Verdant Skies

Shaking his head to clear it as Kouen placed a goblet of wine beside him, Koumei reached out to grab it only to pause as his older brother asked, "What has you so deep in thought, Mei? You've had that look on your face for the past hour since arriving from the Infirmary."

"I...think that I've come to understand something about Lady Iris' position...to a point," The words left Koumei's mouth slowly as he hadn't been planning to share this with Kouen until he'd become a bit more secure in his findings, "While I am uncertain...I still believe I'm correct,"

Eyebrow rising, Kouen lowered his goblet and gifted Koumei an intrigued look, "You have my interest."

Picking up his goblet, Koumei took a sip of the wine before starting his explanation, "Going over everything we know of Lady Iris so far, I believe we're both in agreement that it's false or if there is some truth to it, we've only learned merely a drop in what is likely an ocean."

"Very true," Kouen eyed him as Koumei placed his goblet down, "With Lord Habi and Lady Iris both giving us very little information, we're left grasping at straws even if we've agreed that the man is using her as a pawn,"

Clearing his throat, Koumei leaned forward a bit and dropped his voice a bit lower, "A knowing one," He saw Kouen's eyes widen, "Based on her actions and those of the staff, I am beginning to believe that Lady Iris is not so unknowing of her situation. Nor do I believe that she is willing, En."

"A captive?" Kouen leaned forward with a small frown, "What makes you believe that?"

Mind going back to the infirmary this morning not long after breakfast and what he'd heard just before entering the room, Koumei's lips pulled into a grimace, "When I'd gone to see Lady Iris this morning to gain a better idea of what her intentions were towards Kouha, I heard harsh voices just before entering the infirmary. Rather than enter, I decided to stop and listen for a bit. It took me a few moments to realize that one of the healers on staff was speaking to Lady Iris and they were not acting as if she were a noble lady. If anything, they were treating her as little more than a gutter rat."

Lips pulling into a frown of his own at that, Kouen's expression turned more serious, "That is concerning though you could have just encountered one of her companions-"

Shaking his head, Koumei cut his older brother off, "I doubt one of Lady Iris' companions would speak about her needing to be grateful for Lord Habi even allowing her to step foot into the castle," He watched Kouen's eyebrows knit together, "But not only that, En, I saw something upon entering the infirmary," He gestured to his neck, "Iris' neck for a few seconds wasn't fully covered by her scarf."

Eyes widening, Kouen hissed, "What was underneath it?"

"I didn't get a good look as it was only visible for a few seconds at most before they realized I'd arrived in the room," Koumei explained as he dropped his hand, "But...Lady Iris has something metal around her neck. I could be wrong, it looked almost like a collar,"

Expression turning dark, Kouen's eyes narrowed, "A collar? Are you sure?"

"As I said, I only saw it for a few moments, but what was visible..." Koumei's lips pulled into a frown, "It looked like a slave collar, En. My only problem is that every piece of literature I've found on the Goulon Empire has said they've outlawed slavery here. They're one of the few countries in the world to do so,"

"Which only makes this situation even more puzzling," Kouen gripped his goblet of wine, "Lady Iris seems to only give us more questions rather than answers the more we investigate, it's rather irritating,"

There was a spark in Kouen's eyes that Koumei had only seen when his older brother played chess, it made him smile a bit as he murmured, "You're enjoying the challenge, aren't you?"

"Is it obvious?" Kouen lifted his goblet, "If she is indeed a slave under Lord Habi, I do believe that we will have a willing hand in his fall. But we need to confirm it first," He smirked, "Though somehow, I have a feeling that this isn't her only secret,"

"I'll continue to investigate and encourage Kouha's antics to befriend her," Koumei picked up his goblet, "As well as my own, we might as well see if we're able to convince her to speak with us,"

Drinking deep from his goblet, Koumei's mind went to the glimpse he'd seen of Lady Iris' collar, and with Dentallion's help, the image was stark within his mind.  Darken metal with a slight sheen to it, the edges lined with what looked to be silver. The edges of the writings were just barely visible over the edge of a pale blue scarf that an attendant quickly used to cover Lady Iris' neck before he could get a good glance at it. While most would think it was just a statement piece, the way everyone had been acting and how Lady Iris' skin was bruised beneath the collar from what he could see told him it wasn't.

