Recap: Lelouch has been busy with military meetings in Area Eleven. To protect Lelouch, Suzaku is now working with the local resistance group. Leila met with Lady Everette and is now part of Lord Oberstein's plans. She still carries a grudge for how Lelouch leveraged her best friend Jeanne to force her to return to Britannia.
Content Warning: Attempted sexual assault
Chapter 23: Blood Ties
When I saw the news and Kaguya standing there with a smile as our longtime allies were brutally executed, I admit that I felt relieved. She was never really my student, yet I felt responsible for her regardless, so knowing that she still lived made me happy. My officers accuse her of selling them out, and we do see the Emperor congratulate her before the commercial break, yet my heart still holds out for her. Because if she did betray us, then Lelouch swayed her, and I fear that he will steal Suzaku next. I've already lost one son because of him. Please do not let me lose another.
Unfortunately, even if I do wish to extend her the benefit of the doubt, I cannot compromise our mission. Japan must always come first. Sumeragi Kaguya is officially a traitor.
-Undated Journal Entry of General Tohdoh Kyoshiro
Viceroy Palace, Tokyo, Area Eleven
Lelouch smiled pleasantly as Kaguya pulled him back onto the dance floor, right in time to avoid the obnoxiously persistent reporter of Clovis's. How he got access to such a prestigious event was beyond him. He might like his brother, but not enough to deal with a media circus.
"Lord Gottwald is stalking you as well," Kaguya joked, her voice airy and light. "I fear my competition for your heart has greatly increased since our last dance. Perhaps I need to improve my game."
Lelouch winced. "Please don't. My heart can barely take your current antics, and you still need to find one of my other siblings to pursue." His eyes roamed the room. "Raphael is tame enough. His mother has a decent fortune, and he is rather gullible. He would be your puppet in no time."
"Are you tired of me already, Your Highness?" She plastered a mock expression of hurt. "I thought we had an unbreakable bond forged in the pits of hell and stained in blood." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Your more blood hungry sister is coming our way."
Sighing, Lelouch guided her off the dance floor to face Cornelia, accompanied by her knight and Euphemia. Cornelia's red dress was on the slightly more scandalous side with a plunging neckline and a long leg slit. The harsh crease in the corners of her eyes expressed her displeasure. Clovis had probably insisted. Meanwhile, Euphemia had clearly fallen victim to her mother's persuasions with a childishly pink dress that covered every bare patch of skin below her chin. She looked absolutely miserable.
Kaguya dropped into a refined curtsey. "Your Highnesses."
Corneila scowled and stepped to the side. "I see your taste in dates has not improved, Lelouch."
"I think they are adorable," Euphie replied primly.
"We are enjoying ourselves," Lelouch answered and allowed Kaguya to step even closer to him.
"Lelouch!" Clovis interrupted and loudly made his way through the crowd. His gait wobbled; he already had a few too many cups. "Cornelia, you are stunning as a morning rose. Euphemia... I believe your mother and I need to have a word."
She giggled and lifted the fabric. "I am rather drab."
"Very much so. Nobody will look at you twice." He chuckled. "Well that is probably the point. If you want, my tailor can modify one of my mistress's dresses, and you would put even our darling sister to shame. The attention of the whole room would be yours."
"Would you?" Euphie asked, a light dusting of pink on her cheeks.
"Absolutely not," Cornelia hissed. "Their lecherous eyes will stay far away."
"Sister..."
She sniffed. "Mother chose this herself, and for once, I find myself agreeing with her. You are much too young to be engaging for that attention."
Crossing her arms, Euphie raised her chin. "What if I want it? You don't get to decide what I wear."
"Those boys are nothing but trouble."
"Oh," Clovis interrupted, his eyes alight with curiosity. "Is there a boy whose eyes you wish to catch? Say the word, and I will share everything you need to know."
"No, you won't," Cornelia growled.
"Actually-" Euphie twisted her hands, and Lelouch's stomach filled with dread. She wouldn't actually... "I already have a boyfriend. He is really nice."
A thunderous cloud passed over Cornelia's face as Clovis lit up.
"We kissed," Euphie admitted quietly. "It was nice."
"A lover already?" Clovis asked.
"Don't you dare say that word!" Cornelia snapped. "There will be no lovers. Especially not some random boy."
"He's not random. He's in my class. And he is much better than the last one..."
"You're too young for a boyfriend. Boys want all sort of terrible things. You have no idea what they are like. Wait, last one? There was one before, and you didn't tell me!"
Lelouch slowly dragged Kaguya away from the brewing storm. A servant passed by, and Lelouch snatched a glass of wine from the middle of the tray. Probably not poisoned. If not, most attendees would die as well.
Giggling, Kaguya leaned her head against his arm and slowly sipped her own glass. "Trouble in paradise?"
"Paradise? No, we're in hell. There is always some sort of scandal although Euphie hasn't had one for years."
"And what is your scandal?"
"I make one wherever I go," Lelouch said. "Carine caused the last major upset. She flogged her servant for a minor mistake. She has the authority... but it's frowned upon."
Fortunately, Prince Clovis's personal guards, noticing the rising commotion, worked to keep the eavesdropping guests away. Other royals of Euphie's age possessed significantly more personal freedom. They were expected to move independently at least. Unfortunately, Cornelia rejected that expectation and sheltered her at every turn. The younger, precious sister Cornelia remembered was gone.
"I can have a boyfriend!" Euphie shouted and the room tittered with excitement. Knowing smirks adorned their faces. They all knew where this was heading.
"I forbid it!"
"I'm sixteen!"
"That's too young to enter such dalliances."
Kaguya's silent laughter vibrated through him. "Royals... always good at putting on a show. I feel sorry for the poor boy. Cornelia is going to eviscerate him, literally."
"She's going to scare off every suitor within the Area," Lelouch joked. This was too amusing. For once, someone else was providing the entertainment.
Cornelia's strangled screech rose over the murmuring and the orchestra. "What do you mean he is a commoner!"
