Asshain

In Asshain, dark clouds and eerie mountains cover the entire landscape. Known for its Ash River it is known as the Shadow Lands by many. The population of the city cannot match the scope and space of it. Not many live among the great walls. At night, only one of ten buildings shine a light. Every place and structure in Asshain is constructed in dark stone with the exception of one.

The Temple of the Red Priestesses and the Lord of Light is colored with cream sand stones light the city in the center with torches and candles. Normally, in the daylight the Red Women would flock to-and-from the temple to worship as they please. But, in the night it is found secluded with only one sister allowed to remain inside to maintain the flames inside.

This night, Lady Mito clad in her red dress and shawl over her red hair sits in silent prayer as she waits for morning to come. She stares at the large torch in the center that shines the Lord's light. Her eyes remain closed as she recites words to her Lord.

Suddenly a chilly draft takes over the room, she can feel it on her skin. A gust of breeze from above blows inside and all of the candles in the room go out, almost systematically.

Mito opens her eyes to find herself in total darkness, except for one light.

The large torch at the center of the temple burns brightly, the Lord's light coming through. But, only his light, no others.

She stands and walks closer towards the flame until she stops right in front of it.

Her eyes alight with it as she sees the visions in the flames. Vampires and blood clashing with men and snow, a dragon emerges before it all returns to an icy wall. Where it all comes back to. Where it all starts.

Now is the time, the Lord of Light has made her wait for this moment to come.

She must make preparations to leave Asshain and return to Westeria because the Great War is finally beginning.

 Ebina

Shinoa takes her breakfast on a balcony in solitude. This is one of the rare times she is left alone from Kagiyama and Lady Hyakuya. Ser Kouta stands to her side and attends to her every need. Shinoa has taken note of the man and Lady Hyakuya's especially bitter treatment towards him. Almost going out of her way to find an excuse to hit or insult him. The man has been with her since she's arrived and he's treated her kindly.

"Ser Kouta." Shinoa watches as the man bristles.

"Is everything alright, My Lady?" Ser Kouta asks.

"I've noticed you speak almost as a nobleman would." Shinoa says. "You weren't born a servant, were you?"

Ser Kouta nods, "That's correct, My Lady."

"Then, how did you come into Lady Hyakuya's service?" Shinoa asks, "Were you indebted to her in some way?"

"No, My Lady." Ser Kouta tells her.

"Then, how?"

"I'm her prisoner." Ser Kouta says.

Shinoa's eyes widen in realization as all the pieces fall together, "For what crime?"

"I was your brother's Hand." Ser Kouta says.

"Which one?"

"King Seishirou Hiiragi." Ser Kouta says with a bitter sort of pride.

"You're a prisoner of the Red Wedding." Shinoa nods.

"I am, My Lady." Ser Kouta says, "I was the one to be married to broker the alliance. When, Lady Hyakuya killed your brother for your uncle, she revealed the marriage was a ploy and took me as her prisoner in the dungeons before forcing me to be her servant."

"Did your wife know that the marriage was a lie?" Shinoa asks.

Ser Kouta only looks down in shame and Shinoa knows the meaning of his grim silence.

"I'm sorry." Shinoa says, "I never did meet Seishirou. What was he like? I've mostly heard things about him that are not so admirable."

"Your brother was one of the bravest and strongest men I knew before he took on the quest to pursue the Seraphin Throne. After that he became hungry for power and desperate to become King, so much it led to his death." Ser Kouta tells her, "But, I'd like to think that the man I knew before was still there under all of it the entire time. That's how I'll remember him."

"I wish I'd met him then." Shinoa says. "I'm sorry for where you are now."

"I've dealt with worse." Ser Kouta says, "Lords and Ladies have always used the common folk for their own desires, never taking their needs into consideration. Maybe, if they did most would not be known the way they are after they're gone."

"Sometimes Lords and Ladies have no option, but to reckon with their own terrible circumstances." Shinoa replies, "We're not always as better off as you think."

"Aye, you might be right about that." Ser Kouta nods.

Shinoa stares at him for a minute before going back to her breakfast.

Frightfort

The sun begins to set as ship in the middle of the Blood Sea moves along the waves.

Mirai Kimizuki addresses the twenty Osaka Bay soldiers she's taken with her to rescue Shihou. The party will reach the gates of the Frightfort when night falls.

She stands at the center, a rare omega in complete power as the men surrounding her listen to her attentively.

The young omega's voice is grim as she reads from the scroll her father received, "I give you until the full moon to order all Osaka Bay scum out of the North and back to those shit-stained rocks you call home. On the first night of the full moon, I will hunt down every islander still on our lands and flay them living, the way I flayed the 20 Ironborn scum I found at Snowstorm. In the box you'll find a special gift-- Shihou's little toy. He cried when I took it away from him. Leave Nagoya now or more boxes will follow with more Shihou. Signed Ky Luc, natural born son of Shoya Hanayori, Lord of the Frightfort and Warden of the North."

Mirai looks up to the angry faces of her men, "They skinned our countrymen and they mutilated my brother, your prince. Your prince. Everything they've done to him, they've also done to you."

The omega continues resolutely, her voice booms, "As long as they can hurt our prince with impunity, the word Ironborn means nothing!"

Inside of the highest room in the highest tower of the Frightfort, candles light the room in the dead of night.

Ky Luc lies naked on the bed, his alpha coming out as Sayuri in an equal state of undress climbs on top of the alpha. The omega has her hair in a loose braid that cascades over her shoulder.

She slowly leans her face down towards his and instinctively begins to grind her hips so her cunt is rubbing against Ky Luc's cock.

She nuzzles his nose, but avoids kissing her half-brother. His gaze turns cold and almost murderous as he possessively runs his hands down her back, skimming past her hips, before finally landing on her cheeks.

Sayuri knows now is the right time and allows Ky Luc's cock to breach the lips of her vulva. She begins to thrust more instinctively as he guides her forcefully onto his cock. His eyes cold and calculating. Knowing that only he holds the true power here and that's the way she likes it.

They both grunt as they meet each other's thrusts.

The thrusts grow more forceful and aggressive as it drives both of them closer to their climax. Sayuri rides him deeply until he loses his expression and his mouth falls open.

She can't help the instinctive glee she feels as her hand plasters to the wall above her, "Yes!"

Her hands move to his throat as her screams of ecstacy fill the room and he lets out labored cries before she finishes first. Ky Luc wills himself not to finish until she does as he finally comes.

Sayuri's head falls onto his forehead in bliss before flipping over on the bed to drift into a peaceful slumber.

In the dark of night, Mirai and her men in a limited amount of boats begin to row their way towards the waters near the Frightfort.

The words in the letter echo in her head as her brother is the one thing she cannot get out of there. She has to get him home as soon as possible because she knows nobody else will care to do so if she doesn't.

The men row her towards the dark castle as she looks ahead towards where her brother is being kept.

On the waters outside the Frightfort, three Ironborn boats led by Mirai land on a secluded, unguarded part of the shores.

Mirai leads the men out of the boats onto the shores, silently moving in a shroud of darkness.

A guard from the top of the wall hearing the sound of metal clanking looks left to see a grappling hook flying and landing onto a part of the upper fence, he rushes towards the area before an axe hits him square in the forehead causing blood to immediately start pouring from the wound.

Mirai comes over the walls before more men follow her.

"Go left." Her first mate orders.

More Hanayori guards arrive as the Kimizuki men clash with them. One charges towards Mirai who dodges the beta before pushing him against a wall, effectively taking a hostage.

"Shihou Kimizuki." Mirai orders.

"I don't know-" The guard starts.

Mirai braces him against the wall again, "I'm here for Shihou Kimizuki. Take me to the dudgeons."

"He's not in the dungeons." The guard says, terrified for his life.

In the darkened kennels of the Frightfort, Kimizuki resembles one of the hounds that reside as he tries to lie down on the little hay given to him as a bed. He remains locked in a metal cage like an animal, trying to get comfortable enough to sleep in the cramped space.

His eyes remain shut until they open at the sound of the dogs growling and feet coming down the steps.

The First Mate emerges from the entrance before Mirai follows with her knife at the guard's throat.

The terrified Hanayori guard squeals out, "Last cage on the right."

The bells begin to ring as screams can be heard.

"Thank you." Mirai replies coolly, before nonchalantly slicing the guard's throat causing the man to fall to the ground as blood pours from the gash.

Kimizuki's eyes widen at the sound of his sister's voice. He feels like his mind is fooling him and even if it wasn't he could never acknowledge her the way he is. He forces himself to sit up, out of curiosity and fear for his life.

She takes the torch and begins walking through the kennels as the dogs bark at her until she finally stops in front of the last cage.

Kimizuki backs away until he's tucked in a corner as the lit flame comes closer. His eyes go impossibly wide in fear and terror.

Mirai's eyes widen in horror at Kimizuki's state. There is no trace of the alpha who was once there when she first saw him. Hell, there's no trace of an alpha at all. It's almost like he has been rendered broken as nothing. She can barely recognize him, at all. All she knows is she has to get him out of here. He's covered in dirt and his clothes are torn.

"We're going home, Shihou." She says to him with a calm expression. She knocks an axe against the cage lock as Kimizuki recoils in fear. Kimizuki's eyes water in confusion at the sound of his own name leaving his sister's mouth.

Kimizuki remains frozen in fear. He can't leave. He can never leave. How can he live with the way he is? How will he return home the way he is? He's no longer an alpha. He's even lesser than an omega. He feels like nothing is in him anymore. There is no place for him anywhere, but here. He is only what Ky Luc has made him. His master owns him now. He belongs to him as Reek. He'll never let him go.

That's when it hits him. Ky Luc is testing him, trying to trick him and give him a false sense of security when there is none. Not anymore. He wants him to run away so he can torture him and hurt him. But, Kimizuki won't let him. He won't let himself be tricked and fooled. He will remain here like the good pet he is. He is Ky Luc's Reek.

When he looks up at the omega girl, he can't register his sister because he knows it's not her. He knows he is being fooled for amusement. He knows this is probably some tavern slut who resembles his sister. He knows his master is testing him, but he will pass.

"It's all right. It's me, Mirai." Mirai moves inside of the cage and kneels down.

"You can't trick me." Kimizuki says weakly, yet determined. "Tell him. Tell him you couldn't trick me."

"I'm not tricking you, Shihou. I'm saving you." Mirai tries to comfort her brother, desperately.

"I'm not Shihou!" Kimizuki shouts defensively almost like he's spurned by the name. "Reek! Reek! My name is Reek!"

"They're here." The first mate notifies Mirai.

Mirai looks back, "If they catch us in here, we're trapped. Help me with him."

Both of them try to grab him and drag him out, but Kimizuki refuses to move from the cage as the dog barks grow.

"No, you can't! You can't!" Kimizuki screams and pleads.

"You're Shihou Kimizuki!" Mirai shouts as they struggle.

