Broken Valkyrie's Ascent

[Naron]

The first shock for Aries came early in the morning. It happened while the last maids and butlers sleepily crawled out of bed, just as the guards changed shifts. Most of them only heard about it later, mainly through gossip while cleaning.

"Did you hear?" Cynthia told her coworkers conspiratorially. "His highness was in the kitchen making breakfast when the chefs went to get started."

Elena and Hailey both gasped, the sounds not given out of politeness but actual surprise. "No way, really?" Elena followed up.

Even while Cynthia nodded, she never stopped wiping down her window. They were maids of the highest station, they could gossip and stay busy at the same time. "Yes, really! I heard it from Annie earlier, he made pancakes by the dozen. Didn't even acknowledge anyone beside apologising for taking the kitchen. The poor chefs had no idea what to say!"

The other women giggled in response, though they were clearly intrigued. "But wouldn't his fine clothes get dirty?" Elena asked, which made Cynthia laugh; she still had more to share.

"That's the other thing, he wasn't dressed for the day. Just some loose pants and a button-up shirt, an old one. Like the ones you used to wear for class. Annie was all flushed when she described him."

This caused more giggling, this time by all three of them. It petered out into busy silence, though Hailey broke that a minute later while pointing her duster at Elena.

"What about you? You got to wake her highness today."

For some reason however, that made the brunette turn a little glum. She had that duty together with the foreigner, Sayoko. And she still did not know what to make of it.

"Yeah. At least now I know why her highness and Ms. Sumeragi had pancakes when we came in. But listen, mistress Nunnally's legs are still bad!"

She immediately had the other maids' attention, though she did not look at them. Her grimace was reflected in the window she finished up with.

"I kinda thought, I mean she's walking normally, right? But no, that's why Sayoko insisted she show us how to tend to her highness. She got some machine that her legs strap into, that's how she walks. Sayoko showed me how to put those things on her."

A moment of upset silence followed. Part of it was the indignation that their princess remained crippled, part of it worry for what that meant socially. Chances were that some members of staff would resign over this.

Then Hailey sighed. "That explains why she wears conservative clothes like these," she mused. "I heard that imperial princesses like to be a little more risque."

"It could have been some habit she picked up elsewhere," Cynthia comforted her, then turned back to Elena: "But isn't dressing her kind of hard when she wears those?"

"It's impossible," the other maid agreed readily. "We had to put everything on before the machines. So Sayoko lifted her up and let me dress her highness. She's stronger than she looks."

There she left a short pause, preparing to drop the second most scandalous thing she witnessed that morning: "But while I wasn't looking, Ms. Sumeragi dressed herself!"

Her revelation earned some more shocked gasps, but also a chuckle from a passing butler. Jonathan paused to join their conversation as well: "Oh, you girls can get used to it. His highness refused help dressing, too. I imagine her highness would do it herself if she could."

The three maids interrupted their work to turn around, all a little scandalised by what they heard. "Was that normal before?" Elena inquired of the older man, "with Empress Marianne here?"

He shrugged jovially in response. "They were a little young to dress themselves on their own back then. But if I remember correctly, her majesty always refused to let anyone else dress her. That might be where they get it from."

So saying, he took a step closer and leaned in, as if to share a secret. The maids mirrored his actions, always eager for gossip.

"But here's something you probably didn't hear yet," Jonathan teased. "When James walked into his highness's room earlier, he wasn't there. But there was a woman in his bed, who wasn't Dame Stadtfeldt. And definitely not a maid either."

Hailey reared back in shock, the other two just stared at him in befuddlement.

"So he has a mistress already?" Cynthia asked. "Or even a betrothed?"

"But wouldn't we have heard if he were betrothed?" Elena argued, which made Cynthia's eyes go wide.

"So a mistress?!" she squeaked, halfway between intrigue and excitement. The energy between them grew, all three maids excited about this juicy gossip. Jonathan nodded enthusiastically as well, though he was not done yet.

"There's more! Nobody saw her come in yesterday or tonight. The guard captain almost threw a fit when they saw her at breakfast."

That made Elena snap her fingers in realisation. "Oh, her. I was wondering who she was. So nobody knows?"

"I mean, his highness does?" Jonathan answered after a moment. "He seemed to accept her at the table. Daniel swears he saw her before, but he can't remember where."

Daniel, the maids recalled, was one of the other butlers who worked at Aries before Empress Marianne's death. Nobody paid more than a passing thought to entertain the idea he knew the mystery woman, though.

Elena nodded along, meaning to ask further questions. But then Sayoko glided by with a basket of laundry.

"I will not bother you about gossipping," she interrupted them, "but please remember your duties while you do so."

The maids jumped a little, then got back to work as if stung. Jonathan nodded to them and got going as well, actually falling into step with the foreigner. They did not speak, her comfortable in the quiet and him still uncomfortable in her presence. Several others passed them before they parted ways.

Sayoko herself took the laundry to be washed, then picked up several baskets of fresh treats from the kitchen. She quietly appreciated that cleaning was not among her main duties anymore; she did not mind, but there were other things she preferred doing. Such as taking these confections to the lounge, where her master and mistress were.

Dame Stadtfeldt, Lady Sumeragi, and C.C. perked up when she placed the snacks by their side. Sayoko quickly bowed and made to return into the background, but Lelouch stopped her.

"What's the situation around here?" he asked, likely meaning an update on her relation with the staff.

She waited a moment to let Nunnally and Kallen squabble about the milk chocolates, then answered his question: "Overall good, I believe. There are some hiccups with my integrating with the younger maids, but most of the staff seems most concerned with serving you and mistress Nunnally. My competence will bring the rest around before long. Although you have already ruffled a number of feathers, young master."

He just snorted and shook his head, apparently unconcerned about it. Though he did grimace when Sayoko followed up with a little tease: "I also hear that you have a mistress. Whoever might that be?"

C.C.'s grin turned from amused to plain smug at that. They knew nothing actually happened between those two, but it was the natural conclusion to draw. Nunnally and Kallen rolled their eyes, though they were still busy trying to steal chocolate from each other. Kaguya blushed, the only one unaware among them. She turned to Lelouch curiously, making him shrug at her.

"At this point I gave up trying to make her do anything."

"C.C. is like a cat, you can't make her do anything," Nunnally explained absently. "So if she wants to sleep in Lelouch's bed, nobody can stop her."

Sayoko chuckled quietly. Her own thoughts on the matter were much the same; interacting with C.C. became a lot less infuriating once she began to think of her as a particularly mischievous kitten.

Likewise, C.C. learned to stop messing with Sayoko at work after the first time she was carried elsewhere by the scruff of her neck.

Then Jeremiah interrupted the moment of levity, his words giving the entire table pause: "I could be mistaken, but I believe I once spotted a woman quite like you meeting her majesty."

C.C. languidly turned his way, one brow raised primly. "It seems your memory failed you there," she mused. "However would a common woman such as I have met an empress?"

The fact she even deigned to deny it meant she lied. Then again, she lied so obviously that she may as well be playing games. But why try to hide something like this?

If nothing else, Jeremiah seemed as convinced of C.C.'s claim as Sayoko was. Telling what her charges thought was harder, though they seemed wary as well. Neither of them bothered with trying to press her, though. It would be meaningless either way.

Their little break soon ended and everyone got back to work. Excepting C.C., of course. The prince and princess planned and practiced their appearance at court, but also answered their correspondence and related duties. Young Sumeragi's time was taken up directing her company remotely. The respective knights helped out as needed. Sayoko herself headed out to do some more chores, getting the staff used to her presence in the process. She even managed to hold some idle conversations.

And the peace at Aries held for at least a few hours. No more great surprises, no unexpected royalty in the kitchen, no more unknown visitors that made the guard captain ask questions. From what Sayoko gathered, the initial wariness the royal guard faced from the men and women Princess Cornelia hired had faded right quick. She actually spotted some of them drinking together while off-duty.

Outside of that, they were in for a quiet night. The young master even agreed with the chefs to only prepare one meal a day; it was quite the concession, likely due to how much work he had to do otherwise.

