Verdant Skies

The palace corridors were hushed as Kouen made his way to Iris's chambers, the soft glow of lanterns casting a warm ambiance. Tonight was yet another trip where Iris and Koumei would be venturing into the theaters only this one would be a bit different from the others, every piece of information they'd gathered so far led them to believe something was happening tonight. A heavy feeling of unease seeped into him alongside the anticipation. As he reached Iris's door, he took a moment to steady himself. The events of the investigation loomed in his mind, but another lingering thought captivated him—the memory of their recent kiss in the study. It was a subtle undercurrent of desire that refused to be ignored. Raising a hand, he gently rapped on the door earning a soft call to enter.

Stepping inside the room, Kouen found his eyes drawn to Iris where she stood in front of a body-length mirror that had been set up. Two maids that he'd sent to assist her were backing away as he entered the room, they bowed lightly to him before exiting without a word. Dressed in a midnight blue Eastern-style dress, she wore her hair up in a myriad of braids. Turning her head towards him as he approached, she spoke softly, "Almost time, huh?"

"Just about," Kouen reached her side and she looked back at the mirror, "Nervous?"

"I'd be stupid not to be," Iris snorted softly with an eye roll though after a moment her nose wrinkled, "Kouen..."

Raising an eyebrow at her, Kouen noticed the emotions playing across her eyes, "Something wrong?"

Breathing out a heavy sigh, Iris turned towards him with an irritated look. Kouen felt a slight burst of surprise at that, but pushed it back as she began to speak, "You-It's not that something's wrong," She started to reach upwards only to stop herself as her fingers clenched, "I just-you kissed me and then with everything going on we didn't even talk-"

Lips pulling into a slight smile, Kouen realized where she might be going with this. Reaching out, he brushed a few stray strands from her face causing her to falter and those emerald green eyes of hers to widen. Speaking as he stepped closer, he relished in the way she stared up at him, "I'll admit that it was a bad move on my part to not...speak with you afterward," He gently cupped her chin and lowered his face until their lips were barely a few inches apart, "But I'll ensure we talk about this one as much as you want."

Without waiting for a reply, Kouen kissed Iris and felt a small bolt of surprise when she began to respond after a short moment of surprise. Warmth filled his chest as he deepened the kiss and got the chance to taste her once more, he felt Iris's fingers lightly resting against his chest. Eventually pulling away from her despite the wish to continue, he watched the gentle blush spread across her cheeks. Clearing her throat, she looked away from him, "I...that was..."

Smirk forming as he felt the heat of her blush against his hand, Kouen chuckled, "Worth it?"

"Uh...yeah," Iris looked at him again and he could see a flicker of desire there, "I..." She shook her head and frowned at him, "You had to distract me from what I was going to say,"

Chuckling softly, Kouen gently ran his thumb across her cheek, "A nice distraction...one you enjoyed."

Cheeks darkening, Iris looked away from him, "I-yes, but that doesn't-"

Both of them jolted as a knock sounded at the door, Kouen removed his hand feeling slightly disappointed that he wouldn't be able to tease Iris any longer. Iris bid whoever it was to enter which turned out to be Koumei. Almost wanting to laugh as his younger brother eyed them with a raised eyebrow, Koumei crossed his arms, "Am I interrupting something?"

"No," Iris replied quickly as she began walking over to him, "Kouen and I were just-"

"I was just reassuring Iris," Kouen informed Koumei earning a glance while Iris shot him a small look.

"Reassuring requires a kiss?" Koumei asked earning a pair of surprised looks and he gestured towards the mirror, "Granted, you could have started to wear lip stain, En, but I doubt you'd choose the same color as Iris,"

Giggling softly at that, Iris grinned slightly as Kouen looked into the mirror and saw that he did indeed have blue-tinted lips now. Shaking his head in amusement, he looked at Koumei, "Yes, I did kiss Iris. Is there a problem?"

"No," Koumei wrapped an arm around Iris's waist cutting earning a squeak from the woman, "After all, we're all in the same relationship," He tugged her close against his chest, "Iris, you look lovely as usual,"

Shaking her head softly, Iris didn't bother trying to pull away from Koumei, "Thank you, Koumei. Since you're here, we should probably get going, huh?"

