Verdant Skies

With her head pillowed by another's arm as someone drew random symbols along her hip, Iris breathed out a content sigh as she tilted her head back. A low chuckle rumbled close to her ear as the arm wrapped around her waist tightened and she was tugged against a bare chest. Warm lips pressed biting kisses into her bare shoulder, she reached back blindly as a nose pressed into the crook of her neck sending shivers down her spine. The fingers drawing symbols along her hips paused as Koumei's voice sounded, "En, you'll make her nervous doing that."

"What am I doing?" Kouen murmured half teasingly as her fingers found their way into his hair.

"You know what," Iris shifted her eyes to peer at Koumei...

Iris jolted awake as a knock echoed on her door, and she pressed a hand to her chest as a dark flush coated her cheeks. The heat from the dream seemed to etch its way into her, the phantom feeling of being touched sent pangs of yearning through her. Shaking herself slightly, she cleared her throat while calling out, "Enter."

The door opened allowing in a maid who bustled towards Iris, "Ah, good, you're up already, dear. The palace doctor is going to be here in an hour and Princess Hakuei won't be long after. We need to get you ready and that awful potion into your system."

"R-right," Irish managed to say.

Pulling herself from the bed as the maid approached, Iris began to get ready for the day feeling small pangs of dread well up. But she found her mind wandering to the dream, the intimate moments that had filled her night. There was a low heat that seemed to linger on her skin where she'd been touched within the dream, the faint scent of Kouen and Koumei lingered in her nose. Even as she was drinking down the loathsome potion, the lingering hints of their taste seemed to stick on her tongue making it easier to ignore the foul aftertaste of the potion.

Sinking back into her bed as the symptoms of illness started to creep in, Iris glanced at the maid as the woman murmured, "Lady Iris, I'll go get you some tea to help soothe your throat."

"Thank you," Iris replied as she settled back against the pillows.

As the door shut behind the maid and she was left alone as the potion truly started to set in, Iris tried to distract herself from the growing aches. Her body already starting to become chilled and her mind becoming hazy, she pulled the blanket tighter over her chest. Images began dancing through her mind as she slumped against the bed, the strength in her limbs fading with each passing moment. Embarrassment tangled yearning as her dream played out once more, she felt her cheeks flush from both the growing sickness taking over and the feelings surging within her.

There was a soft sound from the maid as she returned with a tray of tea, the woman clicked her tongue and set the tray down on a nearby table, "You're worsening quicker each day. I do hope this plan finishes soon or you might become sick for real."

Slowly forcing herself up on heavy limbs, Iris was grateful when the maid adjusted her pillows to let her lean back against them, "Thank you," She took the steaming teacup from the woman and slowly sipped at it, "I hope it ends soon as well."

Gently patting her shoulder, the maid straightened a few things around her room, "Alright, I will return with the doctor when he arrives and Princess Hakuei shouldn't be too long after him. Prince Kouen left a message saying he should return not long before sunset, but given how things have been going as of late, we can't tell how true that is."

"It's fine," Iris shook her head softly, "Thank you for telling me though,"

Bowing lightly to her, the maid left Iris to drink the rest of her tea and try to relax as best she could before the palace doctor arrived.

Leaning back against her pillows feeling drained from having to deal with the palace doctor and continue using the potion, Iris bit back the urge to grimace as the door opened. Hakuei strode into her room and an odd expression crossed her features. One of worry mixed with surprise though she couldn't be too sure as her judgement wasn't the best at the current moment. Walking forward, Hakuei spoke softly, "Iris...Despite being told your condition, I wasn't quite expecting this..."

Barely managing a small smile, Iris spoke, "Some days it's better and others...others it isn't," She managed to shrug her shoulders, "I've had to deal with this for a long time unfortunately."

Approaching the bed, Hakuei's expression turned to one of concern, "Is there no cure for this illness? Back in your home?"

Shaking her head with a soft sigh, Iris mentally groaned at having to add onto the lie, "No, it was a lesser issue compared to everything going on. If my parents had been alive, I'm sure they would have pressed for someone to find a cure, but..." She saw Hakuei's eyes widen, "I'm an orphan, so never had anyone to back me up back in my old home. This ailment is a shadow cast on my life...much like many other things I've had to deal with over the years..."

