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A hello from the IkeKishi team!
As you know the current two minds are the beautiful overwhelmed students who should be studying themselves, @cyranswife and @lolitawitchgirl!
I need to say something. I know everybody is excited, but! We are two humans! We're gonna take a while to write, edit, draw, and publish this story (all while hiding from Cybird so we don't get sued). We appreciate the love before we even do anything, please keep up the support!
The Fandom Isn't Ready. Cyran's Fan Route, Coming Soon.
We all love our dedicated Princes and Butlers, but what about the fandom's favorite side character? Lets make it happen. Yes that's right, @lolitawitchgirl and @cyranswife are no collaborating to write and create a Cyran Rose playable route, through Google Slides.
@cyranswife Is writing most of the script and plot (she also created how he looks), and @lolitawitchgirl is creating the visuals (cyran's sprites will be made via Picrew, and the backgrounds are taken directly from Ikemen Prince: Beauty and Her Beast).
No more fanfics and doll divine Cyran, but a solid playable route created just for him. Please note; We are only two people, who are studying as well.
Please wait patiently for his route!
Chevran is canon on Rhodolite Island
im doing it
I realized with base anatomy, the wiki, and the cyran rose fangirl community (aka @cyranswife), I could attempt the fruitless journey of trying to draw Cyran. Today, the journey will begin, just me, my Wacom, and the occasional advice from the cyran fan club. its going to be mostly a mish mash of characters, since I can't draw in that style. so come, join my horrid sketch journey, and watch me try to draw mr rose.
An Education
Chapter 4 of a multichapter fic. Emma's POV. Emma has a lot to learn, but thankfully there are plenty of ready teachers in the palace! Approx 3600 words
Chapter List
Emma knew she was in over her head. Three tomes lay open on the desk in front of her and the texts jumbled in her mind. She was supposed to be researching the history of Rhodolite. One book was a study on past kings, one on historical events, and one on philosophies of governance.
Sariel thought she would have an easy enough time, his words, to correlate world events and ruling philosophy to the actions of past kings. Then she could analyse current events against what she knew of the princes to make an informed decision. Whatever that meant.
Most of the text was deadly boring, dry and matter of fact. Emma found her thoughts drifting every time she tried to focus on the books. Back to the tavern, dancing with a prince and then the dashing knight. Nevermind the way they left the tavern. She wanted to understand why Cyran looked so sad that night.
A knock at her door brought Emma to her feet. She wasn't expecting guests and it was entirely too early for lunch. It might be Clavis, she thought, taking over another meal with his awful cooking. "Hello? Who is it?"
The door swung open, banging into the wall. "Emma! You're alright!"
Not even a heartbeat later, she was wrapped in Rio's arms, her vision a mass of his messy blonde hair. "R-rio? What are you doing here? Can you put me down?"
Rio reluctantly let her go, his gaze darting over her figure, taking in every detail. "I was so so worried! You wouldn't believe the last few days!" He laughed. "Well, I bet I wouldn't believe your last few days either! Living in the palace and all!"
Emma had to laugh at his breathless earnestness. "It's been interesting. How is Mr. Akatsuki? And the bookstore?"
"Everything is fine. He's worried about you, but I told him I would make sure you were ok." Rio gave her a wide, innocent grin, but it didn't reach his eyes. Those now roved about the room, alert and suspicious.
"She is safer here than anywhere else, dog." Sariel's ice-cold voice cut through Rio's excitement, and the blonde turned his head towards the door. "Now that you've seen her, come along. The Belle doesn't have time for you, and there is work to be done."
Emma cocked her head in confusion. "Work to be done?"
Sariel answered for Rio. "In exchange for being allowed to serve you at the castle, he has agreed to work for me. I plan to get every ounce of usefulness out of him."
"Yep. Boss man promised to work me to the bone." Rio laughed.
"Ummm. I don't think you should sound so happy about that." Emma looked between the two men, still confused.
Rio took her hand. "I would do anything to protect my future wife. Especially in a place like this!"
Emma took her hand back with a rueful grin. "You really shouldn't joke like that. People will take you seriously."
Sariel took a step in, noting the open books. "I'm glad you are taking the time to study. I will ensure you receive additional materials later today."
"Thanks." Emma held in a sigh.
Rio winked at her. "Don't worry, I'm here to help now! Studying with me will be a breeze."
"I appreciate that," she said, "but I don't think you can be much help here. Unless you secretly know all about the lives of princes and the responsibilities of royals." Emma giggled. The idea was preposterous.
