Author's Note: This story isn't dead, but thank you for your patience if you've still stuck around. I enjoy reading your predications about what's to come. I will see to it that this story gets its ending as I know how it will wrap up - however long that may take!

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

Chapter 27 – Hills and Valleys

When the butler's letter arrived by carrier pigeon, Rangiku felt the walls around her start to cave in. Her seventeen-year-old niece was pregnant. In addition, she was soon to be crowned the Queen of the Karakura kingdom as her birthday approached in less than a month. With this startling revelation, the strawberry blonde was caught between a rock and a hard place. As Orihime being her only blood relative, Rangiku's consciousness was urging her to pack up her bags and run to the riverside. However, her heart told a different story.

Despite vowing to protect her family member, Matsumoto returned to the only place she called home after the trial – which was with her husband Gin at his family estate. Surprisingly, he welcomed her back with open arms even though she had slapped him the last time the couple spoke. As much as she was angered by his actions, she had chosen to forgiven him. Afterall, she had known this man all her life. They had been wed to marry at an early age and had grown up together. She had come to learn how charming he truly was as they entered their teenage youth when he formally asked her to be his wife. It was a day forever etched into her memories.

But as the couple grew older, so did her husband's responsibilities. Being in charge of the country's navy fleet was no easy task. As newlyweds, their first year of marriage tested their relationship like never before. He was constantly away at sea for several weeks at a time. Consequently, Rangiku felt lonely and she occupied herself by attending lavish parties and frequently drinking to quell her emotions. She'd be lying to herself if she didn't admit that she had been tempted a few times to lay in bed with other men. Most arranged marriages were far from perfect and cheating was even encouraged!

Although after she drunkenly kissed a close friend one night when he kindly brought her home from a party, it was at that moment she realized she could never love anyone else but her husband. There was no spark felt when their lips touched and when he quickly pulled away, the curvy woman wasn't upset that it was over. Instead, it only made her heart ache more for Gin.

She never told her spouse about these periods of weakness. She always hoped he stayed faithful to her, but they never broached that topic of conversation. As the commander's wife, she was expected to behave a certain way and keep up appearances when important figures were around. Rangiku always knew how to dominate a room with her enchanting personality. Her enticing beauty also captivated onlookers. People often gravitated to her at formal events while Gin enjoyed the view from the sidelines and tended to his naval duties.

On the other hand, the persona she had built up over the years had grown tiring in some ways. When she was in the presence of her husband, she always felt like her true self. She never needed to pretend with him because he always saw right to the core of someone's intentions. Now with the letter weighing on her mind, she couldn't help but wonder if he would suspect something was amiss.

"You're awfully quiet tonight, Ranran," Gin acknowledged the somber tension in the room. She hadn't heard that nickname in a long time. It was from their childhood and oddly appropriate as she was reminiscing about the couple's relationship.

They were sitting across from each other in Gin's conference room having dinner together. He was finishing some paperwork when Matsumoto dropped by unaccounted with their meals. Lately, he had been working until dawn and Rangiku was starting to worry for his health. Thus, the reason as to why she insisted they enjoy each other's company even for just a little bit.

The voluptuous woman glanced up from her plate, "I'm sorry, honey. I was just daydreaming."

Her husband stirred in his seat and slyly smiled, "Anything ya want to share?"

She lifted her fork to stab at the single tomato left behind, "No, I'm just needlessly fretting over your health my dear. Is the Emperor keeping you busy?"

As she innocently fielded her question, Gin took a sip of wine from his glass. He should have known better than to hide his work from his spouse. She was very astute in observing his habits, which naturally developed from their cherished time together.

Ichimaru placed his drink down on the table with a heavy sigh. Next, he folded his hands and positioned them under his chin to confront his wife with the truth.

"Indeed, you have figured it out. He's requested my presence and I've been making arrangements to head out to the Imperial City very soon. Are ya interested in joining me this time? I would love to have the company," he offered forth, peeking an eye out from his silver hair.

This was the opportunity she was looking for! With Gin's absence from the estate, she wouldn't have to reveal the letter she received about Orihime's pregnancy. Once he left for the Imperial Palace, she could make her way to Karakura without her husband's suspiciousness. After all, he probably would be in Tokyo for at least a month to attend to his naval responsibilities and training new officers.

