Lucy sat in the library at the desk, her back facing the circular, paper screen window with the sun shining through. Wearing her white robes with silvery patterns, she propped her elbow up on the seat and leaned her head against the back of her hand as she gazed at the scroll in her other hand. Her long, silky golden strands were in a messy but sophisticated updo while the rest were let down freely as it fell down to her slides, hanging inches away from the floor. Silver hairpins and white, puffy fur ball accessories were placed into her hair on both sides to keep the curls up, its jewels dangling as she shifted. As always, her hair was left up to Sebas and even the maids gawked at his expertise and skill. Her side bangs had been brushed to the side and tied semi-loosely to the back of her head along with the other curls and her front bangs had been brushed partly back while still keeping some in front.
She stared at the scroll in front of her in a daze, her long lashes partly covering her honey-brown orbs which skimmed across the wooden strips. The sunlight streamed in onto her back, providing her the perfect source of light as small dust particles floated around in the air. With nothing to do since completing the paperwork at the Heartfilia manor a few days prior, she was left with passing time. The only paperwork that ever came to her were those that needed immediate attention that neither Yuushun nor Kouyuu could execute.
"Lucy-sama, your tea's gotten cold."
Lucy glanced at her cup and sure enough, steam was no longer billowing from the surface.
"Shall I pour another cup?" Sebas asked.
She nodded her head and holding up an empty teacup in hand, he poured the new batch of tea from the pot into it, replacing the old one with the new as he set the cup down on the table.
"You may leave," Lucy said. "I'll call you when I've finished up here."
"Very well," Sebas placed a hand over his chest and bowed.
He rolled the cart out of the library and prepared to retire himself, knowing that she would be taking a while in the library for she had been there since the early morning. Heaving a sigh, he turned to look back at her as she continued to sit there, unmoving. Turning back around, he rolled the cart along for, despite everything, he couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief. Though the news of her now being an Imperial Princess was sudden, he was all but glad that the chance for Lucy to interact with the Imperial family had come. Though small, he could see a change and at this rate, she may return back to her previous self; something that they all wished for.
"All we can do is wait," he said, retiring for the afternoon as he switched guard duty with the Shadow Guards who had just taken a nap break.
Placing down the scroll, Lucy glanced at the cup of tea to the side. Straightening herself, she reached out and whiffing its fragrant aroma, she took a sip, its faint sweetness and hot temperature sending a warmness through her body. Breathing a sigh, she looked down at the cup of tea, its surface reflecting her image.
"Honey green tea," she softened her eyes with fondness. "It's delicious as always, Sebas."
Setting the cup back down, she leaned back and propped her elbow back up, resting her face against her hand as she returned back to the scroll. How serene the silence was and how peaceful the world seemed at the moment without the constant bustle of staff and shuffling of papers back at the Merchant's Guild where the Heartfilia conglomerate's main center of command was. Nudging her head against her hand, she heaved a small, silent sigh as the last morning dews rolled off the greening leaves.
"Having mastered all the arts that could be offered and having dealt with all the paperwork and implemented the new system, there simply seems to be too much time," she murmured to herself, her head ringing with a dull pain. "Not sleeping takes a toll, too."
For the past week since her induction as the new Head, she had been secretly staying up late and completing all the work that needed to be done in the Archive. To her, it was truly a convenient space due to the difference in time flow and she had stayed there for several days before Kaede stopped her for she was pushing herself to the brink of exhaustion. If it weren't for him and Sebas, she would've probably collapsed during the first few days and remembering their agonized expressions, she stared at the table before her.
She had worried them. More than she should have.
But, she couldn't help it. Closing her eyes, she listened to the chirping of the birds and cool, late summer breeze as the pain inside her head still lingered. She wanted to take her mind off of the gaping wound in her heart and away from the pain that continuously pricked at her. She needed to be strong as the Head of the Heartfilia family and she couldn't afford to show a single weakness. She was not allowed to cry nor show her grievances and the only way she could do that was to bury herself in her work. But now that there was nothing to do, she couldn't even show the emotions she wanted to show for she had locked it all away and, along the way, she had come to lose the key to it all.
