AN: Man I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, I hope you guys enjoy it just as much as I did.
Kallen lay flat on her bed, kicking her legs lazily, staring straight at the white ceiling. She breathed slowly. In. And then out. In. And then out. Raising her back, she sat, laying her head against the wall next to the bed. Her own apartment unit, she forced her mouth into a thin straight line, it was simply amazing. Her apartment in Osaka just couldn't compare. In fact, it seemed cleaner and better furnished than the prince's.
She was still struck by the elegant interior design and attention to detail. The spacious living area bathed in natural light, with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views of the city skyline. The open-plan kitchen boasting top-of-the-line appliances, sleek countertops, and ample storage space. Her bedroom was a peaceful retreat, with a comfortable king-sized bed, plush linens, and a private en-suite bathroom with marble finishes, a deep soaking tub, and a separate glass-enclosed shower. The unit also featured a private balcony, Kallen was eager to drink a morning coffee there.
And it was hers, until her service to Lelouch ended.
Her day had been long and arduous, traveling from Osaka to Tokyo, traveling with the prince across the city, to a sporting event, to a storage, secret meetings with terrorists and other less-than-welcome figures, and that cheerful yellow building in the mountains. And it still wasn't over. Lelouch had cancelled a number of meetings in the afternoon, including Kallen's test run on a Sutherland.
"Tomorrow," he had said with a yawn, Kallen did her best not to pout. It had been the only thing she was looking forward to, and he simply cancelled it. I wonder if it was on purpose, Kallen sighed. It was fatiguing even thinking about the Black Wolf, even more dealing with him. In a way, he reminded her of Suzaku. They both shared this air around them that turned heads, but they couldn't be any more different. With Suzaku, people smiled, they laughed, they shook his hand with a grin. A soft breeze that made you smile. But Lelouch…she crossed her arms, eyes closed while she thought. He was like a strong wind that would knock you down to your knees if you weren't ready.
I have to do my best. Half-truths and half-lies to keep him at bay. She wanted to curse Suzaku, why did you recommend me? Why do you want me close to Lelouch? The door to her room opened, and Kallen stood up in surprise.
Leila's honey-colored hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, catching the light in a way that made it shimmer and glint. Her eyes, a piercing shade of light purple, seemed to survey Kallen with a mix of curiosity and intensity, as if she would see an answer in Kallen's eyes with her stare.
The white dress she wore was simple yet elegant, with a flowing skirt that swirled around her legs as she moved. Despite its simplicity, it made Leila look beautiful, Kallen begrudgingly thought. As she walked towards her, her gaze never left Kallen's. She couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine.
"Come on," Leila curled her finger, her tone light but leaving no doubt in Kallen's mind that she had no choice. Sitting on the dining table in the living room was a cup and a bottle, causing Kallen to scowl as she reluctantly sat down. Leila motioned for her to drink.
Kallen checked the clock on the wall and frowned. "I'm supposed to go to Clovis's dinner in less than two hours," she said. "You can't expect me to actually drink."
Leila's response was a steady stare, her hands laced together under her chin. She didn't smile or frown, but her silence spoke volumes.
"You're crazy, you know that?" Kallen sneered, pointing a finger at Leila. "How am I supposed to protect Lelouch if you get me drunk? Have you ever thought about that?" Leila's eyes darkened slightly, but she continued to glare at Kallen, tilting her head in silence.
Kallen glanced down at the cup of water mixed with vodka, which she knew was always the prelude to a conversation with Leila. "Lelouch doesn't know what you are, does he?" she continued. "You're an idiot for meeting me here. He's a smart man, and if he realizes you're -" Kallen cut herself off, sensing the danger in Leila's stare.
Leila's light purple eyes darkened even further, but her lips remained unchanged, and her gaze remained unwavering. "Drink," she commanded in a soft tone.
Kallen found herself obediently lifting the cup to her lips, a sense of dread settling in the pit of her stomach. There was something unnerving about Leila's gaze today. Leila stood up and walked around the table, refilling Kallen's cup before lowering herself to Kallen's ear and whispering, "Does the Refrain scare you, Kallen?"
