Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Clove shivers as Kyro’s lips press against her forehead, his body wrapped around hers in a way that is strangely more intimate than their previous evening together. She remembers with a shudder the images that sprang to mind the night before their wedding; of them in bed, his lips on hers, their bodies intertwined. A blush colors her cheeks and she feels a sudden need for personal space.

“Kyro… I should go talk to the elders,” Clove manages to whisper as she disentangles herself from his grasp. She steps away, biting her tongue as she notices his expression. The more time they spend together, the easier she finds it to read him. He looks disappointed, and truth be told, a part of her is too. Still, she can’t imagine what might happen if they were to stay locked in that embrace. She can’t help but recall what she said to Aaron the night before her wedding: I feel drawn to him. Like a mantra, these words repeat in a loop in the back of her head, insistent. Impossible to ignore. They push her to acknowledge that the way she cares about Kyro is only growing, especially after the emotionally charged night they just shared.

“Of course. Do what you need to. If you need me, I’ll be smoothing things over with the Generals.” Kyro’s eyes are soft as they hold her gaze. Appreciation blossoms in her chest, encouraging her to speak her mind.

“You once told me that nothing should be assumed between us, and I want that to hold true. Would you join me for dinner tonight? So we can talk more about this… alliance we have entered in together?” She bites her lip as the nerves kick in - is she being too forward? - and waits for a response.

A pause, then “Of course, my princess”. She smiles up at him gratefully, pausing to squeeze his hand briefly with her own before taking her leave.

As she walks away, head held high, he almost doesn’t notice the slight tremble in her hands. Was she nervous? How cute. He has to admit, he’s looking forward to that meal. Maybe there are a few things he’s ready to talk about with her too.

***

She arranges for them to have dinner in their chambers, with the hope of maximizing their chances at a private conversation. When she arrives, she finds the room empty save for a decadent spread of food laid out on a low table decorated with burgundy silk cloth. Clove finds her way to one of the two cushioned seats and begins to relax when Kyro arrives.

His amber eyes appear to light up as soon as they meet hers, and he spares her a small smile before striding across the room to the large dresser. With scarcely a pause, his hands fly to his shoulders and he begins to disrobe.

“Feel free to start without me, I need a moment to change.” There’s a hint of teasing in his tone that makes Clove realize she’s been staring-- and he noticed. She inhales sharply, forcing herself to drag her eyes away from his toned back and towards her plate. An unfamiliar heat sparks in her lower belly and she finds herself anxious to move as far away from him as possible.

Is this how he always is? Undressing without a second thought as to who can see him? Annoyed at how flustered she has become, Clove makes a silent note to herself to bring up bedroom manners during this meal. When he finally appears at the table, he has changed into a dark silken robe with a golden dragon imprint on it. His eyes meet hers in a knowing way, and she breaks eye contact first.

Hungrily, they tuck into their food and it’s only after a few minutes have passed that the silence is broken.

“So what is it that you wanted to discuss, my princess?” Kyro’s amber eyes bear into hers intensely, seeking answers.

Taking a deep breath, Clove exhales and begins. “I never got the chance to apologize for not sharing the truth with you-”

“There is no need to apologize. Why would you have trusted the Crimson Dragon with such information? I am, after all, your sworn enemy.” He smiles indulgently at her, lifting up his cup of sake and drinking it down in one smooth gulp.

“That may be true, but if this alliance is going to work, we must learn to trust each other. I know we haven’t had much opportunity to get to know each other, but I intend to remedy this.”

“Oh? And what do you propose, princess?” Kyro’s eyebrow draws up in curiosity.

“Growing up I never imagined that I would marry someone so foreign to me. I don’t know about you, but I always thought I would marry for love. Foolish maybe, but now that we are here; what kind of marriage do you intend this to be? What kind of husband will I have?” Clove’s azure eyes glow slightly in that moment, challenging him to respond.

“Fair enough, princess, I can’t say I pictured this for myself either. In truth I have never given much thought to whom I would rule with. As you no doubt overheard, I dated General Rei for quite some time. I suppose you could say that I learned what I don’t want in a wife from that relationship.” Kyro shifts in his seat, the skin around his eyes glowing scarlet before he exhales forcefully, as if willing away his past.

“As for what kind of husband I will be, I cannot say. You know what kind of man I am. I will never hurt you. I will treat you as my equal, and I will never undermine your power in front of our people.” Before Clove can respond, Kyro interjects again.

“And what of Headband? Is he the imaginary husband of your dreams?”

Clove flinchs guiltily, but she saw it coming and she’s prepared to answer this time.

“Yes and no. You asked me when we first met and I lied to you- but then, I was lying to myself. I have loved Aaron since I first laid eyes on him training. So yes, in a way, I suppose I had hoped to marry him. He has been by my side protecting me for so many years, it’s hard to imagine life without him. But… I’m not the little girl on the training field anymore. I’m a woman of my word, and I swear to you, there is nothing there. Besides… there are worse things in life than to marry a dragon,” Clove remarks, shooting him a small smile.

Kyro stares at her, considering. She seems certain, a defiant air about her as if daring him to question her. He sighs, remembering how much pain his own relationship had caused him. No, he won’t push her to say more, not now anyways.

“Well then, I believe your word. But should there ever be anything that does arise… I trust that I would hear it from you, and not the palace maids.” Satisfied, Kyro leans back on his cushion and refills his drink. He moves to fill Clove’s cup and she lets him, looking at him uncertainly. She doesn't have much experience drinking.

“Toast with me, princess. To our alliance- may it bring the peace our nations need, and hope for a better future.” Clinking their cups together, they drink deeply. Clove attempts to match him and ends up sputtering, choking slightly on her drink as an unfamiliar taste burns down her throat.

“What is this? I’ve never had anything like it before.”

“I didn’t realize you were a connoisseur of local alcohol,” Kyro teases, leaning across the table and letting his chin rest on his hands.

A laugh slips out of Clove’s mouth and she rolls her eyes lightly, putting the drink back down on the table.

“I guess next time you’ll have to bring me something sweet to make it go down easier…” Clove’s eyes rake up and down Kyro’s chest, feeling strangely powerful when she realizes he’s looking her up and down in return. Tension fills the air between them, not for the first time, and biting her lip Clove reminds herself that she didn’t call this dinner just to stare at her new husband. Even if he did look undeniably handsome as he smirked across the table at her.

“I propose that we draw up our own agreement. A marriage contract, if you will. We have made so many promises to our people, but none of them have involved what we owe to each other.” Clove stops, waiting for him to interrupt her, and when he doesn’t she continues. “First there’s the matter of how we can support each other. I can’t say I completely trust you and I would bet you feel the same. But you did save my life and you have treated me with kindness at every turn. Earlier, you said that I needed to focus on my own burdens before I focus on yours. Well, I disagree. If we are to be partners in politics, then we should be partners in all other arenas as well. I want to know what troubles you; I cannot help you if I don’t know what’s wrong.”

Kyro feels a pang in his chest at her words. How could a woman he’d only known for a few weeks, a blue-eyed Cerulean Princess at that, seem to care about him more than Rei had in the expanse of years?

“Princess, I appreciate your concern, but how are you going to grow your dragon bond if you are worrying about the intricacies of Crimson politics? Much less my feelings about them. This may all be new to you, but please remember that this is my life. I’ve handled everything so far just fine on my own.”

“I’m sure you have, but I know how lonely that life is. I have lived it too, and I don’t ever want to go back. Who else can I discuss dragons with, if not you? Who else can I share the pain and surprising joy of arranged marriage with? I understand what I’m asking of you will not be natural at first, but neither is being asked to consummate our marriage publicly. We are placed in impossible situations every day. Is it really so hard to imagine letting me into your life, the way I have let you into mine?” The truth of her words hits Kyro slowly, and he feels his defenses lowering as her earnestness becomes increasingly apparent.

“I see your point, Clove. I will try to remember that you are more than an ally. Is that all? Or was there more?”

Blushing, Clove nods her head slowly and forces herself to bring up the topic weighing most heavily on her mind after last night.

“Kyro, your mother is right. We will have to produce an heir if we intend to secure this alliance.”

Author's Note:

The original creator of this WebToon is Junepurrr, I do not own these characters or this universe.

Y'all there is a surprising dearth of SubZero fan fiction out in the world!! I haven't written fan fiction in literal years, but after binging SubZero in a night I needed more. I'm not sure yet how long this will be, but it's definitely a ~slow burn~ like the comic.

Chapter Text

“Kyro, your mother is right. We will have to produce an heir if we intend to secure this alliance.”

This time it’s his turn to choke on his drink. The sake burns as it goes back up his throat and he blinks tears back. Throat rough from his coughing fit, Kyro manages to get a hold of himself and bends closer to her over the table.

“Why princess, I didn’t realize you were so eager to get into bed with me. Can’t get enough of this pretty face, can you?” Kyro forces himself to speak lightly, hoping she can’t hear the surprise in his voice.

Two can play that game. Clove pushes herself up from her seat and inches across the table towards him, her breasts pushing up against her shirt.

“I’m not sure what you mean… I’m simply discussing our duties. Your face has nothing to do with it.” She catches his eyes dropping down to her chest and smirks, feeling powerful. Then her shoulders relax and she falls back to her cushion.

“Kyro, we may have succeeded in throwing the elders off our trail a few days ago but you know as well as I that we won’t be able to do so in the future. Now I’m sure you’ve had… experience before with this, but I haven’t,” Clove’s voice cracks as she admits her insecurity. There. She said it. Would he tease her, she wondered? Or… no, when she brings her gaze up she realizes his eyes have softened again and he isn’t smiling his teasing smile.

“Princess, I don’t care what the elders expect. You’ve sacrificed more than enough for this alliance, and I’ll move at your pace. Besides, until we both are fully healed, sex is off the table. I’m not interested in re-opening our wounds,” Kyro remarks dryly, hand subconsciously flying to his left shoulder where the dagger had driven into him.

Clove blinks, a hot blush rising to her cheeks at the word “sex”. She has never heard anyone say that word so boldly, but she likes how it sounds in Kyro’s mouth. She wonders if the wounds are only an excuse or if he’s genuinely uninterested in bedding her. The thought makes her flinch as she finds herself increasingly drawn to him, wanting to explore the desires suddenly appearing in her mind.

An unbidden whisper leaves her lips, “What if I want to?”

Kyro’s amber eyes smolder into hers, the room physically heating a few degrees as red lines outline his eyes. And then, with a cheeky grin, he leans back into his cushion and raises his arms to cross behind his neck.

“Then you have to earn it. I’m not giving it up that easy, princess,” he teases. “For starters, you need to start studying. This alliance will crumble if anyone realizes that you can’t shift.”

Clove blinks, caught off guard by his redirection.

“You’re right… but I will need your help. What happened that night, Kyro? Why is your dragon in my dreams?” Clove’s voice is so earnest it hurts and Kyro darts his eyes away from hers, embarrassment rising up in him. How have I still not told her we kissed??

“You were dying Princess, cold to the touch. The Crimson Dragon told me that the only way to save you was to shift into your subconscious-”

Clove cut him off. “But how did you shift into my subconscious?”

A pause. Kyro’s face lights up and Clove stares at him, fascinated. Is he nervous?

“I had to kiss you, princess.” Clove’s mouth drops open in surprise and she shifts slightly, moving around the curved table to rest by Kyro’s side.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” She murmurs, fingers on the table drawing slow circles near his hand. Not quite close enough to touch.

“I was going to, but we kept getting interrupted. You know how it is here. Privacy, a foreign concept.”

Clove smiles wryly in understanding, then moves her hand to clasp his. She squeezes, hoping that can convey everything she wants him to know: It’s okay, I’m not upset, I understand.

Kyro swallows, his throat suddenly dry when Clove touches him. “There’s more. When we were there, I met the Azure Dragon. She was protecting you, but something was wrong. She tried… well, she tried to kill you.”

Clove recoils, shock written over her face. “What? Why would she do that?”

“She spoke bitterly about the war and the possibility that it might end. She believes that the suffering you and your ancestors have endured as vessels for the dragon is no longer worthwhile. I suppose she thought she would be putting you out of your misery,” Kyro attempts to convey this as gently as possible, but he suspects that Clove will be devastated either way. Considering his mother had said the dragon developed separately from her, this news was sure to make her feel even more distant from her ancestor.