Slowly closing her eyes, the scroll in her hand shifted slightly out of her grasp as the beads of her hairpins tinkled against one another. Her lashes soon shrouded her brown orbs as the rukh gently fluttered by, the only sound heard in the vast, empty library being her soft breathing as she was swept into her unconsciousness. How tranquil and mystical she looked as she sat there sleeping, her legs positioned to the side and covered by her silk robes and shawl. Underneath the sunlight, the faint outline of wings appeared once more as it gave a gentle flap.
Spears shifted in greeting and a footstep was heard in the library as grand robes dragged against the floor. Walking in, he made his way over to where she slept, his maroon crimson hair shifting slightly as he stood there, watching her. Morning court had ended a while ago and knowing that the others were still busy with their lessons and Lucy was left to herself, he knew he would find her here.
Even though there's nothing more for you to do, you still choose to endorse yourself in state affairs, he remarked with furrowed brows as he saw the stack of scrolls relating to the Kou Empire and other foreign countries she had gone through. Even though there's simply no need for you to.
There stood none other than Ren Kouen, the First Imperial Prince of the Kou Empire. With his usual stern, cold face, he looked everything but welcoming and others couldn't help but flinch at his presence even when he was not in their line of sight. But, in front of Lucy, the warmth and affection in his eyes were undeniable. Only in front of her would he show such a look; a look that he hid skillfully from his siblings and others.
The scroll slid from her hands and before it could make a rackety thud on the floor, Kouen caught it. Straightening himself, he placed the scroll softly on the heap of other scrolls stacked on the table. Glancing at her, he unconsciously said her name.
"Lucy."
Her name naturally escaped his lips and by now, he had become used to being unaware of his actions when it came to her. Reaching out a hand, he brushed the few locks of her bangs, which hadn't been swept up, to the side. His finger lingered there as it brushed against her cheek and down to her soft, luscious lips. His gaze softened as a faint spark flickered in those maroon orbs. Parting her lips slightly, Lucy knitted her eyebrows together, creating a faint knot at her temple.
"Father," she spoke and Kouen widened his eyes, taking his hand away. "Mother..."
A tear rolled down her face as she murmured in her sleep. Once again, she was having dreams about them and seeing her suffer so, he pulled his lips into a tight frown and balled his hands into fists by his side. A mixture of sorrow and agony washed over his face as he reached over to wipe the tear from her face.
"I'll protect you," he said, his maroon orbs ablaze with a fervent passion. "Definitely."
Another tear rolled down and he wiped it away, caressing her face gently within the palm of his hand. He bent down and softened his gaze, the only person in his field of vision being her.
"So don't cry anymore, Lucy" he pressed his forehead against hers. "All the sorrows and miseries of this world, I'll protect you from them."
The knot in her brows ceased and wrapping his arms around her, he picked her up, her head nestling into his chest, as he brought her back to the Phoenix Palace where she resided with the Empress. The Phoenix Palace was a long walk from the Imperial Library but not once did he falter and continued to carry her. To him, she was as light as a feather and only at times like these could he hold her without overstepping his bounds. Her shawl hung from her arms, each step he took causing the jewels of her hairpins to dangle against one another. His red and black robe dragged across the floor, each movement graceful and authoritative as the servants all bowed in his presence. How beautiful the two looked together and surely no one could match up to them.
Arriving at the Phoenix Palace, he made way to the Lotus Hall — the closest hall to where the Empress resided within the Phoenix Palace. The maids greeted him, careful to not make a sound, as Kouen stepped through the door and making his way to her bedchamber. With the maids pulling aside the curtains, he gently laid her down on the bed, careful not to disturb her. She laid there, still and peaceful as her soft breathing sent a wave of relief over his chest. Reaching over for the covers, he pulled it over her and tucked her in, brushing her locks aside as he softened his gaze.
He raised a hand and the maids bowed, leaving.
"If you could dream eternally, that wouldn't be bad either."
