Chapter 7 – Pleasantness

After that night, it was surprisingly easy for us to exist in the same room during meetings, other official business, and simply when I had to go visit him in the audience hall as his servant. We could get by with the most subliminal of communication. I found I could soon read the small looks he tossed at me, whether they were expressions of distaste at someone, or just to bother me. I took to glaring coldly at him from across rooms and tables. I enjoyed when this seemed to puzzle the others, but I didn't miss the faint smirk that appeared on his face each time.

Outside of the conference room, however, we were much less careful. When there was no one else in site, he took to catching me by surprise, suddenly pinning me against the nearest wall, only to kiss me and enjoy the surprise on my face. Being a soldier, I couldn't help but to feel humiliated at my own lack of reflexivity. Somehow he knew how to launch the perfect ambush against me. But pushed far enough, and I would snap, have to lock us both in the nearest vacant room, and have my way with him. This was of course fine with both of us. Most of the time, I was sure he provoked me hopefully.

The next several months went quickly by, as it did not occur to me how strangely happy I was, most of the time. Nephry called us "infatuated," since, of course, Peony told her everything the next time he took me to Keterburg with him. For me, she only had admonitions.

"Please take care of him, Jade. I really don't know how you got so lucky."

We were at dinner at the new house she had recently moved into.

"Oh, you'd call it lucky?" I said.

She only looked at me in disgust.

"Oh it'll dawn on him someday," said Peony. "I mean, not a moment goes by when I'm not thankful to have been blessed with his affecti—"

"Thank you, that's enough, both of you," I said, and not long after, decided to kiss him in front of my sister. She seemed hardly fazed, much to my reassurance.

I'd probably never had a more enjoyable time in Keterburg. My family visits were few. I stayed instead at Peony's manor, and we spent a week almost constantly together, free from business and the city and the council. I felt, then, that I could truly call him mine.

But we returned to Grand Chokmah all too soon. As peaceful as the vacation had left us, it only took a few short days of being home under the proper circumstances to transform me back in to a—well…

"You cold bastard!" Peony yelled at me as I looked back, blankly. "You tell me that you love me, just a few days ago, and now you're nearly getting yourself killed on patrol, only to deny me a moment's visit in the hospital?"

He was over-exaggerating, of course. I'd merely been injured when one of the older land-ships in the fleet had malfunctioned. It had knocked me out, but there was no lasting damage. And now he stood over me as though this were my deathbed, even though I'd declined to see him.

"I thought it more proper for you to wait until I was well enough to return to my duties."

"I see." He narrowed his eyes and nodded sarcastically. "So glad you've found your true passion—propriety. Remind me of that the next time you let me abduct you from your duties on my next vacation!"

"I do—I…was only trying protecting you and your honor."

"I can protect my own damn self. …You do what?"

"I…love you."

"And I you, you idiot," he sat down next to me. "You're worth more to me than whatever "honor" I'd stand to lose. And…and you nearly died."

"That's completely untrue."

"Well if it is, I didn't know that," his voice nearly shook.

I took his hand. "We can both learn from this, I suppose. You just mustn't worry, every time I'm assigned a mission. And I… well," I grabbed his arm and pulled him down to kiss me. I sensed his pent-up worry instantly, but felt it leave him, gradually, as I held him as securely as I ever had. He only broke away to lean an elbow on either side of me, and grin down at me, cattishly.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing. I just think that I probably have a thing for doctors. And doctors in hospitals… so why not doctor patients in hospitals?"

"What of it…?"

"Well, are you truly as recovered as you say you are?"

I had nothing to say to that. Challenge accepted, I let him pull away the ugly hospital gown, cover us with the sheets, and begin "healing" me. I wasn't worried until his kisses started to travel down my stomach. He began to strike a nerve, and I began to have trouble remaining calm.

"And after all the trouble you've given me today," he said, "I'm still feeling generous."

"What—" I began to mouth when I sensed his plan.

"Shh," he purred. "This shouldn't hurt a bit."

Lorelei, it did not hurt one bit.

