Verdant Skies

"Hurt...Ashe got hurt?" Iris's voice was hoarse.

There was a tingle rolling down his spine, Koumei felt the hair on the back of his neck rise. Something in Iris's voice spoke to instincts ingrained within his body, the core ones every human carried that told them to run whenever a predator was roused. Swallowing heavily as his eyes locked on her far too still form, he froze at the sight of Iris's eyes. Reddish gold had replaced the emerald green he'd come to love, the pupils in her eyes had become little more than blackened slits as they stared at the trembling messenger.

There was a low sound from the messenger, the man's eyes darted about the war room as he shifted uneasily, "Y-yes, Lady Iris. Lady Ashe was injured during a skirmish just after they finally managed to the City of Valurs. At the current moment, I do not know the state of her injuries as no further information was passed along save for the fact she is being monitored."

There was a low sound from Iris, it was more animal than human. Clearing his throat, Koumei watched Iris's eyes snap towards him while he could see Kouen gesturing for the messenger to leave them. Quickly the man fled from the room alongside most of those who had been meeting with them, he mentally sighed at that though supposed they had been about ready to take a break. Speaking in a low tone, he assured Iris, "I'm sure that Ashe is alright. After all, she has Neville with her, remember?"

Eyes narrowing at him, Iris released a deep breath and actual smoke left her parted lips, "I suppose though it doesn't make me feel better," He saw regret swimming in those eyes, "I...I should have gone to at least check on her once things had calmed down here."

Eyeing her carefully, Koumei marveled at how Iris's dragon side had seemingly seeped out during this emotional outburst. The slitted pupils, change in her eye color and even smoke leaving her lungs...It truly was amazing to see just how her magic seemed to be influenced by her emotions. Pushing those thoughts aside, he moved towards her, "Iris, you couldn't have predicted that skirmish. No one could have," He settled a hand on her shoulder, "Ashe getting hurt is something that can't be changed which is unfortunate, but she has Neville to help her."

"I..." A look of pain crossed Iris's expression even as she nodded, "Yeah..."

Approaching them as the last person slipped out, Kouen spoke in a measured tone, "Iris, I know that you're concerned about Lady Ashe. It's admirable, but we have to consider all the facts," Iris's eyes darted to Kouen's face as a frown formed, "As you've mentioned many times, you were friends with Ashe and many of her group before they left the Goulon Empire three years ago...before-"

"Before the jackass collared me," Iris scowled darkly as her eyes gained an unholy glow, "You mean he might be trying something? Trying to control me again? After everything we've been through, he dares to-"

Tightening his grip on Iris's shoulder as magic actively sparked up against his skin, Koumei made a mental note to ask Iris about this later when things died down. He cut her off, "Iris," She glanced at him with a mixture of emotions flaring through her eyes, "We understand your anger, but jumping to conclusions will not help anyone right now...Especially not Ashe," He saw her eyes dim, "There are many possibilities, and we need more information before making assumptions. Lady Ashe is a skilled warrior, and she has Neville with her. Let's focus on finding out more about her condition and the circumstances surrounding the skirmish."

Nodding his head in agreement, Kouen crossed his arms, "Koumei is right. Panicking without sufficient information won't benefit anyone. We'll send a messenger to inquire about Lady Ashe's condition and request a detailed report on what happened," Iris looked at Kouen as her shoulders slumped in relief, "For now, I believe our best course of action is to gather as much information as possible. Once we have a clearer picture of the situation, we can decide on our next steps."

Taking a deep breath as she closed her eyes, Iris nodded slowly and when she reopened her eyes, they were the familiar emerald green color Koumei had grown to love, "Alright...I..." She shook her head, "I just need to know that Ashe is alright. I can't-Losing anyone else..." A pained look crossed her face, "Just..."

Squeezing her shoulder comfortingly, Koumei offered Iris a soft smile as Kouen moved towards the door, "We'll do everything we can to ensure she's alright, Iris. After all, she is part of this alliance as well."

