Suzaku had been busy in the capital for three days. It was the first time Lelouch relieved him from his duties as a soldier, allowing the man to leave his side. Although he was not in the capital to spend his days off, this was still different from his usual line of work.
Technically he was sent here for "guarding duties" upon request by an extremely important aristocrat. Although Suzaku objected to Lelouch's decision to send him, the ruler made it clear that his decision was unbreakable. The brunet was not convinced with Lelouch's decision since he looked like he was forced to do all these. Hence, after a few threats the ruler admitted the truth.
Lelouch had been exchanging letters with his elder second cousin, the distinguished lady who was known as head of the neighbouring country's army—Cornelia li Britannia. How could Lelouch refuse a woman he dubbed "a battle-axe," when it felt as if she could jump out of the letters and strangle him if he denies her request. It all started when he received a letter from Deutmenri, her country, asking about Lelouch's best fighters. And the fool he was, bragged about his dear friend, Suzaku Kururugi. Her next letters demanded the said soldier to be sent to the capital to guard her younger sister, Euphemia li Britannia.
Suzaku still refused despite earning an explanation, claiming that he would prioritize matters of the country – something he could do if he stays by Lelouch's side. A suggestion like sending another soldier was given, but this was disapproved by Lelouch. Surely Cornelia would write to someone in secrecy and inquire if it was truly Suzaku who had escorted Euphemia. If she were to find out, the fierce lady would come and ask Lelouch to a duel and humiliate him. Suzaku, with an amused look on his face, concluded that Lelouch was actually afraid of someone who isn't his father.
On his fourth day in the capital, Suzaku woke up feeling exhausted. The softness of the bed was something he would only feel when he's at home for the barracks offered no comfort. It was tempting to stay there all day, but he remembered he has duties to fulfil. He wanted to rise, go to Lelouch's cousin and wake her up. However, he felt overwhelmingly worn-out for reasons unclear to him. Sure, he was always tired due to his trainings, but he never experienced this kind of exhaustion. He had become spent overnight, listless as a piece of paper.
Suzaku was debating with himself, thinking if he should rise and do his duties or sleep in for once. However, he was ever a man with clear resolve. Waking up was his only choice to make. So when he opened his eyes to the well-decorated ceiling, bearing a painting of the star map, his head started to hurt. He could recall sleeping to his quarters for the past nights—and the room was never this grand. Looking to his right, he saw floral patterns of red and green covering the upper half of the room. The lower half of the walls was covered with polished oak. He squinted, puzzled. Again, his room wasn't this grand. The curtains were thick and deep red in hue, completely blocking the bloody sunlight.
He slowly sat himself while doing shoulder rotations trying to drive the exhaustion away. Much to his surprise though, he flinched when he touched his neck. A sharp pang made him jolt, and he realized that somehow he was bruised.
"What on earth happened to me?" he mumbled as he lifted the covers, and lifting the covers gave him the answer. Undressed under the sheets, a few amount of blood staining the white bedcovers. Next to him laid a lady whose naked back faced him. Her long wavy hair sprawled across the bed like cobwebs, some draping his thigh which was dangerously close to her smooth round backside.
Suzaku looked away, his face red in embarrassment. How could he feel so turned on right this moment? This was simply wrong!
"Forgive me God for I have sinned…" he mumbled. Lelouch's words echoed in his head, reminding him that Cornelia would definitely write to someone here in the capital to check on Euphemia's whereabouts. The blush was gone from his face, and was instantly replaced with paleness. The memories of last evening slowly came swarming back to him. Once the lady woke up, he should prepare for leaving.
Suzaku arrived early at the train station, waiting for the lady he was tasked to escort for a week. It was a sunny day though the sky was barely seen from this place. The thick black smoke from the trains were blocking the view of the blue sky. On the platform pranced hundreds of people dressed in coats and brimmed hats, carrying their suitcases, some going in and out of the trains. Among the throng of people, the soldier sat on a bench far from the platform, dressed like a commoner.
The brunet tried to keep his expressions neutral. He quietly perched himself there, arms crossed over his chest, a book laid open on his lap. He was two hours early to meeting the lady whoever she was. If it was a noble lady, surely she would stand out the moment she stepped out of the train. He was expecting a lady with a lady-in-waiting, dressed with the finest fabrics and whatnot. Typical lady of a higher status.
Sitting here for an hour more felt like eternity, and Suzaku had been thinking of abandoning this duty which has nothing to do with the country's safety. He sighed. Surely, she would arrive an hour later. After all, he came here in advance upon his own will. He would like to test the lady to see what she would do if her escort stood her up.
A few minutes later, engines roared and ground shook. The railings rattled as a black train pulled up. Thick dark smoke trailed after it, while the train itself slowed down with a deafening shriek. When the doors opened, people of different statuses came out rushing. It was almost enjoyable to watch people of various skin and hair color scurry out of the train. Their faces showed impatience as they pushed each other off, which was needless since the station was pretty much wide.
"This is the normal face of the city," he thought. Honestly, he missed seeing the hassle and bustle of the city. Working to keep a nation's safety means putting one's life on the line and depriving one's self with luxury. Sitting here is a luxury for the brunet. He sighed. Suzaku considered napping for half an hour getting bored from sitting, until a lady with rosy hair came out of the train. Dressed in a neat commoner's dress, she was struggling to pull her suitcase out of the train. It wasn't huge, her luggage. Nevertheless, she was having a hard time dragging the suitcase with her as if it was a full-grown deer she was carrying. The alarming thing, she was alone.
Suzaku gazed at her. Tall, curvy, pretty face, clad with such simplicity in her manner of clothing. She didn't even put on a hat. When she looked around, her purple eyes met his. He just knew she was Lelouch's second cousin. Her eyes gave it away.
"Good morning, sir." She smiled, staring down at him. Suzaku looked around to assure she was talking to him. "I'm wondering if I am in the right station," she asked, clarifying if this is the Britannian Empire.
"You're in the right place," he answered, expressions still neutral. "Have you never been here?"
