The Balance of Life

Willow was in stunned silence at what had happened as she took a deep breath, she had never expected someone wanting her dead watching what Vorkea had done the man just stepping back as the assassin yelled out 'down with the dragons' over and over again till Karyu tossed him over the balcony. The sound of his screams filling the halls, echoing in her ears making her flinch. Vorkea turned to Selene as she tended to his hand "I've taken worse my dear...so long as you and the princess are safe....I will always lay my life down for the royal family." he said proudly.

Willow stood in silence seeing the blood, when both Selene and Karyu asked if she was alright she shook her head snapping out of her daze. "ye...yes...I...just a bit startled is all.." she said quickly, she looked a bit paler than her already white skin. "if we are to leave tonight...i think it would be best if we had the carriage still leave in the morning..." she was trying to think to get her mind off what just happened. Vorkea nodded "that is actually a brilliant idea...Selene I think it be best if you played the part in the morning...these two leave tonight I'll stay with you milady as your escort..."

"I knew the beast clans conspired against me, but to target the Princess. I will not forgive this treason."Karyu said still in a blind fury as a servant promptly brought him a chalice of wine without even needing being asked as he took a large drink as the tense rage in his eyes seemed to visibly relax "Alright, that is what we shall do." Vorkea I leave the embassy to you. Get to the bottom of this. I will be staying with the Princess for the time being. I need her soothing magics and now that I am on guard no one shall dare enter my domain he said as his eyes flashed a crushing heatwave seemed to fill the area with the immense aura Karyu was giving off in what seemed to permeate across his entire kingdom as all around the villages could sense the Emperor's strength and ferocity as if he was inviting the challenge to him. Though Karyu had inherited his title after the death of his father, he fended off others who wished for the crown and had never lost in combat. Protect something that rightfully was his in his wife fueled his inner rage to another height he had yet to feel before

“Let us get your hand tended to first before you try to escort anyone General.” She said. In the commotion, guards were suddenly alert and retrieved a doctor after hearing that Vorkea was hurt injured. “But thank you, lord Vorkea. For keeping her safe.” she said before stepping back and out of the doctors way.

Selene moved to Willow. “Come princess, let’s find you a place to sit and rest.”

Willow would look over at Karyu as he mentioned the beast clans "Milord please...we do not know if it was them that conspired such a thing. We both have enemies we cannot lay fault with just one because of our feelings" she said quickly wanting to ease the tension. She didn't want to beleive that those she had worked beside would commit such a thing, she thought she had been doing the right thing...but even now she was shaking, sure she had several chances on her life...the man she was to marry's own father had a bounty on her head since the day she was born...but in a moment of peace she thought all would be well...but seeing that man rushing at her the hatred in his eyes, the yell of hatred coming out of his mouth...it made her almost stumble slightly just as she heard Selene step up to her as she nodded "Right..." she whispered moving with her dear friend just as the pulse of Karyu's very aura would suddenly radiate from him. Her whole body tensed up, she had never felt such hatred...such thirst for blood in her life and it terrified her...

Vorkea would slam his bandaged hand to his chest bowing to him "as you command your highness...." he said as he looked to the two women things would be getting interesting now. Though he would turn one of his seconds came up to him as he spoke "triple the guard...I want every hole flushed out" "yes Sir!" his men said as they rushed out, the feeling of the floor shaking as Vorkea marched down the halls vibrated the halls making all quickly part to let him pass...Vorkea had served in Karyu's fathers army and worked his way up shedding blood left and right...though he seemed at times more light spirited when he got down to it...he was almost as vile tempered as the late king himself.

Karyu soon let his body return to normal as he let out a deep breath "You may be right, but whoever it is, it won't go unpunished"he said shaking his head "You can be rest assured Vorkea will get to the bottom of this."he said taking another deep drink of his wine "I thought your clan were a peaceful people? What enemies could you possibly have stirred up?"he asked curiously

“She is royalty, my lord, of a far off and foreign land....I dare say, enemies come with the territory.” Said a mature and rich voice as an older woman in regal gold and black robes, embellished with a red dragon silhouette across the front. She strode into the throne room with a confidence and air of Authority. Black hair with silver strands were braided over one shoulder as whisks of bangs framed her gentle, yet firm face. She  put her hands together and bowed to him deeply before turning to Willow and repeated the process. “I heard of the assassination against you my lady. Are you alright?” She asked and stood tall.

Willow would open her mouth to say something till another voice cut in, she turned looking over towards an older woman and she wasn't quiet sure who this was. Though Karyu didn't seem to pay the woman much mind as she looked over her attire, rich silks embroidered in golds and reds, the bow towards Karyu...it didn't take a genius to figure it out. She was a head servant to Karyu but when she turned towards her she blinked "I...well yes physically..." she said quickly clearing her throat. "i...don't believe we've met before...Karyu....Lord Karyu has never mentioned he had a personal servant." Her cheeks turning a faint red now, why was she all of a sudden just referring to him by name, just hours even a day or so ago she only called him milord...now she was calling him by name...