Rio laughed too. "Maybe not, but I know how to study."
"Enough." Sariel barked. "Come along."
"I'll be back later," Rio promised, giving her a little bow before following Sariel out.
Emma felt absurdly better to know she had a friend she could trust in the palace now. Someone that wasn't part of the royal family with all their intrigues and arguments. Nor one of the endless servants that said little with their lips and too much with their eyes.
She turned back to her books, determined to make some progress. Unfortunately, determination wasn't enough to get her brain on track. Emma stood, stretched, stared out the window. The day was beautiful, sunny and mild. The palace gardens tempted her with colorful blossoms and lush greenery.
The books were left open as she snuck out into the hall, decision made. "I'll just take a little walk. No big deal. Sariel won't even notice. And when I come back, I'll be ready to study." That was the promise Emma made herself as she slipped downstairs and out a servant's entrance.
Outside, the air was heavy with the scent of roses and the hum of happy bees. Emma took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing from a tightness she hadn't even realized was there. Days like this always made her feel as if everything would be alright.
Emma spotted a figure ahead as she made her way along the garden paths. A woman, she thought, well dressed, so probably a noble and not a servant. She didn't feel up to talking to anyone just then, so she turned off the path, but not quickly enough.
"Hello! Hi there!" The woman called out, taking a few steps in her direction.
The thought of running away did cross Emma's mind, but that would only mark the encounter out as strange. So she took a deep breath and turned to face her, a polite smile pasted across her worry like a paper mask. "Hello. I didn't see you there."
"It's fine. I was just taking a little walk. Hoping I might run into one of our bachelor princes." The woman giggled, her hand smoothing the elaborate coif of her hair. "My name is Joanna, by the way."
"Emma. Nice to meet you." She wasn't sure what else to add, so she fell silent.
Joanna took another step closer. "How odd though! I don't recall your debut. And you don't sound foreign." Her smile took on a sharpness. "What family are you here with?"
"I, um," Emma cleared her throat, reaching for the backstory Sariel had provided her. "M-my family is from a country estate. Very small. Minister Noir agreed to allow me to train with him. Th-that's all."
"I know all the families and I don't recall hearing of an Emma amongst my competition." Another step closer. "What is your family name?"
"There you are, my lady!" Cyran's cheerful voice split the venomous tension between the two women.
The sharpness in Joanna's face disappeared behind a veil of simpering beauty. "Oh! Master Rose! Are you here to deliver a reply to my last note for Prince Clavis?"
Cyran's smile didn't falter as he gave her an elegant bow. "I fear not, Lady Joanna. I'm on a mission to bring back Lord Noir's missing trainee." He turned to Emma, his expression turning serious. "You can't simply wander off like that! Lord Noir is furious."
Emma paled. She'd hoped her dereliction would go unnoticed. "I am so sorry! I just needed a little break."
"Well, you'll have to take that up with Lord Noir." Cyran took her arm.
Emma couldn't help but note the smirk on Joanna's face as she was led off by the soldier. But even if she was in trouble with Sariel, at least she'd gotten through the interaction without giving anything away. "Is Sariel really angry," she asked Cyran when they were out of earshot.
The soldier laughed. "Nah, he probably doesn't know you left your room."
"What? Then . . ." Emma's brows lifted. "You lied to that lady!" She was about to thank him when a sudden worry crept in. "Did Prince Clavis send you to get me?"
He grinned. "What if I said yes?"
"Please please tell me he didn't make lunch."
Cyran's dark gaze glittered. "Mmm, well, he was in the kitchen . . ."
Emma groaned. "I already did breakfast! Does the prince have no mercy? Cyran, please, just, I don't know. Tell him you couldn't find me. Take me to Sariel and I'll confess to leaving if you have to take me anywhere."
His expression was grave. "I serve my prince first."
"I . . . I understand." Emma took a slow, deep breath. She could do this. She could eat if she had to. Just a bite or two. Her tummy did a little queasy flip as it remembered breakfast.
Cyran started laughing again, hard enough that he stopped on the path. "I'm sorry," he said as he caught his breath.
"Is my suffering so funny to you?"
"No," he grinned, wiping his eye. "I shouldn't laugh, I guess. But just so you know, I'm only kidding. Prince Clavis is busy with Prince Silvio. Trade discussion over merchant use of the Benitoite ports. Our Azurite allies pass along import tax, so it's making certain goods too expensive."
Emma blinked. "Wait. So there is no awful lunch?"