Clove licks her lips, processing what Kyro just told her. What would make her think peace is unattainable? She’s never even spoken to me! Why would she give up like that…

“What happened? How did I make it out?” demands Clove, anxious for an answer.

“The Crimson Dragon stepped in to attack her and that’s how I managed to save you and take you back with me to reality,” Kyro admits, a weight lifting from his chest as he finally shares with her the truth of their dreamlike encounter. Clove’s fingers tighten around his hand, mimicking her face as it narrows with concern.

“Kyro, how am I going to form a bond with a dragon that wants to kill me? First I lost control in the dungeons with the prisoner, then I have these crazy dreams with the Azure Dragon attacking the Crimson Dragon, then you tell me this… I’m worried. What if I can’t control my outbursts? What if I ruin this alliance?” Her voice trembles as she stares fixedly at a wrinkle in the table cloth. Admitting her worries to Kyro feels equal parts nerve-wracking, relieving, and dangerous. He’s my husband now. If I can’t trust him, then who can I trust?

“Clove,” Kyro’s solemn voice breaks through her nervous thoughts, his hands coming up to clasp her face tightly. “You’re not alone in this. You have my mother, my sister, and me to help you through this. You’re part of the dragon family now, and no dragon will bear you harm.”

“I want that in writing,” Clove jokes, trying not to show how deeply Kyro’s words have affected her. Kyro’s hands drop, leaving her face slightly warm where they touched her. She’s never had people who understood her before, not after her mother died. You had Aaron… no, not anymore, everything has changed now and Clove finds herself once again grateful to have Kyro by her side.

“Sure princess, whatever helps you sleep at night. You want a marriage contract? I’ll give it to you. First clause, I get my own bed.”

At Clove’s raised eyebrow, Kyro laughs and says “What? You take up a lot of space!”

His face flushes as he remembers her breasts in his face, her sleepy innocence and insistent hands pulling him close.

“Okay, give me something to write with then,” she calls him on his joke, expecting him to divert the conversation again. Instead, he stands up, walking across the room to a desk she previously hadn’t noticed and opening a drawer to pull out an ornate pen and beige scroll.

“I wasn’t serious, I-”

“Shh, princess, if I can speak my vows in front of hundreds for you then I can surely write down a few promises to you,” Kyro cuts her off before she can retract her previous statement. I will do this for you, his eyes seem to say.

She picks up the pen from him when he reaches the table, pushing aside their plates to clear space for the scroll. Her hand hovers over the paper briefly, and then she is writing slow, curling loops. Kyro looks on, mesmerized by her beautiful handwriting. If we ever have to write a public decry, I know who I’m having write it.

Marriage Contract
1. No secrets between us.
2. Share the burden, support each other.
3. Move at our own pace in private.

“I like that one. Care to elaborate?” Kyro points to the third clause, careful not to smudge the drying ink.

“The pace of this marriage so far has been set for us by our obligations to this alliance. I would prefer if the rest of our relationship could be something we choose, together,” Clove states, determined to hide her nerves and hold her ground. Kyro tilts his head in consideration and then nods firmly.

“I can agree to those terms…” he sighs, his words filling the space between them. Clove feels her heart beating faster, hope filling her chest at his easy acquiescence.

“Let’s seal it with a kiss,” Kyro whispers into her ear, and she stares up at him in a daze. A kiss?

It hasn't really occurred to her that this might be something she would want to do. Or, maybe that’s not true. She has thought before of his lips, how firm they might be, how his tongue might fill her mouth… she never lets herself finish that train of thought because if she did, she wouldn’t get any rest. But his words spark desire in her and she finds she wants him now. The fire rages in her belly, pushing her up to claim his lips. He makes a noise deep in his throat, the sound tingling down her spine and kisses her back. Her lips part further as his tongue sweeps into her mouth and she finds herself craving more. His hand cups her cheek gently, at odds with the way his tongue dominates her mouth and she lets a whimper escape her mouth. The sound seems to snap Kyro out of the moment, and he retreats, mouth still wet from kissing her. She gazes at his face, touched by the tender expression there.

“Let’s go to bed, princess,” and with that Kyro strides away to the bed chambers, as if he hadn’t been claiming her mouth mere moments before. Clove presses her hand to her lips in wonder, feeling both turned on and nervous by this turn of events.

***

The trees are thick here, Aaron notices, clustered closely together with dark green leaves sheltering him from the last few rays of sunlight. He shivers as the wind picks up slightly and asks himself for the millionth time why he came. What am I doing here? What do I think I’m going to accomplish by talking to the Grand Marshall? He feels vaguely ashamed but his thirst for answers roots his legs to the mossy, overgrown path. He needs to know why the Grand Marshall praised him after their fight, what he thinks about the Crimson Dragon, how this is all related to Clove - because, in his gut, he knows it’s related to her.

He’s never been to this part of the palace grounds before and he finds himself shifting uncomfortably, remembering the desperate race to find Clove when she had been captured. That night was so dark, and he was so afraid of what he would find… if she would be dead or alive. The terrible days of waiting, and then he found her in her room only for her to tell him that she was finding it in her heart to love that despicable, gold-eyed monster. Thinking of her rejection hurts, cutting into the tender part of his chest that he thinks shouldn’t be soft after so many years of training.

“Thank you for meeting with me, Lieutenant.” Aaron startles, turning to his left where Grand Marshall Raizo has appeared out of thin air. A hawk squawks overhead, disturbing the silence that has blanketed this particular patch of forest.

“You promised me answers. I would be a fool not to take you on such an offer,” Aaron speaks cautiously, his guard up. Why sneak up on him? Why pick such a far away part of the woods? Was this how Clove felt when she realized she was walking into a trap?

"Ah, yes, I did. But first, I want to know a little more about you. How long have you worked as the Guard Lieutenant to the Princess?” Raizo’s lips curl up, his eyes lowering to near slits in what Aaron can only assume is meant to be a reassuring, unassuming face.

“I’ve been in this role for nearly 8 years, training for 5 years before that.” Aaron makes sure to give nothing away in his voice, but somehow Raizo still seems to see through him.

"Since childhood then? You must be quite attached to her. I can assure you that I, too, want nothing but the best for our dragon princess.” He pauses, looking directly at Aaron and Aaron nods slowly in confirmation. Apparently satisfied, Raizo continues.

“As I’m sure you have deduced, our soldiers are weak. They need more training and there are not enough of us with the skillset available to train them. With another addition to the royal family, we will need more highly skilled soldiers to serve in defense of the dragons. What do you think about serving as Head Trainer of the Royal Crimson Guard?”

Aaron’s breath stops. This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for. I won’t have to leave Clove!

“You would, of course, be consulted for the dragons’ protection services. I trust that you would want to be available for Princess Clove?” Aaron’s heart beats fast in his chest as he considers the man before him. Raizo’s aura radiates strength and to another man might be intimidating, but all Aaron can feel is gratitude for this chance to be close to Clove again.

"I will have to speak with my captain, but consider me interested,” Aaron replies gruffly.

“Worry not about your captain, I can handle it from here. Welcome to the Guard. From now on, you will be reporting to General Rei.” At Aaron’s noise of protest, Raizo smiles magnanimously and continues “It would look suspicious if I spend too much time with a new recruit. I promise you that you’ll be in good hands. My niece has never disappointed.” With that, he nods his head slightly and vanishes back the way he came, leaving Aaron to wonder what he has gotten himself into.

Chapter Text

After that night, they fall into an easy routine. Most mornings Clove awakes to an empty bed as Kyro is often up before dawn, using the cover of dusk to exercise in his dragon form. He confessed to her one morning, when she awoke to see him dressing in the dim morning light, that he likes this time of day best because he can be truly alone. His face had looked wistful, as if remembering a faraway time, and Clove made a mental note to ask him about it some time. On the rare mornings when she wakes up to Kyro’s back, her arm draped over his hip and face pressing against him, she quickly separates herself and pretends not to notice how his shoulders tense when she withdraws. On those mornings it’s hard not to think about their bruising kiss, how he ignited her insides and made her crave for more… the trouble is, she’s not sure what “more” entails, and there really isn’t time to think about it because from breakfast until sundown, her time is not her own. 

During the day, their paths rarely cross outside of holding court or attending war meetings. It seems there is always somewhere Kyro is needed and Clove, too, has responsibilities. She is the tour guide for the Azure clan elders, showing them the palace they have allied themselves with. Over meals she reassures her uncle again and again that there is no need to dissolve the alliance over the Empress’ sickness. She refuses to speak with him about the details of her growing powers; his doubtful questions cloud her self-confidence. The time draws near for her clansmen to leave and say their goodbyes, but Aaron is avoiding her. Clove wants to clear the air, but every time she tries to catch his eye, he turns away. When she visits the stables, he is conspicuously missing. The clock ticking, she begins to grow desperate. Exasperated one afternoon after a painstaking meal with her uncle, she pulls Nouren aside. 

“Nouren, please, I need your help,” Clove beseeches him. 

“If this is about Aaron, I’m not sure I can do anything for you,” he quips, arms crossed. Clove frowns, annoyed. Since when did I get on Nouren’s bad side? 

“I only want to speak with him before he leaves. Some things were said and… well… I can’t let him go on these terms,” Clove admits, hoping her honesty will soften Nouren. For all the years I’ve known him, he still puts up this front.

Nouren’s amethyst eyes search hers, but he doesn’t seem to find whatever he’s looking for. He sighs aggravatedly, head bent, muttering to himself in annoyance. Clove thinks she hears him say “not my problem”, but she can’t be sure. She waits. She has a lot of practice with waiting. 

Finally he raises his head, jaw working as if he can’t decide whether it’s better or worse to speak his mind to her. 

“Go to the training grounds. West side of the palace. You can’t miss him,” his tone has a strange edge to it but Clove ignores it, turning to go. 

“Clove!” He calls out, stopping her in her tracks. She looks back over her shoulder, eyebrow raised as if to say go on . 

“Just… don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Nouren intones, as if this is meaningful. Clove blinks in confusion - why would he say that?  - and nods her assent. 

***

Aaron’s arms ache as he repeats the same training drill he’s been teaching for days. Shoulders hip width apart, arms out in front holding the staff. Hit on 1, 2, 3, 4. Return to starting posture. Continue until you cannot hold the staff any longer .

One of the silver linings of this job is that it gives him an excuse to stay as far away from Clove as possible while he tries to sort through the anger and hurt clouding his judgment. Immediately after accepting the position as Head Trainer of the Crimson Guard, Aaron moved out of the guest quarters into the barracks. Nouren showed up not long after that, red in the face, ready for a fight.

“How could you join the enemy? Our people need you Aaron, more than she does right now. You’re one of the best warriors we have. If anything goes wrong with the alliance, you should be fighting for us!” 

Aaron’s eyes squeeze shut as he remembers the torrent of arguments Nouren had unleashed on him when he found out about his new position. Aaron had expected as much, given that Nouren loved to criticize his decisions. Still, it stung to have his selfishness laid out so clearly. He hadn’t even tried to defend himself, instead letting Nouren exhaust himself arguing. It was perhaps the first time Aaron had managed to keep his temper in check while engaging with Nouren. They hadn’t spoken since, only nodding in cool acknowledgement when they overlapped at meal times. With his new duties, Aaron rarely had time to attend meals, but he found it easier this way. He didn’t have to face Clove’s confusion, or Nouren’s distaste. 

One of the trainees waves his hand frantically, drawing Aaron’s attention. Aaron notices Clove approaching from the palace, her red locks piled atop her head, making her look every inch the future Crimson Queen. He swallows, recalling her wedding updo, how any hope he had for them died when he watched her take her vows. 

“Lieutenant… a word, please,” Clove calls out his old title, making Aaron grimace. This conversation is going to be painful.

“Take five and then start running. Ten laps, last one to finish will be on stable duty for the week,” Aaron calls out, authority ringing in his voice as the trainees groan in response. He strides across the field towards Clove, stopping short of grabbing her sleeve and instead motioning for her to follow him to a more secluded area. They stop under a large oak tree, branches swinging low and providing moderate cover.

Aaron’s eyes drink her in greedily, even as he swallows in discomfort at the fire in her eyes.

“You’ve been avoiding me. I had to find out from Nouren  where to find you,” Clove accuses flatly.

“I’ve been busy,” Aaron replies shortly. 

“Why are you wearing that uniform?” Clove keeps her voice even, eyeing his red training uniform suspiciously. 