Kallen's head slowly turned to meet Leila's eyes, her expression a mixture of fear and confusion. "What?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Leila repeated her command, "Drink," and Kallen found herself obediently taking another sip from her cup. The smell of alcohol was becoming overwhelming.
Leila continued to pour Kallen drink after drink until the bottle of vodka was half-empty. Finally, she sat back in her chair at the opposite end of the table, regarding Kallen with a cool detachment.
"Tell me about your day. Where did Lelouch take you, what did he do, what did he want?" Leila asked, leaning back on her chair, "Anything, everything. And remember," her eyes stared at Kallen like daggers, but a smile grew on her lips, "don't leave anything out. I'll know."
As Kallen spoke, she continued to drink, and her words spilled out in a torrent. The more she drank, the looser her tongue became. "He's a bastard," she muttered, her voice slurring slightly. "Naomi Inoue may be a terrorist, but the way he's broken her...it's immoral at best." Kallen's fist clenched in anger as she continued to rail against Lelouch's actions. "And don't get me started on his work with courtesans," she scoffed. Everything that had happened, Kallen talked of it, including the fact she had used her Geass to save his life at the racing event.
"You let him die," Leila said plainly.
"Like hell I did! I used my Geass to save him!"
Leila shook her head. "Don't let it come to that again, understood?" she said in a simple voice, but her eyes were still a dark purple. "Do not let him die, in fact, don't even let him come to harm, even if it means using yourself as a shield. Use your Geass only as a last case resort."
"Look here, if you want me to -" Kallen began angrily.
"Understood?" Leila asked sharply. Kallen pursed her lips, trying to challenge Leila's gaze. She sighed. She couldn't do it, her head spun, and her thoughts were sluggish, now on her eighth drink.
"I understand," Kallen frowned, looking down at the table.
Leila suddenly slammed the table and Kallen almost fell out of her chair. Leila's lips curled upwards into a small smile as she asked, "Are you afraid of me, Kallen?"
Kallen furrowed her brow in confusion. "What are you talking about?" she asked, though deep down she knew exactly what Leila was referring to. She was afraid of what Leila might do to Naoto. Without warning, Leila stood up and strode over to Kallen. She gripped Kallen's chin firmly and peered into her eyes with an intense gaze.
Kallen's heart began pounding in her chest as Leila's cold, unfeeling eyes bore into her own. The room seemed to shrink around her, the walls closing in like a vise. Leila's grip on her chin was tight, almost painful, and Kallen could feel her nails digging into her skin.
Leila's grip on Kallen's chin tightened as she spoke, her voice low and menacing. "You have grown fearful of Lelouch. You forget yourself, Kallen," she said, her words laced with a sense of dread that made Kallen's stomach flip. "You serve him. And as long as you serve him faithfully, there will be no need to fear him. But as for me," Leila paused, her eyes narrowing, "that is one person you should be afraid of."
Leila's hand moved to Kallen's lips, and she felt her breath catch in her throat. Leila pressed her lips together, in a crude and rough manner, like she was playing with a toy. Kallen felt a rush of anger and humiliation. A sudden realization struck her she was completely at Leila's mercy.
Despite her fear, Kallen pushed back. She couldn't let Leila see her weakness, she couldn't let her know how much power she held over her. With a trembling hand, Kallen pushed Leila's hand away from her face. "I'm not afraid of you," she said, her words slightly slurred from the effects of the vodka. She tried to maintain her composure, but her body was betraying her.
Leila looked down at her with a smile. "You will."
Leila's grip on Kallen's arm tightened as she dragged her into Lelouch's apartment. Kallen stumbled and almost fell several times, but Leila's freakish strength held her up. Despite Kallen's protests, Leila pulled her into the living room, standing her next to the couch. Kallen's head was spinning, and she struggled to keep her balance, but Leila's smile only widened as she watched Kallen's struggle.
Then, Leila pointed to the couch.
The Black Wolf was fast asleep on the couch, lying on his side. His hair was a wild mess, and he wore black pants that seemed too formal to be worn for sleeping, especially jarring when paired with a simple white shirt. Despite his appearance, he looked peaceful and serene, his breathing steady and rhythmic, indicating that the prince was in a deep slumber.
