Verdant Skies

During the month after Emperor Koutoku announced the new campaign, Kouen, Koumei, and Iris found that time moved both at a snail's pace and as swift as a river. The main palace was alive with constant preparation soldiers rushing about and various servants trying to assist their leaders. Even those not joining in on the campaign found themselves lending a hand, the supplies were gathered, the training yards filled to the brim, and the medic wing stocked.

In the early mornings, Kouen and Koumei would both steal precious moments of calm with Iris. Walks among the gardens became more commonplace even for Kouen, the peace crafted by hushed conversation and soft fragrances eased their stress. As the day of their departure grew closer, they both tugged her even closer during those early mornings as the sun rose. During the days when moments of fleeting peace could be stolen, Iris's studio or one of the lower sitting rooms became a haven. Iris would curl against their side with either a book or sketchpad in hand. Rarely would she speak during those times, a soft smile would curl across her lips, and she'd merely kiss them softly and ask if they wanted to talk.

Evenings brought a closeness that had been missing during the day, a relief for all three of them as they piled into one of the small dining rooms. Settled between Kouen and Koumei during their meals, Iris asked after their days though never pressed. Once they'd eaten their fills, they always retreated into one of the upper sitting rooms and curled up on a couch together. Hands brushed against partially bared skin, a gentle kiss that usually turned heated as the hours turned late. Lingering touches and glances were shared between them, the subtle smiles gifted to each other.

At night once they'd separated, Iris would stay with either Kouen or Koumei for the night. Some nights they simply slept and others were spent were her falling asleep after more than one round. Marks dotted her skin, the only spot that lay bare was her neck though even that was slowly starting to gain small marks as Kouen and Koumei warmed her up to their touches. As the day of Kouen and Koumei's departure grew closer, the touches lingered all the longer and things became more heated.

Like a thick syrup had been doused across the room, the tension within his study had thickened as their focus shifted away from the impending campaign. Maps and documents that lay scattered about the tables within his study were forgotten for the first time in almost a month, the far more delicate matter of Iris and the impending final night before their departure were far more pressing. Eyes fixated on the courtyard below his study, Kouen's jaw was clenched as he crossed his arms. He didn't even glance back toward Koumei as his younger brother spoke once more.

Voice filled with caution as it broke the silence that had fallen over them, Koumei stepped forward, "En, we need to discuss it. How we're going to handle tonight," He paused, clearly waiting to see if Kouen would speak, "It's our last night with Iris before the campaign begins."

Fingers biting into his arms, Kouen bit out, "I am well aware, Koumei."

Part of him winced at his harsh tone, Kouen loathed that he was having difficulty keeping a grip on his emotions right now. But considering the fact they'd be leaving tomorrow and would have to trust all their preparation, he should be allowed to be irritated. The fact that they'd been arguing about this subject for the better part of the week didn't help either. There was a low sigh from behind him, Koumei spoke softly, "I think," He paused for a moment as if to gauge his next few words, "That it might be best to let Iris decide who stays with her tonight. After all, she hasn't had many choices as of late."

Even as a pang hit his heart at the truth of Koumei's words, Kouen found himself turning to his younger brother with a snarl firm on his lips. He couldn't stop the irritation from coating his tone, "And what if she can't decide? What then?"

Taking a deep breath and meeting his gaze without flinching, Koumei replied, "I was going to suggest another option. One that...admittedly isn't something I really would have considered until now," Kouen's eyebrows furrowed and he found himself frowning at Koumei, "We both could stay with her...share the same bed," He felt his eyes widen with realization, "Ensure that Iris is aware that she isn't alone tonight, we're both there. Let her know that this isn't something either of us enjoy."

Initial irritation flaking away into thoughtful silence as he found himself considering Koumei's words, Kouen's eyes ran across Koumei's face. Even with their unconventional relationship, the topic of sharing a bed had never been broached despite the fact they'd both had sex with Iris. Even during the recent nights when they'd all fallen asleep on the same couch together, the thought hadn't occurred to him. Yet, considering the situation, he supposed it would mean neither of them would be without Iris for their last night. His eyes narrowing in thought as he considered the option, he mused aloud, "Sharing a bed...?"

Expression earnest, Koumei took another step forward, "Yes, I mean... if Iris is comfortable with it. It's a solution that ensures neither of us is excluded, and she has the freedom to decide the dynamics of our last night together."

turning away from Koumei as a heavy sigh left his lips, Kouen found his mind whirling with the suggestion. Iris would be the deciding factor which was an interesting thought and he felt a small smile form as he wondered over her possible decisions. The worst thing she could decide is that neither of them would share her bed tonight. And the best...He shook his head before any images could form. Speaking softly as his eyes lingered on the courtyard below, he set his hands on the windowsill, "We need to speak with Iris before anything else. I believe she's in her potions room trying to finish a few last-minute remedies."