"Oh, dear," Lelouch whispered. Yes, she admired his mother, but his half-sister needed commoners to prove themselves first. Preferably on the battlefield. Repeatedly. A boy from Ashford Academy didn't stand a chance.
"He didn't do anything. I kissed him!" Euphie shouted.
"You're still too young!"
Was it wrong to enjoy this? He took another sip of his wine.
"Well Nunnally has a girlfriend now!"
Lelouch inhaled and burst into frantic, muffled coughs as wine scratched the back of his throat. Nunnally? Had Euphie just said Nunnally had a girlfriend.
"Friends aren't the same thing," Cornelia snapped.
Yes... He had misunderstood. Friends. No romantic component whatsoever.
"No... Girlfriends. Kissing included."
Kaguya rubbed his back as he struggled to breathe. "You alright?"
The mental image of his precious, innocent sister pressed against someone else assaulted him. Sweet Nunnally who would be- His brain could shut up now.
"You had no idea, did you?" Kaguya asked.
"Why didn't she tell me?" Lelouch whined. They had seen each other at the beginning of the week. Had she kept that a secret already then? No. He would have noticed... except Nunnally was an excellent liar when she wanted to be, but Euphie... She could never tell a lie. So no, it would have happened afterwards. His sister hadn't told him because it was a new development. She needed to figure things out.
Who the hell was his sister with? He couldn't think of anyone she was extraordinarily close to... Allie. It had to be Allie. That was the only answer which made sense, and Allie would never hurt Nunnally.
"You're not going to do anything stupid... like telling her she can't have a girlfriend?" Kaguya asked.
"No... It's fine. They've known each other for years." Crisis averted. "I merely need to wait until she feels comfortable enough to tell me."
That would be soon right?
He took a steadying breath, his throat burned, and he succumbed to another coughing fit.
Outer Concessions, Tokyo, Area Eleven
Alone, Suzaku sat in the back of the truck-far beneath Tokyo in a half-walled off section of the sewers which was never finished due to budget issues-tying and untying a piece of string. The raid had been a success. They had enough sakuradite fuel cells to strike against Clovis. The mission's objectives had been met. Outside, their unorthodox group celebrated. A few, like himself, abstained. They had lost people. Suzaku had killed people.
The radio crackled. "You coming out, kid?"
"No," Suzaku said and hugged his legs. He wished that he had never gotten wrapped up in this mess. If that accidental meeting hadn't happened, he would be safe... yet he wouldn't have met Lelouch or had the chance to reconnect with Nunnally. The price still needed to be paid.
Ban sighed. "Do you want me to bring you some food?"
"No."
"Too late. I already brought the food. Everyone else is full... It's a shame to have it wasted."
"You're manipulating me," Suzaku grumbled.
"Is it working?"
He closed his eyes and groaned.
"Come out, Chiba-san."
Suzaku obliged. His legs trembled as he lowered himself to the ground. Ban smiled at him gently and gave him a bento box. Neither said anything as they sat in silence. The only sound was the clack of chopsticks.
Accepting the empty bento box, Ban leaned back and observed the truck. "I am sorry for dragging you into this, kid."
"But you did," Suzaku growled. And he had to stay because Lelouch could be in danger. Because they knew his secret identity which could lead them to Nunnally. Because he wasn't ready to abandon the siblings. "I haven't killed someone in a long time."
"The invasion?"
"Yes..." Suzaku whispered. "The others... Especially the half-Britannian. Can you keep them in line? I don't want them to go after Lelouch."
"So that is why you stayed. I fully expected you to be gone by the next morning. You have the contacts to do so. Ohgi and the others... I don't know them well, and they won't listen to my orders. I doubt they'll remember your soldier friend after the mission."
"But you will remember."
Ban snorted. "Unlike the others, I'm inclined to believe that his death would cause trouble."
Muffled shouts echoed from the top of the tunnel, and the grate screeched open. Ohgi waved at them from the top and slowly eased himself don't the scaffolding. He nodded at Suzaku with a hint of respect. "You did well today. I guess Japan still lives within you."
"Japan is dead," Suzaku said tonelessly. Arguably, he killed it with his father.
Ohgi rubbed the back of his head. "Well, I had my doubts when Ban said you could pilot, but today? You did an excellent job covering our escape."
"And if we had followed the original plan," Ban cut in, "the others would still be alive. Your people were foolish and reckless, especially the loud mouthed fool."
"A plan which neither you or Brian can be bothered to explain," Ohgi shot back. "You haven't even told us where you hid our knightmare!"
"It's called operational security. Things are on a need to know basis."
"Yoshida and I should be kept in the loop."
"Because you have proven yourself so vigilant. We have done nothing to earn your distrust-"
"You joined the army!" Ohgi took a steadying breath. "Serving Britannia is despicable. Brian is even worse. He betrayed our country from the onset. It is perfectly reasonable for us to have some reservations."
"What of your doctor friend?" Ban asked. "What has he done? He has never fired a weapon and risks his life to treat your little terrorist friends. Do you think this is how a good leader acts?"
"A leader protects his people, first and foremost. I cannot risk our safety on some unknowns."
"Which is exactly why you are a poor leader," he spat.
Oghi took a step forward, his face twisting. Undiluted rage peeking through the cracks of his calm facade. "People like you are why we are losing what it is to be Japanese! How could you possibly know what makes a leader when you are a coward who constantly runs away. Don't tell me you found one in that piss pool."
"Actually, I did." Ban shook his head slowly. "Our commander... He was perhaps the most unique individual I had the good fortune to meet. You make too many assumptions, Ohgi. I joined the army with the intent to raze everything I could and die. My wife, my daughter... They burned in Kagoshima, and I was going to return the favor. The commander... He knew, yet offered me a chance."
"So you became the good little soldier because a Brit showed you kindness," Ohgi mocked.
