Mighty Kings, My Two Kings (Bleach Fanfiction)

Chapter 8: Senbonzakura

"Presenting Lady Maxima Shihoin, the would-be Queen of Panthera, 6th Kingdom of the South, and Ichigo Kurosaki, her Head Guard." Renji announced as the two visitors knelt before King Byakuya.

Byakuya looked towards his own Head Guard sardonically. "Thank you Renji. Once again, you have wasted unnecessary words." Byakuya stood as he spoke, his voice as monotonous as Maxima remembered. However, despite the fact that he spoke without life, she still felt very drawn to him and allowed herself to look up, which was a motion that was frowned upon unless ordered by the King.

Maxima caught a glimpse of a slight smirk on his face but it was gone within an instant, as though it was never there at all. She looked down again when she realized her mistake and how disrespectful she must seem.

"Arise. Although I did not invite you I will accept your presence and grant you my audience. What is your business here?" His voice was deep, firm and strong. It was a voice that was dominant and called for submission.

Maxima and Ichigo both stood and the young lady stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I have come to deliver King Grimmjow's report and also to pay the debt for which I owe." Ichigo had produced two envelopes, one sealed with wax, from the inside pocket of his jacket and handed them to his mistress, who in turn offered them to the King. "We were unable to find a suitable messenger for this errand so I offered to travel here myself on his behalf."

"Such loyalty is to be respected and admired." Byakuya stepped forward to receive her letters and Maxima could still feel the throbbing in her chest. "However, you do not owe me any debt. I cannot accept." His deep eyes were fixed on her and she felt enchanted by his gaze. She could feel her cheeks becoming heated and she hoped that he would not notice.

"But my, you look exhausted from your journey." Maxima wanted to kick her self for being so vulnerable. Byakuya gently felt her flushed cheeks with the back of his hand and she could feel a shock going through her body at his touch. She wanted to move away but her feet were planted firmly on the ground.

She was glad to finally hear Rukia's voice, which was a great contrast to the authority of Byakuya's. "Brother, let them join us for lunch. It can be a repayment for their efforts," Rukia suggested excitedly. She nodded at Maxima, urging her agreement and Maxima was flattered that Rukia had taken such an interest in her. But it also occurred to her that perhaps there was another underlying reason to her eagerness.

Maxima looked over at Ichigo, who seemed to be amused by Rukia's excitement. As much as it pleased her to see him with a smile after such a morbid journey, she could not help but feel a little guilt. She knew that he was already very much in love with Orihime and did not doubt that they were a handsome couple but there was just something about Princess Rukia that seemed unique.

Maxima then reasoned that perhaps she was only thinking that way due to her own fascination for the King, who seemed now to be peering at her orange-haired companion. Byakuya's expression was unreadable and she was unable to tell whether she should be anxious or amused.

"Renji, ask the servants to prepare the table under the blossoms. We are to begin lunch early today," Byakuya ordered but kept his eyes turned towards his visitors.

Maxima opened her mouth to protest but she noticed Rukia's disheartened look at the motion. She sighed in surrender. "Thank you Your Majesty, that is very kind."

Byakuya did not respond, instead he turned to face his sister sternly. "Rukia, lend one of your dresses to Lady Maxima."

"That won't be necessary Your Majesty," Maxima called and Byakuya turned to find that with the removal of her dusty traveller's cloak, she revealed a flattering light pink dress that flowed to the floor. From the waist onwards, it was adorned in white lace and finished at an appropriate neckline, one that was not too high or too low. Byakuya was taken aback by her splendour that he found himself staring down at the envelopes given to him.