the princess to open up the door for her. As she did, Orihime gathered her things and walked out to her sizeable bedroom. On her bed, her nighttime attire laid waiting for her. Her caretaker closed the bathroom door and swiftly began to make an exit from her friend. Princess Inoue knew the cause of her weariness. Kuchiki was nervous. Her face expressed it well, and although it wasn't the first time she had seen the petite woman anxious, it was slightly concerning. Orihime didn't want Rukia to feel uncomfortable about what had happened between her and the man who was supposedly her brother. If anything, she wanted her to feel open to talking about it if it meant that it would ease the worry off Rukia's small face.

"Sleep well, Inoue-sama," the caretaker whispered as she started to head to the door that lead into the hallway.

The Princess refused to allow for Rukia to escape so easily!

"Kuchiki-san, please stay awhile," Orihime pleaded.

At the sound of the request, the twenty-year-old immediately accepted the defeat of trying to run away from her problems. The teenage girl had come to know Rukia considerably well over the past two years and it wasn't often that she kept secrets from her. However, the personal information she had been withholding from Karakura's future Queen was only because she wanted to keep her life and work as two separate affairs.

Rukia held her head high and shut the door behind her. She didn't want any of what she was probably going to tell the Princess to be heard throughout the palace. Although, certainly some of the nobles who had attended the gala had gotten wind of her heinous crime years ago.

She remained at a distance from the Princess, who took note that the topic she was about to bring up obviously did not have many good memories attached to it.

"I-is it true?" Orihime hesitated, as the air grew thick.

The caretaker inquired, "Are you referring to Byakuya-sama?"

She carefully nodded and then nervously darted her eyes to another object in the room. Staring at Rukia seemed wrong; it was almost as if she were trying to pry into the deep depths of her soul. It also appeared as though she was judging her. Orihime felt she was violating her caretaker's trust by asking such questions. She wasn't quite sure how the conversation would start and now that it had, the princess was finding it more difficult to continue on with it. Maybe if she took it back...

"It's all right for being curious," Rukia defended, "I should have told you when I was first hired by your brother."

Orihime glanced up from off the floor at the statement that had just been spoken. She had almost forgotten Sora was the one who had taken in Rukia two years ago. It had been all very sudden and at the time, the princess didn't understand why Sora had taken such measures to have a caretaker assigned to her. She was fifteen and capable of doing things for herself. However, without even realizing it, Rukia had become a very positive fixture in her lonely life while Sora went away on business adventures. Within months, they became very close. Shortly after, the prince had been assassinated and it sometimes left Orihime to wonder if her brother knew something that she didn't.

"Then you are siblings?" she encouraged.

Rukia let out a small laugh and shook, "Not by blood."

"Regardless!" Orihime exclaimed as she pushed herself off the mattress and spread her arms wide, "You're a princess, Kuchiki-san. You and he share the name and you're apart of the Imperial Family. Why are you here, working for such a selfish girl like me?"

The petite woman didn't like hearing such harsh words coming out of the Princess' mouth. Abandoning her position by the door, she marched forward to where Orihime stood and grabbed her by the scrawny wrists.

Rukia hollered at Orihime with love, "Don't you dare speak such a thing ever again, Inoue-sama! You have more class than that! Besides, you weren't aware of the circumstances that have led me to be here in the first place. You're brother was very kind for taking me in because of the foul crime I had committed against the royal family."

The irises of Orihime's eyes grew large as she listened closely to her caretaker's explanation. Was what she was saying to be true? Rukia had tarnished the Kuchiki name. Why had she never heard about it from Sora? Even then, she still found it very hard to believe such nonsense. The woman must have had misunderstandings within her family. It happens frequently in noble households.

"W-what is it that you did, Kuchiki-san?"

Rukia bowed her head, concealing her face with her dark hair. She had sworn to never speak of it again. She had promised that part of her life was a closed chapter and would not be re-opened. However, old wounds can manage to find a way just as they were beginning to heal. It had become hard for her at first when news of the crime had been spread throughout Japan. Byakuya's usual composed expressions had grown dark and full of anger as time went on, trying to figure out a solution to the gossip that Rukia had surrounded herself in. When Prince Sora arrived at the palace, it seemed common ground had been reached on both sides and that life would return to normal for the young maiden. The resolution was that Rukia would live with the Inoue siblings for the rest of her life as payment for her immoral transgression.

"The truth is...Inoue-sama," Kuchiki promulgated, "I fell in love with a married man and became his mistress shortly after. His wife soon caught on to our infidelities and she made me the laughing stock of Japan."

Orihime was in complete denial over the confession. She never imagined the secret Rukia had been preserving would be so scandalous! It was no surprise why she had kept such a thing under wraps. While it all seemed shocking to hear the caretaker's past, it still pained the princess to know her friend had undergone such an ordeal. She had simply fallen for the charms of a man who happened to be married, and although it was made into a big show, a person can't control what the heart desires. Thoughts of the competition suddenly swarmed Orihime's head. She was most likely going to fall in love with someone even without meaning to in the first part. It honestly scared her to think she would be in a similar situation.

Even then, she disregarded her own feelings and instead, threw her arms around Rukia's neck and embraced her in a large hug. The caretaker was slightly flustered from the physical contact, yet slowly she found herself wrapping her arms around the princess' waist in comfort.

"Thank you for being honest with me, Kuchiki-sama," Orihime smiled gratefully.

Rukia playfully slapped the aristocrat, "That's Kuchiki-san to you!"

Who do you suppose is the married man Rukia had an affair with? Let me know!...Chapter 8 will be the first day of the competition, who do you think the other three men are? I'd like to see if anyone guesses right.