Verdant Skies

Settled at a table that had been brought into her room, Iris extracted various vials from her potion box. Each one was arranged with care beside the box, the soft candlelight lighting up her room caused the innate colors within each vial to shift about. As she gently set down each vial, her eyes flicked toward the second list Kouen and Koumei had comprised. Reaching out as the last vial was placed down, she traced her fingers across the parchment where familiar handwriting rested. Satisfaction stirred within her, the fact she'd be able to assist them despite her weakened state left her happy. Yet even as that thought touched her mind, she felt the surging undercurrent of guilt well up despite her best efforts.

Grimacing as she pulled her fingers back from the parchment, Iris's voice was soft as her eyes shut, "Is this enough?"

Despite the constant assurance from Kouen and Koumei, the fact that she wouldn't be there to back them up made her ache. Iris, the one who'd always been the first one up to bat, was staying on the sidelines for this fight. Fingers clenching as the promise to stay back and rest reared inside her head, she felt as if there was a fraying thread within her mind-delicate balance had been upset within her. Eyes going to the potions, she wondered for the first time in a long time if they would be as effective as usual. Without her applying them, would they fail?

As her thoughts whirled, Iris's nails bit into the flesh of her palms and she forcefully shook her head. Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself that Kouen and Koumei had asked her to trust them. And despite the self-doubt currently trying to shake her, she did trust them. So she pushed back against the tendrils of self-doubt, she began gathering up the potions and carefully placing them with the crate beside the table. As she was finishing up, a knock sounded on the door. Calling for whoever it was to enter, she focused on finishing her task. Seishuu stepped inside, "Lady Iris, are those the potions?"

"Yup," Iris offered him a small smile as she placed the last one into the crate, "They're ready if you're here to take them to Kouen and Koumei,"

"I am," Seishuu walked over and bent down to pick up the crate, "Oof, I wasn't expecting it to be heavy,"

Snickering softly, Iris shot him a light grin, "Just be glad you aren't trying to pick up this," She gestured to her potions box, "Now get going, you all have a busy night to get to."

"Not seeing us off?" Seishuu asked her curiously as he adjusted his hold on the crate.

Eyes lingering on the crate for a moment, Iris released a small sigh and shook her head, "As much as I would like to, I'm afraid I'd be too tempted to join you all," Seishuu gave her a surprised look, "So I'll stay in here, it's not as if I don't have much to do. I also dislike seeing others off to a point. It...leaves a bad taste in my mouth,"

Offering her a small nod of understanding, Seishuu smiled softly, "I get it. We'll make sure to bring good news back to you."

Iris returned his smile, a mix of gratitude and lingering worry in her eyes. "I'll hold you to that, Seishuu. Take care, and be cautious."

As the door closed softly behind Seishuu without any more words being said, Iris was left alone in her room. The quietude settled around her like a familiar cloak, and she took a moment to collect herself. Closing her eyes for another brief moment, she felt a sense of uneasy anticipation settle across her skin. Lips pulling into an uneasy smile, she reminded herself of the promise she'd made and the trust she'd placed in Kouen and Koumei. Opening her eyes once more, she decided to spend what would likely be a long wait organizing her things.

"Ready, En?" Koumei asked him as Kouen adjusted the last piece of armor he'd selected for this operation.

Inclining his head as the soft clinks of his armor falling into place filled the air, Kouen felt a slight thrill go down his spine at the sound. Tonight they'd finally catch the assassins before yet another noble died because of Gyokuen's mechanizations, they would also be ensuring that the bitch couldn't pin anything on Iris. He spoke as his eyes met Koumei's, "Ready. I assume Seishuu is distributing the potions if you've come in here?"

"Yes," Koumei walked over and held out a small pouch, "I've already grabbed our sets,"

Taking the pouch from Koumei, Kouen secured the pouch against his waist and felt a gentle warmth settle in his heart. Even if she couldn't accompany them for this portion of the mission, Iris was still ensuring their safety in some way. Letting his gloved fingers rest on the bag for a moment, he asked, "Did she come out with Seishuu?"