"No, I did not. I confessed my crimes to the commander. He discharged me under the pretense that I was unfit to serve. He was willing to take risks and bet his own life if need be. That was what made him a good leader. Our backgrounds, our history, our status. None of that mattered once we came under his command. Each of us were treated equally and given a chance to become better. You, Ohgi, never gave anyone a chance."
"Chances get you killed."
"If your doctor friend decides to stay after the operation, I will prostrate myself on the ground and beg for your forgiveness. I'm betting he'll wash his hands of you."
Ohgi flinched and pulled out his phone. His shoulders slumped. "Naoto didn't show up at work today. I called him-"
"You called him?" Brian snapped.
"Yeah? I got a phone over the black market. He said Ashford transferred him to a hospital in Niigata. Something about being understaffed. Do you think he requested it? I didn't mean to-"
Ban shot to his feet. "Where did you take the call?"
"By the entrance? Reception is shit in here."
"Idiot," Ban snarled and pulled out the radio. "Everyone, this is Bishop. Evacuate now through the East end. Quickly! Pocky! You there? Acknowledge? Pocky, this is Bishop. Good. Get the truck out of here. I need you to drive the supplies to E-5. Acknowledge?"
"I can drive," Suzaku stammered. Why the sudden rush?
The radio crackled in confirmation, and Ban flung a bag over his shoulder.
"Wait," Ohgi yelled, catching Ban by the shoulder. "What the hell are you doing? We just set up here! We cannot move."
"You called someone with a direct connection to Lord Ashford. They are most likely tracing all his calls." Ban ran a hand through his hair. "Not to mention that he is probably compromised."
"He wouldn't betray us," Ohgi said with way too much confidence concerning his past actions.
"I'm not saying he did, but I would rather be safe than sorry. Or do you think it is a coincidence that he got transferred right after our raid? Now get your hands off of me, and listen to orders for once in your life. Chiba!" Ban opened a crate, picked up two rifles-one of which he tossed to Suzaku-and pocketed a few items. "We're taking the north exit."
"You can't just head another direction!"
Ban turned coldly and pointed the gun at Ohgi. "Two people have a better chance to slip by unnoticed. Britannia cannot catch Kururugi. Every resistance group, and especially the JLF, would lose their air of legitimacy if they pranced him around on live television. Or maybe they execute him to demoralize us. I don't have time for this. Move!"
Eyes wide, Ohgi took a hesitant step back. Seeing Ban who was always calm suddenly snap was unnerving.
Suzaku broke into a fast job behind Ban, and followed him through the tunnels by the dim light of a flashlight. The puddles gleamed under the harsh beam, and splashed sharply as their boots broke through the surface. The radio crackled, and Ban fiddled with another item in his hand.
Sudden screams burst through, and Ban froze. Cursing softly, he pressed his forehead against the wall.
"How did you know?" Suzaku asked.
Shouts and footsteps echoed in the distance accompanied by sharp splashes.
"Because I used to be on the other side," Ban said. He held up his hand, and Suzaku flinched.
Distant explosions shook the ground, and violent winds howled through the tunnels. Ominous creaks set Suzaku's teeth on edge, and he warily looked up as fine debris showered them.
"We're almost there," Ban ordered and rushed to a reeking drain. "You're going to have to crawl and pull me up. It comes out in the old subways."
"I got something!" someone shouted in English. "There! Two hostiles. Moving in to engage."
Ban fell to the ground and positioned the rifle. "Run, kid."
Suzaku shook his head. There were only five soldiers. He wasn't leaving anyone behind. The gun rested heavily in his hands. Theoretically, he knew how to fire it. Chiba and Tohdoh had made sure that he would know incase of an emergency. This definitely qualified as one. He also had the kitchen knife, less deadly, but a weapon he was more than comfortable using.
"Go!" Ban ordered.
They couldn't see anything in the darkness. The Brit soldiers probably could; they had those fancy night vision goggles. Suzaku fired anyway. Confusion would only help them.
Ban growled, fired, and dragged him back by the collar around a corner. "Cover, idiot." He pulled out a small circular object from his pocket. "I need you to drop to the ground and cover your ears."
Shit. That was a grenade.
Brain tossed it and immediately fell down the ground, cradling his head. The grenade bounced off the walls with a sharp ping.
A deafening explosion tore through the air with an accompanying flash of fire.
Suzaku's ears rang, but Ban didn't give a moment to recover as he pulled him upright and into the opposing direction. His mouth formed words that Suzaku couldn't understand. Frustrated, he pointed the flashlight at where water slowly trickled out.
Oh. Their escape.
Suzaku shimmied through, trying to keep his head above the filthy water which smelled of gasoline. The entire pipe shook and Suzaku froze. Everything was too small.
They burst into a subway, and Britannians gaped at them from the station across the rails.
"Freeze," a soldier ordered running towards them. He was young and Japanese. His hand drifted to the radio clipped to his side. If he called them in, they would never escape. If Suzaku was lucky, he would die. The other option led to Empress Marianne. She had hated him when he had nothing; now he was a terrorist.
Suzaku didn't hesitate. The knife was in his hands. And like years before, when he stood across his father, it tore through flesh with frightening ease. His father dropped before he had even fully realized what he had done.
People were screaming and Ban was pulling him along and into a metal box, and then they were sitting there crammed together, covered in wastewater, and Suzaku's fingers glued together with blood. He couldn't hear anything but Ban's steady, rhythmic heartbeat and the rattling of the passing trains.
"Don't move," Ban hissed. "They can't find us here, but if we exit before they clear the area, we'll be caught."
Suzaku nodded, then realized it was too dark to see. "Understood."
None of that mattered anyways; he had just killed someone. A Japanese man in cold blood.
Viceroy Palace, Tokyo, Area Eleven
Leila, draped in blues, absently wandered through the maze of flowers in the rooftop garden. Lady Everette prowled behind her, on the lookout for Prince Lelouch, so Leila could make the proper introductions. She was not the only lady with such ambitions.
