On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor - Six Hundred And Sixteen
“I’ll just be a couple of minutes. I’ve got a special outbuilding in the Palace grounds where I can make the transfer. It’s quite an honour.” I chuckled dryly. “Letting me come and go with such minimal security checks really shows their trust in me.”
“Not that they could stop you even if they wanted to.” Yukiko observed. “I may not be the most outgoing royal, but I am still an Imperial Princess. I understand that it’s important to maintain that air of dignity and prestige. And nothing destroys that faster than trying to fight what can’t be fought. Far better to just make arrangements and appear confident, in control. What else would they do? It’s the same with my family. Yes, Grandmaster Daimon and his Onmyōji might be able to delay you, were they present, but I don’t think even that learned old man could defeat you. So why even try? Instead, we can seem magnanimous and unafraid.” She paused then, hands twitching as if she wished to push up glasses she wasn’t currently wearing. “It helps that… we’re on good terms.” Her face was now a deep crimson, and her voice was dropping. “You’ve no call to harm my family. And from what I hear, it isn’t just Eleanor, but… the Queen likes you too. She’s always claimed to be a good judge of character, and she’s shrewd. Probably the most cunning monarch in the world right now.”
“She’s certainly intense.” I agreed, remembering our meetings. “And it seems like she’s used to getting her own way. I’m still a bit shocked about how everything worked out.”
“I’m not.” Yukiko shook her head. “Now go, you’re keeping us waiting.”
“My bad.” With a laugh and a casual wave, I leapt through the Ring Gate, vanishing and reappearing on Bermondsey Isle. I noticed fresh construction of several Defensive Emplacements, able to cover the Gate and the surrounding river, indications that Eleanor was taking our plans for future security seriously. I waved at several Selkie as I passed, as well as catching sight of some of the bitter, defeated Ren Yu, who were a broken race, having surely lost their children and elderly to the greed and hunger of that damn bastard toad. Just seeing them makes me angry. It’s small consolation, but… they’ll have their revenge. There’s no place in this world, my world, for such a vile being…
Quickly covering the couple of miles to the towering edifice that was the Palace in the Boundary, casting an idle glance back at the Tower of London, the massive black needle that soared into the aurorae-streaked skies above, the fog of adherence around it as thick and turbulent as ever, I vaulted the walls and quickly reached my destination. Once inside the hastily built structure, made to mirror the Material, I deployed my second self, and then hurried back to the Ring Gate, reappearing before Yukiko once more.
“Five minutes. That wasn’t so bad.” She offered me her arm, which I took, still not terribly used to such closeness with her. But I’ll get used to it quickly enough. After all, Yukiko’s a good person, and a friend I care about. It’s not hard for romance to blossom from there.
“Yeah, Ring Gates are awesome. We need to get to Rank Four so we can properly make use of them. I should connect Ise Grand Shrine to us as well.”
“Oh? Think you’ll miss me enough to want to visit?” Yukiko managed to tease me, though the effort was making her face glow pink.
“Of course. I’m a greedy man, I’ve discovered. Once I see you as precious, I’m going to hoard you like Princess Ffionnan hoards shiny jewels.”
“I’m not sure that’s the perfect simile. After all, isn’t Hinata extorting her of all her treasures at a rapid rate?”
“True, but she’ll be able to buy them back ten times over if all goes well.” I chuckled, enjoying Yukiko’s unusual boldness. “Anyway, that aside, I’m sorry you had to pick a Boundary date.”
“Don’t be. If anything, I’m rather grateful. I’m still not used to the spotlight, and with you I somehow draw even more attention.” She pursed her lips, though it didn’t seem she was displeased, just… exhausted, perhaps. Looking closer, I could see that her makeup was covering dark circles around her eyes, which with her stats was unusual and worrying.
“Are you all right?” I asked, concerned, and she shook her head.