The rukh perched upon her pillow and blanket as a soft, golden light escaped from him as he sat there on her bedside. Just this once the rukh were willing to grant his wish, something that would usually be impossible without a medium. Glowing and wrapping its light around Lucy, her facial expression softened and seeing so, Kouen smiled. Reaching out, he caressed her face to which she instinctively snuggled closer, her hand reaching up to clasp his, unwilling to let go of this warmth that comforted her in her dreams. Kouen widened his eyes before letting it be, simply content that she was now sleeping with ease. Clasping her hand back, he sat there watching her without ever letting go of this tiny hand that clung desperately to him.
"Koumei."
He gave a painful smile as she said his name, knowing that it would never be his name escaping from her lips as she dreamt. But, that was fine with him. As long as he was allowed to stay by her, anything was fine. He sat there in tranquil silence and with the birds chirping in the background and the cool breeze of the early afternoon, he, too, grew drowsy. His eyes began shutting close and not wanting to accidentally collapse on Lucy, he gently shifted himself down onto the steps of the bed and sat there whilst continuing to hold her hand. Seeing that she was still sleeping and it would be a while before she would awake, he relaxed and with that one heaving breath, his drowsiness overtook him and before he knew it, he was fast asleep with his head laid upon his arm.
The two slept in the afternoon silence, neither one budging as their very presence comforted one another.
Kaede soon appeared as he watched the two of them. "To put Lucy to sleep and give her a pleasant dream is something even I'm not capable of."
He brushed his fingers against Lucy's forehead, careful not to wake her. Softening his gaze at hearing her relaxed breathing, he could see how much Kouen's warmth meant to her and how much anyone's warmth meant to her. The two clutched at each other's hands and he could see it, the loose strands of fate that were beginning to tangle but just barely. The fated path had not yet begun and there was still no definite conclusion of how it was going to end and reasoning so, he pulled his lips into a tight line as a crimson, light cloak appeared in his hands.
"Just this once I will turn a blind eye," he said, covering Kouen from the chills of the incoming autumn breeze. "As you've done me a favor, I will return that favor."
With that, he disappeared and the two were left to themselves. For the first time in a while, the two were able to sleep with ease and how he wished for this moment to continue forever; the moment where he had her in his hand. Just as she clutched onto him for warmth, he clutched onto her in yearning desire. Only with her could he relax like this and only with her could all his worries evaporate into thin air. For her sake, he was willing to do anything and everything.
"Lucy," he mumbled, a tear forming at the corner of his eyes.
He loved her and it was exactly because he loved her that he would never admit it. To the girl who lost everything in the span of a moment, there was no way he could impose these selfish desires of his onto her. This was good enough. More than enough to keep these feelings at bay.
The Palace was silent in the peaceful afternoon with the servants and guards switching duty, the Imperial officials and doctors dutifully attending to their work, the consorts and concubines indulging in their hobbies, and the princes and princesses attending their classes. Despite the constant bustling of the Palace, the world seemed at peace and at a standstill. No disturbances were heard and no emergencies were sounded; only the chirping of birds was heard and the faint sound of summer bells. The two of them slept, the Lotus Hall doors closed off to the outside world for no one wished to disturb the two. They had their fair share of burdens and troubles despite their young age and it was more than even an adult could bear. That's why, at least while the two had the time, they wanted them to rest. All the worries and anxieties of the mundane world, they wanted all of it to be put at ease.
Lucy slept soundly well into the afternoon for all the stress and work had caught up to her and her body had finally given in. The Shadow Guards stayed on duty and had reported to Sebas of her current location. Receiving the news, he nodded his head in understanding for bringing her into the Imperial Palace was the right decision. Though it wasn't Koumei, as long as they were someone who could calm the turmoil in her heart, he didn't care who it was. His actions may be going against Layla's wishes but right now, he was a dutiful and loyal servant of Lucy Heartfilia. As long as she was happy and well, then that was all that mattered to him. Whether it be the hands of fate, what would soon perspire was not set in stone for as long as Kouen did not act out, then nothing was set in stone. And, he was confident. He was confident that Kouen wouldn't act out on his feelings for, despite the fearsome reputation he had built, he was a child who held a kinder heart than anyone.
Looking outside, it was past noon and placing the miscellaneous documents that needed to be dealt with down, he stood up.
"I should begin preparations for dinner."