Every direction they turned, nobles gossiped about the too common subject of Prince Lelouch. He had played her as a fool, but she didn't think he had done anything of particular note. The nobles didn't even know of Prince Lelouch's scandalous history as an enlisted soldier.
"A lot of Britannian generals are in attendance," Leila said absently upon recognizing another face. So far she had spotted ten different men with EU intelligence files that marked them as a person of interest. They either possessed great influence or posed an imminent threat. Too many of the generals here lead the conquest of new Areas. Was Britannia already plotting her next invasion?
It was too soon.
"I see five," Lady Everette said.
Leila shook her head and pointed out the others. So far she could count seventeen, and if that many were already in attendance, there would be more. Was this normal for Britannian social functions? Or was it like the EU where they always coalesced after meetings?
The sight of General Cornelia dragging her younger sister away caught their attention. The gossip quickly filled them in on the salacious happenings which preceded. All this fuss over boyfriends? Royals had too much free time on their hands.
"I see him," Lady Everette announced, pointing to Prince Lelouch. Half hunched over, he stood close to the edge of the garden. Next to him was Leila's target, Kaguya. Was she really a spy? "You must make the introductions. He knows you."
Leila doubted it would be worth anything but obliged and approached him. Pulling on the lessons from her governess, she dropped into an overly formal courtesy to show her submission. "Your Highness."
"Lady Breisgau," he said noncommittally. His eyes drifted to Lady Everette. "You brought along a companion."
How different he was now compared to Australia. Cold and aloof. A respectful distance away, she spotted Frederick-still, the loyal guard dog. How could he stand to be used and still guard his precious prince?
"I wanted to thank you for arranging the opportunity-" The words monetarily stuck in her throat, but she couldn't disobey the Emperor. "-to explore my Britannian heritage."
To his credit, he raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"May I introduce my friend, Lady Everette?" she finished before he could question her. The Emperor would simply have to be satisfied with her insincere expression of gratitude.
Lady Everette dipped into an even deeper curtsey. "Your Highness."
Prince Lelouch's eyes flicked over her dismissively, not even settling for a moment on Lady Everette's bosom on display. In the E.U., her brazen manner would have caused a scandal, but the Britannians never cared much for moral virtue in the first place. His face twisted slightly, and he ducked to cough.
"Pardon him," Kaguya said. "He had a little shock."
Prince Lelouch straightened. "Perhaps you would like to inhale some wine as well."
"Not to worry. I don't overindulge."
"Merely on pastries."
Her lips pressed together. "Prince you may be, but tread carefully."
"So you don't want some Taiyaki?" He smirked, reminiscent of his deceptive act in Australia. Except why would he do it now? Exaggerated, remorse dripped from his words. "I invested such extensive effort in preparing them. First, forming a mold fit for one of the Sekke descended from a kami. I even procured some anko-"
"Oh, shut up," Kaguya growled. "Of course I want it."
"But you slandered my honor-"
She humphed. "Fine. I'm sorry. Give me."
Prince Lelouch grinned satisfactorily, and held out his hand expectedly. Frederick stepped up to him with a small package which Prince Lelouch happily passed to her. "As my fair lady commands."
Clearing her throat, Lady Everette drew their attention. "Are the festivities to your liking, Your Highness? Prince Clovis has truly outdone himself this time. Such a marvellous rooftop garden. I fear nothing within the Empire could compare."
Except of course her own extensive gardens which Leila found to be much more captivating. While Prince Clovis's project was decadent, the garden felt too contained, artificially confined. Everything was picked out with an artist's flair, yet when applied to the living, the results felt like a shadow of nature's ingenuity. Leila shook her head. Comparing gardens between royalty and her ally? She was becoming such a snob. Britannia was ruining her.
"They're loosely inspired by the Aries Villa," Prince Lelouch said. His hand trailed across the hedge. "I have no idea how the gardens have fared in my mother's absence."
Lady Everette's nose crinkled. "Neither of you have returned since the... assassination attempt?"
He chuckled. "The Imperial Palace in Old and New Pendragon are quite large enough and more secure. My mother started both the Round and Memorial Gardens in New Pendragon years before the incident. The former... Well, after a few training accidents with the Rounds, the landscape has significantly changed. You could say the plants there grow in accordance with Britannia's social policy. The Memorial Garden-" He paused. "It's beautiful, but Empress Gabrielle, Clovis's mother, maintains it these days. Nonetheless, the atmosphere would be inappropriate for festivities."
"Empress Marianne gardens? Why?" Leila winced at the unbidden words.
"Used to," he corrected. "I think she enjoyed the scandalized look whenever Empress Victoria would collect Euphie, and my mother would arrive in white pants stained brown from digging in the soil. Rather contrary to the blood thirsty image she has in the E.U., isn't it, Lady Bresigau?"
Leila crossed her arms. "Yes."
"She is an inspiration, I cannot fathom that the E.U. would slander her as such.'' Lady Everette added. She stepped closer, a hand shy of touching him. "Sometimes, I wish to follow in her footsteps, but my responsibilities tie me to my land as my father likes to say. Your burden is of course even more wearisome than mine."
"It's a responsibility." Prince Lelouch eyed her warily and looped an arm around Kaguya. At a respectable distance, yet close enough to eavesdrop, nobles clustered. "Give your father my regards. His support for Britannia's education initiatives are appreciated."
Kaguya rested her head on his arm with a victorious smirk. She tilted her head backwards and fluttered her eyelashes. "Will you marry me?"
"Do you not normally wait until we dance to ask this?"
"And risk being predictable?"
He raised his eyes to the night sky-only the moon visible as the city and flood lights turned the stars invisible. "Perhaps I like predictable people."
"They bore you. Now, answer the question."
"If you ask in such an uncouth manner, the answer will always be no." He withdrew his arm. "Besides, marriage is such a serious conversation and would bore these two young ladies."
Kaguya skipped forward, grabbing Leila's hand. "I don't mind sharing."
Leila's cheeks burned. "What are you implying!"