But of course, no domestic issues meant that something had to come from the outside. Or in this case, someone.

The next morning's calm lulled them all into a false sense of tranquility, which was exactly when Lelouch and Nunnally heard about two visitors at the gates.

"Come again?" Nunnally asked, unable to believe what she heard.

"The Knight of Three and Knight of Six, your highness," Butler James dutifully repeated. "Their stated business is to introduce themselves."

Nobody believed the last part for even a moment. At the same time, even though the first part was almost as hard to believe, everyone knew that they could not just turn two Knights of the Round Table away. They were of equal standing with the royal family, if not higher. Insult to them was insult to the emperor.

Lelouch's brow furrowed ever so faintly. It was the only sign of his agitation. Nunnally thought back to what she picked up during lessons, trying to determine why those two were here. Gino Weinberg, the Knight of Three, and Anya Alstreim, the Knight of Six, were the youngest Rounds. In fact, Anya was the youngest Round ever appointed. They were also known to have bonded over their being close in age. But none of this answered why they came here.

"Invite them in," Lelouch ordered, even if it was more of a formality. "We will be there shortly."

James bowed reverently and took his leave, leaving a small, confused group behind. Nunnally exchanged a glance with Kaguya, then her brother, and stood. Lelouch threw his sister a searching look, as if to ask if she was certain. Nunnally returned a blank look and a nod.

With the entire staff aware of her state by now, she decided to wear shorts today; there was no time to get changed, either. Not unless she wanted to miss something important. Moreover, though she knew she should give an excuse and get changed, she petulantly refused to cater to people who showed up unannounced like that. If they had issues with her shorts and t-shirt, that was their problem.

Lelouch rolled his eyes heavenward, himself at least dressed in business casual with his button-down shirt and slacks. But he stood as well without any further comment. Kaguya needed a moment to realise she should follow. They were flanked by Jeremiah and Kallen as they started moving.

To the two Knights' credit, they were only momentarily distracted by her appearance. And in fairness, so was she by theirs. They were both dressed in finely tailoured suits, primarily white with golden trims. Anya's pale pink hair was done up just like last time, the girl herself lithe yet clearly fit. Gino was the opposite of her, standing taller than anyone else in the room and with broad shoulders to match. Likewise, where Anya's expression was all but blank, Gino wore a big grin that even seemed genuine.

They were both attractive, from their features over their figures to the confidence they exuded. If this were not her own place, Nunnally would easily believe they lived here all their lives.

Lelouch, being the older sibling, took over the greetings.

"What a surprise to have such important persons visit us so early into our return. It is a great pleasure, Sir Weinberg, Dame Alstreim." He shook hands with Gino as he spoke, then gallantly pressed a kiss to Anya's knuckles.

The Knight of Three chuckled in response. "Likewise, your highness. And your highness, of course."

He showed Nunnally a silly grin, then did as Lelouch had with Anya before. Nunnally's fake smile twitched, but it seemed convincing enough to them. The fact his cologne was barely tolerable in its intensity did not help her composure.

"I am flattered that you would grace us with your presence," she demurred, trying hard not to react outwardly. She made to mimic a curtsy at the Knight of Six, but Anya surprisingly came forward and clasped her hand in a firm grip. It made sense, what with neither of them wearing anything suitable to curtsying, she just did not expect it.

Even more unexpectedly was that Gino then moved on to offer the same courteous greeting to Kaguya.

"Lady Sumeragi," he greeted kindly. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance. You look quite lovely this morning."

Kaguya quickly lowered her gaze, cheeks flushed visibly pink. She offered a shy curtsy while Nunnally and Lelouch watched the whole thing in confusion. Nunnally was the only one to hear the sigh Anya strangled in her throat.

"Thank you, Lord Weinberg. You look quite dashing yourself. Any young lady would count herself fortunate to be in your presence."

The flattery made for a good save, though Nunnally could not tell how much of it was actual praise. She interjected regardless, now even more curious what their game was. And if it targeted Kaguya, she would definitely not leave her friend to fend for herself.

"I have to wonder as to the purpose of your visit. Mere introductions do not seem quite sufficient a reason to step away from your important duties."

"No," Anya agreed bluntly. "I wanted to visit."

She did not elaborate, even under their undivided attention. Gino explained for her a moment later: "Ah, well, you see, Aries has been off-limits to everyone ever since the both of you left. From what Anya here told me, she used to stay here."

While the pinkette nodded, Nunnally noted by herself that the two were on first names. A couple, maybe? The ages fit, although she could not recall any mention of it beyond some minor rumours. At the same time, the Rounds may just be close-knit.

"It was part of my etiquette lessons," Anya added. "Then Empress Marianne died and nothing came of it."

Nunnally's eyes narrowed in response, as did Lelouch. Gino cringed visibly, making some abrupt motions to his fellow knight.

Anya tilted her head in response. "Too blunt?"

"Yes," he told her, then apologetically turned to the others: "Please forgive her manners. She prefers to say things as they are."

Nunnally listened and empathised with that stance, but she still felt a little insulted by the casual reminder of her mother's death. At this point she could not help but snap back.

"I can see you never got those lessons elsewhere."

This time it was Jeremiah who cringed, she could tell from the corner of her eye. Gino's jaw fell slack for one gratifying moment, but Anya herself did not seem bothered.

"I got them, but they are all tedious," she told Nunnally matter-of-factly. "But I am Knight of Six, so I can say what I want and nobody can stop me."

And just like that, despite it all, Nunnally felt a sort of kinship with the other teen. It was accompanied by a surge of envy over Anya being able to just say whatever; Nunnally never had that option in her life.

Before she could open her mouth and probably stick her foot in it, Lelouch interjected pointedly: "Meanwhile, Nunnally, you are not the Knight of Six and I can very well stop you."

All eyes turned to him now, unamused as he was. Nunnally rolled her eyes, still annoyed and unhappy.

"Try."

A sudden tension sparked between them, an impromptu staring contest as she dared her brother to look away first. To so much as blink. Unfortunately, Lelouch was just as good at staring back and far too proud to give. And more than that, she knew he was right; Nunnally could not afford to say whatever, nor could she afford to make enemies of two Rounds.

So she yielded, averting her gaze first. A quiet "Fine" came with it, but she did not apologise to Anya. Not that the other girl seemed bothered by it.

The sudden silence between them was disrupted by Gino once more. His grin made a return, just as bright as before. "I will say that I do not mind," he offered genially. "I am used to Anya's bluntness, so there is no need to mince words with me."

She still had no idea what he wanted. Gino clapped his hands lightly, then motioned for his companion. "Now, Anya did want to look around a bit. If that is alright with the both of you?"

It was only a formality. They could force the issue easily. But it seemed that they meant to play nice. Lelouch offered a little nod in turn, his own smile more easygoing than Nunnally's but just as false.

"Of course. We have only just arrived ourselves, so we might as well take another tour."

And just like that, their little procession got going. There were less explanations today than the day they arrived, though.

Anya Alstreim kept her quiet, simply studying everything with an intent stare. Moreover, Nunnally noticed, both Rounds' attention flickered to her legs more than once. Neither said anything, but they were clearly aware of her condition. Nunnally could not tell if that was good or bad, nor did she care much.

"It's nostalgic," Anya suddenly said, just as they moved through the guest wing. One particular door had her attention, though it was no different from the rest of the dozen.

"I stayed here."

So saying, she trooped off on her own and cracked open the door. Everyone else waited, uncertain how to respond to this situation. Anya stared inside for a minute, then closed the door thoughtfully.

"But there is no trace of it left," she announced. A nearby maid started fidgeting in worry, but Nunnally was the only one who seemed to notice; the staff did not seem to exist for the Rounds, as was the case for nobility in general.

"That's how it goes," Nunnally found herself saying. "Time wears it all away. Only our memories remain."

It was a sad reality they had to live with. Anya nodded her agreement, too. "Memories and possibilities," she mused. "What never was. We could have been playmates."

"I guess so."