Letting out a laugh as Koumei once again managed to fluster Kouha into stammering, Iris leaned back into her pillows a bit more heavily with a bright smile forming across her lips. As the days passed by being stuck in this Infirmary had been a daunting thought, she found herself enjoying it though as Kouha and Koumei both visited her daily for varying amounts of times. Growing closer to the pair with each passing day, Koumei even told her to call him by name when in private. Along with the pair, she was often visited by Ginny in the mornings and her palace-bound friends during the evenings ensuring that she rarely spent much time alone.

Shaking her head as Kouha turned to pout at her, Iris raised her hands, "Hey, I'm not able to do much defending in my position."

"No fair!" The boy whined at her, "You're my friend first,"

All of them looked up as the infirmary doors opened and Iris stiffened at the sight of Lord Habi, she swallowed heavily when he stepped inside. Striding forward with a grin curled across his lips, she could see malice clear in his eyes though doubted anyone else would see it underneath the cheerful show he was putting on to hide it, "Well look at this," The man purred, "My darling little consort to be has made friends! A wonderful sight!"

Heart racing as she saw his eyes dart between them all, Iris mentally cursed for the first time that the two princes were there. This was a delicate situation, especially with what Lord Habi intended for the two and their elder brother, she put on a calm and polite smile, "Lord Habi, I wasn't expecting you today. With the festival tomorrow, I thought you'd be busy with preparations."

"Oh, I am," Lord Habi waved his hand dismissively, "But I do have to check up on you, My dear," He looked at the two princes who were tense, "I must thank you for keeping her company. I know that she must have been sooo lonely in here,"

Maintaining her polite smile, Iris gestured to the two princes, "Prince Kouha and Prince Koumei have been truly wonderful companions to me. I appreciate them keeping me company."

"We've enjoyed it as well," Koumei cleared his throat a bit and stood, "Lord Habi, I suppose you'd like a moment alone with Lady Iris?"

"Yes, I would," Lord Habi's tone was all honey and charm though his eyes held only malice, "If you don't mind,"

Grasping a surprisingly silent Kouha's shoulder, Koumei left the infirmary after giving Iris one last look. Swallowing heavily as the door swung shut behind the two, she caught sight of a soldier's gloved hand on the door handle moments before it closed. Raising her eyes to Lord Habi, she grimaced a bit, "I...you wish to speak about the festival."

"Indeed," Lord Habi inclined his head while a nasty smile formed across his lips and tore away the veneer charm he'd been using while in the two princes' presence, "I do hope you're...well enough for tomorrow. After all, a grand event such as the Feast of Beasts cannot be without the main event,"

Sweat gathered against Iris's brow as she met Lord Habi's calculating gaze, she felt her inner beast growl at the man. It longed just as she did to burrow their claws into his flesh and tear him to shreds while their flames burned him until not even ash was left. Swallowing the spit that gathered, she nodded, "Of course, Lord Habi, though remember that you'll have to lift a few restraints to allow said beast out."

And wasn't that damning, a dragon well and truly caged by a collar. Iris could only wonder what the dragon keepers back home would do if they could manage what this man had. What his entire family had been able to do over the years without letting the populace know, she corrected herself while holding Lord Habi's gaze. Letting out a deep laugh, the man nodded, "Almost forgot I'd have to do that, I'll find you tomorrow before the festival begins and we'll go over what your role is. For now," He grasped her chin tightly and got close once more, "Don't forget, Little pet, that those rats aren't your friends. You can get cozy all you like, but in the end, they'll be little more than stains beneath my feet once I'm done. If I'm feeling generous, I'll even let you be the one to do the deed."

Heart clenching at that, Iris bit back the snarl that wanted to leave her at those words. She managed to calmly murmur, "Yes, Lord Habi."