“It’s fine. It’s all mental exhaustion. My family… Gorohito is being insufferable. You know, he accused me of…” She paused, her face clearly showing she felt she’d made a mistake. “Never mind, you don’t care about my family squabbles. On a happier note, at least you don’t have to put up with his Imperial Majesty arriving at your home tomorrow. But…”
“It’s fine. You’re family now.” I insisted, and her strained smile smoothed out a little.
“You don’t know how reassuring it is to hear that. I know, I’m a troublesome woman. I never really fit in anywhere. But… I’m starting to think I do here.” She took a deep breath. “Uh, my family thought it would be disrespectful if I wasn’t accompanied, and I’d feel more at ease with some of my family present. Honestly, they’re wrong. I’ve you, Tsukiko… and I’ve been getting on well with the others, especially during Pilgrimage. It’s easy to make friends when we’re all working together, and share the same goal, the same… you, I guess. So…”
“It’s fine, the more the merrier.” I insisted. “Even if it’s Prince Gorohito, we’ll be cordial…”
“It’s not. Thank the Gods for that.” Yukiko declared fervently. “Cousin Kaoruko said she wished to accompany me, to keep an eye on me and make sure I’m not being bullied. She’s dragging Hodahito along too, though… I think he’s a little curious about just what is going on. That’s… not too much of an imposition, is it?”
“Of course not. Your family is my family. You know that.” I trickled in a little Ether Healing. It didn’t soothe her mental exhaustion, but did fix her wan complexion, the bags under her eyes receding. “It’s a shame Haru isn’t here, her Light Of Muted Emotions could wash away your stress…”
“A tempting offer…” Yukiko mused as we headed through the Ring Gates together, emerging back in my Territory.
“…but I don’t want to rely on such things. I just have to get used to it.” Yukiko finished when we reappeared, purple sparks scattering. “Speaking of getting used to things, that transfer always makes my stomach lurch. Travelling with Arisugawa-san is far smoother.”
“True, it’s the difference between teleportation and a stable wormhole, I guess. Or something like that, I’m not as knowledgeable about Physics as she is.” I chuckled self-deprecatingly. “But I always try and learn something each time I pass through. Not that I’ve gleaned much so far.”
“It’s that spirit that keeps you improving, I suppose.” Yukiko murmured, before glancing at the swirling maelstrom of energy around Asha’s Tree, ether falling like snowflakes. “I took some too… through Lovers’ Link. Mine isn’t as… as thick… maybe… just yet, but I can still carry my share.”
“Thanks.” That was all I said, and all she wanted to hear, a heartfelt, simple word of praise. Her eyes wavered, and her arm tightened around mine.
“You’re welcome. I’m happy to do it. In fact… I suppose I’m just happy. It’s madness, really.”
“Oh, how so?” I resisted the urge to check the Tree, and also the ether we had collected. It was technically Christmas, so I wouldn’t be breaking my word, but… it feels better to open all our presents together in the morning, like a family… damn, now I’m nervous, wondering how everyone will take their gifts?
“Even a mere few months ago, I was terrified, hopelessly lonely. Yes, Tsukiko and Grandmaster Daimon were with me, but… I’m not built for bearing such weight of expectations. I’m still not.” She smiled playfully. “Hush now. I’m not looking for praise or affirmations that I can do it if I try. I’m all for growing as a person, but… honestly, I just want to be someone’s support, not the one being supported. And now I can be. I can be yours. And I feel calm, at peace. Oh, except for the family drama, of course.”
“It’ll sort itself out. More importantly, Tsurugi, Magatama and Yata are settling in.” We walked to Asha’s Tree, greeting various Fae, Yōkai and trainees who were here to relax on their day off. I spotted several idols, as well as some members of Fenrir, and even a couple of noble daughters from the Three-Hundred. Climbing the steps, the pressure of ether was palpable, and it was causing the air around us to shimmer with pretty rainbows, containing the seven colours we were used to, as well as others that defied conventional description.