"No, I don't believe her! I know who I am! I'm Reek! Reek! Loyal Reek! Good Reek! I've always been Reek!" Kimizuki shouts unwaveringly. He fully knows who he is and who he belongs to now.

They finally drag him out of the cage and the First Mate covers Kimizuki's screams with a gloved hand as they begin to force him to move.

Suddenly, Ky Luc enters with men behind him. The alpha is shirtless with boots and pants on, covered with bloody scratch marks and splashes that are not his.

The Ironborn raise their shields in a defensive position as Kimizuki's eyes widen in fear at the sight.

Ky Luc has his hands outstretched with a dagger in his right and another in his left. "This is turning into a lovely evening."

Ky Luc and his men charge at the Ironborn and they begin to engage in battle as the dogs snarl and bark loudly.

The men of Osaka Bay fight valiantly against the bloodthirsty Hanayori men. Ky Luc fights effectively with his daggers, dispatching man-after-man.

"I'm Reek! Loyal Reek!" Kimizuki cries before the First Mate covers his mouth again.

Mirai struggling to stop Kimizuki's thrashing accidentally pushes him back enough to almost get free. She grabs him before Kimizuki sinks his teeth onto her flesh hand and scurries back to the corner of the cage, panting in terror.

"AHHH, Shihou!" Mirai screams in pain as her brother runs back to his cage.

A man engages her from behind and she dodges before stabbing him with a pointed mace. Another two come up to fight her before she stabs them both swiftly with her dagger.

The dogs try to bite through the metal bars.

Mirai and Ky Luc face each other from a distance, a sadistic smirk on his face as he looks at the omega. Their men stand behind them. Ky Luc somehow getting on the side closer to Kimizuki.

"Give me my brother and no more of your men will die." Mirai challenges.

"You've got bigger balls than he ever did. But, with those big balls of yours..." Ky Luc tells her as he produces a key, "How fast can you run?"

Mirai's eyes study Kimizuki, she severely underestimated how broken he truly is. She can't save him, if he doesn't let her and she can't sacrifice her men for a lost cause.

Ky Luc turns towards a lock and opens the dog cages.

In the night, Mirai and the remainder of her men not caught by the hounds race back to the boats.

They quickly jump on the small skiff. The row man looks at the blood splattered on the girl's face.

"Make for the ship, now." Mirai says coldly.

"But, your brother-" The row man starts.

"My brother is dead." Mirai declares as her and her men begin to make their way back to the ship.

Kimizuki stands in Ky Luc's chambers in the morning. He keeps his eyes meekly downcast.

Kimizuki looks at the man seated on the edge of a tub filled with water, running his hand through it.

"I have a treat for you. A reward." Ky Luc tells him.

"Reward?" Kimizuki mumbles.

"Yes, Reek. Those creatures who came in the night, they wanted to take you away. And you didn't let them. You remained loyal." Ky Luc tells him proudly.

"I-I didn't want them to take me. I was so scared. I didn't want them-" Kimizuki begins with a sniffle before he is cut off.

Ky Luc stands and makes his way towards him, "Yes, yes, Reek. It's a bath. For you. Remove those rags. Now."

Kimizuki looks at the seemingly safe tub of water, unwilling to let his guard down. He is terrified this is another trick. But, he complies and removes his shirt.

His entire torso is covered with scars from every weapon imaginable, some not even fully healed.

"The britches, too, Reek. Take them off." Ky Luc commands.

An overwhelming sense of shame overtakes Kimizuki as he looks down and knows there is no other option. He undoes the tie and lets his pants fall to the ground.

Ky Luc's face is overtaken by a pleased smile at his full handiwork as he looks at Kimizuki's especially affected area and the shame that his creation shows.

Once he looks back up, Ky Luc raises a hand to gesture him towards the tub.

Kimizuki hobbles and grunts as he tumbles towards the bath. He looks at the water, unsure if it is all a mirage. He brings a hand down onto the edge before climbing in. The water feels warm and perfect on his skin. He lets out a sigh of relief before looking back at Ky Luc and returning his eyes downcast when the man walks to the left side of the tub. He sits on the edge and looks at Kimizuki.

When Kimizuki looks up at him, he smiles. When Ky Luc moves his hand Kimizuki bristles and looks down as he dips the sponge in the water.

He takes the cloth and begins to wash Kimizuki's back. Kimizuki lets out a gasp and jumps up.

"Do you love me, Reek?" Ky Luc asks him, sinisterly.

Kimizuki gapes up at the man, "Yes, of course, My Lord."

"Good. Because I need you to do something for me. Something very important. There's a castle, you see. Some bad men hold this castle. I need your help to take this castle back." Ky Luc tells him slowly.

Kimizuki looks up in fear and uncertainty, "But how can I-"

"I need you to play a role. To pretend to be someone you're not."

"Pretend to be whom?" Kimizuki looks up, like a lost puppy.

"Shihou Kimizuki." Ky Luc smiles evilly at him.

 Shinjuku - Meeridan

On a mountainous, grassy field near Meeridan, a goatherd tends to his flock with his son.

The grass is a brown-green with many black-grey rocks surrounding the area with a sizeable stream of water pouring from a waterfall.

The son skips a rock on the river for amusement. His father continues to keep the flock moving and feeding.

The son skips one last rock before squinting at something in the distance coming closer, almost like a black blur before it disappears downward.

The boy looks down before an enormous Makoton, the size of a small hut emerges from below, flying above the boy on the cliff as the goats try to run away.

The boy crawls back, terrified. But, Makoton flies over him towards where a large amount of goats are running.

Makoton blows fire on an entire section of the field before grabbing a freshly cooked goat and leaving the burnt field and flock in his wake as he flies away.

In the Great Pyramid of Meeridan, Mikaela Shindo is seated at the top of the steps on a backless flat chair. His hair is down with the five braids in his hair. He is clad in a dress made of an all blue design with embedded dragon scales from the hips up and around his waist. He has an opening where a white chiffon skirt covers in an archway style. He is wearing a two-piece dragon-tooth necklace that covers the back of his neck only to display them on his chest. Ser Lacus stands to his left and Lord Guren to his right. Akane is further away from them on the side while Brown Dog stands guard.

The goatherd stands before the omega, his head down and carrying a burlap sack.

"You stand before Mikaela Fireborn of the House Shindo, the First of His Name, Queen of Meeridan, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Sea, Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons." Akane announces for all in the room to hear.

"Don't be afraid, my friend." Mika says in Valyrian.

The goatherd remains motionless with his head bowed.

"The Queen says you may approach and speak." Akane says.

The goatherd steps forward with his head still bowed and ascends the steps while speaking Valyrian. He stops not too far up.

Mika follows along while Akane translates, "He is a goatherd. He says he prayed for your victory against the slave masters."

"I thank him for his prayers." Mika says.

Akane translates Mika's sentiments to the man. The goatherd then places his bundle on the ground. He uncovers it to reveal the charred carcass of his goat. He begins to speak Valyrian again.

Akane tenses, "It was your dragons, he says. They came this morning for his flock."

Mika tenses, as well. He's losing control of his children and now he is realizing it.

"He hopes he has not offended Your Grace, but now he has nothing." Akane translates.

"Tell this man I am sorry for his hardship. I cannot bring back his goats." Mika says as Akane translates. "But, I will see he is paid their value three times over."

The goatherd bows his head and kneels before Mika to cover up the goat and pick it up. He begins to speak Valyrian excitedly. Akane smiles at Mika who looks at the man in amused astonishment with a smile.

"Send the next one in." Mika says to Brown Dog.

A noble man around Lord Guren's age enters followed by a less well-dressed man. The noble man is clad in blue and white robes with golden jewelry, he has curly hair as he enters with the other man.

"The noble Hizakh lo Doraj begs an audience with the Queen." The manservant says.

"The noble Hizakh lo Doraj can speak to me himself." Mika says.

The manservant retreats as the noble comes forward and bows.

"Queen Mikaela. Tales of your beauty were not exaggerated." Hizakh lo Doraj says.

"I thank you." Mika says.

"Mine is one of the oldest and proudest families in Meeridan." Hizakh lo Doraj says.

"Then it is my honor to receive you." Mika says. "My father, one of Meeridan's most respected and beloved citizens, oversaw the restoration and maintenance of its greatest landmarks. This pyramid included." Hizakh lo Doraj says. "For that, he has my gratitude. I should be honored to meet him." Mika says, already catching a bad feeling from this interaction. "You have, Your Grace. You crucified him. I pray you'll never live to see a member of your family treated so cruelly." Hizakh lo Doraj says. "Your father crucified innocent children." Mika says. "My father spoke out against crucifying those children. He decried it as a criminal act, but was overruled. Is it justice to answer one crime with another?" Hizakh lo Doraj says. "I am sorry you no longer have a father, but my treatment of the masters was no crime. I gave them a fair trial, which some advised me against. You'd be wise to remember that." Mika says, "If your father was outspoken against crucifying those children, why did you not come to his defense at the trial? There were others who were found not guilty from testimony of former slaves and others.""I was out of the city on business in Asshain. What's done is done." Hizakh lo Doraj says dismissively. "You are the Queen and I am a servant of Meeridan. A servant who does not wish to see its traditions eradicated.""And what traditions do you speak of?" Mika asks hesitantly. "The tradition of funeral rite. Proper burial in the Temple of the Graces. My father and 162 noble Meerinese are still nailed to those posts, carrion for vultures, rotting in the sun." Hizakh lo Doraj says before kneeling. "Your Grace, I ask that you order these men taken down so that they might receive proper burials.""And what of the slave children these noble Meerinese crucified?" Mika proses, "They were rotting in the sun as well. Would you have begged me for their right to a proper burial?""Your Grace, I cannot defend the actions of the masters. I can only speak to you as a son who loved his father. Let me take his body down. Let me have him brought to the temple and buried with dignity so that he might find peace in the next world." Hizakh lo Doraj pleads. Mika's resolve crumbles as the man speaks, his face softening and growing more filled with sadness, "Bury your father, Hizakh lo Doraj.""Thank you, my queen." Hizakh lo Doraj says, humbly. Mika nods him off. Hizakh lo Doraj stands and backs off the steps before turning to leave with his manservant following after him."How many more?" Mika asks. "There are two-hundred and twelve supplicants waiting, Your Grace." Akane says. "Two-hundred and twelve?" Mika says slowly as though he is a man finding out he has to fight a war and win right this very minute, like he's bracing himself as the realization of the weight of his choices finally hits him. The weight of what it means to be Queen and actually rule finally registers in Mika's mind. He looks to Ser Lacus, who only shrugs.

Mika sighs tiredly before looking at the entrance to the throne room with a resolute determination, "Send the next one in."

 Shibuya

In the small council meeting chambers, Mahiru, Sycelle, Yukimi, Yukio Inoue, and Prince Basteya wait impatiently for Lord Tetsuo to arrive. Mahiru paces around the room.

