The Emperor's Last Consort

Chapter 2

Three days passed quickly, and soon it was time to report to the palace... as a proper consort. While Rukia was excited, she was also saddened by the prospect of having to say goodbye to her newfound friends.

"We will visit sometime," Kukaku smiled, as the brothers sobbed loudly and blew their noses. "Good luck in the palace, Rukia."

"Arigato."

"And stay safe."
___________________________

Byakuya put on the royal robes as he looked at his reflection in the mirror. The robes were a royal yellow, with patterns of dragons on both sleeves. Byakuya had never really liked these robes too much, they were heavy and so heavily embroidered.

Today's ceremony was a hassle for Byakuya, for it was his addressing ceremony to the new consorts this year. He never really took notice to this particular event, finding it annoying. He never saw the consorts properly at these events, and the welcoming speech was the same every year.

It was true, when Renji had mentioned that he rarely showed interest to any woman. After some time, Byakuya had found that all the women acted in a distinctly particular way to him. They were very polite and somehow awkward in conversations. And while Byakuya was someone who liked to keep to rules and proper mannerisms, he found these interactions a little too... wearing.

Every time a foreign ruler sent forth princesses for marriage, Byakuya had them married off to Generals whom had their worth proven in victories and leadership. Every time a court official introduced their daughter to him, he would tell said official to consult with Lady Unohana on the selection of consorts.

He himself was better off focusing on other, much more pressing matters of his country.
___________________________

Rukia stared in awe at the enormous palace hall that the consorts had all been ushered into, with a size that could fit at least twenty of the Shiba mansions. There were marble pillars extending to the high ceiling, with dragon carvings on each of these pillars. At the very front of the hall, there was a majestic throne raised on a golden stage.

"Good morning, my Ladies." Rukia tried to see past the numerous women in front of her. She caught sight of a short, fat eunuch with a beard. "I am the Head Eunuch Kou, and I would like to welcome you all to the Imperial Palace. Congratulations on your selection as one of the consorts of the Emperor."

Rukia smiled.

"Now, in a few minutes, the Emperor will make his way into this hall to address all of you and to welcome you to the Palace. We have the set list of consorts here, and will call out your name for your position in the hall. Ayama Miko..."

Rukia watched as the consorts were called into line. Soon, it became apparent that the Ayama woman was very lucky, she was going to stand the first in line in full view of the Emperor. The rest of the consorts would stand behind her and even though it was said that the Emperor could walk down from the throne and greet the consorts, he was never recorded to have done so.

"... and finally, Shiba Rukia." Rukia suppressed a sigh as she joined the women as the last consort in line. From her position, she was farthest from the stage, and was definitely not to be noticed at all.

"His Majesty is here! Please bow!" A high-pitched announcement was made, and all the women bowed their heads respectfully. Rukia mimicked the women around her, but she lifted her head ever so slightly to try to catch a glimpse of the Emperor.

There were just too many people in front of her: consorts, eunuchs, officials. She could only make out a gold-clad figure and soon, even that was lost as so many heads blocked her view.