"Nope. I just saw you struggling with that court gossip and thought you might want an escape route." Cyran smirked. "Then you were so worried about lunch that I had to tease."
"You are so mean." Emma shook her head. "But thanks for the rescue. That lady was starting to push on my story and I was so scared I would say the wrong thing."
"Mmm. She's a dangerous one. Joanna Beauvais. She comes to court every season, trying to attract the notice of one of the princes. That's not what makes her dangerous though."
Emma couldn't keep her curiosity in check. "So what does?"
Cyran shrugged. "She studies the other families, keeps tabs on the factions. There are rumors she blackmailed merchants. And there have been a few disappearances. Nothing we can link directly to her, but all were in competition with her or her family at court."
"Woah. I didn't even think about nobles being dangerous like that. Just that I might say the wrong thing and give myself away."
"You have to remember, with so much money and power at stake, some people will do anything." Cyran laid a hand on her shoulder. "And you really shouldn't wander around by yourself."
She nodded. "I realize that. I just thought a little walk in the garden would be safe enough." Emma paused, an idea coming to her. "Say. I don't want to impose. I know you're really busy with stuff for Prince Clavis and all, but, if you have a little time, well, do you think - could you tutor me?"
The soldier blinked. "Tutor you? In what?" His expression was genuinely confused.
"I was just thinking. I can learn a lot from books. But I can't learn stuff like this. Who is dangerous, who connects to who, how to deal with them. I feel so unprepared and you seem like you know a lot."
Cyran's brow crinkled in thought. "I mean, I guess I could. But there are probably way better people to tell you that kind of thing. Prince Nokto knows everybody. And Sariel's got spies for his spies."
"Yeah, but Sariel only tells me what he thinks I should know and Prince Nokto is a - a prince. I can't imagine asking him this kind of thing."
The soldier considered. "Alright. I guess I see where you're coming from. I don't know how much help I would be but, I can tell you what I know."
Emma impulsively hugged him, but dropped her arms when she felt him stiffen uncomfortably. "Sorry! I was just really happy. And grateful. Thank you Cyran."
"Of course, my lady."
"You know you can call me Emma, right? I'm not really a lady." She smiled. "It's weird to have people calling me that and bringing me things all the time. I haven't had to wash dishes or clean my clothes or anything."
Cyran's smile was gentle. "You are a lady to me. So I'm going to keep calling you that, alright?"
"Alright." Emma felt a little bittersweet pang. It was nice that he thought of her like that, but she also wanted him to be . . . less formal? More friendly. Like Rio. Well, maybe not exactly like Rio. She couldn't imagine the big redhead being so goofy and affectionate. "Sorry if I shouldn't ask for things like that."
"It's fine. I just want to make sure I'm respectful. Even if you aren't a noble, you are The Belle, and that means something." He took her arm again and continued on. "You are like an honored guest and I'm a servant here, showing you the courtesy you're owed, even if you don't know it."
Emma nodded. "That makes sense, I guess. Thanks for explaining it to me." She paused, then went on. "So, what's the first thing I need to know about being in the palace?"
Cyran was thoughtful for a little while, walking quietly at her side. Then, "The most important thing is not to believe what you see or hear. Nearly everyone here wears a mask. They've got one agenda they show and the real purpose is hidden in there. Always think about who benefits and how in every interaction."
"That sounds complicated."
"It is. Like with Lady Joanna. She spotted you and immediately wanted to determine if you were a potential competitor. She's here to make a good marriage alliance, and a mysterious beauty could ruin her plans. So she approached you and tried to pry your information out. But you did exactly what you should do. Say little and smile a lot."
Emma heard everything he said, but the words mysterious beauty rang in her ears and brought heat spiraling up into her cheeks. "So, umm, I," she cleared her throat, "I did good?"
He agreed. "You did. But you've got to develop a better mask. Layers of masks, even. If you can have one that's your pretend agenda, one that's a pretend real scheme, and then the truth under all of that, you'll do great."
"Ugh." She sighed. "I'll have to think about that."
Cyran chuckled. "Don't look so down about it. It won't be that hard. Nearly everyone will assume what she did. You're some country bumpkin, barely noble, here to find a husband. That's your outward agenda. Under that, maybe . . ." He trailed off.
"I could be secretly angling for royal favor? That would explain why I agreed to work for Sariel and why I meet with princes. Royal favor for my house. They need, um, ah," now it was her turn to fall silent.
"Land," the soldier piped up. "Or permits for trade. Those come up a lot."