"I'll go grab her," Koumei offered in a soft tone.

Slipping into Kouen's room after taking a bath per Koumei's instructions, Iris noted that Koumei was present despite the fact he was normally gone by now and eyed him with a curious smile. Head tilting as she let the door close behind her with a soft click, she glanced toward where Kouen stood by the fireplace. There was a pensive expression on his face, she felt her stomach sink at that expression and her lips slowly fell into a small frown as she walked further into the quiet room. As if there had been a curtain drawn across her eyes, she realized with a slight jolt that the room contained a subtle tension that seemed to be connected to the two. Her skin prickled at the realization, she slowly approached Kouen as her lips parted. Voice softened at her realization that something was going on, she didn't reach out for Kouen as she usually would when entering his room, "Is everything alright?"

Glances were exchanged between the two brothers, Kouen's fingers tightened around the wine glass in his hand before he faced her fully. Expression looking far more subdued than she'd ever seen it before, Kouen's voice held a mixture of tension and concern, "Iris, we...we need to talk," She felt her heart skip a beat, "About tonight."

Breathing out shakily, Iris frowned at him, "Tonight?"

There was a weight to his words, Iris found herself glancing between Kouen and Koumei as she tried to figure out what was going on. Koumei dragged her attention to him as he spoke. He wore a lighter expression on his face than Kouen though she could see that same pensive look in his eyes, "We," He gestured between himself and Kouen, "Have been speaking about how best to spend tonight. It's the last night we'll have with you before we leave tomorrow."

"O-oh, right," Iris's mouth went dry.

There had been a part of herself that had almost forgotten even with the rampant potion-making she'd been doing as of late, Iris swallowed harshly. Her attention went back to Kouen as he murmured, "In the end, we both thought it would be best for you to decide."

"M-me?" Iris's cheeks flushed as she squeaked that out.

How long had it been since she'd done that around these two? At least a few weeks now, Iris was startled when Kouen let out a low chuckle and finally smiled for the first time since she entered the room. Koumei dragged her attention away from Kouen as he explained in a measured tone, "We thought it might be easier for you if you had a say in the matter. We considered different options, and one of them is... well, both of us staying with you tonight."

Breath-catching as the words registered, Iris's cheeks darkened as she realized just what Koumei was possibly suggesting. Things didn't exactly have to go that far, they could just sleep. The prospect of things progressing further though tempted her in ways that made her inner dragon purr in satisfaction as her blood seemed to sing at the thought. Glancing between the two, she saw a mixture of emotions though sincerity was the most prevalent. Clearing her throat to settle herself, she spoke, "I...thank you for taking my feelings into consideration..." She flexed her fingers around the edge of her tunic to ground herself, "I...If you both are comfortable with this...I'd like it if we were all together tonight..."

As her words seemed to echo within the room, the two brothers shared a pair of glances before Kouen finally set his glass of wine down. Arms wrapped around her waist and she was drawn against his chest, Iris craned her neck back to look at him. There was a mixture of emotion in his eyes, he spoke softly, "It wouldn't have been suggested otherwise if we weren't alright with it, Iris. Admittedly," He paused for a moment and glanced away from her towards where she knew Koumei was standing, "I had wished to spend tonight alone with you. I am...alright with this arrangement. After all, I enjoy seeing you happy."

"En..." Iris reached up to touch his cheek.

Fingers brushed along her cheek, Iris lowered her head to peer at Koumei. Head tilting as he smiled at her, Koumei spoke gently, "I think that's something we can both agree on when it comes to you," She flushed at the warm look in his eyes, "Now how about we go lay down? Even if sleep is all we're doing, we do have to be lying down to do it."

There was reluctance as Kouen pulled away from her and allowed Koumei to usher her over to his bed, Iris kicked off the slippers she'd pulled on before coming to Kouen's room and climbed through the draperies. Settling back against the pillows, she barely waited a few seconds before Koumei joined her with Kouen following a moment after. They shifted about trying to get comfortable. Feeling fingers brush against her legs and a hand squeezes her ass, Iris yelped earning a soft laugh from Koumei. Rolling her eyes, she found her place between them though was more sprawled across the duo than anything else.

Her head was pillowed by Kouen's arm as his other wrapped around her waist, he had his hand slipped beneath her tunic. Koumei had a hand slipped underneath her tunic as well though while his arm was wrapped more around her hips. Her head slowly tilted as a sigh left her lips, she felt Kouen's lips press against her jaw though she barely even twitched until he started to move lower. Slowly starting to raise her head, she made a soft sound when he nipped at the soft spot between her jaw and neck. Reaching up to grasp at his hair, she felt him start to suck at that spot and a shiver of heat rolled down her spine.