Basteya taps his fingers against the table, "These meetings aren't always going to be this early, are they? I was up late last night. So, does this mean I am a Master of something now? Coins, ships?"

"Lord Tetsuo and I already determined that I shall be the Master of Ships long before you-" Lord Yukio starts.

Lord Tetsuo enters the chambers as all rise for him, except Basteya. The alpha takes his place at the head of the table.

"Lord Tetsuo, it's a great honor to have been granted a seat on this council. I-" Lord Yukio begins before everyone sits causing him to be cut off as the meeting party ignores him.

"The trial begins this afternoon. We only have the morning for affairs of state. Shall we begin?" Lord Tetsuo says.

"Aoi Sanguu has been spotted in the Riverlands, My Lord." Yukimi purposefully does not mention the little girl seen with her that has been said to be her mirror's image.

"A coward and a traitor." Mahiru mutters.

"My birds tell me the Hound slaughtered five of our soldiers. I believe the phrase "fuck the king" was uttered." Yukimi says.

"Disgraceful." Sycelle says.

"What would it take to make the common soldier stupid enough to try his luck with Sanguu?" Lord Tetsuo asks.

"10 silver stags seems a generous bounty." Yukimi says nonchalantly.

"Make it 100. What else?" Lord Tetsuo dismisses.

"More whispers from the east, My Lord." Yukimi says.

"The Shindo boy?" Lord Tetsuo asks.

"Mikaela has taken up residence in Meeridan. He has conquered the city and rules as its queen." Yukimi says.

"Conquered with what?" Mahiru asks.

"He commands an army of Untainted, my Queen. Some 8,000 strong. He has a company of sellswords-the Second Sons. He has two knights advising him-Lacus Welt and another. And he has three dragons." Yukimi explains, knowing she has to give them something.

"Baby dragons." Mahiru says.

"Larger every year, Your Grace." Yukimi says.

"Welt is spying on him for us." Sycelle says.

"No longer. He appears to be fully devoted to her. As for the other knight, I could not get a name, but he has been said to have features similar to Guren Ichinose." Yukimi says.

"That's impossible." Mahiru says. "Guren has been dead for almost four years."

"They say he only resembles him." Yukimi says.

Mahiru only shrugs and turns to Lord Tetsuo, "Don't tell me you're worried about a child halfway across the world."

"A child with at least one seasoned warrior counseling him and a powerful army at his back, Your Grace." Yukimi says.

"Lady Yukimi is right. I have been to the Bay of Slaves and seen the Untainted firsthand. They are very impressive on the battlefield. Less so in the bedroom." Basteya says.

"Dragons haven't won a war in 300 years. Armies win them all the time. He must be dealt with." Lord Tetsuo says.

"How, My Lord?" Sycelle asks. "By force?"

"Eventually, if it comes to that. Can your little birds find their way into Meeridan?" Lord Tetsuo asks Yukimi.

"Most certainly, my Lord Hand." Yukimi says.

"Lord Inoue, be a good man. Fetch my quill and paper." Lord Tetsuo hums and orders as the man rushes to comply.

In the Seraphin Throne room, Lady Yukimi arrives early to the trial to find one other there.

"Prince Basteya."

"Lady Yukimi."

"Only Yukimi. I'm not actually a noblewoman. No one is under obligation to call me Lady." Yukimi says.

"And yet everyone does." Basteya says.

"You seem quite knowledgeable about the Untainted. Did you spend much time in the Bay of Slaves?"

"Five years." Basteya responds.

"May I ask why?" Yukimi probes.

"'We are in a big and beautiful world. Most of us live and die in the same corner where we were born and never get to see any of it. I don't want to be most of us." Basteya says.

"Most of us aren't princes." Yukimi says.

"You are from Shinjuku. Where? Kyrna?" Basteya asks as Yukimi squints in curiosity he continues. "I have an ear for accents."

"I've lost my accent entirely." Yukimi says.

"I have an ear for that as well. How did you get here?" Basteya interrogates.

"It's a long story." Yukimi says.

"One you don't like telling people." Basteya says.

"People I trust." Yukimi shrugs.

"My paramour Eliana, she would find you very interesting. You should come to the brothel and meet her. We brought our own wine, not the swill they serve here. We have some lovely boys on retainer, alphas and betas, but..." Basteya trails off.

Yukimi remains silent.

"You did like it? Being with an alpha or a beta?" Basteya says.

Yukimi shakes her head.

"Really? Omegas? Hmm. I hope you won't be offended when I say I never would have guessed." Basteya says.

"Not at all. But I was never interested in omegas, either." Yukimi says.

"What then?"

"Nothing." Yukimi says simply.

"Everybody is interested in something." Basteya says, almost confounded.

"Not me. When I see what desire does to people, what it's done to this country, I am very glad to have no part in it. Besides, the absence of desire leaves one free to pursue other things." Yukimi shrugs.

"Such as?" Basteya questions.

Yukimi only looks over to the Seraphin Throne in all of its glory. She gives him one last glance before walking past and leaving him to ponder.

In the dungeons, Kureto opens one of the small dark metal windows on the door to peek in.

He spots Shinya in his black clothes sitting and waiting on his horrible bed. Shinya gets up at the sight as Kureto turns back to tell the guard to open the door.

Kureto opens the door and walks in with his gold-plated armor, his face a stoic mask.

"Let me guess, I've been pardoned." Shinya says.

Kureto nods an order to the guards behind him and they move to slip the manacles onto Shinya's hands.

"Really?" Shinya asks in disbelief.

"Uncle's orders." Kureto says.

"Well, we mustn't disappoint Uncle." Shinya says as Kureto moves to lead him to the throne room.

The doors to the throne room opens, Kureto bounds down the steps with Shinya following close behind flanked by two guards. Their armor clanks as they climb down the steps. The floor is made in an aisle leading to the dais where people surround the aisle with a clear walkway. People sit on wooden stands at different levels as they watch the proceedings.

"Sisterfucker!" A man shouts in the distance.

Shinya and Kureto make their way to the stand as, the omega's face remaining hardened and bitter. He looks up and sees Tyuri on the Seraphin Throne with Lord Tetsuo by his side.

Shinya is helped onto the accused dais before they chain his manacles to the stand. Kureto and the guards leave him standing before the new King. Shinya turns to look at the crowd and take measure of the room.

Tyuri stands at Lord Tetsuo's look causing the crowd to rise, as well. Shinya turns back to the front.

The throne is flanked by two chairs on the same level where Lord Inoue sits on the left and Prince Basteya on the right. Mahiru sits further from Lord Inoue on a lower level. Rika and Reo are to the further right.

"I, Tyuri of the House Hiiragi, First of my Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, and Lord of the Six Kingdoms, do hereby recuse myself from this trial. Tetsuo of the House Hiiragi, Hand of the King, and Protector of the Realm will sit as judge in my stead. And with him Prince Basteya of the House Irclu and Lord Yukio of the House Inoue. And if found guilty..." Tyuri looks at his uncle, who's face softens slightly at him, "May the gods punish the accused."

Tyuri in his golden crown makes his way down the steps and passes one lingering glance to his uncle before leaving with his guard. Kureto nods to him from the side.

Basteya and Lord Inoue take their seats with Lord Tetsuo sitting on the Seraphin Throne. Everyone takes their seats, as well.

"Shinya of the House Hiiragi, you stand accused by the Queen Regent of regicide. Did you kill King Takashi?" Lord Tetsuo says.

"No." Shinya shakes his head.

"Did your sister, Lady Shinoa?" Lord Tetsuo asks.

"Not that I know of." Shinya answers with a slight shrug.

"How would you say he died, then?" Lord Tetsuo asks.

"Choked on his pigeon pie." Shinya says, uninterested as his anger boils underneath the façade. Kureto looks at him admonishingly.

"So you would blame the bakers?" Lord Tetsuo levels.

"Or the pigeons. Just leave me out of it." Shinya says tensely. Mahiru glares at him in her dark dress.

"The crown may call its first witness." Lord Tetsuo concedes.

In the throne room, Fuola Honte is placed on the witness stand diagonal from Shinya. Shinya stews on the side as he glares with hatred at the man who only looks at him smugly the entire time.

"Once we'd got King Takashi safely away from the mob, the omega rounded on him. He slapped the King across the face and called him a vicious idiot and a fool. It wasn't the first time the omega threatened King Takashi. Right here in this throne room, he marched up those steps and called our king a halfwit. Compared His Grace to the Mad King and suggested he'd meet the same fate. And when I spoke in the King's defense, he threatened to have me killed." Fuola Honte says as the crowd hangs off his every word.

Honte glances back at Shinya who has decided he's had enough of the man's horseshit.

"Oh, why don't you tell them what Takashi was doing?" Shinya says.

"Silence!" Lord Tetsuo shouts.

But, Shinya only continues to talk louder, "Pointing a loaded crossbow at Shinoa Hiiragi while you tore at her clothes and beat her."

"Silence! You will not speak unless called upon." Lord Tetsuo shouts at Shinya, "You're dismissed, Ser Fuola."

Ser Fuola climbs off the witness stand and has a smug look on his face as he crosses past Shinya's hateful glare.

Next on the witness stand, the old curmudgeon Grand Maester Sycelle takes his place for a testimonial.

"Basilisk venom, widow's blood, wolfsbane, essence of nightshade, sweet-sleep, tears of Kyrn, demon's dance, blind eye-" Sycelle lists off a piece of paper.

"I think you have made your point, Grand Maester. You have a lot of poison in your store." Prince Basteya tries to shut him up.

"Had, Prince Basteya. My stores were plundered." Sycelle says.

"By whom?" Lord Tetsuo asks.

"By the accused, Shinya Hiiragi, after he had me wrongfully imprisoned." Sycelle says, glaring at Shinya.

Shinya can only gape in somewhat amused disbelief at the lengths that cunt, Mahiru went to make sure he loses his head.

"Grand Maester, you examined King Takashi's corpse. Was it without question poison that killed him?" Lord Tetsuo asks.

"Without question." Grand Maester Sycelle says.

The crowd murmurs amongst themselves around Shinya as Sycelle removes a necklace from around his neck. Rika's eyes shut as she pulls her black shawl tighter against her matching gown.

"This was found on the body of Kaito Hayashi, the King's fool. He was last seen spiriting Shinoa Hiiragi, the close sister of the accused, away from the feast. She wore this necklace the day of the wedding. Residue of a most rare and terrible poison was found inside." Sycelle says.

"Was this one of the poisons stolen from your store?" Lord Tetsuo asks.

"It was. The Strangler. A poison few in the Six Kingdoms possess. And used to strike down the noblest child the gods ever put on this good earth." Sycelle grits out with seething hate towards Shinya.

Shinya can only keep his eyes downcast, even as the disbelief fills Kureto and Rika who knew Takashi's character and honor.

The crowd murmurs amongst themselves. Kureto looks at a defeated and hate-filled Shinya as Basteya wavers.