"You strike a hard bargain. Fine. You can marry him as well. You're amenable enough. I am sure that within a few years, you'll prove yourself worthy of a prince's attention." Kaguya raised a threatening finger. "I won't abide freeloaders."
Behind her, Prince Lelouch covered his face and between his fingers, eyed her like a rabid beast. "Kaguya..."
For once, Leila was in complete agreement. The mere idea- Her stomach churned. She understood the necessity of political marriages-not everything could be a love match-but how could that girl seriously consider multiple partners like it was nothing? Marriage was between two people. Otherwise, what use was it? To go through such a scheme felt tantamount to cheating.
That the Emperor engaged in such a practice with countless wives was enough to condemn it.
"Pardon the interruption, Your Highness." A middle aged lord bowed stiffly. Leila frowned, recalling various E.U. intelligence briefings. General Paddington, an ambitious Britannian officer whose rise to power was unusually swift. "Given your mother's position and your closeness to Lord Ashford, Lord Vandergeld and I were wondering if you had any insight on the development of the next generation frames."
"Have you asked General Cornelia? She and my mother have fervent rants on the matter." Prince Lelouch glanced at them and nodded. "I trust you ladies will be able to keep yourself entertained? Kaguya?"
She sniffed. "I have sharp enough claws to wander from your side. We will watch the fireworks together though."
Tense silence spread between them as they watched the two leave and waited for the curious crowd to disperse. Kaguya's expression didn't slip as Paddington dismissively asked the prince why he entertained her company. Prince Lelouch's reply was too quiet to hear.
As they drifted further away, Leila frowned as other Britannian officers collected around them. Were they really that interested in knightmare development? Or was something more nefarious afoot?
Lady Everette scoffed. "Do you really think he would ever consider someone so lowly as yourself?"
"But you have a chance?" Kaguya laughed. To a passing observer, she appeared genial; her poisonous green eyes betrayed her condescension. Or maybe, she intended for the two of them to know. Leila couldn't be too sure with this duplicitous lot. Kaguya rested a perfectly manicured hand on her arm. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Lady Everette, let me be perfectly clear. Whether or not he agrees to marry me will have no bearing on your own future because he will never even afford you the opportunity to hold his hand."
"My family's fortune-" Lady Everette hissed.
"-is inconsequential," Kaguya interrupted. "If he wanted to, he could claim it as his own with a few months of planning. Marriage among royalty is more than simple noble politics to merge estates or pool assets. No, it's a union where both put their heads on the chopping block in the vain hope that together they'll work their way closer to-or even onto-the throne. You have no hope of understanding him nor earning his trust, thus you have already lost."
"You underestimate me. Perhaps you sunk your claws into him first, but he'll never settle for an Eleven. Anyone would be superior to you."
Kaguya smirked. "Yet he doesn't agree. You know nothing."
"I know enough. His mother is an inspiration. She worked her way up the ranks. I won't judge him on that."
"You only know the filtered truth disseminated through the court. Were you to earn my favor, I might take pity on you and clear up certain misconceptions. I could even vouch for you in a shared arrangement-"
"I would rather eliminate my competition than agree to a corrupted compromise."
"-yet I don't like you," Kaguya finished with a shrug. Focusing on Leila, her lips relaxed to form a sweet smile. "The offer to you still stands. I happen to like you."
"The nerve of that girl," Lady Everette spat, not even waiting for her to have wandered a respectable distance away. "If he knew what she was saying..."
"They're close friends," Leila said quietly. Who was manipulating whom in their twisted relationship? Neither betrayed their secrets easily. If Lord Oberstein was right and she was spying for the Japanese resistance, did Prince Lelouch know? "I doubt you would be the first to attempt to drive a wedge between them. I don't think he cares at all that she's Japanese."
Lady Everette sighed. "It's frustrating. We have no one close to him."
"We?" As in Lord Oberstein?
"Yes," Lady Everette whispered, barely audible. "Our ally wishes to know more about him. Either he must join us or be restrained in his activity. The easiest way to achieve either is through marriage. While we could be together with him, alone, your background would cause trouble."
"Then what's wrong with Kaguya?"
"She's not on our side and head over heels for him. She'll support him without hesitation. He'd be the opposite of restrained." She pinched her nose. "Stay here. I am going to arrange things to give us the opportunity to steal a dance. Without the little devil, we might have a chance."
Leila waited for a minute as her acquaintance disappeared into the throngs of people. Would they really demand that she pursued Prince Lelouch for their arrangement? What even was Lord Oberstein's goal? He had revealed nothing personal, merely hooking her in with vague promises that this would somehow help the E.U.
And if their relationship would go anywhere... Marriages in Britannia weren't holy or respectable, but shams for political purposes. She wouldn't even have the security of being his wife over his mistress. She would be entirely at his mercy, and he had none. Their plan to seduce him to either remove him from the board or turn him to their side was doomed to fail.
He lacked a heart to woo.
The orchestra switched from ambient music to something with a greater tempo. In the center of the garden, nobles paired off. The second round of dances had begun. Lady Everette would return soon, and Leila's hands would be dropped into Prince Lelouch's. She would wear a smitten smile and show none of her righteous anger as he stared down at her.
Her hands clenched as she wandered deeper into the garden, away from such mockery. In small pavilions built in the classical Greek style, noble couples giggled and kissed under flickering torches. In a rare few, lords gathered speaking in hushed voices, probably arranging business deals.
She pulled her shawl tighter and climbed up to a large balcony which oversaw the entire garden. From the railings hung a small set of binoculars, and she used them to find Lady Everette dancing with Prince Lelouch. He broke away as the song ended and greeted the next lady equally enthused, meaning not at all.
"When I escaped up here, I did not expect to find a rare blue rose."
She whirled around. "Your Highness. My apologies."
Prince Clovis smiled genially. "Why apologize? These gardens tonight are for us all. I would be a poor host to berate you for exploring them as intended. Most of my guests are too preoccupied to enjoy themselves here."