When Kouen rejoined them, he said, "In the meantime, we should probably take a break. While there is still a lot to discuss, I don't think anyone will be able to fully concentrate until we have that news," Iris looked like she wanted to protest, "I would rather everyone be at their best when trying to give their input."

Lips pulling into a slight grimace as she met Kouen's gaze, Iris nodded, "I...appreciate your consideration..." She looked away from Kouen and sighed heavily, "If nothing else, I'll go down to the forge. I might as well do something that will keep me busy while we wait for something."

Giving Iris an encouraging smile as he let his hand drop, Koumei offered her, "Go ahead, Iris. If a messenger comes, we'll let you know right away. Though I have a feeling one of your friends might send one of those..." He trailed off while trying to remember the word Luna had used to conjure up that spectral messenger, "Patronus?"

As Iris perked up, Koumei supposed he'd gotten the word right. A small smile forming on her lips, she nodded, "I bet Neville will if Luna doesn't."

With a small wave to them, Iris left the room though the frown tugging at her lips told Koumei that she was already being troubled by Ashe's injuries once more. Mentally sighing, he looked towards Kouen as his elder brother muttered, "This complicates matters."

"Whether Lord Habi is indeed trying to coax Iris out or not, yes it does," Koumei turned back to the table with a grimace, "The main question, if he is indeed trying to coax Iris out, is why? To collar her again? He doesn't have anything she wants,"

Nodding as he looked over the map, Kouen's eyes narrowed into a glare at the piece they were using to mark Lord Habi, "It seems we have a puzzle on our hands and one I intend to solve sooner rather than later," Koumei frowned at his elder brother, "I want orders sent out to capture any high ranking officials they can. Anyone that might have an idea of what his plans could be," Kouen's fingers curled around the green dragon that had been created to mark Iris, "Bring them to me."

"You intend to torture the answer out of them," Koumei realized though didn't feel any surprise, "En..."

Kouen's expression remained stern as he interrupted, "No, Mei. Though the thought has crossed my mind, I will not put it past those that we capture to foist false information onto us. Instead, I intend to venture into more...magical aspects should regular interrogation not work."

Eyebrow raising at that, Koumei frowned at his elder brother, "You mean ask Iris if there is a way to get the truth out of them?"

"During some of our talks, she mentioned that the magical law enforcement had certain potions that were capable of forcing one to tell only the truth," Kouen smirked as he picked up Iris's dragon piece, "I intend to ask her if she's willing to make some,"

"What if she doesn't know how?" Koumei asked with a frown.

"If she doesn't know how, I will ask among her friends to see if any of them do. If they don't, I'm sure one of our magicians do," Kouen examined Iris's piece, "But regardless, the information will come out and we will have our answers,"

"True enough," Koumei nodded quickly, "I'll get with our intelligence units...save for Iris as she isn't in any kind of state to go looking for information," Kouen inclined his head, "I'll ensure that every available resource we can spare is utilized to gather the necessary information,"

"While you do so," Kouen spoke as Koumei began heading for the door, "Keep an eye on Iris, we have no idea when a messenger with information will come through or even one of her friends," He looked back at his older brother with a frown, "While I wish to trust her, she is emotionally invested and with her abilities..." A pinched look crossed his elder brother's face, "Mei, we cannot be sure she won't bolt towards Lady Ashe's last known location,"

With Iris's actual track record, Koumei inwardly winced though knew his elder brother wasn't wrong to ask this of him. He inwardly sighed while nodding, "I will, En."

The rhythmic clanging of metal against metal echoed through the forge as Iris worked, her skilled hands maneuvering the tools with precision. The dance of creation, once a comforting routine, now seemed to unfold against the discordant melody of her racing thoughts. Every strike of the hammer was a beat in the chaotic symphony playing in her mind, a new added twist that grounded her for the barest hint of a moment before she was swept away again. With the addition of Ashe's injury, Iris felt as if she were drowning in an ocean without the help of a life jacket.