The royal bitch, herself takes the stand as Mahiru is placed on the witness podium. Her chair now emptied as she leans on the edges of the dais.

Shinya remains silent as the rage builds within. Murmurs of the "Great Beauty of the West" go around the room.

"""I will hurt you for this. A day will come when you think you are safe and happy and your joy will turn to ashes in your mouth and you will know the debt is paid."" Mahiru repeats the words Shinya told her almost two years ago.

"Your own brother said this to you?" Lord Inoue says in legitimate shock.

Mahiru nods with watery eyes at remembrance of Takashi, "Shortly before the Battle of Bluewater Bay. I confronted him about his plans to put Takashi on the front lines. As it turned out, when the attack came, Tak insisted on remaining at the battlements. He believed his presence would inspire the troops."

"Shinya said, "And you will know the debt is paid." What debt?" Prince Basteya inquires.

"It is no longer an old tale. But, my brother had a lifelong salacious affair with my former betrothed, the Kingslayer, Guren Ichinose. He and the traitor carried on together for years even when I was promised to him. Their relationship was one of an intimate nature. When he found out I was to kill that traitor for treason, he wasn't pleased." Mahiru says.

Shinya can only shake his head at how his smug foolishness has come to bite him in the ass.

"Thank you, Your Grace, for the courage of your testimony." Lord Inoue says.

Rika only sighs as Mahiru avoids Shinya's gaze while climbing down the steps of the stand. Kureto watches the omega as she sits.

Mahiru's eyes lock onto Shinya's both reflecting the cold, murderous hatred they have for each other.

Lord Tetsuo stands from his chair and declares, "We will adjourn for now."

The three judges stand.

"Toll the bells in an hour's time." Lord Tetsuo commands.

"Clear the court!" A guard shouts as the crowd stands.

Shinya looks around. The omega's eyes find Kureto's who turns to find Mahiru's hate-filled, moist eyes turn from Shinya to him.

Shinya finally sits, dejected when he is left all alone in the throne room.

In Lord Tetsuo's chambers, the man sits at his table to enjoy his lunch of roasted pheasant. Kureto stands before the man. He has come to plea Shinya's case since the omega is too drained and incapacitated to do so himself.

"You'd condemn your own nephew to death?" Kureto asks.

"I've condemned no one. The trial is not over." Lord Tetsuo says.

"This isn't a trial. It's a farce. Mahiru has manipulated everything and you know it." Kureto tells him.

"I know nothing of the sort." Lord Tetsuo says.

"You've always hated Shinya." Kureto says.

"He killed his King." Lord Tetsuo says.

"As did we." Kureto says.

"Guren was the one who landed the blow." Lord Tetsuo says.

"But, you and father were the ones who would have done it if he had remained docile for a second until we arrived." Kureto says. "This will be murder."

"It won't be murder. It'll be justice."

"Justice?" Kureto asks in disbelief.

"I'm performing my sworn duty as Hand of the King. If Shinya is found guilty, he will be punished accordingly." Lord Tetsuo says.

"He'll be executed."

"No, he'll be punished accordingly." Lord Tetsuo corrects.

"Once you said family is what lives on. All that lives on. You told me about a dynasty that would last 1,000 years. What happens to your dynasty when Shinya dies? I'm a Kingsguard, forbidden by oath to carry on the family line." Kureto says.

"I'm well aware of your oath."

"What happens to your name? Who carries the lion banner into future battles? Your bastard? Hozumi Iwasaki?" Kureto says.

"What happens to my dynasty if I spare the life of my grandson's killer?" Lord Tetsuo says.

Kureto looks at the man and knows he just may be saying the stupidest thing he will ever. He has to do this to repay Shinya for the way he's always treated him when the omega has only ever helped him when he needed it. He has to save him, the way Shinya saved him by launching the wildfire at Bluewater Bay. "It survives through me. I'll leave the Kingsguard. I'll take my place as heir to Hakone if you let Shinya live."

"Why are you doing this now?" Lord Tetsuo asks, surprised for once at a move he did not anticipate, "For him?"

"Repaying debts as a Hiiragi does." Kureto says.

"Done." Lord Tetsuo says to a speechless Kureto, "When the testimonies have concluded and a guilty verdict rendered, Shinya will be given the chance to speak. He'll plead for mercy. I'll allow him to join the Watch. In three days' time, he'll depart for Nagoya and live out his days at the Wall alone and under the protection of the Hanayori's. You'll remove your white cloak immediately. You will leave Shibuya to assume your rightful place at Hiiragi Rock. You will marry a suitable omega and father children named Hiiragi. And you'll never turn your back on your family again."

"You have my word." Kureto agrees.

"And you have mine." Lord Tetsuo nods.

The bell begins to toll causing Kureto to exit and Lord Tetsuo to finish his wine.

In the Throne Room, the crowd begins to retake their seats on the stand as Shinya rises.

Kureto enters and makes his way over to Shinya who turns to him.

"Not going well, is it?" Shinya asks.

"You're going to be found guilty." Kureto tells him.

"Oh, you think so?" Shinya says sardonically.

"When you are, you need to enter a formal plea for mercy and ask to be sent to the Wall. Father's agreed to it. He'll spare your life and allow you to join the Night's Watch. He'll ensure you are protected and taken care of by the Hanayori's." Kureto says.

"Guren was promised the same thing and we both know how that turned out." Shinya says as the realization hits him that he most likely will never see Guren again.

Mahiru enters and glares at the sight of her brothers whispering as she retakes her seat.

"Father is not Takashi. He'll keep his word." Kureto tries to reassure Shinya.

"How do you know?" Shinya says, but their conversation is cut short.

The three judges return and sit down in their respective chairs after the crowd rises.

"Do you trust me?" Kureto whispers.

"Strangely." Shinya nods.

"Then, for once in your life, keep your mouth shut. No more outbursts. This will all be over soon." Kureto says.

Kureto retakes his place to the right of the steps.

"The crown may call its next witness." Lord Tetsuo declares.

Shinya turns at the sound of dainty footsteps and his eyes widen at the sight of Yukimi somehow being coerced into this. His closest friend and a person he thought he could always trust. Yukimi keeps her gaze straight ahead as she takes the witness stand.

"State your name." Lord Tetsuo says.

"Shigure Yukimi."

"And what is your title?"

"The Master of Whispers." Yukimi says.

"Do you swear by all the gods that your testimony will be true and honest?" Lord Tetsuo says.

"I swear it." Yukimi agrees.

"Do you know this man well?" Lord Tetsuo asks.

Yukimi nods, "Shinya Hiiragi, we serve on the council together."

"Is that all there is to your relationship?" Basteya asks.

"Yes, I found out information about him and I have not spoken to him since I did." Yukimi says as Shinya sinks back into the stand in utter despair. Mahiru can only look triumphant as she watches her brother fall further into his pit of melancholy.

"What was the nature of this disagreement?" Lord Inoue asks.

"I found out that he was conspiring and planning to murder the King Takashi Hiiragi." Lady Yukimi says as the crowd gasps loudly with murmuring going off all around, "I heard whispers from my little birds that he was planning to poison Takashi Hiiragi using Shinoa as an easy way to do so."

"Are your little birds not children? How accurate can this be?" Prince Basteya asks.

"If it came from one, it would be something." Yukimi says, "But, I had five of my little birds return with information that Lord Hiiragi was planning to murder King Takashi in some way."

"Are you saying that he is guilty of murdering King Takashi?" Lord Tetsuo asks.

"I believe he is the one who did so." Yukimi nods.

"Did Lady Shinoa have any knowledge or involvement with the plans?" Prince Basteya asks.

"I would not know that, My Lord." Lady Yukimi says, "She was only a part of that plan with the poison, otherwise the only name mentioned was Lord Hiiragi's."

Shinya feels the bitter resentment, fury, and betrayal finally taking shape and rising in his body.

"Why did you wait so long to say anything?" Prince Basteya asks.

"I had only recently found out after checking with my little birds, and so I confided in the Queen." Lady Yukimi says, "She insisted I take the stand to voice the truth."

Shinya glares hatefully at Mahiru as his face scrunches up.

The murmuring of the crowd has only grown louder.

"Silence! Continue." Lord Tetsuo urges. "Why would he want to kill King Takashi?"

"He wanted revenge for his lover. He blamed his death on the King. He hated Takashi. He hated the Queen. He hated you, My Lord." Yukimi rattles off. "My little bird told me he saw him steal poison from the Grand Maester's chamber to put in Takashi's wine."

"How did Lord Shinya treat you?" Lord Inoue asked, "You said he was your friend and you were very close."

"He treated me almost like he owned me. He never desired me, but he told me that no one would ever. He only used and talked to me when he needed something done for him." Yukimi says, "He made many comments about the state of my womb and my ability to never bear children. He treated me like I was his property to use as he wanted to."

Shinya is shrunken down in the dais, struggling to restrain tears as he feels the sting of the betrayal and lies. He weakly and quietly lets out, "Shigure."

Yukimi turns to face him.

"Shigure, Please. Stop." Shinya's face begs, but his words instill all of his pleading that his best friend not continue to lie about him to get him killed.

"I am nothing, and can give nothing of mine to this world." Yukimi turns back and continues, "But, if the right man who committed this atrocity is punished, justice will be served. Shinya Hiiragi wanted to kill Takashi for Shinoa, after the way he treated her and if you want to talk to my little birds, as well. They will gladly tell you the many ways the he killed the King and the one that succeeded."

Shinya looks down, completely broken, betrayed, and defeated. Kureto looks at his brother, worried. Mahiru looks gratified as she watches him crumble.

"Uncle, I wish to confess." Shinya says before looking up to Lord Tetsuo and speaking louder. "I wish...to confess."

"You wish to confess?" Lord Tetsuo asks as Kureto looks at Shinya in shock.

Shinya looks up and around at everyone in the crowd and at those on the steps above him, his voice is entirely bitter when he speaks with a sneer, "I saved you. I saved this city and all your worthless lives. I should have let Seishirou kill you all."

The crowd clamors and shouts.

"Shinya, do you wish to confess?" Lord Tetsuo asks Shinya who turns to face him.

"Yes, Uncle. I'm guilty. Guilty. Is that what you want to hear?" Shinya says his face filled with a relief-filled, manic slight grin."You admit you poisoned the King?" Lord Tetsuo asks.

"No, of that I'm innocent. I'm guilty of a far more monstrous crime. I am guilty of being an omega." Shinya says"You are not on trial for being an omega." Lord Tetsuo says."Oh, yes, I am. But, not just that. I'm an omega with nothing that was brought from an orphanage by Tenri Hiiragi to be made into a legitimate omegan son along with his trueborn children. I've been on trial for that my entire life." Shinya bites out with a sneer.

