An Empire to Conquer Your Heart

Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews. We hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 19

Izuna smiles as he readjusts Haruka's hair so that the braids holding the rest back weave together like a dark net across the back of his head. His baby giggles quietly and sits perfectly still, save for the tinkling sounds produced by the adorable wiggling of his ears. The silver and gold strands of the ear caps stand out brightly against the soft raven hair. "You look so beautiful, Haruka. Everyone is going to love you tonight."

"You think so, Daddy?" Haruka looks up with an innocently quizzical look.

"Yes, I do." Izuna leans down and presses a kiss to Haruka's forehead, then smooths out the covers of Madara's bed beneath them. It was so strange to not have been back to their rooms in so long…and yet, it felt perfectly right waking up in Madara's arms every morning. Like all of the pieces of his heart were slowly finding their way back to each other.

"Of course, he does." Madara smiles as he strides over to Haruka. "You're perfect just the way you are, Haruka. Never forget that. The Chikara Empire is fortunate to have you as its heir and we're even more fortunate that you are our son." Madara sits on the bed with them. "You'll be meeting a lot of people today, but it's alright if you don't remember all their names. It took me a long time do so. What's important is that you have fun and everyone get a chance to meet you. Even if you don't talk to every person in the party, just being there is good enough."

"Yes, but you should still be good for your Papa. He's working hard to put this party together for you, so be on your best behaviour, alright?" Honestly, if he wasn't there to try to instill good behaviour in Haruka, Izuna was sure that Madara would just let their child run amok. True the ship could handle it, but there were still people aboard to consider. And Haruka had to learn that wild behaviour wasn't allowed everywhere.

"Yes Daddy!" Haruka turns around and presses his face into his Daddy's chest. "Love you and Papa!"

"We love you too, Haruka." Madara smiles, his eyes trailing over the gifts Hiroto had so thoughtfully bestowed on the boy. They suited him. Haruka was fortunate to favor Izuna, though it was going to prove quite the challenge to keep track of his potential suitors one day. "Shall we be going?"

Izuna smiles faintly and lifts Haruka up in his lap. "Remember what I told you. Be good for your Papa."

Yes Daddy!" Haruka wiggles a little in his gold-trimmed navy shirt and smoky gray pants as Izuna hands him to Madara.

Madara chuckles, starting towards the door with Haruka in his arms. "Are you coming, Izuna?" Their son looked unbelievably adorable in his outfit. Every inch the young prince he was.

The smiles on Izuna's face fades slightly and he lowers his hands to rest in his lap. "Considering the commotion I caused the last time I was in public, I think it might be better for the two of you to attend without me. Besides…" Izuna gestures to his sleeping clothes, which were actually his lounge clothes but these days there was little difference. "I'm not really fit to be seen in public."

"Izuna, you wound me. Do you really believe that I couldn't find you a suitable outfit quickly?" Madara's eyes soften. He couldn't blame Izuna. If their roles were reversed, he'd be hesitant as well. "Besides, you're both Haruka's daddy and a diplomat. Is it really wise for a diplomat to miss the introduction of an heir?"

As true as that might be…Izuna wasn't sure that it was a good idea. He rubs anxiously at a lock of his hair, pulled back into a loose ponytail. "Considering that I broke one of the rules I was supposed to uphold at all costs…it might not be wise for me to appear as a diplomat until the fallout from my match with Chitose blows over."

Haruka tilts his head. "Daddy did the wrong?"

Izuna sighs and nods slowly. "Yes, I did something wrong." For the sake of defending his child and his pride, he had done something that went against every rule that had been drilled into him. Do not engage in conflict, seek only to mediate it.

"First of all, you did nothing wrong. Secondly, even if I indulged your masochistic streak...playing the part of the beautiful wallflower won't negate what happened." Madara shakes his head. On this he would put his foot down. "Besides, don't you think it would cause a greater incident for only one of Haruka's parents to be present?"