“It’s certainly pretty…” Yukiko remarked, watching the lightshow. “But it makes me wish for some sunglasses.” As she complained, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Yeah, seeing this, I wonder just what the Pantheons look like. You wouldn’t need fireworks, would you? Oh well, maybe it’s because of the change in density, rather than the overall ether? Kyoto has brighter skies than Tokyo, but not all these shiny distractions.”
“Yes. Ise is also a place where the spiritual energies are concentrated.” Yukiko agreed. “And you will see soon enough.” We reached the top of Asha’s Tree, stepping onto the wide treetop terrace, and as we were led to an open table, the best one, which I had reserved for us beforehand, Yukiko spoke up. “I’m surprised that you managed to persuade Tsurugi to leave you alone today…”
“I’m told Magatama helped.” I laughed, a touch embarrassed. “She really does feel like a kid sister to me. I’m not old enough to have a daughter her age.”
“Keep telling yourself that. I don’t know how Fae children age, but from what I’ve heard, they tend to be born with more advanced emotions and thoughts than we do.” Yukiko took the chance to tease me. The maid brought over drinks, and we gazed out over my Territory, the privacy screen, a pretty fence adorned with tapestry-like cloth, depicting places in our Territory, some of our greatest victories, and even popular figures, shielding us from the other patrons, making it seem like we were alone in the sky.
“I’ll worry about that when it happens. But yeah, Tsurugi’s awfully clingy, and she frets that I’ll need a sword and she won’t be there for me, but Magatama and the others explained I’d just be going on dates today, and that she could be with me all tomorrow. I think she’s… actually with Christina. Quite the odd combination.”
“Perhaps. It seems like the little Goblin girl has imprinted on her a bit.” Yukiko mused. “Anyway, that’s a problem for another time. I’m not one for jealousy, but… it still seems wrong we’ve spent too much time talking about others. I want to talk about you.” She took a sip of her rich, fruity honey mead. “And not Akio, the Astral Emperor, but… Akio, the man. Just like I hope you want to know me as a person, a woman.”
“Oh, undoubtedly.” I grinned. “So, where do you want to begin? I don’t make a secret of my past.”
“Yes, but… knowing about it is rather different than hearing you talk about it, in your own words. For example…” Her smile was suddenly teasing, a suitable expression for a woman on a date, and I found myself responding, my own smile bright. “…I know all about your relationship with your family. It was close, rather different to my own experiences, but you had trouble with a stern father too.”
“Trouble? I’m not sure you could call it that, but… since we’re getting to know each other intimately…” I winked playfully, enjoying her shy reaction. “…then let me tell you a story. It’s about the time Eri begged me to take her stargazing on the mountains…” Yukiko’s right. I do want to know more about her. And… despite being a Princess, she’s self-effacing, perhaps too much, and oddly easy to get along with. Comfortable. I like that…
Back in the Material, I had used the phone installed in the outbuilding, which was hardwired to the Palace security, to inform them of my arrival. It was starting to get dark outside, but as London was nine hours behind Japan in winter, there was still some light. Strange, being able to cross time zones like this… strange, but oddly beautiful…
I took a moment to watch the setting sun, until several of the Queen’s Guards, with their distinctive bright red uniforms and tall hats, arrived to escort me to the Palace proper, since my arrival had been expected. It’s odd, but… I’m feeling rather nervous all of a sudden.
It wasn’t long before I was waiting in a guest room, sitting in a rather comfortable chair, the gilded walls and artworks around all priceless British relics. Despite having faced Princes and Princesses of the Seelie without fear, Nurarihyon (with ample fear, I admitted to myself) and even Yukiko’s family, arguing with future Emperor Gorohito, there was still something instinctively nerve-wracking about the British monarchy, despite my personal experiences of the Queen being a shrewd, pleasant woman. Maybe it’s because my mom is British, and maybe… this time I’m here in a different capacity, as… as Eleanor’s future husband. Damn, did not see that coming, though Eri did…
My thoughts were interrupted as the door opened, and I placed my cup of nearly untouched tea down on the porcelain saucer. The one to enter wasn’t Eleanor though, but Prince Henry, and on seeing me, he brightened, striding over and offering a handshake, which I stood to accept. “Good to see you again, Akio. I think it’s fine calling you that now, isn’t it?” He gave me a wide grin, almost boyish in its intensity.
