Chapter Seven
"Suzaku, you don't need to worry," Euphemia scolded when Suzaku began to fidget.
"What if your sister decides to kill me when I'm appointed your Knight?" Suzaku demanded, mentally groaning.
Euphemia smiled and leaned up to kiss him. "It will be fine," she said firmly when she pulled away. Suzaku smiled and pulled her into another kiss. Euphemia wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him closer, and their mouths opened, allowing their tongues to begin to explore the other's mouths. Suzaku pulled away slowly and gave her a light smile. She smiled back and stepped away.
"I guess I'm ready," he answered, glancing over at a mirror.
Euphemia smiled and gave his hand a squeeze. As she let go, the door opened and in came Lloyd and Cecile. They didn't seem to see a thing.
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He walked up to the stage slowly, very well aware of all five set of eyes boring into his back. Euphemia's face was controlled of emotions, but in her eyes, he could see her happiness. All he could do was smile slightly before he crouched down in front of Euphemia and bowed his head slightly. Euphemia spoke, "Suzaku Kururugi, will thou upon this day pledge thy fealty to Britannia and stand as a knight of the crown?"
Suzaku answered carefully, "Yes, your Highness."
"Does thou wish to abandon thyself and be a sword and shield for the sake of the greater good?"
"Yes, your Highness." Suzaku gripped the hilt of his sword and presented it to Euphemia with a bow of his head. She took the sword without hesitation and held it into the air. She brought the blade down upon both his shoulders.
"I, Euphemia li Britannia, do hereby dub thee Sir Suzaku Kururugi knight of Britannia." She presented the sword back to Suzaku, who took it and stood. Then he turned around, to face Cornelia, Guilford, Darlton, Lloyd, and Cecile.
No one clapped like they would at the real coronation, but Cornelia did speak. "Sir Kururugi, please escort Princess Euphemia to her room for dinner tonight and I wish for you to guard her tonight." Then Cornelia turned around, prepared to leave.
"Sister, I would like for Sir Kururugi to take tonight off," Euphemia disagreed as she stepped from the stage. Cornelia turned around, eying her sister carefully.
"Very well," she growled and continued to walk out of the room. "Dinner shall be ready in half an hour."
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Suzaku stood outside of Euphemia's room. He'd walked her to her room, waiting outside the door until she was doing getting 'freshened up', and then escorted her back to dinner. Cornelia had ordered him back to her room, where he was now waiting. It was taking longer than he expected and he was slightly worried. What if Cornelia suspected anything? He wasn't worried about his life, but he was worried about Euphy's life. He knew Cornelia had a terrible grudge against him. If she figured out about his and Euphy's affairs…
Suddenly, Suzaku saw a shadow and prepared in case it was either an attacker or if it was just a guard. Instead it was Euphemia, walking alone. She gave a tiny smile the moment she spotted Suzaku and quickly opened her bedroom door. After quick, fleeting glances, she pulled Suzaku into the room. Once she had the door locked, Euphemia hugged Suzaku tightly, pressing her face into his chest. For a moment, Suzaku wasn't sure if Euphemia was happy, but when her shoulders began to shake with silent sobs, Suzaku pulled her close and buried his face into her hair.
For a long time, that's how the two stayed. Eventually, Euphemia pulled away and wiped at her eyes angrily. Suzaku grabbed her wrists gently and lowered them to her side, and leaned in to kiss Euphemia's lips, then her forehead, her nose, and finally her sweet lips once more. "What happened Euphy?" he murmured softly, his lips lingering over hers.
"It was terrible, Suzaku," she said softly, tears brimming her eyes. He pulled her to her bed and hugged her closely. He didn't probe for answers; he let her speak first. Eventually, Euphemia sucked in a breath and began to explain.
"Sister… she… she wouldn't talk to me!" Euphemia choked, tears falling down her face. Suzaku wiped them away carefully and kissed Euphemia's forehead. Euphemia clutched the front of his shirt and buried her face in his neck.
