Regarding the inevitable outcome, I would never deem myself worthy to take my brothers place. It had already been a week and the thoughts of his memorial persisted to repeat inside my head. Completely rung out of tears I fixated my sore eyes towards the wondrous view furthest my window. The mountains were secluded in a way that turned me envious. Though even in the case of the breathtaking view I wasn't far off from the ground.

I omitted the crowd below for quite some time, not at all very interested in the ball about to take place. The first ladies from across the world came in their seemingly bright gowns to outshine their handsome husbands as singles mingled to their hearts content to find a good time. All invitations were respectfully posted in my honor, though I sought it to be nothing but a set-up. As a young girl I relished the idea of marriage and often speculated who would be the man to stand by my side.

In my grief I surveyed the suitors whom I would soon be introduced, watching as everyone fastened in small groups before entering the Kingdoms halls. I could easily recognize most gentlemen, though all but one I had not been so familiar.

I thoughtfully contemplated his name, keeping him in my sights when he excused himself from the rest.

He was handsome aside his particular scowl, making his way towards the garden. Dropping my hand to the table below me I became curious as to why he would take off before entering and decided that when introducing myself I would add that it was my property he was venturing.

Just then Tatsuki opened my bedroom doors, the closing sound causing a thundered echo.

"How are you feeling," She questioned quite concerned. Upon viewing me when I turned her, her eyes withheld sympathy and she rushed to my side. Her arms grabbing me in a tight hug only to whisper, "Oh, please feel better soon. Today is all about you, okay?" Her hands gripped mine tightly and she showed me a hopeful grin.

"Thank you, Tatsuki," I vocalized my gratitude, "But I will be fine."

I rose to meet her height when she gawked at me, "You look absolutely gorgeous. Do a spin."

As I followed her request she clapped excitement, making me join in on her fun. I felt proud to wear my new dress even though it was for such an occasion. The viridian radiance of it extended passed my feet to part in light layers. It was slimming but still had the festive ball gown look, topped of with silver jeweled earrings and a necklace to match.

"Tonight will be amazing! I'm so happy for you, Orihime."

Taking in her charm I recited, "I should see the guests now. I hope to see you down there, Tatsuki."

Hastening passed already open doors to the outdoor patio I came closer to the orchard. All signs of winter had faded and were now brightly altered amidst the forest. Small flowers bloomed in the new season as the trees breed thickened leaves.

I rested my palm against a garden wall, close enough to see his hand run through his feathered orange hair. The tall man rested near the manors stream with his blazer tossed over the marble bench next to him. His expression no longer claimed a scowl but a rather conflicted appearance. Witnessing him then I became afraid to approach, entranced by his weary aura.

He stood out against the ever changing world around him, remotely independent.

"We shouldn't keep them waiting, Kurosaki," A voice calling out from the woods had me spooked.

Another man with spiked black hair jaunted to join him when I realize I had been cowering behind a shrub. His arrival had me step back, figured either of them would spot me. Carefully made my way back to the party that was about to take place.

All the guests had now filled the ballroom as classical music reveled beneath their voices. Nothing could pull me from my distant fog as all the noise seemed to blur together. I spent two long hours talking with visitors, old friends and avoiding men and their invitations to dance before I ran in to someone I was fond of.

"Orihime," A soft voice resounded behind my shoulder, "Can I grab you a drink?"

Behind me stood Renji Abarai with his long red hair pulled back, wearing an elegant Italian black suit as he usually preferred.

"Renji," I gave him quick hug while he held a crooked grin.

"How's my girl," He mused still in my arms as he looked to me. I calmed myself and kept my hands on his shoulders when he pulled away to read my expression. His eyes holding subtle signs of guilt as his brows creased, "I am so sorry about Sora, Orihime."

Usually everyone had called Sora King, but Renji was too dear a friend for me to mind.

"Thank you, Renji," I forcefully conjured a smile, "My apologies that I was never able to see you during the funeral last week."