"Have you nothing to say in your defense?" Lord Tetsuo asks. "Nothing but this-I did not do it. I did not kill Takashi, but I wish that I had." Shinya shouts at the entire court before his fury-filled eyes land on Mahiru. "Watching your vicious bastard die gave me more relief than 1,000 lays with Guren."Shinya turns fully to address the crowd with scorn filling his voice, "I wish I was the monster you think I am. I wish I had enough poison for the whole pack of you. I would gladly give my life to watch you all swallow it."

The crowds shouts of anger and clamors grow louder. The crowd only gets more uproarious by the minute.Lord Tetsuo stands, "Ser Fuola. Ser Fuola. Escort the prisoner back to his cell."

"I will not give my life for Takashi's murder. And I know I'll get no justice here. So I will let the gods decide my fate. I demand a trial by combat." Shinya declares.The crowd clamors and roars of disbelief and shock fill the room as it only rises from there.

Rika and Reo look towards Lord Tetsuo. Yukimi glances back at the crowd and looks back to the head judge on the throne.

Prince Basteya leans forward in his seat, a slight look of intrigue taking over his face.

Kureto swallows and sighs silently, closing his eyes and looking down in defeat and simultaneous relief.

Mahiru's nails dig into the ends of the chair's handles as a cold, loathing glare overtakes her face as she aims it towards Shinya.

Shinya's breath heaves slightly, but remains unheard over the crowd. He looks up in solemn defiance and determination as a small, triumphant smile overtakes his face. Lord Tetsuo can only coldly glare with seething resentment at the omega who has upended and destroyed yet another one of his plans to secure his House's future. He looks down at Shinya's triumphant slight grin. The omega knows he's won this challenge and upset his family the only way that he truly can, and for that he feels like the greatest winner despite the remaining uncertain circumstances. He allows the relief he feels from letting it all out overtake him as he looks up at his Uncle who glares down at him.


The following morning, Foggy reluctantly woke the still dopey Matt. “Hey, Matty.”

Matt gave a grunt that clearly said, I hear you, but please go away now.

“Matt, I know you probably feel like shit and want to keep sleeping, but I have to remind you about last night.” He continued quickly while he had Matt’s attention. “Daisy needs to go to the vet to get her paw looked at.”

Matt rolled over and mumbled, “Daisy?”

“She cut her paw. She’s okay. Claire got the glass out, but she needs to get it checked by a vet. She might need antibiotics or something. I can take her, but I thought you might want to come too.”

“Yes, yes of course,” Matt said, struggling upright and searching for the dog.

“Also, we have that appointment to see Fisk this afternoon. If you’re too tired, I can go alone or we can try and reschedule-”

“No, I’ll come,” Matt said quickly just as Daisy burrowed out from beneath a pile of blanket. He put a gentle hand on Daisy’s back and brushed the back of his hand down her leg to the bandage Claire had wrapped around Daisy’s paw. “How-how-”

“It wasn’t your fault, Matt,” Foggy started, which was exactly the wrong thing to say to Matt. He was predictably distressed when he found out what happened. He refused to put Daisy down for the next half hour, going so far as to nurse her at the kitchen table while he had a morning coffee and searched for a nearby vet online. Eventually, Foggy pointed out that she had three other legs and would probably benefit from a visit outside to pee. Matt rushed upstairs with her under one arm so that Daisy could relieve herself on the rooftop doggy grass patch.

Foggy wasn’t happy about letting Matt take Daisy to the vet alone in his tired state, but they had back-to-back client meetings that morning and at least one of them needed to be at the office. Fortunately, Candy was working in the office that day and ended up sitting in on the meetings in Matt's place.

When Matt returned from the vet, Daisy under one arm, he was immediately swamped by Candy and Karen who cooed over Daisy. The dog squirmed, sick of being carried.

“You have a meeting with Harvey Savage in ten minutes, Matt,” Karen said as Matt struggle to keep a grip on the wriggling dog. “Do you want me to take Daisy?”

Matt shook his head, and carried her to his office, placing Daisy in her basket with the utmost care. Daisy immediately jumped out, giving a vigorous shake in protest. She limped over to Candy on three legs, trying and failing to jump up to say hi.

“Daisy, no,” Matt ordered, chasing after the dog. “Daisy, you need to lie down.”

Candy laughed and picked up the wagging dog. “Matt, she’s fine. She has three other legs. You just have to make sure she doesn’t chew through the bandage.”

“She had glass in her paw. She’s been through a trauma,” Matt replied.

“But she’ll survive,” Foggy said, emerging from his office. “How did it go?”

Matt rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh, good. Yeah. She got vaccinated for all sorts of stuff. I didn’t know – I didn’t…” He petered off, the guilt washing over him.

“If only they came with a manual, huh” Candy said. “We used to give our dog grapes all the time until we read just recently that grapes are poisonous for dogs.”

“What happened?” Matt whispered, his eyes wide.

“Nothing, he’s fine,” Candy said. “But we’re not going to give him grapes anymore.”

“Grapes,” Foggy repeated in disbelief.

Karen cleared her throat. “Uh, guys, your eleven o’clock is due any moment.”

“Oh, yeah, um, Candy, do you want to continue with Foggy on this one. I-I have something I need to do,” Matt said, grabbing Daisy from Candy’s arms and disappearing into his office.

When Karen knocked on Matt’s door ten minutes later, she was greeted with “did you know that dogs shouldn’t eat dried pasta or coffee?”

“Matt, have you ever thought about giving Daisy coffee?”

“No.”

“Well there you go,” Karen replied. “She’s safe.” Her mouth twitched at the sight of Daisy sitting on Matt’s lap, her head just poking up above the desk. “Uh, Matt, I wanted to talk to you about those lists.”

Matt stopped what he was doing and sat up straight. “Did you find anything?”

“Yeah,” Karen whispered. She placed a braille document in front of him, and he quickly skimmed it. As he got to the bottom of the list, she said, “you were right - the overlap between Fisk’s associates and the victims is too close to be an accident.”

Matt balled his left hand into a fist. “I knew it. It’s gotta be Fisk.”

“That’s the obvious answer, yes. But how’s he doing it?”

Matt shook his head. “I don’t know. Uh, you said obvious answer – does that mean-”

Karen leaned in and said in a whisper, “I mean maybe it’s just designed to look obvious. What if Fisk is being set up?”

“By whom?”

“Well that’s the question. Do you know anyone?”

Matt thought for a moment. “I just don’t know what’s to be gained by framing Fisk for a series of druggings. He’s already in jail, and he will be for a long time.” Matt combed his fingers through Daisy’s hair. “I’ll ask him this afternoon.”

“This afternoon? What’s happening this afternoon?”

“Oh, we didn’t tell you. We’re going to visit Fisk.”

“What?! When – why?”

“We only arranged it yesterday, and you were off doing, um-”

“Compiling this list for you,” Karen said pointedly.

“Yeah,” Matt said, giving her what he hoped was a distracting smile.

“I want to come.”

“No, that’s impossible, Karen,” Matt said quickly.

Karen crossed her arms. “Why, because I’m a woman?”

“No,” Matt spluttered. “Of course not. We-we only got permission for the two of us.”

“So Foggy’s in on it?”

Matt rubbed his forehead. “Karen, there’s no in on it. It’s – it’s just – please leave it. We’ll give you an overview when we return.” He gave Daisy’s ears a rub. “We need someone to look after Daisy and she loves you the best.” Matt gave her a small, hopeful smile.

“Great, the woman has to dogsit,” Karen muttered.

Matt exhaled through pursed lips. He decided to switch subject. “Kare, can- can you help me find the form for parking violation disputes?”

Karen did a double take at the change of topic. “Uh, sure. Is this for Mrs Lopez? I’ve already filled it out. I just need her signature.”

“Oh, uh, thanks,” Matt said. “What would I do without you?”

“You’re not going to get out of this with flattery, Murdock. Next time, I’m coming with you. I don’t want to be sidelined.”

Matt sighed. Between Foggy’s insistence on being his night time wingman, and Karen’s whatever-this-was, he was feeling a little suffocated. Things were much easier when Daredevil was a lone vigilante and he didn’t have to consult with someone at every turn. But to sate Karen, Matt gave a small nod. It seemed to satisfy her because she turned on her heels and left the office.

After the morning’s drama, the effects of the previous night’s seizure started to catch up on Matt and he fell asleep at his desk. Daisy was still curled up in his lap.

“It just keeps getting cuter,” Karen said to Foggy.

Foggy raised his eyebrows. “Cute isn’t the word I’d use. Ergh, I’m going to have to wake him up. We have to be at Rikers in an hour.”

“I could come instead,” Karen said, glancing sideways.

“Matt would kill me if I went without him. No, I’ll give him another ten minutes and then wake him up.”

“Seriously, Foggy. I don’t think he’d mind.”

Foggy turned and looked at Karen through narrowed eyes. “You’ve talked about this with Matt already, haven’t you?”

Karen crossed her arms and stared at him in defiance. “Yeah, so?”

“I’m going to wake him,” Foggy said, starting towards the door.

“Foggy, wait,” Karen said, pulling him back. She whispered, “yeah, I talked to him. He didn’t want me to go,” she paused, considering her next words, “but Foggy, I don’t like being sidelined like this. I’m part of this – as much a part as you two.”

“What did Matt say?”

Karen chewed her lip, hesitated then said, “you’d give me an overview when you return.”

“Exactly. We can even give you a detailed overview if you’d like. Besides, Candy needs the company and the help.”

Karen rolled her eyes and returned to her desk.

Foggy sighed and focused on the task of waking Matt instead. At times, the office felt like a battleground of competing personalities.

As Matt and Foggy were entering the secure part of the prison, Foggy stopped dead and tugged at Matt's sleeve. "That assistant DA you were talking to-"

"Kirsten McDuffie," Matt supplied.

"Yeah, she's here."

Matt tilted his head, listening to the discussion between Kirsten and the security staff.

"Matt, you can't do that," Foggy hissed. "You of all people know how important confidentiality is in this place."

"She's talking about recent breaches in security," Matt whispered back.

"That's not new," Foggy muttered.

"Yeah, but these are sophisticated ones. Cameras are switched off, recordings just disappear without a trace."

Foggy raised his eyebrows. "Let's talk about this later. We have an appointment to keep." Foggy started towards the security x-ray machine. "You coming, Matt?"

Matt was standing still with his head tipped down, deep in concentration.

"Matt," Foggy hissed.

Matt started. "Yeah, sorry, Fog." He caught up to Foggy and took his arm.

As they passed through the x-ray machine, Kirsten spotted them. "The Hell's Kitchen attorney duo," she said. "It's Kirsten, we met the other day," she added for Matt's benefit.

Matt smiled. "I recognise your voice."

"Oh," Kirsten said, looking surprised but flattered at the same time. "Who are you here to see? I thought you only defended the innocent."

The two men remained silent for a moment, both trying to work out whether it was wise to reveal the reason for their visit. Eventually Matt said, "Fisk. Wilson Fisk."