"She can't be mad forever, Euphy," he comforted softly, picking her up carefully. She looked up at Suzaku, a little confused, but mostly it seemed she wasn't here at all.
He set her on the counter when they entered her bathroom and told her quietly, "Get undressed." Suzaku turned on the hot water and added some sort of soap to the warm water. It took a moment for Euphemia to realize she was supposed to undress and got off the countertop.
Suzaku glanced at Euphemia as she undressed, but his gaze didn't linger.
Eventually, Euphemia walked over to the tub and stepped in. She turned to Suzaku, who stepped away from the tub. "You're coming in, aren't you Suzaku?"
"I wasn't going to, Euphy."
"Please do," she whispered. He nodded silently and stripped himself quickly. He stepped in behind Euphemia and, after a moment's thought, wrapped his arms around her. She leaned against him and closed her eyes. Suzaku rested his head upon hers and, while rocking her softly, murmured comforting words.
It seemed like it was only minutes Euphemia and Suzaku talked. Eventually, Euphemia decided to ignore her hurt, desperate feelings and turned to kiss Suzaku. He kissed her back and smiled softly at her when they pulled apart.
"You're sure she'll quit ignoring me after a while?" Euphemia inquired quietly.
"Yes, she will," he whispered, and then kissed her forehead. Euphemia smiled and then reached for the shampoo.
"Well, since you're in the tub with me…" She squirted some of the bottle in his hair, giggling.
"I'm not the only one in the tub," he said and grabbed the bottle from her hand. She laughed and splashed him with some water as he attempted to soap her up as well.
Eventually, their antics ended and they bathed together quietly. When their bath ended, Suzaku and Euphemia dressed into their pajamas. "Thank you for being there for me, Suzaku," she mumbled, then yawned widely. Suzaku smiled and kissed her forehead sweetly.
"Good night, Euphy," he said. She snuggled up to him with a tired smile and closed her eyes.
Suzaku wrapped his arm around her, pulled her closer, and fell into a light sleep.
Morning arrived, but Suzaku was already awake. He silently detached himself from Euphemia and got dressed into his outfit.
He cracked the door open, Suzaku found the hall empty. It seemed the man supposed to be guarding Euphemia's room had left; it was his shift now. So, he quietly walked out and stood in the hallway.
It wasn't long before he spotted several guards going for training. He used to go with them; now he was to stay here. And he was happy about it. So, he nodded at the soldiers, but didn't say a thing to them.
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Life around the Britannian Palace picked up quickly. Within a week, terrorist groups picked up around Area 11. Most terrorists threatened Cornelia. A few groups even began supporting Euphemia. As you could guess, that put Cornelia in an even fouler mood with her sister.
Because of Cornelia's terrible moods to Euphemia, Euphemia was short with everyone. Several times, she even snapped at Suzaku. She usually sent him away after snapping and was almost always feeling terrible only minutes later. So, at night when Suzaku finally came to her room, she'd apologize profusely.
It didn't help he was always exhausted too. At first, Cornelia pressed hours upon him until he was nearly collapsing with exhaustion (though he tried to hide it). After two weeks of Suzaku's same work schedule, Euphemia disappeared to Cornelia's bedchamber at one in the morning. The whole palace was awoken by their shouting match. It wasn't until three AM that everyone could settle down again. When Euphemia appeared back at her room, she cheerfully explained to him he only had to work until eight PM.
Then it happened.
It was about three weeks since Suzaku had become Euphemia's knight. He had finished another round about Euphemia's room and adjacent halls and was heading back to Euphemia's room. He knocked to be safe, but, instead of calling him in, she answered the door instead. Her face lit up with a smile and she stepped aside so he could walk in.
The smile on her face faded the moment he stepped in. She huffed. "Suzaku, you look drained," she said, walking up to slip off his jacket.
"It was a long day at training," he admitted.