I yelled behind biting my lip, higher than I'd ever been on pain medication that day. I lost consciousness of almost everything, and soon his name did escape my lips. He did not let up until I was flat on the bed again, breathless and still in a daze.

"God…"

"I know," he shrugged, slinking back up the bed to lie next to me. We fell asleep together, and I don't know how long we were there. I only woke up when a nurse let herself in. He was still next to me, and I knew she took surprised note of it. She said nothing, however, except to tell me that I'd been released, and could leave whenever I chose.

"Thank you," I said uncertainly. Then I shook him gently awake. I told him only that I wished to leave.

"I suppose I have no choice but to give you a clean bill of health," he said, stretching. "Alright, let's go."

Without hesitation he ordered that his carriage take us both back to the palace.

"I should really report to headquarters."

"Who are they to know if you stay here one night instead of the infirmary? Sorry, but I'm not letting you go quite yet."

"If you insist," I smiled, and pushed him down upon the padded carriage seat.

The next morning, I finally reported to headquarters. What I awaited me made my week all the brighter. I was denied entrance to Nordheim's office, on the grounds of a "confidential" meeting being held there. I told myself that taking it out on the guard would not accomplish anything, and so I waited quietly. After several moments of my pacing, the lieutenant generals emerged, going their separate ways and not looking at me. I walked quickly back up to Nordheim's door and barged in before he could close it again.

"Sir, may I ask what's going on?"

He started and looked up from his desk.

"Jade," he started, as though I were an unpleasant scent. "I'm forced to address this… matter of most seriousness."

I stood still and waited for an explanation.

"We have decided, in view of your exemplary service to Malkuth, to allow you pardon with a grave warning, regarding this matter, should you comply with reason."

I still waited.

"Hem. Your conflict of interests, Jade."

"My what?"

"Don't play stupid, boy. You and—whatever it is you think you are doing with His Majesty! It's become common knowledge, or did you not care to foresee that?"

I had to laugh, all too unsurprised. "I would hardly call that a conflict of interests, Sir."

"So you don't deny it?"

"Why should I, if it's common knowledge?"

"Well then, I must seriously question your thinking. Major. Agree to keep your professional distance, and I will be happy not push this issue any further. But should you, for whatever reason, refuse, I will have no other choice but to relieve you of duty immediately. I shall also be forced to inform General Curtiss of the situation and your indiscretions. For I must do my service to Malkuth, and its imperial line. It is time for the emperor to consider marriage. Not to continue engaging in frivolous—"

"It's hardly frivolous."

He looked like I'd slapped just him. "Don't end your own career like this."

"You'd be the one ending me career, Sir, not I."

"Then stop your idiocy immediately."

"I don't believe I have any idiocy," I drawled. I knew I was provoking him much too far, but there was no point in trying to recover now.

To his credit, as incensed as he was, with trembling voice and mustache, he kept his voice lowered as he dealt the blow.

"Then consider yourself a civilian, and never return here again. And should you be seen near the palace, we will take immediate restrictive action against you."

There was nothing I could say, then. "Understood."

And that was that.

When I tried to return to the palace, sure enough, the guards reluctantly stopped me at the front gates. Nordheim's subordinates had done their work quickly.

I did my part, and stayed away from central Grand Chokmah for the next few days. Nordheim's second threat seemed to have been a bluff, however. The Curtiss family mentioned nothing to about the "scandal," behaving very much as usual.

I bided my time, and considered different ways I could get to Peony. I didn't want his influence or his sympathy. I simply missed him.

Around the city, I began to notice that the company I had commanded was still active. I soon realized that they were being lead by the same young officer each day. He was unfamiliar to me—most likely transferred in to replace me. As much as I'd have liked to deny it, this began to bother me as much as anything else. I took to following them—and him—around, listening to clues as to the upstart's identity. I decided, based on his uniform and what I'd heard the soldiers address him as on a few different occasions, that he was also a major. Major "Frings," by what they called him.

It wouldn't truly have mattered if I'd lost all dignity and confronted him in public, since I had nothing else to lose, professionally. But I felt I was still worth more—and he was not worth enough—to shame myself further.

