Verdant Skies

In the two weeks leading up to Muu's arrival in Balbadd, Iris got used to being married to Kouen and Koumei. Some things were easy as they'd already been sleeping together more often than not, the rest took a bit. Small duties were given to her, she assisted either Kouen or Koumei with various matters while learning just what duties awaited her as an Empress once Kouen finally became Emperor. Becoming used to the intricacies of the political landscape that she'd avoided since becoming free was tiring, she was thankful for the assistance from Kouen and Koumei as well as Hakuei. Doing paperwork that wasn't something she was unfamiliar with, she'd assisted Koumei on occasion back in Kou, but now she was actively doing said paperwork rather than just organizing it.

What she always made sure to do even with the duties that started to fill her days was to spend time with Arashi, Iris ensured that even if it was just a simple meal he had her full attention. She listened to his woes and worries which had expanded as his tutors started to place a larger burden on his shoulders. Offering him either comfort or a shoulder to cry on when he shed tears, she helped to encourage him to face the duties. To ensure he found some relief from the strain, she took him on some flights in their dragon forms.

During those flights, Iris found solace in the vast skies and felt the wind brush across her scales. This freedom offered her a chance to be free of the weight slowly settling on her shoulders, she shared soft purrs and chirps with Arashi as they played within the skies. Only when the sun was setting did they finally land for the day, Arashi having long settled on her back and simply taking the extra time to relax just a little bit longer.

Looking out at the city below, Kouen's mind was consumed with the letters and reports that had been flooding in. Already, the nobles of Kou were trying to assert their influence despite his reputation. Shaking those thoughts from his mind as arms wrapped around his waist, he turned his head slightly with a faint smile as Iris pressed a kiss to his cheek. Voice soft as she peered at him with concern, she murmured, "Worried about Muu arriving tomorrow? Or is it Alibaba coming next week?"

Turning to fully as he cupped her face, Kouen's expression softened as the weight of everything seemed to ease for just a moment. With a tired sigh, he admitted, "Both though also something else," She frowned at him as her fingers traced soothing circles on his back, "Even with your assistance, Alexius will take a certain amount of delicate handling thanks to what my father did during his time as Emperor. As for the brat, he is a former prince of this country who was exiled alongside his kin. For all that I made certain agreements, he likely believes that I will kill him."

"Which doesn't surprise me given his reaction to you back when we first met once more," Iris's head tilted in confusion, "But you said something else was bothering you?"

"Even if the news of our marriage has only broken recently back in Kou, the nobles are already clamoring and attempting to assert their influence," Kouen wrapped an arm around her, "Most are throwing a fit due to the fact you are not of noble blood and that there is nothing truly tying you to Kou save for me, the fact I named Arashi my heir as well has only worsened things,"

Inwardly smirking as Iris rolled her eyes with a huff of annoyance, she muttered, "I'll give them something to throw a fucking fit about," She kissed his cheek and nosed him softly, "And to think we decided to just let them know about me marrying you. Not both Mei and you, I almost want to see the looks on their faces when they realize all those unmarried noble women don't even have a chance with Mei either."

Chuckling at the possessiveness edging her tone, Kouen kissed her softly, "I look forward to seeing you tear them to shreds verbally."

Kissing him back, Iris grinned, "I can't wait though I still say ashing them would be a lot more satisfying," Kouen snorted and shook his head before turning to look back out at the city below them, "Tomorrow will go alright, En. And I'll ensure the brat and his household behave themselves, we'll take care of the nobles once we get to that point after the Summit."

Rather than go down to the docks with Koumei to greet Muu despite her desire to see him, Iris helped Seishuu corral Arashi and kept him occupied for the first few hours after the half-Fanalis had arrived. Kouen and Muu had a lot to discuss which meant they didn't need a small child running around.