"Good," He released her while putting on that charming facade again, "See you tomorrow, Dearest pet,"

Slumping back against her pillows as the man left, Iris realized with a slight start that the Kou princes were beginning to truly feel like friends to her. The younger two at the very least and with that knowledge, she had even more reason to ensure Lord Habi wouldn't be able to lay a finger on them. Taking a deep breath as the infirmary doors opened once more to admit Kouha and Koumei both, she offered them a strained smile. Kouha darted over, "Are you alright, Iris?"

"I'm fine. Just a bit tired," Iris patted his shoulder softly, "I think that when they release me from here tomorrow I'll just head to my rooms,"

"B-but we...we had plans," Kouha's face fell.

A sad smile formed, Iris didn't need to force it as she murmured, "I know...I'm just really tired, Kouha. But hey," She tilted her head lightly, "We can always try out one of your other suggestions in a couple of days. You know like that...uh...dragon spotting one in the countryside idea?"

"Huh...oh yeah," Kouha looked at his hands.

"Ha, let Iris rest up, alright?" Koumei patted his shoulder, "Remember what happened when she didn't?"

"Oh-oh right!" Kouha shook his head rapidly, "Right," He nodded to himself and smiled at her, "So we'll just go riding at a later time, you know how to ride a horse, right?"

Shaking her head, Iris let out a low laugh, "Nope. You'll have to teach me, alright?"

Pursing his lips, Kouha nodded, "Fine..." She snickered a bit, "I'm going to go see what En's doing. Iris...try to feel a bit better, okay?"

"Will do," Iris waved as he headed off and smiled a bit.

"I should follow him if only to keep En from strangling Ha," Koumei offered her a light smile though he frowned after a moment earning a concerned look, "Iris, I know that we haven't known one another long, but...you know that you're able to talk with us, right? You've become a dear friend during these last few days,"

Heartwarming at that, Iris offered Koumei a soft smile, "I...I appreciate it, Koumei. And I feel the same way."

Inclining his head, Koumei left and Iris' smile disappeared as her mind whirled. Both the festival tomorrow and Koumei's words weighing heavily on her, she found her eyes burning at some of the thoughts that came to mind. They considered her a friend? It warmed her heart and tore it from her chest all in the same breath. For her plans to work, she had to use those who were quickly becoming friends and what did that make her? Even as the thought that Koumei might have spoken falsely drifted into her mind, the fact remained that she was going to use people who had been showing her kindness for the first time and it might be genuine. Heavy was the heart that burned for one's freedom and loathsome was the beast whose eyes were filled with greed, she wanted to curl up as her inner beast let out a low thrum at those thoughts.

There was a distinct chill in the air as she stepped out of the castle at dawn, Iris' body was covered in a thin white robe and her neck was bare of any material save for the collar that she was forced to wear. As her bare feet touched the worn cobblestone and she strode towards the small building that was hosted within the enclosed courtyard held within this sectioned-off piece of the castle, she found her thoughts straying as it usually did during these proceedings that the building before her looked like a chapel from her former world. With barely a creek, the wooden door of this admittedly humble building opened allowing her entrance.

Skin prickling as it always did, Iris' very body ached the moment she stepped onto the well-worn wooden floor. Each step further into this tiny building only made her teeth ache, she felt like ants were crawling beneath her skin. As she stepped past the final pew and found herself standing before a stone altar covered in runes that matched her collar, she wrinkled her nose at the sight of a freshly slaughtered pair of goats strewn across the stone with their blood leaking slowly down the front. Hand raised with a jeweled dagger with the tip still dyed crimson, Lord Habi smiled with his lips coated in the life-giving substance.

Nausea curled within her stomach, Iris hated today even more than the other days due to Lord Habi's insistence that she dress up in little more than a thin white robe despite the knowledge that her clothing would transform with her. The man's eyes practically gleamed as he began walking around the altar, "Ah, my dearest toy, you've arrived right on time."

"I have," Iris tried to keep her tone polite despite the disgust wanting to leak out.

"Let's get started shall we, I do so love this part and well, I would hate to be late to the celebrations!" Lord Habi approached her with the knife raised.