"Mhmm," Koumei hummed softly, "Are you ready?"

"I've got several just-in-case potions plus a few hidden weapons," Iris replied earning a pair of raised eyebrows, "Maybe after if I'm not too tired, I'll show you them,"

"I'll hold you to that," Kouen smirked at her earning a light grin, "For now, let's head downstairs,"

Leaving Iris's room, they traveled through the halls and down the stairs towards the entrance hall. Iris looked at him as they reached the bottom step, "We'll be back soon, Kouen."

"I know," Kouen's gaze softened as she took Koumei's arm and they began heading towards the main doors of his place, "Be careful,"

"We will," Iris promised as Koumei nodded to him.

Fingers curled around Koumei's wrist as they walked into the theater, Iris felt an oppressive presence and eyes that seemed to burn into her moments before Koumei stiffened. Glancing at him with a concerned look, she saw his eyes dart towards something further in the crowd of gathered nobles. Following his gaze, she mentally cursed at the sight of Gyokuen standing among a small group of chattering nobles. She tightened her grip on Koumei's arm as he led her toward one of the private alcoves. Speaking in a soft tone once they were in that semi-enclosed space, she grimaced softly, "What the fuck is she doing here? I thought she rarely left the palace."

"She doesn't," Koumei's expression was serious as he glanced back into the crowd, "I don't know why she's here, but it doesn't bode well," She grimaced at his words, "While I doubt it's mere coincidence, it could be, but it's very likely a calculated move on her part,"

"So we need to be more careful than before," Iris rubbed at her temples with a low groan, "And it's not like we can leave after just arriving...that would only make things worse,"

"Indeed," Koumei nodded to her with a concentrated look on his face, "We'll have to proceed cautiously. Keep an eye on her, but not draw attention to ourselves in the process," He offered her a small look, "Think you can do that?"

A smirk formed as a low laugh left her, Iris nodded, "That's not a problem on my end, I'm more worried about you. Though," She frowned as a thought occurred to her, "What about the odd priests that she usually has around her? I'm pretty sure some are here even if we can't see them."

"If we're careful and you use your magic, I'm sure we can get around them," Koumei assured her and they both looked towards the small window in the alcove as the lights began to dim overhead, "Shall we?"

Taking his arm once more, Iris nodded as she took a deep breath, "Let's get this night over with."

Mind working in overdrive as they settled within one of the private booths, Koumei's eyes were locked on the booth that Gyokuen had chosen during their performance. As the actors below began their performance and everyone finally settled down, he got his first glimpse of one of her priests. The man slipped into the booth beside her and bowed deeply though she didn't seem to pay him much mind. Instead, she kept her focus on the play below, the disconcerting thing was that Gyokuen held a fan over her mouth making it impossible to see if she was speaking to the man.

Halfway through the first act, the man disappears once more. Koumei wanted to curse loudly at the sight of it but kept his mouth shut. Iris spoke in a soft tone from beside him, "I couldn't hear anything they were speaking of from over here, but I'm starting to hear footsteps around us. Not many, but..."

Eyes flicking towards Iris at those words, Koumei mentally cursed as he realized that his stepmother might be planning to attack them here. The sheer fact he couldn't hear anything at all despite Iris's words caused his mind to shift into overdrive. Gyokuen would likely use this as an assassination attempt to either kill him or Iris. If it failed, she would still attempt to pin it on Iris. Grimace forming as his eyes narrowed, he muttered, "We need to move soon...Iris, how easily can you make it look as if we've disappeared?"

Without even blinking, Iris produced two vials from the small purse she carried, "Less than a minute once we ingest these, the effects will last for three minutes. Long enough for us to get to the carriage."

"Good," Koumei glanced back towards his stepmother who had been joined by another priest, "During the second act, we'll make our move,"

"Fine with me," Iris slipped the vial over to him and he carefully held it between his fingers.

Glancing down at the vial in his hands as the first act came to a close, Koumei watched the liquid shift amid vibrant hues of color. Lifting his gaze as low murmurs filled the air, he found his eyes locking with Gyokuen's for a brief moment before she looked away from him. During that brief moment, he could see smugness filling the pale voids she called eyes. As the second act started, he watched her turn to converse with a second priest who had appeared. Music began to fill the air, he stood as the lead actor began to give a rousing speech, "Iris."