“Ah… it’s part of my new role,” he pauses, but Clove’s lips are pressed together tightly, waiting for him to go on. “I’ve accepted a position as Head Trainer of the Crimson Guard. I’ll be staying on for the foreseeable future.”

What?!

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I-I…” Aaron stammers, unsure how to reply. He had known she would find out eventually, but he wasn’t ready to explain. “It’s really none of your business anymore, Clove.” 

His words are a slap to the face, and Clove physically recoils, fists clenching. I’ve never felt further away from you. 

“What are you hoping to achieve here, Aaron? Because the way I see it, you’re betraying your people to train warriors for a war that’s already over, when you could be returning home as a hero. You could be rebuilding- ” 

“I never asked to be a hero!” Aaron cuts her off. I only wanted to have you by my side . Panicked, Aaron realizes he needs to end this conversation fast. 

“I never asked for your opinion, princess.” He emphasizes the word princess, making it dirty in his mouth. 

“Why don’t you run along to your crimson prince? I’m sure the beast misses you. Tell me, are you still drawn to him? Or has he already satisfied your curiosity? I heard the wedding night was quite a spectacle.” The words catch in his throat, bitterness filling his chest. 

Clove grinds her teeth in an effort to contain the rage coursing through her veins. How dare he insult us like that.

The temperature drops and the tree’s branches shake violently as a sudden wind grips them. Aaron is staring at her with horror on his face - wait, that’s not right, it’s almost as if he’s staring past  her, eyes fixated slightly beyond her face. What is he seeing?

“I’ll see you around,” Clove bites out icily, not noticing the head of her dragon looming over her, breathing gusts of icy wind into the air. She strides away violently, willing herself to hold her head high and keep her face neutral as running soldiers glance curiously in their direction.

***  

That day Clove doesn’t make it back to her chambers for dinner with Kyro. She goes on a walk to clear her head, then takes a long bath, requesting her maids let her bathe by herself so she can have more time to think. 

It was childish to think he would forgive my choices or understand them. Can I blame him? A month and a half ago I was convinced the Crimson Dragon was a monster too. But still… joining their ranks? Training their soldiers? This feels like a betrayal.  To her surprise, tears prick at her eyes and she grinds her palms into them, hoping to stem the flow before it begins. There’s no point wasting my tears on him. If he wants to be spiteful, let him be.  As angry as she is, she can’t deny a sense of relief coursing through her knowing that Aaron isn’t going anywhere. Maybe with time, they can bridge this gap between them… 

Yeah, maybe if he apologizes. What was he thinking, making a suggestion like that?   Indignation rises in her chest as she remembers his words, how poisonous he was. Why does the Crimson Army need a new trainer anyhow, with the war ending?

A knock at the door interrupts her inner monologue.

“Mai, I told you, I don’t need any assistance!” Clove calls out. 

“It’s me,” Kyro replies, and Clove jumps in surprise. Sinking lower into her bath, she considers. Do I invite him in? 

When Clove fails to respond, he opens the door and strides in. His hand covers his eyes, but even without vision Kyro can tell Clove is embarrassed.

“Kyro, I’m not decent right now! Can’t it wait?” Her voice is shrill, making Kyro chuckle.

“I wanted to know why you missed out on dinner,” he answers easily, slowly lowering his hand to search for a maid stool to sit on. 

“Ah, that. I apologize for not giving notice beforehand, I had a… difficult afternoon. Needed some time to myself,” Clove explains softly, voice tapering away with an unmistakable note of frustration. One of those days, then,  Kyro muses, surprised it took this long for Clove to lose her cool. Being in charge was exhausting. 

“Want to talk about it?” 

“That would be nice,” Clove is surprised by how much she actually wants to talk to Kyro. “You can, uh, open your eyes now. And come closer if you want to.”

Kyro smirks as he takes her in. The bathtub isn’t particularly deep, and it’s nothing compared to the bathhouse he uses, but it’s large enough to cover most of Clove’s body. Her knees peek out, flushed pink from the heat of the bath and a few bubbles float around. Her hair is dark crimson when it’s wet, he observes, and thinks about pulling it back from where it’s sticking to her shoulders. Gorgeous.  He drags the stool over to sit by her, reaching his hand out to trace her arm where it lies on the tub.

“Mmm, you look good, Clove,” Kyro doesn’t try to hide the longing in his voice. They still haven’t done much more than snuggle since that kiss - something he doubts she would admit to, but he delights in. He catches her looking at him often -- especially when he’s undressing for the night. She thinks he doesn’t notice that her hands linger for longer on his chest, that she sits closer with every meal, that she pauses for a few more moments each morning before turning away. He doesn’t think he’s misinterpreting her looks… even if she’s brushing him off right now. 

With a roll of her eyes, she pointedly ignores his compliment - she’s not in the mood tonight. Her frustration is still humming under her skin, ready to ignite at a moment’s notice. 

“Did you know Aaron is the new Head Trainer of the Crimson Guard?” 

Kyro raises a brow. Wasn’t expecting that one.

“I had no idea, though it isn’t the first time there’s been a change without me knowing. I’m sure the Grand Marshall is responsible, he’s the only one with the authority to grant new military positions.” Clove nods, taking it in.

“Why do you think he would do that? I mean, it’s weird, right?” Clove bites her lip and Kyro resists the urge to groan. Does she know what she’s doing to me?

“I can’t say for sure, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he knows how… attached Aaron is to you and wants to take advantage of that somehow.”

“But Head Trainer? Is that position really necessary when we’re transitioning to peace right now?” Clove criticizes, annoyance rising in her as she verbalizes what she’s been feeling since leaving Aaron cowering on the training field. 

Kyro sometimes forgets how naive she can be, how much she still has to learn about how this country works - how war works. It’s hard to remember when she presents herself so fiercely by his side. 

“Clove, you have to realize that even if we are not at war any longer, our country will need an army. We may not put as many resources towards it, but it will continue to exist. For three centuries, our nation’s identity has been wrapped up in war, in creating warriors. That won’t change in a day. Our army is a symbol of strength, power and protection to our people. Even the promise of peace cannot change that, and it would be unwise to appear unprepared for possible fights in the future,” Kyro explains gently.

“I see where you’re coming from, but Kyro, do you honestly believe that peace is achievable if we are always preparing for the inevitability of conflict? What kind of message does it send to our people if men are still being trained to inflict pain? Who are we protecting with this army?” She retorts. Before he can fully process her response, she keeps going, her face becoming animated as she remarks “And before you answer that, consider how this will look to my people. In our eyes, you have colonized and conquered our lands with little regard for protecting the common people. Your power and strength is oppressive, your army vicious and cruel. The only way this perception will change is if we take concrete action to dismantle the army that has caused so much needless suffering for both sides.” 

Kyro’s eyes blaze gold as his dragon stirs, sensing a threat. Dismantle the army? So we can be weak only for you to turn around and bite us when we’re low? I think not.  The haze of his dragon’s indignation would blind him if he weren’t so used to letting the dragon’s words wash over him, in one ear and out the other so he could ponder how he really felt without its influence.

“That may very well be true, but the generals aren’t happy as it is with this alliance. It would be unrealistic to expect our army to dissolve, and the systems and people that have kept it in place will fight back,” Kyro warns, remembering the conversations of de-escalation that abruptly ended upon his brother’s death in battle. He had been too young then to find anything about that suspicious, but knowing what he does now… it’s very possible his brother’s death wasn’t purely chance. 

“Kyro, I don’t understand. As royalty, shouldn’t it be you deciding these things?” Clove’s face knits together, her eyebrows puckering adorably as Kyro watches her try to work out the unfailingly incomprehensible workings of politics in the Crimson Kingdom.

“It hasn’t been that way for a long time, princess.” Clove recoils suddenly, pulling her arms in tight and spilling bath water in the process.

Concerned, Kyro asks, “What’s wrong?” 

“It’s not you, it’s that word. Earlier with Aaron… well, he may have used it slightly differently,” Clove explains, trying not to read too much into the possessive glare appearing on Kyro’s face. If she didn’t know any better, she would think he feels like he owns the word.

“What exactly did he say to you on the training grounds, Clove?” At her hesitation, he sharply reminds her: “Rule 1 of the contract is honesty.”

“It’s really not a big deal. He insinuated some things about us, and how you’ve been…” Clove trails off, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. 

“How I’ve been what,” growls Kyro, his dragon alert and whispering foul words in his head. 

“Just, how you are in bed. With me. And, ah, whether or not you’ve been… meeting expectations. It was crass, and I didn’t expect it coming from him. But I’ve heard worse, and I’m sure I’ll weather worse in the future, so please, take that murderous expression off your face,” Clove pleads even as a shiver goes down her spine at Kyro’s intense gaze. She squirms uncomfortably in the mild bath water, feeling… oh God, am I really getting turned on right now?  

Kyro leans over, face dangerously closer to hers. His arms are braced against the tub’s walls as his lips trace a path from her temple to the curve of her ear and pause. 

“I assure you, Clove, that when the time comes, there will be no question of whether or not I can meet expectations.” With that, his lips butterfly from her ear to the corner of her mouth, resting so lightly that she wouldn’t know he was there if not for the sound of his breathing. Clove’s eyes have fluttered shut, but they jump open when she feels his mouth at the juncture of her neck and shoulder, tongue lavishing her damp skin. It feels good, better than good, and she sighs happily, ignoring the warning bells going off throughout her body. It’s been too long since he’s kissed her, and she should really be questioning his timing but it feels too good, so she settles for weakly pushing his head away from her throat. A halfhearted attempt at stopping. It only serves to propel him to claim her lips, his tongue swiping to part her lips and tugging the lower one into his mouth to suck. 

Clove gives in to the kiss, feeling the stress and uncertainty and confusion of the past few weeks give way under his ministrations. Her hands act without her permission, leaping up to cup his cheeks and tug the short hairs at the back of his head. Experimentally, she allows herself to moan into his mouth softly. When he doesn’t immediately pull away, she lets herself get louder, the moan rising above the sound of sloppy kissing. It’s only when Clove tugs Kyro a little closer to her, causing him to lose his balance and nearly fall into the tub with her, that he withdraws, lips shining and eyes gleaming. 

“Now, princess ,” the word is dangerous on his tongue, “let’s get you out of this cold bath water and into bed.” He gets up abruptly, proceeding to leave the room as if he hadn’t just been kissing her unceasingly for the past several minutes. 

Clove’s stomach growls, reminding her that she still hasn’t eaten, and a whine emerges from her mouth. Why can’t anything be simple with this man?

***

“Uncle, I don’t need protection! For the umpteenth time, I am safe here. Prince Kyro has no ulterior motives,” Clove declares heatedly. The time has come for the Azure clan to leave, but of course her uncle has to get one last jab in during their final meal together.

“Perhaps, but there’s no harm in having extra people here looking out for you. And Clove, before you argue, I had this clause approved by the Empress herself. Captain Nouren will stay on as your personal guard until the Coronation, at which point it will be up to you to discharge the Captain,” Uncle declares, hands clasped firmly before him on the table.

Behind him, Nouren coughs awkwardly into his fist. It’s not his first time sitting through a power struggle between these two. God I can’t wait until this isn’t my life anymore , he thinks to himself acidically. Just when he thinks it can’t get more awkward, Princess Kharis inserts herself into the conversation - because of course she does, when isn’t she inserting herself where she doesn’t belong? - and insists that the Empress is unwell and shouldn’t be approving any additional clauses without a second stamp of approval by herself or Prince Kyro.

Clove’s uncle shoots Kharis an unimpressed look at that, but concedes (because she is a princess, and he is a guest) her point.

“Well? Do you disapprove, Princess Kharis?” She tugs Clove’s sleeve and bends to whisper something into her ear, giving Nouren an eyeful down her dress in the process. Jesus, this woman has no shame and Nouren tries to make himself believe he hates that about her, but instead remembers the intensity of her eyes on his during the wedding and- God, he’s missed something, suddenly everyone is nodding briskly and leaving the room and it’s just him and the Princess left standing. 

Princess Kharis shoots him a wink as she moves away and calls “See you later, handsome!”

Guess I’m staying then. If anyone asks, he’s definitely not blushing. 

***

Once the Azure clan has cleared out, Clove is mostly left to her own devices. She fills her time with studying -- she has so much to learn about the kingdom she will be Queen to, and then there are the scrolls from the Empress. With Kyro constantly in meetings and the Empress on bedrest, in and out of sleep, Clove seeks Kharis’ help to decipher them. 