"Yes, this is my first trip in this country." The lady kept on looking around. Suzaku guessed she was looking for him, her escort. "By any chance, have you seen a person from military here?"
He was right. "Don't tell me you are a criminal," he feigned surprise, playing along with her. When she shook her head no and explained, he replied, "I have got time with me so I wouldn't mind giving you a tour in the city."
The lady was so delighted with his offer that she instantly pulled him up and linked arms with him. Suzaku carried her suitcase, which was lighter than what he thought. Much to his surprise, she had no air of nobility around her. She was like an ordinary teenage girl, laughing merrily, unafraid of the gazes people give her when she laughs aloud.
Suzaku brought her to the famous places in the city. They saw the monument of Lelouch's father, who's still the head of the country, near the central post office. Also, they visited the capitol and he showed a painting of Lelouch, the young head of the military who was given independent ruling by his father due to his capabilities. She was taken to the Town Square, toured to the stunning astronomical clocks, and brought to the bazaars lined up downtown. She seemed to enjoy the commoner's life sincerely. The way she smiled and ran under the sun told him how much curious she was with this different world.
There was a group of musicians playing near the fountain at the Town Square. It was noon, the sun was glaring above them. They were walking side by side when the music reached her ears. Immediately, she pulled him with her, begging him to dance. Suzaku refused politely, knowing how bad he was at this. With a cute scowl, she ran close to the musicians and danced on her own. Her hair twirled around her, skirt whirling around her ankles. The way she moved showed the aura of a noble lady she hid starting the moment they met. She danced and clapped, moving her hips with too much grace. He knew she looked so lovely dancing there. He knew, he wasn't the only one captivated by her. Everyone around them were cheering and applauding her.
It was already afternoon when they sat by the riverbank, half a mile away from the Town Square. She had her boots removed, exposing her pale feet red in some places. She was lying next to him, enjoying the cool shade of the tree. The two of them were enjoying the quiet murmurs of the rivers and the melodious chirping of the birds.
"I had a nice day in this city," she looked up, watching him flip to the next page. "I'm sorry for asking you to give me company."
"Do not apologize, I enjoyed myself, too." He glanced away from his book to smile at her. There was something calming about her face and smile. Perhaps she was the embodiment of serenity and joy, he thought. A lovely lady who was so comfortable with the simplicity of life. At the back of his mind, he wished all nobles were like her.
"Were you waiting for someone earlier when I saw you? What about the person?"
"I have no idea," he lied, glancing away from her mesmerizing eyes. "I was just waiting there to find a local lady, I suppose. I was told I need a lover." Suzaku chuckled, remembering Lelouch left in their city. Now, the young conqueror had probably graduated from his virginity, considering his progress with his lady. Should he really worry about Lelouch at this moment? It wasn't like he felt left out if Lelouch finally had his way with the girl.
"Really, Sir Suzaku Kururugi?" she laughed, propping herself up from the grasses. Suzaku whipped his head to meet her friendly gaze, surprised to hear her call him by his full name. He was more surprised when she addressed him sir. "You do not suppose finding a lover at the train station, do you? When are you planning to introduce yourself?"
She had an amiable smile, waiting for him to tell the truth. "You know that I am the lady you will escort, don't you? I haven't realized it was you until we went to the capitol." He furrowed his brows to show confusion. "The guards almost saluted to you."
"You have got keen eyes," he smiled and went on his knee. "I will be your official escort in this country, milady. It is my duty to keep you safe."
"You shouldn't be too formal when it is only you and me," she lifted his chin, green meeting purple orbs. All Suzaku could see was sincerity and honesty in her eyes. Truly, she was the personification of serenity. "You can call me Euphie, Suzaku. Thank you for today, I enjoyed the city. Please bring me to the Britannia's residences, I am tired as a dog."
Escorting her was a private affair unrelated to the country's safety. While his presence here might have been unwilling, he didn't regret coming here on the contrary.
"As you wish," he rose. "You have a social gathering to attend later this evening, better take some rest before that." With that, the two left the riverbank.
The evening came quite soon. Once the sky darkened and the lampposts were lit, Chateau de Britannia glowed with lights as if it was a separate realm. Countless nobilities flooded the halls, filling in the entire castle with laughter and music. The ladies danced and the gentleman talked. Some had found people to woo. Some, they were doing their businesses down in the inner gardens.
Euphemia li Britannia, Britannia's honourable guest that moment, stood annoyed on the balcony. She had her eyes fixed at the stars that moment, blankly staring at Cassiopeia. The trees rustled as the wind blew, making her long hair flutter behind.
Suzaku was standing behind her, this time dressed with his uniform. The medals were pinned on his coat, so as the brooch which displays his knighthood. "It is getting cold, milady-"
"It is Euphie," she countered with a sigh. It was certainly most relaxing in her room, had not the lovers below her balcony were too noisy. "Animals are humping in the undergrowth, Suzaku. It must be spring."
The knight laughed, amused with her indifference. The moaning had been going on for the five minutes already. "Would you like to go inside, then? I'll bring you a drink or a slice of cake." When she replied a huff, he offered to silence the lovers below. "That's not it," she sighed. She glanced at him with a small smile on her face. Her eyes looked dull under the moonlight, however. "I'd like you to help me escape tonight. I want to watch the carnival."
What was his impression of her? Yes, a lady who enjoys the simplicity of life a lot. It must have bored her to follow all the rules and conducts of the nobility that she found commoner's activities so fascinating. As much as he wanted to show her around, that was too much of a danger.
Suzaku's face wrinkled with disapproval. Why didn't Lelouch warn him that this lady was a fanatic of commoner's realm? Somehow he understood why Cornelia wanted to best soldier to escort her. Euphie is quite stubborn.
On one hand, it was an established rule, the line between a commoner and a nobleman shouldn't be crossed. And Euphemia was boldly crossing it. He, himself, rose to nobility only because his father had been a war general. If not for that, he would be a commoner, too.
"That will put both of us in danger, Euphie. Haven't you had enough tour earlier today?"