Swallowing harshly as she forced herself to stay still, Iris' nails dug into her palm as her eyes watched the knife approach. Lord Habi began muttering in that language that grated on her ears and seemed to twist as it left his lips. Blood splattered about as he got far too close and the hand not holding his knife gripped her chin, she bit back a hiss as he forced her neck up. There was a grating hiss as metal met metal before searing heat exploded across her neck, she bit back the scream that wanted to leave her throat. Livid fire darted through her body, it felt like a blacksmith was driving knives through every inch of her body and peeling away the skin while they did it. When the heat finally left her, she started collapsing to the ground only for Lord Habi's grip on her chin to be the only thing keeping her up.

There was a low knocking sound from outside of the steeple, Iris found herself slipping to the floor as Lord Habi's grin fell away and he dropped her. There was a thumping sound as the knife slid into the ground beside her, she flicked her eyes to it while reaching up to touch the collar. Hissing at the heat radiating off of it, she pulled her hand away as Lord Habi let out an annoyed grunt. She pushed herself into a sitting position as he began stomping back towards her, "S-something wrong?"

"Those Kou rats know how to ruin my day," Lord Habi grunted softly, "Apparently the precious little princes were looking for you early," He reached down to grasp her chin, "I want results and soon, Toy. Is that understood?"

Inwardly wincing at the tight grip he had on her chin, Iris rasped out, "Y-yes."

"Good," Lord Habi released her, "Retreat into the nearby forest until the usual time, you do remember, do you not?"

"I do," Iris pushed herself up as Lord Habi began heading for the door, "H-how long will-"

"Until the moon rises high in the sky," Lord Habi kept his back to her as he opened the door, "Go, Iris,"

As the door slammed shut behind him, Iris was left in the cold church-like building just as she usually was at this time of year. As she slowly pushed herself up and felt for the power to transform, a small smile formed across her face and she began walking towards the exit that would lead her into the nearby forest. Lord Habi might have thought he'd given her a time limit with that little comment when in reality, he'd only increased her willingness to ensure his fall would be all the more brutal.

Rising early to complete a bit of paperwork that had been sent along and look over the information that their spies had managed to drum up, Kouen was just beginning to ready himself for what was likely going to be an interesting day. From their research and what they'd been able to overhear since arriving, the Feast of Beasts was an event that celebrated not just the Goulon Empire's rich traditions but lured in many a noble from across the world to get a glance at the exotic creatures that tended to pop up. Even without having participated in it before, he could sense something darker beneath the surface than the more festive nature that always seemed to be discussed when the festival was brought up.

And with Lady Iris being Lord Habi's prospective consort, the woman was bound to have some part in the festivities even if Koumei and Kouha had both said she wouldn't be participating yesterday. Kouen's thoughts were cut off as a knock sounded on his door. Before he could even acknowledge it, the door was flung open and Kouha stormed in with a dark look on his face, "Gone," The Kouha threw up his hands and his voice contained a hint of urgency that he rarely heard from the boy, "Not even a trace."

"Who?" Kouen dropped his hand from where he'd been securing his kimono and eyed Kouha.

"Iris," Koumei answered as he stepped into the room wearing a somewhat annoyed expression, "Unlike Ha, I stuck around and spoke with the healers though," He rolled his eyes as Kouha stuck his tongue out, "Apparently she felt well enough to leave under her power, Lord Habi came to escort her somewhere,"

Brows furrowing at that, Kouen's eyes narrowed as that didn't sound like the relationship they'd witnessed so far. And with the Feast of Beasts being today, he found himself doubting anything innocent was going on. But without any indication of where the two had gone, they couldn't exactly pursue Lady Iris even if they'd decided that she'd become somewhat worth investing in. He shook his head, "If she left with Lord Habi, we can't exactly go around asking questions."

"But En-" Kouha's expression twisted.

Raising a hand to stall him, Kouen spoke in a calming tone, "I will speak with Lord Habi when there is a moment. As you both have become friends with her, I am sure Lord Habi will be willing to offer up some form of information even if it likely won't be much."

"Though why take her anywhere?" Koumei mused as Kouha slumped against Kouen's bed with a groan, "It doesn't make sense,"

"No, it doesn't, but we don't know everything about her situation either," Kouen's eyebrow rose as a knock sounded on his door once more and he cleared his throat before calling out, "Enter,"

To his slight surprise, the secondary topic of their conversation entered the room. Lord Habi offered them all that same light smile as well as the calculating look that curled within his eyes, "Good morning, Gentlemen. I hope that I'm not intruding."