"Thank you... I merely needed some space. Parties were never my thing."
"It's a shame to hoard a beauty such as yourself." He stepped closer and his finger twirled an errant lock of hair. "I admit that I do not mind."
The breeze tickled her skin, and her heart hammered in her chest uncomfortably. Her smile felt too tight for her face.
"You're cold." His hand pushed her gently between her shoulders. "The fire inside will save your health."
"I'm fine," she protested, but he didn't listen, pushing her inside the pavilion. Inside, a large bonfire burned in the center of various tables. He led her to a couch and wandered to the liquor cabinet. "Anything which catches your fancy?"
"There is no need to bother yourself."
"Nonsense. You deserve to be treated like a princess." He ducked into a neighboring room and returned with a bright blue cocktail. "It suits you, my blue flower."
Perhaps she should have chosen a more neutral color instead of one so reminiscent of her now burnt uniform. Prince Clovis wouldn't need to pull her aside and question her allegiance. She was supposed to gain their trust, yet she couldn't help but rebel.
Reluctantly, she sipped the nauseatingly sweet yet acidic drink. "You're too kind, Your Highness."
The pillow beneath her sank as he sat down beside her and looped an arm over her shoulder. "I merely know how to treat a lady."
She squashed the urge to slap away the offending limb and merely shrugged it off as she stood. She faced him, about to remind him of boundaries, and froze at his lips pressed tight in displeasure.
"Sit down," he ordered, patting the spot beside him. "You have been standing all night. Surely, you must be tired."
"No, my training was more strenuous." She took a hesitant step backwards, and her stomach clenched as one of his royal guards stepped out of the shadows.
"A woman of many talents." He stood, and she backed away from his steady advances. "I would be delighted to test whether your skills translate to other fields." Her back pressed against the cool marble wall. He leaned in dangerously close. "Your divine eyes, pure hair. You're a goddess to walk upon this earth. And who better than a prince to guard a piece of divinity."
He leaned in closer, intent clear.
His hand caught her wrist right before she could strike his cheek. "Feisty. I do hope you were not about to strike royalty. Such an action... Well, I am sure there was a mistake."
"Let me go," she ordered.
"To play a game of catch?" The right corner of his lips twitched upwards. "I did not take you for such an adventurous spirit."
"I wish to leave. I am sorry, but I do not like you in such a manner."
"Yet you are besotted with my younger brother. Unlike myself, he is quite cruel, playing with hearts and hoarding himself. He cast you aside, my dear. Waiting for him will only invite heartbreak. And what is there not to like? My looks cannot be found wanting. My paintings are admired around the world. And within Area Eleven, I rule like the Emperor. No one else can offer you the same or better. Not even Lelouch who you were so taken by."
She could say no again; he would ignore her. She could scream; no one would help her. She could strike him; her life would be forfeit.
"You're despicable," she hissed. He had the nerve to look offended.
His brow furrowed at the shouts from outside, and he withdrew.
"Pardon me, Your Highness," Kaguya, her hair in disarray, interrupted from the entrance way. One of the royal guards forcibly pulled her inside with a snarl. She didn't resist. "I see you found Leila! Wonderful. We'll both take our leave then."
"You will have to return empty handed," he growled. "Be glad that I do not punish you for such blatant indiscretion."
"And what do you think Lelouch will do when he hears you assaulted someone under his protection?"
"Assault? I'm no such barbarian." He sneered. "Your audacity really knows no bounds. Perhaps a remedial lesson is in order. We merely stayed our hands before because we thought Lelouch staked his claim, but he has no interest in you."
"Yet he didn't reject my proposal outright tonight." She lifted her chin. "Undoubtedly, you dipped elsewhere for the funds for this party. How disappointing, especially after Lelouch spent so much time helping you balance the books, so the Emperor won't punish you for your incompetence."
"You dare-"
"Yes. Without Lelouch's favor, you will either need to rely on Prince Schneizel or face the Emperor's wrath. His Majesty despises embezzlement. If I tell Lelouch what appears to be transpiring here, he will believe me over your protests, especially because of your reputations. Misunderstandings are inevitable."
"He doesn't care for her," Prince Clovis scoffed.
"He asked me to help her adjust. Make of that what you will. Sumeragi Industries will cover the cost for tonight. A tax deductible donation, of course."
"Of course," he grumbled.
"Leila, shall we?"
Heart hammering, she skirted past Prince Clovis and the royal guards and followed her outside. The music and chattering blended together into an indecipherable mess. Only Kaguya gripping her hand kept her from floating off into the crowd. Why had she helped her? Why would Prince Lelouch care? Leila was nothing to them, inconsequential.
Kaguya entered a passcode to the side stairwell, and they slowly climbed down. The marble floors echoed in the desolate hallways, while above, the music pounded relentlessly.
"I'm sorry. He was watching you since your arrival, but I hadn't noticed he disappeared in time," she said, walking into a lavishly furnished private antechamber. She pulled out a small crystal glass and filled it with tap water. "Drink."
"Thank you," Leila whispered and fell onto a hard wooden chair. "If you hadn't come..."
"That's why you don't wander off alone," Kaguya hissed. "If something happens, it would be your word against royalty's... or a high ranking lord. And unless your companion is very well respected or powerful, you should always be in a larger group. You merely have a family name and the Emperor's interest. That's the extent of your power. You can't protect yourself."
"I shouldn't need to. There's something called human decency!" Leila sneered. "And aren't you alone with Prince Lelouch all the time yourself?"
"Rumors may speculate, but I trust him. That's the difference. Unlike you, there are known consequences to pissing me off." Scowling, she rolled her eyes. "Admittedly, most of them are erroneously attributed to Lelouch, but the end result is the same. Just... You were so damn lucky that I noticed. If you're not married-and even if you are-avoid being in the same space as Clovis. He thinks everyone is in love with him. Prince Odysseus is probably fine. The worst he would do against your will is give you medical attention. Prince Schneizel, difficult to say. He squashes the worst rumors, but if he wants something, distance will hardly save you. He has too much power."
