Verdant Skies

"Iris," Koumei waved a hand in front of her face.

Blush coating her cheeks as she jolted out of the slight daze she'd fallen into, Iris offered him an apologetic look as she shifted out of the position she'd slumped into, "Sorry, Koumei, I just..."

Rather than look annoyed, Koumei merely smiled at her, "You've been splitting your time between working with me, working in the forge, or helping with whatever repairs need to be done. I'm honestly surprised it's taken this long for you to almost pass out."

"Still," Iris rubbed at her face as she leaned back against the chair, "You've been explaining things and letting me help you...I really shouldn't be almost falling asleep. It makes me feel bad,"

Chuckling as he shook his head, Koumei picked up the cup of tea he had sitting next to him, "Don't worry about it, I'd be worried if you weren't getting tired with all the work you've been putting in," He eyed her with a small frown, "Maybe you should take a break today? Go take a nap in the gardens? I saw they were finally finished being repaired yesterday."

Shaking her head with a light smile, Iris reached out for the file she'd been reading, "I'm fine, Koumei. I appreciate your help. Besides, I've been through worse, especially during longer missions that needed a ton of reconnaissance," She tried to push away the exhaustion that was beginning to take hold, "Trust me."

Expression turning thoughtful, Koumei raised an eyebrow at her, "Iris, you're not working on solo missions or with just Ginny anymore. You have others to rely on now," He smiled lightly, "We're all a team working and need everyone at their best. At this point, we can't afford to have anyone burn out."

Releasing a sigh as she realized he was right, Iris's shoulders slumped. She ran a hand through her hair as she murmured, "I...Even without that collar around my neck, it's hard to break three long years of ingrained instinct...even the stuff that came before it," She smiled weakly, "It's hard to shake off old habits, ya know?"

Eyes softening as she looked up at him, Koumei nodded in understanding, "I get it. But we're all in this together, and you don't have to carry the burden alone. Trust us too."

Letting out a soft laugh, Iris shook her head, "You sound like Kouen," She saw a look of confusion enter his eyes, "He said something like that before."

"I thought you were avoiding him," Koumei commented making Iris freeze a bit, "Iris, it's not that hard to notice. You haven't sparred with my brother since I arrived which hasn't happened since you two started sparring,"

Mentally cursing at the fact Koumei noticed, Iris rubbed at her face, "I...I'd deny it, but I've got the distinct feeling you'd find a way to poke holes through every excuse I try to give you," She dropped her hand as Koumei nodded, "I don't want to talk about why, but yeah, I'm avoiding him. Just for the moment, I plan on talking to him soon...once I figure some things out."

"Maybe I can help you," Koumei offered.

oumei's offer lingered in the air, and Iris couldn't help but appreciate the genuine concern in his eyes. Part of her was highly tempted to take him up on the offer, she wanted someone else to at least feel even half of what was currently running around in her chest. She hesitated for a moment before finally giving a small nod, "I appreciate that, Koumei. I do. But this is something I need to sort out on my own."

There was a flicker of understanding in his eyes as Koumei nodded, he instead changed the subject with a mischievous smile, "Then perhaps a compromise? If you're determined to keep working, we can have a change of scenery. Take a stroll through the gardens."

Raising an eyebrow as amusement pooled in her chest, Iris crossed her arms, "Is that your way of telling me that I need fresh air?"

Chuckling as he nodded, Koumei explained, "Exactly. It's a subtle break, and who knows, you might find it relaxing. Besides, the gardens look lovely now."

Considering the suggestion as a small smile played across her lips, Iris slowly nodded, "Alright, a stroll it is. But I'm not promising to stop working altogether."

"Fair enough," Koumei grinned, standing up, "Lead the way, Iris."

There was a peaceful atmosphere about the garden, the winding paths and soft fragrances offering a sanctuary for those that walked within it. The blooming flowers and freshly planted trees added a much-needed burst of color that had been missing. As they walked along the path, Koumei observed Iris. Eyes darting about them, she lit up as her eyes caught sight of certain blooms though every so often a shadow seemed to darken her eyes. Lips pulling into a frown, he decided to break the comfortable silence that had fallen over them, "Iris," She turned her head towards him, "Are you sure there isn't anything I can help you with?"

Lips pulling into a weak smile, Iris shook her head, "No, Koumei," She looked away from him, "What I'm dealing with is something that has to be done without help...It's a personal matter."

"Personal matter?" Koumei eyed her with a frown as she nodded and moved toward a nearby pond.