“Okay, close your eyes and inhale for six counts. Pause, then exhale for twelve… good girl, keep going. Now picture your dragon. See it sleeping. Can you see it?” 

Clove waits, eyes scrunched shut as she tries to visualize the Azure Dragon that has been cropping up so frequently in her dreams. Another minute and… nothing. Again. With a sigh of frustration, Clove opens her eyes and groans.

“No luck?” Kharis cooes sympathetically, as if she could possibly understand the frustration Clove feels. Okay, maybe a little uncalled for, but this is the fourth day in a row we’ve tried this exercise and nothing has happened. At Clove’s miserable expression, she leaps across the rug they’re sitting on to grab her hands.

“Come sweetness, let’s take a break. Focus on something else for a while. Tell me, how are things going between you and my dear brother?” Kharis’ face is arranged innocently, but Clove knows her well enough now to see right through her act. Rolling her eyes, she moves out of her cross-legged position to flop back dramatically on the cushions.

“Things are… fine. Good, actually- ” Kharis shoots her an unimpressed look and Clove swallows nervously. “Well, there is one thing that could be better, but I’m not sure how to… approach it?” Clove’s voice trails off as she sinks into her cushions, face blazing in a way that tells Kharis everything she needs to know.

“Ahhh, I see. Of course my brother talks a big talk but can’t walk the walk. Why am I not surprised? Boys, they’re all the same. They act so big but take them to bed, and man, they have no idea what they’re doing!” Kharis exclaims dramatically, laughing a little at Clove’s stricken expression. 

“What- no- that’s-” Clove sputters, face turning progressively redder. 

“Aw don’t worry sweetheart, your secret is safe with me! I promise it’s nothing to be worried about, plenty of men do better with a little direction,” and then Kharis winks at her like she has given directions before. Oh god, Clove realizes, is this yet another thing that I somehow missed growing up in the Cerulean Kingdom? Is it normal behavior for women to speak openly about sex? 

Blinking rapidly, Clove manages to choke out “No, that’s actually not the problem,” before turning over and burying her beet-red face into the nearest cushion. 

Please let this be a nightmare. Maybe if I wait here long enough we can pretend this conversation never happened. Kind of like how Kyro pretends I don’t snuggle him every night. For the first time, Clove wishes Kharis was a little more like her brother. Suddenly Kharis’ hand is on her shoulder, shaking her slightly, interrupting her internal panic attack. 

“Clove, whatever it is, you can tell me. I promise I may seem like a gossip but I would never share anything you tell me in confidence. There’s nothing you can tell me that would make me think less of you.”

Peeking one eye out slowly, Clove squints at Kharis assessingly. I do really need help figuring out what to do with Kyro, and she is his brother. She definitely knows him better than I do. Sighing, Clove rolls over and tries to stifle the embarrassment and shame sitting on her chest.

“Kyro and I… we haven’t actually… there’s been no consummation of the, uh, wedding.”

Kharis stares at her in confusion. “What do you mean? The elders were there, all the maids gossiped the next day…” she trails off, mouth opening in disbelief. “You mean to tell me that was all a show? You two still haven’t had sex, even after all this time sharing a bed?!” 

Clove winces. “When you put it that way, it sounds really pathetic. It’s not that I don’t want to, I just, well okay maybe I don’t want to but I’m not opposed! I’ve just never done it before and Kyro’s so busy we scarcely see each other save for night time, and I’m always so tired, and he never tries anything with me so maybe he’s not interested? Which is kind of a requirement for the whole needing-an-heir thing,” Clove stops, gulping in air. Kharis makes no move to talk, so she continues venting, relief rising in her throat as she finally admits what’s been weighing so heavily on her.

“Sometimes he makes these eyes at me and I think maybe he wants to kiss me, which I would actually really like, but then it’s as if something shuts off and nothing happens. He’s gone practically every morning training, and even though I’ve been getting… closer… at night, he keeps pulling back.”

“Has anything physical happened between you two at all? You certainly seem close in public,” Kharis quips dryly, referencing the last court session they held when Clove had ended up practically in Kyro’s lap to appease a skeptical merchant. 

“We’ve kissed a couple times, and it’s been good but every time I get… excited, he backs off. And then pretends nothing happened,” Clove’s sour expression lets Kharis know exactly how she feels about that.

“Have you ever considered that maybe he’s waiting for you to make a move on him?” Kharis points out. 

“Well… no. In my culture, it’s traditional for the man to initiate. Are things not the same here?”

“No no, it’s the same misogynistic bullshit here, but sweetness, my brother isn’t like most men. He may put on a brash, flirtatious act in public, but he would never touch a woman if he wasn’t sure she wanted it first. Have you been clear with him about what you want?”

Clove is speechless, thinking through her many interactions with Kyro and realizing that no, she hasn’t ever explicitly told him that she wants him like that . 

“How do I tell him what I want without embarrassing myself?” 

“Oh Clove… I highly doubt you could embarrass yourself with my brother. You may not have noticed but the way he looks at you, only an idiot would think he doesn’t want a piece of that action. I take it you’re a virgin?” Clove’s mouth drops open in shock. 

“Are all women like you? So…” Clove cuts herself off, not wanting to offend Kharis, but she only laughs at Clove’s question.

“So uncouth? Unladylike? No, but as a princess with command of the Crimson Dragon, I’m allowed a certain degree of freedom to speak my mind. And there is so much ridiculous stigma around sex in this palace! I’m not interested in perpetuating it. So tell me, how inexperienced are you?”

“You have to understand, I grew up mostly alone after my mother passed. Most of the men were away at war and I had no maids taking care of me. I was constantly surrounded by guards, so I never really had much opportunity to gain experience.”

Kharis frowns. Well that explains a lot.

“What about you? Have you had, um, a lot of experience?” Clove asks shyly. A delighted giggle fills the room as Kharis leaps up so fluidly Clove forgets she was sitting beside her a moment ago. 

“It’s been a while since I had someone new to share with! Let’s see, first there was Khaleesi when I was about 11. She was my maid for a time and she would make these endearing faces and pretend she wasn’t watching me when I dressed. She must have only been a couple years older than me but my god, she was beautiful. When I finally convinced her to help me change, it only took a few times before I got her in bed with me and we tussled in the sheets. We didn’t do much more than kissing and heavy petting, mind you, but it was glorious. And then there was Kieran, he was a soldier and I caught him eyeing me up one day when I was training. Normally the soldiers are scared of me or disgusted by me, but I could tell he was aroused and it wasn’t very hard to convince him to bed me. Then there was my dancing partner, Mai - not the same Mai, Clove, though she’s lovely too - and a few other nameless people during my journeys into town.” 

“Wow. That’s… a lot. So… you like women and men?” Clove hopes she’s not being impudent asking such a personal question, but she’s never heard of such a thing before. 

“Women, men, really anyone who can keep up with me and see me as a full person and not a weapon has a chance to lay with me,” Kharis shrugs her dainty shoulder, grinning brazenly at Clove’s poorly hidden expression of awe. “I hope I’m not scaring you off, dear. Just rest assured that if you need help with the art of seduction, I am up to the task. Consider me your go-to study buddy.”

“Right. Okay. So, let’s say hypothetically I want to bed Kyro. What would be the first step to making my intentions known?” 

Hypothetically. This woman is too much, Kharis thinks to herself fondly, enjoying the turn their study session has taken.

“Start simple. Give him the ‘go’ signal over dinner. Sit close to him, rub his knee, maybe try feeding him. Only a fool would misinterpret those signals, and my brother is many things but he’s not a fool. If he asks, tell him that there’s something you’ve been wanting to try, and then kiss him. Once you set the pace, he’ll follow, trust me,” and with that, Kharis offers her hand to pull Clove up from where she lies sprawled on the rug. 

“This was fun, but I should be heading out. Promised to go over some things with Nouren,” Kharis winks slyly, emphasizing Nouren’s name as if trying to insinuate something else. Since when did those two spend time together , Clove ponders, nearly missing the last thing Kharis calls out to her.

“Oh and dear, before we meet again for one of these sessions, I highly suggest you ask my brother to take you training with him in the morning. In truth, he’s probably a better teacher than I am when it comes to the art of meditation… that is, if you two can focus enough to get anything done!”

Author's Note:

Thank you to everyone who has left Kudos, comments, and bookmarks- your support keeps me going! I think Kharis is my new favorite character to write. #BiQueenz 

Edit: I'm sorry the next chapter is taking so long! I'm having writer's block. In the meantime, please check out my Clove/Kyro one-shot AU "Something New"

Chapter Text

As Kyro’s coronation creeps ever closer, he finds himself savoring his evenings with Clove above all else. No matter how busy he is, Kyro makes every effort to take dinner in their room; it’s the only time they can speak freely, without fear of intrusion or listening ears. It’s also, Kyro thinks to himself wryly, the only time he can fully appreciate Clove in all her glory without having to think about public perception. 

Tonight she looks particularly ravishing, dressed in a silky navy-blue sleep robe, hair scooped into a sloppy bun that displays her neck (clearly her own handiwork, Mai would never stand for it). Kyro shifts subtly, distinctly aware that if he keeps thinking about how Clove looks he won’t be able to sit comfortably much longer. She’s unusually quiet tonight, staring at him with a strange twinkle to her eye that Kyro struggles to decipher. Normally he reads women easily- even Rei, who usually stupefies other men with her fearsome glares, was incredibly easy to see through. 

Clove, however, continues to surprise and confuse. Ever since the bathtub incident, Kyro’s been curious about pushing the unspoken boundaries of their relationship. It’s tempting to think she might want more, but when he reviews the night in his head, he can’t help but wonder, Was it me she was thinking of, or Aaron? When he kissed her in that bathtub, pressed himself against her, it began as a show of bravado, a show for a man who wasn’t even there to enjoy it… and then, quickly, it was only about tasting as much of her as he could reach, as she would allow. If she hadn’t nearly pulled him into the tub with her, Kyro’s not sure how far things would have escalated. It would have been sparked by jealousy, which isn’t generally where he likes to begin when bedding women. Kyro doesn’t consider himself a jealous person at all, actually, but watching this soldier get under Clove’s skin bothers him. He wants to be the one getting under her skin. 

“Kyro? Are you alright?” Clove’s voice breaks him out of his reverie and he offers a small smile, shaking himself.

“It’s nothing, just a long day,” and Clove easily lets this pass, humming understandingly. She continues to stare at him, head tilted slightly in thought. After a few long moments Kyro can’t maintain eye contact any longer; he turns his attention to his plate of food. Tonight they’re eating lighter fare, a shrimp dish with fish roe and seaweed. 

Kyro looks up when he hears Clove clear her throat forcefully and finds himself at eye-level with a forkful of food. He blinks, confused- is she trying to feed me ?- and wonders if perhaps Clove had been bodysnatched while meditating with his sister. 

“Did you want me to eat that?” 

She withdraws the fork, blushing viciously, and shrugs, attempting to ease the awkwardness from her shoulders.
“I thought you might like… that,” Clove finishes lamely, unable to think of a reason she would do that- because there really isn’t one, she reminds herself with annoyance. 

Kyro raises his eyebrow but lets it go, pointedly digging into his own plate and ignoring her. Clove bites her lip, wondering what she should try next. Usually they eat sitting across from each other, as it’s easier to see each other while they speak. Tonight Clove watches as Kyro grows close to finishing his plate and she begins to inch herself closer to his side. She’s hoping that he hasn’t noticed but unfortunately, just as she’s approaching his right elbow (she reaches for the tea in a horrible feign of casualty), his hand darts out and grasps her wrist.

“Princess. What are you doing?” 

Frustrated, Clove gives up on trying to flirt using Kharis’ advice in favor of following her own intuition. She pulls her wrist out of his grasp and he lets her, easily turning to face her. Their knees brush and Kyro’s eyes are drawn to the tendrils of hair that have escaped her bun. I want to press them down with my tongue . He swallows, unusually warm, and reminds himself that there are other questions on his mind. 

“I thought it might be nice to be a little more intimate, tonight,” Clove manages to keep her voice at an even keel, although she’s sweating slightly under her knees. She licks her lips, realizes Kyro’s watching her, and does it again slowly. 