"Not at all," Kouen inclined his head as he saw Koumei knock Kouha on the back none too gently just out of the corner of his eye to keep the boy quiet, "How can we help you?"

"I heard that you two," Lord Habi gestured towards Koumei and Kouha, "Were looking for my lovely little dove," Kouen inwardly cringed at that nickname as it didn't fit Lady Iris at all, "I wished to assure you that she's alright. With her health being as it is, I thought it best to ensure she could view the festival safely while also resting comfortably away from it all. If you wish to see her, she'll be around tomorrow,"

"Tomorrow-" Kouha's voice was filled with irritation.

For just a moment, Kouen could see just who Lord Habi was as Kouha started his usual whiny routine. The man's eyes glowed with malice and if Judar were here, he was sure the Magi would be crowing about the Lord radiating black rukh. Raising a hand to stall his younger brother and bring Lord Habi's attention back to him, he spoke in a faux earnest tone, "We thank you for informing us, Lord Habi. As Lady Iris has become a friend to my brothers, they've worried over her seemingly disappearing."

Smile widening as his eyes regained that calculating light, Lord Habi inclined his head though now Kouen could see that malic was only being carefully hidden away, "But of course, I will ensure she's aware should I happen to visit her at some point today. If you'll excuse me, I have to attend my duties for the festival though please do come out and partake. It is a wonderful event."

"We will," Kouen promised as the man left them.

"That-" Kouha started with a look of frustration on his face as soon as the door closed.

"En," Koumei cut off Kouha as he eyed Kouen with a frown, "You saw it, didn't you?"

"Saw what?" Kouha looked between them in confusion as Kouen moved towards his desk and began gathering some papers, "Entei, what are you-"

Raising a hand to stall Kouha's words, Kouen spoke after he'd gotten a few blank sheets and a writing utensil out. Koumei joined him as he looked at Kouha who'd sat up on his bed, "Ha, Lord Habi doesn't intend to allow us to leave his kingdom. While it may not happen soon, he intends to ensure we will meet our ends here."

"W-what?" Kouha paled a bit, "But he-Iris...Why?"

"The why is something we'll only find out when the time comes to confront him," Kouen eyed the letter Koumei was penning which would be sent off towards their waiting army, "Lady Iris is a puzzle we're currently working on. But if we're right, we'll be able to swing her over to our favor very soon,"

"Entei?" Kouha's voice was soft and as Kouen looked up at his younger brother, the boy's eyes were filled with confusion, "Y-you think she knows he's trying to kill us?"

Lips pulling into a frown, Kouen decided it was best to not hide anything from his younger brother anymore now that he knew for a fact that Lord Habi intended for them to die within this place, "We believe so, Ha," The flash of pain in Kouha's eyes sent a pang of hurt through his chest like someone had driven a knife through it, "But we don't know if she is a willing participant in the plot."

"Y-you don't?" Kouha frowned slightly, "But if you think she knows, how are you sure she isn't a willing participant?"

"Because as far as we can tell, she is a slave, Kouha," Koumei answered with a sigh while pushing the letter towards Kouen, "Haven't you noticed that she's always wearing a scarf around her neck even when it's really hot? Not to mention how the servants treat her. Look at her?"

"I-" Kouha froze for a moment as his eyes widened and Kouen winced as he watched the boy start to tremble.

As concern curled through him at the sight of Kouha actively trembling for the first time since he'd pulled the boy from that darkened room all those years ago, Kouen moved to place a hand on Kouha's shoulder comfortingly, "Ha, I know this is...it's a lot to take in."

Voice quivering, Kouha's hands clenched into fists, "I never realized-Entei," A sheen of tears curled across his eyes, "If she is-"

Hearing Kouha's voice break hurt him in more ways than he cared to admit, it forced Kouen to realize that LadyIris had become dear to Kouha in the time they'd spent here despite the warnings not to get close. Pulling his younger brother close, he spoke in a gentle tone, "We'll free her, Ha. If she's willing to help us with our plans, we'll take it, but we won't force her."