Nodding without a word, Iris stood and took his empty hand. Letting her take the lead, Koumei's eyes scanned the darkened hallway only to find nothing as they began walking. Tugging him into a corner, she mimed downing her potion without a word and he nodded to her. Knowing from her words, he downed it like a lesser spirit and almost wanted to gag at the strong taste lingering on his tongue. Covering his mouth as he struggled against the urge to bring the potion back up, he shuddered as an odd feeling passed over him. There was a soft clicking sound and Iris was tugging him through the hall once more, he stumbled slightly before managing to gather himself enough to follow after her.

Just as they managed to reach the theater's exit, a loud boom echoed through the air and both of them were nearly thrown from their feet. Koumei's eyes widened as screams filled the air and people started to stumble towards the theater's exit. Chaos unfolded around them as the unexpected explosion sent shockwaves through the theater. Panic rippled through the crowd, and he tightened his grip on Iris's hand as they navigated the sea of disoriented nobles. As he glanced back at the theater once they'd exited it, he felt a small bolt of confusion at seeing smoke emanate from both the booth they'd been in and Gyokuen's.

Pulling his eyes away from the sight, Koumei led Iris to their carriage as that odd feeling passed over him once more. The footmen quickly scrambled to their feet and opened the door, "M'lord! What happened?"

"I don't know," Koumei shook his head in confusion, "We were just on our way out as Iris wasn't feeling well and..." He glanced back towards the theater with a frown, "I really would like to know what just happened,"

"Oh dear," The footmen glance at Iris in concern.

Offering them a sheepish smile, Iris murmured, "I think I just need to lay down. Don't worry too much about me."

Ushering her into the carriage, Koumei settled down beside her as the carriage door shut and they began to head off. He spoke as Iris leaned back against her seat across from him, "While it's no surprise that our booth was targeted, Gyokuen's own seems to have been."

Clicking her tongue, Iris crossed her arms, "Either she's trying to cover up her involvement or she has a bigger plan in mind," She looked at him with a frown, "The bad thing about all this is how I couldn't even hear their conversation at all. If she hadn't been using that fan, I could have read her lips and gotten the gist of it."

"Unfortunately she usually uses one when out in public," Koumei sighed heavily and rubbed at his face, "While the situation is not good, we've managed to ensure she can't use the fact you were at the theater against you. After all, you were 'sick' and left as everything happened,"

"True enough," Iris sighed heavily, "Why do I have a feeling that I'm going to have to lay low after this?"

"Because you will," Koumei saw her grimace, "Iris-"

"I know, I know," Iris cut him off with a groan, "It just seems like every time I get the smallest chance to explore your stepmother decides to fuck shit up," She scowled and crossed her arms, "It's bullshit,"

"I'm sorry, Iris," Koumei offered her an apologetic look, "Once this is over, we'll take you on a tour of Kou, I promise,"

"I'm holding you to that," Iris muttered as she settled back against her seat.

Sharing a look with Koumei at the message that had arrived within a matter of hours after they'd returned from the theater, Kouen snorted as he tossed the piece of parchment onto his desk, "So Father is all but demanding that we bring Iris to him, I've little doubt that Gyokuen put him up to it."

"No doubt," Koumei grimaced as he picked up the parchment, "I highly doubt that he is asking for her version of what happened either," Kouen snorted softly as he stood from his seat and moved towards the decanter set up on a nearby table, "And given what happened, I doubt Gyokuen will be there, but she'll have her people in the room,"

"Ready to manipulate the situation," Kouen poured them both some wine, "But you came up with a brilliant plan without the bitch realizing it," He scooped up their glasses and turned to hand Koumei one, "All we need to do is have Iris play sick for a couple days and have our staff as well as Kouha make it seem as if she is someone with a weak body despite it being the opposite,"

Taking the glass from him, Koumei gained a contemplative look, "And with the lie of her being a foreign noble already in place, they won't have grounds to question it," A frown formed after a moment, "Someone might try requesting a doctor take a look at her. One that isn't part of our staff."

Eyes narrowing as he contemplated that, Kouen took a sip of his wine, "True though I'm sure Iris has a potion or two that can make it seem as if she's ill. I'll broach the subject with her before we leave."