As the flames in the forge danced and flickered, the shadows dancing on the walls reared up in ways that seemed to mirror the turmoil eating at her mind. The metallic scent of heated metal was overtaken by the acrid tang of uncertainty that lingered in the air. Iris slipped ever deeper into her mind even as she was pulled back. Her mind conjured up worsening images of Ashe's form wounded, the proud woman she'd become little more than a crumpled husk. Chest heaving as she struggled against the urge to cry, Iris tossed the dagger she'd been forcing into a nearby bucket uncaring as it splashed water and steam about the room.

Reaching for more metal, Iris blinked back tears as she whispered, "I...I should've been there. I should've fucking been there..."

There was a brief moment as she began heating the newest ingots where the flames roared higher than before, it felt as if they agreed with her and mirrored the frustration coiling within her heart. Guilt tangled with frustration as she pulled the molten metal out of the flames and began pouring it into a mold, the liquid glow mirroring the emotions churning within her. She wondered how Neville was doing...If he'd managed to heal Ashe just yet.

The heat of the forge provided a stark contrast to the icy grip of worry that clenched at Iris's heart. As she retrieved her cooled dagger from the mold it'd been cast in, she resumed the process once more. In the midst of her focused labor, the rhythmic clatter of metal meeting metal was interrupted by the sound of a door opening though she ignored it. Only when Kouen's familiar voice sounded from the doorway did she look up, the prince's form casting a brief shadow on the forge floor, "Iris, I need to talk to you about something important."

Eyes narrowing at him, Iris saw his serious expression through the shadows cast by the flames. Despite the temptation to continue working out her feelings, she nodded and tossed what she was working on into a secondary cooling bucket that was nearly full. Gesturing to the doorway, she walked around Kouen and into the open air which stung her overheated skin. Ignoring it, she turned to Kouen, "What is it?"

Hesitating for a moment, Kouen spoke as his eyes met hers, "With the situation that has occurred, we need information," Iris tilted her head at that, "Information that needs to come from our enemies, Iris. Unwillingly given information at that," She sucked in a harsh breath at that, "Despite what most of the world believes, I will not allow for my men to resort to torture unless all other options have been used...one such option has unfortunately slipped from our minds until now."

"Magic," Iris realized as she eyed him.

"Indeed," Kouen nodded as he gestured towards her, "As you mentioned before, your people have a truth serum. Do you know how to brew it? Or do your companions?"

Lips pursing as she ran through everything in her arsenal, Iris grimaced a bit, "I...You wouldn't like my version of the...truth serum," Kouen raised an eyebrow at her, "It works, but the person it's given to doesn't survive longer than an hour after they're given it," She flushed a bit though doubted Kouen could tell thanks to the soot covering her, "Good news about it, they are forced to tell the truth...for the rest of their life."

Chuckling as he shook his head, Kouen looked at her with an amused expression, "Somehow, I am unsurprised that you didn't develop something a bit less likely to kill someone."

Glaring at him, Iris's hands were planted on her hips, "I have! It just...doesn't taste very good and well..." She looked away from him with a dark blush coating her cheeks, "I didn't mean to make it."

"What was it?" Kouen asked.

"Uh-you don't need to know," Iris shook her head rapidly, "If you need a truth serum, I think-No, I know Hermione can figure out a better recipe. I'll send a patronus her way," She began walking back towards the forge, "If you'll excuse me, I have some things to finish making-"

Squeaking as Kouen's arm wrapped around her waist, Iris's cheeks darkened as she was pulled against his chest. Kouen's head dropped against her ear as he murmured, "While I'm happy that you can ask Hermione, I'm very curious about why you're embarrassed, Iris. What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," Iris shook her head while trying to push away from him, "Kouen-"

"Am I interrupting something?" Koumei's voice sounded from somewhere nearby making Iris freeze.