“I guess there’s no problem.” I agreed. “Though I’m sorry to barge in on Christmas Eve, I’m sure you’re all busy and want to spend time as a family.”
“Nonsense. I’m sure Ellie will be delighted you made the effort to come over. Oh, speaking of…” We could hear footsteps, more than one pair, in fact, and moments later Eleanor, and also Henry’s fiancée, Melissa Masters, entered. Eleanor, who was wearing blue heels, tight blue jeans and a lacy white shirt, a little bit masculine in cut, but still quite girlish due to the lace and golden buttons, froze when she saw me, which was rather cute, as she surely knew I was here. She’s dressed quite similar to her brother, he’s in jeans and a shirt too. Though… On closer inspection I could see the little efforts Eleanor had made, such as her belt being golden too, and she was wearing sparkling cufflinks, and her hair had been pulled back to expose cute golden earrings. She’s wearing a reddish-golden lipstick too. Yeah, it’s a fresh look…
In contrast, Mellisa was wearing a rather austere black dress, though she was still quite striking. And her eyes are looking as if she wishes to strike me down…
“It’s… good to see you?” Eleanor managed after a moment, and Henry burst out laughing.
“Why was that a question, Ellie? You think you’ll charm him acting so distant?” He turned back to me, unable to control his guffawing for a while. When he finished wiping his tears, he snorted. “Don’t be fooled, she’s been restless all morning. Our Ellie’s all grown up at last. It may not look like she’s dressed up, but…”
“Oh, I can see all the little places she’s made an effort.” I agreed. “Trying to play it cool, I think? We call that tsundere. I imagine her saying something like ‘I didn’t make an effort for you, I just happened to be feeling like it…’”
“Yes, exactly! You get her!” Herny agreed, with more laughter, but at the increasingly sour looks of the women, he restrained himself. I think now is a good time…
Before I could speak, Eleanor stalked over and grabbed the teapot, which was kept at the perfect temperature by a delicate tea cosy, and poured out three more cups, before dumping several spoonfuls of sugar and one of honey into her own cup and sitting down beside me, crossing her legs carelessly. Seeing that, Henry shook his head.
“Come on, Ellie, don’t be acting like a tomboy, have a bit more grace. What would our mother say?”
“Oh be quiet, Henry. And I’ve told you not to call me Ellie in company! Besides…” She glanced at me, sapphire blue eyes of almost the same shade as my sister reflecting her nerves. “…it’s not like you haven’t been subjected to my tantrums already, is it?”
“Oh, Ellie…” Henry sat himself down, graciously pulling out the chair for Melissa, who was slower to seat herself, still rather bristly around me.
“Don’t worry, I think it’s only natural Eleanor’s…”
“Ellie.” she interrupted, and I tilted my head, which exasperated her.
“Ellie. If we’re going out, you might as well.” She glowered at Henry, who had once more began chuckling, face as red as his hair.
“So why are you complaining to me when I call you that then?” Henry asked. “Really, Akio, is your kid sister as troublesome as mine?”
You don’t know the half of it. “She has her moments. She’s been out of sorts recently. Got a bit scared when she saw me nearly die during a mission.” I tried to gloss over it, without being impolite. Eleanor… Ellie, I suppose… winced, perhaps thinking of our own tough battles. “But I kept her company this morning, then Eri and Shaeula took over, so she’s brightened up. It’s hard to be gloomy at Christmas, isn’t it? And speaking of…” It’s a bit delayed, but… “…Happy Christmas… Ellie.”