Back at the Phoenix Palace's Lotus Hall, it had already been hours since the two had fallen asleep and with most of her fatigue having washed away, she was beginning to wake up. Feeling the warmth of the afternoon sun against her skin and her body feeling lighter after the grueling, treacherous week, she slowly began to open her eyes.
It's already the afternoon? she thought.
The sunlight hit her eye, causing her brown orbs to shine a faint golden hue. Turning her head slightly, she looked out the window and sure enough, the sun was high up in the sky, making its way down into the horizon before the moon came up. Shifting, she began to move but feeling a hand, she turned her head the other way. As she did, a head of crimson maroon came into view and looking at him, she widened her eyes a bit.
Kouen...?
He clutched her hand as she slept there and looking closely at her surroundings, she noticed that she wasn't in the library but back in her Lotus Hall quarters.
Did he carry me back here? she wondered. But a First Imperial Prince wouldn't be bothered by a servant's tasks. Moreover, there was no need to bother himself with me.
However, she couldn't deny the happiness she felt in knowing that he had personally brought her back here and stayed by her side. Usually, no one would dare disturb her — not even Koumei. Only he would be so bold as to take her matter into his own hands. But then again, he was the First Imperial Prince and the soon-to-be Imperial Crown Prince of the Kou Empire. Whatever he wished, she could not object just like how she could not object to the rest of the Imperial family's wishes. Consorts, concubines, and princes and princesses not recognized by the Emperor were, of course, inferior to her but people like the Emperor, Empress, Koumei, Kougyoku, Hakuei, and Hakuryuu were those who she could not say no to. Her position was much higher than theirs with all things considered but they were the Imperial family and so even if it's just a bit, they needed to show them face. But, Koutoku threw it all out the window and gave her permission to speak freely and privileges that allowed her to act as she liked. If she weren't grateful for this, then she didn't know what else she could possibly be grateful for.
She turned back to Kouen and seeing him sleep so soundly, she didn't dare to disturb him. Hearing his soft breathing and seeing how he held her hand without ever letting go, she softened her eyes.
"I'm not the only one shouldering a huge burden," she said, noticing the bags under her eyes and the rough callouses on his hands. "You've been through your fair share of burdens, if not more."
Though he may be ten years older than her, he was still a child nonetheless. With Jude and Layla's death, he and Koutoku had been helping her deal with the aftermath for the past week on top of their own government affairs. Though she had thanked them, personally, it didn't feel enough. But even if she were to offer them gifts, they would refuse it outright.
"You guys are really stubborn when it comes to certain things," she mumbled, brushing her hand against his hair and patting his head. "If you guys were even a bit greedy, then everything would be much simpler."
She pulled her lips into a smile — a smile that she hadn't shown for weeks now and a smile that she herself didn't know she had made — but that quickly disappeared as she was caught by surprise when a hand clasped her wrist, stopping her from petting him.
"We're only greedy about one thing," a voice spoke as Kouen began to stir, his maroon eyes gazing straight at her, piercing her as she saw herself reflected in them, "and that's you."
Lucy looked at him, frozen.
He tilted his head and looked around drowsily. "If you were awake, you could've woken me up, too."
"How could I d-"
"You're now a member of our family," he said. "There's no such thing as whether you dare to or not dare to. You're free to do as you please and act as you please around us. We won't complain. Even if we are put off by something, we'll tell you since that's how a family is. Right?"
Lucy stared at him before meekly nodding her head, a soft blush on her cheeks. "Lucy understands."
Kouen softened his eyes and before she could see his expression, he reached out a hand and patted her head, careful not to mess up her intricately styled hair. Even though she had been sleeping, not a strand was out of place for she hadn't budged a single inch while sleeping. Retracting his hand, he stood up, stretching his body and shifting his robes as he rubbed the sleepiness from his eyes.
"It's past noon now," he noted with a look outside the window and plopped down on the steps next to the bed once more without giving a care. "What do you plan on doing?"
Lucy remained silent for she had simply planned to remain in the library and return when she felt like it. But now that she was brought back to the Lotus Hall, she didn't know what else there was for her to do. Returning back to the library was an option but it was a good distance away from the Inner Palace and by the time she got there and back, dinner would already be served. Noticing her contemplating expression, he knew that she had nothing in mind. After all, she had finished all the necessary paperwork as the Head of the Heartfilia family and everything regarding the Heartfilia conglomerate and the Merchant's Guild was proceeding smoothly; there was simply nothing to be done.