Freezing in her attempts to pull away from Kouen, Iris's eyes darted over to where Koumei was walking towards them. In the small secluded courtyard where the forge stood, it felt as if a layer of tension had fallen over them. Kouen's arm tightened, "Yes, I was just trying to get Iris to give me some information. She's quite reluctant."

Eyebrow raising as Iris's blush darkened, Koumei glanced between the two with an amused glint in his eyes, "Oh, is that so? Iris, what is Kouen badgering you about?"

Huffing as her embarrassment turned into frustration and irritation, "Nothing, Koumei. He just wanted information about a truth serum I've made in the past. I gave him said information alongside mentioning that we should ask Hermione for help as it tends to be lethal."

"I see," Koumei's eyebrow rose as he crossed his arms, "And this led to your position how?"

"Because she also mentioned making a potion that doesn't kill anyone, but won't say what it is," Kouen chuckled softly, "And I don't feel like letting her go until she does,"

"En, I'm quite shocked that you're acting like this," Koumei's lips pulled into a smile, "Though I'll admit to being curious as well,"

"Koumei!" Iris growled at the other man unable to believe either of them was acting like this, "What is-"

Raising his hands as if to defend himself, Koumei chuckled as he cut her off, "Getting to see my brother act like this is rare, Iris," Kouen snorted beside her ear, "So I'm going to try enjoying it while it lasts," He tilted his head, "Though if you answer our question, I'm sure he'll be more inclined to release you."

A scowl formed on her face, Iris loathed that part of her didn't want to be released. Flush creeping across her cheeks, she muttered, "I accidentally made a...aphrodisiac."

Eyebrow shooting up past his hairline, Koumei's lips parted in surprise as Kouen's grip loosened. Koumei covered his mouth with the fan he carried after a moment, "I see," He coughed softly, "A...You made an aphrodisiac...that's..."

"Unexpected," Kouen chuckled deep in his throat and chest.

Blush darkening at the feeling seemed to vibrate through her body, Iris sniffed a bit, "Well I was working on a lot of potions at the same time and ingredients got mixed up...I ended up making more than a few new concoctions. It came in handy," She felt Kouen stiffen as Koumei frowned at her, "Not for me, I dosed two very irritating idiots that didn't know the meaning of no and locked them in the same room."

"That's...quite the unconventional solution," Koumei's lips quirked into an amused smile.

Shaking her head with a low snort, Iris crossed her arms, "Given all the facts, I didn't have much of a choice at the time, especially with Lord Jackass's restrictions. Thankfully, I don't need to worry about those anymore," She frowned heavily, "I would prefer not to make mistakes like that though."

"Understandable," Kouen nodded with his chin digging into her shoulder slightly.

Lips pursing at the reminder that he was still holding onto her, Iris reminded him, "Look, I'll send a message to Hermione and see if she can't improve my recipe or give me the proper one to work with since we did figure out a workaround for all the ingredients back in our old world save for the super rare shit," She frowned slightly, "So can you let me go now?"

Squeezing her briefly, Kouen released Iris and she saw a bemused expression on his face. Eyes narrowing at him, she scowled slightly but didn't get a chance to say anything as Koumei spoke. His tone was serious and when she turned, he wore a slight frown, "Iris, we need to talk about something...other than the truth serum."

"Koumei?" Iris turned to face him.

"Kouen and I...we've spoken, Iris," Koumei replied sending a bolt of shock through Iris, "We both decided that a talk was needed...to clear the air so to speak,"

Eyebrows furrowing as those words were spoken, Iris's eyes flitted between Kouen and Koumei as her mind wrapped around what had been said. She breathed out slowly as the emotional maelstrom she'd been dealing with welled up. Eyes closing as she struggled to breathe properly, she muttered, "T-talk?"