A few purple sparks flickered in the air, drawing Henry’s interest, as he’d seen the Boundary and had a little experience. Melissa seemed confused as a wrapped bundle, in cheerful festive paper, blue of course, as that seemed to be Ellie’s favourite colour, appeared from seemingly nowhere. “It might not be as impactful, seeing as you’re a Princess, and don’t want for material possessions, but… it’s the thought that counts, right?” I winked playfully, while she sat there looking between it and me for a moment, before letting out an embarrassed sigh.
“Am I such an easy woman that you calling me by a nickname and a gift is enough to make me feel happy? It seems so…”
Melissa seemed rather upset at Ellie’s words, and her expression was stony. I knew she very much didn’t approve of my lifestyle, but as she was going to be a sister-in-law of mine soon enough, I didn’t want trouble, so I merely gave an apologetic smile, before focussing on Ellie. “I can make some adjustments if there’s any problems. I’m certain I got the measurements right…”
“Measurements?” She was suspicious for a moment, before shaking her head, and I noticed her braid was also carefully sprinkled with blue stones, likely sapphires or topaz, so seemingly randomly scattered I knew that it was a painstaking work to get right. “No, I can learn my lessons. And you’re not a fool or a boorish man.” She then frowned, gnawing on the corner of her lip, and she apologised, surprising me.
“I… didn’t think to get you a present. I’m rather foolish. I’m sorry.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it.” I graciously waved that off. “What with you being here in Britain, it stands to reason, and…”
“Don’t excuse me!” she complained, frustrated. “You have the right to be upset. I wasn’t thoughtful…”
“Oh, here your beloved older brother comes to save the day.” Henry chuckled, stopping our argument. “Though you should thank David as well, Ellie. We both assumed you’d forget or get something strange. So…” He removed a small, wrapped package of his own from his pocket. “…treat it as it’s from Ellie, would you? After all, this is just a physical abstraction. Her gift may not be specifically a Christmas one, but she has been arranging something special.”
Ellie’s skin darkened, a flush spreading. “It’s not time yet, Henry. It’s not even Christmas Day!” she complained, but he shrugged.
“Why wait? Anyway… now I’m curious. Let’s see it!” He chivvied Ellie into opening up the gift early. I didn’t mind, though it was a shame she wouldn’t be opening it with the others, but… even if Ellie was able to visit Japan for Christmas Day, it wouldn’t be when everyone else was getting up and opening their own presents.
There were three items inside, and the first was an elegant silver watch, the strap carefully engraved and polished. “Is this… the lion of the Windsors? Wearing armour?” Ellie asked. “Against… it’s not a unicorn, but…a wolf? With the moon behind?”
“Yeah. Since I’m Tyr’s and Tsukuyomi’s Chosen, I thought it appropriate, and since you wear the Armour Of The Green Knight… and you’re a royal… it seemed appropriate.” I grinned. “I’ll be honest, the design was largely mine, but our Kobolds did the detailed work. I could have, but I simply didn’t have time for every gift.”
“It’s a nice watch.” Henry approved. “Looks like the movement and face is a Patek. Not bad. And it’s unique, surely. What metal is it though? Titanium?”
“Actually, it’s a bluesteel alloy mixed with some Dwarven metals. It’s not just a watch. It’s actually a spatial storage. It’s important to be prepared.” I suggested. “You can keep emergency supplies in there or carry your armour if you are in situations where you can’t wear it.”
“I see.” Ellie was silent for a moment, before aether surged, and the watch glittered purple for a moment, the engravings illuminated beautifully. Then the teapot vanished, only to appear a moment later. “A Queenly gift. Thoughtful and practical. But…” She noticed a ring as well, made of a similar material. It was set with sapphires and a blue diamond in the centre, but the surrounding body of the ring was inlaid with shining brass and tiny emeralds. “…if this is an engagement ring…”
“No, though… we need to pick that out. It’s… insurance. It actually contains a charge of my Foehn. So in an emergency you can blast an opponent with flames. It can’t hold a lot, as Foehn is… troublesome to contain, but it’s one of my best works. And the gems…”
“Are chosen with me in mind. I get it. My eyes, and my armour. Huh.” She whistled dully, rather shocked. “To think you’d go to such lengths. Though I presume everyone else is receiving similar?”