Kneeling as she dipped her fingers into the water, Iris's expression shifted through a mixture of emotions, "There is...a lack of understanding on my end," She hesitated over her words, "I don't know how to explain things properly, but..." She bit her bottom lip as a gust of wind blew some of the loose petals about, "Let's just say my upbringing didn't exactly prepare me for anything going on right now. Least of all with this."

Part of Koumei wanted to smile as he saw flower petals land on Iris, he frowned though at seeing the troubled look on her face. Moving over to her side, he slipped down beside her, "I wish there was some way to help you, Iris...Other than telling you that I'm here."

Lips pulling into a soft smile, Iris tilted her head back as she murmured, "Sometimes it's enough to know someone is there even when things get confusing."

When she turned her head to look at him, Koumei was startled when Iris let out a laugh. The sound was softer than the ones he'd heard her release whenever she came back from riding with Kouha. It was a lovely sound that sent tingles down his spine and he relished in the fact he'd somehow caused it. Opening his mouth to ask what she was laughing at, he jolted when she reached out and her hand brushed against his cheek. Eyes wide at the feeling, he watched in silence as she pulled back and held up her open palm revealing a pale purple petal. Breathing out as he felt Dantalion stirr, the Djinn purred, "Oh, isn't this precious?"

Petal resting delicately in her hand, Iris's eyes met his as she continued to giggle. At that moment, Koumei saw the shadows and weight she'd been carrying lifted. The way those petals had fallen in her hair highlighted the verdant green streaks that were beginning to weave their way through the ebony. Strands of her hair had fallen into her face, the tendrils trailing down to brush along her cheeks. Like a magnet had grabbed hold of him, he found himself reaching out to brush those strands back behind her ear. As her eyes widened, a subtle blush warmed Iris's cheeks.

As her laughter fell silent with Koumei's fingers brushing against the soft skin of her neck, Iris's breath hitched. There was an unspoken tension as his fingers remained close to Iris's cheek, the skin warm against the pads of his fingers. Caught in the moment, he felt as if his chest contained a drum rather than a heart as it thudded against his chest. Uncertainty and surprise-filled Iris's eyes, another emotion flickered through those expressive orbs the longer he peered into them. For a brief moment, it seemed as if time slowed for him.

"Iris," Koumei's voice was a whisper among the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant melody of the garden.

Soft exhale leaving her lips, Iris remained silent as her eyes searched his. Those brilliant emerald green orbs seemed to be searching for an answer, the vulnerability in her gaze mirrored the blooming emotions within Koumei—a dance of uncertainty and possibility. With a tender intensity, Koumei closed the remaining distance, his lips brushing against Iris's in a feather-light kiss. His hand pressed a bit more firmly against her cheek, he felt one of her hand's press against his chest though it was only a light pressure. When he pulled back, Iris's eyes were still filled with that uncertainty though something in her eyes had changed.

Delicate flush darkening as she raised a hand to cover her mouth, Iris looked away from him. Allowing his hand to fall away, Koumei eyed her with a mixture of concern and apprehension. He hadn't been planning to kiss her so soon nor during a time when it seemed like she was distressed. Mentally smacking himself, he jolted as she murmured, "I...I wasn't expecting that."

Hating that he was the cause of her voice shaking, Koumei inwardly grimaced as he admitted, "I hadn't planned to do that...right now at least."

Iris's head darted to him as she released a soft sound. Eyes wide as her hand fell away, she murmured, "You-that means-But why?"

A smile forming as he realized there might be a chance he hadn't ruined things between them, Koumei explained, "I have been developing feelings for you, Iris. And while there are a lot of important things to do...duties to consider when it comes to the fighting," He gave her a warm look, "I planned on ensuring you knew about these feelings."

"I-" Iris's blush darkened and she covered her face, "Shit...Shit..."

"Iris," Koumei reached out and touched her shoulder, "I don't mean that anything has to come of this..." She uncovered her face and looked at him in surprise, "I...To put things straightforward, I just wanted you to know. Whatever you're going through, I'm here for you. Whether it's as a friend or something more, I want you to feel comfortable. And if you need time, I understand."

Eyes searching his for a long moment, Iris's pupils seemed to flex as she peered at him. Koumei's stomach twisted as he realized just how vulnerable this moment was leaving them both, but supposed it was something that came with the topic at hand. Voice far steadier as she finally spoke again, Iris looked back at the pond, "I...Thank you for being honest, Koumei. I need that now more than ever," She released a deep sigh, "This...It's unexpected and something I'll need time to process," She looked at him, "But it isn't about you, I promise you that," She offered him a weak smile, "It deals with that thing I was talking about before..."