"We're both aware that you've asked for time, Iris," Kouen spoke up as Iris took a small step back, "That's what's brewing between us...this connection, it isn't something you're used to. The thing is, we aren't used to it either," She stared at him as shock welled up, "With our upbringing, we have not been given the proper training...education on how to deal with our emotions...much less what this is,"

"I..." Iris dimly noted in the back of her mind that she was shaking, "I don't..."

"We don't expect you to have all the answers right now...Or even soon," Koumei's expression was soft, "But avoiding the conversation won't make it easier. We need to understand each other, Iris. If anything is going to work between us...whether it be friendship or more, we have to understand each other,"

Eyes darting between the two, Iris's inner turmoil was mirrored by the ever-shifting shadows cast by the trees. The vulnerability she had been feeling intensified, laid bare by the unexpected turn of the conversation. Taking in a deep breath, she tried to steady herself against the torrent. She jolted as Kouen stepped close, he spoke in that gentle tone that somehow made things worse and better all the same, "I know it's overwhelming, Iris," He extended a hand towards her, "But we're not asking for everything at once. Just a dialogue...something concrete that keeps us from drifting," She stared at his hand feeling as if they were back in the clearing again, "A sharing of thoughts and feelings. We want to be on the same page."

Koumei added, "We've faced battles together, and we've trusted each other in those moments. This is just another aspect of trust, one that goes beyond the battlefield."

There was a sense of longing and fear surging through her, the need to understand what was going on and accept it. Fear of what delving into these emotions might reveal, and a longing for the understanding and connection she sensed between them. Hesitating as she watched Kouen take another step towards her, Iris slowly took his hand as she nodded. Swallowing around the thickened emotions clogging her throat, she whispered, "Okay...I..." She felt her eyes burn, "Okay, we can talk."

Eyes softening as he reached her side, Kouen's hand was warm as it held hers. He offered her a reassuring smile, "Thank you, Iris. We'll take this one step at a time."

There was a distant call, Kouen's hand tightened around hers as his expression pinched. Koumei spoke as he reached her side, "It seems duty calls, En. Iris," She looked at him with uncertainty layering her gaze, "Come to En's room later, alright? This way we can talk and hopefully not be bothered...if you're okay with that...?"

Nodding slowly, Iris's lips pulled into a weak smile, "I...I think that will be alright though..." She looked at Kouen, "Kouen?"

"It's fine," Kouen smirked a bit, "It's not as if I'm used to having my rooms be a meeting room for my siblings,"

Eyes widening at that, Iris opened her mouth to ask only for Koumei to say, "If you come tonight, we can answer that question. But for now, we should get going."

With one final squeeze of her hand, Kouen released Iris before heading off with Koumei at his side. Eyes following them, she bit her bottom lip and stood in that secluded courtyard for a long moment before finally returning to the forge. After sending off a patronus to Hermione about the potion, she resumed her work though this time the emotions running about were mixed. Worry and fear for Ashe were prevalent, the emotional maelstrom caused by Kouen and Koumei had gained an increased foothold though now..it felt less chaotic to a point.

Pouring himself some wine, Kouen glanced over at where Koumei was adjusting the books he kept in this temporary room yet again. Mentally snorting at the action, he moved towards the desk, "Koumei," The younger man paused with a book in hand, "That's the fourth time you've rearranged those books."

There was a delicate flush spreading across Koumei's cheeks starting from his nose, Kouen smirked at the sight as Koumei put down the book and released a cough. Moving to pour himself a glass, Koumei muttered, "I apologize if it's bothering you. I'm just-"

"Nervous?" Kouen raised an eyebrow, "You needn't be. I've little doubt that Iris will be here soon,"

"But what if you're-" Koumei cut himself off as a knock echoed from the door.

Letting out a low chuckle, Kouen let a wry smile play across his lips, "It would seem we don't have to wait," He set down his glass of wine, "Enter."

With a soft click, the door opened revealing Iris who had clearly come fresh from the baths. Stepping into his room, she closed the door behind herself while murmuring, "Hi."

"Evening, Iris," Kouen greeted her as she stepped further into the room and seemed to scan the room.