As Hakuei absorbed this information, Iris felt a pang of guilt but maintained her facade. The dim light in the room was beginning to play tricks on her senses, casting shadows that danced along the edges of her vision. Every breath felt like a chore, and her head grew fuzzier with each passing moment. She couldn't afford Hakuei to question the authenticity of her condition, not now when the potion was making it so hard to think.

Concern etched itself deeply across Hakuei's features, the princess murmured, "I had no idea...And your friends just allowed you to travel without them? Let you risk this happening?"

Maintaining her weak smile, Iris sighed heavily, "As I said during the dinner we shared, it was time for us all to part ways. And it isn't like this happens very often," She saw the frown forming on Hakuei's features, "Do not feel bad, Hakuei. I insisted on the separation. My friends, for all that we care for one another, have never had the chance to truly explore. For once, I wished to give them the chance."

That expression of concern on Hakuei's face deepened and she slowly took a seat on Iris's bed, a warm hand grasped one of hers, "Iris, I...you shouldn't face something like this alone though."

Letting out a low laugh as she avoided Hakuei's gaze, Iris coughed as her throat itched and she covered her mouth with the hand that wasn't being held. Keeping her mouth covered for a long moment, she grimaced at the bone-deep ache that emanated from her chest. Slowly sinking further into the pillows behind her, she spoke hoarsely as her hand dropped onto the bed, "Allowing them to finally explore, it was a choice I'm glad to have made, Hakuei. After all, it wasn't as if we'd ever had many freedoms before," She saw the princess's eyes widen, "And giving them a chance to be free of my troubles? I had to give them a chance to explore the world without being burdened by my troubles."

"But you're not a burden-" Hakuei started to protest.

A wry smile forming, Iris shook her head, "That is something I've heard quite often though I doubt I'll ever truly believe it," The fact she could slip in some truth eased the guilt that ate away at her, "But you didn't come here just to check on me, did you, Hakuei?"

There was a heavy silence as Hakuei pondered over her words, Iris's hand was held in a tight grip as the princess's eyes filled with a mixture of emotions. Eventually, she spoke in a low tone, "I...I'll admit that I did come here for alternate reasons, but I-"

"It's fine," Iris smiled lightly as she assured the woman, "Koumei figured you'd seek me out eventually,"

Snorting softly as she shook her head, Hakuei muttered, "That-I swear," She released Iris's hand and stood, "I...I don't know how exactly to word things. Not after seeing you in this condition," She turned towards Iris with a frown, "I had it all planned out in my head, and then...I saw how you looked..."

"Don't want to waste a good plan," Iris offered with an amused look.

Giggling as she covered her mouth with a hand, Hakuei closed her eyes, "You almost sound like Kouen when he's trying to be sarcastic after a few drinks too many."

Blinking a bit, Iris raised an eyebrow, "Really?"

"Mhmm?" Hakuei opened her eyes and moved to sit down in the chair that was sitting beside Iris's bed, "It's been so long since he's done anything like that though. I think...two years, maybe? It was a little bit after he got Astaroth,"

Making a noise of interest, Iris reached towards the teacup that was set beside her bed, "You know they've never actually told me about how they conquered their dungeons. I've been curious, but haven't asked because of everything going on. I've seen their Djinn equips."

"Really? Even Phenex?" Hakuei asked her with a surprised look.

"I did have to bug him for a few days, but that phoenix painting downstairs in the main hall?" Iris grinned weakly as Hakuei's eyes widened, "I did that one after seeing it,"

"Now that you mention it, I can see it," Hakuei smiled lightly as Iris took a sip of her tea.

As the conversation slipped into something lighter, a maid slipped in with more tea and some snacks after a while. Iris did not doubt that she'd eventually have to deal with Hakuei's prodding even if it wouldn't happen just yet.