Leila crossed her arms in disgust. "You memorize all the royals to keep safe?"
Kaguya shrugged. "And nobles. If you haven't researched someone, you keep your distance, stay polite, and present yourself as interesting as watching paint dry."
Britannia was insane. Distracting herself, she took in the room. From the patterned wood floor with the softest carpet she had ever pleasure to touch to the cabinets with handles made of ivory, everything reeked of wealth and power. Nothing appeared out of place, yet there wasn't a single speck of dust anywhere. "Whose rooms are these?"
"Lelouch's. Not that he uses them much."
"Why?" She shook her head. "Why would he care? Or you? Both of you lied to my face and strung me along."
"I honestly don't know the details," Kaguya said. She took the seat across from her and set a small, buzzing jammer on the table. "Lelouch asked me to help you adjust to Britannian life. Out of everyone in Britannia, I probably understand your position best. Lelouch was there for me, but he didn't believe that would be appropriate for you. I guess you two parted on less than amicable terms."
"He blackmailed me! He's a monster, just like his father. He had no qualms executing Jeanne for some slight political advantage. He is a liar."
"Oh." Kaguya shook her head, smiling.
"You think he cares for you at all?" Leila snarled. "He had no problem twisting relationships. You're a tool to him, nothing more. He'll discard you when you're no longer of use. If you can't see that, you're a fool. So don't feed me some bullshit about good intentions. He thinks he can still get some use out of me. Is that it? I refuse."
"Jeanne's your sister."
"What?"
Kaguya folded her hands together. "Rather, your half-sister. He asked me to run a sibling test on two strands of hair. Was a rather unusual favor, but we don't question each other too much. I doubt Jeanne was ever in danger. You're quite right that he's a liar, but he has a tendency to craft himself as the villain in his schemes. Committing such deeds is not his style."
"But why? And the Emperor, he threatened to kill her if I didn't comply."
"It's the Emperor. Were it not for Jeanne, he would find something else to threaten. You must shelter your heart around him."
"Then who does he threaten for you?"
Kaguya grimaced. "He doesn't need to. I've never defied him. But were I to step out of line, I imagine my employees will suffer. Or the other members of the Kyoto House. More likely, he'll force me to marry one of his more lecherous sons. Or maybe even a daughter to avoid polluting the royal blood line. Princess Carine would love to torture me."
Leila gaped. "How are you so... calm?"
"Because it's out of my control. I can merely stack the deck in my favor."
"And the Emperor expects me to think Britannia is better?" A hysterical laugh escaped her. "Why would anyone choose this?"
Kaguya glanced away, her lips pursed. "The day I turned five, my parents explained to me that I would marry my cousin. Genbu Kururugi was groomed to be the future Prime Minister of Japan from before I was born. That was why he married my aunt on my father's side of the family which was distantly related to the Emperor before the E.U. deposed of him. My mother though was a more direct descendent of the imperial family and had a blood tie to the Chinese dynasty. As my cousin, Suzaku, was to be the Prime Minister after his father, marrying me would silence more traditional opponents. The Imperial Dynasty would have returned, skirting the E.U.'s imposed rules."
"But Japan was a democracy?"
"Your country invaded mine and declared us a democracy," Kaguya said coldly. "We were never like Britannia... Noble families always held much sway. They were simply elected into power, and afterwards, the National Diet had an unofficial agreement to only appoint a Prime Minister who could trace their lineage to the imperial bloodline. Not that it matters... Japan is dead. Like my own family, the Emperor will marry me off for political advantage. At least this time, I am expected to have more of a role than silently serving tea during my husband's meetings."
"So you choose this," Leila whispered. Was she truly a spy like Lord Oberstein said? "Are you attempting to seduce Prince Lelouch?"
Kaguya snorted. "I wish everyone luck with the seduction route. We're more likely to land on the moon before that works. "It's been about three years since I taught him how to flirt, and he just now realized what he was doing." She shook her head fondly. "Someone had to ruin my good fun. I'd like to say he was a little less dense as a kid, but the first time we met, he told me that he was a demon who would eat me. He also called me obnoxious. Really spoiled kid."
While Leila had various insults on the tip of her tongue for him, she had to admit he wasn't spoiled compared to his siblings. "What changed?"
Kaguya glanced at the ceiling and sighed. "I didn't tell you, understood? If a whisper of this gets back to the Emperor, he will trace it back to the source and eradicate any leaks."
"I will keep silent," Leila promised. Maybe now she would learn whether Kaguya was a spy or not.
"After Empress Marianne's attempted assasination, the Emperor sent her two children to be fostered with the Kururugi family. My family was thrilled at the news. They saw it as an opportunity to strengthen ties with Britannia. We spent two years together. I didn't visit that often. My parents were trying to stop the western corruption." She rolled her eyes. "My cousin though... He and Lelouch became best friends. They drove my uncle absolutely insane. Lelouch especially. He once faked a terrorist attack, so they could sneak out and rescue a bird of all things."
"So he really doesn't believe in Britannian superiority," Leila murmured.
"A great point of contention between him and his parents. But if that had been it... I don't know. Britannia invaded while Lelouch and his sister were still there."
"That's-"
"I don't know all the details. Their mother collected them miles out in the remaining carnage. My cousin at that point wasn't with them, but from what I understand, Empress Marianne absolutely despised him. Lelouch barely talked with his parents for years afterwards. Their relationship is still frosty as a result.
Frustratingly, she almost felt sorry for him. He had tricked her of his own free will, yet she couldn't help but feel sympathetic... and livid that E.U. intelligence had missed all this.
Leila crossed her arms, unwilling to let her pain go. "The Emperor still favors him. So he's Britannian enough."
"I'm Britannian," Kaguya said flatly. "It's the only way to survive, and Lelouch will always do everything in his power to protect his sister. Her safety is what failure costs him."
