War of the Throne [Keiri]

Illness befell the king. Death lingered over the old man’s head, a man without an heir. The people were nervous, the nobles restless. The king long fell into a slumber he didn’t wake from. No heir was named in his will and no regent left in while he was on his sickbed. That left only his daughter, the princess, left. Though law made it impossible for a woman to take the throne the nobles know full well a marriage to the princess would earn them the throne. However one thing stood in their way, the princess her-self. The young flighty woman was an oddity. She was rarely seen and when she was she spoke her mind. More times than often she was running about in men’s clothing and bore a sword on her hip. The princess had long made it clear she wanted nothing to do with marriage, refusing suitors with a glance. The only way for the nobles to gain power was to take extreme measures. The only question left is what measures would be taken.
The young spring breeze was chilly. The trees had green buds ready to spring open at any moment now. The grass was already fuller. The sun was warmer. That meant so little to her though. Navy eyes scanned the small inner courtyard of the intricate castle of halls inside and outside, small courtyards and main courtyards. Leaning against the railing of the hall she looked out at the garden, this one held peach trees, and a koi pound surrounded by little white rocks and had a small bridge over it, which she stood on, because it went to the other side to a bigger section of the garden. The blue sky was full of grey clouds threatening to open and spill forth its contents any moment.

A choice was made and the princess pushed away from the bar. Lose locks of her long raven hair set in it’s usually bun brushed her cheek with the motion. Boots thumped softly with her brisk stride as she moved along heading to her chambers to fetch her cloak and head out. She wanted out of the castle. Some time in the town would do her some good until the rain started. Besides the castle was hell for her these days. Nobles always fussing about and trying to corner her, it was bothersome to say the least.

It didn’t take long until she was heading out of the castle walls, dropping off the roof onto a branch and then dropping to the packed dirt road. Delicate fingers tugged the hood further down to shadow her face more. Under black breeches and a simple white shirt were on in place of a dress. At her waist was a sword, fine craftsmanship but well used. Her stride was brisk and confident, and graceful, something not most men could claim. However she walked right past the guards at the gates without trouble as she headed along the main road and walking among the people who were going about best they could before the rain started. This was what she loved to do, simply mingle. Something the other nobles would never understand.

Ahead was the marketplace. She moved through the crowd with curiosity as to what would be going on this time. Of course the princess failed to notice the three men who pushed off the wall when she walked past after shared glances. She simply moved along. Once she got bored with the main road she turned down an alley to cut through to quieter streets. It was her big mistake. A figure appeared at the other end when she was half through and she stopped and quickly turned around but two men where there. They closed in on her. “Easy lad, we just be wantin yer coin”, the biggest said with a big grin. The one with him pulled a knife, behind her she heard a chuckle. “I have nothing on me”, she spoke up as she put her back to the wall, her second mistake. The big one smirked bigger. “Now dat ‘ould be a darn shame would’t be boys”, he glanced at the guys. She gritted her teeth and took a step to move past them and got shoved back. She winced, she hit her shoulder on the stone. However she was quickly pressed into the wall with an arm to her chest. It was the knife guy, who had said knife pressed to her throat, the metal cold.

Sayori watched as he blinked and looked down then to her face. He used his knife hand to pull her hood back and looked right into her glaring dark eyes. He smirked. “He’s a lass boss”, he wheezed out. The big man, boss, looked around him and that grin got bigger. “A pretty un’ to”, he commented. “Well lass, tanigh’ ain’t yer luckies’ nigh’”, he chuckled. The Asuka Princess head butted the fool holding her and he stumbled back with a groan. She drew her sword and they backed off before the chuckler laughed. “Lookin’ like de lass got some figh’ in’er”, he slurred eyeing her. Sayori chanced him a nasty glare but looked at the boss who pulled two knives and was watching her. “See know yer gone and dun it lass, yer dun got me mad”, he said and lunged at her leaving her barely the time to defend her-self. This whole situation had her off guard.
Violet eyes watched from the shadows as the princess gazed out at the garden. His gaze cool and calculating, working out a plot. The throne was open for whoever claimed the princess as his. A task that would not be easy, because the goal was to take the kingdom in peace without rebellion knocking on the door. So the princess had to be claimed quietly without fuss. A task that was easier said than done. However Gabriel hadn’t made an attempt yet to take the hand of Sayori Asuka, he had simply watched the other fools try and fail time and time again. The woman was proving to be very independent and willed, something he couldn’t wait to break her of.

The fact was Gabriel didn’t want the throne because he wanted the power he simply wanted it to further his elaborate games. He was growing bored with things as they were he wanted to have the power to manipulate things without having someone deny him. He wanted the chance at new play things. His playground needed to be bigger as well. Otherwise he would find him-self bored too soon with the power. Yes, the throne and the princess would prove to be interesting puppets for him to manipulate at will, he couldn’t wait for the chance.

A slow dark smirk crossed his features as he watched her hurry off suddenly. Flighty as ever. Something that would change soon if he played his cards right and his plan went into plan without too many problems showing up. However if wasn’t time yet to act, his only regret. Gabriel sighed and turned away from his shadowy hiding place and moved through the indoor halls now off to do something productive until he had something come up or her grew bored.

The fireplace was bright with a low flame as always and filled the entire room with comforting warmth while the sound of laughter gave the inn an appealing air about it. Just like always the downstairs held a good amount of people in it who had come inside to get something warm in their bellies for the walk home or to seek shelter from the gloomy skies that seemed to grow closer to an inevitable downpour as time went on. It was almost to much of a calming sanctuary from the gloomy skies as one man slumped sleeping in the corner of the room, his short and sandy blonde hair in a strangely fashionable uncombed look as it hung down to cover his eyes from the light. His lean arms crossed in front of his chest as his dark wool cloak wrapped around his body adding to the warmth of the dark brown tunic and nearly black breeches.

After awhile an older man began to walk toward the sleeping Dante, his white apron marking him as the inn keeper with his graying hair and small pot belly. With a small nudge of his foot, which was rather more like a kick to the sleeping man’s ankle, Dante slowly opened his eyelids to reveal the emerald green that laid beneath them. “Wake up you lazy bum, I got a crate of kitchen supplies I need you to pick up from the market before the rains come in.” The innkeeper said good naturedly as he smiled down at the younger man, the laugh lines obvious in his eyes and the smile that never quite faded unless something ruined his mood. Dante how ever tried to shrug him off and made himself more comfortable on the bench perfectly content to blow it off and sleep more, that was until a moment later a hand slapped done on the table infront of him casuing him to open his eyes and see his debt written on a piece of paper. The amount caused his eye to twitch slightly as he looked up the large sum of money he owed the man, living at the inn and eating the food for a nearly a year now had seemed to pile up on him faster than he was able to pay it off with odd jobs and helping around the place so it seemed like he would never get out of here with his friend completely paid off.

With a sigh of defeat Dante rose to his feed and grudgingly accepted the directions before making his way to the door, his hand reaching out on instinct to pick up his sword and slip it into this belt while walking out the door. Pulling his dark hood up to ward off the growing chill and wrapping his cloak around him more he began to walk away from the King’s Chamber and head off in the direction of the marketplace with hurried steps.

His eyes lazily wandered about the area as he made his way towards the markets as he watched people coming and going now and again. His green eyes locking onto a dark haired woman looking around a corner into an alley as if she feared being caught, as he approached her he could faintly hear her speaking to herself saying “Not good not good, I have to get help” before she quickly hurried off into a throng of people. Looking across the corner into the alley his hand instintivly reached for his sword handle as he moved his cloak out of the way and took a better look inside. Three men surrounding what seemed to be a woman holding a sword out in front of her. The next moment a man charged at her and he began to move to her aid, the sword at his side sliding into his hands with a hiss of steel while he quickly closed the distance to the other two whom had looked over at him once the sound of his boots hitting the ground before sliding to a stop infront of them and taking careful steps closer so he wouldn’t lose his footing.

Now that the two men had their attention on him the woman was sure to win her fight with the longer weapon so all he would have to do is stand there and keep them busy or make them surrender, his abilities would let him hold them off for several moments and that woman he saw earlier was sure to be coming back with the guards anytime now.



Bright and icy blue eyes stared idly at the chess board in front of him as he thought of his next move in the game. So far he held a superior advantage of location and placement with his pieces, but the old and silvery haired old man in front of him held the greater numbers. Now he was forced to choose and pick his battles carefully with him, he just had to stay alert and focus on the game and then victory was as good as his. Picking up his bishop he began to make his move when a knock on the door brought his hand to a stop and an impatient “come in” allowed the man to enter.