"No," Koumei shook his head and Kouen frowned as they began to leave his study, "From what Seishuu told me, Iris believes the temptation to join us would be too great if she were to join us. And much like you, she dislikes seeing others off,"

Expression softening even as a pang sang through his chest at those words, Kouen understood her reasoning. Part of him wished to go see her before they met with the soldiers, he wanted to reaffirm that they'd be back once the assassins were captured. That her trust in them would not be mistaken, he held back though as there was little time to waste. Not when they needed to ensure Iris didn't need to use that damn potion any longer, he clenched his fist and addressed Koumei as they made their way down toward the courtyard where the team they'd selected would be waiting, "We need to ensure the assassins are captured alive," Koumei nodded with a determined gleam in his eyes, "Bringing them before Father is the only way we can ensure Iris will be safe from Gyokuen."

"Agreed," Koumei's voice was soft as they stepped into the open air outside.

The night air outside the palace was crisp as Kouen and Koumei made their way to the courtyard. The moonlight cast long shadows across the pathway, creating an eerie yet determined atmosphere. The team assembled in readiness, their faces reflecting a mix of anticipation and resolve. Silence cut through the small crowd gathered together once someone noticed their presence, everyone bowed deeply before straightening as he approached with Koumei at his side. Speaking with his voice carrying a heavy weight to it, he scanned the crowd, "Our target is clear. Execute the plan flawlessly, and we will bring these assassins to justice."

Hard faces greeted him as each man nodded, they all carried the same pouch as he did on their waist. Koumei spoke as horses were brought forward, "Move swiftly, we'll have little time once they realize what we're doing. If you're ready, move out!"

Climbing onto his favored stallion, Kouen gripped the reins as the gate to his estate opened. There was an anxious buzz beneath his skin, one that would only abate once the assassins were in their custody.

Organizing her belongings had done little to distract her from the fact that Kouen and Koumei were out there, facing danger, while she remained confined to the palace. There was an undeniable itch that gnawed at her, the restless urge to go after them and help deal with the assassins made it impossible to settle down. Feeling as if she was drowning within the four walls of her room, Iris had taken to the gardens wishing to see if a walk among the carefully tended beds would help. The night air hung heavy with the fragrance of blooming flowers as she stepped into the palace gardens. The moon bathed the scene in a soft, silvery glow, casting shadows that danced among the foliage. Her footsteps were muffled by the lush grass beneath her feet, and the soothing sounds of a distant waterfall added to the serenity of the moment.

As she strolled along a winding path, the gentle rustle of leaves overhead provided a soothing backdrop to her troubled thoughts. Iris found her way to one of the ponds and bent down to dip her fingers into the silver-toned water. Breath coming easier to her, she closed her eyes for a moment only to stiffen as a soft cracking sound echoed behind her. If she hadn't had enhanced hearing, she likely wouldn't have noticed it. Forcing herself to keep her breathing even, she slowly straightened as her eyes slid open. As she resumed walking along the path, one of her hands sought out the hidden dagger stashed among her clothes.

Fingers closing around the blade, Iris glanced towards the pond and spotted a dark figure moving among the trees to her right. Forcing her expression to stay neutral, she wondered how someone had managed to get in here before pushing the thought back. Now was not the time to think about how she'd bring the matter up to Kouen once this asshole was dealt with. Continuing to move towards the lone bridge in this section of the gardens, she noticed the would-be assassin quickening their pace.

Adjusting her grip on the dagger, Iris acted as if she was pulling a fan from her clothes. There was an audible crunch behind her, it would seem the would-be assassin wasn't interested in concealing themselves anymore based on how loud their steps sounded. But she made no move to turn around until her eyes caught the metal sheen of a blade appearing in the would-be assassin's hands, she finally twisted around to face the black-coated figure just as they attempted to strike her.