There was a sudden twist in his gut as he realized just why Iris could be avoiding Kouen, Koumei pushed it away for the moment as he assured her, "Take whatever time you need, Iris."

"Thank you," Iris tipped her head back and looked at the sky above, "If it were for the clouds, I'd say today would be a perfect day for flying,"

"Oh?" Koumei looked up.

As Iris began to explain how she knew why certain clouds meant a storm was coming, Koumei began devising a strategy to find out the exact reason why Iris was avoiding Kouen.

Head tilted as she peered at the moon, Iris's body felt heavy as she leaned against the cool stone wall and peered up at the swollen object floating overhead. The world around her looked as if some goddess had decided to run silver-drenched fingers across it while another had done the same with black. Lips pulling into a wry smile, it almost mirrored the emotional maelstrom that only seemed to thicken as the days passed. Breathing out a low sigh, she wondered if there was a way to make these tiresome emotions stop.

Eyes closing as she pressed a heavy hand against her forehead, Iris wondered if Ginny, Luna, or Ashe would feel even the least bit sorry if they knew just what was going on in her mind. Before either of the two princes had kissed her, she had been slowly working her way through things just fine. Perhaps she had been about to fool herself into believing that these feelings would fade away...that the two didn't feel anything other than friendship towards her. But then they kissed her, the two just had to fucking kiss her.

Part of her wanted to scream and rage at them, what right did they have for making her feel this way after all? But another part whispered, what right did she have to yell at them? To be angry? These were her emotions, not theirs, Kouen...Koumei, they had a right to feel as they wished as well. With a low huff of frustration leaving her lips, Iris opened her eyes once more to peer up at the moon. It would seem that every single time she even thought about this left her in the same position. Right back at the beginning of this seemingly unending loop and far more tired, she ran a hand through her hair.

Pushing against the railing, Iris decided that perhaps it was time to go back to bed. Perhaps the increasingly late hour would finally allow her some rest, she doubted that would be the case, but had to try. Retreating from the hallway where she'd spent who knows how long, she began making her way through the moonlit halls. Her footsteps seemed to echo through the dimly lit halls, the moonlight from outside peeking in occasionally through the scattered windows. Even as she tried not to think about it, she found her mind straying back to the emotions still swirling within and becoming lost in the labyrinth that was swiftly forming.

Lost as she was in thought, Iris rounded a shadow-decked corner and ran into someone. Shaking her head to clear it, she quickly uttered an apology, "I'm sorry-" She faltered upon realizing that she'd run into Kouen, "K-kouen?"

"Iris," Kouen's deep resonating voice seemed to ring within her mind.

There was a look in his eyes, one of surprise that transformed into the same one he'd been wearing since he left her room. Swallowing harshly as she backed up a step, Iris tried to push away the emotions swirling within her. Clearing her throat, she murmured, "I-Sorry for running into you like that, I was deep in thought," She began walking around him, "I'm off to bed-"

"A moment," Kouen's fingers closed around Iris's wrist before she could pass him and her skin tingled with the warmth he gave off, "Iris, there are matters that need to be discussed,"

Eyes going to his face, Iris eyed him searchingly. The hold Kouen had on her was firm, but not unkind...a request that she stay. Inside his eyes, a certain vulnerability was present that she'd never seen before. She felt a jolt of surprise rush through her at the sight of it. Despite seeing it, a part of her still wanted to deny him if only to cause him even the smallest amount of trouble that she'd been going through. But the rest...the rest knew that this conversation was inevitable whether she wished for it or not. Slowly she nodded as the emotions within her swirled dangerously, the threat of them spilling over was unsettling.

As Kouen released her wrist, Iris stepped back from him to gain some distance. She spoke in a soft voice, "So...what matters are there to address?"

"You've been avoiding me since I kissed you," Kouen crossed his arms and stared down at her.

Taking a deep breath as she acknowledged the truth in his words, Iris rubbed at the back of her neck, "You...aren't wrong. I...Though don't think it's because of you, Kouen," She released a deep sigh and looked away from him, "With my upbringing...Hell, my entire life has left me with an incredible lack of understanding when it comes to certain things," She felt a light blush coat her cheeks as shame crept through her, "And this..." She gestured between them, "Is one of them. I-"

"I understand," Kouen cut her off and she looked at him in surprise, "Neville mentioned something like this,"

Blinking in surprise, Iris dropped her hand as Kouen uncrossed his arms, "When did he do that?"