His gaze never left the board as he silently tapped his foot waiting on the messenger to speak up so he could get on with the game, Lucifer didn’t like to lose his matches with the older man and hated being interrupted while doing it even more. “Um, we may have a problem….. It seems like one of our agents had seen three men assaulting a woman that looked exactly like the princess.” The messenger said while taking a few steps backward with his eyes down cast, The older gentleman how ever simply slide his chair back in time to get a safe distance away from the high lord as Lucifer’s hand instantly burst into flames and engulfed the metal chess piece. His blue eyes now narrowed and glaring dangerously at the messenger while the man stumbled over his words trying to reassure him that everything would be alright and guards were already sent to help her shortly after the men engaged her. The noble simply kept glaring until the man left before grinding his teeth and finished making his move with the now cherry red piece, everyone had learned long ago that it was best to make his private room filled with as much metal and nonflammable objects as possible since its where he tended to get the worst news while doing something he enjoyed.

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I, Lelouch Vi Brittannia, commands you to marry me.

A man seemed to come out of nowhere when her sword sparked against the other mans long knife. She didn’t pay him much attention after he engaged the other two. The boss man looked at her and smirked. He could cut her little throat and be off before trouble came his way. Or so he thought. The woman shoved him back with a small growl and whipped her sword around slashing his arm making him yelp in indignation. The raven haired princess ducked his lunging slash and swiftly booted him I the gut sending him back two steps before she whirled in a graceful twirl that let her duck and swoop up to deliver a blow to the fat mans jaw and had him drop like a sack of potatoes. Gracefully she slipped her sword in its sheath and she reached up with a gloved hand to brush aside a few loose locks of her hair that popped out of place during her fight. The fact was Sayori had been playing with these men, acting defenseless so they would underestimate her. But the help of a stranger didn’t bother her much. The extra help helped her prevent further bruising.

The sound of running boots warning her of guards. She turned to find the man had taken down the second man. She swiftly gripped his wrist and bolted down the alley and laughed as the guards turned down the alley and shouted after them. For her this was all a game, something to do to past the time, a way to get away from her suffocating life in the castle, and its walls. Navy eyes turned to him and she winked as she tugged him down another alley. Her gloved fingers laced with his as she held firm to her newest victim to her whims and pulled him through twists and turns of streets, their tailing guards falling behind with each passing alley, finally she let go and climbed up a roof by a few crates on the ground and a hunk of brick missing onto the roof. The roof had a little cubby where the doors to the stairs was but otherwise had a clothing line and a few potted plants and a lounging cat who ran off the moment she pulled her-self up.

Sayori burst into a fit of giggles as she sat down and leaned her back on the tall lip over the flat roof of the building. She pushed aside her loose hair and looked to the man she dragged with her. “Forgive me, I never intended to get someone else mixed in my troubles. But I really couldn’t let them catch me, and you would have gotten into trouble. I couldn’t have that after you helped me. Thank you by the way”, she said a little breathless, cheeks flushed with her laughter and their long run. Her chest heaved as she fought to steady her breath. She looked at the sky and smiled standing and turning her face to the sky. “The rain, it comes”, she said cheerfully and turned to look at him as the rain seemed to suddenly pour down. She tossed her head back and her hair tied seemed to snap and her long mid waist length raven locks fell in a graceful waterfall as she closed her eyes and stretched her arms out. Such actions were what labeled her the eccentric she was rumored to be in court.

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A few maids walked past him gossiping about something they overheard near lord Lucifer’s room. A smirk touched his lips. So the young princess was causing trouble yet again. Such spirit and will, it left him craving to feel her break under his control. It made the wait to see that fiery spark of life in her eyes go out. It almost seemed to long a wait. But he knew the best things were things one had to wait to gain. The question was how was his rival baring with this? His hot temper must be an issue now. A cool chuckle escaped him. Yes he knew very much about the fire controllers desires and famous hot temper. One Gabriel lacked. He lifted a hand and watched the black ice form a smoking ice rose in his palm. An issue he never had to worry about he was far to ‘cold’ hearted to let his emotions get the better of him like that.

The two men in front of him stood there while simultaneously glancing at each other as a devious smile spread across their faces. They brown eyes turned back to him as they both drew long knives and began to circle him for a brief moment before they struck. His sword rose and parried off one man’s knife before stepping back and dodging a sloppy slash at him, his back hit the stone wall and his eyes widened in faked surprise.

The reaction instantly caused one of the men to lunge at him, his knife making sparks as it struck where Dante’s head was before he dodged it. His free hand reached out and grabbed the thug by the back of his hair and slammed his forhead into the wall, the a small cracking sounded as the man slumped down unconscious with blood smearing on the wall. The other man hesitated for a moment once he had seen his ally ruthlessly slammed and was left open for a quick kick in the gut then a slash across his thigh to limit his movements before Dante took a few steps back to give him some room and spared a glance towards the woman. A smile of satisfaction on his lips once he saw she finished off her man too before turning to the other man to make sure he didn’t try anything while he debated on if he should stay and possibly get in trouble with the guards, he tended to get in trouble with them now and again, or to stay incase she needed him.

This time however his eyes did widen in surprise as he suddenly found himself being pulled behind said woman and running with her as he looked over his shoulders to see the guards starting to chase them. He smiled as he began to run beside the laughing girl and began to grin at her wink and let himself chuckle while he laced his fingers back and held her hand as they both ran from the guards chasing them. He was rather surprised, he wasn’t sure if she had a place to go in mind or if they were just randomly running through the streets, which ever it was it was just enough fun to make him forget all about him having to pick up supplies for the innkeeper and simply run with the woman. As they slide to a stop he looked around to make sure they weren’t being followed and grinned up at her as he jumped up on the crates and leapt onto the roof, his hands grasping the edge as he began to haul himself up and smiled thankfully when the dark-haired woman helped him up.

Panting slightly Dante stood in front of the woman as he ran a hand through his messy, dirty blonde hair and smiled at her for a moment. He had gotten his exercise in for the day at least and had his blood pumping so he was no longer cold. His hood had fallen down during the run so his cheeks held a slight ting from then when he had ran through the cold air. Chuckling slightly he stretched until his back popped and smiled down at her as he put his hands behind his head in a lazy manner. “Your welcome, and if I didn’t get in trouble now I would have gotten in it some time. I was due for a run in with someone but at least I had fun today.” His smile faltered for just a moment as he suddenly remembered that he had to pick up the supplies for the inn before the rains came, and then she said the worst possible thing she could have that time.

And the rain did come in all its glory while she literally welcomed it with open ups and cheer. Dante on the other hand quickly pulled his hood up over his head and shivered slightly as he looked at her with a small tilt to his lips, atleast she was enjoying herself for now but when she got sick it would be worth it he suspected. After a few moments he turned to look down the alley, the gaurds would have stopped looking for them by now so they should be safe to take shelter, and the inn wasn’t to far away from here so he could pick up the supplies and take her with him If she wanted. Turning to her he shivered and chuckled slightly before he spoke up. “If your done dancing in the rain I know someplace dry and warm near here called the King’s Chamber. I just have to run to pick up some stuff so if you know where it is you could meet me there in abit, im sure I could get you a room for the night if you need it or anything.”


Lucifer stood there with his hand impatiently tapping on the top of his queen, the chair across from him was empty once the retired assassin excused himself after he had managed to win the game in one of his hot tempers. His king lay on its side in defeat as he stared absent mindedly at the fire place, the flames rising up and down as it reacted to his mood. The princess was alright according to his reports but what really kept his blood boiling for the moments was all that she has done and failed to do. She could enjoy herself all she wanted, go out get in trouble if that is what she wished and he wouldn’t even mind. But her pure selfishness was what peveid the high lord the most, in his eyes she had completely abandoned her duties as the princess and was letting the country began to weaken as the throne sat empty and nobles plotted for the rule. The surrounding countries were held at by for the moment by their armies at the borders to give the appearance of strength but they wouldn’t be able to hold out much longer.

The princess had to take a suitable husband to serve as king, it wasn’t the time for her to do as she liked while the country degraded and ruined the work her father had painstakingly put into it. He wanted to be the king, he wanted the power that the throne gave. He wanted the power to command massive armies, the power to make nations kneel before him and shake the world with his coming. He wanted power, he wanted wealth, he wanted servants he wanted to make the lords all around him kneel down and lap at his feet. He wanted everything including love, a prospouse nation and he wanted to make those he felt deserving to find happiness. Everything would be his for the taking, everything the nation needed would be at his finger tips and within ins grasp if only he could manage to win the princess’s hand in marriage.

He had never voiced any of his opinions to her of course, he may have a temper but he was smart enough to know that he should approach her about marriage, instead he kept their conversations brief and painless for the both of them as he commented on her recent antics and laughed slightly at those he found amusing. There was only two things standing in his way for all his desires, the princess whom had no interest in taking a husband even if it would be just a title, and Gabriel’s own plans to expand his influence. Both nobles held greed deep in their hearts, both of their wants were bred purely out of selfishness, but that’s where their similarity ended and the oppositions began.

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I, Lelouch Vi Brittannia, commands you to, all of you. To acknowledge me as king.