"You purposely showed quite a number of places, but I know there's more to that," she walked to him, standing almost his height. There was defiance and stubbornness reflected in her eyes as she looked at him. "I am no Marie Antoinette, Suzaku. The dull side of this coin exists because there is beauty. And you've showed me enough beauties of the capital."
"That order I refuse to follow," he bowed his head, willing to disobey her. It was unsafe to go out this evening. Besides, the place where the carnival opened was at the far end of the downtown. Even if he was a trained soldier, protecting a high-ranking nobility (of another country, at that) was too dangerous. Bandits, once they teamed up, would be a little too hard to control by himself. "I am entrusted to keep you safe and I know that the streets are unkind during this hours."
"You are back talking like a knight to his lady," she rolled her eyes and moved inside the room.
"Certainly, you are my lady and I'm reminding you that." Suzaku was firm about this, he wouldn't let her go. Following her across her room, he noticed the way her shoulders sagged.
"I came here to see the reality, Suzaku. Parties of this extravagance help me not, never. I'm more concerned with the affairs of state and people rather than this get together of nobilities."
"You are not allowed to meddle with those, you know it… milady." He pranced ahead and opened the door for her. The music entered her quiet abode, the laughter and all other noises followed after. "Be obedient and follow your sister."
Euphie sighed. She hated being told the obvious. Feeling as though she has no voice, power, nor simple control over her own life were the things she hated next. Hence, she smirked at him and showed her resistance. She turned around and ran back inside her room, going straight to the balcony.
It was silly and childish to insist what she wanted to do, but for once she would be stubborn about it. She had always been stubborn, anyway, once her elder sister isn't around. Back in her home, she was told what she should be all her life. The trip to Britannia granted her freedom for the first time, so not even Britannia's best knight and soldier could stop her.
"Euphie!" Suzaku scampered after her, his long strides immediately brought him next to her. Much to his surprise though, she lifted the hem of her dress and jumped out of the balcony. "Euphie!" He panicked and hopped after her, pulling her to him midair until the two of them fell straight to the bushes. There was no enough time to process what was happening all of this. The knight was simply glad to have himself cushioned with this fall.
The two heard the couple below Euphie's balcony scream and run. Their moaning were replaced with screams, suicide! suicide!, which was hardly true since jumping out of the second storey wouldn't kill them at all. Slumped on the bushes as if these were their bed, the two looked up to the stars. The Cassiopeia was twinkling down at them.
"Please refuse from jumping out of your balcony," he sighed, his palm touching his forehead. She was lying above him, her head resting on his chest. She was warm, curled up like a guilty puppy. "I will escort you wherever you want, milady. Tonight isn't just a good timing."
She nodded, pushing herself up from him. "I see, jumping off the balcony is a little dangerous." Euphie laughed, pulling him up with her. "Did I scare you, Sir Suzaku?"
"Indeed, I am worried sick." He knelt and brushed off the leaves and twigs which attached themselves to her gown. They remained quiet for a few more moments until Suzaku finished taking off the dirt on her gown. He didn't want this to reflect on her image once they got back in the ball. "Do you think a tea is possible now?" he asked, standing on his full height.
She was gazing at him all this time, with that tiny smile adoring her lips. Chuckling, she raised her hand to cover her lips. "That sounds great. Let's go back."
Upon entering the banquet, all eyes turned to the entrance as her name was announced. Gone was the outgoing lady Suzaku was keeping company all day. Instead, a reserved lady with a proud stature stood next to him, her hand was barely gripping his arm as they slowly walked in. Her strides were purposely small and graceful, surprising Suzaku in every possible way.
It was as if the room stood still. Every noble fixed their eyes on her, the music somehow drowned and went unnoticed as they walked. She was exceptionally beautiful, mesmerizing, as she made her way to towards the Emperor, her uncle. All other ladies, young and old, were no compare to her, at least to Suzaku's eyes, that's how it is. He could see the ladies turning to whisper to each other; the men, well, they had those smiles which showed they were impressed and captivated. The knight saw the Emperor with an amused smile on his own, the one which says he is proud of what Euphie has become. Now, this made Suzaku wonder about the real purpose of Euphie's visit in Britannia.
"My dear niece!" the Emperor stood and walked to her. Before he could give her a hug and a kiss on her cheek, the lady untangled her hand from her knight's arm to curtsy first. It was only after the curtsy that he managed to embrace the young lady. "Look how beautiful you are…" he was marvelling at his niece's youth and beauty which clearly caught every gentleman's attention tonight.
"You flatter me, Uncle Charles, Your Highness." Euphie smiled and hugged him dearly.
"Well, how about dancing to meet a nice nobleman?" asked the Emperor, though it sounded like a joke. Suzaku saw the glint of sadness in her eyes as she smiled.
"You know well enough that I am no good with dancing," she said, earning the Emperor's laughter. "Moreover, I am tired. A tea with my escort is all I can do for tonight, Uncle."
"Fair enough, you seem unfit for dancing when I saw you years ago." It was weird for Suzaku to hear the Emperor agree with her. Charles continued anyway. "Is Sir Suzaku Kururugi keeping you good company?" The Emperor looked his way, which Suzaku eventually bowed his head to pay respects.
"Oh, he surely does." She dismissed. "Can I have my way to the banquet, Uncle? I'm quite famished."
The Emperor gave her a kiss on her forehead before offering her hand back to Suzaku. The pair made their way to the long table, Suzaku pulling a seat for her. The table was filled with older noblemen, mostly were heads of the family and some were younger successors. Euphie was seated next to a lady with grey hair, the other was an empty seat.
"Suzaku," her voice was soft, barely above a whisper. She held on his coat's cuff, preventing him to walk farther than a step away from her. "I demand you sit next to me."
"I cannot, milady. This seat is probably reserved for someone of higher status than me."
"Nonsense," she glared at him. "What status is nobler than being a knight?" This time she stood, catching the attention of her uncle. "May I have Sir Suzaku to sit next to me, Uncle Charles?"
"We can arrange that," answered the Emperor, looking quite perplexed. The people sharing the table with them looked surprised, too. "If you insist."