Kouha's nose burrowed into his neck as he nodded softly, "O-okay."

"For now, Mei and I need to send off letters to ensure things are in place for when we're ready to start things," Kouen pulled away from Kouha after a moment, "Once we're done, we'll head down to the festival, alright?"

Lips pulling into a watery pout, Kouha muttered, "I...I still don't feel right going out there without Iris."

"She did say that she'd be too tired to go yesterday, Ha," Koumei pointed out as Kouen moved back to the table and began looking over the letters.

Letting Koumei take over consoling their younger brother, Kouen marveled at how close his youngest brother had gotten to Lady Iris. No, he corrected himself with a glance towards Koumei. Both his younger brothers had gotten close to the strange woman, and Koumei had gotten close enough to become actively concerned despite not trying to show it. That slump in his shoulders and tilt to his lips when he contemplated over Lady Iris said it all, he just wondered when Koumei would realize that he'd become genuinely involved with the woman. Inwardly chuckling, he shook his head and decided to focus on the letter before him.

With trumpeting horns that shattered any sense of peace echoing across the silent forest, Iris slowly raised herself from the curled-up position she'd laid in not long after transforming. Stretching like an enormous cat rather than the dragon she was with her wings arching outward, she almost regretted having to move as the sun had been warming her scales just right. Licking her scaled lips and teeth, she felt the tension in her muscles and the anticipation building within her. With a graceful movement, she began moving through the forest with increasing speed. Each footfall sent a tremor through the forest floor, a reminder of her immense power and presence. The silence of the woods had given way to the grand fanfare of her arrival, and the world around her seemed to hold its breath in anticipation.

As she burst free of the woods and took to the air with a mighty burst of wings, Iris began flying through the sky though she made sure to angle her flight to head right over the city. Only when the collar around her neck began to tighten warningly did she go in for a landing, she flared her wings far more delicately than was truly needed and settled close to the stage that had been set up within the town center. Flaring her wings one final time, she closed them and began eyeing the cheering crowd as Lord Habi cried out, "Our lovely Guardian Dragon has come to join us once more! Let the festivities begin!"

Breathing out a small puff of smoke, Iris bent her head as Lord Habi approached with his host of advisors. One of them was complaining, "Are you sure this is-"

"Darling Zephyrus knows not to harm anyone in the city," Lord Habi's eyes glittered dangerously as he reached out and Iris' lips peeled back though she allowed his hand to touch her nose right below the small horn settled there, "After all, she knows I am here to protect you all,"

There was a slight squeak from the man, Iris' nose wrinkled a bit as the scent of urine filled the air. She had always disliked that one though this little event only made that sentiment all the more prevalent. Lord Habi removed his hand as one of his other advisors reminded him, "My lord, we should see to starting the racing segment."

"Yes, of course," Lord Habi eyed her once more.

Inwardly grimacing at the feeling of her collar tightening with faint shocks running across her skin, Iris knew it was a warning. Snorting in acknowledgment, Iris stood slowly and moved over to where a few attendants were standing with buckets full of flowers. Settling down beside them, she let out a low sigh when the tightness and shocks dissipated. Acting as a show horse for a single day sucked, she would do it if it meant Lord Habi wouldn't try to torture her for a little bit. Once she was covered in flower wreaths and had silken ribbons curled around her in various places, one of the attendants began leading her around like one would a horse.

Stopping on occasion to give children and even some adults rides through the city, Iris found her eyes often going skyward. As the attendant had her stop once more, she inwardly froze when Kouha's voice sounded, "C'mon Mei, you've gotta come with me! If Iris can't ride with me, you have to."

Unable to help it, Iris' head turned and she peered at the princes. Too busy focusing on their argument, Kouha, and Koumei didn't notice her attention on them. Prince Kouen on the other hand looked at her with wide eyes. Awe and wonder filled his eyes, the sight pulled her in until one of the attendants managed to gather up enough courage to tap her on the side of the neck. Shaking herself gently, she broke the staring contest she'd been having with Kouen and began walking as Kouha's voice sounded from her back. When Koumei chimed in, she realized with some amusement that the boy had managed to coax him on.

