A/N: Hello everybody! It's been a very long time now and this chapter has been a long time coming. I've gotten a bit lazy with simultaneous uploads, so while the AO3 version is up to ch 27, the version is only up to ch 10. I'm probably not going to upload the rest of the chapter onto here, unless you guys want me to, since most people seem to use AO3 more often than anyhow. In any case, I hope you're all staying safe out there and I hope you enjoy!

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Chapter Ten:

The Consort's Festival (Part Five)

Dearest Kurapika,

I'll certainly help you in your mission. It will cost you, though. I'll be present at the Palace on the 12th with Illumi. I expect the price to be paid in full.

Sincerely,

Hisoka Morow

Three days. His price with Kurapika usually entailed a brutally drawn-out – and flirtatious – talk and occasionally a handsy kiss, though those had gotten rarer due to his relationship with Illumi. Still, what would Hisoka ask of an Emperor, and an attractive one at that?

He shuddered at the mere thought.

At least, he wouldn't have to worry about it until the twelfth. The third day of the Festival loomed over him, but after tonight, he would be able to spend his time however he pleased. Probably trying to wiggle his way into everyone's hearts, including the other four consorts. Mother had told him building a good rapport with the Palace would be his first step in killing the Emperor. His mission really only entailed three things: (1) Convincing all of them that he was in love with the Emperor, (2) becoming the epitome of friendliness in order to gain their favor, (3) the method of killing would have to be discreet, preferably poison, so he could blame it on someone else, perhaps even pass it off as the Emperor's own doing. But first, he'd let them deal with Tserriednich. After all, Mother told him he could take his time. A few more months, then he'd slip something into his wine and this whole thing would be over with.

"Kurapika-nim," the middle-aged leader of the maids called. She'd gotten over his disappearing act the other day, but had made a point of keeping him under strict surveillance as a preventative. "Lady Pakunoda is here for you."

"Thank you," Kurapika replied, leaving the gold-lined letter abandoned on the bed. In the corridor, Pakunoda stood, lacking her usual confidence. In the stead of her impeccable posture was a slight slouch, her eyes creased in conflict. "Is something wrong?"

She looked up at him, lips parted slightly in surprise. A few seconds later, she regained the ability to speak. "No, not at all." She straightened. "You look like you've seen better days yourself."

"I," Kurapika looked down at himself, at his slippered feet, "haven't been sleeping well."

"Festival's got you giving up so soon?"

How much simpler life would be if that was the bulk of Kurapika's problems. "Something along those lines." His fingers moved a wave of blond hair behind his ear.

The corners of Pakunoda's lips quirked up, but it died out as she turned her back to him. "I see. Well, we mustn't keep his Highness waiting."

"I'd never dream of it."

. . .

The Emperor didn't even bother casting Pakunoda a disappointed glare this time around. He pulled Kurapika to him, his lips barely grazing his temple. Red fabric marked a path for them, and Kurapika took the familiar road up to the Pavilion's crimson throne. They sat with their shoulders touching, close enough for their whispers to be taken for the rhymes of lovers.

"Your magician?"

"On the twelfth."

The Emperor's eyes shut close. Kurapika saw the vague outlines of sleepless nights around them. "That's good." He must be busy. Between meeting with various nobles and the leaders of neighboring countries, carrying out his usual tasks of hearing out complaints, and the current investigation regarding the missing children, the Emperor was scarcely seen outside of his office or the Throne Hall. On the off chance he wasn't, there still remained the issue of the guards and advisors that follow him everywhere. Outside of the festival, Kurapika hadn't gotten a second alone with him. That might prove detrimental to his mission. It would be difficult to slip something into the Emperor's tea with half a dozen people following his every action.

"Tserriednich is suspicious," the Emperor murmured, "or at least interested. He might try to catch you alone. Try to stay in a group until he's out of Ryusei. Even your Pairo can make the difference between being cornered and being ignored."

"I'll be cautious," he replied. Leorio was strangely effective at scaring people away. Maybe it was the fact he looked like a thug in his early thirties, or the way he barked everything he said. Maybe it was the muscles, or the fact he towered over everyone, or -

The Emperor was eyeing him now.

"What?" Kurapika asked.

"Nothing," he replied, forcing his gaze upon the crowd instead. "I just didn't expect a hardened avenger such as yourself could produce an expression like that."