"Mama," Arashi whined at her as they headed out into one of the many parks of the city, "Can't we just head down to the docks? I really want to see Muu and whoever he brought along,"

"Later, Hatchling," Iris ruffled his hair with a soft giggle, "You know he has to meet with Kouen and talk before we can see him," She shared an amused look with Seishuu at Arashi's pout, "Besides, I'm sure Muu and those with him are pretty tired from their journey,"

Chuckling as he walked forward carrying a small basket of things that Iris had packed for this little outing, Seishuu smiled at Arashi's impatience, "Your Mama is right, 'Shi. Captain Muu has had a long journey. Remember how tired you were after your own journey here?" Arashi's pout lessened, "Give them time to rest and let the boring stuff take place, I'm sure Captain Muu is quite eager to see you as well."

Releasing a huff, Arashi crossed his arms as he grumbled, "I wanted to show him the city though..."

"And you will," Iris promised him, "But later when he hasn't been traveling across an ocean," She crouched down till they were eye level, "Now, let's play together, Arashi. It's been far too long since we've had an entire day's worth of time to spend together, no?"

His eyes widened as a smile formed, Arashi nodded, "Right! Let's go have fun and maybe investigate some of the places on my list."

As she nodded, Arashi started to rush off and Iris stood to follow him. Walking after the boy, she spoke to Seishuu, "Well, Arashi will be content for a few hours. Now we just need Kouen and Koumei to finish their part by the time we return."

Her gaze slid towards the direction of the docks, Iris hoped that the Muu and those with him had arrived safely. She would have to wait until dinner to find out though.

Hearing a knock on the door to his office, Kouen didn't look away for the city below as he called for Koumei to enter. Lifting the glass of wine in his hand, he took a sip and finally turned as Koumei spoke, "Captain Muu Alexius of Reim has arrived to see you, Brother."

Slowly setting the glass of wine down, Kouen inclined his head and glanced at the half-Fanalis for a long moment. There was a tired look in the man's eyes, he might have believed it to be from a lack of sleep had Iris's words about Alexius's relationship with the former magi of his country not rung through his mind. Given that he and Koumei once bore those eyes until Judar brought them word of Iris, he knew that she had spoken truthfully. Speaking as he gestured to the seat across from his desk, he spoke in a soft tone, "Captain Alexius, I hope your journey was uneventful. Please take a seat."

Inclining his head, Alexius's posture was tense as he took the offered seat. His gaze swept the room briefly in a way that told Kouen he was searching for entrances and exits, it was something Iris and himself did. His voice was deep and measured, Alexius looked back at him, "The journey was uneventful for all that we had a small measure of trouble closer to Balbadd's waters. My subordinates and I are grateful for the arrangements that you made for our stay here."

Settling down at his desk, Kouen allowed a small smirk to curl across his lips though inwardly grimaced. He would need to speak with Iris about possibly doing a few fly overs with Koumei, Kouha, Hakuei, and himself to clear away any pirates that might be in the waters. It seems that even with the fact Iris had been flying over Balbadd and the lands attached to it as of late, the waters were still a danger which wasn't something he wanted. Pushing those thoughts from his mind, he spoke in a light tone, "I would suggest thanking Iris," Alexius's eyes widened, "She wished to ensure your comfort once I shared that you would be here."

Those dark crimson eyes flickered with a mixture of emotions, Kouen could see the gears turning in the half-Fanalis captain's mind. More than likely, the man was attempting to figure out just how Iris fit into things here in Balbadd. Had it not been for Iris's assurance, he would feel more than a small pang of jealousy right now. Clearing his throat after a long moment, Alexius nodded with a faint smile, "I will have to express my thanks when we see each other again. How is she? How is Arashi?"

Keeping his expression neutral despite his increasingly increasing urge to soften at the thought of Iris and Arashi, he kept his smirk, "They are doing quite well," He met the man's dark crimson eyes, "In fact, Iris has recently become my wife and Arashi was officially named my son."

His eyes widened before narrowing as he eyed Kouen, Alexius's pupils flexed much like a cat's. Part of him wondered if Iris had been wrong and this one had some form of feelings for her, he barely kept his smirk at the thought. The man before him was silent for a long moment before finally uttering, "I must congratulate you, Prince Kouen. I must congratulate Iris as well when I see her."

