Date updated: December 26, 2014

A/N: Another unforeseen update! Hurrah! The week to a month became almost a year for me to update. Anyways, I have read your reviews and they touched me, so here I am updating. Such kind and lovely reviews~ I re-read the story as well... I also wanna have more YxK interactions in the story! Nonetheless, carry on!

Chapter Three

Reverie

Two strong arms made their way around her as she held her breath for the crash. Without another second, her face was pressed on a hard chest as the same strong arms embraced her protectively, never letting her go. She gasped from the lack of air, as both she and her savior slowly descended on the marbled floor. Unable to hold on from her breathlessness, she carefully looked up, pleading to be released from the unyielding grasp.

Her breathing halted as a completely aghast Keiki shook her carefully, his bewildered eyes looking over her, checking for scrapes and bruises. Without a word, he pulled her closer, once again burying her face into his chest, his arms still tightened around her frail body.

"K-Keiki... !" Youko gasped from his grip. Her heart was beating wildly now, not knowing if it was because she was barely breathing from their position or because of the proximity they had. She closed her eyes as his warmth overpowered any more strength that was left in her.

Without realizing it, Youko felt her heart miss a beat when she looked up - her eyes meeting Keiki's, his with such intensity - that she suddenly felt self-conscious. She darted her eyes elsewhere away from those eyes which were boring deeper into her.

Sensing her reaction, Keiki stiffened but immediately managed to release Youko, carefully helping her balance as she sat on the floor.

An awkward silence passed on between them before Keiki cleared his throat.

"Shujou, " Keiki spoke, his voice suddenly cold, "Why are you not in your chambers? I thought I already told you how dangerous it is for you-"

"I had to finish my paperwork... And I-I, I left my signet-," Youko cut him off, hiding her embarrassment as Keiki sighed, his brows furrowing deeper.

"You could do that in the morning, " He spoke too quickly, dismissing any more of her excuses, "I'll take you to your chambers."

Youko took in a second to wonder why the Kei Taiho no longer inquired on why he found her almost giving the floor an imperial embrace but only questioned her wandering at that time. She somewhat felt relieved to have saved herself from answering any other inquiries.

The Empress nodded silently as her Kirin helped her on her feet, his hand on her shoulder, patiently guiding her through the corridors. She faltered a few times, her vision failing as dizziness once again took over. She stopped in her tracks as she leaned on one of the life-sized vases in the hallway.

"Shujou," Keiki's voice trailed off, worry marring his usually stoic features.

"I can do this, nothing to worry about," Youko assured him as she limped, her body slowing her down though Keiki was doing his best to help her balance.

With a sigh, Keiki stopped and scooped her up in his arms, carrying her through the rest of the way. Youko could only close her eyes as neither strength nor a moment for a timely reaction was available. She clutched his robe, leaned in closer, and unintentionally breathed in his scent before dozing off.

Just how exhausted was she? Keiki could not stop himself from worrying as he looked at the Kei Ou who was now sleeping like a tired child in his arms. His eyes softened as she slept, her face peaceful in contrast to the wreck she was in that moment he found her.

He had the sudden feeling that something strange was about to happen to the Red Child, though not knowing what exactly it was. He was only gone for a week but somehow he could not take his mind off of his empress. His decision to return to the palace as soon as possible was probably the best he had for that day.

He had to admit that she worried him, especially knowing how hardworking and stubborn she was, not completely trusting the members of the Privy Council other than Koukan, Enho and himself.

She trusted them above all. The three of them. But what separates Keiki from them is that he was her other half. He was her Kirin. She was his Empress. Each is the other's half; both halves as one. Nothing more, nothing else.

Though deep in his mind he wondered. He wondered but could not quite put his mind to it.

Reaching her chambers, he gently placed her on the comforts of her bed, pulling up the covers and securing her from falling off. He leaned and looked at her peaceful face, loathe to leave her alone in her room, knowing that he still had no definite assurance that she would be well from the recent fainting episode.

A few more hours to go and it would be morning. Another day to prepare for the winter solstice. Another day that will occupy him and the rest of the ministers. Another day that will keep him away from watching over his other half.

He sighed. Since when did he become so overly protective of Youko? He did know that Youko was fully capable of protecting herself even without the aid of his shirei - but things were not always predicted accurately. He only wished that she took care more of herself than the people around her, but given her attitude, it was rather difficult to fulfill that simple wish.

It was not because he was her Kirin that he was selfish and only wanted her safety. He cared for the people just as he cared for the empress. And he had seen them suffer because no one was seated on the throne.

Because no one was there to serve as the people's strength, their light and their hope. But now she was there, and for her very existence, he lives.

He was broken off from his reverie as she made a small movement, her face now fully facing him. He could not help but let a feeling of fondness wash over him as he watched over, his hand on her cheek.

.

.

He quickly withdrew the offending hand and turned on his heel towards the door.

A/N: Any thoughts about the progress of the story?