It was an odd thing to focus on, but Nunnally could see her point. Then however, Jeremiah cleared his throat; he only spoke when Nunnally looked at him, if with a faint smile.

"I happen to remember the day Dame Alstreim arrived at Aries. From what I recall, there was much hair-pulling involved."

Nunnally blinked at him in idle confusion; he sounded almost fond, but she had no memory of such a thing. Anya tilted her head in wonder as well, then ran a hand through her pink mane.

Meanwhile, Gino chuckled. "It sounds like her highness was quite the rascal," he mused, perhaps even teased.

"We were all once children, Lord Weinberg," she retorted serenely. She knew they still counted as children to the one actual adult among them, but she said it anyway. Nunnally stopped being a child long ago, same as Lelouch.

Whether he was aware of her thoughts or not, Gino nodded back.

Thoughts like these occupied her mind as they moved on, soon circling back to the main staircase. It was a place Nunnally avoided when she could, same as Lelouch; although the carpet was changed, they knew where their mother breathed her last. Sometimes they could not avoid ascending or descending that way, but Nunnally often got shivers here.

Instead of following them toward the other side of the ground floor however, Anya stopped at that same staircase. She stood still looking up long enough for everyone else to notice, then began to ascend.

"Anya?" Gino queried, a little worried but more confused about her actions. He received no response and hurried back; Nunnally followed after, curious despite herself. The others followed a moment later.

They watched the other girl stop just about halfway up the stairs, standing almost in the exact spot. Her head turned this way and that, but Nunnally could not read anything from her slightly tense back. Her turning around to face them did not change that either, the pinkette's gaze intense for unknown reasons.

She looked down at Nunnally and Lelouch in particular, but her silence held for an uncomfortably long time. No one dared break it to ask what was going on.

Then, at last, Anya spoke the last words Nunnally expected from her.

"I know who did it."

No further explanation was needed. Nunnally stiffened, eyes blown wide. Lelouch was almost as surprised and she could hear the sharp intake of breath from Jeremiah.

"Now really isn't the right time," Gino tried, now visibly worried. Anya was not, though.

"I disagree," she said, then turned back to the thunderstruck prince and princess: "I know who killed her. I'm the only witness."

She stopped there, waiting for their response. Nunnally was still at a loss for words and Lelouch seemed little better; a glance his way revealed him sizing up Anya. Everyone else seemed frozen in indecision.

With how this all began, she slowly got an idea where this was headed. Nobody else said anything, so Nunnally acted on that feeling and spoke up.

"I take it you won't just tell us?"

Anya shook her head no, as expected. This prompted Lelouch to rub his forehead, a motion Nunnally knew well. She also knew what it hid.

Anya made to speak, perhaps offer her demands, but stopped herself when Lelouch's hand lowered with the contact lense removed. Her eyes widened ever so faintly... and closed.

"He has it."

Before any of them could react, a gun was pressed into Lelouch's back.

Nunnally stiffened alongside her brother, then called up her own Geass. She grabbed for a pistol that was not there next, then spent a moment berating herself for leaving it today.

"Now let's not get hasty," Gino ordered calmly. "Anya said she wants something, so your highness is not going to cheat around that."

Nunnally was already focussed on him, even though she knew the weapon he had on her brother would not fire. She shook in barely suppressed anger, restrained only by the fact he made no motion to actually shoot.

Lelouch himself did not show any discomfort, though. He just heaved a sigh and made to pinch the bridge of his nose, as if exasperated. The motion also served to putting the contact lense back in.

"Very well," he agreed, prompting Anya to open her eyes again.

The pinkette nodded at first, but paused at the sight of Nunnally's fluttering Geass. All pretend friendliness was gone by now.

The moment Gino pulled back his weapon, Nunnally took a quick step and decked him in the face. He may be taller and stronger than her, but he clearly did not expect that; Nunnally's punch sent him flying onto his ass, from where he stared up at her in a mixture of surprise and fascination.

Bending down, Nunnally stared into his eyes up close as her Geass faded.

"The only reason you're still alive, Sir Weinberg, is that I decided against carrying my own sidearm today," she hissed, poking his chest harshly. "The next time you point a weapon at my brother, I'll kill you myself and damn the consequences. Am I clear?"

"Yes ma'am," he replied at once, nodding rapidly. His calm never really faded and that annoyed her, but she took it.

Straightening back up, she allowed Gino to stand. Her remaining irritation found a new target in Kallen, who she snapped at next: "And you're his knight, you should've stopped that before it could happen!"

The older girl threw up her arms in exasperation, snapping back: "How am I supposed to see that coming? And more importantly, since when am I supposed to attack a Rounds?!"

"Girls, enough."

Lelouch weathered the glares both threw his way just as well as he did being held at gunpoint. Rather than dwell on it, he turned to Gino. "I hope you will forgive my not apologising for the black eye, Sir Weinberg."

The younger man shook his head genially. "It is quite alright, I get it. If anything, I have to apologise we had to escalate. But, well, can't take chances with something this volatile. I honestly saw this entire sequence go a lot differently. Anya."

He said it with a mildly annoyed look thrown to his fellow knight, who showed no reaction as she stayed in place.

Nunnally managed to swallow her anger back down by now, but she refused to apologise for the disrespect. At least it seemed Gino would not make a fuss of it; attacking a Rounds was akin to attacking his majesty, so he could easily extort them with this one if he wanted. No matter how justified, Nunnally messed up bad. She was glad that he seemed ready to play ball instead of hiding behind his title.

Apparently done with the subject, Lelouch fully turned back to Anya. "What is it you want in exchange for that knowledge?"

The room lapsed into silence once more as everyone looked her way, only this time it felt heavier. The adrenaline just now hit Nunnally's system and made her twitchy. She watched as Anya Alstreim began descending the stairs again, step by careful step. An even tap-tap of delicate feet, only partly swallowed by the carpet; her rhythm was almost as even as Lelouch's.

She stopped a few steps upward of Lelouch, standing at even height with him.

"Marry me."

And just like that, all tension was gone and replaced with confusion. Lelouch was not exempt, dumbfounded like the rest.

"Pardon?"

"Marry me, and I will tell you who is responsible for her death."

Even Gino rubbed his forehead in clear exasperation. Nunnally was plain dumbfounded, but she suddenly understood his feelings so much better; he must have known what Anya wanted to achieve here. She wanted to interject and ask why, but the answer was obvious: Anya had something they desperately wanted, so she had a way to improve her own standing. The leap from duchess to princess consort was not huge, but one of the few someone in her position could still make.

"Of course you do not need to answer right now," Gino offered diplomatically. "Take some time to mull it over."

So saying, he moved up the stairs to take Anya's shoulder. "I think we caused enough upset for one day. As much as I would like to finish this tour, perhaps another time."

Nunnally just nodded faintly, thoughts racing almost as fast as her brother's. They led their surprise guests back to the entrance, where Anya stopped once more.

"A peace offering," she said, immediately garnering their full attention. The pinkette glanced from Lelouch to Nunnally. "C.C. is nearby, yes?"

The wary looks she got in response seemed to be answer enough. Anya shooed a nearby maid away and lowered her voice, so only the few of them could hear: "Her immortality and ability to bestow Geass is caused by a Code. The only way she can pass it on is by giving it to someone with a fully developed Geass. She wants one of you to take it, so that she can die a proper death."

Nunnally could only stare at the other teen. Anya's expression gave nothing away about the distinct knowledge she just shared. This was not what Nunnally expected to hear now, but it sounded important. She would have to ask C.C. if it was true.

Anya nodded at them faintly, then left. Gino followed.

Once the doors closed, a flat "Okay, what?" from Kallen shattered the silence left behind.

Nunnally wanted to bury her head in her hands at that, suddenly reminded of an important fact: they now had to explain this whole mess to her and Jeremiah.

 

[Naron]

The Rounds left them with a lot of trouble. Even ignoring the sudden and very real prospect of marriage, Nunnally and Lelouch had to explain Geass to Kallen and Jeremiah.

He took the reason for why he acted as he did during the Orange incident with relief. She was the opposite.