As Kallen took in the sight of the sleeping prince, she felt a strange shock run through her. He's just a human, she reminded herself. But then her eyes landed on the coffee table next to the couch, and her heart skipped a beat. There, she spotted a glass vial and a steel injection kit that were all too familiar to her.
Kallen's eyes slowly moved from the vial and back to the prince. What is this? Her heart sank as she realized the vial was empty. Suddenly, Leila wrapped an arm around Kallen's neck and another around her belly, holding her softly. "You did this?" Kallen asked, her voice weak.
"He did this to himself months ago. A little suggestion from me here and there may have pushed him to reach that decision, but it was entirely his choice," Leila whispered in her ear.
Kallen clenched her teeth. "You're a liar. Nobody ever chooses to use Refrain," she said, her voice louder than she had meant. Leila's arms suddenly tightened around her, constricting her stomach and throat, and Kallen gasped for air.
"His choice, Kallen. Just like how your mother chose to use Refrain. Just like how Naomi Inoue's path forced her to use Refrain. We choose the roads we walk, and they lead us to unexpected outcomes. I wonder, where will your road take you, Kozuki?" Leila suddenly released her, and Kallen fell to her knees, wheezing and struggling to catch her breath.
Leila walked around Kallen, sitting on the couch next to Lelouch. Kallen, still struggling to catch her breath, finally stood up. She found it hard not to grasp her throat; she could still feel Leila's arms wrapped around it.
The blonde girl passed her hand through the hair of the sleeping prince. "Our talk is over. But please do be quiet, my wolf needs his rest," she said, looking at Lelouch with a warm smile that made Kallen's eyes widen further. She had seen lovers look at one another affectionately, but this was not that look. Leila looked at Lelouch affectionately, yes, but...
She looked at Lelouch as if he was a prized possession. A dog she adored and cherished, yes, but a dog nonetheless.
Suddenly, her eyes fell back on Kallen. And she gave Kallen that exact same look. "You may leave now," Leila motioned toward the door with her hand. With her heart racing and the world still spinning, with the smell of her own breath reeking of vodka, and with the image of Leila's eyes and smile seared into her mind, Kallen left.
With each step Kallen took, a sense of trepidation and dread seemed to seep into her bones, as if she was walking straight into the dark abyss, an abyss haunted by the echoes of her own fears, an abyss she could never climb back out of. She thought she heard Leila's laughter as she shut the door behind her.
"What took you so long?" Lelouch asked when Kallen returned to the prince's unit that night. Kallen had brushed her teeth numerous times to rid her breath of the alcohol Leila had forced her to drink. Even after an hour, she still felt tipsy and disoriented, her thoughts lagging behind. Lelouch looked at her with a dry expression, but tilted his head slightly while looking at her. Leila sat on the couch where Lelouch had been asleep earlier, reading a book. Kallen found it hard to look at either of them, her mind still reeling from the revelation that Lelouch was using Refrain on himself.
"Oh, just getting ready like women do," Kallen said nonchalantly, even though she didn't actually take long to return. She had been in no rush to face Leila again. Lelouch frowned, as if he could sense the lie, but he didn't push the issue. Instead, he offered his hand to Leila. The blonde girl looked up from her book with a bright grin, stood up, and whispered something in Lelouch's ear that made him burst out laughing.
"You best not take too long," Leila said softly before giving Kallen a playful look of suspicion. "And don't fool around with your new knight, no matter how pretty she is," she added while playing with the buttons on the prince's shirt, pulling him in for a deep kiss. Kallen took a deep breath and pushed down her anger.
Lelouch smiled after the kiss and stroked Leila's cheek. "I will be back before midnight," he said, pulling her in for a tight embrace. Leila closed her eyes and nuzzled her head against his chest, wrapping her arms around him. "And don't joke like that, you're the light of my world. There's nobody else but you," he whispered so softly that Kallen wasn't sure if she was supposed to have heard him.
Leila pulled herself away, her face beet-red. "You're being too cute," she said as she stepped up on her toes and kissed the prince again. "Now go, before you're late," she added, turning her head away as if to hide her embarrassment.
Kallen's head spun, not just from the alcohol, but also from what she had just witnessed. Leila was a monster, and yet she doted on the prince like a lovesick girl. It's all an act. Kallen felt a surge of anger rising in her, and she unconsciously passed a hand over her own throat.