"Then shall we go somewhere?"
"Huh?"
He looked up at her and the two stared at each other. He gave a smirk and standing up, he took her hand and pulled her out of the bed. Before she knew it, they were out of the Lotus Hall and making their way out of the Inner Palace.
"W-Wait, Kouen?!" she exclaimed as she was pulled along, his hand fastened gently around her wrist.
"Don't worry," he laughed and turned to look back at her with excitement in his eyes. "We'll make it back for dinner!"
He continued to run along the path leading to the outside of the Inner Palace with Lucy in tow and Lucy ran alongside him, their hair and robes billowing behind them. Lucy looked at him with ambivalence, not knowing what to make of this situation but seeing him act so freely, there was no way she could stop him.
"That's not the point though," she gave a helpless look but followed him nevertheless. "What will Mother Empress say?"
"If it's about her, then nothing will happen," he reassured her. "If anything, it'll be a quick scolding."
"A scolding?" she paled.
"On my part," Kouen's face paled as he remarked with a blank face, remembering the numerous times he had been scolded from being too rampant and violent.
"Are you going to be okay?" Lucy asked worriedly.
Glancing back and seeing her nervous, tense face like that of a bunny, he gave a soft chuckle. "Probably."
Lucy paled as they continued running. "I-If that's the case," she began, tightening her hold on his hand, "then I'll take half of your scolding!"
He widened his eyes and faltered, stopping in his tracks. Her eyes, though dark and sullen, brimmed with a flicker of light under the sun and though it may have been the sun playing tricks on his eyes, the tight grip with which she held his hand and the furrowed brows as they stared at him were true. The rukh fluttered around them and past as the two stood there in the pathway leading from the Inner Palace gates to the outer gates. Underneath the sunlight, how radiant she looked as her golden hair gleamed under the sun and her darkened brown eyes which stared straight at him with an unwavering resolve were painted a golden hue.
Ah, he parted his lips, she really is the only one.
"Is that so?" he gave a smirk, his eyes holding nothing but helpless affection. "If that's the case," he took a step toward her and picked her up in his arms, catching her by surprise, "then there's nothing for me to be afraid of!"
Lucy widened her eyes. "K-Kouen?!
Clutching his shoulder, she was wrung over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes as the hairpins and small jewels in her hair tinkled. Kouen held tightly onto her legs, making sure not to drop her as he continued running towards the gates leading to the outer palace. Though initially surprised, she couldn't deny the excitement of it all and softening her eyes, she simply let things pass as the guards opened the outer gate. Before she knew it, they were at the stables where Kouen finally put her down. Despite having carried her such a long distance, he wasn't out of breath in the slightest — perhaps due to how much he trained himself in swordsmanship and equitation.
She looked around her and noticing the open plains in the distance and the barn-like structure of the building, she looked to Kouen.
"These are the Imperial stables?"
"That's right," Kouen said as a servant in charge of the stables took out a dark black mare, its mane and tail a pitch-black like silk woven from the night sky. It neighed as Kouen took its reins, letting him stroke his fur. "Is this your first time seeing a horse up close?"
Lucy nodded her head.
"Would you like to touch it?"
"Can I?" Lucy perked up.
He smiled and stepped to the side. "Of course."
Walking up to it, Lucy peered at it. Its eyes were dark like glass beads and it stared at her. Reaching out a hand, it lowered its head to her, allowing it to pet it. Softening her eyes, she placed her small hand on its fur and petted it. For a moment, Kouen could see a faint smile appearing on her lips and seeing it, he was more than satisfied. Moreover, it was a surprise. This was the first time that it had been docile to anyone other than him. The last time he had introduced him to Koumei, it had stood up on its hind legs and thrashed around. Ever since then, Koumei refused to approach a horse and it was understandable considering how it had almost crushed him. Even Koutoku was unable to control him until Kouen came along.
"It's a fine and rare breed," Lucy remarked, noting its strong build and large size.