This one was going to be a hard person to crack, Kouen realized with some amusement as he watched the subtle play of emotions on Alexius's face. But he could garner that this one cared for Iris, he was still unsure about just how deeply those feelings went even with her assurances that it was only a friendship-based relationship. Clearing his throat as he reached for his wine glass, he told the other man, "Let's begin our meeting, Captain. While our exchange of letters has ensured we're both aware of what the other wishes with an alliance, it is best if we start discussing it."

Giggling as Arashi rushed ahead of her, Iris winced slightly at the squeal her son released as soon as he reached the dining room. Walking inside, she spotted him pouncing on Muu and grinned softly as she leaned against the doorframe. Seeing Arashi completely relax in a way she only saw when they took to the sky made her chest loosen, she let her head rest on the doorframe for a moment. Lifting Arashi with a chuckle, Muu greeted the boy with a light smile, "Hello, Little Dragon. Have you been behaving yourself and keeping up with your training?"

As Scarlet and Sirius raced past her to greet Muu only to split off when they spotted Myron and Lo'lo, Iris called out"When he isn't causing as much chaos as he can," Muu's smile widened and his expression brightened as she waved, "Been awhile, Muu,"

"Iris," Muu's smile faded moments later and his expression shifted into a serious one that she usually only saw during meetings.

Before she could voice her concern, Iris felt familiar arms wrap around her waist. With a soft tug, she was pulled against Kouen's chest. Turning her head, she offered him a warm smile and pressed a kiss to his cheek. As she went to pull back, Kouen turned his head and claimed her lips in a kiss that felt somewhat heated. Her cheeks flushed slightly at the feeling, she spotted the smirk on his lips as he pulled back, it disappeared as he turned his head and a cold gleam entered his narrowed eyes. Speaking with a tone that made her shiver, he muttered, "Arashi."

Reaching up to touch his cheek, Iris knew that Kouen likely still thought something was going on with Muu when it wasn't. As his eyes flickered towards her, she smiled warmly at him, "Did you forget to bring Mei down with you?"

His eyes brightened as a soft chuckle left his chest, Kouen shook his head, "Mei had a few things to handle in the study," He leaned into her hand, "He promised to be down shortly."

Clicking her tongue softly as she gifted him with a raised eyebrow, Iris frowned at Kouen, "En..."

"Shou is going to check in on him," Kouen assured her with an amused look, "If he isn't done within the next half-hour, Shou will be dragging him downstairs,"

Letting out a soft giggle as she knew Shou would do it as she'd seen the dragon-like household do it several times in the past, Iris kissed Kouen on the cheek, "If it's Shou, I know he'll be down," She felt his fingers dig into her lower back which honestly felt nice after running around all day, "Let's start dinner then, I'm hungry after running around all day after Arashi."

Pulling away from Kouen, Iris threaded their fingers together and began tugging him to the table. As they walked towards the table, she noticed the look in Muu's eyes and knew she'd likely have to speak with him at some later point in time.

After dinner had been finished and prompting Kouen to put Arashi to bed by reminding him that he hadn't spent much time with his son, Iris took some time to speak with Muu in private. She knew that Kouen and Koumei would likely want to know what exactly was spoken about later, but she would deal with that then. The two wandered out into the palace gardens and eventually settled on a bench. Her head tilted back and she peered up at the stars, she broke the silence that had fallen over them, "So want to tell me what's on your mind?" She felt his eyes on her and smiled, "Months apart hasn't really changed the fact that I can tell when something's bothering you, Muu. Guess it's the whole best friend thing we've got going on. So...what's up?"

After a long moment, Muu spoke in a soft voice, "You left Reim and came here. I never expected you to get married, Iris. Let alone so soon."

Letting out a sigh with her gaze still fixed on the stars above, Iris could feel the weight in Muu's words. There were unspoken questions and concerns held within that weight, she toyed with her fingers. Voice thoughtful as she traced out a constellation overhead, she murmured, "And you think I did? Muu, I came here thinking about possibly reconnecting with though though my only goal was ensuring those two could bond with Arashi. But..." She smiled weakly, "It's never straightforward...not with those two and the feelings we have. One thing always leads to another and suddenly we were getting married."

Remaining silent for a long while, Muu spoke softly as he leaned against the bench, "Suddenly you were getting married?"