Lively navy eyes looked at him. So he was a troublemaker as well. That sparked the princess’s interest. It was rare to find a fellow trouble maker. However she would not let him know who she was, she couldn’t. He seemed so carefree with her now. If he knew, she feared the worse, it had happened in the past. For now though she would make a point to spend as much time with this one as she could, know him better. She felt he was a kindred spirit and she was eager to know more about him.

The rain was beautiful, lively, warm, and embracing. She savored the feeling of it hitting her skin and soaking into her clothing. It was fabulous. However she was pulled to reality by her company who spoke up his teeth chattering by the sound of it. She looked at him wide eyed. “Oh”, she said and stepped to him and lifted a hand, the rain parted away from him, like a large bowl shielded him from above, her as well. “I’m sorry I forget others don’t have an affinity for water like me”, she said sheepishly. She lifted a hand to him and made a brief motion with her other hand letting the water ‘slide’ from his clothing leaving him damp rather than soaked. Her own clothing did the same of its own will. “I will go with you to get your things and take them to the inn but I will have to leave you then. I’m not supposed to be here”, she told him and jumped down to the crates below and then the alley, making sure to keep them dry.

“So where will we be going”, she asked him. She walked with him keeping the rain off of them. She didn’t mind this, in fact the normality of the moment was something she favored. The demanding of her birth was too much. She longed to rule, she didn’t want to abandon the kingdom, she loved it. Every little corner of their kingdom she loved, but the laws said she had to have a husband, but she wanted one who would support her, stand by her, not make her meekly sit in the shadows. She had ideas, plans, and hopes for the future of the country and the men seeking her hand wanted a crown and womb to bear their heirs. They cared nothing for her country, the people, or her. Which was why she refused them all, none had what she was looking for. The fact was Sayori was hoping her father would wake soon to change the law, if only for his last act as king, because he knew her standing, and he encouraged her to seek such a man. However he refused to change the law, but perhaps now if he woke again he would. Until then she would try her best to avoid the beasts stalking her heels.

Navy eyes flickered to her companion and a small smile touched her lips. And perhaps she found an excuse to get away from the castle walls and her dragons.

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Putting a pause on Gabriel until he is needed lol

The rain was freezing cold and the wind blowing made it seem even worse to the young man as he stood there watching someone he had just then deemed insane by the way she enjoyed it and reacted as if it was the sun that was shining down and not pouring rain. However one thing he didn’t do was chatter his teeth, that he repeated firmly in his mind over and over again even as he heard them and felt them himself . And them with a simple wave of her hand it was all gone, the rain pelting into him had stopped but the wind still remained chilling the water on his body. Even that however was pushed out of his mind as he stared at her with his mouth hanging open in shock even as the water was pulled from his body. His mouth snapped shut as he grinned at her hearing that he could be kept dry and jumped down with her as he chuckled softly. “No wonder you enjoyed that, I thought you were insane for a moment there……. And it’s a storage place near the markets, the inn I stay at isnt to far away from there so it wont be long.”

Walking under the makeshift protection against the rain he still walked close enough so ever now and again their arms would brush against eachtohers, his cloaked was wrapped around him and he was still cold so the close proximity helped with the coldness. Atleast that’s what he told himself, the real reason was probably due to the fact that his heart hadn’t stopped racing since their little fight back in the alley and it was probably due to the woman beside him. She seemed strong willed, independent, and one thing above all else someone he could enjoy being with since it seemed like she had tricks up her sleeves to get outa trouble with. It took them a few minutes to go thorugh the back door and pick up the supplies before making their way towards the inn, using back alleys the whole time since he didn’t think she would like being notice after saying she wasn’t supposed to be out here and all. Once they reached the King’s Chamber’s stables he set the crate down and grinned over at her in thanks. “Thanks for keeping me dry today, just stop by anytime so I can repay the favor or if you ever need a place to hide out from where ever your supposed to be….” His hand sheepishly rubbed the back of his head and he tilted his head at her, his emerald eyes bright as he looked at her. “Will I ever see you again? Or do I have to run from the gaurds before I bump into you again”

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I, Lelouch Vi Brittannia, commands you to, all of you, keep me dry.

Of course he thought she was strange and even crazed for her actions, most people wouldn’t savor the rain like this. She simply laughed at him and smiled showing him she had no hard feelings. They walked closely, but she didn’t mind the occasional brush of shoulders. It was nice to have company like this, letting her get lost in her thoughts. But it seemed too soon they had his things and where in the courtyard of the Inn. She looked at the place and then at him when he spoke. She smiled softly for him. He was different, she liked that.

“If you will allow it I would like to see you again the day after tomorrow. The storm will have blown over by then. And then we can truly spend time to know each other better”, she said a little eager, navy eyes alive. “I’ll meet you at noon before the squares fountain in two days”, she said and turned to dash off but paused at the gate and looked over her shoulder at him. “Oh, yeah, what’s your name? I’m Yori”, she said and dashed off the moment she had his name. She had been away too long for a rainy day.

Sayori rushed through the halls to her room, soaked. It took all of ten minutes to dry her hair enough to braid it and slip into a new set of breeches and a pale blue shirt and head out to wander before dinner was to be served. A visit to the library might be good, she needed to return her book for a new one anyway. So she brought her book with her as she went. Humming some odd commoner song she looked out at the rain as she walked, braid swaying with her graceful but brisk stride as she left her feet carry her on the familiar path and let her mind wander to her little adventure.

Dante smiled and nodded as he said that he would love to meet up with her then. He watched her dash off for a moment and just as he was about to turn he looked over his shoulder at her. “Dante! Now get home before you get in trouble.” He said in a playful tone before walking inside with the supplies. Once he got in he was only berated for a short while by the innkeeper before he seemed to forget all about it and put the man to work doing dishes for the night.

After two days had passed Dante walked out of the inn dressed in a light green tunic that matched his eyes, his sword at his waist and a darker green pair of breaches and emerald colored cloak warped about him to ward off the small chill the storm left behind in it’s wake. The sun was shining down and the refreshing smell of newly fallen rain still remained in the air. With a smile he strode off towards the meeting point as he navigated the crowds until he got to the fountain. Three stone mermaids lay on a rock seemingly sunbathing as two held out pots with water gushing out and onto the small pool at their waists and the third lay on her back with a stream of water flowing out of her mouth and over the other two. It was a stone carving done by two stone workers, one held the power to manipulate the earth and made the flawless statues while the second had used his water to make it so that the stream never died down so long as it held a good supply of water. And even then just adding more would make them work. Looking around to try and see Lori Dante let out a small sigh and sat on the edge of the pool looking out idly at the crowd, he shouldn’t have come early.

Lucifer

Quietly closing the door behind him Lucifer left the library with a small stack of books under his arm, most of them dealing with military affairs, a few for entertainment, and geography done about the Rukan country to their west, one that had been mobilizing armies for ‘drills’ but he suspected that they might be preparing an invasion against them while they were fighting over the throne. Their armies were enough to hold them off but if other countries followed their lead they would need a strong commander to force all the lords and nobles to submit as they gave an order, and out of all of them he was probably the only one capable of putting fear into them due to the reputation his temper had given him.

His icy blue eyes looked up in time to see the princess walking towards the library and idly gave her a quick look over, no limps, no blood shed, nothing that suggested a wound so she must have been alright. Knowing that a false polite smile would be wasted on someone like her he simply gave her a slight nod of his head, acknowledging her as an equal while he stepped away from the door to give her the chance to proceed in if she chose while he addressed her in his slightly amused voice. “Princess Sayori, im glad to see you are well after your…. Adventure in the alleys this evening, you had me worried about you for a moment when I got the report in.” Changing his stance from more laid back his body language and stance took on a slightly more serious air about him as he stepped closer and spoke lower so they weren’t over heard. “But, I hope you do understand that even such a thing as three guys attacking you and getting help from a stranger is something the nobles will problems about; if you were to die then the entire country would be thrown into chaos. The Rukans seem to have sensed our weakness and are running drills close to our borders, the high lords and nobles would fight over your father’s throne and create civil wars. Up until now everyone, including myself have tried to find a way to get the throne for their own reasons. And in ways that would prevent us from destroying ourselves, it should only be right that you are more aware of how important it is you find a husband capable of leading our country and uniting the nobles, other wise everything your father strived so hard for would be for nothing. “ His tone wasn’t offensive in any way, it only held a hint of frustration at how close the country truly was at falling apart; not even all the other nobles knew of how bad the situation was and Lucifer would actually be willing to accept another as king if they were strong and capable enough. Stability before greed and desires, or else all was for naught just as he told her.

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I, Lelouch Vi Brittannia, commands you to, all of you, find someone worthy.

The raven haired princess looked up when she stepped to the library door to find Lord Lucifer on the same route. She stepped into the room when he opened the door giving a slight nod back willing to part ways with just that. Sayori never liked the nobles, and there were two in particular that bothered her. Lucifer only bothered her by the rumors about his temper. So she did her best to avoid him, and the other nobles that lived within the castle walls. It seemed he wasn’t going to let her get away with this today.