"Are you hungry? I didn't eat much at dinner and I was going to order some more food. If you're hungry…"
Suzaku smiled and leaned down to kiss Euphemia. "That would be great."
"You lay down on my bed. I'll be back in a few moments." With one last kiss, Euphemia left the room. Suzaku didn't think twice about her offer; he lay down upon the queen sized bed. His eyes slid closed and he relaxed his body slowly, one muscle at a time. He was finally feeling peaceful.
Then the door began to open. He jumped to his feet instantly, alert. He should have known it was only Euphemia, but it was instinct.
Once he knew it was Euphemia, Suzaku sighed and sat at the edge of the bed. Euphemia sat next to him, looking concerned. When he doesn't say anything, she asked softly, "Are you all right?"
"I'm just tired tonight, Euphy," he said, smiling at Euphemia. Euphemia smiled back and kissed him.
"Take a nap. I'll wake you when the food comes." Suzaku looked ready to protest, but he didn't. He lay back on the bed. Within moments, he was asleep.
For a moment, Euphemia watched Suzaku sleep. She got up, grabbed his jacket, and crawled up in the bed beside him. She snuggled up beside him, laying the jacket across her, and closed her eyes. It wasn't long before Suzaku's arm wrapped around her protectively and held her close.
Euphemia thought she could be in his arms forever. He was the one who could keep her safe. But, it wasn't long before the chefs preparing the food knocked on her door. Euphemia sighed, got up, and walked up to the door. She opened it, to find a surprise.
It was Cornelia.
"Sister!" Quickly, Euphemia stepped out into the hall, closed the door, and prayed Cornelia hadn't seen Suzaku in her bed.
Cornelia sensed Euphemia's nerves.
"Is everything all right?"
"Y-yes." Euphemia cleared her throat. "Is there something important going on?"
"You aren't eating a lot at dinner."
"…" Euphemia wasn't sure what to say.
"Are you feeling all right?" Cornelia continued.
Euphemia straightened up. "You've been treating me terribly for weeks. Now suddenly you care?"
Cornelia's eyes narrowed. "What are you getting at?"
"I'm tired of this," Euphemia said, stepping back towards her door. "Unless you're going to start treating me better, I won't speak to you on any personal terms, sister." She turned around and walked back into her room.
Suzaku was awake when she closed the door. Euphemia tried to smile at Suzaku, but instead, she burst into tears.
It had been a close call, both knew it. If Cornelia had just come into the room… so, they agreed together later that night, they wouldn't be able to stay with each other like they had been. So, after that night, they stayed away from each other at night.
This went on for about another week.
To Euphemia, every morning was a challenge. She would wake up alone in her room and feel terrible. She missed waking up when Suzaku did, missed his strong arms wrapped around her, and his kisses. It was painful.
So, when she awoke one morning, Euphemia dashed from her bed to the bathroom and hurled. There wasn't anything in her stomach, so she puked up stomach acid. Vaguely, she heard someone knock on her door. But she didn't say anything, only closed the toilet lid. Euphemia rested her head against the ceramic toilet and closed her eyes.
"Euphy, are you all right?" It was Suzaku!
Euphemia opened her eyes. She had forgotten he'd be here already. "Suzaku, you can come in," she called, slightly hoarse.
Suzaku walked into her room. It wasn't a moment before Suzaku realized Euphemia was in the bathroom and then he was there.
He seemed to sense she wasn't feeling good. He wet a rag and dabbed it on her forehead. "You look sick, Euphy," he murmured. Suzaku helped Euphemia to her feet, thought for a moment, and then scooped her up in his arms. She giggled, resting her head against his chest. After he carefully set her in the bed and tucked her in, he asked, "Would you like anything?"
"A glass of water," Euphemia said after a moment. She snuggled under the covers and closed her eyes. She was still feeling terrible. "It's probably just the flu," Euphemia mumbled, shivering.