They left and drove to the Viceroy's palace. Kallen stared out the car window, mesmerized by the vibrant nightlife of Eastern Tokyo. Neon lights illuminated the streets and buildings, which pulsed with the sound of music and laughter. Large groups of people dressed in their finest attire strolled along the sidewalks, moving from one bar to the next, each with its unique vibe and ambiance. Although she couldn't smell anything from inside the car, Kallen imagined the mouth-watering aroma of food and drinks that wafted through the air.
The bright lights soon faded as they arrived at the Viceroy's Palace, a massive building that towered over the city, not just in length but also in width. It seemed to be its own giant neighborhood, with multiple buildings surrounding the main structure, each serving its own purpose, housing soldiers, cooks, bureaucrats, and who knows what else. They got out of the car at the entrance.
"What should I expect, Wolf?" Kallen asked, eyeing the entrance hall in front of them. She had caught only a glimpse of it from outside, but she could tell it reeked of luxury and splendor. Her eyes fell on Lelouch, who seemed more focused than usual, his gaze fixed sharply on the sky as if lost in his own thoughts. "Wolf?" she prompted, snapping him back to reality.
His dark purple eyes suddenly locked onto her, and he seemed re-energized. It was hard for Kallen not to glance at his wrist, wondering about how he had used Refrain on himself. His shaking! God! It was so obvious! "My half-brother will get on your nerves," he muttered. "But it's a small dinner. You can stay with me if you wish, or go your own way. Just don't make a fool of yourself," his focus drifting away as he spoke, clearly lost in his thoughts.
As Kallen stepped into the dining hall, she wanted to curse the prince. It was most definitely not a small dinner. She was immediately struck by the opulence and grandeur of her surroundings. The hall was spacious, with high ceilings and glittering chandeliers casting a warm and inviting glow over the room. The walls were adorned with intricate gold leaf designs, and large paintings of historic events hung proudly above each of the two fireplaces.
The centerpiece of the room was an enormous dining table, polished to a mirror-like finish and adorned with exquisite floral arrangements. The table was set with fine china, crystal stemware, and gleaming silver cutlery, each piece reflecting the flickering light from the candles that dotted the table. It was large enough to sit nearly a hundred people.
Lelouch walked through the dining hall with his chin as high as always, his purple eyes dark and focused, as if everyone in the room was beneath him. Ridiculously arrogant, she puffed. But there was something about that she found admirable, that focus and self-belief that made him look like he could do anything.
The large table in the center of the room was unoccupied, as the men and women of noble birth huddled in separate groups, chatting, joking, and indulging in wine and appetizers. Suddenly, a girl called out, "Lelouch vi Britannia!" A small figure in a white-orange dress dashed towards them, her pink hair flowing behind her.
The younger girl stopped in front of them, smiling sweetly at Lelouch's surprise. "Euphie," he said in shock. Lelouch's expression softened momentarily before returning to that annoying cool demeanor of his. "What are you doing here? When did you arrive?" he asked, trying to hide his surprise.
"I came with Schneizel a few hours ago. We're meeting with the Chinese tomorrow night," Euphemia explained, straightening her dress. Lelouch nodded in understanding, but Kallen noticed a hint of dissatisfaction in his eyes as he scanned the dinner hall. Suddenly, Euphemia turned her attention to Kallen and asked, "And who is this? Where's that gruff Jeremiah? I was hoping to see him today." Lelouch began to introduce Kallen, but Euphemia cut him off.
"A Japa -?" Euphemia paused mid-sentence, a slight frown appearing on her face before quickly disappearing, replaced by a warm and kind smile. She offered Kallen a small bow with her head and introduced herself, "My name is Euphemia li Britannia. It's a pleasure to meet you, Kozuki. Please take care of my brother. I know he can be difficult and brooding at times, but he has a good heart." Euphemia's head bowed lower and lower as she spoke.
"Euphemia…" Lelouch's warning tone interrupted the young princess, and Kallen's words got stuck in her throat. A princess bowing her head towards her was unexpected. Euphemia ignored her half-brother and she grabbed Kallen's hand, speaking excitedly, "Oh, and do treat him kindly. For all his tough exterior, he is quite delicate. When we next talk, you must tell me how you met Lelouch!"