Voice low as a soft chuckle left him, Koumei's fingers stopped creating those gentle patterns along her waist, "En."

"Hmm?" Iris's eyes fluttered shut as she felt him hum against her skin.

"You are going to make her nervous," Koumei's tone was half-scolding as Kouen's teeth pressed against her skin.

Her hips jolted as she felt Koumei's fingers drift along the top of her pants, Iris's breath picked up as she felt him start to tug them down slowly. Part of her was a bit shocked, she hadn't thought either of them would be willing to do more than sleep in the same bed. Apparently, she'd been wrong and wasn't exactly certain about how to feel right now. Kouen's hand dragged up along her stomach and beneath the loose chest wrap, she'd done before coming to see them. Her breath caught as Koumei's fingers brushed across her slit and Kouen's hand cupped her palm, she dug her head into Kouen's shoulder at the realization that this wasn't some dirty dream.

Heat dripped down her spine as Koumei lightly slid a finger across her clit, the barely there pressure almost managed to pull a whine from her throat. Kouen rubbed her nipple between two fingers as he gently squeezed her breast. Speaking softly in her ear as he pulled away from the spot he'd been marking, Kouen's voice was rough, "Is this what you wanted, Iris?"

Pressure increased on her clit as a finger slowly worked its way inside, Koumei shifted to press a kiss to her stomach which had become visible. Her head dug into Kouen's shoulder as the pleasure running through her veins increased, she whined and jolted when Kouen pinched her nipple. Koumei spoke as he slid his finger in and out of her at an easy pace, "I don't think she expected this, En."

Another finger pressed inside of her and she felt Koumei press his palm to her clit instead, Iris dug her feet into the bed as she whined and whimpered. Just as the low heat gathering in her gut started to hit the point of no return, Koumei's hand withdrew and she felt empty. Chest heaving as her eyes opened, she shook against the feelings that were rolling through her as sweat gathered across her body. Koumei gently shifted her off of him as he sat up though his eyes were on Kouen. Head fuzzy as it was, she knew Kouen had something to do with Koumei stopping. Twisting about to face Kouen, she felt her clothes uncomfortably twist though didn't pay them much mind. Arms struggling to hold her up as she pushed herself into a sitting position above him, she started to demand, "What's going-"

Fingers threaded themselves through her hair and she was dragged down into a heated kiss, Iris's eyes widened before closing as Kouen's tongue slipped against her lips. A heavy hand dug across her back, she arched into it as another hooked around her pants and underwear. As he pulled away from her, Kouen's gaze was heated as he murmured, "Get undressed, alright?"

As those words registered, Iris nodded and worked to toss off her shirt. Koumei helped her clumsy hands get the twisted material off along with her chest wrap and pants. Her underwear was tossed into the pile that was forming beside the bed, she was tugged to lay down on the bed beside Kouen. His mouth pressed against hers before she had a chance to ask any questions, the heat of the kiss wiped them away just as they formed. Slim fingers slipped back into her again, she arched into the touch as Kouen pulled away from her mouth. Feather-light nips were pressed along her jaw, she breathed out sharply as Koumei sank a second finger into her core. Kouen pulled away from her jaw before he peppered her collarbone with heated kisses. As she felt another finger slip into her, Kouen's mouth wrapped around her nipple and she almost tried to cover her mouth at the obscene moan that slipped from her lips.

Her hips twisted against the bed as she was steadily worked back to her previous state, the heel of Koumei's palm pressed just right against Iris's clit with the movement of his hand. Every suck and twist of Kouen's tongue sent more heat down her spine, she clenched her legs around Koumei's shoulders as the pressure building in her gut built. Finally, the wave of white-hot heat crashed over her, she came with a babbling murmur as his hands grasped at Kouen as he was the closer of the two. As she was coming down, Kouen and Koumei were speaking in low tones.

Pulled gently against Kouen's chest, Iris hummed as Koumei tugged her into a soft kiss. She eyed him as he pulled away, "What're we doing now?"

"That depends," Kouen pressed his lips against her shoulder and she lazily tilted her head to give him a bit more room, "On you. Both of us would like to have you tonight, I know for a fact you can take it," Iris's cheeks darkened even further, "The main question is who you'd like to have first,"

Each word Kouen said was emphasized with a soft kiss until the end, Iris's eyes went half-lidded as he began to suck a new mark into her shoulder. Koumei cupped her cheek as he leaned over to kiss her again. Reaching out to thread her fingers through his hair, she sighed into the kiss. Her sigh cut off into a moan as calloused fingers slid between her legs, she broke the kiss as Kouen pressed a finger against her throbbing clit. Swallowing as her hips jolted, she murmured, "I-w-why me?"