The mood shifts, tension easing from Kyro’s neck at her words. Maybe she wants me after all . He reaches forward cautiously, leaving time for her to pull away if she wants, and captures her face in his palms, fluttering kisses from her temple down the bridge of her nose to the corners of her lips, her jaw. He pauses, hovering in front of her mouth, waiting for her to close the gap between them. Clove glances at him, her blue eyes glittering with open want, and then captures his lips eagerly. Her mouth is just as soft as he remembers. Their knees crush together as they kiss and after a few moments Kyro breaks away, searching her eyes for reassurance that she’s okay with this.

“Kyro, if you pull away again, I swear on the Crimson Kingdom I will tell everyone that we faked our wedding night!” 

Kyro surprises himself with a deep belly laugh, then stands up. He offers his hand to Clove, who eyes it suspiciously as if to say where are you taking me.

“Come, Clove. Let’s go to bed. Unless you’re still hungry?”

Clove blushes, grasping his hand quickly at that and murmuring, “No, thank you.” She follows slightly behind him, her robe billowing as he speeds them in the direction of the bed. Without warning, Kyro turns to pick her up and unceremoniously drops her onto a pile of crimson pillows.

“Clove, I’m going to ask you one more time, and then I promise I will do whatever you ask of me. Do you want me tonight?” His eyes bore into hers, searching for consent to consume her the way he’s been desperate to since they first spent the night together.

Without answering, Clove grabs his hand and pulls it towards her chest, placing his palm on her breast. She rolls her hips upwards, not breaking eye contact, and lets out a small whine. 

“Kyro, please don’t make me beg. I’ve been waiting and waiting and I don’t have the patience to wait any longer, but I still have my dignity.” 

Nodding his head in understanding, Kyro’s lips quirk up of their own accord. Finally . 

“Then I won’t make you degrade yourself,” he replies smoothly, dipping his head to capture her lips once more. She immediately deepens the kiss, her mouth opening, tongue searching for his. Her fingers reach for his hair, his robe tie, pulling him down until Kyro finds himself hunched over her, knees at the edge of the bed, pressing against her. They kiss like this, losing track of time, and Kyro feels himself gradually harden until it’s nearly impossible to ignore. I need more .

Kyro brushes aside her robe, letting it fall away to bare her breasts to the cool night air. He swallows harshly at the sight of Clove half naked, mouth swollen with kisses, eyes half-closed in pleasure. Incredible. His knees pull her legs apart as he leans over, mouth attaching itself to her right nipple, fingers tracing the outline of her other breast. Clove sighs happily, head falling back. Periodically she opens her eyes to stare at him curiously; each time, Kyro meets her gaze, delighting in her hot cheeks and open mouth. 

Kyro takes his time touching, kissing, mouthing down her torso. He moves down, down, down, lips pressing into her hip bones, eager to taste his princess, when Clove shifts beneath him and moves to stop his descent.

“Something wrong, sweetheart?” He gazes up to see Clove blushing viciously.

“I’ve never, um, done this before. And I just- I don’t want to disappoint you if I can’t reciprocate. I don’t want to do this- us- wrong,” Clove admits shyly. She stops making eye contact, and Kyro hmmm s thoughtfully.

I should have guessed it’s her first time. Kyro considers his options. He could stop things now, but Clove didn’t ask for that, and frankly he’s excited to finally have permission to explore her in all the ways he’s been craving. It’s not his first time lying with a virgin, but the last time he had, he was much less adept at pleasuring women. His biggest concern is hurting her, but surely she would tell him. The idea that she could possibly do something wrong is laughable- Kyro feels sure Clove could do anything in this moment and he would still desire her. Still, the last thing he wants is to dismiss her anxiety.

“Clove, I just want to be close to you. I want to make you feel even a fraction as good as you make me feel. Can you let me take care of you?”

“I- well, when you put it that way…” 

“Tell me if you want me to stop, or do something different. Got it princess?” He waits to see her small nod before grinning cockily and moving to resume his descent. He nearly moans aloud when he smells her, sharp and sweet, how long have you been waiting for this , and he breathes out deliberately. He can tell the instant she feels his breath, her hips jerking up slightly, settling when he grips them. 

He licks up against her, stopping at her clit to suck softly, taking his time to find the pattern she likes. There are no words between them, just the rise and fall of Clove’s stomach and the tensing of her thighs around his head. He knows he’s on the right track when she stops breathing, and he doubles his efforts, swirling her clit with his tongue and sucking slightly harder when she pulls at his hair and groans “ more”. He only pauses to slip first one, then two fingers inside of her, moving to mouth at her hip and lower belly while thrusting into her, taking care to start slowly and adjust his angle at her whimper of discomfort. 

“Is that good, Princess?” He murmurs into her stomach, glancing up for her approval.

“Mmhmmm,” Clove sighs, blissed out and reaches down to indicate that he should come up.

“What is it?” Kyro asks as he makes his way up her body, stopping to press kisses to her curves. As soon as he’s laying beside her, Clove’s hand darts down to grasp his hardness.

“I want to touch you too,” she replies, her eyes boring into his as she strokes him slowly. Her hand drags uncomfortably on his skin until her thumb finds the pearl of sticky anticipation at his tip.

“Spread it around,” he tells her, biting back a groan when she does. She catches on quickly, spitting into her palm before setting a quicker pace. It’s a little awkward and messy, but he’s pent up and every touch brings him closer to the edge. When she bends down and takes him in her mouth, enthusiastic and intent, he shudders and struggles not to pull her down further onto him. Time passes by and eventually Clove pulls away, slightly uncertain. She looks tired, Kyro notices through the haze of pleasure.

“Come here, Princess,” he pats the pillow beside him. She collapses, pressing her face into his chest.

“What did you think? Was that good?” She asks, a hint of anxiety creeping into her voice. 

“I should be asking you that,” Kyro laughs. “It was great, Clove. I regret waiting so long.”

Her eyes drooping, Clove manages a self-satisfied smile and replies, “See what you were missing out on with your chivalrous act?” 

Kyro rolls his eyes, choosing to let the moment pass in favor of holding her close. 

It’s only hours later, when they’re lying in bed, Clove tracing circles into his palm where it rests beside her, that he remembers another reason he’d been holding back.

“Clove… how has studying with my sister been going?” When he hears nothing in return, he pushes up on his elbows, squinting at her through the sleepiness threatening to pull him under. 

“It could be better,” Clove admits quietly, sucking her bottom lip in thought. 

“Mmm. I suppose it was wishful thinking that your advances tonight would coincide with success in your studies. Do you want to talk about it?

Clove considers, then shakes her head slowly, burrowing into his side as if she can hide from her shifting problems.

“I know we need to, but not tonight. Tonight was almost perfect and I don’t want to tarnish that with my difficulties,” she admits softly.

“I understand. But for the record, Clove? You could never tarnish things between us.” 

Kyro’s smile warms her heart, but it’s still not enough to ease the anxiety creeping back into her. What if I never learn how to shift? That might tarnish things .

***

Ice crackles underfoot as she steps forward into a wintry landscape. There is no hint of life in this barren place and silence blankets her as much as the snow. Clove squints through the hazy air, trying to make out a distant snowbank. 

“Come.”

The command startles her, compelling her to rush across the ice towards the sound. For the first time, she notices a slumbering figure encased in the snowbank.

Gold eyes flash and Clove is suddenly face to face with the Crimson Dragon, its muscled form proudly blocking her path, scarlet scales shifting with a sudden uptick in wind. Confusion clouds her mind as she tries to comprehend why the Crimson Dragon is in her dreamscape- again.  

“Why are you here?” Desperation carries, her voice echoing. 

A smirk showcases the dragon’s teeth as his tail curls around her body -- not closing in, but warning her to stay put. 

“I could ask you the same. Don’t you know it’s rude to intrude?”

Clove’s eyebrows wrinkle, her eyes squinting as she attempts to make eye contact with the towering beast. He’s injured, she realizes, watching blood drip from a bite wound on his tail. 

“Intrude? On who…” she trails off as a piercing cry echoes out and she realizes with alarm that the Azure Dragon is swooping in a nosedive towards them.

“Why must you always insert yourself where you don’t belong?” The Azure Dragon spits out bitterly, eyes narrowed in a glare, teeth bared as she flies ever closer towards her mortal enemy. 

The Crimson Dragon’s tail squeezes around Clove, lifting her up into the sky as he takes flight, narrowly escaping the Azure Dragon’s teeth. 

“I don’t understand!” Clove cries out, voice lost to the wind as her ride picks up his speed. Feeling dizzy, she attempts to glance behind her, sapphire eyes widening when she sees the Azure Dragon mere feet away. 

“Hush dear vessel, I will explain everything soon,” and with that, the Crimson Dragon spirals away, gold eyes shining with glee as he engages in a game of hide and seek with the Azure Dragon. Helpless, Clove clings to its scales, no longer daring to look back at her dragon. 

“You won’t get away with this, you wretch!” The shriek of her dragon pierces her ears and fades into the distance as Clove’s eyes blur and slowly she returns to herself, whole, awake. Alone again. Except -- no, she realizes with a start, Kyro is still here, crouched on the bed beside her. Staring at her in concern, murmuring something. 

“What d’you say?” Her voice is thick with sleep, azure eyes half open. 

Kyro blinks, realizing he had spoken aloud. “You look beautiful right now, Clove,” he repeats, lips curving up into a smile just for her. She smiles back, then releases a loud yawn.

“Mmmm, you’re still here. Why are you still here?” Her confusion is adorable, Kyro thinks, and closes the gap between them to bring her to his chest. She snuggles closer, a happy sigh leaving her as she supports her head on his chest. 

“I heard you talking in your sleep. Did you have a bad dream sweetheart?” Kyro whispers into the crown of her head, rocking her gently up to fit her head more neatly on his shoulder. 

“Not bad, just… confusing.”

Clove explains the confusion she felt watching the fight continue, Kyro ‘hmm-ing’ in response until he shifts upwards in his seat and declares firmly, “That’s it. You’re coming with me to train today.” 

Clove blinks in surprise and nods eagerly. 

***

Over the course of several weeks, Clove learns a few things about training with Kyro. First, he is an obnoxiously cheery early riser. She knew he used the mornings to his advantage, but now that she rises with him, she’s learning how the mist of dawn feels on her skin when she’s already slick with sweat. It’s not bad, but she would prefer to sleep in. Second, training with Kyro is the opposite of training with Kharis. Where Kharis insisted on building the mental connection first, Kyro refuses to do any meditation with her until she can successfully stop an enemy from getting the jump on her. And third, Kyro is much more patient than she is-- something she couldn’t have anticipated, given his fiery attitude off the training grounds.

Clove is sweaty, sore, and getting a little exasperated as she finds herself pinned under Kyro yet again-- arms twisted behind her back, cheek pressed firmly into the ground. Kyro’s thighs trap her hips and she ignores their heat, the way they remind her of every night she’s spent clutching her own legs around those hips and rutting in the sheets against him. As a further incentive for her training, Kyro has returned to his “no sex until shifting” rule, and it only serves to add to the tension she feels every time they train. She’s frustrated.  

“Sloppy, princess. You need to remember to escape the hold before I get you to the ground. Do I need to drill you again?” Kyro pauses, staring at her, and Clove gets distracted-- first by his eyes, then by the innuendo to his words. Her mind wanders for a moment, picturing him above her, no longer teasing as he slides in… 

A sly look enters Kyro’s eyes and he playfully states, “I’m always available to drill--”

“Anddd I think we’re done for the morning. I’ll see you at the Council Meeting later today,” Clove blurts out, her cheeks burning up as she scrambles to get out of his grasp, his hold on her long since loosened. She rushes out of the field and pretends not to notice his burning gaze on her. 

***

Clove is on her back, panting as she rests between bouts of sparring with Kyro, when she brings herself to ask.

“Where did you learn to fight like this?”

Kyro pauses from gulping down water, his eyes taking on a distant look. After a moment, he closes the distance between them and seats himself with his back against a tree.

“My brother is the one who trained me.” Clove’s eyes widen involuntarily - they’ve yet to speak about his brother - and she waits, hoping he’ll continue.

“With my father out of the picture on the battlefields and my mother busy ruling, it fell to my brother to prepare Kharis and I for our roles as fighters. He was many things, but most of all, he was kind and patient with me. He learned early on to train us separately, because I needed extra attention to cultivate my skills and Kharis would get jealous. Looking back, I’m glad that I was weak, because if I were stronger, I never would have had those precious hours with him. He showed me what it means to become one with my dragon self and to use his power wisely. After he died, it was like a piece of me died with him. I wanted to lose myself the way Kharis did in anger and grief, but I didn’t have that luxury, because suddenly I was the next in line to the throne. But I’ve never forgotten the lessons he taught me out here, in this field.” 

