Alphonse Elric raked his fingers through his bangs as he turned the page in his book. In the past few days the alchemist had nearly taken up residence in the palace library. Al glanced at his watch and sighed at the time. It was already half past three, much later than he'd realized. It was all too easy for him to lose an entire day surrounded by such a wealth of knowledge. He picked up the fountain pen resting in between the pages of his research journal. The sharp point scratched softly across the page as he made a note. Once the ink set he closed the journal and began gathering up his books and various research materials.
The proposal was as polished as it was going to get. In the beginning Alphonse had envisioned an exchange program between Xing and Amestris. A sharing of knowledge and culture to the mutual benefit of both countries. He wrote Edward about this idea and, between the two of them, it evolved into something far more ambitious-an international school dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of alchemy and alkahestry.
The Elric brothers decided to divide and conquer. Alphonse spoke with Ling while Edward took the idea to Roy Mustang. It didn't take much convincing to garner his support. Mustang was lauded for his role in the restoration of Ishval. Improving diplomatic relations with Xing was in Amestris's best interest as well as his own. A strong background in foreign policy would give him an edge in his inevitable bid for prime minister. Now that the groundwork was in place the rest was left up to diplomacy.
"Mr. Alphonse?"
"Hm?" Al turned toward the faint voice. It belonged to a young woman with long chestnut hair wearing round spectacles. Though he didn't know her by name Alphonse recognized her as a servant. He'd greeted her in passing before but had never struck up a conversation. She'd always seemed to turn red and scurry off the second he opened his mouth.
"If you would please follow me your presence has been requested," she said looking at her feet.
"Requested by whom?" Al asked.
"There's been an incident." The woman peeked at him over the top of her glasses. "Mr. Edward Elric has arrived with an injured boy. He's asked for you or Princess Mei should you be unavailable."
"Of course. Thank you for coming to find me, Miss…" Al laughed awkwardly and gave her an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I don't think I've ever caught your name." The young woman bowed, pushing her glasses back up as she straightened, and he saw the blush across her face.
"My name is Yue-Yan," she told him.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," said Al. The alchemist held his books against his chest as he bowed in return.
"Yes, um… this way…"
Al followed the shy young woman from the library. There was no telling how much trouble Edward had found in the scarce amount of time he'd been in Xing. He wished Ed had told him he was arriving earlier; Alphonse would've met him at the station. Hopefully whomever he'd brought with him to the palace wasn't too terribly injured. He glanced at his guide, noticing her eyes were a peculiar shade of hazel. Al wondered if perhaps her heritage wasn't entirely Xingese. In silence she led him to a receiving room in the guest wing.
"Thank you again," Alphonse said. Though she was still timid Yue-Yan gave him a small smile along with her bow. Sliding the door open he stepped inside. Al was surprised to see Lan Fan's little brother sitting beside Edward.
"Xiang?"
"Commander Liu!"
Lan Fan turned and saw Qiyin approaching at a clipped pace. She was surprised to see him. No more than two hours ago she'd relieved him from his watch. Several steps ahead of her the emperor stopped as well. They were currently headed to the dowager's parlor. Her master had a meeting with his mother and Madeleine. Upon Xue Yao's invitation the singer had agreed to perform at the gathering being held tomorrow night in honor of the diplomats. Madeleine hadn't discussed Lady Xue's request with Margot before accepting. Margot was furious at her for the decision, she'd nearly returned to Amestris without Madeleine. Between the two of them things were icy at best.
Still dressed in his uniform and armor, Qiyin had his sword sheathed at his side, but he'd forgotten his mask. It was easy to forget how strikingly handsome the man was with how often his face was hidden. The strong jaw and dimpled cheeks, the murky grey-blue of his irises; the faint wrinkles on his forehead and crinkling at the corners of his eyes, which only gave him a distinguished appearance. No wonder half the serving girls are infatuated, she thought. Though Qiyin was fourteen years her senior he'd never shown even a hint of disrespect, nor did he tolerate it from anyone else. He gave a cursory bow as he came to a halt. Whatever the matter was it was clearly urgent.
"Guardsman?" Lan Fan questioned, frowning in concern. "Is something the matter?"
"Your brother is here. Xiang sustained several injuries. He's asking for you," he informed her. "Alphonse Elric is tending to his wounds. They're presently in the Snow Flower room." Qiyin's eyes darted to their master for a moment. "Should you wish to go to him I can resume my post."
"Commander Liu will go to him straight away," Ling answered for her. "If you would please inform the dowager empress we're delayed."
