Hachiryu placed his cigar in a porcelain dish and smiled wickedly. "If she marries you, There's one thing you must do at the wedding banquet in front of the other nobles—without her knowledge."
Tokinada raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh? And what is this one thing I must do, My lord?"
Hachiryu leaned back in his chair, a wry grin curling at his lips. "When you're standing up there, With all eyes on you, You'll raise a toast to the bride. Everyone in the room will clink their glasses together with smiles on their faces, And drink. But when you clink your glass with your new wife, I want you to stare into her eyes, As if she's the only person in the world. And then..." Hachiryu's grin widens, Almost wolf-like. "I want you to accuse her of staring at her ex-fiance Lord Kuchiki."
Tokinada's eyes widened. He had expected something cruel, But that was downright... Evil.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Tokinada asked, His voice a mixture of excitement and skepticism.
Hachiryu shrugged, Taking a drink of sake glass, "Oh, Trust me, This will be great. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to publicly shame the Kuchikis. You don't want to miss it, Do you?"
Taking pleasure in the cruelty of such a concept, Tokinada's lips curled into a smirk. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all, And he'd get to see that ice-princess of a bride's face finally crack.
"Seems acceptable, I'll do it."
Hachiryu chuckled, pleased. "That's the spirit. Just remember, Do it right. Then; Give the Kuchikis the biggest middle finger possible by slapping my daughter infront of Lord Kuchiki."
Tokinada's smirk turned into a snide laugh. He had signed up to publicly shame the Kuchiki, But physically harming his new bride? On their first day together, That was a different level of cruelty.
"My lord, Is that really necessary? I'm happy to disgrace the Kuchiki clan, But is it really worth it to physically harm my bride?"
Hachiryu raised an eyebrow, Surprised by Tokinada's sudden hesitation. "Oh? Getting cold feet, Are we? Don't tell me you're growing a conscience now?"
Tokinada gritted his teeth. He wasn't growing a conscience, "No, Of course not. I just..." He framed humility, "Don't want to cause a scene."
Hachiryu laughed. "Oh, But causing a scene is exactly what we want here. It's the only way to truly shame the Kuchiki heir. And considering your future wife's former relationship with the heir, I'm sure this will hurt him the most. He will not like how my daughter is being treated and in turn make a fool of himself."
Tokinada couldn't argue with that. Manipulating the prideful Kuchiki to make a fool of himself in front of the rest of the nobility? In Lord Hachiryu's case; That was a great way to get back at the man that had disgraced Hachiryu's wants and the wishes of his father Sōjun. For Tokinada he just loved to watch people suffer for the hell of it.
"Alright, I'll do it. But just one slap and that's it. No more."
Hachiryu chuckled, Clearly pleased with the outcome. "Just one slap sounds fair. Make it a good one, Right in front of the Kuchiki's precious heir."
Tokinada leaned back, A wicked smile curling on his lips, Savoring the delicious thrill of impending chaos. This was going to be exquisite. Rising from his chair, He offered a slight bow to Lord Hachiryu, A mask of polite gratitude concealing the tempest of mischief brewing within him. With a dismissive wave, He slipped through the door, His footsteps reverberating against the polished lacquer of the hallway like a harbinger of doom.
As he paused outside a half-closed door, The murmur of voices wafted through the thin paper walls, A tantalizing blend of shuffling and soft moans that hinted at something far more intimate. Curiosity piqued, He peered inside, Catching sight of Lady Tsuyoi—Hachiryu's youthful wife—entwined with one of Hachiryu's cousins. A sly grin crept across Tokinada's face as he withdrew, His heart racing with the thrill of what was to come. He descended the main staircase, Each step echoing his dark intentions; he was poised to unravel the lives of several nobles, And the thought sent a shiver of delight down his spine.
His thoughts switched to the object of fascination.
Tokinada was intrigued upon meeting Lady Ayame. The so called 'Sacred Heir' of Taiyōhime: The Immaculate. The founder of house Utsunomiya, A shinigami born from the grace of Rei'O, himself. The sixth scion who bestowed love, courage and empathy to the universe. A beauty who his own Tsunayashiro progenitor threw from the high heavens to the forming mountains below which would eventually become the Sōkyoku execution ground.
He took notice of Ayame's intellect, Her looks, But most of all her talent in healing Kido and the skill to critically analyze the thinking of people around her, The skills of which greatly impressed him.
At the same time, He considered her reserved and aloof, Which caused him to want to get to know her and get behind what he perceived as her cold exterior. To shatter the mask she wears as a flawless face.