"Suddenly I was getting married," Iris reached up and carefully tugged the headpiece that Kouen had begun encouraging her to wear from her hair, "I mean...those two with their past, I knew they would never really want it, I didn't expect it. As for me, I didn't grow up thinking I'd get married thanks to my relatives...my world fucked me over. And then..." She toyed with the simple thing that barely weighed anything, "They decided to ask me."

As Muu spoke next, Iris could tell he chose his words carefully, "Are you actually happy? With them?"

Letting out a soft laugh as her eyes traced Koumei's favorite constellation, Iris nodded, "I am. More than I really thought I'd be in this kind of position..." The laughter faded as her fingers began tracing small patterns along the headpiece, "It's also more complicated than I truly thought it'd be. I mean I've avoided politics like the plague only now I'm going to have to live with them for the rest of my life," She heard Muu snort and nudged his shoulder with a mock scowl, "It's not funny. Do you have any idea how annoying half the nobles are? And I'm only dealing with the small shit."

Chuckling softly as he shook his head, Muu smiled at her, "Well, Nobles can be annoying to deal with, especially with royalty is involved."

Iris slowly settled back, "So...how pissed was Sinbad when he realized I'd ditched Reim?"

Slow smirk curling at his lips, Muu chuckled softly, "Sinbad wasn't pleased at all. If it weren't for his advisor, I believe he would have thrown a tantrum in the middle of the assembly hall. He barely managed to maintain his composure though everyone could tell he was frustrated," Iris giggled softly, "Especially when he'd learned you weren't an actual citizen of Reim, he was quite annoyed to learn that no one could pull you back."

"Such a pity," Iris cooed before giggling as she shook her head, "I would've paid to be a fly on the wall for that. The Summit is going to be fun,"

Sobering up as a more serious look crossed his features, Muu gifted her with a look, "You are aware that Sinbad will not let this go, right? Especially if you show up at the Summit with us."

Nodding with a light smile, Iris looked back at the night sky, "Between Kouen and Koumei not to mention Luna, I can't really forget. Sinbad isn't one to give up easily which is a known fact, but I am also a stubborn bitch who loves to drag assholes like that through the mud," She let her smile deepen, "I'm more than prepared to deal with those asshole, Muu. After all, he'll be more focused on Kouen or should be."

Leaning back against the bench and toying with the headpiece, Iris released a soft sigh as a cool breeze swept through the garden. She was looking forward to helping Kouen and Koumei out at the Summit, the purple-haired dipshit's concentration would be fucked over royally.

Letting the door close behind her, Iris spotted Kouen standing by the window with an irritated look on his face while Koumei was sitting on one of the couches with a book in his lap. Though with only a single glance, she could tell he wasn't really reading what was written on the page. Moving towards her dressing table, she spoke softly, "You both are angry with me."

"Not angry," Kouen's voice was tense as Iris heard Koumei shut his book with a soft thump, "You didn't even tell us you were planning on speaking with him,"

Releasing a soft sigh as she approached the dressing table, Iris saw her reflection staring back at her in the mirror. She loathed the tension that was currently weighing the room down, but there was no way around it right now. Reaching up as she carefully began the process of removing the jewelry that she'd put on today, she admitted in a soft tone, "I should have told you both, and for that, I am sorry," She met Kouen's gaze in the mirror for a brief moment before doing the same with Koumei, "But the conversation was something that couldn't wait."

Soft clinks sounded as she set the delicate jewelry down, the metallic sound settled her to a point. Kouen's jaw clenched as he stepped up behind Iris though didn't reach out to touch her. Frustration and concern mixed in his voice, Kouen's eyes were dark as they met hers in the mirror, "What conversation couldn't have waited until we had a chance to speak?"

Voice soft as her fingers stilled on one of the last pieces of jewelry on her body, Iris admitted, "I could tell that something was bothering Muu. And given what happened before leaving Reim, I didn't wish to leave it alone to fester. He was concerned about me..."

"Concerned about you?" Koumei muttered softly in confusion.