"When I healed you after the battle, I believe at some point he realized that I'd been gaining feelings for you and wished to-" Kouen looked a bit amused.

Groaning softly, Iris rubbed at her face as she muttered, "He gave you a fucking shovel talk...I'm going to murder that damn bear when I get my hands on him."

"I found it more amusing than anything," Kouen chuckled softly as he waved her off.

"Still, he didn't need to do that even if it does make this a bit easier," Iris sighed as she dropped her hand, "Though..."

Mind going back to when Koumei had kissed her, Iris felt a pang of guilt. Should she mention this to Kouen and possibly cause a fight between the two? But if she didn't do it now and Kouen found out later, it could cause serious problems. She jolted as Kouen touched her shoulders, "Iris?" He looked at her in concern, "Is something wrong?"

Hesitating for a long moment, Iris decided it would be better if Kouen knew now rather than later. After all, it was better to ensure he didn't find out during some big battle and possibly cause some bad injury to occur just because she kept her mouth shut. Meeting his concerned gaze, she admitted, "I...There is something you need to know," He frowned at her, "Earlier today...Koumei and I were in the garden. It was supposed to be a break from work, but..." She tried to figure out the words, "We ended up talking-"

"Iris, what happened?" Kouen cut in.

Nodding her head, Iris took a deep breath, "Koumei kissed me."

Jaw clenching as his eyes darkened, Kouen's expression tightened as the news seemed to hit him like a weight. Despite the urge to reach out to him, Iris held back as she waited for him to respond. When he finally did, the words were being carefully measured, "He kissed you...Did he say why?"

Hesitating as she wasn't sure what to say exactly, Iris chose her words carefully, "He mentioned that it wasn't planned, but I think it's related to... emotions. We were talking about feelings, and it just happened."

Gaze sharpening at her words, Kouen's face became blank and Iris felt a bolt of concern rush through her. Perhaps she should've kept her mouth shut about this. When Kouen spoke next, the tone he used carried little emotion though wasn't monotone, "I see," He took a moment to breathe deeply, "I appreciate your honesty, Iris. I can see why you were struggling."

Relief and anxiety surged through her, Iris nodded slowly, "I didn't want to keep it from you. It felt important for you to know."

Gaze softening as his jaw unclenched, Kouen inclined his head, "Thank you for telling me, Iris."

There was an undeniable feeling that things had just become even more complicated, Iris loathed that feeling with every fiber of her being even if the information needed to be told. She breathed out slowly before admitting to Kouen, "I don't want to complicate things further, but somehow...I think I have," She wrapped her arms around herself and looked towards one of the nearby windows as regret filled her, "But you needed to know...if only to ensure the information didn't come out at the wrong time and you'd think I was hiding something from you."

There was a sigh from Kouen, Iris jolted as she felt a hand on her shoulder once more though didn't look at him as he said, "With a situation like this, it was only going to become complicated one way or another. You are not at fault, Iris. Not fully," She looked at him and saw a sad look on his face, "Emotions are not always easily controlled, and we find ourselves amid a complex web. It becomes even more complex when others are involved...at the very least, we can work together to understand things."

A small smile formed, Iris nodded as she uncrossed her arms and raised a hand to cover his, "I...hope you're right though is there a way we can resolve this without causing any harm to anyone?" She looked at him with a pained expression, "I care about both of you, and the last thing I want is for this to strain our relationships."

Expression softening out of that sad one, Kouen squeezed her shoulder, "We will find a way, Iris. It won't be easy for any of us, but there is little doubt in my mind that we can figure something out."

Shoulders slumping in relief at his assurances despite the lingering feeling that she might've caused trouble, Iris smiled at Kouen, "I...I'm relieved to hear that, Kouen," She flushed as a yawn left her and quickly covered her mouth as he smirked, "I...should probably go to sleep."

"That would be a good idea as it's quite late," Kouen gestured to the direction she'd been walking, "I'll walk with you,"

Hesitating for a moment remembering all too well what had happened the last time he'd been anywhere close to her room, Iris doubted that was his intent tonight after their talk, but it still made her hesitate. She eventually nodded with a small smile, "Sure...I guess a little company would be nice."

Through the moonlit hallways and dimly lit corridors, they walked together in companionable silence. As they slowly came upon her room, Kouen spoke, "I am glad that we finally talked though in the future I hope you won't avoid me."

