Verdant Skies

There was a noise of discontent deep in Koumei's throat, he paced slowly around Kouen's sunlight room with a hand pressed to his chin, "You're sure, En? That it was Lady Iris you saw rather than some maid?"

Between the discovery he'd made last night and being questioned, Kouen felt his anger rear up though forced it back. As this was Koumei, the younger man was only trying to make certain of the facts before proceeding forward. Forcing himself to breathe through his nose, he nodded, "Yes, Mei, I'm certain it was Lady Iris," A frown curled across his lips at the memory of her weakened state flashed through his mind, ""You know that I'm not one to forget such things."

Letting out an audible exhale at those words, Koumei's eyes were filled with turmoil, "I-I know, En. I'm just," He paused facing Kouen with confusion lining his face, ""While we've figured out that Lord Habi was merely using Lady Iris as a pawn and that the story of her being his future consort was likely false, it doesn't make sense that he'd let her fall into such a state. Not so rapidly at least"

Expression darkening at those words, the concern Kouen had been pushing away turned into grim realization with Koumei's final words. Unable to escape the disturbing image of the bruising around Iris' neck and with the implications that his younger brother had implied, he couldn't shake what had just come to his mind. Clearing his throat when it started to tighten just a bit, he ventured into the unsettling territory of possibilities, "Mei, what if these injuries are not just the result of neglect?" Koumei's steps had started to resume only to falter at those words, "What if they were deliberately inflicted? Are we looking at something far more sinister?"

Steps coming to a halt with his eyes slowly widening, Koumei stopped before Kouen with his voice growing soft, "En, if that's true...The situation just got a whole lot more complicated than we truly imagined," A deep frown formed on Koumei's face, "I-Do we continue, En? As we have been?"

The memory of Lady Iris' pained gasp and the clear pain in her eyes lingered in his mind as Kouen spoke, "Yes, Mei," He crossed his arms, "At least until we're able to uncover just what secrets Lady Iris may hold," He forced his emotions back as he'd been trained to, "If she proves to be useful during this time, we'll save her."

"Of course, En," Koumei inclined his head, "After all, we are here to conquer not save people,"

"Lady Iris," Iris turned her head to see Prince Kouha walking towards her with those that he'd pointed out yesterday as his attendants, "Are you alright? You look a bit pale,"

"Just feeling a little under the weather today, Your Highness," Iris dipped her head softly causing the small jewels attached to the headband she'd been given to wear today to bounce, "I was planning to rest in the garden today,"

"It sucks that you're not feeling well," Prince Kouha's face twisted a bit, "I hope it wasn't from us walking around yesterday,"

Shaking her head, Iris offered him a small smile, "Not all, I just have some days where my body isn't pleased with me and forces me to take it easy," She let out a low laugh, "It's been this way for a long time, so don't worry too much about me."

"I see," Prince Kouha looked a bit sad, "I was kinda hoping we could go walking through town together. It's starting to get busy with the vendors getting ready for a festival that's about to happen,"

"The Feast of Beasts," Iris confirmed earning a confused look, "If I remember correctly, it's a festival that celebrates the Goulon Empire Guardian Beast, Sascha," She cupped her chin trying to remember what she'd been told back before this entire mess had started, "Sascha came upon the Goulon Empire's first lord when he'd become wounded during a hunt. Rather than kill him, she took him into her den and nursed him alongside her younglings until he was fit to leave. In honor of her doing such a thing, he left in peace. They continued to meet one another until one horrid day when the Goulon Empire was about to fall into ruin and the Lord was to be killed by his enemy. Sascha arrived just as the final blow was being dealt and saved his life at the cost of her own," She shook her head slightly, "I don't know the full details, but somehow the battle took a turn after that and the Empire became as it is today,"

"Damn," Prince Kouha whistled softly, "So what was Sascha, anyway?"