"It was a gift from the Sasan Kingdom," he said, stroking its mane. "There are only a few of its kind and its a proud species. Though we take pride in our horses as they're bred for militaristic horses, our horses can't even compare to him."
"The Sasan Kingdom is known for its militaristic might," Lucy said in understanding. "If it weren't because they secluded themselves from the outside world for so long and only allowed minimum entry, then they would've rivaled that of even the Reim Empire in its early days."
"Quite true," Kouen said. "However, they still remain a powerful country."
"Yes," Lucy nodded her head. "More importantly, what's his name?"
"Masaharu," he replied.
"I see. Masaharu," she said his name and it neighed in pleasure, "a fitting name."
She gazed at it with fondness and Kouen watched her, glad that she no longer seemed as down as before. Letting go of the reins, he walked over to her and Lucy glanced at him as he towered over her. Placing his hands under her arms, he picked her up once again and she widened her eyes in shock as he placed her on top of the horse.
"We're going for a ride," he smirked.
"Now?"
"It's been a while," he said, placing his foot on the stirrup and swinging his leg over to the other side and placing it in the opposite stirrup as he grabbed ahold of the reins. "I'm pretty sure that Masaharu's also fed up with having nothing to do but eat, sleep, and trot around. Isn't that right?"
It neighed as it stamped its hooves on the ground in excitement.
"Are you fine with riding?" he looked down at her, not wanting to force her into doing something she didn't want.
Lucy looked at Masaharu before looking back at Kouen. She nodded her head. "I want to ride."
He smiled. "Good."
Raising the reins up, he gave a swift flick of the reins and a soft squeeze of legs as it raised its hooves and sped away. Lucy clutched onto the saddle as Kouen placed his arms protectively around her, making sure she wouldn't fall. He gave another flick and as it rode along the vast plains within the Imperial Palace specially dedicated to the horses, he wore a delighted grin as his body moved to the rhythm of the horse. Lucy had her eyes shut from the wind slapping into her face but as she slowly became used to it, she opened her eyes and upon seeing the sight before, she widened her eyes, her breath taken away by the glory of it all.
Never had she been so high up and viewed the area around her from such a height and feeling the wind ram itself into her as it billowed her hair and robes back, she felt a sense of freedom and release from all the things she had burdened herself with. The sun shone along the plains and at that moment, she truly thought how beautiful the world was. With clear skies above and vast lands of fresh, green grass, the fresh air could be smelled from all directions. Her eyes flickered with small sparks as she stared in awe, her mind captivated by the scenery.
Masaharu began trotting again and this time, at a slower pace.
"Is this your first time on a horse?" Kouen asked.
Lucy blankly nodded her head. "As I'm still quite young and with a small figure, I've yet to learn horsemanship."
"Well, it certainly would be hard for a child," Kouen remarked, noting how small her figure was compared to other five-year-olds her age.
Normally, girls would be bigger than boys her age but looking at her, she was around the same size as Kouha who was of the same age as her. It was understandable why she hadn't been taught horse riding yet. With her size, rather than riding the horse, it would be the horse letting her ride.
"When you get older and have more stamina, I'm sure Father and Mother will find an instructor for you," he patted her head.
At the mention of that, Lucy's eyes lit up and she nodded her head.
He softened his eyes and pulled his lips into a gentle smile, an expression that went unbeknownst to her. They continued riding along as the two entertained each other with various topics ranging from history to what they had been doing just recently. She didn't show much emotion but Kouen could tell that she liked talking like this for it placed her mind elsewhere. He looked down at her as they continued to ride along and tightening his grip on the reins, he wished that this moment could last forever. Without anything burdening them, he wished they could forever be as free as this but knew his position would not allow him to do so.
Rather than being with him, Koumei was the better choice for he could give her the life that she wanted; a life of freedom.
Noticing his silence, Lucy turned around. "Kouen?"
He looked at her with a blank stare before finally opening his mouth to speak, unconsciously blurting out the question he had kept at the back of his mind. "What would you do if I become Emperor?"
Lucy stared at him and he knew it was too late to take back his words.
He remained stoic, awaiting her answer as they stopped.