Metal collided with metal as sparks showered around them, Iris inwardly winced as her muscles screamed in protest from the sudden assault. Despite the protest of her body, she deftly parried the assailant's strike, her movements guided by a combination of instinct and honed skill. The dark figure, clad in black, pressed the attack relentlessly, their determination evident in each calculated maneuver. Moonlight gleamed on their blades with each clash, the fleeting shadows they created with each swing of their blades danced upon the ground. Even with her weakened body, she managed to hold her own against this would-be assassin.

As their fight continued, Iris found herself losing ground and stumbling slightly as her feet hit the raised steps of the lone bridge. Mostly dodging the strike aimed at her neck, she hissed as the would-be assassin's blade sliced into her shoulder before stabbing into one of the old wooden pillars. There was an ominous wooden creak as she stepped back fully onto the bridge, she felt the planks of wood shift uneasily beneath her weight and mentally grimaced. As the would-be assassin freed his blade once more and rushed at her, she felt the bridge shake though couldn't pay it much mind as the man was on her. In the back of her mind, she felt every shift and shake of the bridge as their blades clashed.

There was a loud creak as the bridge shook from one of their more violent clashes, the would-be assassin ignored it and rushed at her. Iris noticed as she managed to send him back that the ropes holding up the bridge were beginning to fray with the pillars cracking. Swallowing as she realized the bridge likely wouldn't last long with them on it, she began trying to give up ground if only to get off the damn bridge. For her efforts, she gained two more heavy scratches that stung against the open air and found herself stumbling into a pillar. As she hit the pillar, a much louder crack echoed through the air moments before she felt the wood beneath her feet give way.

Barely managing to keep her grip on the dagger, Iris tumbled into the water below alongside the would-be assassin. Submerged in the water as wood and debris crashed about her, she struggled to maintain control. There was a searing pain in her side, it went far deeper than any of the scratches that the would-be assassin had managed to score so far and she watched with some dismay as the water around her began to turn red. Lungs burning as she finally managed to right herself, she surfaced with a gasp and began coughing out some of the water that had invaded her lungs.

Not far from her, the would-be assassin surfaced with their mask slightly askew. Forcing herself to swim towards the edge of the pond despite the exhaustion starting to cling to her, Iris managed to get onto the muddy edge just as the would-be assassin started for her former position. Laying her hand on the water, she coaxed her magic to the surface and let her intentions flow outward. Ice gathered beneath her fingers, she watched as ice crawled its way across the water towards the would-be assassin who only realized what was happening as the water around him froze. With wide brown eyes, the would-be assassin started to try and cry out only for it to be cut off as his body froze.

Panting heavily as she removed her hand from the ice, Iris unsteadily climbed to her feet. Stumbling away from the frozen-over pond, she found her way to a nearby tree and slid against it as her legs began to give out. Forcing herself to sit back against the tree, she leaned her head back as the edges of her vision began to grow dark. Mentally snorting to herself, she wondered what Kouen and Koumei would think if they knew this had happened while they were busy dealing with the other assassins. There was a scream from nearby, she could barely muster up the strength to shift her head about to see that it was one of the maids.

Eyes wide with horror, the maid rushed over to her seemingly ignoring the frozen would-be assassin, "Lady Iris-"

"I-I took care of the would-be assassin," Iris found it hard to keep her eyes open as the pain in her side made itself known, "M-mind getting some help?"

"O-of course," The maid looked like she wanted to cry.

As the maid rushed off, Iris found her head slowly settling back against the tree once more unable to keep it facing forward. As her vision slowly greyed out, she sighed heavily.

Eyes roving over the storage facility that had been used as a base by the assassins, Koumei felt a sense of satisfaction at seeing the assassins being loaded onto a cart. Though a small frown formed as the last one was settled in the cart, a flicker of dread washed over him. Counting the group, he stepped around the old crates and barrels that still filled this place while trying to figure out what was wrong. As he got to the last assassin, the frown on his face deepened and he turned to Kouen, "En, we only have nine assassins."