“Of course. It’s also a gift to myself, I want you all to have the added layer of protection these presents provide. The third, however, is unique to you.”
She unwrapped it, and it was a delicate hair stick, in Eastern style. The body was a polished bronze colour, and it was also layered with emeralds. All the gems we’ve been gathering as tithes from the Kobolds sure came in handy. And once they were integrated into jewellery using enough Material components moved by Ginneka, they became stable in either realm. It’s not just me being ambitious, it’s also further research, confirming conclusions we’ll need to be sure of before our factories open, hopefully early next year…
“And what’s that do?” Henry asked, curious, and I merely smiled smugly at him.
“Nothing except look good on Ellie. That one’s a simple gift.” I turned back to her. “You’ve got beautiful hair, Ellie. But sometimes I’d like to see you try an Eastern style. We use hair sticks like that then.”
“Oh.” She remained silent for a moment, before shaking her head. “Yes, it seems I am indeed a terribly easy woman. It’s… certainly very attractive.” She pondered the stick idly. “Thank you. And… don’t open my… supposed gift… until tomorrow. You’re a damnable meddler, Henry, David too… I… still have hours yet to find a present…”
“You’re not a deadbeat husband running down to the petrol station looking for a last-minute gift with all the decent shops having been sold out, Ellie…” Henry chuckled, earning another hard stare in return. “But…” Henry addressed me then. “Don’t be too disappointed. She’s been working hard, it’s what Ellie does. She’s clumsy, but brave and good-hearted.”
“Who knows that better than me?” I agreed. “I’ve seen her bravery and nobility in battle, and despite our rough first meeting, I could tell she wasn’t being combative out of spite. She wasn’t well, and… it was out of concern for others.”
“I feel dreadful when you say it like that though.” Ellie gulped her tea. “Come on.” She chivvied us. “Since you’re here, grandmother wants to see you.”
“Won’t that cut into your date time, Ellie?” Henry asked, and she shrugged.
“It can’t be helped. Can you tell grandmother ‘no’?”
“You’ve got me there.” he conceded. We finished up our tea as well, though Melissa was eerily silent, her brown eyes hard and flinty. Ellie put on her watch and ring, and with a small chuckle the watch she was wearing before, which as expected was quite a decent one, vanished.
“It does work rather well.” Ellie observed, before the hair stick vanished too. “I wouldn’t want to lose this now, would I?”
It didn’t take long before we’d arrived at another, slightly larger reception room, one I recognised. I’ve been here before. Waiting for us was the Queen, and she looked like an ordinary grandmother, sitting back in her rocking chair, wearing a plain cardigan and comfy trousers, though it was impossible to hide the sense of majesty and authority in her twinkling gaze, which rivalled the actual Majesty Statistic. She wasn’t alone though. Ellie and Henry’s father and mother were there too, and I immediately felt tense, especially as I knew that Princess Diana, or Diana Victoria Spencer Windsor, to give her full name, was an idol to my mom and many other Brits growing up. Despite her advancing years, she was still an attractive, noble woman, and it boded well for Ellie’s future.
It’s a bit uncharitable, but in comparison, her father, Prince Charles, or rather, Charles William Uther Windsor, seems to fade into the background a bit…
“Oh, you’re here.” The Queen smiled, gesturing to a pair of two-seater, comfortable sofas set up opposite them, her intentions clear. “And I shall be speaking informally, of course. We’re all family here, aren’t we?” she insisted, a twinkle of mischief in her blue eyes. Henry sat down, Melissa beside him, and I shared a glance with Ellie, who shrugged, and after a moment’s hesitation, grabbed my hand, pulling me over and down onto our seats, our shoulders almost touching.
“We will be.” I agreed politely. “Oh, my apologies, I don’t have any gifts for you all. That’s rude of me.”