"You have my apologies. I'm feeling quite unwell, so I wish my escort to remain as close as possible, Uncle." Euphie sat just as graceful as she stood, glancing to Suzaku briefly. When she has taken her seat, he sat next to her.
The meal was quiet for Suzaku and Euphemia. Most laughter and talks were shared among the noble peerage of Britannia, though some questions were addressed to Euphie. She answered them briefly, clearly showing that she had no interest to deepen any conversation with them, especially when it was the male peerage who was trying to converse with her. However, if there was one conversation she ever entertained, it was with the old lady next to her.
Suzaku couldn't hear what they were talking about. It seemed impolite to eavesdrop as well; the lady seemed harmless so the knight relaxed and smiled instead. After half an hour, both the old lady and Euphie stood, curtsying to each other before the older woman left the table. This was the time she bid her uncle good night.
Euphie and Suzaku arrived in her room. It was still the grand room with floral walls. The huge window was opened, allowing the cool night breeze to circulate the room. Upon entering, she asked Suzaku to lock the doors and windows right away. Also, she requested the curtains to be drawn.
"I shall leave, Euphie. I can't watch over your sleep." He said, pulling the thick curtains together after fastening the locks of the windows.
"I know," she said, walking over to the lace dressing screen standing at the far right side of the bed, next to the walls. "Please come over here and undo the laces of my dress."
Suzaku blushed, fingers tightening on the curtains. Well, he certainly didn't expect such request from her. She already dropped the reserved facade and was back to her outgoing self, but it was still strange to request a man to help her undress. He wasn't getting any funny ideas. How dare would he?
"Euphie, that's something I shouldn't meddle with even if you request it."
"I think so," she sighed, peering over the screen. "But the ladies who dressed me earlier are making me uncomfortable. They are making too much fuss about dressing me, says they like my skin and body."
"Then I shall warn them to avoid talking to you," he immediately run to the doors, staggering a little. This was too much to process as of the moment.
"Suzaku, it wasn't like I have nothing under the dress. I'm wearing layers. All you have to do is help with the ribbons laced behind me, please."
His hand on the knob remained still. Truth be told, he never undressed a girl. Though Euphie was clearly a girl who wasn't thinking what he might be feeling, Suzaku still couldn't deny the funny thoughts going on in his head.
"I don't think I can," he simply murmured. However, when she said please again, he had to look her away. "Are you really asking me this? I'm a man."
"But you are a kind man, I know." She smiled at him, still waiting behind the screen. "Aren't you?"
He sighed, fingers sliding off the knob. "I don't deserve your kind words." With his red face, he helped untangling the lace behind her, enabling the lady to remove the frock. Like what she said, she had several more layers underneath and none showed a bit of her skin.
"Now, do you believe me?" She turned around and looked at him, somehow pleased to see him so shy and red. "You can leave now, Suzaku. Thank you for today."
A nod was his answer, finding no strength to speak. He made sure to close the door behind him as soft as possible, letting out a heavy breath after leaving her room. He wondered how Lelouch was able to do fancy things with this lady if they wear various layers. Wincing, he decided to pay a visit to the maids first, leaving them a warning about their behaviour around Euphie.
It was the third day of Euphemia's stay in Britannia. Yesterday was filled with several meetings with the successors of noble families. She was clearly worn out by those meetings she deemed unimportant, senile and corrupt. Suzaku remained clueless with the purpose of the guests she had, for he was never allowed to enter the room where she met the several nobleman.
"I am weary," she cried, slumping down onto the grasses. She had changed into a simple white frilly summer dress, her ankles almost hidden by the laces at the hem. "Suzaku, humor me."
"How should I do that?" The knight sat next to her, opening his book. The Chateau had a nice garden with tall trees which offered wide, cool shades. "Do you want to hear a story?"
"The talks in the barracks," she laughed. "I want to hear what soldiers talk about when you are not in the field."
Suzaku looked away, laughing awkwardly. "Those are talks ladies shouldn't hear, I assure you."
"Aha, so you actually talk about ladies?"
"Not all the time, but yes."
Squinting, she had a mischievous smile. She was leaning on her palms, gazing up at him from his book. "And what's your share of story, I wonder." Chuckling, she stretched out a hand and poked his side. "Let me know, Suzaku."
"I don't have any," he laughed, trying to swat her finger away. "Please, it hurts. Stop it."
"Aha, men are getting embarrassed when ladies ask about it." Nodding, she pushed herself to sit. "Or is it because you have no experience yet?"
"Milady, let's not talk about this. This will tarnish your image," he was still blushing. His statement remained unheard, nevertheless.
"Oh, I love that face, Suzaku." She laughed, tangling her arms with his. Her head rested on his shoulder, eyes gazing at the distant roses across the yard. "Well, noble ladies talk about that, too. Mostly they are wondering about a male's body. I am the most well-read among my friends so I tell them what I know about the human body." Euphie chuckled, hearing Suzaku cough. "It is true. I know science, Suzaku! Would you like to know about the female body instead?"
"I refuse!" he stood, walking away from her. "Milady, refrain from such indecent talk. This makes me uncomfortable."
"I wonder about that," she chuckled, standing. "Well, I need to prepare for a meeting this afternoon. I was asked to visit the Mauvais Manor. I detest the name of such place, so make sure to never take your eyes off me."
Her latter statement sounded serious. It vanished soon, though, before he could even comment about it. On one hand, Suzaku was sure she looked unhappy about her last scheduled activity today. Yesterday was tiring enough for her, so he thought it wouldn't hurt to reward her for attending her duties.
"I hope you won't tire yourself as much as you did yesterday. I will bring you to the carnival before evening, if that will make you happy," he offered. Although she smiled, he knew it wasn't from her heart.
Suzaku looked carefully at his lady as she went out of the carriage. They had arrived at Mauvais, accompanied by the murky skies. It seemed like Euphemia wasn't the only one unhappy with today's meeting. Even the heavens seemed to forbid her going to here. Despite the dark clouds above them, she still looked beautiful. Though her clothes looked as if she was mourning. She was wearing a square neck black dress which covered her feet, the usual length. Its sleeves were puffy, and odd choice since she would usually out on bell-shaped sleeves.