"Because you're the one we're fucking," Kouen released her skin with a soft pop as his fingers made a squelching sound between her legs, "And you should have some control over the situation,"

"I-I don't want-" Iris reached down to grab at Kouen's hand as he put more pressure on her clit.

"Don't want to fuck us? Or just don't want to make that decision?" Kouen chuckled as she grabbed his wrist.

Her hand was grabbed in a gentle grip by Koumei, Iris's breath was coming in short pants now as she was starting to get worked up again. Expression soft as he pinned her hand down beside her face, Koumei asked her, "Do you want us to decide, Iris?"

"P-please, I-I-" Iris's eyes burned with frustration as making a decision right now wasn't something she wanted to do, "I don't-I can't!"

Fingers dragged along her hips as Kouen withdrew his hand, Iris heard a few mutters over her head before she was coaxed onto her somewhat shaky hands and knees. Kouen's hands grasped her hips and pushed into her before she could fully register everything else. Gasping as her fingers clenched into the bedspread below, her eyes closed as she arched into the feeling. As an arm wrapped around her waist and she was pulled back against his chest, Kouen grunted into her ear, "Fuck, I need to try this when we get back."

As his hips started to withdraw, Kouen's arm loosened and Iris slipped forward in surprise only for a hand to press against her shoulder. Eyes opening at the touch, she blinked at seeing Koumei's face inches from her own. His fingers burrowed into her hair as he dragged her into a heated kiss, she barely had time to draw in a breath before he stole it from her lungs. Breaking the kiss as a particularly harsh thrust from Kouen ripped a harsh cry from her throat, the movement of his cock within her grazed against the spot inside that always made her see stars.

Panting as her head pressed into Koumei's chest, Iris groaned out, "F-fuck."

There was a heavy groan from Kouen, that seemed to ring through Iris's entire body as Koumei urged her back into another heated kiss. She jolted back against Kouen as Koumei's fingers slid across her skin and his hands cupped her breasts. His thumbs rolled over her nipples, Koumei squeezed her breasts in time with Kouen's thrusts as his tongue swept through her mouth. All her moans and whimpers were swallowed, the only sounds that seemed to fill the room were Kouen's grunts and the wet sound of his steadily increasing thrusts. Pleasure sang through her veins, she felt her walls clamp down on Kouen's cock as the white-hot heat rolled over her quicker than usual.

Almost boneless as she slumped into Koumei, Iris felt Kouen pull out of her after a few more slow thrusts. His fingers slid along her hips and up her back, she shifted to peer at him as he moved to lay down against the pillows. Koumei coaxed her to look back at him, "Iris," She hummed low in her throat as she lolled her head back to look at his face, "Are you up for more?"

A slow smile curled across her lips, Iris nodded lazily as she almost drunkenly reached out to curl her fingers through his hair. Low chuckle leaving him, Koumei ducked his head down and kissed her. Unsteadily she wrapped both her arms around his neck which proved to be a bad move on her part, she felt herself start to topple over into him earning a low chuckle. Twisting them around, Koumei settled over her as she murmured, "Oops?"

Shaking his head with an amused smile as his hands gripped her hips, Koumei pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, "You're adorable."

Any words she could have said in reply disappeared with a sigh as Koumei slid into her, Iris's fingers scrambled to grab hold of his shoulders as her back arched. Both of them uttered curses, she felt wetness leak out from her core as his cock slid into her. The low ache of Koumei's fingers digging into her hips only sweetened the pleasure arching through her as he started thrusting into her. His teeth nipped at her collarbone, the marks adding to the already forming ones created by Kouen. Nails digging into his skin, she panted harshly and clenched around him.

Slender fingers slid between them as one of Koumei's hands left her hips, Iris nearly sobbed as he began rubbing her abused clit. Her nails bit down harder on his shoulders, the pleasure surging down her spine made her head spin. Gut tightening to a nearly unbearable level, she just about cried, "I-Too much-"

"You can do it," Koumei grunted as his pace seemed to increase and harshen, "Just one. Can you do that for me, Sweet little flower?"

Almost twisting against him as the coil within her finally snapped, Iris cried out as the white-hot heat seemed to leap through her veins and crash across her senses. It took a much longer time for her to come down this time. As she came back to herself, Kouen and Koumei were cuddling her between them. They were all still bare and there was a sticky feeling uncomfortably coating her skin. Rather than comment on it, she nosed into Kouen's neck as Koumei rubbed her side soothingly. Her voice was somewhat hoarse as she broke the silence that had fallen over them, she kept her eyes closed for the moment, "You two are quiet."