The princess lifted her chin and looked at him as he spoke. Everything made her angry though. He had a valid point but he knew nothing of what was going on between her and her father before his illness took a turn for the worse. “I would like it if you didn’t have people watching me, it is not your place. I am more than capable in such situations. It is none of your business where I go or what I do. And you dare peak to me of such matters? I know the standing of the country. I am also aware of the situation with the throne. If anyone in this castle is aware the most it is me. Believe it or not I do pay attention and am aware of what goes on around me. And if you must know I have yet to find a man who is worthy of the title of the crown. None of you nobles can even lick my fathers shoes in hopes of being king. You would do well to not speak to me in such a fashion again. I am no air headed twit”, she snarled and turned on her heel and left the room slamming the door shut behind her, no mind the fact it was a library. Before she left she had set her book on his stack. The book was one the newest ones on military strategy, a few stray papers sticking out with her neat handwriting on notes about what she read. Clearly she had planned on staying a while.

It was time to meet her new found friend and she left the castle dressed in men’s gear yet again sword in place. Her long legs hugged by tan breeches and her torso hugged by a fitted white shirt, a tan cloak with a raised hood was over her braided raven locks. Humming she briskly stepped through the crowds heading for her meeting point with Dante. The man she told her handmaiden all about, telling the curious woman about her adventure and how she felt this man was the closest thing to a friend she had made in so long, not to mention how excited she was to see him again. The blonde had eagerly encouraged her to talk. And Sayori eagerly did so.

However know she was excited and nervous to see him again. Already it seemed like they were close friends, and that was only from a two hours together but they just seemed to click. She smiled brightly from under her hood. The fountain came into view and she step picked up. She spotted him and practically pounced on him when she grabbed his hand and tugged him to the marketplace where she could smell freshly baked goods, her hood was dropped before she grabbed him. She smiled at him and let his hand go when they reached the packed area but she was so close their shoulders touched. “You have to show me the city, from your view, today you show me places and next time I will show you something”, she told him seriously and gave a nod of her head and giggled moving through the crowd to stop at a stand with pastries that smelled like spiced apples. She looked at them and then the stall owner, an older woman with graying hair who smiled back and wrapped two the treats up and refused coin when Sayori offered them. Navy eyes were wide and the woman slightly inclined her head. A small smile was given and she inclined her head back. This woman knew her, this was her way of greeting her. Sayori wouldn’t refuse her the chance, it seemed to make the woman happy to give her the pastries, she would remember the woman and come back later and truly buy from her. Because when she handed one to Dante and took a bite of hers it was one the best things she had tasted in her life. Now she looked to her companion. “Where to first Dante”, she asked brightly.

Lucifer.


The noble stood there calmly looking at the door to the library that the princess had just slammed, any other time it would have been likely that a fire had started if someone spoke to him in such a manner and contempt. But, this time he was looking forward to it; testing the woman to see alittle bit inside of her and the reasoning behind her actions. His icy blue eyes glanced down to the book she nearly slammed on his pile as a ghost of a smile flittered across his features, she wasn’t just aware of her actions and what was going on she was trying to prepare as well. One that was futile in his opinion, the princess would never lead an army but the motive behind them was what counted; once she found someone worthy she would take him as a husband that was capable of leading the nation to greatness. Now, he had seen alittle bit inside of her head when she lost her cool and simply had to slowly form himself into the best choice for the role. Turning he lazily strode back towards his private chambers, he had yet another book to read and some notes to thoroughly look through before he met up with the princess yet again.

Dante

Sitting idly on the edge of the pool Dante lightly ran his fingers across the surface of the water while he waited for Yori to meet up with him. His emerald green eyes reflecting off the water’s rippling surface as he stared into it while he tried to think of what they should do today, so far nothing really stuck out to him that was interesting enough to do besides get in trouble alittle bit. As he was lost in thought a hand suddenly shot out and grabbed his arm, pulling him off his seat and startling him as he looked up to see his smiling companion dragging him deeper into the market place making him smile as well.

His eyebrow rose slightly as he glanced over at her while she told him to show her the city now and later she would show him something. His elbow gently nudged her as he grinned in her direction. “It seems to me that you haven’t thought of anything to do today, nice tactic dumping it all on me.” He said jokingly. His head turned when she moved towards a snack stall and stepped up beside her, having to pretty much shove his way through the crowd to get beside her while reaching for his pouch. With a slightly confused frown his hand slide along his belt without touching the money pouch he always kept tied. Immediately his eyes shifted back across the crowd while the woman handed Yori the food, his gaze searching to try and find someone suspisioue but found none. And then a dark haired woman wearing a plain dress that he normaly would never have taken notice of suddenly bumped into a man and then stumbled towards him; his hands reaching out to quickly catch her as her hands fell to his waist to steady herself. She smiled slightly and gave him a quick thanks before walking off in the other direction with him staring after her, he knew that he had seen her before but couldn’t quite place it.

He looked back when Lori suddenly asked where to go he gave her a small smile and ran his eyes across the streets while his hand fingered the place his pouch was, his hand froze for an instant over the spot that was just empty a moment ago once again held his money. Shaking his head he grinned back to his new found friend and grabbed her hand, gently pulling her into the crowd with him as they began walking with his pastry in his other hand. “First, we walk among the people, mingle, enjoy the sights and wares we could normally never afford. And then, once I actually have a good idea we will go there. “ With a quick smile at her he took a bite of his food and went about wandering the markets and stores with her, mainly talking about a few of his run ins with the gaurds he found pretty amusing himself or eye shopping at stores that he would never afford to buy weapons at and other odd trinkets.

As dusk began to take over and the sun got low he looked over at her with a big grin as they sat at the base of the fountain they first met up with that day and nudged her slightly as he spoke up. “I finally have an idea, but we have to hurry if you want to see it.” Pretty much leaping up from his sitting spot he waited a moment for her to stand before jogging off down the streets, weaving through the traffic with smile as he lead her down the alleys and streets until they came to the first layer of walls that surrounded the entire city .With a quick wave to a guard he knew he gained access into the battlements and lead her up the stone tower until they came out onto the walls themselves. The sun was starting to set and casted the valley below into a shade of red that mingled in with the clouds and made a breath taking view in his eyes. His arms rested on the stone as he leaned forward and looked over at her with a smile before looking back at the horizon. “From all that I have seen in the city, this sight is by far the most breath taking and sad. From these very walls, in this spot soldiers have fought off armies stretching across to the horizon. Their gaze looking forward to the despair that war brings and towards undying hope while thoughts of their loved ones, of the reasons they fight to protect those important to them overcome the fear and certainty of death; it’s a view that normally one could only see as they stare off into the horizon as they prepare to die for what they believed in…. a view that no one but a soldier could ever see and that commoners and nobles alike tend to over look.”

---

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I, Lelouch Vi Brittannia, commands you to show me the world.

Dante hit her tactic right on the head. She didn’t know much about the commoners way of life. When she snuck out most of the time she spent her time in the forest behind the walls. Often when she could she would ride out and not return for days, but that was when he father was well, now she would spend time among the people, see things from their eyes. Perhaps learn something in the meanwhile. Dante seemed to be exactly the person she needed to be with. He saw things from so many different viewpoints at once. He was the ideal companion for her. And he warded away the loneliness that seemed to drag her down these days. With her father on his deathbed she found her-self lost, Dante was her guide back to her path, or so it seemed. So she just laughed and gave him her typical sly smile that said he may or may not be right.

When he took her hand a small smile was given and she lightly gripped back, her hands were as usual covered with thin leather gloves, but she could still feel the warmth of his hands. The princess looked around them and followed him, their hands linked. “That sounds perfect to me”, she said a hint of laughter in her voice, amused they were going to do this by ear. She couldn’t wait to see what he came up with. So she spent the day wandering with him. Looking at the simple things that they thought was expensive and what was finery in their eyes. It was fascinating. And it showed her how much the nobles were spoiled, however that wasn’t her place to say anything, she was no Queen and even then the power the Queen had was very small. It was whatever the king gave her, often times she was little better than a well dressed doll who can bear a child, and little more.

They spoke about their wild adventures. Laughing at the silly mistakes they made. She had made her life sound like one of a merchants daughter, using details her hand maiden used to integrated into her stories to help keep suspicion of her real rank away. However her tales were completely true other than a few altered words. And his stories amused her the most he was in trouble far more often than she. His stories made her laugh or set off a series of questions. That was always her favorite thing to do, ask questions. She was always striving to learn more.

Sayori noticed a few people stared or followed her with their eyes, they knew her from rare glimpses, or from descriptions. After all the princess was known for her strange ways, and refusal to act like a true noble. She was an anomaly in society, and people loved it, she always heard gossip about her-self in the castle halls, and it never ceased to amuse her. Though it unnerved her in the town, she didn’t want Dante to know who she was, she was afraid of his reaction.