"No one knows," Iris gestured to the tapestries hanging around them, "A lot of the tapestries hanging around us have that story depicted on it," The great beast woven into the fabric was different in each one, "Some say Sascha was a great white wolf, they say she could've been a gigantic lion, a tiger, or even a dragon," She dropped her hand, "We'll never actually know,"

Eyeing the tapestries with more interest, Prince Kouha muttered, "Still really cool," He looked at Iris, "So...you can't come out with me?"

Hesitating a bit, Iris caught sight of a pair of maids, their eyes filled with a dark sort of curiosity standing not far away. Mentally cursing at them, she smiled at Prince Kouha while hiding the dismay that curled through her, "I suppose it won't hurt, though please try not to rush around too much, alright, Prince Kouha?"

"No problem!" Prince Kouha smiled warmly at her as he held out his arm with his cheeks flushed that same delicate color as yesterday.

Entering the dimly lit solar that he'd been brought to by one of Lord Habi's attendants, Kouen's eyes found the man who had called for his presence almost immediately. Like the rest of the castle, the solar carried the same luxury with every inch radiating some sense of wealth though something about it seemed off to him. Much like the man before him, he inwardly grimaced while keeping his outward expression blank and stepping further into the almost oppressive room. Within the dimly lit room, Lord Habi's cool amber gaze was seemingly bright though it did little to hide the calculating look held within their depths.

Lord Habi's lips pulled into a welcoming smile that didn't reach his eyes, "Prince Kouen, how are you this fine morning?"

"Quite well, and you?" Kouen didn't bother taking a seat yet.

"Ah, with my court, I'm as busy as ever though quite well myself," Lord Habi gestured to the seat across from his dark wood chair, "Please have a seat,"

Inclining his head, Kouen moved towards the chair and settled on the edge, he wouldn't allow himself to falter for even a moment around this man. He watched as Lord Habi gestured and a servant approached to pour them some tea. He spoke with his expression remaining neutral, "I didn't take you for someone that drinks tea."

"Ah, Lady Iris and the companions she brought with her turned me onto it," Lord Habi took one of the steaming cups.

Mind going to the man that he'd seen with Lady Iris the night before and the way he'd called to her so familiarly, Kouen decided to probe further. He took the other steaming cup but didn't bring it to his lips, "Lady Iris has companions? I haven't truly interacted with her enough to notice. Where does she come from by the way?"

"A small place off to the north," Lord Habi waved his hand dismissively, "Her companions are few in number, they came with her from that place when our arrangement was set up," He let out a low snort, "If I didn't have a use for them, I'd be shipping them back off to where they came from,"

There was an odd look in the man's eyes, it was a dark thing that Kouen had often seen in Gyokouen's eyes when the woman thought he wasn't looking. Deciding to tread a bit more carefully, he cleared his throat, "I see," He brought his teacup up though didn't sip the tea, "So they've been here for a while?"

"A few years," Lord Habi's lips twitched with his eyes gaining a satisfied gleam, "One can never be too sure with their courtship after all," He let out a slight yawn, "Now onto the matter of why I called for you, Prince Kouen," Kouen stiffened a bit as he lowered the cup, "I wish to speak more about those...agreements that your brother brought up last time we spoke,"

The almost bored tone that Lord Habi used made Kouen want to roll his eyes though he forced his face to stay blank.

Spending the day wandering through Astoria with Prince Kouha had been wonderful for all that it tore at the bitter place in her heart that had been torn open three years prior, the stark reminder of what had been stripped of her three years ago. It had been such a bittersweet pain that she'd weathered the pain that had been steadily growing within her body since that morning. Only when they finally stepped into a carriage once more and began returning to the palace did she realize that she'd pushed her body a touch too far, she let Prince Kouha lead the conversation as her chest ached fiercely.

As the carriage stopped and Prince Kouha stepped off, Iris slowly followed after him as faint grey spots danced along her vision. It was during one of the last steps that her foot slipped and she began to fall. Before even a cry of alarm could leave her, an arm wrapped around her waist and she was steadied. Blinking rapidly to clear away the spots, she saw that it was Prince Koumei who had stopped her fall. He spoke with a frown curling at his lips, "Lady Iris, are you alright?"