"As much as I would like to, I did just come back from there because of the trial," Rangiku pointed out.

The commander frowned, but didn't press further. Instead, he called for the staff to clear away the plates for dessert. With the couple left alone, he relaxed a bit in his chair.

"Then…may I ask what ya plan on doing while I'm away?" Gin inquired with curiosity.

Rangiku folded her arms under her chest and pouted at her lover, "I promise to not get into any trouble hubby."

The man threw his head back and let out a chuckle. She always knew how to weaken his defenses. Suddenly, he glanced to the doors of the conference room. It wouldn't be much longer before the serving staff would return with their after-dinner snack.

Turning his attention to Matsumoto, he proposed an idea by beckoning her with a finger to come over to his side of the table.

"How about we seal your promise with a kiss?" Gin teased.

Not wasting a second, Orihime's aunt appeared in front of the commander and slid into his lap. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she embraced him and purred with amusement.

"It would be my pleasure," she concurred as she leaned into his touch.

Date: August 19th – 20th

Isshin and the girls arrived to the Inoue palace without much complications. Prior to leaving, the doctor did have to make sure his regular patients were aware he wouldn't be able to care for them as he normally did. Being the only local physician for miles was unfortunate and inhumane, but he assured them he wouldn't be gone for long. It was only temporary. Meanwhile, Yuzu and Karin would begin their fall session in the coming weeks. Once school started for them, the family would return to town.

It had been a while since the Kurosaki's had all been together for an extended period of time. The treatment they received from the staff definitely made them more comfortable as well; with Sado even making their favorite dishes from home. Tatsuki and Rukia even gave Ichigo's sisters makeovers with some of Orihime's smaller-sized dresses.

Furthermore, his father was also of great help with monitoring the pregnancy. After her seizure, the princess still wasn't allowed to leave the confinements of her bedroom. Isshin and Hachi both agreed she should continue to limit the amount of physical movement placed upon her body. After five days, they would reevaluate her status. In order to keep her spirits up, Ichigo would encourage the twins to visit as the girls were beginning to form a relationship with her. They were excited for the couple when he sat them down and revealed that they were going to be aunts. In a short amount of time, Yuzu crafted some baby clothes with old fabric Rukia had discovered in an untouched closet in a guest bedroom. When she presented the outfits to Orihime as early birthday gifts, the aristocrat broke down into tears of happiness. She was eternally grateful for the young girl's kindness.

Finally, when the fifth day arrived, Ichigo nervously paced the floor outside Orihime's bedchambers – as well as the rest of the royal court. The two doctors were behind the closed doors. He hoped they wouldn't discover any new concerning developments. Considering how the color had returned to her face and her fever had broken, he didn't see anymore reason for her to be on bedrest. However, he wasn't the person to have the final say. He would trust both men in their assessment of her health.

When the doors finally creaked open, Ichigo's eyes immediately met his father's. Isshin's expression seemed formidable at first, but then his lips broke out into a toothy grin. Dr. Hachi also nodded happily. They were both pleased with the maiden's healing. She would be able to walk around as well as leave her bedroom. Everyone was relieved to hear their princess and the baby were doing better. It was after this moment that Uryu suggested they arrange a small gathering in the palace's gardens to celebrate Orihime's progress.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect the following day for a late lunch in the courtyard. The butler laid out the best silverware in the palace and had fresh flowers cut from the surrounding bushes and trees to adorn the center of the table. Meanwhile, Sado and Yuzu had been busy since sunrise preparing the food. As much as Ichigo wanted to assist Orihime in getting ready for the occasion, Rukia and Tatsuki kicked him out as soon as breakfast was over.

Consequently, the solider felt pretty useless in terms of his contributions to the special event. Instead, he decided to head outside and join his father, who also had nothing to do. In the middle of August, the lush gardens exploded with vibrant colors around the gazebo. Even though he had been living at the palace for some time, he had been preoccupied with taking care of the princess. Therefore, he rarely had time to explore other areas he was unfamiliar with. The palace grounds were one of these places he had yet to visit.

When Ichigo took a seat at the round table, his father leaned over to have a brief conversation before the others joined them.