Kurapika's hands clenched together. "Oh."

"I knew you'd sacrificed many things, but not the love of another," the Emperor whispered, pale fingers forcing his palms apart. He pulled his knuckles to his lips. To outsiders, the gesture was that of lovers, but Kurapika knew he was just saving face. "Are they here?"

"I don't know." He was. Yesterday. But they could never get through the day without arguing, and last night was no different. "I don't think he likes me very much right now."

"I see. Left off on a bad note?"

"Something like that."

They settled into a comfortable silence, and at some point, Kurapika even began to drift off, a glass of iced yuja tea in his palms. Chrollo took it away, probably fearing for the upholstery. He slouched forward, his eyelids heavy, and when he closed them all he could see was Leorio's stricken face, as if it had been carved into his sight.

"Sorry we can't all turn off our emotions the way you can."

"That's not what I meant – "

"Yeah, well, not everyone can bend to your will, Kurapika." He shook his hand through thick black hair, and Kurapika wished he'd look him in the eye. "Whatever, this was a mistake. Don't know why I even bother."

"Paku!" It was Machi's voice that reached through his memories, crisp and panicked. The Emperor stepped away from the throne in seconds, walking toward Pakunoda with quick, long strikes. Kurapika remained seated, his hands gripping the wooden ridge of the throne like they were attempting to permanently disfigure it.

Pakunoda's hands clutched the fabric above her heart, her shirt wrinkling in protest. He couldn't hear anything above the shouting, but her labored breathing was evident in the rise and fall of her shoulders. The other advisors looked on with a mixture of frustration and concern, Machi most of all. She held onto Pakunoda's hand as they helped her out of the chair. They were speaking to her, and she replied to the best of her ability, and a horrible thought echoed in his mind.

Pakunoda is going to die.

"Where's Cheadle?" the Emperor asked. It was more of a command than a request, and the fury in it sent goosebumps rising all over Kurapika's skin.

"At the clinic."

"Send someone for her. Fastest person on the Pavilion," the Emperor said. Feitan promptly stands. "The rest of you try searching the crowd for a doctor. They won't be able to do much without Cheadle, but they might be able to help. Word of mouth spreads fast, so just plant a few seeds."

Kurapika watches as the entire Pavilion shifts under the Emperor's command. There was never any doubt in his mind about the Emperor's effectiveness as a leader, but it was still a sight to behold how quickly he took control of the people around him. As if he were the conductor, and they were the musicians he'd trained from birth to heed his every whim.

The messengers had spread out now, melding into the crowd like droplets of water in a hot pan. Kurapika sat motionless, his eyes glued to the Emperor's figure beside the struggling Pakunoda.

He could go find Leorio now. It was possible he was still around. After all, Kurapika wasn't the only one he came to the Festival for. He was still a student, but Kurapika had never met a better doctor.

Still.

Still, still, still.

The Emperor would be devastated if Pakunoda died. She was his weakness, Kurapika was certain. He'd be in shambles, his mind faulty, his sanity put in question. This might be a path to his victory, to the Emperor's death. Kurapika could sit back down, fake some tears, maybe toss in some scathing remarks to fuel the Emperor's guilt. Kurapika could let her die.

"I'm a doctor!"

A flutter of curses nearly escaped Kurapika's mouth, though in his mind they were nearly deafening. There, right by the stone steps, Leorio stood arguing with a few guards. Leave. Kurapika begged whatever deity was listening. Please just leave.

But the Emperor had heard him from his spot near Pakunoda and was now approaching the edge of the Pavilion. Kurapika watched, wishing he could stop him.

"Name?"

"Leorio Paladiknight. I'm a student at Ryusei University, and a doctor's assistant at Swaldani clinic. Please, there's not much time."

Something about him must've convinced the Emperor because he asked no further questions. The guards stepped aside, and Leorio soon appeared before Kurapika, his bag of medical supplies bumping against his knee. He held his breath as the Emperor led him to Pakunoda.

They didn't speak, hardly made any eye contact, but as he passed Kurapika caught sight of his hands, wrung so taut that he could see the blue of his veins popping through.

"It's pretty bad," Leorio said, out of sight now. "She's on the verge of a heart attack. But she's still breathing, and she's calm all things considered. The best we can do is slow it down until the others get here. Is she on any meds? Is this a recurring thing?"