"I'm fine-" Iris started to assure him.

Unable to help it, a heavy cough left Iris's throat as it ripped itself from her chest. She covered her mouth belatedly with a grimace as more gray splotches danced along her vision. A cool hand was pressed to her forehead as Koumei muttered, "You feel warm. Are you well, Lady Iris?"

From beside her, Prince Kouha spoke with his voice tanged heavily with worry, "She told me earlier that her body has days where it's weakened...Shit, Iris-"

So they were back onto a first-name basis? Iris felt a bit touched by that. Prince Koumei's voice held a stern tone as she became weightless, "Ha, go find an attendant and have them inform Lord Habi that Lady Iris has fallen ill. I'm going to have another one assist me in taking her to the castle infirmary."

"Mei-" Prince Kouha's voice held a slight protest.

"Go now," Prince Koumei ordered as he began to walk.

"I-Fine," Prince Kouha's voice faded off with a rush of footsteps.

Iris' head slid against Prince Koumei's shoulder as she found herself unable to keep it up thanks to the pain radiating through her body. She muttered, "Y-you don't have to do this."

Prince Koumei's voice was filled with determination as he responded, "Of course I do, Lady Iris. I couldn't just leave you here in this state."

Soon enough they were led to the castle infirmary with Prince Koumei being directed to place her on one of the beds, Iris was a little surprised when the man didn't automatically leave when the healers informed him that she'd be well taken care of. She was thankful for his presence though as it'd ensure the healers would offer her the correct treatments rather than the ones that would only prolong her suffering as had been the case in the past. She relaxed a bit more easily into the bed trying not to show her discomfort and gratitude to the man though doubted she was successful. As the healers began their work and started to provide her with the treatments that she'd only gotten from Neville when the man was around, she struggled against the urge to squirm.

As the healers were backing away, Prince Kouha entered the infirmary and made a beeline for her bed with a worried expression drawn across his face. Fingers clenching and unclenching as he approached, the boy looked towards his brother, "I-how is everything?"

"She'll be just fine though will need to take it easy for a few days," Prince Koumei pushed off the wall he'd been leaning against, "But it wasn't anything you did according to the healers, Ha,"

"R-really?" Prince Kouha's shoulders slumped.

"As I said, Kouha," Iris smiled weakly at the boy from her place on the infirmary bed, "This is something I've been dealing with for years, I should've known better than to go out with you today, but..." She let her gaze drop to the bedspread, "Going out there today was something I really can't regret, it brought back a lot of good memories and now I've got new ones with you," She raised her head to smile softly at the boy, "Thank you for that, I'm just sorry for being a pain in the ass-"

"You're not a pain in the ass," Prince Kouha shook his head rapidly.

"I caused trouble for you though," Iris pointed out.

Expressing turning soft, Prince Koumei reached out and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "You haven't been any trouble at all, Lady Iris. If anything, you've ensured that Kouha has been kept out of trouble," He gained a mischievous smile that caused the warm feeling Iris had felt back in the library to return, "Which both Kouen and I thank you for."

"Mei!" Kouha's cheeks flushed darkly and he pouted at his elder brother, "Mean!"

Covering her mouth with a hand she let out a giggle that wasn't fake for the first time since she was around the two, Iris found herself truly smiling for the first time in a while.

Entering Kouen's room after ensuring Kouha wouldn't try to make a late-night visit to see Lady Iris, Koumei offered his elder brother a light nod while shutting the door behind himself. Inclining his head to Koumei, he spoke while looking over a document that one of their servants had likely brought him, "So what did Ha get up to today? And what took you so long to return?"

Moving to take a seat at his elder brother's desk, Koumei wasted no time and went straight to the point, "Apparently Kouha and Lady Iris went into the city today," Kouen's eyebrow rose, "Ha wished to explore while they were beginning to set up for the local festival that is occurring in a few days. When they returned, Lady Iris was on the verge of collapse and I just barely managed to catch her before she hit the ground."