He soon became interested in her, And his interest became a fascination that was bordering on obsession. His fixation was primarily motivated by how attractively unattainable she appeared to him, But also because of how she never opened up nor revealed true vulnerability. His fascination turned into a perverse desire to make her vulnerable and open to him alone. Now she's a porcelain doll but once he gets his hands on her she will dance like a marionette.
The first stage of his plans involved Tokinada deliberately provoking Ayame. He took every opportunity to tease her and find faults in her, Trying to get a reaction out of her. Although he was quite amused, Tokinada was somewhat disappointed. Ayame was intelligent enough to know he was trying to rile her, So she never gave him what he wanted, Much to his frustration. Tokinada wanted to see her break that ice cold exterior of hers. He wanted to see her become passionate.
As time passed, Tokinada grew more and more frustrated with Ayame's unresponsiveness. However, He also grew increasingly attracted to her. He tried to corner her, Tried to find some way to get a reaction out of her. However, He was beginning to be intrigued by this challenge. He came to enjoy her cool-headedness and generosity. It became something he found increasingly enticing to him.
Despite her indifferent exterior, Ayame was not blind to Tokinada's increasingly frequent provocations. She found them irritating, Yet she also saw the effort he put into trying to incite a reaction out of her. His efforts fascinated her, And she began to respond to him as something of a game. Whenever he tried to bait her, She would simply remain calm yet throw back at him some well-placed, Scathing remark.
While Tokinada found her response to be aggravating, Ayame's calmness in his presence and her sharp replies to his teasing gave him a strange kind of thrill. He found himself coming back to her, Wanting more, Almost masochistically, As she continued to reject him. Her defiance intrigued him, And he found her cold and callous responses to be stimulating. Every interaction with her became a strange kind of enjoyable masochistic thrill, and he became fixated on the feeling.
It wasn't long before he found Ayame seated regally in the grand hall, surrounded by a gaggle of handmaidens. Her gaze, Sharp and unyielding, Cut through the throng of noble suitors like a laser. Engaged in a spirited debate with a young redheaded nobleman—one of Tokinada's insufferable elder brothers—her expression soured as she shot daggers at him, Her annoyance palpable. The oblivious suitor continued to prattle on, Blissfully unaware of the storm brewing in her eyes, While Tokinada reveled in the delicious tension of the moment.
His older brother gazed at her with a dazed smile, The kind that could only be born from infatuation. "Lady Ayame! Please marry me! I can't exist without you!"
With a weary sigh, She replied, "Tsuchimikado Tsunayashiro... Leave! Become non-existent..."
Fear flickered in the red-haired man's ember eyes, Widening at her sharp words. "Ah! My apologies! My lady!Please forgive me!"
In a flurry, Tsuchimikado bolted, Disappearing into the swirling crowd of nobles milling about the grand hall. Ayame watched him go, Mild annoyance etched across her features, Before shaking her head and returning to her animated chatter with the handmaidens.
Her gaze drifted to Tokinada, Who stood just behind her shoulder, His signature grin plastered across his face. She turned to him, Arching an eyebrow. "Get in line with the other suitors, Tsunayashiro, If you're here for that."
He raised an eyebrow, Amusement dancing in his eyes. "You're still mad at me? Aya? After I proposed to you three days ago?"
"Absolutely." She replied flatly.
His laughter rang through the grand foyer as he knelt beside her, Draping an arm around her shoulders, Squeezing lightly enough to draw a stiffened response from her. "Well, If it makes you feel any better, I spoke to your father. I received permission to court you."
Ayame groaned softly, Pushing him away, Though her irritation seemed half-hearted. "My father said yes, Didn't he?"
Tokinada smirked, Confidence radiating from him. "Of course he did! Your father and I surprisingly got along incredibly well."
She rolled her eyes, Crossing her arms defiantly. "I suppose your 'snake charm' has its uses."
He placed his hands on her waist and pulling her closer. Her eyes widened in surprise at his boldness. He whispered, Tilting her chin upwards, "But you know, The more charming someone is, The harder a lady falls for them. How could anyone resist such a handsome, Captivating face? Those stunning green eyes hold so much passion and warmth." He cupped her cheek, Stroking it tenderly.
Her voice was a mix of softness and firmness. "If you're trying to persuade me to marry you, Then you must learn the names of my family's heirloom zanpakutō and the name of the husband of my ancestor Taiyōhime."
Tokinada chuckled, Expecting nothing less from her. "Such a firebrand. Very well, I'll play your little game."
Leaning in closer, He whispered in her ear, "The name of your ancestor's heirloom zanpakutō is... Saitennō Ō'Chō, if I'm not mistaken, Heard straight from your own lips."