"I just wanted to let you know that I have those things that you asked for in my dresser," Isshin whispered. The physician didn't want to specify the items he was referring to in case someone appeared in front of them. However, Ichigo understood what the man was referencing without needing to inquire further. During his last journey to the village, Orihime's partner had made a few requests from his father. Upon hearing Isshin's words, the seventeen-year-old was relieved. It was now one less thing to have to worry about. He thanked his parent and continued to keep his eyes on the door for the princess.

Only having to wait a few moments longer, the sound of a commotion finally hit his ears. Both his father and himself rose to their feet to greet the members of the royal court. As the entrance to the gardens opened, the first people to walk out were his twin sisters. Next, was Tatsuki, who was seen holding a miniature umbrella. Following behind her was Orihime, with Rukia at her side and holding her by hand. As the trio approached closer, Ichigo met them halfway and offered the aristocrat his arm to grab.

The future Queen linked her arm with Ichigo and the couple continued on the short path to the gazebo. As they quietly walked, the orange haired boy couldn't take his eyes off of Inoue. He now understood why the caretaker and handmaiden had rushed him out the bedroom earlier. Since falling sick, Orihime was typically dressed in a loose white linen gown that fell just above her knees as to offer comfortability while she was bedridden. However, for the celebratory occasion, she was adorned in a floor-length dress with chiffon fabric the color of lavender. Tied around her waist was silk purple ribbon with a modest bow tied in the back. As for her hair, it had been interlaced with small white flowers into one large braid. She was also wearing a tint of pink eyeshadow over her eyes.

"You look beautiful," Ichigo spoke softly next to her. The comment temporarily caught Sora's sister off-guard as she glanced up at the boy guiding her, unable to say something back. Instead, she lowered her head and smiled at his compliment.

When they arrived at the table, Isshin pulled out her chair as the others took their seats. Once Orihime was settled, Ichigo sat alongside her as they waited for their food to be served. Immediately upon arrival, Uryu and Chad had begun to get the plates prepared on the dining cart.

Soon after, everyone had a meal placed in front of them. Before they relished in the delicious food, the princess decided to say a few words. She would have stood up, but was nervous she would get a wave of dizziness if she did so. Rather, she said her speech sitting down.

"I would like to thank everyone here for all that you've done in helping me get better. I didn't have a close family growing up besides my brother, but I feel happy knowing that those who have been at my side are considered family to me. I hope you can continue to be a pillar of strength as Kurosaki-kun and I navigate this new chapter in our lives," Orihime earnestly shared.

The group lifted their glasses in the air and shouted, "To the Queen of Karakura!"

All the guests and royal members of the court wasted no time in digging into their food. They praised Yuzu and Sado's cooking, while Uryu was complimented for his decorating skills. A nice flow of conversation occurred as everyone took bites and drank merrily in between.

While their company enjoyed the outing, Ichigo's attention was drawn to Orihime next to him. She had barely touched her plate, but her glass of water was practically empty. The teenager stretched his arm under the table and grabbed her hand that was in her lap. Her skin felt slightly clammy.

"Are you not hungry?" Isshin's son inquired with concern.

The princess shook her head and squeezed his hand, "No, I am. I'm just nervous."

"About what?"

"I'm not sure if I can keep it down," she whispered shyly, tucking her bang behind her ear.

The solider didn't need a further explanation. Solid foods had been difficult for Orihime to digest lately as a result of the pregnancy. A few times she had expelled the meal from her body while Ichigo was with her. He would take her to the bathroom and hold back her hair for her as it left. She would keep apologizing to him, yet he would always offer a consoling hand on her back and soothe her as it happened.

"Is everything okay, Inoue-sama?" Uryu suddenly stood behind her.

"Do we have any zosui left over?" the maiden innocently asked, remembering Sado had made it the other day. The butler nodded and hurried inside the palace to grab her request.

Ichigo abruptly felt a tap on his shoulder. It was his father, who's bushy eyebrows had furrowed together. He was checking to see if his future daughter-in-law needed any medical attention. His child waved him off as Uryu returned with a bowl of soup for Orihime. However, now the conversation at the table had quieted and the princess could feel their worried gazes.

"I'm alright!" she reassured, "Please continue to enjoy your lunch."