That…was plausible, Izuna would admit it. Not being present would send gossip flying, no doubt. And there was nothing that would negate what happened, what he did. But Madara was still wrong on one count. He'd screwed up the one thing he wasn't supposed to screw up. And sooner or later, he was going to have to meet his people about it, but he'd rather put that off for as long as he could. Izuna huffs softly. "I still have nothing to wear." He'd left most of his clothes back in his room, and even then…most weren't met for a grand celebration like this. They were meant to convey humility and diplomacy, not…pomp and power.

"You know your habit of underestimating me is bordering on insulting. I'd be a very poor king indeed if I could not even manage to provide my Mate with proper attire for occasions such as these." Madara shakes his head as he tugs on Izuna's hand while still holding onto Haruka. "Shall we find your Daddy something nice to wear for your party, Haruka?"

"Make Daddy pretty!" Haruka claps his hands with glee.

But rather than sharing in Haruka's glee, Izuna's eyes fly wide open and a bolt of realization strikes him. What had Madara just… "What did you just call me?"

"Your Daddy has always been more beautiful, but we'll find him an outfit to make him even more so if such a thing is possible." Madara smiles down at Haruka until he sees the look on Izuna's face. "I called you my Mate. I assume you knew how I felt..."

Izuna stops in his tracks ad looks at his feet. "You…you always said that I was your consort. A mate is…" He knew enough about those things now that this was far more serious. Not that…he hadn't been serious, but… "…My heart ached so much for you…"

"The two aren't mutually exclusive. I said consort because you were...you came from another world." Madara tilts his head, not entirely sure how to proceed. "I thought the consort concept would be easier for you to understand. Izuna, I waited for you to come back. I granted you concessions that threatened to tear my very soul apart. I don't know how much more clear I can make it to you that I love you."

Mates…true mates…? "…You told me once about true mates. That a Chikara could feel theirs and were drawn to them. That's why you call me your mate…but why didn't you tell me then?"

"Izuna, would it have made any difference?" Madara looks down at their son unable to meet the other man's gaze just yet. "As much as my soul longed for you, you longed to prove yourself. Even if I had convinced you to stay, you would have ended up resenting me for it."

"Daddy?" Haruka blinks bemusedly. "Papa? Why you two made the sad faces?"

Izuna gazes at their child, then presses another kiss to Haruka's forehead. "I'm sorry, Haruka. Daddy and Papa just have some things that they need to talk about later. Okay? Right now…we need to go and find me some better clothes so that we can all go to your party."

"Yes, let's go find your daddy some nice clothes for your special party." Madara manages a smile and kisses the top of Haruka's head. "Follow me. I've actually had several outfits prepared in your size in case something like this occurred. Goodness knows that if I didn't, you would just wear your diplomatic uniform all the time."

"My diplomatic robes are perfectly appropriate for most formal occasions." Izuna grumbles quietly, but nonetheless tucks himself up against Madara's side. They wouldn't be able to be this close at the party, but maybe for now…he could offer some comfort to the man who couldn't help but love him more than any other.

The tight black long-sleeved shirt coats his moon-pale skin like a blanket of night, but it's the the high-collared crimson vest that made Izuna most uncomfortable. Only the fact that he had Haruka in his arms keeps him from picking at the profusion of golden embroidery. Madara was going to pay for this later when Izuna stopped feeling so embarrassed. What had happened to trying to lay low and be a wallflower?

The stardeck was already packed with guests from across the galaxy, summoned on rather short notice from whoever could make the trip in time to attend. It was nerve-wracking, as Izuna could recognize more than a few from his diplomatic voyages under Madara's patronage. This would be the first time that Izuna so publicly acknowledged Madara as the father of his child. How the empire would take the news…he couldn't begin to guess. A healthy heir? A shameful bastard? A child born of love and passion? A curse…?

Izuna leans against the wall, out of sight as he takes a few deep breaths. Then two hands smack his cheeks and he opens his eyes not even remembering when he closed them. "Daddy okay?"

With a huff, Izuna smiles at the child with the worried dark eyes. Haruka truly was far too perceptive for a child his age. "I'm just wondering how much they'll love you, Haruka. But no matter what, they'll never love you as much as I do." He kisses both of Haruka's chubby pink cheeks and holds his baby close to his heart.