Clove aches for his young self, remembering the pain she endured when her mother died, the sudden thrust of new responsibilities she was too young to understand. She wants him to know that she gets it, that she’s been there. But, she reminds herself, there will be time for her to share her story too. 

“Thank you for taking me here,” she says earnestly, and lets the emotion in her eyes do the rest of the talking for her. Thank you for letting me in . 

***

It takes weeks of study sessions with Kharis and training in the early mornings with Kyro before Clove has a breakthrough. Having mastered the basic defense drills, she’s moved on to learning offensive tactics. Normally they battle hand-to-hand, but today Clove had insisted on upping the ante with daggers. The one she picks out has a wicked curve and gleams even in the dim morning light. The handle is slightly awkward in her grasp, more decorative than she would like, but Kyro had said nothing of her choice, allowing her to learn as she goes. 

They’re going back and forth, circling each other, until Clove rushes forward, dagger held high above her head. Right when she’s about to reach him, he spins out of her way and she narrowly escapes his sweeping leg kick. Frowning, she returns to warily circling him, considering her options. Do I stab or swish? Can I try throwing it? She doesn’t have a lot of references for how to use a dagger, given that most soldiers fight with swords or arrows. As she’s contemplating, she forgets to check her blind spot, and gasps in surprise when she feels the cool press of a blade against her throat.

“Careful, Princess. There’s no time to dawdle on the battlefield,” Kyro’s voice is deceptively sweet, his free hand pressing against her hip. She bristles at his words- I already know I need to work on my reflexes, you tell me every day - and elbows him hard in the gut. Surprised, his grip on the dagger loosens, and she spins out, grinning viciously.

“What was that about dawdling?” She taunts as she runs away, darting sideways to hide behind a nearby tree. As she catches her breath, she scrambles to think of her next move. She barely hears Kyro’s footstep to the right of her, gritting her teeth in frustration when he appears seconds later and easily knocks her dagger out of her offensive hand. 

“You were saying?” His bored tone makes Clove seethe with irritation. The sweat dripping down her back feels icy, her chest bizarrely cool despite how much she’s been running around. 

“Is that it, Princess? Are you all out of moves?” The mocking edge to his voice is what pushes her over, in the end. She can’t remember how it happens, but when she comes to, she’s got Kyro pinned to a nearby tree with neat shards of ice. The field has frozen over and her palms are glowing blue -- except they’re no longer palms but claws. 

Stunned, Clove realizes the impossible has happened. I just shifted. She tries to talk but a growl comes out instead. Kyro looks at her with awe and pride, his face glowing with warmth despite the frigid air around him. 

“You did it!” He exclaims, transforming easily into his dragon form and shaking off the icicles. He moves towards her and it’s as if the spell is broken; Clove feels a tug at her gut and collapses, returning to her human body. She can’t move, her body a heavy weight tying her to the ground. 

Kyro is in front of her, trying to get her attention, but there’s only one thought on her mind: How do I do it again? 

Chapter Text

Watching Clove successfully transform, Kyro feels an overwhelming sense of relief. Despite her own muted response, he’s unable to hold back a grin. Finally! He rushes towards her collapsed body, eager to celebrate with her, but she’s not moving.

“Clove?” He inquires, stopping a foot in front of her crumpled form. After waiting a beat with no response, he kneels down. The ground around her is wet despite the fact it has not rained in days. 

As he scoops her up, cradling her body against his own, he attempts to coax her into replying, telling her, “Clove, you did so well, I’m so proud of you.”

Her head lolls against his shoulder, eyes gazing blankly out-- she doesn’t respond. Kyro’s excitement dissipates then, turns into fear, into nerves-- is she alright? Her skin is frigid against his, her fingertips damp from the ice she threw at him. Desperate to get a response, he begins to rock her as gently as he can. 

“Princess, are you there?” Kyro murmurs the words into her hair, feeling very much like a young boy again as he rocks his wife against him and remembers how he once did this for Kharis after their brother died. Time seems to stop, and it’s only when the weather turns and fat droplets fall from the sky, reaching them even through the dense foliage, that Kyro gives up on getting her to respond. He picks her up, continuing to hold her body against his chest, and walks out of the fields. Please be okay.

As he walks, weighed down by Clove, he tries to think quickly. Usually at this time in the morning, he would be running down his to-do list for the day, but all his brain space is consumed with worry. I can’t trust just anyone with this. No doctors, then . When they reach the edge of the Palace, Kyro rests her against the wall and calls out to a young servant passing by. 

“You there! Summon Princess Kharis to my chambers. Tell her it’s urgent, and do not share this with anyone else, or you will find yourself out of a job. On your way, have a maid draw Princess Clove a bath in our chambers. Go now,” commands Kyro, and once he’s satisfied that he’s scared the boy into action, he turns to Clove.

“Sweetheart, I need you to focus.” His eyes drill into hers, and she blinks, as if just coming to. Her hand reaches for his, squeezing it.

“Good girl. We’re going to get you to the bedroom, okay? You need to get out of these clothes and into something warm. I’ll have Kharis come and take care of you,” as he speaks, he rubs his hands up and down her arms, trying to urge some warmth into them. Her training uniform is a black robe with loose fitting black pants, normally appropriate for the weather, but today she is soaked through-- whether from transforming or from the Heavens downpouring, it’s hard to say.

She shakes her head, moving her hands to his chest and finally, finally, she speaks. 

“Don’t leave me,” her voice is so pitifully quiet, it distresses Kyro more than the silence. He swallows, throat dry, and nods his assent, already mentally trying to reconfigure his day. Perhaps Mother can hold court today.

When they reach their room, Kyro is annoyed to find the maid still there, patiently filling the tub. He pointedly clears his throat and she startles, stumbling in her hurry to bow.

“Prince Kyro! The water is taking a while to heat up, you see, otherwise…” Kyro doesn’t let her finish, sidestepping her to place his hands on the ceramic tub and heating the water himself. He rarely does this -- it’s draining to use the Crimson Dragon’s elemental powers in human form and it disturbs the palace staff to see him use his power so wantonly-- but at this moment, he could care less. 

“That will be all, thank you.” At the maid’s hesitation, he repeats sharply, “You may go,” to which she scurries away.

A few minutes drag by, Kyro staring intently at the water and concentrating on the heat in his palms. When he turns around, prepared to coax Clove into the bath, he finds her naked and shivering, damp red locks sticking to her chest and shoulders. 

“Will you come in with me?” She requests, her blue eyes like pools he could swim in. Despite the circumstances, his cock jumps in his pants and he bites back a groan. Not right now . 

“I’m afraid I won’t fit, Clove. If you want to bathe together, I could clear out the bath house?” He offers hesitantly. I don’t want everyone to know the state you’re in.

At his response, she appears disgruntled, arms folding protectively around herself. 

“No, I want to stay here. Could you sit with me, at least?” And that’s how he ends up sitting on the tiny maid’s stool, stroking her hair with a brush and trying hard not to dwell on the last time he kept her company while she bathed. Despite the tension running through his body, he lets himself enjoy the moment as much as he can-- it’s rare that they get to spend time together like this. Clove has only just left the tub, bundled up in dark gray cloth, when Kharis bursts into the room. 

“What in the Dragons is happening?” Dramatic as always , Kyro rolls his eyes.

Before Kyro can urge her to leave, Clove replies simply, “I shifted.” 

Kharis’ eyes widen in surprise, lips turning up in a smile. “This is exciting, right? Why aren’t we celebrating?” 

At this, Clove seems to lose her taste for speech again. Kyro waits, hoping she’ll answer, because he has no idea why they’re not celebrating either. He only knows that he has never seen her so desolate, not even when he was saving her from near death. 

The silence drags a beat too long, Kharis looking back and forth between them, before shrugging it off. 

“You can tell me all about it when you’re dressed,” Kharis gives them an out as graciously as she’s capable of, quickly walking out the way she came.

After dressing quickly in a comfortable, loose blue wrap dress, Clove takes a seat beside Kharis and Kyro. Crowded around their low table, holding a boiling cup of green tea, Clove begins to shift through her thoughts. 

She stares into the mug of tea before speaking hesitantly, “I remember running from Kyro, getting frustrated that I couldn’t beat him. I wanted so badly to win, and then it’s like time skipped and the next thing I knew, I was across the field and Kyro was surrounded by ice. Is it normal to black out like this?” 

Kharis exchanges a worried glance with Kyro before slowly shaking her head no.

“Shifting was hard at first, but I never lost time. It’s like– like swapping glasses. You go from seeing everything in color to seeing things in black and white, but you can still see. You can still feel your body change and land on your feet,” Kharis explains, holding her hands in semi-curled fists to mimic glasses. 

“It’s not just that I don’t remember, but when Kyro approached me, I shifted again and I have no idea how I did. How is it possible that I can shift now but I still don’t know what triggers it?” Clove’s exasperation creeps in. Kyro’s hand lands on her back, rubbing slowly, and Clove smiles at him weakly. He bites back a smile of his own, relieved that she is okay. 

“I’m not sure that’s true, Princess. It seems pretty clear that in order for you to shift, you have to feel threatened somewhat. Well, threatened and pissed. Maybe I just pushed you so close to the brink that the Azure Dragon couldn’t stop you from shifting,” Kyro thinks aloud, absentmindedly pulling Clove closer towards him. 

“Could she be punishing me for shifting and that’s why I collapsed?” Clove asks, brow furrowed in thought. 

“It’s possible. I’ve never heard of Dragons having that kind of power over their host before, but given how young you were when you assumed full ownership of the Dragon and the lack of guidance you had…” Kyro trails off.

“She took over because there was no Host to stop her,” Kharis finishes somberly. 

They all stop speaking at that, until Clove takes a deep swig of her tea and proclaims seriously, “The Azure Dragon will simply have to get used to me shifting, because I’m not going to stop trying. I’m ready to access my dragon form, and she can either assist me, or step aside.” 

Kyro grins at that and Kharis whoops eagerly. We will figure this out , Kyro thinks fiercely.

***

Aaron yawns, blinking back tears as his dry eyes try to focus on the torch light in the distance. He’s late, Aaron notes resentfully, biting back another yawn. He hasn’t been called by the Grand Marshall for a meeting in a while, and his muscles are sore from hours of training the new recruits for “supply runs”. He hadn’t missed their middle-of-the-night rendezvouses, but he has to admit he’s curious. It’s been two months of training so far, keeping his distance from Nouren and trying to avoid any interactions with the Royal Couple, and so far he has nothing to show for it. 

“A pleasure as always,” Grand Marshall Raizo’s voice rumbles in the clearing, wiping away any last lingering exhaustion in Aaron’s system. 

“Grand Marshall,” Aaron bends his head in acknowledgement, waiting for him to continue.

“I’m sure you’re wondering why I’ve brought you here.” At Aaron’s nod, he continues, “Let me ask you something. When you were training to become a soldier, what did the Cerulean Kingdom tell you to motivate you to fight?” 

Aaron pauses, taken aback by the question. What does that have to do with anything?  

“They told us it was our duty to protect our people and the Crimson Kingdom threatened that. Almost all of us had lost family members to either war or famine as a result of war, so it wasn’t hard to motivate us,” Aaron replies, trying to keep the bitterness out of his voice. 

“Let’s dissect that, shall we? Why do you think the Crimson Kingdom wanted to attack you?” Raizo’s signature smirk curls around the words, and Aaron clenches his fist, the only visible sign of his annoyance. 

Because you’re greedy assholes who weren’t content with taking half our land and starving us over generations.

“I’m not sure, sir. We must have had something you wanted,” Aaron replies, suppressing his instinctual anger. 

“Perhaps you did once,” Grand Marshall Raizo allows, “but in the last few decades, and especially after you lost your Dragon Queen, it was clear we didn’t have much to gain from attacking you. So why, then?” 

Aaron huffs, frustrated. I have no idea . It’s such a simple question, but he’s never had to think about it before.

“Respectfully, why does this matter, sir?”

“You’re not just a soldier anymore, Aaron. You’re a leader. However, as a soldier, you’ve been trained to follow instead of think critically. As a leader, you need to know how to get into the enemy’s mind and understand the conflict from their perspective so you can strategize. So I’m asking you to think, Aaron. Why do people go to war?” 