Aside from when she got agitated, Kallen was deceptively smart. She quickly realised how suspicious it was that the Black Knights followed their big plan without a fuss. There was not a single deserter, not a single voice to disagree from even the former hardliners. It was too perfect and they all knew it. Lelouch did not even bother trying to hide it.

The fact Kallen herself joined voluntarily did not make it any better.

Now they were bereft of a redhead, who stomped off and slammed the door.

"Well," Nunnally mused, looking around. "That could have been worse?"

Kaguya just sighed in response, though Lelouch inclined his head in agreement. C.C. showed no reaction whatsoever, having listened to the brewing argument with veiled interest.

None of them answered her, but Jeremiah did: "Dame Stadtfeldt is still young and full of fire. But as she has shown with her swift deductions, she is also smart enough to understand that she loses everything if she breaks ties with you now."

While Nunnally agreed with his assessment, she was still worried. Lelouch took the words right out of her mouth: "But she's emotional at the moment, which is not conductive for making the prudent choice."

Even Jeremiah did not refute that point. C.C. grinned at the side, the most aware of them all that Lelouch spoke from experience.

"Then I shall watch over her for the time being," Sayoko announced. She was the only member of staff they allowed into the room, now she gave a faint bow and took her leave.

This left only five people. Nunnally, Lelouch, Jeremiah, Kaguya, and C.C.. The Code bearer kept quiet during the Geass 101, now she watched them curiously, since caught on that the meeting was not over yet. Nunnally turned her way now, a little wary of having to ask but knowing that she must.

"Is it true? That you can only die by passing this 'Code' onto someone else?"

There was no surprise. No reaction whatsoever, in fact. C.C. met her gaze evenly, even though Nunnally tried to convey her desire to know the truth. She slowly began to comprehend just how ancient the other woman must be. With it came a startling realisation: C.C.'s eyes held so little luster. Sometimes they flashed with humour, but more often than not she seemed almost empty.

"It is," C.C. confirmed, for once without any obfuscation. "The Code is passed from one owner to the next across time, nestled within a fully developed Geass. No power in this world can cause a lasting death for as long as one carries it."

She sounded bored, as if reciting from a textbook she did not care to read properly.

It felt wrong.

"And that's why you gave Geass to Lelouch?" Nunnally tried.

C.C. nodded. "And yourself, girl," she reminded, her blank look fading in favour of some light amusement. "One of you will one day take my Code, so that I can finally die. That is our contract, that is my wish."

The cheerful way she spoke of her own approaching death made Nunnally shudder. Kaguya seemed to feel just as lost, going by how she leaned forward in obvious concern and piped up.

"But why do you want to die so bad? Is this Code making you want to?"

"It's your youth speaking there, girl," C.C. explained with a tired smile, almost indulgent. "I was born long before Oda and Tokugawa. Ages passed me by while I stayed young, but the mind can not stop aging. I am tired of this unending live, much like one who has not slept four days yearns to rest their head on a soft pillow."

Then she reached out and rubbed Kaguya's head. No more was said, the affectionate gesture giving the teen pause. She did not resist, too confused to do so.

Nunnally was uncertain what to say, too. Or if she should say anything at all. She could not understand a desire like that, she wanted to live more than anything all her life. Lelouch seemed equally stumped, probably for the same reason as her. How could they comprehend a woman who was more than fifty times their age?

In the end it was Kaguya who responded. Slowly, hesitantly, but curious: "You met Oda and Tokugawa?"

C.C. let up in her affection with a huff, leaning back into the chair she took. "No, the first time I entered Japan was recent. The world is a big place, and it was even more so before the advent of cars, trains, and airplanes."

Kaguya nodded, now disappointed. C.C. seemed willing to indulge the one question, but Nunnally felt she would quickly get bored if they kept asking about history. But they had confirmation that Anya knew what she was talking about. That she knew the assassin's identity, too.

But at the same time, there was another question on Nunnally's mind: "When is a Geass fully developed, C.C.? How can we tell that they stopped growing stronger?"

"It expands to both eyes," C.C. told her idly, as if it was the easiest thing in the world. She tapped her closed eyelid for emphasis.

"And you had one, too?"

"Yes."

She was about to inquire further, but realised in time that C.C. did not want to talk about it. So Nunnally dropped the subject with a sigh before slumping in her chair.

"So Dame Alstreim means business," she changed the subject. "How did she even find out about this?"

It was an open question, but she hoped C.C. would give more insight. Unfortunately, the immortal kept her silence.

"She is a duchess and Knight of Six," Lelouch suggested. "It's possible that the Empire knows of Geass, at least in the abstract. If this is true, then we need to be more careful with the original plan."

He glanced to C.C. for confirmation, only to get stonewalled with an impish grin. After rolling his eyes, Lelouch returned to the subject at hand: "She must have learned about it from somewhere, else she couldn't have spotted my Geass. That aside, we need to think about how to respond to her demand."

"There is some time, your highness," Jeremiah mused with an idle motion. "Dame Alstreim has yet to see her fifteenth birthday. A noble lady is not supposed to marry before sixteen at the earliest. Although the peerage will expect to see an heir shortly after, so eighteen should be more advisable if you were to accept her offer."

Four years, then. They technically had that long to think, but any day they did not make a decision was one further day they did not know who took their mother away.

"So we need to wait two years before anything happens either way?" Kaguya asked, slightly confused. Nunnally wondered about the logistics as well, so she glanced back to her knight, who explained with only the slightest bit of hesitation.

"Not exactly, Lady Sumeragi. The practice of betrothals in childhood has fallen out of favour over the last century, but it is very much alive for teens. They are not ironclad, but breaking one once announced without due reason is a certain way to destroy one's reputation. If his highness wished to accept and announce as such tomorrow, I believe that would satisfy Dame Alstreim's demand."

While Kaguya nodded her understanding, Nunnally tried not to let her distaste show. She did not want Lelouch to get engaged, especially not against his will. Even if it was supposedly his choice, Anya practically twisted his arm. This was the very thing they wanted to prevent.

"Is there another way to figure out who did it?" she asked the room, only to be answered with silence.

Her gaze passed from an uncertain Kaguya to Lelouch, who seemed deep in thought. Then to Jeremiah, who squirmed uncomfortably. He clearly did not like being asked this sort of question, recognising the volatile subject for what it was.

Once he had her attention however, he explained haltingly: "I, well, I do not believe there is. As you know, any investigation was cancelled by his majesty's decree. His majesty may know the assailant's identity, but I doubt you would rather ask him."

The blank face he got in response told him all he needed to know. Nunnally was quietly disgusted with the mere idea of crawling to that man for anything. Even marrying someone off was less infuriating than that.

"In that case your only option is Dame Alstreim," Jeremiah noted. "If she truly was a witness that day, then she is the only one."

But just because it was the lesser evil did not mean that Nunnally liked it the slightest bit. She glowered in response and leaned back in her chair. Looking to Lelouch again and finding him still so deep in thought made her suspicious, though.

"You aren't seriously considering this?"

All attention went to her brother now, whose gaze slowly found hers. "It bears consideration, is all," Lelouch explained softly. "Is knowing the perpetrator worth marrying her over?"

"We came back like this specifically so we won't get married off against our will!"

Her voice rose in volume, but Lelouch bore the indignation with almost unnatural calm. "I know," he agreed. "But this is still a choice, I'm not forced to do it."

"I don't want you to," Nunnally shot back, still unhappy. Lelouch showed her the faintest smile in turn and did not argue, but she knew that did not mean he agreed.

Then Jeremiah chimed in again, much to her dismay: "May I inquire what the issue with this matter is, exactly?"

Her unamused look was weathered without issue. Whatever her expression told him, he decided to elaborate.

"I understand that your values differ from those raised in noble environments. However, you chose to return into the fold. Even if you planned to reject all convention eventually, you must first know and accept the current rules. Each of your hands in marriage is another bargaining chip that you currently hold, of which there are precious few. Refusing such a powerful tool on principle may well cause severe problems down the line."

