I do not own Saiunkoku Monogatari.

It belongs to Yura Kairi.

Dedicated to Nishitamachi

pairing: Ryuu/Shuu, Kijin/Reishin, Kouyuu/Shuuei (?)

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Lessons In Love

Chapter 4 - Returning Home

When Shuurei arrived in town the next day, she went straight to the palace - and found her place with the other representatives. Looking around her at her collegues, as they discussed policies, laws and programs, her heart beat faster with excitement.

I've been a governor for over a year now - but... it's still so exciting to be a part of this!

New strategies and ideas flew around the room as the governors waited for the entrance of the Emperor. Silence fell as Ran Shuuei - bedecked in his finest military uniform - and Li Kouyuu, also dressed up in splendid blue, entered the room. Both followed soon after by a very serious looking Emperor.

Ryuuki... Shuurei smiled. He looks better than ever... He's really turned into a fine Emperor.

And a fine man, another traitorous part of her pointed out.

But then - he was always a great person.

I wonder...

She paused.

I wonder - what he sees -

Have I changed too?

Silly girl! Shuurei shook ehr head adamntly. Of course you've changed. You're older, taller - more experienced now...

Still...

Ryuuki's eyes rested on her momentarily before moving away. Gold eyes like a hawk - beauty hiding perception.

Ryuuki - I'm so proud of you.

She beamed at him - and turned to her partner to ask his opinion of the Emperor's newest proposal.

-

The week passed by all too quickly for Shuurei and Ryuuki. Sitting at conference tables, in the Great Hall, the only communication they had was formal, stiff -a nd generally concerned with petitions and by-laws. With the days slipping by so quickly - and this fact seeming unnoticed by Shuurei herself - Ryuuki felt a little panicked.

Isn't she worried at all that we won't be able to meet each other privately? But - we're a grown man now, Ryuuki sighed. We are the Emperor - and have full control of this country... why can't we at least request a private audience of her? Pull yourself together, Ryuuki! There MUST be a way!

"Your Highness?" Kouyuu asked. "Is there a problem?"

"No." Ryuuki said quickly.

Kouyuu - would get angry if he knew I was wasting time on this... but it isn't a waste of time! This is for Shuurei! If I ever get it to her...

Horrors!

What if I miss her and end up sending it to her via messenger!

How could I tell her my feelings?

AHHHHH!!!!!

-

"I think that's his Shuurei-face... but more -"

"Contorted?" Kouyuu sniffed from behind a long report submitted by the governor of the Kou province on road repairs.

"That doesn't sound romantic -"

"Romance is a waste of time - aren't you supposed to be writing up a report as well?"

Shuuei sighed.

"Such suspicion! It's done already! Did it last night -"

"In your sleep?"

"Sure."

"Why do I believe it?"

A pause as they watched Ryuuki bang his head on the desk. Repeatedly.

"Painful." Shuuei murmured.

"Painful?" Kouyuu blinked. Then roleld his eyes at the soft muttering of "baka! baka! baka! baka!" coming from the Emperor's desk. "The bruise he's going to have on his forehead - orhis stupidity?"

"Neither. The fact he can see his love so close - but so far away..."

Kouyuu blinked.

"You know... he's seen her everyday."

"It's one thing to 'see' a person and then another thing 'to see' a person. Just as there are ways to 'know' a woman or 'to know' a woman..." Shuuei winked suggestively.

Kouyuu threw a book at his head reflexively.

"Idiotic pervert!"

"Hmmm... I think he's -"

Kouyuu blushed.

"Jealous? Maybe?" Shuuei ended his sentence, sliding and arm around his friend's shoulders and ducking as a paperweight went flying past his head.

WHAP! WHAP!

Shuurei's fan (an anonymous gift from her uncle) hit them squarely on the head.

"What are you two doing?" she said severely. "You nearly killed me!"

"SHHUUU-REI!" Ryuuki jumped up in excitement.

WHAP!

Her fan whacked him on the forehead.

"Were you sleeping?"

"N-nooo..."

"Kou Kijin and I wanted to talk to you about funds for the roads in Brown Province - do you know that -"

Ryuuki never got his chance that afternoon.

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Next up: Ryuuki... goes to the Red Light District... and cross-dresses?