"Nine-" Kouen's eyes darted towards the assassins and they narrowed as he scanned them, "No, that-" He paused as his mouth pulled into a thin line, "You're right though we've gone through every room in this facility. Even the hidden ones..."

Brow furrowing as he contemplated the problem, Koumei called out to their men, "Search everywhere again, we could have missed a hidden room!"

Their soldiers dispersed with looks of determination, they all wandered through the facility though even as another hour passed the last assassin was not found. As Koumei tried to figure out where the assassin could have hidden themselves, a messenger arrived and shattered any sense of peace he'd held during this operation. Rushing up to them with a pale face, the man bowed quickly before addressing Kouen, "M'lord, you must return to home quickly. Lady Iris was attacked-"

Heart faltering as his breath caught, Koumei felt as if someone had plunged a dagger into his chest. Kouen turned to the messenger with a dark glare as he hissed out, "What?"

Swallowing harshly as he backed up a step, the messenger spoke with urgency in his voice, "A lone assailant managed to breach the palace defenses. Lady Iris is wounded. She's being attended to, but the situation is dire."

Mind whirling at the news, Koumei's fingers clenched feeling utter disbelief though knew the messenger wouldn't be here if it wasn't true. Iris had been attacked in Kouen's palace which shouldn't have happened. Something that none of them thought would have happened, he jolted at the realization that Kouen had a rat among his staff. There was a chill going down his spine, the carefully orchestrated plan they thought they had executed to perfection had left a critical vulnerability, and now the consequences were crashing down upon them. Jaw clenching as his wine-red eyes darkened with barely concealed rage, Kouen growled, "Take us to her, now."

With a barked order to Seishuu to oversee the assassins, they began rushing back to Kouen's palace. Koumei's analytical mind sought patterns, seeking the connection between the missing assassin and the assault on Iris. The unfolding events hinted at a calculated strategy, and Koumei couldn't shake the feeling that they were mere pawns in a larger game. That thought only left a bitter taste in his mouth, he shook it away as they made their way into Kouen's palace and began rushing through the halls.

There was organized chaos, the maids were rushing about with bowls filled with red-toned liquid and stained towels as others made their way towards the room with fresh things. Making their way into the infirmary that had been barely used, they found all three of Kouen's private doctors surrounding a single bed with both magicians skilled in life magic. Laying on the bed, Iris was almost completely still save for the slight movement of her chest. Looking just as she had after taking the spear to her chest, Koumei felt his heart clench as anger rose.

One of the magicians noticed them and quickly spoke, "M'lords, we're trying our best, but her body isn't accepting our energy. We can barely stabilize-"

"Move," Kouen unsheathed his sword.

Multiple eyes widened as the tension in the room increased, the doctors and magicians backed away from their lord's command though. Moving toward the bed, Kouen didn't have to say a word before Phenex's energy formed over the blade of his sword and began to extend across Iris's body. Relief raced through Koumei as he watched the visible wounds on her skin close, the color returning as she began to breathe with more ease. Minutes passed until all her injuries were closed and Kouen finally sheathed Phenex, a small round of clapping filled the air.

"Enough," Koumei scowled softly at them before addressing one of the maids, "Get Iris cleaned, we also need to speak with the one who found her like that. I want to know what happened. We also need to organize a search party for her assailant-"

"There's no need for that, M'lord," The maid flushed at his glare, "Lady Iris ensured he wouldn't be moving anytime soon,"

Eyes widening as confusion filled him, Koumei glanced back towards Iris as a doctor covered her form with a sheet. Unease still clung to him, he turned back to the maid needing every little detail, "Explain."