He spoke reasonable and made sense. It made Nunnally gnash her teeth all the more. She did not interrupt because she could see his wisdom, even if she hated it.

A hand gently landed on her shoulder, reminding of Kaguya's presence. Her friend did not try comfort her beyond just being there, though. Now was not the time and they both knew it.

Meanwhile, Lelouch continued to mull over the situation. Some time passed like this before he addressed Jeremiah.

"What are your thoughts on Dame Alstreim, especially as a match?"

The older man considering it, but he did not need long to start laying out his thoughts.

"Age-wise, wedding Dame Alstreim as soon as possible would be a minor scandal, though not problematic. The right framing would even allow to earn some positive attention if your highness were to take my advice and wait until she is of age. The girl herself is of a stock where nobody will question the match; if memory serves, her family splits from the royal line three generations back. She is, however, the last member of the main line. I must admit that I am unaware of the reasons behind her parents' passing."

He left a pause there to let them digest the information. Nunnally actively had to stop herself from sympathising; being an orphan did not excuse forcing a choice like this on them. Whatever her final goal with this was, Nunnally wanted nothing of it.

"Outside of that," Jeremiah continued laying it out, "she has not given any public indicators of her political leanings yet. The lesser nobility affiliated with her would become allied and follow your highness's stance out of obligation. Although she has no great amount of allies at court, neither does she have enemies. Overall, I would deem her a safe choice for a match. Wedding Dame Alstreim will guarantee your highness a stable foundation to build a strong political front from, assuming that is your desire."

Where Nunnally was still quietly annoyed, Lelouch had soaked up every word. She could tell he did, and she liked this entire situation even less because even she could see how advantageous this was for them. Anya must know it too, or at least Gino.

The short of it was that this offer was too good to refuse.

"I understand," Lelouch said, still thoughtful. "She will know at least most of what you told us, too. No fool would become Knight of Six at fourteen."

"What is she after?" Nunnally asked, not that she expected an answer. It was important to keep this in mind, that everyone wanted something in this damned country. Yet she failed to make her brother stop thinking about it.

While their conversation petered out, Kallen hid in one of the guest rooms to brood.

She should have known there was something off. It all went too smoothly, too easily. Swaying so many people to do something they should by all means be opposed to; she even thought something stunk about it at first, but got carried along by the wave. And how should she have guessed something like this? Psychic powers that affected the mind, perfect control over people even.

Lelouch up and admitted he used it on her before, even!

But what was she supposed to do about it? What could she do, anyway?

Her thoughts kept circling around those two questions. Nobody would believe her if she spilled the secret, then she would be silenced. Staying quiet somehow felt worse; it made her an accessory in this madness, more so than she already was.

Ohgi would believe her, she was sure of that much. But what could he alone do here? And what if he was under Geass? Could he even take her side anymore?

A soft knock on wood dispersed the morbid thoughts somewhat. Kallen turned to glare at whoever disturbed her, but it became even more venomous when she spotted Sayoko of all people.

"Get lost," she bit out.

Yet contrary to her hissed order, the maid stepped into the room and closed the door behind her.

"I believe neither of us is helped by your shutting people out, Kozuki-san," she told her gently. Her words were as even as ever, perhaps kind. But right now the nerve to use her actual name like this pissed Kallen off even more.

"I'm not talking to a traitor," she snapped. "Working for Britannians like some dog for a treat, don't you have any pride?"

She wanted to hurt the other woman, but her words just seemed to roll off of Sayoko.

"Are you a traitor to your people for being raised in a Britannian household after the invasion?" she asked back. The polite rebuttal hit harder than Kallen liked, her wordless glower enough of an answer. Sayoko smiled kindly.

"Glass houses, Kozuki-san."

Kallen gnashed her teeth and stood in response; she was not tall enough to tower over Sayoko, but definitely tall enough to loom.

"You have no idea what you're talking about," she hissed.

"Then explain to me."

Be it the reminder that she was half while Sayoko was pure Japanese. Be it that unflinching smile in the face of Kallen's anger. Be it even that she was a maid who spoke out against her. Kallen was sick of it, she just wanted to mess her up.

So she swung her fist, fully intent on dealing at least a bloody nose to the bitch.

Sayoko took a single, almost airy step to the side. Kallen's swing went wide, but she did not even comprehend it happening until her arm was grasped firmly. She was swung around with force she could not match, any attempt to fight back failed. Those hands around her arm and shoulder were like iron vices, implacable.

Before she knew it, Kallen was painfully pressed against the wall. Her right arm was behind her back, pulled up to the point of pain. She squirmed in place, but Sayoko turned from a gentle wave into a mountain.

"I don't want to hurt you, Kozuki-san," she spoke almost right into her ear, voice firmer now. "But I won't let go unless you promise not to try that again."

Kallen's thoughts went to the sword strapped to her hip. Then the gun in its holster. If she could get her weapon, maybe there was a chance.

But then what?

Even if she could fight Sayoko off, what would happen after? It was not like she could fight her way out of this when Nunnally could just make her unable to fight. Or when C.C. just did not die.

Kallen fell slack, all the fight leaving her. She wanted to resist more, but what was the point? She already tied herself to this plan, knowingly or not. The only power she had was what crumbs Lelouch and Nunnally gave her; she could change nothing unless she went and killed them. But despite everything, the thought of doing that made her shudder.

Despite what she said before, Sayoko let go. She did not demand that promise, but neither did Kallen consider hitting her again. She slowly removed herself from the wall, absently rubbing her cheek.

The maid tugged at her other hand, sitting her down on the bed. Then she settled right next to Kallen, spending comfort in silence. The hands holding hers were warm and calloused, almost like her mother's.

She did not have the energy to glare anymore, now she was just depressed.

"Big brother didn't die for this," Kallen muttered.

The words came softly, she did not even realise she fell back on Japanese until after. Sayoko gently squeezed her hand by way of response, coaxing Kallen to keep talking: "Joining Britannia, supporting a prince, mind control. I just know he'd be disgusted with all of us. What were we thinking? No, what was I thinking? Ohgi-san's probably...."

She did not even manage to say it out loud. The futility of her own position crashed over her anew, driving tears to Kallen's eyes. She was already bound to them in any way that mattered.

Sayoko did not respond in words. Rather, Kallen was pulled forward with utmost gentleness, then enveloped her in a warm embrace. She was held against the older woman's chest while Sayoko petted her head.

It was a near thing not to break into a crying mess, but she could not stop the words from blubbering out: "M-Mom's in hospital, my brother's dead, and my friends are mind controlled. What do I do?"

The older woman hummed in response, her ministrations never ceasing. Kallen knew she would get no help from her, but there was nobody else left to ask.

Yet she did speak, answering in the same Japanese Kallen used thus far.

"You're scared for your lack of power over your own circumstances, not to mention those of people you care about. There is nothing wrong with that. Adrift at sea with no safe haven in sight, at the mercy of the ocean's waves."

She said it almost soothingly, prompting Kallen to nod against her chest.

"We have all felt that way sometime or other, Kallen. I wish I could give you a proper answer, but none of us found it yet. All you can do is endure, see how to stack the deck in your favour as time goes on. Both of them have done the same ever since they were cast away from the royal family."

"This isn't the same and you know it," Kallen muttered, barely managing not to cry for real.

"Is it not?" Sayoko asked back. She started gently scratching Kallen's scalp, making the younger woman relax against her almost involuntarily. Her voice remained soothing and soft.

"I was taught to fight since I could walk. Yet I find a strength I will never have in my young mistress. Nunnally was forced to depend on others for seven long years. She still depends on us even now. The only thing she could do was to have faith in the goodness of people, yet she kept on smiling. And it is my firm belief that I can put the same faith in her."

"It's scary to yield control, Kallen. I know. But is it so bad a thing to trust?"

The worst part that she was not even wrong. Kallen wanted to trust. She wanted to believe that everything would work out. She trusted Naoto and Ohgi. But she just could not bring herself to do it now.

"Mind control," she reiterated the big problem.

"Which affects neither you nor Ohgi-san," Sayoko countered. "You didn't remain long enough to even ask."