They were resting and she was wondering how best to reenter the castle today, she had been gone all day for the most part, someone would have something to say about that, she knew it. However she was pulled from those thoughts when Dante spoke, and always up for the chase she got up and smiled “Lead the way”, she said and hurried after him. Sayori smiled as they ran off. However she sobered as they headed for the walls. Her heart pounded and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. This wall, how many times she wished to walk through it and never look back in her youth. Now this wall meant so much more for her. It was a barrier yes, but it also was the starting point of her kingdom. It was a testament of the strength and passion her people had in their country and king. So many had died on these walls, something her father often told her when he taught her the history of their country.

Sayori followed him to the wall and she stepped up to it and looked out at the sight and felt her breath escape her. She rested her hands on the cool stone and looked out at the setting sun and listened to the picture he painted. Her heart ached and swelled at the same time. Dante reminded her of her father’s passion when he spoke just now. Once he fell silent she said nothing and simply looked out quietly. She lifted her hands and carefully removed her gloves and pressed them to the cool stone and closed her eyes. “This wall is much like our country now. It holds sorrow and tension unseen by the eye. However it’s there. Like the soldiers who stand before the pending battles to come, this kingdom is waiting on bated breath for what will happen next. The first decisive strike that will be made, the first to attack, will start a series of events that only the skill of who takes the throne can influence, much like a commander with his warriors. A frightening thought on its own”, she said opening her eyes and turning to face him. She smiled gently. “Thank you”, she said and leaned forward to kiss his cheek and smiled warmly as she took his hand in her own, bare for once, feeling the callus’s from long hard work under her soft, barely marked hands. Softly tanned skin delicate looking to his tan from long hours under the sun. So many differences and yet they mixed together so well.

It was growing dark and she had to return before someone was sent to look for her. She pulled her hands away and moved to the stairs. “I want to see you again, in two days. Meet me by the eastern gate before dawn”, she said and turned and ran off. She had to return home, already she knew someone would comment on her absence, someone always did. But if she was out past dark too long guards would be sent to look and she couldn’t have that.

When Sayori slipped into the gates by the shadows she was panting softly from her mad dash, the sun dipped out of sight as she moved into the halls heading for her rooms. Locks were loose and her cheeks pink with her run, but as smile was on her lips as she looked at the gloves in her hands. Today was so much more than she had ever dreamed.

---

Gabriel sat in his chair of his study. Before him was a journal, his slanted spidery handwriting filling the pages. A quill spun between his thumb and forefinger. Icy violet orbs looked out the window of the setting sun. A slow smirk touched his lips as ice climbed up the window. It seemed there was too much going on lately the princess went out twice with a commoner. Some male not of the city. It could put a dent in his plans, and it seemed days before Lucifer made a move that made a turn for the interesting. This complicated things though this Dante figure. His initial thought was have him killed but that was no good. The princess was resourceful and might find out what happened. He didn’t want that to weigh against him. A light sigh was given and the walls started to ice, showing his current mood. Gabriel stood and the fire went out as he swept out the door. He had a few things to see too. It seemed he needed to seek out another of his little spies and plant it, Lucifer needed to be watched too, but not just anyone could play that roll, also one needed to tail the commoner, he wanted to know as much about him as possible. The die had been rolled the question was who would make the next move?

Dante

Speaking with Yori seemed to come naturally to him, their stories were very similar but no matter how much she shared about the trouble she got into it seemed like he had at least two other examples to beat hers with. And whenever he shared one of the better ones with her she would always either laugh or go into a series of questions about it, a thing about her he rather liked since she seemed to take a genuine interest in him and his stories.

And when they weren’t talking about their little adventures they were walking the streets and looking at various stores, making little comments now and there about how it would take him three years just to get a sword or something. Several times he saw people staring at them but he simply shrugged them off as looking at Yori’s strange attire, they probably weren’t used to seeing someone like her, he knew he wasn’t. So the day went without comment about it as they enjoyed themselves.

Emerald green eyes continued to gaze out at the setting sun and once again he felt the small surge of pride as he thought of all that the soldiers have suffered for the people and their leaders. He was also reminded of the reason he intentionally came to the capital, it was the closest place that he was able to get to in hopes of joining their army; but once he had gotten there he found out that it was harder than it seemed to join at the capital than at one of the frontier cities. The only thing he could have gotten into was being shipped off to the north where the winters were harsher and it was more punishment than anything, he wanted to serve yes but he would also want to be warm when he did. So he held off on joining, every time checking to see if a better section was recruiting and each time only getting back the northern stretches as an available spot or just this year the possibility to join in one of Lord Lucifer’s new forces that was forming. He still had a few weeks to sign up for it so he was trying to put it off to the side for the moment, he wasn’t exactly going to just jump right into the army when he had heard some of the rumors about the lord floating around. From what the chat in the tavern said he personally blew up an entire wing of the palace in a fit of rage some time ago and if he joined one of his armies he would likely be thrown away like arrow fonder.

When she spoke he shifted his eyes back towards her and quietly listened to her, his gaze thoughtful as he watched her trying to make sense out of what she was saying. From what he could guess she was referring to the sickness of the king, all the people know atleast alittle of the situation with him being un able to rule and his princess unwed yet. The only thing that kept the people from panicing was that the nobles all seemed to have kept their armies from mobilizing against the city, something that would have caused a civil war with the entire country torn apart. The first strike, a fight to claim the throne, it was all alittle over his head since he was never involved with politics but it suddenly started to make him worry alittle bit. However when she kissed him on the cheek the worries seemed to wash away as he gently held her hand in his and smiled back at her. “Um, can I ask you something….. your family must have better information about what’s happening with the nobles and all so. Do you think they might start killing each other for the throne if the princess doesn’t find a husband? The men at the inn all seem to get quiet when ever the topic is brought so I don’t really know to much about them.”

Straightening up more he smiled after her and waved by as he called out. “What with you and the whole two day thing, try one or three sometime!” Shaking his head he stood there staring out at the dark sky for several moments before sighing and walking back to the inn.

Lucifer

The rumored hot tempered lord sat infront of a desk as he made notes in his flowing and orderly hand writing, his blue eyes reading the book the princess had left with him as he went over her notes and prepared another set of them to help point out some details that missed her attention. It was an odd way to spend his free time but his up bringing mainly revolved around warfare and the politics of the country, two things that were important to make one’s self useful to a kingdom as a lord and that could easily be transferred into other areas such as ruling a kingdom. It was getting late and there was still no word about the princess other than the report his agent gave him about the man who helped her the other day and with her now. That along with a note that was in his money pouch having him pick up supplies and to bring them back to an inn called the King’s Chamber. But for the moment he would leave her be, he couldn’t even approach her for the moment until she calmed down or sought him out to get her book back.

---

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I, Lelouch Vi Brittannia, commands you to live on.

Sayori tilted her head ever so slightly when he asked if he could ask a question. She listened to him but her smile was gone and she looked away, a darkness seemed to cloud her navy eyes. “If she does not wed, then civil war is inevitable. The nobles are ruthless, they will do whatever it takes to get power they seek. It is not wonder why the men at the tavern don’t speak of it. I’m sure they all have their own opinions. And they are entitled to them. But I don’t think that would happen. I believe from what I know about her from what others say she will take a husband of the lesser evils should the time call for desperate measures”, she told him looking back at him with a small bitter smile. “It’s a topic that is tender to those who follow the government closely. But I don’t mind answering your questions. However I truly must go”, she said and brightened before she left him with the promise of another meeting and laughter at his comment.

Once Sayori reached her chambers she looked around the rooms and sighed, she couldn’t sit here. So changing into a simple dress, cream with pale blue accents that gently hugged her figure and fell from her hips lightly, long sleeves she would end up pushing up later and showed a little of her chest, but not much. Her long raven locks were released and brushed quickly before she picked up a few books of her own writing notes, her writing box and headed out. The library seemed like a nice place to stay for the time being, she wanted to do a little more research on historic battles. She had already thoroughly learned about politics from her father and they had started on this topic when he fell ill, so she made a point of continuing her studies without him. There was no reason to slack off.

The princess settled at one the long tables in the library with a few lit candles around her, the main candles out at this point, not that she minded. A few books were spread out around her, her sleeves rolled out of the way, a quill in hand as she studied a page brushing her cheek with the feather thoughtfully. She sighed. She needed her notes. The ones she left in Lord Lucifer’s possession. She looked up and closed her personal books and rose leaving her things telling the monk that tended the books to be sure her things were left alone before she left. She would have to come face to face with him it seemed. However she would not apologize to him, not to him.

Slippers tapped softly on the wooden floors of the indoor hall as she made her way to the one place he usually was, his office, or study if you will. She paused outside the door. Sayori looked at it and closed her eyes taking a deep breath and then knocked lightly. True she could have sent for him, but she always did things by her own set of rules. And oddity that was completely her alone. When she heard the command to enter she opened the door and stepped into the room and instantly her navy eyes fell on the man. She didn’t close the door or move further into the room, she wanted to feel free, closing the door would be unnerving for her. “I do believe I left something in your possession I never meant to, some personal notes, do you happen to have them”, she asked him folding her arms before her.