"He's right. They'll adore you, Haruka." Madara's eyes soften, still flickering with mischief. The outfit suited the Bijin. He was an exquisite vision, but Izuna was also trying not to run away at all the attention. It was a bit selfish to want to show him off in such a fashion, but Madara rationalized he was doing Izuna a favor in the long run. Sooner or later, his Mate would have to get used to being in the public eye and this was perhaps the best occasion to go about doing that. "He's also not used to dressing up."

"Oooooh." Haruka grins brightly. "Daddy can play dress-up with Haru! Papa can get Daddy more pretty clothes! And Papa can brush Daddy's hair like Daddy does Haru's!"

"Maybe later, Haruka." Much…much later. Izuna rubs his cheek against Haruka and ducks his head slightly. The loose ponytail slides across his back, just barely exposing the pale tips of his ears. Right now he just wanted to get through this party in one piece.

"I'm sure your Daddy would love playing dress up with you." Madara sighs, stroking Izuna's cheek. His unease was palatable. "We'll talk about it more later, though. Right now we should focus on the party and hopefully making you both some new friends." It felt wrong. Izuna should enjoy these sorts of functions as Madara's mate, but his lover clearly wanted nothing more than to leave. Their unique situation did not make for a serene one in public at least. He'd find a way to ease his fears, though.

Izuna leans into the touch and closes his eyes. It was so easy to get lost in the fears of what could be. Madara helped to ground him, make him…less afraid than he felt. And how he wished he could feel as carefree about this as his younger self naively would have. "I love you…"

"I love you too. Both of you. That's what matters most." Madara smiles. He hadn't thought he'd hear those words or even see Izuna again for years and now he was back. It was like a beautiful dream that he hoped never to rouse himself from. "And remember it's a party. It's supposed to be fun. You do remember what that is, right?" He chuckles while guiding his lover further along the stardeck with Haruka in his arms.

"I know." Izuna breathes and as they pass into the stardeck proper where the guests awaited, his expression smooths into one of serene, unflappable grace. Each step is carefully measured and gives away none of Izuna's earlier unease.

Haruka's eyes widen and he holds tightly to his Daddy's collar as they see so so many people! So many people at his party!

Madara politely nods to the attendees. Occasionally, greeting some by name. Whoever received that courtesy tended to preen after that. "We'll announce our presence on the stage that has been set up."

Izuna resists the urge to groan. "Perhaps I should wait just off the stage. This celebration is for you to announce Haruka as your heir, it's for the two of you."

"It's for the three of us. You have just as much right as I do stand beside Haruka." Madara frowns. It wasn't unexpected. "If that's truly what you wish though, we'll join you shortly."

"It is." Izuna kisses Haruka's cheek and coaxes hi into his Papa's arms. "Now be good. I won't be far alright?"

Haruka tilts his head and his ears waggle and tinkle. "Daddy not coming?"

"Not this time, Haruka. But I'll be close enough for you to see me. People are here to see you and your Papa, Haruka." Izuna couldn't possibly explain all of the socio-political factors that had to be taken into consideration now. "Can you be good?"

"Yes Daddy." Haruka's fingers wind into his Papa's hair for comfort in the middle of so many people.

Madara fights to hide a grimace at those words. It left a bitter taste in his mouth. His Mate wasn't even sure enough of his place to stand by his side. On the most primal of levels, it made him feel like a failure of a Chikara.

Intellectually, he understood. Izuna's decision on the whole may have even been the wiser one. That didn't make it feel like any less of a sword through the heart, though and yet, he was expected to smile and carry on as if nothing was wrong. A sadistic sense of deja vu overtakes him. It really wasn't so different than all those years he had spent going through the motions while expanding his empire.

The old saying practice made perfect was proven true enough. Somehow Madara was able to nod at Izuna as he carries Haruka onto the stage. "My heart is overjoyed that you could all attend tonight's festivities. Tonight is a very special night. I have come before all of you to announce the new heir to our empire. My eldest and only child, Haruka."

