Lan Fan stopped at the palace kitchen before her guard shift. The letter to Margot sealed and tucked away in her pocket. She'd decided against sending by post. Shu's couriers were far more reliable than international mail. It would reach Margot within days not weeks. She wouldn't have to worry about it falling into the wrong hands or getting lost. She'd been up half the night thinking about the kiss. Refusing to call it their kiss in her mind. But until she figured out a response to Shu's feelings she intended to avoid him at all costs. Lan Fan didn't trust him to not make advances.

So it'd have to be Wei. He was as deeply entrenched in secrets as Shu, though less likely to needle her with questions.

Breakfast preparations were well underway for various courtiers. Lan Fan managed to pick Wei out of the shuffle. The young chef was shorter than most of his kitchen staff. He snapped a quick order at one of his assistants while he personally prepared the emperor's breakfast. Small as he was Wei commanded respect. Careful not to interrupt the flow of work she made her way to his side and tapped him on the shoulder. He cast a glance over his shoulder and his face brightened at the sight of her.

"Good morning."

"I need a favor," she said keeping her voice low.

"Walk with me. We're headed the same way." Wei lifted the heavily laden tray. One would think Wei was trying to fatten the emperor up if they didn't know the extent of Ling Yao's appetite. Though even for Ling it was a lot of food. Probably has a guest this morning. Wei navigated their way through the servants corridors.

"What's this favor?" Wei asked with a glance at her.

"I have a letter to send to Amestris. "

"You're asking me and not Shu because...?" He raised an eyebrow at her. A scowl formed on her face, blush rising to her cheeks.

"I don't have time for his nonsense," she answered vehemently, "Will you take care of it or not?"

"Of course." Wei accepted the letter as they rounded the corner to the atrium. He must be taking breakfast with the dowager. It was Xue Yao's favorite room in all the palace; lush with plants, a pond glittering with golden fish, and a towering ceiling crafted entirely from glass. An inspired architectural feature that refracted light marvelously and equally wondrous during rain showers. Lan Fan tied her mask into place. The porcelain was cool against her skin. The final piece of a costume for a role she knew by heart. Two of her men stood guard in front of the door. They bowed to her as she passed through the door with Wei. Qiyin Gao, her right hand in the guard, stood watch over the emperor. He bowed as Lan Fan dismissed him.

Instead of Lady Xue (who would've been a welcome sight as Lan Fan held her in the highest regard) Ling was in the midst of conversation with Alphonse Elric. Al was dressed in grey trousers and waistcoat with the sleeves of his shirt folded up to his elbows. The collar of his shirt left unbuttoned and he wasn't wearing a tie. Alphonse Elric was dashing as ever. The sight of Ling Yao stole her breath. He was draped in robes of black, golden yellow, and white with fewer layers than the typical imperial garb. He had his cheek propped against the heel of his hand. Unbound hair brilliant beneath the beaming sun. It spilled over one shoulder with bangs casting a shadow over his face. He leaned back in his chair as Wei approached.

"Your breakfast, majesty," Wei said as he laid a veritable spread on the table. A sampling of food from both Xing and Amestris. Coffee had already been served and Wei refilled their cups."Will there be anything else?"

"That will be all," the emperor replied. Wei tucked the empty tray beneath his arm, bowed, and inclined his head toward Lan Fan as he parted. Lan Fan took a measured breath, holding it as Ling's eyes shifted over Al's shoulder to her, and dipped forward into a bow.

"Good morning." Alphonse turned in his chair with a smile.

"Commander how nice of you to join us. Would you care for a coffee?" Ling asked

No sense in protesting he was already pouring her a cup. Not only pouring the coffee but fixing it the way she preferred. Ling held the cup aloft with a serene smile. Lan Fan lowered her mask before stepping closer and accepting the cup. She bowed in gratitude; he was looking right at her when she straightened.

"I'm sure you could use it after your late night. Your disappearing act is almost as good as mine."

Lan Fan froze in place. Did he know everything already? Where she'd been? Who she'd been with? Shu was a wealth of information but far from Ling Yao's only source. The man had kissed her in the middle of a crowded bar where anyone could see.

Breathe.

"The storm hit while I was visiting home. Xiang and I had a fight last time. Alphonse encouraged me to make amends."

"Ling was just bored and wanted someone to spar with. Don't worry I put his highness through his paces," Al commented. The alchemist finished his coffee, made a show of looking at his wristwatch, and rose from his seat. "Look at the time. I should get going before Mei comes searching for me. I'll see you two later."

"Don't let my sister bully you too much."

"I'll manage. Mei's strict but she's nothing compared to my alchemy teacher," he replied while putting his jacket on. On his way out he smiled at Lan Fan. "I'm glad you worked things out when Xiang. See you later!"

"Pity he couldn't stay for breakfast. Wei's out done himself this morning. Hungry?"