"Lucky catch," Kouen muttered with his eyebrows pinching together, "That must be what one of the attendants came to speak to Lord Habi about," Koumei's eyebrow raised at that as the man hadn't shown up at all while he'd been inside the infirmary, "He merely said one of the nobles sent a missive that he'd need to take care of,"

Frown curling at his lips, Koumei cupped his chin as he settled in the seat across from Kouen, "Again another hole in the statement he made about Lady Iris being his future consort, the only question is what is her true purpose here then?"

"We will need to figure that out," Kouen's lips were pulled back into a grimace, "Did you manage to find out anything from her? Or about her?"

Nodding slowly though he held some doubts about the information thanks to what had come to light, Koumei still offered it up, "According to what Ha found out from Lady Iris, she has days where her body is weakened though I believe that is too explain what happened last night. I can't exactly prove it as the healers act as if this isn't the first time it's happened," Kouen nodded slowly, "If someone is harming her in the castle whether it's Lord Habi or someone else, they're making it seem as if she has a chronic condition. From what I was able to learn, she'll be stuck in the infirmary until the morning of the festival,"

"I see," Kouen looked down at the document in his hand though Koumei could tell his older brother didn't seem to be registering it.

Mind trying to drum up any more information, Koumei suddenly paused at the memory of Lady Iris being in his arms. While he had very little experience carrying anyone, he had carried Kougyoku a few times recently as well as Judar. Despite it looking like she was just wearing a heavy scarf, he had felt something hard like metal pressing against his shoulder. Even through the layers of clothing, it wasn't hard to miss especially with how cold it'd felt. Frown deepening at that last thought, he decided to bring it up to Kouen, "En," Kouen glanced up at him, "There is one thing I found a little peculiar when I was helping Lady Iris to the infirmary. As I held her, I noticed something hard and cold, like metal, pressed against my shoulder."

Head raising from his document, Kouen's eyes flashed with interest, "Metal? Was it part of her clothing?"

Shaking his head, Koumei crossed his arms, "No, it was something around her neck from what I could tell," He saw Kouen's eyes widen before narrowing, "As it wasn't something I was focused on at the time, I didn't pay that much attention to it. But given the fact that only Judar wears metal around his neck, I find it a bit unusual."

Expression turning thoughtful, Kouen looked as if his mind was working through a series of scenarios, "This is certainly something interesting, we'll have to look into it," He cupped his chin while leaning back against his chair, "If anything it might be a clue into her past or at least, an idea of just who she is," He smirked a bit, "Good find, Mei."

A smile forming at that, Koumei ducked his head a bit, "It's no trouble, En."

"Do me a small favor though," Kouen eyed him a bit, "While speaking with Lord Habi earlier, he mentioned something about Lady Iris having companions here. Have yours and Ha's households look into them,"

"Of course," Koumei was intrigued by the thought, "Though where are they?"

Shaking his head, Kouen's lips pulled into a grimace, "I am unsure though based on Lord Habi's reactions, I believe he's keeping them separated from her," Koumei frowned in confusion, "He looked like Gyokuen when she believed we're not looking."

Grimacing at that reminder, Koumei shuddered in disgust, "I will ensure everyone uses the utmost care in their search," He stood with a shake of his, "I should retire for the night as I've little doubt that Ha will be up early to go see Lady Iris."

Snorting at that, Kouen picked up his document, "Of that, I am unsurprised."

Leaving Kouen's room for his own, Koumei thought of how Lady Iris had interacted with Kouha. There was a gentleness in her words and actions that felt genuine despite their thoughts that this woman was likely someone trying to get information from them for the local lord, it puzzled him. He found his mind going to the smile Lady Iris had given them after he'd teased Kouha. The way her eyes had seemed so soft and full of joy at that moment compared to the days they'd known each other. There was a tightness in his chest at the thought of her other smiles, the one she'd given him in the library barely even compared to it. Smiling like that despite her apparent illness, he found himself wishing to see it again.