The way she said it gave Kallen pause. Once she looked up at the genially smiling maid, Sayoko elaborated for her: "Ohgi-san and Tohdoh-san both agreed to this of their own volition. The same is true of Sumeragi-san. The ones master Lelouch had to force were the radicals among the freedom fighters. Though I wonder some days if this is not kinder, even if it violates their free will. Their lives are saved and used for a greater purpose after all, to obtain the very thing they're ready to lay it down for."

At first she felt disbelief, but by the end Kallen had to snort. "I can tell propaganda when I hear it," she snarked half-heartedly.

Sayoko grinned back. "Worth a try."

After saying that, she went back to petting her head and Kallen melted back into her ministrations. The tension bled out of her now.

"I'm biased because I served faithfully for many years," Sayoko admitted. "I will follow them wherever they go, regardless the danger or dishonour. Some have called me a traitor, others questioned my lack of pride. But their words mean nothing to me, Kallen. I could not be more proud to have found a master worth following to hell and back. Even if you disagree, I only ask you to try seeing what I see. Give them a chance to do right by you and yours."

At her heart of hearts, Kallen liked the way Sayoko outlined it. It did not sound so bad, even if it was still scary. Even if Kallen was still wary. At the same time, she knew that none of what she was told could be backed with proof.

All she knew was that she was not under Geass. If she were, she could not even consider refusing.

And despite it all, she did want to believe them. Lelouch and Nunnally both.

"Not like I have a choice," she finally said, failing to even grouse. She was already in the thick of it, there was no backing out. The only way past was through.

Another huff came from Sayoko, this one more felt than heard. "Such is life," she mused. "We can only hold onto something stable and wait out the storm."

Kallen accepted her wisdom with a slow nod and pulled back. Sayoko let go without a fuss, allowing her to stretch.

"And that was a weird posture to be in."

"You're a bit too big to sit on my lap," Sayoko teased kindly. "Not to mention that this would appear inappropriate."

The joke startled a laugh out of Kallen, who still felt oddly comfortable. "What, do you do that with Lelouch?"

Whether she noticed the attempt to snark or not, Sayoko's response was earnest all the same: "I used to when he was younger. He complained more, though."

"Hah. Boys."

"Quite."

A short pause followed, during which she clasped Kallen's hands again. "But if you need someone to lend an ear or spend comfort, do not hesitate to call on me, Kallen."

She just nodded, still overwhelmed by the sheer kindness heaped on her. Kallen barely did not duck her head under it.

"What's with the lack of honorifics?" she mumbled, which caused Sayoko's smile to widen a fraction.

"Spending comfort somewhat contradicts being respectful. But you're right, Kozuki-san. Now let me see to your face, then I will find you some ice cream."

She just sat there and let Sayoko clean up her lightly muddled makeup. Getting out of that woman's fussing felt all but impossible, she just had that sort of energy about her. Something motherly.

And somehow, Kallen could not find it in herself to be mad anymore.

Sayoko was right. She was in a bad spot right now, but better opportunities would come eventually. For now, Kallen could just bide her time and see what happened. And maybe, just maybe, Lelouch and Nunnally would do the right thing after all.

The pair passed by C.C., who was now lounging around in the hallway. The immortal woman's gaze followed them for a moment, though neither noticed her pleased smile.

"Some days I wonder how these children do it," she mused out loud. "Then again, all of history is riddled with oddities like them. But what game are you playing now?"

The servants near enough to hear thought her to be talking to herself. In fact, she did. But nobody wondered who it was she addressed, even if her question would not be heard. None noticed that her gaze rested on a painting of Empress Marianne.

 

[Naron]

Somehow, Kallen accepted her lot after whatever Sayoko told her. Neither of them said what happened between them and Nunnally would never order her maid to spill the beans. All she and Lelouch got in that regard were some clear words about watching them carefully from Kallen.

Nunnally paid the implied threat no mind, though. Partly because she did not plan to go back on her word, partly because she had no time to be worried.

They did not get a break after that little encounter.

The days before attending court were spent with various busywork. Many acquaintances of their mother sent correspondence, from trying to affirm old agreements and alliances to offering simple congratulations. Several letters were even from the other Empress Consorts; all of these were as empty of actual joy to see them back as hell was clear of ice. Yet especially those letters needed preferential treatment and careful responses.

Even more people from other factions and cliques wrote them as well. Those were a mixed bag, containing business offers, the first marriage proposals for second sons and daughters, and various attempts to ferret out their political leanings. It was a pleasant surprise to hold a letter from Marquess Maxwell, whose writing seemed less pressing and more conversational. Even if he only followed up on his daughter's first attempt to get in contact, or aimed to get an ally, his attempt was nicer to read and respond to.

Overall, Nunnally spent hours every day just answering her correspondence. She was not sure she would survive without Jeremiah, who was exceptionally well informed. His advice on whom and how to respond helped a great deal.

And then there was their own correspondence, particularly reaching out to the half-siblings who did not write them first. Some were older and likely expected them to reach out, some younger and uncertain of whether they would be welcomed. Or those whose mothers still had them under their thumbs.

Kaguya had to spend inordinate amounts of time on getting a foot in the door where the Britannian market was concerned, too. She managed to make some progress, but far too little for anyone's liking with the effort she put in.

And now they were here, feeling as if nothing of value was achieved the last week.

Nunnally managed not to fidget in her rosé-coloured dress, conservative in appearance to the tailour's consternation. Kaguya wore her pale green one better, standing behind her princess as was customary. Meanwhile, Lelouch stood with a blank look that somehow matched the grey suit he had chosen for himself.

Cornelia stood in front of them, acting as their chaperone for the day. She offered it on her own and Jeremiah advised them to agree; having the second princess openly associate with them could open a number of doors on its own.

Nunnally's mind was not really on politics at the moment, though. No, she was green with envy as her eyes trailed down Cornelia's legs. Her sister could wear pants to this, thanks to her military leaning. But of course it was 'not proper' for a teenaged princess to show up in anything but a dress. Even Kallen could put on pants, but poor Nunnally had no choice like always.

She strangled a sigh in her throat and turned her attention away, lest she be caught staring.

Her nerves did not stop her from appreciating the imperial palace's opulence. Nor could they stop her from hating it. Priceless paintings and gleaming ornaments hung everywhere, and it stank of ten thousand peoples' attempts to hide their sweat under artificial smells.

The forming headache did not make this any better for her, but she persevered somehow.

Then, finally, she heard her name announced alongside Lelouch. Cornelia gave the both of them a little nod and stepped through the door first. They followed together and made sure to be on even footing, not one after the other.

This was their first statement of the day already, that they were equal; Nunnally did not depend on her brother. Now she would hopefully get at least the marriage proposals herself, instead of them being addressed to him.

The splendour on display was intriguing for all of a moment, mainly because the people interested her more. Politely curious faces were found everywhere, each dress and suit more expensive than a humble worker earned in a year. A lot of applause followed, yet it somehow sounded hollow.

The image of sophistication and decadence could not hide the aura of dread that hung over the vast throne room. These vipers smiled and clapped, but she knew they all waited for a single sign of weakness, a single seam to tear her apart by. Their sharp eyes followed her every step, ready to start gossipping the moment she broke customs they deemed holier than the lives of nations.

Nunnally wanted to kick someone's shins very much.

Thankfully, that invasive thought vanished as fast as it appeared.

The throne itself was yet empty, so they were not headed there. Rather, Cornelia led them right into the thick of it. Nunnally actually recognised a few of the faces in the crowd; Odysseus and Gwynevere among them, the firstborn prince and princess respectively. They each stood at the heart of their respective cliques. Odysseus even offered a smile when their eyes met. Nunnally could not tell if it was genuine, but she returned a fake one either way.

It was not either of those two who approached them first, though. That honour belonged to a veritable giant of a man, dressed in pristine white that was topped by an orderly mane of blond. He bore a pleasant smile on the approach, the crowd parting before him without any need for words. This allowed him to meet them before they even fully joined the peerage.