Lucifer

The sound of a knock on his door brought his attention away from the military notes long enough to let him glance over at the door, this time of night it would only mean that the princess had returned or there was some news on the nobles that required his attention. With a briskly spoken “Come in” he turned his attention back to the book as he studied the section about city defense with something similar to a smirk on his face. If all his planning and experiments worked out well then it was likely he would be writing a book of his own that would completely overhaul the defensive strategies.

When he didn’t hear the door close he glanced back over his shoulder and eyes widened slightly in surprise as he looked at the princess, the last thing he was expecting her to do was come visit him this late at night and let alone in a dress. After she spoke his eyes went back to normal size and he nodded slightly to her with a wave of his hand, inviting her to come join him as he turned back to the table with both their notes on it. “Come join me for a moment, your letting the heat out.” He said in a rather friendly manner as he glanced over at the notes infront of him, the room’s fire was keeping the room a rather comfortable temperature in it so he would rather not waste his energy keeping it heated. Once he saw her move over to stand behind his shoulder he idly reached out and tapped the notes she had with his own he made for her placed beside them while he began to speak. “They are right here, I’ve been looking over them the past two days and from what I can tell you have done your research rather well for someone not born to be a commander. There were only a few flaws in them that were worth mentioning and I already prepared my own set of material for you to look over and get a better grasp on them.” [b] His blue eyes turn to look over his shoulder at her and gently pushes himself and the chair out of the way so she can pick up all the material and her book before he continued to speak. [b] “Consider this an attempt to apologize to you for my earlier… remarks about your actions. I spoke out of turn and rudely to you knowing the situation you were in, but I had to reassure myself of some of your reasoning behind what you do. And how much you knew, I deemed the most effective and truthful way was to make you angry at me so that you too would speak honestly in your retorts.” His eyes glance behind her to the closed door before over at her, the same glint of seriousness in them again as when he first riled her anger up to get a reaction before he continued on. “However, remember this my princess. You are always being watched, every where you go you have atleast one of the more powerful nobles keeping track of you; everyone you speak with every time you leave there are people keeping watch for you. That of course includes myself and a few others, I wont apologize for it however like I did with getting you angry. You are the goal everyone in the palace seeks for one reason or another and it pushes everyone to get as much information about you as possible.”

Lucifer stood up from his chair and walked towards a book shelf to pull down another military book, his back to her as he flipped through the pages. To him the conversation was over, he wasn’t sure how much information Gabriel had gotten but there wasn’t enough time for his agents to follow them through the alleys if even his could not. From what he could guess the man’s location she had been with was his alone, and he intended to keep it that way even if it ment alerting her to the very real fact that he wasn’t the only one that had managed to slip in agents after her without her even knowing. His eyes glance at her just as she was opening the door before an afterthought suddenly occurred to him. “And if you ever wish to expand your military knowledge, my private library has all the books even the palace doesn’t have. Feel free to speak with me if you ever wish to know more.”

---

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I, Lelouch Vi Brittannia, commands you to watch your steps.

When he looked at her she almost rolled her eyes at the surprise he showed, almost. But her face stayed stoic as she waited for him to answer her. What she didn’t expect was to be summoned over. With a little hesitation she closed the door quietly and walked over glancing over his shoulder at what he had. Her navy eyes were attracted to what he tapped. She noticed her work and then his handwriting. Oddly she was curious what he wrote. Her father always said Lucifer and Gabriel were his prime generals, the most talented. He even once suggested asking them for help studying, she refused because both men made her uneasy, Lucifer made her skin crawl and Gabriel just made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.

Sayori moved forward and picked up the papers scanning his writing as she listened to him. Brows knitting slightly in thought. The points he made she had fumbled with but the explanations cleared them up for her. Grudgingly she would have to give him points for this. She hated that she had to as well, she never liked the nobles and the generals even less. But he was useful. “You nothing about me if you lower to such standards. I only lie if I am honor bound or feel it will benefit those around me. Lies are useless, if you want to know my standing simply ask. I don’t care for trickery, its fighting dirty. But I accept your apology should you give me your word you won’t lower your-self like that again. It unseemly. As for the spies, I have always had them on me, even as a child, the increased number is nothing but an irritation. I’m not blind. I only wish my watchers luck, I will do as I please, should anything negative result from that then, they will have to face me, Lord Holden will testify to that”, she said and tapped the papers in order and turned away as he did. They were done talking they both said their piece.

The one thing she was pleased with was she knew a little more firmly what was going on around the castle. And she also got a little message in she knew he would understand. Harm those I am around and I will retaliate. As for Lord Holden he was a man who had threatened a childhood friend who held more of her favor than his own daughter. The next day the man woke with a frozen hand that was useless, she had killed the nerve endings in the hand and damaged the tissue with simple water manipulation. It was something only rumored, but she had a way with her affinity unlike others, a prodigy if you will, something she never proved publicly. But who was to say she wasn’t?

The princess opened the door and paused looking back at him when he spoke. She was silent a moment, a little tense before she gave a nod. “I will hold you to that offer”, she said and left closing the door behind her. The truth was she needed a tutor for this it was difficult to grasp, but he said she was doing well and there weren’t many corrections but it was always good to hear that than to assume and she hated to assume.

Lucifer

Raising an eyebrow slightly when she started talking he listened carefully to what she had to say, it should have been obvious that no one would ever know much about her as long as she continued to avoid everyone so it was impossible to expect them otherwise. He didn’t even view it as lowering himself in his own eyes, he spoke what he considered the truth, though it wasn’t exactly his place to say it to her nor the best way to put it he didn’t resort to lying to get what he wanted. He only gave her a slight nod as she finished speaking, he had heard of Holden’s little misfortune; it certainly must have been hard on him losing his ability to use his sword arm. “I understand, if I wish to know your standing next time I shall try and ask you out right. However, you can not fault me for not knowing you; neither of us has had time to speak plainly with each other.”

After the princess left Lucifer stood there infront of the book case as he mentally counted in his head, after roughly 30 seconds another knock sounded at his door and the old assassin he had been playing chess with came in unannounced. “Eavesdropping on a close friend is rather rude of you Gordan.” Lucifer said as he closed the book and turned to look at one of the men who has had the biggest influence in his life, an aged assassin whose experience was invaluable both for all he has done and the fact that he never actually existed to anyone outside of his family ties. “I take it that you have something to speak with me about?”

The older man chuckled dryly as he took a seat by the fire and looked over at the other man before he began to give his report. “So far Gabriel hasn’t been making any significant moves. He seems content to simply wait and watch what you and the princess do, gathering information and waiting for a chance to strike hard and fast once he sees something that will be of use to him I suspect.” The high lord nodded as he walked over to stand by the fire, the flames rising up and growing hotter with his presence as he stared into the embers. Gordan was able to keep the contents of their conversation a secret atleast, but no doubt a maid would notice the princess coming and going from this area and make the connections. That along with the fact she would probably be seen looking over notes he wrote himself would likely add alittle pressure to Gabriel once he noticed that growing interactions between them along with the new guy that was entering the game. If things continued like this then he wouldn’t be able to stand idly in the shadows watching the events play out, if he let it go on for to long then just as his friend said that the first strike may very well be dangerous to his future plans. “Gordan, up until now the princess haven’t had any real friends in her life lately…. And she had just threatened me that if I harmed that man then I would pay for it.” Icy blue eyes turn to look at the sitting man with a small smile on his lips, that man was the pawn that would force Gabriel to move sooner than he would wish too; the only unknown player in the game that only he could track. “Gabriel’s agents are no longer as much as a concern for you to keep track of, discreetly find all you can about that commoner and report to me. We will use him to draw my rival out of his hole and then it will be our turn to see how things turn out between the princess and young man. Either way he is a potential threat to both of us while Gabriel is the most likely to eliminate him just to be safe.”

Dante

Dante sat down on a bench near the eastern gate, the sky still dark from the lack of sunlight so early in the morning and the only others about were the guards keeping watch. His plain grey tunic and black breeches keeping him comfortably warm in the morning chill as he looked around the courtyard searching for the person he was supposed to meet. His emerald green eyes still alittle sleepy as he idly tapped his foot waiting for the woman to show up.

The sound of boots behind him caused him to smile while he stood up and began to turn, his voice a mixture of sleepyness and cheerful as he began to speak. “Its about time Yo-. Oh sorry I thought you were someone else.” The person who he thought was Yori turned out to be a middle aged soldier that was chasing him the other day. He immediately began to back away thinking that he was about to be caught before the man quickly held his hands up in a sign of peace before sighing. “Stay calm man, im not here to detain you…. I have a letter for you concerning your wish to join the army.” The soldier said as he reached into his shirt and pulled out a letter addressed to Dante Aeries in Lord Lucifer’s hand writing as the princess began to approach them, out of Dante’s line of sight but with in the soldiers. The man’s voice rose up slightly as he had been ordered to when he saw the woman, to make sure that who ever was following her in the shadows could clearly hear him in the quietness of the dawn. “High Lord Lucifer would like to extend to you a position to join his army station in the city. We have noticed that you have signed up various times to see if positions were available and you would have your time better spent serving your country here than causing trouble for us. You have been given a week to come up with a response but this is the one and only time he shall seek you out offer you a position here instead of being ordered off to the freezing north. Have a good day.” After that the soldier left the way he came, his hands clasped behind his back as he made his way back to his home; it paid off doing favors for a high lord and getting paid leave to spend more time with his family.