There was a gentle laugh as Koumei felt the phantom warmth of his Djinn, the faint feeling of Dentalion curling her arms around him. She murmured in his ears, "Teasing Kouha about a crush when you're having those thoughts, Stargazer?"

Clearing his throat as a slight blush formed, Koumei shook his head, 'Not at all, Den. I merely think that it was nice to see a more genuine version of Lady Iris and that perhaps once this is over, Ha might have a new friend."

There was a gentle giggle as Dentalion nuzzled into his cheek, the Djinn radiated amusement, "Of course, dear heart. Of course."

Not wishing to get into a likely meaningless discussion with his Djinn, Koumei began readying himself to bed while making a mental note to speak with Kouha and his households tomorrow about looking into Lady Iris' companions. While Kouen hadn't given him much to work off of, he could easily figure something out to find them. He'd done so before and would do it again.

As the morning dawned with light starting to stream inside the high windows within the infirmary, Iris was mildly surprised to see Ginny push open one of those windows and slip inside carrying a basket. Based on the scent leaking off of it, she was carrying a basket of freshly baked bread from one of the better bakeries in the city below. The scent wafted through the air, and it was a welcome change from the typical infirmary smells. Lowering the basket onto the nearby bedside table, Ginny crossed her arms and stared down at Iris, "Not even what? A day away from me and you're in this state?"

Snorting low in her throat, Iris internally winced at the faint spark of pain it brought. She pushed herself somewhat unsteadily, "It's been two days and you damn well know it," She saw Ginny grimace at the hoarseness of her voice, "I can't help how my luck runs sometimes, Gin."

"I-I know," Ginny reached out to help Iris sit up more comfortably, "It's just a bit scary that not even a day after being in here Ron finds you..."

As Ginny trailed off with a pained expression, Iris winced and reached out to grab one of Ginny's hands. She spoke softly, "I...We all knew that he wouldn't tolerate Hermione cutting in so soon. And with me being so close, it was far too good of an opportunity. The only reason I'm in this state is due to how close together he decided to do things," She offered Ginny a weak smile, "I'm pretty damn good at ensuring he can't see how bad the effects are otherwise."

There was a low laugh as Ginny shook her head, the pain clear in her eyes, "No, you are too good at it sometimes, Ris," She dropped onto the bed beside Iris, "I...I hate this, Ris. We all do even if you're working towards freedom. But the cost-"

"Is worth it," Iris saw Ginny grimace, "Gin-"

"Not if it lands you in a hospital bed," Ginny shook her head, "Ris-"

"Better than dead for the moment," Iris reminded Ginny and the girl froze.

There was a soft curse from the girl as her expression slipped into a somber one, a glimmer of tears visible for a moment before Ginny blinked them away. She squeezed Iris' hand, "I...I hate that you're right, Ris. I wish there were another way."

"I do too," Iris murmured.

There was a brief silence as they sat together, the gravity of their situation weighing all the heavier on their hearts. Ginny broke the silence with a slightly strained smile, "So I brought you some bread," She gestured to the basket while releasing Iris' hand, "Gotta ensure your strength keeps up, ya know."

Letting out a low laugh, Iris grinned, "Thanks, Gin. I'll think of you with each piece."

Both of them started to giggle Ginny flopping onto Iris' bed, she muttered, "Fuck, it's strange not being around you nearly every day."

"I know," Iris reached over to grab a piece of warm bread and broke it open before handing half to Ginny, "Once this is over, we'll be able to spend more time together,"

"True," Ginny took a bite of bread.

As she bit into the warm piece of bread, Iris savored its buttery softness and simplicity. She savored what would likely be one of the last few moments of peace she'd have with Ginny before this was all over. Despite the pang that entered her heart at that thought, she decided to enjoy it.

Raising her head from the book she'd convinced Hermione to grab for her earlier when the brunette had ventured out of the library for a visit, Iris offered Prince Koumei a smile as slipped into the empty visitor's chair beside her. She marked her page with the small bookmark she'd snagged from Hermione's pocket, "Hello, Prince Koumei."