"I...I was doing my rounds and noticed that Lady Iris wasn't in her room," The maid explained in a soft voice, "So I went looking for her and heard a commotion in the gardens, the ones with that old bridge. By the time I'd arrived, Lady Iris was lying against one of the trees while the one who did all that to her was frozen in the pond. The entire ponds were frozen, M'lord. I-the bridge that was one in the gardens is gone,"

Mind running through the information, Koumei realized that Iris had used her magic to freeze the bond which was something he hadn't seen her do before. While he wondered if the one who'd attacked her was alive or not, he pushed it aside as a thought occurred to him. With an assassin missing from the facility and Iris being attacked, it was likely Gyokuen had sent the missing assassin after Iris tonight. Though he wouldn't be able to confirm it until after getting a look at the assassin, the entire group that Gyokuen had hired through her noble contacts all wore the same things after all.

Speaking from his place beside Iris's bed, Kouen addressed the maid, "You'll lead us to the pond," He addressed another maid who was walking into the room, "Get Iris cleaned up and have her placed in her rooms."

"Yes, M'lord," The two chorused.

Following the maid despite wanting to stay with Iris, Koumei walked with Kouen towards the gardens as tension filled him. The moon cast an eerie glow on the scene, adding an otherworldly quality to the unfolding events. The missing bridge and the frozen pond came into view, and Koumei's analytical mind went to work. In the mud, he could see imprints of where Iris would have pushed herself up and had no doubt there would be blood mixed into the substance if he went over there. Stepping towards the pond, he spotted frozen pieces of the bridge that once stood over the pond.

Seemingly centered in the middle, the assailant was frozen in a twisted position. Even with the mask on their face, Koumei could see the terror and realization in their eyes. Outstretched arms trying to pull them from the water, the assailant's mouth was agape. Head tilting as he eyed the assailant, he nodded after a long moment, "It seems we found our last assassin."

"Gyokuen was very brave...and very stupid," Kouen hissed from beside him.

Fury filled his brother's eye and matched what he felt, Koumei did not doubt that he bore a similar expression on his face. Addressing the maid, he told her, "Ensure that a room is prepared in the lowest area of the palace, we will be interrogating this one if he survives."

"Ah-yes, M'lord," the maid bowed before quickly rushing off.

Finally, alone, Koumei spoke about what he'd realized, "Gyokuen likely figured out our plans and attempted to use our absence tonight against us," Kouen's jaw clenched and his hand tightened on the pommel of his sword, "She has a rat among your staff, En. Somehow, someway, she managed it."

"She won't have it for long," Kouen's expression was thunderous and his eyes blazed as he turned back towards the assassin, "The bitch's plan failed because she didn't realize just what Iris is capable of," A faint smirk formed on his lips, "Freezing the pond and immobilizing the assailant was a clever move,"

"Yes though...she shouldn't have needed it," Koumei sighed heavily.

"I know," Kouen released his sword with a deep sigh, "We'll need to wait for Iris to wake up before attempting to unfreeze this one. As much as I'd like to interrogate him now, we won't know if it's possible until she awakens,"

Turning back towards the palace with a slight frown, Koumei nodded, "She'll wake up soon enough. Though even without that assassin, we'll have more than enough to bring before Father."

"True," A smirk formed on Kouen's face at his words.

Waking came slowly, the tiredness that had been haunting her as of late was present. As the memories of her previous waking hours slowly trickled in, she jolted up. The familiar scene of her bedroom at Kouen's palace greeted her and she felt the panic slowly die down. Hand darting towards her side, she dug underneath her clothes expecting to find bandages only to touch semi-unblemished skin. There was no pain, the familiar feeling of an old scar greeted her fingers. Only as she withdrew her hand did the realization set in, she'd been healed by someone, and with Neville so far away, it had to be Kouen.