"We thought you'd appreciate it more," Kouen shifted his head to press a kiss to her forehead, "How are you feeling?"

"Hazy," Iris shifted one of her heavy limbs to curl unwilling fingers around Koumei's wrist, "And sticky,"

Snorts echoed from the pair, Koumei burrowed his face into her side. Practically cackling like a hyena, he shuddered against Iris as Kouen chuckled. Kouen tapped her nose as he said, "We did just have sex. Being...sticky," Another chuckle left him as Koumei's cackles increased, "Is part of it."

Humming in the back of her throat, Iris shifted somewhat unsteadily to peer at Kouen, "Can we...not be sticky? I mean, I'd rather not go to bed sticky. That seems like it'd be pretty uncomfortable-"

Cutting her off with a kiss, Kouen's fingers threaded through her messy hair and Iris leaned into him. Koumei finally settled down and propped himself up as Kouen broke the kiss. With an amused smile, Kouen told her, "Yes, we can go bathe."

Waking up in a tangle of limbs had been something he was becoming used to as of late, the presence of another person beside Iris being there startled Koumei enough to banish his dreams and force him awake. As his eyes struggled to pierce through the darkness surrounding him, the memories of last night hit him and he slowly settled as warmth etched down his spine. His heart slowly settled as his eyes finally adjusted and he managed to catch sight of Iris's face, she was curled up Kouen though in his former position she'd been pressed between them. Even now, he could feel their legs tangled together beneath the covers.

His cheeks heated at the feeling of bare skin, the reminder that they'd gone to bed without clothes after taking a bath to clean up. Taking care to not disturb either of his bed partners, Koumei untangled himself from them and exited the draperies that surrounded Kouen's bed. His skin chilled as soon as he stepped into a shadowed room that was slowly being lit up by the first rays of sunrise, the fireplace only held embers now. Lips pulling into a grimace, he searched for his clothes and tugged them on with less care than usual. Even at this hour, he could hear Kouen's palace stirring with the soft patter of servants moving about.

Fingers pausing as he closed his robe, Koumei took a deep breath to steady himself. The memories of last night sang through his mind and eased the growing ache that was forming. Soon enough, they'd be setting out to conquer another country and leaving Iris behind. Regardless of the countermeasures they set up, Gyokuen might just figure out a way around them. His finger clenched around the silk and his heart thudded against his ribcage, he loathed to think of Iris getting hurt just because they failed to consider an option Gyokuen might take.

Almost jumping out of his skin as a low groan sounded from the bed, Koumei turned as Kouen appeared from the draperies. His elder brother paused as he spotted him, Kouen eyed him for a moment before sighing, "You are thinking about it as well, aren't you?"

Almost confused for a second, Koumei went to deny it before he realized what Kouen meant. Heavy sigh leaving his lips, Koumei nodded and finished dressing himself, "Can you blame me? We can take every precaution possible, but we're still leaving Iris here when Gyokuen can get to her. That...I can't stop thinking about it."

"You would be a fool not to," Kouen stood from the bed and headed for his wardrobe, "But...what else can we do? We've done all that we can to prepare for anything she can throw at us. Judar has promised to keep an eye on things alongside Kouha,"

Which hadn't been easy, the magi might still be treating Jasmine as a new toy to play with, but Judar hadn't decided on an actual opinion of Iris. Dropping his hands, Koumei's head dropped back as he muttered, "So what? We hope that she'll be alright? I know that she can take care of herself, but for Solomon's sake, Kouen, I hate knowing that she could get hurt again."

"Unfortunately, it's a risk that we're being forced to take," Kouen began dressing with a scowl on his face, "We cannot disobey Father and Iris isn't a member of the Empire,"

So many curses wanted to leave his lips, Koumei tugged at his ponytail as he glanced back at the draperies blocking his view of Iris. He yearned to yank them back if only to see if Iris was awake and able to participate in the discussion. But what good would that do? They would only go in circles as they had for the entire month since the Emperor had announced this stupid Campaign. Fingers clenching, he muttered, "We need to finish this quickly. If only to ensure Gyokuen can't try anything."

"My thoughts exactly," Kouen shut his wardrobe, "Now come on, we have a bit of time before breakfast and there is some work that still needs to be done,"

Almost nodding in agreement, Koumei glanced back at his brother's bed where Iris was no doubt still sleeping, and asked, "Shouldn't we wake her?"

"No, I have a feeling she'll be sleeping for a while today," Kouen was smirking when he glanced back at him, "And I'd be too tempted for a repeat of last night, the expression she usually wears when waking is far too tempting,"

Shivers rolled down his spine as he recalled just what expression Kouen was referring to, Koumei nodded slowly, "Best let her rest then."