Kallen's face paled as she realized that Euphemia didn't quite understand the professional relationship between her and Lelouch. Lelouch stepped in and spoke on her behalf, "Kallen Kozuki is my new personal guard, Euphemia..." He finished the introduction he had intended to say before Euphemia's interruption.
The pink-haired girl froze, her face turning red-hot. "Oh? Oh, oh, oh!" She pressed her hands against her cheeks. "Of course, the uniform should have made it obvious, but I..." She stopped mid-sentence and covered her eyes, an unsteady and sheepish smile on her face. "I just thought that..." She trailed off before suddenly grabbing Kallen's hand again. "Please accept my apology. It seems my mind ran ahead with something I thought I saw." Euphemia spoke quickly and earnestly.
Kallen forced a smile. You thought you saw? "It's okay, your highness." She bowed her head, acknowledging Euphemia's title. Despite the princess's constant blunders, Kallen couldn't help but find her endearing. Was it because of her cuteness? Kallen shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought.
Euphemia, however, didn't seem to let it go. "No, no, it's definitely not okay," she pouted and glared at Lelouch. "And you just let me ramble on, huh?" She pointed a finger at him. "Don't you grin like that! I can't believe you!" she scolded the Black Wolf, who only laughed at her words.
"Oh, how I've missed you, Euphie," Lelouch said warmly, hugging his younger sister. "We must catch up later, perhaps once I've spoken with our older brothers? Schneizel is here, is he not?"
Euphemia nodded. "Yes, him and Clovis both at the back. I will see you once I'm done talking to some of the guests," she said before turning to Kallen. "Again, I must apologize for my...misinterpretation. But please do take care of my brother, will you?" She kissed Kallen on the cheek before leaving the two of them alone.
"A prince should not apologize to servants," Lelouch grumbled.
"There's nothing wrong with apologizing," Kallen said with a frown scanning over the crowd. The Black Wolf glared at her suddenly, and Kallen unconsciously straightened her back. "Your highness," she bowed her head, acknowledging his titles. She had gotten too used to back talking the prince in private.
As they walked through the dinner hall, Lelouch was stopped by an array of guests, all engaging in small talk with the prince. Lelouch put on a fake smile that seemed to strain him, even cracking a few jokes that weren't particularly funny. Meanwhile, Kallen organized her thoughts, drinking water to relieve herself from all the vodka that she had drunk because of Leila. Kallen couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched by the blonde girl, who seemed to have a hold on the Wolf. How much control does Leila have over Lelouch, and does he not really know? Kallen once again caught herself staring at Lelouch's wrist, which was covered by a long black coat sleeve.
"Are you okay?" Lelouch's voice broke through her thoughts, and she looked up to see that they were standing alone in a corner of the dinner hall. "You've been out of it since we left," he said, taking a sip of wine.
"Just a tad tired," Kallen excused herself, her voice calm, perhaps too calm.
Lelouch's gaze remained fixed on Kallen as he took another sip of wine, his lips curling up in a knowing smile. "You're not very good at lying," he remarked. Kallen's cheeks immediately flushed, a telltale sign that he was right. "And you should have corrected Euphemia when she misunderstood our relationship," he continued.
"Why didn't you correct her?" she grumbled under her breath, low enough that Lelouch did not hear her. "I didn't know how to handle her. She's a princess, after all. I have to treat her with a certain level of respect, and it's not something I'm used to," she explained with a sigh.
"Composure is key, Kallen. Especially when dealing with those of royal status," Lelouch replied sagely. "You must always keep your chin up and your back straight at all times."
Composed like you were with Inoue? Kallen snorted, but she was smart enough to keep that thought to herself.
"My chin high? Even when dealing with you? When you demand obedience?" Kallen shook her head, confused by the Wolf's contradiction. "I don't get it, but I can keep my chin high no problem. Composure is another thing though. I don't know how you manage to look so calm all the time."
Lelouch replied earnestly, "It takes practice. When you need to stay calm, what do you do?"