"Ok, yeah. Maybe both, since we're destitute nobility." She smiled, starting to feel a little better. "What else?"
"You've got to carry yourself like you are too good to be standing on the ground. Hold your head up, shoulders back." Cyran paused, stopping to adjust her posture.
Emma was entirely too aware of his hand at her back, and when he took her chin and tilted it up a bit, she thought he must feel her pounding pulse. No one but Mr. Akatsuki and Rio laid hands on her, and they were family. This was different. Pleasant and a little scary. She didn't know the soldier very well, and she was here for a very specific job. One that would end soon. And after that? She'd probably never see Cyran or any of the princes again. That was the deal. Clause 99 and all.
She swallowed and told her racing pulse to calm down. "Thanks. I'll try to remember that."
"Good." He grinned. "Now, let's see. People to watch out for. Hmmm. There's Lord Flandre. He used to work for Prince Chevalier, but is now part of the anti-monarchist faction. And Roderich. He looks like a butler, but he's a soldier." Cyran tapped his chin. "Mmm, then there's Lord Galanz. He's got issues with Nokto and the whole foreign affairs faction. He's always scheming."
"Why is he angry with them? Because of Prince Chevalier or?"
The soldier shook his head with a laugh. "No, it's actually Prince Nokto's fault. See, Galanz was set to marry the daughter of a wealthy merchant from Jade. But the alliance with that Jadean family would have given him too much influence over silver exports to Jade. So the prince seduced his fiance, and made sure they got caught during one of the palace balls."
Emma was aghast. "He seduced some poor woman for politics?"
"That's basically his job," Cyran laughed. "Charming people anyway. But the affair completely destroyed the Galanz alliance. Kept the market stable, but made some wealthy enemies."
Emma mostly kept quiet while Cyran talked. Despite his claim that he wouldn't be much help, the soldier had tidbits about everyone at court, from the maids and gardeners all the way up to the King. And because he related the information through interesting stories, she felt like she'd remember it better.
"That's why no one trusts the 3rd floor maid. She had to know the soap Prince Clavis gave her was suspect, but she used it on the entire batch of sheets anyway." Cyran laughed.
"She might not have known he was playing a trick," Emma protested.
Cyran shook his head. "Trust me. Everyone knows better than to trust a 'gift' from Prince Clavis."
"I suppose I should keep that in mind too. Every time he offers me something, it's probably a joke," Emma said, turning thoughtful. "I can't figure out with him when he's actually trying to be helpful and when he's just playing a trick on me."
"It's always both." Cyran's hip bumped hers playfully. "I probably shouldn't tell you that though."
Emma sighed. "I kind of already figured that out. Thanks for confirming."
"Sure, just don't tell him I told you." The soldier grinned, but the smile slid from his face a moment later. "Don't look now but I think we're busted."
She peered in the direction of his gaze and her eyes widened. "Lord Noir. Oh. Oh no. He looks angry."
"That's just his face. Come on. He's spotted us and I'm out of smoke bombs." Cyran led her toward the royal advisor.
Emma gave Sariel a curtsy, her expression stricken. "Lord Noir, I, I, I just needed to take a walk. But don't worry! I'm going to spend the whole afternoon with the books you got for me!"
Sariel's eyes were as hard as amethysts. "I trusted you to study on your own, yet here you are. Enjoying a leisure stroll. How much time do you think we have? There are foreign princes in the palace. Trouble is brewing on the border. Our own citizens question the right of the royal family. But you have time for this?"
She felt his words like blows. He was right, of course. She'd been entrusted with a task she could not shirk, and here she was, wasting time because some of that work was boring. "I am so sorry. I swear, it won't happen again."
"I will ensure that this lesson does not slip your mind again." Sariel beckoned her to his side.
Emma traded a look with Cyran, one she hoped meant 'see you later and sorry about all this!', then hurried to Sariel. "I promise, after lunch I'll spend every second studying until bedtime!"
The minister arched one perfectly sculpted dark brow. "Lunch? There is no time for that. And bedtime, well . . . we'll see." He led her back to her room, where another stack of books awaited her.
She was about to sit down when Sariel snapped a riding crop against the side of the chair. Emma hadn't even noticed he had the thing but the sharp sound of it certainly got her attention.
"We won't be reading right now. You can do that on your own tonight." He frowned at her, cocking his head.
"If I may ask, Lord Noir, what will we be doing then?" She felt honestly worried. What other devilry might the minister have up his sleeve?