"When Arashi and I were leaving Reim, I was sure the only thing that would come of it would be you two gaining a relationship with him," Iris finished pulling her jewelry off and turned around to look at Koumei beside Kouen's shoulder, "And yet, in the months since leaving, I got married to you both,"

His eyebrows furrowed as confusion and frustration flicked through his gaze, Kouen took a step closer and Iris felt the tension in his body. Voice soft as his jaw clenched tighter, Kouen reached out to cup her cheek, "Alexius was concerned about you getting married to us?"

"I think he was concerned about me possibly being manipulated into it," Iris reached up to touch Kouen's face and smiled at him, "Over the years, he became my best friend and knows me well enough to know my past. So..."

His eyes searching hers, Kouen's expression faltered as she leaned into his touch. Koumei spoke up, "He was worried that we'd somehow manipulated you into this marriage? Despite everything we've been through?"

Humming softly as she sighed, Iris smiled sadly, "Knowing the life I led before you two freed me...before ending up in this world, the suddenness of everything made him suspicious. But I calmed him down," She saw Kouen's eyes narrow, "En, I know that I should have spoken with you two. But I had to speak with him and it isn't like the conversation didn't give me some information as well."

"I don't like it," Kouen grunted his his thumb running against her cheek.

"I know," Iris kissed him softly, "Now do you want to hear the information I got or not?"

Stepping away from Kouen as he nodded, Iris moved to sit down across from Koumei. Kouen settled down beside Koumei as the younger of the two asked, "What did you find out from him?"

Speaking in a light tone, a small smile curling across Iris's lips, "Sinbad apparently almost threw a tantrum after finding out I'd made a run for it with Arashi. Especially when he learned we were never citizens of Reim in the first place, Muu said if it weren't for that bastard's advisor, Sinbad would have thrown a full-blown tantrum in the assembly hall."

His expression shifted from slight irritation to a mixture of amusement and mild satisfaction, Kouen released a soft chuckle and Iris nearly sighed in relief as the tension in the room seemed to ease. Smirking as he eyed her, Kouen slowly leaned back in his seat, "So, Sinbad had a little fit, did he?"

"Especially at the realization that we couldn't be dragged back," Iris smiled at Kouen, "It makes me glad that I'd always refused Lady Scheherazade's offers for citizenship,"

"Agreed though this brings to question what Sinbad could be planning," Koumei cupped his chin with a frown, "We're aware of what Luna has mentioned, but for that type of reaction? Especially in public? Odd,"

"Which will make the Summit far more interesting," Iris shifted to curl her legs beneath herself, "Especially if he decides to react to my presence at your side," She let out a soft giggle, "And to think, we haven't even sent letters to his alliance with news of our marriage..."

His eyes gleaming with amusement and mischief, Kouen leaned forward with his blows resting on his knees. Speaking in a low tone, he gazed at Iris with a smirk, "The Summit will be far more amusing for us than anyone expects," He seemed to contemplate something for a few moments before he released a sigh, "I am not happy that you spoke with Alexius alone. Admittedly most of my irritation comes from the fact I still can't get a proper gauge of his feelings for you," She opened her mouth only to close it as he held up a hand, "However, I am pushing it aside. He is our ally and...your friend. But, no more personal conversations, alright?"

Despite the urge to make a joke, Iris nodded with a warm smile as she leaned forward, "Alright, En. Though you two have to actually talk with Muu at some point, alright? He does not have feelings for me and it's time that you two see it. Got it?"

His expression became somewhat mulish, Kouen sighed heavily, "Fine, we'll speak with him, but only to make it clear that he shouldn't be concerned about any ulterior motives on our part."

Smirking with a soft chuckle, Koumei added, "And I'll make sure to keep any potential sarcasm in check during the conversation."

Shaking her head in amusement, Iris got up from her seat and kissed them both, "I'm glad to hear it," She stood up properly and began moving toward her dressing table, "I'm going to finish getting ready for bed. We have an exhausting day tomorrow since a certain someone decided not to cancel those lunch and dinner events."