She would take a deep breath to calm herself and would give a faint smile, "Thank you for your concern milady...but I am quiet fine thanks to Lord Vorkea's actions and Lord Karyu's quick thinking all was handled." She theng lanced towards Karyu but she attempted to not start blushing as she cleared her throat to respond to him. "As for finding those responsible we know we both have enemies, no one save for us and those closest to us and perhaps most of the people want this union between us milord...for centuries our clans have been at one another...its hard to change the mindset of a few even if its for the greater good...I just only hope that we can avoid anymore blood..or war..."

"She's not exactly my personal servant, she's the Prime Minister"Karyu said "Whose supposed to be back at the palace managing the country, why are you here?"he questioned "I told you the Elders and I should be able to handle it, you and Vorkea hover over me more than my own parents ever did."he sighed shaking his head "But if you are here because of the supposed assassination reports than that means this is a widespread problem. I have already set Vorkea onto the matter and the Princess and I are returning to the palace tonight in secret. You shall no doubt be with the entourage that departs tomorrow now. Princess Willow and I will be riding in private."he stated noticing the fondness in which she was using his name before he turned to her "Fear not Willow"he said taking her by the hand once more "I will not let this devolve into mindless war. We have a kingdom to restore, not destroy."he said before gently kissing the back of her fingers though in his head he was questioning himself *What is with this sudden affection...calling her by her first name...kissing her hand...gently holding her waist....if it were any other woman she'd already be stripped and fucked....but this is different....she's....an urge...*he said to himself as he looked her in the eyes before pulling himself away clearing his throat

The Prime Minister smiled softly as she noticed his softer demeanor toward the Princess, taking notice of how he spoke to her, held her... it made her feel warm and happy to see him happy.
She chuckled softly after the Princess sheeted embarrassed by her mistake. “I am Prime Minister Izusuo Heida.”
“I thought that the Prime Minister was a man.” Selene said before she realized she spoke out of turn. “Apologies.”
“None needed....and many mistake me so often before meeting me. Stories of my time in the army and climb through our political ranks have many assume they meet with a hardened old man who will do anything and everything his way......then they walk in to find me....throws them off their game quite a bit....I prefer it that way...gives me an advantage.” She said with a smirk, “Besides....all of that’s true, aside from gender of course.”

"Pr...Prime Minister?" Willow stated in shock as she stood there looking at the woman, she wasn't exactly sure what to think or even say to that. Though she remained silent as she looked over at Selene she moved back to her friend, making sure she was alright but seeing Selene rather intrigued in the Prime Ministers story Willow smiled listening as she was rather shocked. "oh my that is quiet the life, I have heard stories I never would have thought the one we heard of would be a woman....oh please forgive me Milady Prime Minister that was rude of me..." she said bowing her head just as Karyu moved back to her side. The tone in his voice was different, she herself couldn't help but feel the fire burning within her and she blushed just as his lips once more press against her skin sending a shiver through her. "I trust your words Lord Karyu..." she said clearing her throat some as she shifted. "Selene" she looked back to her dearest friend, "Since we wont be traveling together tomororw, please be safe and...if its alright with Lord Karyu and of course the Prime Minister...I think selene you'd do well to perhaps attend to the Minister learn from her...I'd like you to trully help settle our people into this land and I feel no other would be up for the task than you my friend..."

"Yes everyone seems to make that assumption"Karyu said as he could be seen beginning to show signs of calming down now as his tense arms visibly relaxed as the ladies chatted "Oh? Selene is not coming? When I said you and I were traveling privately, I assumed she was a packaged part of the deal. But it seems you are a Princess that is more than capable of handling her own affairs."he said with the faintest hint of surprise in his voice "Izusuo has a very sharp mind and her rage only sharpens her wit. She'd be a good ally to have in thee royal courts."he said "She and Vorkea are the two people I know will never betray my faith in them."he said nodding his head at his PM slightly "I take it all the other arrangements for tomorrow's journey have been set in place?"he asked "If that is the case, perhaps we should finish up today's activities and prepare for the festivities tonight. I'm heard it's going to be quite a big celebration, of which we shall leave in the cover of once it is all over."

“Yes My King, everything is ready....but Her Majesty is correct....the Lady Selene is of similar stature to the Princess and would make an easy duplicate to lead others astray. With Lord Vorkea traveling with her, I assure her safe return to your side Princess.” She said and Selene nodded. “As you wish Princess. Please be safe in your journey tonight.” She said and bowed to her and moved to the Prime ministers side. “His Majesty is most generous in his praise. But if you are both ready, shall we begin?”

Willow would glance over at Karyu and would chuckle some "Selene is a dear friend of mine, its a great honor that I can also rely on her in times like this...with that said I believe I can handle packing a few belongings for a trip" she said with a witty smile as she turned to look at Selene giving her a nod as she would go to be with the Prime Minister. WIllow glanced over at Karyu then as she spoke "shall we get ready to depart milord? I dare say it shouldn't take long."