"Iris," Koumei's lips pulled into that warm smile he always carried whenever around her, "Come and take a seat, you should make yourself comfortable,"

Eyes flitting to him, Iris's head tilted as if she were asking him for permission which sent a bolt of warmth through Kouen's chest. Inclining his head, Kouen stood as he raised his glass to her, "Would you care for a glass of wine?"

Nodding her head after a moment, Iris's lips pulled into a grateful expression as she allowed Koumei to guide her toward one of the chairs across from his. Kouen poured Iris a glass of wine and gave it to her before returning to his seat. As Koumei slipped into the seat beside her, Iris broke the small silence that had settled over them, "So..." She stared down at the wine glass in her hand, "You both wished to speak...talk..." She raised her head and locked eyes with him for a brief moment before turning her head towards Koumei, "So...shall we?"

Nodding slowly, Kouen took a sip of wine, "Yes, we are. Just as we said earlier, no one has any expectations, we don't intend to pressure each other," He gestured between them, "This is an open dialogue."

Interjecting as he cleared his throat, Koumei added on, "We need to understand each other better. As comrades and...perhaps more."

Eyes locked onto Iris as Koumei said that, Kouen watched her expression flitter through a myriad of emotions. Uncertainty was the main one, it mirrored his own almost damningly. Taking a deep breath, Iris nodded, "Alright...we should start talking then."

Nodding in appreciation for her willingness to participate, Kouen leaned back against his chair. Setting his wine glass down, he set an arm on one of the armrests and let his head rest on an open palm. Seeing that neither of his companions was willing to break the silence once more, he did, "I'll start," Iris watched him, "We have faced many battles together since our first meeting...many challenges as well. Through that, we have managed to share victories," Iris nodded as fiddled with her wine glass, "Trust has been a crucial aspect of our camaraderie on the battlefield, it seems outside of that...we have neglected that trust..." He paused trying to choose his words carefully, "The connection we feel, the bond—it's not something we expected. Koumei and I-" He gestured to Koumei at this, "Come from a background where we were given tools for war. Emotions were not something they chose to nurture, the ones involved with personal relationships especially were neglected. But it exists, undeniable and complex."

Koumei added, "We don't have preconceived notions about where this might lead. We only want to understand how you perceive this connection, and if you're comfortable, share your thoughts on it."

Gaze shifting between Kouen and Koumei, Iris listened attentively. The vulnerability in her eyes resonated with Kouen. He knew that, for all their prowess on the battlefield, navigating emotions was uncharted territory for the three of them. Taking a sip of her wine, Iris seemed to gather her thoughts. There was hesitation in her words as she finally spoke, the words fell from her lips slowly, "I didn't grow up in a world of war or politics like you both did. My life was..." She paused for a long moment as if trying to figure out what to say before finally releasing a sigh, "I was taught that my emotions were lesser...unwanted compared to those of my family...my cousins," She looked down at the wine glass in her hand as Kouen felt a bolt of anger hit him, "I didn't know it at the time, but it was a way...a hope of my relatives that they could somehow strip me of my magic if somehow my emotions were lessened...if they didn't exist," A bitter look crossed her face, "Before coming here...I...my understanding of emotions was limited, but it was to a point I could somewhat understand. Now..." She bit her bottom lip, "Things changed after we came here, the connection we share it's something I'm unable to deny the existence of, and it..." She dropped her voice to a whisper, "Scares me."

There was a tear trailing down her cheek and Kouen's protective instincts flared, he wanted nothing more than to rip a hole into that other world and burn those strangers to the ground. For the first time since his elder cousins had been struck down, he felt that same bitter fire rise within him though this time there wasn't anything he could truly do. Mentally shaking his head at that, he reminded himself that Iris was here and they could help her deal with the issue now. Speaking as he pushed back the anger that wanted to strike out, he kept his tone firm, "Iris, emotions are not a weakness," She stared at him in surprise, "They are a part of what makes us human, and they can be a source of strength. What you were taught, the attempts to suppress your feelings, was a cruel injustice."