When I decided I could no longer stand to watch him and the cadets, I took other interests. I began to do my own amateur investigative work on Malkuth's underground. It was fascinating to view all manner of criminal people and events without having to arrest anybody. Almost refreshing, but more irritating and inductive to a sense of guilt that I tried to ignore.

Alarmingly, I was able to stay fairly on top of the military's actions through this network. I could see no other reason for this besides the existence of a leak among the ranks, whether malicious or not. In disguise, I was able to pay off various informants as to the progress of the land-ships, the state of the peace treaty between Malkuth and Kimlasca, and Major Frings. The dreadnaughts were very nearly complete, ready to join the fleet and complete their maiden voyages. Despite this, the treaty remained strong. Frings, as I suspected, had recently been transferred from the Kimlascan border, and just as recently received a promotion to major. I learned that there was much unrest among this underground, regarding the army's new technology, particularly among the survivors from Hod.

I had not known until that week that there were in fact many of them left, nor how bitter they were at their own country. They felt betrayed, and some even blamed the disaster directly on Malkuth. On its fontech experiments, and for using the island as a sacrifice to further the war. At the time, I had not known enough to sense this. But given some of the things I heard, then, their claims began to seem plausible.

I couldn't help but to consider what might arise, should all of these conditions together meet a breaking point. I began to worry. On the night that I learned of the new fleet's arrival in the city, I decided upon making myself invisibly present at the christening of the flagship the next day.

By the time I reached the city's outskirts the next morning, where the massive vessel was parked and awaiting its ceremony, there was already a decent crowd. From these people, I sensed only awe and pride. There was nothing, so far, to suggest any reason for my concern. An hour later, and officers began to clear a path through the citizens in preparation for the Emperor and other officials. An area was marked in hung velvet cords around the ship, and the excitement quickly picked up. Preferring not to be arrested that day, I made my way as close as I could to the ship without being too noticeable from the platform that had been placed in front of its bow. I was so busy making sure I was well-enough hidden, I didn't notice Peony making his way along the cleared path, putting on his best smile and wave, until he was nearly right in front of me. Then, flanking him, I noticed two people. Sesemann, as always, but then… Frings. That bastard. The three of them talked amongst each other as they walked. My fonic vision regrettably did not allow me to read lips, but I could see that my emperor's face started to fall every time he was not directly engaged with one of them, or smiling at his people. I took some twisted pleasure from this.

But the next moment, I saw him place a hand on Frings' shoulder, laughing at something the latter had probably said. It was all I could do not to reach for and hurl my spear at the new "major." Soon, however, they parted ways, and Peony and Sesemann stepped onto the platform and took their seats. I decided to continue to survey the surroundings, and looked away from him.

When this resolve failed and I let my eyes find him again, I was immediately surprised at the drastic change in Peony's expression. He now looked off in the distance with rage searing across his usually placid face. I followed his eyes. Nordheim, accompanied by the other generals, approached the ship. He walked slowly, taking much time to greet the crowd. Stalling. I could tell even from where I was that he was nervous. I wondered if he and Peony had met at all since I'd been relieved.

Slowly, finally, he reached his superior. Peony's expression had relaxed back into placidity, and he greeted the general as normal. But soon I began to pick up on elevated fonic activity from where they were. My eyes sensed it almost immediately after that. Peony held the general's attention as he talked to him in a somewhat serious manner. But right under their noses, his hand spun a fonic arte. I hadn't even been aware that he still practiced or possessed such powers. But a minute strand of molten white energy, undetectable to anyone who was not paying attention, was escaping his index finger tip, and making its steady way toward Nordheim's throat. Helpless to do anything at that moment, I looked back at their faces. The general just listened, now, a cowed expression on his face. Peony continued to stare him straight down, still talking. I saw his tone rising with each word. I looked back at the arte. It was beginning to wrap itself around the man's throat, inches away from touching him. I was sure he'd lost his mind. The spell would surely scald its victim, drawing them very much attention.

At the last instant, Sesemann noticed what was poised to happen. He put a hand out, as fast as an old man could while still remaining subtle, and placed it on Peony's arm.

The arte dissolved into thin air, as they exchanged looks. I saw Sesemann's seriousness subdue Peony into relenting, and turning away to begin the ceremony.