Kirsten stared. "I didn't realise-"

They were interrupted by a booming voice behind them. "Mr Murdock, Mr Nelson."

"Mr Donovan," Matt replied with a nod.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting. I'll need to talk to you for a few moments before we proceed."

Kirsten watched the exchange with interest. Benjamin Donovan - Fisk’s lawyer - completely ignored her, turning his back on her as he ushered Matt and Foggy into an adjacent room.

Mr Donovan shut the door behind them. "We can never be too sure." He pulled a couple of pieces of paper from a leather-bound folder, handing Foggy and printed agreement, and Matt a braille version. "Mr Fisk insisted I cater to your particular disability, Mr Murdock. He's a very considerate man." Matt turned the paper up the right way before scanning the contract at speed.

“You will refer to Mr Fisk only as Mr Fisk and you will not ask any questions until I personally approve of them first. You will not discuss this meeting or its content with anyone. He doesn't have to do this, Mr Murdock and Mr Nelson, just remember that." He gave them a broad smile, but it didn't reach his eyes.

“That’s a lot of rules,” Matt said.

“Rules are what separate us from the animals, Mr Murdock.”

Matt pulled out a pen and signed the contract before handing Foggy the pen. Foggy hesitated, worried about the details of the agreement. "Do you have a problem, Mr Nelson?"

"Uh, no, it's fine," Foggy said, scribbling his name at the bottom of the paper and handing the contract to Mr Donovan.

"Follow me," Mr Donovan instructed.

They walked through the labyrinthine corridors in silence. Matt could hear Foggy's heartbeat quicken as they wandered further and further away from the visiting area.

As they passed through a set of heavy double doors, one of the guards said, "Dakoda one" into his radio. Matt heard the reply, "copy. Enacted." The cryptic exchange sent a shiver down Matt's spine, and he increased the grip on Foggy's arm.

Matt eventually caught the heavy breathing that could only be Fisk's. As they passed through the door, Mr Donovan said, "mind the cane."

Foggy replied, "he's allowed the cane under ADA rules."

"Foggy, it's fine," Matt said, handing over the cane, which was then passed to a waiting guard. Matt kept a hold of Foggy's arm as they entered the room.

"Five minutes," Mr Donovan said, closing the door. He stood behind the Foggy and Matt, just out of range of Foggy’s peripheral vision. It was unnerving.

"Mr Murdock, Mr Nelson," Fisk said.

"Mr Fisk," Matt replied with a nod.

Staring straight at Foggy, Fisk sat back in his chair and said, "for what do I owe the pleasure?"

Foggy opened his mouth, but Matt beat him to it. "We want to know about your involvement in the druggings that have occurred of late."

“You don’t have to answer that, Mr Fisk,” Mr Donovan interrupted.

Fisk smirked. "It’s fine, Mr Donovan.” He turned back to Matt. “Mr Murdock, I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."

"Impossible," Foggy said. "Dozens of your old associates have been jailed thanks to the drug’s psychosis-inducing effects."

Fisk leaned back in his seat and waited.

Matt said, "how are you doing it? Who are your contacts on the outside?"

"I told you, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"But you do," Matt insisted more forcefully. "You know exactly what we're talking about. What is your involvement?"

"I have no involvement. Ask the guards, ask my fellow inmates. I do not have that kind of reach in here."

Matt listened intently to Fisk's heartbeat. His heartbeat revealed the lie of his earlier statement. He had heard about the druggings, there was no doubt. But this last statement was different. Either he was a master of concealment or he really was telling the truth: he really wasn't involved in the druggings.

Matt decided to try a different tack. "But you have some guards working for you. That guard who turned off the security cameras as soon as we walked in, for instance."

Fisk raised his eyebrows. "I'm afraid this meeting has come to an end." He called out, “Mr Donovan, escort these two men out of here please."

"Vanessa," Matt said, leaning forward.

"Wait," Fisk said to Mr Donovan. "Leave us."

Mr Donovan approached the table. “Mr Fisk, I highly recommend-”

“Leave us,” Mr Fisk repeated, more forcefully this time. Mr Donovan looked between Matt and Foggy and then back at Fisk before silently leaving the room.

Fisk lowered his voice. "What about Vanessa?"

Matt paused, listening to the change in Fisk’s heartbeat. Eventually he said, "Vanessa - she was involved in your criminal activity. Maybe she still is. What's her involvement in your continued criminal enterprise, Mr Fisk?"

"Leave Vanessa out of this," Fisk growled.

"Ah, but you see I can't. And I have more than enough evidence to put her away."

Foggy put his hand on Matt's knee and whispered, "Matt, don't." Matt shook Foggy's hand away.

"A quick call to the DA’s office is all it takes,” Matt said, clicking his fingers. “You see, I think she's involved in this somehow. And when I find out-"

Matt's threat was interrupted by a roar of rage from Fisk. He pulled his wrists out of unlocked handcuffs, and leaned across the table. Before either Matt or Foggy could react, Fisk slammed Matt's head hard against the table.

Foggy screamed, "no, get off him. Help!" He tried to pull Fisk's arms away, but Fisk hit Foggy in the nose before smashing Matt's head against the table again. Foggy yelled, "help, guards," but it seemed like Matt was right about the guards being in his pocket. No one came, no one saw, no one cared. Foggy wrapped his body around Matt's head, protecting him from another injury. For some reason - and Foggy had no idea why – Matt wasn't fighting back.

Fisk stood back and brushed his hands against his sleeves as if wiping germs off his skin. With a grunt, he walked out of the room, leaving Foggy huddled around Matt. "Are you okay, Matt?" Foggy whispered.

Matt wiped his bleeding nose with his sleeve and croaked, "yeah, fine."

"Here, Matt. I have a tissue," Foggy said, rummaging in his pocket. A drop of blood landed on his hand and he realised that his nose was bleeding too. "Ergh," he moaned.

Matt suddenly cottoned onto the fact that Foggy was injured too. "Foggy – what happened. A-are you okay?"

"Yeah, but we have matching noses now," Foggy replied, his voice muffled by the tissue. “Why didn’t you fight back?”

“I-I-I don’t know what happened,” Matt said weakly. “I-I'm sorry, Fog. I shouldn't have put you in danger like that."

"It wasn't wise to goad him like that, but you weren't to know that the handcuffs were unlocked," Foggy said. He hesitated, "did you know they were unlocked?"

Matt shook his head. "My concentration was elsewhere." He swallowed. "Let's get out of here. It's not safe." He stood up and stumbled slightly, his head still spinning.

"Take my arm. We're going to the hospital."

"No, Foggy, we can't."

"We can and we will. Your head just got slammed against a hard surface. Twice. You need to be checked for another brain injury. You're lucky your glasses didn't smash and cut you again."

"Foggy, shhh..." Matt hissed as Fisk's lawyer entered the room.

"Your cane, Mr Murdock," the lawyer said as if nothing was out of the ordinary, nudging the cane against Matt's outstretched shaking hand. Matt snatched the cane with a thunderous expression on his face.

As they were exiting the prison, they heard a rush of footsteps behind them. "Matt," Kirsten called.

Matt stopped but didn't turn around. Foggy pocketed his blood-soaked tissue as he turned to face Kirsten, but the nosebleed wasn't done yet and a couple of drips ran down his upper lip. He swore under his breath and retrieved the sopping tissue from his pocket.

"What happened?" Kirsten said, but Foggy just shook his head.

She walked around to face Matt, whose bleeding nose had stopped, but the crust of blood on his upper lip remained. His nose and forehead were red and swollen, and he bit his lip as he felt her critical gaze.

"Seriously, you two, what happened?"

Matt stood up straight. "I'm afraid we can't discuss it.”

"Who did this?"

Matt replied stiffly, "I'm sorry, Kirsten, you know as well as I do that we can't discuss-"

"But he's not your client. Or was it someone else?"

Foggy gave her a pleading look.

Matt moved a little closer to Foggy and said, "Goodbye, Kirsten." He gave her a brief nod before moving away, tugging Foggy to move faster.

"We can't tell anyone," Matt whispered. "You know what we signed."

"Yeah, but it didn't include anything about being beaten up. We can easily argue assault lies outside a confidentiality agreement."

"I don’t want to get anyone else involved in this, Foggy. Not yet. It’s disappointing that we’ve hit a dead-end, but at least we have proof that Fisk's running the joint."

"No shit. Which means it wouldn't be hard to arrange the druggings."

"I – I really don't think he did it," Matt said. "But not here. We'll discuss it later. I need to find an icepack."

Foggy sniffed and turned over the tissue, trying to find a corner that wasn't saturated. "And I need a fresh tissue."

Once they were safely in the back of the cab, Matt added, "and maybe the couch. Last night's seizure has me beat."

"I bet. Are you sure you won't go to the hospital?"

"Very."

"You have to go to the police," Karen said when she heard what happened.

Matt groaned from his horizontal position on his office couch. "And say what, Karen? That Fisk runs the prison? That the guards turned off the surveillance system on his order? That they just ignored the fact that we were assaulted by Fisk?"

Karen crossed her arms. "Okay, well what about Brett?"

Foggy looked at Matt over his icepack. "We should probably warn Brett. He can keep an eye out. He needs to know Fisk is flexing his muscle on the inside."

Matt removed the icepack from his forehead with a sigh. "Okay, we'll tell Brett. You're right. He should be warned at least. But-" he stopped and put on his glasses. "But we need to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid or put himself in danger."

"You should take your own advice," Foggy muttered.

"I'm not going to apologise again, Foggy. It's done and we know more than we did this morning."

"We still don't know who's behind the druggings. If Fisk isn't, who is?"

"I have a lead," Matt said, grunting as he sat up. He could feel his forehead pulsing with angry heat. He closed his eyes to gather himself.

Foggy said, “you're not going out tonight, Matt. Not with a probable concussion, you're not.”

Matt shook his head. "I can't anyway. Melvin's trial is tomorrow. I have some last-minute things to catch up on." He stood up. "I'll meet you at home." He scooped up Daisy and left before Karen and Foggy could interrogate him about his intentions.


A few days later found Tony, Michael, Mia, Ana, and Stephen standing before Rose Soveliss’s grave. May and Peter came as well for support, along with Rhodey and Carol. No one knew they were there, as thanks to Wong who was standing further back, they found a spell that would shield the funeral from prying eyes. All others would see was a family in mourning. Michael and Mia were crying, while Ana’s eyes shined with unshed tears. She held Mia while Tony had his arm around Michael. Peter came up and rubbed Mia’s back while hugging Ana, and for that Tony was grateful. When they left, Wong walked closer and spoke up.

	“The Masters wish to see you and…Riven… Ana.” Tony glared at the librarian.

	“Now? Can we have a bit more time? We just laid Mom to rest…” Ana said softly, looking at the man as the unshed tears began to fall. Wong watched, before nodding, looking slightly ashamed.

	“Of course. I will let them know you are in mourning.” Ana nodded, and it wasn’t until everyone parted and Tony and the kids were in the car that she wiped them away, completely fine.

