I'm alive! I'm really sorry for not updating sooner, I have exams coming up next week and I have been wallowing in fear and depression instead of studying to write.

To make it up to you all, I intend to post two chapters today, please note that if a wild parent appears, that may not be possible.

So without any more delay, let's start the new chapter!

Lelouch headed down the low ranking military housing, it was early morning so there were still solders wandering about. He was wearing his new uniform that Clovis designed for him- it was a black (thank goodness, Schneizel must have had a word with Clovis) version of the uniform Jeremiah had with silver lining and a completely black shoulder cloak with a dramatic neckpiece attached with a silver chain, Lelouch felt it was a little over the top, but after his Zero costume, he couldn't complain- so all the officers who saw him rushed to the walls at attention, bowing as he passed.

Lelouch internally enjoyed their response, but paid them no mind as he searched the line up for a particular soldier. Because he didn't kill Clovis this time, Suzaku had not been arrested, and as such, Lelouch did not get the opportunity to check on him until now.

Their eyes met in the furry of people and Suzaku just stood there in shock for a brief moment before the protocol that had been drilled into his head during his time in the military kicked in and he rushed to the side with the rest of the officers.

Lelouch made his way to Suzaku, studying his face, this was the old optimistic Suzaku, who while annoyingly idealistic, had a strong sense of honour and had yet to betray him. Lelouch had considered bringing back Suzaku's memories, but while this Suzaku didn't know anything, Lelouch could trust him, and if need be, manipulate him with ease.

"Private Kururugi." He addressed him, keeping up formalities for appearance sake.

"Yes! Your highness!" Suzaku, as expected, did the same, as ususual he had a stick up his ass.

"I wish to have a private audience with you."

"Yes, your highness!"

Lelouch left, Suzaku in tow, and easily found a private room. He opened the door and entered, allowing Suzaku to come in behind him, and closed the door.

"I'm glad to see you're alright." Lelouch smiled, all traces of formality gone. Suzaku hesitated, before realising that it was Lelouch in front of him after all and grinned.

"Me too, I was worried when I awoke in medical, is that girl ok?" Lelouch's face dropped to a serious tone.

"Suzaku, I wouldn't mention her around the base, Clovis's men might still be after her, but yes I do believe she is fine."

Suzaku was shocked for a quick moment before recovering, a smile returning to his face.

"I never thought you'd return to the royal family."

"It was necessary, the only way to stop the fighting was to confront Clovis."

"Is, is Nunnally dead? " Lelouch shook his head and Suzaku looked relieved, he was about to say something in response, so Lelouch made a quick move to stop him from saying anything foolish, after all, he may know that there was no camera's in this room, but there was no way to be sure that there weren't listening ears.

"I, don't want to talk about it." Suzaku's eyes widened again, figuring out what was going on.

"I understand." It was then that Lelouch noticed the unfortunate time.

"I'm sorry Suzaku, but I have to go, I have arranged a meeting with some Nobles, and I'm afraid it will start in 15 minutes." Lelouch hurried out the room before Suzaku could respond.

The noblemen sat around the meeting room bragging about their various assets to each other as Lelouch waited for the last one to get themselves seated.

The room wasn't military grade, like he would prefer, it was more homey, and comfortable, with lounge chairs, bookshelves lining the walls and even a fire place.

"Now that Lord Parker is here I think we should begin."

"But what about Lord Gottwald and Lord Swine, didn't you invite them too?" One of the Nobles asked, not really caring, but more surprised.

"I'm afraid Lord Swine cancelled, and Lord Gottwald should be here any minute, there is no need to wait any further." They all glanced at each other, but none-the-less the all turned to Lelouch and gave him their full attention. Lelouch smirked as he activated his geass.

"Now then, I command you all to be my slaves!"

"Yes, your majesty!"

This really was too easy now that he was a prince again. He made a glance towards Jeremiah as he entered the room, and nodded towards him, this was just brilliant. He began to give out his commands to his new geass puppets as the second part of his plan played out for him elsewhere.

Meanwhile, elsewhere.

Clovis was having a meeting of his own, but unlike Lelouch, it was just a viceroy meeting with his advisors. They were all interrupted from their conversation when Lord Swine barged in, holding a gun.

"Lord Swine! I thought you were meeting with my brother today?" Clovis said with a smile completely ignorant that he was holding a gun.

"I am, but then I realised that I should visit you first, after all, you were the one that brought the commoner prince abomination back into the royal family." Lord Swine replied, pointing his gun at Clovis, his eyes stony and with red rings around them.

"You dare! I will not tolerate such disrespect towards my brother." Red rings appearing around Clovis' own eyes.

BANG!

"Too bad, well, I was going to kill you anyway, but I hoped you would at least see some sense." The entire room was in outrage, the advisors rushed to call security, when the officers rushed in, Lord Swine made a run for it, towards where the men realised Prince Lelouch was having his meeting.

The security ran after Lord Swine, but were blocked as the cleaning staff had just moved to clean the neighbouring rooms and their supplies were blocking their path. Lelouch had spent a good time memorising the palaces schedule, and had timed everything perfectly, the security would not be able to catch Lord Swine until he got to the meeting room.

Lelouch had just finished giving out his orders when Lord Swine arrived and pointed his gun towards Lelouch, his loud entry had brought the attention of everyone in the halls as they all observed with frightened caution.

"You should have stayed dead mongrel."

BANG! BANG!

Two shots rang as Lord Swine collapsed to the floor dead.

"Your highness! Are you alright?" Asked Jeremiah, his gun still out.

"I'm fine Lord Gottwald, merely shocked. You have my gratitude you just saved my life." Not really, as Lord Swine shooting Lelouch was never part of the plan, but the gratitude was still there, as now, Lelouch's plan had succeeded.

With Clovis dead, his alliance with C.C. was safe, and things would begin rolling again. Lord Swine's involvement had ensured that it was impossible for him or his allies to be given blame, and the way Lelouch had him act would make it look like Lelouch was in danger, which would be his backup plan (excuse) if Nunnally was discovered, and also an excellent excuse for him to appoint himself a knight, because Jeremiah was the one to take down Lord Swine, 'saving Lelouch's life', there would be no questions asked on why Lelouch would choose to appoint him.

Everything was going perfectly.

That's that for this chapter, and I must send my gratitude to the guest 'KK', as I took inspiration from your advice.