Qiyin inclined his head in acknowledgement. Lan Fan followed him with her eyes as he departed. She was certain he knew of Ling's feelings for her. He'd witnessed the exchange between Shu and Ling in the garden that night, yet he hadn't said a word to her about the subject. Only welcomed her back when she'd returned from her absence. What does he think of his commander now? Lan Fan banished the thought. Xiang was her immediate concern. If he'd come to the palace seeking her then the situation must be serious. She headed to the guest wing with Ling at her side.
As they proceeded to the Snow Flower Room, Ling glanced at Lan Fan out of the corner of his eye. She was worried. Ling saw it in the stiffness of her shoulders, the hurried footsteps, how she hadn't protested him accompanying her. Ling curled his fingernails into his palm to keep from reaching out to her. Weeks ago he'd given Lan Fan permission to increase his guard detail. He hadn't given any thought to the inconvenience. When she wasn't on duty and Qiyin not in her stead he was guarded by no less than three of her best. Only she knew how many others swept the shadows and rooftops. Attempts to dismiss at least one of the additional guards were spectacularly unsuccessful. The royal guard would rather suffer his annoyance than the wrath of their commander.
The emperor was eager to get the diplomatic visit over with already. There wasn't any time for proper courtship. Not with the demands on both of them. The brief moments alone with Lan Fan were stolen. Preparing for the arrival of the Amestrians required a great deal of his attention. Wei was especially concerned with menu options. In the end Ling ordered him to use his best judgment, regardless of the cost, and to please go away. Later he'd realized his best chef had pestered him on purpose for that particular outcome. Ling couldn't help but admire the stratagem. Once upon a time he'd used similar tactics to get his way.
These days Ling had to rely on more sophisticated means of manipulation. Fortunately, Xue Yao was a master puppeteer who taught her son everything she knew about pulling people's strings. Had it not been for the ambition and altruism Xue cultivated in him from a young age he might not have sought the throne with such fervor. The dowager empress held more than an honorary seat on his council. He was rather looking forward to her introduction to the general. Lady Xue's eloquence was more than match for the Mustang's charm and wit.
They neared the Snow Flower room. The hallway momentarily was empty. Ling cast a glance behind him to be certain they were alone. He slowed his pace, entwining his fingers with Lan Fan's. Saying nothing she matched his steps. He saw movement out of the corner of his eye as she removed her mask unbidden. Lan Fan still hadn't called him by his given name, nor had she returned his words of love, but it was enough for now that she returned his affections. He wouldn't demand words she wasn't ready to give.
"If it was something serious they would've sent for Master Hsu," Ling assured her. Lan Fan looked up at him. He saw her cheeks were rosy and resisted the urge to kiss her. Now was regrettably not the time. Before they reached the door to the Snow Flower room he released her hand, already longing for the next time he could touch her.
Xiang tried to remain still as Alphonse examined his throbbing wrist. The extremity was mottled with fresh bruises and swollen. The alchemist gave him an apologetic smile when he winced at the pain.
"The knee is only bruised, but I'm pretty sure his radius is broken," Alphonse said.
"Can you fix it?" asked Edward, standing nearby with his arms crossed over his chest. The older of the brothers was frowning, though Xiang didn't know him well enough to determine if it was out of concern or irritation.
"Of course I can fix it, but I'd be more comfortable if someone else took a look to be sure," Al answered.
Across the room the door opened. Xiang looked over Al's shoulder, a smile already forming on his face despite the agony of his wrist, and locked eyes not with his sister as anticipated but the Emperor of Xing. Though Lan Fan was commander of the royal guard, guarding him even when he was merely a prince, Xiang hadn't had so much as a conversation with Ling Yao. Now here the man was in the same room with him. Xiang realized he was openly staring.
The color drained from his face.
Injured knee forgotten Xiang stood hastily, bowing before the emperor.
"What are you doing, idiot? Sit your ass down!" Ed dropped a hand onto his shoulder, but Xiang shrugged it off. Even if Edward could get away with informality he couldn't no matter who his sister was in relation to the emperor.
"Young Lord Zhang, please sit," said Emperor Yao. "No need to injure yourself further on our account."
"Whoa, wait a minute... Lord Zhang?" Ed interjected.
Putting weight on his knee was a bad idea, and as it gave out someone caught him by his shoulders. Xiang lifted his head as he was helped back to his seat. It was Lan Fan. She looked worried. Instantly, he felt guilty for his selfishness. He'd wanted to see her, but hadn't given a thought to the trouble it might cause.