	“I can’t tell if I’m disturbed by your ‘acting’ or proud.” Tony said, raising an eyebrow at her. Stephen had warned them that some of the Masters from Kamar-Taj would be nearby, not only to help with the spell but to watch Ana. So Ana put on the strong front for her siblings, only shedding tears when Wong asked for her to come with him.

	“Thank you.” She said smugly, smirking at him.

	“Again, not sure it’s a compliment.” She just chuckled as she reached over and brushed Mia’s hair out of her eyes. The little girl was still very upset, but when Tony told her and Michael that they can come visit the grave whenever they want it seemed to calm them. Tony watched them, before pulling out his phone at the text he got. Stephen had gone with Wong, and updated him that the masters will pull back on their demanding of seeing Ana for now. He sighed in relief, before showing Ana the text.

	“Good. One less thing to worry about right now.” When they reached the compound Happy, who had driven them helped get Michael’s chair out and wheeled the boy in with the others.

	“Thanks Hap.” Tony said as they entered the living room. Carol and Rhodey had to go meet the council after the funeral so it was only them and Vision.

	“Not a problem boss. It was nice to meet you kids…and I’m so very sorry for your loss.” He said softly. When they had met him that morning Mia gave him her signature shy smile, and Tony could tell Michael was nervous, like he usually was with new people. But soon they warmed up to him, seeing him be careful with Michael in getting him in the car, and how he already had a carseat ready for Mia. She smiled at seeing it was sea creature themed.

	“Thank you Happy.” Michael said, wheeling himself to his room. “I’m gonna go change…Ana can you help?”

	“Sure. Tony you mind helping Mia?” Tony took the little girl in his arms and had helped change her out of the black little dress. He hoped she wouldn’t have to wear it again for a very long time. Once she was in her comfortable clothes, he went to his room and pulled out a present he’d been searching for her.

	“Mia?” The little girl looked up from her bed, confused. “I have something for you.” He pulled out from behind his back a shark plush. What she didn’t know was it had gps chip in it, along with some spells Stephen offered when he mentioned the other night that he wanted something for Mia to have around that would keep her safe. Mia gasped, jumping down from her bed and rushing over, slamming into Tony’s legs. At that moment he was thankful for Extremis because she slammed hard enough he would’ve fallen over. “I take it you like it?” She nodded into his pant leg before carefully taking it from him.

	“What should I name him?” She whispered, carefully holding the plush.

	“You really like Jaws right?” She nodded. “How about Bruce? That’s what they named the shark in the movie.” She smiled brightly at him, nodding again as she cuddled the plush close. “Come on, let’s go see what your brother and sister are doing.” When they went to the living room the found Ana instructing Vision on how to set up the ‘cuddle pile’ as after that first one Tony ordered a bunch of soft blankets and thicker pillows to basically turn the floor into a bed. Michael was on his tablet, looking through something. “What’s up kiddo?” He and Mia went over to him.

	“Looking at movies to watch that Friday recommends.”

	“Any look good?” The boy turned the tablet to show what had peaked his interest.

	“Megamind huh? Whatcha think munchkin?” Mia looked at the tablet, before nodding. “Excellent. Ana you done bossing Viz around?”

	“I’m not bossing him around, I’m showing him the best way to do a cuddle pile!” Ana gave Tony a look.

	“Uh huh.”

	“I did ask for the best methods, so I don’t mind.” Vision smiled at Tony, before getting back to getting the blankets made up.

	“See?”

	“Alright fine. Now, what do we want for dinner? I’m thinking comfort foods.” Mia was already to a point she could eat normal foods, but things like fast food or super processed foods would have to be a hard pass for her.

	“What kind of comfort foods?”

	“How about pizza?” Tony ordered from his usual place, which meant it was well made, not really greasy and just perfect for their movie night. After they got settled in with their food and the movie, Tony kept getting texts from Stephen. He was complaining about how the Masters were being pains, and because he couldn’t bring Ana in both he and Wong have to train some of the newer students at the sanctum so he wouldn’t be around for a bit. Tony frowned, before replying that he could over after the training was over, he and the kids wouldn’t mind. After going back and forth a bit, Tony noticed Ana watching him. Michael and Mia were next to him on one side, while Ana was on the other with Vision sitting on the sectional behind them.

	“That Stephen?”

	“Maybe?” Tony watched as the young girl raised an eyebrow at him. “What?” She just shook her head.

——

	That night after Mia and Michael went to bed, Tony and Riven were in the lab. Tony was going over the feedback from the Starkpad for kids while Riven was going through the books he and Stephen had gone through a few days ago.

  “Interesting.”  Riven said out of nowhere, looking over to Tony.  “I think I may have found where Johnathan mixed up summonings.”

	“Oh yeah?”

  “Tony.”  Tony paused and looked up to the demon.  “If these ‘Masters’ found this…”  Tony understood what he meant.

	“Friday, go ahead and scan the book, put it under my personal file, and then password and voice protect it.”

	“What shall I put it under?” Friday asked as she began.

	“Put it under Def Leppard.” At the tilt of the head from Riven, he just chuckled. “Go ahead and look them up after you finish up whatever you’re doing. You’ll understand why.”

  “Thank you. And I will put this in a secure location.”

——

	About another hour later a portal opened and Stephen walked through, looking exhausted.

	“Heya Doc!” Tony smiled at him before realizing how tired he was. “Shit you ok?”

	“Yes…just had to deal with an interdimensional parasite while trying to teach a bunch of new students what not to do when said interdimensional parasite appears out of no where.”

	“Damn.”

  “What type was it?”  Riven asked, closing the book he was reading.

	“Just a small one, just hard to handle with inexperienced ones around.”

  “What did it look like?”  After describing what Tony could only sum as ‘a mutated half zombie rat’ Riven hummed, smiling a bit.  “Doctor I believe I have a solution to your parasite. But before I can give it to you and the others at the Kamar-Taj we need to come to an agreement.”

	“We?” Stephen asked.

  “Your Masters and myself. In order for them to leave Ana and myself alone…along with a few other things I require.”

	“Such as?” Tony asked.

  “You’ll see…”  Riven chuckled.  “Now, I’m off to rest. I believe Vision is still up so I’m going to see if he is interested in watching some classic movies.”

	“Alright, let me know if you need anything.” Riven just waved as he walked away.

	“How’re you holding up?” Stephen asked Tony after a moment of quiet.

	“Oh you know. I have three traumatized children, a demon who’s planning something, recently had a panic attack about something that I’ve had an inkling of since…hell since the Invasion…” He let out a shuddering breath. “So…good?”

	“Talk to me. It’s obvious this inkling you’ve had was before Maximoff, since you mentioned the invasion.” Tony sat next to the doctor and, decided to talk. It was like when he was talking with Ana, having someone actually listening to him about what had happened. After he finished telling him about the nuke, he felt Stephen take his hand carefully. “Tony…you do realize how traumatic that was right? No wonder Maximoff was able to pull from that fear and turn it into such a nightmare.” Tony carefully turned his hand and laced their fingers.

	“I know. I’m seeking therapy but…I didn’t at first. I didn’t handle it well after everything.” Stephen was quiet, before asking.

	“Didn’t your house get blown up by a known terrorist?” Which caused Tony to laugh.

	“Yeah. Like I said, didn’t handle it well at first.” They talked for hours, before Stephen sighed.

	“I should get some rest.”

	“Yeah me too. Victoria is suppose to be out tomorrow, and I’ve got a few things we’re gonna have to take care of.” Tony pulled his hand away reluctantly, before standing. “Text me?”

	“Of course.” Stephen opened a portal to what looked like a bedroom. “Goodnight Tony.”

	“Night Stephen.”

——

	The next week seemed to fly by for Tony and the kids. Tony had tested both Michael and Ana in regards to their education, finding that Michael was actually quite brilliant. Ana with her photographic memory thanks to Riven, was also incredibly smart. Mia wanted to learn like her siblings, so Tony ordered a ton of books for her to learn colors, shapes and numbers. He made sure they were all sea themed, or star wars themed. Each night they’d curl up on the couch watching movies, getting them all caught up with movies he knew they’d love. When Michael found out there were not only multiple movies but cartoons and comics of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Tony may have gone overboard with getting him all of it. Peter coming over and talking about all the nerdy things the boy liked also helped. The occasional check ins with Victoria were going well as well, and they were planning their first outing soon since Michael was strong enough to go out without getting so winded.

	Currently everyone was in the lab, which Tony had started to realize that he had now permanently shared with his kids. Michael and Peter had their own corner for Lego building, or any other models Michael found he wanted to try to build. Mia had a spot next to the  bots charging station, and if Tony didn’t need them they’d crowd around the little girl as she used her new books to point out colors and shapes. Ana had her own spot full of books, and she shared it with Stephen. If Stephen wasn’t over complaining to Tony about the ongoings of the Kamar-Taj he’d be over there with Riven or Ana going through the last of Johnathan’s books. Right now they were talking about the upcoming meeting they had with the Masters.

	“I still don’t like it.” Tony said, pacing a bit. “What if something happens?”

	“I’m there to make sure nothing does.” Stephen said. “I’ve also told them that as her guardian you’ll be coming as well.”

	“Look no offense Stephen but I don’t trust the bastards. Especially after what happened with Hong Kong!” During the week they texted none stop, and when Stephen would occasionally come over once the kids went to bed they talked. When Tony found out what all Stephen sacrificed, him going through his death countless times…he wasn’t happy with Kamar-Taj. Especially if they keep giving the rightly named Sorcerer Supreme such problems.

	“I know you’re angry, and as flattering as that is we need to focus on the here and now.” That was another thing that changed…they had started flirting. Tony’s stomach twisted a bit, and he sighed, finally standing still.

	“Fine.” Riven was watching the two of them, giving Tony the same raised eyebrow look Ana would give before he cleared his throat.

  “I have a request…and yes Ana is on board.”  He handed over the tablet he was holding. On it was the senate hearing Tony had to attend after coming out as Iron Man.

	“Ok?” Tony looked at the demon confused.

  “I’m thinking we handle this like Tony Stark would.”  Riven grinned.

	“…Are you asking me for a suit so you can saunter in with an attitude?”

  “That’s exactly what we’re asking for.”

	“Oh Vishanti help us.” Stephen said, shaking his head.

	“You’re just jealous you’re not getting a nice suit for this little meeting. Riven and I will look amazing”

	“…I bet.” The look he gave Tony made him flush a bit. It wasn’t quite a leer, but more of appreciation to the man standing in front of the sorcerer.

  “Quit that.”  Tony jumped at Riven’s sudden closeness.

	“Quit what?” Riven gave Tony a ‘really?’ look.

  “You know what.”  Stephen gave Riven a confused look but Tony ignored it.

	“I am not about to have this conversation with you. Now…” With a wave of his hand, holograms came up with different styled suits. “What do you guys want to wear?”