Nunnally knew him, of course. She would have known even without Jeremiah's briefing on important persons. The prime minister of the Holy Britannian Empire, second only to his majesty himself, second prince Schneizel el Britannia, greeted them with open arms.

"Ah, at last. Lelouch, Nunnally, it is a great joy to see you back home."

The crowd shifted at once while he shook hands with Lelouch, then gently pressed a kiss to Nunnally's knuckles. Her cheeks warmed a little, still unused to the gesture, but she managed not to blush visibly. Barely. Schneizel's mere presence was charming, him being an adonis did really not help matters.

What was more, he then offered a polite greeting to Kaguya as well. Especially this caused a lot of whispering, so much of it that Nunnally could not tell who said what.

"I had hoped to be the first to welcome you back," Schneizel admitted genially, gracing their half-sister with a wry grin. "But dear Cornelia took that honour from me by quite some time. Always first to the fray."

Cornelia simply nodded in response, leaving the actual conversation to them. Lelouch took the cue, answering just as pleasantly in the tone he used when pretending not to care for anything: "If we are being technical, Euphemia was first to do so. Though I have no doubt where she got it from."

The older prince chuckled good-naturedly. "Just so, Lelouch," he agreed, then motioned toward a particular part of the crowd. "Come now, there are a few people I want you to meet."

Nunnally did not miss the faint nod Schneizel exchanged with Cornelia. This was planned. She nodded back to Lelouch as well before they were split up, reassuring him some. Their half-siblings each brought them to meet their respective blocs. Whether they agreed on which sibling they got to sink their hooks into beforehand, or whether they were winging it, they could work with that.

While Lelouch went to schmooze with the politicians, Nunnally was introduced mostly to military people. Generals, Admirals, major war material manufacturers, and the like. She could tell people were wary of her, especially as she seemed to enjoy Cornelia's open support. Kaguya went mostly ignored, though she continued to conduct herself properly; in fact, Nunnally was fairly sure that her friend had an easier time of it than her.

Throughout an hour of the incessant posturing and empty praise, she clearly noticed one thing: populism was not a popular leaning.

And relatedly: Marianne's old enemies did not like her children, either. Many others were either wary or disapproved in their own way.

Nobody was outright disrespectful, of course. But they were just that bit less accomodating, or just too overly friendly to be genuine. Nunnally could already tell this would be an uphill battle at the best of times. Or rather, it would be if they did not have their secret weapon ready.

Moreover, there was a lot of curiousity about their lives among commoners. Perhaps what tidbits she shared back in Japan had spread this far already.

But more importantly, there was real respect about their recent achievement in Area Eleven sprinkled into it. Just like they hoped, the peerage may not like them, but they did not look down on them. They were equals at the very least, in many cases even accepted as superior through their achievements.

While observing all this, Nunnally felt she got the better deal for now. The military crowd seemed more straight-laced than the rest of the nobility. Less posturing and empty words, a little more blunt honesty, which she appreciated. They clearly did not think much of her as she was not even fifteen yet, but she had some leeway. Jeremiah's presence by her side and Marianne the Flash as her mother both did their part in it.

She also noticed that people became less hostile upon realising that everyone in her group was drilled in basic etiquette. Even Kaguya, who held her own against the general air of condescension. Being tied to Nunnally helped, though a decent number of people seemed intrigued by the exoticisim she brought along. A new face, hair as dark as the night held together by a simple bow.

At first there was no great amount of politicking. Most of the initial conversations were about gauging the newcomers, seeing if they were beneficial to work with. Nunnally did much the same to whomever she was introduced to. She memorised which of them seemed useful, too. Although she took care not to be too up-front about her intentions and leanings.

And then a voice echoed across the vast chamber, announcing "His majesty, Emperor Charles zi Britannia!"

All noise died. The room turned as one, even Nunnally was swept up in the motion. Then she froze, watching him glide down the stairs with a grace that belied his strong frame and age. The Knight of One walked by his side, though none dared move a muscle anyway. The Knights of Six, Nine, and Twelve followed, fanning out.

His silver hair was done up elaborately this time, just as always during official functions. His expression was calm and imperious, as if each of his few wrinkles had been taught to ooze superiority and confidence. He knew he was the most powerful man in the world. No announcement of titles or achievements was needed for the emperor.

Those closest to the path he took knelt dutifully, accompanied by calls of "Ave Imperator".

Nunnally felt small compared to him, even at this distance. Her gut churned with a myriad of emotions, none of which could quite gain the upper hand. She just stood and stared at the emperor approaching his throne, no attention granted to anyone in his path. Even though she knew it was a motion to assert dominance, it still worked.

Her fist clenched on its own, artfully done nails digging into her palm. The pain helped center her while His Majesty settled on his throne.

In what may be standard procedure, the emperor's eyes now raked across his court. A ruler surveying his dominion. His gaze did not stop to rest on anyone, not even her. For a moment Nunnally felt disappointed, but then she chastised herself for thinking she would be in any way special to him.

The peerage kept silent until, eventually, the emperor spoke. His powerful, deep baritone rolled across the room like thunder.

"Much has been said this past week, yet little of substance has happened. Today we welcome back two of our own, who proved beyond a shadow of doubt their pedigree. Lelouch, Nunnally, step forward."

It was as much a call as a demand, an order she knew she could not ignore. Nunnally wanted to resist, to turn around and walk away. She wanted to scream. To do anything but comply like a dog. But she needed to do this, even if she could not see herself speak just yet.

After a moment's hesitation, she nodded to Cornelia and began to move. But she took her time, walking slow and with purpose just like she was taught. There were some surprise and sneers at her disrespect to leave the emperor waiting, that she would not hike up her skirts to trot faster. But she let it roll off of her. What was their disapproval when the only true pressure in this room lay ahead?

Soon enough, Lelouch appeared from the crowd to join her. The clacking of their feet on the floor sounded almost impossibly loud.

Kaguya stopped several steps before the podium in front of the throne, just as Jeremiah coached them to do. They practiced for a number of possibilities, including that he would call them forward. The knights each kept a half-step behind their charges, as was custom.

Lelouch took a knee while Nunnally curtsied. She quite intentionally flashed the steel of her leg braces to the emperor. Then she, too, took a knee in a way that revealed her shin. Let him see her state, she did not care for his opinion.

"Ave Imperator," they both greeted as one. They, too, must do this; to refuse the traditional greeting in front of the emperor signalled intent to strike. The Knight of One would not hesitate then.

Nunnally kept her head bowed; not out of subservience, but because she may not hold back if she saw his face up close. Even with the Rounds so near, her Geass would let her get him. She could end this right now, and the very thought made her hands shake in anticipation. Reason screamed back over her rampaging heart that she would throw everything away.

"You left Pendragon more than eight years ago," he rumbled calmly, prompting Nunnally to look up at last. Her expression was just as hard as his. "You rejected your birthright, or at least claimed to do so, only to stage your triumphant return today. It is with pleasure that we welcome you back among the peerage."

His gaze never left them, his words matter-of-fact. Nunnally could not keep calm after all, but her glare only made his lips twitch ever so faintly. This only made her angrier. Her Geass flared to life next and actually gave the man pause. He could see it. He knew.

Bismarck tensed up by his liege's side, the one visible eye narrowed at her. He grew tense, daring her to try anything. The emperor remained an isle of calm, though. He held her stare silently until she turned it off.

The resulting pause was long enough to be noticed by the peerage. The occasional whisper reached all the way to her ears, even though it came from so far away. People began to gossip about them daring to challenge their sovereign and whether they would be punished.

He, perhaps in response to this muttering, motioned for them to stand.

"You have pacified Area Eleven for good, a feat which even those twice your age could not achieve." It was praise as well as a dig at Cornelia, but probably others as well. "In light of your own age and the time you spent on such an endeavour, we have decided to grant each of you a boon."

But this last part threw Nunnally off. She barely managed not to gape in surprise. They already took so much, why would he give them more? And why did he not tell them beforehand? These things had to be prepared so as to not embarass someone!