Dante stood there looking down at the letter in his hands, not quite believing what was happening to him all of a sudden, did he really annoy them so much that the wanted to take him in to keep him out of trouble? Why would they seek him out now and offer him such an amazing oppritunity, and most of all… what should he do now. Lucifer was rumored to have a large temper yes but he was also the only one recruiting new soldiers in the area and his life wouldn’t change all that much if he accepted. Better pay, a way to stay in touch with all those he had made friends with; but also a way to keep him from doing anything serious that could ruin his military career.

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I, Lelouch Vi Brittannia, commands you to join me.

Little else was exchanged between the two nobles. She had nothing else to say. He knew where she stood and she had a pretty good idea of where he stood. It seemed they wanted to woo her. Good luck to them on that. In the mean while she had things to do and a plan to set up through a few guards and a certain stable hand. So her next day was spent bribing a few select dawn guards and treating the stable hand she was used to spend her afternoons with before her father forbade her to. That night she could barely sleep, eager to meet Dante once more, she missed his company while she was stuck in the palace. The only thing that troubled her outside the excitement of her future meeting was meeting the enigma lord Gabriel. The man had said nothing simply swept a deep bow, locking her in place with his intoxicatingly unique violet eyes. In his pale fingers a black ice rose, stem, leaves, and all formed and he handed it over before letting her pass. Said trinket rested on her vanity still frozen. She tried to unfreeze it with her power but it didn’t so she simply left it. Other than that she could chalk her restlessness to excitement.

Dawn would be approaching in two hours, she hurried quietly through her morning routine and braided her hair back and dressed in black pants with wide legs, that seemed like a skirt when she stood still, and a fitted soft pale blue shirt with loose sleeves. Her cloak was a navy blue that was a shade lighter than her eyes. Her polished black boots were for riding, and she strapped her sword and knife in place and headed out. The horses hooves were covered to avoid the sharp clicking they made on the stone. She lead they away and was reaching the destination on a few minutes late. She paused and unmuffled the horses hooves, the dirt road by the side gate would be enough to muffle their passing. She led them forward and stopped seeing Dante with someone else.

Sayori listened, frozen as the soldier spoke out loud. Navy eyes widened a little. Di he truly do this? She was unsure of how to feel about this. Part of her was infuriated, another part was thankful, Dante spoke often of wanting to be stationed here. However she shoved that back and walked forward a few minutes after the soldier left a smile in place, no need to bother him by her rocked mood. “Sorry I’m late, Faris didn’t want to cross the road a while back”, she said and walked to him offering the reigns to the chestnut gelding she had. Her horse was a raven black stallion, proudly arched neck and delicate build of a desert horse. His long mane and forelock were sleek, but when he tossed his head the forelock moved to show a stark white star center of his head. “I want to show you some place outside the walls. My sanctuary you can say”, she said and turned and gripped the reigns and a bit of mane. She shoved a boot in the stirrup and once bounce and she pulled her-self smoothly into the saddle and settled with a straight back and neat posture. The stallion side stepped snorting but a soothing gloved hand on his neck and he calmed. “You ready”, she asked and nudged her horse into a trot when he said yes. She flashed one the guards her ring, one she had on a chain around her next when she went out with Dante, and tucked it back as the door opened and guards let them past. The gates normally were closed until two hours after dawn, however she had power over them, not that Dante needed to know. “So what was going on when I came over, what did that man want”, she asked wanting to hear it from him. Navy eyes flickered to him.

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Dawn was present and as per usual he woke with it to get a training session in before the castle truly woke. He smirked as he pulled on his loose training clothing and went out to his secluded little place he worked, naked sword in hand. Last night he watched that delicious surprise and confusion play across those lively eyes. Lucifer had made his first move, the rose was a promise to the noble he would take the next step. As he was told Dante got the offer from Lucifer, now it was time to play his cards carefully and coax the lad to his side. Lucifer was going to grant him work in the city. Gabriel wanted to see him on the palace walls where he would see his dear Yori for what she was. He would manipulate the boy, work in a way to get the truth in the light and work from there. But first he needed to captivate the commoners attention. One thing Gabriel was good t was catching ones attention.

Violet eyes narrowed as he slowed his workout, sweat beading his faintly tan skin, lean muscle rippling with the effort and speed he used in his workout. He grabbed his towel from the low branch he left it on and wiped his face and neck. It was time for him to move his first pawn into place. Lucifer had a head start but the stealthy and opportune takers often gained the prize, and Gabriel was patient of all things. Much unlike his competition, he had the ability to take things easy, and wait for the right moment to strike.

Dante

When Yori approached him Dante was still in a slight daze as he sat on the bench and read the letter he had received. He still wasn’t sure what he would do about it, he had always been told that if something seemed to be too good to be true then it most likely was; but no matter how he looked at it he couldn’t see anything bad about this. Yes Lucifer had a rumors about his temper but when he spoke to the gaurds about joining the army they always said that the people who served under Lucifer usually were better off than everyone else; always had their gear in good condition, the officers while stern were also generally kind as people matured in the ranks and that he seemed to spare no expense on making sure they were always ready for battle and trained properly. Even a few that served under the other nobles admitted after awhile that Lucifer tended to show himself more to the soldiers and occasionally help out in the training while the other nobles weren’t nearly seen as often in the training months.

His green eyes turned to her as she approached and apologized for her being late. “Its alright, you’re here now that matters.” He said as he took the reigns and looked over the horse briefly wondering how far out they were going. As she stepped up onto her horse he followed her example and shifted in his seat to get more comfortable as he grinned at her saying he was. If they were going to her sanctuary then it was pretty much guaranteed he would like it too, it would be a nice place to relax after the heart stopping experience when he first read the letter. How far away are we going? he asked as they started to leave.

As they rode out past the gates Yori asked him about the soldier that was was talking with just a few moments ago, his green eyes turned to her and shrugged slightly as he reached into his pocket and handed her the letter. “He was delivering a message from Lord Lucifer, offering me a position to join and train with his army stationed in the city….. he said he would be sure that I was well taken care of and that he would help me pay off my debts if I proved useful while I served. He wants to speak with me as soon as possible to discuss it in private and see if I might have a future as a bigger role in the army.” He said with a tone that still resonated with surprise and disbelief, he had never even met with any of the nobles before and one spoke exactly what he wanted and was offering it. All that time with the soldiers must have paid off if they brought word up to him.

His gaze shifted over to the horizon at the dawn as a faint smile tugged at his lips. The more he thought about it the harder it was to resist the offer, just by accepting his dream he would have gotten all his worries taken care of and be employed in a good army too. His head shifted over to look at her still reading the letter, she was taking her time reading it seemed, but he had to look over it several times too. It seemed odd to him for some reason as he thought back to it but then again it was probably how all nobles wrote their letters.

Lucifer

With the rising sun Lucifer sat in his private study looking at the chess board in front of him, the old assassin in front of him as they prepare to start the game. His mind wandering back to Dante and the letter he sent to both him and the princess. Of course he wouldn’t be able to see the hidden message in it, he wasn’t educated that way but the princess should spot it the meaning straight away; a little warning to her to keep her eye on Gabriel. He couldn’t allow himself to say more than that or else it might make him to commeted to allying himself with her pernemently, that was one thing he didn’t want to do at the moment. He wouldn’t let himself be tied to her just yet, he liked to keep his options and goals open to make room for unexpected events. “Gordan, you said that Gabriel gave the princess an ice rose correct?” The nod of confirmation was all he needed before he continued on with his outloud thoughts. “So how come that’s all he did…… we pretty much put Dante within our line of sight and influence, cut him off from Gabriel and what ever plots he could come up with while under my protection. What could he be thinking just sitting by without making any moves.”

The other man seemed to take a long time before he spoke, and when he did he reached out and began the game with his first move. “You can be as unpredictable as him at times, but you both tend to follow a pattern none the less. He is the kind that will wait, even If it means giving something up for the time being until it is in his favor more. When he strikes for real it will be hard and effective most likely; you on the other hand think more along the lines of burning the bridges. You try to cut others off from potential threats to you and use compromises to gain their favor and loyalty. Your more deadly when it comes to inspiring your men and those who work under you, making it hard to find traitors allowing you to do as you please with their trust so long as your mood is stable. Just wait and see what happens just as you planned, he will come out soon enough and the longer he leaves us alone the stronger your bonds will be with those two.”