"That's quite alright," He gave me a reassuring look, "I just wish you well in this busy time."

"Princess Orihime, is it?"

Another voice cut in and we turned to see a girl about my own age. Her long pink hair held back in a stunning bun as she wore an all yellow dress with no jewelry besides the pearls resting nearest her collar bones.

Renji quickly noted she had only addressed me and rushed off, "I will go grab you that drink now."

Flashing back to the girl who seemed slightly shy as she gripped onto her glass, I curtsied, "I am indeed. You must be?"

"U-Oh," She returned a curtsy and gave me a cheerful smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Riruka Dokugamine."

"I've heard of such a princess," I spoke playfully, "Hopefully we could have tea sometime soon, Riruka? My brother told me lots about you."

"That's actually why I'm here, is to wish you well. Your brother had always hoped for me to meet you one day so I waited for the opportunity to introduce myself," She lifted her glass to me, "You have a wonderful home."

It was a real honor to see a face my brother had once befriended.

"Thank you, it means a lot to me. I'll be sure to show you around sometime."

"Oh, that would be great," She looked about and checked the crowd while whispering, "I'm not necessarily from around here and I've never been to such an extravagant party before. I hardly know anyone so it's been a bit nerving to mingle."

"Oh, I can help you with that," I neared her side so she could get a better view of what I saw. She didn't take offense, only concentrated hard as to where I was pointing my finger, "Right over there, the girl with black hair is Rukia. She's the Kuchiki's runner up for Queen just like myself. Her brother older brother is the King."

"Oh," She grumbled and waited for me to say more, continuing to nod at my silly behavior.

"-That man with silver hair closest to her is Gin Ichimaru and his first lady, Matsumoto from Cambodia. Then over there-"

"Here you go," Renji surprised us both in our spying state as he held out my glass.

"Ah," I grabbed Renji's shoulder as he abruptly smiled in his scare, "This is Sir Renji Abarai from earlier. A dear friend of mine! Renji, this is Princess Riruka Dokugamine."

He handed me my glass of red wine and ignored his confusion to take Riruka's hand, giving her a light kiss, "Pleasure to meet you."

Used to the formal greeting the pink haired girl smiled, "Pleasures all mine."

My eyes flashed back and forth to see if there appeared to be a spark between them both. It seemed as though they were content with each other, but I was no expert. Raising my glass to my new friend and old to toast, I cheered, "Scole!" Riruka gave me an odd look so I decided to help her understand, "It means 'Cheers' in Danish."

"My apologies, I don't know much Danish," She giggled, "Scole!"

We all took sips of our drinks before I offered to show Riruka around some more, of course dragging Renji along. She listened politely as I pointed out the King and Queen of Sweden, Shunsui and Nanao Kyoraku before Renji intervened again.

"I should get my friends for you two to meet, Orihime. I've been meaning to introduce you, only, I have no idea where they ran off to," Renji dragged on as he ran his eyes over the room, "I'll meet you ladies a little later, okay?"

"Yes, see you soon," I tossed him a smile which he returned before slipping off into the crowd.

And as he finally disappeared Riruka nudged me, "I think he's pretty good looking."

We both laughed, "He's too close a friend for me but I'm sure you guys could hit it off, Riruka!"

She bobbed her head as if we came to an understanding and took another sip of her drink. Her eyes watched the people dance with an approving smile before she turned back to me, "I want to thank you for showing me around, Miss Inoue."

"My pleasure. And please, call me, Orihime," I smirked with an impulsive wink, "You should also call Renji by his first name. It would be a great way to grab his attention."

I couldn't control my laughter as Riruka blushed slightly. She fiddled with her necklace and decided to change the subject, "We should really be searching for a suitor for you, Princess. After all it's been mentioned you need be courted."

I slowly changed my expression to one of dissent. "It's been very unexpected," I laid eyes on the circling liquid inside my glass as it tilted, "But I guess I don't mind meeting people."