"Best do so soon," Koumei told him while raising the letter, "Father wishes for us to be there before noon tomorrow,"

"I'll speak with her before heading to bed tonight," Kouen promised earning a slow nod, "Now," He retook his seat and leaned back while eyeing Koumei, "I take it you didn't manage to discover anything thanks to her presence?"

"Not to my knowledge though Iris might have managed something," Koumei sighed heavily as he set the letter down, "I was a bit too focused on Gyokuen to ask her,"

Shaking his head, Kouen waved his younger brother off, "Considering what all happened, we can't be too disappointed. I'll ask her if she managed to hear anything before everything went down though I'm not too worried about it."

Koumei nodded, "Agreed. Our immediate concern is navigating this court summons. Once we have a clearer picture, we can plan our next moves accordingly."

Kouen sighed, the weight of the court's political games evident in his expression, "I never thought I'd see the day when I'd have to strategize against our own family. It's disheartening."

"Indeed," Koumei concurred, "But for now, we play their game while ensuring Iris remains safe. Let's hope our father sees reason, or at least doesn't push too hard for Iris's involvement."

Leaning on the balcony railing, Iris's head lay in the palm of her hand as she peered out at the silver-toned world below. The cool night air brushed against her skin, a stark contrast to the heated emotions swirling within. The events of the night played in her mind and she found herself wondering what they could have done differently. But as the minutes passed with each thought shifting and bouncing about, she only found herself thinking in confusing circles. Breathing out heavily, she groaned softly and ran a hand through her hair which had finally been let down not too long ago when she'd changed out of that dress.

Jolting as Kouen's voice came from behind her with a suddenness that had her jumping slightly, Iris twisted around to face him, "Deep in thought, Iris?"

Pressing a hand to her chest, Iris breathed out slowly as she muttered, "Yeah..." She smiled weakly as their eyes met, "I...I'm just trying to figure out what we could have done differently."

"And nothing is jumping out at you," Kouen offered as he stepped closer and she shifted to let him stand beside her, "That seems to be an unfortunate happenstance when Gyokuen is involved,"

Clicking her tongue in irritation, Iris returned to her former leaning position against the railing, "That woman..." She shook her head before glancing at Kouen as his hand brushed against her arm as it settled on the railing, "I take it Koumei's already gone."

"Yes, we have to be at the palace early tomorrow," Kouen gained a look of irritation and she made a noise of interest, "And if Father had it his way, you would be coming with us,"

Eyes widening at that, Iris swallowed harshly, "Me? Because of what happened at the theater?"

"As far as Koumei and I can figure out," Kouen inclined his head, "But, you won't be coming along," She raised an eyebrow as confusion filled her, "Instead, you'll be staying right here and playing sick,"

Brow furrowing at that, Iris's head tilted, "Play sick? But that doesn't-why?"

"Because Gyokuen's no doubt trying to manipulate the situation in her favor," Kouen explained with a slight sigh, "To ensure she can't do so, we're using both the lie Koumei told yesterday and adding onto the original lie we told when you first arrived," She narrowed her eyes at him, "You will be playing up having a sickly body, Iris,"

Nose crinkling as she crossed her arms, Iris scowled, "That won't exactly work if they have a doctor look-" She paused as thought occurred to her, "You want me to use my potions, don't you?"

"If you're willing," Kouen offered her a small smile.

"I don't exactly like it, but..." Iris sighed heavily and dropped her arms, "It does mean that bitch can't exactly blame me for the theater incident and will poke holes into any other theories she's tossing about," She gifted Kouen a look, "Promise that once this is all over, I won't have to fake being sick? I fucking hate taking those kinds of potions with every fiber of my being,"

"I promise," Kouen eyed her with some amusement, "Just until we managed to get this settled, Iris," She nodded with a small sigh and reached out to cup her cheek, "Thank you,"

"Don't thank me," Iris saw a look of confusion in his eyes, "I'm not exactly a pleasant person when sick even if it is caused by potions,"

Chuckling softly as he ran his thumb underneath her eye, Kouen smiled softly at her, "Well, I think I should be able to handle it," She snorted softly while leaning into his touch, "How long will it take you to brew those potions?"