Sariel's frown deepened. "Comportment. Courtesy. Decorum. I can't have you charging through the palace like an uncivilized barn animal."
Emma's cheeks heated with unpleasant emotions. "Barn animal?" She raised her chin and drew her shoulders back as Cyran showed her earlier. "I am doing my best. I never asked to be Belle. I told you I didn't think I was a good choice for this, but you insisted. So excuse me if my manners don't meet your standards. I am trying and I will learn."
For a moment, the air between them was thick with tension. She had no idea how he might react and was half afraid she'd end up in a cell beneath the palace. But then, Sariel laughed. A hearty, rich sound of genuine amusement. "It's been awhile since someone was brave enough to speak to me that way. Bravo."
He looked her over. "And you almost have the posture down already. Wonderful. Unclench your fists and put a smile on your face."
Emma nearly fell over in surprise. "Umm, ok?"
"No, no; now you look like a carp. I said smile, not gape." Sariel gave her a thin smile of his own. "We're in for a long day, but you aren't the first recalcitrant I've taught."
"Oh? Who else did you teach this to?" She tried to relax while still maintaining her stance.
Sariel chuckled. "Perhaps I'll tell you if you do well with your lessons."
Emma kept her sigh to herself. Cramming a lifetime of knowledge into a few weeks felt like an impossible task, but if there was anyone that could make it happen, she had a feeling it was the Smiling Devil.
Chevalier arrives at the gazebo ahead of you. He finds an unexpected nuisance.
Keith: I'm sorry, I was just admiring these roses. I'll evaporate now.
Azel: (looks around like John Travolta) Whose dream is... Ah. We finally meet.
Cyran: Please please please let me hide here 🙏
Yves: I'm out of hair bleach. May I use some of yours?
[Opens book to the first page] "...You have until the end of this book to make yourself scarce." [Closes back cover two seconds later]
—
A Fine Place
Chapter 3 of a multichapter fic. Cyran's POV. Cyran escorts the Belle to a tavern to enjoy an afternoon with Prince Jin, but things take a turn! Option selected in Part 1 Poll Approx 3100 words
Chapter List
Cyran glanced at Emma without turning to look at her. She was in surprisingly good spirits, smiling as she walked along beside him. He had to admire her courage, facing down the horrors of a Clavis Breakfast Special. "You know, you're really something, my lady."
"Hm?" She ducked her head, embarrassed by the compliment. "I don't know why you'd say that. I'm just trying to keep my head up no matter what happens."
"That's admirable." He grinned. "You were practically kidnapped by a man even the nobles get nervous around, handed enormous responsibility, and then commandeered for an inedible and tense meal with a prince most people consider a little insane."
She laughed. "You know, I think he might be just a little crazy, but he's nice too. He went through a lot of trouble for me."
Cyran nodded. "He doesn't go through all that trouble for just anyone." Only his playthings, he added mentally. Clavis loved to needle and toy with people that reacted amusingly. The soldier wasn't sure how he felt about the Belle being in that group. She was very sweet and naive.
As they turned down her hall, Cyran spotted a crowd in front of her door. Several of the palace staff, and . . . "Sariel!"
The Belle looked at him, blinking her wide, amber eyes. "The minister?"
Cyran turned them to the left and down a narrower hallway. "He, um, might be a little upset. I tipped a shelf onto him this morning during your getaway."
"That was the crashing sound," she gave a scandalized laugh. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."
"You never could," he grinned. "How 'bout I find some less dangerous spot to -"
"There you are." A confident, mellow voice interrupted, and Cyran looked up to find himself almost eye to eye with the first prince. Jin's garnet gaze flicked to the Belle and back to the soldier. "Sariel said the you were kidnapped by a demon."
Emma shook her head ruefully. "Just Prince Clavis."
"I thought it might be something like that." Jin's eyes traveled over her, appreciating the girl's 'assets'.
Cyran felt an irrational annoyance at this, but he'd been around nobles and royals long enough to know how to keep his feelings well concealed. "I was just escorting my lady to the library," he told the prince.
"The library, eh? Why don't you come with me instead?" Jin held out a hand, beckoning her over.
Emma looked at him, considering. "Will I have a chance to talk with you about what you'd do as King?"
"Sure." Jin smiled broadly. "You can ask me whatever you want. I'll even answer, most of the time."
She turned to Cyran. "This is probably better than hiding out, waiting for Sariel to find me. I guess I'll see you later?"