Riruka sensed something was the matter and didn't pry, "That's the spirit, Orihime. I'm sure the man of your future will be one you will admire."

I pulled off a small smirk to show her I was never severely upset and that I appreciated her support; yet it re-sparked my earlier dismal attitude.

Looking around at the happy couples, I knew I would need time to gather my thoughts. Eagerly I pardoned myself before it became even more apparent, "You know, Riruka. I think I'm going to take some time and get some air if you don't mind? It's been a very busy day."

She waved her hand in front of her, her glass wobbling, "Oh, s-sure! Take your time."

After excusing myself I set my glass onto a nearby waiters tray and made my way to the balcony. Using shaky hands to fiddle with loose strands of hair escaping my bun. When passing visitors a few faces quickly glanced to me though I still managed to make my escape, noticing the doors to the terrace were already opened.

A cool brush of night air caressed my skin before I made my appearance beneath the moon. Only a few feet away the mysterious orange haired man from earlier, leaned over the terrace ledge in awe of the view.

I questioned his appearance to see if he was still claimed by his recent mood to see if it was now resolved. Judging how far away I was from the door I decided it was too late to turn back and worked up the courage to step forward, knowing he was aware of my presence.

Eyes flickered in my direction but his head never turned. I seemingly pretended as though I hadn't seen him and slipped my hands over the rail. After that he stopped his glances and fully turned to great me, his eyes questing mine before I gave in to turn.

"Are you not enjoying the party?"

I steadied my gaze on him, eyes betraying me as they fluttered.

"It's not really that," I desperately tried as a reply, "What about yourself?"

He was closer now, "It's a great party. I'm just not in that particular mood."

Deep brown eyes made me hesitate before they focused back towards the moon in an admiring fashion. I gained courage to speak then as he was faced away, "Yes, it is one of those nights."

His voice was kind aside his sudden invitation, "Would you like to take a walk?"

"I'd be happy to," I smiled at the surprise, carefully making my way to his side. He held his arms behind his back while I gathered mine in front of me and together parted the balcony. The light and noise of the gathering faded away gradually as I watched my foot work against the stone.

"It's an amazing place," He granted.

I giggled wondering if he knew it was my own, "Indeed it is," We curved onto the gardens path where the moon grew dimmed by the shadows of the trees and I figured I should be next to kill the silence, "What brought you here tonight?"

"A friend," His hands raked the back of his head, "He figured I needed some time to relax and get my mind off other things."

"Ah, and what sort of things?" I didn't want to intrude and he sensed that from my smile, soon gesturing to let me know he wasn't offended.

"Just small problems. What kingdom doesn't have them," He scoffed a laugh and I took his response as a means to push no further, understanding now that he was a royal himself. His voice became stern yet sarcastic, "What about yourself then? Is there a real reason as to why you came or were you forced like myself?"

I found it very comical, making my response sound as an epiphany to join his fun, "You know, I believe I've been forced just as you have."

"Well then the odds of us meeting I consider quite lucky," He replied kindly, "Its always nice to know there's someone who feels the same way."

We quit our giggles and gazed at each other.

For another hour we made small talk about weather and small events that had come to pass without spilling any crucial details about ourselves. I hadn't minded that he insisted keeping his identity secret seeing as how I wanted the same. I had grown to very much to enjoy the mans company to have it be ruined.

As we laughed I voluntarily urged us down another path, halting the moment as I gestured for him to follow. It didn't take long for him to clue in, and soon, we seemed to be running.

"Where are we going?"

I laughed, trying to keep my breath steady, "There's a nice escape place down this way."

I didn't need an explanation then because the view had explained it all.

At the other end of my kingdom was the ocean in which the moons reflection collided atop the water. Towering snow covered mountains outlined in white light submitted by the moon fenced the valley as settling waters calmed below. He seemed to marvel at its foreign diversity, comparing against the views he had grown attached to as a child.