Keenly aware that her side was healed, Iris took stock of the other injuries she'd gained last night only to find them gone as well. The only thing present was her usual exhaustion though even that seemed to be lessened. Slowly moving to the edge of her bed, she got up and noted that someone had changed her out of the outfit she'd been wearing last night. Glancing towards the door as a knock sounded, she didn't call out for anyone to enter only for the door to open anyway. Surprise and relief drifted across the entering maid's face, the woman smiled brightly, "M'lady, you're awake!"

"I..am?" Iris wondered by the woman's expression if she'd been asleep for long.

"Let's get you ready for the day, Prince Kouen is going to be so pleased you're finally awake," The maid bustled over to Iris's side and began gently urging her to get up, "Oh, he was so worried about you. Sleeping for so long, I mean it's no wonder considering what happened, but still-"

Allowing the maid to guide her, Iris stood and walked towards the wardrobe as she asked, "Have I been out for long?"

"A few days, M'lady," The maid pulled open the door as Iris goggled at that, "Given the state you were in and how Prince Kouen had to heal you, I can't be surprised you slept for so long,"

Face flushing a bit, Iris couldn't hide her surprise at the revelation of having slept for a few days. The concept of time slipping away while she was unconscious raised more questions in her mind. She wondered how things had gone with the mission that had been undertaken that night. Had Kouen and Koumei been alright? Did her potions do what was intended of them? Shaking those thoughts from her mind to ask Kouen later, she gestured to one of the simple outfits that was being held up by the maid before asking, "I didn't expect to sleep for so long. Has much happened?"

Expression bright, the maid began to chatter away about various things that had happened while Iris had slept. Little things that she wasn't interested in for the most part, she didn't mind though as she'd ask Kouen for any real information later. The maid did mention one interesting fact though. A guard had been let go a day after she'd been attacked and the maid hadn't heard anything about him since. While most wouldn't think much of it, she had a feeling the guard likely had something to do with the would-be assassin finding his way into the palace gardens.

Humming as she braided Iris's hair, the maid giggled softly, "Oh, Lady Iris, you should have seen it. Prince Kouen and Prince Koumei have been checking on you whenever their duties allow for it."

A small smile formed on Iris's lips as she murmured, "I almost wish I could've been awake for that."

"There we are," The maid moved back to let Iris stand, "Now, Prince Kouen has a standing order for you to be directed towards his study upon awakening if he's home,"

"I'll head there now," Iris nodded to the maid, "Though could you have some tea and something to snack on brought up? I don't know how long until the next meal it is, so..."

"Of course," The maid bowed slightly before leaving.

Leaving her room, Iris walked through the palace halls and was stopped occasionally by various members of staff. Each one expressed that they were glad to see her awake, they only lingered for a few moments before allowing her to pass. Reaching Kouen's study, she knocked on the door and barely had to wait a moment before he called for her to enter. As she walked inside, she noticed that his eyes were glued to the paperwork in front of him. He spoke as she let the door close behind her, "What is it?"

At the harsh tone, Iris's nose wrinkled and she crossed her arms, "And here I thought you wanted to see me. Seems the maid was wrong."

Biting back the urge to smile as Kouen's head snapped up, Iris watched as the irritation in his eyes disappeared as relief flooded them. Rising from his seat, the chair scraping against the ground as he moved with a quickness that surprised her. Kouen rushed around his desk and pulled her into a tight hug. Arms belatedly wrapping around his neck, she hugged him back as he murmured, "Iris, you're awake."

There was relief and genuine joy in his voice, Iris felt the tension in Kouen's body melt away as he held her against him. Smiling against his shoulder, she leaned into him, "Seems like it. The maid said you were worried. Koumei too."

Pulling back slightly, Kouen's hands settled on her hips as their eyes met, "Worried doesn't quite cover it, I...seeing you in that state, it brought back memories that I would have preferred to leave in the past," She inwardly winced at that, "The fact the magicians could barely keep you stable didn't help."