The Emperor responded with something along the lines of coronary artery disease and atorvastatin, but Kurapika was no longer listening. Most of the other consorts had already gathered around the scene, needlessly concerned. Leorio would save her. Leorio would save her, and then he'd go home, and they'd say goodbye for good. still. still still still.

"That should stabilize her for now."

A part of him needed Leorio to stay. But if he stayed that meant he'd stay within the Emperor's reach, and Kurapika couldn't afford to have anyone else in his life be taken hostage.

. . .

Kurapika had been right. Pakunoda survived and Cheadle praised Leorio's handiwork, certain she wouldn't have gotten through this without his expertise. He brushed a hand through his spiky hair, sheepish, and Kurapika felt a swell of pride. The Emperor had thanked him as well, though that only made Kurapika's swell of pride turn into dread. Then there was the fact that Leorio kept sneaking glances at him. Honestly, he could afford to be a bit more subtle. They'd be lucky if the Emperor didn't try to interrogate him by the end of the night.

They didn't have to wait the whole night. Soon, the Emperor was escorting him to his sleeping chambers with his hand clasped in Kurapika's, a shackle specially tailored for him alone.

"Do you know each other?" The Emperor asked.

"Pardon?"

"You and the doctor. Do you know each other?"

Eye contact evaded them, as Kurapika opened the door to his room. "We're acquaintances. From the village. Nothing more."

He walked inside, and the Emperor followed, not bothering to wait for an invitation. The room was dark, save for moonlight and a single dying candle on the tabletop. Kurapika wished he'd leave him and his pining heart in peace, but the Emperor was proving to be a meddlesome lover. With a quick survey of his bedroom, Kurapika picked out Pairo's sleeping outline, wrapped in a light blue comforter. The corners of his lips perked up, as he slid the doors shut again.

"So, more than acquaintances then," the Emperor said, leaning against the nearby wall. Goodness, with that sort of gaze you'd think he was solving a puzzle. "Close friends, most likely. Or perhaps, lovers."

Kurapika made a strange noise in the back of his throat, too mellow to be a grunt. "It's inappropriate to accuse your consorts of such things without any evidence."

"Your voice is evidence enough, my Prince," the Emperor said, moving closer to him, leaning down ever so slightly to meet his eyes. "You can hide your true self from everyone else, but not from me. You and I are alike, after all."

A few months ago, Kurapika would've shook with rage at that. Now he just stared back, still. "I fail to see the resemblance, unfortunately."

"And how unfortunate it is," the Emperor sighed, brushing past him. "I wanted to let you know, out of courtesy."

"What?" He was back to snapping now.

The Emperor slid the doors aside again. When he looked back, his gaze was frigid, even for him.

"I invited Dr. Paladiknight to join us here on the Palace grounds, as Cheadle's personal assistant. That won't be a problem," his voice dropped above a whisper, "will it?"

His mouth felt dry, and he tried swallowing down the urge to scream. It tasted of defeat and vaguely cinnamon but that was not the point. "Not at all."

The Emperor smiled, fond again. "Good." And shut the door.

. . .

Leorio fiddled with the piece of parchment between his fingers. He leaned back in his chair, eyeing the one across from him, and if he tried hard enough, he could imagine Kurapika still sitting there. He'd never thought about this part before. In the face of Kurapika's lack of self-preservation, Leorio had only occupied himself on how to get him to stay. Now that he'd left, there was nothing but an empty seat, an empty bed, an empty desk, and one less insufferable, beautiful bastard telling him what to do. He'd known about his own feelings for a long time. Leorio wasn't that stupid, no matter what Kurapika might want to believe, and he knew love when he felt it. He just didn't expect to fall so hard for someone so unattainable.

What would he say if he saw him now, actually considering to become another one of the Emperor's loyal employees just for the off chance that Kurapika would even give him the time of day.

"That's about the stupidest question you've asked me yet, Leorio."

Leorio scoffed. Even in his imagination, he sounded like a total asshole. God, what was he even thinking, falling for someone like that.

But last night wasn't a coincidence, that much he knew. Kurapika didn't just randomly decide to look at him that way. He wasn't cruel, even if he was petty. Besides, Leorio didn't need his love, he just needed him to come to his senses. He'd pull out the old Paladiknight charms on him.

"Alright," he muttered to himself, taking hold of a brush. "Time to fill this thing out."

. End of Chapter .