A/N: I only watched the anime so I decided to make an AU. Also, I tried to tell this story using drabbles. This is my first time writing one so I'm nervous.
Disclaimer: I don't own Saiunkoku Monogatari.
I
They said that it took twenty-one days to make a new hobby. When a silver-haired beauty stumbled in on Ryuuki in the imperial archives, unknowingly that was the start of his.
"Oi? Wake up!"
Ryuuki felt an insistent tapping on his shoulder. He tried to ignore it but it wouldn't stop. Surely no one would dare bother the emperor?
"Ooooooiiiiiiii! You might drool on those precious books so get. Up already!"
Ryuuki finally woke up to see, an angel.
She was sublime with striking blue eyes, ivory skin and a waterfall of silver hair. And she was glaring at him.
II
Tsuki was relieved that the man didn't seem to damage anything. She would have scolded him for sleeping in a library but she held her tongue.
He looked tired and there were dark smudges under his eyes. Shame, it was a beautiful shade of brown too. Come to think of it, he was handsome with his blond hair and aristocratic face.
An aura of extreme loneliness surrounded him though so Tsuki snatched a book and sat beside him.
"My apologies. To make up for it, I shall read to you if you wish?"
He smiled, "I would like that ojou-san."
III
They had been meeting for a while now yet, neither asked each other's name. The friendship they have is real and that was enough for now.
Ryuuki came to their usual readings to find the girl absently gazing out the window, seemingly lost in thought.
He cleared his throat, "Are you alright?"
"Yes."
When she saw that he was unconvinced, "I am just a bit sad. I'm to meet the emperor soon and after that, I'm to go home.
"And I never got to see the capitol." She pouted.
Ryuuki suddenly stood and offered her his hand, "Let's go then."
IV
The City was huge. Stalls peppered the plaza, selling anything and everything you could think of. Tsuki got here because of her friend. She turned to see him speaking with another man.
"What are you doing here?"
"We're here to see Kiyou." He answered guiltily.
"Hello." Tsuki greeted, rescuing him.
"You haven't bought anything?"
"I'd rather by food actually."
They laughed and meander to the food stands, her friend's friend following behind.
When they got back, Tsuki halted near the archives.
"I had fun," she said and promptly kissed him on the cheek. Then she ran, her face tinted pink.
V
Ryuuki was restless, he'll officially meet her today, his angel in the library. He can still feel his pols raise at the memory.
"The Honorable Hyou Tsuki."
There she was, looking stunning in her family's colors. An angel dressed in twilight.
She gave a bow and raised her head to meet his gaze. She was startled when she saw him but quickly regained her composure like the dignified priestess that she probably was.
She gave a formal greeting and Ryuuki acknowledged it with a nod. Before she could go, Ryuuki asked her to do a task for the imperial family.
VI
"Really? I cannot believe I did not recognize you heika!"
"It is not surprising, seeing it's your first time in the court."
"I understand why you did not tell me; I did the same after all. But the emperor!"
"If it's all possible, I'd prefer it if you do not treat me differently. I'm still the man you read to this passed weeks."
"Oh, you needn't worry about that. Your trouble is that I might act too familiar. You're just Ryuuki-kun to me."
"Thank you… Tsuki-chan." Ryuuki replied, while he picked-up the books she threw at him when he entered.
VII
"Heika?" Shuuei called as he walks in the imperial archives.
He knew that this is where Ryuuki sometimes went to be alone. He really took Shuurei's rejection hard. Shuuei was about to call out again when the voices reached his ears.
"Is this a comfortable position for you?" that was Ryuuki's voice.
"Yes. Now, hurry up." A female voice snapped.
Shuuei blushed and turn to leave only to collide with a bookcase.
'Crap.'
"Shuuei, are you alright?"
"Ask if he landed on books."
When Ryuuki had helped him up Shuuei asked, "What are you doing heika?"
"Reading." The two chorused.
VIII
"Enter."
Tsuki marched in with a scowl, her hands on her waist. "There aren't really ghosts here are they?"
A gulp, "Maybe?"
"There are none!" she exploded, her hands in the air.
"You told me you didn't want to go home yet, so I gave you a reason to stay?"
That calm her down. Afterwards, Tsuki sighed and the corners of her lips twitched up. "Thank you, I appreciate it Ryuuki-kun."
From his position under the table Ryuuki replied, "It's my pleasure."
"What are you doing there? I'm not going to throw things at you again… Not anymore."
"Thank goodness."
IX
"How have you been Ryuuki?" Seien was visiting his little brother.
"I am good. And you? Are all of you well?" he didn't ask; his big brother already knew.
"Yes, we are."
The brothers heard a knock and Ryuuki gave his consent to enter. It revealed the same lady in the market.
Her eyes jumped between the men but settled on Ryuuki. "I cooked great seafood's so I brought you some." She said, showing her basket.
"That smells good! Join us?"
"I've eaten enough believe me." She said sheepishly and promptly left, a smiling emperor in her wake.
X
"So, you and lady Tsuki?"
"I enjoy her company adviser Sho, that is all."
"We both know that there's nothing for her to do in the palace yet, you let her stay."
"You can't be too careful you know. Besides, this is a big place and she's only one girl. Why does it matter?"
"To me, it doesn't. But to you…"
"We are only friends." Ryuuki said and aimed a meaningful glance at the old man sitting across from him.
"I see."
Ryuuki stood, his interest in the game already waned.
"Heika, where are you going?"
"I'm taking a walk."