He pulled back slightly, His gaze locked onto hers, Studying her reaction. Surprise flickered in her eyes, But she masked it with a neutral expression. "And as for your ancestor's husband..." He continued, His smirk widening, "That would be the legendary warrior Utsunoki, Correct?"
Her surprise deepened, Though she fought to maintain her composure.
"Impressive," She said, Laced with sarcasm. "But that wasn't so hard, Was it? Your knowledge of my family's legacy is just what I'd expect from someone so keen on marrying me."
He laughed, "Don't dismiss my knowledge so quickly. It took a lot of studying to learn everything I know... Of course, The one thing I haven't managed to learn is exactly why you reject me every time I propose."
"Well, Besides your track record on wives, I can't bear to look at you," She giggled with the maidens who imitated her joyous laughter.
He raised an eyebrow, Feigning hurt. "Ouch. You wound me, My lady. Is that how little regard you have for my feelings?"
She let out an exasperated sigh. "Feelings? You don't have feelings; You're just a shallow, Greedy, power-hungry aristocrat. Why you keep pursuing me is a mystery."
He chuckled, Undeterred by her harsh words. "Oh, Believe me, I have feelings, My dear. But you're right; Power is important to me. After all, Who wouldn't want the prestige and influence that comes with marrying the most beautiful woman in the whole Soul Society?"
She narrowed her eyes, Unimpressed. "You think flattery will work on me? I've heard it all, Lord Tokinada."
Raising his hands in mock surrender, He replied, "But tell me, What's so wrong about wanting to marry you, Even if it's for the power and prestige it would bring?"
"It's not about whether it's right or wrong. It's about your underlying motivations. You're not interested in marrying me because you have genuine feelings; You just want to use me for your own gain. And that's disgusting."
Tokinada's smirk softened, Clearly enjoying her passionate response. "Ah, But isn't that the case in all marriages of nobility? Isn't it always about power, Wealth, Or status? Love can certainly play a role, But it's not the only factor. Besides, We could have quite the partnership, don't you think?"
She scowled at him. "A partnership built on selfishness and greed? That sounds like a nightmare, Not a marriage."
"Oh, Come now," He said, His tone mockingly gentle. "It wouldn't be all bad. I assure you, I know all sorts of... Pleasurable ways to spend our time together."
She lets out a snicker of refusal, "I have no interest in your... 'Pleasurable' company."
"Don't be so dismissive, my dear," He said, Leaning in closer again. "We could share a bed, Day and night, And I can ensure you'll never think about another man again."
She said looking at her manicured nails, "The very thought of sharing a bed with you makes my skin crawl. I'd rather spend eternity alone than to have one night with you."
He chuckled, Seemingly unfazed by her rejection. "Ah, But I have a feeling that deep down, You do find me attractive. You're just too proud to admit it."
She scowled, Anger flaring in her eyes. "You're delusional. There's nothing about you that I find even remotely attractive."
"Is that so?" He smirked, unconvinced. "Then why do you let me get so close? Why don't you push me away when I touch you? Why do you continue to engage in conversation with me, Even when you claim to detest me?"
She huffed, "I... I'm merely being polite."
He raised an eyebrow, Clearly not buying her excuse. "Ah, So it's just politeness? I don't believe it. You could easily walk away or ignore me, But you don't. I can feel it, My lady; You're intrigued by me. Despite your best efforts, You actually find me captivating."
She looked away, Refusing to meet his gaze. "You flatter yourself too much. I have zero interest in you."
He chuckled, Closing the distance and placing a finger under her chin, Forcing her to look up at him. "Then why are you blushing right now, My dear? I've never seen you this flustered before."
She tried to pull away from his touch, But he held her chin firmly. "I... I'm not blushing. It's just the heat of summer..."
He laughed again, Relishing her flustered denial. "Ah, Yes. The heat. Always a convenient excuse, Isn't it? But the redness in your cheeks betrays you."
Ayame sighed, Turning her head away. "I'll speak to you privately in my study later tonight... Just go away now."
Suddenly, A hand clamped down on Tokinada's shoulder, jolting him. His green eyes spun around to see Ayame's brother, Shima, looming behind him like a specter emerging from the shadows. Irritation coursed through Tokinada; He loathed how effortlessly Shima could materialize, Sharp and silent, Like a dagger waiting to strike.
With a calm demeanor that belied the tension in the air, Shima spoke, "I think that's enough, Lord Tsunayashiro."
Tokinada nodded, Masking his annoyance. His face a mask of submission, He replied, "Yes, Of course, I suppose that's enough teasing. I look forward to our later meeting, Lady Ayame." He bowed deeply, Then turned away, Leaving the siblings behind, The thrill of their banter lingering in the air like an unspent charge.