"Not even two hours, they're easy compared to some of the things I've had to make," Iris saw the interest in his eyes and snickered softly, "It'll take an hour for them to take effect and they'll last until I take a counter,"

"Make a few sets just to be on the safe side and we'll store them," Kouen told her earning a slight frown, "This will ensure that no one Father or Gyoken sends will be able to snatch them,"

While part of her wanted to argue, Iris could see his point. She nodded after a moment, "Alright."

Low mutters filled the grand room where his father held court, the Emperor was glaring imperiously down at everyone within the room as attendants wandered about. Noticing within moments of stepping inside, Kouen couldn't see Gyokuen in her usual place beside his father nor anywhere else in the room. Sharing a knowing glance with Koumei, they slowly made their way towards Koutoku's throne as a hush fell over the crowd. As they reached a respectful distance, they bowed before him, acknowledging their presence in the court. Voice cutting through the silence like a knife, the Emperor demanded, "Where is Lady Iris? I requested that she be brought before me."

Stepping forward after exchanging a glance with his younger brother, Kouen spoke in his most respectful tone, "Father, Lady Iris has taken ill," He saw his father's eyes narrow as whispers kicked up around them, "She is currently resting within my residence."

"I do not care if she's sick," The Emperor practically growled at him, "She needs to be brought before me. Last night my Empress, your stepmother was nearly killed during an explosion at the theater!"

Clearing his throat, Koumei stepped forward dragging their father's attention to him, "Father, when did this happen?" Kouen saw confusion flash through their father's eyes, "Iris and I left the theater before the second act even began."

"You...did?" Koutoku frowned heavily and glanced toward one of the priests who were standing around him.

Face contorting with confusion and frustration, Koutoku gestured at the man to approach. The priest hesitated for a long moment before nodding, "I...well, yes, Sire. Prince Koumei and Lady Iris were seen outside the theater before the incident occurred."

Based on the priest's expression, he hadn't wanted to say that information. Kouen mentally smirked though kept his outward expression blank as his father turned back towards them. Frowning heavily as he gazed at Koumei, the Emperor inquired with a heavy demand in his tone, "You left early because she was sick? And didn't think to send word to the palace after hearing about what happened?"

"With how ill she'd become, I thought it best to escort her back to Kouen's palace rather than linger at the theater," Koumei shook his head with a low sigh, "As for not sending word, I had thought Mother would have told you we'd left early. But if she isn't here, I assume her injuries are severe?"

Gaze hardening as he absorbed the information, the Emperor spoke as he sat up, "They are not severe, but they're pressing enough that she cannot leave her quarters for the moment," Kouen felt a small bolt of disappointment that he buried as his father gazed at them with narrowed eyes, "I will inform her you asked about her."

"Thank you," Koumei inclined his head as Kouen nodded.

Eyeing them for a long moment, Koutoku's scrutiny lingered, searching for any signs of deception. The courtiers watched with bated breath as the drama unfolded before them. The Emperor finally sighed, acknowledging the complexity of the situation, "See to it that Lady Iris recovers swiftly," he commanded, his gaze shifting between his sons, "I will need a detailed account of the events from both of you once I've dealt with matters at the palace."

"Yes, Father," They agreed in chorus.

As they withdrew from the court, the whispers erupted anew, the courtiers speculating on the events surrounding Lady Iris and the explosion at the theater.

In the dimly lit room, Iris lay in bed feeling as if it had been run over by a carriage. Every muscle ached, and a persistent fever had settled in, casting a shroud of discomfort over her. A deep fatigue gripped her, making even the simplest movements a daunting task. The warmth emanating from her flushed skin contrasted sharply with the chill that seemed to seep into her bones. Though her body yearned for rest, sleep remained elusive, the illness stirring unsettling dreams that danced on the fringe of her consciousness. Her throat felt raw, each swallow a painful reminder of the affliction she had willingly subjected herself to.

The illness, carefully induced by her potions, mirrored the symptoms of a severe flu, yet with a unique twist. Despite the flu-like nature of her ailment, there was a peculiar quality to it. Iris couldn't quite put her finger on it, but it was as if the illness existed in a realm of its own, refusing to conform entirely to the known symptoms of any common malady. The absence of sneezing, usually a hallmark of such illnesses, added to the enigma surrounding her condition. As she lay in the dimly lit room, she marveled at how she'd managed to improve Fred and George's design to such a degree.