I didn't hear most of the verbal formalities, as I was too busy continuing to look for any sign of danger. I had stowed my glasses, and let my eyes do their work, hoping the people nearest me wouldn't notice anything remarkable.

The first signs came with renewed fonon activity. This time, it was much more powerful and concentrated than the single arte. It came from the ship.

Peony was finishing his last words, taking a bottle of champagne from Sesemann, and walking up to the bow of the ship.

"With this offering, we pray, for The Tartarus and her fleet, many blessed ventures. In the name of the Empire of Malkuth, in war or peace, go safely." And with a graceful blow, he broke the bottle against the pearly hull of the ship. Nearly distracted by the thought of his christening the ship I'd helped to design, I lost my concentration on my surroundings for an instant.

When I regained it, I felt fonic activity not only near the ship—no, from within the ship, mere feet away from where Peony still stood—but also from several points around me. These points were moving. The activity was increasing, too, at an alarming rate. I didn't sense any humans casting artes that might produce this power. There was only one likely possibility.

Fonon bombs.

I broke out of hiding, knocking people out of the way. Taking it in one leap, I ascended the platform and cast a barrier around all on it as I dashed past them. I ran onward and leapt, throwing myself into Peony and out of the way as the front of the hull exploded into a thousand shards and fonic shrapnel. Once he was safely on the ground, only bruised, I stood and sprinted back out into the crowd. Several individuals wore the same type of artillery strapped to their chests.

"Malkuth ruined the lives on Hod—now we will die to take yours!" I heard from the one nearest me, before he detonated his weapon.

He took several people with him, as did two others who killed themselves before I had a chance to set up a strong enough neutralization around the entire crowd. I was not fast enough—only so to save most of the people, not all of them. My spell managed to cancel out the remaining bombers enough that they alone were killed by their own explosions.

Dazed, Peony and the other officials did their best to direct the soldiers, doctors and citizens. The healers who happened to be on site managed to revive some of the victims and heal the rest who'd survived. The attackers and other dead were quickly taken away, and the rest were sent home. Gradually, as there was nothing else to do, we gathered back near the ship.

"Your Majesty!" Nordheim noticed, "I shall escort you inside at once."

Peony didn't move, instead just looking at him coldly. As I approached them, Nordheim noticed me and began to fidget. I ignored him, walking straight to Peony and putting my arms around him without hesitation. He put his head on my shoulder and clung to my shirt with one hand, between us, where the others couldn't see.

"I…" Nordheim stammered from behind me. "Forgive me."

I pulled away and made to notice him.

"There was no way you could have foreseen this, General. Don't blame yourself."

"Precisely…" he murmured. "I didn't. And it could have cost us the life of the Emperor. And many more of the others. Please forgive me…" he walked up to me, extending a hand. "—Colonel."

I looked at him questioningly.

"This ship, once it's repaired, is yours, if you'll take it."

I considered, for a moment, looking at each of them.

"This actually wasn't my idea," said Peony, a smile growing across his face.

"If you're serious, General, then I accept." I barely hid my own smug grin as I took his outstretched hand.

"It would be an honor to have you back, Colonel Curtiss."

My life went rather more smoothly after that. It was up to the head politicians to publicly manage the backlash of the attack. The military simply tightened security throughout the country and conducted several investigations into the matter. These revealed the rebel informant to have been one of the bombers who had taken his own life.

I soon had the opportunity to take my ship and crew for the first patrol, this time not as a subordinate, but at the helm. The Tartarus soon recognized my handprint alone as its superior control. My soldiers and I quickly learned to operate the vast machine as though it were second nature. In short, the new fontech and I got on very well. Never mind that the most we did on a regular basis was to hunt down bandits and other minor criminals—it was something to do, and it kept me quite occupied enough.

Peony was irritating enough to make note of each time I came home "in a good mood" after "fooling around with my ship."

I probably should have noticed that he was jealous. I did take days at a time away, after all. Perhaps my absence was what prevented me from noticing the continued presence of a certain loathsome major, until one day, when I returned to find him and Peony both in the royal chamber. They were in the front room, accompanied only by the three foraging rappigs. They were merely talking, but naturally my hand readied to seize my spear.