Chuckling as he leaned back against the couch, Koumei smirked at Iris as he'd chosen to keep said events despite the fact Muu and those with him had arrived today. She knew he just wanted to see her dressed up in his colors as she'd be attending with him rather than Kouen thanks to Muu being here. As she brushed her hair, she heard a rustling sound and snorted as Kouen grumbled at Koumei, "I still can't believe you didn't fucking cancel those events."

"They will be good milk runs for Iris," Koumei's tone was far too innocent.

"You just want to see her in your colors," Kouen accused with a grunt.

"So?" Koumei chuckled softly.

Changing into her nightclothes, Iris walked over to the couch and dropped into Kouen's lap. Kissing his cheek, she smiled at him, "En, how about you pick out my first outfit tomorrow?" She ignored the noise of protest from Koumei as Kouen smirked at her, "Though the stipulation is that you can't touch me in it."

Snickering as his expression dropped and frustration filled his eyes, Iris kissed him softly as a giggle left her. Raising an eyebrow, Kouen seemed to realize she was challenging him. As a smirk formed on his lips, he leaned forward with a slight gleam in his eyes, "Oh, you think I can't resist touching you when you're wearing something I choose?"

Arching an eyebrow in return, Iris leaned back as she shared a glance with Koumei, "En, you can't resist touching me when I'm wearing your colors," She grinned brightly, "So, I think you might have some difficulty," She saw an amused smile on Koumei's face, "Mei, what do you say? Wanna make a bet with me?"

Chuckling as he shook his head, Koumei's eyes were filled with mischief, "Normally, I wouldn't argue against a good challenge, but I know En will cave as soon as he sees you. Half the time, you can barely finish putting on a dress in his colors before he's trying to take it off."

Giggling at Koumei's words as she settled more comfortably in Kouen's lap, Iris looked at Kouen with a teasing smile, "What do you say, En? Do you really wanna try this challenge, or just concede now?"

Setting a hand on her waist, Kouen began tracing patterns along Iris's side as he gave her a sly smile. His gaze locking with hers, he chuckled, "Challenge accepted, Iris. I will pick something out that will leave me unfazed."

Leaning forward to kiss him, Iris pulled away as she murmured, "I look forward to it, En."

"You're avoiding her," Koumei commented with an amused smirk.

As Kouen snorted and shook his head, Koumei could see his elder brother glance around the entrance hall carefully for a moment before looking back at him. It was clear that Kouen was trying to steer clear of Iris until after the luncheon was over. Which was more than a little amusing, he was doing his best to win their little bet. He focused as Alexius walked into the hall and gifted them both a curious look. With a slight nod to them, he asked, "Prince Kouen, Prince Koumei, may I ask why you two seem to be waiting for something?"

Leaning against the wall nearest to the stairwell, Koumei's smirk deepened as Kouen's expression twitched. Speaking in a light tone, he answered Alexius's question, "I am waiting on Iris. We are heading to a small luncheon being put on by some nobles. En was supposed to be coming with us, but he has duties here to attend to. I assume he is seeing us off."

Nodding his head with a thoughtful look, Alexius released a soft sound, "I see."

There was a soft laugh at the top of the stairs cutting off any further conversation, Koumei glanced upward and had to smirk. Dressed in an elegant gown that hugged her figure in the right way, Iris walked down the stairs speaking with Shuu as the soft red fabric of the gown swayed about her body. Everything about the gown accentuated her features, she still held a touch of modesty. Glancing towards Kouen, he bit back a chuckle at the heated look in his brother's eyes. Clearly, Kouen had underestimated just how much of an effect his own choice would have on him.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Iris spotted them with a slight grin, "Mei, sorry for the wait. En, seeing us off?"

Chuckling as he walked over to her, Koumei wrapped an arm around her waist, "You look absolutely stunning, Iris. I don't mind the wait," He kissed her cheek, "As for En, I think he just wanted to make sure we were ready for the luncheon though after seeing you..." He pinned Kouen with a look, "I think he just wants a moment alone."

Giggling as she gave Kouen a grin, Iris tilted her head, "En, what do you think?" She pushed away from Koumei carefully and did a slow twirl, "Like it?"