As they were brought back to where they'd been picked up from with Prince Kouen still waiting for them alongside Kouha's attendants, Iris saw Prince Kouen's eyes running across her body though they seemed to lock onto her neck. Specifically the base of it where her collar rested, she felt dread curl through her though pushed it away as Kouha and Koumei were shuffled off once she'd lowered herself down to allow the action. With a pout firmly planted on his face, Kouha whined out, "I want to keep going!"

"One ride per person!" One of the attendants leading her around chimed as Iris stood, "Now come along, Guardian Zephyrus! It's time for your lunch,"

Letting out a low rumble, Iris followed after the two though she somewhat dreaded whatever Lord Habi decided to have her eat this year. The man always seemed to pick out the worst things for her to eat with most of it still being alive. He called it an add-on to the show as she had to burn the damn thing to death before actually being able to consume anything. She still couldn't eat sheep anymore after the first year he'd insisted on this little 'show'. Stomach turning at the thought, she slowed her pace a little though didn't dare stop following the pair of attendants.

Noticing the look on Kouen's face as Kouha dragged his attendants off, Koumei cleared his throat, "En? What's wrong?"

"Did you notice anything underneath the flowers and ribbons on that dragon?" Kouen asked with a contemplative look on his face, "Around its neck,"

Eyebrows furrowing at that, Koumei glanced towards where the dragon was walking away, "Around its neck? I mean the flowers and ribbon were rather thick there though I'm assuming that's due to how frequently it moves its head around," He looked at Kouen with a frown, "Why?"

Eyes narrowing as his lips pursed, Kouen's voice was soft, "I...notice something though it could have been just something they're using to secure things," He had a look of contemplation in his eyes, "But I can't shake the feeling that it isn't."

"En?" Koumei's gaze darted between the dragon and his elder brother.

There was a dark thing growing in his brother's eyes, it was something rare to see outside of the battlefield when Kouen came across something he truly didn't like. Jaw clenching slightly, Kouen spoke with his eyes pinned on the dragon's retreating form, "I don't think Lady Iris is the only one collared here, Mei."

Eyes widening at that, Koumei's breath caught at the implications. If what Kouen said was true, Lord Habi might just be a greater threat than they'd first realized. For the man to enslave a dragon, it meant he had to be capable of far more seeing as that creature seemed far more intelligent than a run-of-the-mill animal. Swallowing to wet his suddenly dry throat, he asked, "What do you want to do?"

"Simple, Mei," Kouen's eyes held a calculating gleam, "In the coming days, we have Lady Iris assist us in getting to that dragon and freeing them both. I have little doubt a beast such as that will not tolerate being under the thumb of a human," The smirk crossing Kouen's lips sent a shiver down Koumei's spine, "I believe you know where things will go from there,"

"Yeah," Koumei's mind's eye was filled with the Goulon empire being burned to ash by the emerald-scaled beast that had seemed content to allow everyone to ride on its back.

And the fact that it would be Lord Habi's fault that his empire fell didn't make Koumei feel bad for the man, the only one he felt bad for was Iris. After all, the empire might've been her prison since she'd arrived, but it'd also been her home for the last three years. Once this was over, he would ensure she was set up in the Kou empire close to the palace if she so wished.

Body burning like she was running a high-grade fever, Iris was forced back into her human form just as she managed to land not far from the castle. Breathing hard as she struggled to force her protesting body up, she felt tears burning in her eyes. The strangled roars of her inner beast dulled with the collar's inner chains covering it once more. Stumbling as if she'd drunk her weight in liquor, she managed to reach the half-hidden door that she'd used earlier and pushed her way inside. With trembling steps, she slowly made her way out of the sectioned-off portion of the castle and into the regular portions.

As her legs began to give out, Iris belatedly felt herself falling to the floor only for someone to catch her. Expecting it to be Ron, she gasped at the sight of Prince Kouen staring at her with an unreadable look on his face, "P-prince Kouen?"

"Lady Iris," Prince Kouen's grip was a bit tight as he held her steady.