It was Princess Diana who spoke. “There’s no need for apologies. We’re all too aware of your special circumstances. And besides…” She was shrewd, and her eyes quickly noticed the new ring and watch her daughter was wearing. “…as a mother of a worrisome girl, who can’t protect her, I’m more than happy to see you focussing your efforts on what matters.”
“They’re… functional.” Ellie insisted stoutly. “A place to store items magically, and…”
“It’s reassuring that Ellie has a little secret something now for when things get Charlie Foxtrot, as we used to say in the Army.” Henry chuckled.
“Mind your language, Henry. Or Melissa will think you’re a savage.” the Princess warned, and he immediately apologised, showing who was in charge here.
“I… don’t mind.” Melissa said after a moment. “I know that when someone’s been in the military, it stays with them for life.”
“That’s true. Us Vets are always still with the Forces in spirit.” Henry agreed, patting his fiancée’s arm fondly. “Still, that ring has got nasty magical napalm locked away, hasn’t it? Better a functional gift for a fighter like Ellie, that’s for sure.”
“It’s not just functional, it’s a lovely ring.” Ellie insisted, and she then seemed embarrassed as her parents and the Queen were staring at her, the Queen hiding a laugh behind a sip of strong brandy.
“It seems your gift has found favour with my dear granddaughter, young Akio.” The Queen chuckled. “Now, we know time is precious for the young, especially two budding lovebirds…” Now Ellie was blushing, and her hand gripped mine, knuckles white. That actually kind of hurts a little… my Resilience has shut down my defences against her instinctively now…
“So I won’t keep you. London is beautiful around Christmas. Why not check out the festive display on Oxford Street or Carnaby Street. I’m told they are outdoing themselves this year. Though perhaps Regent Street would be better…”
“I suspect anywhere we go, Ellie will outshine the lights if you keep teasing her.” I gallantly defended her, and the Queen narrowed her eyes slyly.
“Ellie, you say? How simply adorable. It’s a happy day, isn’t it, my son, my dear daughter-in-law?”
“Yes. It seems to be the case. Anyway, I wanted to have a talk with you, Akio. I can call you that, without Japanese conventions?” Princess Diana asked, and I agreed.
“Yeah, my mom’s British, so I can be more flexible than most, I don’t feel uncomfortable just using names.” Most of the time, anyway. Not with those who aren’t Japanese…
“That’s wonderful. It would feel strange to be so stiff with each other, although…” she narrowed her eyes knowingly. “We’ve not had much opportunity to get to know you. Our daughter speaks of you often, even before this was decided.”
“Mother!” Ellie was obviously embarrassed at that. “We don’t need to air all my embarrassing secrets, do we?”
“Oh, trust me. You should be open with your husband. It prevents problems.” Her gaze hardened, and Prince Charles was the one embarrassed now. I’m not one for gossip, but my mom mentioned there were rumours that their marriage was originally rather frosty, as supposedly Prince Charles had a thing for another woman, one already married, and thus the match with Diana was rather… hurried. Still, they seem cordial now. “Besides, it wasn’t all insults and complaints.”
“I’ve already apologised for that…” Ellie grumbled, ignoring Henry’s laughter.
“And it was understandable. And all water under the bridge.” I soothed. “Oh, while I’m here, let me thank you again for lending Hyacinth a gown during that gala. It made an impression. I’m told the tradition is a return gift, so…”
“Get one for Eleanor.” The Princess shook her head. “I’ve no shortage of dresses, gowns and other outfits. I’d rather you get my daughter something you’d be pleased to see her wear.”
“I’ll do that then.” I agreed. “Anyway, you wanted to ask me something?”