For half a moment, shocked silence rings the room, until a young, devoted lieutenant raises his hands and begins to clap. "Congratulations, King Madara." Eito's voice rings clear and strong across the stardeck.

"And welcome Crown Prince Haruka. May the empire prosper with the fruits of your love, brother." Dark eyes glimmer happily as Yumi runs her hand along her mate's arm as the general smirks into a cup of wine.

"Welcome to the crown prince!" Shouts and cheers begin to ring throughout the stardeck from a number of Madara and Hiroto's officers. And though much of the crowd begins to clap enthusiastically, many guests being to titter and whisper with the new gossip.

The reception was promising. Realistically, Madara knew it was the best he could hope for. The circumstances were strange. Haruka's birth should have been announced years ago and he was a hybrid. Though they were becoming more common, they were still rare. Added to that fact, Izuna hadn't chosen to stand beside him. Madara couldn't even be angry about the gossip.

Their empire was one built on strength and bravery, but some things were universal. People would talk and he'd given them ample reason to do it. It was nothing short of a small miracle that no one had made a public outburst yet. His might and the loyalty he inspired in his people for now had dulled any outrage to whispers.

That was fine. Those who were uncertain in time would see that he had chosen correctly and that Haruka was indeed every inch a Chikara prince whether or not he was half Bijin. He'd make sure of it. "Thank you. It does warm my heart to introduce our son to so many loyal Chikara. I hope that everyone will enjoy this evening for tonight we have much to celebrate."

Haruka's ears flap wildly and tinkly loudly as he turns his head and looks around excitedly. He pulls one hand out of his Papa's hair and waves it up above his head. "Helloooo! I'm Haru!"

Some of the whispers and titters turn into coos and laughs as the tiny prince makes an adorable show of himself. Haruka giggles, more than pleased with himself for getting so much attention.

Madara smiles. One thing was for certain, their son was not shy. His boldness would help him lead one day. For now, it was just adorable. "Yes, you are. You did a very good job introducing yourself."

Haruka looks up at his Papa curiously. "Time to make friends now?"

"Mhm. I'm sure there have to be at least a few children around your age here." Madara smiles, running his fingers through Haruka's unruly locks. It was probably best to start with other children. Haruka was far too young and innocent to really understand politics, but Madara and Izuna would handle that for him. For now, he deserved the chance to make friends. "Do you see anyone that looks nice or would you prefer me to pick?"

Big dark eyes look aroun the room, trying to find a new friend. Haruka's Daddy had always tried to help Haruka make new friends, but it was hard cause some kids were really mean. But that was the big kids, so… "That one." Haruka points to a tiny child with deep green star marks whirling over her skin.

Madara nods as he carries Haruka over towards the child. "Good evening, Lady Mina and Lord Rei. Haruka wishes to meet Kayda. I hope you don't mind." It was a little abrupt. He didn't want to startle the family, but Madara doubted anyone would reject Haruka's curious greetings. It'd be bad politics if nothing else.

"Of course not." Lady Mina smiles warmly and leans down to place her young daughter on her feet. The two year old stumbles a little but keeps a tight grip on her mother's hands as she looks up curiously.

Haruka tilts his head, then reaches for the little girl. "Papa down!"

Madara chuckles as he sets Haruka down. "Alright, Haruka. Be gentle though. She's a lot smaller than you. Kayda is only two, if my memory serves."

"Okay!" Haruka toddles over to the little person and grabs one of her hands. "I'm Haru! Nice to meet you!"

Kayda tilts her head and lets go of her mother's hand to soundlessly make grabbing motions towards Haruka's swishing tail. "What dat?"

"Huh?" Haruka tilts his head in the opposite direction, then looks down at his tail and grins. "My tail! It's pretty like you!" His tail curls around him and wraps around Kayda's other hand.

The tiny girl stares at the tail in awe and pats it slowly, rubbing up and down the scales. A soft purring makes her stop, then Haruka tilts his head and frowns. "Why you stop?" When she starts petting again, he grins brightly and purrs happily.