As the sun finally began to dip beneath the horizon, Kouen made his way through the halls of his palace towards Iris's room. As he approached the door to Iris's quarters, he noticed the soft murmur of voices from within. Surprise flickered across his features as gentle laughter rang out, the sound of a coughing fit from Iris brokered some concern and he quickened his pace as she should have taken the counter potion by now. Pushing open the door without bothering to knock, he found Hakuei patting Iris's back as the coughing fit died down while the dragon-witch's ragged breathing slowly settled down.

Fingers clenching her bedspread, Iris muttered something softly before slowly raising her head only to pause as their eyes locked. Despite the recent bout of coughing and being forced to be sick all day, Iris managed to offer him a weak smile, "Welcome home, Kouen."

A surge of concern tightened his chest at how hoarse her voice was. Her skin was far paler than any other day she'd taken the potion as well, he could see her trembling even from the door which worried him greatly. Just how weakened had she become from a few extra hours spent under the potion's grasp? Kouen's jaw clenched though his eyes turned towards Hakuei as she greeted him, "Prince Kouen."

"Hakuei," Kouen greeted her before turning his attention back on Iris as he strode towards the bed, "Iris, you should have taken it easier today,"

"I technically did," Iris murmured as Hakuei helped her to lay back against the pillows, "Hakuei's been with me since a bit after the doctor left. Keeping me company,"

Glancing towards Hakuei as he reached the bed, Kouen's eyes narrowed at her. Moving away from the bed, Hakuei dropped her hands and offered him a slight smile. She let out a gentle laugh, "Indeed, we spent the entire time talking and getting to know one another better though I doubt I've even learned that much about you, Iris."

Gaze flickering between the two as Iris covered her mouth with a soft sound, Kouen frowned as she murmured, "It was nice."

"I should get going now that Prince Kouen's back," Hakuei offered him a respectful bow, "If you'll excuse me,"

Waving her off, Kouen watched Hakuei leave before turning to Iris once the door had closed behind her. Reaching out, he gently pushed away the hair that had fallen into her face before cupping her cheek. Even with the usual heat she gave off, she was far warmer than before and clammy which unsettled him. She leaned into his touch with a weary sigh as he murmured, "You seem worse off than any other day, Iris."

Low sound leaving her, Iris's eyes closed as she nuzzled into his hand, "Having the potion in my system this long is pushing it," She weakly grasped at his wrist and he grimaced at how clammy her fingers felt, "Can I have the counter?"

Reaching into the inner pocket of his kimono, Kouen pulled out the counter potion. Moving to sit down on the bed beside her, Kouen had her lean against him and coaxed Iris into drinking it. Seeing her face contort, he quickly covered Iris's mouth knowing that she might end up coughing up the counter potion before it had time to reach her stomach. Only once she'd relaxed against his side once more did he remove his hand, he carefully adjusted Iris and poured her some tea from the teapot that was sitting on her bedside table. Handing her the teacup, he watched her sip at it for a few moments before sighing heavily as she glanced at him with a tired expression.

Speaking softly, Kouen didn't bother to keep the concern from his voice, "You should have tried to get her to leave earlier...my staff knows to get you the potion, Iris."

"I know," A semi-sulky expression formed before dissipating as Iris sighed heavily, "I just...Hakuei was...nice, Kouen," She bit her bottom lip before grimacing and sticking her tongue out earning a low chuckle, "Not funny, I fucking hate the taste of potions,"

"I can't help it. You look adorable like that," Kouen smiled softly at her as she took another sip of her tea.

Rolling her eyes at him, Iris's eyes gained a hint of playfulness despite the weariness, "Adorable, huh? I'll have to keep that in mind when I'm not feeling like death warmed over."

Chuckling as she shifted to lean into him a bit more, Kouen wrapped his arm around Iris's shoulders taking care to avoid touching her neck. She took another sip from the teacup as he contemplated asking what had occurred while Hakuei had visited. It wouldn't surprise him if Hakuei had come here intending to suss out Iris. But it could wait until tomorrow when she wasn't so tired, he instead told her, "I wish you would have tried to have her leave earlier, Iris. I dislike coming home to you in this condition."

Low hum leaving her, Iris's head touched his shoulder, "I didn't exactly plan on it, but...I'll try to be more careful next time."