The soldier frowned. He knew the first prince often visited the tavern, and that was surely where he was headed now. He and Clavis even accompanied Jin sometimes. But it wasn't the kind of place you took a girl like Emma. Full of drunk men and barmaids. "You aren't taking her out drinking, right, Prince Jin?"
"She doesn't have to drink with me. I'll get her some milk or something." Jin smirked as his hand enclosed hers.
"Hey! You both can ask me, you know? I'm standing right here." Emma pulled her hand away from Jin, then remembered this was a prince. "Oh, I - I mean, Prince Jin, you, ah, are royalty so obviously. Whatever you want to do."
Jin chuckled. "No need to be nervous around me. And you're right, I can ask you. So. Do you want to have a drink with me at a tavern?"
"Why not a cafe instead of a tavern," Cyran interjected.
Jin's gaze was sharp. "I can't get a good drink at a cafe. Besides, a tavern is a fine place for a lady. There are plenty of them there."
Cyran figured that was enough protest. But if she was going, he was coming with her. After all, Clavis would want him to keep an eye on her. "If you want to go, my lady, I'll accompany you. If that's alright?"
Emma nodded. "I appreciate it, Cyran. It'll be nice having a friendly face nearby."
"Hey! My face is friendly," Jin protested.
The Belle gave him a polite smile in response.
The first prince tugged a lollipop out of his pocket and handed it to her. "See? I wouldn't share my sweets if I wasn't."
Emma giggled, accepting the proffered treat. "That's true."
The three of them left the palace by a servant's door, and took a coach into town. It was afternoon when they arrived, and the townspeople were out and about, shopping and enjoying a midday meal.
Several ladies gave Jin a wave as they passed. He winked at a few, waved back to others. He wasn't an uncommon sight in this part of town.
"You must come here a lot," she murmured. "You have so many friends!"
Cyran kept his snarky comments to himself as Jin answered. "I do! It's one of my favorite places to kick back. You know, I lived as a commoner for awhile."
Emma's eyes narrowed. "You did?"
"You don't know the story?" The prince looked a little surprised.
"Something with Clause 99? I think Sariel told me a little." She gave a little shrug. "You must not have liked it much."
Jin frowned. "I liked being common just fine. But my mother -" He took a breath, smiled again. "I'll tell you the whole sad story, but I need a drink first."
Cyran knew the tale already, of course. How Jin demanded that no other common girl suffer as his mother had, that the next Belle be protected from the royal beasts. Personally, he didn't think something in a contract was going to stop a prince if he really wanted to keep a Belle around, but that kind of thing was above his paygrade.
Good as his word, Jin gave Emma the whole tale over a bottle of whiskey. How his mother and the king fell in love. The way politics and the nobility drove a wedge between them. And then the ignoble end of his mother, alone and destitute.
For her part, Emma looked properly horrified. "I had no idea! That's terrible."
"Well, now you know why getting involved with royalty is a bad idea. I hope you'll keep that in mind while you're living at the palace." Jin ruffled her hair. "Then you can just go home when it's all over."
She nodded. "That's the plan. I'm going to work hard and do my best as the - the -" Emma glanced around, realized her title probably wasn't appropriate. "Erm, at my job, yeah. And then I'm going back to the bookstore."
"That's the spirit," Jin cheered.
Cyran agreed, but he didn't think it would be so easy. Returning to her life would be complicated by all the people she would meet at the palace. Those who might take notice of her, and wonder how to use her as a pawn in their political scheming. Even if they didn't know her purpose, anyone could see she had the attention of the royal family. It would be no easy thing to escape their long reach.
"I still don't understand this part of Rhodolitian custom," he admitted.
"Oh! I meant to ask where you were from. I noticed you have a slight accent," Emma told him. "I hope that's ok to ask?"
"Sure it is, my lady." Cyran grinned at her. "I'm from Obsidian." He watched her face for the telltale disgust but saw only curiosity.
Emma's brows lifted. "Wow! I have so many questions! What is it like there? How did you get here? Do you ever get homesick? Is it true that -"
Jin chuckled. "You need to take a breath and let the man answer."
Cyran felt a surprising rush of relief. He'd been pretty sure she would like him a lot less once she knew what he was. Obsidianite. The enemy at the gate. The cause of so much suffering and death. "Let's see. It's a lot stricter than here, that's for sure. And, Prince Clavis converted me. I do get homesick from time to time, even though I like living in Rhodolite. That was all the questions, right?"
Her cheeks heated with embarrassment. "Yeah. Sorry. I've just never had a chance to talk to someone that lived there."