Madara shakes his head in amusement. They were adorable. If Haruka wasn't four, he would have said his son was flirting. Well, at least he didn't have to worry about Haruka being shy around other children his age. "They seem to be getting along well."

"Yes, it's strange, usually she's so shy." Rei chuckles fondly. "I think they'll be good friends." He glances towards a young Bijin woman hovering just around the edges of their encounter. "And who might this young lady be?"

"Indeed. I think they shall be as well." Madara glances over at Tamaki before turning his attention back to Rei. "This is Tamaki. She is Haruka's governess." It sounded more official than nanny. Madara doubted Izuna would mind the title.

Tamaki stiffens as the focus shifts to her. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty, Izuna is preoccupied and when he can't be near Haruka, it's my job to watch over him in case he needs anything." She hadn't meant to impose, she was just trying to watch Haruka.

"It's alright. There is no one that I trust more to watch Haruka save for myself and Izuna. You were merely performing your duties." Madara grants Tamaki a reassuring nod. She was devoted. A bit skittish, but completely dedicated. Izuna had chosen well.

Tamaki squeaks and Lord Rei chuckles again. "As usual, cousin, you have a habit of inspiring loyalty in the most unlikely places."

"I wish I could claim the credit, but I believe her loyalty is more the result of Izuna's efforts and Haruka's charming deposition." Madara smiles, watching the children play.

"Yes, we've heard about this Izuna of yours." Rei's lips twitch as his wife crouches down to play with the children. "I've heard everything from prisoner of war and upstart fighter to consort, concubine, and a woman who dresses like a man, or a man who pretends he's a woman. I'm not entirely sure which was the claim."

"Some of those are accurate and others the result of gossip by those who clearly have too much time on their hands." Madara should have expected as much. He had never heard of the odd quirk of Bijin biology that allowed those who presented as men to have children in rare circumstances. So, how was he supposed to expect his subjects who had little to no contact with Bijin to understand it?

"Oh but gossip is half the fun of the nobility, Madara." A woman of not insignificant stature approaches her king and bows, for though she had a lady's grace, a warrior's strength was obvious in the broad set of her shoulders and tones muscles of her bare arms and stomach. "It's been too long since I was last here. Lord Rei's ship feels as though it's always half a galaxy away from yours, My King."

"Lady Seiren, it has indeed been quite some time." Madara gives her a respectful nod owed to the woman due to her status as a warrior. "I'll confess that I've never cared much for gossip. I've always been a Chikara who prefers action to words, but it has its uses. I hope you are enjoying the festivities."

"I am. But that could be said whenever I'm in the presence of the mightiest warrior of our generation." Her amber eyes burn with the passion their kind was so known for. "You must be quite proud to have proven yourself so virile. To have had only a few months, and with a man…that is doubly impressive."

"You flatter me, but it was a situation with rather unique circumstances." That was putting it mildly. Madara didn't even know where to begin when it came to explaining any of this. It wasn't as though he was trying to get Izuna pregnant. He hadn't even known it was possible, but in the end it didn't matter. Haruka was perfect, as was Izuna in his eyes."Still, I consider myself very blessed to have Haruka and Izuna in my life."

"Yes, such a revelation is a blessing and a good omen for the empire." She runs a hand slowly up Madara's arm, for theirs was a physical people. "Might it not be time for a woman to step in? A strong Chikara woman capable of giving you an army of well-bred children that would certainly bode well for your empire as well."

"While I applaud your concern for the empire, our future looks bright as is. Haruka will make a fine king one day and there is always the possibility he will have siblings one day." Madara shakes his head, moving his hand away from her slowly. He'd rather not cause a scene at Haruka's introduction. Seiren was a warrior. It was only natural she'd fight for what she wanted. The wisest course of action was a gentle rebuff. One that wouldn't slight her, but would send a message all the same. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

"Madara." She catches his wrist in a strong, steady grip. "I know that you're fond of your pet Bijin, but you need someone stronger by your side, well-connected. Besides, how many little hybrids do you think your pet can pop out before his body gives out? It's not natural, he's not meant to carry children like a woman. It will kill him, without a doubt. I understand that you find him exotic and fascinating, but those aren't the things that make for strong heirs."