"It's not 'if' but 'will'," Lucy said without hesitation. "The fact that you will become the Third Emperor of the Kou Empire has already been set in stone."
He gave a crude laugh. "Even though I've yet to become the Crown Prince?"
"There's no one as dignified and imposing as you," Lucy answered. "No one but you is fitting of the position of the Kou Empire's one and only Emperor."
Kouen took pride in his abilities and knowledge to the point where it may be considered arrogance to some but hearing it from another person caused a warmth to spread over his chest and it made him want to hear it again.
"Moreover, I doubt there's anyone of the Imperial bloodline that would step up to you," Lucy said. "Though you may have a violent and ruthless reputation, the citizens of the Kou Empire are all aware of your benevolence even if you don't show it directly."
"You have a way of flattery, don't you?"
"It is merely the truth."
Kouen smirked. "You're an honest person."
"Lucy will take that as a compliment."
He laughed before thinking about her words. "I wonder. The future's unpredictable and there may as well come a day where we siblings will vie for the throne. That's how it is being a child born into the Imperial Ren bloodline."
Lucy glanced at him for though he wore a smile, his eyes were forlorn and despondent.
She pulled her lips into a tight line and turned back around. "That won't happen."
"Hm?"
"That definitely won't happen," she said with confidence. "I've seen it with my own eyes the relationship that you and your siblings carry. Though the relations you share with some may not be as strong as the others, I can tell how much Koumei, Hakuei, Kougyoku, Hakuryuu, and the others respect you. Even far into the future, I'm sure that they'll continue to respect you, becoming your loyal and trusted vassals."
"Which leads me back to my original question," he said. "What will you do?"
Lucy remained silent before softening her eyes. She turned to look at him and gave a smile, an expression that he hadn't seen in a long while.
"Just like how father and mother had pledged their loyalty to the late Emperor Hakutoku and the current Emperor Koutoku, I, too, will pledge my servitude to you," she said.
"Is it because you're the Head of the Heartfilia family and you're advised to do so?"
"No," she said. "It's because I'm Lucy Heartfilia that I'm able to make this decision. I've seen what you're capable of and besides you, who else would be worthy of my servitude? There may not be a rebellion or an uprising but if there is, I've made my decision," she said, her eyes focused and unwavering. "I, Lucy Heartfilia, will stand by your side until the very end."
Kouen widened his eyes.
"No amount of gold or glory will ever make me change my decision for in my eyes, only you, Ren Kouen, can become the Emperor and lead this Kou Empire into a further era of prosperity and peace," she said.
"That's quite an ideal image you see of me."
"It may be a bit exaggerated but that's what I see," she said, knowing how much work he put in to live up to his title as the First Imperial Prince. "No one is deserving of the seat other than you."
Hearing so, a sense of relief washed over him as his shoulders relaxed. This was his first time hearing her thoughts about him and he didn't think that she would view him so highly and so favorably as well. Truth be told, he was more than elated upon hearing his work and effort be acknowledged so and on top of that, hearing her say that she would stay by his side regardless of what would happen was enough to send his heart pounding as he resisted the urge to hold her.
"Moreover," she softened her eyes, "Koumei will surely do the same."
At that, he stopped and narrowed his eyes. In the end, it was because of Koumei. However, he had expected that already and there was no need for him to be any more surprised at this point.
"I see," he pulled his lips into a content smile.
As long as she continued to stay by his side, that was enough for him. He was satisfied.
"We should start heading back," he turned Masaharu around.
"Mn," Lucy nodded her head, noting the setting sun.
Neighing, Masaharu complied and the three sped back to the stables where Masaharu was taken by a stable worker and returned back to his space. The two made their way back to the Inner Palace gates and sure enough, they were scolded by the Empress to which Lucy kept to her words and took half of the scolding onto herself, surprising Kouen for he didn't think she would actually go against his mother, the Empress. But seeing Lucy defend Kouen, there was not much she could do and Kouen quickly noted his mother's weakness to Lucy.
In the midst of the Empress's final scolding, Kouen smiled helplessly to himself for it simply was too late.
He had already fallen; fallen deep into this spiraling, cruel fate.