"Good," Kouen's expression softened as his thumb gently ran along where it touched her side.

Silence fell over them with Iris's body steadily growing heavier against him, Kouen took the teacup from her after realizing she hadn't drank from it recently. Setting the teacup aside, Kouen adjusted Iris's position, making sure she was comfortable. Worry gnawed at him, he couldn't shake it after seeing her in this weakened state. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on her face, emphasizing the lines of exhaustion etched into her features. Sighing softly as she shifted against him, Iris's face pressing against the hollow of his throat as her fingers gripped his kimono softly.

Guilt ate at him, Kouen loathed that he hadn't been there to prevent this. He spoke softly, "I'll ensure that you get the counter potion promptly next time."

Nodding against his neck, Iris's breath ghosting against the skin, "I appreciate it, Kouen."

Cradling her against him in a way that he'd only imagined during a far more intimate moment, Kouen felt none of the heat he'd once imagined would be present. As the moments passed, Iris's breathing gradually deepened, signaling she was drifting off to sleep. He couldn't help but marvel at the vulnerability she allowed him to witness despite the fact he'd inadvertently caused the problem. Eyes going half-lidded, he allowed his mind until a soft knock sounded on the door. Gently lowering Iris onto the bed and tucking her in, he made his way to the door as another knock sounded.

"M'lord," The maid bowed softly, "I'm sorry to bother you, but Prince Koumei has arrived,"

Despite his deepest wish to ignore it, Kouen knew that Koumei wouldn't have come tonight if something hadn't happened with the informants. Stepping outside of Iris's room, he closed the door behind him gently, "Ensure that Iris is not bothered at all until she decides to wake up tomorrow."

"Yes, M'lord," The maid bowed lightly, "I'll spread the word," She paused for a moment before speaking in a soft tone, "M'lord, if I may," He eyed her though nodded, "While I've little doubt that many of the others among the staff feel the same as me, I wish it should be made known," She took a deep breath, "Professionally speaking, we do not try to get attached to any who walk these halls save for you, M'lord. But Lady Iris seems to be of a different breed from your usual guest," He mentally snorted as the few guests that ended up staying within his palace were princesses that his father demanded he try to woo, "We are...concerned for a lack of a better term," She toyed with the cleaning cloth in her hands, "During these past few weeks, it seems as if she's becoming a shell of herself because of that dreadful concoction, M'lord. While we can't even think to comprehend why you must have her do such a thing, it worries us,"

Furrowing his brows, Kouen hadn't expected his staff to become so attached to Iris. Though perhaps it was for the better, it only cemented the trust he could have in his staff though he'd still trust his household more. Inclining his head, he spoke softly, "I appreciate your honesty and concern for Lady Iris," He chose his words with care, "The situation is a complex one, but I assure you Iris is a willing participant," He could see the worry in the maid's eyes, "Though trust me that this situation will not continue for much longer."

"I...Good," The maid bowed once more, "If you'll excuse me, m'lord,"

The maid rushed off and Kouen began making his way towards the study where Koumei had likely settled himself.

"Iris," Koumei greeted her from his place beside a map-coated table though his smile faltered after a moment, "Are you alright?"

"Just tired," Iris offered him a tired smile as she walked into Kouen's study and let the door close behind her, "You'd think sleeping the day away would've taken that away, but I'm apparently not that lucky,"

Snorting despite the concern gleaming in his eyes, Koumei smiled faintly, "At least you're up now," She hummed lightly and moved to sit down as Kouen gestured to the seat across from him, "Have you eaten yet?"

Giving them a sheepish smile as she settled in the offered seat, Iris rubbed the back of her neck, "Well, I was a bit focused on getting cleaned up since being sick all day yesterday then sleeping it off left me feeling gross..." She saw the twin looks of disapproval aimed at her, "I also got the message that you two wanted to see me, so..."

"You came straight here after your bath," Kouen shook his head, "I'd scold you, but I doubt it would do any good,"

Sticking her tongue out at him, Iris heard Koumei snort as he moved away from the map-laden table. She glanced at him as he headed for the door, "Koumei?"