There was a gentle coo from Phenex, the female Djinn nuzzled into him radiating pride. Koumei nodded his head as Kouen brushed her away, "We're not asking you to unravel everything at once. This is a journey for all of us, a journey into uncharted territories of the heart. But one thing is certain: you don't have to face it alone. We're here with you."

Eyes meeting his as emotions swirled within emerald green depths, Iris's voice was soft, "I...thank you," He watched another tear curl down her cheek, "It's just... overwhelming. I'm still figuring out how to navigate this, how to understand what's happening between us."

Gaze gentle as he reached over and wiped away her tears earning a startled look, Koumei spoke softly, "Understanding is something all of us need to do, Iris, so you're not alone in that. If you're willing to let us help you...let us in...I know that would ease your burden."

"I..." Iris's voice cracked, "I haven't even let everyone else in...Only Nev knows everything..."

And that was something damning to know, Kouen inwardly scowled though kept his outward face calm. Phenex nudged him gently with a soft coo and he took a deep breath, "Iris," She looked towards him with pain and uncertainty clear in her eyes, "You don't have to carry everything on your own. Opening up is a gradual process that takes time, we just want you to know that we're here for you."

"That we want to understand and share in your burdens," Koumei added as he wiped away another tear as it fell, "If anything is going to happen...we want to support you," He smiled at Iris, "We aren't asking for everything at once, remember. Whatever you're willing to give, we're here for you. If you're willing to let us in, we're here to listen, to understand, and to be a pillar of support for you. Your well-being matters to us."

Emotions played across Iris's face as she looked between them, she slowly nodded and Koumei's hand dropped from her face, She breathed out, "I...I..." She took a deep breath as if to steady herself, "Trusting anyone with everything...it's not something I do. Even with Nev, it was...it only came out on accident."

Eyes meeting Koumei's, Kouen frowned at that though he quickly assured Iris, "It's alright if you're reluctant...if you're scared, Iris. Fear is a natural," She frowned slightly, You've already shown incredible strength by sharing this much with us."

"As we've already said, we aren't trying to rush you. Take your time, and when you're ready, we'll be here. Trust is something that builds over time, and we're committed to earning yours," Koumei added as Iris's frown eased away.

"I..." Iris slowly started to smile and Kouen felt a tense knot he hadn't noticed dissipate at the sight, "I suppose you're both right," She took a sip of her wine, "Though can we speak of something else...less distressing? I think that's enough of emotions tonight,"

Chuckling at that, Kouen smirked as Koumei snickered and nodded, "How about we trade some stories?" Iris raised an eyebrow, "You wanted to know why En doesn't mind us using his room as a meeting room, right?" She nodded slowly, "So I'll share that story if you share one of your own. It doesn't have to be from this world either."

Tilting her head, Iris smiled a bit more warmly and nodded, "Seems fair enough though," She looked at Kouen, "Does that mean you'll be sharing a story as well, Kouen?"

There was a spark of mischief in her eyes, it made his chest warm. Kouen nodded as he picked up his wine glass, "I don't see why not, but you'll have to share a second story."

"That would only be fair," Iris agreed with a nod, "So...who's first?"

As Koumei launched into his story with Iris becoming entrapped, Kouen felt a burst of contentment as he watched the two interact. As he leaned on his hand and watched the two interact with Iris's lips slowly pulling into a large grin and her lips parting as she laughed, he found his mind drifting as an image formed. An entirely different room took shape within his mind's eye though he recognized it to be the cold palace that was his home only this time it was filled with warmth...

Laughter burst from a nearby couch, the occupants being Koumei and Iris. The dragon-witch was dressed as a Kou princess would be though her outfit was looser than any of his sisters would normally allow. Lips pulled into a bright cheshire grin as she laughed, the mirth in her eyes danced as she swatted at Koumei's chest. She turned her head and waved at him as he walked into the room. He found himself slipping onto Iris's other side, the warmth of her body feeling familiar as she pressed a kiss to his cheek. Words buzzed past his ears, he heard nothing even as his lips moved.