Slowly moving towards her as his eyes followed her movement, Kouen's eyes were dark as he reached out. He stopped himself just before her shoulders and smiled down at Iris though the intenseness in his gaze lingered, "You look absolutely breathtaking, Iris. If it weren't for the time constraint, I would ensure you knew just how much I appreciated seeing you in this dress."

Meeting Kouen's gaze with a mischievous smile, Iris giggled, "Too bad a certain someone didn't cancel, isn't it?" She gently traced the tips of her fingers across Kouen's cheek before stepping back to stand beside him, "I suppose we should get going, Mei. Wouldn't want to keep those nobles waiting, would we?"

Chuckling softly as he wrapped his arm around her waist, Koumei nodded, "Of course."

"Oh, Muu," Iris looked at Alexius as they began walking towards the entrance, "We should spar at some point. I've got a few new techniques that I'd love to get your opinion on,"

Snorting as he realized what she was doing, Koumei bit back a chuckle as Alexius inclined his head with a light smile, "Of course though we'll have to figure out a good time to do so."

As they reached their carriage and got settled down, Koumei gave Iris a small look of amusement as the door shut behind them, "You want to piss En off, don't you?"

Giggling as she settled into his side, Iris glanced out of the window as they began to move, "It's not about pissing him off, Mei," She bore a playful smile, "It's all about getting a rise out of him. 'Sides, I do enjoy sparring with Muu and miss it greatly."

Chuckling as he shook his head, Koumei kissed her cheek, "That is a dangerous game to play especially when we haven't had that talk with Alexius yet," Iris merely smiled at him and he knew that was why she'd done it, "Mischievous dragon."

"You love that about me," Iris kissed him softly, "Now we have to deal with boring nobles trying to pry into our personal lives...joy," She shifted to settle more firmly against him, "So...how are you going to reward me for behaving during this?"

Chuckling as the carriage rumbled on, Koumei leaned in to whisper in her ear, "Had it been anyone else, I would say behaving is its own reward. For you though," He nibbled on the shell of her ear earning a soft sigh, "If you behave, we might have the carriage take the long way back to the palace..."

Slipping into the room, Iris moved to get changed out of the dress. The luncheon had gone well enough though she still loathed to deal with nobles especially when they decided to try asking 'subtle' questions. But the longer carriage ride back with Koumei had provided her with a much-needed chance to relax, she inwardly sighed and began slipping the gown from her shoulders.

Pausing though as the door opened, Iris quickly stepped behind the dressing screen. She heard Kouen call out, "Iris."

As she hid behind the dressing screen, Iris couldn't help but smile at Kouen's voice. There was a heat to it, it was the same desire that had been present earlier. She felt the remaining tension in her body from dealing with those nobles at the tension drain away. Relaxing her shoulders, she continued to pull the dress away while calling out, "I'm just changing out of the dress. The luncheon went well."

As she started to slip the dress down, Iris heard Kouen's footsteps approaching as the door slid closed. Her skin prickled with anticipation, she heard him chuckle softly, "Koumei said as much..." He paused for a long moment and when he spoke again, she heard his voice on the other side of the dressing screen, "I won our bet."

Softly smiling at his words, Iris leaned back against the wall as she slipped the dress around her hips. Her voice light as she teased him, she stared through the dressing screen, "And what was the bet again? Remind me?"

Low chuckle rumbling through the air, Iris could almost picture the smirk on Kouen's face, "The bet was whether I could resist touching you while you wore the dress I picked out. And, here I am, claiming my victory."

Shaking her head with a soft giggle, Iris let the dress fall to her feet, "You did manage it. I could tell how hard it was to contain yourself."

His chuckle deepened as his voice became husky, Kouen clicked his tongue, "It was a close call, but I pride myself on self-control. I trust the dress was well received?"

Humming as softly, Iris nodded even if he couldn't see it, "It was, En. Kouha must be rubbing off on you," She tugged on a loose shift and walked around the dressing screen, "So...what do you want as a reward?"

Eyes darkening as he stood up from where he'd been leaning against the wall, Kouen walked towards her. His eyes trailed over Iris's form, an appreciative gleam entering his eyes as he stepped closer until he was standing just before her. Reaching up to cup her cheek, he murmured, "I can think of a few things, but...one thing in particular would be...interesting. If you're willing of course."