"My Jade, welcome back." Peony simpered.

"Colonel Curtiss!" Frings stood up immediately and nodded respectfully at me. "It is such an honor, Sir. I'd hoped I would get the chance to meet you."

"Oh." I said.

"Aslan was just over to keep me company, since I have no immediate engagements right now, and you aren't here."

"I am here now."

"Oh, why yes. Now you are."

"…'Aslan'?" I sneered.

"Yes sir," said Frings, nodding again. "I—Your Majesty, I beg your pardon, I should take my leave, now."

"Jade. Be nice. Oh and Dear, go on if you must. But come again soon—we can all do lunch, or something." He got up and smiled Frings out the door.

I turned on him, once we were alone.

"What the hell was that! Just what is he to you?"

"Oh, my…" he said, starting to laugh. "He is my new head of local security, during peace-time. We do need someone competent around here when you're gone, after all. And that's all. He's my friend."

"And poised to be my replacement in every other way as well, I'm going to assume," I said.

"Don't be an idiot. He's merely a pet, if anything. And if you're so concerned, my paranoid love, rest assured that he's unlikely to have any interest in me. He loves women almost as much as I do."

"How reassuring," I growled. "And did I not start off as your pet?"

He placed both hands on the sides of my face, looking sincerely at me. "Actually, no. You never were." He kissed me, passionately, then abruptly pulled away, smirking. "But that, love, is an excellent idea."

I thought nothing of this threat, at the time. I had chased him down as he strode away from me, and pinned him down upon the nearest couch.

"So help the both of you if Aslan is ever more than a pet." I began to tug off his shirt.

"I know I shouldn't encourage this, but…you're absolutely enchanting when you're bothered and possessive." He whispered, clawing at the buttons of my uniform.

I shut him up by sealing my mouth against his and pinning his tongue down with mine. Practiced by now, we were able to tear each other's clothes away without breaking apart. I tortured him as long as I could manage, running my hands all over him, and biting his neck just below the ear. He knew how to get to me though—soon he'd finessed his legs around me, and moved against me until I was in misery as well.

A hiss escaping my lips, I drove into him hard. He cried out, but by now I knew the fine line between pleasure and too much pain. I walked it flawlessly, as did my Emperor, when he did manage to get me on my back.

"Jade!" He called out, with shameless volume.

"Quiet," I scolded him. He knew very well and enjoyed that all manner of servants and guards could hear him.

"Oh, Jade, you feel so g—ah!"

I silenced him with and set him to whimpering instead. He took his revenge by biting a deep mark in my neck.

Once we were done inflicting our various affections on each other, we settled down into holding each other, lips locked, for the next long while. Perhaps I was slightly ashamed of my reactions, and I sensed that he felt the same, but neither of us felt the need to state this. As was often the case, we were happy just being close, in all senses of the word.

I happily took the mark he'd left on me on patrol, the next day. Few got the chance to see it past my uniform, and none remarked on it. My captain did note that I was in good spirits that day. I snapped at him to get back to work and stop taking time off to notice my demeanor. He barked an apology, poorly disguising a smile.

That day, I had the opportunity to use the fonic torpedoes upon a camp of drug bandits who had set up an unusually powerful barrier. They worked quite powerfully, but with enough control that I could instantly discontinue fire and leave everyone unharmed; only shocked enough to be easily arrested.

I returned home to my emperor in a state the likes of which I knew he'd enjoy poking fun at. Walking down the hall toward his chamber, I could all too easily hear it.

I didn't hear anything as I let myself into his room, however. He was happily seated on his favorite couch, holding one of his animals in his lap and cooing at it.

I cleared my throat, waiting, before realizing that something seemed different. The rappigs had multiplied. He was holding a fourth one.

"Oh, hello, my Jade!" He got up, still holding the thing, and approached me with it.

"Isn't he beautiful? He arrived from Engeve just today!"

He was now all too close, still nuzzling into the rappig's fur, yet showing me an evil smile. "Jade, meet cute little Jade."

TBC... muaha