"Except the Emperor never ordered him to," Leila spat.
"And you trust his word?"
"After he left you, he mingled with a bunch of Britannian officers," she shot back, clutching at the last shred of evidence that would indict him as a monster. "He's probably about to get a commission and help expand the Empire. I say it's worse that he's willing to commit the same atrocities he experienced. He has no compassion."
Surprisingly, Kaguya paled. "They only wanted to talk about knightmare development."
"Is that any better?" Leila exhaled slowly. "I recognized a lot of the attendants. They all have intelligence briefs due to military involvement. There must have been an important meeting for so many from different Areas to be in attendance."
"Herding birds," Kaguya mumbled and pushed back her chair.
"What?"
Pacing, she mumbled incoherently in another language. "Do you know of a Brittannian unit that uses birds?"
"I don't-"
Kaguya slammed her hands on the table. "Tell me. Birds. Anyone. Nicknames. Anything."
"Helicopters?" Leila suggested, baffled. This was the first time Kaguya appeared.. unnerved. Fearful, even. "So now you agree he's a duplicitous demon? That he's no better than the rest of his family?"
Kaguya laughed. "He's better. In the best and worst ways. I was hoping he would stay a diplomat."
"So he can ruin more people's lives."
"Please. If you hadn't already done that, you would have eventually. No. Because in diplomacy, the resulting damage would be more contained. In war, we'll experience devastating losses. I mean, victories. The rest of the world won't stand a chance."
"You don't look thrilled." She wasn't as Britannian as she tried to claim.
"Because I will have to pick up the pieces, and I'm not sure if I can put him back together."
A somber silence settled across the room.
Leila frowned. "You actually love him."
"What's love?" Kaguya asked. "I loved my father too. Or I thought I did. I don't know. I also thought Empress Marianne loved her children, but I guess she didn't. Then again, she does sometimes seem to care. She rages when they're endangered. Is that love? It feels quite irrational. A vulnerability more than anything. Useful to exploit. No, I don't love him. We're of use to each other. That's all we can ever be. We would betray each other in a heartbeat."
"You're depressingly cynical."
The door opened, and Prince Lelouch strode in, eyebrows rising. "Who is cynical?"
"Me," Kaguya said brightly. She fluttered her eyelashes.
Prince Lelouch rolled his eyes. "Except you're painfully optimistic that the next kid you hire isn't working for the OSI."
"But they couldn't possibly be so cute."
Pinching his nose, he sighed. "Don't come crying to me when they reveal your scandalous secrets.
"What secrets?"
"Why is she here?" he snapped, gesturing at Leila. "I said you could hide here. Not also every lost soul you picked up along the way."
"It's only one lost soul."
His eyes narrowed her.
"Your brother has taken a bit too much of an interest."
"Anything I need to worry about?" he asked softly.
"I merely figured it was better to be safe than sorry."
"Lady Breisgau... If the situation changes, please tell me. I know we didn't part on the best terms... Also, do you want me to tell my father that you... thanked me?"
Leila swallowed. Right, the Emperor was the one who needed to be appeased, not him. Unfortunately, now she had an actual reason to be thankful. Two, even. "That would be appreciated."
"Good." He smirked. "I expect an apology letter for Frederick by tomorrow night. Come on, Kaguya. The fireworks await. At least the locals can enjoy the festivities somewhat for once? And you as well, Lady Breisgau. I'm not leaving you alone in my chambers."
Bastard. He had been the one to use his guard as bait and toy with his feelings. But she needed to apologize? What a hypocrite.
Worldbuilding Thoughts:
- In Japan, the Fujiwara clan dominated politics for centuries, especially during the Heian period. They accomplished this by marrying heavily into the Imperial family, dominating government positions, and acting as regents for young Emperors. Funny enough, during this time, Heian-kyō was the capital of Japan. Today, it's known as Kyoto. With the rise of cloistered rule (where retired Emperors ruled), they lost their stranglehold over politics. Interestingly, they continued to be relevant and split into the Sekke, or the five regent houses. While the Code Geass names do not align with the clan names, the heavy parallelism with them being from Kyoto (the capital during Fujiwara's prominence) and being specifically five families, makes it quite likely that this is a deliberate reference to history. Or the TL;DR: Kaguya is descendant of the Fujiwara clan.
- Cousin marriages: There are two types, parallel (child of your father's brother for example) and cross cousin marriages (child of your father's sister or vice versa). The former many cultures consider taboo, while the latter is considerably common, especially in South Asian cultures. Japan's former Prime Minister, Naoto Kan (2020-2011), was also married to his first cousin. The advantage to such relationships is mostly in keeping property in the same family. It also strengthens family ties. The chance of birth defects is not significantly higher than the general population, unless they're double first cousin (as you'd share the same amount of DNA as a half-sibling). Umm... thank you Code Geass for random rabbit holes?
- There's been some discussion I've found regarding the alt history of Japan. I unfortunately don't know enough of Japanese history to really go into detail and am therefore defaulting as close as possible to irl history and not having the Shogun get rid of the Emperor or something. So in Excalibur, the E.U. invaded Japan during the Pacific War (WWII/WWI time frame), executed the Emperor and his family, and installed a democracy. This wasn't exactly well received and also undermined Japan's military capabilities. As part of this, Okinawa became an E.U. military base.
Author's Note:
Sorry for the slight delay. I'm not the best at juggling multiple projects and therefore forgot to send this chapter to my betas. Thank you Dark for being totally onboard on the very last minute, lol. As a result, there might be some small changes since editing was rather rushed. And I bet they are typos because I always miss them, even when having plenty of time. *sigh*
For folks who like manipulative Nunnally and Lelouch/Suzaku, I would recommend checking out Playing Cupid. Everything is written already; I only need to post. For folks who like gen and some supernatural shenanigans, there's another fic being posted tomorrow. Thank you Zov for organizing the fandom bang. :)
And we're back on a regular two week schedule.
Chat with me on the discord: discord . gg / uSBegVj