While the others went back to conversing, Ichigo wasn't convinced that the princess was speaking the truth about her health. He finally released her hand from his grasp so she could eat comfortably. The pregnant adolescent picked up her utensil and began to eat the rice and steamed vegetables. After witnessing her swallow a spoonful, the solider could sense the tension in his shoulders relax. Even if she felt sick, she needed to get nutrients into her body for herself and the baby.

As he turned to speak to his father, Ichigo heard the clang of metal hitting glassware. The adolescent whirled around as a wave of numbness spread throughout all his limbs. When his eyes connected with Orihime, he saw the fear imprinted in her face. Her body had frozen for a temporary moment, only to then convulse in her seat. The whites of her eyes were visible as her irises rolled back into her head.

"Orihime!" Ichigo shouted as he sprang to his feet and grabbed her before she could hit the ground.

"Ishida, please go notify Dr. Hachi that we need him immediately," Isshin directed. The butler ran off towards the palace not far in the distance. Meanwhile, the father of three crouched down next to where the princess had fallen. From his coat pocket, he took out his watch and began to time the seizure. He had told Ichigo not to touch her or hold her down as her body contorted. The physician also advised everyone remaining in the gardens to stay away from the area.

"Can't we do something?!" Tatsuki demanded, unable to keep herself from nervously peering over the edge of the table.

"No, we cannot," the educated man threw a stern look over his shoulder.

As Princess Inoue twitched and struggled on the grass, the sound of heavy footsteps approached. Dr. Hachi and Uryu had returned to the gazebo, the second physician holding a bag of medical instruments.

"How long has it been?" the family doctor asked, kneeling down.

Isshin checked his watch, "About five minutes."

"It should be over soon then," he anticipated.

Just as the heavier-set man predicted, the aristocrat's jolted movements had diminished until she finally went limp. Next, the two men gently rolled her onto her side in case she vomited. They didn't want her choking if her body was still paralyzed. Thankfully, the worst of the seizure seemed to be over as she slowly regained consciousness.

"Let's get her back inside so we can monitor her and the baby," Isshin instructed. Without another word being uttered, Ichigo gradually scooped Orihime into his arms and made his way out of the gardens. The remainder of the party sat silent as the previously jubilant afternoon had now turned sour.

As the evening hours approached, the atmosphere inside the palace walls was somber despite the earlier festivities. Everyone's minds were filled with concern for the well-being of the princess. After departing the luncheon, Ichigo had carried the maiden upstairs to her bedchambers in her groggy state. Behind closed doors, the doctors examined and asked some questions regarding the seizure. When she wasn't able to articulate what she wanted to say, she turned to Ichigo with tears welling up in her eyes. He assured her that the symptom would only be temporary. Unfortunately, she did not return to normalcy following the medical emergency.

More accurately, her temperature began to rise as a fever was on the horizon. In order to get it under control, they prepared an ice bath with lukewarm water. The doctors made sure it did not reach hypothermic level, only enough to get the princess' body regulated. Thankfully, the treatment seemed to do the trick. Within a short amount of time, Orihime was more lucid than before and her temperature had remained steady.

At that point, Tatsuki and Rukia quickly dressed the maiden in a relaxed-fit nightgown. They brushed her wet hair and wrapped it into a neat bun before helping her into bed. Although Ichigo didn't want to leave the room, Rukia suggested they grab some food Sado had prepared and eat in the bedroom to keep the princess company. Meanwhile, Isshin and Dr. Haichi had retreated to their own corridors once Orihime's health seemed to be stabilized.

With food in tow, the council returned to the princess' chambers. However, when they pushed open the door, the young woman had fallen asleep. The group quietly situated their dinner on a spare table in the back of the room. The five of them devoured the cuisine made by the chef with little conversation being made. When it came to clean up, Sado and Uryu offered to take the dishes back down to the kitchen.

As soon as the pair left, Ichigo climbed into canopy bed with Orihime. Without wanting to disturb her, he carefully maneuvered his arm underneath her body and pulled her to his chest. As he did so, she nestled closer and rested her head on him. Ichigo's dark eyes watched as she continued to peacefully slumber despite for the fact that she had a seizure earlier.

The sound of the door creaking caught the attention of the occupants in the room. Uryu had returned without Chad. The butler retreated to the table with a stern expression as he lowered into the seat.