That final thought gave her an idea what his game was. Nunnally's eyes narrowed. He wanted to see how they acted under pressure. Maybe this was even payback for what she did with the royal pardon.

Nunnally did not dare look at her brother, who must be just as surprised as her. If she understood the problem, then he should have too: they could not ask for too little, nor too much. They could not take too much time to think either, lest they appear indecisive. There were safe requests, such as money for their own projects or access to infrastructure; the peerage would accept those, but they would neither impress nor surprise the emperor.

Nunnally did not just want to play his game. She wanted to win. So she needed something outrageous but sensible.

That was when inspiration struck. A ridiculous idea that still made perfect sense.

If they were cursed to have trouble finding allies among the nobility, then she would just make them an ally.

With Lelouch still silent, she took a single step forward to indicate going first.

"Allow me to present my lady-in-waiting, Kaguya Sumeragi."

Her friend thankfully followed without hesitation. She curtsied just as Nunnally had, then took a knee by her side. The emperor's brow had twitched ever so faintly, but he did not refuse Kaguya. This had to suffice.

Bracing herself, Nunnally offered her request with a motion to the Japanese girl: "She has distinguished herself among my retainers through exemplary work despite her own youth. More than that, she stood by my side even against her own people. Her support has gone above and beyond what anyone could demand of a Britannian, Honourary or not."

If her nose grew with every lie she spoke, she could have stabbed his majesty with it by now. Yet only her word existed as proof, and she had weight behind it. Nobody could call her on a lie, even if they must suspect.

Ignoring the waves of noise behind her, well aware the peerage did not like what she said, Nunnally focussed on the one man she must convince. She needed only him to agree. And if nothing else, the emperor seemed intrigued.

"As my means are insufficient to reward such incredible loyalty, I request of your majesty: please welcome her to the peerage, where her noble soul clearly belongs."

The noise behind her grew louder, at odds with the emperor's silence.

And by Nunnally's side, Kaguya began to panic. She thankfully managed to keep it hidden through years of practice, if barely. Her hands would not stop shaking ever so faintly, just like she wanted to grab and shake her dearest friend.

What madness made Nunnally ask for this of all things? Not only was she lying the sky green, she demanded something unorthodox and outrageous in front of everyone who was anyone!

Kaguya kept her wide eyes lowered to the floor, trying to will the emperor not to take offense with his daughter's demand. She could only see his shins and shoes from the corner of her eye, but it was enough to notice him standing up.

All noise died with the motion. Even Kaguya looked up despite her worries, only to be entranced by his lilac eyes.

They were almost like Lelouch's, the gaze given to her sharp and discerning. He seemed to see to the bottom of her soul, unearthing every secret of hers at but a glance. His mere presence took her breath away, that of a man who led an empire for half a century. He was barely older than Kaguya when he first took the throne.

Whatever he saw, he did not say. How much could he truly tell? All Kaguya could do was bear the suffocating force of his attention and not look away, now that their eyes met. She very much wanted to, but by now she internalised to be boisterous and flamboyant in this political arena.

It was hard, more so than anything she ever did. But she did it.

Then the emperor glided closer, each step carrying in the silence. Kaguya had to crane her neck before long. And yet she was blindsided when he leaned down and cupped her cheek. The unexpected contact had her flush; his hands were warm, even faintly calloused.

The emperor tilted her head upward ever so slightly. He peered into her eyes from up close as if searching for something. Then he let go just as unceremoniously and left her personal space.

"Preposterous it might be to make such a demand of us," he began, addressing her and Nunnally, but also the room as a whole. "Daring, indeed. But is daring not the foundation of our nobility? Have not our forefathers strived on daring what no other did? Is it not the pioneers of the world that our respect belongs to? Those who blaze the trail into a future ever more glorious?"

"Britannian or no, it matters little, for we concur that this most honourable young lady bears the heart of a true Britannian. Rise as one of ours and present thyself to the peerage to welcome thee, for we hereby declare thee Marchioness Kaguya Sumeragi. As first of thy line, we award thee the march of Kanto, to administer in service of crown and country."

Kaguya was frozen in place. So was everyone else in the room.

She did not expect him to agree. Even if she had, she would not have thought to be made more than a Baroness. And he gave her Kanto at that, seven whole prefectures including Tokyo. Just what was his game here?

Movement snapped her out of the momentary fugue. Kaguya's mind began to work again as she accepted the emperor's offered hand. She could not refuse him anyway.

Putting her hand into his larger one, he gently pulled her to stand. What was more, he then pressed a kiss to her knuckles. Only Kaguya could see the mere hint of a smirk gracing his features, and it made her feel funny inside. Lelouch also got his charm from him.

She was then made to turn around and face the peerage from her elevated position, standing next to Nunnally. Everywhere she looked were stony expressions of people just as surprised as her. And the emperor's voice rumbled down to her, a whisper that such a man should not be capable of.

"A curtsy is appropriate to this situation."

She followed his direction mechanically, still too out of it to do more than keep up appearances.

Then someone began to clap.

Her eyes roamed the crowd for the source, only to find the prime minister of all people applaud her. A benign smile graced his face, but she could not tell how genuine it was. Regardless, his clique followed Prince Schneizel's lead. Others joined in as well and, soon enough, the whole room applauded her.

Kaguya stood there, nearly frozen, and did not feel like she earned any of this. She did not even know if she wanted this.

Once the applause died down, the deeply conflicted marchioness returned to her previous position as Nunnally's lady-in-waiting. She knew there were many gazes boring into her back, but the rest of the spectacle gave her some time to contemplate.

The emperor returned to his throne, leaving behind his shocked daughter. Only sir Waldstein, the Knight of One, saw the cheshire smile his sovereign allowed himself while his back was turned. Bismarck barely managed not to roll his eye.

Once seated, Charles was all business again. "Now for you, Lelouch. What is it you will ask of us?"

His son met his gaze evenly, all surprise hidden. Nunnally stepped back while her brother took her previous spot. Avid speculation broke out behind them, wondering whether there would be another outrageous demand. Charles already knew there would not be; they were smart enough to know when to play for keeps and when to consolidate their gains.

Lelouch, meanwhile, took a deep breath, aware he could not ask for the same thing as Nunnally; doing so would lose him points with the crowd for being a copycat. But he knew exactly the thing to ask; a boon indeed, yet humble where his sister was daring. It helped put his split opinion on the matter to rest.

"My request, your majesty, is a rather personal one," he began primly. "I am aware that conflicts of allegiance are not acceptable among the Knights of the Round Table, that guarding your majesty is always of the highest priority. Yet I believe it too cruel to ask my fianceé's resignation."

He left a deliberate pause to let this sink in, having successfully intrigued his father in turn. There were three female Rounds in the room, all of them dumbfounded. Bismarck's brow twitched in annoyance, as did Nunnally's.

Even though his back was turned, the crowd all but hung on Lelouch's lips. He allowed himself a faint smile.

"Thus I ask of your majesty to allow Dame Alstreim's continued service."

The chatter started up again. Just like before, this was an outrageous request, yet undeniably in a far more humble way. Lelouch held the emperor's gaze throughout, but was unable to figure out his thoughts.

In fact, it was Charles who broke eye contact first. He sought Anya's gaze for her counsel, as this concerned her. And to his slight surprise, the Knight of Six offered a subtle nod. Surprised though she may be, she was not opposed.

So the emperor nodded in turn. "Very well. Dame Alstreim may remain in service until such a time that she believes she can serve no longer to the fullest of her ability."

He left a pause for effect, then, as if to mock his son, added on a calm "Congratulations".

Lelouch did not let his irritation show as he bowed his head. "Thank you, your majesty."

He then stepped back and collected the girls. As other petitioners were called to approach the throne, noble and select commoners alike, they wordlessly agreed not to split up again for the moment. Too much happened in too short a time to wrap his head around. They would have to mingle a while longer, then they could leave and figure out what to make of all this.

Of course, he was not the only one aware of what just happened; similar thoughts coursed across the entire room. The political landscape shifted considerably in less than an hour.

Only Emperor Charles himself had an inkling that those who benefited the most were also the most dumbfounded.