"Let us, allow me to accompany you to your room to grab your things. I'll have the servants load it into the carriage while we are at the festival"Karyu said as he inclined his head at the other two women before heading off back through the embassy as Karyu followed her lead to the room she was staying in as he leaned against the door frame as she went inside "I'm impressed, this room is just as nice as the one I am staying in. I am glad they pulled no expense for you Princess, I ordered them to get you anything you needed."he said as he looked over at her as his eyes shifted to her bed momentarily. How easy it would be to seduce her now that they were alone, he thought to himself before shaking his head "Another piece of fruit would be nice right now after that whole ordeal we just had to deal with" he commented as he pushed off the door frame entering the room now

“Come Selene, lets make sure the festivities are up to the Blue clans standards.”
“Of course Prime Minister.”
“Oh please, none of that! Call me Izusuo. We will be working together from time to time for the foreseeable future.” She said with a smile

They maid their way to the grand courtyard and dining hall where the entire space had been prepared in an array of lights, food and music. The many servants were hurriedly finishing up the final touches and the guards had been doubled and making sure to monitor everything carefully. “No expensse has been spared and we have many delicacies from your homeland.”

The booming voice of Vorkea could be heard not soon after the two had entered as he laughed looking over some of the choices in decor he was looking over some of the items that had been passed through as well as talking to the guards that had been placed on duty. Though the man just earlier was fuming seemed to be back to his old self as he turned noticing Izusuo and Selene as he waved his men off and walked over to the two of them "isn't this a site...training up a new one are we Izusuo?" he said with a grin.

Glancing back at him she would nod her head "The room is very lovely, bigger than what I am used to" she said simply turning back to the wardrobe as she began to remove some of the clothing folding it neatly before placing it to the side. "though my clans palace is lovely we converted many of the rooms and halls to be used for other purposes over the many years...the royal family or what was left of us took up only a small section. We didn't feel it right that so many were without homes when we had more rooms than we could fill so we opened it to the people...I can't imagine a palace quiet...far to used to the laughter and voices of others" she said turning to look at him, as he stepped into the room a bit more. She took a deep breath to calm herself, after all they where to be married so him in her chambers wasn't...something she should worry about. Though at the mention of the fruit she paused "I...might actully have some..." she said as she stepped from where she was, over to a basket tied shut only by a simple pin through a loop as she pulled it free and inside sat the fruits that helped tame his rage. Removing a knife hidden within her obi she began to slowly remove the outer skin from it working the blade against the soft flesh of the fruit before she had a few pieces cut and laid into a bit of cloth "here..." she said holding it up towards him, her fingers stained to the color of the fruit but she didn't seem to mind all that much. "these are the ones that came from the grove I plan to gift you...they ripened just recently so they should be perfect."

"That looks absolutely delicious"Karyu said as he leaned down gently taking the fruit from her hands between his fangs as he chomped it down, licking some of the juice off the tips of her fingers "That was delicious, I am feeling much calmer now"he said taking another piece and biting into it as well as he could feel the cooling sensation doubled from the fruit in being so close to her "They are perfect"he said as he stepped in closer to her again "Are you excited for the festival Princess?"he asked curiously picking up another piece

“Perhaps.” She said with a smirk. “Any news of other attackers?”

“Lord Vorkea, how is your hand?” Selene asked concerned as she approached him.

The general chuckled "My hand is fine milady but I appreciate your concern" he stated as he showed his hand was wrapped and well tended. "It will take more than a cut palm to take me out. Now then, I've come to aid with the security of the festivities so I am at your disposal milady"

Willow watched him, her cheeks turning a faint red as he leaned in and took a piece of the fruit and licked her fingers in the process. She didn't expect something like that as he complemented about the fruit as she nodded "I find them a bit more satisfying as the fruit rather than as a wine or drink...." she said softly as she stood there, the more pieces he took she smiled till he was leaning in towards her as she shifted. "well....yes it will mean that the main conflicts will be over...and our kingdoms can heal"

"I think I do too. I'm actually not too fond of being intoxicated all the time. I just happen to have a high tolerance and be able to hold my liquor. But the fruit wouldn't grow in our soil, and when we tried to preserve it by drying it, it doesn't carry the same cooling effect we discovered. So we decided to juice the fruit we imported, which then fermented into wine, which last longer that way anyway. Thus how I came into my stores of Dragonfruit wine being readily available."he said "I look forward to being able to walk outside and pluck a fresh fruit. To have that last effect, it will revolutionize our society."he stated "Our nations will heal indeed Princess"he nodded as his arm snaked around her waist pulling her into him

“I’m so glad.....” Selene smiled softly. Izusuo smirked and raised a brow in intrigue. She knew that look and mannerism and chuckled softly. “Much of the preparation has been done and I already see you have doubled the guard....but I’d ask for more thorough screening of the guests as they arrive to make sure that nothing else happens tonight.”