Kallen thought for a moment before responding, "I imagine a calm river, with a gentle stream that I can cross easily."
Lelouch smiled and said, "But even a calm river can push you, even if just slightly. And you might still end up wet and cold afterward. Perhaps I can help you." He motioned for Kallen to sit next to him.
"Oh? And how can you help me?" Kallen asked skeptically, her body inching closer to Lelouch's as she sat down next to him. Suddenly, Lelouch reached out and took hold of one of Kallen's hands, his touch both warm and gentle. Kallen couldn't help but feel a flush rise to her cheeks, but she managed to maintain her composure without giving in to any audible gasps or squeaks.
"What are you doing, Wolf?" she asked half-angrily, half embarrassed.
"Cold, heat," Lelouch's fingertip trailed along her hand, sending shivers down Kallen's spine. She couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline as his warm fingers moved over her hand. "Anger, happiness," he spoke softly, his thumb now rubbing the top of her hand in a soothing motion. Kallen's breath caught in her throat as she felt a rush of conflicting emotions wash over her.
"Pleasure, pain," Lelouch suddenly grasped her hand firmly, causing Kallen to flinch slightly. The intensity of his grip made her heart race even faster, and she could feel a flush creeping up her neck. "They are all things we must learn to discard," he continued, his voice calm and steady, as if he had done this a million times before. "That is the secret to staying calm, no matter the situation."
Kallen furrowed her brows, unsure about Lelouch's approach. "Discard? Getting rid of your emotion seems too much of a brutal method." she said, hoping to understand his perspective.
Lelouch's lips curved into a gentle smile, as if approving of her answer. His purple eyes glistened, and Kallen couldn't help but stare at them for a moment. They really were beautiful, but they were a pool far too dark for her. "We will not discard them permanently, Kallen," he said, releasing her hand. "We only let go of them when we need to."
"And how do you do that?" Kallen asked curiously.
"We burn it," Lelouch replied, his smile still on his face but a tinge of melancholy in his voice. "Think of a small ember, a tiny spark in the vastness of darkness. That ember exists in nothingness, in the void. Discard your emotions into that ember - your fears, joys, anguish, and exhilaration. Let it consume them until nothing remains. And then, extinguish it, until only the void remains."
Kallen shivered, feeling uneasy about the whole idea. "That sounds very cold, Lelouch," she said, hugging herself.
Lelouch blinked, staring at her strangely. "I suppose it does," he said with a frown.
"What's with that look? Feed it all into your stupid ember," she grumbled, "your highness."
Lelouch stood up and picked up his drink. "It's time for you to meet my half-brothers," he announced suddenly, as if the previous conversation had never happened. Kallen sighed before standing up and following him. As they walked, a familiar woman in a blue dress waved to them from afar. "If it isn't the Black Wolf! And his beautiful guard!" she called out.
"Lara," Kallen grumbled as Lara approached them, recognizing the courtesan she had met earlier in the day. Lara was dressed in a bold and stunning outfit that Kallen could never bear herself to wear. Yet despite that thought, Kallen found herself unable to resist imagining how she would look in such a dress. Focus! Damn Vodka is still effecting me! Fucking Leila! I'll strangle her next time I see her!
"I see you and your lady have decided to grace us with your presence," Lara said, curtsying.
As Lara curtsied and addressed them, Kallen felt a wave of irritation wash over her. "I'm not his lady," she muttered, loud enough for Lara to hear. But the courtesan only smiled and continued speaking. "Of course not, dear," she said, her lips still curved upward.
Kallen seethed internally. She doesn't believe me! But before she could say anything, Lelouch intervened. "Do excuse her, she is in quite the sour mood," he said, offering an apologetic nod. Lara seemed to accept the explanation, but Kallen could feel her frustration building.
Then, Lara's words took a turn for the worse. "You should really buy her something else aside from that uniform, something smoother and thinner," she suggested, her gaze scanning Kallen's figure. Kallen opened her mouth to rebuke the woman, but before she could, Lelouch surprised her by saying, "I will consider it."
Kallen's eyes widened in shock and anger. They're actually just teasing me! And she couldn't do anything to stop them! Lara burst out laughing, and a playful smile appeared on Lelouch's lips.