Suzaku returned in a moment. He helped her sit up and gave her the glass of water. As he was, Cornelia appeared. Suzaku said formally, "Sub-viceroy, I informed the Viceroy. I thought it would only be proper she know." Euphemia nodded, setting her glass on her nightstand.
"Thank you, Kururugi," Cornelia said as he stepped away. Suzaku bowed his head and stepped to the sides.
Cornelia sat beside Euphemia and hugged her. "How are you feeling?" she asked, stroking Euphemia's hair.
"I think it might be the flu," Euphemia mumbled, closing her eyes.
"Do you want me to call the doctor in?" Euphemia shook her head, glancing up at Cornelia.
"I'm just hungry and tired. Could you send some food up?"
"Of course I will. And I'll make sure Kururugi stays here to fetch whatever it is you need." Cornelia let go of Euphemia and helped her down again. "Now, rest up. I'll come here for lunch at noon."
Cornelia turned to Suzaku with a glare. "I want you to stay in this room. You will take care of her, no matter what it is she requires. And if she cannot keep her food down, I want you to inform me of this right away."
Suzaku nodded. "Of course, Viceroy."
Cornelia nodded and left the room with parting words to Euphemia. Then Suzaku and Euphemia were alone. Suzaku came to her side and took her hand. "Are you sure you're all right?" he wondered.
Euphemia nodded with a small smile. "Of course, Suzaku. You being here make things a lot better."
Suzaku smiled and kissed her forehead. "Go to sleep, my love. I'll wake you when breakfast is here."
"You won't leave, Suzaku?" she mumbled, her eyes closing.
"Yes," he promised. Suzaku wasn't sure if she had heard him or not. As soon as he spoke, her head lulled to the side and she fell into a light sleep. He stood near her bed, but not too close.
It wasn't long before breakfast arrived. As soon as the 'waiters' knocked on the door, Euphemia woke with a start. Suzaku answered the door and took two trays.
"The Viceroy ordered food for you as well, Sir Kururugi," one bowed.
Suzaku nodded. The door was closed. Suzaku brought Euphemia her meal and set it on her bed in front of her. Euphemia pulled off the lid and observed the meal with little interest.
"You don't have to eat, Euphy," he said. Suzaku settled down on the edge of her bed and took off his lid as well. It was a small meal of eggs, three pieces of bacon, and a breakfast rice ball. Suzaku smiled and bit into the rice first.
"I'll try to eat. I just don't feel hungry." She picked up her fork and tried the eggs. Her stomach obviously didn't agree with eggs. It grumbled. She burped, tasting puke. Euphemia wrinkled her nose, but ate her meal in silence.
"Would you like a bath?" Suzaku asked. She hadn't realized he'd already eaten all of his food. He was standing beside her bed, formal as ever.
After a moment's thought, Euphemia nodded. She got to her feet and walked to the bathroom, though her stomach protested. She even leaned over the toilet once she was in the bathroom, hoping she wouldn't puke.
She didn't heave, but Euphemia could sense Suzaku's concern. "Euphy, maybe you should have a doctor look over you. You could be seriously sick."
Euphemia waved away his suggestion. "Could you start the hot water?"
Suzaku nodded and turned to the tub. Euphemia pulled off her pajamas and, with the help of Suzaku, stepped into the tub.
"Do you want fresh pajamas?" Suzaku asked. His back was turned from the tub; to be polite, Euphemia suspected.
"Yes. Could you hand me the blue bottle over there too?" Euphemia asked. Suzaku handed her the bottle.
"I'll be outside the door. Just call if you need anything." Euphemia nodded, and then she was alone.
Her head had begun to hurt as well. Ignoring the pain, she dumped part of the blue bottle into the water near the running faucet, watching as bubbles began to form. She smiled and scooted down in the tub.
She stayed in the tub for nearly an hour. Suzaku would check up on her, probably to make sure she didn't fall asleep on accident. When Euphemia was done in the bath, she asked Suzaku for a towel and then got out.