"We should order some snacks anyway. I have a feeling this meeting is going to take a while," Koumei told her before opening the door and calling for a maid's attention.

Drawing her attention to him before she could ask Koumei what he meant, Kouen cleared his throat. Steepling his fingers, he leaned back against his chair, "While I'll allow Koumei to go in-depth, the information-gathering team has gotten what we needed."

Straightening as her breath caught, Iris felt a bolt of excitement rush through her as the door closed. She looked back at Koumei as a slow grin spread across her cheeks, "So we know who the assassins are?"

Smiling lightly, Koumei nodded as he walked towards the map-laden table. Laying a hand on it, he looked at her with a pleased gleam in his eyes, "They managed to do more than that. With your truth serum, we found out the entire list of nobles Gyokuen plans on killing and in what order. Who her inner circle is exactly, the outer circle as well, and their links to her."

Whistling at that, Iris shook her head, "That makes brewing it worth the pain," She grinned slightly while leaning back against her chair, "So," She looked between the two, "Mind filling me in? And letting me know how I'm going to be helping catch the assassins?"

With a pair of chuckles, they settled into their meeting only taking a break once the food and drinks Koumei had ordered arrived. The atmosphere in the study shifted as they delved into the details of the gathered intelligence. Kouen and Koumei shared intricate information about Gyokuen's plans, her allies, and the imminent threats against the kingdom. Iris found herself marveling over just how quickly Gyokuen had moved. How the woman had decided to act despite seemingly loving Kou and being wed to its current Emperor.

Leaning back against her chair, Iris sipped at her tea as she commented, "So she put everything into action after I arrived..."

"Though the question is why," Koumei tapped a quill against his cheek as he leaned against the table, "After all, she would have not known who you were back then. Even now, she likely barely has any knowledge of you,"

"And what little she's managed to gain is likely confusing her," Iris set down her cup, "After all, I never showed this type of illness while working underneath Lord Habi. Any problems caused by the collar were different,"

"Regardless, we still need to deal with the assassins," Kouen gestured to the small selection of ornaments Koumei had set up to mark their targets, "I would prefer to have them captured alive. If we can do that, we'll be able to dose them with truth serum right before dragging them in front of Father,"

"Which means you can also question their ties to Gyokuen," Iris offered earning a small smirk.

"While I doubt she dealt with them, it would be nice if she fucked up like that," Kouen chuckled softly though his eyes gained a glint of concern as he turned towards her, "Iris, you have assisted us greatly during this. I-"

"You don't want me to involve myself further," Iris finished for him and saw a flash of surprise cross his features, "I figured you would say something like that after Gyokuen tried to pull something at the theater. And I'm not about to argue," She let out a tired sigh and leaned back against the chair, "No matter how much I want to take part and help you two capture the assassins, I'm in a weakened state right now. My magic will not properly respond as it's trying to compensate for how badly the potions have been fucking with me. If I even tried to transform into my dragon form, I'd probably just injure myself," She offered them a wry smile, "So the most I'll do is offer what potions I've already got brewed and moral support for the moment,"

Walking over to her, Kouen grasped one of her hands, "Iris...I...thank you."

"For what? Listening to you both?" Iris let out a low laugh and shook her head, "Don't worry about it, I did make a promise back when this all started to listen when you two said to take a step back, remember?"

"Not quite in those words, but yes," Koumei smiled at her.

"I need to take a proper look at my potions, but it shouldn't take too long," Iris squeezed Kouen's hand softly, "I'll get you the list of what I've got and we can figure out what will work for the plan,"

"Sounds good," Koumei nodded to her as he turned back to the map.

Striding through Kouen's palace as sunlight filtered through the halls, Koumei felt a small hint of excitement at the fact he would be seeing Iris without Kouen around for the first time in a while. Finding her room with some ease, he knocked softly and barely to wait a moment before Iris called for him to enter. Stepping inside, he found a soft smile forming at the organized chaos that seemed to have spread across the space. Odds and ends were tossed about, he found himself marveling at the mixture of colors for a short moment before his eyes found Iris sprawled on her stomach with a notebook in hand.