Hearing the door creak open, Iris slowly managed to turn her head and spotted Kouen entering the room. Koumei followed after him with a stern-faced man that she would bet her favorite set of paints was the doctor sent by the palace. Forcing herself into a sitting position was exhausting, she trembled with the effort and was grateful when Kouen wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Meeting his concerned gaze for a brief moment, she smiled weakly before glancing towards the doctor as he approached her bedside with a seemingly unimpressed expression. Boasting an air of professional detachment, he addressed her, "You are Lady Iris?"

"I am," Iris's voice was hoarse from the coughing fits she'd already endured since taking the potion earlier that day, "You must be the doctor they sent to verify my illness,"

The doctor gave a curt nod, his eyes scanning Iris with clinical scrutiny. "Indeed, Lady Iris. I am here to assess the nature and severity of your ailment."

Nodding weakly, Iris slowly started to lean back against her pillows once more and Kouen removed his arm once she'd gotten settled. Stepping away from the bed, he moved to stand beside Koumei. As the doctor's cool hand touched her overheated skin, she remarked, "I trust you'll be thorough," she ensured her tone carried quite a bit of resignation as if this was something that happened a lot, "I wouldn't want any doubts lingering regarding the authenticity of my condition."

Eyes flickering to her face, the doctor seemed a bit surprised at Iris's willingness to let him touch her though didn't comment on it. As the doctor released a small uncaring hum and moved on, Iris's eyes went half-lidded. The dim light in the room played tricks on her senses, casting shadows that danced along the edges of her vision. Every breath felt like a chore and her head was growing fuzzy with each passing moment, she felt like the room was a sauna. Blinking slowly as her eyes slid towards where Kouen and Koumei stood together, the two wore stoic expressions that belayed none of the concern and worry that their eyes showed.

Blinking rapidly as the doctor moved away from her far more quickly than she expected, Iris couldn't quite hear him as he addressed Kouen and Koumei, "Her symptoms are consistent with a severe flu-like illness," he stated with clinical precision, "She will require rest and proper care. I recommend monitoring her closely for any changes in her condition."

Nodding to the man, Kouen's expression grave, "Thank you for your assessment, Doctor. We will ensure Lady Iris receives the care she needs."

Watching the doctor leave with only a curt nod, Iris felt a mixture of relief and frustration. She spoke as Kouen approached her bed while Koumei went towards her door, "This is fucking shitty."

"I know," Kouen's gaze was soft as he brushed some hair from her face, "Once we're sure he's gone, I'll give you the counter potion,"

"And then I'll have to take another fucking potion the moment someone else from the palace comes by," Iris grumbled as her eyes slid closed, "I hate being sick like this,"

Hand brushing against her forehead, Kouen's voice was soft, "I can tell," She managed to crack open an eye and gave him a slight glare, "At the very least, you won't be sick for long."

Letting out a low grumble, Iris forced her body to shift away from him even if it felt like she was nearly killing herself doing so. As soon as she was on her side though, a coughing fit started and she promptly regretted the action. A hand rubbed her back soothingly and she was helped to lay back once more after the fit had subsided. She grimaced at the taste of iron in her mouth. Kouen spoke as she weakly raised a hand to mouth and rubbed at her lips, "Iris..."

"I fucking-" A cough interrupted Iris and she was wheezing painfully for a few moments after.

"Let's sit you up," Koumei suggested as he walked over.

Despite the urge to glare, Iris nodded and she was helped into a proper sitting position. Due to her currently weak body, she needed someone to support her properly and Kouen sat down beside her with Koumei on the other side. Head slowly settling on Kouen's shoulder, she muttered, "I hate coughing. I hate being sick. I fucking hate this plan."

There was a warm hand rubbing her back and she found her eyes closing, Iris barely listened as Koumei murmured, "We'll figure out a way to end this soon, Iris. I promise."

Grumbling in reply, Iris very nearly dozed off against Kouen's shoulder and wanted to curse him out when he pulled away from her. She was pulled to lean against Koumei as Kouen left the room with Seishuu. She muttered, "Where's he going?"