She dressed in clean pajamas, lay back down in bed, and fell asleep almost instantly.
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When Euphemia was woken up, it was lunch time. She tried to eat lunch with Cornelia (who had sent Suzaku away so she could talk to Euphemia more privately), but her stomach didn't enjoy it. "All right, Euphy, I'll have a doctor in here in an hour," Cornelia said as she stood up. "Normally, if you have the flu, you should be able to have crackers and chicken soup. You can hardly eat that!"
"I'm fine, big sister," Euphemia tried to argue.
"No, and that's final!" With that, Cornelia was gone.
Suzaku was back in the room within a minute and gave Euphemia an apologetic smile. "I heard you're being looked at by a doctor whether you want to or not."
"I'm feeling better, Suzaku." Euphemia obviously tried to avoid commenting. "Would you mind heading to my desk and grabbing some papers for me to look at?"
"Are you sure?"
Euphemia smiled, looking less tired (at least Suzaku thought so). "Yes, I'm sure."
Suzaku nodded and disappeared to Euphemia's office. He returned and gave Euphemia a small stack to begin with. Within an hour, she had finished the papers while she talked to Suzaku.
It was as she was finishing the last paper the doctor arrived. Suzaku had been staying a distance away, in case someone didn't knock on Euphemia's door, which is exactly what the doctor did. She just barged in and smiled at Euphemia.
"Hello, sub-viceroy," she bowed. She introduced herself as Dr. Eron and stepped over to Euphemia's bed, setting down a small black bag. "I hear you aren't feeling well. Do you mind sitting at the edge of the bed?"
"Not at all," Euphemia smiled. She signalled to Suzaku, who took the pile of work from the bed, and then sat at the edge. The doctor unfolded a small stool she had had tucked under her arm, and pulled out a stethoscope.
She listened to Euphemia's heartbeat, her breathing, and took her temperature. She frowned each time. "Are you sure you're sick?" Dr. Eron asked.
"She was nauseous this morning and exhausted," Suzaku informed the doctor.
"And I had a headache this morning as well," Euphemia added.
Dr. Eron nodded, seeming thoughtful. "Can I draw some blood? And, by any chance, could I ask for a urine sample? I just want to check a few other things I can't do here."
Euphemia nodded. Once the blood was drawn and the urine collected in a cup, Dr. Eron left. She explained she should have some results that night.
Cornelia visited soon after, while Euphemia was doing more paperwork Suzaku had brought her.
"Euphy, I don't want you doing paperwork," Cornelia scolded as she walked in.
"I'm feeling better, sister!" Euphemia argued.
"I want you resting until the doctor comes back with results."
Euphemia pouted, blowing away part of her hair from her face.
"Sister-"
"Kururugi!" Suzaku straightened up the moment Cornelia addressed him.
"Y-yes, Viceroy?"
"Take away the sub-viceroy's papers. She isn't to have any until further notice!"
"Yes." Suzaku gave Euphemia a regretful look as he took the papers away.
"Sister! You can't order my Knight around!" But Euphemia couldn't argue against any of it. So, she ended up with nothing to do for three hours, until Cornelia came for dinner. They talked about the day, Cornelia also explaining an interesting trip they could take in a few weeks.
Just as dinner ended, Dr. Eron arrived at Euphemia's room. Suzaku warned her the Viceroy was in the room, so she knocked first before she was summoned in.
"Ah, Dr. Eron," Cornelia smiled, standing up from the fold-up table. "What news have you brought?"
"If you don't mind, I'd like to speak to the sub-viceroy alone," Dr. Eron said. Cornelia, although she didn't seem happy, agreed and left the room. Suzaku stayed outside the room as well.
Euphemia was confused. "Uh… Dr. Eron, why couldn't you speak of the results in front of my sister?"
Dr. Eron sat on the bed with a sigh and took Euphemia's hand. "I didn't think you would want me to tell you about your pregnancy in front of your sister."
~Author's Note~
Well, what did you think? Review!
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