Body still weak and trembling, Iris' eyes scanned his face only to be left with nothing as Prince Kouen was as unreadable as usual. Clearing her throat, she spoke with uncertainty and confusion lacing her tone, "Prince Kouen, I...Thank you for catching me. I didn't expect to see you or well...anyone out and about this late."

Grip remaining strong, Iris was a little surprised to see his eyes softening just a bit. Prince Kouen spoke in a low tone, "I am awake due to certain...things occupying my mind," She noticed his eyes going to her neck and raised a hand belatedly to the firmly visible collar, "You needn't hide it. My brothers and I have guessed that you're a slave to Lord Habi."

A low laugh bubbling up from her chest unbidden, Iris' lips pulled into a wry smile, "To hear it put into words by someone who's practically a stranger," She found a giggle bubbling out and shook her head, "Oh how it makes me want to seethe," She pulled away from Prince Kouen who looked a bit surprised by her reaction, "It's true that I'm little more than a slave to that bastard."

Amusement curled through Prince Kouen, he chuckled a bit, "But you have a spirit that hasn't broken, but I'd be rather surprised if he could break a dragon's spirit."

Freezing a that, Iris' breath caught in her throat at his words as they seemed to echo through the air. Every word he'd spoken until now hadn't indicated that he'd seen her transform, she mentally cursed before reminding herself that she'd wanted this to happen at some point. It was better this way and now she'd be able to work on them becoming allies in killing the bastard. Forcing herself to take a deep breath, she cleared her throat, "S-so you saw that?"

"A bit hard to miss from this hallway," Prince Kouen eyed her, "Not even going to deny it?"

Shaking her head, Iris crossed her arms as she admitted, "Ever since we heard that you'd all be coming, I've been planning on seeking you all out and seeing about possibly becoming allies," She saw him raise an eyebrow and flushed a bit, "Finding an opening to do so while also ensuring that Lord Habi's wishes are met to a point isn't exactly easy, I mean...you all saw the result of him becoming displeased."

There was a flash of anger that darkened Prince Kouen's face, Iris marveled at the way his eyes darkened. There was a gleam in his eyes, it was an ember ready to spark a roaring flame. The intensity of which would only reveal itself somewhere in the future. Seeing that look told her that she'd accidentally picked the right person to reveal this information to, it sometimes paid to have her luck. With his gaze sharp as it lingered on her face, Prince Kouen's voice was a bastion of calm, "Yes, the results that left you in the infirmary. I am rather curious as to how, but it can be discussed later on," She nodded slowly, "It is pleasing to hear that you're open to an alliance. Kouha and Koumei will be relieved."

Unable to help it, Iris' lips pulled into a smile, "I'm glad to hear it though..." She hesitated before giving Prince Kouen a pleading look, "Let me tell them about...about my dragon form."

Inclining his head, Kouen offered her a look of understanding, "It is your secret after all though I'd suggest doing so soon. I'd like to begin planning as soon as possible now that we have you on board."

Nodding in agreement, Iris felt her strength waning as a wave of dizziness swept over her. Vision starting to blur, she pressed a hand to her head as she murmured in a low tone, "Y-yeah, we can...can do that..."

"Lady Iris?" Prince Kouen asked as Iris stumbled backward despite standing still.

As he grasped her wrist, Iris offered him an apologetic look, "I...I should head to my rooms. With Lord Habi restricting my p-power like that, I can't...I can't regulate my magic like normal just yet."

"Let me help you to your rooms," Prince Kouen pulled her to lean against him.

"I-yeah..." Iris could barely muster the energy to nod as they began moving down the hallway.

Vision darkening further, Iris' vision danced with spots and her head grew increasingly heavy with every step feeling like a monumental effort. Even with Prince Kouen to lean on for support, the hallway seemed to stretch on for eternity as the last traces of her strength slipped away. As they continued down the endless stretch of hallway, Prince Kouen's voice seemed to echo from somewhere far away, "Just a little further, Lady Iris. You'll rest soon."

Iris could only manage a faint murmur of acknowledgment as her consciousness teetered on the edge. The world around her blurred, and she surrendered to the encroaching darkness.