"My magic..." Iris murmured half-apologetically as an ache curled within her chest at the pain she'd unintentionally caused, "I...I'm sorry, Kouen-"

"You can't help it, I know," Kouen's expression softened, "With Phenex, I was able to heal you,"

"Thank you both for that," Iris saw his lips twitch and his eyes flash pink for the barest hint of a second, "So...mind telling me what happened since I was out? The maid didn't exactly give me many details,"

"Of course," Kouen reluctantly released Iris and led her towards the chair across from his desk.

Settling down in the chair, Iris heard a knocking sound on the door and covered her mouth at the irritated sound that left Kouen. He called out for whoever it was to enter in the coldest tone possible. As the maid entered with a pot of tea and snacks per her request, Kouen's expression softened. Once they'd both been served and she'd started eating, the maid left and Kouen caught her up on everything. Leaning back against her chair, she felt her eyebrows furrow as he explained Koumei's theories about the assassin currently acting as a pond ornament.

"So you both think Gyokuen sent him to kill me?" Iris clicked her tongue as Kouen nodded, "If what you've said about her is true, I honestly wouldn't be too surprised now that I'm thinking about it," She shook her head, "As for the frozen assassin...you might have someone to interrogate though given the state I was in that is a very big maybe,"

"Understood," Kouen's lips twitched and she realized he didn't mind losing out on this assassin.

"So, the guard you let go," Iris saw his eyes narrow at her, "I'm assuming he's either been interrogated or is going through the process right now?"

Nodding to her, Kouen leaned back against his chair, "Yes," He took a sip of his wine, "While I want to be surprised that you realized what was going on, I can't be," He gazed at her with a slight frown, "I want to apologize-"

"Don't," Iris set down her teacup and gave Kouen a stern look, "You couldn't have known one of your staff was a rat. Not after all the trouble you've gone through to ensure against it," She shook her head, "For now, you just need to work on adjusting your measures to ensure the bitch can't slip in another rat,"

"I...would like to argue with you, but unfortunately you sound too much like Koumei when he's being logical," Kouen's gaze was full of gratitude and amusement as she snorted at him, "I am working on adjusting my security measures,"

"Though please don't insist on having me move around again, I'm starting to get comfortable," Iris pinned him with a look and Kouen chuckled softly.

"I won't," Kouen promised her.

Standing with a small smile, Iris walked around Kouen's desk and hugged him around the neck, "Thank you."

As one of Kouen's arms wrapped around her waist, Iris thought he was merely returning her embrace only for a yelp to leave her when she found herself sprawled across his lap moments later. Chuckling at her reaction, Kouen adjusted her so that she was held securely in his lap, "You need to take it easy. You did just wake up after all."

"I-" Iris's cheeks flushed as she struggled to come up with a reply.

Pressing a kiss to her cheek, Kouen picked up the quill he'd been holding when she'd entered his office, "Besides I've missed being able to spend time with you. Properly," He stressed the word as she shifted against him only to still as his grip on her tightened, "So relax, alright?"

Swallowing as surprise and warmth filled her, Iris struggled to figure out if she should relax or insist on being let go. But she found herself wanting to stay in this embrace, the warmth of Kouen's body and the comfort he was offering her was tempting. Even if she'd been healed after what had happened, the events of what felt like the previous day were still fresh and she wanted to stay in this position. Slowly settling her head against Kouen's shoulder, she murmured, "A-alright. I...Has anything else happened while I was asleep?"

Humming softly, Kouen continued to recount events that had occurred while Iris slept and she found herself relaxing. Eyes going half-lidded, she almost started to doze when the hand that had been keeping her legs steady shifted. Stirring at the feeling, she felt more than saw Kouen's hand drift along her leg. His thumb dug into the cloth covering her skin, she shifted at the feeling when the touch drifted towards her thigh. Keeping his movements slow, Kouen's hand steadily rose her. Opening her mouth to question him, she jolted as someone knocked on the door. Half expecting him to ask her to get up, she was surprised when he merely called out, "Enter."