"Hey, I'm still a prince. And you haven't asked me what I would do as King yet," Jin teased, pretending to pout over her shift in attention.
Emma's cheeks went even hotter. "I wasn't ignoring you, I swear! Ah, so, Prince Jin, what would you do if you became King?" She cleared her throat, trying to refocus herself.
Jin's smile was wide and dangerous. "First things first, I'd take every pretty girl for a dance." He took her hand and stood up, pulling her along with him. There were a few musicians playing in one corner of the tavern. When they saw the prince stand with a lady at hand, they switched from a soft folk tune to a skirling melody meant for dancing.
"H-hey," she protested. "I don't really kn-know how to do this."
"It's fine," the prince assured her. "Just follow my lead." Jin pulled her out to a small, cleared space near the musicians.
Cyran watched the prince spin her around and dip her, dancing in a way far different from the formal ballroom dance expected of royalty. But then, Jin was like that. He held onto the qualities he perceived as common in defiance of his birth and position. Cyran felt certain there was a deep resentment in him. Nothing like the vibes he picked up from Luke, but still there. Smoldering at the prince's core. He hoped Emma was as perceptive. Otherwise, she'd get hurt.
"Is that the - the new girl?" Leon took a chair opposite Cyran.
The soldier cursed himself for not being more aware of his surroundings. He hadn't noticed the fourth prince approach. "Yep. Are you surprised?"
Leon chuckled. "A little? She doesn't seem like his type."
"Every girl is his type." Cyran grinned. "Looks like you needed a break today too." He glanced around for Hugo, but didn't spot him. "On your own?"
"Yeah. I gave Hugo the afternoon off." Leon signaled a bar maid and ordered a drink. "What are you doing here?"
There wasn't a good answer to that question. "Prince Clavis asked me to keep an eye on her." Half truths, always the best response. Just enough fact to cover if someone poked their nose in, and just enough wiggle room to dodge any consequence.
Leon's brows drew down. "What's his interest in her?"
"Gentlemanly." Cyran grinned.
"Somehow, that answer worries me more," Leon muttered. His drink arrived, along with the two dancers returning to the table.
Jin plonked down in his seat and took a drink.
Emma beamed. "That was fun! I didn't think I would like it, but you're a really good dancer, Prince Jin."
He smirked. "I better be. I've had plenty of practice." Jin turned to Leon. "You wrap up the officer recognition already?"
Leon nodded. "I did. All the planning is complete and the ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow. I left my sergeants with instructions."
"Good man," Jin took another drink.
Emma turned to Cyran while the princes chatted. "Is dancing very different in Obsidian than here?"
"Not really. We have our own folk dances, and those can be different from village to village. But isn't all dancing pretty much the same?" He shrugged.
"I wonder. I mean, at the end of the day, it's just moving in time to the music, right? But somehow, every time I watch people dance, it seems new to me and exciting." Emma practically had stars in her eyes. "I bet it feels like that when you dance too. Like every time is unique and special."
Cyran realized she wanted to dance more. He wasn't sure she even realized that's what she wanted, but he could hear the yearning and excitement in her voice. He stood up and held out a hand. "Want me to show you what I know?"
Emma glanced at the princes and then back at the soldier, clearly unsure what was courteous. Thankfully Leon noticed and gestured for the two of them to go on. Jin nodded as well, a tacit approval. "Let's!"
The soldier hoped he wasn't too rusty. His work left him little free time, much less time for merrymaking. He led her out to the small dance floor, and then took a moment to ask the musicians if they knew a song he remembered. He had to hum it for them, but when he did, they nodded and struck up the tune. Close enough, anyway.
"Is this an Obsidianite song," Emma asked in a near-whisper. Her breath tickled his ear and sent a strange charge through him.
"It is. But one popular enough that Rhodolite has its own version." Cyran positioned her hands on him. "Now, this dance is pretty easy. You're going to step left and left. Yeah. Like that." He guided her through the motions until they reached the second verse. "Now we repeat the same thing again, but to the right."
Emma nodded. "I think I've got it. Like this?" She mirrored the steps pretty well, letting Cyran's motions guide her.
"You're pretty good at this," he teased. "Are you sure you haven't danced before today?"
She laughed and looked away. Not quick enough to hide the happiness in her eyes or the heat in her cheeks. Cyran couldn't help but think she was really pretty when she smiled like that. Beautiful, even. He could believe she'd caught Jin's eye. And perhaps Clavis' too.