"I suggest we arrange for a priest to come to the palace in the next few days," the pale man appealed.

"What for?!" Ichigo scoffed.

The butler's glasses reflected the candle burning as he shifted his gaze to Orihime's partner, "I'm preparing for the worst situation, and you should too."

His words cut through the core of Ichigo's heart. How could the person who's known her the longest be the one to say such a cruel thing? Did he not have any faith in the maiden surviving long enough to see her eighteenth birthday? The pregnancy had been anything but smooth. Afterall, his own father had warned him of the risks. However, it didn't mean he was giving up. Orihime was a woman who knew of loss and hardship – as did he. Her life wasn't going to be cut short and he would continue to fight against those who said otherwise.

"Just what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Ichigo began to raise his voice. The force behind his tone stirred the princess. Although, it was not enough to wake her.

"Control yourself, Kurosaki," Rukia warned.

"I know you don't care about what I have to say, but the princess and the child could both die if she can't break this fever. There are arrangements that need to be made prior to that happening," the butler plainly affirmed.

Suddenly, Tatsuki inserted herself into the conversion as she groaned, "I can't believe what I'm hearing right now." She pushed out her chair and walked across to the balcony window. She didn't want to lose her temper in front of Orihime even though she was sleeping. The thought of the beloved maiden dying was never a thought in her mind.

Uryu pinched the bridge of his nose and replied, "I'm sorry Arisawa-san, but I'm looking out for the best interest of this kingdom."

Ichigo could feel his anger boil to the surface, "Screw the kingdom, she's going to get through this!"

The head servant whipped his head to the side and debated the peasant's sentiment, "But what if she doesn't? What then? What will happen to everything she's worked hard to build in her young life?"

After Ishida's bleak confrontation about the truth at hand, a thought emerged within Rukia. Although the butler's delivery had been blunt, she had an inkling as to what the lanky man was implying.

The Emperor's sister pursed her lips, "Ishida, are you suggesting…?"

He bobbed his head up and down to confirm , "Yes, an exchange of vows."

Meanwhile, the orange haired teenager blinked his eyes absently as he tried to follow the discussion, "Vows?"

"Wedding vows, you idiot!" Tatsuki gritted through her teeth, still not wanting to disturb Orihime from the proper rest she needed.

The words that echoed the room thundered loudly in Ichigo's ears. He hadn't revealed his plans to propose to the princess to anyone but his father. Due to Orihime's poor health, the teenager didn't think an engagement was of the utmost importance. However, his father did agree to bring his mother's ring when he visited with the girls. During the luncheon earlier, the doctor had confirmed that he had packed the piece of jewelry. Although it hadn't been handed off to him yet, it put the princess' spouse at ease to know that the keepsake was close by.

After some silent contemplation, Ichigo cleared his throat to speak, "I was planning on asking her to marry me while my family was here. My father has the ring with him."

When the fiery redhead disclosed his proposal, Rukia's focus was drawn to Uryu. She had known for some time that the butler had unrequited feelings for their princess. He suppressed it quite well for the most part, but lately, she had seen how protective he had become in response to the delicate state of Orihime's health. Even though he was the one to suggest a union, the petite woman momentarily witnessed a pang of hurt flash across Ishida's face.

"Did you have a place in mind?" Kuchiki pressed for details.

Ichigo sensed the tips of his ears turn red from the question. He hadn't thought at great lengths about the special occasion – considering his mind was occupied with Orihime's pregnancy. Was the palace not a good location? Did he need to dress up and write a speech? Was the princess going to expect these things from him?

"How about the river at sunset?" he offered.

"Sounds romantic," Rukia smiled, then turned to Ishida, "What about a priest?"

Now with the wheels set in motion, the fair-skinned man would be busy the next few days making arrangements. He had someone in mind to officiate the wedding, but it would take some time to finalize the plans. Furthermore, Uryu hadn't heard back from Rangiku yet, but he hoped she would make an appearance as well. She was better suited for extravagant celebrations than he was.

"I will send a carrier pigeon tomorrow," he confirmed, "However, we still need to take things day-by-day."

"Agreed, her well-being comes first," Tatsuki interjected, her eyes settling on the sleeping figure.

With the informal plans discussed, the royal court members headed out of the bedchambers to leave the couple to rest.