Wrapping her arms around Kouen's neck, Iris pressed a kiss to his cheek as she entered the dining room. Hand coming up to curl around one of her wrists, Kouen caught her lips as she pulled away from his cheek. She sank into his kiss for a few moments before pulling as her stomach growled and moved to sit down in between him and Koumei. Her spine ached despite the muscle relaxer she'd taken not too long ago, she knew that today would be a bit rougher than usual considering what had happened the night before. As she got settled, Koumei pressed a soft kiss to her cheek and she smiled at him.

Grabbing her teacup after it'd been filled, Iris took note of the plates that were being set up around them, "Expecting guests, En?"

"Our siblings," Koumei answered just as the dining room doors opened.

Practically darting inside, Kouha made for Kouen as he slowly stood and slammed into his eldest brother's chest with a pout firmly in place on his lips. Hakuei, Hakuryuu, and Kougyoku followed after the boy at a more sedate pace alongside a small host of redheads that Iris had never seen before. As Koumei's fingers curled around her wrist, he offered her a small look and gently began tugging her up. Setting down her teacup, she belatedly stood with him as Kouha whined at Kouen, "I still don't get why I can't go with Mei and you, Entei! It's not fair!"

"You have studies that need to be attended to, Ha," Kouen brushed off Kouha's whines before addressing Hakuei, "Hakuei, I assume you're the reason why everyone decided to flood my palace this morning?"

"Guilty though our other siblings have been dying to check on you," Hakuei wore a sedate smile as she strode closer with Hakuryuu at her heel, "You know how they are,"

There was a soft snort from Kouen, Iris could see the way his shoulders tensed and mentally winced as she realized that the female redheads beside Kougyoku weren't his favorite people to be around. Unable to stop herself, she reached out to touch his arm and heard multiple sharp inhales though ignored it as Kouen looked at her. His eyes softened from the cold gleam they'd taken since his siblings had appeared, he gently pushed Kouha away as she murmured, "Having them around won't make too much of a difference will it, En? After all, you're heading out soon, right?"

"Right," Kouen's fingers closed over hers as warmth flickered into his gaze and Iris's heart warmed, "Start getting settled! My staff will prepare anything that isn't ready,"

As they all settled at the dining table with Iris once more between Kouen and Koumei, she felt the female redheads that hadn't been introduced to her eyes stare at her with heavy gazes. Scowls marred their pretty faces, the heavy scrutiny increased with every interaction she shared with Kouen or Koumei. Despite this fact, she did her best to act as if the gazes didn't bother her while speaking with Kouha or Hakuei. Kougyoku asked after more lessons now that things had settled down and she happily agreed after confirming with Kouen that it would be okay. As the breakfast continued, Kouen's hand dropped onto her thigh and it took every little bit of effort in her not to reveal that fact.

His fingers ran across her thigh and squeezed, Iris bit her cheek after a particularly harsh squeeze in an attempt to keep a straight face. Kouen's expression stayed blank even as one of his sisters asked, "So she's staying in your palace? When you're gone? Why?"

"Because she is Koumei and I's guest," Kouen's fingers dug into her thigh hard enough that Iris was sure there would be bruises on top of the ones that were already there, "I do not appreciate you questioning me,"

There was a snort from the oldest of the female redheads, the woman drew herself up in a way that reminded Iris of a puffed-up cat, not unlike Mrs. Norris only less scraggly. She looked down her nose at Iris for a moment before turning her head towards Kouen, "A guest who shares your bed?"

Barely able to keep her face straight at how accurate of a guess that was, Iris felt Kouen's fingers tighten and then loosen. Sharp inhales were taken as one of the other women hissed at the girl, "Kourin-"

There was a harsh clank and scratch as a teacup met its saucer, everyone looked towards Koumei. With his lips pulling into a stern frown, Koumei glared at Kourin in a way that made her flinch back and Iris's stomach to twist. Speaking in a neutral tone filled with coldness, Koumei laid a hand on the table, "Kourin, you will not speak to either Kouen or Iris in such a way. Her presence within Kouen's palace is not up for discussion nor is it warranted, you are not her judge nor jury."

There was a tense silence as everyone waited for Kourin's response to Koumei's stern rebuke, Iris felt Kouen's fingers run along her thigh soothingly and she slowly settled a bit more easily into her chair. Grasping her teacup, she took a sip and glanced between the two siblings. Kourin finally ducked her head as a scowl curled across her lips. Voice low as her fingers clenched into fists, she growled, "Apologies, Prince Koumei. It was out of line."