It was the Queen who spoke. “Of course. I hear there’s quite the Christmas gathering in Japan tomorrow. Oh, it would be today there now, wouldn’t it? It seems my old friend Akihito won’t be attending. I can see why, horrible mess that. I sympathise. Family squabbles can be painful.” She seemed sad, perhaps thinking of Eleanor’s uncle, who was currently ostracised due to his troubles with women. “Young Gorohito needs to learn discretion is the better part of valour, and that bullying women and children, even children who apparently are magical swords, is never a good look.” She paused, swirling her brandy thoughtfully. “Hmm, Akio, can I impose on you for a favour later? I’m curious, and sadly, when I get a bee in my bonnet about something, I can’t shake it off.”
“Sure, if it’s something I can do, I’ll gladly help. We’ve gained a lot from your support, and…” I boldly put my arm around Ellie’s shoulder. She flinched a little at the touch, a little nervous, before she leaned in against me. It’s not like there was much of a gap anyway. This is a rather… intimate… sofa. “…I admire Ellie’s spirit and dedication to others.”
“Admire, hmm?” the Queen fixed me with a sharp gaze. “How… lukewarm. I expected more from you, considering your earlier boldness. Show us you mean business, Akio!”
Ellie was heating up now, mortified, but that was incredibly cute, so at odds with her usual stern, rather clumsy countenance. “I’ll be blunt then. I’ve no intention of giving Ellie up now. Nobody but me can take care of her in the way she needs.” I insisted.
At that, Melissa’s face looked like she was struggling not to speak out, but Henry held her hand tightly. The Queen however, pursed her lips. “Still rather wishy-washy, my boy. But… what do you think, my dear granddaughter?”
“I hate that he’s right. Damn David too, I know he’s laughing at me now, with some annoying sixth sense. Why else did he conspire with my brother to prepare a gift on my behalf?” She shrugged, and our heads touched, her skin warm. “It’s true though, and probably for the best. Call it atonement, call it fate or destiny… call it providence, as it seems I’m not only a little slow-witted, like my brothers, but… rather too easily charmed. I suppose I need someone to take me in hand, before I end up making the sort of reckless mistakes the tabloids will pounce on.”
“Eleanor…” Melissa groaned, but she was ignored.
“So…” Ellie glanced at me, her upturned blue eyes making her seem needy and adorable. “…tomorrow, I was rather hoping you could make arrangements… for…”
“It seems Princess Mikasa, and all your other fiancées, will be present. Our Eleanor will only fall behind if she’s absent. I know you have ways of allowing her to make the journey. You wouldn’t want to disappoint her, would you?”
“I had assumed she’d want to spend time with you all as usual. But…” I didn’t like the surly look on Ellie’s face at my words. “…how could I say no? If you want to come, I’ll fetch you with Nie Ling. Though… it’ll be quite early here.”
“That just means I won’t miss grandmother’s speech. It’s a family tradition.” Eleanor laughed, slightly relieved.
“It’s settled then. Wonderful. I do expect a lot of interesting pictures, and equally thrilling gossip. Oh, and… some Fae brandy would go down a treat when the sun sets on Christmas Day.” She feigned a cough. “My throat is terribly sticky, brandy does wonders for a cold, you know, my boy.”
“Sure. As it happens…” I had a bottle left in storage, and I whipped it out. “Happy Christmas.”
Prince Charles took the bottle, eyeing it warily, but the Queen just chuckled. “Oh, don’t worry. it’s not like Akio would poison us. Besides, he’s a good, honest boy. Though the tabloids will surely paint him as rather scandalous when the full story breaks. But I’m pleased matters are settled. Though, of course…” Her eyes narrowed, her wrinkled cheeks making her seem like a kindly grandmother, but I detected a certain mischievous anticipation there. Oh I’m getting a bad feeling that has nothing to do with Foresight.
“…it simply will not do, our dear Eleanor, unaccompanied on Christmas Day. There’s surely room for one more at your table, isn’t there?”
Yeah, called it… Glancing around the room, I started to sweat, wondering who would be worse to have to take, and imagining my mom’s frenzied reaction… yet seeing Ellie’s embarrassed yet happy face, I knew I couldn’t complain or disappoint her. This is… a diplomatic incident just waiting to happen… at least Yukiko is soothing my spirit right now…