Memories of crying children, powerless parents, and his own hungry belly come to mind. 

“People usually fight for two reasons: to defend themselves, or to get something they don’t have already-- power, land or food,” Aaron replies. 

“Correct. And what happens when your entire way of life is structured around fighting? When you’ve lost loved ones and years of your life to war and have nothing to show for it? Would you step aside?”

Slowly, Aaron answers, “No. The need for revenge consumes you.” I’ve seen it happen . “But what you’re describing is why the Cerulean Kingdom continued to fight. Your kingdom has been steadily pushing us back for decades.” Aaron lets his unspoken question linger in the air: why would your people fight for something they already have?

Somberly, Grand Marshall Raizo stares him down. The usual malicious gleam in his eyes has disappeared. “By all accounts, your conclusion makes sense. On the outside, it appears our people should be satisfied. It’s why we had such trouble negotiating with the Cerulean Kingdom for Princess Clove’s hand in marriage; they were convinced it was a ploy to get your last defense down so we could finish conquering you, once and for all. But what they didn’t know-- what you don’t know-- is that our commoners are just as poor, angry, and tired as yours. None of the riches from the war have gone to them; instead, they’ve been forced to fight-”

“What do you mean, forced to fight?” Aaron cuts in curiously.

“We simply didn’t have the men to keep up with expansion, not after our recent string of victories. So we had to implement a mandatory draft, and we severely cut the food rations for families that tried to get out of it. No one was spared. Your new recruits are the first voluntary ones we’ve had in two decades, something we changed as an act of good faith to improve relations between the Palace and the commoners.” He pauses, allowing this new information to sink in. “Meanwhile, the nobles have grown increasingly power-hungry, prolonging this war for their own benefit. Even after the death of your Queen, they were not satisfied, and they often invoked a fear of retaliation to keep the mandatory draft in place.” 

“Respectfully, sir, that’s just bad policy. How are you not dealing with a civilian’s rebellion by this point?” 

“For two reasons, really. The first is that no matter how poorly our kingdom conducts itself, we do have three Dragons ruling us and their power stops many from crossing them. The second is less clear. As the war dragged on, we saw a sharp increase in defections. Most defectors were part of supply runs up North, and they were never seen again. Coincidentally, the surge in defections aligned with the increasing organization of the Masks.”

“The Masks, sir?”

“I believe you’re familiar with them. They’ve been building power for the last decade or so. It seems they’re collecting our defectors for their cause. Their singular goal is to destroy the dragons, but the few traitors we’ve been able to capture have shared with us their plans for a different ruling system- one where kings and queens no longer reign supreme.” Aaron’s blood feels like it’s freezing in his veins. No longer reign?

“Is that what you meant when you said I would protect the princess? Is this the same group that attacked her before?”

The Grand Marshall nods, stroking his beard thoughtfully. Yes, this young man is certainly worth my while .

“If this was your goal, why not simply have me placed directly as part of her entourage? Why have me train your men where I am so far away that I have no use at all against spies in the palace?” 

At this, the Grand Marshall tuts disapprovingly and waves his hand dismissively. “If we don’t know who’s spying on our dragons, then we cannot let them know who is actually protecting them. Without fail over the last decade, every entourage to the queen has become compromised.” He pauses, letting the full impact of his words hit Aaron before continuing. 

“I’ve compiled some reports for you. Read through them. Perhaps you will find something that I did not.”

Aaron takes the papers numbly. I still have so many questions.

“Sir, there’s one thing that I still don’t understand. Why don’t the peasants turn on the nobles, rather than join the Masks? Can’t they see that the Dragons aren’t aligned with the nobles?” 

The Grand Marshall raises an eyebrow, staring him down as if he’s stupid. 

“To them, we’re all the same. Powerful and uncaring towards their plights. If anything, the Dragons are seen as worse -- they have the strength to change things by force if they wish it, but instead they’ve let the nobles gain power and dictate policy.” 

Aaron nods in understanding. What a mess . He begins flipping through the papers slowly until one page in particular catches his eye. 

“Why do you have documents of the Azure Kingdom’s trade routes? How is that relevant to the Masks?” 

Grand Marshall Raizo smiles mysteriously in the way that Aaron has grown to despise, replying, “Not everything is as it seems, my boy.”

Aaron glares at him, ready to give him a peace of his mind, but before he can speak, Raizo holds up a finger to silence him.

“Don’t try my patience. All will become clear with time. Now, take these documents and see to it that no one else lays eyes on them.” 

***

“Get up and try again,” Kyro’s voice is gruff, matching the stormy skies above them. He offers her his hand but Clove refuses, petulantly pushing herself up with both hands despite the ache in her arms and legs.

“It’s getting late, Ky. We should just try again tomorrow,” Kharis’ voice echoes from her place across the field. Ever since Clove’s one-time success, Kharis has been eager to see a repeat performance, joining them for early morning training. At first Clove resented this, missing the quality time with Kyro, but now she’s come to appreciate having a buffer between them. 

Kyro curses, just noticing the time, and begins stalking away. Probably late for his morning debrief.   

“See you later,” Clove calls after him, and he waves a hand in reply. She doesn’t miss the tension in his soldiers -- after all, it follows them to bed each night. Her miraculous transition has only served to create more confusion for the both of them, and what once brought them closer has now become a constant source of tension. It doesn’t go unnoticed, either. 

“Not getting any better, huh?” Kharis says sympathetically, throwing an arm around Clove’s waist. 

“What do you think? This morning he could barely even look me in the face. It’s not like I’m not trying here, I just wish he’d be a little more patient,” Clove exclaims.

“You know it’s not easy to be patient when you’ve got Big Red breathing down your neck,” Kharis jokes, attempting to lighten the mood, sighing when Clove refuses to budge. “Gods, you’re as stubborn as he is! Look, this is just a phase. You probably need to take a break from physical training and focus on the mental. I’m busy today, but you could come by tomorrow for tea and meditation. How does that sound?”

Clove eyes her hesitantly, only agreeing when it becomes clear that Kharis won’t take no for an answer. Once they enter the Palace and separate to get ready for the day, Clove’s mind goes back to replaying the past few weeks of failure.  

I’m never going to get control over my Dragon, she thinks bitterly, and tries to keep the desperation from clogging her throat. I can’t cry right now. I have a full day ahead of me.  

Every day, after morning training, Clove endures Crimson Kingdom etiquette training, meets with the head of the Palace Staff to review assignments, checks on the Queen, and attends various diplomatic meetings that Kyro can’t make. She is never sent alone for these diplomacy missions, usually being accompanied by one of Kyro’s advisors, and it chafes at her. Nothing is under my control . Not my Dragon, not my schedule, not my love life or this Palace. This isn’t what she envisioned out of married life. She knew it would be hard work, but sometimes she wishes she had her mother to turn to. What would you say, Mother? Would you know how to make this miserable tension go away?  

Clove isn’t an idiot. She knows the repercussions of her lack of powers weigh heavily on Kyro’s shoulders. He’s burdened every day he keeps her secret, and he already has so many things to bear. But we said we would share these things. And right now, I feel like we each have our own loads and we’re walking parallel, never touching, never lessening the load . 

***

It’s another grueling Council meeting when Clove finally snaps. Normally she holds her tongue no matter what drivel is presented by the nobles -- whether it be targeted comments against the Cerulean Kingdom (Kyro generally puts an end to those quickly) or thinly veiled disgust aimed at their anti-poverty efforts. But today Councilor Jiro has gone too far.

They’re talking about demilitarization of the North when Councilor Jiro pipes up, saying, “I see no point in recalling our troops just yet. Wasn’t there a supply run that was ambushed just last week? It would be foolish to assume the Dragon War is over merely because of a marriage.” At this he looks pointedly at Clove. It’s common knowledge that she has been pushing to withdraw troops as a visible sign of peace, and she’s been receiving pressure from her uncle as well. 

Before Kyro can reply, Clove’s mouth opens and her frustrations from the past several weeks pour out.

“It would be equally foolish to assume that sending more troops would END the Dragon War. Unless I’m missing something here, we’re all in agreement that the end of this war is a good thing. So please tell me, Councilor Jiro, why is it that you’re so desperate to continue fighting? Should the Cerulean Kingdom be preparing itself for an ambush?” Clove bites out, each word vicious like a whip’s edge.

“I- well I-,” Councilor Jiro sputters, for once at a loss for words. Clove aims her best queenly stare at him, channeling her mother, before she goes in for the kill.

“I thought so. If you’re so concerned about the demilitarization efforts, you are welcome to take over diplomacy with the Cerulean Kingdom in my stead. I’m sure you’ll find them very accommodating of your desire to continue sending men into their land. Would you find that suitable, Councilor?” Clove smirks, ignoring Kyro’s furious gaze and the shocked silence of the room. It’s about time someone shut this buffoon up.  

Before he can muster up a response, Kyro cuts in. “You don’t need to answer that, Councilor Jiro. It’s hardly necessary for us to question your intentions.” His eyes may be locked on the Councilor, but his words are clearly pointed at Clove. “Shall we take a break?” 

The room quickly clears out until it’s only the two of them left sitting. Clove waits, heart beating rapidly, palms sweating, I can’t believe I did that and I can’t believe he didn’t back me up race around her brain.

“What were you thinking, Clove? Oh right, you weren’t! Because if you were, you would have known better than to speak to him like that. We need his support,” Kyro’s exasperation permeates the room.

“I’m sorry, am I supposed to let him continue halting demilitarization out of what, his own pettiness? We’re supposed to be a united front. I know I’m not meant to speak out of turn, but when I do, you should have my back!” That was embarrassing . 

“I can’t back you up when you’re ignoring all the common conventions of diplomacy, Clove. You should know that. Now please, leave before the session resumes. I think it’s best that you sit out the rest of today,” Kyro replies coldly, his face closed off and body turned away. People begin to filter back in, and she feels their eyes on her, scorching hot with unspoken accusations. I know there will be a lot of gossip today .  

“Fine,” she gets out, voice tight with emotion. I need to get out of here anyway . Clove barely restrains herself from running out of the room. It takes all her diplomatic training to bite her tongue and tilt her face down in deference as she walks away at a careful pace. She’s made it halfway back to her chambers, where she had intended to continue studying solo when she changes her mind. Her earlier thought returns, insistent, I need to get out of here , and she changes course, making her way as quickly as possible towards the stables. She’s not supposed to go anywhere important alone, but surely a ride far out on the Palace grounds will be okay. She considers alerting a guard or maid so they can tell Kyro where she is, then remembers the sour expression on his face when she had spoken up in the meeting. Better not , she thinks, and tells herself it’s for him and not because she’s angry too.

As she’s entering the stables, someone’s hand clasps her right elbow and she immediately brings back her left elbow sharply, hitting the solid chest behind her. Her right elbow is released and she spins around, using the momentum to reach up over her left shoulder to grab the person behind her and push roughly. It’s not her most refined movement, but it successfully creates space between her  and her would-be opponent.

Aaron stares back at her, eyes wary, the hardness from months ago still lingering in his gaze. Clove can’t help her annoyed huff -- it’s just Aaron after all, and she’s tired of being polite and keeping in her real emotions. He’s the one who grabbed her.

“What do you want, soldier?” Clove keeps her words as curt as possible, not wanting to encourage a conversation. I’m not in the mood .

“I need to talk to you,” Aaron intones. He’s holding himself rigidly, and it makes Clove hurt to see the distance between them. 

“Well, I don’t feel like talking right now. I was about to go for a ride. So if this can wait…” she trails off expectantly.

“I’m sorry, Princess, but it cannot. Here, I’ll talk to you in the stables while you get Dusty ready and then you’re welcome to go for your ride,” Aaron suggests, moving towards the doors. 

Clove acquiesces reluctantly, following Aaron into the stables. 

“So what is this about?” 

“First things first, I need you to promise me that you won’t tell anyone what I’m about to share with you.”

Taken aback, Clove shakes her head no. “What? How can I promise that?”

“ Please Clove. If you have any faith in me at all, promise me this.”

She nods slowly, equal parts confused and curious. 

“Thank you. I haven’t been 100% truthful with you about why I’ve stayed. I was offered a new role by the Grand Marshall Raizo, but it’s not to train new recruits. At least, not entirely. I was hired to keep you safe,” he explains.

“Safe? But you’re not even in my bodyguard entourage,” Clove remarks skeptically.