The next morning, Mingi wasn’t too confident in his wish to wake Yunho. While aware of his duties, Mingi spent almost five more minutes in bed rolling around when he usually would have got up already. His eyes burned from the lack of sleep, body begging him to take a rest and simply confess to Yunho he wasn’t feeling so great.

Yet, the more responsible side of Mingi knew that his inner turmoil shouldn’t impede Yunho’s daily duties. His night of thinking had led him to the conclusion that Yunho had every right to be sleeping with people he was enticed by. Doing so behind the solid walls of the castle and with the respect he treated people with, nothing was wrong with it. Yunho attracted people left and right, and among demons, there was no need to shun these matters.

Then why did Mingi’s heart feel as if stabbed by a dozen knives? Because of the attention Yunho had given him that he had wished to be exclusive to him? Because Yunho might sleep with San after all and that the signals he had sent towards Mingi had been no more but his usual flirtatious?

It hurt. Mingi’s heart hurt, and even after an entire night of his dilemma, he couldn’t help himself.

After so many times of telling himself that his attraction to Yunho was uncalled for and so many times of Yunho proving to him that his feelings were valid and reciprocated, Mingi felt like a fool now. How could he have dared to believe that he had stood out to the regal demon more than others? Even when Yunho didn’t divide between the two different horned groups, amongst draped horned people were many more attractive demons than Mingi.

Mingi was queasy from hunger and lack of sleep. And even as he dragged himself up from bed, he didn’t want to go.

Loyal to his duties, Mingi slipped into his shirt, buttoning it up cleanly. He took the book with him he needed to give Yunho. As he trudged downstairs to fetch Yunho’s meal, he was slow. Once he went back up, he had reached a snail’s pace.

Mingi wasn’t prepared to intrude into that room again and to find Yeosang sleeping next to the prince. Surely, Yunho didn’t take advantage of his power with such matters, right? Or was the reason he pushed off San, since he could make use of the servants easier?

Mingi’s head suffered with his unanswered questions and the lingering feeling of betrayal. Even as he tried to practise nonchalance and school his features into a mask of indifference, Mingi caught himself slipping. Tight, his tail curled around his leg as if offering comfort for his broken heart.

After he had reached Yunho’s door, Mingi exhaled once more. Then, he carefully knocked in the same custom as always.

No answer. No voices inside, either.

With his head ducked, Mingi entered the room. His eyes searched the bed instantly, trying to make out the number of limbs under the sheets. Once he had prepared the tray, he hesitantly trudged closer.

Yunho was alone.

Relief flooded Mingi at the same moment that an evil voice asked him how often Yunho had indulged late-night visitors that Mingi didn’t know of. Catching him once had already put a strain on Mingi’s side of their relationship. Who knew who else was involved.

With a sigh, Mingi shook off his malicious thoughts once more.

It was not his place.

Unmotivated, he shook Yunho’s shoulder. The prince’s skin under his fingertips was pleasantly hot, as always. Mingi’s mind connected it with gentle touches and flutters in his stomach, but today it sent no more but another rush of bitterness through him.

“My Prince. You need to wake.”

Yunho slept deeply tonight. His blanket was mostly kicked off regularly and this time, Mingi couldn’t help but glance down on his form to spot any evidence of what had occurred the night prior. No marks marred his tattooed skin, and not even a strand of hair reminisced about his nightly visitor.

As much as Mingi had denied himself of his improper thoughts so far, the sight of Yunho couldn’t keep them any longer from permeating his mind. He wondered how Yunho’s skin had felt under Yeosang’s fingers. How the heat between them had taken over their bodies and minds. And how Yeosang had fallen apart in Yunho’s arms.

Mingi gulped; his fingers on Yunho’s shoulder stilling.

For a moment, he was entranced, his pulse fluttering as he imagined just a bit too far. As he sunk into his daydream with the image of Yunho right in front of him, Mingi flustered himself. The yearning of being in Yeosang’s place to experience the same with his own body and soul nearly overwhelmed him.

The sudden thought of Yunho kissing him, moulding their mouths together to pull him close, had Mingi flinch. His hand pulled back from Yunho as if he had burnt himself at the rough nudge. Yet, Yunho’s eyes finally fluttered open, and he groggily blinked up at Mingi.

For a moment, he was still half asleep, then his usual droopy smile stretched on his lips. Mingi smiled back in a grimace. Guilt washed over him over regarding the unconscious prince with such greed.

“Good morning, Mingi,” Yunho yawned as he stretched and rolled around. His horns tangled in his blankets, and he shook them off with a huff. Wild hair got messed up further.

“Morning,” Mingi muttered, still occupied with his jumbled mind.

Yunho sighed comfortably, sitting up with yet another languid stretch. He came to sit in front of Mingi, entirely bare but without shame. With a wince, he sorted through his hair in an attempt to fix his appearance.

Through the iron bars that Mingi had enclosed it in, his heart gave a weak squeeze.

Wordlessly, Mingi grabbed onto Yunho’s clothes. He handed him the pants first and Yunho slipped into them sleepily. As Mingi handed him the cropped jacket Yunho had picked out to wear, he kept his eyes on the bunched up sheets beyond the man’s shoulder. Yunho slipped into the jacket that had no means to close it at the front. Only when Mingi busily laid the heavy chains around Yunho’s neck with a blank expression, the prince scrutinised his features curiously.

The centrepiece of Yunho’s jewellery today was a leather amulet. Its middle held a teardrop-shaped cloudy gem in a pale blue. It matched the earrings he fiddled into his ears, as well as the ring he slipped over his index finger.

“Did you not sleep well? You appear tired.”

The sleepy drawl of Yunho’s voice lifted quickly, but it still resonated in Mingi’s chest. When the tip of Yunho’s tail brushed against Mingi’s, Mingi awkwardly pulled his away. He wrapped it around his forearm so it was out of reach for Yunho. Anxious, he avoided Yunho’s dejected gaze.

“I stayed up for a while reading. I found another book that might fit your interests. I put it on the table for you.”

Befuddled, Yunho glanced at the living quarters and back at Mingi. Worry etched into his features now. Worry that delved into open concern when Mingi adverted his eyes from him as soon as his fingers fell from his necklaces.

“Mingi, you didn’t have to. I didn’t want you to give up sleep over these matters.”

“I wanted to.” With a polite nod, Mingi stepped back from the bed. His heart raced in his chest, nervous about how Yunho would react; if he would close off because of Mingi’s avoidance. Steely, he stuck to his formalities.

“Will you need me during breakfast? If not, I will catch up with you later during your royal meetings.” The patience in Mingi’s voice sounded artificial even to him.

Upset, Yunho stood to near him. His taller figure loomed over Mingi, making his knees weak once more.

“You won’t eat with me today?”

When Mingi mildly shook his head, disappointment flashed in Yunho’s eyes. He tried to school his expression so his miserable eyes wouldn’t make Mingi feel bad, but Mingi’s heart took a stab, anyway.

Not as bad as the stab of last night, though. The reminder strengthened Mingi’s resolve.

“I will stay if you insist, but I didn’t plan to, no.”

Punishing Yunho with a meal alone was the barest thing Mingi dared to do. The only thing he could get away with. He swore to himself that it was only a method to sort himself out first before he snapped at Yunho over matters perfectly licit for a prince to do. And yet the dull satisfaction he got over the hurt in Yunho’s features eased his betrayed spirit.

“Of course I won’t insist, then. Please, take your time to eat in comfort and join me afterwards,” Yunho muttered. When he turned to focus on his breakfast alone, Mingi regretted it.

No use in reaching out once more. Without another glance at him, Mingi ducked out of the door and dashed back down into his room. He ate by himself, his heart burning with guilt over the situation he had put both himself and Yunho into. In Yunho’s eyes, the prince had done nothing troublesome. The sour turn in their usual playful companionship had been entirely Mingi’s fault.

The food didn’t taste as good as the other days.

After he had finished his lonesome meal, Mingi didn’t linger. He joined Yunho back upstairs and waited for him next to the door while the prince finished fixing his appearance in the bathroom. When he came back out, he dared a careful glance at Mingi’s features. When Mingi stared straight ahead stonily, Yunho gave up. With a sad droop of his usually squared shoulders, he left the room.

Mingi kept behind him as he followed him through the corridors like a ghost. Every ounce of his willpower went into keeping his mind a blank void, so no thought dared to occur.

The meeting with the advisors was kept short. They had received notice that the king would return in the evening and that Yunho would join his brother and San on a hunt for the pixie terrorist tomorrow. In the backroom, Mingi chewed on his lip at the idea of having to stick to Yunho awkwardly like this for an entire day while in danger. When Onnah had disrupted their slow game of chess to tilt her head inquiringly at Mingi, he had shaken off the thought.

Today, Yunho didn’t dare to call Mingi over during dinner time. If the queen found it remarkable, she didn’t comment on it. She merely asked Yunho about San and if there were any improvements to their relationship.

Yunho declined.

After a long dinner that had Mingi nearly falling asleep on the spot since he was so tired and exhausted by his emotions, he trudged up the stairs behind Yunho once more. Back in Yunho’s room, he didn’t even come to sit with the other man on the divans. He lingered near the door in a stiff posture, ready to flee their tense atmosphere.

“I won’t take you with me tomorrow. Stay here and enjoy your free time. I hope you may get some sleep,” Yunho said mostly to himself, since Mingi was so unresponsive. Mingi’s stomach dropped. Was it because he had acted out of order today? Did Yunho consider him a nuisance like this?

Helpless in between his duties and his aching heart once more, Mingi drew his brows together.

“I will not be needed?”

“No. I won’t have time to explain details to you during the chase and servants might limit the group or make it difficult to manoeuvre.” Despite the usual kindness in Yunho’s voice, he sounded strained. He picked up the book on the table in front of him, flicking through the pages.

“I understand. I will await your return then.”

Yunho hummed, eyes focused on the book.

“What about this did you want me to read?”

“The part of pixies enchanting other creatures. I wondered if maybe a spell on us demons makes it possible for such small creatures to best us.”

It had been an interesting chapter. Mingi knew little about the details of the attacks, but he imaged either it would help Yunho figure something out, or it was a valuable guide to understanding pixie magic.

“Thank you.”

Yunho raised his head to gift Mingi with a soft smile. It had the other demon melt in the worst ways, and his tail swished behind him nervously. He wanted to ask Yunho about it, wanted to resolve this issue between them like an adult, but he was a coward. No more, but a frosty nod came from him.

“I will see you tomorrow evening, then. It would be best if you didn’t visit the town this time. It may not be our hunting ground, but I worry if similar dangers might lurk there if we don’t find the pixie,” Yunho dismissed him.

“I understand.”

With that, Mingi turned on his heel to retreat to his room. And once more, he rolled around for an eternity, plagued by vivid imaginations and hot stabs of jealousy. When he finally fell asleep, he could at least doze for long until noon.