Gaze softening to a minuscule extent, Koumei inclined his head as he picked his teacup back up, "Remember your manners, Kourin. I won't ask you to apologize this time, but..." He glanced towards Kouen, "En?"

Multiple eyes looked towards Kouen as Kourin stiffened, Iris could see her skin pale beneath the heavy make-up and she wondered just how brutal Kouen had been towards his siblings for them to be that scared. Fingers stroking along her thigh curiously, Kouen turned to her, "As she insulted you more, I believe you're the one to decide if she is forgiven, Iris."

Blinking as the words registered, Iris swallowed as everyone's eyes fell on her. She rubbed the back of her neck and looked at Kourin. Biting her bottom lip, she tilted her head as she admitted, "I-well, you didn't offend me with that comment. I was more surprised than anything," She dropped her hand with a shrug, "I mean you wouldn't be the first person to accuse me of sleeping with En...or Koumei," She saw multiple eyes widen and almost wanted to laugh, "Openly at that too..." She looked at Kouen, "I don't see why I've got to forgive her. I mean...is it that big of a deal?"

Snorting as he shook his head with a smile forming, Kouen chuckled as Koumei covered his mouth with his teacup. Kouen tapped her thigh lightly as he replied, "I suppose it isn't a big deal as we're among siblings. Had it been said anywhere else," He gave Kourin a stern look and she flinched back, "I do hope you will not do it again."

"I-I won't. I promise," Kourin held up her hands.

"Good," Kouen smirked and grasped his cup of tea.

"Though I do have a question now," Hakuei had a curious smile on her face as she eyed Iris, Kouen, and Koumei, "Who has accused you three of sleeping together,"

Glad that she wasn't drinking her tea unlike Kouen or Koumei, Iris didn't choke or spray the table like Kouha. The boy spluttered as he coughed out, "What? When?"

Lowing her teacup, Iris looked at Hakuei and knew by the smile that the princess had asked that question on purpose. Shaking her head in amusement, she leaned back against her chair as Koumei coughed out, "I-why would-"

"Because she's an unrepentant gossip," Iris's tone was dry as she peered at Hakuei, "As for the question, I don't know about Kouen or Koumei, but I've been accused by at least seven different people though that was before we came to Kou. I'm sure that number increased,"

"Seven?" Kouha gapped at Iris while Hakuei waved her hand in a go-on motion.

Nodding as Kouen pinched her thigh, Iris glanced at him and contemplated leaving it for later. Then her mind decided to remind her that the bastard had technically edged her last night, she decided it would be perfectly fine to give up this small tidbit of information. An innocent smile curling across her lips, she tilted her head, "Seven. Two of my friends did so in a rather playful manner after they realized I'd been spending a lot of time with these two, Kouen's household insinuated it for the very same reason, and a few soldiers did. Apparently, I can't spend time around these two and create a meaningful friendship without bedding them," She made a noise of disapproval to mask the squeak that wanted to leave her when Kouen decided to slide his hand in between her thighs, "Honestly."

Closing her legs tightly, Iris tried not to glance at Kouen as Hakuei giggled, "Oh my, I can't imagine."

"Mhmm," Iris's jaw clenched as she felt Kouen wiggle his fingers between her thighs and mentally cursed while wondering what he was thinking.

Trying to distract herself as Kouen began to rub just above her entrance, Iris attempted to throw herself into a conversation with Kouha about what they could do now that she'd had some free time. Fingers dug into her pants just enough that she could feel the pressure, she bit the inside of her cheek as Kouen rubbed her clit. Grasping her teacup and covering her mouth, she took a hefty mouthful to help distract herself and nearly choked on it when Kouen added more pressure. Clearing her throat, she set down her teacup as Hakuei offered her a look of concern, "Are you alright, Iris? You're looking a bit red."

"I'm just feeling a bit off. I think I should go lay down," Iris pushed herself away from the table and Kouen's hands before he could do anything else.

Before anyone could say anything to her, Iris was out of the dining room and making a beeline for the stairs. Heart pounding in her chest at the fact Kouen had done that with his siblings in the room, she headed up to her room in hopes of calming herself down before it was time for Kouen and Koumei to leave. Before she could get too far, Koumei was calling after her from the bottom of the stairs, "Iris!"

"Koumei," Iris paused mid-step and looked down at him, "I-I'm heading to my room. I'll make sure to be down before you two have to set off for the main palace-"

"Kouen did something, didn't he?" Koumei wore a knowing look as he started heading up the stairs, "I could tell. The hand closest to you was always below the table,"

Swallowing as her cheeks flared, Iris murmured, "I-yes, but-"

"I'm annoyed with him," Koumei reached Iris and her breath caught as he grasped her chin between his fingers, "Riling you up before we're due to leave and knowing there will be precious little time for us to do anything about it, especially with our siblings around,"

"I-it's okay-" Iris stumbled over her words as Koumei's other hand settled heavily on her waist.