Quickly closing her eyes and trying not to blush, Iris heard the door open. Seishuu's voice sounded, "I-Oh-I didn't know Lady Iris was awake..." He cleared his throat, "Though she seems to have fallen asleep on you, My King."

"So it seems," Kouen sounded far too amused for her liking, "Was there something you needed, Seishuu?"

"Yes, Prince Koumei sent these along," Seishuu replied moments before Iris heard a solid thump, "These are all the information we've managed to gather from the assassins both with the truth serum and without, it's quite diverse,"

"I see," Kouen's thumb began running along her leg again and she struggled against the urge to open her eyes, "I'll have to go through these with Koumei though we'll be able to bring the assassins before Father within the next couple of days,"

"Indeed," Seishuu paused for a long moment before asking, "Would you like me to carry Lady Iris back to her rooms, My King?"

"No, I don't mind having her here and it won't be long before she needs to be up again to eat," Kouen shifted in a way that she knew meant he was waving Seishuu off, "As you're returning to the palace, please have Koumei come see me. I think it would be a good idea to go over these documents together,"

"Of course, My King," Seishuu replied and Iris heard the door shut behind him not long after.

The room fell into a comfortable silence after Seishuu's departure. Kouen's hand continued its gentle movement along Iris's leg, and she found herself torn between enjoying the touch and the desire to question his intentions. Finally, unable to resist as Kouen's fingers crept along her thigh, she opened her eyes and turned her head to look at him. Faint smirk touching his lips, Kouen didn't remove his hand despite her initial thought that he might, "Enjoy your nap?"

Clearing her throat as she tried to straighten herself, Iris's cheeks flushed as his thumb drug into her thigh just a bit harder, "It was-Uh, I was comfortable," She saw a satisfied gleam in his eyes and felt his hand begin to inch inward, "Kouen-"

"Yes?" Kouen pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.

Realizing that she couldn't broach the subject without admitting that she hadn't napped, Iris turned her head towards the pile of paperwork sitting on his desk, "What's with that?"

"Seishuu brought it in," Kouen's hand stopped moving and she glanced at him to see a serious expression on his face, "That's all the information we have from the nine assassins we've captured, Koumei will be coming over later to help me go through it. In a few days, we'll present the assassins to Father and hopefully begin tearing away at Gyokuen's image,"

"Nice," Iris started to relax against Kouen again, "Anything I can do to help?"

"Join us later," Kouen suggested while gesturing towards the pile with his quill, "With so much information, we need all the competent hands we can get,"

Smiling forming at the fact she could once again help them, Iris shifted to press a kiss to Kouen's cheek, "Sounds like a plan to me."

"For now," Kouen adjusted his hold on her, and Iris's face flushed at feeling his hand on her thigh, "You should get some rest since it's likely going to take a while for us to go through all that information," She saw the smirk on his face, "While you're more than welcome to go rest within your rooms, I'd like it if you stayed here,"

"I-" Iris swallowed as his thumb began tracing small patterns along her thigh and honestly contemplated going back to her rooms, "I...I'd like to stay in here with you for a bit longer..."

As Iris settled back into the comfortable position against him, she couldn't deny the warmth and reassurance that being in Kouen's presence provided. As her eyes closed and she felt him squeeze her gently, she acknowledged that it wasn't a problem with his touch. Far from it, the recent weeks had seen her plagued with heat-filled dreams that always seemed to drag into the waking world. There was an anxiety within her that made each new touch a struggle, a reminder of the nightmares that lingered at the edges of her consciousness. Yet, with Kouen, it was different. His touch felt grounding, a connection to reality that pushed back against the lingering shadows. Kouen, seemingly attuned to her unspoken thoughts, continued the soothing patterns along her thigh. The tension that had taken residence in her body started to dissipate, replaced by a sense of calm. She allowed herself to focus on the rise and fall of his chest, the subtle warmth that enveloped her.