XI
Ryuuki strolled without a set destination in mind. Now that adviser Sho mention it, he couldn't help but think about Tsuki and his feelings. He promised Shuurei he would wait but he also told her that he couldn't wait forever.
Both of them are beautiful and intelligent young women. They have different strengths, Shuurei has the courage to go after her dreams but Tsuki is a steel hiding in silk. Any man would be lucky to stand at their side.
He stopped and saw that he arrived at the library. A smile crossed Ryuuki's face but some salt washed it all away.
XII
"What the…"
"Wait, Ryuuki-kun?"
Tsuki appeared behind the bushes looking frazzled.
"A thousand apologies! I thought you're… A, ghost." She explained as she wipes his face with her handkerchief.
Ryuuki sat so she could reach him better. "You're a priestess aren't you?"
"Yes. That's why I pelted you with salt. It's a natural purifier."
The two heard rustling so Tsuki shoved the shaker to Ryuuki who threw it at the shadow that emerged.
"Stop throwing salt at people lady Tsuki!"
"That wasn't me."
"Who is it then, the emperor?" her attendant raged and turn to face an awkward looking Ryuuki.
XIII
"That was embarrassing my lady."
"Ryuuki-kun doesn't mind."
"But I do!"
Tsuki giggled, "He's a kind emperor so don't worry."
"You seem close my lady. Is he the reason why we're still here in the capitol?"
Tsuki climbed in the bed and gave her back to her long time lady in waiting. So she snuffed out the candle and prepared to leave. She reached the door when her mistress finally answered.
"Partly, yes. I've fallen in love with the emperor."
"I'm glad for you lady Tsuki."
Tsuki shook her head sadly, "Don't be. He's in love with another after all."
XIV
Ryuuki was signing papers when he suddenly remembered yesterday's incident. He laughed and the knowledge that Tsuki hid behind him made him warm inside.
"Why are you laughing heika?" Kouyuu asked suspiciously.
"The bigger question is; who's handkerchief is that? It's a girl's~" Shuuei sang.
"Oh, it's Tsuki-chan's. I forgot to give it back last night."
"Wait wait, I don't wanna know!" Kouyuu covered his ears with his hands.
"Oh? But I wanna know," Shuuei said, his whole attention on the young emperor.
A flush crept on Ryuuki's cheeks up to his ears. "It was just a misunderstanding!" He shouted.
XV
Tsuki and Ryuuki are in the library. They sat side by side, resuming from the last chapter that they read together.
It's Ryuuki's turn to read aloud. He offered her a plate of sweet buns so she busied herself with eating.
Listening to Ryuuki read never failed to make Tsuki's heart gallop. His baritone voice sets her mind at ease, Tsuki feels like she's in a fairy tale when she's with him.
Tsuki reached for a bun but caught Ryuuki's hand instead. Their eyes locked and they blushed tomato red. weather Tsuki's the witch or princess, remained to be seen.
XVI
Tsuki and Ryuuki are in the palace garden. Ryuuki asked her to accompany him yet again. This was getting frequent, these incognito walks of theirs.
"This is lovely."
"I'm glad that you think that."
"It's the truth."
The two of them are sitting on a blanket under the sakura trees. There was a basket of food between them and Tsuki brought their book as well.
She crossed her arms and half turned to Ryuuki. "What's really on your mind? Answer me truthfully or else." She threatens him, her fingers twitching in the book's direction.
Ryuuki saw this and told her.
XVII
"You dropped a letter." He said and produced the said document.
"Don't you know that it's rood to rummage through a lady's possessions?"
"My sincerest apologies lady Tsuki." He said stiffly.
Tsuki frowned but let it go. She extended her hand and Ryuuki dropped the paper on it.
"Yes, I really must leave soon."
"You only have a week.
He took a deep breath and stared straight in Tsuki's eyes. Some unknown intense emotion pouring from him.
"When will you tell me? Do you even plan to say goodbye?"
"Of course. I-I just didn't think it's that important."
"I see."
XVIII
Tsuki is leaving soon. He'll be alone again. This fact hurt Ryuuki more than he thought it would.
He got used to her comforting presence. Her warm smiles, intuitive nature and her melodious voice. He just saw her a while ago but he missed her already.
Should he tell Tsuki that he has blossoming feelings for her? But, what about Shuurei? This is all so confusing!
Ryuuki fisted his hands in frustration. He must get his act together. Or else, he might lose them both.
Ryuuki rested his head on the table but something poked his face. A purple iris.
XIX
"Is this a trick question?" Tsuki asked.
"It's a simple yes or no."
Tsuki stamped her foot, "Are you seriously asking me to marry you right now?"
"Well, not right now. I understand that we need to send word to the proper channels and-"
"That's not what I meant and you know it!"
"You've captivated me Tsuki and I find myself longing for you even though we just spend time together."
"What about Kou Shuurei?"
When Ryuuki didn't answer right away Tsuki said, "Settle things first with her." She unfastens one of her earrings and placed it in Ryuuki's palm.
XX
Tsuki was in shock. Someone desecrated her precious library. Her shelves were emptied out and books were scattered on the floor.
"I'm sorry."
She turned to see Ryuuki nervously standing behind her. Tsuki shook her knuckles at him.
"You better be!"
Ryuuki captured Tsuki's fists and swiftly span her around so that her back was on his chest.
"I lost your earring here and I couldn't find it. Please forgive me?"
"Y-You w-what?" she squeaked, blushing furiously.
"Will you take this instead?" Ryuuki asked, a ring in his open palm. It has the purple iris engraved on it. "My empress."
A/N: Thanks for reading.