"Lady Iris," Prince Koumei returned her smile, though there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes as he glanced at the book. He nodded in acknowledgment of her words, "I'm glad to see you're making use of your time here, Lady Iris. Reading can be a wonderful way to pass the time."

Iris chuckled softly, "Indeed it is. It helps keep my mind occupied, especially in a place like this," She didn't have to force the gentle flush to her cheeks as she admitted, "I dislike infirmaries quite a bit though deal with them out of need."

"Much like another person I know," Koumei shook his head in amusement, "Though at the very least, you're using your time wisely,"

Figuring out that he was speaking of Kouha as the boy couldn't seem to sit still for long despite his insistence that they'd still spend time together, Iris let out a soft laugh, "Kouha is rather active though being young as he is, you can't exactly blame him."

Prince Koumei offered a small, understanding smile. "Indeed, it's not easy for a young person to stay confined in one place for too long. He's full of energy and curiosity," He tilted his head while glancing about, "I am a little surprised that he isn't around right now."

Shaking her head with a small laugh, Iris told him, "He left not too long ago with his attendants. I believe he's gone for a walk around the gardens though I'm unsure," She shrugged her shoulders while noticing there was an odd look in Prince Koumei's eyes, "Prince Koumei, is there something wrong?"

There was a long moment as if Prince Koumei was battling with himself before his gaze turned thoughtful, he leaned forward a little, "Lady Iris, I've found myself a little curious."

"Curious?" Iris' voice was calm despite the storm brewing within her mind at the question.

"Despite how it may seem, Kouha doesn't make friends that easily or quickly. He tends to drive them away with certain...tendencies of his," Prince Koumei's eyes seemed to bore into hers, "While I am...pleased about my little brother possibly having a new friend, you have to understand why this is somewhat alarming,"

Meeting Prince Koumei's eyes with an even gaze, Iris' voice was a bastion of calm, " "I understand your concern, Prince Koumei. You're right that Kouha and I have developed a friendship quickly, and I appreciate the bond we've formed. But rest assured, I have no ill intent."

Prince Koumei nodded thoughtfully. "I appreciate your honesty, Lady Iris. It's just that my brother's well-being is important to me. I'm sure you can understand that."

Iris smiled warmly. "I do understand, and I assure you that Kouha's friendship means a lot to me as well. I truly value the time we've spent together and the opportunity to get to know him."

Mentally sighing in relief as Prince Koumei seemed to relax, Iris counted it as a win. He spoke with a small smile gracing his lips, "I'm glad to hear that, Lady Iris. It truly eases my mind and I will likely do the same with En as well when I tell him," She inwardly sighed in relief at that as it meant having dodged the proverbial bullet since Prince Kouen seemed like a harder sell than the younger two, "Though that wasn't my only question," She offered him a curious look, "You seem to cover your neck to the point that very little is visible. Is that part of your homeland's culture?"

Inwardly cursing Lord Habi and mentally freezing for a second, Iris took a few moments before she answered, "To a point, it is, Prince Koumei. While it's not something wildly practiced by my homeland anymore, a select few do such as my mother's family."

"I see," Prince Koumei cupped his chin, "I had been wondering since I noticed just yesterday that you seem to always wear a scarf around your neck,"

Smiling lightly while inwardly slumping in relief at having managed to lie her way through that little bit, Iris chuckled softly, "Well, I'm glad that I've managed to introduce you to an interesting piece of culture."

"Indeed," Koumei dropped his hand.

There was a loud bang as the infirmary doors opened to reveal Kouha, the boy was grinning brightly with his cheeks flushed. He was panting slightly as well which meant he'd rushed all the way here from wherever he'd been. Letting out a soft laugh, she called out, "Kouha, what on earth happened to you?"

"Iris," Kouha darted towards her bed and began spinning a rather interesting tale.

Out of the corner of her eye, Iris noticed Koumei standing from his seat and moving towards the infirmary doors with a contemplative look on his face. A part of her wondered if he'd seen through her lies though she couldn't linger on that as Kouha was quick to drag her full attention back to him.