As Kallen fumed, Lara changed the subject. "That other brother of yours, the more handsome one, is here," she informed Lelouch casually. He responded just as nonchalantly, letting her know that he was already aware. However, Lara had more information to share. "But what you might not know is that is he in quite a heated debate right now with the Viceroy," she gave a small smile. "I suggest you see what that fuss is about."
"Clovis arguing with Schneizel? I must hear this for myself," Lelouch said, his tone now serious as he quickened his pace down the hall. Kallen followed behind him, marveling at the sudden shift in his demeanor. For once, there was no hint of his usual playful arrogance.
As they approached the end of the hall, the noise grew louder, and Kallen could see a group of tough-looking guardsmen and knights trying to clear the area. But Lelouch strode right through them, his gaze fixed on the two figures standing across from each other at a nearby table.
Clovis, the Viceroy of Area 11, and Schneizel, the Prime Minister of Britannia, were locked in a heated debate, their voices raised and Clovis's face contorted in anger. Kallen could feel the tension in the air, and she knew that this was not a conversation to be taken lightly.
As Lelouch approached, both men turned to face him, their expressions quickly changing from anger to surprise. Kallen could see the respect and fear in the eyes of the guardsmen and knights as they stepped aside to make way for the prince.
Without missing a beat, Lelouch demanded, "What is the meaning of this?" His voice was cold and commanding, and Kallen couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine. She knew that when Lelouch was like this, he was not to be trifled with.
Yet the two brothers stared Lelouch dismissively. "This is none of your concern, Lelouch," Clovis snapped, angrily.
Schneizel, on the other hand, remained calm and collected. "This is absolutely his concern, little brother," he replied smoothly, as if the situation was a mere annoyance. Kallen noticed a tall, lean boy standing next to him with blonde hair and blue eyes, but his grim expression made him less appealing.
Clovis scowled at Schneizel. "I will appeal directly to our father! I will not be slighted, I will not!" he shouted.
Schneizel took a sip of his drink, still unfazed. "You are not being slighted, you are being removed from your position," he stated simply. Clovis's eyebrows furrowed, and he glared at his brother.
"I will not be removed from anything!" he said angrily, stepping closer to Schneizel. Kallen noticed the blonde boy behind Schneizel tense up, scanning Clovis constantly with his blue eyes.
Schneizel's expression grew colder. "You are causing a commotion, little brother."
"Stop calling me that!" Clovis clenched his teeth.
Kallen couldn't help but wonder if everyone in Lelouch's family was crazy. She glanced over at the Black Wolf, who stood with his arms crossed and appeared to be annoyed. Was it because he was being ignored? After all he was dealing with two people who were higher in rank than him.
"I've been calling you 'little brother' for over a decade, and now you take issue with it?" Schneizel shook his head acting in disbelief. "If this bothers you that much, we can discuss it in private."
"No, we won't." Clovis sneered. "We'll settle this now. I won't be a Sub-Viceroy," he declared, stepping away. Kallen saw the tension in Schneizel's blonde hair guard dissipate.
"Oh dear, I didn't expect this kind of resistance," Schneizel said, rubbing his chin. "But no matter how much of a tantrum you throw, you'll be Lelouch's Sub-Viceroy."
So that was the cause of the commotion. Lelouch was getting promoted, and it meant Clovis would lose his position. Kallen glanced at Lelouch, who stood patiently, waiting. It was odd to see him not immediately take charge of the situation.
This is embarrassing, these two men need to stop arguing in public.
Clovis and Schneizel suddenly turned to look at her. Kallen blinked. Realization quickly set in as she pursed her lips. I said that out loud!
"Who is this woman of yours?" Clovis asked Lelouch with a frown.
"I am not his woman!" Kallen snapped, glancing at Lelouch. "And he's to be your viceroy, isn't he? Mayhaps you should treat with some more respect; talk to him instead of throwing a fit like a child."
As soon as the last words came out, Kallen's face flushed, she resisted the urge to cover her mouth. Oh, I shouldn't have done that. She glanced over to the side and froze, Lelouch's purple eyes glared at her darkly. Oh, I really shouldn't have opened my stupid mouth! The viceroy, Clovis, looked at her half-stunned, half-mad. Schneizel's blonde hair guard smirked, amused.