"Please do not leave the gates, coachman." Euphie spoke directly to the coach. "Refuse if they invite you inside. Take shelter inside the carriage if it suddenly pours. I want to leave as soon as possible."
"Yes, milady."
She nodded, curtsying to the coachman to show her gratitude. Turning around, she held on Suzaku's arm as they walked towards the entrance. There stood a well-dressed man, perhaps a couple of years older than Suzaku and Euphie. The knight felt the lady's grip grow tighter as they approached the man, her dislike of this meeting was apparent.
"Milady!" greeted the man, bowing as she walked upstairs. "I haven't seen you for ages. How are you doing?" He politely asked for her hand, which she didn't give right away but he was able to take it and place a kiss at the back of it. "Please, be my guest. Welcome to my home." Their host went ahead, signaling his servants to open the doors for them.
"Oh, I hate this, Suzaku. Never let your eyes leave me, I beg you." It was carefully whispered as they walked in. Suzaku only squeezed her hand as he let her walk alone inside the said mansion.
Andrei Jamais was an acquaintance of Cornelia li Britannia, someone she met during her military training years ago. He was a wealthy successor of his noble line, inheriting a sugar factory and a 16-acre manor with a mansion standing within the owned space. He looked around in his late 20s, his brushed up blond hair looked slick as a snot, that not a single strand could be seen dangling on his face. His thick mustache irritated Suzaku as well, feeling like it felt off.
While Euphemia quietly played along with his talks, introducing the various places in the mansion, Suzaku followed them and did as what the lady requested. So, when Andrei invited the lady for a tea with just the two of them, Suzaku refused.
"I'm afraid I can't let her go without me," Suzaku stepped forward, standing close to his lady. "I was asked by Sir Lelouch vi Britannia, on behalf of Lady Cornelia li Britannia, to guard Lady Euphemia all the time of the day. Everywhere."
"I understand, Sir Kururugi. But won't you grant me even just an hour to talk privately? I'm sure you understand what it means. I'm a man just like you," Andrei smiled, glancing at the lady next to the knight. "I am very much enamoured with Lady Euphie ever since I first saw her two years ago. She knows what I am about to say."
Suzaku flinched. The way this man looked at Euphie, and the way his words sounded, they were all laced with malice. Working in the field, meeting war generals, and staying by Lelouch's side for several years taught Suzaku to read people. He knew whether a person was being true to his word or not, by simply studying their faces and manner of speaking. Hearing what Andrei just declared, Suzaku knew he shouldn't be trusted.
"Let me look at the room first," Suzaku commanded. With that sinister smile, Andrei opened the door for him. It was a wide room with no other doors besides the one he entered. The walls were covered with faded blue paint, roses and vines adoring the surface. The windows were huge, giving a clear view of the heavy downpour outside. Portraits of, perhaps, Andrei's ancestors were hanging on the wall. A piano was located at the far side, next to a small shelf of books. It was a normal room where people accept their guests.
Suzaku was left alone inside the room to check. He let his fingers trace the walls, knocking on it very lightly. The tables and chairs didn't go unnoticed, too, hoping to find anything suspicious that would allow them to leave his house this moment. But none seemed strange, except for that. The knight decided he would not let his guard down for an entire hour.
Suzaku came out, nodding at the smiling blond. Overwhelmed with the knight's approval, he left intending to fetch the tea he would share with Euphie. The knight glanced down at the upset lady, her sad eyes were about to shed tears.
"We should have left instead," came her surly complaint. She stepped forward, taking his hand and placing it to her cheek. It connected to him, her sincere dislike of being here. "We should have left instead."
The knight, knowing not how to comfort an upset lady, knelt and kissed the back of her hand. "We both know you cannot," was his reply. "This is what Lady Cornelia asked you to do, isn't it? To meet your marriage partner."
"I don't like any of this, Suzaku." Euphie's voice was soft and empty. "Keep your promise, keep me safe. Now stand," she urged him. "Jamais is back."
Without another word, she pulled her hand away from him and walked inside the room, leaving the knight standing by the door. Andrei came with two of his servants, pushing a trolley which has their tea and other crockery. The knight let him go, although the small voice inside his head was asking him to wipe the malicious smirk Andrei had on his face.
Suzaku was kept outside. A little while after the first two servants went out, the majordomo entered the room, bowing to Suzaku before he proceeded with his entrance. The old man didn't come out for half an hour, and when he did, he told Suzaku of what happened inside.
The majordomo sounded harmless and honest, so Suzaku managed to get answers from him. The old man commented on Euphemia's bad dancing, saying that he was asked to play the piano while Andrei and Euphemia tried to dance waltz. Like what he thought, the room was soundproof. The majordomo continued. The lady, being bad at it, stepped on his Andrei's feet that he ended it after trying to teach her.
Snorting, Suzaku knew she was doing that intentionally. "Well then, does Mr. Jamais intend to marry Lady Euphemia?"
The old man pushed his glasses up his nose, the smile slowly fading from his lips. "I have heard so, Sir Kururugi. He has been obsessed with her for so long, writing letters and sending gifts to her country. Which all, I suppose, remained unreplied at all."
"Aha," Suzaku was speechless for a moment. As he recalled Euphie's unwillingness earlier and yesterday, he found the words to say. "I wish Lady Euphemia may find the love she wants. Marriage has always been for convenience for nobles. It was hardly because of love."
Sighing, the majordomo looked at Suzaku. "You surely are romantic, Sir Kururugi. That's unexpected for the strongest soldier of the Empire."
"That is simply an observation," the brunet stared hard at the door. "I also belong to the nobility. In no time, my family will try marrying me off. Which obviously I won't agree with."
"You are a kind man," smiled the majordomo. "Please make sure bring the lady out of the room a few moments later."
"Why is that?"