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I, Lelouch Vi Brittannia, commands you, all of you, to acknowledge me.

The princess was a little uneasy by the fact he seemed so dazed. She could see it in the distracted way his eyes were gazed. Even his speak seemed to tell her something was off. That was something she hated, it bothered her. She didn’t want him mixed in this conniving game that was her life, but it seemed there was no way out of it now. She could only carefully offer him guidance and worry on the sidelines. They were close already, and she didn’t want to lose him. What was Lucifer playing at?

When he told him and handed the paper over she let the stallion take the familiar path along the road for a while. She took the letter and carefully read over it brow knitting ever so slightly. Already her mind was picking through the hidden message in there. It was clear she was meant to read this as well. She bit her bottom lip slightly and after a second quick scan she carefully folded it and handed it back over and glared at the sun a moment before turning a smile on him and turned her stallion on a hidden path and winked. “Race you”, she said and kicked the stallion into a gallop. The little chase would ditch any spies on their tails for a while. She lead them to a game trail which she leaned forward on her stallions neck and let him run the familiar path, leaping over fallen trees and ditches with practiced ease, as his chestnut would, she rode both horses pretty equally through this path.

The sun was firmly up when Sayori slowed her horse. He eagerly took the chance to slow to an easy trot, they had been weaving up for a while know. However she stopped in a level area and dismounted shouldering the saddle bags she had and motioned for him to do the same before she led him through the steeper parts out of the forest and into busy racks until they reached a flat area, it overlooked the valley below where the city was, the massive walls, the great sprawling castle and its colorful gardens, and the massive forest around it, even the roads spiking off in different directions. The low sun cast a brilliant bronze glow on the world.

Sayori dropped her bags and walked to the edge looking it over with longing, she wanted the chance to see it all, she wanted the chance to rule and better it all. So many things she wanted and knew she never would get. Not at the rate things were going. The raven haired princess turned the face Dante and she smiled tenderly, the sun to her back and cast its glow upon him. A knot in her stomach tightened as she looked at him. Sayori reached out for him seeking his hand, as they had done so many times already, holding hands was normal for them, it was how they first meet after all. She felt lonely without the steady, strong, warmth of his hand within hers. “Watch with me a while”, she said softly and turned back to face the sight.

Dante

As he gazed out at the rising sun trying to figure out everything he would need to take the how he would thank the people who have been kind to him the past three years for when he accepted the invitation to join. It took him a moment to reach over and slide the letter back into his pocket, his eyes focused on making sure it was secured good before looking back to see her smiling and giving him a small wink as she rushed off. With a laugh he whipped his own horse into a run and gave chase with a big smile. “Cheater!” he called out as he tried to coax more speed out of the horse.

As the sun rose more they finally started to slow down to a trot, his horse sweating slightly from the run as he continued to follow her through the woods content to look around in silence as they rode. When she dismounted and shouldered the bags he followed her example, following her through the steeper regions close enough to help her if she should stumble. When they got out the clear area that over looked the valley, with the massive city and long clear fields surrounding it, the forests wrapping around even that was the most majestic sight of it he ever saw. From the walls you looked out from the city, towards the future and all the hope it could bring. Towards the new day for all your loved ones while here you looked at what you were fighting for, the present, the ones you loved and the country you would fight to the death for. His hearts swelled slightly with pride, pride that now he would be able to serve the city properly, he would still be himself and have fun but he would also strive to do his best. Green eyes turn to Yori in appreciation as he smiled and shrugged his bags off, his gaze following her as she walked to the edge and looked back at him.

His heart began to race as he looked at her, with the sun at her back surrounding her and making her seem like she was truly glowing, the light shining off her dark hair and he realized how beautiful she was if one looked closely. She dressed like a man and could even fool a few, but right then he knew he would never mistake her for a man for the rest of his life. As she reached out for him he stepped forward and gently took her hand in his, just feeling like it was right as he stepped forward and gazed down at the valley and leaned towards her pressing his shoulder to hers. “Sure.” he said with a gentle voice that wasn’t spoken often.

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I, Lelouch Vi Brittannia, commands you, all of you, to acknowledge me.

The warmth of his body was so close to her side, the gentle weight of him on her shoulder as she leaned right back ,and their fingers entwined. The moment was perfect, the letter and plots forgotten, her father’s pending death gone. All that mattered at this time was that she was there with him. It was a simple and easy moment. She felt she could stay here forever. But as she knew such a chance was not possible, they would part ways as they always did after an amazing few hours together and not see each other for another few days. It was the nature of this relationship. Between the days that she spent with him she made up for her missed time with working hard to study and looking over information about the nobles given to her by her fathers spymaster, and spent time looking in on her father.

Sayori turned away from the view after a moment and slowly pulled her fingers from his hand and keanlt before the saddle bags and pulled a few blankets out, one she laid down one she set aside for him and the other and unfolded once and sat on as she pulled a few wrapped things. “I was lucky the cook was in a good mood when I went through. She had freshly baked the stuffed breads”, she said cheerfully looking at him and set the bundle of still warm spiced stuffed breads, inside was melted cheese and chunks of spiced pork. Next she pulled out two wineskins which held fresh clean crisp water with a hint of lemons in it. She sat cross legged and took a bite of a stuffed bread humming content.

Dante

Standing there with her was the most peaceful time he has ever had, the share simple nature of something as small as just standing side by side was oddly one of the most important things about the moment. They had only spent a day with eachother really and yet it seemed to just flourish into a wonderful friendship that he wouldn’t trade for anything, that along with his new offer made the day the best in his life and once he was sure to remember when he stood on top of the walls screaming his defiance down at those who sought to take it all away from him.

And then she slowly withdrew back to the bags, causing him to turn around and curiously follow her to see what she was doing. His mouth watered slightly and belly rumbled when he thought about how he skipped eating to be on time, his eyes sparkled slightly as he hopped down on the blanket she set aside and immediately began to pick out his food and take a few bites. Washing it down with water he gave her a grin. “A beautiful view and food, you really planned this all out didn’t you.” he said jokingly as he took another bite.

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I, Lelouch Vi Brittannia, commands you, all of you, to acknowledge me.

Sayori giggled. “Well I had to make up for making you figure things out spare of the moment the other day”, she said simply and ate her two pieces happily. She sat back letting her hands hold her up. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes soaking in the sun. Simply being there in the sun was wonderful all on its own. They didn’t need to speak, but if they did it wouldn’t ruin the moment in the least. Sayori settled a little on the soft folded blanket an arm tucked under her head the other on her belly, one knee drawn up as she stared at the clouded skys above. “It may seem strange to you but I feel I have known you most my life, the time we spend together, though short at the moment is the time I look forward to the most. I am thankful to those thugs, if not for them we may have never meet”, she said turning her head so navy eyes could land on him. She gave a small smile.

The princess looked back at the clouds. Thinking. She was still troubled by the invitation that Dante got from Lucifer. She decided she would confront him about it. The man had a spine to act after he was warned. He better had a damn good reason for doing this or he would learn about the possessive, fiery side she had. There were some things Sayori didn’t mess around with and this was one of them.

Dante

He simply rolled his eyes and went back to eating with a smile, being silient as they continued to eat and simply stayed there in the sun enjoying their time together. With her eyes closed he gazed fondly at her as he watched her lightly breathing with the sun shining down on her skin before looking over at the valley towards the city once again. Three years of working in debt and staying at that inn had proven to be worth it by far once he thought of everything that was suddenly happening in his life, everything seemed to be coming together and even the small itch he has been getting between his shoulder blades lately wasn’t bothering him ever since he had read the letter and heard that Lucifer wanted him in his army.

As she spoke he turned his head back to her and blinked in surprise, relief flooding through him for some reason as he heard her speaking the same thoughts he has been having the past few days. He gave her a small smile in return as he gazed at her and spoke. “I have to admit im alittle creeped out… You seem to be saying exactly what I have been feeling too. Except that I am thankful to that woman I keep running into, if it wasn’t for her looking into the alley you were in then I would never have thought to look for you.” and now that he mentioned it he has been seeing her around alittle bit more, it must have been because he saw her face for once so it was easier to recognize.

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I, Lelouch Vi Brittannia, commands you, all of you, to acknowledge me.

An eyelid opened and she looked at him. So that’s how he came about their little fight. He ran into some woman. Well, mentally she thanked that woman. Whoever she was had sent s blessing her way. Dante was more than she could have ever hoped for in a companion. Thanks to the simple little act for four people they were able to meet. However in the end she knew she stayed in the city because of her fathers condition thus her run in with trouble. But that didn’t matter, what mattered was that they meet and were together know. This friendship was by far the most interesting and power she has had so far in her life and she barely knew the man. “That is odd”, she mused softly with a small smile before closing her eye again.

Sayori let her thoughts work them-selves out as she thought about the nobles, her father, Dante, and the new things in her life at this time being. This place was always where she was able to come and simply think. It was the perfect place for just that. Secluded, quiet, and had a nice view. The ingredients to a perfect location.