"Scum!" The angry shout caught everyone's attention, and an entire tavern's worth of eyes turned toward a lean man in soldier's garb. The uniform was mussed, and it was clear he'd been drinking heavily. His greying hair stuck up at odd angles, blood-shot eyes peered out beneath thick eyebrows, and his lips were speckled with beer foam and spit.
Cyran stopped dancing and pulled the Belle behind him.
"You need to step back, man," one of the other tavern patrons exclaimed.
The man took another stumbling step forward. "Damn scum! You Obsidian bastards, you think you can- can come in here and kill us. Th-then just drink and dance! Like it was nothing?!" He jabbed a finger in Cyran's direction. "Shoulda killed you back then. And all your kind."
Now all the eyes moved to Cyran, some speculative, others hostile. The soldier felt a weight in his chest, one he thought he'd done away with years ago. Guilt, shame, disgust, and other emotions he had no name swamped his heart like a deep forest pool with dark, clouded waters.
Leon moved before anyone else could. "Hey. You need to sit down and have a glass of water." He held out a helping hand to the drunk.
Jin gestured to Cyran, a subtle recommendation to go. His words were for the drunk. "That's right, sit down and have some water before you do something you'll regret in the morning."
The drunk ignored the princes' very good advice. "M-my only regret's not killing more Obsidianites. But you're here an' I'm here now." He lunged toward Cyran, a clumsy attack with a blunt work knife.
Cyran moved, his body acting out of training and habit before his mind caught up. He stepped between the drunk and the princes. His hand darted out, gripping the drunk's knife hand. There was a sudden, sickening crack of breaking bones. The knife fell to the floor. "Can't help where I was born but I can help how I act now that I'm here. I'm not the violent idiot threatening people with knives."
There was a howl of pain a moment later, as the broken bones communicated their distress to the inebriated brain. "M-my hand!"
The tavern regulars seemed unsure how to react. There was a general, unpleasant muttering all around.
"Get back to the palace, and take the girl," Jin ordered. "We'll take care of this guy."
Leon was already helping the drunk to a chair, and a barmaid was bringing water. The guy was going to need more than good hydration for his hand, but that wasn't Cyran's problem. He had his orders.
"Let's go, my lady. Sorry for the sour end to our dance." Cyran took her arm and led her out the back door through the tavern kitchens.
"Does this kind of thing happen often?" Emma's eyes were wide, her lips pale, but her voice didn't shake.
Cyran gave a bitter laugh. "Not as often as it used to. It's fine. People have a right to be angry. I just wish they'd point it in the right direction. I," he trailed off without finishing his thought. He wasn't sure what to say. That he'd chosen Rhodolite when it counted. Chosen life and people and humanity. That he loved this place and his home in equal measure. That he wanted to make up for the harm he caused so many years ago.
She seemed to understand what he left unsaid, or at least, understood his mood. Emma leaned into him for a moment, her head resting on his shoulder, her fingers tightening on his. "It isn't your fault. Don't carry their hate for them."
"You don't even know what happened, what I have or haven't done," he replied, surprised.
Emma was quiet for a long moment, then, "That's true, I don't. But I can say in the time I've known you, you strike me as a kind man. I don't believe you would ever want to hurt someone. Even at the tavern, you did what was needed to stop that drunk from hurting you or someone else. That's it. If you hadn't stepped in, he might have gotten killed or stabbed somebody, or both!"
Cyran grimaced. "I didn't mean to break his hand though. I just wanted him to drop the knife."
"See? And you even feel bad about it." She smiled up at him. "Look, I'm the Belle and supposedly I can see into the hearts of men, or something." She laughed softly. "Either way, I think I'm a pretty good judge of character. So trust me when I say, you aren't a bad man, no matter where you were born or what you did there to - to get here."
Her words struck a chord in him. Was he justified? Cyran still didn't know, not even after ten years making up for it. "You're really naive," he sighed, "but kind. Thank you for that."
Emma shook her head. "But you still don't believe it." There was a firmness in her expression, a surprising certainty and solidity he wouldn't have expected. "Maybe one day you will though."
"If you say so," he grinned. "How 'bout we get some ice cream before we head back. End this outing on a happier note."
"That sounds amazing," she agreed.
With quivering hands, Cyran opened the bento box Clavis packed for him, only to find...
🍌 x 5
🍌 x 100
Note telling him to take the day off + a brochure to a nearby banana grove
Replacement bento from kind, merciful Lady Emma