"No, it isn't," Koumei tugged her close enough that their lips brushed against one another, "After all, you're our partner, and leaving you feeling needy knowing it'll be months before we're back is cruel," He swept his tongue across their lips, "But he forgot that I'm here and perfectly able to slip away...able to ensure you're taken care off,"

Her heart was thrumming heavily against her chest, Iris grasped at his kimono as she mumbled, "B-but you have to get ready-"

"Our preparations are complete," Koumei kissed her softly and she arched into him, "All that's left is ensuring we're ready to leave and I won't be until you're satisfied," He began walking her up the stairs and she almost stumbled, "So let's go to your room unless...you want to do this is En's?"

There was a part of her that purred at the thought of rolling around in Kouen's bed, Iris hushed it with the reminder that Kouen wouldn't be there to sleep in the mess. She gathered up the words to tell Koumei, "M-my room."

Pulling away from her as the words left her lips, Koumei tugged Iris up the stairs and through the halls. As soon as they reached her room and got inside, he pulled her into a heated kiss that left her breathless. Fingers dug into her sides and tugged at her clothes, she arched into the touches as Koumei's tongue mapped the inside of her mouth. Her tunic slipped off before they even reached the bed, it fell to the floor as her back hit the mattress. Heat trailed down her spine as slender fingers cupped her breasts and ran along her nipples, the almost feather-like movements teased them in peaks as Koumei pulled back to nip and kiss his way along her jaw.

Teeth pressed into her collarbone almost teasingly before a stinging trail of bites and kisses made their way to her breasts, a soft kiss was pressed to one of Iris's nipples before Koumei sucked it into his mouth. Curling his tongue and twisting it about, Koumei sucked and licked around the nipple in his mouth as he teased the other. The hand not currently teasing her nipples slid down towards her pants. She arched into Koumei as her fingers found their way into his hair as his fingers found their way into her pants. A low chuckle left him, the vibration from the sound sent shivers down her spine.

Her hips jolted as his fingers finally touched where she aching, Iris's cheeks flushed as she realized just how wet she'd become from Kouen simply touching her over clothing. Koumei easily slipped one of his fingers inside of her as another finger started rubbing against her clit. Only when he pulled away after starting to tug off her pants did a question of what he planned to do enter her mind, she jolted when he pulled her towards the edge of the bed. Pushing herself up on her elbows, Iris looked down and her breath caught at seeing Koumei on his knees between her legs.

His breath brushed against her most sensitive parts, Iris shivered as he looked at her with those pink-red eyes that gleamed. Speaking in a soft tone as he turned his head to press a soft kiss to the inside of her thigh, Koumei brushed his lips against her skin, "Enjoy yourself, Iris."

As she went to ask what he was doing, Iris's mouth closed at the first brush of his tongue against her. His tongue dug into her core, the muscle swept across her and seemed to be searching for every drop of her essence before snaking back out. Her fingers dug into the bedspread as Koumei's thumb began drawing lazy circles across her clit, the pressure was just what she always wanted and needed. Pleasure danced down her spine as her hips ground into the feeling, she found herself digging her heels into his back. Fingers slipped into her as Koumei's tongue continued to work at her before slipping away, she jolted as his mouth pressed a soft kiss to her clit before his tongue slid across her.

Strangled moans slipped from her lips, Iris's fingers burrowed into Koumei's hair as she tried to drag him closer. She felt the edge rapidly approach as Koumei sucked on her clit though it was when he lightly nibbled on it that she finally came. Her body shook and trembled as she came down, Koumei eased up and only moved away once she'd come down. Rather than start anything, Koumei merely got onto the bed beside her and tugged her into his side. Confusion ate at her, she curled against him as he stroked her back. Curling her fingers around his kimono, she spoke softly, "Koumei...you don't...want to?"

"My concern was ensuring Kouen didn't leave you high and dry like an asshole," Koumei smiled down at her, "As I've said before, I don't really need it like En and you seem to,"

Her brows threaded together, Iris still didn't want Koumei to go without, but if he didn't want to she wouldn't force him. Curling up a bit tighter against him, she felt his hardened cock against her arm and glanced up at Koumei's face as he hissed, "Mei?" He hummed low in his throat, "You sure?"

"I'm sure," Koumei continued to stroke her back, "Trust me,"

Despite the fact she wanted to argue, Iris wouldn't do it this time if only because the campaign was going to be stressful enough as it was. She merely nuzzled into Koumei's stomach and closed her eyes.