Looking entirely too innocent Ling took a bite of dumpling. Lan Fan looked from Ling to the table. Every dish was one Lan Fan favored. Baozi, congee, oranges, pain au chocolat, strawberries (sliced into the shape of roses), and the coffee. Coffee when she knew Ling preferred tea. Alphonse Elric making a convenient departure.

What conspiracy is this?

This whole thing was highly suspect. Except for the guards in the hall they were alone. Lan Fan glanced at the door before taking the seat left vacant by Al. She sipped her coffee and feasted her eyes on the meal settling on the plate of orange segments and strawberries artfully arranged.

He always brings me oranges.

"Alphonse tells me he has a standing invitation for dinner from your mother," Ling remarked. "I've never received an dinner invitation. He'll have to teach me how to charm Lady Suyin."

"My mother would be honored to have you, my lord."

"Honored indeed," he said with amusement. "Speaking of Amestrians we'll have an envoy from the west in two months time. General Mustang has accepted my invitation for a diplomatic visit. Al has an interesting idea for an exchange program for alchemy and alkahestry students. A high ranking officer endorsing the program would go a long way. There's also the matter of establishing an embassy now that power has returned to parliament in Amestris."

"What about Edward?"

"Al's inviting him in an unofficial capacity. He might spark a diplomatic incident if he was involved in discussions. Wouldn't that be fun? He might not be able to perform alchemy but his theoretical knowledge is a valuable asset."

A diplomatic incident…

"With your leave I'd prefer to double your guard before Mustang and his retinue arrive. An enemy might use this visit as an opportunity to strike."

"As you wish," he replied as he ate a strawberry.

"My automail mechanic is arriving within the next few weeks," she informed him. I hope. "I may require a few days of leave if she needs to make any extensive adjustments to my arm."

"Is it troubling you?" the emperor asked in concern.

"Not especially but it hasn't been serviced properly in five years."

"It occurs to me that I know very little of this engineer, considering how much she's done for our people. How much she done for me through you." As he gazed upon her automail he propped his head on his hand again. "Tell me about this mysterious artist."

"Margot Fontaine is a hard one to know. She comes across as cold and indifferent at first. Most of her work is blackmarket so she's a private person out of necessity. Strong like platinum and just as beautiful. Madeleine brings out her softhearted side."

"Madeleine?"

"Madeleine Rousseau. Fontaine works out of the cellar of her nightclub. It's a front but a successful one. She's a talent. People flood in every night to hear her voice. When Madeleine sings it's…" Lan Fan searched for the proper word to explain. "Enchanting. She's enchanting."

Ling listened attentively as she spoke. Some realization flickered across his face. There and gone so quickly she almost didn't see it.

"These women are important to you."

Unable to convey how important with merely words Lan Fan settled for a nod of affirmation.

"Then they deserve a royal welcome."


November 1920

The courtyard glittered with an untouched layer of snow. A cold snap hit in the night, foreshadowing the bitter cold to come till spring. Lan Fan's footsteps crunched as she made a path to Shu's workshop. The coat Shu left in her possession was folded neatly over her arm. It was early enough that he might not be there. With luck she'd return it without the hazard of seeing him. During the past three weeks she'd managed to avoid him for the most part. They'd had a handful of clandestine meetings with the emperor that set her nerves on edge. He hadn't actively sought her out since the night they kissed. Passed along Margot's response with a servant when it arrived. Lan Fan stepped inside the shop, shutting the door carefully behind her, and turned to see Shu sitting by the fire peeling a red apple. He looked over and Lan Fan froze.

"I was wondering when you'd turn up."

"I brought your coat."

"Were you worried I'd be cold?"

An affection smile graced his mouth. He cut a slice from the apple and ate it off the point of his knife.

"The weather only reminded me to return it," she denied. That morning she'd woken shivering. Dramatic revelations aside they'd been friends for years. It hadn't been easy avoiding him. They worked so closely to keep Ling safe. Just leave it and go. Lan Fan laid it over the back of a chair.

"Would you like an apple?"

At his feet was a basket full of bright red apples.

"Why do you have so many?"

"Because I like them," he answered. "There won't be another harvest this year."

They looked delicious. Lan Fan picked an apple from the bunch, polished it on her sleeve, and sat next to him

"You're not in uniform today," he observed.

"My automail mechanic is arriving today."

Lan Fan bit into the apple. It was as juicy as it looked. A bit of it dripped down her chin.

"With her friend, right? They'll be happy to see you," he said. Shu moved to sit closer to her. "I'm happy to see you. You look very nice."

"Don't," she protested.

"Don't what?" he teased with a grin.

"You know what."

"Don't say you're beautiful? Don't tell you I'm always happy to see you?" Shu lifted her chin. Wiped the juice away with his thumb. "Don't kiss you?"

The apple tumbled from her hand.

"Don't say I love-" Lan Fan covered his mouth with her hand to silence him. Shu's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled behind her hand.

"You're incorrigible."

He pulled her hand down to rest over his heart.

"No denying it."

"I don't have time for distractions," she insisted.

"So you find me distracting?"

"Insufferable."