Standing silently with the wind tossing his tangerine locks, he tranquilly agreed, "It really is quite the escape."

While wishing I made a good impression I spoke softly, "Hopefully now you can relax."

Turning to me he pealed off his blazer amidst the frigged wind, "Please take this. I wouldn't want to get The Great Escape Artist sick."

He covered my shoulders with the fabric and for a split second I felt the heat of his hands. It had been the same suit blazer I saw draped over the stone bench earlier, giving off the slightest sent of musk that could easily send any girl to her knees.

I sniffled, "What about you. You're not cold?"

He shook his head and reached for his tie, "Actually, if you don't mind," Loosening it completely he exasperated, "It makes it easier to relax."

I giggled, walking over to the cliffs edge to stand near him. He seemed so gentle compared to the scowling man I saw earlier, content. Snapping me apart from my thoughts, all I could do was blink at his body enclosing my own as he addressed me, "Something wrong?"

"U-Oh no. I'm fine thank you," I gave him a shy smile but it hadn't been too convincing.

"You can tell me you know," He spoke dignified, finally taking a step back.

I investigated his figure, trying to understand his body language. Withholding an arcane expression I knew it couldn't do me any harm or give me away if I explained to him what had really been on my mind that night.

"To be honest I've been a little stressed," I tried yet failed at facing him, "You see my brother recently passed away."

He seemed to loose balance on the small ledge he was standing on when he looked to me. As if the trip never happened his eyes remained on me, "I'm so sorry," He waited for a response but I could only attempt to smile, "I know whats it's like to lose a loved one," My interest grew as he continued to console me, "My mother passed away not too long ago myself."

My palms engulfed the cuffs of his blazer to escape the breeze as I slumped closer to him, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up."

"No, it's alright. Just another thing we seem to be going through together," He concluded. I smiled knowing he was attempting to cheer me up, "Thank you, for showing me this place. I can tell you come here often?"

"Only when I can. It's quite the tourist spot," I breathed in the fresh air, "Well, I really should be getting back to the ball. I have a few people waiting. You can stay here if you like?"

Even though I hadn't been mingling earlier, I would still consider it to be the worst possible thing for a hostess to ignore her guests. Even, if I had wanted him not to know that I indeed was her.

Suddenly his arm was at my back and he faced me towards the estate. He flashed me a look of understanding and guided me as we walked up hill.

"It wouldn't be right for you to walk alone."

I could see the entrance doors of the estate from a far as we neared the road. It was that moment when I realized we had walked around the entire kingdom in our adventure.

As visitors came into view I suggested he quickly take back his jacket, noticing his neck tie was still loose.

"Here allow me," I adjusted the silken fabric while he studied my eyes until they met, "All set."

"Hey!"

I pulled my hands away quickly, frightened by the voice calling from a distance. I could tell it was Renji, knowing he would most likely make his way towards us if he saw me.

I took my leave in a panic as a means to avoid any embarrassment, "My most sincere apologies but I must go. Thank you, for sharing your time with me."

The poor man didn't need to be seen together with me, for everyone would assume the worst.

In my haste he was most confused but I couldn't wait for his reply. I ran for the woods trying to dodge Renji coming off the road. It was obvious he had seen one of us but I couldn't tell who. Trying my best to keep my dress together as I ran, I stumbled slightly only to see him straight across from me.

"-I've been looking for, for- Orihime?"

Renji panted with a priceless expression, leaning in as I appeared from the trail. I myself over knowing I had been caught.

"What are you doing out here?"

"Ah,Renji," I calmed myself down and relaxed my grip on my dress, putting on a dumbfounded grin, "I just went to get some air but I should really get back to Miss Riruka to say goodbye! Please excuse me!"

He raised an arm to stop me and I heard him scream my name as I ran, but refused to turn back.

Mister Kurosaki hadn't been far behind.