"I told you, my master has been obsessed with her for two years. He has unreasonable tricks up in his sleeves. I'm afraid it will harm the lady," the majordomo slowly turned away. "There is a reason why Lady Euphemia ignored all his doting. And I hope you comprehend why. Bust through the doors five minutes from now and take her away. That, or you will regret it all your life."
Suzaku watched the old man scamper away. He glanced at his pocket watch, five minutes felt so slow now that the majordomo mentioned it. He began feeling uneasy, anxious of the unknown. It was clear that his lady might be in danger; it would be a disgrace if he wouldn't prevent it if he was just a wall away from her. Suzaku knew there was a hidden door through the walls which would lead to a narrow passage. Wherever that was headed to, he wouldn't want to know.
Two minutes more… but he waited not. Suzaku entered the room and saw Andrei trying to pull Euphie up her seat. The lady looked like she didn't feel well, her face was red and sweaty.
"Get your hands off her!" Suzaku ran to him, threatening to draw his sword if Andrei wouldn't let her go.
The blond man looked mad, the grin he had remained malicious. "Not even a knight can separate me from my beloved-" he was interrupted when the teapot was broken on his head, Euphemia staggering away from him after doing so.
She fell to Suzaku's arm, gasping for air, her body searing hot. The mad man ran to them, saying his love would finally be returned and she would marry him anyhow. He was blabbering more nonsense, which made him look crazier, frenzied. The knight didn't like how things ended up as insane as this, so he pulled his sword and hit Andrei with its hilt, rendering him unconscious.
"We should've left, I told you." She grabbed his shoulders for support, her face ever so red. "Carry me, let's leave. Now!"
Without another word, Suzaku carried the lady and rushed out of the manor. The rain was heavy, drenching the two after several meters of waking. The coach remained at the gates, which allowed them to leave the utter mad place. While the two sat side by side in the coach, Euphemia was jerky on her seat. It was as if she was stopping herself from doing something, especially with the way her hands fisted her skirt on her lap. Her pants were rougher, harsher, and he could see the heaving of her shoulders.
"What's wrong, Euphy?" He wanted to check her temperature, though he was aware she was burning. He could feel it by just sitting next to her.
"Please," she breathed in. "Don't touch me." Tears rolled down her eyes as she threw her head back to the headrest. She was biting her lower lip too hard that it began bleeding.
Suzaku was mortified to see the lovely lady behaving strangely right after going to that manor. He dreaded the possibility that Andrei had already done something bad to her.
"Did he violate you, milady?! Tell me what did he do?!"
"Please! Keep your distance," she said, voice trembling. "That nasty nobleman made m-me drink something...weird. There's something in the tea. My stomach feels...feels so funny and much heart beats too...f-fast."
"Are you poisoned?" He didn't hesitate taking her hand away from her lap, to study her skin color. Euphie didn't look she was poisoned at all. "Seems not it. Do you know what's happening?"
"No idea," she shut her eyes, "It feels tingly...there." What happened next was something Suzaku never expected to happen, never in a million years. Euphie pulled his hand down to her crotch. It was a bit forceful, it could hurt her, but instead a shriek out of pain, she let out a weird sound. He heard it before, like the noise underneath her balcony two days ago.
"Suzaku," she moaned, using his hand, rubbing it over her light dress. He could feel warm body. He was fighting her, pulling his hand away from her...womanhood. This was wrong. Everything had gone so wrong.
"Suzaku," she cried, jerking his hand back. "It hurts, please. Help me. I don't know," she cried. "I don't know what to do."
"Milady, I can't!" Suzaku wanted his first time with a woman to be consensual at least. That bastard Andrei dare drug Euphie and now Suzaku's dreams were destroyed. "This is improper."
She let his hand go and crouched on the floor. "I know it is," she yelled. "How am I suppose to know how to relieve myself from this funny feeling! Surely you would know. Didn't you say you heard lots from the barracks? Talks how to pleasure a lady?"
"Milady!" his face was equally red as her. How did things end this way? He hated to see her suffering, but his conscience couldn't take soiling her, either. "I heard, yes. But I've never done it. And clearly, I won't do it to you. You're my lady."
"Oh, I feel so up-upset, and sick...and weird. This is h-hurting me, this sensation," she cried, feeling uneasy. "I beg you."
"No, please. Anything but this," he crouched next to her, afraid he wouldn't be of any help at all. She just rested her head on his lap, her hands holding his hands with an iron grip. Euphie was doing her best to overcome her body's urges.
"Once we get to Uncle's chateau, lock me away in my room." She tried to gaze at him, trying to hold on the rationality remaining with her. "It's utterly embarrassing."
Suzaku was pushed back to the bed after he was able to secure the doors. Euphemia's eyes were darker, her breath harder as she climbed over him, pinning him down. He knew he had the strength to fight her back, to bring her to sense, or to knock her out of it; but he couldn't, he couldn't lift a hand to her.
The thunder roared so loudly as the heavy rain continued to fall. The greyness of the skies outside looked a hundred shades darker, dangerously close to evening. Everything else inside the chateau sounded quiet, or perhaps it was because the rain drowned all other sounds.
"Euphie, this isn't you." The lightning struck, giving a momentary flash which allowed Suzaku to see her face.
"I know," she said, lowering her head to his. Her tears dropped on his face as she dove to this sea of emotions, letting her will be bent by the unchaste voices in her head. Her lips met his, it was a simple and innocent kiss. The kiss was just like the Euphie he knew. "Indeed, this is not me. You have my apologies if I will force you to do something like this, Suzaku."
He let himself be kissed, be kissed by the loveliest lady he ever had been with. Suzaku knew that what he was about to do could be a crime for taking advantage of a lady's messed up feelings. Quietly lying down underneath her, he let the lady kiss her again. And again. And again. Every time their lips would meet, it was followed by her apologies, before taking a bolder smooch. Her lips tasted like iron and strawberries, mainly because she bit her lips earlier it bled.
"Milady, who among us is the unwilling participant?" he asked when their lips parted. Both of their breathing was heavy, given how the chests heaved. She didn't give an answer, though. He let her kiss him again, this time, her tongue was probing for an entrance. As if he was duped, he let himself go to an obvious trap.