"What happened?" Lan Fan knelt to take a look at his wrist.
"Bicycle," he mumbled.
"You're okay?" she asked softly, looking into his eyes. Xiang nodded. The corners of her mouth twitched up in a faint smile. Lan Fan placed her hand on the top of his head, ruffling his hair a little as she stood.
"He's got a broken wrist and some bruising, but it's nothing to get too worried about. If you'd prefer I can get Mei," Alphonse said.
"Lord Zhang?" Ed asked again.
"If you're confident you can heal the break there's no point in waiting," Lan Fan replied, ignoring Edward. Al pressed his lips together and nodded.
"Ah, Edward! We were expecting you tomorrow with the others. To answer your question Lan Fan's brother is a relation of Prince Junjie of the Zhang clan," Ling explained. "Therefore deserving of the title of lord." Xiang observed the Emperor of Xing, half listening to his exchange with Edward Elric. Young or otherwise he wasn't used to being addressed as Lord Zhang. His father was Lord Zhang. Alphonse chalked out a purification circle on the floor. Lan Fan helped him up and didn't let go until he was standing steadily in the center of the array.
"Don't move," Alphonse warned. Taking a deep breath the alchemist drew five kunai from his pockets, throwing them into the points of the star. Xiang watched in awe as energy crackled within the purification circle. The air around him smelled like a summer day after a sudden rainstorm. He felt a strange, itching sensation in his wrist as the fractured bone fused back together. The pain vanished along with the swelling and bruises. Once the healing was complete the light in the circle diminished.
"Thank you, Alphonse." Xiang gave him a formal bow. Lifting his head he glanced at the emperor through his bangs. Why is the emperor here? Xiang wondered. Of course, this was the imperial palace, the emperor could go anywhere he pleased. It was only he hadn't imagined encountering the emperor. Xiang was fascinated. The emperor had the same eyes as the Zhang prince. These days he often went with his father when he had business at the Zhang estate. Prince Junjie was kind to his younger relatives, and children were always welcome at formal gatherings of the clan.
Xiang liked his imperial cousin, but he was glad the Zhang clan hadn't won the throne. He wasn't even sure Prince Junjie had sought it. While other potential heirs to the throne were busy seeking the key to immortality, the Zhang prince had remained in the capital. He didn't like to think about how things might have been if Ling Yao hadn't become emperor. If not for Emperor Yao's commitment to Xingese unification they would've become enemies.
Xiang had his heart set on becoming a member of the guard. It was more than a desire to be like his sister. He wished to serve the empire, to protect the man who brought his only sibling back into his life. His mother was set against the idea, and Lan Fan always deflected when he brought it up to her. Xiang was the only son of his family. There were expectations placed on him. He wasn't sure he could live up to them. Suddenly, he realized his best shot at choosing his own path was standing right in front of him.
"I'm just glad I could help. I hope you'll forgive my troublesome brother for his part in your accident," Al said.
"Hey, don't blame this one on me!" Ed objected. The alchemist knelt to pull his kunai from the floor. Xiang stepped out of the purification circle. With a clap of his hands Alphonse restored the floor to its previous state.
"It was my fault. I wasn't watching and I was going too fast," Xiang admitted.
"No harm done," said the emperor, giving him a wink.
Xiang cut a look at his sister, licking his dry lips nervously. He took a deep breath and threw caution to the wind. Pressing his hands together he stepped forward and bowed to the emperor. "Your majesty," Xiang began. "I'm honored to be in your presence. It's my greatest wish to become a member of your guard. If you would but allow me to prove my skills-"
"Xiang," Lan Fan tried to interrupt.
"I know I can be of service, your highness!" he insisted. For a moment silence descended over the room. He felt everyone looking at him.
"There are many honorable ways to serve the empire," Ling Yao said. Xiang lifted his head. He didn't dare look at his sister. He could sense her displeasure at him for going over her head. "In this matter I must defer to Commander Liu."
"No," Lan Fan said flatly.
"But-!"
"I said no."
"Hold on you're not even going to give him a chance?" Ed came to his defense.
"This is none of your concern," Lan Fan snapped.
"You should at least let him show what he can do!"
"Please, Lan Fan?" Xiang looked at her hopefully.
"I admit I am curious to see just how much your brother takes after you," said Ling, his eyes twinkling. Xiang held his breath as he waited for her answer. At last she sighed and looked at him.
"Fine," Lan Fan relented.
Xiang's heart soared.