He walked through the hall from the archway he had came. Tokinada found his brother Tsuchimikado in the hallway. His back to him. Tokinada couldn't help but smirk as he approached Tsuchimikado, Knowing full well their personalities were like oil and water. Where Tokinada was cunning, Charismatic and perversely debauched, Tsuchimikado was straightforward, chivalrous and uptight. Despite their differences, They were brothers and knew how to navigate each other's boundaries.
Tsuchimikado turned at the sound of Tokinada's footsteps, A frown on his face. "Still trying to court that Utsunomiya maiden? I don't understand your obsession with her. She's as cold as an ice sheet in the middle depths of Hell."
Tokinada grinned and retorted, "Did I just see you knell before her? Exposing your chivalrous feelings to her?"
Tsuchimikado's face visibly darkened, His eyes flashing with irritation. "I was merely being polite, Something you clearly know nothing about."
Tokinada laughed, Finding his brother's discomfort endlessly amusing. "Polite? You? Don't make me laugh, Brother. You were practically drooling at her presence, Like some starving dog begging for a treat."
Tsuchimikado clenched his teeth, Resisting the urge to pounce on his brother. "And you're a lecherous brute who sees women as nothing more than conquests. Your obsession with the Utsunomiya maiden is both pathetic and tiresome."
Tokinada clicked his tongue, Feigning mild offense. "Obsession? Is it really so hard to believe that I genuinely want to court her? She's beautiful, Brilliant, And far more of a challenge than those simpering, Fawning harlots you're accustomed to."
Tsuchimikado rolled his eyes, Clearly exasperated. "A challenge, You say? You mean to say she refuses to fall for your manipulative games and sees right through your shallow intentions."
Tokinada shrugged nonchalantly. "Call it what you will. I prefer to see it as a game of cat and mouse. The thrill of the chase is half the fun."
Tsuchimikado scowled, His voice tinged with skepticism. "You're treating her like a trophy, A prize to be won. That's not love; It's a sick, Twisted desire to possess."
The younger Tsunayashiro's smile widened, His emerald eyes glittering with cunning. "Now, Now, Elder Brother, Don't lecture me on love and possession. We both know you've had your own share of... indiscretions, Haven't you?"
Tsuchimikado paled, Then flushed, Clearly uncomfortable with the reminder of his past indiscretions. He didn't refute the claim, Knowing it was true. But he quickly composed himself and shot back, "That's different. I've learned from my mistakes. You, On the other hand, Continue to pursue this hopeless endeavor, Knowing full well it's one-sided."
Tokinada chuckled at his brother's attempt at righteousness. "Hopeless endeavor, You say? I beg to differ. Just because I haven't won her heart yet doesn't mean it's impossible. I'll wear her down, Just you wait. Besides, A challenge is what keeps things interesting. Don't you ever grow tired of the same dull routine?"
Tsuchimikado sighed, His stern expression softening slightly "That's exactly the difference between us, Younger brother. I seek genuine connection and meaningful relationships, Not twisted challenges. You see women as toys to be played with, And it's repulsive."
Tokinada tilted his head back as he gave out a chuckle, His amused smirk never leaving his face. "Oh, Spare me your moral high ground speech, Sir Chivalrous! I'm not some naive peasant! I know exactly what I'm doing, And let's not kid ourselves! We're both well aware that those 'meaningful relationships' you speak of are more like carefully orchestrated political alliances, Aren't they?"
Tsuchimikado gritted his teeth, Unable to deny the truth in Tokinada's words. He sighed heavily, His voice tinged with resignation. "Perhaps you're right, Our lives are entrenched in politics and alliances... But I refuse to play games with people's emotions... It's cruel and heartless."
Tokinada laughed, Looking into his brother's pitiful green eyes, "Cruel and heartless? Welcome to the world of nobility, Ignoramus! Emotions are the currency we deal with every day! And you're no saint either! Don't act like you've never manipulated some poor maiden's heart for your own gain."
Tsuchimikado fell silent, His eyes darkening with guilt. The memories of his past indiscretions weighed heavy on his conscience. He knew he was no great example, And Tokinada's words struck a chord within him. But he refused to give in to his brother's twisted viewpoint.
"Perhaps I have made mistakes," He admitted, His voice strained. "But that doesn't justify continuing to treat people as mere pawns in a game."
Tokinada stepped closer to his brother, His tone dripping with condescension. "Like that wench Kakyō, You still cling to your sense of morality and righteousness. But let me remind you, Tsuchimikado, The world is not black and white. There is a time for compassion and there is a time for ruthlessness. And sometimes..." He leaned in further, His voice dropping to a whisper, "Sometimes, The only way to get what you want is to play games, Ruin lives and break a few hearts along the way."