And Schneizel laughed.
Clovis nearly stumbled at the prime minister's reaction, and Lelouch gazed at his older brother with a perplexed expression. "She's right, little brother. You should show more respect to Lelouch. He's your superior now, after all," Schneizel remarked.
Clovis disregarded Schneizel and stomped toward Lelouch with clenched fists and gritted teeth, prompting Kallen to step forward slightly in case he tried to harm Lelouch.
"Is it true, Lelouch? Do you believe I'm a disgrace? That I'm unfit to be viceroy?" Clovis demanded.
Lelouch calmly assessed Clovis. "You have neglected the Area's potential, brother. You've become too preoccupied with your own pleasures, detached from the people, and lenient with the bureaucrats. But you're not a disgrace. You're my brother, and I will still seek your assistance and insight."
Clovis glared at Lelouch, unconvinced by the Wolf's lip service. However, even he couldn't maintain eye contact with Lelouch for long and shifted his gaze after a few seconds. "Fine," he muttered. "If you want to govern, then I'll step aside." Clovis walked back to Schneizel. "I apologize for my behavior. It was inappropriate."
Before Schneizel could respond, Lelouch stepped forward. "The news was sudden, I would have been just as upset," he interjected, shooting a brief, angry glance in Schneizel's direction. "But do not worry. I have an idea to distract our guests from this little spat."
Schneizel regarded his younger brother with a cool look, he took a sip of water. "And what is this entertainment, Lelouch?" he inquired.
Lelouch gestured towards the blonde boy standing behind the prime minister. "You have the Knight of Three with you," he pointed out. Kallen couldn't help but feel surprised at the mention of the elite Knightmare frame pilot. She had always imagined them as burly, bearded men, not young pretty boys.
Schneizel appeared amused by Lelouch's comment. "Gino?" he asked, clearly surprised. "What of him?"
Clovis chimed in with a suggestion. "Perhaps he could entertain our guests in the courtyard with his Knightmare frame skills," he proposed.
Gino frowned slightly. "If it would please you, your highness," he said, uncertainly.
Lelouch shook his head dismissively. "A solo performance is a dull affair," he declared. Kallen looked at him with wide eyes as he turned to her. "But with a dance partner, it becomes an interesting one," he said, gesturing in her direction. "Allow me to introduce Kallen Kozuki, my personal guard and a skilled Knightmare frame pilot from Genbu's Japan."
Clovis choked on his drink at the announcement, while Schneizel simply frowned. "With that uniform? What poor joke is this, Lelouch?" he demanded.
Kallen focused her attention on the Knight of Three, Gino, who was tall, not as tall as say, Lelouch or Suzaku, but tall enough to tower over her. He flashed a perfect smile, one a young man would give to a pretty girl, but it faded quickly as his blue eyes scanned her thoroughly, as if looking for a potential threat. Kallen glared back at him, her focus on the Knight of Three.
Lelouch chuckled. "Not a jest in the slightest -"
"I'll do it." Kallen declared.
Clovis flashed an amused smile, as if dismissing a child's outlandish claim. But Kallen remained fixated on Gino, and Gino remained focused on her. He smiled. "Are you sure you want to spar with a Knight of Round? We're the best of the best. Even sparring can be dangerous, and you may end up getting hurt."
Kallen smiled confidently. "We need to give the guests a show, don't we?" she replied.
Lelouch gave her a look, his expression unreadable as always, which only served to annoy Kallen even more. Schneizel stepped in to defuse the situation, suggesting that some light sparring would impress the guests.
"Please, there is no need for an actual bout," Schneizel began, defusing the situation, "some light sparring will leave most of the men and women in this room in awe."
Gino's smile widened. "I don't think this girl will do light sparring," he passed his hand over his hair, as if getting ready for a date.
Lelouch walked next to her. "Are you sure you want to do this? You don't have to."
"Of course I do." Kallen grinned. "I'm going to win."
AN: This was supposed to be the first Lelouch POV chapter but I got carried away, especially when I came up with the idea of Schneizel and Clovis arguing, and the aftermath of Kallen/Lelouch meeting Euphemia.