Their tongues felt wonderful as they explored each other's cavern. It was like what those soldiers said, there was something about kissing that involved tongues. Suzaku felt so sensitive as he met hers, as she let him wonder around her mouth. The next thing he was that her hands were unbuttoning his uniform, and that they were bound to do what Lelouch and his lady were doing.
It saddened Suzaku to see Euphie so aggressive, so driven by her wanton desires. He thought this could end if he would bring her to the heights of her pleasure, so he pushed himself up and spun her around to sit on his lap. With her back on his chest, Suzaku pulled the hem of her dress up until they pooled on her waist, then let his hand wander on her soft thighs, giving them a gentle squeeze as he slowly and dangerously got close to her womanhood.
She was still searing hot and jerky. While he pulled her knees up, he buried his nose on the crook of her neck, committing her sweetness and softness to his memories. There was a way, he thought, to help her with this without taking everything away from her.
"Are we really sure about this, Euphie?"
"You would not ask someone that question now, would you?" she smiled, leaning back to his shoulder and kissing his jaw. "I am in your care, Suzaku. I know you are a kind man."
The same words were spoken again. He was not kind for he had these thoughts, never. Only if she realized that. "I will do my best to help you without forcing myself to you, Euphie."
She chuckled, making him confused. "I demand you to make love with me, Suzaku. That is all I ask."
Perhaps he needed those. The words which would make him feel less guilty about this, the words that would make it seem consensual. And it all take words to drown willingly with her in this evening of pleasure.
His fingers found her womanhood, warm under her cotton drawers. Suzaku never touched nor seen a lady's genitalia, but somehow he knew what would make her feel better. He let his fingers brush over her womanhood, light as feathers, barely touching. However, that alone made her arch her back, as if she wanted him to do more. The drug had changed her too much, so open and so daring.
"Patience, Euphie," he whispered, nibbling on her ears. His fingers eventually touched hers, curiously tracing her organ. He tried unfolding her skin through the fabric. Pinching here and there, gently rubbing his finger on her, whatever his fingers did, it made the lady moan uncharacteristically. "I apologize for making you look and feel so...indecent."
Without further ado, he pulled her drawers off and his fingers touched her bare skin. She was smooth and slippery down there. His left hand took hold of her pearl, his fingers teasing it to stimulate her more. The other hand took care of her womanhood, his fingers slipping through her wet folds.
Suzaku had no experiences with a lady before. The acts he was doing were absolutely based on what the young inventor told him in the barracks. The secrets of pleasuring a woman, the same secret he shared to Lelouch. Who would have thought he'd put it into use at such moment? While watching Euphie's heavy breathing, he slowly slid a finger to her, bringing it out just as quick. He would push it back, further than the first at each entrance. This made Euphie moan, and slowly, Suzaku built the pace.
"Suzaku," she called, her hands found his hair. "Suzaku," she called his name repeatedly as his fingers slipped in and out of her in a quick manner, making sloppy sounds to echo in the room. Her breathing was quicker and heavier, she felt like she would explode. And in no time, due to Suzaku's continuous stimulation, his fingers were covered with an unknown bodily fluid...That surely wasn't pee.
Was it over? Was he able to bring her to senses now? He wondered as he slowly pushed her from him, her body felt like it had consumed all energy after that. Much to his chagrin, as he lay her down on the bed, the lady pulled her with him. Once again, their lips crashing. He knew the answer: it isn't over yet.
Suzaku woke up feeling exhausted. The softness of the bed was something he would only feel when he's at home for the barracks offered no comfort. It was tempting to stay there all day, but he remembered he has duties to fulfil. He wanted to rise, go to Lelouch's cousin and wake her up. However, he felt overwhelmingly worn-out for reasons unclear to him. Sure, he was always tired due to his trainings but never experienced this kind of exhaustion. He had become spent overnight, listless as a piece of paper.
Suzaku was debating with himself, thinking if he should rise and do his duties or sleep in for once. However, he was ever a man with clear resolve. Waking up was his only choice to make. So when he opened his eyes to the well-decorated ceiling, bearing a painting of the star map, his head started to hurt. He could recall sleeping to his quarters for the past nights—and the room was never this grand. Looking to his right, he saw floral patterns of red and green covering the upper half of the room. The lower half of the walls was covered with polished oak. He squinted, puzzled. Again, his room wasn't this grand. The curtains were thick and deep red in hue, completely blocking the bloody sunlight.
He slowly sat himself while doing shoulder rotations trying to drive the exhaustion away. Much to his surprise though, he flinched when he touched his neck. A sharp pang made him jolt, and he realized that somehow he was bruised.
"What on earth happened to me?" he mumbled as he lifted the covers, and lifting the covers gave him the answer. Undressed under the sheets, a few amount of blood staining the white bedcovers. No way he did it. Next to him lies a lady whose naked back faced him. Her long wavy hair sprawled across the bed like cobwebs, some draping his thigh which was dangerously close to her smooth round backside.
Suzaku looked away, his face red in embarrassment. Why would he feel so aroused at this moment? He should feel sorry.
"Forgive me God for I have sinned…" he mumbled. Lelouch's words echoed in his head, reminding him that Cornelia would definitely write to someone here in the capital to check on Euphemia's whereabouts. The blush was gone from his face, and was instantly replaced with paleness. The memories of last evening slowly came swarming back to him. Once the lady woke up, he should prepare for leaving.
He set his feet on the floor, marvelling at the mess they made on her room. Their clothes were thrown everywhere, no traces of grace nor decency in here. What had come to his head to actually take the lady last night? Had he no decency for letting himself be swept with her allure? Or was he too weak-willed against Euphie? Before he could answer these questions, he felt the bed shifting under him.
Euphie crawled towards him, wrapping her arms on the brooding and serious knight seated at the side of her bed. Her bountiful breasts touched his naked back, making the young man jerk in surprise.
"Good morning," she whispered, her chin on his shoulder. Leaning up, she kissed the side of his jaw.