Blush to coat her cheeks, Iris nodded as she rubbed the back of her neck, "I will try not to though please bear with me when it comes to certain things, alright?"

"Perhaps when you're more comfortable, we can speak about your past?" Kouen broached as they reached the door to her room.

Freezing slightly at the question, Iris stared at him in shock and slight horror. Her past wasn't a topic she enjoyed speaking of at all, no one knew all the details save for Neville and even then, he'd pretty much dragged the information from her after that first healing session. But perhaps it was time she shared it with others...with people who were beginning to take up residence in her heart to such an extent that even she couldn't deny there was a connection. Swallowing thickly, she spoke softly, "I...you will need to give me time, Kouen. My past isn't something that is discussed often even with those I'm close to," She saw surprise light up his eyes, "Only Nev knows everything, I...But...I think I might be willing to talk about my past. Be open about it," She looked away from him, "But please, you need to just-"

As a hand cupped her chin, Iris's words faltered and she found herself being gently directed to look into Kouen's eyes. He spoke in that rarely used gentle tone, "Give you time," He tilted his head with a soft smile, "I have no trouble doing that, Iris. When it comes to certain matters, I do have patience after all."

Iris's cheeks reddened as she realized how close he was to her. There was a tenderness in Kouen's gaze that she hadn't expected, and it stirred a mixture of emotions within her. She felt grateful for his understanding, yet there was also a sense of vulnerability that made her heart race. As she managed to gather herself together enough to speak, the air in her lungs only allowed for a whisper to leave her, "T-thank you, Kouen."

As he released her chin, the warmth of his touch lingered. Kouen nodded to her as he stepped back, "Good night, Iris. Rest well."

Murmuring a goodnight of her own, Iris quickly slipped inside her room and shut the door behind her. Chest rapidly rising and falling as she finally began to register everything that had happened today, the tumultuous emotions that swirled within her. Between the confessions, the kiss from Koumei, and even that small moment with Kouen just now, it all replayed within her mind like a vivid tapestry. As she moved to pull on her nightclothes after shucking the ones she'd worn during the day, she thought about the complex web of emotions that now entangled her. There was a genuine connection with both Kouen and Koumei, and she cared deeply for them. Yet, the situation had become more intricate, and she couldn't predict how their relationships would evolve.

Climbing into bed as her mind continued to swirl, Iris found herself staring at the ceiling even as she slipped beneath the covers and tried to close her eyes. Mind locked onto the emotions that were finally being heard and questions that went unanswered as the moon glowed overhead, she couldn't escape it. What would the future hold for them? How could they navigate the complexities of their emotions without causing harm to their bonds? Feeling as though a weight were settling over her shoulders, she released a low groan as she shifted into a different position and screwed her eyes shut.

Breathing in deeply, Iris decided that if she weren't able to sleep she'd at least meditate as that'd give her a break from these emotions. Or put them in a way she could understand as had happened in the past, she took another deep breath and let herself fall into the magic with.

Sitting with the former lord's office that he'd claimed for himself until it was time to leave the city, Kouen leaned back against his chair. Outwardly he looked peaceful and unbothered, the facade hid the turmoil churning within him. Raising his cooling teacup, he took a sip as his mind went towards the conversation that was about to take place. Aware as he had been about Koumei's feelings for Iris, he had been sure that his younger brother wouldn't act on them. But like many things when it came to their resident dragon witch, he likely shouldn't have been so certain.

Mind retracing the events that had led to this moment, the revelation that Koumei had kissed Iris weighed heavily on him and questions lingered in his mind. Did Koumei truly comprehend the depths of what was going on? Did he understand the situation they were in? Eyes shifted towards the maps that littered a nearby table, the ever-changing pieces that were scattered about them. But then again, had he comprehended the depths? Understand the situation? Releasing a low sigh as he set the teacup down, Kouen's head tilted back.

War was something Kouen understood to a point that many found startling, the same could be said for Koumei when it came to strategies. Together they had been shaped by the constant battles forced upon them since childhood, the lines between right and wrong continuously blurred with each passing war. Yet amid this newest war, an unfamiliar battleground had emerged that transcended the physical conflicts on the battlefield. There was an uncomfortable feeling as he acknowledged that, the knowledge that neither of them had been given the proper knowledge to properly deal with what was going on stung in a way that no blade could.

