The King's Death

Chapter 16:Late Evening

"I'd venture as far as to say that was a great work out, it felt nice to relieve some stress." I murmur softly to Byakuya who is walking beside me through the darkened streets as we return from the training rounds. After everyone fought we all sat down and had a huge feast of a meal and talked about different fights. They even got Byakuya and me talking about our fight. Kenpachi wanted to fight me again but I told him some other time because I'm getting married tomorrow.

"Yes, that was very fun. The meal was very good too." I nod my approval and he laughs softly.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" His eyes turn to me and then back to the streets in front of him.

"Yes, I'm prepared, are you prepared for the rest of your life with Rukia?" I smile softly and touch the hilt of my sword casually.

"Yeah, I've been ready for a few weeks, but first things first I need to have some fun with the elders back at the castle. Want to come and watch?" I murmur and soft smile glints devilishly behind his eyes as they train on me for a moment before turning away again.

"That sound appealing, I suppose I could come besides I've never seen you use logic in a fight yet so let's see what I learn." I frown and punch him in the arm. I never would have thought I'd grow so close to this man during our first fight. It seems I would have thought wrong. He's easy to talk to and be around but he's also very smart and knows when someone is wrong and will correct them.

"Good let's go I don't feel like being up all night. Would you try to keep up this time?" I turn and smirk at him before using shunpo to get to the gates we shunpo beside each other at top speed and reach the gate at about the same time.

"Kurosaki-dono you have returned, it's nice to see you. Ms. Yasu told me to tell you that the elders are in the main meeting hall awaiting your arrival. Good evening Kuchiki-dono, the gate is ready for you sir." I nod quickly and walk through the gates with Byakuya at my side. I walk through the hallways mentally preparing myself for my little talk with the elders.

I push the doors open and walk in waiting for all of their fake little bows. Byakuya follow behind me and I turn to Yasu.

"Yasu, would you bring Captain Kuchiki a seat please?" She nods and hurries out before bringing in a seat like mine and sitting it beside mine but slightly back farther. We take our seats and I thank her and usher her out.

"Good evening Kurosaki-dono and Captain Kuchiki to what do we owe this pleasure?" One of the oldest of the elders murmurs from his seat in the front. His deep brown eyes gaze into mine and his heavy grey eyebrows fall over them sinisterly.

"I'm afraid this meeting will be anything but pleasurable for any of you. I've decided to relieve you of some of your power around my castle." Their eyes widen in disbelief and one of them stands.

"You can't do that we've held this power for decades!" He shouts slamming his fist on the table.

"Be seated or my guards will have you removed. May I point out to you that you held the power you have now when there wasn't a capable king to rule over the Seireitei entirely on his own? I must also remind you that I am entirely capable of ruling the Seireitei. I have a keen understanding that my Uncle was very ill for decades so some of you took over some of his less important jobs and gained a bit of power. I may be young but I've seen more of the inner working of the Seireitei than many of you have so I must admit that I'm insulted you think so little of me to go behind my back and undermine my orders to my servants and my guards. This is my castle and my crown, I remind you again, and I find the fact that you are using the power that was given to me upon my Uncles death for yourself when it is no longer under you authority to use it, not very loyal" Byakuya sat very still beside me and leaned forward a bit speaking silently.