"What have I done to you, Euphie?"
She could see the look on his face. He was regretting it. He was hating himself. "It's all right," she cooed. "There is nothing to worry about."
"Certainly there is," he winced, bringing his head to his palms. "I did you, and I did you while you're at that state. I have taken you when you aren't my bride."
She smiled. This was nothing to smile upon, but she knew he was sincere and that he was sorry. "You did that, yes. I willingly let you do so, Suzaku. I asked you to make love to me, and the loyal knight you are, did as what I said. You did nothing wrong."
"Still, I shouldn't have done that."
"Then let me show you this," she pushed him back to bed, climbing atop of him. "I am very fond of you, Suzaku."
He didn't notice when, but he entered her. She had her lips on his cheeks as he lowered herself to his erect member.
Her purple eyes were glued on him, glistening under the faint sunlight from the gap of the curtains. The way she stared down at him made his stomach feel funnier. He watched the beads of sweat to roll down from her forehead, from her neck, from her back… down, down, down to where it would go. 'How lovely,' thought he. The long rosy locks Suzaku always adored were now stuck to her bare body like a second skin, her sweat kept it in place. The lady, the most beautiful noble lady he had seen, was here kissing him. Somehow, their bodies were one that moment. Again.
It was unclear how things ended up this way four days after Suzaku left Lelouch's side. The first time they did it wasn't exactly spectacular, given that she was drugged because of some noble bastard lusting after her; and he was carried away with the moments that steamy evening. Waking with vague memories of what happened the previous night didn't help either as they both wake up in the same bed the morning after, naked and smelled like sex.
She is the graceful and charming noble lady from the next country, Euphemia li Britannia, Lelouch's second cousin. Her beauty and charismatic personality were no secret to people, and her stubbornness was admired by the knight himself.
Suzaku barely knew her. He never knew she existed until the day he was sent by Lelouch to the capital to escort her during her stay. Likewise, she had no idea who he was before her trip into this country, besides the only identity her elder sister had spoken of: he is the best soldier Lelouch had. And yet here they were, confined in the lady's chambers, having an intimate evening only married people are supposed to have.
She leaned down to him, her arms snaked around his torso to bring their sweaty bodies closer than it already is. Their hearts were thundering against their chests, their skins, melting to each other. Suzaku felt her plump bosom press against his lean-muscled chest, and the softness of her body was overwhelming. It made him more aroused, the feeling of her.
"You are training hard, aren't you?" Euphemia asked, her sweet voice stuttered. The two of them were both gasping for breaths, panting at each grind and thrust of hips. She was simply getting to know him while struggling to speak through her gasps. "We're roughly of some age but you're so well developed. I can't believe you've been to battles."
Suzaku gasped as the lady lowered her hips once more, her lower lip devouring his entire length. The brunet felt her womanhood clamp around him as if it wouldn't let him out. It was a strange sensation but he was drowning with pleasure. Groaning, his hands found her wide hips, soft under his palms, and guided her as she pulled and pushed herself to him. And though he wanted to just ram himself inside her, he wanted to remain as gentlemanly as possible knowing that she wasn't some lady of the night. After all, she was the lady and he was her knight.
"Goodness," he panted, leaning up to kiss her lips. "I can't think properly, milady. You feel so wonderful, ah." Suzaku shut his eyes close as she tightened around him. Her breaths were hitched like his. Body, sweaty. They were one, he repeated to himself. They were one.
He felt her lips kissing him, soft and wet lips were begging him to open up. He did, being the gentleman he was. Their kisses were clumsy, feigning the skill they clearly both don't possess. Despite the awkwardness of their tongues and lips melting to each other, Suzaku found everything pleasurable. Never in his entire life had he imagined losing his virginity to such a beautiful and headstrong lady, though somewhere at the back of his mind, he worried about being deflowered before his marriage. Now, shouldn't he be more worried for her?
She moaned into his mouth as her hips went more aggressive. This time she buried her face to the nook of his neck as he also began thrusting to her. Their bodies slammed to each other, needy and wild.
"Oh, Suzaku," she cried, nails scratching his olive skin. Euphemia liked his skin for its oriental glow, so she felt bad ruining them with her nails. But what could she do? The moment was simply driven mad by the moment. His name was repeated in whispers and gasps and moans and cries, until a moment later, she ended up with a loud moan (or was it a cry), so loud he covered her lips with his to suppress it and avoid attention from nearby chambers.
Euphemia remained lying over his body, enjoying her knight's warmth. Exhaustion had finally sunk into her body after a few hours of wanton desires. They remained tangled for a couple of minutes until she was gently brought to his side. She wouldn't say it aloud, but when he pulled out of her she felt so empty.
The lady watched the knight rise from his side of the bed to grab the wet cloth and basin atop the bedside table, his broad back facing her. She watched his muscles flex as he cleaned himself, admiring how his youthful body looked so strong and sturdy. It saddened her to think that he was someone who spends months and years out of his home to fight, to keep people safe. At least he has a purpose.
On the contrary, being a female noble means voices going unheard. Everyone else in the higher society deemed female nobility was good as breeding swines, used only by the males for making love and continuing the family line. Though this was what society set as a standard, she wanted to be more than a lady used by her husband for such purposes.
"Suzaku," she called, pushing herself up from the bed. Her body was still sore and sticky, but she knew he was the only one who could aid her.
"Milady," he sounded alarmed, turning around. He dipped the towel and wrung it. Without any permission, he began wiping her sweat and other bodily liquids in her staining her skin. "I apologize. I should have attended you first."
"May I ask you a favour?" she asked, ignoring his words. She watched his hands as it carefully wiped his mess out from her inner thigh. Still a bit sensitive, she suppressed a moan when the back of his hand brushed against her womanhood.
"Anything in my power, I'll help you with it," was his reply. "What is it, milady?"
There was silence.
"I am asking you to marry me."
a/n. I'm still trying to find my voice in writing because this isn't how I used to write. And i hate it. Thanks for your kind reviews. I'm still learning about the lemon fudge and it's awkward.