Opened wide was a wooden box, Koumei could pick out the shimmering potion vials within it even from the doorway. Carefully making his way toward where Iris lay, he spoke in a light tone, "You look comfortable."

"Not really," Iris glanced at him with a half-smile though didn't get up, "I couldn't think of a better position to go through this entire box and mark down everything without the risk of something going numb," She tilted her head, "Are those flowers?"

Cheeks flushing slightly, Koumei nodded with a soft cough, "I remembered that you enjoyed seeing these in particular in my garden and I know Kouen's doesn't have them," He glanced at the light purple blooms that looked almost pink towards the edges, "I would have brought you more art supplies, but wasn't sure if you needed any-"

"It's fine," Iris pushed herself up and took the small bouquet from him with a light smile, "I don't need any more art supplies right now since I'm not able to work with how often I've had to use that potion to get sick and my recovery period just seems to lengthen after each use," She shook her head with a soft sigh while moving to put the flowers in an empty vase sitting on the dresser, "So I'm still stocked up from when Kouha had to replace what he and Judar wasted,"

Noting the slight tremble in her hands she settled the flowers in the vase, the way Iris seemed to strain herself trying to be still enough not to shake the vase. Koumei felt the concern he'd been battling within the back of his mind shifts to the forefront. Stepping up behind her, he gently wrapped an arm around her waist and felt the tremors going through her body. Realizing that she'd likely lied about why she'd been in that position when he'd entered, he felt a pang hit him. Speaking softly as she stiffened against him, he reached out to help adjust the flowers so they wouldn't topple the vase, "Iris, you don't have to push yourself. Even without the potions, we'll be able to capture the assassins."

"I..." Iris slowly leaned into him as she withdrew her hands, "I just..." She looked at him with a weariness that tore at his heart, "Koumei, I'm not one to give up a job halfway through..."

He understood Iris's determination and her commitment to the task at hand, but he couldn't stand seeing her strain herself to the point of exhaustion. With a gentle touch, he turned her around to face him. Voice soft as he began to speak, Koumei's eyes were locked with hers, "Iris, I appreciate your dedication, I truly do. But there's no shame in recognizing your limits. Not when you've run yourself ragged," He saw a shimmer run across those emerald green eyes and felt his heart ache, "We're a team, and we'll find a way to manage without overburdening you. Your well-being is important to us,"

Iris met his gaze, a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability in her eyes. Sighing leaving her as her shoulders slumped, Koumei felt her fingers curl into his kimono, "I know you're right, Koumei. It's just... hard for me to step back. I've always been the one to see things through, to finish what I start...had to..."

Cupping her cheek, Koumei gently swiped away one of the tears that had begun to fall as his heart broke for her. Looking into her tired eyes, he yearned to hear every little bit of her past just then though held in those words, "And that determination is one of the things I admire most about you. But in moments like this, you need to share the burden, Iris."

As a small smile formed that didn't quite reach her eyes, Iris muttered, "Somehow you seem to always know what to say."

Chuckling as affection and concern trailed their way through him, Koumei smiled back at her, "Being everyone's sounding board has that effect, I've also had my fair share of moments when someone has had to tell me to slow down as well," She gave him a look of surprise, "I was sick though and it was before my team of advisors was good enough to be left alone."

"Somehow that makes me feel a bit better," Iris hesitated for a moment before asking him, "Koumei...would you help me? I mean you'll need to see the list anyway, but-"

"I'd love to," Koumei chuckled softly.

Moving back towards the box of potions, they settled down on the floor though this time Iris leaned into his side. Directing him as she carefully wrote everything down, Iris pointed out which potion was which and explained what they did. She also went in depth about how to tell when the potions were close to expiring which was an interesting thing to learn. As the last potion was put away and he closed up the box for Iris, he looked at her as she muttered, "Now to find the energy to shrink it...and put everything away."

"What exactly happened? I've been meaning to ask since coming in here," Koumei rubbed soothing circles along his waist as she leaned back against him.

Closing the notebook, Iris tossed it lightly onto a nearby chair as she admitted, "My chest, the one all this came from, isn't able to organize itself, unlike my weapon. Which is honestly on par for a Luna enchantment," She rubbed at her face, "So every time I have to grab something, I need to dig through it unless the item happens to be close to the top."