Lan Fan pulled her hand free heading for the door.

"Then why haven't you turned me down?"

At the door she stopped. Behind her she hear him strike a match. Smelled the cigarette he lighted. Snow flurries billowed in when she opened the door.

"You asked me not to take you lightly."

Lan Fan ventured into the snow before Shu could ask why she hadn't accepted.


"Lan Fan!"

Madeleine dropped her luggage in the middle of the crowded platform. She was as beautiful as Lan Fan remembered. Dressed in a dramatic black coat and tailored red dress; looking as elegant as ever. Lan Fan ran to Madeleine and allowed herself to be swept up in a hug.

"Ma coeur. How I've missed you!" Madeleine whispered in her ear. She cupped Lan Fan's face between her gloved hands. "My fierce beauty."

"It's good to see you," Lan Fan said unable to keep a smile off her face. "Thank you for coming all this way."

"Tsk. As if we would refuse an invitation from our girl."

Margot, dressed far more practically for travel, cleared her throat behind them.

"I hope she'd not the only one you're glad to see," Margot said wryly. When Lan Fan stepped over to greet her the fiery haired woman pressed a kiss to her cheek.

"Of course not," Lan Fan smiled again. Judging by the numerous bags Madeleine had packed for every possible occasion. WIth Lan Fan's help they gathered the suitcases and made their way to the car waiting outside. Margot sat in the front with the driver, while Madeleine took the backseat with Lan Fan. The singer took this as an opportunity to fawn over the bodyguard. Touching her hair, admiring her clothes, gossiping about fascinating things that happened recently in Central. Lan Fan couldn't get a word in edgewise; she didn't mind in the slightest.

They were greeted at the palace by several attendants who showed Margot and Madeleine to two lavish adjoining rooms in one of the guest wings. Initially, Lan Fan had intended to have them stay with her family; however, the emperor had insisted on providing accommodations at the palace. A few hours remained until their introduction to and subsequent dinner with the emperor. Margot decided on a nap, while Madeleine insisted Lan Fan join her in the spa like baths of the palace. The two of them sat on her bed afterward. Madeleine combed Lan Fan's damp hair and began setting it to dry in fingerwaves

"Now I have you all to myself," Madeleine said in hushed tones. "You must confess all your secrets. Tell me all about your fascinating life."

"It isn't as exciting as you think."

"Lies," Madeleine teased. She finished setting Lan Fan's hair then moved to the vanity to fix her own. "I want to hear about this infamous Ling Yao."

"Xing has come into an age of prosperity and unification under Emperor Yao's reign. He's a benevolent leader but shows strength where he needs it. He made alliances with the right clans when he came to power. The connections he made within the Amestrian military have also served well."

"That's his politics, ma coeur. The emperor he is your ruler, but the man he is your raison d'etre, non?"

Lan Fan didn't know how to answer. This was what she'd hoped for when she wrote to them. A chance to confide in Madeleine all the feelings she didn't dare put in a letter. The words caught in her throat.

"Yes," she whispered.

Madeleine glanced at her in the looking glass, and Lan Fan averted her gaze.

"I have something for you," Madeleine said. With one perfectly manicured hand she gestured to the garment bag hanging on the door of the wardrobe. "I saw it in a shop and knew it must be yours. Wear it tonight?"

Lan Fan rose from the bed and unzipped the bag. Ran her fingers lightly over the beaded fabric of the dress; there was no way she could wear such a thing in front of the emperor. The garment was entirely unsuitable for her. It was downright scandalous.

And she adored it.


"Hold still," Al insisted.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Ling complained. "It feels too tight. Qiyin, this foreigner is clearly trying to strangle me."

"Don't say things like that! He might think you're serious. I know how to knot a tie. If you don't like it change back into your flouncy robes.

"Flouncy-!"

The guard covered his laughter with a cough. Qiyin's sense of humor was one of the things he liked best about the man. It made Lan Fan's absence slightly more tolerable.

"I don't see why you wanted to wear a suit anyway," he interrupted and cinched the knot in Ling's tie.

"Most of the people at this dinner will be wearing Western attire."

"Your mother won't. Neither will Mei or Lan Fan."

"Be that as it may it's a welcome change from stuffy court functions. I intend to enjoy this evening without the pomp and circumstance."

Al snorted his disbelief.

"With slightly less pomp and circumstance."

Ling stepped around Al to give himself a final once over in the mirror. The suit was black with touches of Xingese aesthetic in the collar and buttons. Some of his tailor's finest work. He'd decided on a ponytail instead of a top knot. Ling could almost hear Greed's approval. 'Lookin' sharp kid! Go knock 'em dead!' More than half a year he'd shared his body with the homunculus. Sometimes he missed the man. It was a foolish thing to wish Greed was still with him, but he'd been a friend there at the end.

"What do you think?" Ling asked of the other two men in the room.

"You look very distinguished, your highness," Qiyin approved.

"It's a good look on you," Al agreed.

"Well then shall we?"