"Seiren…" Rei growls warningly, knowing what his subordinate was up to. "This is no time for you to be competing with Yumi." She'd already lost and refused to see it. If Yumi landed herself a prince and general, then Seiren was determined to land herself the king.

Madara pales. He hadn't thought of that. Izuna given birth to Haruka who was perfectly healthy, but he hadn't been there when it happened. He had no way of knowing how difficult a birth it had been or how safe a second pregnancy was. Still, he finds himself growling. "I presume you are fond of your hand. If you should like to keep it, you'll remove it immediately and if you ever refer to Izuna as a pet again, you'll lose far more than that."

Seiren retracts her hand as if burned and takes a step back. But only a step. "Madara, why are you so enamoured with a Bijin that's been all but exiled from his homeland? Why do you favour a foreigner over your own people?"

"What gives you the right to question me?" Madara glowers, his eyes flashing red. He didn't care for the implied accusation. That somehow he was betraying his people by taking a lover from another species. "Have I not overseen the largest expansion of power in our people's history? Have I not already sired an heir who has charmed everyone in this room?"

"Seiren, I suggest that you return to our ship and reflect on what you've said before you anger our king any further." Rei's clipped tone offers no opportunity for argument. "His personal affairs are none of your concern, neither is his want for a lover or an heir."

Anger and resentment flash in Seiren's eyes. Her gaze flicks to Izuna, where he sits with the general and Yumi…sweet Yumi in a corner. He didn't know how good he had it. And what he had, he didn't deserve. "Hmph." She turns on heel and disappears through the crowd.

Rei sighs and crosses his arms. "I'm sorry about her. She's always been so competitive, and ever since your brother announced his mating to Lady Yumi…Seiren has been insufferable."

"I've killed people for less." Madara watches as Seiren disappeared in the crowd. "She's fortunate that her audacity showed itself at Haruka's introduction or I would have issued a formal challenge. I would appreciate it if you would keep that one out of my sight. I don't care about whatever rivalry she's dreamed up in her head in regards to my sister-in-law, but I will not have her upsetting my son or Izuna." His lips pull back in a silent snarl.

"That's fair, neither of them deserve to be inconvenienced by her jealousy. But her impudence raises a good point." And one that Rei would not have raised on his own, out of respect for Madara. But now that it was there… "The Bijin, Izuna, his apparent status is…uncertain amongst our people. I've heard a dozen or more ways he's been referred to, but there's no consistency. Our people don't know what to make of him. Save for that, for some reason, you favour him enough to acknowledge the child you both share."

If it had been up to Madara, there would have been no confusion. They already would have been officially Mated long ago, but he couldn't change the past. "A valid enough concern that I will seek to remedy in short order."

"Good." Rei smiles and rests his hand on Madara's shoulder. "I will deal with her so that she will think three times before troubling you again. Just be sure to invite me to the ceremony. I'm sure that Kayda would love to see Haruka again." He looks over his shoulder at the two giggling toddlers. "She's quite taken with him."

"Of course. If you would like you could extend your stay on the ship for a time or the necessary contact information can be exchanged." Madara's irises slowly morph back to their customary shade of black. "Technology is a wonderful thing. It'll be almost like they are actually in the same room."

"I think we could stay a bit longer, but I do have my own ship to run so I think that setting the children up with a way to see each other would be wise as well." Rei did so love seeing that look of wondrous joy on his daughter's face. "And I'm sure that frequent visits could be arranged as we travel."

"Good. It will do Haruka much good to have another child close to his own age to play with." Madara smiles at the playing pair. "We'll make the necessary arrangements. Though I doubt Haruka will stray far from her side now that he seems to have attached to her." Haruka may look more like Izuna, but in this regard Madara was certain their son favored him. He wouldn't leave something or someone who interested him without a fight.

"Indeed." Rei chuckles amiably. Perhaps they could arrange a sleepover for the children. They were certainly young enough for those sorts of things. And judging by the way that scaly purple tail was wrapped around his daughter's waist, the young prince wouldn't be budging any time soon.