At this, Aaron leans into her personal space, whispering, “Because if I was, they would be able to get to me. And then, they would be able to get to you. ” 

Leaning away in distaste, Clove scoffs. “I’m sorry, who are you talking about? You’re not making any sense right now.” 

“Remember the night you were lured away by that maid and attacked? That was an organized attack by the Masks, and according to the Grand Marshall, they’ve been building their power for over a decade. They want to destroy you, Clove, you and Kyro and all the Dragons. They want to end the ruling class as we know it, and they’re dangerous. And I think… I think they may have been involved in the death of your mother.”

That sobers her up immediately. “What do you mean?”

“The Crimson Kingdom never took responsibility for the ambush that killed your mother, and I think I know why. It’s because the Masks were behind it. My only question now is how they knew intelligence about our troop’s movements that the Crimson Army did not. I was looking at some paperwork that the Grand Marshall gave me about old trade routes and I stumbled across some communications between members of the Kin family and--” 

Clove interrupts, asking “Who are the Kin family? I’m not familiar with them.”

“That’s because your mother banished them to the North for funding anti-Dragon extremists in the Cerulean Kingdom.” 

Clove jerks upright in shock. “This is the first I’m hearing of anti-Dragon sentiment in our country. Why has my uncle never mentioned this to me?”

“After the banishment of the Kin family, the Cerulean Kingdom was assured that all anti-Dragon organizing efforts had ceased. Even if anyone remained who thought similarly, no one wanted to face banishment to a warring country, and after the Queen’s death, there were more important things to worry about,” explains Aaron.

“You mentioned finding some communications from the Kin family. Who were they contacting? The Masks?” Her voice is rising, and Aaron winces at her shrill tone. 

“I’m sorry Clove, but you need to keep it down. No one can know about this. I haven’t even discussed it with the Grand Marshall yet.”

She glares at him, acquiescing resentfully. 

“They used coded messages, so it’s unclear who they were contacting specifically, but it definitely wasn’t anyone who lived in the Cerulean Kingdom. As you know, the North has been a home base for years, and many of our old trade routes went through that territory before the Crimson Kingdom conquered it. It seems like they knew someone there, and whoever it was, they were working together to usurp your mother. They may have been angling for an ambush, and by banishing them, your mother played right into their hands.”

At his words, Clove crumples. She can’t contain the sob that tears out of her throat and she lets herself release the pent-up emotions of the day, the week, the past several years of her life since her mother’s death. Murder, since my mother’s murder , she thinks to herself, trying to swallow around the lump in her throat. Aaron is there, like he always used to be, bending down and holding her to him.

“I’m so sorry, Clove,” Aaron murmurs as he strokes her hair, letting her cry into his shoulder. Just like old days, except everything has changed . 

She shudders harder, unable to stop the torrent of emotion pouring out of her. Anger, grief, and the cold fear that grips her in the middle of the night, that follows her into court every day, that sits on her chest ever since she nearly died at the hands of the Masks. I feel like I can’t breathe. 

***

She’s gone too far this time, Kyro thinks grimly, face puckered as he recalls the scene in the Council earlier that day. It’s not the first time Clove has made him lose face in front of the Council, but in the past it was always unintentional. Today was deliberate-- Clove is more than aware of their precarious position, but she insists on pushing. Some days Kyro marvels at her fiery spirit and questions whether it’s Clove’s essence or his dragon inside of her, but today is not one of those days. Today, his thoughts are bitter as he considers the weeks of mindless sucking up that will be required of him to make this right. What will they have to give up in order to quell the Councilors? 

Eyes closed, he rests his weary head against the cool tile of the bath house. He’d ordered it cleared out save for the bath attendants, who come in and out so quietly he could forget they’re even there except chatty Yuri is working today (of course she is). 

He hears Yuri murmuring in low tones to the other attendant, no doubt relaying some useless bit of gossip, and he’s prepared to tune them out or ask them to leave until he hears Clove’s name. His eyes fly open and he immediately strains to hear.

“Are you sure you saw correctly?” 

“Yes I’m absolutely sure it was them. They were by the stables and he had his arms around her, it looked like he was consoling her…. Yes, the handsome brunette with the blue eyes, you know the one… I heard Yua say he used to be part of her personal entourage. Seems a little suspicious to me, if you know what I mean,” Yuri exclaims, her voice rising a little in excitement. She seems to catch herself and purposefully lowers her voice to a level that Kyro can no longer hear. 

“...I’m surprised she had it in her!”

“... and I heard from Mei that this isn’t the first time either…”

“Did you know about the night before the wedding? I thought it was just baseless gossip but…”

Kyro stops breathing. The night before the wedding was before they signed their contract. Their agreement to be honest with each other, no matter the circumstances. He remembers asking her jokingly, specifically, about Aaron. He remembers her admitting her feelings but dismissing that anything had happened or would happen.

Ah yes, young love begets blind devotion, growls the Crimson Dragon, cynical as ever. Kyro normally blocks him out, asks for a second opinion, pauses, but in this moment he’s so furious and heartbroken that he can’t help but agree. I’m a fool for trusting her. 

***

“Where were you at dinner?” Clove’s words are pointed, yet Kyro can hear the concern underlying them. Normally he would reassure her, but tonight he doesn’t trust himself to speak. He had spent hours at the bath house, his rage keeping him warm, as he turned over those whispers in his mind, as he considered the fallout from their meeting earlier. 

“Kyro, I’m talking to you! Please answer.”

He replies shortly, “I lost my appetite,” and hopes she’ll let it be. But of course, she won’t. 

“Is this about earlier? The Council meeting? Look, I’m sorry-” 

“You’re sorry? Sorry isn’t good enough, Princess . You know better than to mouth off at our most influential allies,” Kyro’s words go past scolding into scathing, taking Clove aback.

She snaps defensively, “Don’t try to pin this solely on me, Kyro. We’ve been dancing around the elephant in the room long enough, and sometimes there’s only so far diplomacy will go. We’re in charge, and it’s time the Council respects our authority in these matters. If we say the army should stop its scouting missions in the North and be diverted to bringing food to the poor, they should listen. If we say a tax on nobles will help alleviate post-war poverty, they should be asking us how high a tax , not debating the merits of our cause. I’m not sure how you run things here in the Crimson Kingdom, but in the Cerulean Kingdom, it’s one for all and all for one. Simple.” 

Kyro scoffs dismissively, “Nothing about this is simple , Clove, and it’s foolish of you to pretend so. Perhaps you’re not as well-versed on the inner workings of the Crimson Kingdom as you like to say you are. Let me be very clear here. As the prince of this kingdom who grew up here, it is I who has ultimate authority, not you. In the future, if you cannot hold your tongue, you will not be welcome in the Council.” 

It’s as if he slapped her, the words affect her so strongly. They’ve had spats before, of course, but he’s never sounded so angry, so stern, so… closed off. Clove wants to keep arguing but she remembers something her mom once told her, about how sometimes hurt people hurt people. 

She takes a deep breath and wipes the irritation and anger out of her voice as best she can, before asking, “Kyro, what’s wrong? Did something else happen?”

Kyro looks at her straight on, searching her gaze as if waiting, and when she says nothing, his brows furrow.

“Does something else need to happen for me to do damage control? Is the obvious destruction of our peace efforts with the military and nobles not enough?” 

Clove sputters indignantly, forgetting herself. Her skin is burning with anger where normally it would be freezing cold when she’s this emotional. She glares at him.

“Kyro, rule number one of our contract is no secrets. You’re not acting like yourself. What happened? ” Her insistence breaks him. He crosses the distance between them, crowding her against the wall in a move that normally takes her breath away for different reasons. She holds herself strong, defiant, feels her hands curl into fists in an effort to keep herself from pushing him off. I will not be intimidated .

“It is you and not me who has been keeping secrets, Princess,” Kyro’s words are ice cold, devoid of any hint of passion or tenderness. Her spine freezes and for a split second, she wonders if he knows about her conversation with Aaron in the stables, she wonders if she should tell him what she knows, but-- but she can’t. She promised Aaron she wouldn’t. And moreover, she’s afraid of the possibility that the Masks will attack again, and she won’t be ready to take them. She’s not ready to unpack all of this with him, not yet, not when things are already so tense.

Biting her lip, she looks away and tries to keep her resolve. She waits, one, two, three seconds, and when she says nothing, he finally steps away in disgust.

“You don’t have to say anything, Clove. Your silence tells me enough. I know about your tryst with that soldier, Aaron. I know it began the night before our wedding. Tell me, Princess , did it feel good tricking me? Perhaps this is payback for being forced into an arranged marriage. But I won’t let you make a fool of me. Know that the walls have eyes and ears; where you go, they will find you, and we can’t have anyone gossiping about your dalliances. So hide a little better, or else I’ll have to send your beloved packing,” his voice is low, eerily gentle, but Clove is shaking with every word. She feels like she may burst, her insides are so hot.

“What in the Crimson Kingdom are you talking about, Kyro? I have never tricked you for a moment of this marriage, and I don’t like what you’re insinuating. I was truthful with you about my feelings for Aaron, but that was months ago! They died the day I chose to marry you,” she seethes, shoving away from him. He lets her, and she begins pacing back and forth to try and burn off some of her excess energy. 

“You lied to me, Clove. You didn’t tell me he visited you the night before our wedding. You didn’t tell me about your little outing today at the stables with him. What else am I supposed to think? For Dragon’s sake, you’re the one who told me you were in love with him when you came here!” 

“There was nothing to tell , Kyro!” She yells, unable to keep her voice down any longer, unable to contain the heat within her. She grasps the dressing room chair where she gets ready each morning, gasping in surprise when the wood starts smoking under her hands. Backing away, she stares down at her palms only to see they look completely normal.

“Ky? What… what’s happening?” Her anger is broken and without it, she feels impossibly vulnerable. 

He won’t look at her, eyes fixated on the smoking chair. Instead of answering her question, he stalks towards the entrance of their room.

“Where are you going?!”

“Out. Don’t wait up,” Kyro exclaims over his shoulder, disappearing and leaving her to breathe unsteadily in the wake of his anger.

What the hell just happened . 

***

Kyro has almost made it out of the Palace when he’s stopped by Councilor Jiro. Not now, he thinks frantically, but resigns himself to the inevitable when he gets waved over.

“Councilor, it’s good to see you,” Kyro lies through his teeth, and hopes it’s not too obvious how desperately he would rather be anywhere else. Anywhere except here, or with Clove.

“I wish I could say the same, Prince. I was very, shall we say, disappointed by your wife’s stance in court today. I hoped we could have a few words and come to our own agreement,” Jiro simpers. Kyro doesn’t care for the smarmy smile on Jiro’s face, but he knows he can’t refuse a conversation, not today. 

“Fine. I was on my way out. Shall we walk and talk?” Kyro asks brusquely, his body still positioned towards the exit. It’s not really a question -- he’s still the Prince, and there is decorum to follow.

“I was leaving as well, so this works out perfectly.” Kyro nods and begins walking, forcing himself to keep his pace moderate so the older man can walk beside him with ease. 

Jiro launches into his points, which are essentially a regurgitation of the argument they’ve been having for the past several months. He insists that the nobles shouldn’t be punished for the Dragon’s War, that Clove isn’t from here and shouldn’t have the authority to make decisions, that the military is the one of the biggest employers in the country and it would be devastating to the peasants to suddenly demilitarize. They’ve made it almost to the tree line before Kyro gets a chance to respond.

“Councilor, I appreciate you taking the time to clarify your perspective. As you know, we are in a time of transition, and with that comes new initiatives. Like it or not, Clove is not alone in her opinions. Although I don’t have the same… personal interests as her when it comes to demilitarization, I agree that it’s a necessary step towards permanent peace.” Kyro pauses, turning to face Jiro and gauge his reaction.

“It’s unfortunate you believe that,” Jiro’s face is solemn, but there’s a twinkle in his eye. Like he was expecting Kyro to say this, like he wanted him to confirm it. Before Kyro can start thinking about it more deeply, he hears a noise behind him and swivels to investigate.

There are two masked men right behind him, holding daggers, and Kyro leaps into action.

“Councilor Jiro, leave this to me and go get help!” He cries over his shoulder, but there’s no reply. The men in front of him don’t move closer, and then he feels a hand on the back of his cloak, wrenching him backwards, and what feels like a rock crashes into the back of his head.

The last thing he sees is Jiro standing above him, looking bored as he calls out to the Masked Men: “Get him out of here.”