Leaning into his touch with a playful glint in her eyes, Iris smiled up at him, "What do you want, En? I'm not one to say no especially if it's within reason."

His fingers trailing down from her cheek to her neck, Iris shivered at the light touch. Leaning forward as he spoke, a hint of desire lacing his voice, "A repeat of our wedding night...only Mei can't interrupt this time."

Eyes widening in surprise before softening as a mischievous grin formed, Iris giggled as she murmured, "I think that can be arranged. I guess you liked what I did?"

"Very much so," Kouen kissed her softly.

Mentally grinning at that, Iris kissed him back and deepened the kiss as her fingers tangled in Kouen's kimono top. When she broke the kiss, Kouen chased after her mouth and she tilted her head up only to sigh as he began to nip at her neck over the small marks that had been made by Koumei earlier. Speaking as her fingers flexed, she murmured, "If you want to do it now, you should probably sit down."

For a moment, Kouen looked like he wanted to argue and just keep kissing Iris which she was perfectly fine with. But he nodded after a moment and pulled away from her, they moved over to one of the couches and she knelt on the floor between his legs after he'd gotten settled. Snorting at the small noise of protest that kicked up from that action, she gave him a pointed look and tugged at his pants. Getting her request, Kouen pulled his pants down and she took his cock in her hands earning a soft sound.

Stroking him in her hands, Iris dragged her thumb against the head of his cock ensuring the tip of her thumb dragged against his slit. Kouen groaned as his head dropped back against the backrest of the couch and she smirked at hearing the low curse leaving him. Lowering her head, she blew on the head of his cock while peering at him and only took it into her mouth when his eyes met hers. Almost giggling at the loud groan that left him, she swirled her tongue around the head as her fingers stroked and pumped what wasn't in her mouth. As she took him deeper in her mouth, she carefully scraped her teeth along his shaft earning soft moans as Kouen dropped a hand onto her head. His fingers dug into her scalp as she began to bob her head up and down his shaft, the sight of his twisting expression made the remnants of heat roll down her spine as they renewed.

"Fuck," Kouen breathed out as she took him deeper into her mouth.

Sucking and flattening her tongue, Iris adjusted to the first jolt of Kouen's hips and kept her eyes on him even as his head was tossed back. The only time she looked away from his face was to glance towards the door when it opened. Amusement filled her at seeing Koumei's eyes widen before she went back to focusing on Kouen, she quickly grabbed his hands as he began to unravel. While part of her didn't like the taste of cum, she tolerated it because it was coming from one of the two people she treasured. Pulling away from Kouen as he sank back against the couch, she cleaned herself with a spell and leaned back against the table, "Hello, Mei. En decided what he wanted for his reward."

Flush coating his cheeks, Koumei shook his head as walked towards the room's desk carrying a small pile of paperwork, "Somehow, I'm not surprised that would be his choice."

"Fuck you," Kouen muttered.

Giggling as she stood up, Iris carefully settled in Kouen's lap and kissed him softly. Wrapping her arms around his neck as she pulled away, she looked over the couch to peer at Koumei as Kouen's arms lazily wrapped around her waist, "I guess that's the stuff I've got to fill out?"

"It is," Koumei snorted at the groan she let out, "It's not much, Iris. We can take a look at it together,"

Letting out a gusty sigh, Iris nodded, "Fine, but only because I know it'll go faster that way though it is starting to get a bit easier."

"Which is good," Koumei smiled at her, "Now come over here and we can get started,"

As she began to pull away, Kouen held Iris tighter against him earning a look of surprise as she asked him, "En?"

"Stay right there for a bit longer," Kouen pressed his face into her neck.

While normally she would argue as the paperwork tended to pile up, Kouen didn't cuddle unless it was when they were about to go to bed for the night nowadays. Giving Koumei a weak smile, she nodded to Kouen, "Alright, En."

There was a soft sigh from Koumei as he shook his head, Koumei set the paperwork down and walked over to the couch, "Very well, it can wait for the moment."