Fingers brushed against him, Kouen looked to see Koumei grabbing his hand and offering a light smile as he rested their joined hands across Iris's hips. Rather than feel an innate need to pull away, he just felt content to keep his hand there. Head settled on Iris's shoulder as if he'd done it more times than just today, it felt as if he were finally-

"-En?" Iris's voice held concern as Kouen managed to shake himself from that daydream.

Clearing his throat, Kouen lifted his head as he grasped the hand Iris had waving in front of his face, "I'm fine...just a bit more tired than first expected."

"Are you sure?" Iris asked with a frown.

"I'm sure," Kouen's grip was gentle, "Though perhaps we should continue these talks...storytelling sessions another time?"

Bitting her bottom lips, Iris looked a bit reluctant, but nodded, "Alright...if you're sure."

Releasing her hand, Kouen stood as Koumei led her out of his room. Rubbing at his face, he glanced at Koumei as his younger brother asked, "Are you sure you're alright? You zoned out, En...that doesn't happen...not for that long."

"I'm just tired, Mei. I haven't slept well as of late," Kouen wasn't exactly lying, "Trust me,"

"I do..." Koumei shook his head, "I'll head to bed as well. Goodnight, En,"

"Night," Kouen waved him off with a low sigh.

Rubbing his face, Kouen got ready for bed and doused the candles in his room before lying down. As Kouen settled into his bed, the room dimly lit by the fading embers of the candles, he couldn't shake the images that had invaded his thoughts. The imagined scenes, the phantom warmth, laughter, the faint scents that still lingered on in his nose even now, and shared moments lingered, leaving a bittersweet taste in his mind. He closed his eyes, attempting to clear his thoughts, but the images persisted. Ever capable of sensing his distress, Phenex's soothing voice piped up as she pressed against him once more, "Dearest King, the heart knows not the boundaries of reality and dreams. It dances between the realms, exploring the threads of what could be."

Sighing heavily as the weight of what she said crawled across his shoulders, Kouen's eyes slid open, 'Phenex, I can't think of such things...not now when I've got duties to attend. A war to fight-'

Crooning voice ringing through his ears, Phenex nosed him, "War...how you always seem to have one to fight, My King. But the heart seeks its path, it weaves dreams and desires into the tapestry of the soul. Even a king cannot command the heart to silence."

Grunting in acknowledgment, Kouen realized that she was right even if he didn't wish to. He was accustomed to navigating the complex web of politics, strategy, and warfare. As he'd told Iris, the battlefield created by emotions was something unfamiliar. Eyes closing, he sighed, 'What would you suggest?'

There was a croon of joy, the feeling intense enough that Kouen almost wanted to curl inward. Phenex curled tighter around him, "Perhaps," She suggested, "it is time to listen to the whispers of your heart. To explore the possibilities that dance on the edges of your thoughts. The future is a canvas waiting for the strokes of your choices."

Considering her words as he sank a bit deeper into the bed, Kouen's mind whirled. The visions of warmth and connection were both alluring and unsettling. The connections growing between himself, Iris, and Koumei were increasing by the day. Part of him was troubled by the acceptance of his daydream self, the way he'd seemed so content when Koumei had touched him. While he had never truly been bothered by his siblings touching him, the idea of such an almost intimate feeling scene holding a touch like that...it seemed as if it should bother him. Somehow even now, he didn't feel that way, but...perhaps that was okay.

As he lay in the quiet darkness, Kouen allowed himself to drift into the realm of possibilities. The imagined scenes played out again, this time with a sense of acceptance. He saw himself, not as a distant king, but as a man sharing laughter and stories with those he cared about. The palace, once cold and imposing, transformed into a haven of warmth and camaraderie.