"I...wow," Koumei shook his head, "Somehow, I feel less than surprised though I'm guessing that would be from dealing with Luna,"

"I love her dearly, but sometimes I'd love to strangle her," Iris's head dropped against his chest, "I think I'll leave the potions box close to the surface. While I'd love to leave it out, I can't risk it until after that stupid doctor stops coming to visit,"

Despite the amusement he could feel welling up at how Iris's chest seemed to resemble Luna, Koumei felt his stomach drop a bit at the reminder of the palace doctor. Despite the strength Iris bore, he knew she was weakening with each use of that potion. He felt Iris shift and glanced down at her only to see a look of concern being directed at him. Offering her a small smile, he gently cupped her cheek, "Something wrong?"

Cheeks flushing, Iris hesitated for a moment before admitting, "You stopped moving your thumb," Koumei blinked as he realized that she was right and felt a small amount of amusement at the fact she'd felt the need to comment on it, "I...why?"

"Just thinking," Koumei resumed the movement of his thumb though part of him wished it was on the skin beneath her clothes, "Hopefully you won't have to deal with the palace doctor for much longer,"

"Hopefully," Iris sighed and his ears picked up on the weariness within that sound.

Moving the hand cupping her cheek, he gently grasped her chin, "Iris," She peered at him with wide eyes, "Kouen and I will ensure it, alright? Just trust us."

"I-alright?" Iris nodded slowly.

Unable to help himself, Koumei used the hold he had on Iris's chin to gently maneuver her head into a better position. Pressing a kiss to her lips, he relished in the sigh that left her and the way her hands scrambled to grasp his kimono. Deepening the kiss, he felt one of her hands leave his kimono only to feel it touch his neck almost hesitantly. Almost smiling at the touch, he shifted a bit to give her more access to his neck even if the position they were in made it hard. Warm fingers hesitantly slid across his neck before trailing into his hair as he gently prodded at her tongue, a low sound left Iris's throat as she responded to him.

Pulling back after he'd managed to coax her into making a few more sounds, Koumei ignored the slight ache in his neck. Iris's hand stayed where it was she leaned a bit more heavily against him. Lips slightly bruised, she panted against his chest with her eyes darkened. Speaking as his thumb continued to drag along her waist in soothing circles, Koumei's voice was soft, "I will have to leave soon. You need to get some rest and I've got to deliver this list to En."

Eyes flickering towards him, Iris murmured, "I...yeah...I should get my stuff put back too."

But neither of them moved despite their words which sent tendrils of amusement through him, Koumei contemplated kissing Iris again. The temptation to see just how many more sounds he could draw from her was growing with each passing moment. There was a soft noise from Iris before she finally pulled her hand away, the light scrape of her nails sent pleasant shivers down his spine. Part of him wondered how her nails would feel burrowed in his back, he forced back that thought as a knock sounded on her door. Shifting away from him, she clicked her tongue softly with a faint look of irritation crossing her features.

Pushing himself to his feet, Koumei spoke, "Iris...I-" He grimaced slightly as another knock sounded, "Later?"

"Unfortunately," Iris's nose wrinkled before she smoothed out her features, "Enter!"

At seeing one of Kouen's household members walk in, Koumei mentally scowled though kept his expression light. Seishuu nodded to him, "Prince Koumei," He smiled brightly at Iris, "Lady Iris! How are you today?"

"Tired," Iris's tone was somewhat bland and Koumei wanted to snicker at how Seishuu's face fell, "Did Kouen send you to check on me?"

"He did," Seishuu confirmed with a light smile, "Need any help?"

Glancing about herself, Iris nodded after a moment, "Sure," She looked at Koumei, "I guess I'll see you later."

"Of course," Koumei promised her.

Despite his deepest wish to kick out Seishuu and simply give in to the desire to kiss Iris again, Koumei left with a small nod to his brother's household. He had a lot of work to do after all and little time to do it if they wanted to ensure Iris didn't need to take another of those damn illness-inducing potions.