Thoughts drifted to Iris as the scent of cooling tea reached his nose, Kouen's chest filled with that faint warmth that always seemed to follow her. There was an undeniable connection, a bond forged in the crucible of war, and steadily shared experiences. Mind pondering over the complexities of these emotions, the ebb and flow of affection that defied the boundaries he had meticulously set in place. Snapping away from his thoughts as the door creaked open, his burgundy eyes locked on Koumei's form as his younger brother walked inside. As their eyes met, he could see a hint of uncertainty in Koumei's eyes which almost felt fitting. After all, they were treading on a path that was unfamiliar to them both.

"En," Koumei greeted him as the door shut and he walked further into the room.

"Mei," Kouen watched Koumei's eyes flicker about the room briefly before returning to him.

As Kouen went to speak again, Koumei beat him to it. A serious expression crossing his face, "En, we need to speak about Iris."

Despite the slight irritation seeping through him, Kouen wondered if Koumei might be admitting that he'd kissed Iris. He brushed that thought aside while asking, "Has something happened that I need to know about, Mei?"

Eyes gaining a more uncertain glint, Koumei shook his head, "No, En...What I'm speaking of is the fact Iris seems to be avoiding you, I am becoming heavily concerned as are many others. I have little doubt rumors might begin to circulate if something isn't done soon."

Grimacing at the thought as he mentally cursed at how noticeable things had been, Kouen crossed his arms as he leaned back, "I have already taken care of things, Mei. I've had a conversation with Iris and we've resolved our..." He disliked calling it an issue even it if technically was, "Issue. You needn't worry."

Expression remaining serious, Koumei frowned at Kouen, "I think it goes deeper than a simple talk, En."

Raising an eyebrow at Koumei, he leaned forward and laid an arm on his desk, "And what makes you believe that?"

"I-" Koumei hesitated with his expression shifting between a myriad of emotions before a sigh left him, "En...Yesterday, I spoke with Iris in the garden trying to find out what was going on," A conflicted look crossed his features, "Emotions got involved and-I kissed her," Kouen sat up feeling slightly shocked that Koumei would openly admit it without further prompting, "I kissed Iris. It was spur of the moment and-"

"You kissed her," Kouen stared at his younger brother once more feeling those familiar emotions rise up.

Anger spiced with jealousy, the tangle singing through his veins though another emotion crawled up with them. It was one Kouen didn't quite expect to feel and wasn't sure how to place it within his current mindset. Koumei swallowed harshly as he stared at Kouen, "I didn't plan on it, Kouen. It happened and..." He rubbed at his face, "I won't apologize for it. After all, I have feelings for her as well."

"What did she say about it?" Kouen's jaw clenched as he struggled with the emotions swirling through him.

A shadow flickered across Koumei's features, "We talked afterward. She was understanding, or at least she seemed to be," He frowned heavily, "She seemed withdrawn afterward though given our discussion...I can't be surprised," Kouen wondered what the hell they'd spoken about, "En, do you see now why I don't think a simple talk will resolve matters? Even if I'm unsure about what happened between you both-"

"You...aren't wrong," Kouen cut him off as he pinched the bridge of his nose and admitted, "Both of us kissing Iris seems to have caused a mess of things,"

There was a low sound from Koumei, Kouen was amused to see his younger brother staring at him in shock. Pulling himself together after a long moment, Koumei whispered, "You-that's why-huh..." Koumei moved to sit down across from Kouen, "This...we need to do something...clear the air between all of us."

"Indeed," Kouen dropped his hand as he leaned back, "It seems that emotions are as treacherous as any battlefield. We can't afford to let personal feelings jeopardize the stability of our alliance or the well-being of those we lead. This situation needs to be addressed with utmost care and discretion."

Nodding slowly as he frowned, Koumei's expression held a hint of sadness, "I...I don't think either of us meant for it to get to this point."

"No...we did not," Kouen wished that he'd had to foresight to ask for wine earlier rather than tea, "But there isn't a way to turn back time, we can only control how we move forward. We must handle this delicately, for Iris's sake and the sake of our alliance. We need to find a resolution that allows us to work together without discord,"

Gaining a thoughtful expression on his face, Koumei suggested, "Perhaps we should have Iris meet with us and discuss things? Air out everything and find a way to move forward without compromising what we already have."

Humming in appreciation, Kouen admitted that the suggestion had merit, "I think that is a good idea. But we should have the meeting in a neutral area..."

"Probably a natural one, Iris prefers nature and is more relaxed in it," Koumei offered as he leaned forward.

As they made preparations for the meeting, Kouen couldn't shake the turmoil within him.