"The doctor's finally gone same with Gyokuen's minions," Koumei's fingers rubbed her back, "He's grabbing the counter,"

"Good," Iris didn't want to try sleeping with this particular potion in her system again as the first few times had been terrible.

Despite the semi-uncomfortable position, Iris managed to fall back into her slight doze. She was forced out of it when Koumei was gently jostling after Kouen had returned. Taking the potion from Kouen, she downed it with some difficulty and almost couldn't keep it down. She was handed some tea by Koumei which had some lemon and honey in it which helped soothe her sore throat. As soon as the potion began taking effect, she released a low sigh of relief as Koumei asked, "Is it working?"

"Starting to, I'll be fine in an hour," Iris assured him earning a relieved look, "Granted, my throat is going to be sore as shit for a couple of days, but it's a small price," She looked at Kouen, "Wait until tomorrow to tell me anything important, alright? I'm gonna be slightly delirious until then,"

Lips twitching in amusement, Kouen nodded to her, "Alright."

"I think...I'm going to bed," Iris murmured after finishing the small cup of tea Koumei had given her, "I'm tired...that was exhausting..."

"Wouldn't you like to take a bath?" Koumei asked her earning a soft snort.

"I feel like I'm about to fall unconscious," Iris handed him her empty tea cup and shifted to lay back against her pillows, "If I try bathing, I'll just...I might just drown,"

Eyes already drifting shut, Iris managed to force them open when a hand pressed into the pillow beside her head. She peered up at Kouen in curiosity. He spoke softly, "Rest, Iris. We'll handle the rest. You've done enough for today."

To her surprise, Kouen pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before pulling back. Iris found herself weakly reaching for him before the thought even crossed her mind. His eyes met hers as he caught her hand before it could hit the bed, she spoke as fatigue bit at her like a rabid animal, "I...y-you'll both see me tomorrow right? W-we'll talk about what happened?"

"Of course," Kouen promised her as his fingers gently squeezed hers.

"O-okay..." Iris's eyes slid closed as everything she'd done today caught up with her.

As sleep tugged her into its embrace, Iris felt Kouen's fingers slip away from hers though the warmth of his touch lingered even as her consciousness faded.

There was a heaviness that gripped him as he settled down across from Kouen, Koumei's mind couldn't seem to focus on anything other than Iris's frail form. Foreknowledge on the potion or not, he hadn't seen her struck so low since they'd rescued her from the dungeon and even then...the difference sent a heavy pang through. Across the table, Kouen's gaze was distant, his mind undoubtedly wrestling with the same images. The weight of responsibility for orchestrating this plan, for subjecting Iris to the ravages of the potion, pressed on them both. Voice soft as he broke the silence that had fallen over them, he admitted as his stomach twisted, "Despite her words, "I didn't expect it to affect her so intensely,"

Eyes meeting his, Kouen's jaw clenched as he gripped the untouched glass of wine in his hand tightly, "It had to be convincing," He raised his glass, We need Gyokuen to believe it was a genuine illness."

"But at what cost?" Koumei's voice held a tinge of frustration, "I've studied countless scenarios, but this...seeing her like that...it almost reminded me of-"

Cutting himself off, Koumei shook his head even as Kouen grunted with a look of understanding. His older brother finally took a sip from his wine glass before replying, "We've placed a heavy burden on her shoulders even if she doesn't make it seem so," Kouen's expression tightened as conviction and concern mingled together, "She's strong, but even the strongest need some form of reprieve."

"We need to balance things better," Koumei rubbed at his face feeling tired, "We have to work towards our goals while also ensuring her safety and happiness...we also need to consider her wellbeing,"

The room remained enveloped in a contemplative silence. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on the walls, creating a dance of light and dark, much like the complexities of the situation they found themselves entangled in. Kouen broke the silence that had fallen over them, "We need to gather more information. Gyokuen's inner circle of nobles needs to be flushed out if we're ever going to figure out where the assassin is. Or even if it's just one assassin," Koumei raised an eyebrow at that, "I have my doubts that the attacks on both the market and your garden are singular incidents. Despite lacking proof, I'm sure we can find out the truth sooner or later."

"True enough," Koumei rubbed at his face, "I'll get my information team on it and ensure they proceed more carefully. We don't need a repeat of the theater,"